Volume 48, Issue 21 by The Medium

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

Issue 21 Volume 48 March 14 2022

themedium.ca

UTMSU ELECTIONS

WHAT ARE SANCTIONS?

THE BATMAN

Despite some of the UTMSU’s past failures, there have also been many successes and victories, and UTM would not be the same without actions taken by the UTMSU. The UTMSU offers many services which contribute positively to student life at UTM.

Sanctions are imposed on countries for purposes relating to economic instability, threats of war, and humanitarian crises. In the current Russo-Ukrainian War, countries around the world have sanctioned Russia as a de-escalation tactic.

The future for the DC universe seems promising as The Batman moves confidently in the direction of a darker, characterdriven DC Universe, populated by films like Joker (2019) and The Dark Knight (2008).

>> read more on page 05

>> read more on page 08

>> read more on page 11

NEWS

Climate change provokes huge spike in global wildfires

Sukaina Rizvi Contributor

ecent data reveals that clia m te change is intensifying faster than ever. iW th temperatures rapidly increasing every year, at the end of the century it is il e k y l there will e b no ice in the artic during the sume m r. iV ce-rP incipal, e R search and rP ofessor of tA o m spheric h P ysics e K nt Moore at the University of Toronto Mississauga express es his new discoveries about clia m te change to U of T News. c A cording to Moore, gloa b l warming is increasing y b a fraction of a degree each year which will e l ave devastating results in the future. >

W I L FD R E S

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NEWS

FEATURES

Forced internal displacement and high insecurity on the rise in Sudan

UTM’s Sustainability Strategic Plan: A response to the state of climate emergency Prisha (Maneka) Nuckchady Associate Features Editor

May Alsaigh News Editor

ne year after Sudan’s transitional government signed the Juba Agreement for Peace (JBA), humanitarian needs have rapidly grown across the country. With an ongoing economic crisis, Sudan faces challenges of internal displacement, localized violence, disease outbreaks, and high inflation. Currently, there are over three million internally-displaced people in the country and 1.16 million refugees. A report issued in December 2021 by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reveals that by 2022, an estimated 14.3 million people will have sought humanitarian assistance—30 per cent of Sudan’s current population. Of this total, 3.6 million are women and 4.6 million are girls. The same report also outlines five different categories that measure the severity of needs in Sudan—minimal, stress, severe, extreme, and catastrophic. An estimated 6.2 million people are in severe need, another 6.2 million are in extreme need, and 1.9 million are in catastrophic need. >> SUDAN continues on page 02

very year, more than 50 billion tons of greenhouse gasses are emitted into the atmosphere—and Canada is responsible for 750 million tons of it. Fossil fuels, a form of non-renewable energy that might be exhausted by 2050, are used to generate less than 10 per cent of Canada’s energy. Yet, we are the second-largest burner of fossil fuels, right behind Saudi Arabia. As a result, the City of Mississauga “declared a climate emergency” in 2019. The University of Toronto recognizes the urgency and importance of promoting climate positivity and sustainability. As part of U of T’s initiatives, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) has developed its own Sustainability Strategic Plan (SSP), a comprehensive tenyear project that sets goals toward making the campus sustainable. Ahmed Azhari is the Director of Utilities and Sustainability at UTM. He says the plan rests on five pillars: the development of academic programs and curriculum, research, campus engagement, civic engagement, and human resources and infrastructure. According to Azhari,

the SSP goals are aligned with U of T’s climate-positive plan and the United Nation’s sustainable development goals, such as using affordable and clean energy. “It holistically considers and responds to the campus utilities, infrastructure conditions, future capital space planning, sustainability requirements, and provides a pathway to a carbon-neutral campus while complementing the vision of the U of T climate positive plan,” he adds. Among its initiatives toward a sustainable lifestyle on campus, UTM has hosted several sustainability-oriented events around campus over the last few years. The campus also launched a Master of Science in Sustainability Management program and built green buildings such as the Instructional Building, Deerfield Hall, and the Innovation Complex—to mention a few. Azhuri shares that in 2021, UTM received a silver star rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), one of most well-recognized frameworks for sustainability performance in higher education. Regarding academics, UTM’s plan aims to provide all students with learning pathways about sustainability. The university hopes to raise awareness around it by hiring new faculty whose interests align with climate positivity. >> SSP continues on page 08

NEWS

Editor | May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

YUSUF YASSIR/UNSPLASH

Forced internal displacement and high insecurity on the rise in Sudan Poor political guidance and economic stress are driving factors of Sudan’s struggling economy with more than 14 million seeking urgent assistance. May Alsaigh News Editor

>> SUDAN continued from page 01 Like many other humanitarian crises, the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the needs of Sudanese people, resulting in mass job loss and placing significant strain on the healthcare system. Sudan’s crisis is mainly influenced by poor government guidance and economic stress. After signing the JBA in October 2020, the country is expected to achieve sustainable peace and an increase in inclusivity across the political stream. Despite progress in certain areas, inflation and displacement have quickly become major challenges for Sudan.

“A few months after singing, Sudan saw over 100,000 people displaced in January 2021.” A few months after singing, Sudan saw over 100,000 people displaced in January 2021. Inflation also peaked at 423 per cent later in July, and gas prices grew by almost 5,000 per cent. Shortly after, 300,000 people were affected by flooding. In addition to natural hazards, disease outbreaks have impacted Sudan’s health care system, placing a huge burden on finance and management. According to OCHA, health needs are likely

to remain high in 2022 due to minimal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as low vaccine accessibility rates.

“According to Refugees International on Twitter, displaced communities living in South Sudan continue to be targets for ethnic violence.” Many global organizations and activists are taking to social media to call upon governments and councils to take action against the crisis and to dig ‘deeper.’ According to Refugees International on Twitter, displaced communities living in South Sudan continue to be targets for ethnic violence. American actor, filmmaker, and activist George Clooney has even demanded for action against multinationals to address the crisis in South Sudan. Calling on the United States and European Union, Clooney has released a 64-page report accusing multinational corporations of being ‘war profiteers’ while exposing an urgent need for the country. In a report published in January 2022, Refugees International recommends United Nations Security Council members to not only renew the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) mandate, but also increase resources and political support for Sudan. UNMISS members should also maintain a ‘preventative and rapid reaction presence’ and continue to update risk assessments

and contingency plans for Protection of Civilian sites. These sites house tens of thousands of displaced individuals living under UNMISS protection. Finally, donor countries must also fully fund the Humanitarian Response Plan for South Sudan in 2022 to address high levels of food insecurity and flooding. Ways to contribute and help Sudan include donating to United Nations Children’s Fund, better known as UNICEF Canada, joining Facebook campaigns, signing petitions, and raising awareness. ‘Food & Medicine for Sudan’ is a Facebook fundraiser that has raised over $500,000 for Sudanese people with the goal of providing food, water, and medical care. The page shared their progress in 2019 to show donors how their dollars were distributed.

“The threat to Sudan’s people is not conjectural—it is real and urgent.” Other dependable and secure places to donate include Islamic Relief Canada, the Sudan Relief Fund, and United Nations World Food Programme. However, donating is not the only way to help to the people of Sudan. Spreading awareness and advocating for Sudan can help to educate others about the topic and prevent misinformation. The threat to Sudan’s people is not conjectural—it is real and urgent. Meaningful impact can be established by working with one another to save Sudan’s people and its struggling economy.

Climate change provokes huge spike in global wildfires As climate change is rapidly increasing, the warmer and drier conditions make the growing danger of wildfires a common occurrence. Sukaina Rizvi Contributor

>> WILDFIRES continued from page 01 With the ongoing increase in temperature and heat, a 1.5 Celsius increase will affect 14 per cent of the world population who will experience extreme heat. In addition, a 2 Celsius temperature change will affect 37 per cent of the population as well. Moore comments on the effects of the slight fractional changes in temperature by 2050, saying, “This Last Ice Area will be the last area where these ecosystems will be able to survive, and we’re hoping this ice will persist through a period of time until we get our [carbon dioxide] emission under control.” A small change in temperature can make a huge difference, and it is better to face the situation now than to delay action for the future, as later effects will be irreversible. Relating this drastic effect to global warming on land, climate change brings more drought and higher temperatures, resulting in a spread of wildfires. The burning of plants and forests will release excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing more climate-changing carbon to release. According to a report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Western U.S., Northern Siberia, Central India, and Eastern Australia are currently experiencing more fires. Globally, catastrophic fires will increase by 2050, and con-

sequently, more than 50 per cent by the turn of the century. The effects of wildfires include questionable water quality, crop degradation, increased risk of smoke inhalation, decreased health and well-being, less land to grow food on, and negatively impacted employment and economic situations. Five million students, about 7 per cent of the young people in the country, were affected by the closure of schools. In addition, property values decreased by 10-20 per cent causing families to stress about economic losses, depletion of homes, and essential services. Agriculture will largely be impacted by the lack of rainfall and persistent hot weather. In areas with decreased humidity, vegetation could become flammable, allowing fires to spread rapidly. In last year’s devastating wildfire in Pantanal, ranging from Brazil to Paraguay, one-third of what is considered to be one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots was de-

stroyed. UNEP researchers also mention how wetlands are difficult to restore, hence causing permanent damage to such areas. To combat and decrease global warming, Moore believes that the government is “trying to make commitments that are the least impactful on the economy.” In addition, he says, “I think they understand that if they really move on this file, they’ll suffer a lot of political heat and they won’t get much benefit from it because the benefits will be accrued in 20 to 30 years. I don’t think there’s the political will to do it.” If not the government, private sectors and sectors involving tourism, agriculture, and extractive industries can insist on reducing deforestation and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Fire risk prevention may also be introduced into corporate programs to combat and reduce carbon emissions. Most importantly, it is up to the young climate activists of today to start making little commitments towards reducing climate change. Initiatives at the individual level can make a significant difference in reducing increasing temperatures and global warming.

Alarming data reveals Ontario students that vape are likely to develop a cigarette addiction Studies show that while vaping reveals milder effects than tobacco, it is not free from detrimental health effects. Larry Lau Associate News Editor

n recent years, the rate of cigarette smoking among Ontario students has steadily declined, yet the rate of vaping has risen significantly. Shortly after this data was observed, federal laws prohibited the sales of vapes to any individual aged 19 and under, which applies to tobacco products as well. However, legal obstacles were not enough to dissuade curious teenagers from seeking vape products. Findings from the 2019 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS), conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), revealed alarming trends. Through the comparison of 2017 and 2019 data, researchers found that vape usage during 2019 increased from 10.7 per cent to 22.7 per cent of Ontario students from grades 7 to 12. The 2019 vape usage rate peaked for grade 12 students, reaching 34.9 per cent. There is a lack of research on vaping amongst post-secondary students, as vap-

ing is a new topic of interest. However, a survey involving students from the University of Western Ontario revealed that 41 per cent of respondents aged 17 to 19 have vaped at least once of their life, and 52.9 per cent of respondents aged 20 to 25 state the same. A survey published in March 2018 found that primary reasons for students to begin vaping include peer influence from family and friends, the captivating array of flavors for vapes, and a belief that vapes are less harmful than cigarettes. While the effects of vaping are milder in comparison to smoking cigarettes, many of tobacco’s detrimental effects on health are still present in vapes. These repercussions are largely dependent on the vaping liquid inhaled, since its constituent chemicals differ depending on the product.

Researchers find that the use of vapes containing nicotine has increased in popularity over the past 10 years. The use of these vapes can lead to nicotine addiction. Nicotine negatively impacts memory and concentration. Researchers find that the substance also impacts brain development in adolescence, potentially causing behavioral problems in teenagers. In terms of physical health, nicotine increases blood pressure and thus the risk of heart attacks or other cardiovascular diseases. Similarly, regular vaping has been attributed to increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases, including but not limited to lung disease and asthma. This occurs as there are thousands of chemicals present in the aerosol inhaled when people vape—many of which are heavy metals confirmed to be harmful to the human body.

In like manner, while some of the chemicals present in vaping liquid are certified to be safe for use in short periods, there is a lack of research regarding the long-term effects of such chemicals. Though there is no guarantee that these chemicals are harmful, there is similarly no guarantee that they are harmless, which creates a non-negligible potential health risk for vaping. A major concern regarding vaping is that while vapes originated as a lighter replacement for cigarettes, there is nothing stopping students who vape from becoming cigarette smokers in the future. Studies show that young adults who vape are four times as likely to smoke cigarettes within 18 months, and there is no doubt that cigarette smoking carries significant health risks and consequences. While notably less deadly than cigarette smoking, vaping still creates a health risk for not only students who vape, but bystanders as well due to the presence of second-hand vapes. Because of this, it is crucial that high school and post-secondary students understand how vaping could affect their lives and the lives of those they care about.

Conflict between Russia and Ukraine devastates millions of people Ukrainian crisis now labelled “dire and desperate” due to rising casualties and injuries.

n February 24, the Russian army invaded the eastern borders of Ukraine under the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two weeks after the invasion, a total 516 casualties, including 27 children, and 908 injuries have been recorded in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict between the two countries started in 2014 but has quickly escalated over the past few months. Recently in February, Putin declared a “special military operation” in the Donbas region in support of the Russianbacked separatist forces in Donetsk and Luhansk. Intelligence reports have tracked the steady movement of Russian troops towards the capital city Kyiv through the gradual encirclement of the city from the north and northeast. Following the failure of the initial raid, air, military, and missile strikes have devastated the northeast city of Kharkiv, the second most populous city in Ukraine. On March 9, the British Defense Ministry confirmed that the use of thermobaric weapons, or “vacuum bombs,” are increasing the likelihood that Russian forces will violate humanitarian laws. Over the last few days, Russian attacks have been concentrated in the southeastern port city of Mariupol, which has a population of approximately 460,000 people. The attack has created a contained humanitarian crisis, with citizens unable to escape due to risk of ceasefire violations.

“Media outlets have revealed tens of thousands of residents living in underground shelters without necessities like water.” Media outlets have revealed tens of thousands of residents living in underground shelters without necessities like water. It has also been found that individuals are on the verge of digging mass graves for the deceased. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis is now “increasingly dire and desperate.”

The conflict has resulted in the “fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War,” with over two million people leaving Ukraine and seeking shelter in neighboring countries. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Poland has welcomed the most refugees—over one million people since the invasion; followed by Hungary and Slovakia with over 150,000 people each.

“Putin ordered his nuclear forces into ‘special military readiness’ whilst threatening opponents with ‘consequences you have never seen in history’—effectively escalating the conflict and adding to the unease in the U.S. and other nations.” The invasion also renewed conversations about nuclear power. On February 27, Putin ordered his nuclear forces into “special military readiness” whilst threatening opponents with “consequences you have never seen in history”— effectively escalating the conflict and adding to the unease in the U.S. and other nations. On March 4, Russian air strikes targeted the Zaporizhzhya plant—the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Though the plant does not contain graphite in its core, the source of the fire and “radiation plume” swept through Europe during the Chernobyl crisis. Many world leaders have condemned the recklessness of the Kremlin, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who accused Russia of “nuclear terror.” The international response to the crisis has primarily been to impose heavy economic sanctions on Russia, including a ban on Russian energy imports into the United States, and the cancellation of the $11 billion Nord Stream 2 Pipeline megaproject by Germany. The U.S., Canada, European Union, and Britain have also banned Russian banks from SWIFT, the payment facilitating network that is used by 11,000 institutions in 200 countries, to further isolate the Russian economy from the

international financial system. The sanctions have effectively plunged Russia into a financial crisis, with stocks and currency expected to plummet to levels seen only during 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic. In a rare move, the U.S. and its allies have also sanctioned Putin and the Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. In addition to sanctions, around 20 states have provided military aid to Ukraine. The U.S. pledged $13.6 billion in humanitarian and military emergency aid, Germany reversed a historic policy and provided lethal aid to a conflict zone, and Sweden and Finland have provided weapons to the Ukrainian resistance. On March 2, 141 of 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly voted to condemn Russia—a symbolic, if not politically binding, demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine and increasing international isolation of Russia. In a statement issued on the March 1, U of T President Meric Gertler condemned Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, and supported “diplomatic efforts to achieve a swift end to the war, and the return of peace, security and democracy.” The statement emphasized the important role played by universities “to foster deeper understanding of complex issues.” Edward S., a student at U of T, published a petition calling for the establishment of an “open-source database documenting the violations committed in this war and others” to combat misinformation and serve as a source for international justice. The petition currently has more than 400 signatures

“While the risk of inflation rapidly rises in North America, multiple countries are affected by the conflict, bringing a large need for humanitarian attention.” With Ukraine facing an unfolding humanitarian crisis, tensions are rising more than ever. While the risk of inflation rapidly rises in North America, multiple countries are affected by the conflict, bringing a large need for humanitarian attention.

EHIMETALOR AKHERE UNUABONA/UNSPLASH

Kiara Senanayake Contributor

MASTHEAD EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Provost editor@themedium.ca Managing Editor Elisa Nguyen managing@themedium.ca News May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

OPINION

Editor | Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca

Editorial

Your mask, your choice

Opinion Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca

The removal of mask mandates does not mean that you should feel forced to take them off.

Features Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca

The Medium

A&E Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca

Sports Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca Photo Hayden Mak photos@themedium.ca

Copy Juliana Stacey juliana@themedium.ca Miguel DaSilva miguel@themedium.ca Social Belicia Chevolleau social@themedium.ca Videographer Nikolas Towsey video@themedium.ca

ASSOCIATES & APPOINTED ROLES Larry Lau, News Razia Saleh, News Haya Abu Ghosh, Opinion Kareena Kailass, Opinion Dalainey Gervais, Features Prisha Nuckchady, Features Aidan Thompson, Arts Ciera Couto, Arts Dellannia Segreti, Sports Gladys Lou, Photo Simrah Siddiqui, Photo Isik Vera Senel, UTMSU Correspondent Julia Skoczypiec, Theatre Erindale Correspondent Robert Bui, Campus Athletics Correspondent Erin Delaney, Satirist Helen Yu, Comic Artist

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MIN AN/PEXELS

Design Manjot Pabla design@themedium.ca

ith the recent announcement that Ontario will be relaxing the majority of its Covid-19 constraints as of March 21, many Ontarians are excited to finally stop worrying about where their vaccine passports are, or whether they still have a mask ready for them in the back of the car. However, for some of us, the sweeping removal of most Covid-19 protocols evokes anxiety and hesitation. According to a 2020 report from Statistics Canada, “one in four Canadians has an underlying health condition that increases their risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19.” Over the past two years, many of these individuals have relied on the province’s Covid-19 restrictions to keep them safe. Now, our province is doing the equivalent of ‘ripping the band-aid off ’, removing the restric-

tions that we’ve been told will protect us in favour of “learning to live with” a virus that is quickly becoming a normal part of our society. While many agree that it’s time to start moving into a postCovid-19 society, some are worried about how these rapid changes will affect them. Some of us live or interact with highrisk parents or relatives who still actively worry about what would happen if they caught Covid-19, even after being vaccinated. Others have not been able vaccinate themselves against Covid-19 because of underlying health conditions. And for some, going without a mask after two years will just feel like being exposed or naked. As we approach our province’s attempt at shifting back to an optimistically ‘normal’ world, move at your own pace. While everyone around you might be happy to take off their masks, you may still have concerns, and that’s completely okay. No one is telling you that you have to take your mask off—they’re only saying that you don’t have to keep wearing one. Choose whether you continue to wear a mask or not according to your own comfort level, not based upon how you feel other people will respond to your decision.

Why you should care about the spring 2022 UTMSU elections A glance at the criticisms and successes of the UTMSU Madison Ireland Contributor

his year’s University of Toronto ississauga Students Union (UTMSU) election is running online and in-person from March 15 to March 17. While there are mixed feelings about the UTMSU and their campaign strategies, it is extremely important to vote in the upcoming election as it greatly impacts student life at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). The UTMSU is criticized year after year for failing to deliver on campaign promises. During elections, candidates often promise to lobby for better food options on campus. In May 2021, the UTMSU succeeded in lobbying to replace Chartwells with Aramark as UTM’s food service provider. Despite this victory, there are still many complaints with the food available on campus as it is still often difficult to find healthy food options. Additionally, the UTMSU frequently promises to reduce the astronomical tuition fees for international students, which they have still failed to deliver on. There have also been many complaints about UTMSU’s handling of student concerns. For example, in January 2022 there were many complaints when MiWay announced the suspension of Route 110 University Express and Route 101/101A Dundas Express—which are two vital bus routes for students attending UTM. With the return to in-person classes on February 7, students voiced their concern regarding the cancellation of these routes and the lack of action taken by the UTMSU. Many of these students felt as though their concerns were not taken seriously and instead looked to Transparent UTMSU, an independent student advocacy group, to address

their concerns and reinstate Routes 110 and 101/101A. During the UTMSU election period, many students are discouraged from voting by the campaigning strategies taken by candidates. Students have complained about voter fatigue from being approached frequently by candidates in person, by email, and through social media. Despite these complaints with the UTMSU, they have had many successes and victories over the years. The UTMSU recently succeeded in pressuring U of T to divest from fossil fuel investment in October 2021 and to invest in environmental sustainability initiatives. The UTMSU also successfully lobbied for heated bus stop shelters, free menstrual products in women’s bathrooms, Credit/ No Credit policies and extensions, and the introduction of the Late Withdrawal Policy from courses after students voiced their concerns about these issues. The UTMSU also contributes positively by providing important events and services for UTM students. The UTMSU’s events allow for students to interact with one another such as Exam De-stressor events and Culture Fest. The Town Hall events allow students to ask questions and voice their concerns on topics such as mental health, tuition fees, and residence. The UTMSU is also responsible for providing services including UPasses, the UTM Food Bank, student health and dental coverage, and printing services, which are key in helping students to prosper and succeed while studying at UTM. Despite some of the UTMSU’s past failures, there have also been many successes and victories, and UTM would not be the same without actions taken by the UTMSU. The UTMSU offers many services which contribute positively to student life at UTM. Regardless of who you vote for in the Spring 2022 UTMSU election, it is important to exercise your right to vote to improve life at UTM.

Let’s face it, the discourse about refugees has been racist All innocent lives, regardless of skin colour or country of origin, deserve to receive empathy. Haya Abu Ghosh Associate Opinion Editor

he Russian invasion of Ukraine has initiated a lot of discourse in the news, the media, among politicians, and on social media about the prevalent issue of refugees. Correspondents and other journalists reporting on the conflict coverage in mainstream media have been accused of using racially biased language to describe the Ukrainian refugees in comparison to refugees from other parts of the world. But before we dive into that, it is important to note that there is no competition between crises. It is a matter of the perceptions that are strategically formulated to put forward certain agendas in the media. The Arab and Middle Eastern Journalist Association (AMEJA) condemned the words that Western journalists used to describe middle eastern countries by calling it an “orientalist and racist” media coverage. For example, senior foreign correspondent Charlie D’Agata for CBS news states, “This isn’t a place with all due respect, you know like Iraq or Afghanistan that has seen conflict raging for decades. You know, this is a relatively civilized, relatively

European—I have to choose those words carefully, too—city where you wouldn’t expect that or hope that it’s going to happen.” I am repulsed by the impromptu casual racist comment. The fact that he defined Ukraine as “civilized” people appears like they need more of our pity than Iraqi or Afghani citizens. After the enormous outrage online, D’Agata has apologized for the rude comment. Racism has continued to be a persistent issue across the media. Ukraine’s Deputy Chief Prosecutor stated, “It’s very emotional for me because I see European people with blue eyes and blonde hair being killed.” The entire statement dehumanizes people who are non-white and do not have blonde hair or blue eyes. Especially considering that non-white Ukrainians are being denied refugee passage or relief in comparison to their fellow white Ukrainians. It seems that physical appearance determines the value of someone’s life. Arwa Ibrahim, a journalist for Al Jazeera, tweeted a

video of a journalist stating that war is only meant for third-world nations. But, looking back through history, it is true to say that the World Wars all occurred in Europe. Or, what about colonialism and genocide of the Indigenous people in the Americas. Those events were horrific and violent acts. When addressing developing countries, the journalists are setting up the stereotype that People of Colour are inclined toward war while white people strive for peace. Ukraine is in extreme danger. We should provide life-saving services to Ukrainian people, particularly giving them the ability to flee their country. But the decision to help the Ukrainian people should not be based on the fact that they have white skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, while refusing to help others that don’t fit this criterion like people from Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Somalia. We are all

human beings regardless of how we look. All lives deserve saving. Palestinian-Dutch supermodel Bella Hadid took to Instagram to describe the misrecognition of Muslim countries that have been in conflict for years, “The language we use to define oppression cannot favour one victim over another. How many Muslim nations aflame?” She goes on to quote Martin Luther King that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It is important to call out the injustices seen everywhere so that we do not feed into the Eurocentric media narratives of People of Colour. Other media personalities like Trevor Noah posted a segment that slammed the media’s racist comments, “Fighting crazy wars were Europe’s thing […] they got a Noble Prize to stop fighting. Imagine that.” Now, I have to choose these words carefully—if it weren’t for imperialist countries waging war and displacing millions of refugees maybe the fleeing citizens who haven’t seen a day without war would be a bit more “European” or “civilized.” It is uncommon to find unbiased coverage of conflicts in Muslim countries. The same empathy being given to Ukrainians should be given to Muslim countries. Empathy shouldn’t be racist.

The nuances of dressing modestly for plussize hijabi women “Whatever your body shape and size, you are deserving of choice, respect, and celebration.” Aya Yafaoui Columnist

stand in front of my bedroom mirror some mornings and perform a complex series of assessments and considerations about my appearance that day. No, it’s not because I’m vanity driven, or I have chosen to emulate Narcissus. The truth is I am a woman, a woman who is plus-sized, a woman who wears the hijab, and a woman who adheres to the rules of modesty. Now don’t get me wrong, I choose to wear the hijab and modest clothing because that is how I’ve chosen to practice an aspect of my faith. But there are countless societal rules and limitations that govern each facet of my identity, separate from my religion. Women “shouldn’t” wear really short skirts or revealing clothing, plus-size people “shouldn’t” wear certain styles, and so on. Thus, by extension, a plus-size hijabi woman, such as myself, has several layers of societal norms and attitudes to wade through even after fulfilling the most basic modesty rules, such as covering my hair and clothing my body, save for my hands and feet. Muslim women as a whole face an increased level of scrutiny regarding what they wear, from the government trying to control our hijabs to your run-of-the-mill auntie or uncle who, covertly or overtly, shames you for an outfit choice. Strangers or acquaintances even feel entitled to comment on a Muslim woman’s appearance by trying to dictate what they believe is the “right” way to wear hijab, shame women who have chosen not to wear one, or argue that they put on too much makeup. The list is endless. The list is exhausting. The list continues on the back if you are plus-size.

Plus-size hijabi women face a more nuanced list of expectations and hurdles when it comes to dressing modestly. You see, it is not enough to simply wrap a body in clothing to achieve modesty. The expectation around modesty requires the person’s figure to be obscured. Thus, the bigger the figure, the harder it is to “cover” and obscure it. Essentially, a skinny hijabi can wear a hoodie and jeans and still achieve the ideal of modesty. In contrast, a curvier or plus-sized hijabi could wear the same clothes and be deemed immodest. So, what’s a curvy gal supposed to do? Well, one might suggest turning to clothing designed intentionally to be modest. After all, there has been a recent boom in the modest fashion industry, with many brands claiming to be inclusive and diverse. And while this new market has definitely helped normalize and highlight modest fashion, the options for plus-sized women tend to be as little and bitter as a cup of Turkish coffee. The main issues lie with a lack of appropriate sizing and flattering styles for bigger bodies. For some ungodly reason, modest fashion designers

tend to design plus-size modest clothes with a bedsheet as their inspiration: big, flowy, loose on some ends while tight on others, and just plain “meh.” Meaning that if you want to be “modest” you’re going to have to give up style and personality to buy these clothes. The hyper-sexualization of plus-sized bodies, which works in tandem with the condemnation of being judged as “too fat” along with the policing of women’s appearance, and the exclusion of plus-size fashion, all add up to an existence spent in what American historian W.E.B Du Bois calls a double consciousness—the experience of looking at yourself with the judgements and norms that society will look at you with. And that is why, dear reader, I spend mornings searching the hills and valleys of my body, calculating if the clothes I’m wearing cover their proper borders, or if I’ve left some places exposed—vulnerable to the attacks of society. I hope one day my body will cease being the political battleground it has always been. However, until that mythical day, I wish to let my fellow plus-sized and curvy hijabis know that your struggles are seen, and that whatever your body shape and size, you are deserving of choice, respect, and celebration.

GRANT RICHIE/UNSPLASH

Stolen history Should museums return artefacts to their countries of origin? Kiara Senanayake Contributor

he idea of stolen history is one that has recently risen to the surface of public consciousness. The British Museum especially has been the subject of intense criticism as it houses one of the largest collections of “stolen” artefacts in the world. In a list of the “14 things not to miss at the British Museum” published in the official museum blog, 11 of 14 artefacts are sourced from outside of Britain. It’s an absurdity that demonstrates the perpetuation of historical injustices. The criticism toward former empires’ exhibiting cultural artefacts is not an uncommon occurrence outside of academic circles and it is often a point of contention in popular culture as well. In the 2018 Marvel film Black Panther, for example, the antagonist Killmonger asks the question “How do you think your ancestors got these? You think they paid a fair price? Or did they take it, like they took everything else?” It’s a question that captures the frustrations of the former colonies, who see the consistent refusal by governments and museums to repatriate ill-gotten artefacts as theft. However, opinions on repatriation differ. Some highlight the intellectual endeavour behind it all. In an article in The Guardian, former British Museum director Neil MacGregor writes that the establishment of the British Museum in 1753 was an act of “political radicalism” and “intellectual idealism”—a realisation of the “enlightenment conviction that knowledge and understanding were indispensable ingredients of civil society.” Artefacts like the Rosetta Stone, which was discovered in Egypt by Napoleon’s army in 1799 and has resided in the British Museum since 1802, are frequently invoked in favour of the argument that the stored cultural artefacts in museums are crucial sources of knowledge. The inscription upon the stone allowed historians to translate hieroglyphs and gain initial insights into ancient Egyptian language and culture. MacGregor concludes that the “civic purpose” of the museum is to forge arguments that defeat the “simplifying brutalities that disfigure global politics.” Others argue that hosting artefacts from other cultures is a part of the humanitarian effort to protect threatened artefacts and by extension, threatened cultures from ideologically motivated “cultural cleansing.” The artefact industry was an unlikely victim of the myriad of conflict zones and the rise of militant groups that have increased in the Middle East. The territory of the self-declared Caliphate of the Islamic State, for example, included some of the richest artefacts and archaeological sites in the world—ancient Assyrian empires, Graeco-Roman civilisa-

tions, and ancient Muslim and Christian societies, which were targeted and destroyed, while others were looted and sold on the black market to fund the organisation. The former director of the British Museum emphasised the important role played by museums in conserving the culture of nations that were threatened, arguing that museums in the west were “guarding” artefacts till they could be returned under stable conditions. Arguments against repatriation also highlight the difficulty in narrowing a single cultural owner of an artefact. The Cyrus Cylinder, for example, is an often-cited case of the complexity of narrowing the essence of an artefact in repatriation. The clay cylinder, upon which King Cyrus inscribed the conquest of Babylon and the return of Jewish people to Jerusalem in 539 BC, was heralded as the world’s first charter of human rights by the last Shah of Iran, Reza Shah Pahlavi, during the celebration of 2500 years of the Persian Empire in 1971. Thus, the artefact was considered an essential aspect of Iranian national identity. However, historians and archaeologists recognise that though the artefact does have a connection with Iranian history and culture, it is a part of the larger history of the Near East, Mesopotamian civilisation, and the Jewish diaspora. Another artefact that embodies the complexity of repatriation is the Triumphal Quadriga, or the “Horses of Saint Mark.” The statues, classed as belonging to classical Greek or Roman antiquity, were looted from the Hippodrome in Constantinople, its home since the fourth century A.D., and stored in Venice in 1204, until it was moved by Napoleon to the Arc de Triumph in 1797, before it was once again relocated to Venice in 1982. Spending centuries at a time at each location, they undoubtedly influenced the culture of their host country as much as their host country influenced them. Professor Stefanidis of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki poses the crucial question: “Who, then, is entitled to claim ‘repatriation’ before the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee?” So, should museums return artefacts to their countries of origin? Perhaps the only natural conclusion that one can arrive at is that it depends. Legally speaking, artefacts that have been illegally extracted and stored in a foreign museum should rightfully be returned to their host country. But artefacts are often seen as sources for collaboration, as ambassadors of goodwill between countries, and thus should not be contained within the host country alone. Likewise, cultures that are threatened in conflict zones deserve to be protected by countries that have the infrastructure to store them. What is evident is that this is an issue that requires careful consideration. Historical artefacts are not only a record of what a nation has achieved, but what humanity as a whole has achieved through time and should be regarded as such.

By: Reid Fournier

features

Editor | Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca

UTM’s Sustainability Strategic Plan: A response to the state of climate emergency The plan fosters a sustainable lifestyle on campus, one that is in line with U of T’s climate positive initiative. Prisha (Maneka) Nuckchady Associate Features Editor

>> SSP continued from page 01 To do so, they plan on “incorporating at least one sustainability course as part of distribution requirements,” as well as creating a mentorship program between like-minded students and faculty. Research is also a key component of the plan, says Azhuri, as it helps find original and efficient alternatives that keep a sustainable campus. The plan focuses on increasing sustainability-focused grants by creating an undergraduate research grant competition and sustainability funding competition. During the Adams Sustainability Celebration held on March 2, 2022, Professor and Director of the Climate Positive Initiative David Sinton explains that the St. George campus also heavily relies on researchoriented initiatives. “The great minds engaged in research (faculty, post-doctoral fellows, students) contribute a great deal to the development of projects,” explains Professor Sinton. “This is why the climate positive initiative is about using that research strength towards climate positivity.” The strategic plan also seeks to increase engagement in sustainable lifestyles across campus by promoting community-led initiatives. Acknowledging that sustainability is of paramount importance given the worldwide impacts of climate change, UTM also hopes to build civic engagement. As a first step before venturing into multinational and international organizations, the campus plans to increase its engagement

with local elementary schools and high schools. Azhuri notes that they believe that investing in children’s education will make a key difference. “[In doing so], we are able to embed that culture of sustainability in children when they are young, to make sure that sustainable practices become part of their day-to-day living from a young age,” says Azhuri. UTM is also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, they plan on cutting emissions by 37 per cent, and by 2050, on reaching carbon neutrality. Incorporating sustainable infrastructural management will be essential in doing so. Through these sustainability changes, UTM aims to reach the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Star standard by 2030, notes Azhari. The green buildings at UTM adhere to LEED’s standards. The Instructional Building is one of four buildings that have a silver rating, while the Health Sciences Complex and the Davis Building third floor have gold ratings. Azhuri notes that green buildings and sustainability are not new to UTM, as these buildings were built more than ten years ago. He adds that the Instructional Building, built in 2011, incorporates an innovative geothermal heating and cooling system, which consists of 184 boreholes that are around 550 feet deep. The Instructional Building also uses a photovoltaic system, or solar energy, to offset its energy alone. “UTM is a pioneer in using low-carbon technologies and continues to play a role in sustainability to offset climate change,” explains Azhuri. The St. George campus is also currently building a large-scale geothermal energy storage system. In fact, it will be the largest geothermal system in urban Canada. During the Adams

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Sustainability event, Marc Couture, the Director of Sustainability and Engagement, explains that they will be drilling over 374 boreholes, 850 feet deep, in the historical quad in King’s College Circle. Doing so will offset roughly 15,000 metric tons of carbon by capturing and using waste heat seasonally. Azhuri highlights UTM’s campus-wide energy audit initiative. According to him, all buildings will be evaluated to form a comprehensive campus-wide energy audit. In doing so, buildings will be audited to industry standards to identify energy and carpet carbon reduction opportunities. “We will incorporate this into our utilities strategic plan to complete the picture on how we can achieve carbon neutrality, or potentially, carbon positivity,” adds Azhuri. For him, sustainability is not just a career, but a passion that drives him to incorporate sustainable choices into day-to-day living even outside of work. Azhuri explains that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve the integrity of our environment for future generations. “It’s about ensuring [that] future generations,

[such as] children and grandchildren, have access to the same or better resources than we do,” he states. However, he also acknowledges the barriers associated to sustainable living. For instance, there is a steep price tag associated with sustainability. He also acknowledges that change is often seen as a burden, one that is too difficult to accomplish. Something as simple as recycling requires more effort than simply throwing it away. “[We must] look at sustainability as an investment,” says Azhuri. “Eventually, it will pay back for itself and generate a net positive impact whether financial or environmental.” Today, Canada’s efforts to reduce emissions are prominent. However, a lot remains to be done, and U of T is committed to taking steps towards climate positivity and sustainability. Azhuri states that the campus will continue to update its strategic plan when the first 10-year plan has been completed. He admits that there is no true end goal for sustainability. “It’s an ongoing journey. A practice that we strive to incorporate into our lifestyle,” concludes Azhuri.

Will the sanctions on Russia de-escalate the war? Dr. Richard Day discusses the implication of sanctions and the prospects of a modern-day depression. Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

midst a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, economically influential countries such as the United States and Canada have instilled sanctions, or economic penalties, on Russia as a response to President Vladimir Putin’s vicious military attacks. Sanctions are imposed on countries for purposes relating to economic instability, threats of war, and humanitarian crises. In the current Russo-Ukrainian War, countries around the world have sanctioned Russia as a de-escalation tactic. Yet many are left to wonder: will these sanctions successfully diminish tensions across Europe?

“While I can think of some instances where sanctions have worked, I can think many others where they only heightened tensions,” says Dr. Richard Day, an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto Mississauga. He has been teaching for more than 50 years on topics of economic history and theory, and his research has primarily focused on early Russian economists—principally Soviet economists. Currently, there are three types of sanctions on Russia: a freeze on assets, financial prohibitions, and restrictions on exports and imports on the country. These restrictions prohibit a list of trades between Canada and Russia, including any financial or goods transactions and the dealing of any property. While they include governmental and industry exchanges, these sanctions also impose restrictions to indi-

vidual Russians living in and out of the country. Additionally, they outline the list of Russian individuals who are inadmissible into Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Canadians are also prohibited to partake in any financial or property transactions with individuals listed under the sanctions. “I don’t think anyone in Europe is really clear on how bad [things] might become,” explains Dr. Day while reflecting on the prospects of a modern-day depression facing the continent. “Europe heavily relies on Russia for things like gas. A winter without gas might sound bearable for someone living closer to the equator, but it’s a different story for people in Europe who live through harsh winters.” >> SANCTIONS continues on page 09

09 >> SANCTIONS continued from page 08 Russia is certainly not the only country sanctioned by Canada. According to the Government of Canada website, they have sanctioned a total of 21 countries in an effort to “prevent the concealment and transfer of funds or assets used to finance terrorism.” These include countries such as Belarus, the People’s Republic of China, and Iran. Belarus, for example, was sanctioned due to their close affiliation with Russia’s violence in Ukraine. Amid the Russo-Ukrainian crisis, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), a global provider in financial messaging, have also made efforts to end the war. They started disconnecting their services from several Russian-based financial institutions, along with some Belarusian entities. This decision was made in consultation with the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. “It’s not a small thing to start taking banks off of SWIFT,” said Daniel Glaser, a former Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Treasury Department, in an interview with The New Yorker. “The fact that they’re doing it at all […] demonstrates the se-

riousness of this effort. It’s another signal to the international financial community that you’ve got to be really serious with any Russian bank.” Many countries have followed suit in sanctioning Russia, including Switzerland who, up to this point, has not broken their traditional position of neutrality in times of crisis. This led President Putin to name Switzerland as an unfriendly country, being added to a list of approximately 50 other countries who have taken “unfriendly” actions against the nation. According to Dr. Day, the prospect of Russia slowing down sales and productions of their own exports because of sanctions will be harmful to the global economy. “If Russia decides to halt their sales on oil, we can see the price of oil double to $300 per barrel,” he explains. Russia’s hopes of a quick invasion have been squashed by the fierce resistance of the Ukrainian military and people, who have been promised sovereignty after years of fighting. While sanctions against the country may have helped slow down the crisis, they have led to thousands of Russian citizens struggling in their home countries, many feeling left astray by their government.

Immediately following the notice of worldwide sanctions against Russia, its citizens have seen a dramatic change in their way of life. Namely, the Russian ruble dropped almost 30 per cent in a single day. As of now, the sanctions have unfortunately only hurt Russian citizens, and caused further dismay to the President Putin.

What I learned from teaching online as a TA Student mental health and engagement are at the core of a productive learning environment. Rutwa Engineer Contributor

or the past two years, like many instructors in higher education, I have lectured online as a teaching assistant. Some of the courses I have taught include CSC108: Introduction to Computer Programming, CSC207: Software Design, and CSC258: Computer Organization. When I first started my teaching experience in person, I really liked connecting with my students face-to-face—it was simpler to clarify concepts. But when the Covid-19 pandemic shifted all teaching online, I had to pivot my strategies to see if students understood the same concepts behind their computer screens. As a result, I discovered some techniques and educational technologies that have worked for me.

Tutorial slide containing a check-in and a colouring page

Creating a welcoming environment is essential When classes were fully online, student timetables remained the same, with them hopping from one class to the next. This is called “call hopping.” According to Vanderbilt School of Medicine, call hopping causes cognitive load that leads to stress. To combat this, I started using a mental health check-in and a mini colouring page as students joined the tutorial sessions—all while shuffling my upbeat Spotify playlist in the background. A welcoming environment helps students feel at ease. It makes them feel like they are part of a community before the tutorial or lecture starts. The Spotify playlist has been a hit for most of my students, as per their comments in the Zoom chat. It engages students in greeting each other, and some provide song suggestions. Creating a vibrant online atmosphere keeps students coming back to the tutorial or lecture because it’s lively.

Simple and accessible slides make the difference Minimalist slides with main key points help students retain the information with less cognitive load. The instructor›s

explanation of the concepts should follow the slides without overshadowing them. Moreover, pacing the lecture with a proper speech rate and tone of voice can drastically help students comprehend the material. An outline listing three or four major topics that will be covered at the beginning of the lecture also helps students better understand the flow. If the topic is advanced, incorporating a few review slides before diving into the concepts will assist students in filling conceptual gaps. During an anonymous feedback session for my CSC207: Software Design class, students submitted responses on their thoughts about the structure of my tutorials. “The tutorials are helpful for technical problems and is a good guidance for tutorial works,” one of them wrote, referring to the clear slides and instructions provided during the tutorials.

of breakout room they want to be in. Do they want to be in a group where everyone will share ideas? What if they want to be in a group where everyone is quiet and thinking by themselves, but like the presence of others? Perhaps they prefer to be in the main room and think by themselves? Providing this variability in breakout rooms will group extroverts together and give the introverts a safe thinking space.

Interactions get rid of distractions Having students understand the concepts of the class is important. Embedding content check-ins within the slides keeps student engagement high. For open-response questions, Mentimeter and Google Jamboard are very helpful platforms for brainstorming and creating data visualization such as word clouds. This allows students to connect the dots between their ideas and their classmates. It also reassures them, as it shows that their peers are thinking along the same lines, creating less cognitive load. Kahoot, a game-based learning platform, can also be used for fun, formative, and informative assessments for students to check their understanding. In addition, handing out online stickers for getting a certain number of questions correct on the Kahoot quiz can significantly boost student confidence. Zoom’s built-in multiple-choice format can also help students narrow down on the correct response, but instructors beware—sometimes overdoing Zoom surveys can make students lose interest. While interactions may get rid of distractions, breaks are equally important. After one hour of lecture, giving students a ten to 15-minute break so that they can digest the material, go for a walk, stretch around their space, or get a snack also helps.

Breakout rooms may lead to gloom The common misconception most instructors have is that online breakout rooms will work the same way as group work in a live classroom. The reality is that either a few students carry out discussions, or no one does. This happens because students feel uncomfortable participating, as they don’t have any visual clues about the students on the other side of the screen. “I found breakout rooms were very hit or miss,” said one of my students in their anonymous feedback. For some students, breakout rooms create more cognitive load because no one is participating, or many ideas are being discussed. As a result, some feel isolated either way, thus dismissing the point of breakout rooms entirely. To mitigate this experience, provide students with the option to choose the type

A screenshot of my virtual classroom on Gather.town.

Reclaim the virtual “classroom” Gather.town is a virtual platform where educators can create an online classroom. This platform has great features that help with the online teaching and learning experience. For example, an instructor can decorate the classroom by embedding virtual furniture like desks and whiteboards. Gather.town can be used as an educational space for all ages. Younger students might find some of the built-in games appealing, and educators can help create an immersive online community. In higher education, Gather.town can build social rapport among students and educators. Moreover, the engaging design encourages instructors and students to turn on their cameras and microphones, as well as share their screens. Students can also present their work in spotlight mode, share videos, and documents. An instructor may use this platform to hold office hours, where students feel comfortable discussing issues with the material or conversing. Since Gather.town is extremely customizable, it has also been used for conferences, virtual office spaces, and so forth.

Still, nothing beats the physical classroom Teaching online has taught me to appreciate the meaning of a physical classroom. I learned that it’s important to check in on your students during uncertain times and provide students with mental health resources that exist on campus. The shift to online teaching showed me areas where my teaching can improve, namely by increasing engagement with students. In the future, I will use many of the educational technologies mentioned in this article that will elevate the in-person learning experience.

Arts

Editor | Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca

Holding on to youth through television classics Saying hello to adulthood without saying goodbye to childhood.

Ciera Couto Associate Arts & Entertainment Editor

PBS

s many students are leaving school and thinking about the future, we may find ourselves reverting to fixations from our childhood. We rewatch old shows or revisit old albums to try and remember a time in our lives when responsibilities were almost non-existent and we had everlasting free time. Arthur’s final episode seems like a helping hand, guiding us into the next phase in our lives, leading us into adulthood. While we are all grown up, so too is our favourite aardvark and his group of animal friends with their full-time jobs. Arthur is even a graphic novelist! If you have not heard, the PBS television classic came to an end on February 21, 2022 after 25 years on the air. The last episode is true to its title as we see the characters “All Grown Up” almost as if the writers are letting us know that it is time to move on with our lives. So, why do these childhood shows keep pulling us back in? The power of nostalgia is real and profitable. We have seen this pattern over the past few years as shows from the 2000s are resurrected by streaming services as complete reboots or spin-offs. Production companies see many young people exiting their teen years, seeking comfort as they enter their twenties, and they are now offering new versions of old favourites. This year alone, there are two major shows from the 2000s that are already airing or set to air. The former is Disney+’s

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, which brings back the entire Proud family to navigate life through today’s society. The choice to bring back the show within our current timeline is deliberate as it plays right into the fact that we started this decade with a pandemic. During this isolation period, a lot of people sought comfort in the things they liked when they were a child and things were less complicated. So, Disney decided to bring back this show but sets it during the world’s current turmoil to let the audience know they are not alone. Another upcoming reboot is Nickelodeon’s The Fairly OddParents, with the new title The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder. This reboot is also set after the original series but introduces new characters instead of following Timmy Turner in his adult life. This show will not be Nickelodeon’s first reboot on Paramount+ as last year they brought back iCarly with nearly all the original cast members reviving their roles. These reboots and spin-offs of our childhood arrive when we are at a crossroads. A lot of young people feel the need to either cling tightly to their youth or let it go completely. Perhaps all these reboots and spin-offs are an attempt to give an alternative; perhaps these shows can give us a way to grow up without completely erasing the things that made us happy as children. There is no need to kill nostalgia.

Richard Greene’s alternative perspective in The Unquiet Englishman: A life of Graham Greene The emphasis on Graham’s impact in the twentieth century makes this celebrated book stand out among other biographies. Shreya Joshi Staff Writer

n the evening of March 3, I sat down with University of Toronto English Professor Richard Greene to discuss his renowned narrative nonfiction, The Unquiet Englishman: A Life of Graham Greene. Published on January 12 in 2021, Greene’s book was a finalist for the 2022 Edgar Award, a Washington Post Best Nonfiction Book of the Year, and has been well received by The Telegraph, The New Yorker, The Spectator, and The Times. The Unquiet Englishman, a sequel to Professor Greene’s book Graham Greene: A Life in Letters, is a biography on Graham Greene that examines the journalist’s travels throughout his writing career and the manner in which he was inspired by several countries and cultures. Professor Greene explained that this book had been in the works for the past decade. He decided to write it because he felt that there was no adequate biography for one of the most relevant twentieth-century literary figures, a man who was not simply an outstanding author but a Nobel Prize candidate to boot. The book is incredibly nuanced and explores narratives that intertwine with one another. Professor Greene stated that while The Unquiet Englishman is “very adventur-

ous and eventful in nature,” it is ironically a tragedy more so than an adventure. The book discusses Graham Greene’s personal history, his battle with bipolar depression, his familial and sexual relationships, and his ideas on the Catholic faith. Despite heavily exploring religion in significant works such as Brighton Rock (1938) and The Power and the Glory (1940), Graham Greene was not very religious in his personal life and rejected the notion that he was a “religious writer.” A prominent aspect of Graham Greene’s story is his struggle with mental illness. As a high school student, he played Russian Roulette to alleviate his constant boredom. His mother and brother disputed that the pistol contained bullets, but Graham Greene was still diagnosed with manic depression—now known as bipolar disorder. Regardless of whether he was suicidal or not, his behaviour was deemed unstable and detrimental. During university, Graham Greene told his friend, Evelyn Waugh, that he spent most of his time in a “general haze of drink.” While he was a writer, Graham Greene was addicted to alcohol, drugs, taking Benzedrine to wake up, Nembutal to sleep, and regularly smoking opium. While other biographies on Graham Greene tend to focus on his salacious sexual activity, The Unquiet Englishman is more interested in his life as a traveller, particularly someone who traversed developing countries. The book’s jacket copy states that

it “reads like a primer on the twentieth century itself ” and depicts Graham Greene as an “unfailing advocate for human rights.” Professor Greene heavily stressed that the many countries Graham Greene examined “cannot be viewed as background.” He said, “To examine these countries: Haiti, Liberia, and Vietnam, to name a few, in such a narrow capacity is arrogant and ethnocentric. GOODREADS

These places have a rich history and if he had not explored it, [Graham’s] craft would have lacked texture.” Although Graham Greene himself never claimed to be a “freedom fighter,” he also never rejected the idea and was somewhat of a social democrat. He can best be perceived as a political observer of Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. During his travels, he was more concerned with interacting with the locals and exploring the country as opposed to getting involved in politics. Although, while visiting Haiti during the mid-1960s, Graham Greene publicly confronted the dictator Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier after witnessing his unjust rule. It is fair to state that while he was not a political figure, he did involve himself in social and cultural politics, especially when injustices occurred. The Unquiet Englishman: A Life of Graham Greene is a different perspective on the life of Graham Greene that, unlike mainstream autobiographies, focuses more on the themes of mental illness and cultural relativism rather than an intention to titillate the reader. When questioned about the target audience, Professor Greene stated, “A variety of readers can read this book including, but not limited to, people who care about twentieth-century literature and politics and students wanting to source scholarly researched works.” He added, “a common but informed reader is of great interest to me.”

The M ’s Playlist – Hayden’s March Mix For different moods throughout the month, this playlist comes with a bit of everything. Hayden Mak Photos Editor

y music tastes changed as I grew up, which I did not really notice until I was selecting music for this month’s playlist. I used to love listening to club and house music for their strong and catchy beats. Over time, I shifted to more relaxing tunes. For the past year or two, I have been listening to a lot of Mandopop and Cantopop, Jay Chou and Eason Chan at first, but I expanded the variety of artists I listen to. The style of Mandopop and Cantopop is mainly romantic, so I find them pleasant and relaxing to listen and sing to. I included a few songs in English that I enjoy singing along to as well, like Ed Sheeran and Adele, as I listened to them a lot in the past. Additionally, I chose two opening songs from Hajime no Ippo, which is a boxing anime that I loved. The soundtrack hypes me up and makes me want to throw a few punches like the main character Ippo so it helps get me moving when I feel a bit lazy. I hope you enjoy this month’s playlist.

The Batman’s dark world brings a bright future With his image of Gotham’s caped crusader, Matt Reeves may be the superhero that the DC Universe needs. Aidan Thompson Associate Arts & Entertainment Editor

att Reeves’s The Batman takes another stride in the right direction for DC Comics and hopefully means that we are one step closer to Warner Bros. leaving the colourful and campy genre of superhero films to Marvel Studios. I have my fingers and toes crossed that The Batman’s success will encourage Warner Bros. to retrace their steps and finally realize the dramatic mistake of following The Dark Knight Trilogy with Man of Steel (2013). The future for the DC universe seems promising as The Batman moves confidently in the direction of a darker, characterdriven DC Universe, populated by films like Joker (2019) and The Dark Knight (2008). In the film, Batman (Robert Pattinson) is not the billionaire superhero of Zach Snyder’s franchise. Instead, he is a grieving, disillusioned detective tasked with unraveling a series of politically charged killings left “for the Batman” by the Riddler (Paul Dano). The film also involves several of Batman’s other famed villains, including the Penguin (Colin Farrel), Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), as well as his famed ally, Detective Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright). The Gotham City that Reeves imagines is a gutter of crime and corruption, spreading from the streets to the penthouses of Gotham’s politicians. There are serial killers, mob bosses, and damaged family legacies; the streets, nightclubs, and apartments they inhabit are created with such careful detail that they become places of expression themselves, almost functioning with the same complexity

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as their characters. This Gotham that Reeves creates is immersive and encompasses all the sinister angst found in the Arkham video game series, which will likely be the closest we ever get to a theatrical representation of the games. We also owe our gratitude to Greig Fraser, the cinematographer of films like Dune (2021) and Zero Dark Thirty (2012), for the film’s worldbuilding. The dark, sprawling establishing shots smashed against the manic close-ups evoke an eerie intimacy entwined with the mystery that a detective story must preserve. Michael Giacchino, the composer of Coco (2017), also turned the urbanized underbelly of Reeves’ Gotham into a captivating score, inadvertently creating one of the greatest music videos of all time for Nirvana’s “Something in the Way.” The cinematography, the set, and the score all come together to form one of the most immersive depictions of Gotham. The atmosphere is refined through every quality of filmmaking, and while Christopher Nolan’s Gotham was certainly a perfect set for his

films, there was an element of realism that distanced it from the comics. Reeves draws heavily from the comics to build his world, bringing places like the Iceberg Lounge, Bludhaven, and Arkham Asylum to life. When it comes to performances, Pattinson not only distinguishes himself from his own looming roles—most notably as Edward Cullen in the Twilight franchise—but he also manages to distinguish himself from the previous Batmans. George Clooney, Adam West, and Christian Bale all brought new and exciting dimensions to the character, and yet, with the help of Reeves, Pattinson managed to uncover a side of the character that has not been revealed and feels long overdue. His identity of Batman is not the recluse, existentially conflicted billionaire Bruce Wayne in Nolan’s films, or the iconic, self-proclaiming superhero of Tim Burton’s; he is a detached and self-destructive vessel of vengeance— a brooding detective who is still so deep in his grief that he does not remember what it means to be Bruce Wayne. Pattinson however, through careful direc-

tion and a balanced script, does not overshadow the other performances in the film— which is more impressive considering the crowded cast. Each character feels significant within the plotline and does not fall flat on screen time. Much of this is due to the tightly written script but is also because of the compelling performances by Farrel, Kravitz, and Wright. They all bring an individual dimension that adds complexity to the film without muddying or weighing it down. The character I had the most confidence in was the one I was most disappointed with (which may be a consequence of my expectations). Dano is an actor I have admired since I first saw him in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film There Will Be Blood (2007). I was ecstatic when he was cast as the Riddler and hoped he would bring the same emotional intensity I remember. While he certainly brought a commanding presence to the film, his two most climactic scenes were disappointing—neither of which I can discuss for the sake of not spoiling the film, but I will say that one scene could potentially rival the iconic scene in The Dark Knight where Heath Ledger’s Joker terrorizes a man in a meat freezer; instead it felt like a conspiracy-addled Reddit user addressing his peers. Despite the shortcomings in Dano’s performance, which may have more to do with directing than acting, the film points in a promising direction for DC. With two upcoming television series already spun off the film— one set to revolve around the Penguin (to be released on HBO Max) and another around the Gotham City Police Department—there is a bright (and brooding) future for this Batman universe. With a very exciting ending, there is certainly another film to come.

sports & health

Editor | Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca

Deadline deals The all-star break offers the Toronto Maple Leafs a moment before one of their tightest schedules Omar Khan Columnist

he National Hockey League (NHL) trade deadline is approaching in two weeks, and the Leafs have several key issues to address. The two most prominent holes in their lineup are on defense and goaltending. An interesting note about these deficiencies is that they can both fix themselves. Last year’s Leafs team, when looking at defense, was near identical to its current iteration. This year, Jake Muzzin has battled injuries and not played like himself. Subsequently, his partner, Justin Holl, has seen a significant decline in production, even being a healthy scratch at times. “Holl is playing like he’s in Space Jam and one of The Monstars took his abilities,” said Daanish Alvi, a third-year student in the Technology, Coding & Society program, and an avid hockey fan. While Muzzin is projected to be back from injury before the playoffs, Holl has consistently proven that he is not the player he once was. This leaves the Leafs with a few options within the organization and through trade. Within the organization, Timothy Liljegren and newly acquired Ilya Lyubushkin can possibly be adequate. The is-

sue with Liljegren is that he is still a rookie and learning how to play in the NHL. One day he will be ready for a bigger role, but for now, he still needs to develop. As for Lybushkin, his skill set is better suited for the third pair, where his sub-par skating and puck handling will be less of an issue, and he can use his strength to supplement the checking lines. As for outside solutions, there are a number of trade possibilities. Firstly, Josh Manson has been linked to the Leafs for a long time. He brings a defensive mindset, grit, and style of play that would all help the Leafs. Unfortunately, Manson would be very expensive and is a free agent at the end of the year. Thus, he would only be a rental player. Given the Leafs’ current prospect pool, the draft picks they have left, and how past rental players have panned out, Manson is not a likely candidate, unless the deal is too good to be true. Luke Schenn has a lot of the promise that Josh Manson has, with none of the drawbacks. At a much lower cap hit, Schenn provides similar benefits to Manson and can do so for two more years. Schenn seems to be the more likely option as he will also cost less to acquire. As for goaltending, this situation will most likely solve itself. Starting goalie Jack Campbell has been struggling since

the new year, and recently, news broke that he has been dealing with an injury for a while now and will be unavailable for the next two weeks. Hopefully, when Campbell comes back healthy, he will return to his Vezina-like performance from earlier in the year. The offence for the Leafs seems to be the most lethal weapon this team has. The top line of Bunting – Matthews – Marner has proved to be the best line in hockey. Auston Matthews has cemented himself as the Hart trophy favorite for most valuable player. Mitch Marner has become a complete goal scorer, scoring four goals in a crazy 10 to 7 game against Detroit. Lastly, Michael Bunting could win the Calder trophy for rookie of the year, even though he barely meets the requirements for a rookie. The second line is perhaps just as interesting. John Tavares and William Nylander, who were both struggling to produce a week ago, are now lighting up the scoresheet, especially when paired with highly touted rookie, Nick Robertson. This line will likely be fine for the rest of the season and the playoffs. Thus, no need for trades here. The performance of the defence and goaltending, over the next two weeks, will tell Dubas and the front office if and how to address issues on the team and how soon to do so. While these issues are persistent, it is paramount that they are solved come playoff time.

Take a chance, try something new, and do what you love Jan Rondilla discusses her love of volleyball, her community at UTM, and her desire to help others. Robert Bui Campus Athletics Correspondent

an Rondilla is a fourth-year student completing a major in Psychology and a double minor in Anthropology and Biology here at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). Rondilla also plays for the women’s Tri-Campus volleyball team that competes against our fellow U of T campuses: Scarborough and St. George. Rondilla grew up in Kenora, Ontario. There, she first played volleyball in her elementary gym class. She also played for the volleyball team throughout high school career at St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School. The highlight of her high school career was making it to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) semi-finals playing mainly Libero for her team. OFSAA is the provincial level of athletics in Ontario, where the ability to compete is earned after schools win their respective regional qualifiers. Rondilla said that it was the prestige of the school and the programs available that brought her to UTM. Although attending the campus meant moving away from family, she

felt like it was a good change. Rondilla saw her university experience as a way to gain independence in her life. During her first year at UTM, Rondilla devoted her free time to volleyball, saying that it was an easier medium for her to socialize compared to going to gatherings. After finding out about drop-in sports, she would go to every volleyball session: “Sometimes I had to skip class because that was how much I wanted to play volleyball.” After learning about tri-campus volleyball in her second year, Rondilla tried out for the women’s team to see if she was good enough to make the cut. After all her time devoted practicing in high school and during her first year, she made the team. When asked about what she likes about tri-campus sports, Rondilla said, “It’s cool to travel to different campuses, see what their schools are like and their gyms. The level of competition makes it fun too. It feels professional going on a team bus and playing against strong teams.” Rondilla is an executive of the Canadian Asian Student Society (CASS). From her experience as member and executive, she said, “Especially for students in first year who don’t know anybody, CASS is a good way to meet people and network. They do cool stuff like parties and gatherings and it’s engaging.”

We asked Rondilla if she felt like she should have joined CASS sooner, and her response was “definitely,” but that she felt too shy and overwhelmed at the time to join clubs. As an executive, she gives her advice to first years: “Just go for it, the clubs aren’t going to say no to you, they want more people. After students take that first step, it snowballs from there.” Before majoring in Psychology, Rondilla considered Life Sciences with the goal of making it to medical school. She ultimately realized that Life Sciences wasn’t the right fit for her, and decided to pursue Psychology, which always piqued her interest. Rondilla worked as a student at the Lake of Woods District Hospital during her

summers in Kenora. There, she helped the mental health and addiction department by organizing and facilitating social activities. Rondilla says that the experience made her aware of real-world mental illnesses outside of what she had learned from books. She found that her time at the hospital reinforced her passion for helping others: “It’s really fulfilling to see the progress of patients from when they get admitted to when they leave.” Rondilla will be graduating this June and plans to work for a year while she figures out exactly what she wants to do as a career. Down the road, she wants to achieve a Master’s degree in an area of Psychology that she thinks is best suited for her. We wish Rondilla all the best with her future. You can find out more information about Tri-Campus Sports on the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness website.