Volume 48, Issue 23 by The Medium

Issue 23 Volume 48 March 28 2022

Editorial Elizabeth Provost and Elisa Nguyen Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

ramed print issues covered the muted blue walls, worn slippers were tucked underneath the bookshelf, chewed-up pens filled the cup holders, poetry books lined the shelves, a nearempty bottle of whiskey huddled in the corner of our small kitch-

en—it was as if with each traversing editor, a relic was left behind. We looked at each other from behind our new desks, decades of history waiting for us to make our move, like spectators at a chess game. It was our first day in office, and we needed a strategy. But first, we desperately needed to redecorate. And so, we did. We had seen through archived photos that the space had changed throughout the years, but barely; most of the change seemed to involve a minor rearrangement of desks, as if the etiquette when visiting a friend’s home applied to The Medium’s of-

fice. Editors served for a short term of one to three years, so it made sense that our ancestors might have felt that way. Or maybe they were too busy to do a bit of decluttering. With a small team in charge of writing a rough draft of UTM’s history, they had every excuse. In any case, we were the new homeowners, the next generation, the torch-bearers, and we needed to make room for the present. >> EDITORIAL continues on page 08

NEWS

Editor | May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

Man facing charges after attacking congregates in Mississauga mosque Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre is considering amplifying security measures during prayer after people inside were assaulted with bear spray during prayer. May Alsaigh News Editor

n March 19, officers received a call regarding an assault that took place inside a Mississauga mosque where multiple people were attacked with bear repellent spray. Peel Regional Police believe the attack to be a “hate-motivated incident,” and 24-year-old

RUMMAN AMIN/UNSPLASH

Mohammed Moiz Omar is facing several charges. Several witnesses stated they saw Omar enter the mosque with a hatchet in one hand and bear spray in the other during Fajr, dawn prayer, around 7 a.m. According to the imam of the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre, Ibrahim Hindy, there was a group of 20 people praying shortly before the attack took place. “It’s a scar that is going to take a long time before it goes away. But at the same time, we’re not going to let this deter us from coming to the mosque,” says Noorani Sairally, one of the 20 men praying, to CTV News. On the same day, Omar appeared in a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. He faced multiple charges including “assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, uttering threats, carrying a concealed weapon and mischief to religious property,” according to the Peel Regional Police website.

Fortunately, members of the mosque were able to repress the attacker before police arrived at the scene. After dragging the man to another prayer area, members found a bag containing various other sharp-edged objects on his person, including another ax and knives. The mosque is now considering keeping its doors locked during prayer times due to the frightening incident. Many people sustained minor injuries after being sprayed in the eyes and throat, while others had to run outside due to the severity of the spray. One other person, however, was struck by the axe. Commander of 12 Division, Superintended Rob Higgs states in a recent conference, “Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our community, and we are taking this matter extremely seriously. This is an ongoing investigation led by 12 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau and we will continue to work closely with our community partners as our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Divisional Mobilization Officers continue to engage

with faith leaders and community members.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes the matter to social media calling the attack “incredibly disturbing.” In his tweet published on March 19, Trudeau writes, “I strongly condemn this violence—which has no place in Canada—and I’m keeping the community in my thoughts today. I also want to applaud the courage of those who were there this morning.” Toronto Mayor John Tory also shares his thoughts on Twitter, stating he is thankful for those who were able to stop the attack. “We stand with the Muslim community in Mississauga, Toronto and across Canada in the wake of this assault,” he writes. Peel police are set to continue this investigation while the mosque is providing support for those affected by the incident. Meanwhile, members of the mosque are already raising money to restore the mosque in time for the holy month of Ramadan. So far, Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre has raised more than $3,000.

Looking back with the UTMSU: Financial literacy, mental health, and guaranteed food security President Mitra Yakubi and the UTMSU team review this year’s achievements while reflecting on Covid-19 obstacles. Larry Lau Associate News Editor

“I

t was a challenging year for most of us due to the pandemic and the closing and reopening of campus,” states University of Toronto Mississauga’s Student Union’s (UTMSU) President, Mitra Yakubi, as she looks back on the year in an email interview with The Medium. Despite facing various unprecedented challenges, the UTMSU achieved several accomplishments during the 2021 to 2022 academic year for the student body. This year, the UTMSU hosted its first ever Undergraduate Research Symposium, greatly raising awareness about UTM’s students’ research. To smoothen students’ transition into university life, the UTMSU also launched its Student Survival Guide, which provides information including the availability of campus resources for academics and finances, as well as some all-around tips on how to achieve success in university. In cooperation with the Canada Revenue Agency, the UTMSU organized financial literacy workshops, allowing both domestic and international students to familiarize themselves with Canada’s tax system and potential scams to look out for. Recognizing the vitality of students’ mental health, the UTMSU introduced numerous initiatives and programs spe-

cifically geared towards improving the mental wellbeing of students. To begin with, the UTMSU successfully lobbied for embedded mental health counsellors within each department, increasing the accessibility of mental health resources. In like manner, the UTMSU reintroduced the My Mental Health Matters campaign, which included week-long programs in both semesters of the academic year. These programs were specifically organized to address the prevalence of depression and anxiety among university students, most notably increasing awareness of mental health matters and resources for the student body. Another program that was introduced this year is the UTMSU Health and Wellness Program, which included numerous virtual and in-person sessions for students to discuss their mental health concerns and disorders. To address difficulties faced by students entering the workforce, the UTMSU proudly introduced a job readiness support program. This program included workshops and professional headshot services to help students better present themselves to potential employers. To a similar end, in collaboration with the Career Centre, the UTMSU organized successful workshops such as the “Finding Summer Jobs & Internships” and “Internships & Personal Branding.” The importance of physical health was

not neglected either, as the UTMSU successfully negotiated for increased coverage in UTM student’s health and dental plans without a premium increase. Essentially, students will receive more services for the same pricing as previously years. Many of the UTMSU’s actions were aimed at guaranteeing the security and quality of food to students as well. Regarding food security, the UTMSU expanded the food centre on campus, increasing accessibility to food for those in need. As for food quality, UTMSU successfully removed Chartwells as UTM’s main food provider, a position now held by Aramark Corporation. The previous food provider received many complaints regarding its pricing and lackluster food quality, especially by students living in residence. Several organizations were faced with numerous challenges due to this year’s unpredictable restrictions. “Many events such as Orientation Week and SaugaFest had to be dialed down to meet the safety guidelines and restrictions,” states Yakubi. Regardless, through adapting to changing circumstances, the UTMSU strived to ensure that all events still served to support UTM students in their endeavours. It is still too early to think about the UTMSU’s plans for the upcoming academic year due to a change of executive teams as the year ends. Regardless, the future holds much promise, since the UTMSU will remain dedicated to providing students with cost-saving services, campaigns, and events that will strengthen the connection between UTM students.

Letter signed by over 300 Jewish faculty members addresses anti-Semitism on campus 45 U of T faculty members sign a letter accusing renowned human activist of anti-Palestinian racism resulting in backlash from Jewish community. May Alsaigh News Editor

ver the past few months, students and faculty have criticized U of T regarding the recent rise of antiSemitism on campus. On March 7, 316 Jewish faculty members at U of T signed an open letter addressing the matter and accusing 45 other faculty members of launching an anti-Semitic attack. The controversy stems from a speech given on January 26 for International Holocaust Remembrance Day by Irwin Cotler, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. The retired politician and human rights activist based his speech on contemporary anti-Semitism, which prompted complaints from 45 U of T faculty members who released a public letter in response to Cotler. In their own letter, they acknowledged that Holocaust Remembrance is important to commemorate, however, the event had instead “reinforced anti-Palestinian racism in a way that is consistent with a broader pattern of silencing and erasure of Palestinian voices.” While Cotler’s aim was to address prejudice against Jewish people, some members felt the speech fortified racism against Palestinians. Further, the letter goes on to address current Palestinian concerns around campus, specifically the “ongoing targeting and harassment of medical students and faculty who speak up in support of Palestinian life and liberation.”

“Members demand the acknowledgement of antiPalestinian racism on campus and for the support of all students and faculty to speak against racism and harassment without fearing ‘reprisal and defamation.’” At the end of their letter, members demand the acknowledgement of anti-Palestinian racism on campus and for the support of all students and faculty to speak against racism and harassment without fearing “reprisal and defamation.”

In response, Jewish faculty members submitted their own letter denouncing these anti-Palestinian claims and deeming the contents of the letter as “twisted logic and antisemitic rhetoric.” Directed to Acting Dean Patricia Houston of U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the letter accuses the 45 members of not only attacking Cotler’s presentation, but also attacking the Jewish community. A response to the statement is yet to be voiced.

“Anti-Semitism has been an ongoing discourse among U of T students and staff even prior to the signing of these letters.” However, anti-Semitism has been an ongoing discourse among U of T students and staff even prior to the signing of these letters. U of T’s Anti-Semitism Working Group recently released a report in December 2021 presenting eight recommendations to address antiSemitic racism and religious discrimination on campus. The report also outlines definitions of anti-Semitism and how U of T can combat improper use of the term. One of the recommendations includes emphasizing accommodations such as kosher food—an ongoing issue that was readdressed late last year. After a particular motion was passed, students promptly took the matter to social media expressing their discontent. U of T’s Scarborough Campus Student Union voted for the passing and endorsement of boycott, divestment, and economic sanctions (BDS) against Israel which led to sudden backlash from students and faculty. Passed in November 2021, the motion prohibited union members to purchase Kosher foods unless bought from companies that do not support Israel—essentially banning pro-Israel Kosher caterers. While some Palestinian students advocated for this movement, several Jewish students expressed their dissatisfaction against U of T and their student union. Students and faculty continue to monitor the university at this time to ensure the avoidance of further anti-Semitic concerns.

Razia Saleh Associate News Editor

U of T plans for its first in-person convocation after Covid-19 As the Ontario government continues to loosen restrictions, universities have introduced new regulations and brought back the return of numerous events. After two years of virtual convocations, students of the graduating class of 2022 will be having an in-person graduation ceremony. Like all of U of T’s in-person gatherings, the convocation will follow Covid-19 protocols to ensure the safety of attendees. The ceremony will take place at Convocation Hall at U of T’s St. George campus. U of T’s Spring convocation will have more than 15,500 students graduating with 32 separate ceremonies between June 2 and 24. The university will release details on the number of guests at a later time.

Mississauga’s former mayor renews position as UTM special advisor The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is renewing its partnership with Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga of 36 years, in the appointed role as a Special Advisor. The role designates McCallion as a guest lecturer while allowing her to help cultivate a master’s program in urban innovation and development at UTM’s Institute for Management and Innovation. She also has been working to develop a non-credit training course for those aspiring to enter public service. Her 36 years of knowledge as Mississauga’s previous mayor will be beneficial in advising future projects and developments around campus.

IPCC report outlines concerning statistics on the world warming climate The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its sixth assessment report on the impacts of climate change and reviewed the limits the human world can press on the natural world’s resources. The report states that in the next two decades, the risk of the climate increasing to 1.5 degrees Celsius is high and that planting a tree is not enough to save the planet from catastrophic changes to the environment. The report looks to stop the production of fossil fuels across the world and immediately find alternative forms of energy to thrive on. More information on the recent IPCC report can be found on their website.

Celebrating 195 years at U of T Students, faculty, librarians, and staff across all three campuses honoured U of T’s 195 birthday by wearing white and blue on March 15. Founded in 1827, U of T has accumulated a lot of notable history. The university took this day to celebrate the amazing scientific discoveries over the past 195 years. U of T has been recognized by various celebrities including The Weeknd, who donated $50,000 for the school’s Ethiopic Studies, and Fred VanVleet, who launched a scholarship with the university for Black and Indigenous students. U of T’s Twitter page took the opportunity to quiz the community on how much they know about the university.

UTM commemorates Sustainability Week on campus From March 14 to 18, UTM’s Master of Science in Sustainability Management held its annual Sustainability Week to encourage students to destress for the upcoming exam season. The week includeed a series of student-led events designed to bring the UTM community more knowledge on sustainability and encourage more sustainable behavior. Their goals are to celebrate sustainability initiatives at UTM and to build meaningful connections among the campus community to work towards a sustainable future. Students are able to obtain CCR credit after completing a minimum of three sessions from the events by March 31. The events included learning about financial wellness, learning the importance of technology and its relation to sustainability, and many more.

Yemen’s hunger crisis leaves millions coping with ‘emergency levels of hunger’ Price of food and basic commodities expected to skyrocket in 2022 contributing to Yemen’s devastating starvation crisis. May Alsaigh News Editor

ith

more than half of its population facing famine and starvation, Yemen remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Numerous reports by various organizations, including the United Nations (UN), indicate the number of malnourished Yemenis grow each year, with children accounting more than 70 per cent of noted deaths. On March 16, the UN released an article on their website stating that $4.3 billion is needed to address Yemen’s degenerating food shortages in 2022—an additional 45 million from last year. This funding would reach 17.2 million people, who after the civil war in 2014, have been stripped of their resources. However, more than 23 million people in Yemen are facing hunger and disease due to the disintegrating economy. The World Food Programme even states in an article published on March 14 that “Yemen’s already dire hunger crisis is teetering on the edge of outright catastrophe.” The humanitarian aid organization predicts the situation to worsen between June and December 2022 due to the alarming food needs that will likely increase in the near future. The conflict in Ukraine is no help to Yemen, as 90 per cent of their food is imported from Ukraine and will likely result in

major import shocks. Specifically, one third of Yemen’s wheat originates from Ukraine and Russia. With these new shortages and restrictions, Yemen’s food costs are skyrocketing even faster than before. Yemen’s civil war is another significant factor affecting the country’s death toll and starvation rates. Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 10,000 children have been killed or injured, with an estimated two million internally displaced. Due to the war, millions of children are also out of school and unable to access education. Instead, several of these damaged schools are being used to shelter displaced families and for military purposes. UN’s Children Fund (UNICEF) even revealed that children were battling the highest levels of severe acute malnutrition in 2021, with almost 400,000 children under the age of five facing ‘imminent risk of death.’ A lack of funding for the UN has forced the organization to cut back nearly two-thirds of life-saving programs, only aggravating Yemen’s declining conflict. On March 16, SecretaryGeneral of UN António Guterres introduced shocking information in a virtual high-level pledging event for the crisis in Yemen. “Food rations have just been reduced for eight million people, with devastating consequences. In the coming weeks, nearly four million people in major cities may now lose access to safe drinking water,” Guterres stated. The alarming starvation rates call upon numerous countries to put forth every effort to mitigate the crisis. This year, the European Union allocated 135 million euros, or approximately C$188 million, to address Yemen’s conflict. The funding is aimed to reduce malnu-

trition rates and provide emergency assistance. In comparison, Canada announced C$62.5 million in funding earlier this month to UN agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other non-governmental organizations. The funding is also aimed to respond to those most affected by the crisis in Yemen. To help those starving in Yemen, raising awareness and urging governments to address the situation is crucial. An online petition on Change.org with nearly three million signatures demands the government of Yemen and international leaders for assistance in a number of areas, including renewing efforts to ‘bring lasting peace in Yemen.’ Donating is also another powerful method to help those in need in Yemen. Founded in the United Kingdom, Save the Children Fund is a charity that addresses children’s rights around the world. The organization dedicates an entire page to the crisis of Yemen and welcomes donations to provide urgent humanitarian assistance. With Yemen’s staggering situation expected to worsen in upcoming months, now is the time to act. Raising awareness, signing petitions, and donating are only a few of many ways to support Yemen and its starving population.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022-2023

Scholars Strike Canada: A three-day protest against policing and carcerality Professors Beverly Bain and Min Sook Lee organize their second labour action to address issues of policing on campus and introduce ideas of abolition and defunding. Mikael Syed Contributor

cholars Strike Canada (SSC) hosted another major labour action on March 21 to March 23 to address carceral systems while advocating for the abolishment and defunding of police. The three-day labour action consisted of two days of virtual teach-ins, as well as a public gathering in Toronto called Reclaim! Abolition Tour 2022. On their website, SCC states their goal to “Defund, Demilitarize and Abolish Police, Prisons and All Forms of Carcerality.” Among many demands, the organization asks for all police forces to be defunded by at least 50 per cent, with resources being shifted to community-based groups. The specific date of March 21 was meant to commemorate the 1960 Sharpville Massacre, where 69 protestors were killed after police officers in a black township in South Africa opened fire against peaceful protesters. This was the second time that SSC has carried out their major labour action. Over the course of two days, virtual teach-ins were conducted by activists, scholars, and students, with the final day being a protest held in downtown Toronto named “Day of Action.” Beverly Bain, a Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), and Min Sook Lee, a Faculty of Arts professor at OCAD University, established SSC in September 2020 with the purpose of addressing and protesting the consistent number of police killings and violence against racialized communities in North America and elsewhere. In Canada, during 2021, there were a multitude of recorded police shootings, with Indigenous Peoples making up a majority of the 64 confirmed shootings.

The two activists feel it is important to bring attention to these issues. According to a brief email interview with Bain, “It is impossible for those of us who are scholars, students, and activists to remain silent as the lives of so many of us continue to be further imperiled through militarization, war, incarceration and carcerality,” she shares with The Medium. March 21 was the first day of virtual teach-ins. A total of six teach-ins were presented on that day, which involved poetry, political discussion, and conversation regarding various topics. These included discussions on society’s relationship with natural resources, the rise of prejudice, and the emergence of alt-right movements. Furthermore, some of the primary topics of discussion included “Imagining a Police-Free U of T” and “All Prisoners are Political Prisoners.” The March 22 virtual teach-ins prompted various discussions. The first teach-in, “Policing the Pandemic,” invited discourse on police powers in the pandemic as well as racism present during the enforcement of public health measures. The last teach-in titled “The Backlash to Police Defunding and Abolition” featured Canadian activists, such as author Demond Cole and activist Kara Passey, who witnessed the backlash to police abolishment movements in their regions including Nunavut, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island.

The final day, March 23, featured a walking trip through historically significant landmarks and places where speakers connected their history to current issues. Alexandra Park, surrounded by Dundas Street West and Bathurst Street, and Queens Park were just a few of the many sites that were visited during this tour. SSC has been met with support by multiple scholars and universities in Canada. In September 2020, @YorkULions tweeted their support with a message from their Athletics & Recreation Executive Director, Jennifer Myers. “We stand in solidarity with all academics, scholars, and individuals who work in academia in support of the Scholars Strike in Canada,” Myers writes. In the same year, @QueensUHealth also tweeted, “On Sept. 9 & 10, @QueensUHealth is recognizing Scholar’s Strike Canada in the fight against anti-Black Racism & police violence against BIPOC people.” Since then, the support for SCC has continued to emerge as a movement gaining the attention of numerous universities and organizations—even leading toward a second strike in 2022. SCC has demonstrated a clear concern toward policing and placed pressure on these structures to better address matters of racism. With the support of various individuals and organizations, SCC will continue to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups while inviting discussions from all people and fostering space for discourse among community members.

MASTHEAD EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Provost editor@themedium.ca

OPINION

Editor | Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca

Managing Editor Elisa Nguyen managing@themedium.ca News May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca Opinion Aroni Sarkar opinion@themedium.ca Features Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca A&E Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca Sports Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca Photo Hayden Mak photos@themedium.ca Design Manjot Pabla design@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

TO CONTRI BUTE & CONNECT: themedium.ca/contact @themediumUTM

@themediumUTM

@themessageUTM

@humansofUTM_

ZACH BETTEN/UNSPLASH

Not everything we do needs to be “productive” Reject the stigma attached to “doing nothing” and embrace the joys of leisure and free time. Faiza Sattar Contributor

“T

ake breaks.” This is the first piece of advice entrepreneur Jared Atchison gives in a 2021 Forbes article titled, “How To Avoid Burnout And Stay Productive: Four Ways.” And he’s not alone. You don’t have to look far to notice that it’s become a common refrain in popular discourse, especially in self-improvement circles, to extol the virtues of slowing down and taking breaks as a method of boosting long-term productivity. Except, this cultural preoccupation with justifying our downtime as “productive” alludes to a problematic cultural myth that leisure and rest time, like the meritocratic ideal of success, is something that is earned.

“Labour is not a prerequisite for rest and leisure.” Regardless of what societal norms insist, labour is not a prerequisite for rest and leisure. In fact, according to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, it’s a human right. Yet, this is not the message that we get from popular discourse. In the era of “hustle culture” there is an expectation that our every waking moment should be spent efficiently. A quick glance at YouTube and you’ll find tens of thousands of videos titled “productive morning routine” demonstrating the stigma we as a culture attach to seemingly unproductive behaviour. Despite what some insist, free time is not bad for you. In fact, it’s vital to your wellbeing and sense of self. According to a 2021 study, the more time people spent in leisure, the better their wellbeing, as long as that leisure involved an active pastime, like socializing, rather than passively scrolling through social media.

“This right is about more than just the right to be lazy, it’s about challenging the underlying cultural belief that human worth derives from a person’s productive capacity.”

In discussions of human rights, it may seem unimportant to argue that the right to rest and leisure are fundamental to human dignity. Yet, this right is about more than just the right to be lazy, it’s about challenging the underlying cultural belief that human worth derives from a person’s productive capacity. When human beings are reduced to their ability to perform labour, they are denied their full humanity. Indeed, it may not seem like a big deal when the average worker must do overtime at their employer’s request, cutting into their personal time. But eventually, this continuous lack of free time chips away at the core of who we are outside of work. Indeed, a 2018 study confirmed that leisure time was important in enforcing young adults’ sense of self outside of family, work, and school commitments.

“Many employees in the U.K., Canada, and the US reported working longer hours amidst the switch to remote work in 2020.” However, the unfortunate reality remains that the average worker today has limited free time. Despite a decrease in working hours over the last century, there is evidence to suggest that more people’s commutes have increased in the last twenty years, as well as the amount of time they spend at work. Many employees in the U.K., Canada, and the US reported working longer hours amidst the switch to remote work in 2020. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Looking at other parts of the world, it’s easy to see how government policy can mediate the cultural emphasis between work and leisure time. In Western Europe, for example, the European Union mandates that employees are guaranteed a minimum of four weeks off work a year, not including public holidays. In contrast, the United States is the only advanced industrialized country in the world where workers are entitled to zero days of federally mandated paid leave. While Canada fares a bit better, with employees receiving a minimum of 10 paid vacation days a year, this still falls at the lower end of the spectrum. As media outlets like Vox have lamented, the notion of “productivity” and “hustle culture” are facing a serious re-evaluation. It’s time that we do the same with the often overlooked premise of leisure and rest.

Ear to the ground:

Convocation to be replaced with a play about Meric Gertler’s life.

The geese mafia

“Tears of a Principal” is set to be the biggest event of the last two years. Erin Delaney Satirist

ith convocation being held virtually the last two years, this year’s fourth-year students are anxiously awaiting the return of in-person convocation at the St. George Campus. Sweet fantasies of being on an actually pretty campus, celebrations with loved ones, and the ultimate goal of getting a degree that doesn’t have ‘Mississauga’ written on it— these were the dreams that kept motivation alive. But like with most things at the University of Toronto (U of T), those fourth-years should throw their dreams out the window, and get their butts on the edge of their seats for a brand-new theatrical experience. A brand-new play based on the life of Meric Gertler is coming to the Convocation Hall this June. Tears of a Principal: The Meric Gertler Story sponsored by Shell, is an experimental theatre experience that promises to show you a new side of our U of T principal— one you never wanted to see. We here at The Medium caught up with Meric Gertler during dress rehearsals for this exciting new run. “I definitely feel like this is my most personal project yet,” Gertler says in his dressing room while putting on his stage wig. “I was the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, and I’m gonna bring both art and science to the stage. I know I have a very long and detailed LinkedIn page, but if you scroll all the way down, I actually got my start playing Maria in the 1976 Edmonton community theatre production of the Sound of Music.” He was sure to remain humble. “I was just the understudy, but the actress playing the role just happened to fall and break both of her legs right outside of my dressing room. Such a funny coincidence.” “You know, the first virtual convocation was hard. I really like hearing people clap for me in-person, so it was weird having to clap for myself,” Gertler said while powdering his face with a big puff ball. “I was walking on campus after a really long day of ignoring students, thinking about how to really make Convocation pop, when I saw our new Defy Gravity ads, and it clicked. I can put on “Wicked” and be Elphaba!

Turns out, I couldn’t get the rights. But it was too late. I was bitten by the theatre bug, and it was worming its way through my heart and out of my mouth.” Gertler continued to talk about the project during his dance warm-up. “I always thought that the convocation ceremonies were way too chaotic and all over the place. So many people getting on the stage, so many people getting off the stage. Like, pick one already!” The first act of the play follows Gertler’s early life, from being an extra small cowboy in his Albertan childhood to turning into a hippie at the University of Southern California, before becoming absolutely insufferable after getting a PhD in Philosophy from Harvard. The crux of the play comes in the last half hour and focuses on Gertler’s Fossil Fuel Divestment scandal. Smarmy U of T students flood the stage, crying out against U of T’s habit of investing in fossil fuels. Just when you think those darn environmental activists have seized the day, Meric Gertler rises from beneath the stage. Dressed like the Black Swan, Gertler begins to dance around, sprinkling little drops of oil everywhere with each spin, and dazzling the entire audience with his unashamed commitment to fossil fuels. The students drown in the oil, a sexy little metaphor for the climate disaster Gertler only took five whole years to divest from. The play finally comes to a close, as the bodies of the U of T students decay through the decades of climate disaster, and Gertler finally experiences a change of heart. Sitting amongst the bodies of his valued tuition payers, Gertler begins to sing a little song, and just like that, the power of art brings the students back to life, and his heart grows three times its size. Gertler finally decides to divest from Fossil Fuels in 2021, and climate change was completely averted forever! Tears of a Principal: The Meric Gertler Story premieres at the Convocation Hall on June 2, featuring an ensemble of 2020 and 2021 U of T graduates who never had a convocation ceremony and who are desperate for literally any recognition of their academic achievement. Tickets go on sale after the end of the spring semester, and attendance is mandatory for all current students in order to make POSt.

By: Reid Fournier

Warning: confidential information ahead! Aya Yafaoui Columnist

t’s officially spring, UTM! With the budding flowers, the chirping birds, and the warmer weather, there descends a fearsome, dangerous cloud that will strike terror into the heart of any soulless student. You see, UTM often advertises the wildlife on campus, from the gentle deer to the plentiful squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. But there is one type of dreaded avian that takes over campus every spring, returning from their southern vacation: the geese. I’ve written about these hellish beings before but listen to me when I say that the geese are more than they seem. The UTM Canadian geese constitute a mafia family, one that won’t hesitate to take out a foolish student that entangles themselves with the happenings of this secret organization. You’ll see these dark-billed heathens often perching on the roof of IB, yelling profanities at the students hurrying by, or on the field outside Davis, planning their next scheme. No one knows what the UTM geese mafia really do, but rumour has it they secretly run all of UTM behind the scenes. They’ve allegedly got the principal locked up in Lislehurst, but don’t go looking for them lest you want to end up there too. Their biggest rivals are the squirrel clan and the pigeons from the downtown campus. It’s best you don’t try to talk to any of the geese or squirrels on campus since you don’t want to be perceived as taking a side. Though if you do accidently speak to either side, stop immediately, walk away quickly, and start babbling about something science-y. No one, not even mafia geese or squirrels, like STEM subjects. I’ve taken great risk warning you, dear readers, and this may be my last entry. So if it is, thank you for reading my silly little pieces and letting me be my quirky self, as I keep my ear to the ground.

Until next tiAya Yafaoui

Editorial

A year of unforgettable firsts When you reach the end of such a meaningful year in your life, the only thing left to do is to recount the memories, in hopes that they last forever. Elizabeth Provost and Elisa Nguyen Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

>> EDITORIAL continued from page 01 When the sun went down and the parking lots emptied, we took walks through Erindale Park, two newly acquainted strangers, often discussing our hopes and fears about the year ahead. “Even if we’re the only ones reading the paper, everything we do is worth it,” Liz said, her Converse sneakers crunching against gravel. “Everything written will be in the archives forever, and future students will be able to look back and see what was happening this year. Our little legacy.” A few weeks later, in the scorching heat of the late August sun, we were skipping down the five-minute-walk at UTM, filled with excitement as we distributed the Summer issue. Freshly-cut grass tickled our nostrils, and eager froshies emerged from desolate halls, touring with their parents—familiarizing themselves with a campus they wouldn’t get to experience for another four months. Our wobbly cart, overflowing with boxes of the first newspaper of the year, barely fit through the doorframes. We didn’t know how many students would actually be on campus, but we still wanted to give them a warm welcome. And so, we did. Issue 0 was a precursor to Volume 48. Our team piled together “Hot vaxx summer” stories, “School survival guide: a froshie’s path to success,” “Summer hits of 2021,” articles on the reopening of campus, introduced many new columns, and we wrote our first editorial titled “The Medium Renaissance,” detailing the new initiatives we would put to action. A girl cruising through the CCT hallway stopped, only a few feet away from one of our newspaper stands, to reference a pamphlet that she held. In the spur of the moment, Elisa greeted the unfamiliar face. “Hi, I’m Elisa and this is Liz, the Editor-in-Chief at The Medium, UTM’s campus newspaper.” Knowing her selflessness meant she often forgot to properly introduce herself, Liz quickly interrupted, adding, “Elisa is our Managing Editor.” The girl’s mother listened to our pitch about getting involved in student journalism and flipped through the freshly-printed newspaper. “You know, my daughter is a really talented writer. She is going to be studying English and was involved with her writing clubs in high school. How perfect that you two happened to be here!” We thanked the pair for their time and continued to pull our cart to the next newspaper stand, a little taller in our walk, daydreaming about the new faces we’d meet and the stories we’d hear. It wasn’t until later in

the year, after our first angry email from a writer who was shocked by the changes made to their article, that we would also feel the weight of our responsibility, and the frailty of our confidence when it was rooted in outcomes we couldn’t control. In those moments, we decided that the only thing we could do was to seek advice from past editors, make amends where possible, and continue to put our best foot forward. And so, we did. At our first team social in midSeptember, we gathered for our first face-to-face pitch meeting at an outdoor table in Erindale Park. Joggers ran past with their dogs on a leash, kids chased each other in circles on the green lawn, and the sizzle of barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs wafted through the warm breeze. We introduced ourselves to each other, finally able to see the smiles that didn’t quite translate through a screen. With every laugh over Cards Against Humanity, a game we played as journalists offthe-clock, we realized that our team consisted of unique individuals that we had so much to learn from. This was before we’d get caught up in weekly tasks, and before the strain of working remotely would create communication barriers. It was a time when we could enjoy one of the most rewarding parts of our work—simply being a community. Our role was largely running the paper from behind our desks, but our

community ran deeper than we realized. We were invited to visit the factory where our newspapers were printed from humming machines that reached from wall to wall, ceiling to floor, and that were managed by operators who had worked decades in the printing industry. “This is Mike,” Antonina told us, the owner of the printing company which was founded in 1991. “Every week he colour-corrects the newspaper before it’s sent to print. He’s a new grandfather, and always says how much he loves looking at your paper.” Antonina told us about her family’s business and the lurking politics between printing companies. It seemed like no matter where we went, quarrels were unavoidable, but so were long-lasting relationships. On our drive back to campus, we passed lush forests that bordered Mississauga Road. We recalled the editorials from past volumes of The Medium and the feuds that erupted, and dissipated, becoming another page in our archives. Now it was our chapter, and we hoped to achieve everything we set our minds to. And so, we did. The publishing year flew by, and we watched our team excel at everything they did, while simultaneously helping us grow as individuals. When you reach the end of such a meaningful year in your life, the only thing left to do is to recount the memories, in hopes that they last forever. Thank you to our friends and mentors, Ali Taha and Paula Cho, for your continued guidance and friendship. To past editors who continue to read the paper and remind us of our rich history, especially Robert Price and Luke Sawczak, thank you for being an email away whenever we needed you. To everyone on our editorial team this year—May Alsaigh, Aroni Sarkar, Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes, Danica Teng, Duaa Nasir, Hayden Mak, Nikolas Towsey, Manjot Pabla, Juliana Stacey, Miguel DaSilva, Belicia Chevolleau—and all our associates and correspondents, for your hard work, your honesty, and your patience. Thank you to all the writers who contributed insightful and intelligent articles to The Medium. Thank you to Antonina Morabito and the entire team at MasterWeb for your kindness and dedication in getting our newspapers printed weekly. Lastly, thank you to you, reader, for keeping us accountable, celebrating our achievements, and being the reason for this all. This was a year of many unforgettable ‘firsts’ for the both of us. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve as Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor at arguably the best (and only) independent newspaper at UTM. We hope that students will continue to use The Medium as a place to champion student stories.

Summer Stories: Big Blowout

: Learning about love

The ultimate party for a Covid-19 free summer.

Liz shares what she has learned after being The Medium’s cupid Elizabeth Provost Editor-in-Chief

Dear readers, After a year of being The Medium’s cupid, I’ve realized many things about this crazy big thing called love. I’ve received both positive and negative feedback for starting a column with no stated credentials—each I am equally grateful for. I’ve tried my best to answer your questions, provide a listening ear, and share my experiences with you. Reading your questions and stories made me realize that we all share experiences. This only reminds me that you are never alone. Last week, an anonymous individual sent me an email regarding one of my recent FLWL entries. The individual stated that my advice of loving oneself before being loved by others was “bad and harmful.” They mentioned that people are capable of being loved even if they do not love themselves, and that loving yourself is not easy, that it takes time and a journey. I agree to both points, and I apologize if my initial answer was insensitive or unclear. Self-love is the hardest love of all. I never said it was easy. But it is also the most important love of all. Rome wasn’t built in one day, neither is self-love. Self-confidence, dependence, mental health, and past experiences all play into self-love—putting aside your past or present circumstances to make room for you is not an easy feat. It took me a very long time to learn to love myself—and I still have my days when I don’t. But, as I’ve faced hardships in my life, be it heartbreak, loss, failure, or disappointment, with each added ounce of self-love, I’ve been able to handle those situations better and look inward for answers. The individual who submitted their feedback—who I thank for letting me think introspectively—signed their letter, “If you don’t love yourself, I love you.” I echo the sentiment. I love you all and thank you for allowing me to have this space. I hope you find love—be it within yourself, from others, for others, or with others. Love is fragile, and so are you. Give yourself time and forgive yourself and those around you. You will never have all the answers, but you will find your truth. Always and forever with love, Liz (who is recently single and exercising every ounce of selflove) xo

Simran Rattanpal Contributor

Summer Stories: Irresponsible responsibilities No Nelson, you cannot eye my DM’s and shove your air particles down my throat. Mikael Syed Contributor

ith the move to a more in-person environment this summer, my excitement is unmatched. Along with my fellow peers at the prestigious campus of the University of Toronto Mississauga, the changing of seasons, a clear sky, and a fresh start, this summer holds many possibilities. However, on closer inspection, I find that it may be quite the opposite. First and foremost, part-time jobs! If you are like the average college student trying to pay for your tuition, you may find yourself in a series of crappy jobs this summer. Instead of spending eight hours on campus, holed up in a dark corner of the IB Building wincing at the brightness of my computer screen, I plan to work at my local Walmart, directing adults to the self-checkout line while also being insulted by high schoolers about my high-waisted work pants (they’re comfortable, okay?). Venues are finally increasing their capacity. Concerts, clubs, and bars are now in the equation for me to have a whimsical summer. You know what sounds like the perfect night out? The thought of having to spend $300 to stand behind a seven-foot giant while I’m on my toes trying to catch a glimpse of The Weeknd. Lifted mask mandates seems to be another aspect that’s a sight for sore eyes (unless you’re ‘mask-fishing’ of course). While I sit on the bus to my beloved part-time job, I can only imagine 60-year-old Nelson breathing down my neck, eyeing my DM’s, shoving his air particles down my throat. At the end of the day, I feel as though the summer won’t be complete garbage. Ali, one of my good friends and a firstyear financial economics specialist, has a strangely positive outlook. “This summer is what you make of it. If you choose to completely focus on the downsides, you’ll miss out on all that can be offered,” says the guy that’s $2000 in debt because of NFTs. Do what you will with that information.

was truly losing faith in a completely free, Covid-19 mandate-less summer. Year after year we have had to limit what we were able to do, the friends we are able to hang out with, and the places we are able to visit. The Ontario government has now lifted the mask mandate, increased capacities for venues and outdoor spaces, and limited many vaccine requirements, opening up all of our options for summer—something we haven’t had in years. Because I can now see whoever I want, I am going to invite all my friends over for a giant end-of-examsseason-beginning-of-summer kickoff. We all deserve to let off some steam. To make sure this is the event of a lifetime, I’ve gone all out for everything. Epic party list: 1. There will be a pool because what is summer without a nice cool pool to float around in? 2. Bouncy castles, because you are never too old for that. 3. Surround-sound speakers that connect to the best summer playlist during the day. 4. A massive drive-in theater screen at night for a relaxing movie night. 5. And of course, we have to eat, so a gourmet buffet will be available throughout the entire day. Fireworks, cake, refreshments—name it and it will be there. Nothing short of perfection will be accepted, we do have two whole summers to make up for. See you all there! Sincerely, Your Party Planner Extraordinaire

Until we meet again: NEWS

OpINION

Features

It has been a pleasure working alongside you all. Believe it or not, even as editors, we are working on our writing and editing skills as are you and so, I am extremely grateful for all that I have learned from you. I can only hope that you have learned a bit from me too. I started The Medium with no intention of making it this far but to be quite honest, I am glad that it did. This experience has directed me to many amazing and skilled writers and editors that I have had the pleasure of getting to know. It’s been a wild ride, but I am grateful for every moment of it. I hope to see you all advancing your incredible work with The Medium as I will most definitely continue reading articles and merrily cheering you on.

Dear Opinion Writers,

I still remember the first time I got published in The Medium. I rushed to the Student Centre on my skateboard, grabbed an issue from the Student Centre stand, and flipped to my article in the Features section. Picking up that issue was the first time I felt part of a larger community. The first time I found my true passion for journalism. To me, The Medium is a place that connects and engages students. A place that informs readers, strengthens bonds, and builds trust.

Contributors: May Alsaigh (23) Razia Saleh (23) Larry Lau (21) Anjalli Becharbhai (19) Shreya Joshi (8) Hema Ramnarine (5) Colin Chau (3) Haya Abu Ghosh (3) Dalainey Gervais (2) Isik Vera Senel (2) Lydia Clarke Rehman (2) Caroline Mekhaeil (2) Sukaina Rizvi (2) Kareena Kailass (1) Hadeel Rashed (1) Marisa Capano (1) Aroni Sarkar (1) Louis Lam (1) Jonathan Divine Angubua (1) Amanda Liu (1) Maryam Patel (1) Suhanee Sood (1) Reagan Roopnarine (1) Nicole Judd (1) Kiara Senanayake (1) Mikael Syed (1)

Thank you so much for sharing your voice, perspectives, and opinions on the most important issues that matter most to us all. I truly appreciate your vulnerability and creativity in expressing your viewpoints. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to grow alongside you and see your work flourish this year. Every week, I was thrilled to read a listicle of great historical figures, excited to read the latest satire and column piece, and humbled to read an analysis of global political issues. I hope you all continue to write and share your voice with the world, and I am excited to see everything you have to offer in the future. Dear Opinion Readers, I hope you enjoyed reading all the various opinions and perspectives published in Opinion this year. I hope Opinion provided a safe space for discussions on important subjects, and representation of various communities. I truly appreciate your engagement with the section through Letters to the Editor, submissions to the columns, and comments on the issues raised in our articles. Thank you for supporting all the contributors to Opinion and The Medium. Contributors: Aroni Sarkar (9) Elizabeth Provost (12) Elisa Nguyen (1) Miguel DaSilva (1) Kareena Kailass (14) Aya Yafaoui (12) Haya Abu Ghosh (10) Hamna Riaz (7) Aia Jaber (7) Erin Delaney (7) Faiza Sattar (3) Serena Uribe (3) Simran Rattanpal (3) Hadeel Rashed (3) Hema Ramnarine (3) Bilaal Mohamed (2) Kiara Senanayake (2) Maryam Patel (1) Madison Ireland (1) Mahnoor Khurram (1) Maria A. (1) Larissa Fleurette Ho (1) Waghma Ahamdzay (1) Gordane Calloo (1) Shahed Ebesh (1) Lexey Burns (1) Liayana Jondy (1) Shreya Joshi (1) Jonathan Divine Angubua (1) Julia Skoczypiec (1) Mariela Sol Torroba Hennigen (1) Nawshin Nawal Abanti (1) Jordan Johnson (1) Anaam Khan (1) Dellannia Segreti (1) Selen Onculoglu (1) Paige France (1) Ananya Aditya (1) Sabrina Ahmadi (1) Lydia Clarke Rehman (1) Khadija Hosseini (1) Larry Lau (1) Mikael Syed (1)

Dear Features Writers, Thank you for telling stories that highlight our diverse, compassionate, and talented community. Thank you for sharing relatable stories that brought a fresh, in-depth, and meaningful perspective to our readers. Thank you for a year full of amazing pieces. I hope you all continue to grow as readers, researchers, and writers. Dear Features Readers, Thank you for investing your time and energy into our newspaper. Thank you for being part of the conversation. The Medium’s goal is to cater stories that make you feel heard, understood, and appreciated. A platform where you can share your opinion, tell your story, and find your voice. I hope you enjoyed and resonated with all the articles published in the Features section this year. Thank you all for making my dreams come true. My time at The Medium has been an unforgettable one. Contributors: Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes (3) Elizabeth Provost (1) Elisa Nguyen (1) Aroni Sarkar (1) Dalainey Gervais (17) Maneka Nuckchady (10) Hema Ramnarine (6) Kareena Kailass (3) Lou-Anne Carsault (3) Louis Lam (3) Amanda Liu (2) Hamna Riaz (2) Irtaqa Arif (2) Kiara Senanayake (2) Sherene Almjawer (2) Paige France (2) Yash Mali (2) Larry Lau (2) Lydia Clarke Rehman (2) Amani Al-Dailami (1) Rutwa Engineer (1) Faiza Sattar (1) Serena Uribe (1) Rain Moh (1) Rosie Cotton (1) M. Gate (1) Shreya Joshi (1) Alice Fanny Han (1) Jonathan Divine Angubua (1) Wid Al-Zahraa Al-Khafaji (1) Liayanna Jondy (1) Abdullah Sher (1) Massa Mohamed Ali (1) Haya Abu Ghosh (1) Nadya Suadi (1) Shazreh Salam (1)

Our thanks to you Arts

Sports

Photos

To all the A&E writers and readers, I cannot thank you enough for all the support you have given to Volume 48 of The Medium. It has been such a pleasure to be your Arts & Entertainment Editor this year, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. I love A&E because I believe it is a reflection of our generation and our evolution. It was so exciting to see everyone’s insights and recommendations week after week, and I will miss reading all the articles. To my wonderful associates Aidan and Ciera, as well as my lovely Theatre Erindale Correspondent Julia, a huge thank you for your hard work this year. Your articles have never failed to amaze me, and it has been an absolute joy working with you all. To The Medium team, thank you for the endless support and love. I am so proud of the amazing things we have accomplished this year, and I am happy to have met you all. I have had an amazing three years with The Medium, and it is crazy to think that another volume is coming to an end. Thank you once again, everyone. I hope you have found something to take away from Arts and Entertainment this year. I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavours, and I look forward to seeing how The Medium will grow!

Working as a Section Editor at The Medium was an engaging and enjoyable experience, and one that will definitely stand out during my time at UTM. We had a hard-working and dedicated team of writers, editors, and designers who published incredible content every single week. I am grateful for this opportunity and wish everyone I worked with the best for their future.

I first found out about The Medium during Clubs Week at the beginning of my first year. Stopping by The Medium booth, I was immediately interested in the Photos Section, as I could make use of the DSLR I brought along with me from Hong Kong. After the chance encounter with The Medium, I served as the Associate Photos Editor for two years and this year as the Photos Editor. It has been a very fun time submitting photos for The Medium these past three years and curating photos as the Photos Editor. My time at The Medium has allowed me to cover events and got me out of my comfort zone to approach my friends for photographs about various topics that The Medium would be covering that week. With the end of Volume 48, I will be stepping down as Photos Editor. I’ve found my time at The Medium very memorable and hope to contribute as a volunteer next year. Looking ahead, I will be brushing up my knowledge for interviews for the software engineering field, as well as continuing to pursue photography as a hobby. Thank you to all contributing photographers—our issues would not be possible without you. I am grateful to have gotten the chance to work with you.

Contributors: Danica Teng (3) Elizabeth Provost (2) Elisa Nguyen (1) May Alsaigh (2) Aroni Sarkar (1) Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes (1) Duaa Nasir (1) Hayden Mak (1) Aidan Thompson (10) Ciera Couto (7) Julia Skoczypiec (9) Paige France (9) Dalainey Gervais (8) Shruti Kamath (8) Dagale Mohammed (6) Serena Uribe (6) Komalroop Kaler (5) Lexey Burns (5) Sidra Durrani (4) Kiara Senanayake (4) Sherene Almjawer (4) Delaney Rombough (3) Whitney Buluma (3) David Krzecko (2) Kaitlyn Matthews (2) Shreya Joshi (2) Maggie Ng (2) Karissa Harrypersad (2) Alisa Samuel (2) Nadya Suadi (1) Sherry Eskander (1) Andrew Paul (1) Olivia Sierakowski (1) Mahera Islam (1) Louis Lam (1) Meghna Parhar (1) Michael Cheaito (1) Hana Khan (1) Ananya Aditya (1) Bilaal Mohamed (1) Gabriel Philippe (1) Ahmed Azeemuddin (1) Ayomide Bayowa (1) Moradeyo Adeniyi (1) Shahed Ebesh (1) Faiza Sattar (1) Nicole Judd (1) Lillie Nadeau (1) Kareena Kailass (1) Daanish Alvi (1) Roy Han (1)

Dear S&H Writers, Thank you for writing, sharing your ideas, and providing me with the opportunity to work with all of you. I loved working on the Sports & Health section and communicating with all of you over the past year. You all produced a wide array of amazing pieces and I know I learned a lot about different people, concepts, and ideas when I read and edited your work. I encourage you to continue sharing your stories with the world in the future! Dear S&H Readers, Thank you all for your time and for supporting The Medium. During these isolated times, I hope our work gave you something to smile about, ponder over, or look forward to during the week. I know that seeing any of you with a copy of The Medium or reading your comments on our website improved my day. I hope you all continue to read The Medium and be part of our community at UTM! Contributors: Duaa Nasir (4) Elisa Nguyen (1) Anjalli Becharbhai (10) Robert Bui (10) Dellannia Segreti (7) Kareena Kailass (5) Omar Khan (5) Lexey Burns (4) Dalainey Gervais (3) Alisa Samuel (3) Whitney Buluma (1) Shreya Joshi (1) Julia Skoczypiec (1)

Contributors: Hayden Mak (45) Samira Karimova (23) Simrah Siddiqui (13) Shreya Joshi (12) Gladys Lou (8) Nicole Judd (5) Serena Uribe (4) Moradeyo Adeniyi (3) Louis Scheffer V (2) Carisse Samuel (2) Mahnoor Khurram (2) Irtaqa Arif (1) Lydia Clarke Rehman (1) Samar Lidhar (1) Larissa Gollega (1)

features

Editor | Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes features@themedium.ca

So long UTM: Class of ’22 reflects on their online and in-person journey As Covid-19 restrictions come to an end, three students share their favourite undergraduate memories and their aspirations upon graduating. Ricardo Jaroslav Valdes Features Editor

h, graduation. A time when students finally throw their mortarboard caps in the air, hug and pat each other on the back, and take pictures with their family and friends. Except, for the last two years, Covid-19 forced graduating students to stay inside and glance at their names as they dragged across the screen like the credits of a movie. But not for the Class of ’22. As Covid-19 restrictions fade, this year’s convocation is planned to be in-person. So, The Medium caught up with three graduating students to reflect on their time at UTM, their experiences of online and in-person deliveries, and what they hope the future will bring them.

Dalainey Gervais, fifth-year, Linguistics and Anthropology Dalainey Gervais spent the last five years studying her passion— linguistics. Even though her career goals changed a few times over the years, her love for language never faded. “I was sure I would stay in the realm of academia, focusing on phonetic research in African languages,” she shares. Eventually, through her involvement with clubs on campus, Gervais got introduced to writing fiction and creative non-fiction. “My involvement with these groups pushed my career path toward something more writing-based.” After building close friendships virtually, Gervais’s most memorable time at UTM was when she met her friends inperson for the first time. “Working alongside the amazing team at The Medium and the UTM Sexual Education Centre has also been very exciting,” she adds. “I was able to work with incredibly talented and kind-hearted peers.” As a student who experienced online and in-person courses, Gervais says she grew fond of both delivery methods. When classes were in-person, she built strong connections and participated in team-building events through clubs on campus. However, this became much easier online. “Although I was not able to make in-person connections, I was able to participate in more clubs and work alongside a full course load,” she states.

“Like I was losing myself, my friends, and my relationships through working exclusively online.” Though online classes helped her become more engaged on campus, Gervais notes she still went through some rough periods. “I felt like I was having an identity crisis,” she says. “Like I was losing myself, my friends, and my relationships through working exclusively online.” Although challenging, this helped Gervais reflect on who she is and who she hopes to be some day. Upon graduation, Gervais will be starting the next chapter of her life in Ottawa, pursuing her interests in professional writing at Algonquin College. She also wants to continue contributing to The Medium, as she has found her time at the newspaper incredibly formative. “My biggest point of advice would be to not stress,” she concludes. “When I first started, I looked too far into the

future and would get down on myself when I didn’t feel like I was moving toward my goals fast enough. Focus on the moment and set attainable goals to help yourself grow.”

Louis Lam, fourth-year, Psychology and Professional Writing and Communication Louis Lam still remembers the first time he saw snow at UTM. It was in his first year, when he lived on campus at the MaGrath Valley residence. The night prior, he hosted a Halloween party with his friends at their small townhouse. He remembers waking up the next morning feeling tired and hungry. “I went to get pizza from Davis, and I remember everything was so bright,” he recalls. “The roads and townhouses were covered in this really thin layer of snow. I started yelling and laughing in awe.” As the day went on, more snow piled up, and that night, all of MaGrath Valley residence had a snowball fight. “We made a huge snowman in the middle as well,” says Lam. For him, having a group of supportive friends has helped him overcome the challenges he faced in university.

“It’s hard to find things to fill up my resumé to stand a chance against others with stacked profiles and perfect academic records.” When he first started his undergraduate studies, Lam was interested in the field of clinical psychology. As the years went on, he learned about the challenges of getting into graduate school. According to him, competition is intense, and space is limited. “It’s hard to find things to fill up my resumé to stand a chance against others with stacked profiles and perfect academic records,” he shares. “It’s not a field where you can just quit halfway.”

As a result, he deviated from becoming a clinical psychologist and now wants to pursue writing. After graduating, he plans on taking a lot of copywriting internships to gain experience and eventually land a position. “I [also] have plans to travel around Canada for a bit, specifically to the West towards Alberta and Vancouver,” he adds. Reflecting on online lectures, Lam states the sudden transition was difficult at first. He wasn’t able to focus, and he would often wander off to surf the internet or play video games. “The fact that I could turn off my camera also meant I didn’t have to hide what I was doing or act like I was paying attention,” he continues. “Having recorded sessions was nice, but it also gave me an excuse to skip class and watch it later.” Regardless, Lam states that this transitionary period helped him adapt and conquer challenges he had never faced before. “Sometimes, we get so involved with what we are trying to do that we forget why we wanted to do it in the first place,” he reflects when asked what his advice is for aspiring students. “If you find your interests lie somewhere, then try to explore them. Undergrad is all about exploration. It’s fun times, but it can also be scary. Just know that things will be okay.”

Shazreh Salam, fifth-year, Biology and Chemistry Shazreh Salam always struggled with what she wanted to pursue in her undergraduate journey and prospective career. This was especially true in her second year, when she had to pick her program of study. “None of the courses I took in my first year gave a clear insight into what I wanted to pursue,” she recalls. That was until she took the course BIO375: Environmental Microbiology. “Upon learning the material, everything that I wanted to study clicked for me.”

“Upon learning the material, everything that I wanted to study clicked for me.” In order to proceed with her studies, Salam found Biology and Chemistry were the best fit. Filled with a lot of obstacles, her favourite memories on campus are those she spent with friends. After failing an organic chemistry exam during the summer, she and her friends “drove to Domino’s and Krispy Kreme,” shares Salam. “We then drove down to Jack Darling Park to drown our exam sorrows in all the junk food we bought.” Salam prefers classes in-person, as they establish better connections with professors and classmates. She reminisces on the time spent in the library, immersing herself in an environment where focus and studying came hand-in-hand. When classes were online, she struggled with attending lectures as she knew they’d be recorded. “Another big issue was focusing,” she adds. “Especially with my entire family working or studying from home.” A road trip across Canada is in the books for Salam this summer, followed by a master’s in either Biology or Environmental Science in the fall of 2022. “I am going to take a little break and visit the East and West coasts to see the sights,” she says. When asked what advice she would give to aspiring students, Salam stresses that UTM’s Degree Explorer is a student’s best friend when picking programs. She also warns students that procrastination is the worst enemy. “Whether it’s for applications or assignments, do not procrastinate and keep a daily or weekly planner to keep track of everything you must complete,” she concludes. “But honestly, just remember to have fun!” The Medium congratulates the Class of ’22 for all their hard work and perseverance. May the following years in your careers bring fruition, satisfaction, and success!

Who is Harold Sonny Ladoo? Former writer-in-residence recalls his relationship with the post-colonial author whose name will never be forgotten. Alisa Samuel Staff Writer

or the past forty-six years, the Harold Sonny Ladoo Book Prize at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) has continuously recognized outstanding student creative writing, and the UTM archives likewise have amassed multiple prize winners— each bearing Ladoo’s name. Ladoo was a student at Erindale College (now known as UTM) with a quest to become an unapologetic post-colonial published author. An excerpt from his novel RAGE was showcased in the 1971 issue of The Erindalian, UTM’s first printed medium. As a descendent of East Indian indentured labourers who were first brought to Trinidad in 1845 to offset the end of African slavery, Ladoo was born in Couva around 1945 and lived in the rural village of McBean. His childhood and familial background remain a bit of a mystery—Harold often gave contradictory accounts about himself. In one version of his childhood, Harold had no formal schooling and was put to work in sugarcane fields at the age of eight. In another, he was educated at a school founded by Canadian missionaries. Whether it be a valued education, some aggressive human drive inherent to migrants, the immigrant point system that Canada introduced in the late 1960s, or a fateful combination of the three, Ladoo and his wife, Rachel Singh, landed in Toronto in 1968. Two years later, he met Peter Such, former writer-in-residence at Erindale College, while waiting for a bus at Islington subway station. Such, watching Ladoo jot down some words on the back of a TTC transfer, got the sense that he was a writer. So, Such introduced himself to Ladoo. On that same day, they had coffee together in the school cafeteria where Linda Webber, an administrator at the Office of the Registrar, showed up on her break. Such introduced Webber to Ladoo. She was impressed; so much so that she helped him, a short-order cook at the time, apply for tuition grants to start his university education. “There was some kind of weird magical inevitability about the whole thing,” Such tells me. He is now in his eighties and lives on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, but I speak to him from Toronto as a UTM undergrad. “Do you remember the first time you read Harold’s work?” I ask. “He brought in this whole suitcase and left it on my desk. I opened it up and started to read through it all,” Such says. “Mostly, it was handwritten […] and all kinds of Victorian poetry, you know, nothing really relating to him.” Between the two contradictory accounts of Ladoo’s past, Such is convinced he went to Canadian Church Mission School in Trinidad. After some rejection and criticism, Ladoo’s writing saw a dramatic change of direction. He realized he was a storyteller, not a poet. The level of awareness and skill with which

GRAEME GIBSON

he wrote would ultimately storm the worlds of both Caribbean and Canadian Literature. Such put Ladoo in touch with Dennis Lee, now a Governor General’s Award-winning writer, who started the House of Anansi Press with Dave Godfrey in the spring of 1967.

“He uses childlike language to universalize soulcramping historical truths.” In 1972, Anansi Press published No Pain Like This Body, a year before Ladoo graduated from Erindale College with a BA in English. No Pain Like This Body is set in August of 1905, during the beginnings of the South Asian indenture period. Following a violently dysfunctional family of farmers as they battle heavy thundershowers in the Tola District of Carib Island, the story probes the intersection of poverty, survival, and deep, deep trauma. He uses childlike language to universalize soul-cramping historical truths. The book did not sell well but received largely positive reviews. 141 pages long, and yours for as low as $2.95, The Erindalian described it as “easily one of the best novels that will appear in Canada this year.” While attending classes during the day, working weekends at Fran’s on St. Clair, and writing in between it all, Ladoo became a father to two sons. His personal responsibilities clearly reflected in his academic performance. He completed his second year, from 1971 to 1972, with an A average, earning his highest grade in ENG369 Seminar in Writing with a 91 per cent. His final year, from 1972 to 1973, was his weakest, with his lowest mark being a 51 per cent. Ladoo also emerged as an outsider at school, not necessarily because he was a mature student who looked even older than his

age from cigarette smoking, sleeplessness, and whatever historical trauma he carried over to Canada, but because he was known for being confrontational. “Those days a lot of American professors had come up from the Vietnam War to universities in Canada,” Such says. “Harold told me he had tremendous arguments with these people.” Such had become good friends with Ladoo. He would listen to him and admit that the professors were “just bigots, racists” who could not tolerate his intelligence. Such considered Ladoo, even with his disposition to rage, one of his most promising students. Together, they would attend events at Lislehurst, the mansion that houses UTM principals, where Ladoo could build his circle of literary and academic acquaintances. His wife, Rachel Singh, slept in the living room of their apartment on Jane Street and worked doubles as a waitress to pay rent and feed their children, while Ladoo continued to spend countless nights locked up in their bedroom and binge-write. He was on a mission to unmake the likes of Naipaul and Selvon, two widely heralded “official” Trinidadian writers. In the summer of 1973, Ladoo used a Canada council grant he was awarded for his work to fund an emergency trip back home, soon before the release of his second book Yesterdays. “I said, ‘Harold, I know this is a desperate situation, but if there’s some way, don’t go back now,’” Such recounts. “He said, ‘No, I’m gonna go. I gotta sort this stuff out.” He drove him to the airport. “I may never come back—those were the last words he said [to me]. About five days later, I got the news.” Ladoo’s death on the seventeenth of August in 1973 remains unsolved. His body was found by the roadside, a few-minutes-walk from his sister’s house in Couva, Trinidad. The police officially called it a hit-and-run,

though they did order an inquest on the possibility of murder. It was never completed. A 1974 article published in Medium II, “The Sonny Ladoo Story: Touching, terrifying and compelling” reports that Ladoo’s mother wanted him to return home because his late father’s estate was being distributed and she was not getting her rightful share. No Pain Like This Body was also apparently “rejected by [Ladoo’s] fellow countrymen” because Harold, to them, had exploited their cultural and social struggles for artistic and financial gain. Christopher Laird, Trinidadian filmmaker, is currently writing a biography on Ladoo tentatively titled, Equal To Mystery: The Life and Work of Harold Sonny Ladoo.

“Treated as a one hit wonder, an aberration instead of the pioneer and incandescent talent that broke new ground in Caribbean literature and use of language which, to those with eyes to see, pointed to an exciting and more relevant approach to writing about our lives.” I asked Laird why it’s important to tell Ladoo’s story. “Harold has been side-lined by the literary establishment in the Caribbean,” he says, “treated as a one hit wonder, an aberration instead of the pioneer and incandescent talent that broke new ground in Caribbean literature and use of language which, to those with eyes to see, pointed to an exciting and more relevant approach to writing about our lives.”

“Never say no to yourself, let others say no”: The legend of Professor Guy Allen From a U.S. fugitive to the founder of UTM’s Professional Writing and Communications program, Professor Allen brings a fresh perspective to teaching.

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MISSISSAUGA

Louis Lam Contributor

will never forget the first time I walked into Professor Guy Allen’s office. Illegible writings on loose papers. Books stacked on books along the little round table. The dim yellow light from the corner of the office. A hippie green beanie and his signature black rimmed glasses. Professor Allen didn’t get his own office until 1998, when he became the director of the Professional Writing and Communications (PWC) program. Before that, he started his journey in academia as an English and Economics undergraduate student. He never excelled in his studies, but slowly figured it out and decided to pursue his master’s at the University of Chicago. “I didn’t want to join and serve for the Vietnam War. And it was mandatory at the time,” recalls Professor Allen. He sighs every time he touches upon this subject. “I had to leave for Toronto at 7 a.m. because they were out to get me at 9 a.m.” Professor Allen first encountered the University of Toronto when they came to an agreement with the University of Chicago for him to complete his master’s at U of T. He then went on to complete his PhD, specializing in Anglo-Saxon and Old Middle English.

“To watch them grow and know that I’m making a difference for them was the reason I fell in love with teaching.” “I started to love teaching when I became a part-time instructor teaching college-level courses. There were a lot of kids with limited access to the tools of success we have,” says Professor Allen. “To watch them grow and know that I’m making a difference for them was the reason I fell in love with teaching.” In 1975, Professor Allen began to teach Ef-

fective Writing, an early predecessor of the PWC course WRI203: Expressive Writing. WRI203 was the only requirement for students to get into the PWC program, but that changed when the program was integrated with the Communication, Culture, Information and Technology general program requirements in the Fall of 2020—news that weren’t well received by most members of the PWC community.

“It was hard to see the creativity the students have. Their voices were oppressed by all the rules the course had. No one knew what a hamburger structure was, or what topic sentences were. It felt mechanical.” “They should’ve renamed the course to ‘ineffective writing,’” states Professor Allen. “It was hard to see the creativity the students have. Their voices were oppressed by all the rules the course had. No one knew what a hamburger structure was, or what topic sentences were. It felt mechanical.” A hamburger structure is the most common paragraph structure that writers use. Following the structure, an introductory sentence acts as the top bun, details and explanations as the toppings, and a conclusion as the bottom bun. It is one of the widely known tools PWC students have in their toolbox, along with topic sentences. The ‘80s marked the new wave in pop culture and, in many ways, changed what classrooms and education looked like. For Professor Allen, this change came in the form of two students who decided to hand in personal narratives for their final assignments. One of these narratives was about the student getting fired from a bakery due to an incident that wasn’t their fault, while the other was about a little league baseball team planning a heist to steal the doorbell of a corner store. “I showed these stories to the class and everyone loved it,” recalls Professor Allen as he stands up and walks towards the bookshelf behind me. His towering figure reaches for a skyblue book. “I realised that when students like something and relate to it, they will try to imitate it. And that is why I [put together] the first compilation of student work in 1989 called No More Masterpieces.” Professor Allen hands me the book. Funky red art pops out from the yellowing of the cover. He places it back on the shelf carefully, a cheeky smile scrawling across his face. “That’s also why all our textbooks are collections of stories from other students.” In 1998, Professor Allen was on his way to Vancouver for a conference. On the way there, he met UTM’s Dean, who coincidentally was

on a business trip to attend Professor Allen’s conference. After the conference, the Dean told him how much he enjoyed it and offered him his own program and a director’s position. Prior to b e com i ng the director of PWC, Professor Allen started his own publishing company, called Life Rattle Press, in 1995. He first published small, creative non-fiction books. In 2000, Life Rattle Press staged the well-known The Totally Unknown Writers Festival, a writer’s festival that continues today. Life Rattle Press is the go-to publisher for students in the WRI420: Making a Book course. “I wanted to open the world of writing with Life Rattle Press. Writing a book or writing in general isn’t just for the elites. It’s for good writers from any background. And I want to provide the tools for them to start,” expresses Professor Allen. “Even with [WRI307:] Writing about Science, I want students to know that science writing is fun and challenging. We need that in the world right now: a way to express information without restraints.” Professor Allen believes that writing is not reserved for the talented. He treats his students as writers but also emphasizes the need to read and learn from prose. The abundance of reading assignments in a PWC course reflects his mentality. The quality of work produced at the end of each student’s year shows the success of his advice. “As faculty members, it’s important for us to foster an environment where writing becomes a positive experience. Too many times have we heard of students fearing writing because of hurtful criticism or discouragement. We have to be thoughtful about this,” sighs Professor Allen. “Having that system of support within the students really makes a difference. Once again, there’s a limit to what one person can teach.” Professor Allen’s ideals and teaching philosophies are a refreshing breeze in a classroom, now echoed by the then-students-now-professors in the PWC program. Even after stepping down as the director of the PWC program, he continues to teach WRI307: Writing about Science, WRI360: Finance and Writing, and WRI420: Making a Book. “I love all the courses I teach. And I love seeing the community of writers these classes create,” he says. When reflecting on the advice he would give to prospective writers, he expresses to “never say no to yourself. Let others say no to you.”

Borderline personality disorder and the new insights into its neurobiology Research is making its first promising steps toward understanding the disorder and tailoring treatments for affected individuals. Lou-Anne Carsault Contributor *Names have been changed to protect anonymity

heo* never liked himself. He changed his hairstyle countless times, hid himself in larger clothes, and never trusted his social skills. Anger often followed his laughter in less than a minute, creating intense conflict with his peers. These brutal mood swings ended most of his relationships. For years, Theo thought that he wasn’t normal, that something was wrong with him. He isolated himself from those closest to him, including him mom, Natalie*. That was until he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in October 2021. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) isn’t as commonly known as other mental disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Affected individuals often experience an altered self-perception, intense fear of loneliness, and extreme impulsiveness. These severe symptoms piqued the interest of Anthony C. Ruocco, professor, interim chair, and director of clinical training in the Department of Psychological Clinical Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough. “When I was an undergraduate student, I worked with a professor who studied personality disorders, and I became passionate about BPD because it was a disorder that was seen as quite severe—yet we didn’t know very much about its neurobiological origins” says Professor Ruocco. “People with BPD are sometimes suicidal, many have some difficulties knowing who they are, experience significant interpersonal problems, and some people can be very impulsive.” BPD affects around 1.6 per cent of the general population. Many individuals with this disorder struggle to keep a job or complete their education, exhibit reckless behaviours such as fast-driving or alcohol abuse, and face a higher risk to fall into depression, engage in self-harm, or attempt suicide. In the past, individuals with BPD were often stigmatized as being resistant to treatment due to a lack of understanding of the disorder, which sometimes led to misdiagnoses. However, over the last few years, awareness has grown significantly, as certain celebrities have shared their condition publicly. For instance, Pete Davidson, an American comedian known for his Saturday Night Live sketches, opened up about his diagnosis back in 2017. “I was always just so confused all the time, and just thought something was wrong,” said Davidson in an interview. “When somebody finally tells you, the weight of the world feels lifted off your shoulders.” Awareness about BPD is the first step toward accessing specialized treatments for the disorder. However, research still has a long way to go to determine its neurobiological and genetic causes, which can ultimately create individual-specific treatments to improve the management of this disorder. One

of the ways by which research has advanced in this field is through family studies. Family studies normally examine people with BPD, along with their immediate biological relatives, to contrast behaviours and examine relationships and interactions. Professor Ruocco’s research pioneers the use of family studies to examine the neurobiology and other related characteristics of the disorder. His two most recent papers, published in March and November of last year, examined potential so-called “intermediate phenotypes,” an essential first step to better understand BPD. So, what are intermediate phenotypes and how can they accelerate research? Intermediate phenotypes bridge together genetic sources with observable symptoms of the disorder such as impulsivity. There are smaller manifestations of the disorder that usually cannot be observed from the outside. Because they are unique to the disorder and simpler to study, intermediate phenotypes can help identify certain genes that develop BPD. For example, people with diabetes tend to feel very thirsty. Luckily, researchers were able to identify insulin-resistant receptors in people with diabetes that not only explain the thirst symptom, but also act as an intermediate phenotype that clues us into the genetic causes of the disease. “Understanding genes will better point us in the direction of treatments that will be more beneficial for one person with BPD versus another,” explains Professor Ruocco. His research aims to uncover biological markers specified by intermediate phenotypes—and family studies are essential to reach this goal. Identifying intermediate phenotypes related to BPD would help determine the genes responsible for the disorder. These genes could then be the key to differentiating between various types and severities of the disorder, leading to the development of targeted treatments.

Previous studies have shown that people with BPD are strongly sensitive to facial expressions of emotion. They can interpret neutral facial expressions as fearful and perceive unintended anger or disgust in negative facial expressions. Thus, Professor Ruocco and his team first studied the potential of facial expression interpretation bias as an intermediate phenotype. His team wanted to know if family members of BPDaffected individuals showed the same bias. Professor Ruocco’s study yielded two main findings: biological relatives do not perceive emotions in neutral facial expressions—this feature seems to be unique to people with the BPD diagnosis itself; and both people with BPD and their biological relatives tended to interpret sad facial expressions as fearful. This bias shared by people with BPD and their relatives may partially explain the prevalence of interpersonal conflicts among families affected by BPD. “We have what some might call a ‘hyper-arousal’ that is not only present in people with BPD, but also potentially in relatives. And it might impact the way that they perceive emotional expressions,” explains Professor Ruocco. In his most recent paper, Professor Ruocco aimed to uncover biological markers related to one of the most common symptoms of the disorder—impulsiveness. Impulse control arises from executive functions, which reflect self-control and thinking-on-the spot abilities. Using family studies, he employed cognitive tasks assessing such skills as planning and attentional vigilance in people with BPD, along with their first-degree relatives. Professor Ruocco found that most people with BPD showed greater difficulties with executive functions, which directly impacted their ability to achieve goals. On the other hand, first-degree biological relatives who didn’t have a mental disorder diagnosis displayed strengths and weaknesses. They showed less efficient problem-solving abilities than controls with no history of mental disorder, but also displayed higher self-control skills. Theo’s mom, Natalie, agrees with those findings. “Maintaining my relationship with [him] requires me to show abstraction and resilience in order to control myself and avoid upsetting him,” she shares. According to Professor Ruocco, his recent findings are essential, as they may constitute clues that could ultimately unlock insights into the genetic basis of BPD. “We want to understand whether the traits we are studying are indeed intermediate phenotypes and whether they truly reflect some important characteristics that we need to acknowledge and better understand in family members who have someone affected with BPD,” he says. In the meantime, support and treatments for people diagnosed with BPD and their families are essential. Some of the most common treatments to date include dialectical behaviour therapy, which emphasizes coping skills that are intended to increase self-control and reduce self-harm. Mentalization-based treatment is another method that targets emotion management and stability towards oneself and others. However, those treatments are not the only options currently available. The Sashbear Foundation is a Canadian fundraiser and awareness campaign that provides support and skills training to increase awareness and inclusion for people struggling with mental illnesses. When faced with those opportunities, Natalie is both hopeful and worried. “We would need Theo to accept a familial therapy, and then we also need to find a therapist that he likes, someone who understands him. It’s not easy,” she concludes. “However, we succeeded in building—or re-building—a relationship based on love and trust. It can be very hard, but I’m hoping for the best.”

Arts

Editor | Danica Teng arts@themedium.ca

A film’s first impression Zooming in on how a movie’s initial release can influence success or failure. Daanish Alvi Contributor

ovies are portals that transport us into different realms of possibilities. Some are hailed as classics while others fly under the radar—a direct result of how successful their initial impression is to new eyes. There are films that generate high levels of hype before premiering and those that open ever-so silently; ones that use critical acclaim to their advantage and others that are not so lucky. These factors play a role in how a movie is shaped and seen by the masses, but the enjoyment of a film cannot be limited to these same factors. Audiences can quickly tell when a studio is confident with the movie that they plan to release. The studio pulls out all the stops for the film’s marketing and advertises it anywhere they can. This, in turn, produces excitement for the film. It is this variable level of confidence that hurts movies in the long run and can make or break their chances of sticking with viewers after they open. Taking a look at studio A24’s slate in 2019, two of their films stand out to me: Midsommar, directed by Ari Aster, and The Last Black Man in San Francisco (TLBMISF), directed by Joe Talbot. On one hand, you could not go anywhere without hearing about Midsommar before its release. On the other hand,

TLBMISF opened in select theatres and quietly exited the dim spotlight. This shows just how critical a company’s initial release strategy is for a film’s success. The underlying question here is which of these films is truly better than the other? This is obviously up for interpretation and the dismissal of either simply based on box-office success is wrong. A film’s success is dependent on the positive reviews it receives. These reviews allow a film to garner attention from audiences all over the world, creating more exposure, similar to the goals of marketing. When films premiere and they receive negative reviews, the effect on general audiences is immeasurable; they get swept up in the negativity and refuse to generate their own opinion. As viewers, we cannot disregard a film just because there are select individuals who dislike it. If we take The Shining (1980) directed by Stanley Kubrick as an example, critics bashed the film in initial reviews. Looking at it now, however, the film is regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time. Taking the opinions of critics and declaring them as your own, without even giving the film a shot, enforces a dismissal of someone’s art. The effort put into making films is too great to be dismissed solely for the success the film achieves, whether critically or commercially. A film’s enjoyment level does not strictly stem from popular approval but instead should be measured by how the viewer feels after it is over—no external reviewers to influ-

ence your decision and no opening-weekend hype to sway you. Film is a subjective medium. Let them sit with you. They provide us with the opportunity to escape from this world, so the least we can do is give them the time they deserve.

MYKE SIMON/UNSPLASH

The divides of our society in The Servant of Two Masters Theatre Erindale thinks outside the box to showcase different lifestyles. Julia Skoczypiec Theatre Erindale Correspondent

heatre Erindale’s recent production of The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni expands on themes of alienation, popularity, and betrayal while leaving audiences laughing, gasping, and even sniffling into a tissue. Though the play is a comedy, the emotionally-driven performance comments on the loneliness that exists in many fastpaced, often two-faced, lifestyles. Amid the drama and twists that remain from the play’s first performance in 1745, Theatre Erindale’s adaptation of the text blends timeless tropes and connects to life beyond the stage. Adapted and directed by Aaron Jan, Theatre Erindale’s production strays away from the commedia dell’arte genre—an Italian theatrical framework that uses traditional masks and character archetypes to present a comedy. Instead, Jan’s adaptation takes place on a film set and relates the text to modern-day soap operas and reality TV shows. The juicy conflicts that arise from finding love and friendships, discovering one’s identity, and maneuvering through social classes are displayed in a drama-filled Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Jersey Shore type of way. The play begins in Pantalone’s (Oliver Parkins) home, where people are gathered to cel-

MIKE SLATER

ebrate the engagement of his daughter Clarice (Marissa Monk) and Silvio (Austin Chaisson), the son of Dr. Lombardi (Aaron Clark). As the party flourishes, the clumsy and hilarious Truffaldino (Nicholas Simao) enters to announce the return of his master, Federigo Rasponi—a man that was pronounced dead in a duel with Florindo (Nicholas Buchanan) some time ago. To everyone’s surprise, Federigo arrives at the gathering. Although, they do not know that his sister (who is also Florindo’s lover), Beatrice (Zaynna Khalife), is actually disguised as Federigo. Confused yet? Well, there is more. Truffaldino runs into Florindo as he returns home. Florindo seeks a servant for himself, and Truffaldino agrees to serve him as well as Beatrice (still disguised as Federigo). As Truffaldino attempts to live a double life and abide by the orders of two masters, he meets and falls in love with Smeraldina (Alicia Sal-

vador), a housemaid in Pantalone’s home. As the plot twists progress, Beatrice’s identity is questioned by the other servants—the innkeeper Brighella (Jacob Dowdall) and the waiter/porter (Kenneth Johnson). Amid all the commotion, viewers come to sympathize with each character in a different way, no matter their stance in the play’s social order. While many conflicts find resolutions, the end of the play left me questioning the impacts of such quarrels on society. Though a lot happens in this play, the chaos is structured in a way that seamlessly transitions scenes through sound effects and movement. As the play’s setting illustrates a filming environment, it is designed in a square shape. The audience gets a sense of the work that goes on both on and off “set.” Through lighting and motion, the play focuses on the strenuous lives of artists both in the public eye and behind the scenes.

“Film sets may seem like glamorous workspaces, but a great deal of manual labour is involved and on the periphery of the square, our director gave us permission to feel the weight and exhaustion of our jobs,” says Johnson. “When my character is on the outside of the square, he is often leaning against a wall or slumping over on the floor. But on the inside, while on camera and while visible to the rich, he has to perform for everyone and moves more briskly, with a perfectly straight back and a smile on his face.” While this adaptation of Goldoni’s text shines in a way that connects early Italian dialogue with present times, it was not easy to work with. “One of the first conversations I had with our director before rehearsals started was about how dated this text was,” says Salvador. “After all, [the original play] deals with racism as well as outdated ideas of gender roles. Due to the collaborative nature of this production, we were encouraged to bring forth what we both liked and disliked about this text.” While The Servant of Two Masters merges lifestyles into a chaotic spur of events, there is a lot to learn from this play. Each character struggles with their interpretations of society and is forced to play someone they are not. Through sound, movement, and lighting tactics, the play allows us to see and understand conflicts we may not have a resolution for.

;Escape Roy Han Confined in an unknown solitary, Concluded whole by society’s gaze. Immeasurable burdens I carry, It had reckoned to be a passing phase. Should oneself hide away their tendencies? At the sole expense of belongingness. Push anxious uncertainties Who’s to break the anxieties of man? Assured I was God’s cherished creation Relief filled within me with unknown past Sky graduate to heaven’s nation The temptations of sin that last. Who’s to say the feelings are still sore Acceptance of who I am. Afraid of truth no more.

;Run Serena Uribe Run, Run

;Hero Among the Tulips

As quick as the embers And the flames of the sun Like the north winds of December So far have we come

Paige France

Run, Run

Our love began when the tulips sprouted, Back when your glimmery eyes competed with the dew off the many paths you led me down, Your fresh love was one that I never doubted, I watched you from afar, throwing pebbles as I stifled a smile high above in my nightgown,

Through blades of tall grass The earth below comes undone with every stride, swift and fast moving towards oblivion

You and me, a mere happenstance of emotion, A boy looking for love and a girl with so much to give, Blooming much like the season, my sedentary life thrown into motion, Our intertwined love touched on something transformative,

Run, Run

And you know damned well that I would forgive you if you had stayed, But I’m weak, I’m hurt, I forgive too much, Missing your protection, your continuous shade, From the cruel world, I never thought that I had misread that ginger touch, I see you treading away in your Oxford heels, The crooked, cobbled walkway, your maiden voyage, Leaving me waiting for spring, For me to stroke the earth, planting my tulip, wondering what its imminent bloom will bring,

;The Mirror and My Face Dagale Mohammed Is that my face? No, really, I’m seriously asking I know the camera adds, and Instagram lies But is that truly the size of my lips? My nose? My eyes? I never thought of myself as a great beast (or beauty), nor that my visage is lacking And this is not a piece about embracing self-love, or acknowledging insecurity But to think: is my self-image so far from reality? My mirror has left me spiraling, the great unmasking!

Follow the eagles in their flight Leap o’er mountains, one by one Oh, my dear, don’t be affright When the roaring tides come Run, Run

;Vernal Equinox Komalroop Kaler You walk down the muddy path the naked tree branch stands tall like Spring’s tuning fork dry oval-shaped leaves chime with cold winds the golden coin shines from cloudy skies you hear the pitter-patter of large grey squirrels a red robin camouflages itself behind ruby-red branches you place a hand against the tree’s skin and sense its old soul you are borrowed stardust born from the same dark matter with Earth’s new season emerge many wombs and tombs Spring returns with a growing light and our cosmic course continues

The M ’s Playlist – Danica’s April of Anime Live like you are the main character with this collection of songs. Danica Teng Arts & Entertainment Editor

even section editors later, you have arrived at the final M’s Playlists. In total honesty, even though I had almost eight months, creating this playlist was stressful. How do you include multiple worlds of music into one tiny playlist of 12 songs? As I enjoy various genres of music throughout multiple languages, I was struggling to combine everything. Many thoughts hindered the process, like, “Will all my favourite K-pop songs fit with my middle school Marianas Trench phase?” or “Where do I throw in Epik High?” Finally, I made a decision. If I was going to leave my mark at The Medium, it will be as the section editor who made an anime playlist. I grew up with anime. One of my earliest memories is of my mom recording the first episode of Inuyasha on tape when it aired on YTV. Since then, I have seen the industry grow not only in North America but globally as well. I love songs featured in anime because there is something for every mood. Whether you are getting fired up for a fight with an upbeat song or crying to a ballad because your favourite character just died, the songs move you and remind you of moments within the story. Or sometimes I just end up finding a song I enjoy even without watching the anime. The songs I included in this playlist are some of my favourites and have a special place in my heart. I would have loved to share some other songs as well, even video game soundtracks, but that would be a whole other playlist.

A Timeless Message in La Dolce Vita While the film may seem to lack purpose, a closer look at Steiner’s character reveals a universal reality.

Spoiler warning: this article discusses scenes from La Dolce Vita (1960).

a Dolce Vita (1960), a neorealist Italian film by Federico Fellini, delivers a story that develops over the span of one week as it unhurriedly follows jaded gossip columnist and charming drifter Marcello Rubini (Marcello Mastroianni). The story is set during 1950s Rome—a glamourous postwar society steeped in fun-loving women, celebrity-hounding photographers, and ghost-hunting aristocrats. Many narrative lines run through this comedy-drama, none of which end with, as UTM professor Teresa Lobalsamo says, “neatly composed solutions.” Marcello’s mistress, Maddalena (Anouk Aimée), proposes to him but then abandons their conversation. Visiting actress Sylvia Rank (Anita Ekberg) enters the film as undetectably as she exits it. Marcello’s father arrives in Rome only to leave the very next morning. Though the film frequently lapses like a flimsy train of underdeveloped thought, the story is not “merely a vehicle for sensationalism and a sometimes-spectacular demonstration of Fellini’s directorial talents” as early critic R.M. Franchi argues. Who then, in this overburdened, multi-perspective film about nothing, is the true main character? To answer this, we can look at the character who suffers the emptiness of tumultuously extravagant living: Steiner (Alain Cuny), Marcello’s friend, who murders his two children and then kills himself. In a two-shot scene, Marcello is dazzled by Steiner’s family, books, and friends during a party at his house. “Your house is a real refuge,” Marcello says, “[…] maybe I’m losing everything.” Marcello admits his lack of ambition and unwittingly reveals his

sad inner world. Steiner then invites Marcello to his children’s bedroom, where he guides the camera throughout the setting as he walks over to his sleeping kids to give each one of them a kiss. In tracking his movement, Steiner leads viewers to a large window. He turns to face the camera and begins to speak in a medium close-up shot as if in conversation with us. It is within this space, surrounded by the heavy darkness of

IMDb.com

Alisa Samuel Staff Writer

night, that we can sniff out the prospective hellfire beyond the “outer shell” that Marcello sees and admires. Steiner says, “We should learn […] to live outside of time, detached.” The sweet life is apparently, at its best, a utopic dystopia. Latenight parties, poet friends, beautiful wives, priceless paintings, and high-rise luxury condos only go so far as to take the edge off the all-pervasive inherent human suffering that Steiner is so highly conscious of. This is not some abstract, uncirculated message pulled out of nowhere. Steiner’s monologue and its picturization directly parallel Matthew Arnold’s 1867 poem “Dover Beach,” a dramatic monologue that dissents from the traditional use of language and speaks to a cultural change within the history of western poetry through the loss of a belief system. Arnold describes a two-party moment at the beginning of the poem as the speaker (Steiner) invites a silent listener (the viewer) to join him at a window where they watch the waves of an ocean come in and out. Together they are warned that even the most comfortable life cannot be trusted because the “ebb and flow of human misery” means change can happen at any time. So, the poem’s speaker decides that honesty and seeking support from loved ones are the only alternatives to living in a world where there is no certainty to cling to. With this message, Steiner is the central character who will always emotionally and intellectually connect us to a classic film about (seemingly) nothing.

“When a phone call can announce the end of the world […] we should learn to love each other so much.” “When a phone call can announce the end of the world […] we should learn to love each other so much,” echoes Steiner, timelessly.

sports & health

Editor | Duaa Nasir sports@themedium.ca

Intersecting passion, community, and interests on campus Ananya Aditya discusses her love of forensics, badminton, and the Canadian winter. Robert Bui Athletics Correspondent

nanya Aditya is a second-year forensic science student at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). Originally from India, Aditya has studied in Hong Kong, Singapore, and now, Canada. Aditya refers to her experiences traveling as a “beautiful world trip.” Aditya was sixteen years old when she found out that becoming a forensic medical examiner was her dream career path. Although shows like Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) got her attention, her passion has evolved to making the communities she’s a part of better by “decreasing crime rates, giving closure to families, and making society safer,” says Aditya. “I would love to be someone who is involved. For me it’s always job satisfaction over the money.”

When Aditya first arrived in Canada in January of 2021, she had concerns about adjusting. The peak of a Canadian winter, coupled with news of several waves of Covid-19 affecting the country, had Aditya worried initially of the social repercussions. Nowadays, although she comes from generally warmer countries, Aditya says that she loves the beauty of a Canadian winter. Popular television shows like CSI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) nurtured Aditya’s initial interest in forensics. Studying the field at UTM was exactly the opportunity that Aditya felt she needed. When asked about the program Aditya says, “It is pretty intense and stressful and we have to put in a lot of hours, and you really need a lot of stress busters to make it through.” For Aditya, one of her main stress busters, as she calls it, is playing intramural badminton at the Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre (RAWC). Be-

fore coming to Canada, Aditya started playing badminton as a family activity with her parents. At her high school, Delia School of Canada, Aditya diverted attention away from badminton to play other sports, like swimming and basketball, but she was still familiar with the game. When Aditya saw that badminton was an option in university, she was aiming to take her mind off her studies as well as introduce herself to different types of people. It seems that intramural sports did exactly that for her. Aditya says, “Keeping myself active, while also giving myself time away from work, really works out well for me. I would say socializing has been successful too. You have time before and after the games to familiarize yourself with the people you’re playing against and hopefully make some new friends.” In previous profiles, a common theme for athletes was feeling nervous about getting started with a sport. Aditya mirrors this as she was worried about her skill level and how things would function with the RAWC reopening. But like many students who tried sports at the RAWC, her worries faded quickly. Looking back on her first experience Aditya says, “It was a really friendly, chill environment where you aren’t being judged for your skill. Instead, you’re playing for fun, and its like relaxation.” It was refreshing to listen to Aditya’s excitement about getting into the forensic program at UTM. I was reminded of my first year and the enigmatic mindset of joining a new community. We hope that Aditya’s remaining time at UTM is a great experience and that the students can relate to the enthusiasm that Ananya Aditya has for UTM, badminton, and forensics.

ANANYA ADITYA

Season highs Omar Khan Columnist

he Leafs have reached new heights this week, both on and off the ice. On the ice, the team recently acquired veteran defensemen Mark Giordano from the Seattle Kraken in a clutch trade deadline acquisition. Giordano will provide more depth on the blue-line. While Giordano started his Leafs tenure with rookie defencemen Timothy Liljegren, he will most likely be reunited with long-time defence partner T.J. Brodie, whom he spent most of his time in Calgary with. This addition will also take pressure off the struggling Jake Muzzin, who is currently out of the lineup with a concussion. Prior to the concussion, Muzzin was not playing at the level he usually does. Looking ahead, he will most likely not be at 100 per cent when playoff time comes. Giordano allows the Leafs to ease Muzzin back and lessen the load and competition he takes. On the offensive side of things, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner continue to soar as one of the best duos in the sport. Matthews

tied a career high in points (80) while Marner set a new career high in goals (27). Off the ice, the Leafs collaborated with long-time fan and pop icon Justin Bieber. This collaboration gave Leaf fans a brand new, reversable jersey for their Next-Gen game, where Mark Giordano made his Leaf debut. This new jersey provided the Leafs with good luck that night. Pierre Engvall scored a short-handed game winner to propel the Leafs ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the standings. If the playoffs started today, the Leafs would have home-ice advantage against the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. While some would be quick to write off the Leafs and view the Lightning as the heavy favourites, there is reason to believe the Leafs could pull off an upset and slay their firstround dragon. While Tampa has the Cupwinning experience, they must be feeling some level of fatigue after going back-to-back. Tampa also has a reputation of underperforming while being the heavy favourites. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy for being the best regular season team and breaking multiple records, the Lightning got swept by the bottom seed Columbus Blue Jackets, back in the 2019 NHL Playoffs.

The main issue with this Leaf team continues to be the goaltending. However, it seems to be solving itself. Rookie goalie Erik Kallgren took control of the crease and gave his team confidence. The struggling Petr Mrazek also seems to have found his game, earning his team a win in the Next-Gen game, allowing two goals on 22 shots. Those stats may seem underwhelming, but Mrazek was much more confident and comfortable in the blue paint. Leaf fans are also hoping that All-Star goalie Jack Campbell will return from injury refreshed and rejuvenated and ultimately return to his AllStar level of play. With the issue of goaltending seemingly solved, special teams soaring, the increased depth at defence from the acquisition of Mark Giordano and an offence that is arguably the best in the league, the Leafs are poised to do some damage in the playoffs.

While history can be a fortune teller, this current Leaf team has the best chance of making it past the first round and ultimately competing for a Stanley Cup. As a top-five team in the league, one can only hope that five years of failure will yield some form of success.

Will I be alright? Research suggests that there’s a problem with providing reassurance to OCD sufferers who persistently ask for it. ERS is “a type of interpersonally focussed checking behaviour” wherein both paediatric and adult OCD sufferers ask their caregivers, put simply, if everything is okay.

Alisa Samuel Staff Writer

s. S was 35 years old when, after one year of social withdrawal, she tried to kill herself twice because of the pathological belief that she had been ostracized for “a mistake” she made. Worried about a lack of visits from her acquaintances, Ms. S grew suspicious. Could she be the reason for others not visiting her? Her husband told her otherwise, but she continued to mutter to herself about the issue. Eventually, her worry swelled into an all-consuming obsession, which then morphed into a tear-ridden death wish. Upon hospitalization, Ms. S was diagnosed with psychosis and was given risperidone (an antipsychotic medicine) to which she did not respond.

Could it be OCD? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic anxiety disorder wherein a person faces obsessions, that is, intrusive and unwanted thoughts, impulses, urges, or images that repetitively disturb the conscious mind. Obsessions almost always come with compulsions. Compulsions are behaviours or mental rituals that the person will perform in order to soften the anxiety their obsessions cause. One kind of compulsion is checking. A person with obsessive thoughts about danger might check and re-check the stove to make sure it’s turned off before leaving their house. Another person might drive around town to see if they hit someone with their car on the way home from work, in case they don’t remember doing so. Only under detailed clinical examination did Ms. S admit to having frequent anxiety-provoking thoughts that made her believe she had done something wrong and therefore needed comfort and forgiveness from others. Ms. S’s obsession, triggered by a baseless thought, was fear of persecution. What was her compulsion? Excessive reassurance-seeking (ERS).

Symptom accommodation Let’s say you’re a caregiver, or carer. You have good intentions toward your partner who suffers from moderate to severe OCD. You want to soothe them when they’re in distress. Maybe you comfort them, so you don’t have to deal with the madness of their obsessions. You provide reassurance and get where you need to be on-time because your partner doesn’t stop to finger the stove dials while you’re on your way out the door. But what if your reassurance makes their OCD worse? Unwittingly engaging with your partner’s compulsion to prevent or temporarily alleviate their OCD symptoms means the root condition remains unaddressed. Psychologists call this occurrence symptom accommodation. In his aim to understand the reasons why carers provide or do not provide reassurance, and the effect ERS has on them, Brynjar Halldorsson, clinical psychologist and postdoctoral research fellow at the National Institute of Health Research in the UK, noted that symptom accommodation may “transfer perceived responsibility to another person.” He noted this in a 2015 study published in the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (JOCRD).

The human costs of ERS Halldorsson and his team interviewed ten carers about their experience with providing reassurance to the adult OCD sufferers in their lives. The interview questions were extensive, demanding full, elaborate answers that would capture their motivations and feelings about being carers.

Most carers provided reassurance to show moral support and avoid any negative behavioural responses that lack of assurance might elicit. As an example, one participant, a mother, reported that her daughter who has severe contamination fears ceased to function when she withheld reassurance from her. The daughter stopped eating and wouldn’t get out of bed. While carers give in because they don’t want to see their loved ones suffer, Halldorsson noticed one theme that cut across the varied experiences he was analyzing: frustration. “I get frustrated…mostly because I know she knows what’s going on…knowing that it doesn’t really help, and it doesn’t help in the long-term management of OCD,” says one participant. OCD sufferers also feel frustrated at the fact that they act under compulsion and inevitably strain their personal relationships.

There’s Hope Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages OCD sufferers to move toward a values-based, goal-orientated, independent life with—not without—their anxiety. The psychologist who developed it, Steven Hayes, did so partially through his own experiences. “We as a culture seem to be dedicated to the idea that ‘negative’ human emotions need to be fixed, managed, or changed—not experienced as part of a whole life,” says Hayes. “We need to develop a modern integrated style of consciousness that can take us out of our minds and into our lives. Acceptance, mindfulness, and values are key psychological tools needed for that transformative shift.”

Are you stressed about what will come after graduation? Yeah, me too. Resources at UTM can help alleviate the stress of graduation and let students create a path for their futures. Dalainey Gervais Associate Features Editor

pplying for graduation this year came with a wave of conflicting emotions for me. While I was excited to add a new accomplishment to my tool belt, I was nervous about the future. For the past five years, I’ve been comforted by a regular schedule, controlled by courses that centre around topics I love. While I knew it was time to move on from the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), I worried about being left in the dark without any resources to help guide me to a new beginning. The UTM Career Centre provides resources for students planning their future careers and graduating. Their website contains information on possible career paths

and on and off-campus experience, sorted by all the majors offered by the university. The Career Centre additionally provides both synchronous and asynchronous workshops on career planning and job hunting. Furthermore, the Centre offers counselling sessions on building your resume and cover letters, which may help graduating students gear experience toward future careers or potential further education. While focusing on the next careerboosting steps are important for personal development, it is equally crucial that graduate students incorporate mental health regiments in their lives. UTM has a vast variety of mental

health resources available. At the Health & Counselling Centre, graduate students can access appointments with psychiatric and personal counsellors to discuss any source of anxiety, including the stressful time students face during the transition from their undergraduate life to their professional life. Although not geared directly to graduate students, the UTM Recreation, Athletics & Wellness Centre (RAWC) offers dropin sessions that can help anxious students. Participating in sports is a big contributor in stress management, through the release of certain hormones such as endorphins. These drop-in sport sessions include weekly basketball, volleyball, and squash sessions. Yoga and mindfulness

meditation sessions are also available through the RAWC. Associated with simulating a sense of mental clarity and body awareness, yoga is often recommended as a form of stress management. While some forms of yoga can be more challenging, there are positions and variations for every skill level, making yoga accessible for all types of people. Other support services accessible to students preparing to graduate is U of T’s My Student Support Program (MySSP), an app providing resources on many topical areas including articles geared toward helping anxious students who are about to graduate. The app additionally offers live, 24/7 counseling chats with qualified counsellors. Leaving your comfort zone for a world of unknown is always a challenge, but UTM is equipped with services and resources to help people, like me, feel at ease with our new journey.