Volume 50, Issue 18

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

Issue 18 Volume 50 February 5 2024

themedium.ca

Perfectionism

I’ve been a perfectionist my entire life. Whether it’s taking five hours to complete a 200-word essay or rewriting an opinion article six times to make sure it’s exactly how I want it to be (this one’s my sixth attempt). I’ve always been haunted by the spectre of perfectionism. To me, a piece of work isn’t worth anything if it’s not perfect—if that’s even possible. >> read more on page 7

Local or abroad

Art without audience

It’s 2024, and you’ve got your dream destination on your bucket

The act of creating art is a universal behaviour attributed to

list. You’re texting the group chat, “Grad trip this year?” You

humans, with its origins dating back to prehistoric times. This

watch vlogs to get a sense of what it’s like to live in a foreign

aspect of human culture adopts a variety of forms, such as

country. But what’s stopping you from packing your bags and

visual, literary, and the performing arts. For many, their first

living abroad for a few months? Why not just stay in Canada?

step into a preferred art form stems from an internal passion. >> read more on page 13

>> read more on page 10

OPINION - SATIRE

The unforeseen consequences of UTM’s road salt reduction River Knott Editor-in-Chief

T

he University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) prides itself on its efforts to foster environmental sustainability on campus. Each year,

the school takes incremental, yet powerful steps toward a greener future.

Unfortunately, this winter, UTM students aren’t so pleased with some of the university’s “sustainable” choices. >> ROAD SALT REDUCTION continues on page 8 BEATRIZ SIMAS/THE MEDIUM

FEATURES

OPINION

Working with AI, rather than being ruled by

U of T receives nearly four million for ongoing sustainable building project

Madhav Ajayamohan Associate Features Editor

Samuel Kamalendran Associate News Editor

T

wenty years ago, the idea of robots that can think and learn on their own was purely science fiction. It was fun to think about, but it was a fantasy.

Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is very real, and only keeps improving upon itself.

O

n January 18, the University of Toronto (U

With a square footage of 126,400 and a height of

of T) received a C$3.9 million grant for the

77 metres, the Academic Wood Tower will feature

ongoing construction of its record-setting project.

classroom, lab, and office spaces.

The Academic Wood Tower is a 14-story mass timber AI is improving, but that does not mean we are heading straight into the

building located at Bloor Street and Devonshire Place

The building will be the tallest academic timber

fictitious plot of The Matrix (1999) or Scythe by Neil Shusterman. In fact,

at U of T’s St. George campus.

structure in Canada and among the tallest timber and

AI may never improve enough to rival human intelligence. Research and

steel hybrid buildings on the continent. Aside from

development are still in the early phases. So, instead of leaping straight to the

On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson,

housing U of T’s Rotman School of Management, the

conclusion that our future is going to be ruled by AI, why don’t we think about

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Julie

Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and

how to effectively use AI to enhance our work in university and other aspects of

Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of

the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, the

life?Enhancement, not plagiarism

Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of

building “will stand as a testament to U of T’s global

Energy and Natural Resources announced the C$3.9

leadership in sustainability, as well as our commitment

The keyword here is enhance—not just blindly using AI to do your

million as a federal contribution to the Academic

to city-building,” according to U of T President Meric

assignments. Currently, AI hasn’t reached the level where it can write essays or

Wood Tower through the Green Construction through

Gertler.

solve problems with the same creativity or on the same level as humans.

Wood program.

>> WORKING WITH AI continues on page 11

>> SUSTAINABLE BUILDING continues on page 4

02

NEWS

Editor | May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca

Mississauga encampment residents say the government has failed them after surviving January’s coldest night Overflowing shelters, anti-homeless architecture, and violence are among the many challenges encampment residents face.

Karine Alhakim Associate News Editor

BEATRIZ SIMAS/THE MEDIUM

I

n light of last month’s dangerously cold temperatures, Ontario encampment residents—

Last October, an average of 300 people were turned away per day, painting a stark picture of the

including ones in Mississauga—are calling on the government for urgent support.

system’s shortcomings. Despite efforts to expand capacity and establish warming centers, the reality remains bleak for many seeking refuge from the bitter cold.

Recent reports by some Mississauga and Toronto encampment residents shed light on the dire situation faced by those without shelter, highlighting overflowing shelters, contentious

Chris, a Brampton resident, spent the past four months living in a Mississauga hydrofield. Chris

encampment clearances, and the daunting challenges of anti-homeless architecture.

told CityNews he feels “completely abandoned by all levels of government.” According to him, the government has let him and other encampment residents down after surviving one of the

The winter season does not only pose physical hardships but also exacerbates existing societal

coldest nights of January in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

divides, leaving many vulnerable individuals grappling for survival amidst indifference and systemic shortcomings.

The influx of asylum seekers adds another layer of complexity to an already strained system.

With refugee claimants seeking shelter in alarming numbers, the city’s resources are stretched

The frigid temperatures bring forth a harsh reality for individuals like Jamie Lee Pauk, who

thin, exacerbating the plight of those experiencing homelessness.

found solace and community in makeshift encampments scattered throughout the city.

Pauk’s reluctance to leave her encampment near St.-Stephen-in-the-Fields Anglican Church

Amid these challenges, the issue of anti-homeless architecture emerges as a stark reminder

underscores the deep-rooted connections and lifelines that these spaces provide.

of the systemic barriers faced by the GTA’s homeless community. Hostile design elements, including metal spikes along fountains, concrete barriers, and sidewalks, serve as deterrents,

Despite receiving eviction threats and facing freezing conditions, Pauk’s determination

further marginalizing individuals already grappling with housing insecurity. The pervasive

to remain stems from the sense of belonging and support she has cultivated within her

presence of such architectural features underscores the systemic nature of homelessness,

community. However, as city crews clear these encampments citing safety concerns, residents

perpetuating cycles of exclusion and hardship.

like Pauk are left in precarious positions, grappling with the loss of vital resources and the uncertainty of where to seek shelter next.

Furthermore, the prevalence of violence and theft within shelters compounds the risks faced by homeless individuals seeking refuge. Despite the availability of shelter beds, concerns regarding

The challenges extend beyond encampments, as the strained shelter system grapples with

safety and security deter many from accessing these resources, leaving them vulnerable to the

increasing demand and limited capacity. The City of Toronto’s Winter Services Plan for People

unforgiving elements of winter.

Experiencing Homelessness aims to address the escalating need for shelter and warmth yet falls short in the face of mounting challenges.

Recent tweet by Elmo represents a major mental health crisis not just for Americans but worldwide

03

What seemed to be an innocent wellness check by everyone’s favourite muppet turned into a mass online trauma dumping session.

Arjun Saini Contributor

AURORA PICCIOTTOLI/THE MEDIUM

O

n January 29, Sesame Street’s beloved muppet character, Elmo, checked in with his fans on

students say they often experience emotional stress while enrolled in college.

X, formerly Twitter, not realizing his question would trigger an outburst of angst among

Chair of the American College Health Association’s mental section and senior staff psychiatrist

users.

at Ohio State University, Ryan Patel, provides insight into how mental health can be managed.

One way to build support for students according to Patel is to track progress through self-

The post asked, “Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” As of February 1, the post

assessment of symptoms and gauges of functioning, such as class attendance and staying up-to-

gained almost 200 million views, more than 12,000 reposts, and over 140 thousand likes.

date with assignment deadlines.

The responses reflected a larger issue at stake in mental health not only for North Americans but

For many students, the winter months pose a huge challenge to mental health. Seasonal affective

the entire world. In 2019, 970 million individuals worldwide struggled with a mental disorder,

disorder (SAD) is a certain type of depression that is consistent with changes in seasons. For

with anxiety and depression being the most common.

many, symptoms begin in the fall and continue during the winter months.

Elmo’s post gained traction from many X users, including a response from US President Joe

According to a 2024 article by CMHA, symptoms of SAD can include feelings of anxiety or

Biden who wrote, “I know how hard it is some days to sweep the clouds away and get to sunnier

hopelessness, increased irritability, frustration or guilt, and a desire to stay indoors.

days.”

Movement is one way to decrease these symptoms and increase mood indoors. The article Biden continued, “Our friend Elmo is right: We have to be there for each other, offer our help to

indicates that only 20 to 30 minutes of movement every day can have a significant positive

a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it.”

impact on mental health.

The World Health Organization describes mental health as a “state of mental well-being that

For students of all three U of T campuses, many resources are available to relieve mental health

enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well,

stress. Launched in 2020, Navi is one of the university’s latest resources. Navi is a chat-based

and contribute to their community.”

virtual assistant which helps students find information on many topics including information regarding mental health services.

The organization describes the economic consequences of mental health conditions as “enormous,” portraying a dire demand for mental health relief. According to their website,

U of T Telus Health Student Support, formerly known as My Student Support Program, is

people struggling with severe mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the average

another key resource available for U of T Mississauga (UTM) students. According to the

population.

university’s website, the service offers “immediate and confidential access to culturally relevant counselling in your native language, day or night.” They can be reached at 1 (844) 451-9700.

Mental health issues represent a growing concern for Canadians. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), mental health struggles affect all Canadians at some point

The Health and Counseling Centre is also available for students and can be contacted at health.

in their lives. In any given year, one in five people in Canada will personally struggle with mental

utm@utoronto.ca or visited in room 1123A in UTM’s Davis Building.

health issues. Nearly half of the population will have or have had a mental illness before they reach the age of 40.

Aside from campus resources, there are many services available for mental health support. Open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, CMHA’s Peel Dufferin offers crisis support for anyone

Post-secondary students are also heavily impacted by mental health issues. According to a

experiencing a mental health crisis. For support, their number is (905) 278-9036, or for non-

survey conducted in 2022 by the Gallup and Lumina Foundation, two out of five undergraduate

crisis information, (905) 451-2123.

04

Former U of T tenured professor threatens CPO after losing court battle mandating social media training Dr. Jordan Peterson slammed for degrading social media posts, including ones insulting a plus-size model on a 2022 magazine cover.

May Alsaigh News Editor

O

threatened CPO on X after his appeal to

innocent wellness check by Sesame Street’s

undergo social media training was denied, but

widely adored Elmo with the response, “Go

has also demanded that “the entire current

f*** yourself for wanting to discriminate

crop of minions at the College of Psychologists

against white people.” The tweet has quickly

to publicly apologize and then resign” in

been deemed fake, but X users still took it as

another post.

an opportunity to ridicule him.

media training.

Dr. Peterson, who is no stranger to

One X user retweeted the post with the

controversy, continues to post daily on X

comment, “Honey, wake up, Jordan Peterson is

decision to go through remedial training

In May 2022, Dr. Peterson tweeted,

responding to numerous breaking news

angry at muppets again.” Another user shared

for his “demeaning” commentary on social

“Sorry. Not beautiful. And no amount of

articles and posts. In a recent post on January

a brief clip of the muppet dancing in space

media. The three-judge panel did not

authoritarian tolerance is going to change

31, he tweeted, “Albertans for sanity!” in

with the caption, “Jordan Peterson’s biggest

provide reasons for dismissing the appeal,

that,” in response to Sports Illustrated’s cover

response to an article reporting Alberta’s

opp.”

which is not uncommon for the appeal

of a plus-sized model—one post of many

court.

that triggered public complaints against the

n January 17, Dr. Jordan Peterson,

Last year, Dr. Peterson was ordered by

a former tenured U of T Professor,

the Ontario Divisional Court to attend

posted a tweet threatening the College

mandatory social media training after

of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) after

several complaints were launched against

attempting to challenge an order to undergo

him regarding his recent posts. CPO

social media training.

launched an investigation into these statements before ordering mandatory

On January 16, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed Dr. Peterson’s appeal of the

Canadian psychologist and author.

“The war has barely started,” he tweeted in a post that has gained nearly 500,000 views as of February 2. “So watch out. Seriously.

After several similar tweets, Dr. Peterson’s

You’ve been warned.”

formerly-Twitter page was temporarily suspended before his account was reinstated

Dr. Peterson was also ordered to pay

by Elon Musk after purchasing the social

C$5,000 in costs to CPO after being a

media platform, now known as X, in 2022.

licensee for 24 years.

Dr. Peterson has not only publicly

decision to ban puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for children under the age of 16.

Despite putting his practice on hold in 2017, Dr. Peterson risks the suspension of his

Dr. Peterson’s posts have not only resulted

medical license to practice in Ontario if he

in the court’s decision to have him undergo

does not comply with directives to undergo

further media training but have also sparked

training.

an avalanche of tweets mocking the bestselling author.

On February 1, a post of Dr. Peterson’s surfaced through X in which he reposted an

U of T receives nearly four million for ongoing sustainable building project The Academic Wood Tower, Canada’s soon-to-be tallest academic timber building, is starting to take shape after more than two years of construction.

Samuel Kamalendran Associate News Editor >> continued from the front cover...

P

Its sustainable approach involves numerous other unique features such as R40 opaque walls, a

rojects like these help further U of T’s commitment to sustainability, which is already

triple-glazed curtainwall, which helps stabilize the building’s temperature, reduces operating

considered to be the best in the world according to QS World University Rankings.

costs and reflects UV light, rainwater collection for sustainable water usage, and independent energy generation via solar panels.

The building, designed by award-winning Patkau Architects and MJMA Architecture & Design, along with consultants Black Structural Engineers and Smith+Andersen, is gaining

The building is also part of U of T’s Campus as a Living Lab program, which promotes a

popularity for its innovation after winning a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence in 2019.

dynamic collaboration with students and staff on sustainable projects.

Besides drawing attention to its design, its embrace of unprecedented sustainability makes it

Expected to be completed in 2026, the building stands as a symbol of the power of ingenuity,

the exemplar for the potential of mass-timber design for architects and engineers who seek to

teamwork, and sustainability for institutions and organizations around the world. Its

emulate the building’s features.

academic spaces, vibrant location, and revolutionary features stand for the commitment to

Using mass timbers offers various benefits including the reduction of greenhouse gases, a

excellence and sustainability.

high level of fire safety, and a low carbon footprint. The building is also one of the only major structures predominantly made from a renewable resource. The timber used will all be Canadian-grown, and specifically obtained from Western Canada.

The building’s highest level is designed as an event and performance space with two commercial kitchens and a 180-person banquet hall that offers views of the Toronto skyline.

Integrated with the Goldring Center, which was designed to support a multi-story complex, the tower casts its shadow over the U of T Varsity Centre, links to the Rotman School of Management’s building, and is a walk away from the Munk School and the Royal Ontario Museum, along with multiple U of T colleges.

DAANISH ALVI/THE MEDIUM

05

U of T professor supports petitions to fire Columbia University professor

Amidst pro-Palestinian protests and debates on free speech, U of T Professor Ruth Marshall accuses Columbia Professor Shai Davidai of bullying pro-Palestinian students.

Jacob Fu Contributor

DAANISH ALVI/THE MEDIUM

O

n January 17, a University of Toronto (U of T) professor waded into the debate of the

Since Dr. Davidai’s initial post, tensions surrounding the status of pro-Palestinian speech

status of pro-Palestinian speech in universities by supporting the termination of Dr.

have only intensified.

Shai Davidai, an associate professor at Columbia University and an outspoken advocate for Zionism.

On January 19, peaceful pro-Palestinian student protesters organized by various proPalestinian student groups within Columbia University were sprayed with a substance

Dr. Ruth Marshall, an associate professor specializing in religion and political science at

known as “Skunk,” a chemical produced in Israel as a means of crowd control within the

U of T’s St. George Campus, replied to an X thread by verified user @persianjewess, who

West Bank.

reposted an original post by Dr. Davidai condemning the petitions students have created demanding his firing.

The protesters had been advocating for university administrators to divest their funds and otherwise increase their financial transparency to prove that money had not been going

In response to what he describes as “pro-terror organizations” at Columbia, he writes, “In

into Israeli arms.

an effort to silence me, they are now petitioning that I be ‘removed from teaching and contact with students.’”

In the aftermath, on January 22, Columbia officials attacked the protestors for participating in an “unsanctioned” university activity that “violated university policies,” while seemingly

Many verified users responded to his post, including X users @Solo11631282, who wrote, “I

downplaying the subsequent chemical attack that followed.

don’t think your students are worrying,” and @dead_in_ny, who responded, “Someone [is] getting desperate.”

In response, on January 25, other Columbia professors slammed university administrators for Columbia’s “climate of censorship and retaliation for Pro-Palestinian activism” and

Dr. Marshall, replying on X, declared her support for these petitions by accusing Dr.

harshly criticized its “clumsy handling” of the incident.

Davidai of “using his bully pulpit to call undergrads ‘terrorists’ because they stand with Palestine and criticize Israel for the ongoing genocide.”

Dr. Marshall and Dr. Davidai both denounced the attacks once it was apparent that students were affected by the Skunk chemical in the January 19 protests. However, Dr. Davidai has

The dispute between the two professors has triggered many harsh responses from X users

also called for the expulsion of the protest organizers on January 23 for organizing “the

that support both sides of the argument. On one side, users like @persianjewess accused Dr.

havoc of unorganized pro-Hamas protests.”

Marshall of being a “Jew hater” for seemingly advocating for Dr. Davidai’s removal. On the other side, users like @AlaHamdann condemned Dr. Davidai for his outspoken Zionism,

Since then, on January 22, Dr. Davidai published a blog about the reasons for his Zionist

calling him “the professor who encouraged genocide” against Palestinians.

position before he condemned the attacks, describing Zionism as a means to create a “safe space” for Jews by having “a place for [their] own” in Palestine.

Dr. Davidai demonstrated his condemnation of pro-Palestinian speech in various incidents.

In a 60 Minutes interview on December 3, 2023, he equated the pro-Palestinian stance

In a January 20 X post, Dr. Marshall implicated Dr. Davidai’s rhetoric as a possible motive

adopted by some Columbia University student groups as evidence that these organizations

behind the Skunk attack and general hostility towards pro-Palestinian students.

also support Hamas—accusing Columbia University President Minouche Shafik of “cowardice” and “callousness” for not doing enough against these views.

In another X post written on January 24, she elaborated on this position. Replying to a post about Dr. Davidai belittling a student for pro-Palestinian views even though that student

In the same interview, Dr. Davidai also expressed his belief that pro-Palestinian stances

had lost family in Gaza, Dr. Marshall described Dr. Davidai’s accusations as “unhinged” and

should not be protected by free speech, justifying it by linking these views as akin to

urged others to perceive them “as incitement to violence.”

supporting the lynchings of African Americans and ending by calling for “equal treatment” of Jewish faculty against pro-Palestinian views.

The feud between Dr. Marshall and Dr. Davidai illustrates the broader polarization between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian commenters. At the same time, the chemical attack on

On the other hand, Dr. Marshall has been a consistent defender of Palestinian rights,

Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian protesters has emphasized the continued need for

posting on January 15 about her displeasure at the disproportionate way many media

universities to defend freedom of speech, especially in campus environments, from similar

outlets had been covering Israel in its attacks on the Gaza Strip.

hostile acts.

In a January 22 post, Dr. Marshall also made her stance against antisemitism very clear by warning against far-right provocateurs that spread antisemitic talking points by masking themselves as pro-Palestinian.

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief River Knott editor@themedium.ca Managing Editor Jaros Valdes managing@themedium.ca News May Alsaigh news@themedium.ca Opinion Aya Yafaoui opinion@themedium,ca Features Louis Lam features@themedium.ca A&E Hannah Wang arts@themedium.ca Sports Omar Khan sports@themedium.ca Photo Daanish Alvi photos@themedium.ca Design Beatriz Simas design@themedium.ca Copy Chris Berberian Chris@themedium.ca Maja Ting maja@themedium.ca Social Media & Online Belicia Chevolleau social@themedium.ca Video Nikolas Towsey video@themedium.ca

06

OPINION

Editor | Aya Yafaoui opinion@themedium.ca

Enduring life, one meditation at a time

The benefits of being intentionally focused and slow in our racing world.

Chris Berberian Copy Editor

Y

ou lie awake at night, wrestling with the blanket, re-

the 1950s, and to the boom of mindfulness-based meditation

propping your head on the hot and sticky pillow. The

seen across the world today.

thoughts start racing. What if I failed that psychology exam?

Our modern age is inundated with beeps and notifications,

You open your eyes to the vast nothingness of your bedroom.

viral tweets and flashy TikToks, and never-ending work

What if I fail this course? Your forehead is throbbing, your

emails. It is also filled with rising anxiety and depression rates.

hair is clumping together, and numbing tingles tiptoe along

Meditation not only helps to minimize symptoms of anxiety

your arms. What if I can’t graduate in the summer with all my

and depression, but it can also help boost mood, memory,

friends, and then they stop talking to me and then start pitying

and attention, improve immune responses, reduce physical

me for being a pseudointellectual, and I have to skip town from

pain, and can even improve the quality of sleep—all vital in

the constant ridicule and reinvent my life as a beet farmer

our quest to survive this chaotic and taxing world around us.

outside the booming metropolis of Des Moines, Iowa, even

With enough practice, you can say goodbye to your late-night

though, deep down, I know I can be a successful neuroscience

racing thoughts.

researcher?

Whichever meditation you may choose to practice, there If you’re anything like this man—who most certainly isn’t

are almost as many step-by-step how-to videos on YouTube

me—you’ve likely wanted to cut open your skull, remove your

as there are cat pictures on the Internet. There are also

brain, and put all the pent-up anxieties on pause. Whether it’s

engaging, thoughtful guided meditation shows out there,

cramming at 4 a.m. for midterms, scavenging for employment

such as the Headspace series on Netflix or the Sharecare

amid an uncertain economy, coping with annoying people, or

Windows-produced series on Prime Video. Well-researched

cursing out the ever-delayed MiWay transit system– Life can

comprehensive books, such as Thich Nhat Hanh’s The

get overwhelming. But there are methods to quell all these

Miracle of Mindfulness, Marcus Aurelius’ aptly titled diary,

thoughts, emotions, and behaviours—even if only modestly

Meditations, and Shunryu Suzuki’s Zen Mind, Beginner’s

and momentarily—and few are as ingrained and time-tested

Mind, among many others, exist to help too. And you can

as meditation.

likewise turn to podcasts or meditation apps, of which, “Meditation Oasis” and “Calm” are personal favourites.

Meditation has likely been around for as long as humans could think about themselves and the world around them.

Ironically, so many meditation options exist that it can

Or, according to some, for as long as we could sit around a

become overwhelming. So, if meditation sounds like

fire and ponder the symbolic nature of the flames in front

something you want to try, start with one practice. Focus on

of us. The oldest written records of structured meditation

it. And if it isn’t quite right for you, try another one. Self-

date to roughly 1500 BCE in India during the ancient Vedic

compassion and patience are key while meditating because,

times. Back then, people practiced meditation as a way

realistically, meditation is hard. But setting aside even just a

of connecting to one’s “deeper self.” In the thousands of

little time in your day, however brief, to reflect and ponder

years since, meditation has evolved and branched off into

and cherish life can have immense mental, emotional, and

numerous forms, styles, and practices. Many with unique

physical health benefits.

spiritual aims: from early Taoism in China and Buddhism in India, to the subsequent development of transcendental

Now… close your eyes… Focus on your breath… Deeply

meditation mantras, to the revival of Burmese Vipassanā in

inhale… and count to four…

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BEATRIZ SIMAS/THE MEDIUM

07

Perfectionism is paralyzing you. Here’s what you can do about it Perfectionism is paralyzing you. Here’s what you can do about it Maryam Lela Staff Writer

SARA LI/THE MEDIUM

>> continued from the front cover...

I

’ve been a perfectionist my entire life. Whether it’s taking five hours to complete a 200word essay or rewriting an opinion article six times to make sure it’s exactly how I want it

to be (this one’s my sixth attempt). I’ve always been haunted by the spectre of perfectionism.

To me, a piece of work isn’t worth anything if it’s not perfect—if that’s even possible. But I’m slowly learning that the pedestal of perfectionism isn’t worth striving for.

This is because perfectionism is paralyzing. Perfectionism drains the enthusiasm out of me, causing me to procrastinate whatever task I need to get done. It makes me want to cozy up in my comfort zone and not risk looking into the face of failure. But with a full course load and multiple deadlines to meet each week, I know that perfectionism won’t get me very far.

Thankfully, I’ve learned a few tips to combat perfectionism. Here are some that have helped me:

Silence the Inner Critic I compare myself to other writers a lot. I read their work and wonder where they get all their creative and unique ideas from. Like the fear of failure, comparison drains the motivation out of me and prevents me from writing anything at all—because what’s the point if I won’t sound as good as them?

But I’ve learned that sometimes it takes another pair of eyes to point out the true quality of your work. I discovered this during an office hours meeting with Professor Allen. I came to him to get advice on a recent assignment I’d turned in. I was disheartened at how bad it was— or so I thought.

“This is a good piece of writing,” Professor Allen surprised me by saying. “It just needs some

Be a Failure

minor improvements.”

Mike Tyson said it best: “In order to be a master, you have to be a fool at first.” If you want to

I had thought it was a low-quality piece of writing. I never expected someone else to actually

achieve certain ambitions, accepting failure and criticism is an inevitable part of the process.

The saying, “Mistakes are the best way to learn” is popular for good reason. The way I see it, a mistake is like a good friend. It nudges you toward the right direction and reminds you of how not to do things.

For me, one of the most difficult parts about making mistakes is the thought of the judgement I might receive. But I remember this: the people who actually care about me will only give me genuine, heartfelt advice. They want to see me grow and improve and won’t criticize me for

praise it.

“I guess I just underestimate myself,” I said.

“I agree,” he said.

It turns out that the biggest critic of myself is actually me . I tend to create imaginary barriers in my mind, which hinder me from giving value to my work. These barriers must be

failing.

demolished if I want to grow as a writer. The only other option is stagnancy.

Jump in the Pool

So, I’ll tell you this: your work isn’t as bad as you think it is. There might be other people who

Guy Allen, my Finance and Writing professor, once told me, “The best way to get an

dream of having your ideas and abilities.

assignment done is to just jump in the pool and start swimming.”

These are some tips that have helped me as a perfectionist. Although I’m still not where I want

This means that the best way to finish that essay you’ve been procrastinating doing for the past

that you can only achieve your goals through imperfection.

week is to just do it. No hesitation allowed. Even if you don’t have a perfectly formed idea of how to approach it, just start writing. Think of it as a brain-dump: whatever comes to mind, write it down, even if it makes no sense. You can edit it later.

This technique has helped me minimize perfectionism and procrastination by helping me avoid overthinking unnecessary details. Not only do I save hours of my time with this technique, but I also produce a much stronger, more genuine piece of work.

to be, I’ve definitely improved with practice. If you’re a perfectionist like me, I hope you realize

08

The unforeseen consequences of UTM’s road salt reduction How slippery surfaces have changed our campus community, forever.

River Knott Editor-in-Chief >> continued from the front cover...

H

ere in Canada, crunchy white-and-blue salt on sidewalks, roads, ramps, and staircases

issue. Like no idea at all. Maybe go ask someone who cares.” When the spokesperson was

is a sign that winter doth approach to plunge us into four to six months of dismal

asked to step outside for a headshot, he exclaimed: “Are you kidding me? I’m not going out

darkness. In Southwestern Ontario, as winter begins, the temperature rapidly dips above and

there on all that ice! I’ll crack my head open!” With that, The Medium’s interviewer was

below zero degrees Celsius, resulting in the freezing, melting, and subsequent refreezing of

ushered out of the room with a scoff from the spokesperson.

precipitation. Due to this cycle, walking surfaces are covered by layers of ice, some of which are virtually invisible. Luckily, road salt provides us with traction on these slippery surfaces and melts away ice quickly.

Without very much guidance from UTM officials, students have begun taking things into their own hands amid this head trauma epidemic. Starting in January of this year, some students took to sliding between classes on their bellies, like penguins.

Unfortunately, this frequent use of road salt can be environmentally problematic.

By early February, almost all UTM students had adopted “the penguin

Not only does it cause discomfort by getting in between your dog’s widdle toesies,

technique” and can be found slipping and sliding between classes all

but the salt can also seep into bodies of water, making the fish taste way too

together, in great colonies.

salty. It is because of these environmental tolls that UTM took the initiative to reduce road salt use on campus by a whopping 80 per cent during the winter

Oddly enough, the adoption of the penguin technique appears to not

of 2022/2023. This reduction continues this year.

only encompass sliding to class on one’s belly, but it also seems to have resulted in a widespread mental snap among students. Students can

By the end of last year’s winter, UTM’s Health and Counselling

frequently be seen huddling closely together for warmth at bus

Centre released data suggesting a massive influx in head injuries

stops, stealing hard-boiled eggs from Coleman Commons to

among UTM students, specifically those related to blunt-force

sit on during class because it “just feels right,” and diving

trauma, like falling and hitting your head. Apparently, the

headfirst into medium-sized bodies of water to “hunt for

frequency of head injuries among students increased by as

krill and fish.” Some students have even begun to rapidly

much as 80 per cent between the winters of 2022 and 2023.

molt feathers that they reportedly didn’t even know they had.

In early February, an interviewer from The Medium slid over to the office of Principal Alexandra Gillespie, seeking answers about

The Medium reached out to a UTM administrative spokesperson

UTM’s recently coined “penguin ‘pocalypse.” Unfortunately, by

to get some answers. When asked what the cause of this strange

the time they reached her office, it was already too late. Gillespie

increase in head injuries could be, the spokesperson replied:

was found swallowing minnows whole while relaxing in her office

“Honestly, I have absolutely no idea what could be causing this

aquarium, feathers scattered across the floor all around her.

My eight-legged-plus roommates

How to get used to spiders and centipedes in your room.

Sabrina Garcia Contributor

B

efore we get started, I know! Yes, they can bite and they’re freaky as hell, but bear with me.

a sweetheart). Jenny came along not long after. I

I used to leave the room whenever I saw these little peeps crawling around. However, there

think they had a fight because Bernard was absent

are ways to avoid killing them on sight and having their presence always strike fear. Here are

for a few days, leaving Jenny to take his spot.

stages of how to live with these roommates who disrespect personal space and scurry around

Bernard did come back, and Jenny stole his

without paying rent.

original spot forever. If you find yourself thinking this story is endearing, then you’re on the same

Stage 1: Setting Rules

wavelength as me. Naming them and greeting your roommates from time to time slowly allows you to make a habit of addressing them and their presence,

Most will hear you; some won’t give a damn. The first step is to announce your boundaries.

Communication is vital. Compromise by explaining they can roam freely, but cannot crawl on restricted areas like the bed, your desk, and the walls touching these areas. These types of roommates tend to pass by your personal space. They can be motivated to leave by sending vibrations through patting the bed or wall when they are near or on it. If they get too close to

easing you into comfortability. I would’ve never liked Greg the ceiling centipede if I hadn’t become friends with Bernard and Jenny. I genuinely miss Greg because I would speak to him in a chilled-out tone akin to a stereotypical surfer. Greg was a chill guy.

Stage 3: Vibing and upholding boundaries

your bubble, waft some wind in their direction and they leave. It’s a 60/40 shot they’ll listen.

After days of practice and seeing them around, it becomes easier to share the room. Although a

Stage 2: Naming

level of discomfort will still linger and you may have to “remove” the disrespectful roommates who don’t respect your rules and boundaries, it soon becomes apparent most of these roommates are chill and make neutral friends. You’ll find yourself getting less scared and not

The next step is to make connections. Your roommates won’t recognize their names, but you’ll sure recognize them. My first roommates were Bernard, and his girlfriend, Jenny. Bernard the spider liked vibing near my bed at the crack under the wall. He never moved, luckily respecting boundaries, and would shift away when I needed to use the plug a few inches above him (such

minding them. Whenever someone visits, instead of you saying, “Oh my God! Pass me your shoe!” it’ll be: “Yo, that’s just Carol. Sup, Carol.”

09

Nothing stands sacred in a cultural genocide Gaza is having its people and its culture eradicated.

Aya Yafaoui Opinion Editor

DAANISH ALVI/THE MEDIUM

M

y name is Aya Yafaoui. In Arabic, my last name translates to “Aya of Yafa.” You might

More than 100 mosques in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged. The first mosque built in

not know where Yafa is until I tell you the other name the city is called: Tel Aviv. Many

Gaza more than 1,400 years ago, The Great Omari Mosque, or Al-Masjid al-Omari al-Kabir,

will know the colonizer’s name for my city rather than the name it was given by its Indigenous

has been destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. The mosque held a library that contained some of

people. Just like how most know Jerusalem but not Al-Quds, Hebron but not Al-Khalil,

the rarest books and manuscripts in the world, without a single copy elsewhere. The collection

Netanya but not Umm Khalid, Jericho but not Ariha. The erasure of Palestinian names for

featured a “14th century Book of Sufi Poems of Ibn-Zokaa and books by famed Gazan jurists,

the land is why Palestinians name their children after those occupied cities and towns. Names

including Sheikh Skaike.” The library also held “old copies of the Quran, biographies of the

such as Bisan, Safad, and Karmel, all keep our history alive as it is actively being wiped out and

Prophet Muhammad and ancient books on philosophy, medicine and Sufi mysticism.” All these

rewritten by the colonial project known as Israel.

physical artifacts have been destroyed, with only the digital versions having been preserved thanks to a digitization project that was completed just last year.

This practice is not new. In Canada, our cities and towns are titled by the British and French colonizers who landed here centuries ago. Our very country’s name is a word taken from the

Of course, it is not only religious sites that have been destroyed. Museums such as the Rafah

Indigenous people residing here and anglicized. Only a few years ago did Toronto recognize the

Museum or the Al Qarara Museum have also been targeted. Various public service buildings

Indigenous Anishinaabe names for two major roads, due to the efforts of the “Ogimaa Mikana”

have been hit, including the site that held peace talks between the Palestinian Liberation

project started at the height of the Idle No More movement in 2013. Those streets are Spadina

Organization leader Yasser Arafat and US President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, the Rashad El

Road, now Ishpadinaa, and Davenport Road, now Gete-Onigaming. Even the City of Toronto

Shawa Cultural Center. More than 40 media offices have been destroyed. Nearly 350 schools

has an original Anishinaabe name: Gichi Kiiwenging. Here at the University of Toronto,

have been damaged or destroyed. And all 36 hospitals in Gaza have been attacked or completely

Mississauga, we are always reminded that we live and work on stolen land, but we do not offer

destroyed, rendering only nine hospitals open, with severely limited services as the healthcare

more than an acknowledgment of that fact. Institutions and cultural centres do not do enough

system has collapsed. These buildings hold knowledge and culture that has now been left under

to sustain the knowledge, culture, names, and connections that the Indigenous tribes have to

the rubble, along with the bodies of thousands of Palestinians.

this land we occupy.

But we are a university student body, and so I will highlight to you that every university in It is a fact that Canada committed a genocide, both by murdering people and by destroying

Gaza has been destroyed by Israel. Ninety-four university professors have been assassinated

cultural knowledge. An acknowledgement that is hard won by Indigenous peoples all across

by the Israeli army. I would like you to look at your department and imagine all of them dead.

Turtle Island. In the year 2024, Israel now commits a genocide, in every sense, against

Then move on to the next department, and the next, until you reach 94 people who have been

Palestinian people. Yet, this eradication is not only of a people, but of the very history—the very

murdered for the sole reason of being academics. These universities were not decimated only

memory of Palestine.

due to airstrikes, however. On January 17, the Israeli army detonated 315 mines to demolish

At least 195 heritage sites have been destroyed in Gaza. And that number only reflects the ones

Israa University, the last-standing university in Gaza. The key word in that sentence being

that are known to have been damaged. There are still many places that have not been assessed

“mines.” For you cannot mine bomb a space that is in active conflict. The university had to

due to the genocide and ethnic cleansing raging around them. These sites do not just hold the

have been abandoned for the soldiers to dig and plant three-hundred-and-fifteen bombs on

history of modern Palestine. Gaza has always been a central place for numerous civilizations

the premises. There was no Hamas. No threat. It was an empty building. One that symbolized

and ancient empires. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, Assyrians, and Ottomans all left their

Palestinian knowledge and culture. And the colonizer eagerly pressed a button and cast it into

mark on Gaza, leaving behind important relics and sites. The Greek, Persian, Nabataean, and

oblivion.

Jewish civilizations have also lived and traded on the coast that Gaza sits on. It is a war crime to target these historic cultural and religious sites. It also breaks the 1954 Hague Convention that

The truth of the matter is that these actions do not stay within the limits of the Gaza Strip. The

both Palestine and Israel signed that protects such landmarks from being targeted in war.

colonial powers of our world are showing you an important lesson right now: nothing is sacred to the colonizer. It did not matter to them centuries ago, and it does not matter now, no matter

The Byzantine Church of Jabalia was built in 444 CE during the rule of Emperor Theodosius II.

what the international law states and the signatures of those countries. They will target your

Its walls were inscribed with 16 religious texts written in ancient Greek, and it held colourful

hospitals. They will target your homes. They will target your schools. In fact, they already have.

mosaics of animals, palm trees, and hunting scenes. It is now destroyed because of Israeli

Do you not see the violence of our system when school shootings, healthcare system strain, and

airstrikes. The Monastery of Saint Hilarion was built during Roman rule of the region, and it

the cost-of-living crisis are the norm?

dates back to 340 CE. It is now damaged due to Israeli airstrikes. The oldest church in Gaza, The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius, which has stood in Gaza since 425 CE—for

My fellow students, you must speak out. If not to protect Palestinians, then to protect

16 centuries—and is the third oldest church in the world, was also bombed by Israeli airstrikes.

yourselves. You may not be students forever, but you will face the violence of our colonial world,

The history and religious centres of Palestinian Christians are being eradicated.

eventually. Do what you can right now. Both because it is your duty as a student at a university institution, and because humanity calls on you to stand steadfast against colonialism.

10

features

Editor | Louis Lam features@themedium.ca

Local or abroad, students juggle the choice of leaving or staying home

A peek into how Canadian students view the international scene, and what they can do if they want to venture out.

Pamela Prasetya Associate Features Editor

DAANISH ALVI/THE MEDIUM

>> continued from the front cover... t’s 2024, and you’ve got your dream destination on your bucket list. You’re texting the group

I

If Canada is so renowned for their education and resources, is it necessary for students to

Why not just stay in Canada?

options abroad for multiple reasons, which then makes one wonder: how are Canadians

This brings up the questions: what makes a country so desirable to live in? Do people want

stick to studying and working within Canada?

chat, “Grad trip this year?” You watch vlogs to get a sense of what it’s like to live in a foreign

country. But what’s stopping you from packing your bags and living abroad for a few months?

pursue work or further education elsewhere? Some might think that it’s worth pursuing other perceived abroad? Is there even room for them in the international scene or should they simply

to go abroad for new experiences, or would they prefer local quality education and work

Lam discusses the advantages of Canadian students and their edge in the field, stating that

opportunities? The Medium asked a few students their opinions about the international scene.

“Canada is a bilingual country, which means many Canadians can communicate in both

Although some people might find traveling exciting, living in a new country, even if it’s only

of cultural awareness, which helps when adapting to a new country.” Although some students

for a semester or a year, can be scary. There are a lot more requirements and things to consider before simply applying to the program they want overseas. Students might need to consider things like important documentation, such as visas and student permits, course approval for

English and French. Our society is multicultural, so that generally translates to a high sense might not consider studying and working in Canada after they graduate, Canada’s reputation and resources create a name for its own.

their program, and government photo IDs.

Many elements in our multicultural society also help translate into work ethic and social and

Lovelle Pong, a fifth-year student at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) specializing

pair of languages—is a key playing card in how employers view you as a candidate. Besides

behavioural attitudes in the workplace. Bilingualism—whether it’s English, French, or another

in forensic biology and minoring in psychology, shares that some of the challenges students might face are in “balancing academics, developing a new social circle, and possibly working a job.” For Pong, learning about life abroad allows for more opportunities to network, new experiences, and many more career options. While talking about the job market in Canada, Pong shares that “the difficulties of finding a job in Canada… is one of my biggest concerns as a soon-to-be-graduate… the main concern of many students is determining how to get their foot in the door of their desired discipline. We all have a collective fear of graduating and [being] unable to find a suitable full-time job.”

cultures through communication and understanding is something that may help students stand out amongst the competition abroad.

At UTM, there are several options for those exploring life internationally. The International Education Center’s (IEC) website is a great tool to explore. There are many different opportunities abroad that allows students to complete courses for their program, immerse them in new cultures, explore new cities, learn new languages, and try new foods. UTM has great connections with various universities and colleges abroad, so it’s very possible to study

With job security constantly being questioned,

some students might worry that

the current market is too competitive and could be

too saturated depending on the

field. However, some may outreach to different

companies in other countries to

maximize their chances, given the current job

market. As fresh or upcoming

graduates, Pong advises students to keep

their options open. “It can be

difficult to obtain a job in the current

market, and having a wide range of

prospects can

being qualified for the position or program, being able to connect with different people and

make

such a big difference.” By doing so, it

increases the

chances of getting a call back, or making

lasting

connections that may help students land a promising job after graduation.

Meanwhile, Catherine Lam, a fourth-year criminology and English double major student at UTM, gives us insight into how she feels about the quality of education and work opportunities in Canada—a country whose reputation in the education and work sector

is “regarded as high because of [its] resources and strong institutional frameworks,” Lam says.

“Canada’s education system is recognized globally.”

anywhere in the world and earn credit for it. With more than 140 partners in more than 40 countries, students can either take a semester abroad in the summer, or even explore taking courses during reading week.

But what if you would rather work than study abroad? Don’t worry, there are resources available at UTM that provide information and support. Students can visit the UTM Career Centre to learn more about these topics, such as what the current job market resembles, how to plan a career, and how to find new career paths of interest. The staff can also help teach you skills that will help you in the job process; from workshopping résumés and having one-on-one advice on interview preparation, to building professional-looking LinkedIn profiles and networking and helping navigate CLNx for job postings both on and off campus.

For those who are interested in studying or working abroad and getting credits for your academic program, a great resource to explore isn’t only UTM’s International Education Centre website, but also upcoming information sessions being held over Zoom. You can learn more about the different opportunities at the Learning Abroad website. Don’t forget to register and guarantee a spot!

Working with AI, rather than being ruled by AI

11

How to use AI as a tool and not as a replacement.

Madhav Ajayamohan Associate Features Editor

>> continued from the front cover...

D

In a talk last year, Dr. Zingaro described how research suggests that coding with an AI assistant led to students being more eager to learn programming, and less stressed,

ivya Maharajh, a sessional lecturer for the Communication, Culture, Information &

discouraged, and irritated while completing exercises than students who didn’t use an AI

Technology department at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), remarks that

assistant. He hypothesizes that this eagerness comes from not having to deal with syntax

“AI-written assignments carry a kind of ‘stench.’ The writing looks elegant and grammatical

errors and the reduced focus on the specific constructs of a programming language.

but often smells ‘off.’” She further elaborates that this “stench” comes from factors such as the lack of direct quotes, specific examples, and the use of uncommon vocabulary that AI loves.

Dr. Porter builds upon this, describing how he “wants to incorporate AI so [he] can teach

“ChatGPT loves to use specific words like ‘tapestry,’” Professor Maharajh explains. “But in 11

more advanced material early on in the curriculum.” Rather than spending time teaching

years of teaching, I have never seen students use ‘tapestry’ in their essays!”

basics such as syntax or how to build a for loop, AI assistants can help students learn these concepts outside the classroom. Meanwhile, teachers can focus more on teaching students

The key is to use AI to enhance our work. The research of Liz Coulson, an assistant professor

impactful higher-level coding concepts, such as problem decomposition and debugging.

and coordinator of the Education Studies Minor program at UTM, gives us a glimpse into how to utilize AI in the new era. Dr. Coulson has been comparing how AI use and virtual

Every single course has certain barriers to entry. For computer science, its decoding syntax.

reality (VR) can assist newcomer Canadian adults acclimate to life in Canada. The study

These barriers can prevent students from learning what’s important in the course, instead

asked two groups of immigrants to complete challenges—such as planning a trip across

bogging them down with the small details. However, with AI, the difficulty of these barriers

Canada—except one group had access to VR, and the other ChatGPT.

can be dissolved, providing access to more information for students to learn in class.

Erasing the communication barrier

The issue of plagiarism

While the research is underway, Dr. Coulson shared some facts she observed during the

Not everything about AI is sunshine and roses. One of the best advantages of AI is that you

process. She agrees with Professor Maharajh that AI generated text is lacking and outlines

have an ever-present, omniscient conversational partner you have by your side who has

that ChatGPT is good in providing an organizational framework. “One of the biggest hurdles

the power of a search engine. As Dr. Coulson says, “Having conversations with a chatbot

in writing is coming up with the format, and ChatGPT can help alleviate some of those

can expand your creativity and help students think in different ways.” But the credibility of

formatting pains,” she explains.

ChatGPT is questionable at best.

Professor Maharajh adds to the idea of AI-supported writing: “Rather than producing

The MLA citation style allows you to cite ChatGPT search prompts. Some researchers are

writing, AI is better used as a brainstorming and editing tool that helps develop a creative title

even listing ChatGPT as authors of their research papers. However, the many researchers

or change the tone or reduce the word count of a piece.”

believe that ChatGPT isn’t credible as the author of a paper. In terms of academic quality, Dr. Coulson likened ChatGPT to Wikipedia—a great starting point to gather more information,

Current research investigating the use of AI in writing also indicates that AI streamlines the

but not appropriate to an academic setting.

writing process, saving time and allowing writers to focus on the more creative phases of their writing. Rather than painstakingly going through a text to correct simple grammatical

“I have used ChatGPT to collect information,” Dr. Coulson adds. “But when I ask for a

and textual mistakes, the use of AI-driven writing tools like Grammarly can help fix all these

citation, the AI often directs me to articles that don’t exist. Therefore, I feel it’s important to go

technical mistakes. Applications such as Quillbot can help you paraphrase your writing to

back to a vetted source of information, like the U of T Library.”

make it more concise, while tools like Sudowrite can help refine your writing by proposing alternate sentence structures and removing overused clichés.

However, it’s not just ChatGPT that comes under the fire of plagiarism. In her current research, Dr. Coulson admits that tools like Grammarly have helped foreign students

The power of communication stands on top of the world. It isn’t talented people who rise

communicate effectively. But even the use of Grammarly can be construed as plagiarism.

to the top, but people with the talent to communicate. UTM offers a professional writing and communication (PWC) program focused on teaching communication skills for various

There are a certain number of challenges with editing AI text. Is it the AI that wrote the piece,

settings and content. Students in the PWC program spend months, and even years, learning

or is it still you? Are the suggestions that ChatGPT gave you original, or were they copied

the tips and tricks to better express themselves with writing. However, language barriers or

from some obscure article on the web? These are questions that currently have no answer and

lack of instruction cause many students without a writing background to fail at properly

are being investigated.

conveying their skills or thoughts to the world around them. This hinders and limits the opportunities that they receive, even if they can do more.

Moving Forward

AI can erase that communication barrier. Software such as Grammarly and Quillbot can put

The field of AI is still young, and the world hasn’t fully gotten used to it yet. Dr. Coulson

a non-PWC student on the same playing field as a PWC student in terms of communication.

described that situation as being in the early stage of the diffusion curve—but the use of AI

AI can be the great tool that gives people opportunities.

will grow rapidly. One prediction she had was that universities are all going to generate their own open AI platforms—their own mini ChatGPTs—that can be cited by students in their

Enhancing how we learn

work.

AI can also improve how we learn. Take the field of computer science, for instance. In

However, one thing is for sure: AI is here to stay. Rather than avoiding it, now is the time

November 2023, Daniel Zingaro, an associate teaching professor at UTM, and Leo Porter,

to embrace it. At UTM, computer science courses allow you to use generative AI for

an associate teaching professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the

assignments, so long as you cite it. By incorporating AI into our curriculum, we can learn

University of California San Diego, co-authored and published the book Learn AI-Assisted

more easily.

Python Programming: With GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. The book focuses on teaching students the basics of programming with the assistance of the popular AI tools, GitHub,

Dr. Coulson described her ideal of a wonder-driven learning environment. An environment

Copilot, and ChatGPT.

students feel a genuine sense of wonder for what they learn, go places they could never go before, and satiate their curiosity. With AI, that dream can come true.

12

The Black Research Network: Akwasi Owusu Bempah Combating racial injustice in the Canadian justice system.

Rafiqa Zubair Associate Features Editor

BEATRIZ SIMAS/THE MEDIUM

“

Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the

The final strategy report Professor Owusu-Bempah is working on is an initiative brought

dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time

forth by the Liberal government after the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. It takes a

to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.

lot of people and voices to bring upon change in society. Before the BLM movement, the

Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children,” Martin Luther King Jr. said

Canadian government failed to recognize that there was any injustice within our systems.

in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.

Black Canadians are significantly overrepresented in the federal prison systems, accounting for 7.3 per cent of the prison population when they only represent 3.5 per cent of the greater

Fast forward to almost 61 years in the future, how much has changed in 2024?

population. These discrepancies only push racist ideologies forward, encouraging and justifying heinous acts through law enforcement and social discourse. This shows how deeply

Everyone is equal under the law, but if this speech was given today, we would still nod our

rooted injustice is within our government systems, setting up Black individuals for failure and

heads in agreement and those who identify with a minority group would still recognize

to endure injustice.

that now is the time for change, even if it’s been 61 years. This reality in 1963 and the same situation right now in 2024 . Equality and racial justice are just a mirage when it comes

Zilla Jones, another member of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy explains, “[The Strategy] is

down to the treatment of Black individuals by those with power. In 2024, Black individuals

a historic acknowledgment by the Government of Canada that systemic anti-Black racism

still demand to be put on the same scale of importance and be treated without being racially

exists in Canada and that it has poisoned our justice system, negatively impacting the

profiled within the justice systems.

integrity of our communities and the futures of our children. This initiative aims to give real meaning to the principles of redress and reconciliation.”

University of Toronto Mississauga Sociology Professor Akwasi Owusu-Bempah has dedicated his research to combating racial injustice. “Black people in Canada have a long

As a university, we should be bringing these initiatives within our systems as well. Alongside

history of mistrust and experiences of injustice with our criminal justice systems. For as long

our professors, it is also our duty to carry out these efforts by spreading awareness, having

as Black people have existed here, our legal and justice institutions have served to oppress

these difficult conversations, and celebrating Black individuals’ achievements within our

them. We know significant changes need to be made to the way we administer justice in this

communities. It is not enough to rely on just our distinguished professors. These ideologies

country,” said Professor Owusu-Bempah, who is also on the committee of Canada’s Black

of racial justice need to be pushed into all sectors systems from governmental to educational

Justice Strategy. Working with eight other distinguished Black community leaders, Professor

institutions, hospitals, corporations, and our own social circles. The power for change is in

Owusu-Bempah is developing a final strategy report in February 2024, which will provide

our hands. Be a part of the solution and the person that starts the conversation wherever you

recommendations for proactive actions to address the anti-Black racism and systemic

go. It does not have to be in front of a large crowd; it can be amongst your peers and friends,

discrimination that is prevalent in the Canadian criminal justice system. It will also suggest

on your social media, or other proactive ways to diminish these racist systems.

clear actions to reform and modernize the current criminal justice system.

13

Arts

Editor | Hannah Wang arts@themedium.ca

Art without an audience Is there a purpose in creating art without an audience to appreciate it?

Maryam Raheel Contributor BEATRIZ SIMAS/THE MEDIUM

The Stanley cup trend is out of control

TikTok has made numerous products famous overnight, creating a cycle of over-consumption.

Karissa Harrypersad Staff Writer

T

T

he act of creating art is a universal behaviour attributed to humans, with its origins dating back to prehistoric times. This aspect of human culture adopts a variety of forms,

such as visual, literary, and the performing arts. For many, their first step into a preferred art form stems from an internal passion. The question is: how long will an artist’s intrinsic motivation sustain their propensity for creating art?

At one point or another, in the unique journeys of aspiring artists, the need for an audience agitates the once impenetrable desire to create art. Social media offers an easy avenue to present masterpieces to the world, igniting a spark of motivation. The initial broadcast of artwork through a post, equipped with hashtags like megaphones, causes an urge to constantly refresh the page with the expectation of immediate likes. Unfortunately, this feeling can dissipate quickly with a lack of response from the desired audience.

Seeking out other channels of promotion is commonly subsequent. This shifts the purpose of creating art from intrinsic fulfillment to audience approval. I am not suggesting this is wrong; the fact you are reading this right now illustrates my desire to share my passion for writing with an audience.

But what truly is an audience? What audience matters to you?

The purpose of creating art is about individual passion and love for the craft. Regardless of the debates on whether an artist can be their own audience, the act of creation must be for oneself. This becomes difficult with the push on commercial return, which challenges the intention behind an art piece.

Popular artists such as Vincent Van Gogh remain a source of inspiration for creators who struggle to find an audience to showcase their work. His biography relates his trouble sharing art publicly, with only his family supporting his work. While reaching an audience of millions can take time, embracing the few who appreciate your art is equally important.

This also serves as encouragement to share your art, regardless. Vivian Maier was a brilliant photographer who kept her work hidden, leaving it to be discovered only after her passing. It is a disservice to not only yourself as an artist, but to the world to not attempt to share your artwork.

There is a concern that the very purpose of creating art from internal passion is being threatened by artificial intelligence (AI)-generated art snatching the spotlight from artists.

However, various artists do not see AI as a threat due to its obvious lack of creativity and uniqueness, even with its ability to closely replicate aspects of real work from the amalgamation of different sources. Artists strongly deny AI’s ability to reproduce their craft, with some even taking advantage of this tool as a collaborator.

The passion for creation can never be replaced and should not be dampened by the need for commercial return or audience approval. The best artists create for themselves and allow their art to guide an audience to them.

he Stanley cup trend is not about the hockey trophy but simply about a reusable steel water bottle. This social media-made famous water bottle seen everywhere is associated with specific aesthetics. Crazy stories—from someone jumping a Starbucks counter and attempting to steal one, to people standing in line outside a Target for hours—illustrate the lengths people will go to get their hands on this item.

But what makes Stanley cups so great? Why are people willing to steal and empty their wallets for them?

Stanley steel tumblers enhance your drinking experience because the various colours and styles give consumers a sense of personalization. They are built to last and the steel construction is perfect for hot and cold drinks, giving it an advantage over most water bottles. The flasks also have reusable straws, and an ergonomic design easy to hold and carry around.

Individuals are drawn to purchasing a Stanley cup not only because it looks super cute, but because a trend on TikTok has increased its hype. Videos on social media surrounding the Stanley cups have been spreading, ultimately influencing users’ purchasing habits. According to Retail Dive, “Forty-five percent of Gen Z respondents named TikTok and Instagram as the top platforms influencing their purchasing decisions.” Many people obsess over Stanley Cups since social media effortlessly generates hype around items. People believe that by purchasing a widely popular item seen online, they gain positive attention from their lifestyle since they are mirroring the majority. By contributing to the trend, individuals are wasting their time and money on this item. Stanley cups are expensive—C$40 to C$60—considering this is a cup without a sealable lid.

The price of these overhyped products is only the start of over-consumerism because you can also purchase accessories for your water bottle. Yes, you read that right… accessories for a water bottle! In addition to your Stanley cup, you can purchase keychains, straw covers, a protective boot (that covers the bottom of the cup), a water bottle carrier bag, a pouch bag, and a snack bowl that fits over the top.

TikTok has negatively impacted society through over-consumption, with many people now buying multiple Stanley cups. The most popular Starbucks collaboration flask is called “Starbucks x Stanley Quencher” and has been bought by consumers, many of whom already have a Stanley. I have seen videos of TikTok influencers showing off their Stanley cup collection online, which feeds into the delusion that “everyone must have one.” What started as an eco-friendly TikTok trend called #WaterTok turned into overconsumption where people began to worship Stanleys, leading to people purchasing multiple cups and defeating the purpose of saving the environment by using reusable water bottles. Having one Stanley cup is perfectly fine as a water bottle, but there is no need to have multiple.

Remember the trend for Hydro Flasks? That water bottle trend became popular around late-2019 and early-2020.

Just like the Hydro Flask, the Stanley cup trend will eventually end. The prices will decrease, and individuals will buy the next big thing that pops up on their TikTok “for you” pages.

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Between trends and tales: decoding “BookTok’s” impact on reading culture How a TikTok subculture is both helping and harming the book industry Azkka Noor Contributor

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ikTok, a popular platform for creating short content, was reaching its peak during the

This dynamic has also resulted in genre misinterpretations, such as in Donna Tartt’s book, The

height of the pandemic. At the same time, more and more people were indulging in

Secret History, which romanticizes “dark academia,” an internet subculture concentrated on

their hobbies while confined to their homes. The combination of these circumstances led to

the aesthetic of academia. Despite the book’s intention to satirize the aestheticization of dark

the creation of “BookTok”—the online subculture dedicated to discussing and sharing book

academia with themes, such as exploring the contradiction between perfection and reality, it

recommendations.

has been misrepresented as an expression of original dark academia. This erroneous portrayal ignores the book’s satirical tone, resulting in a misinterpretation of its genuine meaning.

As a safe space for readers to convene and share their recommendations, reviews, and reactions, BookTok has created an opportunity for lesser-known authors to gain more

BookTok has had an overall positive impact on the book industry. Whether readers are

exposure, such as Amel El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone with their book, This is How You Lose

following popular book trends or looking for the latest releases, the revival in readership is

the Time War. BookTok gives new and aspiring authors a space to network with other authors

good news for the publishing industry. This newfound interest not only reflects a growing

and learn more about the publishing industry and the writing process.

love of reading but also generates an environment that encourages creativity and offers authors a variety of opportunities to present their unique stories. BookTok has spurred lively

However, there have been concerns regarding the impact of BookTok on the book publishing

discussions, and we must acknowledge that, as a growing community, issues will inevitably

industry. Books that are trending on social media have led to stores like Indigo having a

occur.

“Trending on BookTok” section. While it provides easier access for readers to retrieve what is trending online, the content of the books is often overshadowed in favour of online trends.

Even though BookTok has provided a forum for literary discussions, it has been unable to shake its influential image. BookTok has developed into a platform strongly influenced by popular trends like romance stories. Instead of focusing on a book’s real substance, individuals frequently follow the crowd. The prominence of particular books on trending lists results in an extended spotlight, reinforcing duplication in titles, writers, and clichés, eventually limiting opportunities to promote diversity.

Colleen Hoover, an author criticized for her romanticization of sexual assault, has come

FLORIA ZHOU/

under fire, particularly for her work It Ends With Us. Despite being advertised as a romance

THE MEDIUM

novel, the promotional efforts ignore the delicate subjects discussed in the book. The gap between the advertised genre and the book’s actual thematic depth calls into question BookTok’s openness and potential impact on reader expectations.

Get in loser, we’re reviewing Mean Girls The return of Mean Girls after the 2017 musical and the original 2004 movie release seemed as likely to happen as “fetch,” yet the high school drama made its theatrical release once again.

Mariana Dominguez Rodriguez Contributor

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he 2024 Mean Girls movie follows the plot and cast from the original movie but includes

including “Meet the Plastics,” “Stupid With Love,”

several mentions of current pop culture and social media references to fit in with the new

and “Not My Fault,” all of which are trending across

generation of teens watching the film. The film brought back the beloved teacher and main

social media and television networks. Adding a musical

mentor, Ms. Norbury (Tina Fey), who is also the film’s producer, along with the sarcastically

spin to the movie essentially combines the previous two

unaware Principal Duvall (Tim Meadows). The two actors took on their original roles from

Mean Girls works; a re-enactment of the two pieces to

the 2004 movie.

make an original new one.

As for the rest of the cast, the movie introduces a fresh set of young actors. The good-girl

The movie does a particularly excellent job of emphasizing

protagonist Cady Herron (Angourie Rice) transfers to North Shore High School in America

the influence of social media and online pop culture that

after being home-schooled in Kenya throughout her childhood with her academic research-

was not showcased as heavily in the original movie made

driven mother (Jenna Fischer). Heartthrob football player Aaron Samuels (Christopher

20 years ago. The impact of pop culture and vast social

Briney) remains the problematic boy toy for the protagonist and antagonist. The two art nerds,

media usage is integrated into the story seamlessly

Janis (Auli’I Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey)—who befriend the main character early

between sequences of Instagram comments,

in the story and navigate through a series of common high school debacles revolving around

TikTok videos, and iPhone recordings throughout

popularity, social status, and academic pressure—also narrate the story from an outcasted

the movie. The prominent use of electronics shows a

perspective, ridiculing the mean girls and the school environment that worships them. The

clear separation in the times of the original film and this

famous mean girl trio includes out-spoken Gretchen Wieners (Bebe Wood), dim-witted

one, creatively establishing a modern point of view for this

Karen Shetty (Avantika Vandanapu), and the unreachable Regina George (Reneé Rapp)

version.

as the leader.

The current use of social media platforms, as well as the referencing of trending pop culture Although the 2024 Mean Girls remains true to the original storyline and plot as performed in

moments, creates a refined version of the story that fits well with this new generation. After

the 2004 film and 2017 musical, there are notable differences besides the new cast. The musical

all, the fact that the movies are 20 years apart creates reasonable cause for certain changes to

numbers and overall amount of singing in the movie are what separate it the most from

be made amid the props and script, for instance. For a movie centered around the regular

the original film, which did not include any musicality. The movie showcases 13 tracks that

superficial and eventful experience that is high school, Mean Girls captures a clear distinction

help narrate the story and add a new touch of personal singing performances from the cast,

among friendships, bullying, and societal standards between 2004 and 2024.

15

sports & health

Editor | Omar Khan sports@themedium.ca

The World Health Organization’s innovative health technologies aren’t helping Innovative health technology needs to be accessible to those who need it most.

Noor Shaikh Contributor FREEPIK

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he field of healthcare is currently experiencing a revolution, driven by cutting-edge

This issue unfortunately also hits home for the Indigenous community. Indigenous women in

health technologies that promise to enhance diagnostics, improve patient care, and

Canada often face obstacles in accessing even basic medical care due to geographic isolation

offer advanced treatments for a multitude of diseases. Whether it’s the usage of artificial

and systemic discrimination, including racial segregation. For example, a study conducted

intelligence for drug discovery or the rapidly advancing approach of personalized medicine,

by the Canadian Community Health Survey revealed that 18.6 per cent more pregnant non-

technology can significantly improve global healthcare.

Indigenous women have a regular healthcare provider compared to pregnant Indigenous women. This deficiency in both access and awareness, racial bias in medical treatment and

However, the unfortunate reality is that most of these advances are not designed with our

research, and unequal distribution of health resources are the manifestations of structural

most vulnerable communities in mind. In an ideal society, low-income countries would have

racism.

the same equitable access to healthcare innovations as wealthy countries at a fair price. Sadly, this is not the society we find ourselves in.

This leaves us with the question: how can we bridge this gap?

The most recent example of this disparity can be seen with the US Food and Drug

The World Health Organization (WHO), renowned for its assertive leadership amid the

Administration approval of Casgevy and Lyfgenia, ground-breaking gene therapies for sickle

Covid-19 pandemic and its awareness of health disparities, could be called upon to widen

cell disease. This marks the first US-authorized use of CRISPR technology, short for clustered

its capacity for “moral” leadership. By turning its attention to the up-and-coming landscape

regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats technology, which uses enzymes to edit small

of innovative health technologies, the WHO has the potential to significantly influence their

parts of the human genome. Although this offers new hope to many affected Americans,

impact on global health equity.

providing alternatives to bone marrow transplants and potentially curing the disease, several experts have raised concerns about low-income countries being side-lined. CRISPR

Many experts advocate for ongoing research to lower costs and improve access to healthcare

technology, like other advanced treatments, is very expensive, estimated to cost between one

innovations. For example, recent research aims to create affordable genome editing cures for

to three million dollars. This makes it inaccessible not only to Americans who may not be

sickle cell and HIV that perform the procedure directly in the body, potentially establishing a

able to afford these treatments, but also to vulnerable populations in low-income countries—

new standard for future treatments.

thereby worsening existing health disparities rooted in structural inequities.

There is an immediate need for open discussions on the regulation, pricing, and intellectual This raises significant challenges, given that sickle cell disease is disproportionately prevalent

property rights of these innovations. If left to the market, companies can charge premiums,

in low-income regions compared to wealthier nations. Estimates suggest that around two

exacerbating health inequities.

per cent of newborns in sub-Saharan areas are affected by sickle cell disease, highlighting the urgent need for accessible treatments in these communities.

Bridging this divide requires a collaborative effort from researchers, governments, funders, and stakeholders to understand the potential impact of these innovations on global health

CRISPR is not the only instance of healthcare innovations being inequitable. It was also

equity and ensure access for vulnerable populations.

evident in handling the Covid-19 vaccine. Despite rapid development and distribution efforts, significant disparities persisted in vaccination rates between wealthy and low-income

Developing transformative healthcare technologies is only the beginning. The true challenge

nations, with leaders of wealthy countries spending substantial amounts to secure supplies

is effectively unlocking their full potential by ensuring these innovations are accessible. Only

well beyond their needs. By the end of 2022, only 25 per cent of people in low-income

then can we ensure that the benefits of health innovations lead to more equitable health

countries had received at least one vaccine dose, starkly contrasting with the 72 per cent in

outcomes across the globe, regardless of a raging seven-figure price tag.

wealthier countries.

Maple Leafs Dilemma: to buy or to sell?

16

Will the Toronto Maple Leafs look to add to their existing roster, or save their assets for another year?

Omar Khan Sports and Health Editor

FLORIA ZHOU/ THE MEDIUM

A

s the All-Star break for the 2023-2024 NHL season arrives, the Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs are still liable to make the playoffs this year, given their mixed performance, they are not

organization must decide if they want to buy or save the assets they would use on

expected to go all-in this season and will likely only add smaller pieces to their current roster.

additional pieces—such as players, prospects, and draft picks—for another year. Typically, a

Not being confident enough to go all-in does not mean the Leafs won’t add any players to

team buys if they are confident enough in their current group of players to go out and trade

their roster at all. Many suggest that they will look to add a rugged, right-handed defenceman,

for additional pieces for a deep playoff run. Conversely, if a team does poorly during the

similar to Chris Tanev. Tanev’s name has been brought up in many trade discussions

season and the chances of them making the playoffs are slim to none, those teams typically

throughout the league, so he may end up being too expensive for the Leafs. Regardless, expect

choose to sell. Good players are traded for “futures” including young prospects or draft picks,

the Leafs to add to their blueline with a trade or two.

in hopes that they’ll be on the roster in future years when the team is in a better position to make noise in the playoffs.

If the Leafs’ season takes a turn for the worse and they find themselves in a position where they are likely going to miss the playoffs, then the team will likely look to sell off some of

Last year, the Leafs had an impressive regular season, gaining the confidence of management,

their expiring contracts. This would be a good idea for the Leafs in this scenario because they

who delved into the trade market and acquired key playoff contributors such as Ryan O’Reilly,

would still be able to salvage some assets and not completely flop this season. If this scenario

Noel Acciari, Jake McCabe, Sam Lafferty, and Luke Schenn. While almost no Leafs player

plays out, look for the Leafs to move off from players such as Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, and

looked good last year against the Florida Panthers, all of these players were key contributors

T.J. Brodie.

in the Leafs’ first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, defeating them in six games.

Only time will tell what the Leafs decide to do. With limited assets and not too many trade As it currently stands, the Leafs are not having as great of a season as they did last year. Head

targets in the open market, it will be interesting to see how the Leafs look to bolster their team

coach Sheldon Keefe has commented that he doesn’t know which players he can trust, and the

while staying conservative and not throwing away too many assets on a team unlikely to go

team overall has had its fair share of ups and downs over the course of this season. While the

deep into the playoffs.