Feb. 19, 2015

Winthrop University

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Winthrop

FROZEN

Wintery weather hit Rock Hill and the surrounding areas of York County Tuesday morning causing Winthrop to cancel classes and close offices Wednesday.

Winthrop students take Tuesday off after Rock Hill is hit with winter storm Adarrell Gadsden gadsdena@mytjnow.com Ice, sleet and snow hit the ground and tops of buildings Monday night into Tuesday morning in Rock Hill, with many students wondering when Winthrop University officials would make the call on whether or not the university would operate as normal.

The university cancelled all classes and meetings set to take place Monday night after 6 p.m. but waited until 6 a.m. the next day to notify students that all classes Tuesday were cancelled

Eric Hammett / The Johnsonian

and that all offices would be closed.

Students and university faculty members took to social media making lighthearted jokes out of the situation while other students went out and played in the wintery mix.

Some students engaged with the university’s official twitter account asking when and why a decision had not been made.

Others used pictures to show their excitement or eagerness to know whether or not classes would be cancelled.

While many stayed glued to their computer and mobile devices other students went out into the early morning and pulled icicles off Eric Hammett / The Johnsonian the shades over the doors into the basement Winthrop students endured the cold to enjoy the ice and snow. of Thurmond Hall, took pictures in front of dangerous for local commuters to travel. the Winthrop University sign outside of Byrnes Local weather reports urged drivers to avoid Auditorium and sledded down the hill behind the getting out on icy roads if possible.

DiGiorgio Campus Center.

It’s currently unclear what will happen With temperatures dropping into the high Thursday with snowfall predicted Wednesday 20s Tuesday morning, the cause for concern night and into Thursday morning. around Rock Hill was ice on roads being too

Signs of an abusive relationship Global Friends Valentine’s Day reception Options on Winthrop campus available for students dealing with sexual abuse Brittany Rauch Staff Writer According to Reid Hoffman, author and entrepreneur, a person’s identity is characterized by what the person does and their motives. But, what if a person’s identity or their sense of self is taken away?

Beverly Holbrook, a counselor for the office of victim’s assistance, works with students who have been victimized in some way.

Victimization can cover a wide variety of meanings and Holbrook works hard to help some students who have been involved in violent relationships overcome their past traumas.

“Trauma always steals a

person’s voice. Trauma steals away their sense of self, and when a person is traumatized multiple times, it eats away their sense of self,” Holbrook said. “Part of what I have to do is help them take back their sense of self, help them take back their innocence. Take back the varying losses and then re-define who they are [apart from the trauma].”

It is already well known that violence, every type ranging from verbal to physical and emotional, causes harm to the recipient.

Verbal abuse is a type of violence that happens in every relationship.

It occurs between friends, family members and significant others.

“Verbal abuse can be name calling; it’s one of the most common things that we see here,” Holbrook said. “In our culture, we just say ‘oh, well, that’s just our culture’ but [name calling] eats away at a person. It eats away and we become desensitized, we expect that it is okay, but it’s not.

It’s not okay.”

see ABUSE pg. 3

Global Friends holds V-Day reception in Richardson Ballroom.

Beth West westb@mytjnow.com Valentine’s Day is celebrated in very different ways around the world.

With the Global Friends Valentine’s Day event, students learned cultural differences about the holiday.

To kick off the event LeAnn Lowery, the director of the Global Friends program gave some backstory to the origins of the program. Global started off three semesters ago with around 90 students and the next semester increased to over 100 new students.

Currently, there are over 200 students in the program. They are required to meet with their pen-pals for at least an hour every week.

Beth West / The Johnsonian

“[This program] has truly helped me with my Spanish speaking skills and after studying abroad I was even more excited to come back [to Winthrop] and be a Global friend,” said Faith Cook, an integrated marketing communications major and Spanish minor.

During the reception all of the tables were given questions to answer that revolve around dating and relationships. One of the questions was, “Is it acceptable to date more than one person at a time?” To which almost all of the students from different backgrounds agreed that as long as everyone knew about it then it is acceptable.

see V-DAY pg. 8

Locating birth control in college Obtaining effective forms of birth control in college Allegra Payne Staff Writer Sex is a concept of college life shaded in frenzied hookups, weekend flings and bar

hopping spectacles. In movies and television it is portrayed as a drunken blur full of passion and half-blind fumbling, only to sneak away in the morning with the ever popularly clichéd walk of shame. While you cower away with your heels in one hand and your purse in the other, a thought may cross your mind, “At least I used a condom.”

So the only remnant of the night’s deed is mussed makeup and flyaway hair.

Birth control is often used as a funny setup

when the roomie slips his friend an absurdly long strip of condoms with a wink and nudge. Or when a girl’s friend reminds her to take her pill.

But they never really touch on the specifics and if someone were to only watch tv they wouldn’t be very well versed in the many variations. There are entirely too many brands to name specifically, but thankfully they all fall into very specific categories.

see BIRTH CONTROL pg. 5

Index: News 3 | Science & Technology 5 | Sports 6 | Arts & Culture 8 | Opinion 10

2

February 19, 2015

Eric Hammett / The Johnsonian

In observance of National Black HIV Awareness Month, campus groups and organizations from across Rock Hill and York County came together to educate Winthrop students and community members about HIV. Eric Hammett / The Johnsonian

Garnet and Gold Unity Gala

The Council of Student Leaders, Winthrop African Student Association and Resident Student Association would like to extend an invitation to all students to attend an unforgettable night at the third annual Garnet and Gold Unity Gala on Feb. 28 in McBryde Hall.

The Garnet and Gold Gala is a Global Cultural event for students who attend from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. A dance presentation by the Winthrop African Students Association will be followed by dance lessons for everyone. A live Latin band will be performing at that time so students can dance the night away.

Beginning at 8:00, a DJ will host the gathering for dancing and more, including a cash bar for individuals 21 and older with a valid ID. The food provided will be representative of a variety of cultures. Cuisines represented will be Thai, Indian, Puerto Rican and French. While the Gala has been an annual event for the past two years, this is the first

year that it has been globally inclusive as well as a cultural event. The attire for the night is semi-formal Tickets are $5 for individual students but for groups of ten or more the tickets are only $4 per person. Every Tuesday and Thursday this week and next week tickets will be sold in the lobby of the DiGiorgio Campus Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Look for opportunities to win free tickets on social media such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

WHEN: February 28, 2015 WHAT TIME: 7:00 p.m. until midnight WHERE: McBryde Hall

3

February 19, 2015

The reality of violent relationships ABUSE • from front

Violence that happens in a relationship does not always begin right away. In fact, it is more likely to develop over time and the victim may not always realize that they are in a violent or abusive relationship.

“It’s not like the first week of the relationship everything is going to explode and you’re going to know that you’re in an abusive relationship. It starts over time, starts out with small things, and over time it will escalate if left unchecked,” Holbrook said. “What’s going on is that part of that is a certain sense of self-doubt with the other person. What women sometimes see as protective [can be] the beginning of possessiveness.”

Holbrook said the next step are the arguments, the make-up, the break-up and the emotional back and forth begins.”

Not only does relationship violence occur in every form of relationship, it also occurs for every gender.

Guys and girls are both affected by differently. The stigma that males cannot be abused in a relationship makes it that much harder for them to report or seek help.

“When the guy doesn’t have any emotional space, he is fearful of going someplace because the girl might show up, that’s a problem.

That’s another kind of abuse. Any threatening behavior, the guys struggle with that,” Holbrook said.

“It’s hard for guys to say ‘I’m having just how bad the relationship was. a problem with this’ because society It is very common for people to be says that they should be able to out of a relationship for three to six handle it when, in fact, they may not months before they really begin to be able to. It has an emotional drain see, in counseling, just how bad is on them.” was, because they were desensitized Violent or abusive relationships when they’re in the middle of it.” can have a Emotional abuse, multitude of red which can be a type of flags, or warning violence used against signs. These anyone in any type may include of relationship, can sexual abuse, involve humiliation, physical abuse, insulting and mindintimidation, games that are used threats, to enforce control humiliation, over the other blame, person. Often times, domination and/ the abused cannot or possessiveness admit that there is over a partner. a problem and they Possessiveness may lose confidence can often be and feel afraid, even mistaken for if they are not being protectiveness, physically abused. but there is a Physical, verbal point where the and emotional abuse Beverly Holbrook line is crossed all take a toll on the Victim’s Assistant Counsler from safety to victim and it can lead objectifying the to depression or a other person severe drop in selfand the treatment of the partner confidence. There are other red flags becomes more like the treatment of that might be able to help friends a possession. Many victims may not sense when something is wrong. realize what’s happening, especially “One of the things I see that while in the relationship. concerns me the most is the make“Sometimes, people do not realize up/break up cycle. When you see that they have been a victim until a friend that is constantly making they have some emotional space up or breaking up, that’s a huge red from the perpetrator,” Holbrook flag,” Holbrook said. “Name calling, said. “Then they begin to realize that’s a problem. When the language

“”

“Sometimes, people do not realize that they have been a victim until they have some emotional space from the perpetrator,”

Let’s talk about sex

is derogatory, that’s a problem.

When their actions and their words don’t match up, that’s a problem.

Any time a person says that they have been pushed or hit, or someone left their partner somewhere, those are [serious] issues.”

The influence of friends can be a big turning point in helping someone in a violent relationship.

However, it is just as important to be knowledgeable on how to handle a circumstance in which a victim has been abused, because oftentimes saying the wrong thing can have an opposite effect.

“I would listen. I would not tell them they need to be out of the relationship. I would be really careful about talking about that. One friend might say ‘I’m concerned.’ But to be dogmatic or scold someone that’s in a [violent or abusive] relationship—they already are struggling with their self-doubt either way,” Holbrook said. “They need their friends to be supportive. When they get out of the relationship, they’re going to need that support [even more]. I would encourage people, if you’re not sure if your friend is in an abusive relationship to go to counseling.

Walk them over here. Don’t just say ‘go.’”

No one ever plans to be in a violent relationship. It’s important to show support and strengthen healthy relationships. Healthy relationships can be the first step to healing.

Have you taken the pledge?

The Johnsonain asked Winthrop Yik Yak users about how important they believe sex is in a relationship

Reagan Martin/ The Johnsonian

Carolyn Rennix | News Editor rennixc@mytjnow.com

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity set up a booth in DiG’s to help spread awareness about sexual assault prevention. Winthrop students signed a pledge to help prevent, report and stop sexual assaults, especially those involved on campus.

Catherine Lowe | Assistant News Editor lowec@mytjnow.com

4

February 19, 2015

Abe Lincoln visits WU Wintry Mix 2015 Winthrop professors participate in President’s Day celebration Carolyn Rennix rennixc@mytjnow.com One of the requirements for all Winthrop students to graduate is to attend at least 18 cultural events during their time at the university.

This same requirement applies to nontraditional students, including the elderly and students with children and families.

The Resource Center for Adult Students designed a special cultural event that could accommodate their individual needs.

Katherine Sardelli, director of the resource center, explained how she felt it was important that all students have a fair opportunity to attend cultural events.

“The idea to host it originally came from a need for our students with families to have greater options for on-campus cultural events that fit with their schedules and would be welcoming for their children as well,” Sardelli said.

“An Afternoon with the Presidents” took place on President’s Day, Feb. 16, a day that all Rock Hill public schools were closed and students would be home for the day.

“We thought it would be an ideal time and subject matter for a familyfriendly event,” Sardelli said.

The event included two key speakers, Chair and Professor of Educational Research Mark Dewalt and Associate History Professor Eddie Lee. Just for the children, Dewalt kicked off the event dressed as Abraham Lincoln and spoke about his childhood and what influenced him growing up.

Dewalt visits classrooms throughout the southeast as Abe Lincoln each year, where he teaches students about the lesser-known aspects of Lincoln’s childhood, education and life’s work.

In this presentation, “Lincoln”

spoke on his daily chores, his love for reading, his relationship with his mother and the many adventures he underwent as a child.

Dewalt explained why he feels driven to present Lincoln’s early life and what this means for Winthrop University.

“Lincoln is our greatest president and saved the union. His traits are important to know about,” Dewalt said. “Winthrop does not exist without the work of Lincoln.”

Sardelli agreed that Lincoln was a legendary president with a less-than legendary start to life.

“Abraham Lincoln is one of our best known and legendary presidents, yet most do not know where he came from, and how this larger-than-life American icon came to be,” she said.

“It’s easy for us to view him as a pivotal leader in our history, yet his humble beginnings would not have suggested it when he was child.”

Following Dewalt’s presentation, the children were invited to partake in President’s Day related crafting, while the remainder of the audience received a presentation about a broader view of the United States’ previous presidents.

Professor Eddie Lee spoke about how decisions and leadership by our presidents have impacted and shaped the trajectory of America.

Lee gave seven examples of presidential leadership as exemplified by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.

“Presidential actions and even their miscalculations can affect all Americans,” Lee said. “They can inspire us and they can disappoint us.”

Sardelli said the Resource Center for Adult Students office hopes that the Winthrop community can grow from this experience and also learn more about the lesser-known presidents.

“In addition to being a topic that both college students and their children can gain perspective and a greater understanding of history from, we hope that this event will also help inspire students in understanding how their background and early experiences can shape their future,” Sardelli said.

Carolyn Rennix / The Johnsonian

Students enjoy a day off from classes after a night of snow, sleet and icefall.

Carolyn Rennix / The Johnsonian

Catherine Lowe / The Johnsonian

Now Open Rock Hill Winthrop University

15% Off Any Purchase At Regular Menu Price

Coupon Code: Winthrop15 Jacob Hallex / The Johnsonian Professor of Educational Research Mark Dewalt speaks to children as Abe Lincoln on President’s Day.

Police Blotters:

Unlawful bullying 2/12/2015

At approximately 4 p.m. on the above date, a reporting officer was dispatched to Winthrop University in order to speak with two subjects about an ongoing dispute.

Upon meeting with subjects 1 and 2, the officer learned that the two have been involved in an ongoing argument for the past week.

This dispute was classified as bullying, cursing, harassing and threatening via text, email and social media.

The reporting officer informed that the two subjects appeared to be in a mutual combat-like situation where both parties share guilt in the incident.

Both parties could file criminal charges against the other party for

their actions and behavior.

The reporting officer learned that subject 2 vandalized subject 1’s car and wrote foul language on it.

After talking to the subjects, the reporting officer advised each subject not to contact one another and that failure to do so will result in criminal charges.

Both parties will be referred to Winthrop University’s Judicial Affairs for violations of the student conduct code.

No driver’s license 2/15/2015

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on the above date, a reporting officer noticed a gray Suzuki Forenza traveling on Winthrop Alumni Drive at a high rate speed.

The vehicle was traveling at

1735 Heckle Blvd At Heckle & Herlong

803-324-3000

Price before tax and delivery. Not valid with other offers or deals.

32 mph in a 20 mph zone. The officer pulled the vehicle over and made contact with the driver and confirmed that the drive did not have a driver’s license.

A citation was issued for driving without a license and a short form was released.

The vehicle was legally parked at a residence on Ebenezer Avenue with consent from the property owner.

Violation of drug law 2/13/2015

At approximately 11:15 p.m. on the above date, a reporting officer witnessed a blue Ford Explorer traveling on Winthrop Alumni Drive without its headlights on.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver.

While in contact with the driver, the

officer noticed a strong marijuana odor coming from the vehicle and then asked the driver to step out of the vehicle.

After asking the driver about the smell, who denied that there was marijuana, the officer asked permission to search the vehicle.

While searching the vehicle, the officer noticed that the smell was coming from the driver and then searched the jacket.

The officer felt a small bulge in the driver’s left front jacket pocket and the driver quickly moved his hand down to the pocket.

The reporting officer then grabbed the driver’s hand and told the driver not to move.

The jacket pocket had a small white plastic bag containing marijuana.

After placing the driver in handcuffs, the officer conducted a search of the vehicle and found no additional marijuana.

The driver was issued a citation for violation of drug law and a marijuana analysis was completed.

5

February 19, 2015

Eleven birth control resources, methods and where to locate them Know your contraceptive methods – condoms aren’t the only option.

Allegra Payne Staff Writer There are eleven definite types of birth control, oral contraceptives, the sponge, injections, vaginal ring, intrauterine devices, the patch, the rod, diaphragm, spermicide and condoms. Of course this article is focusing on legitimate types of medical birth control, so the pull out method and abstinence are not listed. Do not take this article as sound medical advice; speak to your healthcare provider before using any of these contraceptives.

Oral contraceptives are the usual method of birth control in the form of the pill, or even the morning after pill in case of emergencies. These would be prescribed to you by a doctor and can be purchased at a clinic or drugstore. The sponge is used vaginally and comes inserted with spermicide; this method is lesser-known due to the difficulty of using it correctly. You can buy these in a drugstore without a prescription or seeing a doctor.

Injections include the Depo-Provera shot, which you get once every three months after being approved by a quick exam from your healthcare provider. An intravaginal device, like the NuvaRing, is prescribed by a medical professional and used by inserting into the vagina once a month for three weeks. The in-

trauterine device is implanted into the uterus by a healthcare provider and lasts up to 12 years. The patch is a simple method that you stick to your skin and it prevents pregnancy.

You can get this with a prescription.

The rod is about the size of a small match and is inserted into the arm to prevent pregnancy, which must be implanted by a healthcare provider.

Diaphragms are placed inside the vagina to prevent pregnancy and can be purchased with a prescription after your provider has examined you for risks involving use of the device. They will show you how to use it and how to maintain it, as it lasts up to two years with proper care.

Spermicide is commonly used in coatings on condoms but it also comes in sprayable foam form, which works to immobilize sperm. This can be bought at some drug stores, family planning clinics and pharmacies. Condoms, both male and female, are used to prevent pregnancy and the spread of STIs. These can be bought in gas stations around the world, grocery stores, pharmacies and are available in some clinics for free.

Of course not every method is for everyone and it is completely up to you what you’re comfortable with, and what you can handle.

Some people opt for the injection because they can’t remember the pill every day. Some people would rather use the sponge rather than a condom. It all depends on personal preference, so talk to your doctor and figure out what works for you.

Gamer’s Corner: “Transistor” Michael Owens owensm@mytjnow.com I’ll be honest, last year’s hit action role-playing game from Supergiant Studios known as “Transistor” didn’t quite wow me at first. I had previously fallen in love with the studio’s previous title “Bastion” a couple of years before, yet there was a small feeling of anxiety about this newer title at first glance.

Given some hours, however, what was found was a title that was not only worthy of being in the big shadow that “Bastion” created, but one that went further beyond and made its own mark in being one of the finest games of last year.

Presentation The game takes place in the beautifully crafted city of Cloudbank where you take on the role of Red, a popular singer in town whose voice was taken from her by a robotic group known as the Process. She’s aided in her quest by the game’s namesake, a sword of great power that also is an inhibitor to an unknown male character who she finds murdered at the start of the game. Without spoiling anything, the plot of the game is something that will keep the player guessing, but also something that neither makes or breaks the game.

“Transistor” takes many cues from “Bastion” from an aesthetic standpoint, the greatest of which being the isometric point of view as well as its art style, which is a darker, moodier look that arguably could have been influenced by the film “Metropolis.” Cloudbank itself is an impressive marvel to behold, full of depth and personality despite being deserted, and crawling with unlockables and secrets that can be found with additional hours of exploration.

Another cue taken is the narration of events, which in this case is done by the

Transistor itself. While it is constantly talking, it’s not a detriment to the game in the slightest, as it adds more context to what has happened to the city and the unseen events before the plot’s start.

The soundtrack is also worth mentioning as well, as set pieces are brought together with beautiful, atmospheric industrial tracks that also include vocals. It’s available on Spotify or floating around online and is a very high recommendation.

Gameplay What makes “Transistor” really stand out is it’s gameplay. While it may look like

Deborah Crocker \ The Johnsonian

a platformer on the surface, it’s really an action-RPG with upgrade elements similar to what you’d find in MOBAs (i.e. DOTA 2).

As Red, the player has four attacks that can be upgraded however you like. As the player levels up by defeating enemies, they’ll gain new perks that can be used as attacks, upgrades to already installed moves or as passive abilities. These add a whole new layer of depth to the game, as the player can shuffle abilities around into multiple combinations and find what is most suitable for their playstyle. It’s a system that hasn’t really been seen before, and is a nice breath of fresh air.

Unfortunately, these upgrades only affect Red’s moves and not the character herself. While it would have

been nice to actually upgrade her base speed and attack power, the system in place works in its own way.

Combat also is a refreshing change of pace from what someone would expect in a game like this. Not only can the player just go in all guns blazing, but there is also a mechanic known as the “turn” mechanic. With this, Red can freeze time and plan out attacks and string combos to deal massive amounts of damage in a quick flurry.

This is a great feature whenever dealing with a swarm of enemies or a big boss, but it can make the game feel almost too easy at times.

Speaking of bosses, the game also provides a few boss battles that can challenge a player depending on how abilities are distributed.

Should Red take enough damage, she’ll lose the ability that costs the most to equip instead of dying outright and having the player start the fight over. This adds a frantic pace to boss battles, but can also be inconvenient when the ability taken away is one that is dealing massive amounts of damage.

The Verdict To put it simply, “Transistor” is a game that has to be played to truly be admired.

It’s a game that feels special from the moment it’s first booted up, and that’s something I haven’t said in quite a long time. The gameplay mechanics are smart and engaging and can challenge a player.

The atmosphere, and the feeling of isolation are things that can be quite eerie at times, and is something that Supergiant have proven to be skillful at in the past few years.

It’s hard not to recommend this one, being that it’s free with a PlayStation Plus subscription for PS4 owners this month. It’s a game that was vastly overlooked last year and should have garnered much more attention than it did.

Deborah Crocker | Science & Technology Editor crockerd@mytjnow.com

Althea Holenko \ The Johnsonian

History of the Week February 19, 1884 On this day in 1884, a series of 37 tornadoes swept across the Southeast United States. The twisters killed 167 people and injured another 1,000.

The tornadoes began early in the afternoon in Alabama. The town of Goshen lost 26 people to an F4 twister, classified as “devastating” with winds between 207 and 260 mph. Outside of Goshen, 13 more people lost their lives in Alabama. Late in the afternoon, the storm hit North Carolina. The town of Philadelphia lost 23 people, while another eight were killed in other smaller tornadoes in the state.

In South Carolina, 27 people died, and there were also deaths reported in Kentucky and Mississippi. The hardest-hit state was Georgia, where 68 deaths were attributed to the storm.

In the years since this disaster, there have been other occasions when a series of tornadoes has reached across a broad area, but advances in weather forecasting and communications have helped to minimize deaths and injuries.

6

February 19, 2015

Archrival Chants coming to town for Senior Day Michael Owens owensm@mytjnow.com

The Winthrop women’s basketball team has seen their fair share of talent come through in the past few years. On Saturday, the team plans to honor it’s latest class leaders, as they look to avenge a crushing loss against a certain in-state rival.

Last Time Out The Eagles had a rough go the last time they faced Coastal Carolina on Jan. 17 as they were on the losing end of an 81-62 upset in Conway.

The Chanticleers went 9-16 from beyond the three-point line in the win on a cold shooting night from Winthrop.

Senior Leadership Being Senior Day and coming off a big loss the last time they faced Coastal, the duo of Taylor Calvert and Samiya Wright

will anchor the talented young Eagle squad on the road to redemption.

Wright reached double-digits in the last game, so she’ll be a key in getting scoring chances against the Chants.

Board Games In the loss, however, Winthrop did have a +5 rebounding advantage on Coastal. Having two of the Big South conference’s top players in that category, Schaquilla Nunn and Erica Williams certainlly doens’t hurt, but the Eagles will need to be on the boards early and often and hold a highpowered Chanticleer offense at bay in order to pull out a win.

“That Team From Conway” The Chants find themselves near the bottom of the conference standings, but lead the Big South in scoring offense. They have A.J. Jordan, who is the conference’s top scorer. She put up 25 points in the last Senior Samiya Wright driving during meeting, and will be a player to watch.

Winthrop’s 91-74 win over High Point.

Winthrop vs.

Coastal Carolina Date: Feb. 21 Time: 1 p.m.

Where: Winthrop Coliseum

Jacob Hallex / The Johnsonian

Eagles start road stretch at Longwood Michael Owens owensm@mytjnow.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: The results of Wednesday’s game vs. UNC Asheville were unavailable at press time.

Freshman Xavier Cooks in the paint during Winthrop’s 71-68 win over Gardner-Webb last Saturday at the Winthrop Coliseum.

Jacob Hallex / The Johnsonian

Big South Players of the Week

Michael Owens | Sports Editor owensm@mytjnow.com

Too Many Cooks?

Another player to look out for will be freshman Xavier Cooks, who also had success against the Lancers To put it lightly, Winthrop at Longwood in the last meeting, the Winthrop putting up Eagles have his first-ever Date: Feb. 21 been the team of collegiate mystery in the Big double-digit South this season.

Time: 5 p.m. scoring The team proved performance. last week that He’s been Radio: 104.1 FM they can rebound a key in well after a tough Winthrop’s loss, holding off Video: Big South post game a late surge from Network along with Gardner-Webb to Dube Okeke get a home win their way to an 82and Josh Davenport after falling by one 72 win. as well. on the road at High Moore of the Given Cooks’s Point.

Same success, look for him Now Winthrop In the fi rst to be a focal point in will have a shot to meeting, senior the Eagles’ off ense gain some ground Keon Moore scored on Saturday. in the conference his season-best The Opponent standings as the last 27 points while The Lancers have two weeks of the shooting 53 percent had a rough season season near with from the fi eld. marred by injuries, a couple of road He’ll be a point and will be coming tests, first heading of emphasis once off a game against to Farmville, again for the Eagles Liberty.

Big man Virginia to take and has been just Jason Pimentel will on the Lancers of as effi cient from be a player to watch Longwood. beyond the arc as in the paint for Last Time Out ever. them.

The Eagles and

Jenna Kasmarik • Big South Attacking Player of the Week • Five goals vs. No. 12 Ohio State last Friday

Lancers haven’t met since New Year’s Eve at the Winthrop Coliseum, a tough overtime game where Winthrop hit 13 three-pointers on

Katie Clark • Big South Freshman of the Week • One goal, one assist vs. Ohio State

7 February 19, 2015

Eagle Excerpts

Women’s tennis falls at home Winthrop and Mississippi State entered into Saturday’s match tied for the No. 74 ranking in the country, and the Bulldogs staked their claim to the spot by blanking the Eagles 7-0. Both teams split the two playable doubles sets, but the Bulldogs earned the point by winning the third by default.

Two super tiebreaks occurred in singles involving freshman Mariana Humberg and senior Monica Aguado, but the Eagles were unable to win a point as the visitors cruised to a victory.

Eagles earn top three finishes at Samford Invitational

As the indoor track season winds down, Winthrop made their mark at the Samford Invitational in Birmingham, Alabama with top finishes this past weekend.

Junior Aiesha Love finished third in 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.78 seconds, while also finishing seventh in the 400 meter dash with a time of 57.26 seconds.

Sophomore Marthaline Cooper took home third in the women’s weight throw with a toss of 18.5 meters.

Senior Jakeb Elliot earned third place honors in the men’s weight throw, throwing for a distance of 16.57 meters.

Cross country earns academic honors Eric Hammett / The Johnsonian

Softball - Cougar Classic, Charleston, South Carolina vs. Bowling Green, 2/20 - 5:30 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh, 2/21 - 9 a.m. vs. Appalachain State, 2/21 - 3:30 p.m. vs. Massachusetts, 2/22 - 11:00 a.m. vs, College of Charleston, 2/22 - 3:30 p.m.

Track & Field

at Virgina Tech Challenge, 2/20

Both men’s and women’s cross country teams at Winthrop were recently named to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Teams. The men’s team finished last semester with a 3.17 average GPA while the women’s team had a 3.63 team GPA.

Women’s Tennis

Baseball

vs. Toledo, 2/20 - 4 p.m. vs. Toldeo, 2/21 - 3 p.m. vs. Toldeo, 2/22 - 1 p.m. at North Carolina, 2/25 - 3 p.m.

vs. UNC Asheville, 2/22 - 1 p.m. at Presbyterian, 2/24 - 2 p.m.

Men’s Tennis

at Elon 2/20 - TBA vs. NJIT, 2/22 - 2 p.m.

Women’s Lacrosse vs. George Mason, 2/20 - 6 p.m. vs. Michigan, 2/22 - 1 p.m.

8

February 19, 2015

A look into Valentine’s Day from a cultural perspective VDAY • from front However, the question of “Who should pay on a date?” caused less of a synchronized answer. A student from the Middle East said that he would do whatever the culture dictates. Although, an American student said “the person who asked for the date should pay for the date.”

This just goes to further display how different cultures are and it solidifies the differences that each section of the world has.

Part of the reception included a section where assistant professor of history Adam Glover gave a brief history lesson on Valentine’s Day. He

presented the information in a comical and fascinating way.

According to Glover, Valentine’s Day started as a Roman festival where, after a lamb sacrifice, men would go around with goat meat stripes and would hit woman to increase or ensure their fertility. Glover worked his way up in history to show how the holiday moved from the Roman Festival to the romantic connotations that Valentine’s Day has presently.

After, Glover presented Ayana Shahid, who spoke about how being in this program has helped her with her bilingual abilities and how she is excited that others are

joining the program.

There were two more presentations that displayed how France and Mexico celebrate Valentine’s Day. The statistics that were displayed to show how it is celebrated in France showed that they do not particularly take much interest in the holiday. Mexico celebrates the holiday as a way to show appreciation and affection towards one another, not just their significant others.

This reception was a great way for Global Friends to get together and discuss their different backgrounds and cultural beliefs towards one of the most diversely celebrated holidays.

Movies in Review: 50 Shades of Grey Movie reviewer approves movie rendition of “50 Shades of Grey” despite unpopular casting decisions Allegra Payne paynea8@winthrop.edu

“Fifty Shades of Grey” has been a phenomenon for years before the movie even came to be. Fans of all ages cluttered the bookstores and discussion forums.

Even the gift store Spencer’s got into it, selling knock off grey ties and masquerade masks.

When the movie was announced, fans boned up on their reading, poring over every kiss and every Grey moment in the series. Then came the discussions.

What will they show? What won’t they show? Who will be Grey? Who will be Anastasia?

And the roar of when the casting and shooting began was deafening.

“Ana doesn’t look like that!” many fans said. “Him?! He’s not Christian Grey!”

Well now the movie is out,

and I have to say I liked it. There were some scenes I loved more than others, but as a whole it was rather well done. Of course a movie based on this kind of book can’t include everything, and so a bit was lost in translation. But then again, the book is always better than the movie.

For those who haven’t read the books, the film works well enough so that you can clearly see what’s going on. The acting is solid, and the music is breathtaking. Overall, I was pleasantly pleased with the director’s casting choices.

While I was among the many sticklers who criticized the man chosen to play the famous Mr. Grey, I enjoyed his performance nicely. He wasn’t a beast, wasn’t overly staged or even overly distant. You could read his face, even pick up hints, if you will.

Anastasia was no slouch either.

She bravely held her own again the oppressing force that was Mr. Grey, and even though she may have worked the ‘plain Jane’ angle a bit too well, I still smiled at her accomplishments and frowned at the setbacks.

This movie will never be a cult classic, but it will make a good movie for girl’s movie night or even a night in.

Feb. 19 - Puzzle

Daniel James | A&C Editor jamesd@mytjnow.com

Photo by Beth West Global Friends program director LeAnn Lowery addresses student attendees at the Global Valentine’s Day event . She said that Global friends was meant to promote unity between students from America and student from the rest of the world.

College of Charleston maymester/summer sessions 2015

Feb. 12 - Solution

Beth West | Assistant A&C Editor westb@mytjnow.com

9

February 19, 2015

“The Vagina Monologues” explores issues in sexuality to unite and empower women Theatrical performance sponsored by the Office of Victim’s Assistance showed the audience what goes into being women Allegra Payne paynea8@winthrop.edu When you think of women empowerment, you may just think of that scene from Family Guy where Peter gets court mandated sensitivity training, but while the episode may have had a bit of truth, it was a parody for a reason.

For those who attended Thursday’s performance of “The Vagina Monologues”, it was so very real. This

performance was started by a woman named Eve Ensler, with the goal to expose the broad range of women and their individual plights to the public view. And the performance has been continued at college campuses worldwide, including Winthrop.

This year’s performance was brought to us by the Office of Victim’s Assistance, who serves victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse and stalking. The performance is owned by V-Day, a non-profit organization whose vision is “a world where women live safely and freely.”

The performance itself was directed by Jasmine Gunter, with proceeds from donations given to Safe Passage and other organizations dedicated to supportive services for families of domestic violence.

This being my first time attending the performance, I had no idea what to expect.

I thought it would be a

depressing and solemn play, something that would make me cry and think all at once.

I was so wrong on most counts, with the exception of the thinking.

It was a joyous rendition of the broad spectrum of women and female sexuality, from a body-conscious woman to a violent but hilarious rampage. The actresses portrayed women who were all polar opposites, all an aspect of both modern and past sexuality.

There were sad moments as well, but for the most part it was truly a celebration.

“I think the goal of the event is to unite women together against the struggles of being women, and to invite men into the struggle.

Unite people together to celebrate women and unite for the cause.” Gunter said.

The crowd was definitely united, everyone sharing in solemnity and laughter for one night of celebration of womankind.

“I thought the perfor-

mance was very well done,” said theatre major Nehemiah Hope, who said he would definitely come see it again.

“It showcases the range of different types of women, which I enjoyed. And it showcased not only sexuality, but what goes into being a woman and showing what it means to have a vagina.”

Those who attended weren’t the only people who enjoyed the night; the performers both laughed and mourned with the audience.

“I really enjoyed this experience. I learned that I had two sides of me when I work the audience. I can take the audience to a place they don’t want to go. But there is also a side of me that makes them relax and enjoy the show,” said performer Aalayah Williams, who said she found it easy to fill her role as an elderly woman in her monologue.

To any and all who didn’t attend this year’s performance, it was not something to be missed. It was a

“”

The goal of the event is to unite women together against the struggles of being women, and to invite men into the struggle. Unite people together to celebrate women and unite for the cause.

Jasmine Gunter

Director of “The Vagina Monologues”

celebration of women and an enlightening portrayal of sexuality. And I for one will certainly be attending the next one.

The science of attraction workshop Christine Buckley buckleyc@mytjnow.com Tara Collins, a professor of psychology at Winthrop, taught students the science of attraction during a Valentine’s Day special workshop.

Winthrop’s psychology club hosted the workshop “Attraction and Relationships” on Feb. 12 to help advise students on what they can do to become more attractive to others, and how science plays an important factor on who we are attracted to.

“The more we come into contact with people, the closer we are in proximity to them, the more attractive we are likely to be to them,” Collins said.

This is changing with the use of the internet and online dating. “People have this kind of online proximity now that throws a wrench in this, but you still need to come into contact with people in order to be attracted to them,” Collins said.

During a study conducted by MIT, they checked to see if the number of doors you are away from someone would affect your chances to be friends with them. The closer one is to another, the more likely they would be your friend.

“Just the actual location in which your dorm is, is going to help determine who your friends become… The more foot traffic you have, in front of your door, the more friends you are likely to have,” Collins said.

The mere exposure effect states that we like what is familiar to us. “The more familiar somebody is to you, the more you are going to like them” Collins said. Familiarity helps gives us peace of mind, “it feels safe, we know what to expect from things that are familiar to us.”

People are also attracted to those they find attractive, Collins said, “we like to make more positive judgments about physically attractive people than unattractive people.”

According to Collins, we like those who are similar to us, “Not only is it validating for other people to like what we like, that makes us feel good,

but it is also predictable, if you know that, that person is very similar to you, you kind of know who they are going to act, you know what to expect.

When people are extremely different from us, that is really uncomfortable, that is not familiar to us, you don’t know what to expect.” This also applies to the level of attractiveness, “In general, people don’t go for somebody that they perceived to be out of their league. People are going to be attracted to those who are more similar to them in levels of attractiveness.”

The one case in which opposites do attract is based upon genetics. This specifically relates to the functions of the immune system.

Biologically, we are subconsciously interested in people who have the complementary strengths in their immune system.

“Whatever the immune system strengths were, they preferred men who had other strengths as far as the immune system goes,” Collins said.

If you already found someone and you are ready for the first date, the best place to go is an amusement park or to see a scary movie, according to Collins.

“People are very bad at identifying the causes to anything that is going on in their bodies or their heads,” said Collins.

She said that sometimes heightened arousal as a result of something exciting, like being on a roller coaster, might cause someone to mistakenly think that their partner is causing those feelings.

The psychology club typically has informative workshops at least once a semester. The club is open to all majors and only has a onetime fee of $15 to join.

“I thought it was really interesting.

I do research and learn stuff from other classes, so some of the things I already knew about and there were some things I learned. It was great to hear people’s questions and to see that people are interested in it,” said junior psychology major Simone Mayers.

FAST ON OUR

FEET (NOT ON THE STREET)

SERIOUS DELIVERY!

TM

★ JIMMYJOHNS.COM ★

TO FIND THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM ©2014 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

10

February 19, 2015

Abstinence a viable option for college students

Adarrell Gadsden Editor-in-Chief If you’re looking for a Sarah Palin-like rant on why we need to teach abstinence, you’re reading the wrong article.

If you’re looking for a philosophical answer to why or why we shouldn’t have pre-marital sex, you’re also reading the wrong article.

In college, sex is a hot topic; the two in the modern era have almost become synonymous with one another.

It’s a topic that even those who choose the path of abstinence want to talk about. There is nothing wrong with that, as the dialogue can be quite healthy and allows us a better understanding of the decisions we make for ourselves.

I myself do believe that remaining abstinent from sex is the right thing to do — but I also believe it’s a decision you have to make for yourself, and that your decision can expand the bounds of religion.

In church, high school students make promises to remain abstinent and receive a ring to wear on

their ring finger and declare this promise between themselves and God — some may even see it as a bit cheesy. However, this is a promise not only between themselves and God, but themselves and their future spouses. That’s the interesting part: declaring to your future wife or husband that you choose to wait until marriage to engage in sexual relations with them.

Some people remain abstinent for that sole reason and neither church nor religion has anything to do with it. However, you have to understand the possibilities you may meet when looking for a life partner.

How do you know they’ve waited for you? If they haven’t, would that be okay? Or do we turn people away because they don’t fit the mold of our fantasy life?

That’s the tricky part if you’re an abstinent person. Would you be able to forgive someone for not waiting? Then you have to ask yourself the question would you want to be forgiven if you had not waited but your significant other had?

If you believe the opposite and think someone who is abstaining from sex is making the wrong choice, you’re open to that opinion. However, the idea that because someone is sexually inexperienced will make him or her a terrible significant other is a relatively weak opinion.

Having sex doesn’t make you a bad person, and choosing not to have sex doesn’t make you a good person; it only means you’ve made a decision for yourself that you feel is right for you.

Telling someone their choices are wrong will

probably get you nowhere, but listening and trying to understand the decision they have made will give you a deeper understanding of that person.

You should be respected in the decision you make for yourself, whatever that is. You shouldn’t feel ostracized because of the decisions you’ve made.

“”

Having sex doesn’t make you a bad person, and choosing not to have sex doesn’t make you a good person.

Love and Mawwiage Dave Birley Staff Writer When we took HMXP, we may have been exposed to a bit of drivel

by Matt Ridley in which he opines thus: “Why does a man fall in love with that woman? Because she’s pretty.”

What a bodacious bucket of bovine byproduct. He does not “fall in love with her” for that reason, he merely feels attracted to her by that.

Love is something totally different.

By contrast, one of the most fondly regarded and remembered movies that built an adventure around a love story would have to be “The Princess Bride” — in particular, the wedding scene in which Peter Cook, portraying the Clergyman, delivers his immortal lines beginning with: “Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togethaw today. Mawwiage, that bwessed awwangement, that dweam within a dweam . . .”

Let’s take a little journey around the physical attraction carousel.

How is it activated? What is its purpose? Where does it lead?

If we study the mating activities of a wide variety of species in the animal world, we will see that the male will often put on a show before a female of his choosing, and she

will then either respond by joining in on a ritual, or perhaps coyly decline the invitation.

The peacock is a classic example, except that he is willing to put on his show, during the mating season at least, with the slightest provocation, and with no females even in sight.

Deriving from this we find that in the late 19th century, W. S. Gilbert, of Gilbert and Sullivan fame, coined the term “a peacock popinjay” in the plaintive song by Point the jester “I Have a Song To Sing-O.” He is decrying the fact that, as a man of humble birth, he can’t stand up against the competition of those of higher station who could put on a more showy presentation of themselves.

“It’s a song of the merrymaid, once so gay Who turned on her heel and tripped away From the peacock popinjay, bravely born, Who turned up his noble nose with scorn At the humble heart that he did not prize: So she begged on her knees, with downcast eyes, For the love of the merryman, moping mum, Whose soul was sad, and whose glance was glum, Who sipped no sup, and who craved no crumb, As he sighed for the love of a ladye!”

That is one side of the mating game coin. With every obverse of a coin there is a reverse, and the mating rituals of the natives of the

About The Johnsonian The Johnsonian is the weekly student newspaper of Winthrop University.

CONTACT INFORMATION

LETTER POLICY

Our offices are located in suite 104 in the DiGiorgio Campus Center.

Phone: (803) 323-3419 E-mail: editors@mytjnow.com Online: mytjnow.com

Letters and feedback can be sent to editors@mytjnow.com or by mail at The Johnsonian, 104 Campus Center, Rock Hill, S.C., 29733.

Comments submitted online at www.mytjnow.com may be printed as letters and may be shortened for space and edited for clarity.

Trey Stokes | Opinion Editor stokest@mytjnow.com

Please include your name, major and year if you are a student; your name and title if you are a professor; or your name and profession if you are a member of the community.

Letters, cartoons and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily the opinions of The Johnsonian staff.

Kalahari, or the descendants of Fletcher Christian of Mutiny on the Bounty fame living on Pitcairn Island, or the humble freshman timidly testing the waters of “hooking up” on a college campus, are offset by other methods, means and morés.

We find that sexuality is associated with the perpetuation of the species. Mr. Masculine Man wants to manufacture new minime’s.

He has discovered that the manufacturing process includes activity that is pleasing to experience, and which, hopefully, is simultaneously pleasing to his partner.

To achieve his aim he must either find a compliant partner, choose a partner whom he can persuade to become compliant or, worst case, take physical action that results in no pleasure for either participant.

The whole hooking up process so prevalent on today’s college campus involves passion pits like DiGs at Winthrop. DiGs at Winthrop? Give me a break!

In years gone by, the process was so much simpler, so much less stressful for both the young man or the young lady.

Visit the Margaret Nance Hall, a residence for female undergraduates, mainly freshmen.

There, when you go through the main entrance you will find a parlor.

This is designed to accommodate the mating rituals associated with the residence hall dating back to its beginnings. The regulations relating to being resident there about a century ago, in 1912, state: “Pupils will not be allowed to receive visits Editor-in-Chief ADARRELL GADSDEN gadsdena@mytjnow.com Managing Editor MICHAEL OWENS owensm@mytjnow.com Webmaster REAGAN MARTIN martinr@mytjnow.com News Editor CAROLYN RENNIX Assistant News Editor CATHERINE LOWE

from men, or to spend the night out of the College.”

Actually, the rules were bent a trifle thereafter permitting young men to appear by appointment in the parlor, and, with a chaperone present, visit with a young lady who was a pupil there.

For shy young men and shy young ladies this was a wonderful way to develop friendships and even relationships that later led to the most sought-after college degree of all, the “Mr. and Mrs.” Ah yes, “mawwiage” back then was often long lasting, outfitted with multitudes of children who grew up doing chores at home with their mothers who seldom left the house except to do household shopping.

I’ll be honest about this, I think that the greater freedom that young ladies have today, the dating freedoms that college students have today and the choices available to all do represent an improvement.

However, with greater freedom and more choices comes a heavy burden. The responsibilities are placed more firmly on the shoulders of the individual instead of being entrusted to others.

If being attracted to a girl who is pretty ends up with popping a pup without the benefit of “mawwiage,” one might infer that some poor choices might have been made along the path.

The college experience is an opportunity to learn information and gain skills. It is also an opportunity to find one’s way in the field of responsible relationships.

Enjoy! But please hook up responsibly.

Opinion Editor TREY STOKES

Director of Digital Information JACOB HALLEX

Arts & Culture Editor DANIEL JAMES

Ad Manager AVERY OWENS

Science & Technology Editor DEBORAH CROCKER

Graphic Designer ALTHEA HOLENKO

Copy Editors FRANCES PARRISH ADAM MATONIC RACHEL SHAFFER

Faculty Adviser GUY REEL

theJohnsonian

Consent is sexy: clearing up misconceptions

Our Say Editorial Board Trey Stokes Chair Michael Owens Vice Chair Daniel James Arts & Culture Editor

11

February 19, 2015

Deborah Crocker Science & Tech Editor

Every 107 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

When one examines just collegeaged women, the statistic becomes even more horrifying — 1 in 4 college-aged women will be sexually assaulted.

Here at The Johnsonian, we find this statistic to be completely unac-

ceptable. Although no specific numbers exist for Winthrop’s campus, the fact that even 25 percent of the women we know — and an unknown percentage of men — could have been sexually assaulted is both terrifying and sobering.

According to the Winthrop University Office of Victims Assistance (OVA), “anytime a person is forced physically or verbally to have sex against her or his own will, it is rape.” In other words, even if someone is coerced into having sex

without force, it is still rape — especially if it is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault can be extremely difficult. However, the OVA on campus offers “counseling services and assists with obtaining sexual assault forensic exams, STI testing/treatment, pregnancy prevention, housing options, legal prosecution, and access to other support services.”

For more information, call (803) 323-2206 or visit 204 Crawford.

Understanding “genderqueer”

Trey Stokes Opinion Editor Most of us take our gender for granted.

Like myself, the vast majority of the population is cisgender — that is, their gender identity and their biological sex align.

However, for some individuals, it gets a little more complicated. Some people discover that their gender identity does not quite match up with their sex. These individuals are referred to by the umbrella terms “genderqueer,” “trans” or “transgender.”

Much like we live in a patriarchical (men possess most of the institutional power) and heteronormative (heterosexuality is considered the “norm”) society, we also live in a cisnormative society. In other words, individuals whose gender identity does not match their perceived biological sex are considered “abnormal” by our society and are often subject to discrimination in many forms.

“Genderqueer” and “transgender”

encompass a wide variety of gender non-binary (that is, outside of traditional gendered notions of “masculine” and “feminine”) categories, including but not limited to: • transsexuals, or individuals who have begun to transition surgically so that their biological sex matches their gender identity; • polygender individuals or androgynes, people who identify as more than one gender; • and agender individuals, who feel that they do not identify with any gender.

Last week, I interviewed an individual on campus who identifies as agender. She is a 21-yearold, biologically-female senior psychology major, and she helped me to understand more about people outside of the gender binary.

Although she is agender, she does not mind being refered to with female pronouns.

Although she identifies as “more male than female,” she finds it very difficult to present as a male on a daily basis. “People don’t take me seriously as a male,” she said.

“People think I’m joking when I say they can refer to me as male or female. Sometimes I use male pronouns when I refer to myself and they correct me.”

She also knew that she didn’t exactly fit into the gender binary

from a very young age. “When I was really young, I didn’t fit in with the girls. I wanted to play football with the boys, but they wouldn’t let me play. So I never fit in with either gender. . . I’ve always known it, but I didn’t have a word to describe it.

I accepted it a couple of years ago, when people started using words like ‘agender’ and ‘non-binary,’ and I realized, ‘I’m just like them.’”

As a result of her gender identity, she says she has experienced discrimination. “Whenever I use a male pronoun or a gender neutral pronoun [they, them], people correct me. People just don’t take me seriously when I say I don’t want to be treated like a woman; I want to be treated like an individual.”

“There are a lot of people who don’t understand genderqueer, so they respond with nastiness and hurt people’s feelings by saying, ‘no, you can’t be this, this is what you are.’ I don’t expect society to understand it, but I expect them to accept it. I introduce myself with a nickname, and I expect them to respect that — but when I introduce myself as a ‘he,’ they won’t respect that in the same way.”

She is currently dating a man, and she says that, although there were challenges in the beginning of the relationship, her gender identity has not proven to be much of a problem in that area. “I’m dating a guy that is traditional; he likes to hold doors

open for me. But sometimes I like to take on the male role, and it took a while for him to accept that and let me do stuff like that. He’s come to appreciate it, because I want our relationship to be equal rather than have strict roles.”

Her hope is that other genderqueer individuals will come out of the closet and have the courage to be who they really are.

“If you’re biologically one sex, and you don’t feel like you fit that sex, but you don’t have the freedom to change the outside, you can say, ‘I want to be called this instead.’

It’s easier to identify as what you want to be than to change yourself physically.”

Most of all, she wants everyone to remain openminded about the concept of gender. “Fluidity [of gender],” she says, “depends on the individual. We are a society that worships labels. But,” she adds, “you come into the world not knowing what kind of food you like. So you try new food and, as we grow older, our palate becomes more refined and we discover tastes that we didn’t know we had. So it’s okay to label yourself, but don’t let them define you, because if you find something that doesn’t fit the label you chose, what are you going to do? That’s why I decided to stop labeling my gender.”

So, keep an open mind — gender is more than black and white.

Special is our specialty.

Before the sun comes up, our scratch-made bread is in our Bakery ovens. Before the store opens, we’re handcrafting desserts, designed to delight. Our Produce associates are selecting the freshest, juiciest fruit and cutting it by hand to prepare our Fresh Cut Fruit Salads. We’re always stocking the Deli with premium meats and cheeses, Boar’s Head® and Publix Brand, and the freshest toppings to layer on your favorite made-to-order sub. Because, before you come back, we want to give you every delicious reason to.

charlotte.publix.com

12

February 19, 2015