The Lumberjack -- December 8, 2023

Northern Arizona University’s student voice since 1914 Vol. 117 |Taboo Issue | December 8 - 16, 2023

NEWS

Fake ID culture on college campuses

F

HAVA HERZOG

ake IDs have been a staple of college campuses across the United States since the ‘80s. As real driver licenses evolved, so did the legitimacy of fakes.

While it may look genuine to the untrained eye, a fraudulent ID is not guaranteed to fool bouncers, restaurant staff, scanners or law enforcement.

A rise in fake IDs began with the passing of the 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act. Former New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg alongside Mothers Against Drunk Driving proposed the act to reduce drunk driving by prohibiting people under 21 from purchasing or possessing alcohol. This law does not require states to adhere to the national minimum age, but if states do not comply, they lose 10% of federal highway funding.

Before the act was passed in 1984, the drinking age varied from state to state, with Arizona’s minimum age set at 19.

The 2005 REAL ID Act required physical security features for state IDs to discourage fakes and protect national security after 9/11.

Holograms, microprinting, laser perforation, UV images, magnetic stripes and raised text are all features used to distinguish fakes from genuine state IDs. However, this security standardization pushed fake IDs to replicate those same security features.

Eddie Karner, managing partner for Collins Irish Pub and Grill, has checked IDs for 20 years and said they have gotten more realistic. When he started, he said it was comical how bad fake IDs were.

“The holographic technology, viewthrough technology, all those types of things have come a long way,” Karner said.

“So, the fake IDs have had to get more sophisticated.”

Since the beginning of the fall semester, Collins has confiscated more than 300 fraudulent IDs — both fake and real of-age IDs used by someone underage — which Karner said is average for the bar.

Collins seized 15 fakes during Tequila Sunrise alone, and Karner said most of the IDs Collins confiscates are from local students.

Nightclubs, dispensaries, bars and restaurants use ID scanners to detect fakes, but the technology is not foolproof.

“They are a good extra layer of security, but nothing, in my opinion, is ever going to take away from seeing and smelling and tasting the sort of situation and having it in your hand,” Karner said.

Scanners read information from a barcode or magnetic stripe on an ID. Fakes replicate the process used with real IDs, which is how they can trick a scanner.

Machines load scannable information into a magnetic stripe, and printers create highresolution barcodes that can go undetected by a scanner.

Besides fakes, underage people also use real IDs from people with their likeness, which is another reason why scanners are not a reliable way to detect an underage patron.

DMVs are not required to have up-todate cameras, and photos can be distorted.

Weight, height or hair color are also liable to change after the ID is administered.

Both real and fake ID photos could look shoddy, although some fakes may appear poorly cut out if the photo is doctored.

As realistic as some fakes are, there are still many ways to tell if an ID is fraudulent.

See FAKE ID on PAGE 5

Top: Confiscated fake IDs at Collins Irish Pub and Grill in downtown Flagstaff, Nov. 8.

Photo Illustration by Taylor McCormick | The Lumberjack

FEATURES

Revelations through ketamine theraPy A

EMMA STANSBERY

drug often viewed as a dangerous dissociative is now administered by health care professionals in Flagstaff and across the nation. Clients are legally allowed to experience the hallucinogenic drug in a controlled environment, rather than risk staring into the K-hole, which feels like a near-death experience potentially brought on by unmoderated use.

Ketamine therapy is data-driven, evidence-based care that offers relief to patients who experience treatment-resistant disorders. Revitalize Ketamine Clinic is the only health clinic in Flagstaff that offers ketamine infusions.

Treatment-resistant disorders include chronic pain and mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and personality disorders. People experiencing these afflictions often struggle to find success relying on symptomrelieving treatments, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or mood stabilizers. Ketamine can create a different experience by granting patients a mental space of clarity to

consider the underlying problem causing the symptom.

Ketamine is included on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medications and is classified as a dissociative anesthetic. At Revitalize, the drug is used off-label, which means the drug is used outside the designation of FDA policy.

Clinics administering off-label use of ketamine help to prevent unattended recreational use of the drug. Recreational use can lead to addiction or overdose, which is characterized by delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function and potentially fatal respiratory problems.

To combat the dangers of recreational use, clinicians at Revitalize monitor vitals to ensure a patient’s safety. The injection can be halted at any time, allowing for a completely controlled experience with the drug.

Casey Dubravcic is the owner and operator of Revitalize and has worked in the field of psychiatry for eight years. Dubravcic said after working with traditional treatments, he found they rarely addressed the root of the issue.

“I got pretty jaded on the traditional treatments that more or less are treating symptoms of underlying problems,”

Dubravcic said. “My perception is that depression and anxiety, hypervigilance, substance use disorder, histrionic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, those are your psyche’s cries for help, ‘Hey, what we’re doing isn’t working.’”

Dubravcic has followed the trajectory of ketamine research as a treatment for mental health since 2008 and opened Revitalize in April 2021. The treatment plan consists of six sessions of ketamine infusion administered into the bloodstream.

Since Revitalize provides ketamine off-label, insurance does not cover the treatments. Each infusion costs $495 plus a $100 payment to establish as a patient. All six required sessions would cost over $3,000, but Dubravcic offers a discount for completing the full treatment, which brings the total down to $2,495.

The multiple sessions allow for optimal neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change through growth and reorganization.

Within minutes of receiving ketamine, new signal receptors are formed. These allow the patient to gain a stronger ability to help the patient challenge their original perception of traumatic experiences.

See KETAMINE on PAGE 20

Left: Dubravcic looks at artwork made by a former Revitalize Ketamine Clinic patient, Nov. 1. Patients’ artwork from treatments can be seen around the clinic. Right: Monica Creek works the front desk at the clinic. Creek is a former patient who is now the lead receptionist. John Chaides | The Lumberjack

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

MARLEY GREEN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I

wasn’t enthusiastic about writing or becoming a journalist when I was recruited to write for The Lumberjack after the first semester of my freshman year. I did not envision myself staying on staff for longer than a semester.

I’m a naturally skeptical person.

When then-Editor-in-Chief Scout Ehrler said she loved The Lumberjack in the first meeting of the semester, I wasn’t convinced there would be anything for me to love. I am grateful that I turned out to be so incorrect.

When it came time for me to choose a section, I chose opinion. I thought it would lend itself the best to my interest in politics. I worked as a writer and editor until I thought I would get sick if I looked at one more opinion story. Later, I joined the executive board as the copy editor and director of marketing.

Nearly three years later, I’m saying a bittersweet goodbye to what has been something of a constant for me throughout college. Sure, working on the paper has been incredibly stressful at times. I’ve genuinely cried over Oxford commas once or twice during my tenure. But at one point, it was the only thing I was doing in college that genuinely excited me.

During tearful phone calls with my mother or boyfriend in times of high newspaper-related stress, both have asked me, “Why continue? Why is it worth it to endure this stress, especially if you don’t want to be a journalist?”

The answer is simple. The newspaper has given me a lot: friends, management skills, a small eye for design, the opportunity to cover Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to NAU (and ride in the motorcade), my first freelance gig, one trip overseas and countless friends — including one especially close one that I call my roommate.

After this semester, it’s time for me to leave — concluding three wonderful, exhausting years I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

Continue reading on JackCentral.org

SOCIAL MEDIA

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

DAISY JOHNSTON MANAGING EDITOR

H

ello everyone from the managing editor of The Lumberjack of Fall 2023.

In this letter, I have decided to share with everyone three secrets.

Secret number one is about my first letter from the editor I wrote my freshman year as the assistant news editor. For most people, they come up with their letter the week before, sometimes less. For me, I had been writing it in my head ever since the news editor recommended I apply for the position. When it came out, my friends and teacher all thought it was one of the funniest pieces of writing I had ever made. I didn’t tell anyone it was two semesters in the making.

Secret number two is about Instagram. When I was offered the position to serve as The Lumberjack’s copy editor, I was excited to work with the executive board, but most importantly, I was excited to put my job in my Instagram bio. However, there was a problem. The previous copy editor and current editor-inchief, Marley Green, had not taken “Copy Editor” out of her bio. Clearly, this was a problem because we could not both be the copy editor of The Lumberjack. For about a month, I stalked her Instagram until I was able to change mine.

Secret number three is that next summer I will be in Ireland. This part is going to sound really dramatic but, truthfully, I don’t know how I’m going to be able to leave the paper.

It’s not that the paper won’t go on without me, because it certainly will.

I think everyone is mostly worried how I’ll go on without the paper.

It’s hard to describe what I believe these three things mean about me.

I think in some weird combination of my life, they say something important.

Thank you for reading!

LIAN MUNENO DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

I

JONAH GRAHAM DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA

W

bet if I asked my family members and some of my friends what my job is at The Lumberjack, they wouldn’t know. To them, anyone associated with The Lumberjack is automatically a journalist.

In the three years I’ve been working on the paper, I have only published two other stories with my byline on them. One is a letter from the editor I wrote in April, and the other is a Hometown Spotlight I wrote in December of last year.

I started my sophomore year as assistant director of print design and was coming in once or twice a week to help with anything the director of print design needed. I would sit at a computer in the Media Innovation Center (MIC), put in my AirPods and work on page design for hours at a time. Now and then I’d eavesdropped on the conversations happening in the MIC, but I was hardly ever a part of them.

The following year, I got the job as director of print design, so I had more interaction with the staff. I already worked with these people for a year, but it felt like I was introducing myself and meeting them for the first time. I remember finding it hard to approach people about their page design or offer assistance. I was still sitting at the same computer, working even longer nights — this time without AirPods, just in case someone needed me for assistance.

Halfway through my first semester of being print chief, The Lumberjack went from having a digital print edition every week to printing physical copies twice a semester.

It was the first time in two years that The Lumberjack had distributed a physical copy. At the time, I had only produced digital editions of the paper, not physical ones.

The process was hard and mostly a blur but I remember walking out of the MIC close to midnight the day before we had to turn it into the printers.

hen I was nine years old, my parents got divorced.

At the time, I had no idea what divorce meant. I knew I would probably spend some days at my dad’s house and the rest at my mom’s, but I had no idea what the actual meaning was. Up ‘til I was told, it was very hush-hush to my sister and me, but there were subtle and loud hints throughout the previous years that led me to think their relationship wasn’t good.

On one specific occasion, my mom’s side held a family meeting at my Cheii’s house. Although I was never told, I believe they talked about what was going to happen moving forward with our family situation.

They had my three cousins, sister and I go outside and play while they had this discussion. But being the only boy, eventually, I diverted from the pack and played by myself, petting the horse, running with our dogs and searching for the coolest stick I could find.

During my quest, my Cheii came up to me while everyone was still in the house, hand on my shoulder and said, “Jonah, it’s time for you to be the man of the house.”

I didn’t say anything because I had no idea what that meant. And for the longest time, I regretted not asking what that meant. Was it when I had a job? When I tamed a horse?

When I bought a big truck? I didn’t understand the responsibility that he had given me.

As I worked different jobs, participated in various organizations, was invited into families and observed others at the helm, I slowly gained my own definition of being “The Man of the House.” It wasn’t when you bought a car, sprouted peach fuzz or even when you got the designation. It was the moment you became responsible for someone. It’s the process of becoming a leader.

From what I’ve experienced and seen, being a leader is brutal.

Continue reading on JackCentral.org

Continue reading on JackCentral.org

MESSAGE FOR READERS... work as a means of paying for college. Then, our staff confronts the oft-controversial topics of the morningafter pill, polytheism and country music.

A critical function of journalism is to spark necessary and interesting conversations surrounding topics that are often considered off-limits. That’s what The Lumberjack staff hopes to accomplish in this special issue.

Let these stories sit with you, even if it is uncomfortable. That is the way to learn.

As always, thank you for your continued support of student journalism.

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Readers of The Lumberjack, The second and final issue of The Lumberjack this semester is our Taboo Issue. Through these stories, we set out to explore topics that otherwise would have been ignored because of their stigma.

Please know this theme was not chosen lightly, nor was it an attempt to be gratuitously vulgar or obscene.

Rather, we encourage readers to cast away societal conventions.

In this issue, we delve into the use of ketamine as an alternative treatment option, a secret BDSM community in Flagstaff and the prominence of sex

DECEMBER WINTER BREAK FESTIVITIES IN ARIZONA 16 Free Winter Movie Series @ The Orpheum Theatre from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Downtown Flagstaff from 4-9 p.m.

17

Musical Comedy Christmas Carol Flagstaff Fiasco Scavenger Hunt in @ Theatrikos Theatre Company from Downtown Flagstaff from 6-8 p.m.

2-3:30 p.m.

20 Flagstaff Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour Game starting @ San Fransisco Parking Garage from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

21 The North Pole Exerience Event begins @ Little America Hotel

24 The Magical Christmas Journey @ Verde Canyon Railroad from 4-5 p.m.

19 Open Mic Poetry @ Flagstaff Brewing Company starting at 7 p.m.

22

23

Musician Vincent Z Performance @ Riordan Special Tour: Christmas The Peaks starting at 3 p.m.

Twilight Tour @ Riordan Mansion from 5-6 p.m.

25 Christmas Party @ Vista Ridge Sedona from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

28 Enchant Christmas @ Salt River Fields

18

26 Scrooge! The musical @ Tempe Center for The Arts from 2-4:30 p.m.

29

30

The Oak Creek Arts and Crafts Show @ Sedona Vista Village from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Women’s Basketball vs. Northern Colorado Bears game @ J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome from 2-3 p.m.

27 Elf the musical @ The Phoenix Theatre Company from 1:30-8 p.m.

31 Backyard New Year’s Eve Bash @ Americana Motor Hotel from 4-10 p.m.

Noon Year’s Eve @ Heritage Square from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Spotlab performance @ The Orpheum Theatre starting at 8 p.m.

VOL. 117 TABOO ISSUE

EXECUTIVE BOARD Marley Green, Editor-in-Chief Daisy Johnston, Managing Editor Jessie McCann, Director of Digital Content Brisa Karow, Copy Editor Tess Bandstra, Director of Print Design Lian Muneno, Director of Marketing

Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313 lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

EDITORIAL STAFF Ava Hiniker, News Editor Emma Weaver, Assistant News Editor Rose Baillie, Opinion Editor Tess Bandstra, Assistant Opinion Editor Zachary Markewicz, Features Editor Lily Combs, Assistant Features Editor Aidan Schonbrun, Culture Editor Chloe Legay, Assistant Culture Editor Noah Butler, Sports Editor Nathan Ecker, Assistant Sports Editor

VISUALS Madison Easton, Director of Photography Taylor McCormick, Assistant Director of Photography John Chaides, Senior Photographer Alexis Beaman, Director of Illustration Jonah Graham, Director of Multimedia Sara Williams, Director of Social Media

FACULTY ADVISERS Bree Burkitt, Faculty Adviser Katherine Locke, Reporter Adviser Rory Faust, Sports Adviser

Northern Arizona University sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on homelands sacred to Native Americans throughout the region. We honor their past, present and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

3

NEWS

A student gets paid through Venmo for services provided in Flagstaff, Nov. 11. Caitlyn Anderson | The Lumberjack

Students use sex work to afford college

PAIGE FILIPEK Editor’s note: This story contains references to sexual content, including pedophilia, which some readers may find disturbing.

T

he first recorded instance of sex work was in Mesopotamia in 2400 BC, according to Ancient Origins. What began as holy prostitution for the goddess of love, war and fertility, Ishtar, has evolved over thousands of years into several diverse lines of work.

Today, sex work is often seen as far from holy, though that attitude is changing across the country. According to a poll from Data For Progress and 27 partner organizations, 52% of Americans support decriminalizing sex work in the United States.

Data For Progress defines the sex trade as people exchanging sexual services for resources, like money, housing, food, drugs and healthcare.

One forestry major at NAU began using OnlyFans in 2020 to overcome personal financial hardships. OnlyFans is a subscriptionbased content creation platform most often used by sex workers to provide nude content, though the website offers nonsexual content as well.

After six months, the creator quit, only to rejoin in February to afford her rent. She trains dogs and teaches pole dancing classes to supplement her OnlyFans income.

She said she hopes for another job, but OnlyFans is the most financially successful one she has currently. Her earnings this year have been around $5,000, which has helped pay for some of her college tuition.

“I don’t regret it,” the creator said. “It is what it is, but I wish I could be more open about it.”

Her content focuses on performing

mundane activities, including baking and cleaning, but in the nude. Most often, her OnlyFans streams are casual conversations over household chores. She has 62 subscribers who pay $7 a month and averages eight viewers per stream.

According to The Small Business Blog, OnlyFans has over 210 million users and 2.1 million content creators. While the top 1% of earners can make $100,000 a month and beyond, the average creator makes approximately $151 a month.

One significant draw for her is the accessibility OnlyFans provides. She said creating content at home is invaluable to someone with mobility issues who can not work on their feet for long periods. Having the ability to set her own schedule and control her work environment has been the biggest positive.

The creator said most of her OnlyFans subscribers are respectful. A pivotal moment in her OnlyFans career was with her second customer. They are still one of her favorite customers to interact with, she said.

“The first time I sent them content, they were so sweet,” she said. “It made me think, ‘Oh, I can keep doing this.’”

While she considers herself lucky to have respectful fans, that is not the case for everyone.

Under the screen name Sierra, a journalism and political science major at NAU began “sugaring” in May. Sugaring is the act in which one party exchanges a form of payment for the company of another, often referred to as a “sugar baby.”

Beginning in Washington to help pay for the rising rental rate on her townhouse, she found most of her clients on sugaring websites.

Over the summer, she earned $600-$1,000 per week, sugaring for ten clients in Seattle.

“If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t

Photo Illustrations by Caitlyn Anderson | The Lumberjack

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

have done it,” Sierra said. “There are a lot of reasons I should’ve stopped sooner.”

She said an issue she faced during her time sugaring was with clients who wanted her to act as if or say she was younger than 18. The pedophilic interests of older clients caused her to delete her account permanently.

She was 19, while her oldest client was 52.

Sierra now works at a hotel in Flagstaff and hopes to have a future in law. Her

“I LOST SO MUCH OF MYSELF OVER SUMMER THAT I FORGET THAT I’M SUPPOSED TO BE HAVING A HUMAN CONNECTION TO SOMEBODY, AND I’M NOT JUST A COMMODITY. I WANT SOMEONE TO TALK TO ME BECAUSE I’M FUNNY AND I’M COOL AND I HAVE THINGS ABOUT ME THAT AREN’T JUST A HOLE.”

– Sierra, NAU student experience with domestic abuse from a young age and from sugaring pushed her to become an advocate for women’s rights.

“Being in this industry has definitely changed me,” Sierra said. “Women are still, today, being treated as a commodity, and it’s going to keep on happening as long as things are glorified like this.”

Both sex workers said they have experienced being treated like a commodity.

Each has received disturbing sexual requests in exchange for a larger sum of money.

The OnlyFans creator has been asked to send used items, such as toilet paper and

panties. She said she’s open to reasonable requests, but blocks disturbing asks.

Sierra said some of the requests she received were unsettling and dehumanizing.

Many of the requests she has refused have been from married men seeking affairs and men with interests in a childlike fantasy.

While both women have been disturbed by dehumanizing requests, they said sex work is a difficult profession to leave.

“Once you’re in, it’s really hard to get out,” the OnlyFans creator said.

The stigma around sex work has also interfered with both of their dating lives.

The OnlyFans creator said she is open about her career on the first date, and as a result, men will often ask for free content or services but refuse to pursue romantic relationships with her. However, many of her friends are supportive.

A common problem Sierra faces is people treating her like an object when finding out about her past profession, which has affected her self-esteem. She said a man called her “easy” when he found out.

“I lost so much of myself over the summer that I forget that I’m supposed to be having a human connection to somebody, and I’m not just a commodity,” Sierra said. “I want someone to talk to me because I’m funny and I’m cool and I have things about me that aren’t just a hole.”

Sex work does not define the worker.

According to the Milwaukee Independent, between 2.1% and 7% of students participate in sex work. Students engage in sex work for various reasons, from financial necessity to personal choice.

Participating in sex work to afford college is a reality some students at NAU live.

“It could literally be anybody,” the OnlyFans creator said.

COMPILED BY AVA HINIKER Editor’s Note: This story contains mentions of suicidal attempts and sexual language, which some readers may find disturbing.

From DUIs to public nudity, here is a summary of some of the most intense cases NAUPD officers have responded to in the last 35 years.

1998 On Oct. 30 at 6:06 a.m., a female student reported a man who assaulted her earlier was hiding underneath her bed. The man ran from Cowden Hall, and NAUPD officers apprehended him. NAUPD then booked the subject and transported him to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.

FAKE ID continued from FRONT Fakes are not always made from the same plastic as government-issued cards. The material should be opaque and smooth around the edges, while a flashlight could shine through the plastic of a fake ID. “We’ll see ones that come through that are made on a government machine that somebody stole out of the back of a truck or outdated equipment that they find or get a hold of,” Karner said. “So, we’ll find IDs that are the old style with a current expiration date on it.”

Collins retrains its staff on ID inspection every semester. As a test, they mix real and fake IDs for the staff to separate.

Erring on the side of caution, the Collins staff has accidentally pulled real IDs from ofage drinkers and needed the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) to confirm.

Karner said he strictly adheres to liquor laws because of his passion for the business, not because he enjoys “sticking it to the young kids.”

“When you are 21, come out and see me, we’ll have a good time,” Karner said. “Just wait your turn.”

Collins staff call the police to deal with underage patrons about once every couple of weeks. Karner said when the police show up, the underage person will either run or be placed in handcuffs.

“A couple of weeks ago, we had a young gentleman that saw FPD show up,” Karner said.

“He tried to snatch the ID out of my bouncer’s hand. He ended up going to the ground, and he ended up getting charged with resisting. It was a whole thing.”

Sgt. Jerry Rintala has worked with FPD for 19 years and said situations involving students with fake IDs are common.

Sgt. Rintala said an officer will run a person’s information through the National Crime Information Center, Arizona Crime Information Center or a state’s Motor Vehicle Division records to validate an ID. If the police catch an individual with a fake, they will be charged with a misdemeanor and risk being arrested, depending on how intoxicated the person is or if the situation gets physical. Businesses that confiscate a fake

can keep it without calling the police if they are confident it is fraudulent. Sgt. Rintala said underage people will generally cut their losses rather than risk having the police called.

“Somebody believed that their fake ID was their property when the bouncer wanted to keep it,” Sgt. Rintala said. “We show up, they tell us why it’s a fake ID, we run it, we realize it’s a fake ID and now, not only are you getting a ticket for trying to use a fake ID, but it’s going with us.”

A 19-year-old business economics major said he purchased more than $5,000 in marijuana and alcohol since obtaining his fake ID a year and a half ago. The Lumberjack has opted not to identify him by name to avoid self-incrimination.

He has used his fake ID to purchase items at marijuana dispensaries, Walmart, Safeway, gas stations and restaurants. He only had his fake ID confiscated once he and a friend entered a dispensary in Phoenix.

He paid $75 for two scannable IDs purchased online in a bulk order and said it was well worth the price and risk. The fraudulent California IDs pass the flashlight check, have perforated holes, raised text and a hologram.

“It’s just nicer to be independent,” he said.

“If you want to go get something at a weird time during the day, you can do it by yourself, and you can also make money by getting it for people.”

The first few times he used his fake ID he said he was nervous, but after seeing how smoothly the ID passed, he was not worried.

“You have to be 18 in order to go to war and stuff like that,” he said. “So, I think if you can go and die for your country, then you should be able to drink.”

About 20 other students he knows also own a fake, with six or seven having had them taken. His parents also know he owns a fake ID, and they do not disapprove but rather laugh about it. In college, he said it is especially normal for students to have them.

Underage drinkers could be fined up to $2,500. Businesses that receive a liquor law violation could be fined up to $5,000 or risk suspension or termination of their liquor license.

On Nov. 6 at 12:09 a.m., a Reilly Hall resident reported a woman was intoxicated and possibly suicidal. NAUPD and an ambulance responded and transported the subject to Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC).

On Nov. 11 at 1:33 a.m., a Cowden Hall resident reported a friend had been drinking, taking pills and may be driving. NAUPD located the subject within Cowden Hall, and the subject refused treatment. Officers then cited the subject for illegal consumption.

On Nov. 11 at 2:07 p.m., a Campus Heights community assistant (CA) reported a 3-year-old child had been left unattended outside. NAUPD contacted the mother, advised her of child neglect laws and told her they would contact Coconino County Protective Services if this happened again.

1989 On Feb. 14 at 7:59 a.m., a CA at Reilly Hall reported that she and two other residents were receiving harassing telephone calls.

On April 24 at 10:43 a.m., a student was reported to be standing in front of the University Counseling Center, now known as Counseling Services, wearing a mask and holding an obscene sign. NAUPD responded and advised the student to leave.

1990 On Jan. 25 at 12:25 a.m., a CA at McConnell Hall reported a male student passed out in the female bathroom. NAUPD responded and cited the student for illegal consumption.

On Feb. 7 at 5 p.m., a Campus Heights resident called NAUPD to report her husband was becoming violent. Two officers were dispatched, arrested the man and took him to Coconino County Jail.

On April 29 at 11:45 p.m., a campus security officer reported several subjects in Sechrist Hall attempting to throw furniture out the windows.

On Sept. 8 at 12:02 a.m., NAUPD received a call from a student at Ridge Hall who reported a male subject with a gun threatening students in the dormitory’s recreation room.

On Sept. 22 at 5 p.m., a student called to report the theft of her bra from her vehicle.

1991 On Jan. 17 at 12:22 a.m., a CA at Mountain View Hall called to report a male subject had exposed himself to several students in a laundry room.

On March 22 at 5:25 a.m., a female resident of Ridge Hall called to report a man had broken into her room and was sleeping in her closet.

On March 28 at 10:04 p.m., a student reported a male subject running naked down the pedway near Taylor Hall.

On Sept. 3 at 2:29 p.m., a female student reported a male subject masturbating in his vehicle as she walked by.

On Sept. 14 at 9:29 a.m., a concerned citizen called to report a subject hitting a dog in a pickup truck.

On Sept. 27 at 10:27 p.m., a resident of Ridge Hall reported that her ex-boyfriend was lying under a vehicle in the parking lot with a gun in his hand.

On Oct. 5 at 12:55 a.m., a security officer observed a male subject in the south lot of McDonald Hall urinating in public.

On Nov. 13 at 12:04 p.m., a University Union employee reported a group of naked men wearing ski masks had run through the building.

1997 On April 20 at 12:20 p.m., a student reported that someone had rummaged through her drawers and left her underwear drawer empty on the floor. NAUPD conducted an inventory of her room, and the student discovered someone had stolen a portable CD player.

On April 22 at 1:13 p.m., NAUPD officers responded to a call from Mountain View Hall after a resident found a box of drugs and syringes, which were later determined to be steroids.

On Aug. 23 at 8:08 p.m., a female resident of North Morton Hall called to report telephone harassment. A man claimed to be an employee of ASU and asked the individual if she wanted to be in a fashion show. He proceeded to ask sexually explicit questions until she hung up the phone.

2002 On Nov. 3 at an undisclosed time, a 26-year-old Flagstaff resident was arrested and charged with shoplifting at Image, an adult video rental store on East Route 66. An employee caught the subject trying to steal a pornographic movie by hiding it in his pants after he set off the store’s door alarm. Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) officers arrived at the scene and booked the subject into Coconino County Jail.

2004 On Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m., a Sodexo employee was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing in the Union after harassing elementary-school-aged Girl Scouts in the area.

On Sept. 10 at 10:18 p.m., NAUPD received a report of indecent exposure outside Hanley Hall, a building that was razed in 2005. NAUPD searched the area for the subject but did not find anyone matching the witness’ description.

Top: Pedestrians walk past Collins Irish Pub and Grill in downtown Flagstaff, Nov. 8. Middle: Confiscated fake IDs sit alongside a drink menu and flashlight at Collins. Bottom: A “We I.D. Everyone” sign is taped to the front window of Collins. Taylor McCormick | The Lumberjack

See POLICE BEAT on PAGE 7

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NEWS Conversations about sex are becoming demystified The conversations surrounding sex and sexual education are becoming more prominent on college campuses due to the growing accessibility of resources, including those provided by the NAU Campus Health Services.

SARAH MANNING

Y

ounger generations are growing more comfortable with sexual discussions, according to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. This can be attributed to increased accessibility to sex education and resources.

Colleges across the country are joining the efforts of closing the gap in sex education. A 2023 survey found 90% of Americans from 18 to 44 felt their sex education did not prepare them for real world experiences.

Studies show over 90% of college campus health centers provide information on consent, healthy relationships, sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV prevention and sexual assault awareness.

NAU’s Campus Health Services has implemented sex education programs to ensure students have outlets to express sexual health concerns or questions. At the John Haeger Health and Learning Center (HLC), students can find information about contraceptives and birth control options that help demystify safe-sex conversations.

The ASNAU-sponsored Condom Club encourages students to practice safe sex. Students can become official members by completing a 10-minute educational video covering sexual health. Then, students complete a short quiz to finish the new member process.

Once an official member, students receive a supply of 30 barriers and condoms and a punch card to refill throughout the semester. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that having condoms available

in a school setting can prevent unexpected pregnancies and STDs. According to Planned Parenthood, condoms have a 97% effectiveness rate for preventing pregnancy and significantly reduce the risk of contracting an STD when properly used. The Condom Club was organized to inform students of birth control methods and make the subject of proper contraceptive use less daunting.

Nigel Jones, a health educator with Campus Health Services, said

“WE PROVIDE TESTS ALMOST MONTHLY. THERE ARE THREE TO FOUR DIFFERENT EVENTS ACROSS THE SEMESTER, AND WE OFFER FREE HIV TESTING TO ALL STUDENTS AT THE LAST THREE EVENTS WE HAD, WE HAD ABOUT 70 FOLKS SHOW UP.”

– Nigel Jones, health educator they are creating awareness through exposure by placing educational posters in living communities and holding events across campus.

“The main goal of the sex education programs is to support the overall well-being of students here on campus, to provide a basic education for them and to solidify their understanding of their sexual health and appropriate risk reduction strategies they can implement in their lives,” Jones said.

About 57% of females and 43% of males in the nation receive proper education on sexual health

before they have sex for the first time.

Having students well-educated on the subject can decrease confusion about sex and help conversations become acceptable among peers.

NAU also offers sexual assault resources and contacts within the HLC as well as online assistance for those seeking confidentiality.

Providing sexual education on campus additionally helps prevent sexual violence by demonstrating some standards for maintaining healthy relationships.

By understanding what a healthy relationship looks and feels like, students can feel more confident to seek guidance when their relationships do not meet those standards.

Carlos Pino, a community assistant at Allen Hall, said campus programs provide their residents with a substantial number of resources.

“We work alongside those programs, such as the Condom Club and Health Services,” Pino said. “They provide us with posters that we put up around the halls. It has information about how to have safe sex, and we receive cards at our desk that are about what a healthy relationship looks like, what a healthy sexual relationship is.”

Sex and HIV education are not required in Arizona curriculums. Schools that have sexual education courses are not required to incorporate elements of practicing safe sex regardless of sexual orientation, like consent and STD prevention.

For school districts that teach sex education, there is an “Opt-In Policy” in place. This policy means parents must sign a written consent form allowing their child to enroll in the program.

State Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales introduced Senate Bill 1691 in 2022, attempting to change the current “Opt-In Policy” to an “OptOut policy” for sexual education in schools. These efforts help close the gap and remove the awkward connotation typically associated with sex.

“Those ideals of demonizing sex and making it something that people don’t have outside of marriage or that people shouldn’t want to have and should only be done for procreation has created a weird stigma around sex,” Pino said.

Abbey Tribe, a second-year student at NAU, said she is familiar with Campus Health’s resources and believes they are beneficial programs for everyone. Tribe said people are raised to believe sex should be kept discreet.

“Growing up, I feel like most of us learned about sex in middle school and that it is a bad thing that we should not talk about, especially with older people,” Tribe said.

In the ‘80s, the AIDS epidemic completely changed how sex education was taught. Part of the stigma behind talking about sex today was caused by the controversy of contraceptive methods, making the sex education conversation political rather than educational. This changed the curriculum to become fear-based by stressing absence.

Most educators grew up with this curriculum, which consequently created a gap in proper sex education.

“I think conversations about sex are still seen as a taboo topic to everyone, and I find myself being cautious with what I say about it and who I say it to,” Tribe said. “Our generation is closing the gap on this conversation because of the increase

“GROWING UP, I FEEL LIKE MOST OF US LEARNED ABOUT SEX IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND THAT IT IS A BAD THING THAT WE SHOULD NOT TALK ABOUT, ESPECIALLY WITH OLDER PEOPLE.”

– Abbey Tribe, NAU student of resources we have.”

Jones coordinates HIV testing events at NAU in partnership with Coconino County Health and Human Services. Campus Health Services has provided HIV testing and $20 gonorrhea and chlamydia tests since 2014.

“We provide tests almost monthly,” Jones said. “There are three to four different testing events across the semester, and we offer free HIV testing to all students. At the last three events we had, we had about 70 folks show up.”

For STD testing besides gonorrhea or chlamydia, patients need to seek an outside provider.

Walk-in or appointment STD testing is often provided at clinics like Urgent Care and Planned Parenthood.

Those in need of testing may need a referral from their primary doctor.

Testing events provide medical services to students without access to health insurance. Additionally, services are available to those who wish to remain anonymous.

For more information on upcoming events or resources available from Campus Health Services, visit the Health Promotion events calendar on its website.

A bucket filled with lubricant is available in the Health Promotion room at the John Haeger Health and Learning Center, Nov. 9. Landon Johnson | The Lumberjack

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

POLICE BEAT continued from PAGE 5 2009 On Sept. 29 at 8:05 p.m., a Cline Library staff member called to report three subjects drinking in the Assembly Hall. NAUPD responded and transported one subject to FMC. On Nov. 16 at 10:35 p.m., an NAUPD officer was dispatched to Sechrist Hall following a report of a subject who received suspicious messages on pizza boxes. The victim received two pizza boxes with harassing, homophobic messages written on the box in black marker.

The officer spoke with the victim’s neighbors, but the victim did not want to pursue criminal charges.

2012 On Jan. 13 at 11:45 a.m., plumbing staff reported a 4-year-old child left unattended at South Family Apartments, now known as South Village Apartments. NAUPD located the father, cited him for child neglect and released him.

2019 On Jan. 16 at 12:37 a.m., a McDonald Hall staff member reported a student making suicidal remarks and vandalizing their room. NAUPD responded and found the student in good health. However, the student was arrested and booked into Coconino County Detention Facility for underage drinking and felony criminal damage.

On Jan. 19 at 1:34 a.m., an officer reported encountering a verbal disturbance between two non-students near South Lone Tree Road and East Pine Knoll Drive. One non-student was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility for underage drinking and driving without a license. The second non-student was cited and released for underage drinking, and the vehicle was impounded.

On Feb. 9 at 8:59 p.m., a CA reported a student trying to purchase a fake ID at Tinsley Hall. NAUPD responded but was unable to locate the subject.

On Feb. 24 at 12:06 p.m., a Cline Library staff member reported a subject looking at pornography on his personal laptop in the library. NAUPD responded, warned the subject about trespassing and asked him to leave campus.

2021 On March 22 at 11:22 a.m., a student called to report an individual urinating on the urban trail between Knoles Drive and San Francisco Street. NAUPD responded and warned the non-student of trespassing.

On March 15 at 6:34 a.m., NAU Grounds, now known as Facility Services, reported an owl sculpture east of the Science Lab Facility had been beheaded. The damage occurred on an unknown date and time.

On Oct. 11 at 12:18 p.m., officers reported arresting a non-student on an outstanding warrant at the University Union. NAUPD booked the subject into Coconino County Detention Facility on a felony warrant and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Aug. 31 at 4:19 p.m., an anonymous subject called to report a resident of Allen Hall possibly smoking methamphetamine in his room. NAUPD arrested the subject and booked him into the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office for possession of drug paraphernalia.

2023 On Feb. 1 at 12:10 a.m., a non-student requested a welfare check on a non-student near the High Country Conference Center. The subject was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility for possessing dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.

2017 On March 25 at 2:41 a.m., NAUPD stopped a car driving in the bike lane. The driver was cited and released for a DUI with a blood alcohol level above 0.08. NAUPD also issued a citation for driving in the bike lane.

On Sept. 21 at 12:01 p.m., a staff member reported being informed that subjects were outside Cline Library with weapons. NAUPD responded but found no armed individuals.

On Sept. 23 at 1:50 a.m., NAUPD discovered two subjects lying under a van in Lot 8.

Two officers responded, and one non-student was referred to juvenile courts for possession of alcohol, marijuana and fireworks. The juvenile was also in possession of a firearm.

On Sept. 15 at 10:08 p.m., a student at McKay Village reported another student possibly overdosing on an unknown drug. NAUPD and FFD responded, and the student was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center by Guardian Medical Transport. NAUPD contacted Counseling Services to respond to an attempted suicide.

On Nov. 5 at 11:18 a.m., a staff member at Lumberjack Stadium reported someone outside the stadium publicly masturbating. NAUPD responded and supplied information.

Top left: The sign for the Health Promotion room where contraceptives are available for NAU students in the John Haeger Health and Learning Center (HLC), Nov. 9. Top right: The Health Promotion Office is located in the HLC. Bottom left: A flyer for express STI testing hangs in the Health Promotion room at the HLC. Bottom right: An assortment of condoms are available for students who join the Condom Club. Landon Johnson | The Lumberjack

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DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

CULTURE

A natural approach to healing

T

SARA WILLIAMS

he field of alternative health care treatments had its fair share of suspicion in the early 1970s when nontraditional practices were labeled as “alternative medicines.” Since then, the field has grown in popularity.

According to a study published by the PEW Research Center in 2017, at least half of Americans reported trying alternative medicine. People are increasingly turning away from Western medicinal practices because of prices or frustration with not being understood.

Western medicine is the traditional care patients receive at a hospital or emergency room in the United States that relies on peer-reviewed results to diagnose and choose treatment plans.

Researchers found that doctors tend to fall under three categories regarding alternative medicine: enthusiasts, skeptics and undecided. Their interactions with patients often form their opinions about alternatives to treatment. For the most part, doctors prefer patients to practice alternative forms alongside modern practices.

Sharon Lynne is the owner of Victorian Moon Antiques & Enchantments. Lynne opened her apothecary in downtown Flagstaff to give people an opportunity to embrace alternative healing techniques.

Lynne said there has been an increase in the number of people coming into her shop who are turning to a more natural approach.

Some doctors suggest people adopt an integrative medicine approach.

This combines conventional, complementary and alternative medicine and emphasizes the provider-and-patient relationship.

People will turn toward Lynne’s treatments, she said, when they feel at a loss about something in their life.

“It’s usually some traumatic thing that happens where you start to question and doubt everything that you grew up believing because it leaves such a hole,” Lynne said.

Her apothecary houses over 150 spices and herbs with medicinal properties, which people can use to make remedies.

Lynne’s store also sells herb and gemstone charm bottles, premade remedies and potions.

Lynne has the potion and charm recipes the shop uses written in a book she said she hopes to publish one day. She also has an assortment of books covering medicinal properties of herbs, with some giving different recipes for charms.

“It’s consistent,” Lynne said. “So, when people are like, ‘Oh

my God, it worked so well for me, I want another,’ it’s not a different recipe than before. Everything is written down so we can follow the recipe.”

Lynne describes her practices as spiritual and nature-based.

She said she is in tune with the world in a way that traditional medicine did not allow her to be.

Reiki is another form of alternative healthing that can be found in Flagstaff.

Candace Zona is a certified transformational coach, reiki master and yoga instructor who teaches movements to help the body at Two Wolves Integrated Holistic Therapies.

“Reiki is a healing energy technique facilitated by someone formally trained, known as a reiki master,” Zona said. “The reiki practitioner uses hand movements and positions to help move and concentrate the flow of energy. The hands hover over the areas the reiki master is treating or moving the flow of energy.”

Zona said she practices holistic techniques, such as breathing, sound therapy, mindfulness, reiki and yoga. Critics of reiki say when it is used alone and only over short periods, it limits the ability to provide full treatment.

A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found that reiki is safe and gentle when done alongside traditional therapy because it activates the nervous system.

That counterbalances the sympathetic nerves to heal the body and mind. The sympathetic nervous system triggers people’s flight or fight reactions when their body is responding to danger or stress.

The American Cancer Society warned people against holistic treatments in place of standard treatment, stating that 40% of Americans falsely believe cancer can be treated through alternative treatments alone.

While they should not be used alone, complementary treatments alongside modern treatments benefit the patient, with massage therapy helping cancer patients decrease their stress and anxiety.

“From my 12 years of being a reiki master, I have seen it have positive effects on stress, anxiety, cancer patients, and it’s an overall supportive therapy for other illnesses, physical and mental,” Zona said.

She spent a few years as a volunteer at the Cancer Center of Northern Arizona under a program that provided reiki to cancer patients. Zona integrates sound therapy, holistic coaching and controlled breathing into her practices.

Zona practices sound therapy with the use of gongs and

Tibetan singing bowls. She said using these instruments can help bring a person into a state of balance.

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a study this year about how singing bowls “synchronized activation of the brain,” where the neurons in the brain fire simultaneously. Because the beat frequency of the bowl belongs to the theta wave frequency band, which facilitates relaxation, the bowls stimulate the brain to increase those frequencies.

“Vibrations generated by singing bowls stimulate the theta brain frequencies,” Zona said. “When the body is in dissonance or out of balance, as opposed to resonance, we feel ill.”

Ashley Marie Null is the owner of AMP Psychic and Witchy Services LLC, where her practices help bring people into a headspace for meditation. She said this helps clients manifest the future they desire.

Null said she offers tarot card readings, and it has become her most popular service.

“I interpret what they mean for that person, giving them tools in their toolbox suggested by the cards to help with goal setting, problem-solving or affirmations for what they are doing in life,” Null said.

She began tarot reading at 13 but got back into it in her twenties for what she said were all the wrong reasons. Null wanted to be edgy and read people’s futures, however, she came to realize tarot as something much more important. She said it can take time to fully understand the methods and meanings of tarot, but implementing it daily helps.

Null does not claim to see or control the future, but she works with people to manifest goals and get rid of obstacles.

“I’m just here to help others find their happiness with different psychology techniques mixed with ancient methods of self-reflection,” Null said.

Although many studies said people who work in modern health care are suspicious of holistic practices, Null has clients who have embraced the other side of medicine.

“I think, personally, everyone heals from different things in different ways,” Null said. “I can tell you I have two trauma therapists and three other doctors that are regular clients of mine, and they always seem very grateful for the insight my readings give them.”

Western and holistic medicine are appealing to different aspects of patients’ lives. Promoting both alongside each other allows healers on either side to care for their patients.

Top: A book containing the recipes of all the charms and potions sold at Victorian Moon Antiques & Enchantments sits on a table, Nov 11. Bottom: A collection of medicinal herbs and spices are displayed on Victorian Moon Antiques & Enchantments’ back shelves. Sara Williams | The Lumberjack

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

CULTURE

Flagstaff’s bold and brave drag scene

D

RACHEL GUERRERO

rag was first referenced in regard to the crossdressing of actors in the 1860s and would be an outlet for those in the LGBTQ+ community for decades to follow.

Recent legislative acts to ban drag have swept the country, with Arizona holding at least two bills in the state Senate aimed at eliminating it.

Despite bans against “sexually explicit drag,” many artists continue to rebel by keeping this form of art alive.

Micheal Olivas, a photographer who captures artists in drag and theatrical costumes, said he encourages the LGBTQ+ community to keep telling their stories.

“It is important to keep drag alive, especially now with all the bills trying to ban this art form, which has literally been around since the late 1800s,” Olivas said.

In March, Arizona passed Senate Bill 1028, a bill that prohibited individuals or commercial businesses from engaging in adult cabaret performances that could be seen by children.

Alongside SB 1028, SB 1030 was passed, which created further regulation of drag performances. Both bills initially used the label “drag shows” before being amended to reference sexually explicit performances. Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed both bills.

Performances contain both drag and sexually explicit art, such as dancing in lingerie, stage grinding and sexual references.

“A lot of people who go for their first time are the ones who feel uncomfortable because they don’t know what to expect,” Olivas said. “Then [they] learn as the show goes on how much of a safe place it is to be who you want to be.”

Halloween weekend began with a FLAUNT production at the Orpheum Theatre. “Night of the Living Drag Queen” featured queens covering popular songs, such as “Oops!...I Did It Again” and “Marry the Night,” with performances by Jayde Justyce and Gwen the Goblin Queen.

Justyce, the president of FLAUNT, a drag performance group at NAU, hosted and starred in “Night of the Living Drag Queen.” Her vibrant performance and witty introductions bring drama to the theater.

Following Justyce’s performance, a cover of Sia’s “Titanium” was performed by Sarayah LaGrange. The song lyrics include the lines “I am bulletproof ” and “You shoot me down, but I will not fall,” which echoed through the building.

The Orpheum’s audience was engulfed in the performance as many got out of their chairs to get a closer look at the stage.

The energy took over audience members and the attention of some staff, with a large crowd of people dancing.

Later in the night, Gwen the Goblin Queen covered Britney Spears’ hit “Oops.. I Did It Again” and opened the show with a tribute to Epona Rose.

Rose, a transgender rights activist, sold T-shirts outside the

venue to fundraise for the prison bail she received upon being charged with aggravated assault.

“She makes me stronger just by being a beacon of light for our community and a pillar of proof that we are here to stay,” Gwen said.

As an activist, Gwen stands against the eradication of LGBTQ+ people. He said he raises his voice in protest of those who believe transgender people are “freaks of nature.”

Some who are transgender find freedom in drag as it gives

“I BELIEVE DRAG IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS TO EXPRESS THEIR TRUE ARTISTIC SELVES, AND BY NOT ALLOWING US TO DO THIS, WE ARE TAKING AWAY INDIVIDUALITY AND THE FREEDOM TO BE WHO WE WANT.”

– Kewl Hand Lewk, drag performer

them the platform to express their gender and receive support for portraying that character.

While some believe Flagstaff to be a progressive town, transgender artists are still considered taboo by some.

Gwen also performed as the Tin Man on Oct. 28 at the show “Nightmare over the Rainbow,” a “Wizard of Oz” twist.

Flagstaff Pride, a locally based LGBTQ+ community held the event at the Museum of Contemporary Art Flagstaff.

The show’s lead star, Kewl Hand Lewk, portrayed Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch.

“I believe drag is an opportunity for individuals to express their true artistic selves, and by not allowing us to do this, we are taking away individuality and the freedom to be who we want,” Lewk said.

Lewk was assigned the lead when she proposed to play a twisted version of the characters.

These new characters, such as a gory, bloody Dorothy and the Good Witch, shocked the crowd with their horror rendition of “Wizard of Oz.” Through blood-curdling shrieks, Lewk held the audience’s attention.

“Drag is such a wonderful art form, and I wanted to be a part of it,” Lewk said.

“Nightmare Over the Rainbow” was hosted by Jason Libby, a 2022 graduate from NAU and drag artist on the Flagstaff Pride board of directors.

Libby planned the production alongside drag queen Miasma and constructed most of the haunted house.

“I think that drag is a powerful tool for making folks confront that discomfort through a harmless and joyful experience,” Libby said.

By allowing queer artists the ability to perform, Libby said drag can be used as a powerful tool to unite people.

Libby said the dehumanization of queer people can be specifically hurtful to LGBTQ+ youth.

“Without visibility, young and closeted queers will be isolated and unaware of the community and support that may be available to them,” Libby said. “Drag is necessary to many of us who perform, both as emotional catharsis and as work and income.”

Flagstaff Pride and FLAUNT host a range of shows that give drag artists a place to perform. Their encouragement for anyone to join creates a safe community for queer artists.

Libby helps construct these shows in hopes of building a supportive Flagstaff audience. He said he recognizes the impact the Flagstaff community has on local drag artists.

“We need your support and empathy now more than ever,” Libby said.

The drag community in Flagstaff reminds locals that, while performance may be shocking, it is equally empowering.

Top: Performer Gwen the Goblin Queen holds up a fake heart at the “Nightmare Over the Rainbow” drag show, Oct. 27. Middle: Performer Gwen the Goblin Queen pretends to rip out the organs of another performer dressed as Dorothy at the “Nightmare Over the Rainbow” drag show. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack Bottom left: Drag performer Gwen the Goblin Queen splits the crowd at “Night of the Living Drag Queens” put on by FLAUNT at the Orpheum Theater, Oct. 26. John Chaides | The Lumberjack Bottom right: Performer Gwen the Goblin Queen performs as the Tin Man at the “Nightmare Over the Rainbow” drag show hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art Flagstaff, Oct. 27.

Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

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Top left: Drag performer Mango Sorbet looks into the light at “Night of the Living Drag Queens” put on by FLAUNT at the Orpheum Theater, Oct. 26. Top right: Drag performer Jayde Justyce, FLAUNT president, speaks out in support of the LGBTQ community at “Night of the Living Drag Queens.” Middle left: Drag performer Vivi Vulcana performs on stage at “Night of the Living Drag Queens.” Middle right: Drag performer Pierre Wertz, treasurer of FLAUNT, performs on stage at “Night of the Living Drag Queens.” John Chaides | The Lumberjack Bottom: Performer Kewl Hand Lewk performs as Dorothy at the themed “Nightmare Over the Rainbow” drag show and experience, Oct. 27. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

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11

CULTURE Hot takes from The Lumberjack

T

ABBEY SOBELMAN

he term “hot take” first became popular in sports broadcasting in 2012 when radio hosts discussed sports topics that had no definitive answer, resulting in a conversation that relied on assumptions and opinions.

Soon after, hot takes became commonplace in the realm of digital journalism. In 2015, The New Republic defined the term as “a piece of opinion journalism hastily written in a scolding tone” with the intention of being provocative.

Additionally, The New York Times style section describes a hot take as “a hastily assembled but perhaps heartfelt piece of incendiary opinionated content.”

Recently, the phrase has taken on a more relaxed definition as slang for an unpopular opinion and is used in many contexts.

Writers and editors for The Lumberjack shared their hottest takes of 2023.

Abi Seidenberg, opinion writer We need to stop being afraid of teaching or talking about politics in the classroom. We need to teach young people how to have productive open-minded conversations, instead of treating politics like the plague.

Aidan Schonbrun, culture editor Slides or Crocs are not that comfortable of a shoe and shouldn’t be worn outside. They are uncomfortable, and there are better alternatives. I also think that when wearing slides you should not have socks showing on the outside.

That’s just making the sock gross!

Austin Hagan, culture writer “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” was an effective exploration of a character and a franchise, attempting to get back to what made them special and what it means to age. There was the occasional shoddy effect or two, but if you’ve got issues with that, I’ll point you toward the previous three entries in the series.

Brisa Karow, copy editor Noah Kahan used to be a favorite in my folk rotation, but his song “Stick Season,” which rocketed him into popularity, ruined his music for me. It made me realize Kahan’s voice and lyrics have incredibly whiny undertones, and I don’t want to be reminded of COVID-19 every time I hear “Stick Season.” His songs are now instantly skipped when they appear on a radio playlist.

Chloe Legay, culture editor App algorithms have poisoned the way people consume music. TikTok sounds and Spotify suggestions have made it so that people’s entire music taste comes from computer code, so listeners no longer seek out new music on their own. This will destroy the concept of individual music tastes because everyone will just listen to whatever their apps tell them to.

Daisy Johnston, managing editor Frank Ocean’s headlining set at Coachella wasn’t disappointing but actually a really beautiful expression of human emotion. He just lost his brother who he used to go to Coachella with, and because of that, people should have given him more patience. Everyone calls in sick to work, and everyone goes through it sometimes. Choosing to protect his peace was a decision I respected a lot over the alternative of faking a positive attitude for his fans.

Emma Stansbery, features writer Cats are better than dogs. If someone doesn’t like cats, it might be because they aren’t patient and don’t like things they can’t control.

Hava Herzog, news writer Elon Musk killed Twitter by renaming it X and allowing accounts to pay for verification. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Rachel Guerrero, culture writer Taylor Swift is so overrated and boring! Many are fans of her just to fit into the “Switfie” community. There are plenty of artists with better music and live performances that deserve more recognition.

Sara Williams, culture writer “NOPE” is a culmination of all of Jordan Peele’s work in one movie. The use of sound without showing the audience the brutality elevated the commentary in this movie.

Tess Bandstra, director of print design We should all go back to flip phones and walkmans so we are not consumed with social media and unnecessary technology that distracts us from the real world. With phones as only a necessity of communication rather than a lifestyle, we can learn to be present with one another and the world again.

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

ILLUSTRATION BY CALLEIGH JUDAY

History of ho-ho-horror

Christmas and the horror genre may have more in common than the trope of someone watching while you sleep. Always be on guard, because the history of Christmas is creepier than the naked eye can see.

O

AUSTIN HAGAN

n the surface, Christmas seems about as different from horror as anything could be, as the holiday is often associated with comfort, safety and togetherness.

Christmas horror films have occasionally had to weather a frosty reception, but as the years roll on, there continue to be new releases in the genre.

“Silent Night, Deadly Night” released in 1984 and directed by Charles Sellier, pushed the boundaries of what was seen as socially acceptable by depicting a children’s character, Santa Claus, on a murderous spree. As a result, there was a negative reaction to the film’s marketing and release, which included protests at the premiere.

The holiday horror genre takes advantage of certain tropes of Christmas and twists them into something uncomfortable. Christmas horror films often critique the holiday, with movies like “Gremlins” tackling consumerism and “Krampus” examining the idea of the picturesque family Christmas.

One of the commonalities between Christmas and the horror genre is the way the two police behaviors that are seen as deviant or dangerous.

“He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.”

Those familiar with the song “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” might have considered the messages of surveillance as an incentive to behave well — in fear of receiving coal — but Santa Claus-like figures were not always as forgiving as today.

Christmas is a more recent holiday than others near the winter solstice. A precursor was Niklolaustag, or Nicholas Day, on Dec. 6. Dressed in white, St. Nicholas delivered presents, often with a companion. This companion is known by many names, depending on the region, but the most famous today is Krampus.

Micheal Rulon, an associate teaching professor, is a horror aficionado who has been a fan of the genre since childhood.

Rulon teaches world cinema at NAU, where he covers several topics, including global horror. He said the class covers films from 1920 forward, and the themes range from authoritarianism, economic crises, settler colonialism and women in the workplace.

Over the last decade or so, movies about Krampus have been common entries into the holiday horror genre.

“I love that Krampus has been featured in Christmas horror recently because it is such an important part of the holiday’s history,” Rulon said.

Krampus is meant to inspire fear in children and punish them if they misbehave. In some regions, a Krampus-like figure might carry a switch, which is a tool made from a branch that would be used to whip misbehaving children.

The 1843 classic novel, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, introduced a tradition of telling ghost stories around Christmas in England, inspiring the line “There’ll be scary ghost stories” in “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

The ghosts who visit Ebenezer Scrooge encourage him to change his greedy ways through increasingly scary tactics.

“I really dislike the classic Christmas stories,” Rulon said. “I think they are so schlocky. When they get turned into something completely irreverent, that’s the kind of thing I like, like, ‘Scrooged’ with Bill Murray.”

“Scrooged,” released in 1988 and directed by Richard Donner, is a dark comedy take on “A Christmas Carol.” Bill Murray’s character is a television executive, who has no moral qualms. The adult humor and satirical tone are commentary of the original tale, while the film takes liberties in the interest of humor.

Sigmund Freud, neurologist and father of psychoanalysis, said the idea of uncanniness is meant to be a contrast to comfort, home and familiarity. So, if Christmas in the 20th century symbolized family and home, it is a target for those attempting to create something unsettling and horrific. “‘Friday the 13th’ was set in a summer camp, which

is supposed to be a fun, happy place, and then, you have someone with a machete hacking kids’ heads off,” Rulon said.

“That’s where a lot of the Christmas horror comes from as well, because it is meant to be a happy time with your family.”

Slashers became known for their tropes of punishing characters who are more deviant, while the typically straightlaced “final girl” survives. While many debate what the first slasher was, “Black Christmas,” which was released in 1974 and directed by Bob Clark, is one of the earliest produced.

Ten years later, “Silent Night, Deadly Night” cashed in on the 1980s slasher craze. The movie takes a logical step from previous horror films by creating a Santa Claus figure that is typically kind and generous and turning him into a deranged killer.

The juxtaposition of the light-hearted Christmas decorations used in gruesome murders was enough to get the movie pulled from theaters after a week due to severe backlash. Despite its early removal, the movie made back around two times its original budget.

Austin Lopez is a creative media and film student at NAU who hosts a film series called “Cinemore,” where he screens weekly movies in the Communication Building. In addition to his film series, Lopez has reviewed and discussed films on his YouTube channel for five years.

“Christmas has been so commercialized into being the most innocent time of year,” Lopez said. “To add the horror to the good feeling that Christmas is meant to have just makes sense.”

“Silent Night, Deadly Night” spurred a number of sequels, most being direct-to-video. The original movie is one of the most controversial of the decade, due to its depiction of a murderous Santa Claus in the trailers played during family-friendly television shows.

While the trailers for “Silent Night, Deadly Night” were considered too explicit, “Gremlins,” a movie from the same year, ran into the opposite issue by not being explicit enough.

“Gremlins,” directed by Joe Dante, was a horrorcomedy set during the holidays, where a unique Christmas present leads to gruesome events. The gremlins cause havoc and engage in gluttony, which is seen as commentary on the consumerism of the ‘80s. Parents who had expected a different kind of movie were not happy.

“Gremlins” and similar movies released at the time were not seen as enough to warrant an R rating, but parents were still unhappy with it being PG. This inspired the introduction of a new rating: PG-13.

“It’s a family movie, despite being really brutal,” Lopez said. “I feel like this past decade we’ve been getting fairly safe movies, but I feel like when you hide more serious themes from kids, they don’t get that structure to learn from.”

The holiday season has a correlation with worsened mental health and heightened stress, sometimes in relation to the unrealistic standards people set for themselves. “Krampus” combines unrealistic standards people set for themselves and their family while punishing them for bad behavior.

For some, the horror genre is a way to get a release from the pressures they may feel from the holiday season.

“Christmas horror is wonderfully cathartic for the people who find the Christmas season so overwhelming,” Rulon said.

This holiday season, the genre will see more low-budget movies.

Recently, “It’s a Wonderful Knife” was released in theaters, a slasher take on the premise of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Other movies in the genre expected to come out in 2023 on streaming include: “Santa Isn’t Real,” “The Sacrifice Game” and “Nightmare on 34th Street.”

One of the most recent successful slasher characters, Art the Clown from the “Terrifier” franchise, will be moving on from his Halloween setting to the Christmas season for the third movie in the franchise October 2024. The “Terrifier” movies, written and directed by Damien Leone, have become known for gory effects and controversial choices.

SPORTS

Doping in the world of pro running

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NATHAN ECKER

helby Houlihan — an American middle distance runner, Olympian, ASU alumni and world record holder in the 4x1500m relay — received a four-year ban from professional running in June 2021. Houlihan tested positive for the banned substance nandrolone. The synthetic testosterone is an anabolic steroid used to treat anemia, osteoporosis and other conditions. It is also used by athletes to build muscle and improve performance.

However, Houlihan is adamant she did not purposely ingest the drug and stands by her innocence.

The most logical reason as to why Houlihan tested positive is a burrito.

The night before the test, she ordered a carne asada burrito from a food truck but did not finish it and felt like something did not taste right. The truck also served pig offal, which has been shown to produce nandrolone.

It is possible a mistake was made with the order. Regardless, there was not enough evidence in the eyes of the Athletics Integrity Unit, the anti-doping arm of World Athletics, to support the idea that Houlihan was innocent.

In an August article by The Washington Post, Houlihan spoke about the toll the ban had on her. She was also given the option to admit her guilt and receive a reduced suspension of three years, a choice she said she never considered, even if it meant missing a second Olympics.

“It was never a consideration on my end,” Houlihan told The Washington Post. “I didn’t do anything, so I’m not going to say that I did and lie.”

Now, the 2016 Olympian lacks trust in the testing system and feels like the work she has done to leave a positive impact on the sport has been for nothing.

“The way that I thought the system was set up was not at all what it actually is, which is why it was so hard to accept everything,” Houlihan said. “I believed that if you’re getting banned, there’s got to be a reason. That was my belief about it until I went through the process, and I saw how it was, how things were handled, how things weren’t handled. Now, I don’t trust the system at all.”

Houlihan’s treatment implores an extensive look at how doping is dealt with in professional running. It appears that known steroid and performance-enhancing drug use is becoming more prevalent on the track. The effects of this are pertinent in Houlihan’s case and are felt in the lives of clean runners who dedicate a majority of their time to a sport where fractions of a

suspension. Eighteen of the medals were won by athletes coached by individuals who had been charged with doping offenses.

Another 60 medals were won by athletes from countries whose national anti-doping organizations were declared non-compliant or whose doping control laboratories had their accreditation suspended by WADA. These figures indicate that doping in professional running is more prevalent than some might expect, though it is difficult to determine how many runners have used or are currently using performance-enhancing drugs.

Regardless, the appearance of a larger issue has had trickledown effects on the entirety of the sport. A lack of consistent regulation and discipline has made it difficult for some athletes to trust the organizations responsible for testing. Runners for Flagstaff-based NAZ Elite echo similar sentiments and believe the use of performance-enhancing drugs may leave connotations for younger runners that doping is a path toward elite performance in their sport.

structuring our days around trying to perform,” Hagans said.

Those days can become tougher when chasing the standards of runners whose performance may or may not be natural.

Effects on the sport Professional running is measured in physical attributes.

Results are determined by units like miles, hours, minutes and seconds. A few seconds can make a huge difference in who is standing atop a podium and who is sent home.

For example, 11 seconds separated NAU’s Gracelyn Larkin and Brigham Young University’s Aubrey Frentheway at the NCAA Division I Mountain Regionals 6K race. Larkin placed first, while Frentheway placed fifth. The difference between second and third was even tighter, at 1.3 seconds, while third and fourth place were 4.1 seconds apart.

The nature of the sport means that results are directly correlated to certain attributes: speed, strength and endurance.

Enhancing those attributes then gives athletes a better chance at winning events, which, in turn, translates into prize money that only continues to rise at the top of the sport.

Highs of $1,146,200 have been awarded for marathons, while upwards of $52,900 have been earned for 5K races, according to the Association of Road Racing Statisticians.

Some racers can earn up to $100,000 for simply appearing in a race, though this occurs more so with marathons. A portion of professional runners vying for this money also come from

– NAZ Elite runner Matt Baxter

“OUR SPORT IS ALSO A LIFESTYLE, AND WE SPEND SO MUCH TIME STRUCTURING OUR DAYS AROUND TRYING TO PERFORM.”

– NAZ Elite runner Lauren Hagens

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS BEAMAN second can be the difference between success and failure.

Prevalence of doping In 2011, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) surveyed more than 2,000 track and field athletes to find out how many had used performance-enhancing drugs, with the knowledge at hand that modern science was only capable of catching a fraction of athletes through testing.

When a final draft of the study was submitted to the anti-doping agency, the researchers were told the findings could not be published, as the track and field’s world governing body needed to review them first.

The New York Times eventually obtained the study’s results and reported an estimated 29% of the athletes at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, and 45% of the athletes at the 2011 Pan-Arab Games said in anonymous surveys that they had doped in the past year.

Researchers at Kingston University and the University of Roehampton conducted a more recent study exploring the experiences and views of clean British elite distance runners on doping and anti-doping. They found an even higher prevalence of doping in middle and long-distance running.

Examination of statistics provided by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) found that of 465 suspended at the time from competing in athletics worldwide, 258 — over 55% — were middle or long-distance runners.

The study also showed that of 108 medals awarded in running events during the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics, 15 were won by athletes who, at the time, had served a doping

Ethiopia and Kenya — countries where the 2022 GDP per capita were $1,028 and $2,099, respectively, according to the World Bank.

Top positions are hard to come by, which can drastically affect the amount of money and success an athlete receives if doping runners continuously raise the standards.

NAZ Elite runner Matt Baxter has a distinctive perspective on the matter. The three-time national champion graduated from NAU with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. While he understands the importance of second chances and how beneficial they can be for individuals, as a runner, he is torn on the damage that steroid use can have on people’s ability to monetize their careers.

Baxter emphasized that the punishments faced by runners who take performance-enhancing drugs are not the only consequences. It reduces the number of positions available in high-level competition — such as the Olympics and the PanArab Games — for clean runners.

“Maybe someone who would have made a podium and had a life-changing experience, made a life-changing amount of money, they don’t get that experience anymore,” Baxter said.

“People actually miss out on lots and lots of money and their ability to make a living beyond the sport.”

For clean runners, the performances of doping athletes push the standards, making them unattainable for some. Regardless of whether they are caught, the awards and records achieved by those runners force clean athletes to chase goals they might feel uncomfortable following due to a lack of trust with the sport.

If runners are not meeting those higher standards, it may cause a loss of income. Brands and teams may not see much value in supporting a runner who is not meeting those standards, making it difficult for some to find a living and stay in the sport.

These issues are complicated more so when considering the life of a runner. Most days are spent training for the next event, sometimes with light runs and other times by beginning workouts exhausted to simulate the feeling of running a marathon. It is a sport that requires mental and physical fortitude. Struggles are common, meaning runners must be OK with not feeling their best during significant portions of their training.

Lauren Hagans, an NAZ Elite member and record holder for the fourth-fastest U.S. marathon debut of all time, has had her share of struggles. From a hamstring injury to months of solo training, she still sees running as an outlet. The sport is her life as much as it is her profession.

“Our sport is also a lifestyle, and we spend so much time

The fight against doping The running industry faces multiple issues in the area of steroid use amongst its athletes. The first is a lack of testing.

Baxter said he has not been tested since college and has spent five years of his professional career without anyone keeping tabs on him. He joked he has performed poorly enough to not warrant suspicion from WADA or the AIU. Certain federations have different standards for their athletes and do allow the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

“THERE’S WAYS THAT PEOPLE MANIPULATE THE SYSTEM, AND IF YOU LOOK TOO MUCH INTO THAT, IT CAN MAKE THE ENTIRE SPORT FEEL LIKE A WASTE OF TIME. ”

The Russian Athletic Federation received a four-year ban in 2019 from WADA for state-sponsored doping of its athletes, though the ban was reduced to two years after an appeal in 2020.

Hagans sees the problem as one that should be dealt with more severe punishments. However, she and Baxter said they feel that focusing blame on runners is wrong. Rather, agents and doctors should be scrutinized for their involvement.

“It’s not just an individual person,” Hagans said. “It seems to be more systemic. Usually, that person’s team around them is enabling them and encouraging them.”

More than teammates and coaches, agents have played a pivotal role in taking advantage of their athletes. They also face minimal consequences for giving performance-enhancing drugs to athletes. Runners may choose to fire them, but often, agents do not lose money because they still represent athletes willing to work alongside them.

A rare example of agents receiving a penalty came in 2015.

Kenya’s running federation suspended Federico Rosa and Gerard Van de Veen, prominent agents from Italy and the Netherlands, respectively, from working in the country for six months, pending investigations on whether they were doping their runners. The suspension was lifted months later to avoid disrupting the training of athletes represented by the agencies.

Thorough measures against doping came from the World Marathon Majors, that hold events in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. The members revised their elite athlete contracts, implementing stricter anti-doping penalties. It includes suspended payment, repayment of prize money, appearance fees and performance bonuses for any athlete found in violation of a criminal offense involving drugs or anti-doping rules in any country.

For runners like Baxter and Hagans, doping may not affect them directly, but it is important for them and their colleagues to compete with pride. The Kingston and Roehampton study also found that runners believed success has little value compared to the meaningfulness of competing in a fair way that exemplifies their ability and training, a feeling that the local NAZ Elite company shared.

Baxter said focusing on the imperfections of running may lead to negative attitudes toward the sport.

“There’s ways that people manipulate the system, and if you look too much into that, it can make the entire sport feel like a waste of time,” he said. “You almost have to have a blind trust and hope and have faith that [testing] is happening, or else all of that work you’re putting in can feel like a waste of time.”

Positive thinking will not be the end-all solution for doping in professional running. Many runners feel that deeper measures are needed worldwide, and the people responsible for supplying substances should be the ones who are held accountable for the prevalence.

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS BEAMAN

LUMBERJACK SEASON ROUNDUPS NAU men’s and women’s cross country each placed second at the NCAA Division I Championships on Nov. 18. The women scored 124 points, one behind North Carolina State University, marking the best championship finish in school history.

Seniors Gracelyn Larkin and Annika Reiss as well as junior Elise Stearns became the first three women in school history to finish in the top-20.

Men’s cross country scored 71 points, finishing behind Oklahoma State University. All five scorers placed in the top-25. Senior Drew Bosley finished in sixth, with junior Nico Young right behind him in seventh. It is the second consecutive year the two have placed in the top-10. This was the eighth-straight year the men finished in the top two at nationals, and the 11th successive year they placed first or second.

NAU football concluded its season with a 5-6 record, going 5-3 in conference play. The Lumberjacks finished fourth in the Big Sky Conference and had upset victories against FCS No. 2 University of Montana, Big Sky No. 5 University of California, Davis and Big Sky No. 7 Weber State University.

NAU volleyball finished with a record of 7-20, while going 4-12 against Big Sky opponents. They were victorious in two of their last three matches, including a sweep of Idaho State University to send seniors Neche Newton and Savannah Bloom out winners.

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

13

SPORTS Football should not be relegated to soccer

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occer is a sport that is truly global. Nearly every country around the world has a national team, and billions of people are entranced by the majesty it holds. It is a beautifully simple game at the root, hence why it is so appreciated.

Globally, there are over 200 men’s and women’s leagues.

NOAH Each has a way of structuring the BUTLER schedule and standings, but these SPORTS EDITOR leagues generally follow similar ways of organization.

American soccer goes against many of the norms of typical football. Youth leagues are essentially pay-to-play leagues, and there is virtually no reason for American talent to continue their professional careers in the United States. Both of these issues are tied to one simple thing: money.

As is the standard, each league has a certain number of teams; take, for example, the English Premier League (PL), which has a total of 20 teams in its top flight. These 20 teams face off against each other twice a season, both at home and away. At season’s end, the team with the most points at the top of the standings wins the championship.

The points can be achieved in two ways: Three are gained for a win, and one point is earned for a draw. Losses do not detract from point totals; rather, points are not awarded.

On top of the 20 teams in the PL, there is also a system of relegation at play, with three teams at the bottom of the standings demoted to the second level of English football, the Championship. There are five levels of the English football system, and the Championship is considered part of England’s second-largest league: the English Football League (EFL).

The EFL is divided into three sets of eight teams: the aforementioned Championship, League One and League Two.

Below the EFL sit the National League and three more sets of lower-division football.

All the same rules of relegation apply, and teams can even be promoted from the lowest leagues of England to premiership, though it is extremely difficult and unlikely.

With all this constant league shakeup, owners have to be prepared to see their club lose value if they do not perform up to the standards of their league. This is notably prevalent in the promotion from the EFL to the PL, as the team is allowed to have more players and earn more money from simply residing in the top rung.

This is where English and European football differ completely from American soccer.

Soccer in America has been much less profitable due to the prevalence of the Big Four sports leagues: the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA, but that could change. Leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United Soccer League (USL) do not get recognized as much as they should.

However, the MLS has been on the up-and-up as of late, especially with the addition of the game’s greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi. According to a Forbes article, the attendance totals for the league sat at 10.9 million at the end of the 2023 regular season, up from 10 million in 2022 and 8.6 in 2019.

Increased viewership of the league opened people’s minds up to the wonders of the game, but with more eyes comes more criticism. Many soccer fans around the world, mainly European, have been quick to chastise the structure of the MLS and its playoff format.

The U.S. has to be different when it comes to the popular sport. Sure, the league table is set up much the same as other leagues, but in true U.S. sports fashion, there are Eastern and Western Conferences. Today, there are 15 Eastern Conference teams and 14 Western Conference teams, and each squad plays 34 games — 17 home and 17 away.

The stark differences are shown in the playoff format, which was altered in the 2023 season. The top seven teams

automatically make the playoffs, but seeds No. 8 and 9 have to play a “wild card” game to get into the bracket. Then, the first round is a best-of-three series before moving to single elimination for the conference championships and the league championship.

As a league, the MLS is fine, but there is something to be said about how stale it is for the bad teams to be bad every single year. The Premier League does not have this issue because of the constant turnaround and inclusion of new teams every season.

One way to fix this would be to include both the USL and its lower division, USL2, into the mix of potentially unified soccer leagues fit with relegation and promotion. However, American sports politics make this incredibly difficult.

Owners do not want to buy a team for a large sum of money only for it to lose its value if the teams are basement dwellers. On top of that, the NCAA stands to pose an extreme threat to anything new and innovative. There are numerous examples of this, but one of the most prevalent right now is the ongoing conference realignments so the NCAA gets more television money. The vast network of college soccer teams also stands in the way of having more professional teams that may make their way up the levels of promotion.

Despite labor and amateur protection laws that could pose an issue, it would still work if teams had more notable training academies and youth teams like European clubs have. In international soccer leagues, it is not uncommon for 15- and 16-year-olds to play in the big leagues, but in the U.S., that is almost unheard of. Of the Big Four, the NBA typically has the youngest players who are at the very least 18 years of age.

Regardless of these issues, it is important to recognize that there is a very large pot of gold to be found if these changes do come. Not only would there be considerable sums of money behind television production and team branding, but it would also attract more talent and help the U.S. become a global football powerhouse.

Knock on wood, superstition in sports TONY BRACHA

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rom a 71-year-old curse about a goat, not stepping on the team logo painted on the floor of a locker room and a player who does not talk to his mom or sister on game day for fear of getting injured, the world of sports is infamous for its curses, legends and superstitions.

Ethan “Tiggy” Tighe is one of the goaltenders for the Division 3 NAU IceJacks club hockey team and said he is incredibly superstitious.

“Before the game, I rub my glove along the post so that he helps me during the game,” Tighe said. “During the game, I always skate to the right of the net after every goal and stoppage of play.

I also bang my stick on my pads before every face-off, again starting on the right side. Lastly, after every period, I have to be the last player off the ice.”

Each of these routines assist Tighe in playing one of the most cerebral positions in sports.

Goaltending requires a high level of concentration, eye-hand coordination and strong positioning.

Superstition in the history of sports goes back as far as the creation of athletic events. Both the ancient Greeks and the Mayans held sporting events centered around religious festivals.

The Mayan creation myth of Popol Vuh involves a set of twins defeating the gods of the underworld in a ball game. This same ball game was commonly played by upper class Mayans, with the winner granted glory and the favor of the gods, while the loser was sometimes sacrificed.

Between then and today the idea of how traditions, curses and superstitions impact athletics has changed and is theorized to impact how athletes perform.

The study “Superstitious behavior in sport: A literature review” published in 2016 by the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology detailed how superstition affects athletes. It found that elite athletes tend to be more superstitious, and it was a determining factor of why they became regarded as elite.

Four out of five professional athletes have at least one tradition or superstition that they fulfill before a performance.

The entry found that the major benefit athletes gain is from the placebo effect that can give athletes “an increased sense of control and mental reassurance” and often boost their performance.

Many famous athletes have become well known for their superstitions.

The commonly regarded greatest basketball player of all time Michael Jordan wore his University of North Carolina shorts underneath his NBA uniform his entire professional career.

One of the best goaltenders in hockey history, Patrick Roy, spoke to his goalposts during every game and complimented them if a puck deflected off one.

Jason Giambi played for almost 20 years in the MLB and had one of the strangest methods of getting out of a hitting slump: He wore a golden thong during games. It worked so well for him that his teammates even borrowed it from time to time.

Giambi used it as a form of self-embarrassment.

“I never hear the boos because I’m too busy booing myself,” he told the New York Daily News in 2008. “No critic is worse on me than me. I can beat myself up pretty good.”

He still insists that it helped him, and “the thong works every time.”

When he was a member of the New York Yankees, teammate Derek Jeter admitted to borrowing the undergarments.

“I was 0 for 32, and I hit a homer on the first pitch,” Jeter said. “That’s the only time I’ve worn them.”

For other athletes, superstitions come from carrying out a specific routine that must be followed before every performance, and Tighe is no different.

Tighe’s pregame routine is a series of simple but specific actions. It involves wearing the same pair of socks, buying his regular pregame drink at Starbucks, listening to a playlist in the same order and putting on his equipment in a specific right-to-left order.

“Some people think [superstitions] are fake and don’t help or change how a guy will play,” Tighe said. “I’ve had teammates who would tease me and try to get me to stop doing certain things in my routine because they didn’t see a point in them and thought they were a waste of time. Other guys, like myself, believe that messing anything up in your routine will change the way you play that night.”

The legendary Serena Williams also followed a routine that began well before a game day or tournament.

She used the same luggage everywhere she traveled, brought shower sandals to the court and tied her shoelaces in a specific way. For Williams, the superstitions did not end when the match began. Every match, Williams bounced the ball five times before her first serve and twice before the second.

The 23-time Grand Slam Champion had a quirk similar to the previously mentioned athletes, wearing the same socks throughout a tournament run.

In 2009, while on the “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” show, Williams said she recognized that some of her superstitions are ridiculous.

“I actually have too many superstitions and rituals, and it’s annoying because it’s like, I have

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

to do it or else I’ll lose,” Williams said. “I’m ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS BEAMAN not losing because I didn’t play well. I lost because I didn’t tie my shoe the right way.”

While elite athletes at the precipice of their sport receive more attention for superstitions, athletes of all ages, in every sport and no matter the skill level are a seemingly old-fashioned group.

When a team goes through a long period without winning, fans may blame it on a curse, and athletes take the lore seriously.

A few of these curses have lasted decades and are yet to be broken.

In 1958, the Detroit Lions traded quarterback Bobby Lane, and he allegedly stated to reporters that the Lions would not win for another 50 years, though none of the reporters said it at the time. Since the trade, the Lions have not won a Superbowl or NFL Championship.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not won a Stanley Cup — nor made the Stanley Cup Finals — since 1967. This is sometimes blamed on the troubling ownership tenure of Harold Ballard.

Ballard was the sole owner from 1971 to 1990. His reign included many controversies with racist and sexist comments and was known as being extraordinarily cheap.

Famously, the Chicago Cubs were affected by the “Curse of the Billy Goat” for 71 years.

During the 1945 season, a man tried to bring a goat into Wrigley Field and was turned away. He proclaimed the Cubs would never win another World Series, a caution that was taken literally by Chicago fans for over half a century.

The Cubs went on to lose in the 1945 World Series, and did not return until 2016. The curse was broken when they defeated the Cleveland Indians that year and won their first World Series in 108 years.

Curses can target specific players too. The infamous “Madden Curse” states that a player featured on the cover of the popular video game will have an issue on or off the field that impacts their performance or career soon after.

Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown was the most recent athlete to feel the effects of the curse. After he was placed on the cover of Madden 19, a string of controversies and legal problems led to the eventual end of his career. This string of controversies included throwing furniture out of a 14th-floor apartment, which almost hit a toddler, and a sexual assault civil suit.

After a breakout season in 2010, former NFL running back Peyton Hillis was selected as the cover athlete of Madden 12. In 2011, however, an injured hamstring and a drop-off in performance led to a swift end to his career.

Superstition, curses and tradition have played a pivotal role, not only in the fan experience of sports, but from a performance standpoint for the athletes as well.

Even though these superstitions are perhaps not the most or physical embodiment of competitive sports, the mental effect they have on athletes can be just as important as showing up to practice.

FEATURES

The light side of BDSM ZACHARY MARKEWICZ

Editor’s note: This story contains sexual content.

A

t first glance, the monthly play parties hosted by one of the BDSM groups in Flagstaff may look like an average house party. There are conversations, hugs and laughing. An area is designated for food, members might be relaxing while watching television, and those who have decided not to participate for the night may have a drink in their hands, depending on the host’s rules.

Nudity is mostly limited to a for-need basis, and in this group, there is no sex allowed during the party. But look longer, and it will soon become clear this is not a typical party.

Depending on the layout of the host’s house, there are areas designated for “scenes,” where partygoers “play” or “act out.”

Safewords and strict rules regarding what each member of the scene is interested in trying are discussed. In scenes with two people, one takes a dominant role and the other a submissive role.

BDSM can look like many things: Chains, ropes and harnesses firmly holding members in place; whips, floggers and paddles cutting through the air and land on exposed skin; eccentric outfits made of black leather and latex.

However, there are other sides to BDSM that can involve coloring books, playful teasing and moments of unconventional nurturing.

The term BDSM refers to sexual acts related to bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism and masochism. The motivations and acts themselves, however, do not necessarily always involve sex or sexuality.

Sex is already a traditionally taboo subject, and BDSM goes a step further, often seen only as sex that is taken to extremes.

The Lumberjack has opted to withhold the names of the individuals in the local group due to this stigma. Instead, they will be referred to by their chosen nicknames.

Some of the biggest misconceptions of BDSM are that it is solely sexual and practiced only by people who enjoy abusing and being abused. Mainstream portrayals of BDSM, an example of which being “Fifty Shades of Grey,” perpetuate these stereotypes. The story is largely seen as a misrepresentation of BDSM. There are as many ways to engage in BDSM as there are people attracted to it, and participation, interest and comfort levels can vary dramatically from person to person.

Despite this, members agree on many reasons they appreciate the community and belong to one or multiple groups.

For some, the intrigue of these groups is the social aspect. In this local group, monthly play parties give members a chance to socialize with like-minded people and meet potential partners for scenes. This group is known by its members as an example of one that gets along with little drama and embraces

safety guidelines that are stricter than other communities.

Yet, there is more to the group than play parties. The group also puts together events that have nothing to do with BDSM, like rock climbing, movie nights and bimonthly lunch meetings, known as “munches,” at restaurants. This is where those curious about BDSM can go to ask questions and meet members of the group. Conversations can be related to BDSM but are often more about catching up and meeting members.

The first step to getting invited to a play party is to attend a munch. If approved, the individual is shown a video explaining the rules of consent and can be invited to the next play party. However, attending one munch before a play party will likely not lead to being approached for a scene, as many members prefer to know their partners better beforehand.

The group’s events committee is responsible for coordinating. Mini has been in the group for more than two years and became a member of the committee last year.

Mini is a switch, meaning she enjoys both dominant and submissive roles. She has been involved in BDSM since she was a teenager, finding and exploring it with her friends. It started as a non-sexual pursuit, but now, it can occasionally be sexual. For her, BDSM is more about getting to play and experiment than any sexual element.

“If you don’t feel like you have a lot of control in your life, having that control can be really cathartic, even if it is just for a little while,” Mini said. “For a lot of people who have normally stressful lives, giving up that control can be a really cathartic and relaxing experience … Just kind of being able to pretend that the rest of the world doesn’t exist for a little bit is really nice.”

This desire for a sense of control in day-to-day life can influence an individual’s roles in the BDSM community, but there is no formula that decides what a person will find pleasurable. BDSM often involves the exchange of power, where one who wants to feel less responsibility gives it to someone who desires more.

A widely experienced phenomenon in the community is “domspace” and “subspace” — pleasant, altered states of mind that can be reached within scenes. As a switch, Mini can experience both.

“Definitely, as a dom, you get to help somebody get to a point of catharsis where they can relax and not worry about anything else, and that feels really nice, to be able to give that to somebody else, to help them reach a point of just, ‘I don’t care about anything anymore. This is wonderful,’” Mini said. “But at the same time, it’s also great to sometimes just not have a care in the world for a little bit.”

There are many kinds of BDSM and any can be performed for different reasons, which Mini noted makes it unlikely that a

Top: Wolf poses for a portrait while he holds what he calls “The 9000,” a sawzall with a vac-ulock attachment to connect toys to, Nov. 9. Some of the items Wolf uses in scenes are whips, paddles and “The 9000.” Bottom: Wolf poses for a portrait while he holds a flogger used for impact play. Other items that can be used for impact play include paddles, whips and riding crops. John Chaides | The Lumberjack

Wolf poses for a portrait as he swings a flogger. Wolf started in the BDSM community as a submissive but has since taken the role of dominant, Nov. 9. John Chaides | The Lumberjack short explanation of dom/subspace could accurately define it.

BDSM also has gentle aspects. Mini was once a dom for a friend who struggled with eating. The friend was expected to send photos of every meal to Mini so she could make sure they were eating. If they did not send the pictures, Mini punished the friend by not answering their phone calls or having them explain why they did not eat.

However, scenes and arrangements can also be intense and, at times, dangerous.

The membership committee is in charge of ensuring the group’s rules surrounding consent are followed.

Bjarkan is part of the membership committee and got involved in BDSM five years ago. She describes herself as an “alpha sub,” someone who is strong-willed and uses BDSM as a way to escape the responsibilities of everyday life. She is also a “middle,” which means she often role-plays as younger than she is, typically as a teenager, and a “painslut,” someone who enjoys receiving pain.

As part of the committee, Bjarkan is involved in conversations about how to handle a member who has violated any rules, making sure consent procedures are followed.

If a member is interested in trying a more dangerous scene, such as introducing fire or intense pain, they first need to consult the committee to ensure everyone is kept safe.

She first joined the committee because she recognized how important it is for everyone to understand BDSM consent, which is handled differently than traditional, or “vanilla,” consent.

In vanilla consent, one person starts to initiate physical contact — either through hand-holding, hugging or kissing — and if it is well received, the contact can go further without much discussion beforehand. This is not how consent is handled in the local group.

“There is absolutely no touch, not even a touch of an arm or a hug without permission,” Bjarkan said. “That means if you’re going in for a hug, ‘I would really like to hug you, would you like that?’ You don’t touch the other person’s arm without an express, spoken ‘Yes.’ Not body language. Not, ‘I thought so.’

Nothing else. ‘Yes’ must be said out loud and can be revoked at any time.”

There are several other measures taken to ensure the safety of everyone at the party.

Moderators watch over scenes to make sure there are no consent violations. They also have the authority to end a scene if they feel it is getting out of hand. Members are not allowed to participate for the night if they have a drink because it could potentially lessen their ability to give consent. Even if they do not want to participate, heavy alcohol consumption is not allowed. The terms of a scene must be set before starting, and there are no changing directions mid-scene, even if both members consent to a change. Bjarkan said that is because the adrenaline and other hormones that come out in a scene can also potentially cloud a person’s ability to consent.

As a submissive, Bjarkan said she understands why consent is so important.

Subspace is a vulnerable place that she described as feeling “soft.” To be suddenly taken in another direction while in this state can be potentially unsafe. Bjarkan said feeling safe is a big part of BDSM and is a way she finds relief from day-to-day life.

“The capacity to let go of control and to still feel safe is not something I see a lot in my life otherwise,” Bjarkan said. “The pain aspect, for me, sort of puts me in that very, very soft space in a way that I can’t otherwise reach. It’s so hard to grasp. I think that what people don’t understand is that the pain at that moment is not painful. It does but it doesn’t hurt. It has to be built up correctly so I can handle it, and then I sort of absorb it and just become really, really soft.”

For Bjarkan, BDSM is an emotional act.

She first started fantasizing about it during her teenage years but did not start participating until she was middle-aged. Waiting until she was older has helped her feel better equipped to handle the emotions that emerge during a scene. BDSM has allowed her to release emotional tension through scenes.

When Bjarkan’s mother and best friend both died within 10 days of each other, she was left reeling by the uncertainty of life. She

went to her dom and asked him for a pain scene. She knew she needed to cry but could not. So, she asked her dom to get her past the point where she would cry.

“At one point, I had taken so much pain and just stood blank-faced,” Bjarkan said.

“He was looking at me saying, ‘Cry. Cry,’ I started beating on his chest like, ‘No. No. No.’ And then, all of a sudden, I broke. Those were just two big, big, big losses, and I had to — I needed to — let go and feel safe.”

Cathartic releases similar to this are a common draw for members of the community. Someone who has helped bring on many of these releases is Wolf. Among other roles, he is a dominant and sadist, someone who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or humiliation. Wolf has been a member of the BDSM Flagstaff community in various groups for 12 years and involved in BDSM for 30 years.

Wolf started as a submissive, which he said has helped him learn how to be a responsible dominant.

Being a dom is more than communicating with the submissive, respecting safewords and understanding how his toys and tools feel and work. Wolf said a big part of being a responsible dominant is engaging in aftercare — caring for a partner after a scene.

Aftercare can look like asking a partner how they feel, hugging, cuddling, cleaning any broken skin, getting them something to drink or simply being nearby.

“I will talk quietly, softly to them, make sure that they’re doing OK because I want them to know that they’re being cared for at that time,” Wolf said. “I don’t want them to have to feel like they’re going through this, and they’re just f---ed.”

More often than not, aftercare involves positive speaking to help the submissive transition out of the scene. Aftercare is required the most after any intense scene and can be expected from dominant and submissive roles.

“You’re helping build them up after you physically, in a sense, beat them down,” Wolf said.

Wolf has been involved in eight groups across multiple states over the past 30 years.

He credits it with giving him the chance to see many aspects of the community.

Wolf finds the BDSM scene in Flagstaff is milder than those in larger cities. He attributes this to Flagstaff having a “smalltown” mindset, which results in local members generally being more reserved in what they are interested in.

Wolf feels small and big city groups can offer different aspects of the community. He said he enjoys this group because of how little drama takes place and the friendly environment it creates. Play parties in big cities can also be rewarding, though, because the submissives are often more interested in going further during scenes than in small city groups.

As a sadist, Wolf enjoys impact play, such as using floggers or paddles to strike a submissive. His goal is often to inflict pain but never to cause long-lasting physical or mental damage. Many aspects of what Wolf does in the community involve processes related to healing, like aftercare and potentially bringing submissives to subspace.

Before the pandemic, Wolf regularly practiced what he calls “life coaching.” He would have a submissive repeat positive affirmations after inflicting pain, pairing the self-encouragement with the endorphins and emotional release involved with scenes.

“Usually, those end with a huge hug afterward, as well as the rest of the aftercare, because you’re uplifting the person who’s going through it,” Wolf said. “It’s a beautiful, wonderful thing, and all the people I’ve done it with have been so happy that they went through it.”

Wolf said people who went through his coaching often told him their sense of selfworth had improved.

Ultimately, BDSM can be whatever an individual wants it to be, but the community is built on respect of consent and adherence to the many safety regulations that must be involved.

While it may involve pain, BDSM is also about letting it go.

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Left: Rhyme Uekusa sings into the microphone as she plays her bass guitar at The Hive in downtown Flagstaff, Nov. 11. Right: Dead Dudes’ bass player Ryan Binkley plays guitar during their performance at The Hive. Victoria Medina | The Lumberjack

Punk “The Man” MAKAYLA RICHARDSON

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oud noise, bodies slamming into each other and head thrashing often accompany the aggressive nature of punk music. Lyrics about going against “The Man” or tearing down mainstream society are associated with the genre rooted in anarchy.

Punk is a subculture that presents itself in fashion, music and attitude. Those who consider themselves punk typically believe in going against what is expected of them from society.

The subculture was born at the CBGB club in New York City in the 1970s before expanding to the United Kingdom.

Bands that perform punk music use loud noise and abrasive lyrics to express discontent with what is considered the norm. The anti-authoritarian manner of this genre has developed a stereotype that punk is damaging to society.

Sydney Stanley is an active participant in the Flagstaff music scene. She said while there may be some truth in the stigma that punk music breeds angry and resentful listeners, there is more to the genre.

“When the music is angry, it’s because they’re responding angrily to things that they’re upset about socially and politically,” Stanley said.

Punk music is not necessarily a real genre, Stanley said, but more of a cultural movement with no defined image. When Stanley attends other performances, she has noticed people dressed in attire different from the ripped jeans and chains that an archetypal punk would wear.

She said it is frustrating when individuals try to gatekeep the idea of punk and tell others what they can and cannot do to be considered part of the community. By following a movement that inherently goes against labels and societal norms, she said there should not be a blueprint of what must be.

“Labeling yourself as something is kind of counterintuitive to the fact that it’s an alternative movement,” Stanley said.

Some bands have formed their own genres. One local Flagstaff band, Toothache, created its own subculture. On Instagram, they reference themselves as “shoegunk,” a blend of shoegaze and punk.

Shoegaze is closely related to punk. The genre gained popularity in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s alongside grunge.

Those who perform shoegaze utilize distortion in guitar and vocals accompanied by heavy drums.

Stanley said it is good that local bands cannot be confined to one label.

“If you can identify a genre and call someone a country artist, a pop artist, a rock artist, it means they’re not multifaceted,” Stanley said. “It means that they’re a one-trick pony or at least a multi-trick pony with short arms.”

Ryan “Binkus” Binkley is the bassist for the local band Dead Dudes.

He said local bands in northern Arizona are separate from the rest of the state because they are multifaceted. Dead Dudes has performed in Phoenix and was exposed to the city’s music scene. The band found it difficult to become part of the scene as Binkley said musicians in Phoenix look down upon groups that have a unique sound.

Most bands in Arizona can be categorized into a specific genre, but Flagstaff marches to the beat of its own drum, he said.

“When it comes to genres of music, you can get very granular about it, but ultimately, it’s all a funky pot,” Binkley said.

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Binkley said the artists in Flagstaff are either outdoorsy singer-songwriters or bands that participate in the “DIY scene.”

The DIY music scene refers to bands that play experimental, heavier music within venues, like Cottage House and Yucca North, that take pride in participating in the subculture.

Jason Smith is the guitarist for Gone Before Us. He said one venue that has become integral to the DIY scene in Flagstaff is The Hive.

The Hive, located on Beaver Street, hosts weekly performances from local bands and occasionally welcomes groups from other music scenes across the country. The venue allows all ages inside and is a substance-free space.

Smith said the accessibility of The Hive helps local music and keeps people safe. Those who go to the venue are respectful and protect one another from being injured in the ever-present mosh pits, he said.

Moshing is a type of response to music from the crowd during punk performances. Audience members jump, shove, run and sometimes crowd surf in a chaotic manner to express themselves as the music plays.

Moshing can be a signal to artists that their music is connecting with the audience.

“A mosh pit is the greatest compliment you can get as a band,” Binkley said. “If someone’s moshing to your music, you

“I think it’s a fun and wholesome way to come together and say, ‘F--k The Man.’”

– Ryan Binkley, Dead Dudes bassist know you’re doing a great job.”

Despite the risk of injury, there is an unspoken understanding of mosh etiquette within the punk community.

If someone falls in the pit during the mosh, those around that person are expected to help them up. Hats in the pit may fall off. Throwing objects like water bottles is dangerous and can seriously hurt people. To Dead Dudes and Gone Before Us, one rule is explicitly clear: no karate in the pit.

Binkley said the unspoken rules of moshing are relatively well known within the punk community, and if someone does not want to participate, they can safely stand on the side and still enjoy the music.

Dartagnon “Dart” Woodruff is the lead vocalist and guitarist of Dead Dudes. He said he loves participating in this part of punk subculture.

The aggressive energy in a mosh pit may lead to a few cuts and bruises, Woodruff said. If those in the pit are rougher than usual, injuries are more common. Woodruff said it is one of the best parts of punk.

“There’s no better feeling than feeling blood run down your f---ing lips and dirt, literally, packed into the skin of your elbows,” Woodruff said.

Woodruff said when he is performing, he feels responsible for those who are moshing to his music. If he sees someone getting injured or being mistreated by other audience members, he will speak up.

He has called out audience members during performances for not following mosh etiquette and actively tries to get the rest of the audience involved. Woodruff said he does this to make sure the person acting poorly understands their behavior

will not be tolerated.

“Shame is the best motivator in the world,” Woodruff said. “Everyone else immediately turns on them, and it’s like a sea of shoving them toward the door, making sure they know they’re not welcome.”

People who go to The Hive know the venue is a safe space for them to enjoy themselves, even if it is in the midst of a mosh pit, Woodruff said.

The Hive is the heart of the DIY music scene in Flagstaff, Smith said.

Binkley said without The Hive, there likely would not be a music scene available for underage listeners. Punk attracts many age groups and gives participants the chance to celebrate the ideas punk was built on.

“I think it’s a fun and wholesome way to come together and say, ‘F--k The Man,’” Binkley said.

Within the punk genre, Smith said, there are particular offshoots that each local band leans toward.

He said his band has subconsciously progressed past punk as the band matured. Gone Before Us now produces music that is a blend of genres ­­­— not confined to a specific definition.

“I think in any artistic medium your balance will evolve the more you do it,” Smith said. “There’s still elements of punk in our music, but now, we consider ourselves a fusion of a lot of stuff.”

He said the local DIY bands all have different sounds, but one thing is universal: they are loud. The noise level of performances at house parties, which are usually held in quiet neighborhoods, has been known to garner attention from police.

Ethan Bertrand, the drummer for Gone Before Us, said noise complaints are disheartening for drummers, as they are unable to turn down their instruments, like a guitar or bass that rely on an amp for noise level.

“I’ve always connected the drums to my own personal spiritual journey,” Bertrand said. “It’s like being disconnected from that journey because people who I’ve never met before get bothered by the sound … It’s soul crushing because it’s always my fault.”

He said he credits the noise complaints his band has received during house parties and practices as a way to become more nuanced in his craft, as it encouraged him to pay attention to details about techniques that he used to overlook.

“Back when I first started getting noise complaints, I was much more ‘rookie drummer’ than I am now,” Bertrand said.

“It forced me to get much better at the drums because it forced me to play quieter, to learn all these different things that I’ve never really paid attention to on the drums before.”

Noise complaints, negative stereotypes and limited accessible performance space are all hindrances the Flagstaff music scene has overcome in spite of “the man.”

While punk as a music genre has evolved into more distinct and specific subgenres, the spirit of punk is still high among local artists.

“Punk has become a much more broad ideology opposed to just a musical scene,” Smith said. “Punk is really just about being yourself and not really caring about what other people think.”

The stereotype that people who participate in punk subculture are violent anarchists can take away from the idea that the culture is a form of self-expression. Smith said punk is a state of mind that can be practiced by anyone.

Top left: Dead Dudes’ bass player Ryan Binkley points to himself after lead guitarist and vocalist Dartagnon Woodruff made a joke before their set at The Hive in downtown Flagstaff, Nov. 11. Middle left: Moon Tsunami’s lead singer and bass player Rhyme Uekusa tunes her bass guitar to prepare for their opening set.

Bottom left: Dead Dudes’ lead guitarist and vocals Woodruff addresses the crowd before the start of their set. Right: Woodruff checks the tune of his guitar to prepare for their set.

Victoria Medina | The Lumberjack

The weight of microagGressions NAY HERNANDEZ

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ouching someone’s hair because of its differing texture to commenting on speech patterns and language barriers can be subtle acts of racism that may be more harmful than people intend or know. Microaggressions can attack a person’s physical appearance, existence or religious background.

The term microaggression was coined in 1978 by psychiatrist and Harvard College professor, Chester Pierce. While the word emerged 53 years ago, this did not mark the beginning of exclusionary behavior.

Ernesto Mireles, an assistant teaching professor of ethnic studies at NAU, said microaggressions are a softer form of racism that have been socially accepted and results from systemic racism.

“When people are overtly racist, there is a tremendous backlash against that,” Mireles said. “But with microaggressions, it is very easy for somebody to say, ‘Well, I don’t really think that’s what they meant.’ It becomes open to all kinds of interpretation, and I think that that sort of looseness or ambiguity in terms of what it is that we are talking about tends to promote racist ideology.”

Mireles said it does not matter whether a person thinks of themselves as racist, they are still part of the systemic issue when they commit subtle prejudices.

Within the rise of discussion among Generation Z regarding social justice, Mireles said he noticed a trend over the years that has led to more microaggressions in society.

“Sometimes they say things, or they act certain ways toward people, and they don’t really see that as racism because how could they be racist?” Mireles said.

Despite the increase in acceptance and social justice, racism still continues through acts that some do not understand to be racist.

“Racism is one of the oceans that we swim in in this society,” Mireles said. “There is no way to escape its influence or its impact or its history.”

Joey Tse is a junior at NAU and president of the Chinese Culture Club. She is a firstgeneration student with immigrant parents.

Tse said when faced with microaggressions, she often feels insecure and isolated.

Tse recalled a negative comment made on something she was eating in an academic space and said she is used to this reality as someone in a marginalized and underrepresented community. This occurrence made her realize some of her peers do not see her as an equal. “​​I have been pushed away from friend groups for feeling blatantly unwelcome and too different in certain circumstances,” Tse said. “While there are some people that are open-minded and accepting, there are others that aren’t and choose to remain ignorant. I find myself drawn to communities of people that are similar to me instead, which is somewhat unfortunate that there is that slight divide.”

It was difficult for Tse to make friends in her childhood, she said, due to being different in race and culture than her peers. She said this was due to the representation of communities of color not being what it needed to be.

Tse said representation and diversity in media are getting better, but there is still room for improvement.

“As I grew older, I realized that’s just how it is because of the lack of representation and voices for POC communities,” Tse said.

“There is no one there to debunk stereotypes or simply say, ‘That’s not OK,’ or to teach these huge groups of people that it is OK to be different. We did not have anyone there to say that for us.”

Mireles said the more people of color and marginalized groups that appear in places of representation and push back against stereotypes, the more sovereignty they have within themselves and their communities.

Through her experience, Tse said those who commit microaggressions are raised with little exposure to other people and cultures.

“Unfortunately, I believe most of this ignorance stems from a very early age, and as it’s not corrected, it’s very hard to change someone of our age’s mindset because it is a mindset that they believe is OK since they grew up with it,” Tse said. “When they see the posters or announcements of things to not do, such as cultural appropriation, they usually scoff and ignore it. No one likes to be told

ILLUSTRATION BY LENORE OTERO-STRONG what to do, especially if they do not believe it is that serious.”

A study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that 35% of Asian Americans have been subjected to insensitive comments and negative assumptions about their race or ethnicity.

Another student who experienced microaggressions growing up is Taseen Chowdhury, junior and president of the Muslim Students’ Association.

“In New York, some teenagers made fun of my accent and my way of playing basketball,” Chowdhury said. “I was new to the sport and still am. I’m an emotional guy, so I got really sad. I had trouble sleeping that night. I felt very embarrassed.”

Chowdhury said a friend of his was subjected to an Islamophobic comment made by a dorm mate shortly after meeting them.

“I had a friend who was from Uzbekistan,” Chowdhury said. “When he moved to NAU dorms, after knowing he is a Muslim, his

roommate asked him if he is a terrorist. That annoyed and upset me a lot.”

According to the American Psychological Association, microaggressions have not healed with time but shifted to appear less harmful.

Racism through microaggressions is prevalent in today’s society among younger and older generations.

Tse said there is not a singular solution to minimizing and abolishing microaggressions.

She believes letting non-marginalized communities hear the voices of minorities introduces an opportunity for them to educate themselves and understand it is OK to be of a different culture, religion or ethnic background.

“I think that if we want to really combat this issue of microaggressions, what we have to do is think very broadly about it and keep the understanding that it is rooted or vested in a system of systemic oppression and racism that devalues the lives and experiences in the thoughts of people of color,” Mireles said.

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FEATURES

STORY COMPILED BY HELENA ROBLA

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ducational paths are often perceived as a straightforward route, with most students starting college after graduating high school. However, people of many different life paths attend college. Breaking away from the traditional mold, students who attend college later in life often juggle other responsibilities, such as parenthood or full-time jobs.

With each class passed and degree awarded, non-traditional students show there is no age limit on learning.

Bill Hobbs, 57 Senior Photography Path: Hobbs graduated high school in 1984 and entered the workforce afterward. He lived in Shanghai for five years and worked as a photographer there before enrolling at NAU in 2020. Hobbs is pursuing a bachelor’s degree that will allow him to return to work in Asia.

“If you were to talk to me March of 2020 and tell me that I would be getting a bachelor’s degree in photography, I would have laughed,” Hobbs said. “So, this is more of a need. This will enable me to actually get a job where I can work on photography.

“If I would have tried to go to school when I was younger, I wouldn’t have been very successful. I didn’t learn. I had to learn how to learn. So, that’s what I did from the time from high school till now. I learned how to learn. I learned how to do things. So, it benefits me to have that.

“You would think one would just be in the classroom and look around and go, ‘Oh my god, I’m the oldest one here.’ I don’t really think that because I’m there to learn. I’m there to figure it out, and I’m going to learn it.”

Natalie Isaacson, 33 Senior Special and elementary education Path: Isaacson graduated high school in 2010 and went for an associate degree right after. From there, she started working and tried different jobs until she decided to go for a bachelor’s degree in 2021.

“I wish it was more common among older people to go back to college and take in-person classes,” Isaacson said. “Most older students only take online classes, but you can’t really do that for majors like education. You just have to get out of your comfort zone.

“I think it was really hard to make friends just because I’m not going to like the same things as younger students at this moment. Also, who wants to hang out with 30-year-olds? But the people that I did meet were super genuine and sweet, because it was like they didn’t care about how old I was or anything like that.

“I think that having a work ethic already really helps. I worked full-time for five to six years before I came back to college. And so I already have a work ethic, and I knew what it was going to take, so it was easier for me to transition and know what was needed from me quicker.”

Luke Derry, 27 Senior Interdisciplinary studies and strategic leadership Path: Derry graduated high school in 2015 and joined the United States Air Force five months later. He started attending NAU in 2022.

“One of the reasons I was able to come back to school was NAU being so supportive,” Derry said. “They accepted a lot of my military experience. So, it was awesome that that was available to me. My adviser made everything work in a way that I could meet all the requirements that I needed off of the content and the work that I already did in my profession. So, it’s just really cool to have that support system there. I will say that NAU’s support is amazing.

“I think it was just over a couple of years, I realized getting a degree was something that I knew I was going to have to do. One of the reasons I enrolled in the military was because school wasn’t my favorite. I never liked sitting down and learning that way. I always liked hands-on learning. After enlisting in the Air Force, I saw what one good officer could do, and to be an officer, you have to have a bachelor’s. So, it’s something that I knew I needed if I wanted to be able to help people in the way that I want to.

“At 19, I could sit down and learn about something mechanical, but I wasn’t a very good student as far as book learning. Now that I’m a little bit older, I’m able to do that book learning because I see the importance of it now. I’ve been out seeing things and then also just understanding that it’ll get me to that end goal that I want.”

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PHOTOS BY BENNIE HART

Toni Giertych, 30 Second-year graduate student Elementary education, Master of Education Path: Giertych graduated from Western Illinois University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. She started her master’s degree in education at NAU in 2017 but had her son in 2019 and decided to take a break to care for him. Giertych began school again this semester to finish her student teaching and get her degree.

“I feel like, for the most part, my professors look at me more professionally because I already do have a son that is about the same age as the kids that I’m teaching right now, which maybe gives me a different perspective on how I’m teaching them because it comes from a mothering way,” Giertych said. “I’ve already been in their parents’ shoes. I kind of know what to expect back.

“It was hard for me to go from being a stay-at-home mom, being with my son 24 hours a day, to putting him in a preschool, starting a full-time job and having homework to do when I got home. But I feel like now that I’m on the downhill slope of student teaching, I finally got it all figured out. I feel like I got my home life back a little bit more, which is good.

“I would definitely encourage other moms to get their degrees if they want to. Especially here with the NAU Early Learning and Development Center, which has been really, really nice for us because I just know that my son is safe, and he is in a nice place that I don’t have to worry about him all day while I am off getting my degree and teaching and finishing my student teaching and doing my homework. I know that he’s taken care of.”

Trey Troxell, 25 Senior Visual communication Path: Troxell earned an associate degree from Coconino Community College in 2019 and has been pursuing a bachelor’s degree since while working fulltime.

“I don’t relate to most of the students just because they’re on completely different paths in life,” Troxell said. “I would say that’s probably the biggest thing is that I don’t necessarily fit in sometimes.

“I really enjoy what I’m doing, and I think a lot of the things I learn are really cool, but I think I could have done it on my own. I don’t necessarily think I needed to spend $40,000 to come to the school to show me how to find videos on YouTube. Also, I still get treated like I’m a freshman or like I’m younger, and that’s what I really dislike about being in school still.

“I think the sooner you start college, the better, but I think it’s good to know what you want to do before you enroll. Then, you maybe take one or two classes, if you can afford it, and just take classes that interest you and find something that you’re happy with. The last thing you want to do is spend this much money and be miserable.”

Sean Gaulden, 30 Sophomore History and philosophy, politics and law Path: Gaulden was academically disqualified from Orange Coast College when he was 20. He worked full time in varying capacities until 2018, when he began taking care of his mother after she went through knee surgery and providing end-of-life care to his grandmother. Gaulden pursued his undergraduate degree again in 2020.

“I like to help people,” Gaulden said. “I like to make them feel good, and I like to pay for the same gift that I like to think I was given, which was a second chance that not everybody gets. The world is a pretty cool and hard place. Getting a college degree, it empowers me to be able to do what I feel called to do. I just want to be able to actually have an impact, help people as much as I can. I think that’s the whole reason why I went through what I went through in the first place.

“It is very interesting having professors that are younger than you are. But people are people at the end of the day. Is it a little bit harder for an 18-yearold to connect with a 45-year-old? Yeah. Of course. But at the same time, fundamentally, we’re all the same. And it’s really just that life experience, and then once you have that, you can really connect with anybody.

“There’s something that one of my mentors told me years ago that I really think is great advice: Make sure to befriend people from different generations. If you just stay with people in your age group, we kind of create an echo chamber. You don’t grow to the same capacity and experience things with the same capacity that you would if you have that differentiating generational viewpoint.”

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

19

FEATURES KETAMINE continued from FRONT

Periods: Say it loud, say it proud KALEYANA JONES

Period.

Bleeding.

I can create life where it didn’t exist.

Is the proof of the ability to forge life Really so disgusting?

So horrifying?

Period.

It’s just a word.

I complain about cramps The stabbing, the ripping Consuming my whole body Like someone pulling at me from inside Over And over Desperate to claw their way out.

But beware.

Do not dare mention this to a man Because it might make them “uncomfortable.”

Oh no.

What a shame.

Have pity on him.

Hush, they say.

Quiet down.

Be silent.

Endure.

It is a blessing, they say.

You could literally create life Chosen by an ethereal power Far greater than we will ever know.

But what do I know?

The process involves work before and after sessions that help the patient identify their goals for treatment.

Rather than having a therapist in the room, the patient is left alone to create a distraction-free environment that encourages self-reflection. This practice is known as intrinsic response methodology.

“We’re not changing people’s past,” Dubravcic said. “We’re not changing their present. We’re giving them space to change their own perspective. By the end, people really exist in a much more authentic state, where it’s safe to feel safe.”

Ketamine also has hallucinogenic properties, which can make a patient feel detached from their body and pain. This can help create an objective perspective on traumatic events.

Monica Creek is a patientturned-lead-clinical-receptionist at Revitalize. Creek found relief through clinic treatments, which changed her perspective on trauma and depression.

“I was able to look at some of this stuff that had been dogging me my whole life but to see it with compassion,” Creek said.

“Compassion for the little girl when it happened there and compassion for the adult woman and what happened there.”

Creek has dealt with depression since her teenage years. After decades of searching for an effective treatment, she came across Revitalize. She said ketamine therapy changed her life by helping her find resilience. Now, she helps others find their resilience too.

The clinic did not have a receptionist before Creek, who appreciated the experience so much she wanted to be part of the process

alongside Dubravcic. Creek said seeing people’s eyes light up progressively through treatments is inspirational.

“The bottom line is that there are so many people out there hurting,” Creek said. “I feel incredibly fortunate that I’ve lived long enough to get to experience [that] there is hope in the world.”

The walls of the clinic are covered with artwork made by patients. The art acts as a visual interpretation of the treatment’s effects, with one piece demonstrating a patient’s gradual clarity they said they felt when they began their healing.

At the top of the painting, there are dark bursts of color, which Dubravcic said represents infrequent radical bursts of authenticity within darkness to the patient. As the treatments continued, the darkness fades to yellow bursts: The patient was able to see through the darkness and exist in a “much more authentic state.”

Revitalize also collaborates with talk and somatic therapists to provide integration work and mindfulness practices that increase effectiveness of treatments to help clients heal.

One of the therapists contracted with Revitalize is Geoffrey Bishop, a somatic experience practitioner and transformational coach. A technique that relieves the body of tension and trauma, somatic experiencing includes practicing mindfulness, a nonjudgmental observation of one’s senses and feelings in the moment.

Bishop has a background in nervous system regulation through bodywork and massage therapy.

After experiencing a physical trauma that left him unable to return to his practice, he researched how to support the nervous system in a way that was less physical and more about the

mind-body connection.

Mastering these practices allows patients to ground themselves throughout sometimes intense ketamine infusions, Bishop said.

“Somatic experiencing, in a way, brings us back into our initial visceral sensations about the way that we interface with the world,” Bishop said. “... That way, we can do the work around creating some ease in our nervous system.”

Bishop has a history of working with substance use disorder and addiction. He said addictions are often a symptom of trauma or a coping mechanism people use to distract themselves from the reality of their issues.

A change of perspective can get people out of their unhealthy coping habits, Bishop said.

“Alcohol and drugs and these things are oftentimes used to not experience uncomfortable situations, to not experience pain, to not experience negativity,” Bishop said.

“It’s kind of a way to turn it all off.

Ketamine opens things back up so that you can really feel the experiences, and then, it’s time to show up for it.”

The clinic recently applied to treat post-traumatic stress disorder through the use of MDMA, another drug with possible mental health benefits. If approved by the FDA, Revitalize would be one of the first locations to administer the stimulant in the country.

Dubravcic said ketamine treatment is a key his clinic turns to allow patients to become their own healer. He views ketamine not as a miracle drug but as a catalyst for change.

“It can’t be that bad” constantly ringing my ears “Just take medicine.”

Medicine can’t take away the tired.

I’m exhausted.

These words vibrate throughout my entire being These words spoken By those who have never experienced this pain.

They don’t know how this is.

They don’t know how this feels.

They reap the benefits One day Someday A child they can call theirs “Their” child Tell me Who forged that child?

Who fought her own body to give you that child?

Using their own molecules They’re own biology The most sacred parts of herself.

Women.

Piece by piece Creating a human For nine months Giving everything she is And everything she has To something she’s never met.

Becoming a home for another human being When she never asked To be invaded.

So why Does my ability to create life Scare so many?

Does it scare you?

Isn’t it just blood?

Blood that we all have within our bodies, Working to keep us alive?

Yours comes out of your cuts and bruises Onto a Band Aid. Mine comes out of my vagina Into a tampon.

Hush, they say.

Quiet down.

Continue reading on JackCentral.org

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

Top: A white board hangs outside a room listing treatment information like visit time and preferred music choice, at Revitalize Ketamine Clinic (RKC), Nov. 1. Middle: Casey Dubravcic, owner and founder of RKC, speaks about the process and benefits of ketamine treatment at the clinic.

Bottom: Artwork by Michelle Bodtke, a former patient of RKC, hangs on the wall at the clinic.

Some patients created artwork based on feelings and experiences from treatments.

John Chaides | The Lumberjack

Taboo topics over the years in The Lumberjack

This special issue is not the first time The Lumberjack has covered controversial topics. Stories have been covered by our staff, recognizing topics that should be addressed in the student journalism field and beyond.

When religion ceased to contribute to my health and happiness

Closing the orgasm gap

ILLUSTRATION BY ALANNA SECREST

Westboro Baptist Church visits Flagstaff

ILLUSTRATION BY LENORE OTERO-STRONG

‘Hamilton’ brings controversy

Ashleigh Vance | The Lumberjack

Are romance and mental health at odds?

ILLUSTRATION BY PRUTHVI KHILOSIA

ILLUSTRATION BY SHELSEY BRASWELL

Abortion access petition sparks NAU advocacy

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS BEAMAN

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

21

OPINION

Drawing the line between liberation and objectification I

KATIE SQUIRES

n 2021, then-19-year-old Billie Eilish shared on the Howard Stern show how she started watching porn at a young age, and it made her feel cool. However, Eilish said doing so negatively impacted the way she thought she was supposed to have sex, highlighting how porn inaccurately portrays womens’ bodies.

Eilish was met with backlash on social media for her comments: Users claimed she was not being sex positive or was close-minded toward sex workers who benefit from the industry.

Feminists often argue over the definition of empowerment, especially in a sexual context. Many believe the term is subjective, and individuals control what makes them feel strong or confident.

People may inadvertently assert the idea that females publicizing their sexuality before others get the chance is a means to empowerment. However, the sexual encouragement of young girls is not always revolutionary. It often fulfills the very same expectations it is attempting to diminish.

Women want respect — not objectification and sexual harassment.

In the media, conservative outlets often overlook the objectification of women, while liberal media widely considers sexual liberation a necessary step for closing the gender gap.

It is common for influencers and media to preach sexual empowerment on their platforms. While on the surface this may seem progressive, a dark underbelly of the sexual liberation movement affects young girls.

Pressuring girls to embrace their sexualities as they are figuring out what sexuality means to them can harm their mental well-being and perpetuate negative stereotypes, including the idea that women should focus on their physical appearance. Girls could also fall into the habit of believing that empowerment only comes from embracing their sexualities.

Some feminists believe that empowerment and women’s control of their sexualization is often an illusion because feeling confident does not equate to societal change. Sometimes feelings of empowerment come from catering to the male gaze — the viewing of women as objects and men in a high regard. The male gaze often influences the way women dress, act and experience the world.

After being objectified, women may fall into the habit of sexualizing themselves. This can cause them to develop low self-esteem, eating disorders, anxiety or depression.

Social media also plays a significant role in the sexualization of young girls, and at the same time, many people use TikTok to promote “liberation.” The comeback of the term bimbo — someone who is attractive but unintelligent — has turned into a recent movement, with many influencers telling their audiences, which include young girls, it’s OK to prioritize beauty over intelligence.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to maintain a feminine appearance, girls have been told for years that men are smarter and women do not belong in male-dominated fields. Public praise is not as common for women who prioritize intellect over looks. In fact, women may be deemed lazy when they do not wear makeup to work.

Encouraging girls to only care about their appearance, avoid education or spend excess money on beauty products is not progressive.

TikTok LIVE has become a place for underaged girls to receive money from older men in exchange for performing suggestive acts on camera.

Many adolescents can easily lie about their ages to make money on the platform.

Strippers on TikTok make videos showing off the money they earn in one day of work, and young girls often leave comments like, “I’m only 13, please don’t give me ideas,” and “Can’t wait to turn 18.”

Even though stripping is a viable profession for many, the industry is incredibly complex, and strippers are often abused despite online glamorization. When influencers filter their lives on the internet, young girls can develop harmful beliefs about what their role models’ lifestyles or professions look like.

The porn industry also damages adolescents’ sexual perceptions.

Encouraging girls to watch porn can cause them to have distorted beliefs about what bodies should look like and skew their ideas of intimacy.

When females are belittled and sexualized from a young age, it takes a severe toll on their mental health and self-image. They are more likely to worry about physical appearance when targeted by sexually objectifying behavior, such as catcalling or being stared at.

Navigating adolescence in a sexist society can be challenging, especially when people equate empowerment with being sexual. Instead of pushing girls to feel sexually liberated, we should accept their versions of empowerment, especially if it means challenging patriarchal expectations.

Empowerment can take shape in making sure girls’ emotions are understood: encouraging them to pursue their passions, uplifting them in their education or teaching coping mechanisms for the personal and societal objectification they unfortunately receive.

Social media literacy and restrictions on websites with pornographic content can ensure children learn about sexuality from trustworthy sources. Open and honest conversations about the sexualization of girls can help spread awareness and give girls the chance to feel understood, prepared and respected.

The sexualization of girls needs to be fought, not taught by the people they look up to. All women deserve the ability to present themselves safely and comfortably.

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS BEAMAN

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

Making room for addiction in mental health Acceptance and dialogue of mental illnesses broadened in recent years, but addiction remains stigmatized and pushed aside.

I

ROSE BAILLIE

n recent years, mental health conditions have been increasingly discussed and accepted. On social media, celebrities and online users, especially those who are part of Generation Z, share their issues and coping mechanisms. Therapy attendance has surged, and the online therapy service, BetterHelp, sponsors some of the most popular influencers.

The growth in embracing mental illness has helped to minimize stigmas and validate that it is OK to struggle with a mental condition.

Although depression and anxiety are more frequently discussed and accepted, substance abuse disorder (SUD) is often left out of these conversations and remains highly stigmatized.

In reality, addiction is a cornerstone of the mental health conversation, but is not prioritized as much as other conditions.

Addiction is often falsely viewed as a character flaw and morally wrong. There is a common misconception that those living with SUD should try harder to control themselves.

However, mental health professionals and medical associations define addiction as a disease or mental illness, just like more openly-discussed mental health disorders.

People with addiction are no more able to control their use of substances as someone who is depressed can dictate their mood.

Other negative stereotypes include the idea that all people who struggle with SUD are dangerous or untrustworthy and thus, outcast.

Working to understand people who struggle with addiction or who are in recovery may minimize false conceptions and foster a more inclusive space for those with SUD. Where anxiety and depression have been normalized, addiction has not: Research shows addiction continues to be more discredited than other mental health conditions, affecting people’s attitudes toward hiring, housing, providing health insurance or engaging in a relationship with someone who has SUD. Additionally, when someone in the public eye reveals they have been struggling with addiction or are sober, the news becomes a popular topic of discussion that perpetuates stereotypes. Addiction is often falsely portrayed in the media, which only heightens misconceptions and demonizes those who struggle with it.

Even the language used around addiction is ostracizing and exclusionary. People who struggle with SUD are often labeled in a way that reduces them to their relationship with substances: Whether in the act of addiction or recovery, they may be referred to as an addict or user. When no longer in active addiction, people are deemed “clean” as opposed to being a person in recovery.

Framing SUD as a health issue as opposed to a personality trait will help reduce judgment or shame surrounding the condition.

We often go out of our way to make people who struggle with more well-known mental health disorders feel comfortable and accepted, and Gen Z is especially willing to do so. However, many people with addiction refrain from talking about the subject because they are fearful of negative repercussions.

This discrimination can even affect how people with SUD feel about themselves and prevent them from seeking help.

Western society prioritizes alcohol and other recreational substances to have fun, which encourages excessive drinking. At the same time, people in recovery can be viewed as a buzzkill, a concept known as sober shaming.

Alcohol is often the focal point of parties and even social events. In college, activities like hiking or a movie night with friends become an occasion for casual drinking.

With how much drinking is normalized, it doesn’t make sober life any easier.

Those with addiction often get excluded from social situations when their sobriety makes others uncomfortable.

This does not mean everyone should stop drinking to make those with addiction more comfortable but suggests our society’s prioritization of substance use shuts out those with addiction.

As people become more educated on matters of mental health, there is a space for anxiety and depression to be understood: People with addiction deserve the same grace as those with other mental health disorders.

Whether in the trenches of addiction or in active recovery, people who have struggled with SUD should not be defined by their relationship to substances. Addiction does not need to be treated as an outcast from other mental health struggles.

Cultivating acceptance and openness can broaden the mental health conversation and create an environment where people feel comfortable asking for help.

ILLUSTRATION BY LENORE OTERO-STRONG

How Christ stole the Holiday season Pagan origins of the modern-day Christmas celebration need to be recognized, respected and honored to minimize the spread of a one-sided religious narrative that is far too comomon.

F

ABI SEIDENBERG

estive energy abounds with the fast-approaching Christmas season between holiday music, specialized advertisements, cozy spirits and intense shopping. Most of the essential Christmas traditions are underway, but how much of what we do to celebrate Christmas is connected to Christian origins?

Many Christmas traditions that lead up to or follow Dec. 25 celebrations — kissing under the mistletoe, anticipating a visit from Santa Claus or decorating pine trees — originated from Pagan practices.

Paganism is an encompassing label for pre-Christian religions including Old Norse and Ancient Roman Polytheism, which hold belief systems that revere the interconnectedness of nature.

The term Paganism was coined by Christians during the Roman Empire: It means “people from elsewhere,” referring to those who did not worship the God of Abraham from the Christian faith.

Key aspects of celebrations like the Norse Yule festival and Ancient Roman Polytheism’s Saturnalia — both winter solstice festivals — have been adapted into what is now known as Christmas.

Modern-day Christmas celebrations are distorted from their Pagan roots. Instead, the celebrations favor Christian ideologies, quenching the practices of other religions.

At the very least, recognizing that Christianity did not design the Christmas celebration we know today will give credit to Pagan theologies so they are not forgotten.

Many Christians place importance on tradition and storytelling, but they are hypocritically ignoring the Pagan roots of the holiday.

One of the most common

misconceptions of Christmas is that the holiday represents the birth of Jesus Christ.

Most religious scholars agree Jesus’ birthday was not in December but more likely in September. Christians took Dec. 25 from the Roman Pagan’s Saturnalia, which celebrates the winter solstice and the Roman deity, Saturn.

Inaccurately representing the holiday solidifies theological biases that favor Christianity and ignore other religious influences.

A simple acceptance of uncertainty surrounding the time of Jesus’ birth would be a step in the right direction for more than just Christians: The spread of this knowledge would help people from all different religions have a better understanding of Christmas.

Another symbolic item taken from Saturnalia was the Christmas tree. Since the holiday took place during the winter solstice — symbolizing the return of the sun and lengthening of days in the Northern Hemisphere — Pagans would display evergreen trees with apples hanging from the bows to encourage a rich apple harvest the following year.

Saturnalia trees were meant to symbolize the eternity of life, even in darkness, as the sun returned. This then shifted into what is now the Christmas tree, but instead of apples, people adorn their pine trees with ornaments that hold entirely different meanings.

The spiritual significance of Saturnalia has been lost and overshadowed.

Some modern-day Christians claim the Christmas tree represents the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden or a light in the darkness, interpreted through Jesus’ birth.

While the pine trees are construed that way now, their original use was unrelated to Christianity.

Unbeknownst to most, those who celebrate Christmas have been taking part in Paganism — a religion they may not be aware of.

Just because Christians weren’t the first to use trees to celebrate doesn’t mean people who follow the religion should stop picking, decorating and unwrapping presents by the Christmas tree.

Many people take for granted the tree’s symbolism. Sharing stories about the history of traditional symbols would reduce unintentional ignorance.

The holiday season is saturated with stories of a one-sided narrative, and it’s about time we make room for others that may have been cast aside.

Vikings who practiced Old Norse Paganism also had a role in creating many well-known symbols of Christmas.

The term “yule” is commonly a synonym for Christmas, but the original meaning refers to the Viking Yule festival of hope, optimism and luck in the winter. Now, it’s customary to think of a yule log, the cake used as a seasonal dessert, when this term is mentioned.

A transformation of the Norse Yule celebration occurred during the 10th century, when the King of Norway hid Christian messages in the teachings and practices of Yule festivities. Before long, the entire holiday was guided by biblical beliefs.

Vikings also influenced Christmas through the symbolism of mistletoe. Today, mistletoe represents romance, but the original story of the herb revolves around the Norse trickster god Loki, who poisoned another god, Balder. If it was true to its origins, mistletoe would represent death or trickery, not awkward amorous connections.

Even the most iconic symbol of Christmas, Santa Claus, wasn’t part of the

classic Christmas story. The master chimney climber has near-forgotten beginnings.

While many people believe the legend of Santa Claus stems from jolly old Saint Nicholas, in Norse mythology, the figure represents the god Odin, known as the Allfather. Vikings celebrated Odin during Yule, and when the festival began blending with Christianity, it took the figure of Odin with it, and the tale of Santa Claus was born.

Similarly, holly, the sharp green plant with red berries commonly used for “decking the halls” is believed to represent the Blood of Christ and the crown of thorns from the crucifixion in Christian faith. Before, it was a symbol of the Holly King, the God of Winter, in Celtic Paganism.

Burning wood from a holly tree was said to ward off evil spirits during the dark months of the year with minimal sunlight. The adaptation is now a Christmas decoration.

Between decorations, traditions, stories and beliefs, the history of Christmas isn’t as cut and dry as it seems. Although the significance of some traditions overlap Paganism and Christianity, modern-day society fails to recognize the holiday is rooted in Pagan traditions that pre-date Christianity.

With traditions and sentiments pulled from religious groups for centuries, people have the opportunity to recognize the evolution that Christmas has gone through.

This Christmas season, take a moment to give credit where credit is due. Consider hanging an apple on the Christmas tree in homage to the original ornament.

The jovial holiday with its recognizable symbols, music, commercials, movies and gifts is one of my favorites. However, the religions that shaped modern-day Christmas deserve acknowledgment and respect as much as Christian stories.

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

23

OPINION

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS BEAMAN

Hurdles with accessing emergency contraception ANAI CARRASCO

R

eproductive healthcare, especially contraception, has recently been hindered in the United States. Whether it is because of cost, legislation, shame or accessibility, there are many obstacles to acquiring methods of birth control.

Emergency contraception (EC) — methods to prevent pregnancy after intercourse, like Plan B — carry their own stigma. Furthermore, EC pills are often locked up in pharmacies.

One reason why stores do this is because of the drastic costs of morning-after pills. People looking to purchase a $40-$50 levonorgestrel pill, such as Plan B One-Step or Aftera, often need a pharmacist or store clerk to access the medication for them.

The potential shoplifting of steeply-priced pills could cost the store. However, inventory loss compared to accessible reproductive health should not be up for debate. Companies need to stop locking up necessary pills and offer emergency healthcare.

If contraceptives fail, feelings of depression and panic that often follow can be a frightening experience.

Although selling prescriptionless EC pills at a drugstore is an attempt to make birth control more accessible to the average person, keeping them secure in an antitheft case creates a barrier for people who need the pills.

The embarrassment and shame associated with needing Plan B can already prevent people from purchasing EC pills.

Having to ask an employee or pharmacist for them only adds to those feelings. Buying EC should not be an elaborate task but instead made readily available to purchase on drugstore shelves.

If a person feels too guilty to ask a worker for the pill, they may not access Plan B in the timely manner that is necessary for its effectiveness. Levonorgestrel, the progestin hormone found in most morning-after pills, works best when taken within 72-120 hours of unprotected sex.

In general, reproductive healthcare is not a priority in the U.S. due to high costs and socioeconomic, racial, disability and gender discrimination leading to recent healthcare barriers. Additionally, since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, at least 21 states have imposed restrictions or total abortion bans.

According to a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, from 2017-19, 28% of women ages 15-44 have used EC pills in their lives. This rate only increases with younger generations, as 34% of women ages 15-24 have used them.

A possible reason women are increasingly turning to immediate contraceptives may be due to the fact that hormone-based EC pills typically do not require a prescription. However, this is a new advancement.

Before 2006, people needed a prescription before they were allowed to purchase EC. At that point, Plan B was available over the counter, but only for those 18 and older. It wasn’t until 2014 that the Federal

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

Drug Administration removed the age restriction on morning-after pills.

Purchasing a contraceptive after unprotected sex is already a dreaded task. Keeping Plan B locked up only makes that feeling worse.

Birth control pills, IUDs, contraceptive patches and shots are methods of contraception that require a prescription. The unappeal associated with the use of birth control often stems from long-term side effects, such as weight gain, mood fluctuations or changes to menstruation. The added health care barriers and often lengthy process of obtaining birth control contribute to more hesitation.

Moreover, some people do not have access to a health care provider, and refill fees create hurdles for those who can not afford medication. However, hormone-based EC is easier to find, can be paid for in one fee — even though it is expensive — and is a quicker process compared to longer-form contraceptives.

Although EC pills are supposed to be an easier, quicker and safer option, anti-theft boxes keep customers from having a smooth experience.

According to a contraceptive availability study published by Elsevier, a scientific publishing and data analytics company, the majority of pharmacies studied keep morning-after pills locked on a store shelf to prevent shoplifting. The study also concluded keeping contraceptives locked up interferes with the timesensitive, over-the-counter nature of Plan B pills.

The outdated regulations of many pharmacies to keep ECs in anti-theft boxes invalidate human health needs and perpetuates the narrative that taking an EC is shameful.

When purchasing an EC, this policy enhances the existing feeling of anxiety and prevents people from purchasing the treatment they need.

Research by the morning-after pill brand ellaOne found that three-quarters of women surveyed put off taking EC pills after unprotected intercourse due to embarrassment and lack of knowledge about the medicine.

When I needed an EC, I was paranoid I would run into somebody I knew. The fear of asking an employee to unlock the anti-theft box scared me to the point of purchasing it online. Ordering it online was a pleasant experience and better than tackling what should be a simple task.

The stigma surrounding EC, as well as keeping over-the-counter pills in anti-theft boxes, contributes to society’s lack of care for reproductive health. Plan B should not be locked away for everyday consumers but made more easily accessible through unrestricted availability on store shelves.

It is troublesome to continue to feed into the negative narrative of ECs. Anti-theft boxes and stigmas spike misconceptions ECs hold and increase the guilt placed on women regarding reproductive healthcare.

Country music: don’t knock it until you listen

G

TESS BANDSTRA

rowing up, my family despised all country music — other than songs by classics, like John Denver and Dolly Parton. Up until college, my mindset was disapproval of country music. If a song was under the genre, I already deemed it not worth my time.

Then, I was introduced to Chris Stapleton, who is now my all-time favorite music artist.

With the right approach, country music contains layers, beauty and inspirational lyrics. The raw undertones of blues and rock ‘n’ roll music continue to be heard when listening. Songs like “A Simple Song”

by Chris Stapleton and “Rich Men North of Richmond” by Oliver Anthony go in depth about the struggles of life for working-class people.

Music lovers should reexamine the real reason they ruled out country music as a genre they could be a fan of. Is it because one does not like the music and sound or because of stereotypes about the country name?

Although alcohol-related songs that do not hold a lot of depth have taken the mainstream in country music, eliminating all country artists does not have to be the answer. With exposure to true and powerful songs — including lyrics and rhythms that hold in-depth life experiences — more music fans would be able to find a new emotional genre within country.

Like many other musical categories, including gospel and spirituals, country music stemmed from the outcry and rebellion of enslaved people. Westerners then dominated the rural music group. Although there is history of country music dating back before him, Jimmie Rodgers was deemed “The Father of Country Music” after his first recordings in 1927. Later on, in the 1960s, Charley Pride was the first Black country artist to become a sensational hit. Although there continue to be stong legacies of Black country artists, racial disparities are still incredibly prevalent within the genre.

Nowadays, country music has been shown to hold racist or biased beliefs through certain lyrics or music videos portraying hateful actions.

Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” music video shows clips of protestors cussing out cops and burning the American flag. Aldean then threatens protestors daring them to speak out and talk down on the United States in a small town, claiming they wouldn’t even make it down the street.

Removing Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” from the Hot Country Songs Chart because it was deemed not country enough also examines biased beliefs within the genre and fanbase. Musicians like Aldean and Morgan Wallen play an influential role in the misconceptions of country music, but it is not fair to vote a whole genre unlistenable because of prejudiced people. Many artists create beautiful country music outside of hateful political views.

Country music holds roots in jazz and blues. It can still be heard in many songs with a bluesy or folksy melody, like “Cold” by Chris Stapleton and “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker.

Soul-filled music is a necessity in life. To come home from a long day and put on a country vinyl is a pleasure I didn’t know I was missing until college. Without country music added to regularly-listened playlists, people are missing out on many whole-hearted, genuine songs that are now some of my favorites in the music world.

If one claims to be a music connoisseur but hasn’t listened to the country category yet, there are still more songs to be listened to and learned. Let the “yee-haw” spirit take over; it’s worth it, I promise.

Outcasted faiths Relationships in a Christian are about more than deemed society amazing sex NATALIE DAVIS

CECELIA RAYMONDO

F

or many couples, sex is prioritized over other relationship aspects. The positive emotions that arise help partners feel closer to one another, and sexual compatibility often increases security.

Many people put stock in the quality and quantity of sex with their partner to determine how successful the relationship is overall.

While sex is a core component of romance, over-valuing it leaves gaps in other areas that are essential for a lasting connection.

Sex doesn’t need to be the defining factor in a relationship.

There are other facets of equal value, such as quality time, communication, emotional security and respect. Deprioritizing sex can take pressure off dynamics because the worry of a good sex life becomes less important, opening the door for a relationship with more substance.

Most people are drawn to those they are physically attracted to. An intense physical allure can increase sex drive and emphasize its importance for both parties.

However, just because attraction and lustful sex come first doesn’t make it a reason to form a relationship; it’s only a stepping stone to building a deeper bond.

Often, people assume compatibility is based on sexual factors alone. However, compatibility consists of mental, emotional and sexual components.

Hobbies and similarities between people are mental compatibilities that are essential in a relationship: Having common needs and interests help couples grow together.

Someone might like another’s appearance and enjoy having sex with them, but if there are no similar interests, it’s difficult to form a deeper, emotional connection.

A relationship with a strong emotional bond gives partners a secure platform to communicate their true feelings, whether positive or negative.

In the early stages of dating, a superficial connection is easily established due to the excitement of a new partner.

However, once the honeymoon phase fades, sustaining a connection is challenging.

Focusing on the emotional aspects brings a relationship to the next level, creating a powerful and more meaningful bond.

Prioritizing an emotional connection as opposed to a purely sexual one creates different types of intimacies. Although intimacy is often considered interchangeable with sex, the act of connecting is more than physical. Establishing a sense of familiarity involves being present and spending time together through non-sexual touch.

Couples can be intimate without focusing on sex alone.

When a relationship is all about sex, it increases stress and insecurities. This pressure gets in the way of an emotional connection that is essential to the relationship.

It’s difficult to maintain a relationship when it is just focused on sex, because partners then feel that sex is holding them together. Partners may create an unhealthy habit of over-emphasizing the act and neglecting to think about other aspects pf their relationship.

People can feel connected and loved by one another through a variety of non-sexual intimate activities.

Cuddling, hugging, quality time and talking are all ways couples can feel close without making sex the main goal.

Sex may be an important form of intimacy, but staying present with the one you love will make a relationship worthwhile and both partners happy.

While a flourishing sexual connection is a bonus, it doesn’t need to be the defining factor of a couple’s happiness.

By deprioritizing sex, growing emotional connections and making non-sexual intimacy the framework of a relationship, couples create lasting connection.

T

he most practiced religions are faiths classified as monotheistic — following the belief there is one true god or higher being. Christianity, Judaism and Islam are some of the most popular monotheistic religions.

The widespread recognition of monotheistic religions often drowns out other faiths.

Lesser-known theologies, like Hinduism, Shintoism and various sects of Paganism are polytheistic religions. These are faiths that honor a pantheon or multiple gods.

Although polytheism is more ancient than Christianity, these religions have been pushed to the margins and frowned upon

by Western society and people who believe in monotheism.

Often, polytheistic religions are more complex, with many deities, gods or spirits that each represent an aspect of the world, like Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction, or Kuraokami, the Shinto dragon god.

This religious structure creates a more accepting belief system, both within the faith and between others. Multiple deities portray many facets of a God-like figure as each polytheistic deity is unique. Polytheism proposes the idea that no one god is better than others. It also diminishes the idea of putting all faith into an autocratic figure, as monotheistic religions do.

Polytheism holds ancient beliefs that predate Christianity and contain doctrines with a significant global following.

Historians and scholars believe Hinduism was founded roughly 4,000 years ago.

Today, Hinduism has an estimated following of one billion people with a little over three million people in North America, specifically.

In the United States, freedom of religion is celebrated, but that freedom tends to be reserved for believers of the Christian version of God. Even though our country was established on the idea of religious freedom,

it was meant for those who practiced different sects under the Christian faith. This is no surprise because of the predominantly Christian demographic the country has experienced since its founding.

Although Christianity is many people’s religion of choice, its priority over other faiths can be exclusionary. This becomes a problem when Christians look down on those who do not align with their religious views and when polytheistic religions are labeled as peculiar or end up left behind.

As a variety of Christian denominations gained religious freedom, people practicing other faiths were excluded and continue to be today.

Founded as a Christian nation with ties to a strict, conservative belief system, communities reacted in fear or anger to someone deemed religiously different. As a result, the U.S.’s history is dark and grim.

In the 17th century, people who neglected to behave how the church wanted them to by not attending church regularly or not aligning themselves with the Christian faith were persecuted and often accused of witchcraft.

In the U.S., women were persecuted when they had no religious ties, were unmarried or new to a community. In Europe, pagan women who challenged male authority were suspected of practicing witchcraft and then burned at the stake.

It has been a long time since the witch trials occurred, but the scar of those events in Western society is still present within some polytheists who are scared of what people of other faiths might do if they make their religious identities known.

However, polytheistic religions, like Paganism or Heathenism, are seeing a resurgence. The religious upturn has brought many people, especially younger ages, to faith systems that are seldom discussed in the West.

Despite a reemergence of old beliefs, those practicing alternative faiths from Christianity are still dismissed.

A deep-rooted ignorance when it comes to understanding belief systems

different from Christianity has made it difficult for polytheists to practice freely.

Many Westerners are uneducated about the kinds of polytheism and put them all under the same pagan label, ignoring the cultural significance of many belief systems included under the umbrella term: polytheism.

For some polytheists, this lack of knowledge influences them to keep their faith quiet and hide this part of themselves.

For some people, this prevents them from disclosing their religious beliefs.

Religion is an important aspect to many, and those who identify as polytheistic often don’t feel safe to freely express their spirituality to others. Anxiety that manifests from a lack of acceptance seems to be a shared experience, especially among pagan women.

This lack of awareness and disapproval should not continue, especially now that there is a resurgence of old faiths. Judging lesser-known religions will only continue to drive a wedge between people.

A condemning viewpoint is extremely harmful to not only polytheists but anyone who isn’t included in a well-known religion.

While Christianity has been, and still is, the dominant faith in the U.S., every year the amount of people practicing Christianity significantly drops.

Younger people are turning away from monotheistic religions, changing the country’s religious makeup.

This change in religious climate scares people: The norm is beginning to shift which may feel threatening to those who have a more close-minded outlook on religion.

Even if this fluctuation is unsettling or the idea of the unknown makes people uneasy, it is no excuse to look down upon a group of people for their belief systems.

Whether people choose to believe in multiple gods or one higher power, the commonality of being a spiritual person can unite people instead of divide them. Doing so will allow polytheistic religions the chance to be recognized.

ILLUSTRATION BY CALLEIGH JUDAY

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newspaper organizations “IT HAS BECOME DISTURBINGLY ROUTINE FOR STUDENT JOURNALISTS AND THEIR ADVISERS TO EXPERIENCE OVERT HOSTILITY THAT THREATENS THEIR ABILITY TO INFORM THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, IMPERILS THEIR CAREERS OR THE SURVIVAL OF THEIR PUBLICATIONS.” AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS

The history of ‘taboo’ in student journalism

1979 The New York Times published an article about increasing scrutiny for school publications writing on controversial topics.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES

1988 Hazelwood School District v.

Kuhlemeier occurred after a student journalism organization at a Missouri high school published articles on controversial topics like teen pregnancy, abortion and divorce. The principal removed these stories due to their topics. The students sued the school district and won.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FREE SPEECH CENTER

2009 An Ohio school principal ordered the student newspaper not to publish an obituary on a student who died by suicide out of fear that it would result in copycats. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio said the decision “placed a huge barrier to students’ ability to openly discuss many topics.”

2019

Bear Creek High School newspaper in Stockton, California wrote an article about an 18-year-old student who worked in the porn industry.

Administrators demanded to read the article prior to its publication and threatened to fire the journalism adviser if it was printed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIFFORD OTO, THE RECORD/AP

2022 A high school student newspaper in Grand Island, Nebraska was shut down by administrators after publishing an issue dedicated to LGBTQ+ topics. The board deemed the content inappropriate.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCKENNA LAMOREE, THE INDEPENDENT/AP

DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023

Visit JackCentral.org to view all of our multimedia pieces including photographer spotlights, campus clubs and how we distribute the print editions of The Lumberjack.

2023 Pickin’ in the Pines Festival: Held from Sept. 15-17 at the Pepsi Amphitheater, the festival featured numerous bluegrass artists, including Molly Tuttle, Sam Bush Band and Railroad Earth.

Created by Copy Editor Brisa Karow.

A killer clown show: NAU Fashion Club presents “Curiosity Killed the Clown” at The Hive featuring costumed NAU students all centered around the clown theme.

Created by Director of Multimedia Jonah Graham.

NAU Homecoming: NAU celebrated Homecoming with a weeklong event for students, faculty and alumni. Events included a homecoming parade, bonfire, a carnival with rides and others.

Created by Director of Multimedia Jonah Graham.

NAU’s Elevation A Cappella: We join NAU’s mixed a cappella group, Elevation, to find out what inspires students to sing and what is special about a cappella as an art form.

Created by Director of Multimedia Jonah Graham.

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DECEMBER 8 -16, 2023