sentinel of black and marginalized voices at N.C. State since 1992.
THIS ISSUE
4 SO, WHAT'S NEXT?
We are disappointed. Nevertheless, we persist.
6 TINASHE AT THE RITZ
TNM sees Tinashe and Raveena perform in Raleigh
8 CHROMAKOPIA REVIEW
A review of Tyler, the Creator's newest studio album
10 CHRISTMAS AND CONSUMERISM
Unwrap the gift of consumption this holiday season
Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of The Nubian Message:
Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan, Dr. John Henrik Clark, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, The Black Panther Party, Mumia A. Jamal, Geronimo Pratt, Tony Williamson, Dr. Lawrence Clark, Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon, Dr. Wandra P. Hill, Mr. Kyran Anderson, Dr. Lathan Turner, Dr. M. Iyailu Moses, Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are still on the journey to true consciousness.
314 Witherspoon Student Center, NCSU Campus Box 7318, Raleigh, NC 27695 office 919-515-1468 advertising 919-515-2411 online thenubianmessage.com
Letter from The Editor
SURPRISE! Y’all are stuck with me today!
Excuse my French, but… DAFUQ? This was only my second presidential election voting, and it was by far the worst. But we can’t afford to let fear paralyze us.
This issue, we asked ourselves, “What’s next?” While we don’t have all the answers, it's a start.
We all deserve a break this week, so there are only two election-related pieces. On pages four and five, our Editorial Board cooked up our first editorial of the year.
If you tryna match our freak, flip to read about Tinashe’s performance in Raleigh. Then, finish your reading experience with plenty of social commentary on affirmative action and ragebait.
In the words of the wisest person I’ve ever met: “they/them, 'cause they could never be me.”
Editor-In-Chief
Alianna Kendall-Brooks nubian-editor@ncsu.edu
Managing Editor
Isaac Davis
nubian-managingeditor@ncsu.edu
Photo Editor
Kaela Belingon
Multimedia Editor
Abby Harris
Social Media Manager
Senait Richmond Layout Designers
Tierney
Porter Copy Editors Rebecca Hernández Arria Jones
Shaere Delgiudice
Staff Writers
Nadia Hargett
Ross Emelle
Emma Hamrick
Emilia Rivadeneira
-Isaac Davis
cover photo BY Oscar Codes-Bodien/Staff Photographer
An umbrella with the stars and stripes rests in a trash can near the Free Expression Tunnel on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Tinashe concert Gallery By Olivia Henson/Correspondent
Alianna Kendall-Brooks, Isaac Davis, Shaere Delgiudice, Ross Emelle and emilia Rivadeneira/Editorial Board
incarcerated during Natural disasters Ballot Boxes ablaze
Blake Anderson Correspondent
The 2024 presidential election has entered its final stage with Election Day this Tuesday, Nov. 5. Tensions are high as candidates face off in tight races across several battleground states.
All eyes are on these key states: Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona. Voters are watching polls closely, understanding that the outcomes in these areas may ultimately shape the direction of the country.
This election cycle hasn't lacked the use of strong-worded advertisements and intense debates seeking to rally their supporters and shift undecided voters in their direction.
The rise of social media and digital platforms has amplified campaigns, with messages spreading more quickly than ever.
While these efforts are largely aimed at engaging voters, they also deepen the divisions between parties and contribute to an already tense political environment.
On top of this political climate various forms of election tampering, such as voter intimidation, disinformation campaigns and even ballot tampering, have emerged again. Ballot tampering has made headlines, troubling reports surfacing from Oregon and Washington. In a particularly concerning incident, an unknown suspect planted incendiary devices in ballot drop boxes, resulting in damage to hundreds of ballots.
This incident has raised concerns among election officials and the general public. The suspect’s motives remain unclear, as initial clues indicate possible political motivations or attempts to obscure identity. One of the devices had messages “Free Gaza” written on it. However, investigators continue regarding about the meaning of these markings.
It remains uncertain whether the suspect supports these causes or if the messages were an intentional distraction to mislead authorities and the public from the true intentions of the crime.
Election officials in Oregon and Washington are swift in their response to the ballot tampering, working tirelessly to minimize the impact of the damaged ballots. All affected voters are being notified and officials are issuing replacement ballots to ensure that those whose ballots were compromised still have the opportunity to vote.
The incident of ballot tampering has
sparked election security discussions, raising questions about the measures in place to prevent such incidents in other parts of the country. It also highlights the need for robust security for voting infrastructure, especially as election cycles grow increasingly contentious.
While ballot drop boxes have long been a convenient and secure option for voters, recent events have leds to calls for additional safeguards, such as surveillance cameras, reinforced boxes or increased monitoring by law enforcement.
Voters are encouraged to check the status of their ballots via online tracking tools provided by the state. This ensures that individuals can verify that their votes have been received and counted accurately, and if any issues arise, they can promptly request a replacement ballot.
The process of ballot tracking has become an increasingly valuable tool for voters and election officials alike, allowing real-time monitoring of ballots as they are received and processed. In states such as Oregon and Washington, the ballot tracking system helps build transparency and trust in the voting process. As of now, the hope is that such tools and procedures can prevent significant disruptions and reassure the public amid heightened election anxieties.
The potential implications of such incidents are not lost on officials and voters in states where the race between Harris and Trump is close. Some wonder if similar efforts to disrupt voting could occur in other parts of the country, skewing results in key areas. These concerns emphasize the importance of transparent communication from election authorities, who must keep the public informed of security breaches or tampering incidents as well as clarify the steps taken to address them.
This election cycle has seen an extraordinary level of voter engagement and turnout, as individuals on all sides of the political spectrum seek to make their voices heard. Despite the challenges posed by attempts to interfere, the resilience of election staff, the implementation of security measures and the commitment of voters have collectively worked to uphold democracy.
Voters are increasingly vigilant, as demonstrated by their attention to tracking ballots and their willingness to reissue ballots when necessary. This vigilance reflects a deep-seated belief in the importance of each vote.
Nevaeh sturdivant Correspondent
What happens to incarcerated individuals when natural disasters hit?
They are left behind. Year after year, as natural disasters hit the US and evacuation orders are issued, prisoners are left behind to fend for themselves.
Authorities forced prisoners at Orleans Parish Prison (OPP) to stay in their cells during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They were ordered not to move or escape under the threat of being shot. Prisoners went days without food, water or ventilation, with water levels rising up to their chests.
People in multiple prisons across Texas during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 were left in their cells without food or water, with water tainted with urine and feces up to their knees. Louisiana State Penitentiary, prisoners were abused with pepper spray and were neglected of medication when Hurricane Ida hit in 2021.
With our most recent hurricanes, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, nothing changed.
An attempt was made to evacuate prisoners in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, but some delays led to prisoners in Mountain View Correctional Institution in Spruce Pine being left in their cells for almost a week without lights, water, food, or functioning bathrooms. Loved ones of prisoners at Mountain View were unable to get in contact with them during the storm. When loved ones of prisoners tried, they were met with a voicemail system that instructed callers only to leave messages for emergencies and not questions the missing prisoners.
The prisoners endured neglectful care including rationed food that left them with four crackers a cup of juice for breakfast and two slices of bread with peanut butter for lunch and dinner. Prisoners were forced to defecate in plastic bags once the toilets in cells were filled, storing the bags within their cells. Sammy Harmon Jr, a prisoner a Mountain View, began to develop sores on his legs from the lack of sanitation.
After the storm, The Intercept, a nonprofit news organization, interviewed prisioners where they recounted several events where the guards verbally assaulted and abused prisoners with pepper spray. Even recalling prison guards beating an older prisoner for collecting too many bags
of feces during the storm.
Keith Acree, the head of communications at the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (NCDAC), acknowledged that the prisoners resorted to these tactics to live. He said, “When it became apparent that power and water outages would be long-term, we made the [decision] to relocate offenders.” The choice to relocate them came after the storm had already afflicted the prisoners with a lack of lights and running water.
Prisoners in Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution, who were evacuated one day before Mountain View, faced some of the same conditions. Avery-Mitchell, according to Keith Acree, was evacuated first –due to the style of rooming–however, the families of imprisoned individuals were confused as Mountain View and AveryMitchell prison are very close together and neither should have had priority over the other when it came to evacuation.
In Florida during Hurricane Milton, over 28,000 prisoners in mandatory evacuation zones and were not evacuated. Those who were moved to safer facilities were still reported to have gone without power, medicine, or access to staff.
Even before being neglected, many prisoners in Florida were forced to clean up the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, “We’re utilizing our resources.” explaining the use of the prisoners is to save the state money as it would cost more to hire private contractors. This shows how little even state officials view the lives of those incarcerated. Viewing them as a “resource” rather than people they should be paying for their labor.
Society has always and is currently treats prisoners, in the past and currently, treating prisioners as if they are discardable. They are constantly viewed as a lower rank in society causing society to forget them in prisons when natural disasters like hurricanes occur. Incarcerated people should be given the same opportunities as others to live without having to worry about their safety. Prisons and prison staff should be wellequipped and trained to relocate prisoners if a natural disaster were to occur and should follow mandatory protocol to make sure all prisoners are cared for. No one deserves to be left behind.
SO... WHAT NEXT?
the Editorial board
“The truth is rarely palatable to those who benefit from the delusion” said Cole Arthur Riley.
On the morning after the election, many Americans woke up feeling betrayed by their country. As liberals across the country are busy pointing fingers and placing blame, the heart-wrenching truth remains: millions of ballots were cast to elect an authoritarian populist leader who promises to “Make America Great Again” once and for all.
The Editorial Board believes the decision to elect former President Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States is disappointing for the future of this country.
During election season there was continuous coverage about each presidential candidate and their stances on issues regarding the economy, abortion, immigration and more. It was more than obvious that Donald Trump could only ever render “concepts of a plan,” amidst his inflammatory and bigoted rhetoric.
The decision wasn’t just about getting a specific party candidate in office, it was ultimately about choosing the issues that we as a country place value in. For the next four years, we’ll be faced with the gut-wrenching truth that, when given the choice, America will continue to choose the candidate that represents a threat to our democracy and civil liberties.
What was at Stake?
“We are a society that depends on public amnesia," said Angela Davis. And, she is right.
In the years following Trump’s 2016 election victory, America seemingly got its act together, at least on the surface, choosing not to give Trump a second term. However, even as he lost in 2020, the country continued to show its hatred. Rises in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, erosion of women's rights and even starker partisan divisions arose in recent years.
Regardless of this, much of the nation still supported Trump in 2020 –74,224,319 of Americans, to be specific. At the time, this was the second most votes ever cast for a presidential candidate, only behind winner Joe Biden’s 81,284,000 votes.
The evidence is out there: We’ve made a racist felon the first Republican to win the popular vote since 2004, with some of the only reasons being a vague “he’ll fix the economy.”
As student journalists at the helm of a historically Black and marginalized student newspaper, we were acutely aware the outcome of this election poses a perilous path for our futures.
We are growing up amidst an onslaught of racist and discriminatory rhetoric about Black people, Brown people, immigrants and more. Many of us remember when Donald Trump was elected in 2016 and the political and social unrest that hastened afterwards.
Now, we shield ourselves as Republican legislatures strip away every safe rail against the continued marginalization of students of color, including Affirmative Action and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
The Election Night
For many students of color, our futures felt at stake ahead of election night. Despite all this, upon entering the newsroom on Tuesday night, there was hope along with the uncertainty and anxiety. We geared up for what we all knew would be a long night and likely, a long week in America. But soon, a feeling of uneasiness stirred as we monitored those first electoral college maps. Republican victories in Congress inched closer and closer to the majority, and Harris’ slow progress in the electoral college
began to dishearten even the most hopeful in The Nubian’s office.
In a show of hope, we kept a tally on which staff members thought North Carolina would flip to a blue state. As the night progressed, more of us pessimistically wrote our names in chalk under “No,” and by 11:30 p.m. the Associated Press (AP) called the North Carolina race for Trump. The ‘Nos’ had won.
Around midnight, Republicans officially secured control of the Senate and not long after, Georgia, a state that President Joe Biden had flipped in the 2020 election was called for Trump. By this point, we realized that Harris’ best bet for victory was the long shot of winning the last three “Blue Wall,” states consisting of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
As 2:00 a.m. came and went, many exhausted staff members went home for the night to preserve what little peace they took with them. AP called the Pennsylvania race 24 minutes later, bringing Trump to 267 electoral college votes and effectively cementing his victory. No Democrat has won the White House without also winning Pennsylvania since 1948, meaning the last spark of hope was extinguished.
In the morning, what came as news to many was already known to us – America is stuck in the past with no way to move
forward. Donald Trump will be the 47th president of the United States.
No More Blame Game
Many dissatisfied voters, including students at NC State, took to social media to vent their frustrations, place blame and even spread hate. Though Trump supporters are an overwhelming and potent source of online hate, the infighting between Democratic voters is spilling over into dangerous territory.
The Nubian Message does not condone any form of hate speech or violence, especially against Arab, Black or Latine Americans who are often used as a scapegoat for the failure of the electoral system.
The Democratic party’s hardline stance on Gaza destroyed their chances of winning over many voters. Harris should have been listening to Arab Americans to begin with rather than living in Biden’s shadow.
For those placing blame on third-party candidates, the reality is that neither Jill Stein, nor Robert F. Kennedy Jr is to blame. The math simply doesn’t add up, and if it did, the larger point of concern should be that so many Americans feel unrepresented by the current political system.
The 2024 presidential election had at least five million fewer voters compared to 2020, which, per FiveThirtyEight, was evidence of a turnout issue for Democrats.
The Democratic party ultimately failed to meet voters where they are and rather than placing blame, America should be facing its own reflection.
Finally, regardless of how voters feel about Kamala Harris, she is a Black and South Asian woman and she does not deserve your anti-Black, anti-immigrant and misogynistic rhetoric.
The 2024 presidential election is yet another reminder of America being politically apathetic at best and bigoted at worst.
Yet, there is always a glimmer of hope. As students, we have the potential to truly change the world. A CNN Exit poll revealed that Trump secured almost 60 percent of first time North Carolina voters.
We have more power than we think. For now, we lift where we stand. Looking ahead, we must turn to our communities for support and ensure that the 2028 election offers a future that uplifts us all.
NEVaeH STURDIVANT/Visual Correspondent Kaela Belingon, a fourth-year studying English and photo editor of The Nubian Message, reads election coverage in The Nubian Message office on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
Words from the staff
I am the woman / with brown skin and dark hair / whose nose, eyes, lips and thighs / from over the ocean were / carried by my mother / to be born on free soil; / I stand with my father’s bolo / as thorns entangle my feet, / grown from the soil once-free.
- Kaela belingon, Photo editor
I don’t have the answers for what’ll happen in the next year. All I’ll say is this: today, more than most days, show love for those in your community.
- Ross Emelle, Staff Writer
America, you've let me down not just once, but again today.
To my Black brothers: uplift Black women with kindness and support. We need this more than ever. And to every Black woman who’s been overqualified, underrepresented or overlooked I see you. This is the beginning of a powerful journey.
- Olivia Henson, Layout correspondent
I'm saddened these results may indicate that much of the country still disregards the inclusion, safety and dignity of all. To that, I will say that this is an inescapable issue that must not be left unnoticed. Though the fight against it may be prolonged, it is very far from over.
- Arria Jones, Copy Editor
This election cycle exposes just how much hatred there is for Black women in this country. However, we cannot allow this to discourage us from remaining politically active. Pessimism and apathy will only further delay the change that we so badly need.
- Gire Nyara, Writing Correspondent
With the results of the election, I thought we could really turn the page to a better future but America showed it isn't ready to change. It wants to play pretend with the same name.
- Kristopher porter, layout designer
What was supposed to be a monumental, historic election has become a monumental, historic election in the worst way possible. Somehow, we have entered a time machine back to 2016, only this time we know what the future holds. Congratulations to those who put the economy and their money over the needs of the people.
- Rebecca HernÁndez, Lead Copy editor
As heartbroken as I am, deep down, I had a bad feeling about the outcome of this election. My family fled their home countries seeking the “American Dream.” This dream is becoming a nightmare. And for what it’s worth, my home is not a “floating island of garbage.”
- melanie Sierra, Writing Correspondent
Words are not enough to express the disappointment and fear that I feel as a Black woman in this country. I don’t know what may happen in the next four years, but we must continue to support each other, build community and push for change.
- Aiyanna Moore, Writing Correspondent
As a Mexican-American male I would like to say how disappointed I am. Disappointed with the Hispanic males who lack empathy for the struggles of women and minorities. I hope not voting for a woman due to your machismo and racist views was worth the lives and rights of many.
- Jerry Nava, Editing Correspondent
To say I’m disappointed and shocked is an UNDERSTATEMENT. AMERICANS REALLY WANTED A CONVICTED FELON TO BE PRESIDENT?! This shows there is a lot of undercover hatred in the country. There are way too many people who will allow for RIGHTS to be potentially taken away, and THAT'S ALARMING.
- Lauryn Henderson, Layout Designer
Disappointed doesn’t begin to cover my feelings towards the outcome of the presidential race. However, looking locally, I find solace in the election of Josh Stein as our governor. While fearful of what the next four years will bring, I am glad our state’s highest office remains in good hands.
- Shaere delgiudice, News Editor
Mark Robinson, thankfully, lost the race for NC Governor. Yet his orange counterpart and endorser somehow won the race in our state. We didn’t vote for the Black nazi, but somehow a white one is fine? Better yet, don’t vote for ANY nazis!
- Emma Hamrick, Staff Writer
As a Black woman navigating through spaces where many don’t look like me, I always have to think about including others in my worldview. I am tired of that, why can’t it be the majority that has to think about how others are affected? A little empathy could’ve gone a long way.
- Abby Harris, Multimedia Editor
In this moment I turn to poetry, because our ancestors are reminding us that this is not the first time, nor will it be the last. Sonia Sanchez wrote, “And I cried…for all the women who stretched their bodies for civilizations, only to find ruins.”
- Alianna Kendall-Brooks, Editor-in-chief
Tinashe + Raveena in
performed at the Ritz on Oct. 31, 2024.
Kaela Belingon/Photo Editor
Matched Tinashe’s Freak
abby Harris Multimedia Editor
On Thursday, Oct. 31, Tinashe made a stop at The Ritz, a music venue in Raleigh, for her Match My Freak World Tour. With the crowd decked out in their Halloween costumes, Tinashe put on a lively performance to give the crowd an epic Halloween night.
The soulful and genre-bending singer Raveena opened for Tinashe at 7 p.m. A fog machine filled the room with smoke, the stage lighting had a hazy glow that rippled across the weeping willow tree set up on the right of the stage.
Dawning bunny ears, Raveena began her performance with her song “If Only.” Her instrumentalist was also in costume, dressed as Shego. Her soft and soulful vocals, combined with the weeping willow tree, created a wistful atmosphere for the audience to sway to the music.
Raveena maintained a strong performance throughout her set, engaging the crowd with her strong stage presence. Even people who unfamiliar with her songs could still enjoy her performance with her lively vocals and gentle tone.
Raveena showed her musical talents not only through her voice but through her skills on the guitar and piano. She performed a rendition of “Kehna Hi Kya” from the movie “Bombay” and incorporated a spin on Indian fusion dance style with strong melodic hand movements and floorwork. She sang the song in Hindi, introducing a major non-Indian crowd to a non-Western style of singing, one with beautiful harmonies and high notes.
Then, Raveena took the time to talk to the audience about her gratitude for performing with Tinashe. “I want to thank Tinashe for having me on this tour. One of the reasons I love this pairing is because we both have some similar 90s RNB influences,” she proclaimed, “one of them being Aaliyah, so I wanted to pay homage to Aaliyah tonight with ‘At Your Best.” Her soulful interpretation of Aaliyah’s song led the crowd into an eruption of cheers.
For Raveena’s final song “Rise,” she dedicated it to the oppressed people in Palestine and asked the audience to listen to the importance of the lyrics as she played the piano during the performance. The crowd raised their phone lights as she passionately sang the lyrics: “Rise up every morning.”
Once Raveena’s set was over, she thanked
the crowd and exited the stage with loud applause. There was a slight intermission to remove Raveena’s set and set the stage with Tinashe’s visuals, which included several security camera trees and a large LCD screen.
Once again, the fog machine started up and the LCD screen flashed with Tinashe’s intro video set to “Nasty-Match my Peak Remix.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the screen flashed with pictures of Tinashe and the words “Match My Freak World Tour.”
Tinashe burst onto the stage and opened her performance with “Getting No Sleep.” She adorned an all-red outfit with a devil-horned balaclava, and she was accompanied by male backup dancers in all white. Her energy filled the room as the crowd screamed along to the lyrics. Essential to a Tinashe concert, there were plenty of dance breaks where she would dance alongside her backup dancers. Tinashe transitioned into her song “When I Get You Alone” while the screen flashed seductive silhouettes matching her dance moves. She showed more of her enticing moves during her songs “Needs” and “Link Up.”
When she played her song “Bouncin’,” Tinashe encouraged everyone to let loose and jump: “This ‘Halloweekend’ energy is lit; thank you guys so much for coming out!” she screamed over the crowd’s enthusiasm, “Let's keep this energy going! When I count to three, I wanna see everybody in this room bouncin’, I wanna see y’all losing your minds!”
In true Tinashe fashion, she seamlessly transitioned from a high-energy club song to a slower, soulful mood with her song “Bouncin’, Pt. 2.” One of her backup dancers came out with a camera that cast to the large screen. The dancer captured Tinashe’s singing and her seductive dancing with another backup dancer. She ended the song by kissing the camera then exited the stage for a quick break.
When Tinashe returned, she performed “Thirsty” in front of visuals of water on the big screen. When the whole stage was illuminated with red light, the crowd screamed in anticipation for her song “Red Flags.”
During the brief intermission, Tinashe quickly changed into a black baseball cap with devil horns. She played her song “Zoom” to keep the crowd engaged during the break and accompanied it with visuals of her swaying with the song on the big
screen.
She returned to sing “The Worst In Me” while sitting on an elevated part of the stage with her backup dancers. She then got up and sang a soulful intro as the music transitioned into her song “Save Room For Us.” She beautifully sang the high notes and transitioned into her more energetic song, “Throw A Fit,” as the crowd screamed along to the lyrics.
Tinashe’s backup dancers filled a quick intermission with a dance circle to keep the energy flowing. One dancer even took their tank top off, twirling it in the air amid loud screams. Tinashe came back and followed up on the high energy with her songs “Talk To Me Nice” and “X.” The crowd showed their excitement by crossing their arms, making an “x,” while she sang her song of the same name.
Tinashe dedicated her next two songs to her older fans, singing a remixed version of “All Hands on Deck” and “2 On.” As the parental advisory logo flashed on the big screen behind her, she encouraged the crowd to sing along with her to “2 On,” which elicited loud screams in response.
“SHY GUY” and a background video of Tinashe played while she took another short break. Then, the screen displayed a live video of her singing “Cross That Line” as she walked up from backstage. Her backup dancer turned a camera to the crowd, garnering screams as people saw themselves on the big screen.
Tinashe followed up “Cross That Line” with a sultry performance of “Uh Huh,” which then transitioned to “Gravity,” where she belted out angelic vocals for the chorus. She teased her song “Superlove” within her performance of “Gravity,” singing Superlove’s chorus over Gravity’s instrumentals.
“All My Friends” played in the background, and a video of fun moments from Tinashe’s Instagram played on the screen while she made her final outfit change. She returned wearing a letterman-style jacket to perform a remix of “No Broke Boys” before leaving for the final intermission.
The song “Nasty-Match My Chic Remix” played while her dancer freestyled to the music.
For her last song, Tinashe performed her hit single “Nasty.” She incorporated plenty of high-energy dancing and twerking as the crowd screamed along to the provocative lyrics. She closed the show by sharing her gratitude to the crowd and left with an eruption of cheers.
Tinashe gave a high-energy performance from start to end, using her upbeat club
Kaela Belingon Photo Editor
A review of tyler, the creator's chromakopia
Blake anderson Correspondent
CHROMAKOPIA
is a raw, unfiltered look into the world of Tyler, the Creator. In his eighthstudio album, Tyler is inviting listeners into his psyche to see that celebrities are no exception to universal human experiences. In previous albums like Igor and Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler explored his youthful past and tumultuous love life. CHROMAKOPIA introduces a sonic shift to a more mature outlook on life and love. Now, his reflections reveal a concern for the future, a questioning of the traditional life trajectory involving marriage, children and settling down — a path Tyler openly resists.
Throughout his career, Tyler, the Creator has redefined the boundaries of contemporary music and creativity. A five-time Grammy nominee and twotime Grammy winner, Tyler received the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album of the Year in 2020 for Igor and again in 2022 for Call Me If You Get Lost (CMIYGL).
His accomplishments extend beyond the Grammys. In 2021, he took home the BET Hip Hop Award for Best Album of the Year. Tyler also earned international recognition as the recipient of the Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist in 2020. These awards are only a glimpse into his talents. Tyler’s influence as a musician, fashion icon and, director and more reflects a creative brilliance that defies categorization.
Tyler, the Creator launched into the scene in the late 2000s as the co-founder and leader of the hip-hop collective Odd Future. He began to rise to fame after his first single, “Yonkers,” from his album Goblin , blew up for his aggressive and controversial lyrics.
In 2011, the same year as Goblin’s release, he won the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist. Since then, Tyler has sonically captured his transformative journey from a Flower Boy, the namesake of his fifth album, to the man of CHROMOKOPIA.
Tyler is a modern-day Renaissance man. He creates entire worlds through his work in fashion, film, perfumery and even architecture. His artistry is distinguished by his unique vision and the meticulous attention to detail with which he executes that vision.
His fashion line, Golf Le Fleur,
exemplifies this approach. Each collection in Golf Le Fleur is curated with precision and care. From jackets and sweaters to pants, accessories, bags, jewelry, shoes and fragrances every piece showcases craftsmanship, durability and a deep reflection of Tyler’s distinct style.
Beyond fashion, Tyler brings an equally refined vision to his music videos and visual media. By elevating the auditory with visuals, he creates an emotional resonance that few contemporary rappers achieve, bridging lyrical content with evocative visuals to engage the listener’s senses on multiple levels.
Moreover, Tyler has embraced the resurgence of tangible media by offering fans physical copies of his albums on vinyl and CD, often accompanied by keepsakes that align with the album’s theme. This approach stands out in an era dominated by streaming, showing his commitment to creating a more meaningful, collectible experience for his listeners.
In 2021, Tyler released his seventh-studio album Call Me If You Get Lost, an album that offers fans a more introspective view of his life, though not as deeply personal as Igor. The songs on
Tyler’s conflicting feelings about commitment, revealing that his apparent aversion to settling down may be rooted not in a lack of desire but in unresolved emotions over past relationships.
The album focuses more on his viewpoints and reflections than on his raw emotions, revealing a different type of intimacy. In the second half of the track “Sweet/I Thought You Wanted to Dance,” Tyler reveals his coping mechanism, singing, “Stay busy so I don’t think. The downtime when it sinks in.”
Through these lyrics, he gives listeners a glimpse into his philosophy of avoiding deep introspection by keeping himself occupied. In CMIYGL, Tyler showcases his wealth and autonomy as both a creator and an individual.
In contrast, Igor is a deeply introspective exploration of unreciprocated love. In Igor, Tyler contemplates whether he can remain friends with someone for whom he has unreturned feelings, using softer, more vulnerable beats to reflect his emotional state.
Meanwhile, the assertive, bold beats of CMIYGL reflect a more hardened, detached outlook, suggesting that
The album was introduced with the music video for “St. Chroma,” the opening track on the album. In this video, a masked figure—presumably Tyler—leads a group of individuals clad in identical uniforms who march in unison, evoking imagery of soldiers. These figures are only distinguishable by their hairstyles, with the masked leader sporting a unique haircut, signaling Tyler’s attention to detail even in visual storytelling.Throughout the album, Tyler’s lyrics reflect a continued inner conflict about commitment.
On the track “Darling, I,” he raps, “I like alone time, I’m on my own time/I love this girl though, I hit the gold mine I’m thinking new crib, I’m thinking two kids/Until I get infatuated with a new b*tch.”
This verse portrays Tyler’s battle between stability and his ever-present restlessness. He acknowledges that, while he may think about settling down, he ultimately remains wary of the traditional commitments society expects. The lyrics capture Tyler’s pragmatic approach, expressing that even if he never finds lasting love, he values emotional experiences.
In Chromakopia, Tyler is unapologetically true to himself, embracing his authentic self with a boldness that few artists possess. This album is more than just music; it’s a profound exploration of identity, maturity, and the struggle for self-acceptance in the face of public scrutiny. Tyler’s lyrics and choices reflect an artist who refuses to conform to industry expectations or societal norms, instead carving out a space for himself where he can create without compromise.
Tyler, The Creator’s career represents a bold reimagining of what it means to be an artist in today’s world. His music is deeply personal yet universal, resonating with listeners who appreciate his vulnerability and honesty. Through his fashion, directing and meticulously curated music, Tyler creates more than just art—he challenges experiences that challenge, inspires and invites introspection. Tyler is not just a musician; he is an artist in every sense, with a vision that transcends any single medium. As he continues to push boundaries, Tyler, The Creator remains a true innovator, dedicated to his craft and unafraid to defy expectations in pursuit of authenticity.
When one door closes
We are in the thick of college application season and students across the country are sending off their applications with a mix of excitement and anxiety. However, this year could be slightly different for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), who may feel that anxiety more intensely than in previous years.
Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ended affirmative action in college admissions. This created a new layer of uncertainty for BIPOC students about whether their race will impact not only their chances of admission, but also their sense of belonging on campus.
Affirmative action was not just about admissions statistics; it was about the confidence of BIPOC students navigating the competitive world of higher education. Affirmative action was designed to level the playing field, and acknowledge the lasting impact of systemic barriers faced by marginalized students.
This decision has sparked heated debates, but one consequence often overlooked is the impact on students’ sense of worth and confidence, especially for those who already face doubts about whether they belong on predominantly white campuses.
What Affirmative Action Meant for Students
For decades, affirmative action served as a tool that expanded opportunities and broadened access to college for underrepresented groups. Its purpose was to counterbalance structural inequities that have historically limited access to higher education for Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and other racially marginalized communities.
By taking race into account, colleges and universities aimed to create inclusive and diverse learning environments that enriched the experiences of all students. Aside from shaping the demographics of college campuses, affirmative action also sent a clear message: diverse backgrounds and experiences are valuable in academia. Knowing that their university values their unique perspectives helps build confidence and a sense of belonging to students of color. However, with the Supreme Court’s decision, this message of inclusivity has been compromised.
For many BIPOC, the absence of affirmative action in college admissions may feel like a withdrawal of support, as if the doors that were once open for them are beginning to close. This shift can impact not only their application decisions but also their mindset as they consider whether they will be welcomed or valued on campus.
To grasp a better understanding of how students of color are feeling about this admissions cycle after the removal of affirmative action, I interviewed Sedem Agbemabiese, a high school senior at North Carolina School of Science and Math. When asked about how the Supreme Court’s decision impacted his feelings about the admissions process, Sedem stated, “As a Black male, I understand firsthand the challenges of competing with top students from a wide range of backgrounds in education. Not being able to have my racial background considered in applications feels like a loss, because diversity plays a huge role in the education received on campus.”
When asked the same question, Nah’Jea Jinks-Pennix, a Black senior from Southwest Guilford High School answered, “When I’m applying, I would like to know that there’s a possibility that I would be able to see people who are like me at that
college.”
This decision by the Supreme Court has invoked different concerns about college decisions for high school students of color. Although they differ, they are not positive and they indicate higher feelings of uncertainty.
The Impact on Campus Diversity and Community
When students of color face these kinds of barriers, it doesn’t just affect them personally, it changes the entire campus culture. A drop in BIPOC representation impacts the diversity of ideas, perspectives and experiences that make a college campus dynamic and enriching for everyone.
The absence of affirmative action also has the potential to reduce the number of faculty, staff and administrators who are of color, as campuses have become less diverse overall. This lack of representation can lead to a cycle of exclusion, where BIPOC find fewer mentors, fewer role models and fewer people who can relate to their experiences. College is a time of personal and academic growth and mentorship plays a significant role in shaping students’ success and selfconfidence. If BIPOC see fewer people like them in positions of influence, they may
feel further isolated, doubting whether they have a place in the academic and professional worlds.
For BIPOC who do enroll, a smaller community can intensify feelings of isolation, reinforcing the idea that they’re not part of the typical college experience. These subtle cues contribute to what I would call the unspoken message: BIPOC are not fully welcome.
This kind of campus culture makes it harder for BIPOC to feel like they belong, which can affect their academic performance, mental health and overall well-being.
Why This Matters
Representation on campus is something we should all care about. Diversity isn’t just a luxury feature of a college campus it’s a must-have component of higher education. A diverse campus community pushes students to consider perspectives they might not have encountered otherwise. Diversity encourages open-mindedness and empathy while discouraging echo chambers.
The effects of reduced diversity don’t just stay on campus, it will impact the workforce. Fewer BIPOC graduates from elite institutions means less diversity in leadership positions across various fields. It limits the voices and perspectives present in law, tech, medicine and the many other professions that shape our society. In the long term, this loss impacts social mobility, economic opportunity and the representation of marginalized communities.
Arguments in favor of the Supreme Court’s decision claim that affirmative action is a hand-out. To be clear, affirmative action makes sure that underprivileged applicants who are competent are considered with the added knowledge of the impact parts of their intersectional identities have had.
Affirmative action is not unfair to nonminority students and affirmative action does not take spots from others. It aims to ensure that universities reflect the diversity of society, in which they exist.
Gire Nyara Correspondent
Image from creative commons
Two woman holding a sign saying "Asian American for Affirmative Action" during a protest.
Ragebait is Worthless
Stop me if you've also done this before: you're scrolling through social media when you freeze. Something abominable has caught your eye, and now you're stuck looking at an abysmal take you just need to comment on.
Now, I'm not saying that the people making this content never believe what they're selling; wrong opinions do exist (that was a joke; please don't fact-check this). However, sometimes, this is content designed with your anger in mind. This type of content is called ragebait; it's content designed to make you angry. I'm sure many remember clickbait: Youtube thumbnails, featuring slack-jawed people with wide eyes. Ragebait is similar (hence the "bait" suffix), only instead of using suspense to draw you in, it uses your anger. Sometimes, ragebait can be pretty silly. For example, many horrendous recipe videos peppering social media are just ragebait (luckily) and aren't relevant. These videos are annoying but mostly harmless outside of destroying your stomach. But ragebait can be and is a serious problem. False news stories spread like
wildfire on social media and ragebait can be yet another medium to spread these stories. While I can't prove they're necessarily ragebait, they do similarly use shocking content to create anger and, in this case, vitriol.
For example, several prominent Republicans have spread a false story claiming schools have created litter boxes for students identifying as cats. No evidence supports these claims. However, by spreading these stories, the GOP seeks to silence opposing voices by deeming them unreasonable.
Once the opposition seems unreasonable, every decision comes into doubt. This is why it's a political strategy; once your audience is angry, your side seems far more reasonable, even if it's patently false. Even outside of the dangers it poses politically and socially, ragebait doesn't have any benefits. It's pure manipulation, riling readers up to get their vote, click or engagement.
Rolling Stone spoke with an influencer who makes ragebait content precisely because it goes viral. The creator, Winta Zesu, said they realized that controversial
content makes videos more successful. This content is insincere, designed solely to grab your attention and use it against you to make a profit.
Ragebait isn't just bad because it's… well, bait. As also made clear in the name, the primary goal of ragebait is to keep you in a constant cycle of anger. While anger isn't always wrong, excess anger can have many negative effects.
The Victorian State Government's Better Health website claims that uncontrolled anger can lead to high blood pressure, insomnia, strokes and even heart attacks. It can also affect your mental health, leading to heightened anxiety and depression.
As you can probably tell, I'm not too fond of ragebait, and I'm always looking for ways to avoid it. There's no clear consensus on how to identify ragebait; after all, few want to confess their work is just supposed to make you mad.
However, here are some ways I try to avoid ragebait. First, if it's something from a source I've seen similar frustrating content from, I look them up to see if anyone's called their content ragebait. While users may be wrong, it may raise red flags I
wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
Next, I focus on the topic and how consistently I've seen irritating content surrounding it. When I've seen something similarly frustrating before, I consider the possibility that it could be ragebait.
Finally, even if it's not clearly ragebait, I often disengage anyway. Sometimes, rageinducing content isn't fake. Sometimes, people do say or do messed up things. When interacting with this content, I often realize that my input just isn’t necessary.
In my experience, the issues pushed in this content often don't impact me enough to feel the need to engage. Sometimes, even if it's true, I'll often realize that I can't do anything about it and disengage. While persuasion on the internet isn't impossible, people are often stubborn. Often, these conversations become slap fights where neither side changes their mind, so why would I do something that angers me for no reason?
There's a time and place for righteous anger; it's best to save it for when necessary and not on biting someone's carefully cast bait.
Unwrapping consumerism
The holidays are rapidly approaching – holiday movies, hot chocolate and more. Stores will begin displaying festive decorations and playing holiday jingles to indicate that the holiday season is finally here. But it also means that people of all ages will be awaiting a gift that can cost much more than money.
November through January is typically considered the holiday season in the United States. This is when schools have their breaks, and jobs may give days off. For those in college, the fall semester comes to an end, and the transition to the spring semester begins. People take this free time to reunite with their loved ones from near and far to celebrate.
But the festivities of the holidays, especially Christmas, lead to large increases in spending across the country. Around 85 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas, making it one of the biggest holidays in the U.S. In preparation for the gift giving season, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become national shopping holidays,
taking place just twenty four hours after Thanksgiving
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are big days for retailers – stores will offer holiday deals to customers in an attempt to make a profit. Black Friday began as a sale for inperson stores, while Cyber Monday offered similar deals for online retailers.
However, Black Friday deals have now also made their way online. By using this day to promote consumerism, businesses are obtaining 20 percent of their annual sales during the holiday season alone.
The significant shift towards overconsumption during the holidays has a larger implication than money; it also impacts the environment. Landfill waste increases by 25 percent during the holidays. Landfills provide the third highest rate for methane emissions, making up 14 percent of all emissions – increasing the temperature and decreasing the air quality on the planet, contributing to climate change. But methane is not the only greenhouse gas fueled by the holidays. Carbon dioxide is another major type of greenhouse gas emitted by vehicles.
Online retailers offer shipping at a standard rate or offer expedited shipping, usually for an extra cost. Delivery services such as Amazon, FedEx and UPS deliver to homes in trucks and vans. During the holidays, there are more required trips to keep up with the high demand for delivery. Not being able to consolidate gifts because of the expedited shipping process or purchases from multiple locations leads to even more carbon emissions and boxes.
On one hand, holiday shopping is a tradition that can bring people together and a personal way to show others that you care about or are thinking of them. Gift giving is fun! It can be a special moment for both the giver and receiver.
On the other hand, an excessive amount of shopping is harmful to the environment. Unwanted or unfit items may be returned, but stores throw away approximately 80 percent of returned items to save on the cost of reprocessing an item.
There are many sustainable ways to celebrate the holidays. Instead of buying multiple items, buy one. Consider playing gift giving games such as Secret Santa
or White Elephant. These games require minimal spending while still allowing participants to have fun.
Swap out physical holiday and gift cards for digital ones. Retailers now offer shoppers the choice of buying gift cards that can be sent directly to someone via email. You can also make a card using an online platform like Canva. Homemade cards are also another fun alternative to store-bought cards.
Avoid trends. Fight the urge to shop from a particular store because of the price. Online shops such as TikTok Shop and Shein offer trendy, low-quality items at low prices. Consider shopping for quality over quantity.
Lastly, regift things that are no longer wanted. If you own something better suited for someone else, give it away instead of throwing it away instead of buying new gift wraps, recycle and reuse old ones to give away gifts.
This holiday season, make an effort to celebrate in a way that will bring you joy while also helping to preserve the planet. Happy Holidays!
Ross emelle Staff Writer
Aiyanna Moore Correspondent
elon musks' web of controversies
adriana Hernández Correspondent
When it comes to discussing one’s celebrity status, there often comes a questions surrounding the state of their relevance. Are they deserving of the attention they have? What’s their backstory and is it relatable? How do they interact with everyday people?
While I do not wish to participate in determining the merit of one's rise to fame, there is much to say about how those in the public eye utilize the platforms their fame has granted them.
A person I wish to bring to the forefront of this discussion is none other than Elon Musk.
Having helped found, fund and take ownership of major companies including PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla and the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Musk has been in the public eye for just shy of three decades.
Deemed the real-life Tony Stark, Musk who was well respected in the tech community, solidified his status as a household name in 2008 after the release of Tesla cars. It was one of the first all-electric vehicles able to perform on the same level as gasoline-powered cars in terms of speed, acceleration and overall luxury.
Since then, Musk’s social media image and political interference has painted a less-than-desirable image of how he runs his companies as well as his views regarding the rights of marginalized people and communities.
Over the years Musk has been no stranger to letting his opinions be known. Justifying anything he shares as his First Amendment right to freedom of speech. When criticized, he has been known to lash out using various childish and underhanded tactics. This has included making fun of appearances, perpetuating misinformation on the war in Gaza, using deep fake videos, inappropriate references and misogynistic statements.
One such instance of misogyny involved global pop star Taylor Swift following her endorsement of presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, in September of this year. Swift signs off the post with the statement “Childless Cat Lady” as a clapback to comments made by Republican
Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance. In response to the post, Musk took to X to voice his unprompted opinion stating “Fine Taylor, you win… I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life.”
In an interview with former CNN reporter Don Lemon, Musk was asked whether he believes he has a responsibility to his followers to fact-check prior to posting to his social media platform X. Musk responded that the X users and community notes would be able to correct him so there is no need to research his statements prior to uploading them to the platform.
“... public health violations in factories, perpetuating racism, sexual harassment complaints amongst female employees, removing employees who would voice opinions opposing his own and threatening workers who attempt to unionize.”
initially no parody tag, started rumors that Trump’s assassination attempt involved the secret service and allowed X’s generative AI Search tool to generate false claims that Harris would not be on the ballot in several states.
The issue with this mentality is that there is a dependency on the audience to circle back to the information rather than focusing on delivering accurate information the first time.
Ultimately Musk shows no signs of remorse or reflection on his past comments as he continues to disguise his prejudices as “edgy humor” while allowing misinformation to run rampant on X.
Company Controversies
Tesla has also had its fair share of malpractice suites under the leadership of Musk, ranging from public health violations in factories, perpetuating racism, sexual harassment complaints amongst female employees, removing employees who would voice opinions opposing his own and threatening workers who attempt to unionize.
Musk is also well known for falling short
Trump Rallies and Voter Lottery
Having officially endorsed Donald Trump via X this past July, Musk has continued to vocalize his support for the former president. Even going as far as donating $118 Million to the Trump campaign after previously claiming he would not provide monetary funding to either candidate.
On Oct. 27, Musk also made an appearance to deliver a speech at Trump's rally in Madison Square Garden.
As such an integral part of Trump’s campaign funding, Musk’s approach to mobilizing voters in swing states has resulted in legal consequences.
On Oct. 20, Musk posted a link to a petition in support of the First and Second Amendments with those participating entering for a chance to win 1 million dollars daily. While the post itself mentioned that political party and voter registration were not taken into account in
against the multi-billionaire.
On Monday, Oct. 21, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner filed suit against Musk under the pretense that the lottery violates consumer protection laws in Pennsylvania. The conditions of the lawsuit further demanded that the contest be stopped while the suit is ongoing.
In tandem with the suit filed in Philadelphia, the Justice Department issued a letter of warning to America PAC – an organization founded by Musk in support of former president Trump, notifying them of the lottery is in potential violation of federal law against incentivizing voter registration through money or prizes. While the lottery has been paused, the lawsuit is still ongoing with Musk’s bid to delay the Pennsylvania lawsuit recently being denied.
As social media users, we have a responsibility to take accountability for what we post. Celebrities like Musk should not be exempt from those expectations. Through his lack of accountability, abysmal treatment of employees, perpetuation of harmful propaganda and abuse of power he continues to prove his disregard for everyday people.
