OneWorld Magazine Spring 2014 - Sports Justice Special Edition

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ONE World Spring 2015

Letter from the Editor Dear Readers, Editor-in-Chief Maggie Hazzard Creative Director Clair Thibaudeau Executive Editor Taylor Jackson Section Editors: Kate Berman Paulina Menichiello Copy & Content Editor: Hannah Wiley Associate Editors: Madeleine Hellebush Arjun Kaverimanian Design Editors: Mary Curnette Michael DiMaria Promotions Director: Claire Prestage Event Coordinator: Jenna Norman Finance Director: Tyler Rickett Founder & Visionary: Jessie Sullivan

Sports affect our lives in more ways than just through entertainment: sports can reflect culture, create intercultural relationships, and, whether we realize it or not, break down cultural barriers and improve social justice. They create camaraderie by bringing together people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and genders in support of one team. Not only is this a phenomenon in the international community, but it also affects us nationally and locally in both St. Louis and the SLU community. This edition of OneWorld Magazine discusses sports and the controversial issues that accompany them. We hope this edition raises awareness of hidden issues in sports culture, such as sex trafficking during sporting events and the downplay of concussions.

However, we also highlight some of the positive ways that sports affect our everyday lives: sports have the power to strengthen communities during times of social injustice, whether it is racial tension in St. Louis or economic disparity in favelas of Brazil.

We express our gratitude to our sponsors from the Center for American Progress-Generation Progress and the Saint Louis University College of Arts and Sciences, the Cross Cultural Center, and the Division of Student Development.

A special thanks to the Center for Service and Community Engagement. With the creation of the Faith and Justice Collaborative, OneWorld now has the opportunity to work with other social justice organizations to further our involvement in the community. Also, a special thanks to Bryan Sokol and Bobby Wassel for continuous support and guidance. Without the collective efforts of these individuals, departments and organizations, OneWorld would not be possible.

Our goal with this edition is to bring to light social injustices and inspire individuals to take to the field and take action against inequality. By uniting as fans of social justice, we can cheer together for change within our community and world. liveOneWorld, The Editorial Team

Table of Contents

3....We All Bleed Red 5....The RAMifications 7....Beyond the Court 9....Flag on the Play 11....Foul Play 13....Sports Migration 15....Sports Trafficking 17....Head in the Game 19....Simple Serum

Maggie Hazzard International Business and International Studies Majors

We all Bleed

Red

As one approaches the St. Louis skyline, two structures in Ford, at a gas station, shouting racial slurs at Ford and telling him particular capture the interest of the observer. The Arch, as the to “return to Ferguson.” The trauma leaves Curt Ford considering gateway to the West, introduces the traveler to the city. The other, a departure from the St. Louis area as even a Cardinals player embodying the spirit of St. Louis and the hub of the sports culture cannot escape the racial tension that exists in the city. This type of of the midwestern city, is Busch Stadium, home to the Cardinals racism occurs daily in St. Louis, being further exacerbated by the and foundation of Cardinals Nation. St. Louis remains unique events in Ferguson following the death of Michael Brown. in creating one of the most memorable and energetic baseball The Cardinals represent this city, with all of its strengths environments in America. Win or lose, the St. Louis Cardinals and weaknesses, and disappointment followed as the responses still represent the city and what it means to its residents.

by Cardinals fans were less than inclusive. These moments Raking in 3 million fans in St. Louis, the Cardinals provide misrepresented Cardinals Nation, as the purpose of such a group stability during times of disparity. With everyone sporting is to break down barriers and allow those of diverse backgrounds a uniform of red and white at the games, all fans and players to come together in support of one team. With nearly 50 million appear the same. The only chants heard are fans nationally, the Cardinals represent those that show support for the Cardinals. individuals of all education levels, income Attending a game becomes an opportunity “The Cardinals team exemplifies St. levels, religions and race; moreover, the to create new companionships and build Cardinals serve as a symbol of a community Louis in its entirety, a strong city that struggles to end racial disparity. camaraderie across the stadium, all growing and developing, welcoming accompanied by beer and hot dogs with The Cardinals team exemplifies St. an ambiance created by the bright stadium younger populations in a time of Louis in its entirety, a strong city growing lights and warm summer air. Fans forget and developing, welcoming younger positive economic turn.” the realities that plague society, and raise populations in a time of positive economic their voices together to cheer on a team. turn. The Cardinals proved their strength However, as beneficial as it is to the city, in consecutive playoffs and 11 World Series there are concerning aspects of the team that raise questions on Championships, and they continue to have a strong fan base. how representative the Cardinals truly are of St. Louis. St. Louis However, while the residents of St. Louis all come together to has a population of 42 percent white, and 48 percent African support its beloved baseball team, the city seems to crumble American. Ironically, as the city’s most supported team, the when it comes to confronting the racial issues that plague the Cardinals did not have a single African American man on the community. forty-man roster in the 2014 season, not only calling attention The Cardinals recognize their role as a paradigm for the city to an issue in the MLB, but also symbolizing the underand their lack of African American players on their roster. The representation of the African American population and a lack of Cardinals strategized to add more diversity to their roster in the movement towards change in the St. Louis community.

2015 season. This year’s roster includes two African American The events in Ferguson greatly affected the St. Louis area, men, Xavier Scruggs and Jason Heyward. The Cardinals hope leaving tensions high among racial groups. Chants of “Hands Jason Heyward, a promising outfielder, will strengthen their Up, Don’t Shoot” and “Justice for Mike Brown” echo throughout offense in the 2015 season and already Heyward draws great a city already racially divided since August of last year. Making a attention from fans. Having an African American player receiving presence in national sports, the issue grew exponentially when a a following on the Cardinals team will not only better the few Rams players entered the stadium with their hands raised in Cardinals but also lead the way in a movement towards more the air, and it was further exposed when protesters voiced their equality in St. Louis. Although a start in moving towards a more stance at a Cardinals game where opposing fans lashed back with racially diverse team, there is much improvement needed in hateful comments. uniting a city left divided.

Recently, a stranger punched retired Cardinals player, Curt

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the RAMifications

Hannah Wiley Political Journalism and Italian Studies Majors As St. Louis prepares for the potential departure of its beloved NFL team, fans are forced to face the question of why the team should stay, and what it means to the culture of their city. After all, St. Louis is Cardinals Nation, with most everyone devoting their loyalty to the baseball team.

Even the hockey team, the Blues, maintains more of a fan following than the football team. So why is the NFL team important, and why should St. Louis work hard to ensure it stays?

The Rams have not only played a role in the realm of sports, but also in the realm of social justice. They made a name for themselves in NFL history as the team to draft the first openly gay player. In recent months, the Rams have both gained and lost respect after five players entered the field in the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” position that became

famous during the movement related to Ferguson protests.

While loyal Rams fans have defended the team’s political stances, some have disengaged from the team’s position in St. Louis, and even encouraged its departure. Regardless of the decision to relocate the Rams, the team’s impact on the social justice world will always remain.

The Rams have always had a history of promoting change within the football culture in America. In its early years, after relocating to Los Angeles from Cleveland, the football team signed the first two African Americans to the NFL in the post-WWII era. Throughout its time as the main Los Angeles team, the Rams demanded a presence in the NFL, setting records and becoming one of the strongest contenders in the league. When the city of St. Louis looked to establish its own NFL presence, the Rams took the

“The Rams have contributed special and progressive change to the League, and should act as a reminder to all other teams that the primary purpose of a sports team is to serve its city.”

offer to move from Los Angeles to become the city’s first football team.

While the Rams have yet to set such strong records as the team accomplished in Los Angeles, the players did bring home a Super Bowl win in 1999. As a city that prefers baseball, the Rams have had a difficult time establishing themselves as a dominant sports team in the Cardinals Nation. However, the mark that the team has left on the city of St. Louis goes beyond the importance of title wins and victories in the league.

In a game against the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 30, 2014, five St. Louis Rams players, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Kenny Britt, Jared Cook and Chris Givens, held their hands in a “Don’t Shoot” position, as a way to identify and align themselves with the movement taking place in North St. Louis before walking onto the field. Reactions from spectators varied; some were elated that the players, all of whom are black, showed support with the small, politically-driven act. Others were not so thrilled. The St. Louis Police Officers Association called for the NFL to penalize the players. Head Coach, Jeff Fisher stated that he would not punish the players for their decision to act on their First Amendment rights, and the NFL refused to discipline the players as well. While Fisher and the NFL refused to align themselves with the actions of their players, both made clear their sentiments on the matter: they would never refuse players the right to remark on a political matter, especially if that political matter affected their own community.

While the St. Louis Police Officers Association stated their disappointment for the Rams players decision to take a stance in the matter, both Cook and Britt released statements to the contrary. The players stated that their intention was not to take a side in the situation, but instead clarify that they wanted the Ferguson community to know that the players were supporting the residents closest to action, and were encouraging progress toward a healthier relationship between police officers and the black community. The players stated that this action was meant to acknowledge the racial tension in the area, even if players could not be physically present at protests or community gatherings.

But even before the team made waves with its political act in November, it was making strides last May during the NFL Draft. Chosen by the Rams in the seventh round as the 259th player, Michael Sam became the first publicly

open gay man to be drafted into an NFL team. Many have since applauded the Rams and the team’s coaches for their ability to look beyond the stigma against professional sports players who are homosexual and draft a talented player who could contribute to the team’s success. Head Coach Fisher stated that he was proud to have selected Sam in the draft, understanding what it meant for the NFL to accept individuals based purely on their talent and not reject them out of fear of discrimination.

A former Baltimore Raven and same-sex marriage activist, Brendon Ayanbadejo, stated that, “The St. Louis Rams just helped athletes everywhere feel more confident in their ability to be who they are and play the game they love.”

Although Sam did not make the 53-man roster for the team after training, the fact that the Rams were willing to draft an openly gay player outweighs the end result of him not making the team.

So what will happen to the city of St. Louis if the team is relocated back to its original hometown of Los Angeles?

Hopefully, with a new plan to build a $900 million stadium by 2020, fans of the team will never have to answer that question. Owner of the Rams, Sam Kroenke, however intent on moving his team back to California, faces strong opposition from Mayor Slay and Governor Nixon, both of whom understand the importance of the team to the culture of the city and the economic downfall that would occur with its removal. Unfortunately, although Slay and Nixon are intently working on the new edition of the Edward Jones Dome, Kroenke is also busy with his own plans to build a stadium in Los Angeles.

No matter the ultimate decision, Rams players are ensured at least one more season with the team remaining in St. Louis. In 2016, however, the team’s contract with the city is up for review, and if Kroenke gets his way, the team will return to its original post in Los Angeles and bid the city of St. Louis adieu.

The city in which the Rams locate themselves next is a lucky location. The Rams have contributed special and progressive change to the League, and should act as a reminder to all other teams that the primary purpose of a sports team is to serve its city. Fans of the team are lucky to have a fearless team, not afraid to take a political stance or contribute to social change, something that the entire League could benefit from incorporating into its culture.

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Beyond the

Court How Billiken Basketball gives back to the community.

Emily Evans Business Management Major Despite the diversity of opinions and experiences within the SLU community, SLU students find themselves agreeing upon one, specific element – Billiken Athletics. As a strong Atlantic 10 team faithful competitors year after year in the NCAA tournament, Billiken Athletics remains both a strong presence on the campus and in the country.

For example, more than 10,000 fans gather in Chaifetz Arena to support Men’s Basketball home games, rallying around the team and its potential victory.

However, there is another element of life at SLU that students can agree upon and rally behind – magis. This Latin word meaning “more,” often describes SLU’s values and Jesuit mission, and SLU students are constantly using this word to motivate themselves in all aspects OneWorld

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of life: more educational advancement, more opportunities to serve others and more growth to strengthen this powerful community.

Although SLU basketball is a strong athletic team, it is also a strong force within the community, reflecting the same values that SLU holds and encourages and bringing the SLU community together under a common cause.

“Billiken Basketball allows us to stand together behind a team of athletes and scholars providing us with the opportunity to spread the Billiken pride beyond the classroom and West Pine,” says Alex Tepoorten, former Saintsation. “Uniting us with a common goal to watch our team succeed and represent our University is something that makes our SLU community so strong.”

When speaking with current and former SLU basketball players, it is easy to see how much they value the SLU mission and the community that they foster: “We were involved in a bunch of things over my four year at SLU,” says former basketball star Dwayne Evans. “We went to local elementary schools and put on basketball clinics. We sat and talked with kids about anything they wanted to know.”

Recent graduate and former Billiken, Mike McCall Jr., says, “Billiken basketball was not all about basketball but cared for the community as well….For example, basketball camps, food drives, visiting hospitals to hang out with the unfortunate….We love to play ball just as much as giving back to the community.” McCall is

currently pursuing his dreams playing in the National Basketball Association Development League, or the NBA D-League, playing for the Iowa Energy.

SLU is a multifaceted community composed of students who value education, athletics, and service, so it is natural that student-athletes reflect these values as well.

If you ask any of the guys on the team, there is nothing they love more than a packed Chaifetz Arena and feeling the support of the school as they play their game. The SLU community rallies around the team, and the team continues to give “magis” back to the community. Together, we are all Billikens.

Sports are intrinsic to the heart of America. They are a forum for deriving meaning and identity in the greater world around us, capable of providing transcendent and inexplicable experiences to those who engage. Consumers invest time, energy and, most prominently, income into sports entertainment.

Billions of dollars are pumped into the sports realm year after year, yet one sport in particular reigns king.

Consistently crushing TV viewership and gross revenue records, the National Football League wears the crown.

Its 16-game season is by far the shortest of the four major sports in this country, yet the NFL annually and consistently generates billions of dollars more than the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League and Major League Baseball. The NFL’s 2013 total revenue amounted to a staggering $9.1 billion.

The camaraderie football incites is paramount to its economic success—emotional investment paves the path to financial investment. Every Sunday, NFL followers are enveloped in a sense of unity, either in sweet victory or heavy heartbreak, allowing the NFL and its franchises across the nation to carry this unity beyond the end zone.

The National Football League is in itself a nonprofit organization, and thus is exempt from paying taxes on its $9.1 billion revenue. What the League does with this surplus of funds is unclear. Some of it goes toward paying its commissioner Roger Goodell, who raked in a whopping $31.1 million in 2013, but an organization that claims nonprofit status has certain civil responsibilities to uphold. The NFL’s fans are

Flag

The National Football League is in itself a nonprofit organization, and thus is exempt from paying taxes on its $9.1 billion revenue.

an integral part of the system that built the NFL into the dominating economic power it currently is, and while fans see dividends in the form of entertainment through high levels of on-field play, they make up communities that deserve to benefit from organizations with such strength of influence as the NFL possesses.

One way the NFL assuages its civil responsibility is through the NFL Rush program and Play 60 campaign.

Since its inception in 2009, Play 60’s goal is to combat childhood obesity by establishing programs in schools and communities that encourage children to spend one hour per day outdoors engaging in some form of athletic activity. Though this philanthropic arm addresses one of the many plights of our nation, the reach can and should extend further, particularly in problem areas the League itself has been forced to deal with.

The well-documented, poorly-handled domestic violence incident involving Ray Rice that plagued the NFL for the duration of the summer of 2014 opened an ugly door that the League must now keep wedged open indefinitely. This incident was not the first, nor the last, but it is indeed the most public of the domestic violence cases the NFL has faced. The NFL now works to repair its reputation for moral and economic reasons.

Reeling from the backlash of fans, victims and activists alike, the NFL has made some concrete changes to policy in regard to the domestic violence issue running rampant through its locker rooms. Anna Isaacson, a current NFL employee, was appointed vice president of social responsibility for the League, a position created specifically in lieu of this public relations disaster. Isaacson promptly supplied all 32 teams with two to four advocacy centers in their immediate area as potential partnering organizations.

Subsequent plans look to install personnel in every locker room in an effort to inform, educate and provide resources for players to eliminate bystanders altogether.

Being a bystander to domestic violence is a national issue, and while it is not fair to put pressure entirely on the NFL to take action, an entity so prominent can and should use its financial clout and media presence to help address and alleviate. The clichĂŠ holds true: with great power comes great responsibility. The NFL is accountable for its employees and their actions.

The NFL must also be held accountable by the nation that employs it, by those who turn to football for joy, inclusion, excitement and escape. Fans deserve to see action taken on their behalf.

on the Play The National Football League’s Economic Accountability

Maddie Lena Journalism and Media Studies Majors

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Foul Play

Madeleine Hellebush English and International Studies Majors

International athletic events incur an obscene amount of national debt, and many countries struggle to overcome the obstacles that ensue. Typically, a country hosts games, abandons the stadiums and experiences economic decline. Brazil welcomed over 3 million fans from around the world to watch the 64 soccer matches in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which seemingly benefited the country with an increase in national income from tourism that the games attracted. However, Brazil is currently suffering the political, economic and social repercussions because of $15 billion dollars spent on tournament preparations.

Brazilian government officials justified hosting the World Cup by claiming the games would improve the country’s global reputation. Aloisio Mercadante, Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff’s Chief of Staff, stated, “We lost the trophy, but Brazil won the World Cup. Brazil showed that they know how to win, lose, host and celebrate peace with respect and a ‘make yourself at home’ atmosphere that won the world over.”

However, contrary to the government’s optimistic view of holding the World Cup, the current economy’s situation is rather negative. The Brazilian government is on a slippery slope, as overall economic growth was -0.9 percent in 2014 compared to 7.5 percent in 2010, and inflation soars to over 7 percent. With purchasing power deteriorating considerably and affordable health care and education being essentially nonexistent, Brazilian citizens suffer the brunt of the

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economic situation.

Throughout preparation of the events, government spending led to social unrest and subsequent protests. Citizens are dissatisfied with the social inequity that pervades Brazilian culture and the general lack of return on high taxes in addition to insufficient infrastructure, healthcare and education. In June 2014, about 200,000 nonviolent demonstrators took to the streets of major cities across the country to object the World Cup. The intention was to show discontent towards the government’s decision to finance the Cup and to change the way the government currently operates. The protests drew the attention of government officials but did not postpone the event.

While Brazil spent millions of dollars funding the World Cup, 11.4 million Brazilians continue to live in impoverished conditions. The government invested money in preparations for the World Cup instead of focusing on social, political and economic issues. The construction of buildings for the World Cup, authorized and initiated by the government, displaced citizens in the slums, known as favelas.

Acknowledging both the benefits and repercussions of the hosting of the World Cup, Dr. David Borgmeyer, Assistant Professor in the Center for International Studies at Saint Louis University, believes that Brazil’s holding of the games was beneficial in that it strengthened Brazilian pride, but overall was not the best use of funds in terms of investment. He went on to say that the current

the current situation helps to highlight the tensions that exist in developing economies between social classes.

Mariana Buoro, a resident of Sao Paolo and graduate of the University of Sao Paulo with a degree in Political Science, stated, “It was not bad for Brazil to host the World Cup because it brought international attention to our country, which resulted in a greater understanding of current events.� However,

she believes that the execution of the project and the investment of funds could have been more efficient in order to better benefit citizens, and she wishes the government had been more prepared in terms of construction for the event. The current situation in Brazil represents the effects, both positive and negative, which occur as a result of hosting grandiose athletic spectacles.

The Sports Migration

Basketball: Baseball: Soccer: Hockey: Tennis: Running: Rugby: Football:

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Sports are a worldwide phenomenon, a representation of culture, and a supporter of globalization. Players immigrate to numerous countries in order to compete at a professional level. Following players from their homeland to their team’s country, we can connect the dots to see the now diverse world of sports.

Sports Trafficking Taylor Jackson Sociology and Women and Gender Studies Majors

INTRODUCTION

Two men stare each other down in apparent aggression; one of these men pummels the other, leaving his nose bleeding and his helmet askew; individuals in the crowd go wild with roars and cheers.

Although violence exists in many aspects of life, it is most frequently rewarded and praised in the sports arena.

People pay significant money to attend sporting events–up to $8,000 for the Super Bowl–and to watch both men and women inflict pain on another in an attempt to win for their teams. Individuals suffer intense physical harm to earn a gold medal or a slot in a competition, and viewers not only allow this behavior, but they also encourage it.

These innocent bystanders become active participants in the game; phrases using the pronoun “we” to describe the team exemplify this phenomenon: “We won!” or “We lost” are commonly heard surrounding games.

THE PROBLEM

Unfortunately, the passion for the game is not the only thing that often leaves the field–violence, too, spreads from the players to the stands, explaining things like

bar fights, arguments in the bleachers and heightened anger when the team loses. Another consequence of this increased violence–violence against women: every year, major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, World Cup and Olympics become major venues for prostitution and human trafficking.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in 2010, “over 10,000 ‘prostitutes,’ many of whom were trafficking victims,” were brought to the Super Bowl, which is known as the United States’ largest event for human trafficking. In the following year, there were 133 arrest for sex with minors at the Super Bowl. Child exploitation in Brazil, which is estimated to affect over 250,000 children, increased by 30-40 percent for the 2014 World Cup. These young children are forced to sell their bodies for merely $2.00–the same as a pack of gum in the United States.

These individuals, often children, are not there for the players of the game, as many would assume. Instead, they serve the primary purpose of satisfying the fans. So the question persists: why is there this connection between sports culture and the exploitation of women?

BUT WHY?

Many scholars speculate about these connections.

However, one persistent point-of-view is that of the connection between historical warfare and modern sexual exploitation of women in sports culture.

Our modern sports resemble historical warfare in more ways than one: both value physical contact and aggression, both pit two sides against each other, both find pleasure in winning or domination, and unfortunately, both exploit non-participants. Commonly, the nonparticipants are women. During historical warfare, after taking over a city or village, the warriors would loot the area and rape the women. In some ways, modern sports resemble this same idea. Prostitution at large-scale sporting events, nearly-nude models in sports magazines, and advertisements using women on sports channels exemplifies the exploitation of women in sports. Because of the similarities between historical warfare and modernday sports, some scholars draw the conclusion that this is where the violence against women is rooted–in valued physical aggression.

Another element to this argument is the idea that the more contact that is involved in a sport, the more likely the large-scale human trafficking, prostitution and general exploitation of women. This was true of historical warfare, as well: the conquest of a woman was based in the physical, masculine aggression pitted against another male. In our sports culture today, we most often see women exploited in heavy-contact sports, such as football, soccer, and wrestling. Sports that have less physical contact–golf, swimming, etc.–tend to have much lower numbers of prostitution and human trafficking at largescale events.

THE SOLUTION

In response to the higher numbers in sex trafficking during sports events, Super Bowl XLIX increased sting arrests and police forces, which led to nearly 600 arrests of individuals soliciting sex. However, this number is small compared to the number of women exploited.

The problem only becomes more complicated as one considers the legality of prostitution in Brazil; it becomes increasingly difficult to rescue victims of human trafficking in a culture that allows general prostitution.

The issue is complicated, and merely passing out contraceptives and health care advice to prostitutes in Brazil, as some organizations did, is not enough to end this tragedy. The capturing of girls begins long before the event starts, and true elimination of this issue is going to require large numbers of people rallying behind it.

The current main method of prevention is education of the masses. While this problem has existed for centuries, the reality of it is just now being widely broadcasted. News stations like Fox, The New York Times, and CNN have published reports within the last few years shining a light on the hidden horrors of these sporting events.

This education is more effective; more individuals are speaking on this issue, and individuals in academia are conducting research and studies on just how effective this education can be. However, while the information level of awareness is key, it is equally as important for a group of people to use this information to make effective change.

Organizations hope that as more people become aware of this problem, more people will stand up for the voiceless victims of the sex trade. Capitalizing on this passion is the key to altering our current system in which we push these individuals under the rug and allow them to fight for themselves. We must use our awareness to make change; we must stand up for the victims of human trafficking.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THESE SOURCES: • • • • •

http://humantraffickingsearch.net/wp/sex-trafficking-at-the-fifa-world-cup-in-brazil/ The Rites of Men: Manhood, Politics, and the Culture of Sport, Varda Burstyn The Social Psychology of Sport, Gordon Russell “Women, gender equality and sport,” UN Division for the Advancement of Women Nation.deseretnews.com/article/3412/the-super-bowl-is-the-largest-human-trafficking-event-in-thecountry.html

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CONCUSSION

Get Your HEAD in the GAME Maddie Schultz Occupational Therapy Major

Twenty-four-year-old rookie linebacker of the San Francisco 49ers, Chris Borland, retired from the NFL this March after analyzing the risks associated with long-term head trauma caused by the sport.

Borland explained,”I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health...From what I’ve researched, and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”

Unlike broken collar bones and sprained ankles, head injuries do not always heal. Many professional athletes sacrifice their bodies for a career in sports, sustaining severe injuries for the sake of a successful season.

In the past, doctors diagnosed concussions only when athletes fell unconscious. For decades, athletes continued to play after suffering head injuries with little to no assessment of the condition or severity of their situation. Players submitted themselves to a list of health risks, which included Second Impact Syndrome and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy–two very serious diagnoses.

Years later, professional football players who once suffered minor injuries on the field are now experiencing the repercussions.

Now, the NFL must pay for this reality. In 2014, a federal judge mandated a settlement

including $675 million for players with neurological damage and $85 million for baseline testing, education and research. The NFL paid $112 million in fines.

State by state, laws are being made to protect America’s athletes. Every state has Traumatic Brain Injury Legislation of some sort. Since 2012, the National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball all have concussion policies. Recognizing concussions and removing athletes from play is the most crucial part of obtaining a full recovery for any head trauma, which has set many head-injury protocols and laws into motion in professional, collegiate and youth leagues alike.

More concussions are being reported in all age ranges with a 200 percent increase in reported concussions among teens in the last decade. According to Headcase, an organization working to prevent concussions, between 4 and 5 million concussions occur yearly and it is estimated that 5.3 million Americans live with a traumatic brain injury-related disability.The growing awareness of concussions and longterm damage caused by head trauma is a step in the right direction, but more work is necessary to better protect athletes.

“According to Headcase, an organization working to prevent concussions, between 4 and 5 million concussions occur yearly and it is estimated that 5.3 million Americans live with a traumatic brain injury-related disability.”

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Hannah and Liz Vestal, juniors at Saint Louis University, are known as some of the most involved twins on SLU’s campus. Hannah has partnered with Solea Water to raise awareness of the lack of clean water around the world.

Liz, one of the co-founders of Free to [Be], has dedicated herself to raising awareness of women’s issues and educating SLU students about feminism.

HANNAH Tell us about your inspiration.

“My friend, Rachael Burchett, talked about [Solea Water] with me. I wanted to help, so I borrowed and carried the jerry can for one day. It was challenging and people stared, but I ignored it and continued to spread awareness. It started from supporting a friend, and then I realized I can do something about this.”

How does the “The Jesuit Mission calls us to ‘transform society in the spirit of the gospels.’ The message of Matthew 25:45 shines brightly in those carrying jerry cans, which says, Jesuit Mission ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Every day, my jerry can reminds me of this verse and the people I am Statement helping, and I am determined to not give up.” apply to your campaign?

What has been your biggest success?

What would you like to see more of at SLU? Obstacles?

Quirks?

“February 10th, I reached my $7,500 dollar goal. I remember it clearly; I was 200 dollars short and within 20 minutes, I reached my goal. I was able to have a windmill aqueduct built in Panama. Another cool moment was the other day in Fusz, I saw four different groups of people with jerry cans.”

“I would like to get more jerry cans so that even more students can ‘Carry A Jerry’ around campus with me, to walk in solidarity with those who do not have access water. We are also going to have a campus-wide challenge next school year, where we are going to try to get CSOs more involved in our cause.”

“The project is growing so fast on campus, and I have so many ideas. I have never run a club before, so every day presents new challenges.”

(as explained by Liz) “She talks to strangers and is very externally quirky.

Someone told her that they liked her costume on Halloween, and she wasn’t wearing a costume.”

2

IT TAKES

VESTALS

LIZ

“I had a lot of conversations independently about feminism with friends. We decided that we needed to do something about the lack of conversation on campus.

We just wanted to bring a speaker onto campus, and it grew. We wanted to focus on self love and empowering yourself. We also wanted to discuss education, sexual assault and women in the workplace. We had goals to target as many different groups of people as possible.”

“I see feminism as truly an issue of social justice. The pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God lies in the truth that we were all created equal, but not all of us are treated that way. Feminism stops and asks, ‘why not?’ And as SLU students dedicated to the mission, we should stop and ask this question as well.”

“The Clothesline Project–decorating shirts as a form of self expression and hanging them in the quad–went really well. We had over 400 shirts. People got really into it, painting them and really thinking about what they wanted to write on their shirts.

It was cool to know that people were touched by that. Our Coffee and Conversation was another successful event where we talked about women in the workplace. We had some empowering women from St. Louis who were strong in their fields. It was awesome to see a room full of those women and all those students. If that was the only thing we did that week, it was a success.”

“I would say we would really want people to start talking about feminism, and to engage in those conversations even when they are difficult/challenging. Once they start doing that, I would encourage students to understand what feminism looks like in their lives. There is some part of feminism I guarantee applies to every student on campus–it’s just about finding their niche.”

“We had to appeal to as many students on campus, and it was difficult to meet everyone where they are at.”

(as explained by Hannah) “She is really intelligent but sometimes says kind of dumb things. It’s okay though; it brings her down to our level.”

simple

serum Depression is debilitating the minds of millions.

Sad cells that reproduce and replicate like mad cells, Medications prescribed to turn them into glad cells The struggle continues.

Simple serum: No pills, no cost, no chemicals No artificial happiness, no additives, no magic spells.

Just Laced-up tennis shoes Pump-up jams Breath of fresh air.

Walk, jog, run, Feel the endorphins surge, fly, soar through your blood.

Natural armor, blocking the pathways of pain from reaching your head, and hurting your heart, and hurting your brain.

Kate Berman Public Health and French Majors

Breathe in, breathe out.

Inhale strength, and exhale doubt.

Shake it off, sweat it out.

Low self-esteem like salt that drip drip drips to the ground.

Fresh air feels like a fresh start.

Feel the breeze blow off the layers of life that tear you apart.

Look up, and look around.

Beauty exists in the smiles of strangers in the trees in the clouds in the way you move your knees as you move forward.

Feel your feet pound the pavement, the soles of your shoes squishing stress with every step, stomping insecurity with every stride.

Bask in the organic way your own body clears its own mind.

No need to drive to the pharmacy, just step outside.

Let your skin absorb the natural light.

Let it settle in your soul and shine out through the dark parts of your eyes.

The world is bright.

CALL TO ACTION

The center for Service and Community Engagement (CSCE) joins OneWorld in its efforts to promote thoughtful discussion on issues that impact our lives and our communities. Raising our collective awareness of local and global concerns is the first step in making this commitment. The second step is action.

Whatever interests or time availabilities you might have, the CSCE can help connect you with organizations whose work appeals to your broader interests, academic path and person growth.

We are already one, but we imagine that we are not.

OneWorld exists to rediscover that, while we are many in our culture, religions and struggles, we are one in our common humanity. We yearn to remove the barriers of ignorance and injustice because the most basic and unchanging truth that unites us is the infinite value of the human person. OneWorld emphasize this unity by raising awareness of social injustice; inspiring action; and transforming our hearts, minds and society.

OUR SPONSORS

OUR MISSION The support of OneWorld’s sponsors ensures that our organization will continue to grow and become a more sustainable and meaningful community project.

To inquire about supporting us in 2015-2016, please email oneworldmagazine@gmail.com

CONNECT WITH US Visit our website at www.weliveoneworld.org

Email us at oneworldmagazine@gmail.com

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“Sports can create hope where once there was only despair.�

-Nelson Mandela