ORANGE Issue 07

The Resistance Issue Facing the aftermath of Trump’s travel ban Activists at UT start more than just a movement Students start small businesses and spark big ideas A new creative platform for women of color Curvy women redefine beauty standards

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The Resistance Issue

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a note from the editors.

Coming into the spring semester, we didn’t know what to expect — from the election to the university’s administration, the political climate in our country and on our campus made us reevaluate the role of student journalism. We decided that we wanted ORANGE to play a part in the student movements happening on campus.

As our last semester as editors-in-chief, we wanted to create a print issue that highlights the efforts students, particularly marginalized students, have put into resisting a system that constantly tries to silence them.

From stories on Latinx and Muslim solidarity to the experiences of Black students on campus, we wanted to emphasize that the hardships marginalized students endured have brought these communities together.

Despite the hardships, it is also important that we write about the things that bring us joy—read about Rihanna’s iconic looks, and the importance of culture and food.

We’d like to thank our hard-working staff for putting this issue together and for writing the stories that matter most. And of course, without our readers and supporters, none of this would have been possible.

Best,

Emily Nash

Imienfan Uhunmwuangho

orange magazine

more content at orangemag.co All rights reserved. Please ask us before reproducing any parts of this magazine. Views expressed are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by ORANGE.

table of contents

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Close to Home

Public vs. Charter

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More than a Number

No Ban, No Wall

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Farewell to the Queen

Austin Food Culture Map

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Concert Horror Stories

Chulita Vinyl Club

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Thread by Thread

Shapes of UT

The Effect of President Trump’s Travel and Laptop Bans on Students

Misconceptions About the 4% at UT

Soul and Service of the Eastside

ORANGE Staffers Recall GA Concert Moments that Weren’t PG

Betsy DeVos & The Eastside Education Dilemma

Solidarity in Muslim and Latinx communities

Restaurants that Maintain and Develop the City’s Culinary Identity

A New Creative Platform for Women of Color

Fashion as an Innovative, Personal Artform

Curvy Women Redefine Beauty Standards

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Your Style is Not my Style

Profile: Nina Hawkins

A Guide to Avoiding Cultural Appropriation in Fashion

Creating Works of Art with the Click of Her Camera

How We Resist UT Students’ Experiences with Resistance at a Predominantly White Institution

Words by Imani Sebri Photos by Humza Ahmed

“ Resist” has become a buzzword in recent months with the election of President Donald Trump. It’s not hard to find articles of clothing or accessories that have been adorned with a trendy #resist. But what does it mean, and what does it look like to resist?

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The meaning and manifestations of resistance

telling the truth about the white supremacy that has

differs depending on the person, their experiences

existed in this country since its inception.”

and their capabilities. However, for people of color existing within predominantly white institutions, or

When western colonial perspectives are pushed as

PWIs, resistance is necessary for everyday survival.

the status quo, dissenting points of view are often

“Attending a PWI like the University of Texas at Austin

cast aside and delegitimized. Students find it hard to

is just a process,” Middle Eastern studies sophomore

see their experiences and struggles reflected and dis-

Sammy Homsi says. “You have to take it a day at a

cussed in academia.

time and surround yourself with the best people to avoid feeling alienation and disillusionment. Most of

That’s one way resistance manifests itself— in the form

the time I just navigate the space with caution. I have

of resisting a framework that pushes these one-sided

to be critical knowing that a lot of the information I’m

narratives. “A colonized education means the silencing

absorbing is coming from a white, western lens.”

of voices of those oppressed by the making of Eurocentric ideology and history,” Kurati says. “It’s important to

“It’s important to amplify the voices of

amplify the voices of marginalized groups and be very

marginalized groups and be very critical

critical of what and how we’re taught. I think that’s how

of what and how we’re taught.

I decolonize my learning,” she adds.

But, among students of color, there is nuance in their

Identity can be another aspect of resistance, spe-

experiences at PWIs. “As an Asian American, I feel that

cifically when that identity is marginalized through

I have internalized the [Asian-American] community’s

oppressive systems. Students search for and find

perceived socioeconomic proximity to whiteness to

comfort and strength in their culture. It provides them

the extent that it often seems like I am not adversely

a sense of familiarity and at times an alternate means

affected by the PWI environment,” Biochemistry soph-

of education. “I incorporate my culture through pol-

omore Chaitra Kurati says. “But when I see whiteness

itics, knowing that in the current political climate

where Asian presence and perspectives belong, such

my existence, as an Arab under Trump, is inherently

as white professors teaching Asian studies courses, I

political,” Homsi says.

realize how far from the truth that is.”

In examining student resistance movements, espeThe extent of colonization is commonly thought to

cially from people of color, it’s apparent that

be the physical violence and erasure of indigenous

resistance comes in different forms that span across

ideologies, cultures and perspectives and while that

the spectrum- from organizing and attending protests

is true, the white, western lense that shape just about

to something as simple as engaging with your culture.

every institution, including our own education, is a form

While the notion of what it means to resist will remain

of colonialism. “To me a ‘colonized education’ is being

dynamic, there’s no question of the presence of resis-

taught everything through a settler colonial frame-

tance. As long as large scale oppressive institutions

work,” Homsi says. “It is the existence of an Israeli studies

exist, resistance can be found and no matter how big

department, which is itself a settler colonial state similar

or small the movement, the spirit remains.

to America. It is calling Black slaves ‘workers’ rather than 3

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Close to Home The Effect of President Trump’s Travel and Laptop Bans on Students and the Austin Community

Story by Danielle Drews Photos by Humza Ahmed

Trump’s travel and laptop bans sent shockwaves across the University of Texas at Austin campus, and many in the community are still dealing with the aftermath.

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he first travel ban, also known as the Muslim

expressed concerns about getting work permits after

Ban, was signed on Jan. 27 and immediately

graduation. As a precautionary measure for future

went into effect. It banned citizens of Iraq, Iran, Libya,

bans, the International Office began processing immi-

Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the

gration paperwork earlier than usual. Even though

country for 90 days. The ban also barred all refugees

there is not, at this time, an active travel ban in place,

for 120 days and refugees from Syria indefinitely. The

the International Office is advising students to be

second Muslim Ban was signed on March 6, after the

very cautious with their travel plans, urging them

first version of the ban was blocked by federal judges.

to only travel when it is absolutely necessary. “[The

It contained more information as to why the presi-

initial ban] created an atmosphere of confusion,

dent believes it is necessary, as well as other slight

distrust and general ambiguity about [the students’]

modifications. The second version of the travel ban

futures,” Woodman says. “Unfortunately it’s been very

was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in Hawaii

difficult for us to provide information. We don’t know

before it was scheduled to go into effect on March 16.

what’s going to happen next.”

This version of the ban could potentially come back into effect or be permanently blocked like the previous version.

The electronics ban, otherwise known as the laptop ban, prohibits any electronic devices larger than a cell phone (laptops, tablets, etc.) on carry-on luggage from direct flights from certain airlines in the Middle East and North Africa. The ban was put into place by the Department of Homeland Security. Electronic devices on those flights must be in checked baggage because, according to DHS, the devices that scan bags are better at detecting potentially hidden explosives in laptops and other electronic devices.

“As university students, we should also be concerned about this because science, research and education are international.

So to me, something like a travel ban is a direct impediment to collaboration and research across borders. It’s a threat to higher education and research.”

The Trump administration denies that the bans are

Even though Woldman reports that the student visa

meant to discriminate against Muslims. However, all

program is unlikely to be in danger, students are still

of the banned countries are predominantly Muslim

very anxious about renewing their visas and being

nations, and the airports and flights that are currently

stopped at a port of entry if they do decide to leave

restricted from carry-on electronics are all located

the country. “It’s just this general atmosphere of dis-

in the Middle East and North Africa. Because of this,

trust towards immigrants [and students] that is the

some people find it hard to believe that religious dis-

guiding policy right now in Washington, so they do

crimination did not play a role in the recent executive

not feel safe and secure.”

orders.

Woldman believes that the bans have a broader Tatiana Woldman, assistant director of student advis-

impact as well as a personal impact for many stu-

ing services at the International Student and Scholar

dents who attend the university. “As university

Services at UT’s International Office, says that 110

students, we should also be concerned about this

people at UT were directly affected by Trump’s origi-

because science, research and education are inter-

nal travel ban. Most of these people were researchers

national,” Woldman says. “So to me, something like

and faculty from the seven countries.

a travel ban is a direct impediment to collaboration and research across borders. It’s a threat to higher

By the time the first version of the travel ban was

education and research.”

enacted, classes were already in full swing, so very few students, if any, were able to enter the country

President of the Muslim Students’ Association, Omar

after traveling for winter break, Woldman says.

Salim, says that although the majority of students in MSA were not directly affected in ways such

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However, there were students who contacted the

as getting stuck at an airport or being unable to

International Office about student visas, and some

travel, the first travel ban had an emotional impact

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on a lot of the students because of the uncertainty

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the rest of us were allowed to go, which is a bit weird.”

it created. Salim says that the students in MSA are still on-edge, because the first travel ban went so

However, for some members of the Nueces Mosque,

far. “It’s not one of those things that you see happen

harassment and discrimination began before the

and then forget about it,” Salim says. “It startled a lot

first travel ban was passed. “Since the beginning of

of people because I don’t think a lot of us thought it

the Trump campaign, I would say that was when the

could happen.” He predicts that students will remain

fear started setting in, because of his rhetoric,” Imam

on-edge as long as the current administration is still

Umer says.

in office, especially because none of them know what is going to happen in the future.

Three different students have told Imam Umer about how they have been harassed for wearing a hijab.

Students with family members in any of the seven

As one student was riding her bike, a car swerved

countries have encountered significant obstacles

dangerously close to her and the passengers in the

because of the travel ban. First year computer science

car laughed at her through rolled-down windows.

major, Mustafa Abban, has extended family that lives

Another student was walking along the sidewalk when

in Libya and were planning to immigrate to the U.S.

someone stood in front of her and told her, “Muslims

However, they have put those plans on hold due to

aren’t allowed here.” The third student experienced

the ambiguity of the future of the bans. “In terms of

extreme verbal harassment on her way to class where

me and my close family here in America, [...] we aren’t

her antagonizers said derogatory things about her

going to travel internationally for a while just because

and her religion. “And that’s just the ones that I know

we’re not too sure what will happen when we try to

of,” Imam Umer says. “I’m sure a lot of things happen,

come back in [to the U.S.]” Abban says. Abban himself

like verbal slurs, that don’t get reported to me.”

is an American citizen and has lived in the U.S. his entire life.

Imam Umer mentioned that the Muslim community at the Nueces Mosque has never experienced such

Even students from primarily Muslim countries that

hateful discrimination before—not even after 9/11.

were not banned worried if their countries would

“It seems like [the current administration] is going

be next. “We had a number of students from other

beyond their ways to demean the Muslim commu-

Muslim countries that had scheduled spring break

nity,” Imam Umer says.

plans asking, ‘should we cancel it? Should we go?

What if something else comes out while I’m abroad?’”

Salim says all students in MSA and the Muslim com-

Woldman says. “We had students from countries not

munity reacted to the travel ban, not just students

even remotely affected [asking things like] ‘I’m a

with ties to the banned countries. “We have this

Taiwanese student studying engineering, should I be

saying from the Prophet Muhammad [that says], ‘If

concerned?’”

part of the body is aching, the whole body hurts.’ That applies to our community,” Salim says. “If someone

The effect of the bans can also be felt outside of

who bears Islam in their heart, regardless of who they

campus. Imam Umer of the Nueces Mosque recently

are, is affected by this, everyone bears their pain.”

went on a family vacation to Barbados after the second version of the travel ban was blocked. While

The International Office did not receive any major

he said he did not have a negative experience travel-

concerns from students about the laptop ban, but

ling, he and his family took precautionary measures

Imam Umer is concerned about the effect it will have.

to ensure they would not have any trouble. His family

“Since 9/11, there hasn’t been a single incident where

shipped their cellphones two days ahead of their

anybody tried to use a laptop [as a bomb],” Umer

flight coming back to Austin so they would not have

said. “I don’t think the ban is justified. The other thing

to bring them on the plane. They also avoided bring-

is, if you ban it on Muslim airlines, what’s going to

ing any laptops or tablets, in case they were stopped

stop a terrorist from buying a ticket on an American

to have their bags searched. Even though his family

airline?”

took certain precautions, his wife was stopped by customs, for reasons that are still unknown. “On the

There was a slightly humorous reaction to the laptop

way back, coming in [to the U.S.] they did haul my

ban from students in MSA, according to Salim,

wife for about half an hour,” Imam Umer says. “But,

because banning technology felt so insignificant to 7

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“I believe that this is really a foot in the door and there’s still an agenda that’s underlying this ban that’s very prevalent that the new president and his cabinet are in support of.” the overall issue of terrorism. However, the group

that’s very prevalent that the new president and his

still maintained a unified front. “[The laptop ban]

cabinet are in support of,” Abban says. “This ban is

still stimulated support,” Salim says. “We kept com-

merely just a first step into potentially something a

municating information out to our community, so our

lot worse. It’s important that we’re able to recognize

members would be aware.”

that and try to prevent that before it gets a lot worse than it already is.”

Though the Muslim community on campus supports each other, Salim says that the group could greatly

Attorneys from the Department of Justice have

benefit from outside support as well. Salim says that

claimed that the travel bans are necessary to protect

the best way for the student body to provide support

the security of the nation and better protect the

is emotionally, by having genuine relationships with

country from foreign terrorists. They have also said

others and talking to them to understand what they’re

that the second version of the travel ban had revised

going through. “[After the first travel ban], we started

legal issues that existed in the first version of the ban.

to think about how we could have better dialogue

But others, including a federal judge in Hawaii and a

outside of the bounds of our organization,” Salim

federal court of appeals have argued that the ban is

says. “We started to think about how we could be

still unconstitutional.

more expressive and public and communicate to the world the issues that are happening and how all of

The second version of the travel ban was temporar-

this travel ban is not right, and should not be consid-

ily restrained by a federal judge in Hawaii. Shortly

ered okay.”

after that happened, District Court Judge Derrick K. Watson prohibited the second version of the ban

Imam Umer echoes Salim’s beliefs and says that

from being enacted. On May 25, a federal appeals

regardless of religious beliefs, everyone should be

court blocked this version of the ban. The decision

expressing concern about the bans introduced by

was divided 10 to three. The three judges that dis-

President Trump and his administration. “I think all

agreed with decision were Republican appointees.

Americans should be concerned [about the bans]

Two judges appointed by former Republican presi-

because we are enacting policies targeting a specific

dents recused themselves. Jeff Sessions, U.S. Attorney

community of Americans which is unconstitutional,

General, has said he will appeal the decision to the

in essence,” Imam Umer says. “It seems like they are

supreme court. At this point in time, it is unclear

getting away with it.”

whether the ban will be allowed to come into effect; some judges from the appeals court have predicted

Abban says he has experienced remarkable support

that the ban will not have a good reception in the

from all types of people in the UT community. “I

Supreme Court. If the second version of the travel

still feel relatively safe because the community I’m

ban is blocked like the first version was, a possible

in through UT has been so strong [in their support]”

third version could potentially be created. The future

Abban says. He does, however, think that more people

is uncertain, but President Trump seems deter-

could better support those affected by the bans if

mined to get some version of his travel ban enacted.

they learned more about them. “It’s good to actually

However, Muslim students at UT are even more deter-

understand what you’re supporting and to really try

mined to fight against it.

to get out there and learn more,” Abban says.

“Every single individual should be aware of what’s Abban thinks that most people don’t understand the

going on,” Salim says. “Our community is UT and we

true impact the bans can have even though the bans

seek support from the administration as well as the

would only bar citizens from the countries for 90

student body. Our community has learned that we

days. “I believe that this is really a foot in the door

can’t be complacent.”

and there’s still an agenda that’s underlying this ban 8

Differences Between Initial and Revised Travel Ban

By Danielle Drews

Initial travel ban

Signed Jan 27 Effective immediately Closed borders to all refugees for 120 days Barred refugees from Syria indefinitely Citizens from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen barred for 90 days Stops the issuance of visas to people from certain countries Certain countries determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence Suspension of Visa Waiver Program No more than 50,000 refugees allowed to enter in the fiscal year of 2017

Revised travel ban

Signed Mar. 6 Effective Mar. 16 Replaces previous ban More justifications for why it’s necessary Courts said previous weren’t sufficient Says it doesn’t condone religious discrimination Excludes Iraq Hold on refugees from Syria for 120 days Green card holders exempt from ban Other official types of documents like diplomatic visas are exempt from ban.

Widens the right of immigration officers to issue waivers Case-by-case issues Urges greater consultation between domestic and international entities for enforcement Allows people with previously revoked visas to enter

On May 25, a federal appeals court blocked this version of the ban. The decision was divided 10 to three. The three judges that disagreed with decision were Republican appointees. Two judges appointed by former Republican presidents recused themselves.

Jeff Sessions, the Attorney General, has said he will appeal the decision to the supreme court.

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Public vs Charter: The Eastside Education Dilemma Words by Rochelle Friedewald Illustration by Ryan Hicks

Thousands upon thousands of calls poured into senators’ offices in early February, all with the same simple plea — vote no on Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education.

An article in the New York Times heralded DeVos

that backfired when only 17 percent of the previous

as the most “jeered” cabinet member. Such outcry

student population enrolled in the new, unfamiliar

brought education reform into the media spotlight

system.

and highlighted the question state education advocates have been asking for years—how do we best

Low neighborhood enrollment was spurned by spec-

educate our underserved populations? The new

ulation on which students IDEA planned to serve

administration looks to charters, publicly funded but

and lack of opportunity. “They have low populations

privately run schools, to provide quality education

of special education students in comparison to east

for students in low income public schools deemed

Austin schools and AISD in general,” Tovar says.

“unfit.” On the other side, public education advocates

“They have hardly any African American students

condemn charters for their lax academic standards

enrolled in their school [systems], while east Austin

and questionable practices. While debate continues

has the highest amount in the district.” Additionally,

at the federal level, Austin’s own Independent School

the new IDEA system only accommodated kindergar-

District and various charter school systems search for

ten through 2nd grade and 6th grade alone, leaving

the best local solution.

a large portion of neighborhood kids out of the equation. The new administration quickly slashed all

AISD educates about 83,270 students in the city’s

music programs, art classes and even physical edu-

area according to the Texas Tribune, with half of its

cation. The library was gutted with the promise of a

students coming from underserved communities.

virtual learning center that was never constructed.

Although the district is dealing with slashed budgets

Not only did IDEA drastically change the curriculum,

and dwindling resources, one of its main concern is

but it also seemed to erode the community built

the poor performance within east Austin schools.

around Allan Elementary. According to Tovar, AISD

Solutions have come in the form of increases in

teachers were “phased out,” or gradually replaced,

assessments and improvement plans, but perhaps the

when they proved incompatible with new learning

most memorable attempt to improve public school

styles. Traditions regarded as a staple to the com-

performance came in the form of a charter school.

munity, like parents eating lunch with their children,

In 2012, Allan Elementary School in east Austin was

were eliminated.

handed over to the charter chain IDEA Public School with almost no information or warning, says east

These new changes were met with pushback from the

Austin parent and education activist, Vincent Tovar.

community. Cries of gentrification and of displacing

Tovar says the purpose of the charter implemen-

communities with a foreign school system were heard

tation was to help the east side community, a plan

throughout the neighborhood. An activist group,

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Pride of Eastside, banded together and helped termi-

several campuses across Austin, Scott expressed

nate the AISD contract with IDEA just a year after its

KIPP’s goal. “The common thread seems to be to

2012 implementation. While Allan never returned to

focus on students and families in Austin who don’t

its elementary school status, its building is now home

otherwise have a viable choice,” Scott says. “If you’re

to early childhood education programs and nonprof-

from an affluent neighborhood, that’s not a problem.

its around Austin. But, the IDEA experiment left a

You would have more options if you had money. Flip-

sour taste in the AISD community’s mouth.

side, you live under the poverty line, you don’t have many options.”

Administrators have similar criticisms for charter school systems, advocating strongly on the side of

Scott advocates that KIPP is the better option low

public school teachers. “Our teachers work so hard

income students need. However, statewide account-

for these kids, we all do,” says a local AISD princi-

ability scores seem to paint a different picture. While

pal who prefers to remain anonymous. “When you

KIPP Comunidad is branded as a bilingual learning

hear people like Betsy Devos say that our teachers

environment for underserved Latino students, its

aren’t here for every student and charters who have

reading and writing test scores are several points

no history of performing better than [Texas public

lower than AISD’s scores for bilingual education.

schools] are the answer to all our problems, it’s mis-

However, there are statistics that rule in favor of the

information.”

KIPP Austin system. According to a study done by the Texas government, the collegiate school has been

“The common thread seems to be to

hailed one of the strongest college prep programs in

focus on students and families in Austin

the state.

who don’t otherwise have a viable choice.

If you’re from an affluent neighborhood,

These two starkly different charter school experi-

that’s not a problem.”

ences seem to leave Austin in limbo. AISD still suffers

After its unsuccessful trial run with the IDEA charter

cation, according to the state. This marks the district

system, AISD now takes a definitive stand against

as unable to provide students with an education that

charter

school

would prepare them for college. School board trust-

choice,” AISD media representative Jacob Barrett

ees condemn these ratings, arguing the scores rely

says. “We have many schools within the district that

too heavily on standardized tests and are put in place

students can go to if they want a better education

to embolden charter schools. Several east Austin

in music or tech. However, AISD absolutely does not

schools are registered as “needing improvement” by

support charter schools. AISD doesn’t believe the

the Texas Education Agency and are looking at pos-

charter systems can cater to all our student’s needs.”

sible closures if turnarounds in performance aren’t

Across town, the Knowledge is Power Program

made soon.

education.

“AISD

from “unacceptable” ratings in post-secondary edu-

does

support

(KIPP) Austin Comunidad has a much different view. This dual language branch of KIPP, a charter

While schools like KIPP believe independently-run

school system, identifies itself as a local champion

institutions are the solution, activists and east Austin

for underserved communities. Boasting a mission

parents like Vincent Tovar want a solution from

statement that explicitly serves Latino and African

within the neighborhood. “[After the IDEA charter in

American students, founding principal Justin Scott

East Austin], eastside parents, teachers and students

was quick to dispel myths and point out the bene-

started to realize their own power in determining

fits of the KIPP charter school system. “We have the

their own fates, as opposed to having decisions made

same testing standards,” Scott says. “Since we receive

for them, [which is] pretty rare in low income com-

public funds, we still are accountable in that way.

munities of color,” Tovar says. “We’re on a positive

Except we can innovate.”

trajectory when it comes to being active. We want public health care, public transportation, and public

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Scott referred to charter schools’ abilities to create

education. It’s a fight to make quality public goods

curriculums and determine its own programs. With

available to the public, and all of the public.”

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How Much Have You Changed Since High School?

ATX Staff Collab

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“Sometimes it’s difficult to reflect on how much I’ve changed since high school because there are (seemingly continuous) moments of self-doubt and self-consciousness.”

Allyson Waller

as I struggled to fit into what society expected of

I was back in high school. I miss the friends I grew

nickname. I gained weight, lost confidence in myself

There are moments when I long for the days where up with, the routine I followed every day and seeing my family on a daily basis. However, there are things about high school that I definitely do not miss, such as the anxiety I felt every time my accomplishments didn’t measure up to someone else's or constantly feeling like I had to reach a level of unattainable perfection in everything I did. As cliche as it may seem, high school felt like a time of self discovery. There were so many realizations I went through concerning my faith, my confidence and my mental state. As a student who is almost done with her first year at the University of Texas at Austin, there are some changes I see in myself that make me different from Allyson, the high school freshman. I am stronger than I give myself credit for, and I am no longer afraid to admit when I don’t feel as strong as I wish I could be. By no means was the transition to college easy, but I think if I did not experience the struggles of high school, I would not be able to handle the current hardships. I may still be a shy person who is skeptical of change, but I am no longer afraid of the possibilities change can bring. I like my life, and recently it has been my

and was totally lost in where I wanted to go in life.

However, when I visited the Counseling and Mental Health Center on campus, I received help and gained a new outlook on life. I always loved to read, draw, and write, but society told me I could not make a career out of being a creative. Determined, I changed my major to reflect my passions in these fields, but I still was unsure where I would go in life. That was until I bought a camera. After shooting the Affirmative Action Protest, I was thrown into a world I never even considered: journalism. The adrenaline pumping through my body as I ran ahead of a protest and the surreal feeling of capturing history in its making, helped me realize what I want to do in life. I am no longer the unsure, awkward kid I was in high school. I am confident and driven to achieve my own interpretation of success. Also, I have a new nickname. I am "The Young Humza."

Emanuela Schneider

My early college years felt like high school. I still had the same friends and even lived with my parents. I

goal to enjoy the season of life I am currently living.

grew up in Brazil and went to a very small bilingual

Humza Ahmed

mates were the same people I went to kindergarten

in my biology class gave me the nickname "Young

had meaningful relationships with students. We all

During my freshman year of high school, some kids Humma.” Back then, I was an awkward science nerd that was one of few brown Muslim students in a wealthy white suburb. The nickname stuck for some time. At first it was an ironic label for a very sheltered kid, but as I grew, I began to embrace the nickname and gave it my own definition. Every year something impacted my life, I upgraded my nickname. I became "Young Humma 2.0," "3.0," "4.0," and so on. But in college, I became someone else all together. Coming to UT was an immense struggle. I was leaving behind all my friends, family and everything I thought I knew about myself. I always thought I would become a doctor, pressured by years of South Asian culture valuing STEM over the humanities. My mental health declined rapidly 14

me. I found I was no longer able to "upgrade" my

high school. By very small, I mean most of my classwith. It was the type of place where faculty truly knew each other well: from friends, faculty and even parents, that high school was a beautiful bubble After graduating from high school, I studied journalism in the same city. When I decided to transfer to UT, I knew my bubble would finally pop. My parents came with me to Austin to help with my transition and stayed for about two weeks. The day they left, loneliness finally hit me. I was living alone for the first time in an unfamiliar city. You know the movie “How to Be Single?” That was me. I had to learn how to cook, how to clean and how to make friends again.

Of course, the occasional Skype call with my friends in Brazil also helped me through that phase. But what caught me off guard the most was how I view my parents. Like most teenagers, I had moments with

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“Growing up is scary, and it scared me when I was 18 and scares me now at 21. But, what’s changed is that I’m learning to believe in and trust myself more.”

my parents that I’m not so proud of. However, I built

close knit high school where I knew everyone and

a mature relationship with them before leaving for

their mothers, quite literally. So jetting off to NYC

college, which made me value my parents even more.

where I had no friends or family? Unbelieveable and

They’re still my biggest support system.

potentially disastrous. However, I survived NYC with some lifelong friends and interesting stories to tell.

Danielle Drews

And listen, I know how cliche it is to talk about how

Even though I’ve only been out of high school for

life-changing NYC is, but I consider my time there a

about a year, I believe I’ve experienced a lot of per-

huge factor in my growth. I was living alone for the

sonal growth. Coming from a small high school in a

first time in this huge city that is drastically different

small town (my graduating class size was 129), almost

from Austin. I had the opportunity to explore my

every face that I saw on a daily basis was a familiar

identity and interests in full without the confining

face. I knew nearly everyone in my school. At UT, I

expectations of my parents or old high school

didn’t really know anyone, and the four hour drive

friends. It was there that I realized that independence

to get home removed a safety net I didn’t known was

was both not being able to ask my mom where my

there. The distance away from my friends and family

favorite socks were when I lost them, as well as

has helped me realize who I am as an individual,

grocery shopping for myself (needing bread and

uninfluenced by anyone else’s ideas about me. There

eggs but returning to my dorm with two bags of

have been some challenging moments (realizing my

mini donuts and doritos). Growing up is scary, and

dad couldn’t kill a bug for me) but there were many

it scared me when I was 18 and scares me now at 21.

fun, curfew-free moments as well. (In case my mom is

But, what’s changed is that I’m learning to believe in

reading this, I spent a lot of late nights at the library

and trust myself more. I’m excited to see where that

in study groups). The sense of freedom was different

will take me.

than what I had grown accustomed to, and it also made me more responsible. There were so many little things that I didn’t realize my parents did for me until

Katarina Brown

The blasé answer I normally give when people ask

I moved out. I’ve become more outgoing, by having

how I have changed since high school is that now

to meet new people and with writing for ORANGE.

I’m less uptight than I was back then. But that’s just

I’ve also realized that no matter how many times I go

an abbreviated and too-removed way to think about

home, it will always feel different, like the moment

what actually happened once I came to UT. If I’m

you realize you’re too big for your parents to pick you

giving an honest answer, I think I would say that I’ve

up anymore. But I’ve become more okay with that.

become less afraid since high school. To me, that

One thing that has not changed at all is my ability to

doesn’t mean being more assured in my future, being

remain painfully awkward in almost every situation.

excited at every strange turn or crying less (definitely not). Instead, it means that I’ve come to appreciate

Imani Sebri

the moments when everything feels like it’s falling

Sometimes it’s difficult to reflect on how much

apart. At the end of high school, I was petrified to

I’ve changed since high school because there are

leave my group of friends shunning all hope that I

(seemingly continuous) moments of self-doubt and

could ever meet people better suited to me than the

self-consciousness. My route to college was a little

circle I had built around me in my small, suburban

unconventional. After graduating from a high school

town. Now, as a senior, I’m on the cusp of even more

in Austin, I took a gap year, spent my freshman year

new things, but this time I’m ready and scared to be

attending college in New York City, and then found

open all at once, which is something that 18-year-old

myself back in Austin for my sophomore year. The

Katarina would never have wanted to accept—or even

decision to take a gap year and go to school in NYC

admit. That’s the difference.

was entirely unlike me. I attended an extremely 15

QUIZ

Quiz by Jacqueline Ramos and Allyson Waller

Which Austin Museum Are You?

Art is a medium in which stories can be creatively expressed, and history is preserved. Austin museums curate unique artwork as well as historical pieces and information which showcase the diverse backgrounds of the capital city, the state of Texas and the United States. Take this quiz to see which Austin museum best fits your personality.

Which UGS Course would you take?

A “Medici: Masters of Florence”

B Civil War, Vietnam, and Texas

B “Friday Night Lights”

C Race in the Age of Trump

C “The Get Down”

D Movements in the U.S.

D “Jane the Virgin”

Who would you add to your playlist?

What’s your favorite creative outlet?

A NÄM

A Drawing

B George Strait

B Filming

C Solange

C Writing

D Selena

D Photography

What’s your dream internship?

Which UT alum would you hang with?

A Writing for a local lifestyle publication

A Wes Anderson

B Interning at the Texas Capitol

B Matthew McConaughey

C Working at a history preservation non-profit

C Trevante Rhodes

D Curating local art exhibitions

D Robert Rodriguez

Which hashtag would you scroll through?

16

Which show would you binge watch?

A Zines/DIY Publishing

What’s your favorite Austin hotspot?

A #vscocam

A Spiderhouse Cafe

B #comeandtakeit

B Texas Capitol

C #representationmatters

C Antone’s Nightclub

D #NoBanNoWall

D Resistencia Bookstore

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MOSTLY A

The Contemporary Austin You are an art fanatic, and love to discover the coolest new trends. You love to learn about the world around you! That new local band? Yeah, you’ve heard of it — you might even be their keyboardist. Modern art might be weird and hard to understand to the rest but that’s your thing.

MOSTLY B

Bullock Texas State History Museum You’re not only a history buff, but a proud Texan too. You love to eat your barbecue, but you also want to learn the origins of its popularity. On the weekends, you can be found kicking it back at The Continental Club enjoying your favorite country tunes.

MOSTLY C

George Washington Carver Keeping the memory and the legacy alive for those who came before you is important. You are not afraid to speak up when injustice is not being addressed. Once you learn a part of history in class, you make sure to do extra research since you know they’re not always teaching the full story.

MOSTLY D

Mexic-Arte Museum Art is important to you, but so is representation and culture.

Your weekends are spent trying new foods from places you’ve never been to. You love asking about people’s backgrounds, in a respectful matter of course. You might be a non-western art history major or focusing on culture, media, and the arts as an international relations major.

17

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The Grand Slam Champion WORDS BY DANIELLE DREWS

PHOTOS BY MARYBETH SCHMIDT

With his unique combination of passion, comedy, animation and sincerity, Weber makes a significant contribution to the artistic and talented 2017 Austin Poetry Slam team.

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n April 1, the Austin Poetry Slam crowned

range of topics for his slam poems, Weber challenges

its new grand slam champion, Dave Weber.

himself to compose poems that present his topics in

Weber, along with the top four finishers will make up

different ways. “I don’t ever want to be pigeon-holed

this year’s Austin Poetry Slam team that will compete

into a type of poet,” Weber says. “I don’t want to be

in the National Poetry Slam in Colorado in the fall.

the funny poet or the political poet. I don’t want to

“I’ve had such a tremendous outpouring of love and

limit myself in any way. So for me, it’s trying to come

warmth from people,” Weber says. “It’s been really

up with new ideas and doing things differently than

wonderful. So it’s going to be a lot of hard work, but

what I see other people do.”

it’s totally worth it.”

For Weber and other poets, slam poetry is also a form The Austin Poetry Slam is a nationally-ranked team

of therapy. “I joke that you could pay someone $100

that made it to the national semi-finals last year and

an hour to sit on a couch and listen to you, or you can

won the national group slam championships the year

pay six minutes and have 200 people actually care

before, according to Austin Poetry Slam Slam Master

about what you’re saying for a few minutes at a time,”

Jomar Valentin.

Weber says.

In 2016, the group heard poetry from over 250 poets.

Slam poetry is an outlet where many poets, including

Of those 250, 10 were chosen through a process of

Weber, can freely express themselves. He says that

qualifying slams. They were dubbed this year’s best

there are some things that he finds easier to express

and competed at the Grand Slam competition.

in a slam than in regular conversation, and that there are some things that he’s expressed in poetry that

Weber has lived in Austin for the past seven years,

he hasn’t talked to his family or friends about. “We

and this is his first year as a member of an Austin

always put on this social media facade, where our

Poetry Slam team. Before living in Austin, Weber

lives are absolutely perfect and there’s nothing to

lived in New York City where he attempted to do slam

worry about,” Weber says. “When in actuality, every-

poetry but did not find it as appealing as he did here

body has difficulties that they face, they have trials

in Austin. “There’s such a supportive and thriving

and tribulations, and it’s hard to talk about those with

community here,” Weber says. “It’s not really a com-

friends.”

petition—it’s more of a community, which makes a big difference for me.”

The Austin Poetry slam has changed Weber’s perception of slam poetry, because not all of the slam

Weber has been writing poetry since the age of six,

poems performed are dark, brooding or sad. There

and describes slam as a natural outlet for him. He

are some poems that use a comedic approach to

says he’s written 400 to 500 poems, with about 150

present deep issues in a metaphorical way. Through

of those being slam poems. He averages two poems

some of the other poets, Weber says he has gained a

a week, usually ending up with 50 to 75 poems a

deeper insight into some issues he didn’t completely

year. “I’ll always carry a notebook around with me,

understand before. “[Slam poetry] has actually made

and there’s always a few random lines that I’ll think

me change my perception of things,” Weber says. “I

of that I’ll jot down real quick,” Weber says. “So some

understand class struggles a lot better than I used to.

of those lines six months down the line may get put

The same thing with gender discrimination, gender

in a poem.”

identity and a lot of different issues that I would have never gotten the perspective of if I didn’t do slam

Weber describes his writing process as sporadic

poetry.”

and chaotic, with some of his best ideas coming at rather inopportune moments. Sometimes he’ll end up

The different perspectives that he’s been able to

having to pull over his car on the way to work so he

experience through other poets’ pieces have taught

can write a few lines in his notebook. A common area

him that slam poetry is not all about the recognition.

of inspiration for Weber’s poetry is conversations he

“We all have a story to tell,” Weber says. “We all have

has with people, and more recently, political topics.

something that, when we put it out in the world, will

But, he also finds inspiration from all facets of his life,

affect other people. I hope that someone in the audi-

and doesn’t draw from solely one area. With a diverse

ence has that one line that I say that affects them.”

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Through The UT Looking Glass 2016-2017 Story by Sayuri Kolombege

Illustration by Ryan Hicks

Students at the University of Texas at Austin have experienced a broad spectrum of emotions this past year. We’ve endured semesters filled with protests and public demonstrations, some that have warmed our hearts and others that have left a bad taste in our mouths. UT continues to uphold Austin’s reputation for being a hub for the hopeful as students represent the unique spirit of our city and this past year was no exception.

Cocks Not Glocks

Affirmative Action Bake Sale

starting a national conversation with the anti-carry

versial bake sale protesting the university’s policy on

protest, “Cocks not Glocks.” The country watched

affirmative action. Their efforts to protest affirma-

in awe and disbelief as news stations broadcasted

tive action eventually sparked hundreds of students

students huddled by the masses, waving around

coming out to picket the organization’s bake sale

thousands of adult sex toys on daytime television to

table that assigned prices according to race. While

express their grievances towards the Campus Carry

Asian males paid the most for a cookie, $1.50, Native

law. The organizer, Jessica Jin, claimed that the

Americans of both genders could get their baked

choice to use sex toys as part of the protest was to

good free of charge. The club members claimed

challenge the perception that carrying a gun should

they were trying to combat “institutionalized racism”

feel any more normal. The students who participated

but ended up being branded racists themselves for

wanted to show the outrageousness that there are

hosting such an event. The demonstration grabbed

state laws prohibiting dildos on campus, but not guns.

the attention of the national media once again by

“We’re just trying to fight absurdity with absurdity,”

making UT a front page story.

We kicked off the school year back in August by

junior history major Rosie Zander says.

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The Young Conservatives of Texas hosted a contro-

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Farewell Charlie Strong

After three full seasons at UT, Charlie Strong was

as one of our generation's major mainstream icons.

relieved of his duties as head football coach for

Collin Wang, the contest winner, took the grand prize

the Longhorns, sending the campus into a frenzy of

by imitating Bey’s underwater pic that was posted to

emotion. There were statements and explanations,

her website just after the announcement of the twins.

but mostly there was something missing in the foot-

Wang may have won the golden ticket, but we all got

ball program after Strong took his leave. His players

to experience a little bit of the victory by having an

took it the hardest as they had to say goodbye to

entire UT day dedicated to Queen Bey.

the coach that “helped them grow into the men they are.” And when the cheers and cries came to a halt, the #StrongEra was all the buzz around campus for weeks to come.

Students Against the Travel Ban

After the Travel Ban, or the bill formally known as “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States,” went into effect, students

Standing Rock Benefit Concert

gathered around the East Mall to show solidarity

The UT Native American and Indigenous Studies

within the UT Community and express their support

Department launched an initiative to assist Standing

for Muslim students. Members of numerous campus

Rock by hosting a concert. Akshaya Tucker, a first

organizations such as the Texas Muslims Students’

year student at UT’s Master of Music Composition

Association made an appearance and spoke out

program, and Khristian Mendez, a graduate student

during the rally, stressing the importance of compas-

of Theatre and Dance, spearheaded the event with

sion and strength during unnerving times.

the intention of honoring the movement and raising awareness to the destruction of sacred ceremonial and burial sites. Students gathered to share their

Students Oppose the “Bathroom Bill”

Several UT students provided written testimonies

music, poetry and dance and at the end of the night

opposing the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act

100 percent of the funds collected were donated to

and various areas on campus including the Welch

the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe including many articles

Building that displayed signs that encouraged

of clothing to help keep them warm through their

students to use the restroom that they feel most

protests.

comfortable in. This bill coming to pass surprised few but will affect all transgender students on campus as

Trump’s Inauguration Protests

the university has vowed to act in accordance with

Thousands of UT students rallied around the tower

the law. Many students, however, have shown support

steps on the Friday morning after the inaugura-

through various social media platforms and claim

tion of President Trump. A walkout led by students

they find the bill “unnecessary,” and wish to have the

and faculty under the banner of the Anti-Trump

rights of all students here on campus protected.

J20 Organizing Committee attracted the attention of not only the UT campus, but also the entire city.

This protest expanded and was able to reach various

The University encountered many obstacles through-

points in Austin including many city streets that were

out the year, but students also created extraordinary

completely blocked off and even the State Capitol.

moments of unity and resilience that made the

The rally lasted around four hours and had an

journey an interesting one. This year tested our

expected turnout of 3,500 which attracted a tremen-

empathy and strength as we made our way through

dous amount of spectators and only made this that

two semesters of constant unpredictability. As it

much more of a spectacle that had Austin watching

slowly comes to a close, students catch their last few

in astonishment.

glances at the Tower before the summer arrives. Like the Longhorn standing next to you, we all represent

Ellen Comes to UT

and embody this university as one entity. While the

The Ellen Show made a visit to the UT campus just

protests and marches may have given us outlets to

in time to hand out tickets to the GRAMMYs to the

put action behind our words, many of us are still left

student who best recreated Beyonce’s pregnancy

uncertain of the future. As we turn a new leaf and

photoshoot. UT quickly became a Beyonce look-book

begin fresh next semester we all remain hopeful, but

as students paraded around playing dress-up

smart enough to be vigilant of what’s to come.

21

MORE THAN A # Words by Jacqueline Briddell Photos by Mary Pistorius

In the 60-year span that black students have been allowed to enroll at the University of Texas at Austin, their population has never exceeded 4.9 percent of the entire student body, according to the Office of Institutional Reporting, Research and Information Systems. After integration, the first 90 African American undergraduate students, now known as the Precursors, made up less than 1 percent of the student body in 1956. Their brave initiatives were expected to pave the way for an influx of thousands of black undergraduates at this institution.

However, fast forward to today and black students still only make up 3.9 percent of 51,000 enrolled students. These nearly 2,000 black students often refer to themselves as “The 4 Percent.” Although the number of black students at UT is grossly lacking, each of these individuals embody more than just this statistic. They must support and reaffirm one another’s existence in a space that lacks black representation.

Intersectionality plays a major role in the black

other black students. “I really don’t consider myself

community, seeing as many students encompass

part of ‘Black UT,’” George says.

multiple identities. Among the group of intersectional black undergraduates is government first-year Violla

George explains that “Black UT” is a colloquial term,

George. Born and raised in South Sudan, George

not to be confused with “The 4 Percent.” The term

moved to America with no friends and little knowl-

is attributed to a tight-knit, almost exclusive com-

edge of the English language at the age of six. Her

munity of black students who, to people that aren’t

family spent eight years living in Kansas City, Mis-

a part of the group, are seen as the overrepresented

souri and later moved to Austin when she was a

face of the black community. She says “Black UT” is

sophomore in high school. George is not only one of

composed of “cool black kids who can dance and

the 2,000 black undergraduate students at UT, but

dress nice,” which makes her feel very disconnected

she is also a Muslim.

from them. “We don’t have much in common other than that we’re black. That’s how I see it,” George

In many instances, George says she feels uncom-

says. “Besides, if you don’t come in knowing people

fortable in both black and Muslim environments on

already, or if you aren’t a part of ‘Black UT’ from the

account of her race and her religion. When George

beginning, it’s very hard to integrate later on.”

began her first semester at UT, she was too focused

22

on her academics and adjusting to college life to

Aside from her absence in the black community,

attend many of the events held by black organiza-

George says she doesn’t consider herself to be a

tions. She thinks that might have caused her to miss

part of the Muslim community on campus either.

out on being involved and forming friendships with

She notes that many Muslim student organizations,

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including the Muslim Student Association, are mostly

being Muslim and does not wear a hijab. She under-

composed of people of South Asian and Middle

stands that the overrepresentation of Arab Muslims

Eastern descent, with the exception of a handful of

causes many people to forget that the religion is

black students. Although they share the same faith,

associated with people of all racial and ethnic back-

George recognizes that there is an undertone of dis-

grounds. While brown Muslims make up a significant

comfort because their different ethnicities lead to a

percentage of the Islamic community and are often

difference in their experiences as Muslims. “People

considered “the face of the religion,” there are many

are always saying that we need to be Muslims before

people of the Islamic faith who are black, white, East

we are ourselves. They say we are one Muslim body,

Asian, Latinx and more.

but honestly, we’re not,” George says. She describes several instances in which non-black Muslims have

As an Afro-Latina, Nicolle Walters can relate all too

mistaken her for a tourist in her home country or

well to George’s double-identity dilemma. Both of

when she goes to a mosque to pray. This has lead her

her parents were born in the Dominican Republic,

to adopt a “black first” mentality in which her racial

and although she was raised in a predominantly

identity outweighs her faith due to the lack of accep-

black area in Houston, her family still upholds and

tance she has experienced among other Muslims.

celebrates many of their Dominican customs. She describes that her childhood consisted of eating lots

George prioritizes her black identity over her faith

of rice and beans, listening to Hispanic music, such as

because she says that is the forefront of her exis-

merengue, bachata and salsa and speaking Spanish at

tence. The color of her skin overpowers her affiliation

home. However, she does not feel like these experi-

with Islam, especially because she is not vocal about

ences detract from her blackness.

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Walters explains that the concept of her ethnicity

On the contrary, Jacob Hood, an English and sociol-

is confusing to some because it is hard for them to

ogy freshman, does not hesitate to vocalize his

understand that Afro-Latinx are Hispanic people

identity as a queer black man. Hood was born and

whose race just happens to be black. “When people

raised in Lubbock, a predominantly white city in

discover that I am Hispanic, I always get questions

northwestern Texas that is known for being ranked

like, ‘Are you mixed black and Mexican?’ as if that’s

one of the most conservative and LGBT-unfriendly

the only possibility, but an Afro Latina is really just a

cities in the nation.

Hispanic woman whose race is black. It’s that simple,” Walters says.

Hood says he is comfortable with his sexuality now but he did not always feel this way. In his 18 years of

Similar to George’s experience in the Muslim com-

living in Lubbock, he only ever knew one openly gay

munity, Walters says that she resents having to prove

person, which discouraged him from ever coming out

her Latina identity to others while justifying that she

to the people in his hometown. In high school, he was

is also black. Walters explains that other black people

so fearful of being kicked out by his parents or being

have even excluded her from conversations because

physically and emotionally harmed by others that he

they felt as though she wasn’t “black enough” to

repressed his sexuality until he arrived in Austin.

relate to their experiences, but when it comes to interacting with other Latinx people, she also faces

Hood adds that Austin’s stance on LGBT rights and

isolation and discrimination. “Some [Latinx] are very

the city’s reputation as the “gay capital of Texas”

anti-black. They’ll meet an Afro Latina and be dis-

inspired him to start his coming out process. He went

gusted that a black woman is speaking Spanish to

on to proudly describe his experience of first coming

them,” Walters says.

out to his close friends, his mother and eventually becoming comfortable enough to announce his sexu-

Although Walters has not experienced this kind of

ality to just about anyone. “Now I don’t shut up about

discrimination on campus, she admits that there have

being gay,” Hood says with a huge grin on his face.

been multiple instances in her life in which others

“I think I’m definitely in the right place to be after

have shunned her for the color of her skin, especially

coming from where I did. I’m very proud of myself.”

older generations. Even as these divides between the black and Hispanic communities forced Walters to

Since arriving at UT, Hood has come closer to

question her identity, she now says that her heritage

accepting his queer identity as a black man, but he

does not take away from her ability to be a part of the

still tends to stray away from “Black UT” because he

black population on campus. She admits that since

feels that his sexual orientation is not welcomed in

arriving at the university last fall, she has felt “more

the community. “I’m gay, I’m not into sports, I’m in

welcomed by Black UT than Hispanic UT.”

a liberal arts major that has a bunch of non-black people in it,” Hood says. “I didn’t grow up with a lot

24

“‘Black UT’ is just small community of black kids who

of black people either, so I was never really exposed

walk around every day thinking about how they are

to the black community at all. And I know it’s like that

the only black kids in their class,” Walters says. “At

for a lot of other students, too, who don’t feel like

the end of the day, they just want to hang out with

they fit into a specific mold of what a black student is

people who are like them.”

supposed to be.”

Although she cherishes her place within “Black UT,”

Hood believes that his lack of exposure to large

and feels welcomed and comfortable, she avoids

groups of black people in his hometown has con-

bringing up her Hispanic heritage unless it’s abso-

tributed to his distance from other black students.

lutely necessary. She says that for the most part,

He also says that generally, any queer-identifying

she just identifies herself as black to other students

individuals are frowned upon in black spaces, even

until a certain situation might give away that she

at UT. Although he has not received any direct back-

is a Latina. “I might be talking on the phone with a

lash from other black students about his sexual

family member in Spanish or somebody will ask me

orientation, he has witnessed homophobic comments

for directions and I will answer them in Spanish and

made in “Black UT” group chats, which makes him

they’ll be like ‘What? You’re Hispanic?’ but usually

feel uncomfortable and unaccepted. “Especially in

I don’t bring it up until it just comes out somehow,”

the black community, being gay or having a type of

Walters says.

queer identity is very hard. You can feel very excluded

because there is a lot of homophobia and transphobia still present,” Hood says.

To address these issues, Hood argues that the black community should focus on being more inclusive of all forms of blackness, including queer identities. He says that while he does celebrate and support many black liberation movements, their goals often do not include queer people of color in their conversations.

“I remember when same-sex marriage became the law of the land, and a lot of people in the community thought, ‘Oh, it’s over. We won. Everything is great now,’ but especially for a lot of gay people of color, it’s not,” Hood says. “Homeless rates for LGBT youth of color are insane, rates of HIV for people of color in the gay community are still extremely high and people didn’t really want to confront the fact that race can be intertwined with sexuality and that’s something that cannot be separated.”

Hood has turned his passion into a career path, and he is now a public policy intern at Equality Texas, an advocacy group for LGBT rights. His duties include conducting research and finding witnesses and sources who oppose bills discriminating against queer communities. Most recently, he has written an amendment for SB-522, a bill that would allow county clerks to refuse to issue licenses to same-sex couples on the basis of religion. If the bill passes, his amendment would require them to notify both the commissioners court and the applications of the reasoning of their refusal, leaving a paper trail and forcing them to be more accountable for their actions. Hood hopes that his involvement with the foundation will help make big changes in both legislation and in his immediate surroundings.

Similarly, George want to become a defense lawyer and hopes to one day become Secretary of State.

Walters, a Physics major, hopes to increase the number of black students in fields of science, technology, engineering and math by mentoring younger

Black students at UT have come a long way since 1956, and their contributions to this university continue to make an important and direct impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. However, in order for all black students to feel welcomed and included, the black community must focus on addressing prominent anti-intersectional issues and start advocating for all black identities.

“We can’t change unless we see other people’s perspectives. One black person isn’t the same as another black person,” George affirms. George, Walters and Hood agree that acceptance and inclusion of all forms of blackness are the key to making black spaces accessible to all black people. Whether they may consider themselves to be a part of “Black UT” or not, all three of these individuals and their experiences as black students make up an important part of the entire black body. It may be small in numbers, but black talent and ambition is greater than any statistic.

Black students at the University of Texas at Austin are more than just 3.9 percent of the student population.

They are unique. They are beautiful. And they are intersectional. They are The 4 Percent.

black students. She is interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering or radiation physics.

25

RESISTANCE

WORDS BY ROCHELE FRIEDEWALD PHOTOS BY MAYA COPLIN

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Images like these speak volumes, especially in terms of social activism. “Historically, art has always played a pivotal role in activism,” says Ali Vanderhider, a University of Texas at Austin art student. “Images of poverty in the Great Depression and images of protest and abuse during the civil rights movement called public attention to political issues and the need for activism.”

Considering the current political and social climate,

dynamic between people of two different, yet similar

there seems to be no better time for art activism

nations. “Our sculpture begins with a natural desert

than right now, and for many creative students at

landscape, using plants and rocks native to the

UT, activism is a natural extension of their pursuits.

United States and Mexico’s borderlands,” Vanderhider

“It’s impossible to separate art from the world it is

says. “Broken wooden boards [at the top] change this

created,” Vanderhider says. “I believe my personal

landscape into the chaotic maze, a narrative of the

and political values are evident in my work.”

chaotic politics of this border’s culture.”

Growing up on the rural Texas coast, Vanderhider

Working on such a politically charged project was

felt a certain compulsion to address environmental

extremely gratifying for Vanderhider. “The extraordi-

issues in her artwork. “I’m especially concerned with

nary effect art has on the way people view political

human encroachment on the environment and issues

topics is becoming more evident to me,” Vanderhider

of preservation and conservation,” Vanderhider says.

says. “Visuals seem to have an effect on the public in

“I intend to draw attention to this national concern by

a way words cannot.”

presenting visual images that could have more of an emotional impact than the statistics and the political

Other visual artists share similar beliefs. “Images are

debates that are lacking emotional resonance with

like a punch in the face; they have a way of con-

the public.”

veying emotions suddenly and impactfully.” says Miranda Chiechi, an Austin-based photographer and

Such an appeal seems necessary to garner attention

a UT student. She reflects on the intense vulnerability

and dispel misinformation. Only about 40 percent

she observed in March when she shot the Women’s

of Americans believe climate change will harm them

March in Austin, and the way in which her protest

personally according to Reuters, and about three

photography had the ability to stun its audience out

quarters of Americans are skeptical about the human

of complacency. “[When you shoot], you’re capturing

role in the global warming. “Currently, I’m working

the most raw emotions of people, when they’re fight-

on a photographic project that focuses on brown-

ing for what they believe in,” Chiechi says. “You’re

fields and deserted urban environment,” Vanderhider

capturing a moment in history, a moment in which

says. “I want to use my work to shed light on topics

the people in the picture don’t even realize they’re

of human impacts on the environment that I believe

experiencing. You can see in the image exactly what

require visuals to encourage activism.”

they’re fighting for and it makes you feel it too.”

But, as the current political environment unfolds,

Politically conscious messages aren’t just the domain

Vanderhider found herself drawn to topics reflective

of the individual or of the traditional artist. Some-

on the policy of our current commander-in-chief.

times, art activism comes from a team of creatives

Vanderhider collaborated with fellow artists Lara

in an advertising agency. Recently, corporations have

Ksiazek and Brittney Phan to create a sculpture

started to take a stand against policies and political

embodying the notion of political borders, namely

agendas through advertising campaigns. However,

Trump’s proposed Mexican-US border. For her, the

tone deaf advertising like the Pepsi commercial star-

structure was yet another man made intrusion, a dis-

ring Kendall Jenner which was meant to allude to the

turbing political divide that interrupted the natural

brave actions of Ieshia Evans, prompts 27

the question: is it moral for companies to use activ-

UT artist Christina Willis always knew her art was

ist imagery or politically charged content to sell a

going to say something. “I kept noticing in the images

product?

that I produced—no matter what medium [I used]— that I repeated an iconography which brought into

UT advertising student Sandy Sanchez discussed

light daily struggles for me and for other women,

companies that promote their brands through a

such as objectification, sexism, sexual assault and

social justice narrative. “Some brands are inherently

even inner struggles to accomplish impossible beauty

genuine and have good intentions to make a message,

standards.”

whereas others will take advantage of their power and exploit it,” Sanchez says. “Some brands capitalize

One of her pieces on display in the Fine Arts Library is

on social issues without even having any knowledge

a giant mirrored installation that has the words “Pretty

and that’s where things go wrong.” A creative depart-

is as Pretty does, Dear” inscribed. “The saying is some-

ment that lacks diversity is one of the main reasons

thing my mother used to say to me, and something her

for the disconnect between brands and their audi-

mother told her as well,” Willis says. “The notion of

ences, Sanchez says. “I personally want to use my

‘pretty’ as being important for [women] is so ingrained

creativity and perspectives to increase representation

into our society that it works its way into our upbring-

and diversity in advertising for the good of society.”

ing, our nurturing.” For her, the physical evidence of such an oppressive mantra in her life, and the lives

28

While students like Sanchez focus on delivering pow-

of millions of other girls speaks volumes. “It was con-

erful messages through large, far reaching platforms,

frontational, haunting,” Willis says. “Artistic expression

some creative minds at UT have a focus that is more

interacts with our activism in that it makes visible

personal.

thoughts and struggles that need to be fought for.”

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29

Story by Sayuri Kolombege Illustrations by Jesus A. Acosta

WHY WE SHOULD ALL CARE ABOUT HEALTH CARE Since the early days of his campaign, President Donald Trump has vowed to repeal Obamacare. On March 6, the House Republicans released a new health care bill. The American Health Care Act (ACHA) was pulled by the GOP on March 24 after a failed floor vote by the House. Though we thought it to be pocketed while Trump set his sights on tax reform, the bill managed to be voted in by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 4, just two months later.

This action essentially dismantles all but some aspects of the Affordable Care Act and sends Trump’s healthcare proposal to the Senate, where they’ll decide the fate of the American medical system going forward.

Upon its arrival, the ACHA quickly gained the disap-

Virginia, as he explained that the bill was all politics

proval of many organizations including the American

and not enough policy.

Medical Association, American Hospital Association, AARP and the American Nurses Association. The bill

The bill might not have passed, but Congressional

even managed to create friction within the Republi-

Republicans and Trump are sure to address health-

can Party. Warren Davidson, a member of the House

care within the presidency. As a result, it’s worth

Freedom Caucus, said that it was not, “the change

taking note of what we should expect with the repeal

that we all talked about,” and that it didn’t necessarily

of Obamacare and the installment of what Trump

drive down any costs. “Repeal does not mean repeat,”

considers an act worth stamping his name on.

said Dave Brat, a House Representative serving 30

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WHAT WE LOSE: Premium Tax Credits Premium Tax Credits (PTC) are a refundable tax credit designed to help low or moderate income individuals or families afford health care purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The amount dispensed depends on several factors, including income.

WHAT WE GAIN: Flat Tax Credit A refundable tax credit that would be based on age. The proposal provides tax credits to assist with premiums, with those under the age of 30 receiving $2,000, and those over the age of 60 receiving $4,000.

WHAT THIS MEANS With AHCA, the older you are the more money you’re guaranteed to get. However, this kind of blanket coverage system leaves many young people in need of medical attention with significantly less money than what they are usually able to receive. A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation also found that this revision could reduce your credit by two-thirds and subsequently hurt those with a lower income more than any other demographic.

WHAT WE LOSE: Billions in Medicaid funding Medicaid is a program that provides healthcare to poor and disabled Americans. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that the new bill will be cutting upwards of $370 billion in funding over the next 10 years.

WHAT WE GET: Block granting back to states Presumably, the states would spend the money that was cut from Medicaid on other public services such as education or law enforcement.

WHAT THIS MEANS The states would have to make up the difference of lost funding to maintain current levels of coverage for those who depend on medicaid, which is a difficult task that may leave millions of Americans without health insurance. People depend on medicaid, and without it there will be individuals who are left with no option but to struggle to pay out of pocket or be forced to go without medical attention.

WHAT WE LOSE: Individual mandate Obamacare’s requirement for all citizens under law to be insured or be faced with a fine was considered one of its more faulty aspects. This was a point of attack for many reasons, the main being that individuals who couldn’t afford health care while under the bill were penalized for essentially “being poor.” Already being unable to make the payment is out of the hands of the people who can’t afford the payments required to be insured, so the fees installed to ideally

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help would end up only hurting low income households and further handicapping them.

WHAT WE GAIN: Annual premium penalties The GOP bill tossed out the demand for citizens to carry health insurance. However, the principle of punishing those who are uninsured remained. Under the new legislation, if a citizen decides to discontinue their coverage for longer than two months, then they face a 30 percent premium surcharge for the year if they decide to resume coverage.

WHAT THIS MEANS For those already struggling to stay insured, facing penalties for not having health insurance only makes it harder to regain a health care plan. This could lead to a perpetual cycle of being uncovered due to the large surcharges. Mirroring what was said about Obamacare’s individual mandate— the poor are punished.

WHAT WE LOSE: Employer Mandate Under the Affordable Care Act, employers with more than 50 full or part-time equivalent employees must offer minimum essential coverage or they will be penalized. This forces small businesses to provide some sort of base coverage for at least 95 percent of their workers.

WHAT WE GAIN: There is no replacement for the Employer Mandate.

WHAT THIS MEANS Employers are expected to drop employee coverage once the mandate is repealed. This will once again leave many Americans uninsured and unable to find the money for their own coverage. However, studies have also suggested that businesses will keep the base plans as a form of recruitment to attract employees. Regardless of whether that is true or not, it’s inevitable that a large portion of those who depend on the minimums provided by their employer will be left uninsured.

While the American Health Care Act is currently on the back burner, the Trump administration is still actively working to put together a plan that will gain the approval of the US House of Representatives. Many Republican governors and members of Congress have expressed concerns for a piece of legislation like the American Health Care Act hurting their state. Even though a repeal of Obamacare isn’t in the near future, the importance of knowing what will replace it hangs between millions of people having health care and being uninsured.

31

WORDS BY SABRINA MARTINEZ PHOTOS BY ROHAN MIRCHANDANI

Several students at the University of Texas at Austin founded their own business and continue to operate them. The following students discovered their businesses in high school and have gone on to profit from their ideas. Their creativity and services are offered to a wider customer base that increases the popularity of their businesses on campus.

32

Catherine Song, senior mathematics major, was in her last year of high school when she and some friends came up with the idea to make and sell jewelry at a convention. She combined her love for art and design to create beautiful pieces.

“I really love the designing aspect of it. There’s nothing more satisfying than sharing your art with the world,” Song says.

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Song began selling jewelry in December 2012 and now

Aggarwal mentions how he has

has created her own online Etsy shop. “I’ve learned

lessons throughout his journey with Top Tier Learn-

learned valuable

that it’s not enough to rely on talent alone,” Song

ing from leadership experience to the mechanics of

says. “Even though there’s so many talented designers

mobile applications to client relationships. “Top Tier

out there, it really also depends on how hard you’re

Learning has taught me more than any of my business

willing to market yourself out there. It really brings

classes. The hands-on experience in every area of

you out of your shell.”

business, from finances to management to marketing, have really helped my skills develop.”

Her jewelry is unique and includes pendants and necklaces made with materials from specialized

His favorite part of his business is working with his

vendors. She makes and sells beautiful keys with

team and watching his students grow. “My favor-

gemstones, sparkling druzies, colored stone shaped

ite phone calls are the ones from parents who

necklaces, pendants and earrings. “It’s just fun to take

are ecstatic that students improved and that our

everyday ordinary ideas or things and just give it an

company has changed their futures,” Aggarwal says.

interesting twist,” Song says.

Anthony Matthews, sophomore marketing major, Song says she gets her inspiration from anything or

was in high school when he fixed his first iPhone. His

anyone around her, especially colors. “I was in art for

friends then hired him to fix their phone and word

the longest time so that’s probably what gave me the

spread across the small town of Abilene, Texas. After

foundation to pull my designs from,” Song says. What

fixing dozens of phones, Matthews decided to start

started as an idea for a table at a convention turned

an official company, iGoRepair. “I had my customers

into an Etsy shop that has sold over 600 items and

post shout outs on Instagram as well and then from

rising.

there their friends would ask me for repairs,” Matthews says. “It was a snowball effect.”

Anish Aggarwal, senior finance major, was a junior in high school when he found himself paying $80 an

Matthews brought the company to Austin when he

hour for calculus tutoring. Instead of overpaying, he

graduated high school, knowing that he would reach

decided to hire a friend to tutor him for $10 an hour

new clients from the university. “My company is dif-

instead. Aggarwal says that he found this method to

ferent than your typical iPhone repair shop because

be more effective for him and it benefitted his friend

unlike them, we come to you,” Matthews says. To get

as well. He was determined to provide peer-tutoring

a phone repaired, customers would make an appoint-

to other students as an alternative to overpaying for

ment and he goes to wherever the customer is and

tutoring services.

the phone is fixed in as little as ten minutes with a sixty day warranty. “What’s different about us is that

Aggarwal went to his local YMCA and the Boys and

we are transparent. You get to monitor us while we do

Girls Clubs to ask the organization to partner with him

the repair. This makes you feel assured that we aren’t

in order to start building a clientele, which became

going through your phone and that we are handling

the beginning of Top Tier Learning. “Top Tier Learn-

your phone with care.”

ing is unique in that we are completely student-run,” Aggarwal says. “This is because I have always believed

Throughout his experience with iGoRepair, Matthews

in the potential of students to lead and excel, even if

says he has learned business and customer service

they may not have a lot of prior work experience.”

skills. Mathews says that his favorite part of the business is meeting new people. “I have done thou-

Over the last two years, Aggarwal’s business has

sands of repairs and have talked to each customer an

expanded to 15 branches in seven states. The service

average of 15 minutes each,” Matthews says. “I have

only employs high school students as tutors and

made new friends, established business connec-

focuses on meeting in public settings. Aggarwal says

tions and networked with many folks. Everyone has

that students are more comfortable and willing to ask

their own story and it’s so interesting to see where

more questions than they would with a regular tutor.

someone is from, what they do, and what they plan to

“Often our tutors serve as role models to our younger

do with their life.”

students as well—we care about developing our students in every facet,” Aggarwal says.

33

Solidarity between Muslim and Latinx Communities WORDS BY ALEX PUENTE ILLUSTRATION BY JESUS A. ACOSTA

34

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Following the results of the 2016 presidential election, many marginalized groups stood their ground and defended their basic human rights. Muslim refugees and undocumented Latinx individuals have faced the threats of travel bans and deportation from the Trump administration. These issues have united the two groups and they are using their strength in numbers to protect their communities.

Hateful rhetoric toward the Muslim and Latinx com-

a sanctuary city, which would ensure less coopera-

munities grew before the election and escalated after

tion with the national government in order to protect

Trump’s inauguration. An anti-immigration plan that

undocumented immigrants. Travis County Sheriff

would require building a wall on the Mexican border,

Sally Hernandez also created a policy that would limit

and would allegedly be paid for by Mexico, was one

cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforce-

of the most prominent points of Trump’s campaign

ment (ICE).

platform. This became part of an executive order that criminalized undocumented immigrants and

Despite these attempts to offer safety to undoc-

called for tighter border security and enforcement.

umented citizens both on and off campus, many

Another executive order signed by Trump in January

incidents have threatened their safety and well-being.

closed America’s border to multiple Muslim-majority

Governor Greg Abbott threatened to cut funding for

countries, and chaos ensued at major airports. Many

Travis County shortly after Adler’s announcement. In

people from Syria, Iran, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and

the weeks that followed, ICE raids took place within

Libya, who had flown to the U.S. were detained and

the city of Austin and resulted in the unfounded

prevented from entering the country. Others from

arrests of 51 undocumented immigrants. A federal

those banned countries who had yet to fly to the U.S.

judge confirmed that these raids were in direct retali-

were unable to board their flights.

ation to Hernandez’s policy.

Muslim and Latinx communities have taken the ini-

These cultures are being nationally publicized

tiative to organize and stand up for their beliefs and

with misconceptions and threats with their

right to exist. Chants were repeatedly shouted during

basic humanity being questioned.

protest marches to demand respect for immigrants and refugees. “No ban, no wall” became a popular

Finance and economics senior Santiago Rosales is

chant to unify the communities, as it rejects the trou-

a speaker of the Student Government assembly and

bles caused by the so-called refugee ban and support

author of the sanctuary campus bill. He works to

for a border wall. These executive orders are framed

protect the rights of undocumented students at the

in a way that reject groups of people, primarily people

University of Texas at Austin. “The undocumented

of color, from the U.S.

community is very vulnerable to actions by executive administrations,” Rosales says. “Federal immigration

Psychology freshman Bianca Vazquez emphasizes

laws are enforced in a way that is very counterintu-

how important it is that these communities under-

itive to what should be a constitutionally protected

stand their differences before they can stand in unity.

right, as the 14th Amendment guarantees equal pro-

“Once understanding these differences, it’s important

tection under the law.”

to understand the action of standing in solidarity between Latinx and Muslim communities,” Vazquez

Hate

says. “These cultures are being nationally publicized

occurred near UT even before the election. Back in

crimes

against

marginalized

groups

had

with misconceptions and threats with their basic

December 2015, a Muslim student was insulted for

humanity being questioned.”

her religious beliefs at Kerbey Lane Cafe, a frequently visited spot located on the Drag. Nothing was done

Since Austin is home to many undocumented cit-

to remedy the verbal abuse, and incidents such as

izens, efforts have been made to protect their

this have only escalated since the election results. In

livelihoods here. During an immigration rally back

February, a white supremacist group distributed fliers

in November, Austin Mayor Steve Adler vowed to

that called for a “Muslim-Free America.” The same

stand by immigrant families and make Austin into

group put up flyers targeting undocumented

35

immigrants, calling for people to report them to ICE. While the flyers have since been taken down, the lack of action against hate speech has created an unsafe environment for minorities on campus.

Many Latinx and Muslim students on campus have faced adversities while growing up due to their identities. Even prior to the Trump administration, minorities in the U.S. have struggled to find safety and acceptance.

Often times, fear that stems from ignorance influences people to act irrationally and violently towards these groups, and such acts make it much more difficult for marginalized groups to even leave their homes.

Supply chain management and history sophomore Sarah Youssef says that islamophobia has not been a new experience for her or her family. “While growing up, my family has always felt the racism that’s come toward us,” Youssef says. “I remember when I was younger, my dad had the police called on him at a store. He has prominent Arab features, and he was accused of being a terrorist. This prejudice has always been there, but with the bans it’s been heightened.” Youssef says.

“These are things that make you feel like you’re unwanted in the country- like you’re a second class citizen.”

Now more than ever, it is crucial for marginalized groups to come together and strengthen their unity. The solidarity between many minorities moves beyond protests, rallies and demonstrations and into daily life. The No Ban, No Wall movement has stood strong against adversity, and Muslim and Latinx communities will only continue to fight for their rights. “When people come together, it is harder to be threatened by the oppressor,” Vazquez says. “Latinx and Muslim communities can come together with their differences and similarities to show that the hate the oppressor brings upon them is not strong enough to separate. It does not belittle us, but makes us bigger, especially when we can stand side by side with one another.”

36

Racist Incidents Concerning Muslim & Latinx Students on UT Campus Bleach bombs are thrown at students of color in West Campus.

August 2013 Young Conservatives of Texas plans to host a “catch an illegal immigrant” game on campus.

November 2013 Fiji fraternity hosts a “border patrol” themed party.

February 2015 Published Fiji pledge rules surface online. Rules include “no Mexicans,” “no interracial dating” and “no fagetry” 2007, resurfaced in March 2015 Muslim student are spat on and accused of receiving orders from ISIS - November 2015 Members of the Palestine Solidarity Committee are intimidated by a UT professor at a public lecture on Israeli Defense Forces November 2015 Two SAE members throw bottles at a black student in West Campus while yelling racial slurs.

February 2016 Young Conservatives of Texas holds an affirmative action bake sale, with prices based on race.

2013 and again October 2016 Racist posters targeting Muslims and undocumented immigrants are posted on statutes by a white nationalist group. - February 2017

orange magazine

food + drink

Four Cookbooks Even College Students Can Use

by London Gibson

Ever try to make a meal and fail miserably? Maybe you need some help in the kitchen, or maybe you’re just looking to expand your culinary skills. Either way, take a look inside these four cookbooks for some easy, yet delicious recipes perfectly suited for the life of a student.

The I Hate to Cook Book

by Peg Bracken and Jo Bracken

This book has dishes for every situation, including luncheons, potluck suppers and kids’ parties. The I Hate to Cook Book is stuffed with recipes tailor-made for beginners, and as college students, aren’t we all?

Fifty Shades of Chicken

by F.L. Fowler

It’s not what you think. This parody cookbook features fifty ways to prepare chicken, from stuffing to frying and broiling and dressing. Complete with seductive photos of everyone’s favorite bird to eat, this cookbook is actually very helpful in the kitchen – and who doesn’t like chicken?

Eat Your Feelings: Recipes for Self-Loathing

by Heather Whaley

Being in college is hard. This is the cookbook you keep for that Sunday night when you begrudgingly drag yourself to the kitchen to cook dinner because you have no choice but to be an adult now. Whaley’s straightforward comfort food recipes are all capped with hilarious titles. Hopefully they’ll distract you from the mountain of homework awaiting you after dinner.

Microwave Cooking for One

by Marie Smith

You might have seen this cookbook as nothing more than a recent meme, but all jokes aside, there are some scrumptious and simple recipes in this book. Don’t let the faded paper and cheesy ‘90s cover scare you away from the over 200 pages of oven-less recipes in this timeless beauty.

37

queen Story by Rochelle Friedewald

SOUL AND SERVICE OF THE EASTSIDE Photos by Emily Nash

The walls of Nubian Queen Lola’s Cajun Soul Food were covered in posters and sweet thank you notes.

A large, stately painting of the last supper hung above the customers.

Mardi Gras beads dangled from the ceiling, reminding patrons of the chef Lola’s Louisiana ties. Rows and rows of trinkets sat on the shelves.

Like a proud grandma, Lola displayed small pictures of family and friends around her cozy kitchen.

Lola was famous for picking dishes for the soul food

“First there’s God, and then there’s family,” Lola says,

later. Originally, Austin was just a stop in between her

rookies. The chicken and fried shrimp were some fan favorites, the gumbo was a surefire hit every time, and her homemade sweet tea was praised by many. The flavors conveyed one thing her customers already knew—Lola’s food didn’t come from any sort of cookbook, but from generations of rich family cooking.

And it’s exactly that. Lola grew up in a small town in Louisiana, where she watched her mother in the kitchen from a very young age. Her household was a big one, so she learned how to cook in huge quantities like a restaurant chef ever since she first picked up a pan.

However, her cooking career didn’t kick in until much

in an almost all-knowing voice.

home state of Louisiana and the stardom waiting for

Lola herself seemed to be an extension of her eccen-

capitol for much longer than originally planned. She

tric, homey establishment. Brightly-hued hair framed her heavily-pierced face. Her huge bedazzled cross earrings swung as she walked from table to table, talking to customers and friends alike.

her in California. But family kept Lola in the Texas decided that Texas would be her new home.

As soon as she settled, though, things took a turn for the worst. Lola ended up homeless, her sister passed

orange magazine

food + drink

away, but her will stayed strong. She started having

Sure enough, on a Thursday afternoon, Lola was

vivid dreams about her sister and their plans to open

nowhere to be found. The door was locked, the open

a restaurant. “And one day, I just saw the sign out in

sign in the front window was flashing, but the dining

front of this place,” Lola says. “Seemed like God was

room was pitch black. I called the number listed

telling me something.”

and nothing. At the time, the shop was on its way to closing its doors for good, so I wanted to know every-

Starting her own restaurant with zero funds was

thing there was to know before the Nubian Queen

already a stretch, but Lola knew she was destined to

made her exit from Austin.

do more than cook for her customers. “God told me to feed the homeless,” Lola says. “Doesn’t matter that

I walked over to the building next to the kitchen,

I was broke. I could do something.” Every Sunday, the

eager to see if I could track down the flighty Cajun

little eastside kitchen closes in order to feed the less

cook. “Have you seen Lola?” I asked a man in the

fortunate. Lola and a squadron of volunteers load up

storefront next door.

large buses with food to deliver around the neighborhood. She has been serving the community and doing

He laughed. “They’re always asking me,” he says. “I

“God’s work” every Sunday for thirteen years.

saw her here this morning, but heck, she’s always running around. You know all she does for the neigh-

For Lola, it’s nothing to ogle over. For her, feeding

borhood and all. She’s probably out on that bus. She’s

everyone is just a part of Louisiana hospitality. “I’m

out there feeding everyone.”

just a cook,” Lola says.

But clearly, she’s so much more than a cook. It’s evident by the gushing compliments of all the customers, all the sweet thank you notes that plaster the walls, and the warm smile permanently perched on the Nubian Queen’s face.

The Austin community isn’t the only one who has noticed Lola’s quiet altruism. Earlier last year, Tyson Foods donated a brand new bus to the restaurant, complete with a sink and warmers, in an effort to make the chef’s free meal delivery service more efficient.

The flavor and the sense of community keeps people coming back. However, after thirteen years of business and community service, Nubian Queen Lola’s is set to close. Not from lack of soul, the Queen reassures. Lola’s ready for a new scene, a new community in Taylor, Texas to serve. And after a particularly difficult few years with the landlord, she thought now was the time.

The only complaints about Nubian Queen Lola’s concern the locked front door. Bring up the name around any soul food-loving Austinite, and one of the first things they’ll tell you is that the Queen herself is never there. “Her hours during the week are a hit or miss,” says regular customer and International Relations and Global Studies senior Karla Chavez. “I went last Tuesday and her door was locked. Tried the week before and she wasn’t there either.”

39

QUIZ

What signature Austin cocktail are you?

Words by Jasmine Valencia Photos by Ravin Lee

The Realist

The Adrenaline Junkie

The Explorer 40

The Romantic

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food + drink

The Realist

Cucumber Jalapeno Rita You’re the one everyone is comfortable to be around, whether it’s first impressions or life-long friends, you bring everyone down- to- earth with your infectious attitude.

Like this refreshing cucumber cocktail that leaves an exciting kick at the end, you both are impossible to forget.

JACK ALLEN’S

The Explorer

The French 75 Call off Indiana Jones, you’re the real adventurer here.

Whether it’s a nighttime prowl through the catacombs of Paris or hiking up Machu Picchu, you’re sure to be up for anything. This simple gin cocktail comes bubbly, because we know you like a bit of excitement in your life.

PECHE

The Romantic

Watermelon-Elderflower Martini Rose colored glasses? No problem. For you, life is charming and everything is better with a little bit of flair.

This fresh cocktail has a sweet, light taste and a summery feel. Just like you, this cocktail has a fun blend of simplicity and uniqueness.

LA CONDESA

The Adrenaline Junkie

El Diablo

Habanero-infused Milagro Silver tequila and lime juice make up this cocktail, which is the perfect drink for an adrenaline junkie like you. You like the exciting things in life -- for you, it’s not a good time unless it gets your heart pumping and your palms sweating.

STAY GOLD

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food + drink

In Memoriam Food + Drink Staffers Reflect on the “Drag” Dishes They Miss the Most Illustration by Jac Alford

London Gibson – Big Bite

Ali Garza – Noodles & Company

all know the best part about this greasy, 3 a.m.

matter the restaurant. So when I saw that Noodles &

college-life joint were the “phat” sandwiches. Where

Company was gone from its previous home on the

else can you get a sandwich with french fries in it?

Drag, it was quite sad. When I was a freshman at the

Each sandwich could count as an entire meal—I

University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, I

think I gained ten pounds every time I stepped foot

traveled to Austin to visit the Forty Acres. When it

in the place. My favorite sandwich was the Phat

was time for lunch, my friend and I were craving a

Austin, which was pure heaven stuffed in bread. With

bowl of noodles and came across this gem. Noodles

chicken tenders, french fries, mozzarella sticks and

and Company is where I had my first “Wisconsin Mac

ranch dressing, this sandwich was terrible for my

& Cheese” with spinach. It may not sound like the

arteries, but made my heart happy each time I ate it.

best combination, but I beg to differ. After transfer-

Big Bite is a self-proclaimed pizza place, but we

I will always be a sucker for mac-and-cheese, no

ring to the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of

Sarah Hollis – Kismet Cafe

2016, I always desired that creamy, buttery mixture of

When I found out Kismet Cafe was moving from

melted cheese and leafy greens, and was heartbro-

its convenient campus location, I was heartbroken.

ken when I could no longer satisfy my craving.

During the first semester of my freshman year I visited Kismet every week, sometimes multiple times a week, both during the day and at night. My

Rochelle Friedewald – Veggie Heaven

After being told Austin was a vegetarian oasis in the

favorite dish was the “No. 7 Platter: Hummus & Meat”

barbecue-loving state of Texas, I was excited at the

with tzatziki sauce and a side of fries tossed in a

prospect of vegetarian-friendly food when arriving

lime-chili spice blend. That first bite of gyro was all

at UT. Veggie Heaven was constantly recommended

it took to transport me to a comfortable, safe place

by my vegetarian friends as a restaurant to try. It was

at a time of radical change in my life. Sure, there are

a mixture of all my favorite things — family-owned

some Halal Bros devotees that will say it's not a huge

businesses, Asian-inspired flavors and vegan munch-

loss, but my mediterranean cravings and nostalgia

ies. I was only a semester into my freshman year

will never be as satiated without Kismet.

when it was announced that Mrs. Chen, who owned and operated the restaurant for almost 16 years, was

Abby Moore – Pizza Vetri

closing its doors. I was truly devastated. I swear I’ve

Before the creation of Urban Outfitters’ Space 24

been on the hunt for vegan pork buns ever since

Twenty was Pizzeria Vetri, a quaint and delicious

Veggie Heaven left. Luckily, rumours around seem to

pizza shop. Thriving only from November 2015 to

point to a new location near downtown Austin. Trust

January 2017, this establishment closed before

me, if Mrs. Chen decides to come out of retirement

Austin gave it a chance to become a local favorite.

to serve Austinites vegan Asian bites, I’ll be first in

Pricier than a late night slice of Austin’s Pizza or a

line at the opening.

convenient delivery of Domino’s may have been, Pizzeria Vetri was still a worthy candidate in my

Abby Morgan – Twisted Root

Twisted Root wasn’t just my favorite place to get a

book. I only visited the restaurant once, but the

“lots-a-shroom” burger; it was a part of my pre-game

variety of pizza flavors baked in the wood-fired oven

tradition before any UT football game for years. This

made for a perfect, crispy, carb-filled meal.

tradition began when I was still deciding where to 43

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go for college. When my sister took me to grab a Twisted Root burger before the big game, UT crushed their opponent. Typically, I’m not superstitious, but the food was so mouth-watering and the crowded, nervous energy was so fun that I kept going back.

I’m not saying one burger place decided my life for the next four years, but the excitement of game-day mixed with a redefined, simple food created a fun way to enjoy my prospective years.

Andrea Cos – Kismet Cafe

To my utter devastation, Kismet Cafe left the West Campus food scene after 22 years of sitting on the corner of 24th and Guadalupe Street. This long-time student favorite served Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and it served the best dish I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating: the “Kata Kebob.” For those of you who, like me, are new to the wonders of Mediterranean cuisine, the Kata Kebob is a pita sandwich with lean ground beef and parsley, topped off with a lemon tahini dressing. This restaurant reminds me of everything I loved about my freshman year: late nights, loud laughs and close friends. Even though Kismet Cafe has reopened on 41st Street, I will always remember the food and great memories this particular establishment fostered during one of the most pivotal years of my life.

food + drink

Sunny Kim – Madam Mam’s I remember walking into Madam Mam’s during my freshman year. I was with two friends I had met at orientation and we were all sweaty and starving.

We sat down, drank the ice cold water and ordered stir-fried noodles to fill our empty stomachs. I ordered the “Chicken Pad Sea-Ew,” a flat vermicelli rice noodle stir-fried with broccoli, egg and special soy sauce. When my order came, the inviting smell filled my nose. The hot, steamy noodles were overflowing the plate and I doubted whether I could finish the meal. The noodles were perfectly al-dente, the chicken roasted just right and the vegetables were cooked with panache. I took another spoonful and immediately thought, “This is comfort food.”

Although Madam Mam’s is not moving very far, I will still miss its old spot, where I had my first substantial college meal.

Alyssa Arnold – Green Cos

When Green Gos’ West Campus location closed a year and a half ago, I was devastated. As a vegetarian for over seven years, limp salad in my freshman dorm just wasn’t cutting it, and I used to walk to Green Gos at least once a week for a fresh soup or salad. I constantly looked forward to “The Superfood Salad” with kale, green apple chunks, feta cheese, craisins, pumpkin seeds and a spicy mustard vinaigrette.

Luckily, I snagged the recipe for the spicy mustard dressing, and I still make it in my apartment to put on almost all of my salads.

I Got It From My Mama: Texas Sheet Cake Recipe Texas Sheet Cake 1 cup margarine 1/4 cup cocoa 1 cup water 2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup buttermilk

Cocoa Icing 2 eggs 1 tsp soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Grease and flour a 15 x 10 inch sheet pan.

3. Combine margarine, cocoa and water in saucepan.

Heat until margarine melts, then remove from heat.

1 (1 lb.) box powdered sugar 1/2 cup margarine (1 stick) 1/4 cup cocoa 6 tbsp buttermilk 1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1. Combine sifted powdered sugar, margarine, cocoa and milk. Mix well.

2. Stir in pecans and vanilla.

3. Spread on cake while cake is hot.

4. Sift flour and sugar into large mixing bowl.

5. Add soda, salt and cinnamon. Beat in chocolate mixture at medium speed until well blended.

6. Continue beating while adding buttermilk, eggs and vanilla.

7. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.

8. Ice with cocoa icing immediately.

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My mom made this cake for all of my birthdays when I was little. She would wrap quarters in saran wrap and hide them in the cake like my grandmother did for her.

I Got It From My Mama The story of how food ties my family together.

Story by Sarah Hollis Photo by Ravin René

I REMEMBER the first time that I flipped through the pages of my grandmother’s aged, teal recipe book.

It was bursting at the seams with handwritten recipes, clippings from magazines and yellowed recipe cards shared between friends; a history book and a diary in one. Looking through the recipes my grandmother collected over the years brought me closer to the woman that I had never been able to know in the way I desired. I hounded my mom with questions about the Jell-O molds that my grandmother made for her, my aunt and my uncle in their childhood. Did she ever make tuna noodle casserole? Yes. Was it any good? No. Each recipe told a brief story about a part

through the recipes that made up her collection, I felt I was rediscovering the woman who raised me. There were the recipes from classes she had taken before meeting my dad, the recipes of extravagant desserts she clipped from cookbooks and had yet to make, recipes from her mother and her great-grandmother and even a collection of “recipes” I had written as a five or six year-old.

It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized all of my fondest memories centered around the same thing: food and the unity that it brought my family. Thanksgiving, arguably the most food-centric holiday, was

of my grandmother’s life and the people in it.

our time to be together as a family, all under the

Recipe books are more intimate than most people

focused on planning the feast, shopping for the ingre-

may think. Most recipes that make it into someone’s private collection have a story attached, such as my great-grandmother Sadie’s caramels. Sadie, which was a nickname for Sarah, was my namesake who I never knew, but making her caramel recipes with my mom, aunt and cousin connected me to her in the communion that food creates between people.

I remember being around 10 years-old, waiting patiently as my mom stirred the caramel, eager to wrap the candies in wax paper with my cousin. I remember the first time that I got to stir the caramel and had the responsibility of watching it turn from a cream to a dark caramel color.

roof of my grandparents’ house. The entire week was dients and creating the meal. Everything culminated in one shared experience and yes, it was a wonderful meal year after year, but the real excitement came from the preparation. To me, preparing Thanksgiving dinner felt like a symphony, and my mom and aunt were the conductors.

Generations of family members before me each had their own legacy through food. My grandpa’s was his chili, my mom’s her green beans, my dad’s his bananas foster. In essence, what makes everyone yearn for home-cooked food are the memories to which they are tied and the fondness we have for those who make them.

In the winter of last year, I decided to make a recipe book for my mom as a Christmas gift. Again, as I sifted 45

protein, LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

STORY BY ABBY MORGAN

orange magazine

Protein-high diets are quickly becoming the diet of choice for Americans. The concept is simple: slashing down fats and carbohydrates while loading up on protein.

The diet aims to keep the stomach full, which makes it easier to eat less and lose weight. However, many people are jumping into this diet without fully understanding what protein is, what it does for the body and how it functions as the body’s main source of daily energy.

Protein is one of three macronutrients, along with fat and carbohydrates. A macronutrient is essential for muscle development and sustainability, and while it is important to have sufficient protein, the average American consumes too much in one day.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adults in the U.S. should gain 10 to 35 percent of their daily kilocalories from protein. That number translates to about 46 grams of protein for women and 56 grams of protein daily for men. Yet the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2005-2006 found that men were consuming 101.9 grams and women were consuming 70.1 grams daily.

The recommended daily protein intake is relatively easy to achieve, and the increased interest in protein as a source to “bulk up” or tone muscles is a distortion of fact.There is a limit to how much protein

food + drink

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains that simply eating large amounts of lean protein does not translate to having a tone body. When anyone eats too much protein and not enough carbohydrates and fats, their body has to use the excess protein for energy. However, if they have a balanced diet, their body can use the protein to maintain and build muscle mass.

Just because a person exercises does not mean they need more protein. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, working out an hour a couple of times per week does not mean a person needs to increase their protein intake. Strength trainers and endurance athletes who work out several hours a day are the main of people who need more protein along with pregnant and breastfeeding women. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends not using supplements for this increase in protein for athletes, but rather suggests whole foods such as lentils or eggs.

Protein is essential for a person’s diet and their overall health, but knowing how much to consume and the best sources for it are key. Plant-based proteins such as quinoa and beans are a great source of protein because they are lower in fats than meat sources. Red meats are appropriate to eat in moderation, but lean, white meats such as chicken (skinless) and fish are better to eat on a regular basis, because they are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. People should keep trying new foods that work for them and their dietary needs. What is important is that they are aware of the effects their choices make on their body and mind, so they can keep learning and trying new ways to stay healthy.

the body can absorb in one day. Eating an excessive amount of protein while missing out on other foods because a person feel full puts the body in danger of missing key nutrients.

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Q& A Inside Look With Juliet Mullins

By Alyssa Arnold

We look at food as something to create, eat and share with friends.

Yet, what happens when you share your food with over 18,000 other people? Juliet Mullins of the Austin-based food Instagram, @juliet_ate_romeo, gives an inside look into what it means to be a food instagrammer, how to take the perfect food photo and where to eat in Austin.

How did you begin your journey into food photography?

I started photographing food for my own personal Instagram account when I attended the University of Texas at Austin, and had a lot of fun with it. My roommate recommended I turn it into something separate as I spent more and more time trying out new restaurants.

When did you start to build your now famous Instagram, and how did you gain your very impressive 18.9 thousand followers?

I started the account in the summer of 2015 just after my graduation. I think a lot of my following has come from constantly engaging with my audience and giving genuine insight into my restaurant experiences.

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Do you have any tips for capturing the perfect Instagram food shot?

I would say committing to your angle is important.

Either down a top-down shot if you have an appealing flat lay, or if something looks better from the side, flip your iPhone upside down for a lower vantage

food + drink

a big believer in ordering a bunch of items and just splitting them all, which is a great way to try (and photograph) a bit of everything!

How do you decide which restaurants to post photos of?

point and focus in on the tastiest part of the dish.

I only want to post restaurants I support and would

What are some of your favorite Austin restaurants?

rant I haven’t personally eaten at. I try to post from

I’m constantly asked for my favorite restaurants and it is just so tough to narrow down all the restaurants I love. Some restaurants that are near and dear to me would be Barley Swine, Kome, VOX Table and Freedmen’s.

How do you eat all of the food you take photos of?

Sometimes I will take photos of my friend’s food if it’s more photogenic than my own (I often get serious order envy). But it is a constant struggle between

personally vouch for. I won’t ever promote a restaueverywhere I try, but when a restaurant has bad lighting it becomes harder and harder to snap a great shot.

What are you up to besides posting droolworthy pictures of food on Instagram?

Instagramming is just a fun hobby for me (which keeps me well fed). I work at UberEATS as New Orleans’ Restaurant Partnerships Manager. It is kind of my dream job because I get to work with restaurants all day and eat in one of the best cities for food in the country, besides Austin, of course!

ordering something that is good for me or ordering something I know will look - and taste- amazing. I’m

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food + drink

Local Restaurants with a Cause

My Name Is Joe Coffee Co.

Words by Abby Morgan Photo by Mary Pistorius

At some point in your life, you have probably given back to your community through donating time, money or valuables.

Maybe you’ve collected cans to donate to a local food bank or held a bake sale to help an animal shelter. In doing each of these acts, the purpose behind the actions kept you motivated. You wanted to make a difference and see a tangible, positive change.

These local restaurants found a way to do just that with a cause they are passionate about. From creating an environment for those in recovery to enjoy a cup of coffee, to collecting toys for children at Christmas, they have successfully impacted the Austin community with hopes of inspiring others to do the same.

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My Name Is Joe Coffee Co. William Ball was running a bar in downtown Austin

life mechanically with routines, so I thought it’d be

when he realized he wanted a different life. He went

really cool if we encouraged people to sit with their

on a spiritual journey to discover life without drugs

coffee and just be there and appreciate the day.”

and alcohol, and decided to open a business focusing on the idea of life after addiction. He opened My

My Name is Joe gave Ball and Speer a chance to form

Name is Joe Coffee Co. next door to the bar he owns

a resource for people like them, who were looking

and still operates to this day. “I run that bar and I love

to create and spend their time constructively. The

that bar, but my passion now is a healthy lifestyle,”

service industry can be a hard place for people to

Ball says. He and chef Philip Speer, who is also in

stay sober, but My Name is Joe is a supportive envi-

recovery, worked to develop a menu that was healthy

ronment that understands the value of the simple

and created a space to allow those in recovery to

things, like a cup of coffee and good company.

benefit from the environment.

Chuy’s Tex Mex In 1987, co-owner Mike Young of the popular Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s wanted to find a way to give back to the Austin community. In order to do so, he decided to join the Operation Blue Santa Program.

That year, Chuy’s hosted a toy drive at two restaurant locations. After a couple years of success, they have expanded their operation into a parade — and nearly tripled the number of donations they receive. In 2016 Chuy’s helped Operation Blue Santa serve about 5,000 families.

Now, 29 years later, the annual parade happens every year in front of the State Capitol building a few weeks before Christmas. Each annual parade is planned a Ball says one of the key steps to recovery is finding a

year in advance and involves community volunteers

new way to stay engaged and find a greater purpose

and sponsors. Groups such as Austin Girl’s Choir and

to keep moving. His aim is to offer new passions and

local businesses, like Shady Grove have marched in

interests for those in recovery through his food truck.

the parade and make elaborate floats for people to enjoy. “We have three goals of the parade: collect

Ball’s system allows employees to go through recovery in a safe environment and rely on each other for support and understanding. “My original vision was: let’s take someone early in recovery with no skill set and let’s give them a job, skill set and a place where they can be around other people who are staying sober,” Ball says. He looks at his truck as a resource for those not only in recovery, but those who are looking to start and have questions.

Every coffee cup is marked with

a phrase with a

message about of changing the way one views see the world and themselves. “Sip in the present” and “One cup at a time” are examples of a few of these quotes. “‘One cup at a time’ encourages people to sit in the present with their coffee,” Ball says. “We go through

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toys for kids, teach kids about giving and put on a

on these smaller organizations with our donations

fun event for people to enjoy,” parade coordinator

than we would on a larger, national organization,”

Brooke Cox says.

Manley says. “That’s why we chose to go down this path.”

Chuy’s asks parade-goers to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to struggling families, so that their children can have gifts to open at Christmas. Chuy’s also accepts toys at their locations a week after the parade for those who could not attend but still want to give to the cause. This year’s event will take place on Nov. 18 and is open to anyone who wants to give back during the holidays and have fun doing it.

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill Z’Tejas got its start in Austin on Sixth Street and now has eight locations throughout Texas and Arizona. In 2015, they launched Cornbread for a Cause, a fundraising effort for smaller scale charities in the local

Last year the restaurant helped raise funds for The

communities around their restaurants.

American Widow Project, an organization dedicated to providing resources and support to those who have

“We’re proud of the fact that the charities we choose

lost family members in the military. “Knowing the

are small and the dollars we raise go a long way

Cornbread for a Cause donation really helped them

towards each organization's ability to carry out their

to fund services for these widows was huge—their

individual missions,” owner Gary Manley says. In

group is the biggest support resource the widows

Austin, the program has made major contributions to

have,” Manley says.

Dell Children’s Medical Center, Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children and The American Widow Project. The

The owners of Z’Tejas and their efforts in supporting

people at Cornbread for a Cause are now working to

local charities shows that no act is too small when

fundraise for Marbridge Ranch, a home for people

helping those less fortunate. By simply buying an

with cognitive challenges.

appetizer, customers can be a part of the cause and make an impact. Their message is “Cornbread can

Each time a guest enters the restaurant, they find

make a difference,” but it is their customers that

a note on their table about Cornbread for a Cause.

allow them to make tangible change.

Should they choose to order the cornbread, the restaurant donates a portion of the proceeds to their current charity partner. “We make a lot bigger impact

My Name Is Joe Coffee Co.

Chuy’s Tex Mex

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill

503 Colorado St, Austin, TX

1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX

1110 W 6th St, Austin, TX 9400 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX

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food + drink

Story by Andrea Cos Illustrations by Bolora Munkhbold

orange magazine

food + drink

We are a nation of immigrants. This truth in turn has

number of Thai restaurants that represent these culi-

become a reflection of the country’s, and conse-

nary traditions and provide a deeper understanding of

quently Austin’s, culinary diversity. A fundamental key

Thai culture.

to understanding culture lies in understanding their

Titaya’s—5501 N Lamar # C101

food. Food—the way it’s prepared, the way it’s enjoyed

Madam Mam’s—510 W 26th St

and the traditions it exemplifies—says a lot about

Mai Thai—207 San Jacinto Blvd #201

one’s culture. Below is a map of the most prominent international restaurants that ultimately maintain and

Indian Cuisine

develop the city’s culinary identity.

Indian cuisine is the epitome of diversity. It incorporates a complete range of possible seasonings—spicy,

Italian Cuisine

sour, sweet and hot—in almost every bite. Further-

Italian food has become a well-known and timeless

more, it combines different techniques from other

staple in the United States, and for good reason. Just

cuisines with their own regional spices in order to

the thought of an al dente pasta casserole or a cheesy

create an exciting and mouthwatering experience.

Neapolitan pizza has the ability to make anyone’s

The Clay Pit—1601 Guadalupe St

mouth water. Austin’s Italian food scene has boomed

Bombay Dhaba—1207 S 1st St

in recent years, and now more than ever it has become

Asiana Indian Cuisine—801 E William Cannon Dr

an integral part of our city’s identity.

Patrizi’s—2307 Manor Rd

Mediterranean Cuisine

Andiamo Ristorante—2521 Rutland Dr #325

Mediterranean cuisine is all about the traditional

Carmelo’s Ristorante—504 E 5th St

Mediterranean lifestyle. It emphasizes healthy eating and relationships by making food an integral part of

Chinese Cuisine

societal interaction. Eating healthfully with family and

The incorporation of Chinese food into the fabric of

friends is a big part of Austin food culture as well, and

the United States’ culinary culture often carries the

could perhaps be partially attributed to the influence

stigma of being too “Americanized.” Some people

of Mediterranean restaurants, like the ones listed

judge its authenticity, considering mainstream restau-

below.

rants like Panda Express. The following restaurants

Abo Youssef—2101 Manor Rd

provide Chinese recipes carefully preserved and

Tarbouch Lebanese Grill—534 E Oltorf St

passed down through generations.

Peace Bakery + Deli—11220 N Lamar

Julie’s Handmade Noodles—2512 Rio Grande St Wu Chow—500 W 5th St #168

Mexican Cuisine

Old Thousand—1000 E 11th St

The incorporation of Mexican culture through food is particularly prevalent in Austin, a city that adores and

Japanese Cuisine

takes pride in its succulent breakfast tacos. Authen-

Many chefs have responded to Austin’s subtle need

tic Mexican cuisine is such an integral part of the city

for more variety and diversity in food options, giving

that most people know how to find and differentiate

way to the opening of the following restaurants. These

Tex-Mex from the real deal. These authentic Mexican

Japanese restaurants have been a big hit among

restaurants gives us a glimpse of Mexican heritage

college students and working executives alike, proving

and culture, particularly in their love for corn tortilla

that the city’s demand for culinary diversity has been

tacos and spicy sauces.

increasing.

El Naranjo—85 Rainey St

Don Japanese Food Truck—2716 Guadalupe St

Licha’s Cantina—1306 E 6th St

Ramen Tatsu-Ya—1234 S Lamar Blvd

Veracruz All Natural—1704 E Cesar Chavez St

Fukumoto Sushi—514 Medina St Food is one of the most enjoyable paths to under-

Thai Cuisine

standing a culture. It is a universal way of expressing

In Thailand, food provides the basis for any and every

both heritage and tradition. The city of Austin is

social occasion. A traditional Thai eating experience

brought to life through the merging of different

often involves ordering small plates to share, enhanc-

people with different backgrounds, different beliefs

ing the belief that eating is a social experience. These

and ultimately, different culinary traditions. If culinary

traditions, along with their masterful use of spices,

diversity is a reflection of our cultural diversity, where

have taken the city of Austin by storm. Below are a

would we be without our international restaurants?

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food + drink

How Much Sugar is Too Much Sugar?

Story by Andrea Cos 56

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food + drink

Sugars, particularly added sugars, have long been recognized as a source of empty calories, providing virtually no nutritional value. Regardless of how delicious that ice cream cone is or how inoffensive that bowl of Skittles looks, there is new research suggesting that sugar may very well be a silent killer.

So how does sugar affect the body? Glucose, found in

it’s better to consume natural sugars as opposed to

sugar, is the simplest form of energy. Sugar increases

added ones.

your body’s need to produce insulin in order for the sugar to be absorbed into your cells for energy use,

Most experts advise limiting the consumption of

according to Marina Chaparro, an expert on children’s

added sugars, according to the Department of

nutrition and diabetes. Sugar in its simplest form is a

Agriculture Dietary Guidelines. Furthermore, the

source of energy for your body, she says.

American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to 100 calories per day (about 6 tea-

However, new research suggests there could be a

spoons) for women and 150 calories per day (about 9

relationship between increased sugar intake and a

teaspoons) for men.

disorder known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is dangerous because it can potentially

To put everything in perspective, a 12-ounce can of

incite chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart

soda has 9 teaspoons of added sugars and a glazed

disease and obesity. This disorder affects more than

doughnut has a little over three teaspoons of added

75 million Americans, according to the Centers for

sugars. Most Americans consume 22 teaspoons a day,

Disease Control and Prevention. However, evidence

according to a report published by the Food Network.

supporting this claim is very ambiguous and scientists can’t say for sure if the research is completely

Unfortunately, we live in a society that can’t escape

accurate.

added sugars.They hide in plain sight, and most of us are completely unaware of them. For example, the

Still, we all know that too much sugar is bad for you.

following is a list of every day foods that have a high

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found

sugar content:

that eating too much added sugar increases the risk of dying with heart disease. Additionally, too much sugar can damage your liver, and can cause high

Ketchup:

A 2 tablespoon serving has about 4.3 grams of added

blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

sugar (roughly the size of 1 sugar cube).

So, what exactly is too much sugar?

Energy drinks:

The average 20-oz. sports drink has 8 tablespoons of First, it’s important to know the difference between

added sugar (or 8 sugar cubes).

added sugars and natural sugars. Natural sugars are those that naturally occur in unprocessed whole foods. A perfect example would be the fructose in a

Flavored yogurt:

On average, a 6-oz. flavored non-fat yogurt has 19

piece of fruit or the lactose sugar found in milk.

grams of added sugar (or 4 3/4 sugar cubes).

Added sugars, on the other hand, are sugars that have

Bread:

been put in foods during processing. These can be in food items like soda, desserts, and candy. Food

Some varieties of bread have an average of 2 grams of sugar (or 1/2 a sugar cube).

manufacturers often add sugar to things you wouldn’t expect, like sandwich bread, nut milks and peanut butter. It’s important to always read labels to see if

Granola bars:

Some brands contain up to 9 grams of sugar per bar

sugar is an added ingredient.

(or about 2 sugar cubes).

While a high intake of any type of sugar can prove to

Everything is fine in moderation. People can still

be bad for you, if you’re going to eat sugary foods,

enjoy sweets as long as they limit the amount.

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Music Staff Collab Illustration by Jesus A. Acosta

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Hayli Rudolph

In 2015, I waited all day for a Walk the Moon concert.

It was extremely hot, and by the end of the opening act, everyone was drenched in sweat. As Walk the Moon began their dance-driven set, the girl in front of me threw her hair out of her face and into my mouth while I was trying to sing along with the band.

Seeing as though we were all sticky and sweating from the dancing, her hair stuck to me like glue. I was spitting out her hair while also trying to pull each strand off of me. When I finally freed myself from her hair’s grasp, a girl lifted her arms and rubbed her dirty armpit across the side of my face. It’s safe to say that I was very excited to shower after the show.

Onaje McDowelle

There is no greater moment of invigorating terror than being stuck in the crossfires of a moshpit. The pit stops on its own command, consumes bodies like a tornado destroying everything in its path and relents sympathy to none. Sure enough, at Leaders of the New Cool’s SXSW showcase in March, which featured a slew of underground hip hop artists, including Rob $tone, Saba, WifisFuneral, Dice Soho, Jay IDK, Donmonique and Indigo Child Rick, I found myself trapped in a maze of flying limbs and high energy without an outlet to escape.

I was pretty amped to go enjoy the show, considering that Rob $tone had recently gained popularity with his single “Chill Bill,” in combination with the fact that I am a pretty avid fan of Indigo Child Rick as well. After discovering his unconventional chill trap on SoundCloud, songs like “Wow!” “Coogi” and “Back on the Block” quickly became a few of my favorite songs to turn up to with friends who shared his liking.

I realized early on that his music was pretty intense in both content and production, and I understood that it would make for an equally energetic live performance.

I’ll save the disturbing details, but throughout his set, IndigoChildRick knocked several of his fans unconscious. He and one guy in the crowd ran around the venue body slamming each other and throwing punches at bystanders as well. After a moment of shock and a couple of close calls, it occurred to me that I should probably get out of the way. After finding a corner to hide in for the rest of the set, things just kept getting weirder and I decided to call it a night. Since that night, the sound and nature of his music make so much more sense.

Here’s what I’ve learned from this experience and several others; before jumping straight in, take the steps you need to stay safe in the midst of the mosh’s madness, or you’ll get punched in the face. Literally.

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Jordan Steyer

I was at the 2016 Neon Desert Music Festival in El Paso where DJ Carnage had the last set time of the first night of the fest. I’m not too wild about his stuff, but the festival’s poster said “Carnage with special guests.” There were rumors floating around that he was going to bring out Migos or Lil Uzi Vert, and I got pretty excited about that. I stood around for his entire two hour set, just to have a drunk guy pee on my foot, and for Carnage to bring out Trill Sammy, who was already on the Neon lineup. I was so angry that I stood through a two-hour a set just to see a disappointing act and have pee-soaked sandals.

Gabrielle Sanchez

Two years ago, The 1975 played a show on the outdoor stage at Stubb’s. It was the end of May, so it was reaching close to 100 degrees, and after waiting in line for nine hours, I was not ecstatic to be jammed so close to Matty stans that I could not move.

I guess the heat really got to some people, because at some point two girls got in a fist fight in the crowd because of pushing. The girls standing behind me were already loud, pushy and obviously paid no attention to the comfort levels of those around them.

In order to combat the heat, one of the girls carried a handheld fan to blow on her face. Well, she didn’t pay close enough attention to what she was doing and suddenly the fan grabbed my hair and spun until enough of my hair finally slowed it down, jumbled stuck in a giant knot.

I tried not to lose my temper with her, but my hair wouldn’t come out until the fan itself was disassembled. She then went on to brag about how she had shown up an hour before the show, snuck in without a ticket and then finessed her way into the crowd, and unfortunately, right behind me.

The rest of the concert went on without any other disturbances, but when I got home I could not brush the knot out and had to cut a large chunk of my hair to get rid of it for good. I have not been to any of The 1975’s shows since then.

Marilee Bodden

In retrospect, I probably should have been prepared for something like this to happen since my concert horror story took place at Vans Warped Tour in Hartford, Connecticut. In case you aren’t aware, Vans Warped Tour is a hardcore/screamo/punk/etc. festival that tours all around the United States every summer. Upon entering this magically dark world, my eyes were greeted with a sea of black, my ears were welcomed with guttural screaming and my 59

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15-year-old, pop-punk obsessed heart could not have been more full. The sun was beaming down as people moshed, jumped, pushed, yelled, sweated (and when I say sweated, I mean I was drenched in sweat), and I was right in the middle of it all.

I can’t remember exactly whose show I was seeing at the time that this horrible thing occurred, but whoever it was, they were going hard. I was being pushed forward and jammed into the people in front of me by a wall of sweaty, screamo-crazed individuals who were trying to get closer to stage. Some of these individuals had the genius idea to hurl themselves onto the top of the crowd, forcing the poor beings beneath them to hoist them up and parade them around like champions. Just to put things into perspective, I despise crowd surfing, as I think forcing people who are just trying to enjoy some music to hold your body in the air is both a selfish act and a surefire way to get groped by a lot of strangers.

When a stranger next to me decided to transcend to the top of the crowd, I, of course, tried to back away.

Unfortunately, I was blocked in at all sides by walls of raging concert-goers, and I could not escape what was coming to me. Accepting my fate, I ducked my head, held up my hands, and was promptly smashed in the face by the foot of a despicable crowdsurfer.

Dizzy and head reeling, I grabbed my nose and began the long journey of extricating myself from a crowd packed so tightly it might as well have been jello.

My nose was sore for a few days and I lost my favorite sunglasses, but I left the show otherwise unscathed.

I do, however, now live in fear regarding the cringeworthy memory, and every time I see a crowd surfer, I bolt for the hills.

Max Friedman

Two years ago at SXSW, I got a pretty horrifying view of a relationship falling to pieces while another guy’s future took a nasty hit. I was at a free Spoon show at Auditorium Shores, after they released “They Want My Soul.” My girlfriend and I loved the album a lot, and we couldn’t wait to see it live. The fact that we got to see Spoon for free made the whole experience all the better.

About halfway through the performance though, one of the two guys in front of us (let’s call him Fred for clarification purposes) started dancing with a very intoxicated girl from the crowd (let’s call her Sally).

Soon, the dancing turned into making out, and horrifyingly enough, the making out quickly morphed into third base. My girlfriend and I were horrified, so we tried to just focus on the music. But they were really 60

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going at it, and not being discrete at all. Because of how close we were, we could see the guy’s friend, who I’ll call Dave, start to get upset. After 15 minutes or so, Dave holds up his phone with a text message typed out which read: “DUDE, YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND.” But Fred, who was obviously busy with Sally, brushed Dave away and kept going at it. Dave became even more distraught. Little did he know that his life was going to get even worse.

After another 15 minutes or so, Dave takes out his phone and opens a new text message. Again, because of how close we were, we could read what it said. It was Dave’s rugby coach telling him that he’d been kicked off the team. Dave burst into tears. When he turned to Fred to let him know, he was so busy with his vertical fornication that he completely ignored his emotional friend. So my girlfriend and I tried our best to enjoy Austin’s best, despite the shattered dreams and humping teens in our way.

Shelby Light

Two years ago, my sister and I road-tripped to Kansas City, Missouri to see One Direction on their “On the Road Again” stadium tour. This was my third One Direction concert with floor tickets, so I was prepared for the insanity that was about to ensue. Even though it was an extremely hot August day, the concert was amazing. Harry completely sweated through his gray t-shirt, Louis and Liam smashed a Naughty Boy piñata and then they all got in a Gatorade throwing fight during the encore. Best wet t-shirt contest ever.

But, when the concert was over everyone on the floor had to exit the stadium through the same concrete tunnel. It was partially underground with no windows and packed with hundreds of sweaty bodies. Everyone was tired and irritated and started pushing, yelling and crying. I’ve never considered myself a claustrophobic person, but this was terrifying. Once you descended into the tunnel there was no event staff to help guide traffic. It was everyone for themselves down there. My sister had to hold onto my shirt to keep from getting lost and it took us about an hour to finally escape from the tunnel of hell.

After we got out, we couldn’t remember where we’d parked and spent another hour and half wandering around the expansive Arrowhead Stadium parking lot trying to find our vehicle. Once we located our SUV, we spent two more hours in traffic trying to leave the stadium. We finally got out of the traffic jam at around 3 a.m. and ended up spending the night at a truck stop.

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I didn’t know it at the time, but I had just seen my last One Direction concert, as they went on indefinite hiatus later that year. Looking back on it, it feels sacrilegious to complain about this amazing experience.

The truly horrifying part of this story is the fact that I now find myself in a world with no One Direction.

Caroline Hager

Back in high school, I managed to sneak into a Wiz Khalifa in concert. I bought my tickets before making any formal plans with my friends, since I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity. By the time the concert rolled around, I found a group of friends to go with. While we were in line, two of us realized that we didn’t have general admission tickets like the rest of our friends. After thinking of a quick plan to sneak our way into GA, my friend managed to swipe one from a nearby check-in stand. In the meantime, I found a blue bracelet on the ground that resembled

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the blue color of the GA wristbands.

The entrance to the GA arena was guarded by two security guards on both sides of the door. To get in, attendants raised their hands while walking into the arena to display their wristbands. So, my friend and I entered within a large group to shield us from any problems at the entrance. As we were walking in, one of the security guards noticed that my wristband was not the same as the others and tried to stop me from entering. My fight or flight response kicked in as I bolted towards the crowd. Luckily, I managed to slither into the crowd so the security guard could not find me anymore. After a few minutes, I found my friends and joined them. Heart racing and adrenaline pumping, I was ready to enjoy the concert from the front row spot I finessed. Sometimes what seems like a horror story, turns out alright.

General Admission Concert Survival Guide Is it your first time attending a general admission concert?

No worries—ORANGE has your back with this general admission survival guide. Here are some tips to ensure that you make the most out of your concert experience.

By Caroline Hager

Do your research.

Becoming more familiar with the performer you are going to see beforehand will make the experience more enjoyable. Be sure to feel out the vibe of the concert you are attending. For example, if you’re headed to a Wiz Khalifa concert on an outdoor lawn, you’re going to want a large group of friends to accompany you because of the party-like atmosphere that the show will have.

Don’t wear your nicest clothing.

Concerts can get rowdy. While we all want use concerts as an opportunity to get fresh, the reality is that drinks are spilled and bodily fluids are present, so you want to avoid any mishaps. You will most likely get stepped on, so leave the heels and sandals at home. As for clothing, wear something comfortable that you can move in. Light layers are key because it will get hot and sweaty.

Bring your ID.

Even if the concert or festival welcomes all ages, security usually asks for identification. Additionally,

don’t forget your ticket—nothing is worse than waiting in line for what seems like ages just to realize you forgot something.

Get a good spot.

Arriving early to the show will give you the best chance to stand where you want in the venue. Mosh pits usually form at the front center of many concerts.

If that’s your thing, go for it. If hanging out and grooving along is more your speed, keep your distance. If all of that isn’t tricky enough, t you might want to avoid the big speakers on the left and right corners of most stages. If this fails, you will probably experience partial deafness in one ear the following day.

Hydrate.

Concerts get hot and your body exerts itself while dancing, so drink lots of water before, during and after the show. This is especially important if you or your friends are consuming alcohol or other substances. Safety always comes first. Have fun and replenish yourself while doing so.

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Song to Song Brings the Austin Music Scene to the Silver Screen WORDS BY ALEX PUENTE ILLUSTRATION BY JESUS A. ACOSTA

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At the world premiere of Terrence Mallick’s new film

the appearance of the ill-fated waitress Rhonda

“Song to Song,” SXSW attendees and Austinites alike

(Natalie Portman). What became immediately appar-

were treated to a lush, unique love letter of a film

ent was how Austin-centric the entire film was from

made by and for Austin. The film focuses on a toxic

start to finish. Austin landmarks like the 360 bridge

love triangle between the main characters—record

and the downtown landscape were front and center,

producer Cook (Michael Fassbender), and aspir-

as well as the various music festivals and venues

ing musicians BV (Ryan Gosling) and Faye (Rooney

which have helped the city earn its reputation as the

Mara)—which briefly becomes a steamy square with

live music capital of the world.

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The soundtrack of the film itself is remarkably diverse

asked me to sing a song and when I started, the whole

and eclectic, featuring a variety of different artists,

set went quiet and suddenly I was performing for the

while also including a special focus on Austin musi-

whole cast, including Rooney and Ryan Gosling, and

cians. A lot of the scenery is paired with classical

all the cameras started rolling,” Falconberry says. “I

compositions and tunes from more well-known artists

almost shit myself.”

like Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Sharon Van Etten and Julianna Barwick, which Mallick pairs with the city’s

During her day on set, the crew filmed all around

musical scenery to show Austin as the epicenter of all

Austin, eventually stopping to do a scene at a food

things musical.

truck on South Congress. “I stumbled my way through the scene like an idiot, trying to ignore the fact that

A handful of Austin musical acts were thrown into the

my first attempt at acting was improv with Ryan

mix as well, including snippets of tracks from Dana

Gosling,” Falconberry says. “The guy working the

Falconberry, BLXPLTN, Reed Turner, Sleep Good, Sun

sandwich truck and I both didn’t know if he was actu-

June, GAL PALS and Hundred Visions. When we don’t

ally supposed make the sandwich, so he did and I paid

hear music, we still see musicians all around. Rooney

him $8.50 for it. I offered it up in the car later on, and

Mara and Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo have a chat on

Ryan grabbed it.”

the Mohawk outdoor balcony. Other scenes feature Iggy Pop, John Lydon and the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Falconberry isn’t the only musician who acts in the

performing at Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun

film, as there are appearances from Lykke Li and Patti

Fest.

Smith. Both musicians play themselves, and Smith actually gets a good amount of screen time, in which

“Ryan Gosling still owes me a sandwich.”

she teaches Faye about life and love. One of the film’s most resonant scenes comes from one of these encounters, in which a love-sick Faye listens to Patti

The Fun Fun Fun performance blends the film’s nar-

talk about her late husband. Smith explains that she’s

rative and music together in a unique way, as the

been a widow since 1994, but she still wears a special

viewer learns that Faye is part of a band that looks

ring every day because they never got divorced. “It’s

and sounds a lot like The Black Lips. The band, which

the kind of ring they give runners who didn’t win the

consists of actual Black Lips members, as well as Faye

marathon but finished the race,” Smith says.

and Duane (Val Kilmer) takes the stage. Instead of singing, Duane mostly screams obscenities and splits

As far as the portrayal of the Austin music scene,

an amplifier in half with a chainsaw. All the while,

Falconberry noted that she didn’t think the film was

Rooney Mara cheekily strums a guitar in the back-

necessarily obligated to put Austin bands on display.

ground. The experience was kind of ridiculous for all

“This wasn’t made as a documentary about Austin

involved, explains Black Lips bassist Jared Swilley.“We

music,” Falconberry says. “It set out to be a fictional

kind of got a rundown of what was going to happen

story set in the Austin music scene, and I think that

the night before,” Swilley says. “But, the audience was

gives the director the freedom to add as much music

very confused. We all thought it was pretty hilarious.”

as they see fit.”

Swilley admits to being a huge Terrence Mallick fan, and to loving the way the Austin music scene has

It would be difficult to give a completely true-to-life

treated them over the years. “Austin’s been really

glimpse into the Austin music scene for a variety

good for us since the beginning,” Swilley says. “From

of reasons, and Falconberry doesn’t see this as the

shows at Beerland, to Emo’s, to SXSW, Fun Fun Fun

point of the film. “Unless the film shows musicians

and Psychfest.”

working hard at their day jobs and trying to stay awake for their shows at night, I doubt it’s a realistic

The most prominent Austin connection is perhaps the

portrayal of the scene,” Falconberry says. “Regard-

appearance of Dana Falconberry, who appears in the

less, I’m a huge Mallick fan and it was an honor to be

small role of Faye’s sister, in addition to having one

in one of his films. And yes, Ryan Gosling still owes

of her songs featured in the soundtrack. Falconberry

me a sandwich.”

recalls her day on set as exhilarating and confusing all at once. “The most intense moment was that at some point during a break, the director of photography

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By Onaje McDowelle and Hayli Rudolph

You may know the songs and you may know the characters, but can you name the familiar voices who hide beneath the nostalgia of your favorite original disney ballads?

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A GOOFY MOVIE

PHIL COLLINS

THE LION KING

SHAKIRA

MULAN

FALL OUT BOY

“You’ll Be In My Heart”

TARZAN

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

THE LION KING

VANESSA WILLIAMS

“Stand Out” “I 2 I”h

“Be Prepared”

“True To Your Heart”

---

--

“Hakuna Matata”

---

ZOOTOPIA

ELTON JOHN

---

“Try Everything”

---

BIG HERO 6

ROBIN WILLIAMS

---

---

“Immortals”h

CARS

---

---

“Route 66”

---

MULAN

ELTON JOHN

POCAHONTAS

---

---

“Reflection”

TEVIN CAMPBELL

“Colors of The Wind”

STEVIE WONDER

ALADDIN

WHOOPI GOLDBERG

THE LION KING

JOHN MAYER

“A Friend Like Me”

“The Circle of Life”

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back to the the resurgence of vinyl

Vinyl records used to be the only way to listen to the music that an individual enjoyed, giving them agency over what they listened to and the ability to build their own unique music tastes. Forms of music have rapidly changed over the last few decades, moving from vinyl to cassettes to CD, and now streaming.

However people are now returning to vinyl despite living in a time when everything seems to be going digital.

Written by Gabrielle Sanchez Photos by Caleb Guadarrama Even 10 years ago, vinyl records were something that only hardcore collectors or our parents owned. But, in recent years, vinyl records have made a trendy comeback, making their reappearance as coveted items in retail stores and aesthetic decor in the homes and bedrooms of young people.

According to a 2016 study by Music analytics service BuzzAngle Music, vinyl records sales increased by 26 percent. Furthermore, an article published in 66

the Washington Post stated that vinyls even outsold digital copies during one week last year. Even with endless quantities of digital content from a variety of sources, people are increasingly drawn back to the large, black, petroleum disks.

Vinyl has served many purposes throughout its almost 70-year history. For awhile it was the only way to get any media of choice into a personal setting like a home or office, which is why odd sounds such as whale noises, or karate and exercise lessons can be found on vinyl. As other formats such as cassettes and CDs began to enter the marketplace, vinyl offered an avenue to get music from genres that often weren’t available in these formats, such as punk rock. Furthermore, vinyl has always played an important role in DJing and hip-hop music, which started in the ‘70s. Until the laptop came around, if an artist wanted a sample from a song, it had to be from a record, making it a cornerstone in the production of much of the hip-hop music we have today.

What makes vinyl records truly special for listeners and sets them apart from other media formats is the physicality of the entire experience. It’s one

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that appeals to all the senses. From the smell of the

genre of jazz lend themselves to be played on vinyl.

packaging and the feeling of weight in one’s hand, to

These reissues allow the music to be listened to in its

listening to the music itself, vinyl offers an immersive

intended format, and can bring the listener closer to

experience that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

the artist and the way the music was intended to be

Andrew Brown, music manager at Exploded Records,

heard. This is crucial for music lovers like Brown. “If

compares it to reading a book or seeing a movie in

you’re going to experience music, listen to it the way

theatres. These experiences can be emulated on a

the artist wanted you to,” Brown says. “You’ll probably

computer, but it cannot capture the essence com-

get more out of it.”

pletely. Perhaps this is why the experience of vinyl has become especially important for young people

According to the New York Times, other music

who have grown up in the age of digitization. “I think

formats like CDs and digital downloads have not

there’s a whole generation of people now who grew

shared the same success and growth as vinyl, and

up with Youtube and being able to pull up a song

continue to face declines year after year as streaming

casually for free whenever they wanted,” Brown says.

cut larger chunks of music’s revenue. When looking at

“Now, a lot of those people are interested in records

what makes vinyl special, LaRue thinks that some of it

because they’re like ‘okay, I’ve had the free com-

has to do with the fact that unlike CDs, vinyl records

pressed kind of watered down experience and now I

cannot be easily replicated on a computer and given

want the full thing.’”

to friends or the internet. Everything that comes with a vinyl record, from the artwork to the vinyl itself,

Josh LaRue, co-owner of Breakaway Records, also

cannot be copied over and over again. “You can’t

expresses sentiments about the physical experience

copy a record, I mean you can put it on tape and you

of music that digital copies do not offer. The entire

can digitize it, but something gets changed,” LaRue

process, from pulling the record out, placing it on the

says. “Whatever you transfer it to doesn’t sound like it

turntable and setting the needle down involves the

sounds when you listen to it on a record. It’s a unique

listener much more than pressing playing on a device.

kind of object.”

“There’s something to read and look at, there’s more of an experience buying it at a store than download-

Physical copies of music may always carry their

ing something that takes 20 seconds,” LaRue says.

importance as long as people seek a close rela-

“There’s a lot more tangible and tactile things going

tionship to music. Whether it be for novelty or for

on.”

the intense love of music, listeners will continue to seek the origin point of personal music. “I’m of the

BuzzAngle Music’s 2016 study showed that some of

age where I’ve seen all these things kind of come

the highest selling records on vinyl last year were not

along and try to replace it, or the industry wants to

new music, but reissues of music from bands such as

replace it because they want to sell you a new version

The Beatles and David Bowie. Other artists such as

of something,” LaRue says. “There’s just always been

Amy Winehouse and her album “Back to Black” also

people who have stuck with records.” It looks like it

remain very high on the top seller list. Although Wine-

will stay that way.

house’s music was created within the last 10 years, her sounds along with many other musicians in the

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A New Creative Platform for Women of Color

Words by Jennifer Hernandez Photos by Aaron Dehn

In this club, you don’t need to recite a chant, wear your clothes a certain way or perform ridiculous tasks to get in. In fact, you don’t need to change a thing about yourself. Your individuality is enough—all you’ll need is a rad vinyl collection to go with it.

Chulita Vinyl Club is a collective composed of

In April, Resistencia Fest brought the community

has a massive following on social media with over

together at Austin’s Pan Am Park with music, food and voter registration. Families danced to the live music performed by local artists while others enjoyed fresh fruit with chili powder. Important community figures also made appearances, including Delia Garza, Austin’s first Latina City Council Member, to make an important point about getting the Latinx community involved in civic engagement efforts.

Among the attendees were Jennifer Rother and Xochi Solis, Chulita Vinyl Club members who were ready to spin some vinyl for the crowd to enjoy.

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self-identified women of color who provide music at different events within their community. There are currently seven Chulita Vinyl Clubs in the country including chapters in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Launched in December of 2014, the Chulita Vinyl Club already 15,000 followers on Instagram and over 6,000 followers on its Facebook page. Solis, who works as a full time visual artist, is the leader of the Austin chapter.

“There’s no repertoire in the Chulitas,” Solis says. “I think what’s cool for us is to share each other’s personal tastes, and kind of have this larger umbrella of the collective to perform that music. We can perform anything from records that we got handed down [to us] from family members or grandparents, to new things we collect when we go shopping at the local record store.”

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music

All of their music is vinyl. In fact, Solis has been

that were very indigenous to this borderland,” Solis

collecting vinyl since she was a teenager. Her music

says. “[That music] wasn’t being pressed and shared.

tastes have changed over the years, which has helped

It’s a story that often goes untold so we get to tell it

cultivate the broad collection that she plays today.

through the music we play.”

There is no specific genre that stands out when Chulitas play. From cumbias and punk rock, to genres

I think in the way that CVC stands as a group

like motown and dancehall reggae, their music tastes

of empowered women is a political stance

shine through during their sets. “I am a big fan of ‘80s music and disco funk,” Rother says. “I’m all about

Many of the Chulitas identify as Tejana, Chicana or

anything that will make people dance.”

Latinx, which has shaped their inspiration and use of music. Their personal experiences as women of color

Chulitas get a chance to create their own mix made

in the areas they grew up in influence their stories,

straight from their vinyl collections. Every Tuesday, a

which they express in their original mixes. “We have

new mix is published onto the official Chulita Vinyl

all of these layers of our identity, and we want them

Club Soundcloud page for the world to hear. The

to be represented,” Solis says. “Some of us identify

mixes are typically dedicated to an important figure

with different levels of cultural, ethnic and racial

or inspiration that the creator holds close to them.

identities, but all of that adds on to how we are

Similar to their live sets, there is not one genre or

lensed and how we see things.”

style that particularly stands out in each of these mixes. One could hear the distinct personality of

Being part of an organization means more than just

Chulitas at the Resistencia Fest—the crowd got to

association. It creates a powerful statement. Many

hear Tejano music, oldies and Prince all in one sitting.

Chulitas are activists who participate in initiatives that help marginalized communities in Austin. Chulita

As a Tejana, Solis is particularly interested in Tejano

Vinyl Club only plays at events that share the same

music. Many generations of her family have been in,

values as them, whether it’s a nonprofit event, a fund-

according to Solis, the land now called Texas. “I’m

raiser or designing art,

really interested in learning the cultural roots coming out of all the Tejano labels that came to be because

Chulita Vinyl Club stays true to its roots and helps

major labels were not recognizing the musical strains

their community in any way they can. “I think in

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the way that CVC stands as a group of empowered

and music. Although there are many outlets in the

women is a political stance,” Solis says. “The events

city of Austin where one can go to express themselves

we choose to do are supporting POC communities,

creatively, Chulita Vinyl Club gives the mic, or in this

and also communities that require solidarity to create

case, the turntable, to members of the collective to

a safe space for action. When we are coming together

share their stories without interruption. “I guess it

with other organizations with similarly aligned values,

sounds strange, but what I wish for CVC in the future

we become stronger and more potent. Playing a show

is for it to not be such an oddity,” Solis says. “I think

comes with careful consideration on who we want to

so many people are like, ‘Wow, there are brown

align ourselves with because we think it’s so powerful

women doing this.’ We enjoy getting to talk about it

when you unite yourself with another person,” Solis

and sharing it but hopefully this isn’t something that’s

says.

out of the ordinary and something that’s very equally represented.”

What makes Chulita Vinyl Club unique is the open space for women of color to express themselves and

In such a short amount of time, Chulita Vinyl Club

be who they are through doing what they love . For

became a known success. As the collective grows,

Rother, being part of Chulita Vinyl Club has given her

Chulita Vinyl Club will strive to inspire listeners,

a new sense of community with people who share

break barriers, tell stories and stand with communi-

similar identities. “Community is a big thing for me,”

ties to advocate change all through the love of music.

Rother says.

“It means even more as women and

“I am a woman of color, I come from Mexican her-

people of color, which I feel like in today’s present

itage and this is what I have to say,” Solis says. “In

times is important more than ever.”

CVC, I at least have a posse that gives me strength to be able to have a space to say it. A very simple thing

Resistencia Fest encompassed all the things that Chulita Vinyl Club stands for; community, culture

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can be very powerful like that.”

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Girls Rock Austin Nonprofit Empowers Austin Youth Through Music Words by Jennifer Hernandez Photo by Kiana Fernandez

Every year, students arrive at Trinity Church for a week of music, songwriting and an escape from summer boredom. Volunteers greet eager and sometimes nervous students who may not know what the week has in store. While this week-long summer camp turns students into rockstars, it is also be a life-changing experience spent sharing heartwarming stories, learning about feminism and shedding lots of happy tears.

Girls Rock Austin is a nonprofit that serves to build

The camp creates a safe and welcoming environ-

confidence among young self-identified girls and

ment for all of the campers. Aspects as intricate as

non-binary youth in classroom settings by teaching

room names, which are named after famous female

music instrumentation, songwriting and performance.

musicians such as Janet Jackson and Queen Latifah,

Social justice and empowerment are core values of

serve as sources of empowering inspiration. Through-

Girls Rock Austin and the organization addresses this

out the duration of the week, campers work hard to

by providing safe spaces for discussion and expres-

create their best piece of music while having fun and

sion for its members. The organization has been

creating incredible memories. ”We are on our tenth

around for 10 years, providing activities and work-

year of camp and there is not a year of camp where

shops for their members. Girls Rock Austin provides

we don’t get the happy tears,” Bahr says.

numerous workshops where help is needed including yoga, meditation, zine making, technology, recording,

One of Bahr’s favorite stories involves a quiet and

engineering and 3D printing. Their most significant

timid camper named Valeria who was insecure about

event is their music summer camp in which students

her accent because English was not her first lan-

get the opportunity to work with local musicians to

guage. However, Valeria later overcame her shyness

compose and perform original music.

as she performed a booming rendition of a Beatles classic. “When it came time to perform, she gets up

This program is not only occurring in Austin. Girls

there and she starts singing,” Bahr says. “Her voice is

Rock Austin is one of the many chapters which are

so pretty, but it’s very quiet. Then she finally gets to

a part of the Girls Rock Alliance, an international

the chorus and she fills the room. There wasn’t a dry

network with chapters established across the globe

eye in the house. Everyone had goosebumps because

in places like Germany, Peru, Melbourne and France.

it was amazing to see this little girl who at the beginning of the week spoke so softly that you couldn’t

“This whole inclusivity aspect is really important to

even hear her voice suddenly fill a whole room in

us and having that empowering stance as well,” says

front of all of these kids. Everyone was cheering for

Jamie Bahr, President of the Board of Directors of

her. I do my job for moments like that.”

Girls Rock Austin. “Here at Girls Rock, there is no judgement. We are super supportive of each other

The encouragement and positivity of Bahr and other

and are here to lift each other up, as opposed to

volunteers within the program helps campers become

tearing each other down.”

confident in themselves. Some students do 73

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“Right when I started seeing all these other girls being active and learning how to do new things, I started putting myself out there. It helped me believe in myself more.”

not have the needed support in their personal lives

things, I started putting myself out there. It helped me

to trust someone with internal struggles and other

believe in myself more.”

issues such as abuse, thoughts of suicide or coming out. Band instructor and volunteer Suna Wakeum

Many girls already have previous experience playing

has experience as a trusted person for campers to

instruments and then learn how to play other instru-

confide in. “There’s a gender and identity workshop

ments after camp. One camper is playing the drums

at camp and it always winds up with a lot of campers

and is currently learning electric guitar. During her

sharing really personal stories,” Wakeum says. “It’s

time in camp, she learned an important lesson in

just so bounding and beautiful. Every time it happens,

teamwork. “Sometimes, it’s hard to get along with

people usually cry and hug each other and it’s just

your band members because something doesn’t go

so great. No matter how rough the week might have

right, but then you figure out that it should not just

been, that moment makes your work worth every-

be one person agreeing on things the entire time, the

thing.”.

whole team has to agree too.”

Bahr has also seen campers bonding through historic

One can’t help but wonder how life-changing this

moments, which can directly impact young girls. One

camp can be for young girls. Although Girls Rock

of Bahr’s favorite moments at camp was the summer

Austin was not around when other people were

of 2015 when the Supreme Court repealed the

younger, making a difference in others’ lives matters

Defense of Marriage Act, making gay marriage legal.

and impacts us by shaping future leaders. “You get

“Every morning we start with a shout out circle where

to camp and see mini versions of yourself,” Wakeum

everyone goes around and says something they like

says. “I always get there and wish I had that same

about themselves, someone else or something they

experience as a kid. It’s kind of like making up for the

like that happened the day before. Most of us didn’t

fact that I didn’t get that same attention or support

know of the news because we were away from our

when it came to music.

phone for hours each day. One of the girls came in and her shout out was to the government for allow-

As people become more aware of how media, culture

ing gay people to get married, and immediately, all

and politics directly affect young girls, the desire

the kids started jumping up and down, hugging each

to empower their voices becomes vital. Opportuni-

other and cheering,” Bahr says.

ties like Girls Rock Austin have the power to instill strength and self-esteem in a new generation of girls

The girls themselves have learned a lot during

who will change the world.

their time with Girls Rock Austin. One camper says

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her favorite part about camp is playing different

“The camp experience in itself isn’t just about music,

instruments and meeting new people. “Before I got

it’s about getting up there and doing something no

involved, I was less active and less communicative,”

one’s ever done and not caring about being judged,”

says the camper. ”Right when I started seeing all these

Wakeum says.

other girls being active and learning how to do new

*denotes campers who preferred to remain anonymous.

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Dissolving the Taboo Around Tattoos in the Workplace

Story by Thalia Carrillo Illustration by Ryan Hicks

If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo or a piercing somewhere other than your ears, or you dyed your hair a bright color, you were probably asked, “How do you expect to get a job?”

Chances are the person questioning your choice of fashion was much older than you.

That’s because most of us young professionals do not see an issue with having tattoos, piercings, etc. in the workplace, according to a study done by the Huffington Post.

The negative stigma around tattoos, piercings and

unprofessional,” Bonner says. “I think you shouldn’t

colored hair still exists, but it is becoming clear that

base your opinion off of my appearance. Let me

this will not be true for much longer.

prove to you how professional I can be.”

In a research

study featured in the Huffington Post, it was concluded that both students and professionals see

“I think you shouldn’t base your opinion

almost no negative effect of having these body mod-

off of my appearance. Let me prove to you

ifications in a corporate environment, so long as the

how professional I can be.”

person is well-groomed.

UT sophomores Emma Robertson and Zoe KayIf you were to walk into a Whole Foods, Target, Lush

Njemanze feel similarly. “I have two rather visible

or Best Buy, it would not be surprising to see an

tattoos and a nose ring,” Robertson says. “I’m hoping

employee or two with tattoos and piercings, or even

to go into international or human rights law.” She

bright colored

These places are among the

likes how tattoos are becoming more acceptable in

top 36 most tattoo-friendly U.S. companies, accord-

the workplace, and says she has one on her bicep and

ing to Skinfo’s website, a blog dedicated to specialty

one on her wrist. “I have six ear piercings, three on

skincare, run by professional dermatologist Dr. Amy

each ear, and I usually have different colored hair,”

Forman Taub, whose work has been featured on ABC,

says Kay-Njemanze, who has had green and pink hair

CBS, Harper’s Bazaar and Allure Magazine. Accord-

and is currently sporting white hair. She wishes to

ing to an article on JobMonkey, 45 million people in

work for a nonprofit or help write health policy.

hair.

the U.S. have at least one tattoo. Of these people, the majority work in fields such as the military, agricul-

Luckily, Austin is the second most tattoo-friendly city

ture and hospitality, with the least amount working

in the U.S., according to Skinfo’s research. So, don’t

in engineering, IT and government. Professionals in

be ashamed of your fashion and lifestyle choices.

finance, healthcare and education fall right in the

Embrace the look and become the best professional

middle.

you can be.

For UT students who have any sort of body modifi-

The new professional looks however they wish and

cations and who are soon to be professionals, it is

that could mean that they have a finger tattoo, nose

important to understand how society views this com-

ring or blue highlights. The new professional should

bination. Sophomore Savannah Bonner who hopes

not and will not be stigmatized for their physical

to go into ministry or politics talked about what

appearance, but rather, appreciated for their work

it is like to be in her shoes. “I’ve been told that my

ethic and abilities.

piercings and tattoos make me look immature and 75

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Thread

by Thread Fashion as an Innovative, Personal Artform

Words by Rachana Jadala Photos by Humza Ahmed

Fashion is expressive, not only for people who wear the clothes, but also for designers. Fashion design as an art is an extremely personal form of expression created with the specific intent to be worn on the body. This physicality makes fashion a unique art; it is performed each time someone puts on an item of clothing. In Austin, three designers are creating fashion designs based on their cultural backgrounds, personal politics and artistic inspirations.

Tre Miles, a fifth-year retail merchandising major,

“I grew up with a father who worked on making shoes,

has always loved fashion design. “I remember my first

bags, wallets, etc.,” Theodasia Shayo, a local Austin

experience with fashion was when I was maybe four

designer, says. He uses leather, fabrics and even made

or five and put on my grandmother’s leather taupe

drums and other African curios and carvings to sell to

Mary Janes,” Miles says. “This wasn’t some expression

tourists in his shop in downtown Dar Es Salaam.”

of my gender but a real fascination with the aesthetics of that taupe heel on my black little foot.” Miles

However, not all designers grow up knowing they love

would dress up Barbies and not let anyone touch

fashion. Jordan Butler, a fourth-year design major,

them for hours, and by second grade he would use

was introduced to fashion only after coming to UT.

colored construction paper and block the page and

Butler was originally a biochemistry major, but after

use that to design women’s apparel.

attending the UT fashion show she decided that she

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needed to switch majors. ”There was something super

Political influences can come from experiences. An

intriguing about the designs to me,” Butler says. “It

individual's social position is intimately linked to the

made me imagine what designs I could create.” They

way they view the world. Gender and race play key

ended up doing both majors for awhile before ulti-

roles in shaping the experiences and perceptions of

mately switching into design because that was where

individuals because people are treated differently

their heart was.

based on these attributes. “Gender has been an important influence,” Butler says. “Men have always

Similarly, Shayo also had a strong passion for design.

told me I looked like a man because I'm tall and have

Shayo had experience with fashion design from a

some masculine features. I thought I needed to look

young age, which has allowed their to become a

a certain way to feel womanly.” Designing has helped

successful business woman and fashion designer

Butler gain the self confidence she lost when she was

in Austin. Shayo would alter some of the clothes in

younger. Designing has also allowed them to enjoy

their father’s shop, even though they risked getting in

wearing men’s clothing, which is something she could

trouble. Most of these “altered designs” sold quickly

not imagine earlier in her life.

and would go unnoticed. “I think working with my dad and his team at a young age made me learn a

Although the fashion industry is an exciting place to

lot about business, people, and I truly appreciated the

explore creative outlets and make personal state-

value of creativity and hard work,” Shayo says.

ments, it is also dominated by monolithic expressions.

“I personally hate the fast fashion movement and the

Inspiration for the clothes themselves are a mix of

industry’s blindness to cultural appropriation,” Miles

personal experiences, aesthetics and influences. “The

says. “I consider the former as the death of creativity

moments that have forever shaped me would have

and makes clothes superfluous. I feel, like many other

to be every look the Spice Girls wear in their Spice

facets of society, fashion has become more about

World movie, J.Lo’s velour pink suit from her “I’m Real

over-accessibility and less about nutritional value,”

(Murder Remix)” music video and the inflatable igloo

Miles says.

dress from The Lizzie McGuire Movie,” Miles says.

Miles also looks forward to specific designers such

Fashion is also dominated by established giants,

as HBA, Palomo, Thome Brown, Opening Ceremony,

“cliques” based on geographic location and style. “I

V-Files, Thom Browne, Alexander Lewis, Schiaparelli

am taken back by the ‘cliquishness’ in the fashion

and Blindness.

scene,” Shayo says. “Being an immigrant with an accent and not being that experienced or having a

As young designers, they use their experiences and

fancy fashion education used to make me feel inse-

social issues to inspire their designs and fashion to

cure.” She now feels that her unique upbringing is an

make bold statements. “My designs are inspired by

asset and has created space for herself in the Austin

the political conversation I’m having at the time,”

fashion design community.

Miles says. “As I’ve grown more into myself, I base my ideas and designs on the people in my life and the

Marginalized designers are slowly gaining a foothold

social dialogue that goes on around me.”

in a Eurocentric industry. This dynamic is particularly interesting, considering the fact that women’s fashion

“Fashion has the ability to subliminally

is more highly regarded in terms of both popularity

change and influence what we see.”

and critical acclaim. White men are praised for cloth-

Historically, many artists, including fashion designers

of what women should present as. Clothing in general

such as Alexander McQueen and Katherine Hamnett,

is considered a hobby for women. For example, shop-

have created political images with their art. “What I

ping is a very gendered hobby. In contrast, the most

enjoy is that fashion has the ability to subliminally

highly paid and respected designers are men. This

change and influence what we see,” Miles says. “You

contradiction indicates a gendered dynamic in the

do not have to say much but just present something

clothing industry, especially since the designs that get

on the runway. Yes, I could say it a thousand times

the most attention are generally for women.

ing and representing women based on their own ideas

but until someone visually sees it and are exposed, the impact is not the same as with words, which is a

“Here at UT, we only learn about the European

great thing about fashion.”

fashion history, so even though I understand why it's important, that's all we focus on.” The models

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they use are always European, and even the models of color generally have a European look and European features. Butler thinks that it is difficult to create designs with non-binary genders in mind since clothing is made with a very specific fit in mind. This means that body types in between male and female are not easily accounted for. Despite their issues with the industry and the obstacles they face, designers choose to enter the industry because of their love for design.

In addition to gender, racial identity has influenced both UT Butler and Miles. Black designers and influencers have never been credited with their impact on both pop culture and fashion. Hip-hop fashion icons have existed since the music genre was created but are not respected in the same way that white fashion designers have been commended. “I am able to recognize being black as a gift. Although black life is not

“I try to incorporate my art, identity, culture and activism when I create.”

appreciated and respected as much as it should be, I believe our culture is present in everything. As of the past few years, my perspective has been shaped by my inclusion of black voices and bodies.” Miles says. His senior design collection was worn by black models, and this year they were the president of the University Fashion Group, a predominantly white membership, which now has a sister organization named Hip-Hop Couture.

Blackness is not a singular experience, especially in the United States where black people and designers are both born and migrate here. “Where I am from in Tanzania, there is no such thing as blackness, but after educating myself and experiencing life in the United States, I had an epiphany,” Shayo says. “It is important community. I try to incorporate my art, identity, culture and activism when I create.” She feels that as a black business owner and an African woman, her identity will always be present. She attempts to find new ways to engage this identity while also creating designs that resonate with her customers.

These designers have a vision not only for themselves, but for what fashion can do for others and the role it can play in a larger social narrative. “I’m at the point in my life where although I understand that I benefit from colorism privilege, I try to elevate black stories by telling my own, as well as providing a platform for others and passing the mic whenever possible,” Miles says. Miles and Butler have both decided that they would like to use their platforms as fashion designers to uplift marginalized voices.

“The ultimate big plan for our social impact aspect of our business is to move into the manufacturing space and set up in East Africa in order to give employment to women in that region,” Shayo says. “My plan is to bridge the gap in the community by doing what we love and simultaneously connect the two continents, Africa and North America, in an ethical and sustainable way,” Shayo says.

Unique collections and platforms can come together to create something truly innovative. “I would love to create a collection that uses marginalized voices in a way that is also represented through clothing,” Butler says. “It would be a collaborative piece that credits everyone who contributes. I would want to make sure that they’re recognized primarily so that my collection tells not only my own story but the stories of others as well.”

The world of fashion is constantly changing, and new designers are a huge part of that change. “I am currently choosing where to work based on how socially responsible they are, which is difficult. My ideal place to work doesn't exist, so I would have to create it,” Butler says.

With a vision in mind, these designers will bring their ingenuity, passion and social experiences to fashion design. Shayo says, “I speak about movements about women of colors, body types etc; Fashion is for everyone regardless on how they look like, or how they speak.”

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Shapes of UT Curvy women redefine beauty standards.

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Growing up in an age when Barbie was our best friend, young girls would look to the screens or turn the pages of magazines and see the ideal beauty standard as having a model’s thin body. However, with the increasing popularity of Instagram models and portrayal of women with curvy, picturesque hourglass figures, it seems as though there has been a shift in what society considers beautiful.

Story by Alexis Green Photos by Marybeth Schmidt

While the portrayal of curvier women seems great

than having perfect breasts and butts. “Their bodies,

on the surface, this “ideal” image of curvy women

with perfect everything, do not make sense to me,”

with perfect breasts, hips and flat stomachs does

Okeyemi says. “I see curvy as having a stomach.”

not always represent the body type of the average curvy person. Five women at the University of Texas

Although a lot of people deny being curvy because

at Austin discuss the evolving perception of beauty

of the stigma the term can sometimes carry, fresh-

standards that fails to recognize the diverse shapes

men human development and family sciences major

and sizes of all curvier women.

Mbayi Aben proudly accepts the label. “I see myself [as] curvy because I have a nice butt and top area,

“This idea of curvy as having a larger butt and breasts

but also a little stomach, and I embrace it,” Aben says.

with a smaller waist, which I don’t identify with at all,

“People want to be slim thick, but I embrace all my

is trending,” says freshman public relations major

thickness.”

Oriana Davila.

For others, curvy has no definition. It is about what With the rise of Instagram models and public figures

a person chooses to identify themselves as, if they

like the Kardashians, the perfect image has become

choose to identify as anything at all. “You can’t take

having curves in only the right places, which can

[curvy] and make it into a mold that someone has to

be dangerous for people that do not fit that mold.

fit,” freshmen plan II and film major Nicole Ozuna

According to a study by DoSomething.org, an orga-

says. She sees body types as fluid because nobody is

nization that promotes healthy relationships and

truly the same. “It’s about individuality,” Ozuna says.

self-esteem for young people, only five percent of

“You are what you assign yourself to be.”

women naturally possess the body type portrayed by the media. However, people are challenging the idea

There is no perfect body type for what it means to be

of what it means to be beautiful, and it is not always

curvy. “When I think of curvy, I don't think of Kylie

synonymous with society’s idea of perfection.

[Jenner],” Ozuna says. “I think of people within the community I know, like Barbie Ferreira or women

Fola Okeyemi, a freshman human development and

defying the norms of beauty, but we all know [Kylie]

family sciences major, sees curvy as being more

is considered perfect,” Ozuna says.

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Kayla’s look is flawlessly simple and perfect for the warmer weather.

“The most important thing is to celebrate and appreciate what we look like in the moment because there is always something you have that someone wished they had, and to be mindful of speaking positivity and vibrancy over our bodies instead of dangerously condemning ourselves.”

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Plus-sized models like Barbie Ferreira and Ashley

It wasn’t until Davila started to rebel those harmful

Graham have shown that fashion has room for all

beauty standards that she learned the importance of

shapes and sizes. Cellulite and stretch marks are no

accepting her beauty and her body. “You realize the

longer left out of the conversation of what charac-

person you don’t want to be is who you actually are

teristics a woman’s body should possess to be seen

and who you’re meant to be,” Davila says.

as beautiful. However, Ferreira and Graham are the exception, not the rule. According to a study by the

Aben has had similar experiences. “When I was

Fashion Spot, only 1.4 percent of spring 2016 ads fea-

younger, I wanted to be slim because in my environ-

tured women above a size 12. Furthermore, according

ment, everyone that was cute and popular was slim,”

to Entity Magazine, Spring 2017 New York Fashion

Aben says. It was only when she moved to diverse

Week featured only 16 plus-size models. To put that

areas and saw people like herself that she truly

into perspective, a study done by Refinery29 found

started not only accepting her body, but also loving it.

that 67 percent of women wear a size 14 or higher.

But while plus-size representation in the mainstream

Regardless of background, confidence can be hard to

media is slowly increasing for some, African-Amer-

come by and does not take place overnight. Personal

ican curvy girls are often still excluded from the

value goes untaught and girls are made to feel a need

picture or hypersexualized. African-American women

to compare themselves to others.

are often fetishized for their curves and are made to feel as though darker complexions have no place

“Younger girls should be taught that however you

within the high fashion industry.

look is fine, so don’t force it or hurt yourself trying to look like someone else,” Okeyemi says.

“I feel like if I wanted to do fashion, I would have to do sexualized commercial modeling,” Aben says. “I

From a young age, people are exposed to images

would have to take pictures with no clothing on to be

that make them feel bad for not fitting into a perfect

publicly noticed instead of me being praised for my

mold. “For a lot of people, it starts at puberty because

other natural features.”

they start looking in the mirror while thinking about buying bras or makeup and notice they don’t fit the

“If nobody else is going to validate your beauty, you have to validate yourself.”

standards of beauty,” Ozuna says.

These standards create false ideas of a need to look slim by wearing black or covering up your body when

This sentiment is shared by other women like fresh-

you are plus sized. It sets practices in place that can

man public health major Kayla Eboreime. “More and

be not only be detrimental to a person’s sense of

more, it’s changing, but we celebrate skinny, light-

style, but their sense of self worth.

skinned girls with a loose curl pattern, and I am the complete antithesis of that with my tight curl pattern,

In regards to following style rules, Ozuna says people

very dark skin and thick build,” Eboreime says. For

around her would try to enforce nonexistent fashion

her, self-celebration and confidence is key in a world

rules that limit her self-expression. “It’s very crippling

that tries to take away her personal worth. “If nobody

and disheartening to live your life like that,” she says.

else is going to validate your beauty, you have to validate yourself,” Eboreime says.

To counteract these internalized misconceptions of beauty, Ozuna believes there are two routes to take.

This need for validation often feels crucial when

“One is to just remain unconfident, and that is a det-

growing up and can be difficult to come by when put

riment to everything you do, or choose the route of

in environment in which the people in the magazines

liberation and not caring and realizing I am gorgeous

or even around you are people you can identify with.

and I am worthy,” Ozuna says.

“I struggled a lot in school because I was always the tallest one and biggest one, while all the other girls

However, having such confidence can be frowned

were petite and tiny,” Davila says, reflecting on her

upon, especially regarding women.

youth. “My cousins would be like, ‘You should wear this’ and I would be like ‘I can’t wear that’ and it made

Davila explains that she often feels beautiful, yet

me feel horrible.”

when asked about it, feels pressured to respond with 83

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Mbayi keeps her spring look fun and flirty!

style

Fola paired an off the shoulder top with a black skirt.

“Women are told not to take up space in any way—physically, emotionally and mentally, so when you say something like, ‘I am beautiful, I’m smart, I’m ambitious,’ you get judged,” “I think I’m pretty but not beautiful” and questions “why do they make us feel bad about feeling good?”

“It has to do with taking up space,” Ozuna says.

“Women are told not to take up space in any way— physically, emotionally and mentally, so when you say something like, ‘I am beautiful, I’m smart, I’m ambitious,’ you get judged,” Ozuna says.

Despite attempts to hold women down, knowing your self-worth, regardless of gender, is important.

“In anything, but especially fashion, fake it to make it,” Ozuna says. “If you exude confidence, people will 84

think you’re wearing something well. You don’t have to be big about it, but hold your head up, don’t be ashamed in what you’re wearing or who you are.”

It is easy to get caught up and compare ourselves to others, especially when seeing actresses and models with certain traits, but as individuals everyone possesses something unique. Being different often has a negative connotation, but this uniqueness is what makes us who we are and should be proudly acknowledged. “The most important thing is to celebrate and appreciate what we look like in the moment because there is always something you have that someone wished they had, and to be mindful of speaking positivity and vibrancy over our bodies instead of dangerously condemning ourselves,” Eboreime says.

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FAVORITE DECADE OF FASHION

Style Staff Collab Photos by Marybeth Schmidt

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Fashion has a habit of repeating itself. Trends that were once long gone always tend to resurface, sometimes unchanged. Suede skirts from the ‘70s were a huge fall staple, and juicy couture tracksuits from the early 2000s are making a much needed come back.

ORANGE style staff has come together to share our current favorite trends that are making their way from the past into the present.

Samantha Favela

Florals, flowy and free are the three words that describe my style. It comes at no surprise that I find the most inspiration from the ‘70s fashion trends. From high-waist pants to off-the-shoulder tops, the trends from this decade always sneak their way into my wardrobe. Whether it is a full on ‘70s inspired outfit or just a single accessory, this decade can be found in whatever I am wearing.

Itohan Osagie

As someone who regards the Civil Rights Movement as not only a pivotal time for the United States socially, but also as a period in which the style of young black Americans served as a symbol of their heritage, the ‘60s are by far my favorite decade of fashion. Coming from a Nigerian household, much of my childhood consisted of my father wearing dashikis filled with bright colors, intricate patterns and detailed embroidery, which first became mainstream during the late ‘60s. For me, the infusion of Afrocentric attire into my wardrobe represents a connection to my ancestry, as I’m sure it did for many who adorned similar clothing in that time.

Brandon Pegram

This may sound very pompous, but I consider my style a true fusion of many different eras and styles, and difficult to pin to just one era. Yet an era that has influenced my style a lot lately would be the ‘90s. I love bright colors and busy patterns, and fusing that with a grungier look of ripped skinny jeans completes many of my favorite looks. Some of the best runners and classic shoes came out in the ‘90s, so as a self-prescribed “sneakerhead,” the ‘90s definitely has a special place in my heart.

Jacqueline Briddell

My personal style has fluctuated a lot throughout my lifetime. I’ve never consciously drawn my sense of fashion from a specific decade because I’m a sucker for experimenting with the latest trends and mixing and matching unconventional pieces to create a cool look. However, anyone who is familiar with fashion culture knows that a lot of old trends are making a comeback. In other words, fashion continues to repeat itself. With that being said, my favorite fashion decades would have to be both the ‘90s and the late 2010s. The epitome of my style is bright colors, layers, denim and statement jewelry. While many of these characteristics are currently popular trends, they originally derive from the ‘90s,and in some cases, even earlier than that.

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Liam Alteneder

Of all the decades, the ‘90s is probably where I draw the most inspiration from when it comes to everyday style. All other decades are so distinct with their respective trends that existed during that time, but the ‘90s has transcended its 10-year constriction. From ‘90s grunge to denim-on-denim, many of these trends are still considered a fashionable choice today.

Avery Long

As a sucker for all things flared, I’d have to say the ‘70s is my decade of choice.

From Jane Birkin’s trove of impeccably woven purses to Jerry Hall’s effortless golden mane, 1970s style was characterized by an unabashed lack of formality, rigidity and structure. Although the immense pervasiveness of the flower crown in big box retailers can be disconcerting at times, it’s pleasing to see modern interpretations of ‘70s fashion becoming more readily accessible to consumers.

Kristina Nguyen

With my arsenal of flared pants and mule heels, the ‘70s wins as my favorite fashion decade. With so many style superstars, the decade offers an endless treasure trove of trends to recycle. I often find myself taking inspiration from the disco era’s ‘bigger is better’ motto and its iconic outfits, channeling Cher’s bare midriff ensembles to Farrah Fawcett’s famous feathered hairstyle. The decade was also filled with provocative figures such as Grace Jones, who defied gender and sexual stereotypes to push fashion boundaries with her experimental style.

Alexis Green

Last year marked a TV binging period in which Kelly Taylor was a style icon and Brandon Walsh was my screensaver. Shows like Beverly Hills 90210, Moesha and Buffy the Vampire Slayer introduced me to amazing female characters who kicked butt, both literally and figuratively, in style. The fusion of femininity with the edginess of grunge truly makes the ‘90s my favorite decade of style. From chokers, crop tops and Dr. Martens, the ‘90s has definitely made a reappearance within my wardrobe.

Katharine Noe

As someone who tries to not pay mind to what’s “in” and what’s “out," I have always appreciated ‘70s fashion for not being afraid to stray from conventional style standards and embrace individuality. Though it has been almost 40 years since the fashion world experienced one of its most diverse and eclectic eras, the ‘70s has continued to have a strong influence on the fashion industry, shaping the racks of stores and closets all over, particularly my own. Whether it be hippy-chic flares flooded with print and color or a romantic peasant top and maxi skirt to match, the ‘70s was an era of effortless fashion fun that has significantly shaped my personal style.

Thalia Carrillo

The style of the early 2000s is my guilty pleasure. It just doesn’t get enough credit. Sure, a lot of it was cheesy (cough, dresses over jeans and juicy couture tracksuits, cough), but I happen to think it’s super fun! If you wear chokers, denim on denim, colored-lens sunglasses or mini skirts, you’re repping the early 2000s without even knowing it.

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your style is my style A Guide to Avoiding Cultural Appropriation in Fashion Story by Thalia Carrillo Illustrations by Alex Guillen

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It’s 2017, and some people still haven’t grasped the concept of cultural appropriation.

Before adopting a style that you think is cool or unique, consider this: is the trend appropriating a culture that doesn’t belong to you? Cultural appropriation can be offensive to those who actually practice the culture you’re “borrowing” from. It is particularly harmful to minority groups that have historically been oppressed and exploited. While those taking credit for appropriated styles are viewed as edgy, the original members of these cultures continue to face negative stereotypes.

Instead of appropriating a culture that’s not yours, here’s what you can do:

The Baby Hairs look

Chola Style

Laying down edges, or baby hairs (shorter hairs that

The chola style typically encompasses big hooped

line parameter of one’s head) has been a long stand-

earrings, a bandana and heavy lip-liner, however, the

ing practice in the Black community. Black people

culture includes much more than aesthetic. The term

slick down their edges to help their wigs and weaves

chola has historically held a negative stereotype for

look more natural, to help tame those short kinky

low-income Chicanas in the past several decades.

curls that often accompany Black hair, or simply

For Mexican-American women, chola culture means

just because they like the look. This cultural practice

defending the neighborhood, providing for families,

has made it’s way into the mainstream media, and

having a badass attitude and, as far as style goes,

non-Black celebrities such as Katy Perry, Lucy Hale

feminizing the cholo gangster look with accessories

and several models decided to appropriate the look.

like cheap, gold-plated jewelry.

However, if you’re a non-Black person—even if you’re still a person of color—who is considering trying this

Before wearing the hooped earrings, lip-liner and

“trend,” don’t do it. Black people, particularly dark-

bandana combo, keep in mind that the term chola

skinned black girls, are often considered “ghetto”

has carried a negative connotation for Chicanas, and

or “ratchet” for wearing their hair this. You, as white

by adopting chola culture, you aren’t being trendy—

person or non-Black person of color, won’t face the

you’re essentially mocking it. Instead taking up chola

same stigma as Black people do simply for wearing

style, opt for one element, like a cute headband or

their hair. The practice of slicking down baby hairs

silver hoops.

is unique to the Black community, and it should stay that way.

Henna Tattoos Henna tattoos or “mehndi” are especially in demand

Instead of slicking down your baby hairs, opt for a

at events including music festivals and parties. With

headband that will push those shorter hairs out of

an array of designs and distinct colors, henna tattoos

you face.

are beautiful, unique and can last for a few weeks.

The Bindi

However, they are often reduced to an aesthetic and lose meaning when popularized at festivals and

Every year, festival-goers appropriate South Asian

other events. It is important to remember the roots

culture at Coachella, particularly with the concept of

of mehndi as a cultural component at religious cere-

the Bindi. Face jewels are a popular accessory that

monies and weddings, dating back to Ancient Egypt.

festival-goers use to attempt to look “exotic” and

When mehndi is applied simply to be trendy or artsy,

while the jewels may seem innocent, there exhibit

these cultural roots are easily forgotten.

underlying tones of appropriation. The Bindi is a red dot worn on the forehead by women across South

Instead of buying a DIY henna-kit from Urban Outfit-

Asia. The symbol holds religious and cultural value

ters, try to understand that henna tattooes are more

for those in the region. When festival-goers at Coach-

than just a trend and have been used for centuries

ella put on face jewels on their forehead or between

across cultures. Opt for temporary tattoos that are

their eyebrows to achieve a certain aesthetic, they

slowly becoming more fashionable and learn about

trivialize South Asian culture and the importance of

the significance of mehndi before approaching a

the Bindi.

henna stand at your next festival.

Instead, try putting those jewels somewhere else your face, like on your cheeks or around your eyes. It’s a simple fix and nobody gets hurt.

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Social Justice Enacted A Look at Some of UT’s Activists Story by Alexis Tatum and Brandon Pegram Photos by Maya Coplin

The fight against social injustice is not a new phe-

shirt, I tell them what we stand for.” The shirt he’s

nomenon. Throughout history, people have suffered

referring to depicts a burnt orange fist, symbolizing

and struggled for the right to express themselves

the black power fist that has become a universal sign

freely. Since the start of the popular hashtag and

of solidarity and support.

subsequent #BlackLivesMatter movement in 2013, it seems as though the battle against social injustice

The work of social activism is not easy. It is a grind-

has been revamped. Today, more people are joining

ing effort that often goes unnoticed and conflicts to

the difficult conversations about politics, race, gender

those in power. For Cal Goulet, these are the chal-

identity and sexual orientation. They’re marching,

lenges people must be ready to tackle if it means

waving flags, making shirts, creating more hashtags.

that others will be heard. “Nowadays it’s easy to get

People are standing up for themselves and others.

caught up in saying you'll get stuff done but not actually doing it,” Goulet says.

Many of these passionate young people attend the University of Texas at Austin and are taking steps to fight the social injustice that they have experienced or witnessed. ORANGE spoke with some of them to

“Every community on this campus is strongly dedicated to what they believe in.”

understand the ways they express themselves and commit to ending injustices while doing so.

This past year, Goulet collaborated with UT’s Gender and Sexuality Center to help LGBTQ+ students locate

Kasim Kabbar is a second-year undergraduate

gender-neutral restrooms around campus because

studies major, a member of the UT Diversity Inclu-

the administration does not provide clear direction

sion Agency and an executive officer for UT’s Black

on where these bathrooms are located across UT’s

Student Alliance. Kabbar is adamant about the

large campus. Goulet hopes that their efforts will

importance of inclusion and representation of the

change that and provide assistance to the students

black community. “Every community on this campus

on campus who need them. By working tirelessly to

is strongly dedicated to what they believe in,” Kabbar

bring change on and around campus, Goulet wishes

says. “We do what we have to do.” Kabbar believes

to bring about a more inclusive environment for stu-

that the organizations he has joined helped him

dents often neglected by the university. For Goulet,

become more knowledgeable about social injustice.

expressing their social activism is straightforward. “By

“Being a member of BSA and DIA, I think our job is to

simply being unapologetically me, non-binary and

put these issues on the forefront,” Kabbar says. “We

damn proud,” Goulet says.

let people in our communities know that they’re not alone, we offer them assurance.

It is no secret that in a capitalist society, money runs the world. Public health junior Chioma Ujari uses this

As for people who don’t relate to these issues, Kabbar

insight to her advantage to battle social inequality.

believes that the best route to take is education. “I

“When I learned the spending power African-Amer-

educate my friends from different backgrounds, and I

icans had in America could be the GDP of a small

talk about my experience as a black man in general,”

country, I knew that this was a form of activism that

Kabbar says “When people ask me about my BSA

could be quite tangible,” Ujari says.

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“My activism is intersectional and inclusive, refusing to focus on one single issue because of the awareness that the majority of social issues are inextricably intertwined.”

Although she uses her buying power as her main

wears her struggle on her chest. Her shirts exemplify

vehicle for social change by only supporting com-

a common form of symbolism used by young activ-

panies who share similar beliefs as her, Ujari also

ists: satirical slogans and phrases worn boldly in the

understands that her platform gives her an influence

form of clothing help bring attention to issues very

that others don’t have. “I know that with my position

easily. “Even if I can change or engage the mind of

as African American Culture committee chair or just

one person, that’s a victory,” Düster says. “Actively

a person who is active in the black and UT commu-

participating in resistance is powerful.”

nity, my words can hold a lot of weight,” Ujari says.

“I want to be the voice for those who haven’t found

Some may forget that protests are not solely com-

in themselves yet to speak up.” Ujari has used her

piled of marginalized people. Allies are can be an

platform to lead her socially conscious organization.

important asset in the fight against inequity because

While her stances are her own and not reflective of

they actively seek out equal treatment for people who

AACC, by becoming a visible leader in her commu-

are not like themselves. For example, Edith Muleiro,

nity, Chioma has shown that a positive use of your

a first-year Plan II and government major, spends

platform and wallet can bring change.

her time helping refugees and undocumented immigrants. Her inspiration stems from her experiences

Though many people choose to combat a single

volunteering at Syrian refugee camps on the Mace-

social inequity, there are some who choose to fight

donian border last year. “It’s so hard to leave where

against more. Maria Düster fights social injustice as

you’re from,” Muleiro says. Now she serves whenever

a systemic problem rather than focusing on a single

and wherever she can as a member of many refugee

issue. “My activism is intersectional and inclusive,

support groups, including the Liberal Arts Refugee

refusing to focus on one single issue because of the

Alliance. She was also instrumental in helping gain

awareness that the majority of social issues are inex-

testimonies against the anti-sanctuary city bill in the

tricably intertwined,” Düster says.

Texas Legislature this year.

Though it is only her first year at UT, Düster is already

Social activism centuries, in our country and on our

involved in organizations like University Democrats

campus. Those willing to put forward the grueling

and Students Against Campus Carry, participating at

effort for change have led many powerful move-

protests and engaging in community work. She credits

ments. Yet there are still many people unwilling to

her inspiration for activism to her identity, describing

listen to the voices of the communities they margin-

herself as “a bisexual mixed woman of color.”

alize. This year alone, students have seen instances

Düster says she believes that social media is benefi-

both on campus and in America, from the shutdown

cial to her activism. “Social media has many glaring

of the racist bake sale at UT to the Women’s March

flaws, but one of the strengths it possesses is the

that shook the world. UT has many students willing

ability to constantly engage others, to make them

to be on the right side of history, who use their plat-

more aware of the injustice going on in the world

forms, privileges and even their clothes to uplift the

around them,” Düster says. She admittedly owns her

voices of those without one.

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by Maya Coplin

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QUIZ

Which Iconic Rihanna Ensemble Are You?

Words by Avery Long Illustrations by Alex Guillen

Your friends would most likely describe you as…

A Cute but a little crazy B Always excited to go out on Sixth C Too “dressed-up” for class D High-maintenance (insert nail-painting emoji)

Your favorite way to make it through an agonizingly dull lecture is to...

A Feverishly scour your ex-boyfriend’s Instagram B Brainstorm cocktail ideas for Friday night C Take notes. You’re bored, not looking to fail the next exam.

D Message one of your many suitors via Tinder

RiRi can lyrically do no wrong – but if you had to choose a song from “Anti”...

A “Same Ol’ Mistakes” B “Pose” C “Love on the Brain” D “Work”

Which emoji is quintessentially you?

A The rose (à la “Beauty and the Beast”) B The hysterically crying/laughing face C The pink sparkly heart D The smirking purple devil

Your go-to beverage of choice is…

A Coconut water B Sunday morning mimosas (brunch is a must) C A strawberry milkshake with whipped cream on top, naturally D A Diet Coke with a straw, so I don’t smudge my MAC lipstick

What’s your sign?

A Taurus, Gemini or Cancer B Leo, Virgo or Libra C Aquarius, Pisces or Aries D Scorpio, Sagittarius or Capricorn

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MOSTLY A

“Spoiled” Shirt 2015 NBA All-Star Game

As flawlessly conveyed by our girl’s ultra-cute T-shirt, you’re slightly cheeky but still massively sweet. You’re a sucker for all things pink and heart-shaped, but that doesn’t mean you’re someone to be messed with. While your romantic inclinations occasionally lead you down the wrong path, you know better than to ultimately be with someone who doesn’t truly spoil you.

MOSTLY B

Green Versace Outfit 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Much like RiRi’s seemingly St. Patty’s Day-inspired look, you’re simultaneously vibrant and daring. In both life and fashion, you’re a risk-taker with a propensity for excitement.

Whether you’re going out on the town or staying in for the evening, you’re someone who knows how to treat your friends to a good time, with or without the presence of tequila.

MOSTLY C

Sheer Swarovski Gown 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards

With the amount of accomplishments you have under your belt, an immaculate award ceremony gown suits you perfectly.

A true go-getter with a sparkling personality to boot, you are envied by all who encounter you. While this type of attention could rapidly inflate someone’s ego, you earnestly use your influence to inspire rather than criticize.

MOSTLY D

Pink Puma Look Fenty x Puma Spring 2017 Show

Like you, this powderpuff pink ensemble demands attention and conveys drama in the best ways possible. On most days, you can be found at home wearing your cutest silk robe while perusing the newest copy of British Vogue. While you love being pampered at the spa downtown, there’s nothing you enjoy more than gossiping over a bottle of champagne with your friends.

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Story by Thalia Carrillo Photos by Mario G. Clark

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“Take her swimming on the first date,” they say.

“Makeup is false advertising.”

“You don’t look like that in person.”

The latest targets of misogynistic social media trolls

all insecurities, but I disagree,” says Ale Flores, a UT

are people who enjoy wearing makeup.

sophomore and a business honors and accounting major.

With the expansion of the beauty industry to social media, makeup artistry is no longer limited to the

In 2015, several beauty gurus and makeup artists on

Kevyn Aucoins and Pat McGraths of the world. You

social media, mostly YouTube, used their platforms as

don’t need to be rich or famous to get the look.

a means of communicating the idea that makeup can

YouTube and Instagram are full of self-made beauty

be used for empowerment. The movement became

gurus. Now, anyone can learn to master blended eye-

known as the “Power of Makeup,” and continues to

shadow or soft contour from virtually anywhere. More

leave its mark on the beauty world. People began

and more people have integrated this artistry into

making videos and posting videos of makeup on only

their everyday lives. It isn’t unusual to see someone

half of their face, leaving the other side bare to show

with a blinding highlight or sharp winged liner in the

that there is beauty in expressing oneself through

classroom or at the office.

makeup. From professional makeup artists to the average YouTube viewer, everyone was encouraged to

However, the accessibility of makeup has its down-

participate in the trend. “It makes me feel beautiful

fall: makeup shaming. Makeup shaming is defined

and empowered,” says Amanda Sanchez, second-year

is shaming or looking down on someone for the

architecture engineering major.

amount of makeup they where, or the style in which one chooses to do their makeup. While women have

It ultimately comes down to the this: those who

always been shamed for wearing makeup and choos-

wear makeup should have the freedom to make that

ing to participate in other beauty-related activities,

choice without judgment. “It’s art, and it shouldn’t

it seems like makeup shaming became more visible

offend anyone. It’s crazy how people get so upset

with social media.

about what another person does to their face,” says Julie Garcia, first-year journalism major.

“It’s art, and it shouldn’t offend anyone. It’s crazy how people get so upset about what another person does to their face”

The power of makeup doesn’t necessarily lay in its ability to make someone physically “beautiful,” but in its ability to the give those who wear it a creative outlet, a means of expressing themselves, or just simply something to do for fun. “Makeup makes me feel happy. I believe it’s fun to be able to enhance your features and be creative,” Flores says.

Although no one can stop trolls and haters, they

Memes and posts surfaced on the internet implying

can be educated. “It is unacceptable,” Sanchez says.

that women shouldn’t prefer makeup because men

“Someone’s decision whether or not to wear makeup

prefer “natural beauty,” women should be taken

is absolutely no one else’s business. Makeup is an

swimming on the first date, and that women who wear

artform, and it is not going anywhere. “I just think

makeup are insecure about they look. “There is a mis-

that the world still has a lot of changing to do,” Flores

conception that using makeup should not empower

says. Makeup or no makeup, these girls are changing

individuals—that makeup is just a mask used to hide

the way makeup haters view cosmetic artistry.

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PROFILE:

As a young girl in Ukraine, Nina Hawkins watched runway shows on FashionTV and dreamt of the day when she would be a successful fashion designer.

Words by Kristina Nguyen Photos by Rohan Mirchandani

BEAUTIFUL FIGURES in shiny makeup pose their distorted bodies beneath a flood of dark, smoky light. Models bite into pearls and baubles and chains between their teeth, standing next to boys surrounded by ennui and cotton candy girls. Animated colors and patterns flash and wiggle their way off of the screen.

These fantastical images live between the pages of Nina Hawkins’ portfolio. Creating works of art with the click of her camera, the Austin-based photographer and model has enjoyed an illustrious career that

the industry and developed a passion for pursuing photography professionally. Her first professional experience was at Elle Magazine in Vietnam, where she was hired after they noticed her in a photograph wearing Jeffrey Campbell shoes at a fashion show.

There, she gained insight into working on full-scale fashion productions.

Born to a Vietnamese mother and Russian father, Hawkins says she’s had the best of both worlds.

spans three continents and almost two decades.

“Being from different countries, moving from place to

As a self-taught photographer and videographer,

experience,” Hawkins says. “Being half-Asian and

it’s hard to believe that Hawkins has managed to develop an expansive portfolio full of edgy fashion films, editorials, lookbooks and commercial work that have been featured in publications across the globe.

“Fashion is always pushing people to their limits to do

place, it gives me more perspective, a little bit more half-white helps me to see both of those worlds, and I kind of can bring that understanding and knowledge into my photography.”

“Fashion is always pushing people to

better and better,” Hawkins says. “It teaches you how

their limits to do better and better.

to be tough.” Hawkins has embodied this philosophy

It teaches you how to be tough.”

throughout her career, always seeking out adventures in her assignments. “I always try to push myself out of

Hawkins sometimes incorporates the maximalism

my comfort zone as much as possible,” Hawkins says.

of Russian and Vietnamese fashion into her work,

As a young girl growing up in Ukraine, Hawkins

tographers in Austin who prefer more minimal and

watched runway shows on FashionTV and dreamed of the day when she would be a successful fashion designer. “I was styling all my friends like, ‘One day you’ll see me on FashionTV,’” Hawkins says. Although she never made it onto the big screen, she eventually got her start in the industry after finishing high school in her hometown of Moscow, Russia, and entering modeling school. She was later accepted into an agency founded by Russian designer Yegor Zaitsev, where she learned the inner-workings of

which she says separates her from many of the phosimple layouts. “I try to have some work like [that] too, but sometimes I like to add everything in the shoot,” Hawkins says, explaining that she doesn’t shy away from indulging in excessive lighting, styling and makeup. Her larger-than-life creations show her tendency toward the bold and experimental.

Hawkins’ edgy, futuristic style is self-described as “Rick Owens marrying Y-3 and adopting HBA, Creepy Crown Asia Dolls, Weirdo Nerd Chic and Princess

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“Being from different countries, moving from place to place, it gives me more perspective, a little bit more experience. Being half-Asian and half-white helps me to see both of those worlds, and I kind of can bring that understanding and knowledge into my photography.”

Bubblegum.” In her work, she “always seek[s] to reveal

Hawkin’s “never say never” attitude has carried

an edge and a quirk,” which has attracted the eye of

through her experiences, traveling to different coun-

publications such as HUF USA, Kaltblut Germany

tries and working for top fashion brands. Despite her

and Vanity Teen UK. Recently, she’s ventured into

claims that she fears change, she says that always

the world of 3D virtual staging, where she creates

leaves room for unexpected things to happen.

online interior designs. No matter which project she’s working on, she makes sure that it’s something beau-

Since moving to the United States, Hawkins says she’s

tiful. “I think I just like beauty,” Hawkins says. “I like to

begun to slow down to do other projects, but hopes

surround myself with beautiful people and beautiful

to eventually focus more on fashion work. In addition

clothes and beautiful makeup.”

to the two editorials she’s had published this year, she has three upcoming music videos and various

As the fashion scene in Austin continues to develop,

commercial photoshoots lined up. She also looks to

Hawkins says she has found her place among the

experiment with her image-making style and incorpo-

creative greats, having worked with local fashion

rate artwork into her photography.

week events, boutiques and even some of the Uni-

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versity of Texas at Austin’s productions. She says that

Although there are busy months ahead, Hawkins

meeting other people in the industry has allowed her

hopes to see herself signed to a top agency and

to progress her style even further, citing her friend

shooting for big brands like Alexander Wang and

Kaidon Ho, an Austin-based artist who works as a

Kenzo within the next 10 years. Her move to Austin

stylist, as a specific influence. “[My style] had some

has taken her a step closer to that dream, allowing

kind of potential, but I didn’t know where to grow,”

her more freedom to pursue her passion for beauty

Hawkins says. “After meeting Kaidon, it kind of devel-

and out-of-the-box style. “I thought, ‘America has a

oped better, it became more full.” She now has more

lot of good opportunities to grow,’ so it’s been a hard

knowledge on how to achieve her styling goals. She

journey, but it’s paying off,” Hawkins says, adding that

also cites Essential Studios as integral to progressing

she’s become happy with her portfolio’s growth. “It’s

her art and helping her work become “more weird.”

only going to get better, I hope.”

contributors EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITORS

Emily Nash

Ethan Elkins

Mia Uhunmwangho

Alejandra Martinez Hannah McMorris

CREATIVE DIRECTION

Jesus Acosta Ryan Hicks

Zoya Zia WRITERS

Humza Ahmed SECTION EDITORS

Angela Bonilla Maya Coplin Ali Garza London Gibson Natalie Heineman Sarah Holdeman Guneez Ibrahim Onaje McDowelle Kristina Nguyen Itohan Osagie Mary E. Pistorius Jacqueline Ramos Hayli Rudolph Allyson Waller PHOTOGRAPHERS

Liam Alteneder Alyssa Arnold Elise Barbin Marilee Bodden Jacqueline Briddell Katarina Brown Thalia Carillo Andrea Cos Danielle Drews Samantha Favela Rochelle Friedewald Max Friedman Ali Garza London Gibson Alexis Green Caroline Hager Sarah Hollis Rachana Jadala

Humza Ahmed

Sunny Kim

Jac Alford

Sayuri Kolombege

Mario G. Clark

Shelby Light

Maya Coplin

Avery Long

Aaron Brock Dehn

Sabrina Martinez

Kiana Fernandez

Onaje McDowelle

Laura Godinez

Sofia Mendiola

Caleb Guardarrama

Abby Moore

Ravin Lee

Abby Morgan

Brittany Mendez

Kristina Nguyen

Rohan Mirchandani

Katharine Noe

Mary E. Pistorius

Itohan Osagie

Marybeth Schmidt

Brandon Pegram Alex Puente

ILLUSTRATORS

Jesus Acosta Alex Guillen Jaclyn Alford Ryan Hicks Urub Khawaja Sonia Margolin

Jacqueline Ramos Hayli Rudolph Gabrielle Sanchez Emanuela Schneider Imani Sebri Jordan Steyer Alexis Tatum Jasmine Valencia Allyson Waller

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