August 26, 2019
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER
Volume 7 Issue 1
FOURTH ESTATE Welcome back to the fall 2019 semester Patriots!
@ivestate | gmufourthestate.com
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (P. 3) || 16 CREDIT RULE (P. 6) || FALL SPORTS PREVIEW (P. 10) || OPINION: IS AMERICA READY FOR A FEMALE PRESIDENT? (P. 11) Fourth Estate is a free publication, limit one copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents payable to the OfямБce of Student Media.
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GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
DANA NICKEL HAILEY BULLIS Co Editor-in-Chief
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
ALEXANDRIA MCALPINE Art Director
Our Fellow Patriots, We asked our staff what we should write in our first letter addressing the Mason community. Our Online Director, Billy, shrugged and said, “You should tell them they’re going to have a good year.” So, here it is: Patriots, this is going to be a good year. Or at least we hope so. A lot of things happened over the last few years on campus, but we’re all still moving along. However, we’re here to make this year as smooth for you guys, Mason’s student body, as possible. If you have any concerns, we want to hear from you. If you see something on campus you want us to explore, let us know. We are here for you. We want to represent you and shed light on both the triumphs and issues you think are important. Fourth Estate’s leadership last year, Alex and Basma, in our opinion, did an amazing job. They kept Mason’s administration honest and weren’t afraid to hold anyone’s feet to the fire. Important stories were shared with you all under their leadership, like an in-depth look into Mason’s Counseling and Psychological Services and Mason’s hiring of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. We hope to continue what they started and improve our work along the way.
LAURA SCUDDER DELANEY HARRISON Copy Editors ABIGAIL ADCOX News Editor JACK HARVEY Assistant News Editor PETER NJOROGE Culture Editor NATALIE HEAVREN Sports Editor DOMENIC ALLEGRA Assistant Sports Editor
This week, our first week, we have some important stories concerning the construction on-campus, the 15 credit cap on Mason’s tuition that was implemented last spring, Mason’s fall sports lineup and op-eds concerning a variety of issues, both Mason-related and otherwise.
CHRIS KERNAN-SCHMIDT Opinions Editor
If you have any questions, comments or concerns or are interested in being a part of Fourth Estate, do not hesitate to reach us at masonfourthestate@gmail. com
BILLY FERGUSON Online Director LEXI REYES Social Media Editor
This is going to be a great year, Patriots.
DOMINIQUE BERNARDINO Multimedia Editor
Sincerely,
EMMETT SMITH Distribution Manager
Dana Nickel and Hailey Bullis Co Editors-in-Chief
KATHRYN MANGUS Director DAVID CARROLL Associate Director JASON HARTSEL Assistant Director
We are always recruiting volunteers for: - WRITERS - VIDEOGRAPHERS - ILLUSTRATORS - COPY EDITORS - PHOTOGRAPHERS
George Mason University Mail stop 2C5 4400 University Drive Fairfax, Va. 22030 Phone 703-993-2950
For all inquiries, please email: masonfourthestate@gmail.com
Fourth Estate is printed each Monday for George Mason University and its surrounding Fairfax community. The editors of Fourth Estate have exclusive authority over the content that is published. There are no outside parties that play a role in the newspaper’s content, and should there be a question or complaint regarding this policy, the Editor-in-Chief should be notified at the email provided. Fourth Estate is a free publication, limit one copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents payable to the Office of Student Media.
COVER PHOTO CREDITS Dominique Bernardino / Fourth Estate
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UPDATE ON THE CORE CAMPUS PROJECT
Mason construction to continue into the fall semester and beyond than the deadline JACK HARVEY ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Construction around Mason’s Fairfax campus proceeds into the 2019-2020 school year. Students will notice the continued closure of the walkway between Southside and Wilkins Plaza, as well as newly-erected work zones throughout the Commons. Construction of the New Academic Building remains underway, with a steel superstructure being erected on the site which used to be home to Robinson A. A mock-up for the upcoming Enslaved People of George Mason memorial
has also been erected on Wilkins Plaza next to Robinson B. The memorial is designed to honor the people enslaved at Gunston Hall, displaying the silhouettes of a girl named Penny and George Mason’s personal manservant, James. According to project manager Cathy Pinskey, the mock-ups are intended in part to better help visualize the future location of the permanent memorial, which will be made of bronze panels, and to stoke interest and raise funds for the project. The
majority
of
construction
tandem because portions of the piping being replaced run directly under the Plaza and the path to Southside. Over the summer, installation of new chilled water piping was completed in the zone that had been fenced off since last spring.
the course of the year with the installation of tables, benches, charging areas, and wifi, all of which are scheduled to be completed by spring break of 2020.
The utility infrastructure replacement consists of changes and upgrades to piping throughout Mason as well as the expansion of Wilkins Plaza, which will be widened in the area between the center of campus and the Commons.
According Pinskey, throughout the coming semester trenching, installation, and restoration of new piping will proceed around the Commons and will eventually connect to the school’s central heating and cooling plant and Wilkins Plaza.
The two projects are being done in
The Plaza itself will be improved over
The New Academic Building’s superstructure is to be completed in the fall. A mock-up of one of the building’s corners is scheduled to be built by the MIX in November, and the building’s exterior is to be completed in the late spring of 2020. The building is scheduled to be open for classes in the spring of 2021.
happening on campus falls under the designation of the Core Campus Project. The project is split into two portions, one of them being improvements to utility infrastructure and the other being the replacement of Robinson Hall by as-yet-unnamed New Academic Building.
Finally, the George statue will be relocated from its current location to Holton Plaza in the fall semester.
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Harris Theater is also being renovated as part of the project. The building has had its fire alarm and sprinkler systems replaced and will be renovated further over the duration of the Core Campus Project. Following the completion of the New Academic Building, Robinson B is scheduled to be demolished and replaced by an outdoor area. By fall of 2021, the majority of the Core Campus Project is expected to be completed.
LAST WEEK IN POLITICS Monday, Aug. 19 Arresting New York Police Department officer involved in Eric Garner’s death is fired. Planned Parenthood announces it will reject Title IX funding rather than comply with new abortion rules.
Tuesday, Aug. 20 Massive fire rages at a record rate in the Amazon rainforest.
Wednesday, Aug. 21 Washington governor Jay Inslee withdraws from 2020 presidential race.
Thursday, Aug. 22 Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House press secretary, joins Fox News as a commentator.
Friday, Aug. 23 Billionaire David Koch dies at age 79. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been treated for pancreatic cancer, according to the Supreme Court. Stock markets fall as tariff rift between U.S. and China continues.
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FRESHMEN AND INTERIM PRESIDENT HOLTON FIND NEW HOME AT MASON
Freshmen express high hopes for the upcoming year ABIGAIL ADCOX NEWS EDITOR
“It was good; it was a lot of fun helping people move in,” said Abby Clark, who was a member of the MoveCrew. “It was definitely hectic and tiring but I enjoyed helping people get into their dorm and settled.” “Some of them were excited, some kind of seemed like they just didn’t want to be there.” One freshman explained some of the emotions running through her head on move-in day.
“In general [I was] excited but a little nervous,” said Carlisle Hickey. I was really impressed by the move-in itself though, everything was super efficient.” She also complimented the welcome events tailored to freshmen, two of her favorites being Mason Mayhem, where people had the opportunity to do karaoke, and listening to Green Machine play at convocation. Anne Holton, Mason’s interim president, was also seen in President’s Park greeting families. At convocation on Aug. 23, Holton spoke to freshmen and transfers, stating, “One of the most exciting parts of the academic work we do here is the diversity of opinion that we hear in our classroom and that we value from each other.”
On June 20, Anne Holton was unanimously voted by the Board of Visitors (BOV) to be the acting president after Ángel Cabrera announced he was leaving Mason to accept a position at Georgia Tech, his alma mater. Holton will be the first female president to lead George Mason. She previously served as the Vi rg i n i a education secretary from 2014-2016 and is currently on the state Board of Education.
Since May 2017, Holton has been a visiting professor for the Schar School and College of Education and Human Development.
Interim President Anne Holton (left) poses with Mason officials on freshmen move-in day.
BOARD OF VISITORS DISCUSSES POOR PRINCETON REVIEW RANKING Princeton Review ranks Mason as 11th unhappiest campus JACK HARVEY ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
The most recent edition of the Princeton Review’s “Best 385 Colleges” list ranked Mason at 18th for least beautiful campus and 11th for unhappiest students. The Board of Visitors discussed the Review’s unfavorable rankings of Mason during their meeting on July 26, according to its minutes. Rector Davis initially mentioned the Review’s ranking, stating that Mason ranked 20th from the bottom in terms of student satisfaction. Davis “reiterated the importance of student satisfaction,” according
to the minutes, and asked Provost Wu to further address the ranking. Wu mentioned the survey’s timing in conjunction with the hiring of Brett Kavanaugh by the school and suggested that this may have impacted the ranking. Wu mentioned the Student Care Network as a solution to the issue. The program, which is set to be instituted this fall, will bring changes to University 100 classes, improve the Student Services Center and create a “student-centered coaching team” called the Mason Care Network.
Holton has indicated to the BOV that she would not like to be in the running for the full-time replacement, so the search for a replacement is ongoing.
OPEN AUDITIONS FOR
The Mason Players and the School of Theater announce open auditions for the musical RAGS, about the immigrant experience in New York circa 1910. The story of new arrivals to America resonates in profound ways with the American experience of today. We are seeking full-time Mason students from all backgrounds, religions, and cultures. Rehearsals start Sept. 16, and the show performs Oct. 31–Nov. 3 in the Center for the Arts. Auditions are August 28 & 29 by appointment. Sign-up information and all details can be found at theater.gmu.edu under Student Opportunities. LOOKING TO AUDITION? • Read from the script or prepare a monologue • Show us your singing and dance skills! (Not all roles will be required to sing or dance)
To learn more or sign up, drop by the Theater Office in de Laski Performing Arts Building A407 or call 703-993-1120.
FOURTH ESTATE DOMINIQUE BERNARDINO
On Wednesday Aug. 21, over 3,800 freshmen, “the largest and most diverse class,” and approx. 3,000 transfer students moved into their new homes at Mason. Members of the MoveCrew played their part by volunteering to move in freshman belongings in exchange for free early arrival.
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STARSHIP ROBOTS IN SECOND SEMESTER AT MASON
The robots have become a fixture at Mason, growing from 25 to 40 HAILEY BULLIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Since arriving to Mason in January, Starship Technologies’ and Sodexo’s robots have become part of everyday life at Mason. The robots were brought to campus through a partnership with Starship Technologies and Sodexo, Mason’s dining contractor. Mason was the first university to incorporate the robots onto campus, with Northern Arizona University being the second. Upon its arrival to campus, the robots delivered from Dunkin’, Second Stop, Blaze Pizza and Starbucks.
were added to the fleet — making for a total of 40 robots on Mason’s campus available for delivery.
Since being launched, the company has kept a large presence both on campus and through social media, frequently tweeting from their account, @StarshipGMU, to update students on delivery hours and engage with the Mason community.
The companies have also expanded the robots’ hours of operation to meet the demand for delivery. Currently, the robot fleet operates on the same hours as Mason dining.
When first added to the Mason campus, the robot fleet had a total of 25 robots. Soon after, on Jan. 28, Sodexo and Starship Technologies added five more robots to the lineup.
The student response to the robots has been mostly positive since they were implemented in January. In a press release on the Starship
Technologies website, Mason sophomore Kevin House said, “I’ve used Starship over 100 times in just a few months. It’s really saved me so much time and reduced my stress, especially around finals. I love getting food delivered by a robot, it just makes life so much easier.” In the same release, the company announced plans to expand to 100 universities — including the University of Pittsburgh and Purdue University
— in the next 24 months. Interim president Anne Holton tested out the robots herself on Aug 16. saying, “Hey new @GeorgeMasonU students. I just tested the @StarshipGMU robots — we stand ready to welcome you next week!” in a tweet. Mason’s Sodexo could not be reached directly for comment for this article.
Then last March, 10 more robots
FOURTH ESTATE ALEXANDER SHEDD
FOURTH ESTATE ALEXANDER SHEDD
Now, Starship Technologies and Sodexo have added Akeno Sushi,
Einstein Bros. Bagels, Garbanzo, Steak ‘n Shake, One Stop and Subway to its delivery list at Mason.
MASON WEEKLY CRIME LOG
Tuesday, Aug. 20 -- Fairfax Campus
Thursday, Aug. 22 -- Arlington Campus/Off Campus
Sexual Assault/Fondling: Juvenile complainant (non-GMU) reported being groped over
Stalking: Complainant (GMU) reported being followed by an unknown subject on multiple occasions.
the clothes by a known subject. Case 2019-007750 -- Information Only
Friday, Aug. 23 -- Roberts Road Thursday, Aug. 22 -- Freedom Center Intimidation: Complainant (non-GMU) reported a verbal altercation with two subjects (non-GMU).
PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON POLICE
Case 2019-007836 -- Referred to Title IX
Driving Under The Influence: Subject (non-GMU) was arrested and transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center for driving a vehicle while intoxicated. Case 2019-007853 -- Cleared by Arrest
Case 2019-007832 -- Pending Friday, Aug. 23 -- Dominion Hall Thursday, Aug. 22 -- Potomac Heights Liquor Law Violations/Medical Assistance: Subject (GMU) requested transportation to Inova Access Hospital for treatment of overconsumption of alcohol. Medical amnesty applied. Case 2019-007833 -- Closed
Drug Law Violations/Medical Assist: Subject (GMU) requested transport to Inova Access Hospital for treatment of overconsumption of illegal drugs. Medical amnesty applied. Case 2019-007854 -- Closed
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CREDIT CHANGE AFFECTS MANY
Students at Mason speak out against tuition cap IZZ LAMAGDELEINE CONTRIBUTOR
On April 29, 2019, an email addressed to the Mason community was sent on behalf of the Office of the Provost. It discussed proposals about to be brought to the Board of Visitors at their May 2 meeting. One proposal included freezing tuition at the same rate for the 2019–2020 year as the 2018–2019 year. The other concerned the amount of classes students could take without an additional charge. It would change the cap to 15 credits, instead of 16 as it had previously been. After being announced, both proposals later passed at the meeting.
would tell us that we need 16 credit hours for a semester and then turn around and act like it’s an extra,” Muncy wrote. “I believe that when the 15 credit hour cap was decided, Mason did not consider that they could end up forcing intelligent, hard-
semesters to graduate on time. In one semester, the guide proposes students should take 18 credits — the amount Solares is taking this semester. Music students also have many additional fees to pay. Solares has to pay
cap. Almost two weeks after the May 2 Board of Visitors meeting, the hashtag #UnCapMason began to spread on Twitter. A letter that F1rst Gen Mason, an organization focused on helping first-generation students be successful, spearheaded also was shared.
Recommended Credit Amounts for Choral Education Major by Semester
Caroline McCaig, a government and international politics major graduating this semester involved with ROSE, lived in a Living Learning Community for her first several years of college. Under the new policy, she does not believe that she still would have partaken in the opportunity.
The same morning the email was sent, Nelly Solares’ family group chat was buzzing. Her sister, who also goes to Mason, had seen the email and was sending outraged messages about it. When Solares saw what her sister was saying, she checked and found the email in her own inbox. “My heart sank,” she wrote in an interview with Fourth Estate. “I felt nervous and enraged all at once.”
In the 2018-2019 version of the class planner that the Volgenau School of Engineering offers to its students, it suggested that a mechanical engineering student should take 16 credits for three semesters to graduate on time. There are no changes between it and the 2019-2020 guide, which can be both found on its website. “It’s ridiculous that the university
FOURTH ESTATE ALEXANDRIA MCALPINE
Solares was only one of many students who did not agree with the decision the administration had made. From STEM majors to arts students, many different members of the Mason community will see their tuition bills increasing if they want to graduate on time. Margaret Muncy is a junior mechanical engineering student. She found out about the tuition cap from the email as well. As an engineering student, her regular course load includes many lab classes, which are normally 4 credits and can easily add up. In addition, Muncy wrote her major is already expensive “due to lab fees, spec requirements for our computers and fewer work hours (i.e. less income) because of the [time-consuming] nature of our coursework.”
major, is planning to continue organizing around the tuition cap this semester. She is working to get the letter formally introduced to the Board of Visitors through Student Government in her current work with a senate member, as well as meeting with Student Body President Camden Layton to discuss the letter. Celestin also plans on connecting with the faculty senate about the tuition charge, as it could affect programs that Mason is in charge of, such as the Living Learning Communities.
working students out of the engineering school. Maybe it’s because a few hundred bucks doesn’t seem like much to them, but to me, that’s over a month of groceries, and that’s just the in-state fee.” In the case of Solares, she is a sophomore music education major with a concentration in choral studies. In another 2018-2019 class planner accessible from the School of Music website that was sent to Fourth Estate, a guideline suggests choral students take more than 15 credits in five
her College of Visual and Performing Arts course fee and a mandatory applied lessons fee, which together is more than $700. Since she is also a vocalist, she has to pay a pianist to play for her at all of her weekly lessons and performances. In addition, she has to pay approximately $1,500 extra for her credits. About all the costs, Solares wrote, “Looking at my eBill was painful.”
The letter shared the feelings of students. It also brought questions the students wanted answers for, such as how much additional money Mason expects to receive from the cap. More than 10 different groups co-signed, including the Hispanic Student Association, Transparent GMU, Mason DREAMers and Radical Organizers for Socialism and Equality (ROSE@GMU).
Soon after the email was sent, students began to organize ways to protest the
Celestin, the president of F1rst Gen Mason as well as a senior psychology
“I was in a Living Learning Community my freshman and sophomore year, which required a one-credit class to be taken every semester,” McCaig said. “Under the new policy, that class would have been too much of a financial burden on myself that I can very confidently say I simply wouldn’t have participated in the program. Mason has many programs such as that and under the new policy Mason is putting an undue burden on these programs that exist to ensure students are provided with extra support and structure that I found incredibly useful.” The tuition cap may even impact whether students want to stay at Mason or not. “My major is kinesiology and it makes me question whether I should even take these classes anymore that require higher credits, and if it’s even worth it,” Caroline Kalcheff, a sophomore, wrote. “Also, if I should just go back to community college and take classes that are similar but obviously cheaper.” Kalcheff is currently taking 16 credits, and is planning on taking 15-16 credits in the future. “The only thing that is keeping me at Mason is the program I’m in, and how being a kinesiology major you get special opportunities to internship and work with different types of trainers and you get to experience more.”
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STUDENTS WEIGH IN ON NEW ADMINISTRATION Student organizations have high expectations for President Holton’s administration KIMBERLY BARTENFELDER STAFF WRITER
Holton expressed her excitement in a campus-wide email earlier this month. She wrote, “There are many reasons why I feel honored to have been chosen to lead this great institution but none of them more so than George Mason University’s mission of providing access to excellence. She continued, “Together, we will start the next chapter, and there is much to look forward to here at Mason.”
University is as bright as it has ever been.” Cabrera will start his new position as president of Georgia Tech in September. His departure was both celebrated and mourned by the Mason community as many students and faculty alike took to social media to express their thoughts. Mason’s official Instagram page posted July 30, “Before we send off the Cabreras, share your memories on Twitter & Instagram using the hashtag #ThankYouCabrera.” The responses varied, as praise for his long-term dedication and a wave of criticism followed. Several departments sent Cabrera off with praise.
mistake. I live every day with the imagery of my rape. GMU was supposed to be a new place — a getaway — but not anymore.” These comments were likely in reference to revealed donor influence from the Charles Koch Foundation and the recent hiring of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School. Some Mason students are hopeful that Holton’s administration will provide student organizations with new opportunities to expand and be heard. Student-run organizations at Mason expressed their thoughts on Cabrera’s departure.
Upon his departure from Mason, former president Ángel Cabrera sent out an email in June, saying, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your president for the last seven years.”
Mason’s Women’s Basketball tweeted, “#ThankYouCabrera for your unwavering support and dedication to our program over the years. Best of luck at Georgia Tech #MasonFamily.”
Mural Brigade is an artistic organization on Mason’s campus. Their president, Yassmin Salem, spoke to what the organization would like to see more of from Mason’s interim president.
Cabrera continued, writing, “While it is hard to leave this amazing community, I know that, thanks to all of you, the future of George Mason
One student, Elijah Nichols, wrote on Twitter, “#ThankYouCabrera for hiring a predator and not caring enough to admit that you made a
“We would love to see more integration of visual arts into other programs of study,” Salem stated.
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Salem expressed her interest in Mason building upon the Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities, and Research (OSCAR) and potentially opening a campus interdisciplinary arts museum. “Art is a way of learning about the world that should be a significant part of a university environment,” Salem said. It also acts as a bridge between disciplines that only serves to enhance the learning environment and students' careers following Mason, whatever they may be.” Green Patriots, a student-run environmental organization, also has high hopes for Holton’s administration. The organization stated, “We want to see Mason become a leader of sustainability among universities in America. Most importantly we want to see more collaboration between
Interim President Anne Holton, on the left, with a Mason employee student groups and the administration in improving the university as a whole. We're currently working with Student Government on their Maintain Mason Program.” Student Government’s “Maintain Mason Program” allows other student organizations to lead their own campus cleanups. Some students are focused on raising awareness for mental health at Mason. Sam Gurth, the president of Active Minds, an organization that aims to raise mental health awareness on college campuses, broke down their hopes for President Holton’s time at Mason. “Active Minds is hopeful that the new administration will support campus
mental health initiatives to improve the general wellbeing on campus,” Gurth said. “The biggest initiative that we hope to see is an increase in raising awareness of campus resources, especially amongst the new freshman class.” Gurth continued, “We also hope to see Mason working directly with students on how we can improve campus wellbeing, especially in response to the recent article on Mason having one of the most unhappy student bodies in the country. The Mason community, specifically student organizations, are looking for inclusion, diversity, and “higher-ups” to listen to their concerns and goals.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GMU.EDU
As the 2019 fall semester begins, so does the presidency of Anne Holton— Virginia’s 2014-2016 Secretary of Education and visiting professor for both the Schar School of Policy and Government and the College of Education and Human Development. Holton is also known for being a longtime advocate for education.
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CULTURE
MOVIE REVIEW: THE LION KING
Disney looks to reserve a batch of classic live-action films PETER NJOROGE CULTURE EDITOR
FOURTH ESTATE BILLY FERGUSON
In the near and present future, multiple beloved Disney cartoons are being transformed into brand new live-action spectacles that are threatening precious childhood memories throughout the world. Films like “Aladdin” and “The Lion King,” both remakes of 90’s animated classics released in 2019, are etched into the memory of a generation that was introduced to legitimate conflict, prejudice, evil, death and more by these films. Released originally in the summer of 1994, “The Lion King” is up there with the most important animated films ever created. Grossing $968 million in its original release, it financially outpaced the rest of Disney’s other animated classics such as “Finding Nemo,” “Bambi,” “Pinocchio” and others. To compensate for the incredible
expectations of the 2019 film, the cast was beyond star-studded. Names like Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Seth Rogan, Keegan-Michael Key and James Earl Jones — remaining in his role as Mufasa — decorate the credits as a testament to the effort put forward by the media giant. Largely, the plot remained the same. Largely, the score remained the same. However, the visuals did not. The film was darker, more realistic and less enchanting. Aesthetically, the animation in the original 1994 film managed to smooth out realties in a way that presents each character, good or evil, in a prettier light. Specifically Pumbaa, Scar and Zazu, let alone the Hyenas, are tough to look at during the remake in comparison to the original. Whatever the movie picks up in realism, it loses in the charm, vibrancy and magic that was a large part of the original triumph of “The
Lion King.” The story is still pervasive and the acting for the most part does a wonderful job in transferring the personality of some of the film’s original characters very well. However, Beyoncé’s monotone Nala does leave something to be desired, and Billy Eichner’s Timone seems to have drifted in a more commercial direction. I went into the film with an entire childhood riding on the movie. I’m happy to announce that it remains intact after the viewing of the remake. Overall, the film lands in an above satisfactory place that I didn’t know could exist with these gold standard Disney classics. The film is definitely commercialized, definitely modernized and definitely “The Lion King.”
HIDDEN HANGOUTS: BARD’S BOOKS Explore this cozy book store on Church Street PETER NJOROGE CULTURE EDITOR
Let’s face it. We as college students know that most coffee shops aren’t what they used to be. Finding a quiet, secluded place to hammer out an essay or tear through an assigned reading is becoming more and more challenging. Today, many coffee houses can be packed, squished, noisy and uncomfortable. Bard’s Alley offers a welcome alternative to dealing with these problems. At this bookstore turned cafe workspace, opened recently on Vienna’s bustling Church Street in 2017, there is no need to scramble for a seat or to max out the volume on your headphones to avoid obnoxious chatter. The store is beautifully quiet and can be a fantastic change from
studying at Fenwick or setting up at your dining table. The space is mostly a bookstore with a few bar seats accompanied by a simple list of drinks and snacks sourced from local businesses, including coffee Caffe Amouri, a well-known Vienna staple. They have tea, light sandwiches and adult beverages and are serving it all during their open hours. The place is a haven filled with an exciting collection of contemporary books along with an assortment of classics, especially Shakespeare, laid out beautifully throughout the store. You can find everything from Chef José Andrés’ new cookbook “Vegetables Unleashed” to Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye.” What makes Bard’s Alley, named for a combination of Harry Potter and Shakespeare, special is the studious environment available that we as college students need to survive.
Intimate is the ultimate way to characterize the space. The building is small and filled to the brim with books, making each seat feel cozy and comfortable. Don’t expect to stroll into Barnes and Noble and keep your eyes peeled for the right entrance. The owners also encourage patrons to look through titles while enjoying one of their beverages or snacks. So, during a break from your study session, pick up a title from their carefully curated selection. Unlike most retail stores, Bard’s Alley is a space meant to be used. Going there feels like stepping into the town’s newest secret. For study, pleasure or peace, head to this cool retail space. Whether joining in one of their many book clubs, grabbing a drink, a snack or a book, stop by this secretive nook.
FOURTH ESTATE PETER NJOROGE
Located in the heart of Vienna, Bard’s Alley provides much-needed quiet and ambiance for anyone looking to find a workspace away from their workspace.
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NEW SEMESTER’S RESOLUTION Getting a strong start to the new semester AHMED FARID STAFF WRITER
As we say goodbye to summer vacation and welcome the new semester, here are some tips you need to remember that will help you make the best of the upcoming semester. First, remember that with every new semester comes a fresh start, no matter what happened the previous semester. Maybe your grades were not as good as you wanted them to be, or you had problems with your friends. Maybe you simply did not accomplish the goals you previously set for yourself. Whatever it was, it is irrelevant now. This semester, you will start new classes with new professors, and you will meet new people. If you are willing to make the effort, this can be
your chance to start over and achieve what you want to achieve. Second, you should go in with an idea of what you want to do. Mason has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, many do not take advantage of the tools provided here because they are unaware of such tools exist. Give the university’s schedule a look this year and plan accordingly for events you want to attend. You might even discover something interesting that you were unaware of at Mason. You should go in with an idea of the clubs you want to join or the events you want to attend will ensure you do not end up missing out on anything this semester. This leads to the third point — you need to get organized. Before you know it, you will be given your first reading, handing in your first assignment and taking your first exam. Five minutes later, you will start hearing
people talking about their finals and the semester will be over before you know it. College is a fast-paced environment that can be stressful, particularly if you’re working part-time, which is why it is crucial that you get organized before you end up playing catch-up for the rest of the semester.
friendships you make during your time here at Mason will be the ones that stay with you for the rest of your life. So make sure that this semester, and for the rest of your time at Mason,
you stick around after class and do not submit to the usual routine. Meet a few people and join a few clubs and I guarantee you will make the best of your time at Mason.
It also wouldn’t hurt if you start this semester with a list of goals you want to accomplish. Consider it your early New Year’s resolutions. Set a target for yourself — make sure it’s realistic — and put time aside for yourself to reach this target. FOURTH ESTATE BILLY FERGUSON
If you are reading this, then that means we have officially started the new semester. If this is your first year at Mason, welcome. And if, like me, you are a returning Patriot, then welcome back.
Finally, remember this: college is not simply about attending classes and getting good grades. The people you meet and the events you will experience will teach you new skills and open your mind to different ideas. But perhaps more importantly, the
SEPTEMBER HOROSCOPES Virgo Season Is Here IZZ LAMAGDELEINE CONTRIBUTOR
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A Virgo’s ambition means that you might accidentally overwork yourself. Take some time to relax. Start that show you’ve been meaning to watch, or make one last trip to the beach before school begins. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libras are always searching for balance. If your life is spiralling in the new semester, take a second to keep it from becoming worse. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpios can be intense. Use that energy for good by checking everything off on your to-do list. That productivity will help you in the new semester.
FOURTH ESTATE ALEXANDRIA MCALPINE
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): With a Sagittarius, anything is possible. Attend any events you see on campus that catch your eye. Start a new job, or take a class you’ve been interested in. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): With the tenacity and hard work that Capricorns are known for, you’re going to be amazing this semester whatever happens. Make sure to carve some time out for doing nothing with everything going on. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Being caring and empathic are two key traits for Aquariuses. Getting involved with a kind, good organization might be a great way to have fun and branch out.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Pisces are taking care of their business as the semester starts. Get everything done so you can make time for some fun before things get too busy. Aries (March 21-April 19): Aries energy is perfect for a fresh, fun start. Begin a project. Find a new hobby. Go someplace you have never been before. Taurus (April 20-May 20): As one of the more driven signs, what a Taurus wants is what they get. Keep working for your dreams. You will be where you want to be in your life soon. Gemini (May 21-June 20): As Gemini is an intellectual sign, there’s always fresh thoughts to find and new opinions to hold. Read a book you have never read before, or watch a documentary on a subject you know nothing about and open yourself up to learn new things. Cancer (June 21-July 22): Cancer is an emotional, nurturing sign, bringing a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. Join a new club. Make a new friend, or six! Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): From painting to writing to dancing, art comes in all shapes and forms. Use the creativity Leos naturally hold to make some new work.
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SPORTS
08.26.2019
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE @IVESTATE_SPORTS
PATRIOTS MARCH ONWARD
NATALIE HEAVREN SPORTS EDITOR DOMENIC ALLEGRA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Otis Livingston II Continues Basketball Career in Denmark
Horsens IC is considered one of the top teams in the Denmark Basketligaen. They are six-time champions and have won four Danish Cup titles, most recently in 2019.
PHOTO COURTESY OF IBRAHIM AHMAD / GIANTKILLER.CO
Mason Men’s Basketball has a new addition to its list of professional players as guard Otis Livingston II signed a one-year contract to play with
the Horsens Idræts Club in Denmark.
Mason head coach Dave Paulsen stated that Livingston II was a “tremendous ambassador for Mason both on campus and within the Northern Virginia community.” He continued, saying that he hopes Livingston II will make the same impact in Denmark as he did during his time in the green and gold.
in Denmark in his first professional season.
She also broke the Mason single-season scoring record (653 points).
Natalie Butler Continues Basketball Career in Romania
Prior to coming to Mason, Butler played one season at Georgetown and two seasons at the University of Connecticut, where she was part of the 2016 NCAA championship team.
Livingston II reached a high pedestal in the Mason record books and across the nation. In the 2018-2019 season, Livingston II was the only player to start in every game of his four-year career. He finished first in school history in free throw percentage (.859) and games started (132).
Sepsi SIC is one of the top Romanian women’s basketball teams and has won the last four Liga National titles and four of the last five Cupa României titles.
Livingston II also finished his career as the only Mason player to post 100-plus assists in all four seasons. He ranks second in assists in school history (493), third in 3-pointers made (203) and fourth in career scoring (1,865 pts). After undergoing surgery on his lower leg during the offseason, Livingston II hopes to make a triumphant debut
On Aug. 2, Natalie Butler announced that she had signed with the Romanian EuroCup team ACS Sepsi SIC Sfântu Gheorghe.
After she was waived by the Dallas Wings in May 2018, Butler spent part of last season with the Belgian team Belfius Namur Capitale before the two parted ways in early November. During her one season at Mason, Butler made history. Prior to becoming the first player drafted in program history, Butler broke the NCAA single-season rebounding record (563) and tied the NCAA Division I record for most consecutive double-doubles.
Mason Track Makes Strides to End Season In early June, five Patriots competed at the NCAA outdoor track and field championship. Sarah Moore competed in the 400-meter and placed 19th overall at the event. The 4x400-meter relay team of Rico Gomez, Junias Agyei, Evander Pierre and Tyler Benson was Mason’s first relay team to make the NCAA championship since 2014. The relay squad won both the A-10 indoor and outdoor titles in the 2018-2019 season. Though the Patriots initially placed 12th, they were ultimately disqualified due to a lane violation.
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW
NATALIE HEAVREN SPORTS EDITOR DOMENIC ALLEGRA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Women’s Soccer
Men’s Soccer looks to follow up their unexpected run to the A-10 championship game with another successful campaign. Last season the team gained traction as the season progressed and had their most successful year since they made the NCAA tournament in 2013.
Women’s Soccer ended their season in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Championship with a loss to No. 1 Saint Louis.
The Patriots are welcoming five freshmen to the team this season, three of whom are from Europe. Mason will be fielding an experienced team this season, as 14 of the 29 players on the roster are seniors. “We are excited about the 2019 team,” Mason men’s soccer head coach Greg Andrulis said. “We have a veteran group returning that played in the conference championship in 2018 and are eager to improve upon that…. We have added some quality new players … , who we expect to make immediate contributions…. This is an exciting time of the year as we put the pieces together and we have high expectations for this year’s group.”
Looking forward to this season, Women’s Soccer is ranked third in the A-10 preseason coaches’ poll. This can be attributed to the return of 18 Patriots and rising-sophomore Emma van der Vorst, a 2019 A-10 Preseason All-Conference Team selection. After the 2018 season, van der Vorst earned the titles of 2018 A-10 Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. She finished with team-leading statistics in goals (14), points (32), shots (62) and shots on goal (33). Women’s Volleyball Women’s Volleyball made their first trip to the A-10 Championship in program history and finished with a program-best A-10 record of 8-6 to land fourth in the conference. From Aug. 30 to Aug. 31 Women’s
Volleyball will take a trip to Puerto Rico to face University of Missouri, East Carolina University and Providence University. This is their first major trip out of the contiguous U.S. This Patriot squad also is adding six new freshmen additions to the team, four of which hail from the state of Virginia. “This season will be different than the last two of my years here as we have more depth than we have ever before,” said head coach Aylene Ilkson. “We have more competition in every position and I’m excited to see which of our athletes will step up. We play a very challenging preseason schedule that will certainly have us battle tested for when A-10s arrive at the end of September.” Cross country Both men’s and women’s cross country look to follow up successful finishes last season after both teams finished fourth at the IC4A/ECAC Championship. “[The men’s team] will be interesting — we graduated two All-Conference
honorees but we do have an exciting group of returnees and several newcomers that could step in and replace and perhaps exceed last years group. We’ve got some holes to fill but the pieces are definitely there,” said head coach Andrew Gerard. He added, “For the [women’s team],
this is perhaps the best group we’ve assembled in a long time here at Mason, maybe the best ever as a whole. They have an excellent mix of young and old, experience and newcomers. It’ll depend on how they progress and gel through the season but the possibilities are exciting.”
FOURTH ESTATE DOMENIC ALLEGRA
Men’s Soccer
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
OPINIONS Opinions do not reflect the views of Fourth Estate. Submit opinions to ckernans@gmu.edu
08.26.2019
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WHY I LOVE THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON
ARIANNA GOODMAN STAFF WRITER
No other season is as stress-inducing yet reward-promising as the back-toschool season. Even years after the last test has been taken, some people will still feel the familiar rush of adrenaline at the onslaught of hyper-saturated television and social media ads
promising to help you prepare for the year. And yet there are several reasons to love it. The comfort of buying new school materials, the optimism of family and school leaders, and some refueled sense of purpose really make this time of year stand out.
Most of the memorable moments in my life took place inside academic institutions, so it is no surprise to me that the yearly transition from summer to fall would be so ingrained into me. Every year around late July to early August I would have my peaceful summer days interrupted by loud, gaudy commercials promising to save me money on school year essentials — notebooks, paper, calculators and so on.
PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA KOHN
Some may find the prospect of shopping for items that will inevitably go unused or fall out of style in a year daunting, but I personally enjoy taking my part as a consumer to find matching binders and color-coded sticky notes. Furthermore, it would be a lie if I said I didn’t like the overwhelming amount of positivity in the face of a new school year. Everyone is looking forward to a fresh start with new professors and classmates. All of my family members send me “wishing you luck” texts and “you’re going to do great!” messages.
Their optimism really curbs the amount of pre-emptive stress of meeting all of those new people and breaking into different opportunities. Not to mention, the influx of shinyeyed freshman is always a heartwarming sight. The amount of hope laced with hesitation reminds me of my first college experiences and how much I’ve grown since then. It reminds me how much a person can grow in a year — let alone four — with a little bit of hard work. Speaking of which, my lackadaisical summer schedule always needs renewing this time of year. Instead of sleeping in till God knows when only to do nothing, I’ve now got to be up and out of the house early so that I can make it on campus in time for the commuter Hunger Games and my morning classes. When you wake up that early, it is a lot more difficult to laze around watching Crunchyroll or playing video games for hours. Not to mention, with the semester upon us, so is the homework.
Having weekly, even daily assignments given surely spurs you to be constantly working on something. Especially once you get close to your senior year of college, it becomes ever more pressing to have all of your ducks lined up in a row for graduation. I can’t speak for everyone, but I know the rush of getting another chance to raise your grade point average even by just a half point is enough to make me feel like being productive. Naturally, these are rather unique feelings to the start of the year. By the time the midterms roll around, I will have already lost those pens I wanted, forgotten the kind words of family and friends and hit the snooze button until exactly the final minute before I would be late to class several days in a row. Regardless of whatever happens during the year, the start is always an exciting time. And sure, there is the anxiety of meeting expectations and fear of failing that haunts me during the coming days, but it’s obviously all worth it if I get to buy a brand new set of sloth-themed stationery.
IS AMERICA READY FOR A FEMALE PRESIDENT? SAVANNAH MARTINCIC STAFF WRITER
The 2016 presidential election was a bitter battle of the sexes, with personal attacks lodged against Clinton based on the stigma that women are incapable of holding a high office in the political sphere. According to a World Economics Forum report on the global gender gap in 2016, America has not had a female leader in the last 243 years. There are 67 nations out of 144 surveyed for the report that have had a female president, prime minister or both in the past 50 years. America is noticeably excluded from that club. Why? The American presidential system sets women up for an intense scrutinization under the light of sexism and stereotypes, as they are forced to appeal to a gender-biased society.
The position of president is typically associated with masculine traits: assertiveness, decisiveness, power, boldness — making it more difficult for a woman to be perceived as capable of holding the position.
no matter how qualified the candidate may be. A USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll asked Democrats to “design a generic Democratic nominee that
It is not just the presidential system that seems to be setting women up for failure, though. Society as a whole continues to favor masculinity and rewards those traits with higher salaries and more opportunities.
But do they have a chance? Recent polling suggests they do not. America is still not ready for a female president,
woman, African American man, Latino woman, or Latino man. 56 percent of those surveyed said that, regardless of whom they support, a white man would be most likely to defeat Trump in the 2020 election.
When asked about what specific candidate they thought could beat Trump, 86 percent believed that Joe Biden could “probably” or “definitely” beat Trump.
Women have to fight even harder to prove that they belong in spaces where they were for so many years left out of completely. Politics being one of those spaces. Six women are running for the 2020 democratic nomination, a record number. They are Senators, state representatives, authors. They are moderates and liberals. They have years of experience and they have passion.
you think would have the best chance of winning the 2020 election against Donald Trump.” The options to choose from were outlined as white man, white woman, African American
Just 12 percent said a white woman could win, with percentages even less for African American women and Latinas at just 11 percent and six percent respectively.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE
Two candidates were poised behind their podiums on the 2016 debate stage. It should not have mattered what gender each candidate identified as, but for many Americans it did. Policies and beliefs, it seemed, were of little importance.
Biden may fit the generic profile of an ideal American candidate: white and male. He, however, does not reflect the diverse profile of American society. Women make up more than half of the U.S. population and yet they are consistently left out of the conversation and left out of the decision making because of systematic implicit bias. And this presidential election is no exception.
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08.26.2019
OPINIONS Opinions do not reflect the views of Fourth Estate. Submit opinions to ckernans@gmu.edu
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MONEY? A MONSTROUS BATTLE WITH TUITION How can I get out of this mess?
IZZ LAMAGDELEINE CONTRIBUTOR
It’s the Wednesday of the week I’m supposed to go back to Mason. This year, I’m a junior. I am the Assistant Culture Editor of the newspaper you’re reading this in. Secretary of the Society of Professional Journalists. Owner of Big Boy the Best Cat. Consumer of lots of ice cream. Those are all true.
PHOTO COURTESY OF IZZ LAMAGDELEINE
What’s also true is that I still haven’t registered for this semester’s classes. I haven’t finished paying last semester’s tuition.
This isn’t really new for me or my family. It’s the closest to the beginning of the semester that I’ve ever paid my tuition, but certainly not the first time this has happened. The same has been true for the last four semesters I’ve been at Mason. It’s like living on borrowed time, except for the fact that that phrase is normally utilized when someone is dying. It’s not that serious. I’ll live, although admittedly with a whole bunch of anxiety attacks and guilty dreams. It wasn’t always like this. I was raised on the fact that I was going to attend college. Everyone in my family had. My mother, always being the principal force in my life, has a master’s in social work. Her parents had met in college. Her father was a lawyer, her mother an award-winning journalist and public relations specialist. I don’t know as much about my dad’s parent’s education, but he went to college. As privileged and incredibly wrong the notion is that you have to go to college to be successful, I never questioned it for myself.
Things began to slightly fall apart when I started to apply to colleges. The reason I came to Mason in the first place was in part because we couldn’t pay James Madison University’s admission fees. Mason’s admission deadline was the week after, and we had the money then, so I put in the application, eventually got in and came to Mason. I don’t regret that decision. Mason was where I first learned that you can’t make cookies in a microwave. I realized I was non-binary in Lecture Hall. I first told someone I was bi in front of the Northern Neck Starbucks. I’ve spent countless hours walking all across this campus for interviews and countless more putting it all together in the Hub. I had my first real therapy session in SUB I. There’s also feelings and memories I can’t attach to a certain location that come just from being here. I’ve learned just how bad I can be at communicating, even though that’s one of my majors. I’ve found what I can handle, and what I can’t. With all of this, there’s no way Mason could have not become a home to me. After all of that, there’s no way I could ever want to leave. Maybe I should have gone to community college. It would have been cheaper. I could have gone away later, after I saved up some money while living at home. However, living at home wasn’t the best option for me at the time. I had a lot I needed to figure out on my own, like my mental health and my sexuality. And who was going to give me the money I needed for an apartment, for utilities, for food, for anything else I would need to live back home? No. I took my chances on coming to Mason instead. But staying here takes money. It takes other things too, like time and energy and investing in my mental health and being better at getting work done. But I can’t really focus on any of the other things on that list without money. It’s
obviously the one that is the most important. It’s also the one that I might struggle the most with. This struggle has affected almost every aspect of my life. My relationship with my family has suffered through the constant struggle to find the money to pay for school. My mental health becomes worse when I think about how much money I owe to school throughout the year. I hate buying anything because I know I have bigger bills to pay, and who am I to buy food or clothes or anything else when every cent has to go to tuition? Nothing’s ever enough, though. Not my jobs, not scholarships and loans. Everything I find to pay it off never sticks. I’m stuck in the endless drain of tuition payments and collection notices, and the only way out is to stay in school longer with fewer classes or dropping out entirely and coming back later, after I figure something, anything, out. Right now, I choose the first.
It’s even touched my dreams. I’ve wanted to be a journalist since I was eight, to tell the truth and to write. I wonder if that dream is a selfish one. I don’t have room for financial failure. Anything I do, I have to be sure of its success. That’s not a reality in journalism. I can’t see myself doing anything else though. At this point, all I can do is write like I’ve never written before and hope that it’s impressive enough to land me a good internship somewhere, or at least good rates from freelancing. I don’t hope to ever be rich, or even anything other than poor. I just don’t want to be completely dependent on other people, or put in too many hours of work for too little pay. But that will probably be my fate. This isn’t really an op-ed about policy. I could write 1,000 words on what each presidential candidate believes about college debt and what would be the most helpful for me and (hopefully) others in the same situation. That’s
the only way to stop the cycle, unless any reader has a billionaire in the family interested in paying college debt for those in danger of not being able to return to school. But unless it’s effective immediately, policy changes would not help me in the situation I keep finding myself in. I had to figure it out myself anyway that I could. I can’t be the only student to be this close to having to drop out of school over charges I can barely afford to pay. There’s no way. I’ve been told multiple times by the family members who are helping me out: “Don’t do this again.” But I don’t know what they mean. As far as I can tell, the only thing I’ve done wrong is believed I could afford to go to college. Even though this semester’s tuition will be taken care of by the time this is published, the next semester’s tuition will be due soon. I guess I need to start preparing.
Fairfax Ice Arena is now seeking Ice Skating Instructors to teach Beginner/Intermediate level group, and private lessons. Please contact Todd Martin at: tmartin@fairfaxicearena.com • 703-323-1132 or pick up an application at 3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031
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OPINIONS Opinions do not reflect the views of Fourth Estate. Submit opinions to ckernans@gmu.edu
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
08.26.2019
ON FALSE ALARMS AND RHETORIC
The false alarm for an active shooter at Mason on Aug. 20 was a horrible mistake that rightfully scared students who were on campus at the time. As a student myself, I call on the university to look at the process it has for such alerts and make sure a mistake like that doesn’t happen again. False alarms harm the believability of true emergencies, so tightening up alert systems is a very important part of keeping people safe. That all seems pretty obvious to me. What’s more interesting is the reaction to the false alarm. The reaction made me think of Aristotle. Among Aristotle’s many contributions to humanity is the rhetorical triangle. The three points of the triangle are the three parts of any attempt to persuade: message, speaker and audience. That means your argument needs logos (an appeal to reason and facts), ethos (an appeal to the speaker’s credibility) and pathos (an appeal to the audience’s emotions) in balance. For example, look at the opening paragraph of this article. I begin with an appeal to emotion (pathos) by expressing sympathy for the students who were on campus and saying they were right to be scared. Next, I appeal to my own credibility (ethos) by noting that I am a student, so I have a stake in the well-being of the Mason community. Finally, I appeal to logic
(logos) by mentioning the harmful effects of false alarms. That’s not to say it’s a perfect argument. Maybe I should have started with ethos, or maybe I should have used a different appeal to logic, but all three points on the rhetorical triangle are represented in balance, so it at least passes the smell test. The same cannot be said for the response of Mason’s chapter of Students Demand Action (SDA), a gun-control advocacy group. I’m going to pick on them specifically here, not because I have anything against them, but because they provide a good example of my larger point: the gun-control movement fails to persuade because it relies too heavily on pathos at the expense of logos and ethos. Their statement is representative of a larger response on social media that failed to logically convince a wider audience. SDA’s statement was issued very quickly after the false alarm, and it shows when you read it. The statement contains numerous grammatical errors, tense confusion and typographical mistakes, but the real indicator is how angry it reads. It’s outrage at the expense of logic and credibility. The statement says, “This incident
only shows a lack of understanding and seriousness around the issue of violence…” Logically, this is not true. If Mason did not take this issue seriously, it would not have an alert system for this issue. If Mason did not take this issue seriously, it would not have a police
FOURTH ESTATE ALEXANDRIA MCALPINE
DOMINIC PINO STAFF WRITER
department with over 135 employees, over 50 of whom are sworn police officers. What this incident shows is that someone made a mistake, and we should figure out what that mistake was so it doesn’t happen again. Another logical problem is at the end of the statement, which says that “out of respect for survivors of all forms of violence...the only accountability that
is fair is a demotion of the employee who mistakenly sent this out.” This is a non sequitur. In no way does it follow from the fact that survivors of violence exist that the “only accountability” is demoting someone. The bigger flaw in the statement is the lack of ethos. One of the most important parts of having credibility with your audience is telling the truth. That means reporting the facts correctly: the statement was sent at 11:41 AM. If Students Demand Action had waited just nine minutes, they could have read the 11:50 AM message from the university that reported the facts. A Mason employee did not send the alert. Mason cannot demote someone it does not employ. That little fact torpedoes SDA’s demanded action and the volley of supporting social media posts. Another facet of ethos is engendering goodwill. This statement does exactly the opposite by demanding someone’s career be harmed. The statement concludes the demotion of the (fictitious) employee is necessary “as we can see that they are not equipped to handle the system.” That’s a pretty harsh standard. We aren’t talking about someone in the public eye who is subjected to criticism as a matter of course. This was just someone with a regular job who made
a mistake. I don’t think anyone would want to be demoted for making one mistake. If I were to apply this standard across the board, I would be demanding the demotion of whomever wrote this statement for SDA because I “can see that they are not equipped to handle” writing statements. However, it seems that this statement was a mistake made in excessive haste, which is understandable. I used SDA’s statement as a foil, but there were many other statements on social media that made similar points, and the statement really is illustrative of the rhetorical posture of gun control advocates in America. It’s too much emotion, not enough logic or credibility. You would think that a movement that constantly points out Americans own more guns than any other people on earth would realize that means they need to persuade a lot of people to get the reforms they desire. Though Aristotle wrote thousands of years ago, his writing about rhetorical strategy is still true today. Gun control advocates: if you want to persuade people who disagree with you, balance the outrage with appeals to logic and credibility. If you want to create outrage for its own sake, stay the course.
WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE CLAUDE MCVICKER STAFF WRITER
PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY
English has become the standard language around the world. Although people in different countries speak the language of the place they were born in, many are now taught English in school to a very proficient degree. So if more and more people around the world are speaking English, then
what’s the point of learning another language? Simply put, because learning new languages has many scientificallyproven mental and social benefits that can greatly help you in your everyday life and later on during your professional career.
The first and most simple reason for learning a new language is because doing so enables you to communicate with a wider variety of people. Although, as stated previously, while many people around the world speak English nowadays, “many” does not constitute “all.” There will always be people who speak little to no English and knowing how to communicate with them is a very impressive, rewarding and useful ability on its own. Plus, showing someone from another country that you’ve invested the time and effort to speak their tongue will mean a lot to them, creating a strong first impression of yourself. I think this idea is best summed up in a quote by Nelson Mandela, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him
in his language, that goes to his heart.” Secondly, learning a new language has several mental benefits, such as: making you a better communicator not only in another language but also in your own, improving your memory, making you a better multitasker, making you more creative, and according to Rosetta Stone, quite literally making your brain bigger! This occurs mainly in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, due to the brain acting like any other muscle in the body; the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. And learning, speaking, writing and reading in a foreign language is one of the best ways to train your brain. I grew up speaking English and French at home. And although I can’t confirm whether my brain is bigger because
of that without some sort of medical intervention, I can say that going to France and being able to communicate with people there is really cool! But one of the best feelings I get from speaking another language is when I encounter someone from France in the U.S. and seeing their faces light up when I begin speaking to them in their language. I believe that being able to see that kind of happiness on a person’s face is reason enough to learn another language. Learning a new language may seem like a daunting and time-consuming task; however, I believe that the numerous benefits one gets from doing so make learning a new language completely worth it.
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OPINIONS Opinions do not reflect the views of Fourth Estate. Submit opinions to ckernans@gmu.edu
GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE
NEW TITLE IX COORDINATOR, WHO THIS? NUHA ANWAR STAFF WRITER
Early this March, Jennifer Hammat, Mason’s Title IX coordinator at the time, announced her
university policies
forthcoming resignation in the wake of numerous reports of sexual assault and harassment
It was announced in July that Mason had hired Angela Natase as their new Title IX coordinator.
experienced by students on campus. This resignation hastened Mason’s search to find a new
Now the question remains: will there be a vast improvement for survivors, like me, to get the resources we desperately need so that we can have the opportunity to alleviate the stresses
Title IX coordinator, specifically one that would be collaborative with
and be able to connect with survivors of sexual assault.
that come in the aftermath of our tragic experiences? The first time I was sexually assaulted when I was eleven years old by one of my classmates on the elementary school playground had been traumatizing enough for me. Moreover, it was traumatic enough to the extent that I had not talked about it for years. With the warm, welcoming remarks of the Title IX coordinator during my freshman orientation,
PHOTO COURTESY OF RON AIRA / CREATIVE SERVICES
I felt secure in my decision to choose Mason.
continued to be constantly stalked by my assaulter and was attacked by him this past summer. Unfortunately, the repeated occurrences of the sexual assault impeded my academic performance during summer classes. I was penalized for missing tutoring sessions and classes simply because I did not feel safe going to an empty campus — considering that was the environment I was in during both of my assaults. I came forward about being sexually assaulted on campus to one of my professors who reported
However, I would soon learn that these remarks were nothing more than a facade. I was sexually assaulted again on campus in the fall semester of my freshman year. Per a friend’s suggestion, I reached out to the Title IX office, but unfortunately I received very little help.
the incident to Dr. Angela Natase, the current Title IX coordinator. Within a few days. Dr.
This incident, I felt, could have been prevented, if the Title IX coordinator provided me resources that could support my well-being on campus. I
Dr. Natase was willing to assure me that what had happened to me was not my fault and that it was unjust that the assault was threatening my rights as a
Natase sent me a heartfelt email asking if I wanted to contact her about the possible legal routes and resources for my well-being. With hopefulness, I agreed to contact her.
university student. In her email, she indicated specifically which resources were confidential and which were non-confidential. Furthermore, she had transferred me over to specific resources on campus that could ensure facilitation in the healing process of assault to establish that I could achieve my academic and personal goals. While my experience with the new Title IX coordinator was smoothsailing and effective, I still feel that Mason is more negligent in Title IX reform compared to other public universities in Virginia due to the office being understaffed and a standing history of a lack of coordination among necessary resources. Nevertheless, I hope to see changes in Mason’s culture to be considerate towards survivors of sexual violence in order to ensure they are not discriminated from academic and personal enrichment opportunities on campus.
INFORM, NOT CONFORM: RESITING THE TEMPTATION OF POLARITY ELI KOHN STAFF WRITER
Wikipedia defines political polarization as the “divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes.” In other words, it is the tendency of the public to militantly support the furthest fringes of their beliefs; the byproduct, intentional or not, is the ebbing away of centrist and otherwise moderate ideologies. In fact, it has become a major point of the far left and the far right to denounce and attack centrism, motivated by the premise that it simply isn’t enough in our society to stay in the middle of the road. It’s almost as if there exists a fear
of centrism, as if it’s threatening. However, a fear of centrism is a fear of openness, a fear of reason and a fear of moderation — moderation that could bring solace in a world of radicalism. The fear of centrism — the unwavering clinging to either end of the political spectrum — is particularly prevalent in American youth. Young adults, who should be freshly independent, freshly inquisitive, seem to feel the need to select a set of ideas, minimally educate themselves on these ideas and then defend them until their dying breath. So, why is extreme polarization so prevailing in students and young adults? Is this a permutation of confirmation bias? Are we unable to stay open to ideas? Are ideologies just another form of safe spaces, just part of the human tendency to cling to what is safe and known? American politics is boiling down to the rabid defense of social concepts that
one believes represents themself, fueled by a desire for validation or “my beliefs are right and yours are wrong.” And then, centrism is eradicated, because it’s simply too much to consider more than one side of something. How then does our society avoid becoming two separate cocoons, completely blocked from anything outside of what is known? Information. It is the responsibility of Americans, particularly the students and young adults entrenched in polarization, to be roundly informed on the issues that form the core of our political standings. It is the neglect of this responsibility — neglect due to the pursuit of selfvalidation and selfrighteousness — that has formed the
ever-growing barriers of polarity. The solution to this increasingly unrestrained social insulation is remarkably simple — become as informed as possible on both sides of the issues you fervidly defend. Maybe a frank discussion of race relations isn’t an argument against racism. Maybe what you thought was true about any issue is only half
of the story. And so comes centrism — the idea (and truth) that there is more than one side to everything, and only careful, deliberate study of anything one wishes to support will yield legitimately informed opinions. So think about that the next time you want to scream at a speaker who one time said something provoking toward your personal status quo.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY
In 2016, following one of the most divisive presidential elections in American history, voters elected one of the most divisive presidents in American history. This shocking (to many) outcome, accompanied by the relentless campaigns of both candidates, produced a surge in an issue increasingly permeating the American psyche — political polarization.
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