01.28.20 by The Paisano

6 | Arts & Life

8 | Sports

Planting seeds within our community Vol. 61, Issue 2

Athlete of the week: Deja Cousins Est. 1981

The Paisano

January 28 - February 4, 2020

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Editor’s Review: Changing Social Discourses

Daniela Cavazos Madrigal’s multimedia installation used stuffed animals in the UTSA Art Gallery. The gallery is available for all students to view from Jan. 22 to Feb. 21.

Photo by: Robyn Castro

Arts & Life Editor Sofia Garcia reviews UTSA Main Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, “Changing Social Discourses,” curated by Libby Rowe and Dr. Scott Sherer. Rowe and Sherer’s curation features artwork from artists Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Daniel Cavazos Madrigal and AnhThuy Nguyen. See page 6 for the full review.

UTSA launches College for Health, Community & Policy

By Breahna Luera News Editor

UTSA officially launched the new College for Community, Health & Policy (HCaP) this semester. The college will offer several undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a number of certifications. These degrees and certifications have been reallocated from the College of Public Policy, College of Education and Human Development and College of Liberal and Fine Arts. According to Dr. Kimberly Espy, UTSA’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, one of the main focuses for the college is to better prepare students for careers in the health industry. A 2018 report from SA Works, one of UTSA’s community partners, stated that

over 8,750 jobs were added to the health industry in the past five years. In response to that information, a Human Health Planning Advisory Task Force was established in November of 2018. Espy assigned the task force the jobs of surveying student interest in the field, regional workforce needs and research opportunities. The task force then proposed a structure for the college that encompasses student preparation, research and career opportunities and competitive funding. “Once the task force completed its work, the ensuing recommendations were thoroughly

Continued on page 2 See “HCaP collaborates with UT Health San Antonio”

Graphic by: Triston Simpson

COLFA dean candidate open forums begin By Xavier Richardson Staff Writer Open forums, which are opportunities for the UTSA community to ask questions to the candidates for dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA), began Jan. 22. Dr. Anthony Lemieux, professor of global studies and communication at Georgia State University, was the first to present what his vision for COLFA would be if he were selected dean. In the early minutes of the forum, Lemieux referenced his past experiences as an undergraduate student to emphasize his focus on community engagement and the important role it plays in the college learning experience. “I know from my own undergraduate days — I went to Boston College as an undergraduate — and there was a tremendous amount of emphasis on service and engagement,” Lemieux said. “It’s so much of what I learned, so much of the things that stick with me to this day. It happened outside the classroom just as much as inside — probably, if we’re being honest, more so, right, because that’s where you’re out engaging with the world.”

Lemieux also stressed the importance of increasing research activity within COLFA in order to help UTSA move from R2 to R1 classification. R1 and R2 classifications, according to the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions in Higher Education, distinguish universities as having very high or high research activity, respectively. To be classified as either R1 or R2, an institution must have awarded at least 20 research doctoral degrees and at least $5 million in total research expenditures. “A number of ways to get [to R1 status], number one, is to increase the amount of funded research,” Lemieux said. “The other is honing the composition of our graduate programs, also in the humanities — that’s a really important metric.” In relation to UTSA’s potential to become a distinguished R1 university, Lemieux expresses the value he sees in UTSA compared to other universities he has visited. “I recognize at a fundamental level, especially

Continued on page 2 See “Dr. Lemieux shares vision for COLFA”

Graphic by: Ethan Gullett

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UTSA

Dr. Lemieux shares vision for COLFA Continued from Page 1

A study produced in UTSA’s Security, Privacy, Trust and Ethics in Computing Lab revealed a security risk for e-scooter riders. Most e-scooter users’ GPS location and payment information are utilized by the e-scooter apps. UTSA researchers have discovered faults in the apps that would allow a hacker to access this information. Assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science Murtuza Jadliwala led this study and suggests that e-scooter companies consider this information when ensuring their customers are protected.

Texas Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said his department would continue to issue tickets and arrests for possession of small amounts of marijuana. This was announced days after the Austin City Council approved a resolution to stop arresting and ticketing people for most minor marijuana crimes. Austin City Council member Greg Casar said that even if Manley chooses to continue enforcing those laws, tickets will have no financial penalty, and those who are arrested will be released without charges.

Dr. Anthony Lemieux presented at an open forum. Dr. Lemieux is vying to become the new dean for COLFA.

World Over 100 people have died in China and thousands have been infected globally by a deadly new coronavirus, a respiratory disease related to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Chinese officials have documented cases of humanto-human transmission of the disease. So far, five Americans are confirmed to have been infected.

Science Scientists have found a way to hear what a 3,000-yearold mummy sounds like. Researchers mapped and 3D-printed the vocal tract of mummified Egyptian priest Nesyamun, and when attached to an electronic voice box that sends noise through the vocal tract, it mimics the voice of Nesyamun. Currently, the voice produces only noises. The researchers hope the vocal tract will soon produce words when they incorporate a moveable jaw and tongue to the vocal structure.

are really at the center of what we do, then let’s have those conversations.” The schedule for the COLFA dean candidate open forums can be found at https://www.utsa. edu/today/2020/01/story/colfaforums.html. Dr. Martin Camacho, dean of the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts, will be speaking at the next forum on Feb. 3, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

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NEXT WEEK

A new year. A new era. A new decade. 2020 has arrived, leaving the 2010s a part of history. Before we can move forward into the second rendition of the Roaring Twenties, we need to reflect on significant moments, personal and societal.

U.S. 16 Iranian students who were attending American universities have been denied entry to the U.S. by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) after landing in American airports. The students had been granted entry after months of vetting, but they were deemed inadmissible upon landing. Some were issued five-year bans from reapplying for entry into the U.S. Some students reported undergoing hourslong interrogations, being placed in holding cells and threats from a CBP agent to be detained indefinitely.

Photo by: Josh Peck

having the opportunity over the last year to visit over 30 universities, the trajectory of potential here … this is a gem. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t firmly believe that,” Lemieux said. “The student success side is over here and the research is over here, and when we do it well, those lines get blurry … I enjoy the blurriness between these lines. That’s sort of the area where exciting things happen.” Lemieux also detailed what he wants UTSA students to know about how he would address them in particular; Lemieux stated that he recognizes the value of student voices and their contribution to the success of the university. “Without the students, [UTSA is] a shell of a bunch of buildings and not so much else,” Lemieux said. “So if the students

Listen to our editor-curated 2010s playlist “looking back” on Spotify now!

UTSA expands Downtown Campus By Josh Peck News Editor Following the University of Texas System Board of Regents’ approval of a 4.601-acre land purchase for UTSA in downtown San Antonio in November 2019, UTSA is also considering approving a land transfer nearby at 218 S Laredo. That land was being used by GEO Group, a for-profit prison operator, for decades until they closed earlier this January. The site, called the Central Texas Detention Center, was listed as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center on ICE’s website, and there are plans for the detention center to be demolished. The 4.601 acres of land that UTSA purchased in November are located on 506 and 702 Dolorosa as pieces of the university’s downtown expansion plan. That land on Dolorosa will be used to house the National Security Collaboration Center, the School of Data Science and the expanded College of Business. Although the land has been purchased, a timeline for construction has yet to be determined. “A timeline will be established as additional funding sources are identified,” Can Saygin, UTSA Senior Vice Provost for University Planning, said. UTSA has also yet to secure funding for the new College of Business. “The university is currently pursuing a number of funding options,” Saygin said. The university has been searching for funding for the new College of Business since the Texas legislature rejected UTSA’s proposal for $126 million in tuition revenue bonds in the spring of 2019. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy explained how the university would go about seeking funds for the centerpiece of the expanding Downtown Campus. “[UTSA is] looking at Public-Private Partnerships … [and we are] exploring possible additional support from the UT System and additional philanthropic support via corporate and private gifts,” Eighmy said. Eighmy also made it clear that costs would not be passed down to students. “Tuition and fees will not be used to finance the expansion,” Eighmy said.

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HCaP collaborates with UT Health San Antonio Continued from Page 1

vetted on campus, as well as with our partners,” Espy said. “The specific plan to achieve the recommendations was then approved by President Eighmy and the UT System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board was notified.” Students will see minimal change in their day-to-day routines. “It’s important for current students enrolled in the programs within HCaP to understand that they will continue to take classes on the campus they’re accustomed to,” Espy said. “No programs or classes are moving as a part of this administrative restructuring.” There is an ongoing search for a dean for the College of HCaP, and Espy hopes to complete this search by the end of the spring 2020 semester. UTSA worked closely with UT Health San Antonio while making the College for HCaP. Dr. Melissa Valerio, dean of the UT School of Public Health San Anto-

nio Regional Campus, co-chaired on the task force in partnership with Dr. Margo Dellicarpini, dean of UTSA’s College of Education and Human Development. The establishments also worked together to ensure the department structure of the College for HCaP creates new opportunities for research across traditional disciplines within UTSA and UT Health San Antonio. “The College for Health, Community & Policy is the result of months and months of work and dedication by that task force and others who recognized the tremendous potential of this initiative,” Espy said. “I’m enormously grateful to these people for their creativity and enthusiasm throughout this process and moving forward.” To read more about the College of HCaP, visit http://provost.utsa.edu/hcap/.

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OPINION

The enduring cost of Frank Wilson UTSA is currently paying former head coach Frank Wilson $720,000 per year, and he doesn’t even work here. His payout comes from UTSA students’ pockets, despite us not having any direct say on this decision. The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics reports that 42% of UTSA’s athletic department budget is funded by student fees. The UTSA athletic department is paying Wilson from a budget nearly half funded by students. It is particularly concerning to know that Frank Wilson is still on UTSA’s payroll despite accepting a $180,000 contract from McNeese State, a university in Louisiana. Per Wilson’s contract, UTSA will continue to pay Willson’s $900,000 base salary, minus his new salary of $180,000 per year from McNeese, for the next two years, coming to over $1.4 million. UTSA is paying Wilson more to not coach at UTSA than McNeese is paying Wilson to coach for them. Given UTSA’s nine-year 45-61 record, Wilson was not worth the salary the students were paying him. With his

Editorial

new market price at $180,000, UTSA is paying him four times what he is now worth so he can coach somewhere else. Former Arkansas Associate head coach Jeff Traylor recently became the third head coach for the Roadrunners in a decade, with a five-year contract including an $800,000 base salary per year. UTSA students fund nearly half of the UTSA athletic department’s budget, and the athletic department is paying $1,520,000 per year for two head coaches. The UTSA athletic department does not deserve this outrageous amount of money in student fees if they cannot use it responsibly. The UTSA athletic department chose to payout Wilson’s contract two years before it ended and hire Traylor at an $800,00 base salary. The next time UTSA presents students with a vote to increase UTSA athletic fees, students should remember when the athletic department was paying the salary of two head coaches, while one didn’t work here.

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Roadrunners, voting matters Commentary

By Isabella Briseno Contributing Writer

Most UTSA students have walked in front of the McKinney Humanities building and been confronted with the same questions: “Are you registered to vote?” “Do you know when the next election is?” These questions may come across as repetitive. However, in today’s political climate and in a place like Texas — a non-voting state — they are necessary questions. Texas must become a state whose residents reliably turn out at the polls informed.Luckily, there are many organizations in the Democracy From the Ground Up coalition working toward increasing voter participation in Texas. The coalition is devoted to modernizing voter registration, ensuring accessibility for all eligible voters, reducing waste and investing in security. The coalition plans to carry out this mission by fighting for 11 reforms in counties across the state. One such reform would encourage and support school administrators in registering eligible high school students to vote. Many people are unaware Texas law requires public and private high schools to distribute voter registration application forms to eligible students twice a school year, but how many people actually see this happen? It makes sense, considering many high school seniors are just becoming old enough to register to vote, and it would be incredibly easy to do. Another reform affecting students calls for establishing polling locations on all collegecampuses with over 8,000 students during early voting and on Election Day in visible, high-traffic locations with accessible parking. UTSA usually has an Election Day location, but it did not have an early voting site during the most recent

state election. This meant that any student who did not have reliable transportation to an external polling site had to hope that they were not busy on Election Day. UTSA is lucky to have a polling location on Election Day at all — many universities in Texas don’t. For students who can’t drive, voting becomes either impossible or so difficult that they become discouraged. If every campus has a consistent, accessible and highly visible polling place for every election, then voting will become much easier for students. For people who do have access to polling places, there is still the barrier of transparency. When people are asked “Are you registered to vote?” on campus, a worrisome answer is often given: “I don’t know.” The solution proposed is to register again. The people who don’t know and aren’t asked may either not attempt to vote because of their uncertainty or get turned away at

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Women v. Weinstein Harvey Weinstein is facing five counts of predatory sexual assault, rape and criminal sexual acts, for which he could get a life sentence. He went to trial for these alleged crimes in January 2020. Weinstein is a man who thrived on power and was well-liked by the public. Here’s the problem: The justice system is not built to take away power or represent women’s rights. With the rise of the #MeToo movement, he has been ousted by his colleagues, but he is still given special treatment. This special treatment comes in the form of sexism engendered in the U.S. courts. Women have been afraid to speak out against sexual harassment for centuries. Often, the harassment occurs in private. This makes it harder to prove in a trial. Not everyone is Gretchen Carlson, who recorded the horrendous things her Fox News executive Roger Ailes said. We shouldn’t have to. If authorities don’t believe victims from the start, then the justice system has failed. So many men who harass and abuse women every day will never face justice.

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the polls because they thought they were registered but were not. Democracy From the Ground Up suggests we mail voter registration forms to all eligible, unregistered people in the country in January of every evennumbered year. This way, the process of registration meets them at their door.These are just three of the 11 proposed reforms made by the coalition. Others aim to improve poll worker conditions, create a Civic Engagement Board of Advisors and to assist formerly incarcerated people in getting registered to vote. In a state with one of the lowest voter turnouts, it is crucial to help disenfranchised groups. Democracy From the Ground Up is devoted to enacting these broad reforms and ensuring that Texas will shift from a non-voting state to an informed and civically-engaged one.

Weinstein may be the monster of the moment, but the real problem is the public’s conscious effort to undermine the integrity of rape victims’ stories. Coming forward is already difficult enough for victims, so if they are ridiculed at every turn, their hope shrivels. In such traumatic crimes, the victim should be listened to, not met with further attacks. Americans crave justice. The punishment must fit the crime, and punishing Weinstein is the right thing to do. However, if Weinstein’s case does not initiate a change in how the U.S. justice system treats victims of sexual assault and rape, justice will not have been served. By prosecuting only a few serial rapists and using them as a caricature for fighting evil, we are ignoring the real problem.

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J a n u a r y 28 - Feb ru a r y 4, 2020

National security or personal privacy, why not both?

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Commentary

By Ben Shirani Staff Writer Currently, the FBI is attempting to exploit America’s perception of Middle Eastern people to gain leverage over Apple and invade our privacy. The New York Times has described the FBI’s recent selection of a case in which a Saudi national allegedly committed an act of terrorism on a military base in Pensacola, Florida, as a “test case” for the encryption debate. Through this test case, the FBI is attempting to leverage America’s negative view of Muslims to enhance the institution’s grip on power. Since 9/11, America’s enemies have been engaging the U.S. and its allies in an attempt to weaponize America’s fear of terrorism. This is a form of conflict called “threshold exploitation” or “measures short of war” through which our adversaries capitalize on America’s entrenched biases. This distorted view hurts the national interests of the U.S. Just as it is counter to our national interests when America’s foes exploit our fears, in this particular case, the FBI is working counter to our national interests by exploiting America’s fear of terrorism to leverage a political outcome. The FBI wrote a letter to Apple asking that they provide the information contained on the suspected terrorist’s encrypted iPhone, a signal which suggests they intend to prosecute if Apple does not provide the information willingly. Although Apple has complied with court orders for information stored on their servers, Apple has said it cannot access data stored on encrypted and locked iPhones. According to the FBI, there are no other U.S. intelligence agencies able to access information stored in this way, either. The FBI’s leadership, influenced by President Trump and directed by Attorney General William Barr, has decided to take advantage of the situation to invade the privacy of countless individuals who use Apple’s main product: the iPhone.

The FBI’s logic is clear and simple. They can use this tragedy to gain the authority to collect more intelligence, which is their real interest. In doing so, they give minorities in America yet another reason to feel that their privacy, which protects them from abuses of power, is important. In the context of the Saudi military and nearly every other military that employs standard structured analytic techniques, the behavior of the FBI supports the hypothesis that the U.S. intelligence community is both political and racist.

By Cheyenne Morton Contributing Writer With another shooting taking headline news in San Antonio this past week, Americans across the nation are left to reflect on just how often gun violence takes place in our country. We’ve grown so accustomed to the violence and the killings. When another shooting is broadcasted, our life progresses as if it is just another day. How have we come to this point, and why have we let ourselves become so numb to death? In 2018, a protest took place in schools across the nation as students filed out of class to gather and stand in silence for 17 minutes, honoring the 17 students killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas massacre. I recall walking out of my Algebra class with two other students and standing in the

courtyard with a mass of people, all of us different, unifying for one cause. At that moment, I thought we were doing something that would finally change gun policy. I thought the government would see how much people cared. But when it was all over, nothing came of that unified moment. It was over like it had never occurred at all. I’m not the only one noticing the cycle. Shooting after shooting, the ball starts rolling, but it suddenly stops before we can create change. Progress means nothing if we continue to repeat our past mistakes. Now, here we are in 2020, still dealing with mass shootings. Gun violence is a problem we all recognize as real, a problem that is apparent in every state across America and a problem that we do nothing about. When countries across the world look to America and see these headlines, what do they think? America only makes excuses for these shootings: Politicians point to mental health and video games. But mental health problems are similar in France, Australia and Spain, and video game sales are the same in America as they are in the U.K. America always blames shootings on everything except what is at hand: guns.

By Geoffrey Okolo Staff Writer In a recent interview publicizing her Hulu docuseries, Hillary Clinton characterized surging presidential candidate Bernie Sanders as an unlikeable career politician who gets nothing done because no one wants to work with him. When addressing his supporters, Clinton said she felt bad because Bernie supporters were “suckered in.” When asked whether she would support Sanders if he won the primary, she would not provide a definite answer. She later confirmed

that she would back Sanders if he won the primary. The comments are part of the growing schism in the Democratic Party between progressives and establishment Democrats. In politics, perception plays a large role in making the optics on this situation bleak. Much like her “basket of deplorables” statement in 2016, some have perceived Hillary’s recent comments as elitist. Others perceive the comments as another staunch defense of compromise, incrementalism and the status quo which has become synonymous with the Democratic establishment. Though these statements were directly critical of Sanders, they may have the unintended consequence of alienating progressive voters. It portrays them as naive individuals who are chasing the impossible because they don’t know better. It confines what’s possible in the realm of politics and dilutes the effectiveness of prag-

News Josh Peck | News Editor News@paisano-online.com Breahna Luera | News Editor News@paisano-online.com

Opinion Alex Hanks | Opinion Editor Opinion@paisano-online.com

Arts & Life Sofia Garcia | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com

Sports Ryan Garza | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com Julia Maenius | Assistant Sports Editor

Photo Ethan Gullett | Photo Editor Photo@paisano-online.com

Online

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Meanwhile, the NRA sits back and sells lies to the people and preaches the axiom that citizens need guns for protection. We are connecting security to a weapon, and by doing so, we are giving the free market the power to take life away. Juan Maretti, a teacher in Argentina, commented on Americans gun violence, stating, “We have violence in our society too, but gun control laws limit its physical translation. A mass shooting in Argentina is a failure of the system, a mass shooting in the U.S. is part of the system.” In 2019 alone, UTSA experienced the same loss that has been gripping the nation for years. Four teens were charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony in March, an argument at a late-night party in Maverick Creek ended in a fatal shooting in May, and three people were robbed at gunpoint at UTSA Blvd. and Vance Jackson in October. The only viable answer is gun control. America and San Antonio have seen too much death to remain unmoved.

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Clinton craves relevance Commentary

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Gun violence: an SA epidemic Commentary

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matism and incrementalism by starting from the middle. It downplays the will of the progressive wing while taking their votes as a given in the general election. Though the recent comments by Clinton can be interpreted as petty politics or a norm throughout the political process, these comments make it more difficult for the Democratic Party to come together and push a convincing call for unity. Despite these criticisms, Sanders’ poll numbers have been surging in both Iowa and New Hampshire.

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Diane Abdo | Advisor Steven Kellman | Advisor Jack Himelblau | Advisor Stefanie Arias | Advisor Sandy Norman | Advisor Red Madden | Advisor The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 © 2019, The Paisano The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Handbook of Operating Procedures states in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of Student Publications, but will regulate distribution on campus. Student Publications will be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible for editorial and content policies and decisions. Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or removal from their positions within a Registered or Sponsored Student Organization (Student Organization) by the University because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content. Student Organizations that distribute Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student Organizations that do not distribute Student Publications.

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Arts & Life Planting seeds within our community Jammin’ Jams Fruit and Nut Tree Adoption 2020 By Jake Striebeck Staff Writer The Historic Pearl blossomed with life for the 2020 Jammin’ Jams Fruit & Nut Tree Adoption on Saturday, Jan. 25. This event was hosted by the City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation, the San Antonio Arborist Association and the Historic Pearl. The tree adoption is an effort to beautify our city, provide families with their own source of plant life and produce, encourage gardening within our communities and promote environmental sustainability. The people of San Antonio packed the grounds of the Historic Pearl with their families, dogs, friends and neighbors as thousands of trees were handed out to the public. Apple, apricot and avocado trees, among many others, were available during the event. Each tree came with a ticket providing information on how to cultivate each species and properly plant and establish fruit trees. An open dialogue between two experienced gardeners was held onstage, and thousands of people waited in line for

their adopted tree. People across San Antonio came to have their plant-related questions answered. Although the line was long, it gave neighbors the opportunity to meet one another, and our city’s community unified as a result. UTSA students were among the crowd of green thumbs talking to college students from the many other universities across San Antonio. Amateur yet ambitious plant lovers came to start their first gardening endeavor while soaking in the wisdom of gardening veterans. Generations of San Antonio natives stood beside one another, sharing a love for plant life and community. Grandparents and grandchildren spent the morning planting new roots. The 2020 Jammin’ Jams Fruit & Nut Tree Adoption brought our city together in ways bigger than imagined. The City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation, the San Antonio Arborist Association, The Historic Pearl and plant-lovers helped promote a more beautiful and sustainable tomorrow.

Plant-lovers enjoy the tree adoption with friends and loved ones. The event took place on Jan. 25, 2020. Photos by Jake Striebeck.

Musician of the week Underground artist makes history By Adrianne Kristianto Social Media Coordinator Born Shahrzad Fooladi, the Iranian and Swedish singer/ songwriter Snoh Aalegra returned with her sophomore album, “Ugh, those feels again,” in August 2019, after debuting her first album, “FEELS,” in October 2017. A nominee for album of the year at the Swedish music awards, The Grammis, Aalegra’s latest album comprises songs for a wide variety of emotions. Whether it’s sultry tunes like “I Want You Around,” “Toronto” and “Njoy” to rosy, upbeat tracks such as “Situationship” and “Whoa,” — Snoh has listeners covered. “Sometimes random trauma from the past sneaks up on you, and then you have to deal with it. Music is my way of dealing with everything, and this album is everything I felt after being on my own post-breakup,” Aalegra explained to Vogue. Inspired by Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, the R&B singer has been in touch with the art of self-expression since she was merely seven years old. “Music always made me feel so emo. I think I was very young when I started to feel these emotional, deep feelings,” she stated, claiming to be the “Sad Girl Queen” to Elle. Aalegra, 32, started her music career early when she signed to Sony Music Entertainment Sweden AB as a 13-year-old, years before she appeared in Common’s tenth studio album, “Nobody’s Smiling,” in 2014 and in

Drake’s infamous project “More Life,” as a sample in 2017. Aalegra became a protégé of Prince when he discovered her in 2014. He mentored her until his death two years later. Her smokey and somber vocals have earned her cosigns from the significant musicians, athletes and actors such as LeBron James and Victoria Pedretti. As gifted as she is poised, it is safe to say that Aalegra’s music was the soundtrack of “sad girl fall” in 2019; she delivered deep tracks with solemn strings arrangements and jazzy melodies to her audience in “Ugh, those feels again.” If you happen to love good music that prompts you to be more in touch with your sensitive side, Snoh’s music is it. Fresh off her mini-tour, the “Find Someone Like You” singer will be embarking on a much larger tour, “Ugh, A Tour Again” in March of this year with the AfroLatina singer/songwriter QUIÑ. Snoh will grace Texas with her vocals in Dallas on April 31 and in Houston on May 1. For more information, visit her webpage: www.snohaalegra.com/tour.

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By Xavier Richardson Staff Writer Thrift Store Fashion and Imperfect Tattoos They say Words like “I love you” Are defaults for unimaginative lovers. But why should they make the distinction; Who are those that say otherwise Without merit or distinction or title of their own? They will always be an indefinite collective, Strictly known as They, Who mock the simplicity of our utterances. But we love simple; Was it not simple for Ginsberg to call The world, soul, skin, nose, etc. Holy? Was it not simple for Williams to admire The red wheelbarrow, rainwater And white chickens? No, simple will only be As simple as thoughts Uninspired by lackadaisical minds Content with turning their noses up At our two-dollar denim jackets and abstract body art, Our thrift store fashion and imperfect tattoos. We may not have hung out with Kerouac or Pound But neither have They, So who are They to question our professionalism or Quality of colloquialisms? Let us speak.

If you would like to see your poetry in The Paisano, submit it to arts@paisano-online.com Ethan Gullett/The Paisano

J an u ar y 28 - F e bru ar y 4, 2020

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American Dirt is American trash

Review: Changing Social Discourses UTSA art exhibit makes a statement

By: Paris Cantu

By Sofia Garcia

Staff Writer

Arts & Life Editor On display from Jan. 22- Feb. 21, UTSA’s Main Art Gallery’s latest exhibition “Changing Social Discourses” is an arresting collection of personal, artistic narratives curated by UTSA faculty members Libby Rowe and Dr. Scott Sherer. Artists Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Daniela Cavazos Madrigal and Anh Thuy-Nguyen showcased their compelling artwork for the public to see. These women have dedicated their artwork to challenging antiquated societal and cultural narratives. Datchuk’s neonacrylic installation, “Ching Chong,” aimed to expose the offensively overused microaggressions which confront Chinese women. Her art serves not only as a political statement in the face of constant oppression, but also allows for other women of color to find solace in knowing that someone is fighting for them. With a major shift in the language centered on people of color, it is especially important to push for correction of terms that have the ability to harm generations of Chinese women.

Ethan Gullet/The Paisano “Ching Chong” by Jennifer Ling Datchuk

Madrigal presented a poignant installation about a devastating incident that occurred in Laredo, Texas. In 2018, a Border Patrol agent was allegedly seen brutally murdering his lover and their oneyear-old son, Grizelda and Dominic Hernandez, in McNaboe Park. The display, “Los Arboles Que Vieron Todo, The Trees That Saw Everything,” shows toys and stuffed animals left near the site of the murder in honor of the victims. It is clear these stuffed animals, covered in dirt, have been worn down, representing the constant struggle of immigrant families in the U. S. Madrigal’s installation illuminates the daily battles faced by immigrants and the issues of deeply rooted violence and prejudice. Los Arboles Que Vieron Todo,” by Daniela Cavazos Madrigal

Nguyen’s “Thuy and Sand” allows her viewers to ponder the meaning of growth in Vietnamese women. Perpetuations of stereotypes and preconceptions about women of color can place labels on them that are far from the truth. During times like these, it is essential to progress into true self-expression, even when there are systems that are built to oppress and marginalize certain minorities. Her development as an individual was evident in the photos of her dragging a bag across the sand, visually displaying the journey to self-recognition. Nguyen does a phenomenal job of shedding light on the persistence of these strong women. The art showcased in this exhibit deserves recognition. The UTSA Main Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“American Dirt” is written by a white author who appropriates the undocumented immigrant’s struggle and portrays Mexican immigrants with racist stereotypes. “American Dirt” is hardly an attempt at representing the largest minority group in the U.S. The plot is a cheap thrill and makes a farce out of the immigrant’s plight. In chapter four, “Mami” is flirting with the head of a cartel, and I laughed because it reads like a poorly funded telenovela. Jeanine Cummins, the author of “American Dirt,” is not Mexican, nor is she an immigrant. However, her book is about a mother and son who cross the border while running from the cartel. In her author’s note, which is seven pages of tried validation, she writes, “I wish someone slightly browner than me would write it.” Cummins is not brown. If she were “slightly browner,” she’d have a light tan. Brown people have written these books: “The Lost Children Archive” by Valeria Luiselli and “The Devil’s Highway” by Luis Alberto. It is unfair to accuse brown people of their lack of representation when Cummins is a precise demonstration of the problem. In an NPR interview, Cummins says she is aware of her privilege and lack of cultural understanding, and she claims “that’s not a problem that [she] can fix, nor is it a problem that [she’s] responsible for.” No single person can solve misrepresentation, but she is not bringing light to the issue by appropriating the Mexican immigrant experience. She received a barbed wire manicure in celebration of her book release, and her book release party had centerpieces adorned with actual barbed wire. A historical symbol of tyranny is not a decoration. It is ignorant — just as ignorant as her book.

“Thuy and Sand,” by Anh Thuy-Nguyen

Artists of UTSA Faisal Najjar By Sofia Garcia Arts & Life Editor Faisal Najjar is a third-year biomedical engineering major who began drawing and painting a year ago. He is a firm believer in the power of art and is passionate about showing viewers that they can surprise themselves with their hidden abilities. Najjar often finds himself lost in his own world when drawing or painting. He enjoys the idea that you can create something just by picturing it in your head.

Najjar poses with his dog, Mocha.

Q:What is 1your background as an artist? A: I went to my cousin’s house in California, and I saw that he drew a lot, so I started drawing. I was not that good at it, but every now and then I would draw something I really liked. As soon as I saw my cousin painting, I thought to myself, “I could do that.” I would mimic stuff that I saw him do, he does a lot of cartoon style paintings.I am trying to get better and branch out everyday. Q: How do you use art? When I want to paint, there has to be an emotion attached to it. If I am painting something and I just don’t want to anymore, I’ll stop that painting and start something else. That is why I have so many paintings unfinished; I am only going to paint something when I am in the mood to paint it. I painted a portrait for a friend who was dealing with the death of a loved one and I got so lost in that painting because I wanted to do it so badly. Sometimes, with commissions, I will just paint because I feel forced to do it. With the portrait, I put on music and I wasn’t even worried about anything — I just kept going and going. It came out perfect. When I painted one of my favorite pieces, I was so lost in it that I didn’t

realize it had been four hours of listening to the same song on repeat. Q: Is there a piece that you are most proud of? A: The “Dumbo” one is probably my favorite one because I spent so much time on it. If you look closely at the painting, the blue elephant on the left has a bump on the nose from the layers of paint because I messed up so many times. There are some paintings that take so much extra work, but I have no problem doing it because I want them to look good. Q: Where do you find your inspiration? A: I’d say my inspiration comes from my own interpretations of different kinds of art. I like to look at things and make them my own. I love looking at the art before the piece is even finished. Pieces from Michaelalngelo that weren’t finished are really crazy to look at. See, a lot of people do not like Jackson Pollock because it looks like he’s just spilling paint. The reason I like his art is because he takes something that looks like virtually nothing, and makes it so pleasurable to look at. I try to dig into that and figure out what he does. I question the colors, the lines and the layers in each and every piece I analyze. Q: Do you think that art should influence political, social, religious or environmental issues? A: Art doesn’t have to be influential. It is just about what the artist wants. If it ends up being influential, it’s not on the artist. They drew it because that’s what they felt. Someone could throw ice cream on the ground and it could end up being political somehow. Artists try to portray what they’re thinking, and it is up to the person who is looking at it to dig deep. Interpretation is up to you. Q: What is art to you? A: Art is not being able to say something, so you just draw it. Art is feeling young even though you are getting old. I want to stay as child-like as possible when it comes to my imagination. The first thing you learn as a kid is expressing yourself. You are taught to put drawings on paper, and you are constantly adding coal to your imagination. Najjar plans to continue his favorite hobby and would love to incorporate his art into his future career as a biomedical engineer. Instagram: @lifeofthecool

“One Panch,” 2019, acrylic on canvas

“Halloween,” 2019, acrylic on canvas

“Support,” 2019, acrylic on canvas

“Sweet Dreams,” 2019, acrylic on canvas

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sports@paisano-online.com | 7

Sports

Jade Richey finishes a cheer on the sideline of a football game. The cheerleading squad is preparing for the NCA competition held in Daytona, Florida. Photo by Lindsey Thomas

The co-ed cheerleading squad sings the alma mater at a football game. The squad cheers at multiple sporting events to raise audience morale. Photo by Ethan Gullett

UTSA Cheer places in top ten at Orlando The squad now turns their attention to Daytona

By Julia Maenius & Lindsey Thomas

oth the UTSA large co-ed and all-girl cheerleading team competed in Orlando, Florida, placing tenth at the UCA College Nationals Championships. The teams earned their way to the championships by placing third with their qualifying video that was sent to judges a few months ago. The teams had a great learning experience they can take into the Daytona season coming up in April. Both the co-ed and all-girl teams placed in the top five in Daytona in their 2019 season. Going into their spring season, the teams are excited to compete in Daytona and Orlando, but they’re also intimidated because of the vast amount of colleges and universities that qualified

to compete. Both teams rank in the top five when competing in Daytona, placing the bar high for the Roadrunners. “It’s usually something that is very interesting to see people get really excited for ... and other people make it a little bit more of an intimidating thing,” Ortiz said. “Usually, we are ranked top five in Daytona at NCAA, so knowing that we have room to grow has really been pushing us to get our skills better and made us a little bit more accountable on each other and [we] have been able to evolve since last year.” The team has been focusing on conditioning, both physically and mentally, to prepare a routine that hits every stunt perfectly so they can earn every point during the competition. “What I am most looking forward to at Daytona is being able to compete

with my teammates and seeing what we worked towards all year finally pay off because we only get to compete one time,” junior flyer Bridget Alvarez said. With a higher skill set than previous years, paired with this year’s choreography, the team is aiming for a top-three spot in Daytona. “On top of two-and-a half-hour practices three times a week and hour-long strength and conditioning workouts twice a week, we also have to do work outside the gym to make sure we are keeping all of our skills,” senior stunter and tumbler Andres Vazquez said. During other sports’ seasons, the squad prepares for competition by using the game-time atmosphere to perfect their skills. “Being in front of a large crowd and doing what we normally do as cheer-

leaders, skills wise, definitely helps us prepare,” Ortiz said. “There’s not an intimidation factor going into it whenever you see a whole bunch of people staring at you. Being able to provide for our football, basketball teams and every team that we cheer for gives us a heads up in the game day division that we do as well.” Preparing mentally to hit zero, the squad works with their teammates to build a relationship that resembles a family. “We know each other’s talents. We know how good we are and how good we could potentially be [with] the support from building your family since freshman year,” junior tumbler Grace Grant said.

Women’s basketball conference struggles continue By Dalton Hartmann Staff Writer UTSA women’s basketball (6-12, 2-5 C-USA) ended their two-game home stand, 0-2 with losses to both the University of North Texas Mean Green (9-11, 3-5 C-USA), 55-79, on Jan. 23, and the Rice University Owls (13-6, 8-0 C-USA), 62-74, on Jan. 25. Currently, there are three ‘Runners who are each averaging double-digit points, with Mikayla Woods leading the team in points, averaging 15.7, and Adryana Quezada and Karrington Donald with 13.1 and 10.0, respectively. This season, Timea Toth has been leading the ‘Runners in rebounding, with six per game. Evelyn Omemmah and Quezada are not too far off, averaging 5.7 a game. During the game between the Owls and the ‘Runners, Woods lead a resurgence with 21 points in the fourth quarter in a failed comeback attempt. This scoring feat helped her claim a third

Conference USA freshman of the week award this season. This week, the ‘Runners will play in Alabama against the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers (13-7, 5-3 C-USA) on Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. and in Tennessee against the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders (MTSU) (13-7, 5-3 C-USA) on Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. The UAB Blazers are currently on a four-game win streak and have beaten their competition by 14.5 points per game in the last four games. The UAB Blazers’ leading scorer Rachael Childress has been averaging 17.4 points per game, and their leading rebounder, Angela Vendrell, has averaged 7.9 rebounds per game. The last game of the ‘Runners road trip will be against the Blue Raiders, who are coming off a divisional win and sitting fourth in Conference USA. Currently, the Blue Raiders have four players who are each averaging double-digit points, with Anastasia Hayes leading the team with 17.2 points per game.

Mikayla Woods drives around defenders to the rim with the ball. During a game against the University of North Texas on January 23, the ‘Runners fell to the Mean Green, 55-79. Photo by Ellyson Ortega

Men’s tennis drops first match of spring season By Kennedy Caskey Staff Writer The UTSA men’s tennis team suffered its first loss of the season (2-5) against the University of California, Davis at the Marya Welch Tennis Center in Yolo, California, this past Saturday. In their first game of the spring season, doubles pair Juri Reckow and Sebastian Rodriguez started the day strong with a victory of 6-2 against UC Davis’ Ivan Thamma and David Goulak. Following their teammates’ win, senior Kai Breitbach and junior Javier Rodriguez secured a victory of 6-3 against Chethan Swanson and Dariush Jalali. Junior Javier Gonzalez and sophomore Alan Sanson did not conclude what was looking to be a close match against Daniel Landa and Andrei Volgin, ending with a score of 3-5. The Roadrunners were not so fortunate in their singles play, losing five out of six matches. Senior Juri Reckow was the sole winner in the singles category, tallying an impressive win of 6-2, 6-4 against opponent Andras Necz. Although UTSA faced a significant setback in singles, the team played with confidence and vigor,

many of the ‘Runners splitting sets in their matches. Breitbach fell short 2-6 in the first set of his match against Ivan Thamma but quickly recovered in the second set, coming 7-5. In the third and final set, Breitbach lost 3-6 against his opponent. Javier Rodriguez notched a win in his first singles set, with a score of 7-5, but was defeated by Chethan Swanson, 6-3 and 6-4, in the following sets. Similar to Breitbach and Rodriguez, Javier Gonzalez played a three-set match, losing 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, in a close game against Volgin. Sanson fell short, 4-6, 6-7 (5-7), in his match against Jayaraman. Summarizing the day adequately, new head coach Sergey Avdeyev concluded, “We won the doubles point but didn’t start well in singles and lost some momentum. We came back to win Juri’s court, had three matches go into three sets, but UC Davis just outplayed us, winning more deuce points and the important points at the right time.” The UTSA men’s tennis team will compete again on Feb. 1 against Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Alan Sanson prepares to return a serve. The men’s tennis team split their first match of the spring season in California. Photo by Ethan Gullett

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8 | sports@paisano-online.com

Athlete of the Week: Deja Cousin By Julia Maenius Assistant Sports Editor Senior guard Deja Cousin aided the women’s basketball team for four years. She is a strong shooter and brings a tough defensive presence to the team. The psychology major began playing basketball when she was young, following in her parents footsteps by becoming a collegiate ball player. “I was five when I first started playing,” Cousin said. “I come from an athletic family with an athletic background. Both of my parents played in college and went overseas and played professionally. My older brother plays, I played and my two younger brothers play, and they are really what’s driving me to keep going.” Playing over 100 minutes in her junior season, Cousin secured her position as an unparalleled name on the women’s basketball roster in her final season at UTSA. “I chose UTSA because I wanted a family atmosphere,” Cousin said. “The coach that was here at the time actually coached my mom in college, so when he first started recruiting me, I felt safe and at home. I committed here when I was a sophomore, so I was happy that I didn’t have to deal with the major AAU [Amateur Athletic Union] tournaments and everything.” To keep her mind sharp on the court, Cousin uses pregame rituals to keep her focused and ready to compete. “Every game day, I wear fuzzy socks to stay comfy,” Cousin said. “I have to chew gum, and I have to listen to my basketball playlist.” Outside of basketball, Cousin uses her free time to relax and indulge in her other interests. “I sing for fun—not many people know that,” Cousin said. “I like to play with my dog and watch movies.” The native of Burlington, North Carolina, pulls inspiration from those closest to her. “My mom inspires me,” Cousin said. “She moved to the U.S. from New Zealand when she was very young. She was 17, and to be able to create a whole new life and keep pushing even though she is really far from her own family is what really inspires me.” In her junior season, Cousin recorded a season high of three three-pointers against Utah State in the team’s preconference schedule. She notes the Utah State game as the most monumental moment in her career thus far. “I wasn’t really playing a lot throughout my career, but

I came in and had the mindset to keep pushing,” Cousin said. “I hit really big shots towards the end of the game, and I think that has been a really big moment in my career.” Cousin’s appreciation for the program reaches further than the locker room. Her favorite part about competing for UTSA is its fans and supporters. “The fans that we have are very supportive and very loyal,” Cousin said. “They come to every single game. They have been here since my freshman year.” As one of four seniors on the roster, Cousin and her teammates have made an impact on the attitude of the program by welcoming newcomers to the team. “We definitely had to step up big time,” Cousin said. “Over half of our team is new, and I would like to say [I am] more of a sister because you can help guide. It is more than basketball to us, and being able to help on and off the court by setting an example shows that you are leading that way.” With conference play currently underway, Cousin’s final season at UTSA is reaching a close. She recognizes the impact basketball has made in her life as an athlete and student. “[Basketball] has impacted my life a lot,” Cousin said. “I would not have had the opportunities that I had if I didn’t have basketball. I grew up in North Carolina — that is 19 hours away. I would have never thought that I would ever be in Texas. I would have never thought that I would be signing autographs Deja Cousin dribbles the ball up the court to reset the Raodrunners’ offense. The team faced the or people would recognize me on the UNT Mean Green on Thursday, Jan. 23. Photo by Ellyson Ortega street, so basketball has helped in my life.”

Graphic by Alex Hanks

The legacy of the ‘Black Mamba’ Commentary

By Alex Hanks Opinion Editor Somber does not come close to describing the overpowering emotion felt when the world stopped on Jan. 26, 2020. Kobe Bryant was pronounced dead, and a wave of devastation spread throughout the world — how could such a prolific icon from our generation be gone? This type of loss brings an overwhelming sense of frustration, from basketball fans to those who were not all too familiar with the Lakers legend. The world is grieving. Writing about a public figure who has died is a difficult task, but writing about Kobe Bryant’s death is surreal because, in a sense, it still feels like he is alive.

Regardless of whether you were a fan, Kobe’s hustle, dedication and character in the face of adversity could inspire anyone to live their lives with a bit of “mamba” in it. In rare circumstances, the public eye will witness remarkable individuals who redefine their craft for future generations. In the case of Kobe Bryant, his craft was redefined through his unmatched intensity and hustle. Whether the Lakers were down by 30 or on the brink of clinching an NBA Finals championship, Kobe took the floor with such grace and resilience, while young boys and girls across the world watched in awe. Growing up in the 2000s was a special time for basketball fans because we saw Kobe grow, on and off the court. Throughout his career, he proved himself to be a man of character who craved versatility. We got to see the man he was growing into every time he took the court. We grew up with Kobe Bryant. This article would be so much easier if stat lines, MVPs and other awards could be listed and commentated on, but Kobe Bryant was so much more than that. Kobe

lived to inspire and instill values into the next generation of aspiring athletes. At the time of his passing, Kobe was heading to basketball practice with his daughter and friends when their lives were cut short. During this time of great heartache, the UTSA community can use the amba’s legacy as a testament to the types of individuals we aspire to be. Mamba mentality was never about the stat lines or the MVPs — it is about waking up with a purpose, serving others and promoting what is best for you and the people you love most. As college students, instead of striving to accomplish our goals, we tend to get caught up in the challenges of earning that college degree and maintaining the relationships we gain along the way. We worry about going to class and simply surviving each day. After I reflected on his legacy, I started to realize how minuscule these struggles are. We are all capable of overcoming adversity. We are all worthy of living the life we envision. What we all admired about Kobe Bryant was his authenticity. He never tried to hide the grit and hardship behind

achieving his accolades. Winning five NBA championships was never supposed to look easy, but the manner in which he perfected his skills on the court made an entire generation of young hoopers want to model their game after his. We grew up with him, but his life was just getting started. As days go on, it starts to feel more real. We begin to realize that we will never see Kobe and Gianna laughing courtside at the Staples Center. We realize we won’t get to watch his daughter grow up to pave her own legacy. Whether you were a fan or not, this tragic event should remind us all to be conscious of our service to others. Cherish every moment you create with your loved ones. Amidst the sorrow, we get to watch the next generation of NBA players grow up the same way we watched Kobe grow up. We will get to see players like Trae Young and Kyrie Irving solidify their own legacy, but there will never be another Kobe Bryant. Mamba forever.