The Paisano Volume 48 Issue 6 by The Paisano

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Bird Bakery serves up tasty treats for an Alamo Heights delight. pg 6 Look behind the veil and see why the hijab is more than a fashion statement. pg 5

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Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

{SINCE 1981}

{UTSA} President Ricardo Romo announced on Friday that H.E.B. donated $5 million to help “fund 10 endowed professorships and chairs” at UTSA.

{Texas}

Volume 48

February 19, 2013

Issue 6

{WWW.PAISANO-ONLINE.COM}

Asian Festival hosted at the Institute of Texan Cultures. See page 3

Matthew Trevino/The Paisano

Despite new tuition hike, UTSA remains financially competitive File Photo

In a victory for environmentalists, plans for a proposed coal power plant in Texas–the only new coal plant planned in the state–failed to materialize.

“Border Crossing,” created by Luis Jiminez, was dedicated to his father who crossed the Rio Grande into the U.S. in 1922. The sculpture stands in front of the MS building.

Immigration buzz grows louder among lawmakers

{Nation}

Will Tallent/The Paisano

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced that the Pentagon will begin extending military benefits to same-sex partners

{UT System} Although many have speculated that UT Austin President Bill Powers–who butted heads with Gov. Perry over education spending two years ago–could soon be voted out of his position by Perry’s appointees, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst defended Powers at an event last week.

{History} This week in 2010, Ricardo Romo was reelected as chairman pro tem for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Bridget Gaskill Staff Writer

news@paisano-online.com Last week, the UT System Board of Regents voted to increase tuition at UTSA by 0.6 percent, which will take effect in Fall 2013. The current cost of tuition and fees at UTSA is $9,004 per year, an increase from $7,242 just five years ago. By comparison, UT Austin currently charges $9,794 for tuition, while the university charged $8,122 five years ago. The Board of Regents voted not to increase tuition at UT Austin

Staff Writer

$65 million: Since 1992 the state of Texas has paid $65 million to innocent people who were wrongfully imprisoned, more than any other state.

{Basketball} The men’s basketball team will take on the Nicholl’s State Colonels Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2p.m. in San Antonio.

an individual to acquire a postsecondary education. Most of the professional job market maintains a “base line requirement of a college degree,” Karen Ivy, assistant director of Student Services, stated. “UTSA is well aware of the cost to earn a quality, post-secondary education,” according to its admissions website. “But UTSA, historically, is less expensive than many other Texas public universities in major metropolitan areas including Dallas and Houston.” As well as working to keep college affordable, UTSA mainSee TUITION, Page 2

Obama sets second term agenda in State of the Union address Council Royal

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for the second consecutive year. According to CNN, the price of tuition and fees has increased by 104 percent over the last decade, and that pattern is set to continue. Additionally, a Gallup poll released earlier this month found that 72 percent of those surveyed believe that it is important to have a degree or certificate beyond high school. The same survey also found that 74 percent of people think that college is not affordable for everyone who needs it. Although the survey suggests that cost may be a hindrance for some, it also reflects that it is still more advantageous for

news@paisano-online.com On Feb. 12, President Obama gave his fifth State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress. The president largely focused on domestic issues, but also addressed foreign policy in the annual address. Among the president’s policy proposals was an increase of the federal minimum wage from $7.25 up to $9. This measure would most likely have great support among voters, with 73 percent of Americans supporting a wage increase in a February 2012 poll by Lake Research. UTSA political science professor Walter Wilsons said, it is unlikely to pass, however, due to Third Party business interests influencing lawmakers: “What it boils down to is that the Chamber of Commerce and so on don’t want to see the minimum wage raise and the Republicans will oppose it.”

President Obama also proposed an expansion in the availability of free, high-quality preschool services. According to the White House, only 10 states and the District of Columbia require school districts to provide free preschool care. Obama expressed his hopes to expand these programs to all 50 states so that those in lowto moderate-income families have access to preschool. According to President Obama, “Every dollar we invest in highquality early education can save more than $7 later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime.” Regarding foreign policy, Obama made the announcement for increased troop withdrawals from Afghanistan to bring levels to half their current levels by next year. However, the administration, according to the Washington Post, is still debating what will happen in Spring 2014.

The State of the Union corresponded with the detonation of a nuclear weapon in a test by North Korea that morning. With this backdrop, the president urged the leaders of both North Korea and Iran to engage with the U.S. diplomatically and to rein in their nuclear weapon programs. The president also said he would like to build from the new START treaty with Russia, the third in a series of nuclear proliferation treaties, saying, “We’ll engage Russia to seek further reductions in our nuclear arsenals and continue leading the global effort to secure nuclear materials that could fall into the wrong hands because our ability to influence others depends on our willingness to lead.” Obama’s call for comprehensive immigration reform— namely to increase border security and expedited paths to citizenship—was met with See OBAMA, Page 2

Julia Brouillette Staff Writer

news@paisano-online.com Should there be a fast track to citizenship for undocumented immigrants that are already living in the United States? That will be the question on the minds of many lawmakers and politicians over the next few months. The complicated issues of immigration reform and border security have long been a hot topic for debate. However, there seems to be a bipartisan effort in Washington to make changes in the system, according to the New York Times. A recent Gallup poll suggested the majority of Americans feel that dealing with the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. does not have to be a matter of extremes. According to President Obama, this issue can be resolved without mass amnesty or mass deportations. In his State of the Union address, the president proposed that undocumented immigrants already living in the U.S. should be granted an expedited route to citizenship. Despite minor disagreements

between lawmakers regarding which path to take on this issue, there is steady movement in Congress to pass immigration legislation. In a Senate meeting held on Wednesday, Feb. 13, Republicans in the Judiciary Committee remained adamant that the reforms should be delayed until border security is tightened. However, in an ABC News report, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano claimed that the U.S. border has “never been stronger.” Richard Jones, a UTSA political science and geography professor, said, “My research suggests that, with economic conditions improving in Mexico and with the militarized border increasingly difficult and deadly, the days of Mexican migration to the U.S. may be numbered. Already, net flows have declined to a trickle.” A report released by the Pew Hispanic Center suggested that, after four decades of surging growth, the amount of immigrants from Mexico settling in the U.S might even be declining. Despite these trends, the demand for foreigners who can fill high-tech jobs will likely continSee IMMIGRATION, Page 2

Lackland instructor found guilty in sex abuse scandal Corey Franco News Assistant

news@paisano-online.com Since 2009, Lackland Air Force Base has been in the media regarding alleged sexual misconduct and violence between several instructors and trainees. On Thursday, Feb. 14, Staff Sgt. Craig LeBlanc was sentenced to 30 months of confinement after he was found guilty of eight of the nine charges brought against him following the ongo-

ing scandal. The previous week, the Air Force stated, “the number of victims in the scandal had risen from 59 to 62 recruits and technical training students, all but three of whom are women.” Lackland is considered the gateway to the Air Force, as it is the only basic training base in the country, and every man or woman who enlists in the United States Air Force must go See LACKLAND, Page 3

NEWS

2 February 19, 2013

OBAMA: Republican, Tea Party responses IMMIGRATION: UTSA enforces stricter guidelines with foreign students demonstrate GOP reinvention, divide From Page 1

From Page 1

applause from both sides of the aisle, as many Republican Congressmen joined their Democratic counterparts in supporting what has been a sensitive issue for conservative lawmakers. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida gave the official response from the Republican Party. Given in both English and Spanish, his statement is part of a necessary rebranding effort in the face of shifting demographics, according to USA Today. However, Wilson said, “Rubio is definitely good for the Party’s image, but the fact is that his concerns are very different from those of most Republicans.” Wilson said, “While the Republicans do need immigration reform to maintain their competitiveness nationwide...the fact is, they really don’t need Latino voters at the congressional level. Most congressional districts are very gerrymandered—Republicans don’t rely on Latinos to help them get reelected, and frankly, they’re afraid that if they vote for comprehensive immigration reform, they will be challenged in the Republican primary.” Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky represented the Tea Party in a separate response—a symptom of a growing divide in the Republican Party that has resulted in split votes among GOP House members in both the fiscal cliff debate and in the election of party leadership.

President Obama at the State of the Union “Broad-based economic growth requires a balanced approach to deficit reduction with spending cuts and revenue, and with everybody doing their fair share.”

“After years of grueling recession, our businesses have created over six million new jobs.”

“Corporate profits have skyrocketed to all-time highs—but for more than a decade, wages and incomes have barely budged.”

“I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future, to reduce pollution, prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy.”

“When any American, no matter where they live or what their party, are denied that right because they can’t afford to wait for five or six or seven hours just to cast their ballot, we are betraying our ideals.”

ue rising at a rapid pace. Jones believes that “an improved, streamlined, open, humane and liberal guest worker program” needs to be included with comprehensive immigration reform. He added that an upgraded guest worker program would also make it easier for employers to secure workers and would allow participants to stay in the U.S. for longer periods of time. A Politico report stated that the bill would most likely have to include both a path to citizenship and increased border security. President Obama touched on the issue in his State of the

Union address by restating his commitment to carry out comprehensive immigration reform and making it clear to Congress that he expects a bill within the next few months. In Texas, the reality of immigration is ever-present. Jones noted, “The UTSA foreign-born student body is growing,” as evident by the increasing number of student organizations forming on campus. “The proportion of international students, however, remains low and less than local private universities, especially the University of the Incarnate Word and other border institutions such as UTEP.”

Despite its diverse student population, UTSA is not as affected by the Texas in-state tuition law, which established tuition equity for undocumented immigrants. At UTSA, “student visas are prerequisites for admission and for student grants. For other students, documentation of residency is required,” Jones said. While the aggregate number of undocumented immigrants receiving in-state tuition rates in Texas is on the rise, UTSA remains fairly strict when dealing with applicants, Jones said.

TUITION: Financial aid provides for over 65 percent of UTSA students From Page 1

tains many valuable resources, including the Career Center, job bank and communication liaisons that work to connect students with internships that best match their interests. These programs offer ways for students to find help where resources would not typically be available. According to Eric Cooper, director of Student Financial Aid and Enrollment Services, 65 percent of UTSA students depend on financial aid, the highest proportion of any UT system school. The UTSA Office of Student Financial Aid and Enrollment Services will, according to their website, meet the direct costs or financial needs for all eligible students until a variety of funds have been exhausted. In the 2011-2012 academic

year, UTSA was able to award students $272.3 million in scholarships, grants, loans and workstudy positions. A recipient of financial aid, however, must remember that borrowing may mean large amounts of debt upon graduation. Two-thirds of 2011 college graduates in the U.S. had incurred student loan debt, averaging $26,600 per borrower, as reported by Associate Director of Media Relations Christi Fish. But, according to statistics compiled by the Department of Education, the loan default rate—the percentage of graduates who cannot pay their student loans—for UTSA is 11.1 percent, below the national average of 13.4 percent. Apart from academic achievement, a college experience also

offers intellectual growth, networking opportunities, maturing experiences and the chance to “acquire skills that (one) never could’ve come in contact with outside of college,” said Public Affairs Specialist K.C. Scharnberg. Because students are exposed to new topics and ideas, Ivy insists that a college degree lets an employer know that a “student is trainable, they’re able to set goals and complete them, and that they have interacted with people that have talked about various perspectives of the world,” which is crucial, because “everything is global at this point.” “It’s amazing how many doors are opened to you during the time period that you’re a college student,” Scharnberg added.

NEWS

Matthew Trevino/The Paisano

T h e 26t h An n u a l As i a n F e s t i va l a t the I n s t it u t e o f Te x an Cu lt u r e s s h o w c a sed a va r ie t y o f u n ique c u lt u r e s a n d t r a dit io n s f r o m va r i ous As i a n c o m m u n it ies.

Matthew Trevino/The Paisano

February 19, 2013

LACKLAND: over 60 victims involved in Air Force scandal From Page 1

through the San Antonio facility. Over 36,000 airmen graduate each year under the basic training commander’s leadership. Last year, newly appointed Commander of Basic Training Col. Deborah Liddick told reporters at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “I will ensure the airmen under my command maintain the highest standards possible, that the standards are enforced and folks are held accountable.” The San Antonio ExpressNews reported that, “(LeBlanc) insisted that when he had sex with a woman two days after she graduated from basic training, it was consensual and their relationship continued.” The woman, in turn, stated that the sexual misconduct with Leblanc was out of fear of his authority and fear for her career. According to the Express-News, the woman, referred to as Airman 1, said that she often invented reasons to end their relations. “I remember looking up at a clock on the wall and (saying) it was time for me to leave,” said Airman 1. “I told him I needed to get on the bus.” Airman 1 conceded that she never denied or resisted LeBlanc in any of their sexual encounters. When prosecutor Lt. Col. Shawn Speranza asked Airman 1 why this was, she said, it was “because I didn’t feel I had the option to make a choice in that matter; you never said no to an

MTI.” Another instructor, Staff Sgt. Kwinton Estacio, was, according to the Express-News, “cleared of sexual assault, but found guilty of having an unprofessional sexual relationship, violating a no-contact order and obstructing justice, (resulting in) one year in jail and a bad-conduct discharge.” These recent allegations and charges found the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark Welsh, speaking before a House oversight committee. Welsh acknowledged that the Air Force has areas that need to adjust to the changing culture, which may have kept victims from coming forward with their stories. “Why, on what was undoubtedly the worst day of a victim’s life, did they not turn to us for help?” Welsh said during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. “We are missing something fundamental in the human-to-human interaction that will allow them to feel safe enough to come to us and report.” According to the Huffington Post, Welsh also said he has “stressed to the Air Force’s officer corps and senior enlisted ranks the importance of eliminating sexual misconduct.” In keeping with this statement, Welsh issued a “Letter to Airmen” this month that said many images, songs and stories that are obscene or vulgar are not part of the Air Force heritage.

28th Annual

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Convocation Center, UTSA Main Campus 7 a.m. Registration 8 a.m. Race Starts Chip-Timed Race

To register and for more information:

utsa.edu/dash

Only $10 for UTSA students

OPINION

4 February 19, 2013

{The Paisano} Editorial Katy Schmader

Assistant to Editor: Erin Boren

Managing Editor: Stephen Whitaker

News Editor:

Matthew Duarte

News Assistants: Corey Franco David Glickman

Paseo Editor: Sarah Gibbens

Arts Editor:

Jennifer Alejos

Arts Assistants: Wilfredo Flores Janae Rice

Sports Editor: Sheldon Baker

Sports Assistants: Delaney Marlowe Mario Nava

Photo Editor: Will Tallent

Photo Assistant: Vince Cardenas

Web Editor: Natalie Frels

Web Assistant: Amanda Dansby

Business Manager: Jenelle Duff

Senior Copy Editor: Alyssa Torres

{Staff Writers} Bridget Gaskill, Christina Coyne, Randy Lopez, Alex Camacho, Shelby Hodges, Stephanie Barbosa, Council Royal, Julia Brouilette

{Staff Photographers} Ruth Olivares, Alyssa Gonzales

{Contributing Writers}

UTSA should continue to collect public art Across the nation, one percent of construction costs are set aside for public art. Many cities and states in the U.S., including San Antonio, have a percent allocated for art programs. Section 35-650 of San Antonio’s Unified Development Code, Article VI, Division 5 states that “city capital improvement projects for infrastructure… shall include an amount equal of up to one percent of

the total capital improvement program appropriation to be used for public art projects.” According to Division 5, the public art projects incorporate artist services into the designs of public locations and improve the aesthetic value of San Antonio. This policy is one to emulate. Public art improves a city’s environment and can enhance a university’s environment as well.

The 12 public art pieces throughout the UTSA Main and Downtown campuses are indicators of UTSA’s interest in public art. But, the university seems to have shifted from its desire to collect public art installation pieces to collect gallery art that can be hung within university buildings. While the collecting of private art pieces is still an important practice, UTSA should continue to give to public instal-

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, turns 50 The stars of the National Basketball Ass o c i ation gathered in Houston from Feb. 15-17 to participate in the annual All-Star Weekend. On Sunday, the best players of the Eastern Conference took on the best of the Western Conference in the All-Star Game. The Western Conference won 143-138 in a game that was a borderline dunk-contest until the fourth quarter when the teams began to play defense. Sunday also marked two historic days for basketball. Not only was it the 45th anniversary of the opening of the Naismith

Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., but also the 50th birthday of the greatest basketball player of alltime, Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan changed the way Americans think about basketball. His high-flying dunks were something that people hadn’t seen before. Stars such as Julius Erving could dunk but no one had done it as often or as spectacularly as Jordan did. He led the way for future stars such as Kobe Bryant and Lebron James, who, inevitably, are compared to him. There isn’t any comparison. Jordan finished his career with six NBA Championship rings along with six NBA Finals MVP awards from 1991-93 and 199698. He also won a National Championship at the Univer-

sity of North Carolina in 1982 and two Olympic Gold medals in 1984 and 1992. He was recognized in 1996 while he was still playing as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. In 2009, Jordan was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. While his athletic accomplishments would be enough to solidify his place as one of the most recognizable athletes of all time, he also made a mark on the business side of basketball. Jordan did his high-flying show in his own pair of sneakers. Before that, almost every basketball player wore the same shoe design. Jordan changed that, with the help of Nike, by playing in Air Jordans. The popularity of the shoes took off like Jordan jumping from the free-throw line to dunk. Nike

Comics

Vulpes Vulpes by: Christopher Garcia

{Contributing Photographers} Scott Cochran, Katherine Kish, Matthew Trevino

{Interns} Amanda Dansby, Janae Rice, Erin Boren, Sheldon Baker, Marcia Perales {Ads Manager} Kevyn Kirven

{Advisor}

Diane Abdo

{Advisory Board}

Alongie by: Joonki Min

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. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards:

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ence rooms and offices, which means that many students are unable to appreciate the entire collection. Artists who work within the public art realm keep the individual space in mind when creating each piece. This makes each piece unique to the university. In effect public art adds character to the university grounds in a way that collected gallery art cannot.

Commentary

Julian Montez, Eliana Briceno, Rachel Corbelli, Philip Taele, Eric Mondragon, Jasmine Rodriguez, Beth Marshall, Pete Torres, Renee Rendon, Paulina Rivero-Borrell, Mary Caithn Scott

Steven Kellman, Mansour El Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman

lation as the university grows. Currently, UTSA has over 400 pieces in its collection. This undoubtedly brings many benefits not only to the university but also to the city. Many pieces in the collection consist of the work of local artists purchased from local galleries; this patronage in turn helps to keep the galleries open. But not all of the pieces are easily-accessible. Many hang in administrative confer-

The Paisano encourages new comic submissions! Send to Editor@paisano-online.com

stayed ahead of this popularity by coming out with a new design each year. Jordan made a fortune for himself and Nike even after he retired after two forgettable seasons with the Washington Wizards in 2003. In 2009, Nike made $1 billion off of Air Jordan sales. These days, Jordan is majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats are one of the worst teams in the league, but sometimes, the best athletes of all-time don’t make the best owners of all-time. Michael Jordan is one of those athletes who only comes around once in a generation: An athlete who, through achievements in sports and out, becomes part of the culture. Before him, the only American athletes who were recognized

worldwide were Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali. In America, it’s easy to see the mark Michael Jordan left. Like Babe Ruth did for baseball in the 1920s, Jordan took the NBA to heights of popularity that it had never experienced before. As Jordan turns 50, it is important to recognize that the things he did could only be done by him. The reason he is the greatest basketball player of all time is because he changed what a basketball player could do. He also changed the relationship between sports and business. It is for these reasons that Jordan will be remembered for all time. Stephen Whitaker Managing Editor

Commentary

Where and when to use profanity

L a n guage is in every human culture in the world, whether spoken, written, drawn or signed; language affects us all. But when does language become something that must be monitored? Encarta World English Dictionary defines the word “profanity” as “profane language or behavior that shows disrespect for God, any deity or religion.” The issue of foul language is often dismissed as common knowledge. But when, if ever, is it appropriate to use profanity? Last year, on June 11, residents in Middleborough, Mass. passed a town law that dictated a $20 fine for public swearing. According to nydailynews.com, “Matthew Segal, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the government cannot prohibit public speech just because it contains profanity.” State law does allow towns to enforce local laws, but the decision to ban obscene language could kindle discussion on the

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First Amendment, which states that “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech,” which profanity happens to fall under. Although Congress is constitutionally bound to allow freedom of speech, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) governs broadcasts that air obscene, indecent or profane programming. Popular media and television often influence what Americans see as acceptable behavior. Therefore, spoken profanity is regulated in some areas of the country and in broadcasting in that the obscenity “must lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value” and “must depict or describe, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by applicable law,” according to the FCC website. If you include the dictionary definition of profanity and the FCC definition, then a lot of material falls into the category of obscene language. The only widely acceptable place to use profanity is in the privacy of your own home or while among others who share the same values as you. Amanda Dansby Web Assistant

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Editor-in-Chief:

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PASEO

5 February 19, 2013

The woman behind the Hijab:

A student’s journey to self-discovery through faith

Mary Caithn Scott Contributing Writer

paseo@paisano-online.com She has been asked a lot of weird questions like, “Are you going bald?” “Do you have cancer or something?” “Why are you covering up your head?” “Do you shower?” She exclaims, “Ugh, so weird!” Rabbia Razzaque, psychology major at UTSA, gets the whole array of stares and weird questions. She, like millions of other Muslim women across the globe, chooses to wear the hijab. “The word hijab comes from the Arabic word hajaba, meaning to hide from view or conceal. In the present time, the context of hijab is the modest covering (a scarf that covers the head, neck and throat) of a Muslim woman,” says Razzaque. Today, people often associate Muslims as terrorists packing AK-47s or as poster girls for oppressed womanhood. These stereotypes exist throughout western culture, including university campuses like UTSA. Students share their thoughts on Muslim women like Razzaque. English major Leann Acuña says, “She shouldn’t have to be oppressed by men like that to where she has to cover her whole body, head to toe. I feel bad for her.” Another student, who wishes to remain anonymous, says, “When I see a Muslim woman covered up, the first thing I think is, ‘why is she wearing that and what is the point?’” English major Emma O’Connell says, “I feel bad for them because it is like 105 degrees outside and they are covered from head to toe.” Technical communication major Connor Eustermen says, the first thing that comes to his mind when he thinks of Muslim

women are the words, “afraid and oppressed.” However, not all reactions to Muslim women on campus are seen as negative. Despite student opinion, “young Muslim women are reclaiming the hijab, reinterpreting it in light of its original purpose to give back to women ultimate control of their own bodies,” says Razzaque. Born in Pakistan and raised in the U.S., Razzaque was never really close to her faith. “I was Muslim by name.” She jokingly clarifies, “You know when you’re like labeled something but you’re not really practicing?” “I didn’t really pray, I didn’t read the Qur’an, I didn’t really dress modest. I was just born Muslim.” “Religion wasn’t a strict thing in my house,” Razzaque explains. “That’s why I had to go kind of through a self-discovery to find out who I really was on my own.” However, it wasn’t until high school, when a guest speaker came to her school and spoke about happiness, that Razzaque started her journey

something she hadn’t learned about before, so this journey was sure to be a difficult one. “What’s being Muslim? I had to figure that out on my own. I had to figure out what hijab was on my own. I wasn’t really exposed to that.” She began reading the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, which teaches modesty and chastity. The Qur’an says a woman is required to follow the dress code called hijab. Muslim women view wearing the hijab as an act of faith and feel a sense of honor, respect and dignity from wearing it. Surprisingly, Razzaque realized, “When I wear the hijab, I’m not looked at for my outside appearance anymore. When people see me now, I automatically get respect.” Nonetheless, people have a hard time getting used to the hijab, as did Razzaque. “When I started trying on the veil, trying to see what it was like...” she stops to explain that you can’t quite go from wearing jeans and short sleeves to “all this,” using her hands to illuminate

“I feel like I finally found my purpose in life and it all goes back to my relationship with God.” Rabbia Razzaque UTSA student

to self-discovery. “He spoke to us about happiness and how you literally look in all the wrong places, and it literally hit me, because I felt like at that moment, that was the exact same thing I was doing.” Rabbia remembers, “As he was speaking, I was like crying like, ‘Oh My God, this is what I’ve been doing my whole life! What is wrong with me?’” she shouted. This random speaker who came to Razzaque’s school triggered something inside her to learn about God. But this was

her modest clothes. “It took me a long time; it was little baby steps I had to take.” Razzaque wasn’t the only person getting used to her new identity; her family had to get used to it too. Razzaque says no one in her family wore the hijab, “So it was a big step for me to wear it on my own.” Taken by surprise, Razzaque’s family had their own set of reactions. “Why are you wearing that?” they would ask. Her dad said, “You’re not going outside wearing that?” in a curious, but wor-

ried tone. “People are going to make fun of you.” Despite what her family said, Razzaque remained headstrong and embraced her new modest appearance. In western society, the hijab has come to symbolize oppression or forced silence. In Islam, however, it’s neither. The hijab symbolizes freedom for women– freedom from the constant judgment of self-appearance. Razzaque laughs and says, “It’s so ironic when people say, ‘Oh, you’re so oppressed,’ because I have never felt so free in my life.” She adds, “I felt more enslaved back then; I felt oppressed then because I felt like I had to dress a certain way, act a certain way, like I had to fit in.” She continues talking quickly in a somber tone, “I felt enslaved to what society wants me to be like,” she says, “but now that I found what God wants me to be, I feel like I have a higher purpose. I feel free now. It’s just liberating.” Far from humiliating or oppressing, wearing a hijab grants respect and presents a separate and unique identity. The hijab covering also provides a sense of beauty for Razzaque. She uses an analogy with a diamond to express her newfound beauty. She starts off slowly, thinking about her choice of words, “I think about it sometimes as, the most beautiful things aren’t found just lying on the streets. You don’t find diamonds just lying on the street.” She begins to speak quickly as she becomes inspired. “They’re closed up, they’re covered. You have to go to a store and you have to ask someone to look at them and they have to open up the case and get the key and stuff,” she continues. “So the most precious of things aren’t just lying on the floor, they’re covered up and they’re protected and sheltered.”

After 9/11, there has been a controversial obsession with the hijab. Some people are scared and cautious to approach Muslims like Razzaque. However, as a student at UTSA, Rabbia feels welcomed and accepted.

When explaining the hijab’s purpose and why she wears it, she says, “I feel like if you understand what you’re doing it for, then it’s worth the fight. If you’re passionate about it, it’s worth fighting for.” Razzaque no longer feels ner-

“After 9/11, it got so difficult. I had friend’s moms that took them [hijabs] off just for the fear of being attacked.” Rabbia Razzaque UTSA Student

“At UTSA, there’s a lot of diversity, so I definitely feel comfortable,” she says. UTSA has nearly one thousand Muslim students and about 500 of them are a part of the on-campus organization, Muslim Student Association. Razzaque has been lucky not to have encountered the discrimination that other Muslim students may experience across the nation. A simple Google search provides heart-wrenching stories of Muslim students in America who aren’t as accepted as Razzaque. Daily, Muslim students are discriminated and teased for their appearance and culture. Razzaque says softly, “One of my friends got told she had to go back home [by another student].” Razzaque explains this struggle for Muslim women isn’t just for women in America; it’s a global issue. “It’s a constant struggle to find your purpose and once you find your purpose, you hold on to it,” she says. After searching for her own purpose and happiness, Razzaque found her self-worth by reclaiming her faith and learning about Islam. “I found my beauty through God,” she says. Although she receives constant stares and odd questions daily, Razzaque is passionate for her faith and the relationship she has with herself and with God.

vous or anxious to put on her hijab and step outside. She has found her happiness through God and wearing the hijab. “The hijab means everything to me. I could never find myself or figure out who I am in any other way. I am not myself when I’m not wearing the hijab.” Razzaque feels her identity, as a Muslim woman, is an identity that comes with great power. “I feel like I’m carrying the message of Islam just being who I am. It’s a huge honor that I have.” “People ask me, ‘what does wearing the hijab mean to me?’” she stutters. “I would pretty much die for it. It means everything to me,” she says. “This is my journey I have taken in my life, it took me a lot of rough patches to get where I am now, and literally, I am at more peace with myself than I have ever been before.” She starts to smile. “I feel more free than I ever have before. I feel like I finally found my purpose in life and it all goes back to my relationship with God.” Razzaque feels that neither she, nor any Muslim woman, should be looked at sympathetically. She is not oppressed or a terrorist– she is simply liberated.

Muslim women at UTSA explain Islamic dress Marcia Perales Intern

paseo@paisano-online.com

Will Tallent/ The Paisano

Islam is not a culture– it is a religion. Muslims are not a race– they are believers of Islam. Muslim women are not oppressed– they are liberated. Misconceptions are commonly circulated about traditional Islamic dress and what it means. Muslim students at UTSA speak about the different Islamic clothing they choose to wear and what it means to them. “Simply plain ignorance,” says Jasmin Ali, UTHSC pre-med junior, “has misled Westerners to believe that Muslim women are oppressed.” Ali was born Muslim, but her family converted before her birth. As a Muslim-American woman, she understands the struggles of Muslim women in western society and culture. One false belief is that Muslim women are required by patriarchal society to be covered, which hinders them from being individuals. The truth is much different from the common misconception that a veil is intended to segregate women from society. In actuality, it is intended to protect them from society. According to Islam belief, Muslim women are deemed to be of great importance and thus, highly protected. Discovering that they were not born Muslim but converted to Islam may be shocking to a misled Westerner. In clockwise order, the hijab, chador, niqab and burqa are all traditional Islamic styles of dress. The Islamic holy text, The majority of the women who covthe Quran, only dicates that women cover their heads; however some choose even more conservative coverings. er themselves whole heartedly accept

the covering and find it liberating. Although the Quran, the holy book of Islam, states that women must cover, most Muslim women actually choose to cover themselves. “I feel beautiful and like a queen,” said Miranda Mungia, former UTSA student and member of the Muslim Student Association (MSA). Although Mungia was born Catholic, she completed her Shahadah (conversion to Islam) two years ago and has never looked back. She has worn a hijab for a little over a year and feels that is has brought her closer to her family and to God. Some Muslim women choose to cover themselves more than the hijab allows. The niqab allows a woman to cover her entire face except for her eyes. “I hope to one day wear the niqab, Insha’Allah (God willing),” Mungia states, while also mentioning she would like to wear the burqa, which is the complete full covering with only a small screen that allows women to see through, “But in America, it is a bit more shocking.” “I like it, I like it a lot [but] personally would not wear a niqab because it would be hard to do things in this country. If I moved to another country, I would definitely test it out,” said Ali. Many Westerners don’t fully understand that a half or full-face covering is not required for Muslim women. The Quran requires women to cover everything except their face, hands and feet; therefore, when a Muslim woman covers more than what is required, it is

typically her own choice and a form of protection. Muslim women feel that respect is typically given to a woman wearing a covering. “It feels good because you are treated in a respectful manner,” said Ali. She proceeds to tell incidences of how American men tend not to look at her, open the doors for her and try to avoid touching her or invading her personal space. That respect is the overall goal of a Muslim woman who covers herself. Some cultures and regions in the Middle East do, however, require women to wear a full covering, such as a burqa, which covers the entire face with only a small screen for the woman to see through. These are cultural limitations and are not always interpreted as a religious requirement of Islam. According to Ali, cultural practices are acceptable, as long as “[One] never turns cultural practices into Islam.” Islamic education teaches a Muslim woman the importance of covering herself and that modesty is important to show a sign of respect for God and Islam. Ali and Mungia are both devout Muslims who have chosen to proudly wear a covering out of respect for themselves and out of devotion for Allah. More information about Islam and its women can be found through attending an MSA meeting. Information can be found at their website: www. utsa-msa.org or by checking out www. islamswomen.com

ARTS&LIFE

6 February 19, 2013

{Local Events}

Tw e e t , t w e e t : B i r d B a k e r y s a t i s f i e s the sweet tooth without the guilt Chalkboards hang from cream-colored with a handwritten menu. The rustic furniture is quaint and the cupcakes are plentiful at Broadway’s Bird Bakery. Bird Bakery, as the name suggests, serves primarily baked goods. Their specialty is cupcakes–about 15 different types. The menu consists of a variety of baked goods including brownies, lemon bars, cookies and small pies. The bakery offers many items in smaller versions: mini cupcakes, pies and cookies placed in plastic bags with the Bird Bakery logo. Cupcakes come in traditional flavors from red velvet to carrot cake but Bird Bakery also offers unique flavors such as the Elvis, which contains peanut butter buttercream frosting and topped with a banana slice. Items are baked every hour so flavors may vary by time and day. The cupcakes are dense, but moist, and so sweet, they can easily be enjoyed without the frosting. That’s not to say that the two don’t pair well together. The frosting is smooth and creamy with just the right amount served on each cupcake. Cupcakes and pastries are served on small, warm plates that are perfectly sized for the little treasures. In one word, the bakery’s items can be described as flavorful. Bird Bakery offers a Monster Cookie packed with house-made granola, M&M’s and raisins. The cookie is so rich and dense, it could easily satisfy two people. Seasonal items, such as the gluten-free cupid’s mix–a sweet snack mix or red and pink heart-shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day, are also served. Bird Bakery’s menu doesn’t stop at sweets. The lunch menu

Wednesday, Feb. 20 11 a.m. Exhibit: “Fresh Flavors” The Bright Shawl Gallery presents “Fresh Flavors,” a gallery featuring 26 submissions from eight different artists. The works are currently being considered as the cover art for the Junior League’s coming cookbook, “Fresh Flavors.” General admission is free. Will Talent / The Paisano

arts@paisano-online.com

is short but appropriate for a bakery. They offer a variety of sandwiches from the traditional turkey to one featuring Nutella. They also serve their own rendition of a PB&J made with jalapeño raspberry jelly and crunchy peanut butter. The sandwiches, most of which are served with soft bread, chips and a pickle spear, are so well made, they could have come from a deli. The lettuce and tomato are fresh and the turkey is plentiful. Sandwiches are served atop brown wax paper and scallop-trimmed tin trays. Like their cupcakes, the sandwich menu also changes. Customers can now order the California Turkey with cranberry mayo or the Nostalgic Grilled Cheese. The Bird Bakery serves specialty coffees, fresh lemonade and teas that are organic, local and caffeine free. Coffee and lattes are served in coffee cups with a bird perched on the handle and cold drinks are served in clear, plastic cups with the Bird Bakery logo. Service is quick and friendly. They do get busy on Saturdays around lunchtime, but staff is attentive and efficient. Seating is limited, but the entire menu is available to-go in charming bakery boxes, which can be just as much of a treat as dining in. Many customers remark on how “cute” and impressive the bakery is. With birds as the theme for the establishment, everything from the coffee cups to the bird feeder outside the door create a charming, whimsical milieu. Bird Bakery could easily be chalked up to a Pinterest-like, trendy bakery, and as long as San Antonians crave sweet and appealing desserts, Bird Bakery will be a go-to for many in the Alamo Heights area. It’s charming and welcoming, with pastries so flavorful, patrons will want to buy extras to take home.

AnArte Gallery (7959 Broadway) presents “From Alpha to Gamma,” art from local artist Russel Stephenson. It features works described by Stephenson as “transcendental artifacts” and “imaginary landscapes,” along with art using experimental methods for expression. Admission is free.

A petite “Black and White” cupcake is served on a dainty porcelain saucer.

Thursday, Feb. 21 7 p.m. Movie: “Moulin Rouge Quote and Sing-Along” Alamo Drafthouse Park North (618 N.W. Loop 410) presents a quote and sing-along to the movie “Moulin Rouge.” Props will be made available for an immersive experience, along with a CanCan dancing contest. Admission is $10.

8:00 p.m. UCPC Coffeehouse: Open Mic University Center Program Council presents “Open Mic,” as part of its Coffeehouse Series. Students are given five minutes for comedy, poetry, dancing or singing. The event will be held in the UC Ski Lodge (UC 1.01.00). Admission is free for all UTSA students

Friday, Feb. 22 7 p.m. Creative Writing Reading Series: Teju Cole Will Talent / The Paisano

Janae Rice Arts Assistant

Tuesday, Feb. 19 11 a.m. Exhibit: Russel Stephenson: “From Alpha to Gamma”

The Department of English presents Teju Cole in their Creative Writing Series. As part of the presentation, Cole will be reading from few of his works. Admission is free.

For the week’s full calendar, visit:

Bird Bakery’s own PB&J made with jalapeno raspberry jelly and crunchy peanut butter spread.

paisano-online.com

It’s time to sit down and talk at the annual ‘Great Conversation!’ dinner Janae Rice Arts Assistant

arts@paisano-online.com It’s not Facebook and it’s not twitter—it’s just good conversation. UTSA’s Honors College will host the annual ‘Great Conversation!’ fundraiser to support the Honors College scholarships at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb.

26. The event, held at the Institute of Texan Cultures, will offer 38 tables dedicated to conversations in the areas of arts, business, education, politics and science. This signature event will host prominent community leaders and UTSA professors leading stimulating conversations like Preserving Native American Culture, Can Women Have It

All? and Unlocking the Secret of Stem Cells. Students attending the event will have the opportunity to network and meet influential people. The event is held to help raise money to support scholarships for Honors College students; however, the conversations raise awareness about significant cultural and intellectual topics that affect

Spiritual Experiences Guidebook Past Lives, Dreams, Soul Travel and More . . . Free Guidebook, CD and Discussion

Thursday, February 21, 7:30-8:30 p.m. University Center 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room)

Find keys to accelerate your pursuit of truth and creative techniques to enrich your daily life. Enjoy the journey! Info: Omid Ghasemi (e-mail) - qys128@my.utsa.edu or Call Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization

UTSA students and San Antonio community members. The ‘Great Conversation!’ which began as a lecture series led by Harriett Romo from the UTSA Department of Sociology, has provided support to hundreds of students over the past 10 years. Current sponsors include The Wells Fargo Foundation, Anheuser-Busch, Alpha Building Corporation and H-E-B. This year, a portion of the proceeds will go to the creation of an endowment in support of

learning opportunities outside the classroom. The endowment will have three programs: the Archer Fellows Program (D.C.), Legislative Scholars (Austin), and the Summer Law School Preparation Academy (San Antonio). Table conversations will be led by President Ricardo Romo on What makes Vincent Van Gogh so Famous, Davis Spencer on Beer, BBQ and a Bus: Texas Tailgating Secrets and Mary McNaughton-Cassill from the department of psy-

chology on Mind the Gap: How Do We Cope With Stress in the Modern World? Tickets range from $65 for UTSA Alumni and $85 for individuals. To purchase tickets, call 210-458-5162 or visit the ‘Great Conversation!’ website at utsa.edu/greatconversation.

Follow Arts & Life on Twitter @PaisanoArts This week on paisano-online.com: “Buddy: Buddy Holly the Musical” is rocking out at the Cameo Theatre. and the Creative Writing Reading Series presents Teju Cole.

SPORTS

7 February 19, 2013

Former Roadrunner Lloyd Williams dreams of returning as coach Delaney Marlowe Assistant Sports Editor

UTSA was ranked eight out of 10 in the preseason coaches poll. Photo Credit Courtesy of USD / The Athletics Paisano

Courtesy of UTSA Athletics

They say, ‘you can’t go home again,’ but that’s exactly what former UTSA basketball player Lloyd Williams hopes to do. After Williams played basketball for UTSA for four years, he was hired as an assistant coach at the university. Throughout his career, Williams has coached in Texas, Oklahoma and South Dakota, but his goal was to return to his alma mater. Williams’ love of basketball started at a young age. “I was in first grade when I started to play basketball,” said Williams. “It’s been a part of my life every single day since then. I don’t know what I would do without it because I’m very passionate about this game.” Even when he began to play, Williams showed promise as a player. As a first grader, his dad insisted that Williams play for the third grade team. Despite the coach’s initial doubt, Williams held his own against players two-years- older and significantly taller than him. Williams’ talent took him to UTSA where he started for the basketball team all four years. From 1996 through 2000, Williams set team records in assists with 536 and steals with 237; he also helped the Roadrunners secure the team’s first ever Southland Conference title. “I’ve always played an uptempo style game. That’s how I feel basketball should be played: defensively aggressive, man to man,” said Williams. His aggressive style earned him a spot as an assistant coach at UTSA after graduation.

Will Tallent/ The Paisano

sports@paisano-online.com

Former UTSA point guard, Lloyd Williams, is second all time in career assists with 536 and 237 career steals.

During his time as a coach, Williams has moved across state borders four times: from Texas to Oklahoma, back

movement for me, but I’ve had the chance to meet and work with some great coaches along the way.” Since leaving UTSA, Williams has coached at Rogers State University in Okla. where he was an assistant and later a head. During his time at the university, Williams helped the team to a 30-1 record for the season and a number one ranking in the nation. “It was by far the greatest accomplishment of my coaching career. It was something I can’t explain and such an amazing time. I sometimes get overwhelmed thinking about it,” said Williams. However, even with an ac-

“My goal is to one day come back and be the head coach at UTSA.” Lloyd Williams

Assistant Coach at University of South Dakota to Texas, back to Oklahoma, then to South Dakota where he is the assistant coach at the University of South Dakota. “[Moving] seems to be the nature of the business,” said Williams of his coaching career. “There’s been a lot of

complishment like that under his belt, Williams still has dreams for his future. “My goal is still to one day come back and be the head coach at UTSA and take them to the national championship,” said Williams. “Nothing against Coach Thompson, he is doing a great job, I just don’t think that there would be anything sweeter than coaching at UTSA.” Williams has coached twice at UTSA since graduation, both times as an assistant coach; but with his winning experience as a coach and his history at UTSA, it might be possible to make his dreams a reality.

Baseball under new management in a new conference Mario Nava

Assistant Sports Editor sports@paisano-online.com Embarking on their 21st season, the UTSA baseball team says goodbye to a conference, and more importantly, to a head coach. Since 1992, UTSA baseball has been part of the Southland Conference and during that time, won four conference championships, two of which (2007, 2008) were under the guidance of longtime Head Coach Sherman Corbett. Corbett resigned last May after taking over the program in 2001. Despite these major changes, UTSA baseball is still in familiar hands. In his first official season as head coach, Jason Marshall is no stranger to Roadrunner baseball. Marshall’s UTSA career began alongside Corbett in 2001 served as an assistant coach for 12 seasons. Marshall

is optimistic about the future of the program after experiencing firsthand some difficult stretches of UTSA baseball. “Looking ahead, I like our team this year from the standpoint we have a lot of guys returning,” Marshall said. “I think we are at least in a starting spot to where we feel good about our team moving forward into this season.” UTSA has a fresh hope that is much needed after three straight losing seasons. The Roadrunners finished with a 22-32 overall record in 2012 and an 11-21 record in Southland Conference play. All in all, the team dealt with some nagging injuries that altered the lineups and rotations, making it difficult to find consistency on the field. Continue reading at www.paisano-online.com

8 February 19, 2013

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