It is good to know that India is being exposed in front of the entire world and that we are not looking like the ones that are just spreading our own propaganda.
IMREN KAUR DEMONSTRATOR AGAINST INDIA
BOYCOTT, DIVEST, SANCTION
NEW CANADIAN LAW
We cannot let our economy be used as poker chips in Trump’s protectionist schemes.
Content warning: mentions of slavery and genocide.
“Even plunderers are human beings whose violent ambitions must contend with the guilt that gnaws at them when they meet the eyes of their victims.” — Ta-Nehisi Coates, author and journalist
Ta-Nehisi Coates writes not to inform, but to address. In The Message, he writes to his “comrades” — the students at Howard University. He guides the book’s topical issues regarding narratives of the oppressed by using first person (“I”) and second person (“you”) points of view to create a relationship with readers. Rather than just reporting, he decenters the idea that issues regarding the oppressed are morally complex. The stark level of humanity that Coates approaches his topics with is haunting and prevents readers from looking away.
Senegal, South Carolina, and Palestine. These three places inform Coates’ efforts to decenter the distorted, oppressor-created narratives of the oppressed. He uses soul-stirring imagery to describe these places in their true form, as opposed to the way it takes shape through oppressor perspectives.
Oppressors need to create myths in order to uphold illusions that justify their actions. While specific details may be dense, the morality of the situations are not. Coates argues that those who suffer tend to have their stories shaped by the oppressors themselves, which make moral violations feel distorted.
In Dakar, Senegal, Coates is overcome with the feeling that he is about to confront a truth he has known his entire life. He talks about visiting the Island of Gorée, where 20 million Africans were bought and sold into slavery. While being flooded with grief, he describes how Senegal is filled with people whose beauty feels natural to him. He is reminded of Nubia, with his parents’ stories imprinted in his mind. To him, it’s a stark reminder of how this beauty was ripped apart by the slave trade — how peaceful, uninterrupted families were thrusted onto ships and sent away for the benefit of another. It calls to light the idea of so-called “superior” groups who give themselves the power to dictate who gets to live their lives the way they want to. This excursion reveals the power of storytelling and
how these stories can only feel true once they’re confronted headon. Coates leaves Senegal feeling a sense of kinship with the land and people, as well as a desire to confront his truth.
In his next two travels, the role of the oppressor is made more apparent. Coates leaves feeling a sense of kinship with those who fight against the narratives of the oppressor. The right-wing state of South Carolina finds his book, Between The World and Me, offensive. This book discusses white-privilege and how Black people are constantly under threat by it. Parents complain this may make some of the white children feel guilt. Once a group’s privilege feels threatened, it’s usually because the narratives they are taught are distorted. Facing an uncomfortable truth is more than discomfort — it is a confrontation, one that needs to be addressed, and that’s what Coates does as he ropes readers into the truths he learns.
The final and longest section of the book documents his travel and insights from Palestine and the Israeli-occupied regions. He looks at the Israeli occupation not as a complex moral issue, but one that presents itself that way, when in reality it is undeniably one of genocide and injustice. Coates travels through various parts of the West Bank and reveals how identity plays a crucial part in who gets rights. The idea of civilness is only applied to the settlers, whereas the Palestinian people are limited in their ability to travel through the country. He travels and becomes comrades with an ex-IDF soldier who regrets his service upon seeing the realities of the people his former institution oppresses. He speaks to Palestinian vendors, chauffeurs, and those who are at the centre of the atrocities. Coates gives a platform to those whose voices have been stripped from the traditional media, but writes that the story of Palestine is not his to tell.
By providing the excerpts of those that fight and continue to find ways to keep their homes, he confronts readers with the truths that are shaped by the language and storytelling around us. For Coates, it is through travel where he is able to derive that truths can only be told by those who are subjected to its oppression.
The Message can be ordered on Massy Books’ website.
As the drums rattled and the bass and guitar plucked their first few notes, the anticipation reached an all time high in the room.
NCAA hockey is not only a great game, it’s a pathway to the NHL and it provides hockey players education and a future in the game.
MARK COLETTA
SFU RED LEAFS HOCKEY HEAD COACH
HOME GAMES
AWAY GAMES
GSWS 103-3 Body Talk
Spring 2025 Courses
Mondays: 14:30 – 16:20 (lecture) plus 1 hr tutorial
Coleman Nye
Introduces students to the field of GSWS through the body as a site of inquiry We explore how bodies are shaped, experienced, and studied across different historical, political, and social contexts Topics include: state management of bodies through modes of surveillance, reproductive politics, or public health policy; the body as a source of self-determination and self-expression, bodies and technologies, such as genetics, contraceptives, and cell phones; and bodies and the environment, including disability, food, and climate
GSWS 318-4 Gendering the War on Terror
Thursdays: 16:30 – 20:20
Mariam Georgis
This course will examine the racial, gendered, and political impacts of the Global War on Terror Much of the coverage of this War has focused on global counterterrorism, the security of states (and people) in the global North, and the world after 9/11 In this course, we will draw on decolonial, postcolonial and other critical feminist frameworks to focus on the perspective of the ‘Others’ whose lives were forever changed due to the Global War on Terror
GSWS 321-4 Indigeneities Around the Globe
Fridays: 8:30 – 12:20
Mariam Georgis
Often, Indigeneity is associated with the continents of North and South America, and Oceania In this course, we will broaden this understanding of Indigeneity by globalizing Indigeneities and colonialism(s) We will begin with an introductory overview of Indigenous feminisms to explore the connections of colonialism(s) across space, time, and geography We will pay special attention to historical contexts and formations, sovereignty, land and resource rights, Indigenous knowledges, and Indigenous struggles/movements for decolonization We will begin with frameworks/approaches to Indigeneities and transition into focusing on sites of Indigeneity across the globe
All GSWS course outlines available at: w w
DEAR PEAKIE
MFA CODE 30
I checked my phone to get my and now I’m spiralling down the social media rabbit hole
haileymiller-staffwriter
I have a love-hate relationship with multi-factor authentication (MFA). OK, mostly hate. It’s a pain in the ass, but at the same time, it fends off the hackers . . . or so they tell us. Psst, maybe it’s just a scheme. Is anyone actually roaming around to take some random student’s university info anyway? What really gets on my nerves is how often I have to get an MFA code when it times out after what seems like a mere 0.2 seconds. Looking at you, SFU email and Canvas.
Relying on some ridiculous code that annoyingly flashes like a so-called important warning sign is the worst. It changes in the blink of an eye, and I need it every time I log in to the damn university computing system. As a busy student, I don’t have time for this. Don’t even get me started on the fact that every time I scramble to input my MFA code before the sign-in system closes out, I have to smash those keys like no tomorrow to get the code in before it disappears into the void forever. As if the time limit isn’t stressful enough, just wait until you type the code in wrong and have to start the whole rigmarole over again. Ugh.
The only silver lining is that, somehow, when I begrudgingly mosey on over to my MFA app — which I don’t even care to recall the name of — I suddenly find myself immersed in the abyss of a social media fantasy. As I aimlessly doom scroll across various media platforms, group chats, texts, and even emails (how enthralling!), I forget what I’ve even grabbed my phone for in the first place. It’s not like I mean to get hooked by my socials and notifications. It just happens. I have no control over the fact that this code has automatically transported me from some random MFA app to the depths of a social media rabbit hole.
I’m tapping into social media, and, oh . . . wait, I have to input an MFA code even though I’m already logged in. What kind of sorcery is this? Before I know it, “How to Use MFA” videos pop up on my search and discovery pages across Facebook and Instagram. How entertaining. Back to the home pages I go, and bam! MFA ads for some undisclosed MFA app . . . not sketchy at all.
Don’t even talk to me about TikTok. It’s scarred me too much because it reminds me of the ticking of the codes as they count down and disappear before I get the chance to see what they could’ve been . . . all for some useless login. How tragic.
I just came for the damn code, and now sirens are going off in my head as warning signals whoop for me to check every notification at once. All I wanted was to unlock my student accounts so I could frantically search for an assignment that was never posted in the first place, and pretend to read the “What’s On” emails before deleting them. Is that so much to ask? I swear I’m not distracted; I’ve just been taken to every social media page against my will . . . even MySpace, and I don’t have an account. What a trip. Multi-factor authentication? More like multi-faceted annoyance.
Peakie helps you navigate the aftermath of the atmospheric river
Dear Peakie,
A couple weeks ago, when I was in bed manifesting that my basement would get flooded soon, an ATMOSPHERIC RIVER was not what I meant. My bestie, who’s been nagging me for months to get tenant insurance, might’ve been on to something . . . How can I avoid similar situations in future manifestations?
Sincerely, I guess it is possible to be too wet
Dear I guess it is possible to be too wet,
That is truly terrible, and I am so sorry for this soggy situation. Might I suggest starting small when manifesting? Maybe a little trickle or a stream instead of a full-on flood? Don’t forget; specificity is key! I leave you with the wise words of The Pussycat Dolls: “Be careful what you wish for ‘cause you just might get it.”
Desperately, Peakie
Dear Peakie,
Brooooooo, forced displacement is wild. I was just out here trying to live my best fishy life, when I noticed a sharp increase in the amount of cars around me (yes, fish know about cars. Ariel mentions them in an unreleased verse of “Part of Your World”). I was like, “Woaahhhh. I think I’m in the streets, homie!” but before my scaly friend could respond, a large hand grabbed him out of the water! How do I navigate this new reality?
Deadass, The Salmon in The Flooded Streets of Coquitlam
Dear Salmon of Coquitlam,
My guy! That is wild. You’ve had a hectic adventure so far, and I know it is not done yet. You still have so much to do and see, so take this flooding as a sign. A sign from Triton himself that you are meant for much more than others of salmonkind. Use this to your advantage and see all that Ariel has seen! But the best way to navigate this boring and dry situation is to listen to the advice of my other fishy friend, Dory. She has this rather joyful saying, “just keep swimming.”
From your bro, Peakie
Dear Peakie,
People keep sending me links to websites explaining the dangers of floodwater, but I don’t care. If I turn into a teenage mutant ninja turtle because I wanted to do some front crawl in my driveway, so be it. What if THIS is the water that turns the frogs gay? I wouldn’t want to miss out on that! How do I explain to everyone that I don’t care about science and public health?
Swimmingly, The Maritime Adventurer
Dear Maritime Adventurer,
I totally agree with you that if you want to soak in the floodwater, you must deal with the consequences of your actions. Haven’t you heard? The votes have been counted and re-counted and British Columbians decided that right-wing conspiracy theories are simply not the vibe. Don’t listen to everything everyone tells you (except me because I’m usually right and like that’s the whole point of an advice column). Considering that it would be pretty bad for me if you sent me another message stating that something bad happened to you, I’ll just be straight up. Get out of the yucky water; the viral video is not worth the tetanus. As for stating that you don’t care about science and public health . . . maybe keep that to yourself.
Sincerely,
Peakie
SARAH SOROCHUK PEAK ASSOCIATE
November 4–10
your weekly horoscopes
Featuring your local campus raccoons as guest writers
Aries March 21–April 19
Stop and smell the flowers, err . . . pet the raccoons. But seriously, just relax. You’re getting too far ahead of yourself these days. You should take a step back and remember what’s truly important: crawling in sewer drains and checking out garbage cans.
Cancer June 21–July 22
You’ve been down on your luck lately, and could probably use some good karma. Maybe try leaving a muffin from Tims on the bench next time you have to head to class (ideally blueberry). If that doesn’t work, you can always drop a pizza off at the entrance to your local sewer.
Libra September 23–October 22
The stars say that you’ll befriend a talking blue jay this week. As a logical next step, you two should probably get jobs as park groundskeepers. Don’t plan on actually doing any work, though. You’re better off messing around and avoiding responsibility as much as possible. Just be on the lookout for any anthropomorphic gumball machines. It’s probably best to steer clear of them this week.
Capricorn
December 22–January 19
Be vigilant this week. Animal control is on the lookout, and you could be next if you’re not careful. The stars suggest laying low for a while, and keeping your wits about you. Try not to take it too personally, though. Some people just hate to see a trash bandit thriving.
Taurus April 20–May 20
You know that Beatles song “Rocky Raccoon?” Consider it a warning. Whatever you do, stay away from anyone named Dan. He’ll only do bad things for your romantic relationships. If you do encounter Dan, do not challenge him to a duel at the local saloon to win back your love. You’re probably not listening to this advice, are you? Oh well . . . at least you’ll have Gideon’s Bible.
Leo July 23–August 22
Express yourself! Don’t be afraid to step out in that bold, new style you’ve been wanting to try. The world is your runway, so go strut. Black eyeshadow, a fur coat, and a striped tail are all the rage right now. Trust me, everyone cool is doing it. If you really want to elevate your look, add some whiskers.
Scorpio
October 23–November 21
Get ready to pull some all-nighters this week. While everyone else is sleeping, you’ll be working. You know how Lil Wayne said, “Real Gs move in silence like lasagna?” He was talking about raccoons. Take a page out of our book and hit that twilight grind mode. Pretty soon, you’ll have night vision.
Aquarius
January 20–February 18
So what if you have rabies? Don’t let your ailments define you. Focus on the good, whatever that may be. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a little pick-me-up this week. How about raiding the garbage of the fanciest restaurant in town? Go ahead. You deserve it.
Gemini May 21–June 20
Coffee, energy drinks, cold showers; you’ve tried everything to stay awake. Give up. Stop trying. Become nocturnal. Think about it: does anything that important even happen during the day? Nighttime is where it’s at. Let’s be honest; you were probably already half asleep during your 8:00 a.m. class anyway.
Virgo
August 23–September 22
Furry, nimble, likes to scurry around on all fours . . . I just described your crush, didn’t I? Be on the lookout for love this week, as that special someone you’ve been longing for just might finally show interest. Start thinking of romantic date ideas. Maybe the dumpster behind A&W at sunset? Just a suggestion.
Sagittarius
November 22–December 21
Get ready for an adventure. If you’ve ever had superhero dreams, now is your time. This week might find you travelling through space, chasing villainous thieves in pursuit of a powerful orb. But don’t worry, you won’t be alone. You’ll have a crew behind you, including a treelike alien with a limited vocabulary.
Pisces
February 19–March 20
Don’t be afraid to take a risk this week. Happen to stumble upon a bear in hibernation with a stockpile of food? Go ahead, take his stash. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? Actually . . . don’t answer that. Maybe you shouldn’t listen to this horoscope. Although, the stars say you’ll probably disregard that advice and go for it anyways. Oh well, just befriend a motley crew of forest creatures and I’m sure you’ll be fine.
LUCAIAH SMITH-MIODOWNIK NEWS WRITER
ILLUSTRATION: DEN KINANTI AND MARISSA OUYANG / THE PEAK
