Peace in Palestine

REALITY BITES

If we don’t immediately reduce our emissions, we’re in for a world of hurt.

DR. TIM TAKARO

FLARING FUMES

YASMIN VEJS SIMSEK IWD CHAIR

Now more than ever, it’s important that we stand together in the name of equity for women everywhere.

ACTION FOR EQUALITY

The BC curriculum must prioritize Black representation

We should push for more impactful Black literature in classrooms

HANNAH FRASER SFU STUDENT

Content warning: mentions of racism, enslavement, and sexual assault.

Last November, the Surrey School District pulled four books discussing racial issues from the reading curriculum for Grade 10–12 students. The reason? Students felt unsafe in their classrooms after reading through the normalized use of derogatory language in some of the books. These titles were To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, and In the Heart of the Night by John Ball. These books no longer provide a contemporary representation of diverse racialized experiences. With the exception of Alexie, these titles are written by white authors. Students deserve better and more modern representations of racism, and this should have come earlier. Educating children about racial issues without any Black authors undermines children’s understanding of them. We now have literature that resonates with Black children and helps contribute to conversations surrounding racial inequality.

In replacement of these books, the District has proposed other books such as Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and Brother by David Chariandy, an English professor at SFU. Unlike the majority of the authors being pulled from the curriculum, these are all Black authors. Last semester, I read Beloved and The Nickel Boys, and both authors presented particularly poignant and authentic perspectives on “past” racial issues continuing into the present. More speci cally, the authors illustrated the debilitating aftermath of being enslaved, in addition to reform schools where young Black boys were sent, even if they did not commit any crimes. Only now are these books being suggested for the BC curriculum.

Reading books like To Kill a Mockingbird did not even give me half as much insight into Black experiences as books like The Nickel Boys and Beloved did, which helped me gain a better understanding of how racism persists today. The district doesn’t cite a clear reason for the removal of Alexie’s book, other than “controversial themes.” However, it is notable that Alexie has already been deplatformed by multiple organizations due to allegations of sexual assault.

Though there is an important history behind the pulled books to learn about, that history — which is equally Black history — is incomplete without any authentic Black perspectives.

BC Premier David Eby called the removal of the older books from the curriculum a “wrong,” despite these books still being available to read in the library. Unlike others, Eby did not commend the remarkable e orts of the Surrey School District to better represent the history of anti-Black racism. Instead, Eby urgently tried to point out that larger issues are at hand, like children being able to easily access o ensive or explicit

Yes, your healthcare concerns are valid

Doctors need to start take their patients’ diverse concerns seriously

SAIJE RUSIMOVICI STAFF WRITER

Content warning: mentions of medical trauma.

No person’s mind or body is the same. As individuals, we all have diverse healthcare needs based on sex, gender, and sexual orientation. It can be intimidating enough to arrive at a doctor’s o ce, fearful of being judged or medically gaslit when talking about issues like sexual health and intimacy, options for birth control, or mental health. I remember arriving at my doctor’s o ce bracing myself for judgement when I wanted to discuss options for birth control. On a similar occasion, I found myself hiding or downplaying symptoms of my obsessivecompulsive disorder because I was fearful of how my intrusive thoughts might be perceived. Thankfully, that didn’t happen and I’m grateful to have a family doctor that is knowledgeable and kind with a progressive attitude toward modern healthcare. Yet, for many other people this is not the case.

Women experience dismissal by doctors far too often. Gender bias in medicine is a huge problem in the healthcare system. According to The Washington Post, a woman was called “dramatic” because she asked for a brain scan after experiencing severe headaches — that pain was a result of a tumour growing in her brain. The article also points out that in comparison to cisgender men, women with severe abdominal pain were 25% less likely to be provided opioids for their unbearable discomfort. And get this: women experiencing symptoms of heart disease are twice as likely as men with the same symptoms to be diagnosed with a mental health condition rst. Too often, women are not trusted to be familiar with their bodies and their symptoms are brushed o . There

are even reported cases of women who experience extreme pain with an IUD (used to prevent pregnancy), and doctors ignore their requests to stop the insertion. This is a complete violation of patient consent.

Absurd? Unbelievable? Yup. And it happens way more often than you think.

For 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, the fear of being judged or mistreated by healthcare professionals is also very prevalent. Around 9% of these individuals noted their doctors used harsh or even abusive language during treatment. And no, it’s not as easy as “ nding another doctor.” In BC alone, there are nearly 900,000 patients who don’t have access to a family doctor — and it’s hard to get one.

Trans adults also face challenges in the healthcare system, stemming from the increased likelihood of developing chronic health conditions including mental illness, substance use, and early onset disabilities. In fact, 60% of trans adults reported having poor mental health at least one day a month in comparison to cis adults at only 36%. Trans people often lose access to treatment because of mistreatment by healthcare providers. This ripples into other negative health outcomes, as 40% of trans adults avoid going to the doctor because of discrimination (54% percent of these patients being trans adults of colour). Trans adults frequently face discrimination by healthcare professionals, who refuse to accept them as patients or deny them gender-a rming care. This is essential care that trans people lose access to because of a healthcare

content through their phones. He fails to recognize how these contemporary Black authors pull from their personal experiences and centre Black characters in their narratives, serving as powerful role models for Black children. Eby also overlooks how the scarcity of Black representation in the BC reading curriculum should have been changed much earlier.

I am not shocked to learn that our Premier does not agree with the decision to pull the older books, as governments often want to conceal authentic perspectives as much as possible. Though there is an important history behind the pulled books to learn about, that history is incomplete without any authentic Black perspectives.

Eby and others against the changes should be happy books like To Kill a Mockingbird were pulled from the curriculum. Why hold onto the same, old, and most notably, o ensive books if there are more empowering, representative options? Contrary to Eby’s strong beliefs, the older four books are not the only books that could teach children about racism.

It is not the fact that the older four books do not tell us anything valuable about racism, but that we could use much more insightful pieces of literature to teach children. Pushing for these recommended books to be taught in more classrooms is crucial to actively deal with ongoing racial issues, create more empathetic citizens, and break down any barriers to creating the representation Black children need growing up.

professional’s inability to respect and adapt their practice in order to meet their needs.

Trans adults frequently face discrimination by healthcare professionals, who refuse to accept them as patients or deny them gender-a rming care. Half of trans adults report discrimination or mistreatment by a healthcare provider. This obviously needs to change. The doctor’s o ce shouldn’t be a place you are wary of, but rather a place where your concerns are validated. Gender bias has been an ongoing problem for centuries, as studies focus on cisgender men and so-called “women’s issues” are boxed into their own category. Endometriosis, for example, typically a ects the internal reproductive system, but can also appear in cis men. While that shouldn’t be the sole reason to pay more attention to it, it demonstrates that health issues are not binary. We should be listening to patient concerns, not dismissing them. Everyone deserves the right to feel safe, respected, and cared for in a healthcare environment.

PHOTO: JIN SONG / THE PEAK

PHOTO POLINA ZIMMERMAN / UNSPLASH

HALF-BAKED HEALTHCARE

P ict u re -P erf e ct P hoto gra p hy

Wintry Instagram feeds are over (for the time being). Ditch your snow boots for a pair of Converse and start scoping out the places to go to take your perfect photos. If you need a charming outdoor background for your VSCO or LinkedIn profile, you’re bound to find something to snap a picture of at these spots.

Cherry blossom trees

Where: Honestly, there are lots of options once they start blooming. Some examples are the VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, Queens Park in New Westminster, and Garry Point Park in Richmond. Find an extensive list on the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Tracker.

When: Around March 29–April 25. Why: Nothing says “spring” more than a photo of some fresh, blooming flowers.

Sunsets

Where: Ideally near the water so you can see the pretty colours both on the water and in the sky. Some suggestions include Cypress Lookout in West Vancouver, Terra Nova Rural Park in Richmond, Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area (hello!) and Barnet Marine Park in Burnaby, təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra Regional Park) in Port Moody, and Pitt River Regional Greenway in Pitt Meadows.

When: The sun is projected to set around 7:30 p.m. from March to mid-April, and at around 8:00 p.m. from April–May. After that, expect the sun to set past 9:00 p.m. I’d recommend getting to your preferred spot 15–30 minutes before the sun sets so you can take in the views without worrying too much about your pictures.

Why: Who doesn’t love a good sunset photo?

Forested paths

Where: Immense parks with lots of trees. Pacific Spirit Regional Park near UBC, Central Park in Burnaby, Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam, and Tynehead Regional Park in Surrey come to mind.

When: Daytime, so you’re not stumbling around at night trying to find your way out of the forest. An early-morning woodland jaunt is never a bad idea.

Why: Some neat photos might encourage others to explore the outdoors as well. While you’re out at these parks, it doesn’t hurt to go on a bit of a walk too!

B egi n ner-F rie n dly H ike s

These hikes should take no more than a few hours while providing you with a short, exhilarating jaunt without the highstakes heights. All of these trails will take you around bodies of water of various sizes, ranging from lakes to waterfalls. Enjoy these sights and sounds on a crisp spring morning or a hot summer afternoon — just remember to brush up on your hiking safety before you head out.

Admiralty Point, təmtəmíxʷtən (Belcarra Regional

Park), Port Moody

Length: 5.5 km roundtrip

Elevation gain: 83 m

Average time: 1–2 hrs

What you’ll see: Little coves steps away from the trailhead where you can perch on a rock while enjoying the soft sounds of water splashing onto the shore. Make sure to go when it’s dry out, as the trail itself is a little rocky.

South Shore Trail, Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Burnaby

Length: 7.6 km roundtrip

Elevation gain: 21 m

Average time: 1–2 hrs

What you’ll see: Mirror-like lake reflections, wooden bridge walkways, and di erent types of birds. On clear days, you might even be able to see the silhouettes of tall buildings in the distance.

Serpentine Fen Trail, Serpentine Wildlife Management

Area, Surrey

Length: 3.5 km loop

Elevation gain: 6 m

Average time: 1 hr

What you’ll see: Gravel paths carved alongside shiny riverways with a slight view of the mountains in the background. For the best experience, walk this trail close to sunset and watch the orange hues of the sky tint the river beside you.

Lynn Canyon Loop, Lynn Canyon Park, North Vancouver

Length: 2.3 km

Elevation gain: 109 m

Average time: 1 hr

What you’ll see: Glassy-green waters and an infamous suspension bridge that takes visitors over rushing waterfalls. Also along this trail is the 30-foot pool, a natural swimming pool that’s a great cool-down option for a hot summer’s day (just make sure to abide by the posted signs and don’t jump from the cli s).

From stand-up paddleboards to Sea-Doos (jet skis), there are many activities that will get you out on the water this year. While these are more suited for summer weather, definitely don’t shy away from indulging in these once the warm weather hits. These activities are perfect for enjoying with family, friends, or any other groups that you may want to hit the water with.

Deer Lake Park, Burnaby

Available activities: Walk around the park, fish, or rent a boat.

What can you rent?: Kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and pedalboats — price list can be found on their website.

What to do: Rent a boat with a group of friends or head out on the water with a partner. Not only will you be surrounded by lush trees as you paddle through the lake, but you’ll also get a bit of an arm workout in. If rowing isn’t your style, rent a pedalboat and exercise those lower body muscles!

Light The Night Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour, Vancouver

Available activities: Glow-in-the-dark stand-up paddleboard tours.

What can you rent?: A glow-in-the-dark stand-up paddleboard. What to do: Embark on a glow-in-the-dark paddleboard tour at sunset. While a fair bit pricey, this activity is ideal for those who want to experience the beauty of BC from a di erent perspective. Tours cap o at 12 people per group and last for around 1.5 hours.

Harrison Lake, Harrison Hot Springs

Available activities: An inflatable water park as well as bumper boat and Sea-Doo rentals.

What can you rent?: Sea-Doos and bumper boats.

What to do: Bring out your inner child and spend a day out at Harrison Lake’s inflatable water park. Remember Wipeout? While this course doesn’t have the same big and inflatable red balls, you’re sure to have your share of slips and slides.

[So-called leaders in the Jewish community] do not represent us. We refuse to be led through mechanisms of terror.

Naomi Klein · Author of Doppelganger

As someone who spent their childhood building and combining every LEGO set, it was fascinating to dissect each individual scene.

LEE NISAR PLAYWRIGHT OF DIL KA [Queer, brown, and Muslim] identities do not have to be exclusionary but, rather, inform each other in the most incredible ways.

BUZZCUTS AND BIRYANI

ACQUIRED TASTE

STORYBOOK SOUNDBITES

AWAY

Friday, March 22–Sunday 24: softball at the Stanislaus State Tournament of Champions in Turlock, California

· Opponents include: Cal Poly Humboldt (Friday at 2:00 p.m.), Sonoma State (California) (Friday at 7:00 p.m.), Chico State (California) (Saturday at 11:30 a.m.), California State East Bay (Saturday at 4:30 p.m.), and California State, Dominguez Hills (Sunday at 9:30 a.m.)

· SFU was 1–4 at this tournament last season

Friday, March 22: lacrosse vs. Utah at 3:00 p.m. in Boise, Idaho

· The team is on a three-game winning streak since dropping their rst game to the California Golden Bears, 16–12

· Freshman Oskar Lucas leads the team in scoring with 16 points (9 G, 7 A) in four games played

Saturday, March 23: lacrosse vs. Brigham Young at 2:00 p.m. in Boise, Idaho

· SFU beat Brigham Young by one goal (11–10) when they played last season

· First road trip since their one-game visit to Oregon on March 2

Sunday, March 24: lacrosse vs. Boise State at 12:00 p.m. in Boise, Idaho

· Last game of the three-game road trip

· SFU’s next game on April 6 will be their rst of two home games this season

Sunday, March 24: women’s golf at the Colorado State Pueblo Pack Spring Invitational

· Finished tied for sixth on day one and fth on day two of the competition last year

· Second invitational in as many weeks. Finished 10th in California from March 11–12

Sunday, March 24: track and eld at the UBC Open

· Final day of competition

· SFU won both the men’s and women’s 400-metre hurdle last time around

After a journalist questioned the 2001 MVP about his dedication to team practices, Iverson unleashed on a tangent, repeating the word ‘practice’ 22 times.