CAMPUS CHRONICLE ISSUE 2 - VOL XCI - OCTOBER 8, 2015 PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE
The importance of the triangle sticker PAGE 11
Volleyball players win cal-pac awards
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Campus Chronicle
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Letter From The Editor By Tara Hattendorf
Our Campus Chronicle staff this year has been blessed with many new, as well as returning, staff members. With many different majors and personal backgrounds, our staff is full of diversity that most publications can only hope to have. What inspires me the most about our staff, whose articles you will read in the following pages, is how passionate each individual is about their work. The articles our staff write are not handed out to them; they are chosen by each writer according to their interests and passions. In the two weeks we have spent creating the newspaper before you, I was sent emails, text messages and Facebook messages by many of our staff members seeking advice for articles at all hours of the day and the night. Their dedication even inspires me. I hope you enjoy and find meaning in the articles they have written for you. While our staff is still even now growing, we are always happy to have more writers join our staff family. If you are a PUC student and reading this newspaper has sparked an interest in writing and journalism for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of our editors. Trust me, we aren’t that scary.
Questions or comments? Email thhattendorf@puc.edu
Editor-in-Chief Tara Hattendorf
Fitness & Sports Editor Malek Sheen
Assistant Editor Taylor Pittenger
Opinion Editor Glorianne Besana
Layout Editor Taylor Smith
Copy Editors Emily Mathe Kevin Tran
News Editor JJ Nash Features Editor Janet Morales Cover Design Manny Peralta
Faculty Advisers Lynne Thew Michelle Rai Cover Photographs Nikki Neuman Kaitlin Darnell
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Campus Chronicle Editing Staff Editor-in-Chief
Assistant Editor
News Editor
Tara Hattendorf
Taylor Pittenger
JJ Nash
Senior
Senior
Junior
History, Political Studies and Ethics; Journalism; Pre-Law
Religion; Education
Intercultural Communication; Spanish
Features Editor
Fitness and Sports Editor
Opinion Editorial Editor
Janet Morales
Malek Sheen
Glorianne Besana
Senior
Junior
Junior
Communication
English
History; Chemistry
Copyeditor
Copyeditor
Layout Editor
Emily Mathe
Emily Mathe
Taylor Smith
Senior
Junior
Junior
English; Communication
Health Communication
Graphic Design; Film & TV
Week of Welcome: Sept. 21 – Sept. 26
Monday: Angel Castillo and Miranda Mailand enjoy the Welcome Back Party Sept. 21 with the World Missions Club. Tuesday: Sarah Cusick and Kristen Murray of the Women’s Volleyball Team defend PUC at a home game against Mill College Sept. 22. Wednesday: In small groups, students climb in a hot air balloon for views of the campus Sept. 23. Thursday: At Midnight Madness Sept. 24–25, the Women’s Basketball Team preform their routine for the crowd. Friday: Worshiping with praise music at the first vespers of the year Sept. 25. Saturday: The night of Sept. 26 students answer questions and meet new people at Speed Mingling. Photos by Charnise Jones, PUC Athletics, Nikki Neuman, Tara Hattendorf, Kaitlin Darnell.
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Campus Chronicle
Produce Section Brings Healthy Food Options For some time now students have been asking for a produce section in the Dining Commons. Finally, on September 21, the cafeteria unveiled its new produce stand filled with fruits and vegetables available for students to purchase. This new produce section features fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe and berries along with vegetables like potatoes, onions and squash. Prices vary depending on the item. Returning PUC students know that in the past, if you wanted to create your own meal in a dorm room, you used to have to request vegetables and other produce from the back of the kitchen. The cashiers would then go to the back and grab whatever produce the student had requested. Now, we all have access to fresh and local produce. “We have always wanted to accommodate
students,” says Jon Torres, general manager of Café Bon Appetit at PUC. “We wanted to service students who cook more and students in Brookside, as well as make student meal cards more user friendly.” The new produce stand’s best sellers right now are watermelon and berries. The produce will change seasonally in order to provide fresh and local produce. The produce comes from White Cottage Farm, the garden of PUC Prep and other local gardens. So far students have expressed satisfaction with the new addition in the cafeteria. Senior Janae Bowman says, “I think it’s a great option! I was always one of those students who would ask for vegetables from the back. Now you get it yourself and cook your own meal. It’s great! Keep it coming!”
New Dorm Worship System In light of the new start of the year, there has been a new change in how the school coordinates the dorm worship meetings. Previously residence hall chaplains were in charge of coordinating dorm worship, but now the college’s student chaplains coordinate the dorm worships every Wednesday night. Another change made was to have every men’s residence hall gather at the Newton Hall Church, and the women’s residence halls gather in Dauphinee Chapel. So far Pastor Jonathan Henderson and Pastor Shantel Smith have talked about what to expect in life and how to approach these situations. Henderson gave all the men the opportunity to discuss questions concerning their lifestyle choices, and Smith divided the women into groups to discuss relationships. Students at PUC can take this opportunity to get involved in something great that brings us closer to our brothers or sisters. Participating in the dorm worship with other students is a blessing, and it is a great experience to sing along with them. Even though many of us here at PUC have to finish home-
By Jun Chong
work, chat with friends and play sports, we should take time with God to show Him that the community at PUC is still worshiping Him. Those who have not participated in the dorm worship gatherings should take the next upcoming opportunity to experience this great time. I urge you to put aside all those things you love to do, and put some effort into spending some time with your brothers and sisters and your God. Pastors Jonathan Henderson and Shantel Smith preach during the first week of the new dorm worship format at Newton Hall Chapel for the men and Dauphinee Chapel for the women on Sept. 23.
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By Janet Morales
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October 8, 2015
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Is Bigotry Bigger than the First Amendment?
By Malek Sheen
Ben Carson’s Statements Incite Muslim-American Community Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon, and one of the current front-runners for the Republican presidential nomination, is receiving flak for some controversial statements on religion he made late September. Students at Pacific Union College, attending colloquy a little less than two years ago, had the honor of hearing Carson, an outspoken Seventh-day Adventist, speak on the importance of “thinking big,” turning the title of one of his earlier books into an acronym. Fast-forward to Sept. 16 of this year and Carson stands directly adjacent to a Donald Trump in the Republican presidential debate, where the stands were arranged by polling numbers (the candidates with the highest poll numbers, Carson and Trump, stood in the middle while the other members were placed farther off to the sides accordingly). Sept. 27, NBC News and the Wall Street Journal confirmed that Trump and Carson are neck and neck in poll numbers with “Trump at 21, Carson at 20.” Yet, Carson’s blunt remarks on the tolerable religion of presidents of the United States of America seem to be stirring things up. Sept. 20, when asked by an NBC interviewer if a president’s faith should matter to voters, Carson said it depends on what that faith is and if it’s consistent with the Constitution. He said, “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.” In a following question, Carson said that he might consider allowing a Muslim in Congress. Naturally, Muslim-Americans were outraged. “Our message is this: Dr. Carson, you should have more faith in the American people,” said Rabiah Ahmed, a spokeswoman for the Muslim Public Affairs Council. “Fifty years ago, people in the United States said African-Americans were unfit to be president. Because of civil rights leaders, you have the right to run for president.” However, after the backlash, Carson’s campaign expressed no remorse. Sept. 21, Carson
went on The Sean Hannity Show to further elaborate his position. Carson explained that he would be open to supporting someone born Muslim but renounced the religion. “Now, if someone has a Muslim background, and they’re willing to reject those tenets and accept the way of life that we have, and clearly will swear to place our Constitution above their religion, then of course they will be considered infidels and heretics but at least then I would be quite willing to support them.” Carson went to Facebook that night to clarify again. “I could never support a candidate for President of the United States that was Muslim and had not renounced the central tenant of Islam: Sharia Law. Those Republicans that take issue with my position are amazing. Under Islamic Law, homosexual — men and women alike — must be killed. Women must be subservient. And people following other religions must be killed.” Finally, Sept. 22, in a rally in Ohio, when the topic came up again, Carson seemed to edit his position. “It has nothing to do with being a Muslim,” he said. “That was the question that was specifically asked. If the question had been asked about a Christian and they said, ‘Would you support a Christian who supports establishing a theocracy?’ I would have said no.” Perhaps the most infuriating thing for Muslims is that Carson has bundled all 1.6 billion of them together as exactly the same. Sure, countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran are committing atrocities, but to say that all Muslims and all Muslim countries are the same is, quite frankly, bigotry. Iran is the only true theocratic Muslim country ruled by a religious figure. However, there are a myriad of advanced Muslim countries that are not theocratic. With over 255 million people, Indonesia is the world’s third largest democracy and the most populous Muslim-majority country. Turkey, also a Muslim country, is a parliamentary republic which has had four female heads of states, which just
Dr. Ben Carson speaks to large audiences at PUC during a special colloquy Feb. 6, 2014. While he had not yet announced his campaign for the Presidency, many were drawn to hear him speak on education and life advice. so happens to be four more than America has had. Islam, like any other religion, is massive and varied. One particular branch of Islam is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which has millions of members in over 200 countries. “Ahmadi Muslims promote freedom of speech and universal freedom of conscience in accordance with the teachings of Islam,” said Kashif N. Chaudhry, a member of the Ahmadi community. “We reject violent Jihad, apostasy laws, blasphemy laws and theocratic rule as un-Islamic.” There are many outspoken defenders of Islam in America. “Islam doesn’t promote violence or peace. Islam is just a religion. Like every religion in the world, it depends on what you bring to it,” said Reza Aslan, a Professor at the University of California Riverside and author of multiple religious bestsellers. “There is a very real problem. ISIS is a problem, Al-Qaeda is a problem … but it doesn’t actually help us to deal with them when instead of talking about rational conflicts, rational criticisms of a particular religion we instead so easily slip into bigotry by simply painting everyone with a single brush.”
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Animal Evacuees
By Hannah Barnes
In the days following the start of the Valley Fire, evacuees and bystanders in the outlying counties headed to social media to report lost and found animals. Using the hashtag #ValleyFirePets, many were able to find lost pets and inform the public that they had an animal in their care waiting for their owners to come and find them. Through this hashtag, the surrounding animal shelters that had taken in animals found during and after the fire were able to upload the pictures of the animals. In an interview with Howard Yune and Jesse Duarte of the Napa Valley Register, Napa Humane’s lead veterinarian, Richard Bachman, estimated that the Lakeport Shelter held more than 200 animals at its peak capacity. ABC 7 Bay Area also reported that the Lake County Animal Shelter was trying to reunite more than 200 animals with their owners. Among those animals lost were horses and other domestic animals that had to be set free because there wasn’t enough time to get them ready to evacuate. Many were able to spray paint their phone numbers on the horses’ sides before setting them free, which made finding their home much easier. In addition to the shelters as far away as the UC Davis School of Veteri-
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nary Medicine, there are also many horse ranches that are finding places within their gates to keep the horses found wandering the outskirts of outlying towns. With the lost animals finding their way home or to a safe place, the veterinarians from nearby pet hospitals made their way to the evacuee camps to help care for the animals that made it out of the fire, but not without burning their feet or getting hit with the embers from the flames. Animals that were severely injured were transported to the UC Davis Animal Hospital where their injuries could be given the proper care. The Monday after the fire began, Dr. John Madigan, a professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine as well as the founder of the UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team, was called in to canvas the places that the fire passed through for injured and lost animals. In an interview with Curtis Skinner of Reuters, Madigan said, “We’re basically here until people are let back in and they can take care of their animals.” He said this in response to the
By JJ Nash
On Sept. 27, Pope Francis in Philadelphia ended his 6-day-long historic visit to the United States. On Sunday, Mass was celebrated and thousands of people gathered to listen and get a glimpse of the Pope. He spoke on love and how important it is to share it not only within your family, but outside of it as well. He said, “I pray that our days of prayer and reflection on the importance of the family for a healthy society will inspire families to continue to strive for holiness and to see the Church as their constant companion, whatever the challenges they may face.” Pope Francis made many visits during his stay. He blessed inmates at a correctional fa-
cility, met with sexual abuse victims and made stops at universities. His visit, however, was not without controversy. The Pope made remarks during his address to Congress about immigration, women’s issues and the death penalty. While to some he remains a polarizing figure, others feel like this is the type of representative Christianity has needed for a long time. In February, Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman stepped out onto the red carpet with a hairdo many probably still remember. The young actress is known for having a great sense of style and for changing her hairdos frequently. For the Oscars, she wore her hair in dreadlocks. Her hairdo of choice didn’t become big
Lake County Sheriff ’s department declaration that it was still unsafe for residents to move back into the homes that were not affected by the fire. A Sept. 22 news report about the Valley Fire reported that there were almost 3,000 animals still waiting to go home. Those animals that are not claimed by their owners will be placed for adoption in the shelters, or placed in a foster home until a good home can be found for them.
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news until Giuliana Rancic, a Fashion Police news anchor, made a stereotypical and offensive comment about it. Rancic said, “I feel like she smells like patchouli oil … and weed.” This comment sparked up a rage on Twitter and YouTube. Many people tweeted about Giuliana’s insensitive remark but the tweet that stood out the most was from Zendaya herself
saying, “My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough.” Now fast-forward to September and Mattel, Inc. made an identical Barbie doll of Zendaya in that well-remembered red carpet look to showcase diversity. The doll is wearing the
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same outfit she wore to the Oscars along with the dreadlock hairdo. Zendaya’s response to this vital accomplishment in her career was, “When I was little I couldn’t find a Barbie that looked like me…my how times have changed. Thank you Barbie for this honor and allowing me to be a part of your diversification and expansion of your definition of beauty.”
PUC’s Volleyball Players Crowned Players of the Week By Jordan Delarmente Congratulations to our very own PUC volleyball players, Amanda Loeffler and Athena Abary. These ladies have been named the CalPac Conference Players of the Week. Sophomore Loeffler and junior Abary, both communication majors, have been recognized for two different achievements this week. Abary has been awarded Defender of the Week, and Loeffler awarded Attacker of the Week. Abary is not a stranger to achievements; last fall she was an Honorable Mention for All-Cal Pac. Her achievements the first week of the quarter include 67 assisted points in just three games. Loeffler’s resume is impressive as well. She received the Cal-Pac Freshmen of the Year award last year and Second All Team Conference. In just this past week Loeffler scored 21 “kills” for PUC. Loeffler and Abary are very optimistic and determined to make history and win Conference and go all the way to Nationals. Even
Coffee and Tea
though the team is young with six freshmen, the team bond is described as strong compared to last year. In an interview, Abary and Loeffler admit they were once underdogs and now are one of the top teams in our Conference. Abary credits their growth and experience from traveling to Montana and playing against top ranked volleyball programs. Tee Maxwell, a close friend to these two, described Loeffler as “determined” and Abary as “dedicated.” These one-word descriptions mirror that of another fellow PUC student athlete and friend, Makana Kaaikala. She describes Loeffler as a “very strong and dominant player who seeks to get the ‘kill.’ Athena is a very smart and excellent play maker who strives to set her team up for success.” In a recent interview, these ladies were very humble when asked if there was any jealousy or rivalry for this award. They both agreed that
Left: Athena Abary; Right: Amanda Loeffler everyone was happy for them and they closed with giving credit to their teammates for their hard work and success. The volleyball team has a current record of 9–5 of the season and 1–0 in the Cal-Pac Conference. Their next home game is October 10 against University of Antelope Valley. This season, our Pioneer ladies volleyball team hasn’t lost a home game and is 7–0 at home.
By Kellianne Holland
How coincidental is it that the beginning of school is on the same agenda as the annual release of the pumpkin spice latte? Yes, I did just grab your attention with the phrase “pumpkin spice latte.” 40 percent of 18 – 24 year olds consume coffee in the U.S., according to a study at the University of New Hampshire. Coffee and tea are staples at Pacific Union College, especially among incoming freshman adjusting to college life. Some students just like coffee, some students only like tea, and some students
like both. As a freshman, I find myself drawn to both, as I’m learning that sometimes I need a cup of coffee for every assignment I do, and I need the tea to detox after the horrendous amounts of caffeine I allow in my body. As many of you have found out, there is no Starbucks on campus, but we do have the Pacific Café in the Campus Center along with a great team of baristas who have, in fact, nailed the pumpkin spice latte. The Campus Center is a hub, a center for all students, whether they are
escaping their dorm, doing some homework, or even catching up with friends after a full day of classes. Tea is also a common conversation starter, as I have had more than enough conversations covering the health benefits of tea. Most people know a few facts of these liquid staples, but there some that may change your whole coffee and tea experience. Continued on next page …
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Continued from previous page … • Fact #1: For a stronger cup of coffee, use cold water instead of warm or even hot in your coffee machine. You’ll notice the difference in boldness and flavor. • Fact #2: Herbal tea is very good for you, especially chamomile. Chamomile actually has antibacterial properties that can help treat the symptoms of a cold. • Fact #3: Starbucks coffee has more caffeine than an energy drink. • Fact #4: There is an estimated 1,500 different types of tea. • Fact #5: Coffee is most effective if consumed between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. • Fact #6: Storing tea in a tin or a jar will prevent it from losing its flavor.
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• Fact #7: Just smelling coffee can wake you up. • Fact #8: Matcha is powdered green tea used in Japanese tea ceremonies. • Fact #9: Teddy Roosevelt drank a gallon of coffee everyday to treat his asthma. • Fact #10: Tea bags only last 6 months while loose leaf tea lasts two years. Now my tea enthusiasts and coffee addicts, you’ve learned five facts each about tea and coffee. Each cup has its own benefits and I highly encourage that you visit the Pacific Café for a cup of coffee and tea. I’ve found a favorite drink already and I hope you will find something you like.
The View from Down Here: PUC from a Freshman’s Eyes By Autumn Trosper
As a freshman new to college and new to PUC, I (with a wide-eyed look of awe) have noticed quite a few things in only the first week on campus. I, along with many other newbies here this fall, now stand once again at the “bottom of the food chain,” so to speak. There has been a lot to get accustomed to, such as the fact that there are a TON of stairs and hills. Upon my arrival, I was astounded by how many stairs there actually were. My mother, a PUC alumna, told me that by the end of my first quarter I would be in shape. I did not understand what she meant until my first time walking up the hill to my room in McReynolds. Yes, I said McReynolds and I appreciate your apologies for my “unfortunate situation” as I have heard people describe it as. But the truth is, I appreciate the in-room heating and cooling enough that the walk has become bearable … or maybe I am just “getting fit.” I see kindness portrayed every day by an abundance of people, which is really nice and makes me feel at home. Coming to an Adventist institution such as PUC was one of the
best decisions I have made in my life (besides deciding to follow Papa God in the first place). I have never been to a place where I have felt welcomed so wholly and with open arms. We truly are brothers and sisters in Christ and at PUC, there’s no denying the bond that we share through our Creator and Father in Heaven. We are all equals and whilst I may be a freshman, I am no mouse to an owl. I am a student along with all the other students and there is no discrimination in class, or really anything else for that matter. PUC is fun, from Fusion, packed with awesome games and opportunities to make new friends, to worships where we can all gather in one room and have a blast celebrating and worshiping our Lord together. PUC offers an exponential amount of opportunities to submerse yourself in fun by planning awesome activities for us to enjoy. There are tons of places to hang out, talk, pray, play games or basically do whatever you want with people who are just like you. One of the best things I have noticed on this
beautiful campus so far, is that the people love PUC. We love the trees, we love the friendliness, we love the worships, vespers and church, and we love the education we are receiving. Sure there might be stairs, we might get lost a time or two at first, and being away from home can sometimes be hard, but at the end of the day as the theme for this year suggests: PUC is home. As a freshman, I am proud to be home.
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Voting For Our Generation The race for the presidential elections has begun. More political debates are taking place, especially on the Internet. If you’re like me and you check your Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter or any other social media site in the morning as if it were the daily news, then chances are you’ve encountered a political comment/rant revolving around presidential candidates. Impassioned posts say, “If Donald Trump becomes president, I’m literally moving to Canada,” or, “I love Bernie Sanders because of his proposal to make higher education free. #FeelTheBern.” Our younger, more technologically savvy generation is finally putting our smart devices to good use and becoming more involved in politics. More of us are beginning to realize that we’re the ones that’ll be inheriting this great country. We’re understanding that our friends and classmates will be the next members of Congress. We’re becoming more involved because we want to be able to leave our footprint on history. Being active in the
Age of Sequels
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By Tori Barr
political society is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves, and we starting to get that. While participating in political thought and Facebook debates is a great step in the right direction, we have to continue moving forward. According to a 2014 Census Bureau study, “America’s youngest voters have moved toward less engagement over time, as 18 through 24-year-olds’ voting rates dropped from 50.9 percent in 1964 to 38 percent in 2012.” This evidence sounds pretty concerning, doesn’t it? For a generation that talks a lot about a subject, it sure seems we aren’t living up to the activity it takes to actually do something about it. As important as it is to debate about different political beliefs, it’s even more important to physically participate in the change. The best and easiest way you can do that (if you’re not planning on going into a career in politics) is by voting. All political views aside, the one thing we
should all agree on is the importance of voting. Your vote does matter, so go out there and use it! Use it wisely. You have the power to choose who will represent this country. Continue to educate yourself on the stance these candidates have and see who you agree with most or who you think would better lead the United States, then go vote for them! If you’re at least 18, or will be by the time the primary election rolls around in June 2016, (and are a U.S. citizen), you can register to vote. Other requirements for voting in the primary include being a registered voter before the May deadline and being a declared Republican or Democrat. This is your call to action, no more excuses! It’s our turn to have our voices heard, so let’s speak up. It’s our time to change our government for the better. To register to vote or for more information on voting, visit: www.sos.ca.gov or www.rockthevote.com
By Jonathan Salvador
When we hear the word “film,” one of two images come to mind: The nostalgic monochrome classics of the silent film era, or the modern super-industry that it is today filled with sequels, prequels, remakes and reboots. I was thinking about going into the detailed history of the sequel before I realized, since you should already know everything you need, I can get to my point. A sequel is a film that follows another chronologically. In business terms, it roughly means, “more money.” The capitalistic side of Hollywood really isn’t (or shouldn’t be) a secret to anyone. Given that the film industry — like any other — needs money to operate, it’s about time we stopped treating the phrase “they just want more money” as some brilliantly novel realization, and instead as a fact so obvious it isn’t even worthy of acknowledgment.
Many consider the sequel, and its bigger, scarier brother, the franchise, to be the death of film — the point at which directors sell out and make movies, not because they want to, but because brand recognition will guarantee a safe financial return at the box office. I don’t entirely disagree. Everyone knows a franchise that overstayed its welcome (Shrek, Ice Age, Madagascar), a sequel that doesn’t live up to the original (The Matrix), a prequel that ruined the original (Star Wars) or a remake that nobody asked for (Robocop). Anybody who has worked in the film industry knows that studios like taking risks about as much as cats like water. But I also know that the world of communication, and consequentially the world of film, is changing. Sequels tend to be worse than the originals, because movies are meant to be a single
Photo by Kaitlin Darnell completed work of art, and sequels forcibly add to something that is already complete. It doesn’t have to be this way. The unstoppable machine that is Marvel Studios has managed to keep our interest over the course of 12 films by focusing on different characters, genres and themes, and adopting the serialized nature of
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its comic book origins. Other mega-franchises like The Fast and the Furious, Mission Impossible and James Bond constantly up the ante by subverting their main gimmicks, while Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter are adaptations of books that wouldn’t fit into a single movie. The point is that sequels and franchises aren’t inherently bad, but passive cynicism is, because studios will and have intentionally released bad movies knowing that we would still see them. Are there greedy people in Hollywood? Yes; believing otherwise is naive, but so is believing
Campus Chronicle
that the state of the industry necessitates bad film-making. It would be nice if we could take away everything we don’t like about movies, but this is the real world, and much of what we love is inseparable from what we hate. If we took away all sequels, we’d rob ourselves of The Dark Knight. If we took away all trilogies, we wouldn’t have Back to the Future. If we took away all CGI, we wouldn’t have Pixar. There is no magical formula to what makes movies great. They have to be examined on their own terms for what they are, even if that means they
How to Date in (an Adventist) College So you think you found your future spouse and its only week three. How lucky are you?! You both love watching Game of Thrones, you’re studying the same major and it was an instant connection when you finished each other’s … sandwiches. Time to commit to your soulmate ASAP because you know if you don’t have them someone else will snatch them. Besides, how cool will it be to be with you future spouse all four years of college. Right? No. Now, I know most people are smart, rational individuals who can make educated decisions — including love-life decisions. But let’s be honest; it’s that time of year again, ladies and gentlemen, when everyone is getting twitter-pated over the wonderful and beautiful people here on campus. I’d say the first few months of school and the weeks that follow February 14 are the two most significant times people get together. My question is: are we — as Adventist young adults — being smart about dating? The truth is, dating doesn’t have to be a big deal. Casual dating is completely acceptable. It is socially acceptable to go on a date with someone that you’re interested in getting to know. As long as both individuals are on the same page with the date, don’t feel weird to go out on a date with someone and decide later that you’re not interested. In fact, that’s the point of casual dating. Some people don’t know what kind of person they are compatible with. Find-
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have to be examined as partial components to a larger project. As someone who (and I know film majors aren’t supposed so say this) actually prefers big budget studio productions to indie films, I’d very much appreciate it if people started realizing that in a world where Ouija makes more than $0, sequels are the least of our problems.
By Taylor Pittenger
ing out what kinds of personalities work well with you is an important tool to finding someone for the long run. Also, you don’t have to go on formal dates to get to know a person. Having a cafeteria date with someone one on one can work just as well to get to know someone. In our world today it is not uncommon for individuals to wait to get married until their late-20s to mid-30s. However, it seems like Adventists are a little behind on that idea. There is an Adventist tradition to get married early. I have known several people who have gotten married after college — some during college — and for some couples, that was exactly what they needed. While it may work for some couples, not all couples want that pressure. Getting married is a huge milestone and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. You know how there are a lot of fish in the sea? Well, it seems like Pacific Union College is a puddle next to the sea. There is such a big world of people out there (and plenty of lovely Adventist people out there to meet). Don’t think for one second that the only people you’ll ever meet are people at PUC. Also, remember that just because someone is Adventist doesn’t mean they are the same type of Adventist as you. There are Adventists who adore that salad bar, and there are Adventists that flee Angwin for some Busters barbecue. There are Adventists who spend their Sabbath afternoon doing ministry and some who go for a nature walk. There are some Adventists who are born into
Taylor Pittenger and boyfriend of one-and-ahalf years Zach DeChicchis at the 2015 Spring Fest. the faith and some who are new. The bottom line is to know what kind of person your “soulmate” is before you put a ring on it. Also, some people want to have committed relationships rather than casually dating. Respect people’s differences, and be sure to have these conversations with your potential or current partner. Personally, I am in a relationship with a nice, Adventist young man. People ask us all the time, “So, when are you two getting married?” I have to be honest, we have talked about getting married and must say, we are very in love. And now, I just have one question: Zachary Zach DeChicchis, will you marry me — someday — because it’s important to know what you want in a person and to wait a little while to have some security while we seek advice from our family and pastors? So yeah, text me your answer.
vol. xci
October 8, 2015
The Importance of the Triangle Sticker Recently I have heard two provocative comments about a symbol around campus — the SafePlace triangle stickers. According to Dr. Aubyn Fulton, the coordinator of SafePlace, “SafePlace is a network of faculty and staff at PUC who have agreed to certain basic principles and values and to provide a supportive environment for students.” Initially started by a PUC student eight years ago as a branch of GASP, the unofficial group for LGBTQ students and their supporters, SafePlace has grown to around 35 members. “By displaying the SafePlace sticker the employee is signaling to LGBTQ students that they will be accepted and loved, and they can share whatever they want about themselves and they won’t be criticized or attacked,” Fulton said. It is a simple concept — the presence of the sticker lets people know that they are entering a safe place where students can be themselves without any fear. So where is the issue? There are two valid arguments against using the SafePlace triangle. The first came from Campus Chronicle adviser, Professor Lynne Thew, in a journalism class the first week of the quarter. Thew is a strong supporter of LGBTQ right. I have seen firsthand her sensitivity, respect and compassion towards LGBTQ students. Thew talks about God’s love for us and His command that we love everyone as He first loved us. Yet, Thew also maintains that placing SafePlace sticker in her office is in her words an anathema, something that reeks of political correctness and is potentially dishonest. “What about those who agree to put stickers on their wall, but in their hearts are
uncomfortable with what until recently have been non-traditional sexual orientations and lifestyles? Do they display the sticker because they really mean it? Or do they feel pressured by the need to be ‘politically correct?’” The second SafePlace triangle-related comment came during Pastor Shantel Smith’s first vespers this quarter. Smith made clear her hope that the triangle stickers one day could be removed because all students would know that every PUC faculty and staff supported the LGBTQ community. “The triangles only seem to indicate that some people and some corners are safe on this campus while others are not,” she said. “I look forward to the day when the only symbol of safety on our campus will be that of our Christian character.” Perhaps it’s fair to say that what Smith envisions for PUC is what philosopher John Rawl’s described as the “Veil of Ignorance” — meaning that justice only emerges when people are treated without social differentiations. But there is another perspective to consider — that of the LGBTQ community. Fulton has heard feedback from LGBTQ students on campus, and he said, “Just seeing the sticker in a faculty member’s office makes a huge difference to them. Even if they don’t talk about those issues, it’s just reassuring to know that they’re dealing with a faculty or a staff member who is not hostile to them.” For members of the LGBTQ community, the presence of the sticker means that they are cared for. A person may know already, or assume based on interactions, that a staff or faculty member supports LGBTQ rights, but seeing the sticker beside someone’s door affirms that assumption. It is coming up for air after What does it mean to have a SafePlace? holding one’s breath underwater. “When we say we need safe places for stu• LGBTQ students will be accepted and dents we mean more than a place safe from loved as they are being harmed physically,” Fulton said. “Many • LGBTQ students can speak about their LGBTQ students have grown up in family, lives without fear of attack school and church environments that were in• The student’s identity as LGBTQ will be re- credibly disrespectful, and that sent the messpected and will not be pressured to change sage that they were unacceptable as they were.
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By Tara Hattendorf
When these students come to PUC it is understandable that they approach staff and faculty members with that same expectation of a hostile environment. This leads to depression and anxiety. We consider that to be unsafe, and we think it’s important to communicate with students in an affirmative way, that whatever bad experiences you have had in the past, there are places on campus where you won’t experience this now.” In her sermon, Smith mentioned the PUC Student Association’s theme for the year, “Home,” in conjunction with the idea that ideally the SafePlace triangles should not be needed on our campus. As one of the original proponents for choosing “Home” as this school year’s theme, I can say firmly that we want PUC to feel safe, to be a loving and accepting family — a place where people can truly be who they are. This is what we as elected SA officers envisioned as “Home.” The SafePlace stickers represent a place where LGBTQ student can feel at home. To the LGBTQ community, the triangles are two-dimensional representations of a warm hug. We say that we want PUC to be home, so let’s make sure that everyone can feel that acceptance and support. Students who wish to know more about GASP can search for GASPUC on Facebook. Any faculty and staff members who wish to be added to the SafePlace list can contact Dr. Fulton at aubynfulton@gmail.com. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the position of Pacific Union College.
Campus Chronicle
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