The Queen's Journal: Vol. 151, Issue 13

NEWS

FEATURES

OPINIONS

ARTS

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Students mourn death of Alby the golden squirrel

Dust bunnies and budget woes: Queen’s staff feel disheartened

Forced institutionalization isn’t the answer to drug use

Book review: ‘No Meat Required’

the journal

Queen’s University

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Vol. 151, Issue 13

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F r i day , N ov e m b e r 1 0 , 2 0 2 3

Student retells encounter with Hamas-attired party crashers ‘People deserve to know what has happened in our Queen’s community.’

Mikella Schuettler Assistant News Editor This article contains mentions of antisemitism and may be disturbing for readers.

Putting on her Halloween costume, Sarah* had no idea the night with her friends would end in fear.

On Friday Oct. 27, Sarah and her friends attended a Halloween party in the Queen’s University student district that took a turn when students allegedly dressed as Hamas terrorists arrived at the apartment. Sarah, a Queen’s student who attended the party, wants to set the record straight about that night.

“I distinctly remember that group of people, who were claiming to be Hamas, saying the Jews would see God soon,” Sarah said in an interview with The Journal.

The party generated national news coverage, and prompted investigations by Kingston Police and Queen’s University. Police found no evidence the comments made at the party targeted a specific group, and no charges were made.

The living room was dark, with flashing lights when Sarah and her friends arrived at the party at Toronto and Mack St. around 11:30 p.m. At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and many of Sarah’s friends were already there.

Sarah approximates 40 people attended the party. Sweating from being crammed into the apartment, Sarah decided to leave around midnight and began to make her way to the door.

“There wasn’t anybody who I would assume isn’t a Queen’s student,” Sarah said. “All of a sudden there was people saying, ‘Oh my God, it’s Hamas.’”

At this point, Sarah turned to the kitchen and saw three male attendees, speaking loudly and dressed in green army vests with red and black scarves on their heads.

People at the party claimed the queensjournal.ca

group said they were dressed as Hamas militants.

The party went quiet, and someone turned the music off.

The lights flicked on, and Sarah reported the men were university aged, but she didn’t recognize any of them.

Sarah heard the group using slogans associated with pro-Palestine demonstrations.

According to Sarah, the hosts didn’t recognize the men and sent a male friend to ask the individuals dressed as Hamas to leave. Panic began to spread through the gathering.

“People were pushing each other, trying to escape. There were people hiding in the staircase,” Sarah said. “People were screaming, trying to get out.”

Since Sarah and her friends were close to the door, they quickly left, rushing back to a friend’s apartment unit within the same building. There was thudding noises and yelling coming from the upstairs apartment.

Sarah believes there was a physical altercation between the friend of the hosts and those dressed as Hamas, given the yelling and noises coming from the upstairs apartment.

“I distinctly remember someone saying, ‘I’m going to kill you,’ and then after that it was just yelling,” Sarah said.

While hearing male voices yelling and noises coming from upstairs, Sarah called the police at 12:16 a.m. for two minutes from her friend’s apartment.

Still inside, Sarah called her best friend, who is Jewish, to make sure she was safe. After finding out her friend was at home, Sarah remembered being worried for any Jewish students who were out that night.

Approximately six Kingston Police officers arrived at the scene around 12:20 a.m. They took her name and spoke to the hosts of the party, but by then, the group dressed as Hamas was gone.

Sarah and her friends have no recollection of a knife, a claim investigated by the Kingston Police.

After visiting the apartment where the party was held, Sarah noticed there were holes in the walls, and the lock was broken.

Going to sleep that night, Sarah processed the party. She experienced flashbacks in the week after, hearing the yelling from the party, and consulted professional support to manage the aftermath.

As Sarah went about her week, she thought that there would be more @queensjournal

Situated on the

traditional lands of

the Anishinaabe and

Haudenosaunee peoples.

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Since 1873

Nicotine pouch legalization opens door for new vices

As oral products slowly become legalized, vape stores remain assured in their popularity.

Public health experts concerned about novel, illegal products

A new form of nicotine consumption is emerging across in Canada, leaving public health experts concerned. At Queen’s, its market share is still in question.

Small nicotine pouches are gaining popularity in Canada but remain illegal in high concentrations.

Public health experts weigh in

on whether the spike in products such as Zyn is a concern, as vapes remaining a more popular product for students.

“We’ve had [conversations] in some of our regional meetings.

These are new nicotine products that have been on the market illegally,” said Cathy Edwards, a public health nurse at Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health, in an interview with The Journal.

Zonnic, a pouch of nicotine and flavouring placed inside the mouth for consumption, was legalized at low concentrations in October for

people talking about the party on campus.

“It was just so weird because nobody knew and, here I am being kind of just in shock, and nobody knows,” Sarah said.

Queen’s University has referred the incident to the non-academic misconduct office for investigation.

The student code of conduct applies to students on University property, or in the case that conduct risks the health or safety of members of the University community in the University’s living, learning, and working environments.

Depending on the severity of the actions committed, students found guilty of misconduct can face sanctions including non-academic probation or a requirement to withdraw from Queen’s.

“The safety of our students and the Queen’s community is a top priority. The University has been clear it is committed to fostering

a safe environment for students; there is no room for violence or hate of any kind within the campus community,” the University said in a statement to The Journal.

When the police statement was released on Oct. 31, Sarah was shocked to see they found no evidence of threats or hateful speech at the party.

“People deserve to know what has happened in our Queen’s community. It’s affecting more than just Jewish people. It’s affecting more than just Palestinian people.

This affects Queen’s as a whole,” Sarah said.

For Sarah, the actions of on-campus groups and individuals in support of Israel or Palestine should not impact students’ safety off campus.

“Nobody should be getting hurt or [have] to worry about their safety because of what’s been happening on campus.”

Mikella Schuettler Assistant News Editor

@queensjournal

@queensjournal

PHOTO BY HERBERT WANG

smoking cessation use.

Public health experts worry it’s opened a Pandora’s box of new, and illegal, nicotine products. Zyn, it’s more potent counterpart, is gaining popularity in Kingston, with some pouches carrying up to nine milligrams of nicotine, the equivalent of over 20 cigarettes.

“The way [nicotine pouches are] marketed is very similar to how e-cigarettes are marketed. There’s a lot of youth appeal,” Edwards said.

“The concern for public health is this could be another product that could lead to nicotine addiction.”

Fans of Zyn can allegedly cross the border into the US to purchase their stash, bringing it back into Kingston under the radar. Online users claim it’s easy to order lower concentration pouches.

At Queen’s it remains unclear how popular Zyn and other nicotine pouches are. To sell vapes in Canada, stores require a licence that, as of now, doesn’t cover pouched products.

“Some [students] ask, but I tell them we don’t carry any of this type of stuff,” said Preet Patel, employee at the new Dazzled vape store, in an interview with The Journal.

Dazzled is at the intersection of Johnson and Division St., two blocks from campus, making it a hot spot for Queen’s students.

“Here [there’s] the student culture, so they’re more into vapes and all those things,” Patel said.

See Zyn on page 4 Have a tip? journal_news@ams.queensu.ca @thequeensjournal

2 • queensjournal.ca

NEWS Over 200 individuals involved in momentum meeting magnitude

News

Friday, November 10, 2023

The people behind the $100 million donation

heard Deluzio’s vision for engineering education, molding graduates into technically proficient Sophia Coppolino and socially aware engineers.

Senior News Editor “It’s really special to me that I get to know [donors] on a human It takes a village to put a $100 level and get to become close to million dollar donation into motion. them and help them fulfill whatever Over the past two years their objectives are through the more than five offices and University,” Bertrand said. departments at Queen’s Smith asked about what other collaborated in confidence schools were doing and it was leading up to the Nov. 2 agreed upon Queen’s was well event that announced Stephen positioned to take on the world’s Smith’s $100 million donation. challenges. Between the scale of When Vice-Principal Deluzio’s vision, his role as chair (Advancement) Karen Bertrand of Engineering Deans Canada, PHOTO BY HERBERT WANG got a call from Smith Engineering and Queen’s success in advancing The donation was announced at an event on Nov. 2.

Dean Kevin Deluzio confirming business education after Smith’s fundraising campaign was at] the name of the faculty reflected his guests from those centres hear Smith had finalized his gift, donation to the Smith School of call centre here at Queen’s. I was appreciation for Smith’s generosity. from Stephen directly about his she screamed.

Business eight years ago, the crew asking people for $25, and $50, and The effort included Queen’s motivation for making the gift “We were super excited,” $100. Then I was working at the University Relations, Advancement, and from Dean Deluzio about his Bertrand said in an interview Heart and Stroke Foundation of and the Principal’s Office. Bertrand vision for engineering education.” with The Journal. “This sounds Ontario, and I was asking people expressed gratitude for everyone It remains to be seen if the maybe trite, but it really isn’t for $1,000 and that was such involved from the staff updating vision for Smith Engineering about the money. It was always a big number,” Bertrand said. the websites to placing the will change Queen’s physical about the vision the dean had for Keeping the secret was hard, plywood box over the new sign in campus. The school is considering engineering education and but Bertrand didn’t want to disclose front of Beamish-Munro Hall. every aspect necessary to the fact that Stephen was the donation prematurely.

Deluzio and Smith are transform engineering at Queen’s, prepared to make an investment “I’m not going to lie, we were all taking advancement nationally, Deluzio explained in a to help that move forward, bursting at the seams. Those of us going on a roadshow beginning statement to The Journal. we were just over the moon.” that knew—but not even in Toronto on Nov. 27.

“This transformative gift allows PHOTO BY HERBERT WANG Bertrand was involved with everybody within the Office of Tagging along is Engineering us to make impactful change organizing the donation from the decided to make the vision a reality. Advancement knew,” Bertrand said. Society (EngSoc) President at scale that would otherwise very start, beginning in October The plan will roll out over the As the announcement Aidan Shimizu who was invited not be possible,” Deluzio said.

2021. Meeting Smith in Toronto next 10 years. Smith Engineering drew closer, the circle of to moderate town halls as “We truly see this as a game was Bertrand’s first time taking won’t be spending the $100 people in the know grew larger. part of the tour. changing announcement that public transit since the onset million all at once, and $86 million Smith School of Business and their “They will be meeting alumni will significantly enhance the of COVID-19. will be endowed to ensure the Dean Wanda Costen were brought in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and standing of Smith Engineering Travelling with Deluzio and sustainability of the program. in early, bringing the collaboration Vancouver,” Bertrand said. “They both in Canada and around Principal Patrick Deane, Bertrand “The first time [I worked at a full circle. For Deluzio, changing the will have an opportunity to have the world.”

Friday, November 10, 2023

News

queensjournal.ca • 3

Jewish students and alumni sue Queen’s University for failing to address antisemitism a form.

The case was brought against the University by Diamond and Diamond Law Firm.

“It’s time [the University] listen to Jewish students,” Darryl Singer, head of class action at Diamond Meghrig Milkon, and Diamond Lawyers, said in an Sofia Tosello & interview with The Journal.

Sophia Coppolino “I think the University Journal Staff administration needs to actually have the balls to stand up and look This article contains mentions of at the reality and listen to what antisemitism and may be disturbing Jewish students are saying.” for readers. The Canadian Mental The two representing plaintiffs Health Association Crisis Line can of the case, due to fear for their safety be reached at 1-800-875-6213. and retribution in their personal The Peer Support Centre offers and professional lives, will remain drop-in services and empathetic anonymous in the suit. “Jane Doe peer-based support. #1” is a current Queen’s student, and “John Doe #1” graduated from Queen’s has been slapped with Queen’s University. a multi-million dollar class The plaintiffs list a number of action-lawsuit. psychological injuries resulting A statement of claim filed to the from discriminatory incidences Ontario Superior Court asks for they experienced, including $15 million in damages and alleges nightmares and fear of identifying Queen’s University fails to provide themselves as Jewish. a safe campus environment to The lawsuit claims $10 million Jewish students and alumni. in damages and an additional $5 The class-action suit has yet million in aggravated damages. to be approved by the Ontario The lawsuit requests Queen’s create Superior Court. a grievance system for reporting According to the statement incidences of antisemitism and of claim obtained by The Journal, implement clear guidelines there’s a well-documented history for addressing antisemitism of antisemitic incidents on the on campus.

Queen’s University campus.

Following the Oct. 7 attack The class-action lawsuit is on Israel by Hamas, dozens of being filed on behalf of all Jewish Queen’s students reached out to students currently enrolled at Singer, concerned over antisemitic Queen’s University, and all Jewish incidents on campus and the alumni dating back to 1998. If University’s inaction. After doing the case is approved, students some digging, Singer believes he who don’t want to be a part of the has a winning case. class-action can opt-out by signing “I’m very confident in this case,”

Singer said. “This out and out Jewish hate, is being propagated on University campuses, and is being allowed by the administration of these universities to go on in violation of their own policies.”

The lawsuit alleges the university breached its duty of care to class members and violated sections seven and 15 of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, by failing to provide to take substantial actions to address antisemitic incidents.

The statement of claim lists 13 specific instances of antisemitism at Queen’s University, including statements made by student organizations, and actions taken in the classroom and on campus.

Allegedly, a Queen’s professor referenced the Auschwitz concentration camp in the context of PokemonGo, while another professor allegedly pressured Jewish students to attend pro-Palestinian rallies.

The statement of claim also referenced the mezuzah removed from a doorway in Leggett Hall on Oct. 22, and a swastika drawn in a residence common space last year.

An opinion piece published in The Journal on Oct. 17 was cited in the statement of claim as endorsing violence against Jewish people and Israelis through by arguing that the events of Oct. 7 were provoked and a response to Palestinians’ prolonged suffering.

Queen’s didn’t respond to the article or sanction the student author according to the claim.

Queen’s University stated they have been clear there’s no room

Bryson, the AMS chief electoral officer (CEO), in a statement to The Journal.

The Ban Righ Mature Student Bursary, which has existed at Queen’s since 1992, failed to garner Mikella Schuettler enough votes for its continuation.

Assistant News Editor A fee which supported the Queen’s chapter of the Oxfam charity, Students didn’t show up for their established in 2013, also failed. clubs this referendum season.

Both initiatives will lose their Of the 32 clubs and student fee funding for the next organizations who submitted academic year. applications to be on the fall Every three years, fees for referendum ballot, only 11 clubs, organizations, and grants succeeded in changing or undergo triennial review for maintaining their fee over Nov. 2 the fees’ continuation on the and 3. Clubs and organizations AMS undergraduate fee slate. hoping to establish, continue, To support the service next or adjust their student fee, year, the Campus Observation must participate in the AMS fee Room (COR) sought a 15-cent referendum process. fee increase.

The referendum saw a 10 per “It needed 60 per cent approval cent voter turnout, with clubs to pass, but it received 54 per cent requiring 60 per cent of voters support. This is disappointing, to vote “yes” for their fee to given the importance of this pass. Some organizations with service, but it will not affect COR long-standing fees lost out, this academic year,” Beth Blackett, and only three new optional fees health promotion coordinator at were established. student wellness services, said in a “The goal is not to make statement to The Journal. the process overly difficult Though COR was unable or complicated for clubs, to increase its fee this term, but rather to protect student the continuation of its current 85 money and ensure that is being cent fee will be on next term’s ballot put towards deserving causes in February. and groups that have the capacity Fees on the AMS slate can be to effect positive impacts on the mandatory for undergraduate Queen’s Community,” said Calder students or optional, allowing

students to opt-out. Of the seven optional fees seeking establishment, only three passed at referendum. The Queen’s Black Clubs Caucus had the highest voter approval for the establishment of their $1.10 fee.

“These fees will make a massive contribution to the Black community while strengthening the diversity of the Queen’s community as a whole,” Queen’s Black Clubs Caucus said in a statement to The Journal.

To make it onto the AMS referendum, student clubs and services submit an application to the AMS CEO which includes a statement about their group and a proposed budget. The AMS Student Activity Fee Review Committee assesses the application to ensure it reflects a need for student funding and will benefit the student community.

Approved submissions must collect signatures from one per cent of the undergraduate student body, or this year, 204 signatures.

“This barrier is put in place to ensure the establishment or increase of a fee reflects the wishes of students,” Bryson said.

After signature collection, fees which are proposed to be established or increased are motioned at AMS Assembly, where they are either approved or denied a spot on the referendum

$15 million for failing to deal with antisemitism on campus

for violence or hate of any kind on campus. The University said they’re committed to fostering a safe environment for all at the university.

“Given this matter is subject to legal action, we cannot comment on the specifics. But we have been clear that there is no room for violence or hate of any kind at A virtuous and Queen’s,” the University said in a upstanding member of statement to The Journal.

The legal action alleges Queen’s the community’ failed to condemn students who support statements issued by Meghrig Milkon student organizations blaming Assistant News Editor Israel for Hamas’ actions.

Singer told The Journal if the An icon of Summerhill, and the University meets the needs of pride and joy of many, the “golden” Jewish students to make campus squirrel left Queen’s too soon. safer for them, they will drop The albino squirrel, lovingly the lawsuit. He isn’t optimistic referred to as “Alby,” was confirmed the University will come to the dead by the Alby Sightings page negotiating table. after it was hit by a car on Nov. 3.

If the case is successful, the His death left Alby nation in settlement money will be donated mourning, as his presence brought to organizations committed to joy to many students on campus. education on the Jewish people “An icon of first year. A god of and Israel.

Summer Hill. Our pride and joy “A big part of the problem with will forever live in our heart, our the anti-Israel contention is that memories, and his offspring,” the University administrations don’t Alby Sightings page said in a really understand the history of statement posted to Instagram.

Israel and Palestine. They don’t William Hounsell-Drover, know the reality of what’s going on ArtSci ‘26, described Alby as a there,” Singer said. “joyful and whimsical” squirrel, Singer encouraged any running around campus Jewish student at Queen’s who and having a good time. has faced or is currently facing “I didn’t quite believe it at first,” antisemitism on campus to reach Hounsell-Drover said in an interview out to him. with The Journal. “Because I swear, I Students are encouraged by had just seen him a week or two the University reach out to access before and I still don’t quite believe the support systems available that he’s gone.” for them through counselling, “Alby was a virtuous, upstanding academic advising, or human member of Queen’s community, and rights advocacy.

I feel his loss will be felt throughout the community as a whole for a while,” Hounsell-Drover said.

Hounsell-Drover explained he first learned about the golden squirrel during his first year at ballot. Fees undergoing triennial Queen’s, giving him a sense of hope review don’t need to be motioned. and a morale boost.

This year, all fees brought Queen’s students believed a before Assembly were approved golden squirrel sighting before unanimously. After this point a midterms foreshadowed failing campaign period is allotted, where marks. Hounsell-Drover confirmed students vote. ‘the Golden Squirrel effect.’

The AMS has routinely “I saw Alby before a classical struggled with low voter turnout, studies exam, and I freely admit I and though unsurprised by this bombed it. It feels good to know that year’s numbers, Bryson hopes he had an effect beyond the obvious students will be more engaged in morale boost,” Hounsell-Drover said. the future.

Hounsell-Drover suggested “The Internal Affairs office a 20-foot large bronze statue is working on promotional somewhere on campus as being the collaborations with Common best way to honour Alby.

Ground Coffeehouse (CoGro) and Another student, Rebecca Good Times Diner for the upcoming Positano, ArtSci ’25, expressed their election,” Bryson said. devastation and shock upon hearing Twenty-two clubs and the news of the special squirrel’s organizations made it on the death. Positano said it was a tragedy ballot this term. Queen’s Space the squirrel was hit by a car.

Engineering, Project Red Queen’s, the Dawn House Women’s Shelter, Hellenic Student Association.

Queen’s Asian Student’s Association, Passing fees included Smith Black Unicef Queen’s, QU Formula SAE Business Association, the Clubs Team, Queen’s Global Medical Commission Clubs Grant, and the Brigades and the Helen Tufts Queen’s Black Clubs Caucus.

Child Outreach program all passed The winter ballot will have fees triennial review and maintained for the Sexual Health Resource their student fee for next year.

Center open to change, and Bryson QWave, Queen’s Oxfam, hopes students will show their Queen’s Enactus, QU Minecraft support by voting.

Club and Reelout Arts Project didn’t “Voting is an incredibly important succeed on the ballot. way of having your voice heard on Failing to establish a fee campus and it’s unfortunate that were Queen’s Kaleidoscope, more students aren’t currently On The Same Page Queen’s, taking advantage of this opportunity,” Queen’s Capital, and Queen’s Bryson said.

Eleven club fees pass at fall referendum

Low voter turnout leaves Queen’s clubs in the cold

Tragedy strikes campus with loss of Queen’s golden squirrel

‘

News

4 • queensjournal.ca

Friday, November 10, 2023

Students request Concerns over Lululemon and 7/11 Queen’s in new JDUC lobbying for

future tuition frameworks

Queen’s awaits report from Blue-Ribbon Panel after submitting recommendations Wardah Anwar Contributor

The JDUC Retail Space Survey is open to feedback from students.

PHOTO BY JOSEPH MARIATHSAN

find commercial tenants for JDUC spaces.

The survey asks students to rank services and retail outlets they want in the JDUC. Options include apparel stores, Meghrig Milkon tech services, beauty services, Assistant News Editor and convenience stores.

So far, the survey has collected Student governments are working 50 responses. Lululemon and to understand what students convenience stores 7/11 and want from the JDUC rebuild.

Campus One Stop are popular The AMS and the SGPS are requests amongst students. seeking students’ input on “We saw a lot of requests retail services in the new JDUC for apparel outlets. Lululemon through the JDUC Retail Space was a huge requester. In Survey, which was launched on addition to that, a convenience Instagram on Oct. 30. store similar to Campus One-Stop “There are still a few retail or 7/11 was a huge requester,” spaces that have still not McCuaig said. been decided for the JDUC,” When interviewed, students AMS President Kate McCuaig said were unaware of the survey in an interview with The Journal. but expressed an interest in The student survey is meant having student-run businesses to help student governments in the JDUC. decide on what to do with the “There was a focus on remaining spaces. The survey companies when really data will be presented to what I want to see is more Tony Gkotsis, director (campus student-run organizations planning and real estate), having a space in the JDUC,” and the real estate agent in Robert Herz, Comm ’25, said in an charge of JDUC commercial leases. interview with The Journal.

The information will be used to The survey was created by

the AMS in consultation with the SGPS to ensure graduate and professional students were included in the survey.

“We were happy to be able to consult with the AMS on the content of the survey and provided feedback throughout the development process to ensure that the survey met the needs of graduate and professional students,” said Devin Fowlie, SGPS president, in a statement to The Journal.

The food services located in the JDUC will be Khao, a Shawarma location, and a Bento Sushi. Some AMS services will be moving into the JDUC, such as Tricolour Outlet and CoGro’s sister location, the Brew, which will be re-opening after it closed during the pandemic.

McCuaig encourages all students to fill out the survey and share their perspectives.

“The JDUC is a space by students for students. It is a hub of student life on campus. We want to make sure the retail spaces fit the student needs today,” McCuaig said.

... continued from front page

smoking cessation.

Products such as Zyn are discreetly placed in the mouth and convenient in places where vaping is inappropriate or even banned, such as on campus at Queen’s. Though students are drifting away from high nicotine concentrations, it’s unclear if this new method of administration will be used by students.

Edwards warns that vaping could lead to smoking.

“If they’re vaping nicotine, there is that chance that they will move to using a combustible cigarette, not an e-cigarette.

So, then they’re going towards smoking,” Edwards said.

‘The JDUC is a space by students for students’

Queen’s University proposes that the province end the tuition freeze to make up for the university’s deficits, but students think otherwise.

Queen’s submitted its recommendations in May to the Blue-Ribbon Panel, a short-term advisory body to the Minister of Colleges and Universities proposing recommendations to improve the financial sustainability of the postsecondary education sector in Ontario.

The panel, launched in March, is composed of leaders in business and academic fields. Past Queen’s Provost Alan Harrison is the chair.

Both Queen’s and the Blue-Ribbon Panel denied The Journal’s request for comment, as they wait for the report to be published. The panel will publish its recommendations this fall, having already submitted its findings to the Ministry, according to the Globe and Mail.

Zyn new smoking gun

Despite the government capping nicotine concentration in vapes at 20 milligrams, most students Patel interacts with request even lower concentrations when they come into the shop.

At Queen’s, nicotine consumption remains on par with the Canadian average in the undergraduate age group.

In the 2022 Student Health Surveys Overview report, 25 per cent of Queen’s students reported consuming nicotine or tobacco over the past three months, with 20 per cent using vape devices.

Though most experts concede

that vaping isn’t as damaging as smoking, the use of e-cigarettes amongst young adults remains a concern.

“A lot of emergent studies are really suggesting e-cigarettes can cause, similarly to tobacco smoking, cellular alterations within the lungs, so inflammation, DNA damage, that type of thing,” Edwards said.

In the beginning, e-cigarettes were lauded as a smoking cessation product. Now, public health experts aren’t so sure.

In 2022, Health Canada released data showing 66 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 24 vaped before ever having a tobacco cigarette, demonstrating e-cigarettes aren’t being used for

SGPS VP Tony Hu.

Queen’s University’s submission focused on ending the ongoing tuition freeze.

The tuition freeze has cost Queen’s $180 million in foregone revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition since 2019.

Queen’s is pressing for a long-term flexible tuition framework instead.

This framework would allow for Queen’s to increase tuition annually to account for inflation.

SGPS Vice-President (Community) Tony Hu told The Journal he’s disappointed

the University is pushing for a flexible tuition framework as opposed to supporting the ongoing tuition freeze.

“I would argue more students are benefited from the tuition freeze because it means students themselves are paying less [and] are exploited less to fund the University’s operating revenue,” Hu said. “I see this idea of flexible tuition framework as really challenging students and maybe putting more of the burden for funding the operating budget on students.”

Queen’s highlighted the financial pressure the University is facing in its submission, projecting a $62.8 million operating deficit for the 2023-24 academic year. Queen’s has been using reserve funds to cover operating deficits thus far but claims the University won’t be able to do so much longer.

Queen’s proposed ending the province’s corridor-based funding model which provides one sum in operating grants to universities as long as they’re within three per cent of their enrolment target.

Given Queen’s growing enrolment, the grants aren’t covering all Queen’s students.

The University is lobbying for funding to reflect enrolment.

Hu expressed concern with the recommendation to remove the corridor-based funding model, which would allow the University to increase enrolment without worrying about provincial operating grants.

With the housing shortage in Kingston, Hu doesn’t think increasing enrolment is fair to incoming students.

“The idea of the University being able to increase enrolment without giving enough thought as to whether students will be adequately supported in their life outside of the University worries me,” Hu said.

Hu doesn’t believe increasing tuition is the right solution for students.

“I speak for myself, but [also] for many other students that I would be worse off if I had to pay more tuition than I already am,” Hu said.

“The cost of living here in Kingston is extremely high.

My cost of tuition is extremely high. I don’t think the University should be going after students to recoup more revenue.

Rather, they should be asking for more money from the provincial government to make up those losses.”

News

Friday, November 10, 2023

queensjournal.ca • 5

Queen’s professors accused of antisemitism during teach-in on conflict in Middle East Outraged attendees accuse professors of biased historical coverage Sofia Tosello Assistant News Editor Queen’s professors were accused of antisemitism halfway through a teach-in on the current conflict in Palestine and Israel.

More than 200 Queen’s community members joined the teach-in via Zoom on Oct. 26.

The event was organized by individual professors, with Queen’s faculty members and experts providing insight into the historical and ongoing conflict in the region.

Attendees heard from Queen’s faculty members Ariel Salzmann, associate professor in the department of history, who provided historical context. Participants then listened to Dorit Naaman, professor in the department of film and media, who discussed media tropes related to the conflict and how they shape political realities. Faisal Bhabha, associate professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, also spoke at the event.

“The goal was to foster critical thinking and dialogue about

the conflict in the Middle East,” Sharry Aiken, event moderator and associate professor at Queen’s Law School, said in an email to The Journal.

Aiken’s personal participation in the teach-in was inspired by an interview with two Dartmouth University professors who encouraged students and faculty to analyze the current conflict more carefully, and think about ways students can foster productive dialogue moving forward.

One hour into the teach-in, a Queen’s community member accused the speakers of antisemitism in the Zoom chat.

Other attendees proceeded to unmute themselves, levelling allegations of antisemitism against the speakers.

The event was recorded, and a transcript of the teach-in was shared with all registered participants.

The Journal received a copy of the transcript from Aiken.

Attendees claimed the teach-in was fueling antisemitism that already existed on Queen’s campus. Jewish participants expressed feeling attacked by the presentation.

Salzmann, a Jewish individual herself, was described by some attendees as not representing the views of the Jewish community on Israel. They deemed her presentation biased in favour of the Palestinian side.

Salzmann told outraged occupation. Their right to attendees it takes a long time to resist is grounded in and understand the entire history bounded by international law, underlying the conflict between including the absolute Israel and Palestine. prohibition on targeting civilians,” “I take it [for] most people, you Bhabha said. haven’t taken the time to really “It appears Hamas committed understand what’s happening several violations of international over the past 500 years, let alone law, several war crimes, over the past 50 or 100 years,” and for that reason the Salzmann said during the teach-in. actions of Oct. 7 are being Naaman expressed her belief described quite rightly as that discomfort doesn’t necessarily an atrocity.” equate antisemitism.

Following the teach-in, “I think that feeling the Jewish Law Students uncomfortable and hearing Association (JLSA), and Gili Golan, things that are new and difficult president of Queen’s Hillel, to hear, that isn’t the same as sent an email to Aiken requesting antisemitism,” Naaman said. a recording of the teach-in Prior to the interruptions from be released. the audience, Salzmann, Naaman, They were given a and Bhabha explained before transcript, but Zev Winegust, Oct. 7 Palestinians protested the president of JLSA, and Israeli government’s influence Isaac Pekeles, vice-president over the Gaza Strip peacefully (finance) of JLSA, said they want the but had been met with violence, full recording. citing the Gaza border protest “This was an emotionally in 2018 to 2019. charged event, and we “From the Palestinian perspective the massacre is a culmination of occupation, severe oppression, and the human rights crisis in Gaza,” Naaman said.

Bhabha said the events of Oct. 7 blurred the lines between legitimate and illegitimate resistance, making conversations about Palestinian right to resist occupation difficult.

“Residents of the [Gaza] Strip have a right, according to most international law scholars and commentators, to resist

Leading South African and Canadian scholars unravel impact of mining on Indigenous communities

Dineo Skosana unearths spirit of belonging through research Sofia Tosello Assistant News Editor For Dineo Skosana, having a South African passport doesn’t equate to a sense of national belonging.

Skosana, a senior researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), visited Queen’s Oct. 16 to 28 to share her research on the displacement of Indigenous communities from their ancestral land. She collaborated with Queen’s Department of Global Development Studies (DEVS).

As part of an ongoing research collaboration between DEVS and Wits, Skosana discussed Futures of Care: Community Challenges to Extraction in South African and Canada.

The project investigates Indigenous land displacement

think having the totality of the context will give insight into how Jewish students were made to feel,” Pekeles said in an interview with The Journal.

Speakers used PowerPoints containing information not in the transcript, and some of the information presented could be misleading as the speakers used an article published five years ago to describe the current war, Winegust explained.

For Pekeles, Jewish students entered the teach-in hoping to have a meaningful conversation about the current conflict but left feeling unseen and unheard.

Winegust and Pekeles are focused on supporting their peers.

“Our number one priority is that Jewish students feel safe and heard on campus,” Winegust said.

Queen’s students advocate for free education across Canada

‘We will continue to build on this momentum’ Lauren Nicol Staff Writer

Students want free postsecondary education, and they’re willing to fight for it. in Canada and South Africa, Skosana said in an interview with Hundreds of students across securing a Canadian Government The Journal. the country stood up for fair and Insight Grant totaling $384,694.

Queen’s professors Epprecht, equal education in the “Fight Marc Epprecht, a global Allison Goebel, and Rebecca Hall the Fees” protest held on Nov. 8. development professor, said the are leading the Canadian The organization Canadian project serves to support scholars perspective into the research Federation of Students (CFS) like Skosana. with Skosana focusing organized protests all over Canada “Through this project we can on the South African side, with advocating for free education for support people like [Skosana] who help from Wits researcher postsecondary students. are young, Black women entering Kefuoe Makena.

In a media release on Nov. 1, the field,” Epprecht said in an Skosana’s personal research the CFS listed three demands: free interview with The Journal. explores the importance of education, educational justice, and The cross-cultural collaboration ancestral land ownership and student grants over student loans. will eventually generate the impact of development “The goal of the National recommendations for land initiatives on South African Day of Action is to achieve policies in both countries Indigenous communities. A free education for all students, and refine comparative research South African herself, Skosana both domestic and international methods, Skosana told The Journal. has an intimate understanding of students,” Mitra Yakubi, In South Africa, researchers land dispossession. chairperson for CFS-Ontario, are focusing on the experience “In South Africa, we have a strong said in a statement to The Journal. of women affected by coal history of land dispossession, Through their social media mining on their ancestral lands. which communities would have accounts, CFS argues post Similarly, in Canada, mining experienced during colonialism secondary education isn’t a luxury projects were conducted and the apartheid period,” but a right, encouraging the on top of Indigenous Skosana said.

Canadian government to give ancestral land in the Listening to public hearings grants to students rather than Northwest Territories. on the South African Restitution student loans.

“We’re trying to understand the of Land Rights Amendment Bill in The main rally in Ontario experience of women specifically 2013 sparked Skosana’s interest. was held alongside rallies in mining affected communities, across the province, including specifically coal-extracted ...story continued online in Ottawa, Sudbury, North Bay, communities in South Africa,” Windsor, Thunder Bay, and Orillia.

Starting after noon, students in Toronto marched from Grange Park to Queen’s Park, calling on government officials to make education free.

Thousands of students across Ontario campuses signed petitions to support the movement.

Many countries have worked to provide free education, and putting pressure on government officials might make Canada next, according to Yakubi.

“The National Day of Action is really important for Queen’s students since Ontario students pay some of the highest tuition fees in the country, and public funding for postsecondary is, on average, less than 24 per cent per institution,” Yakubi said.

At Queen’s, members of both the SGPS and PSAC 901—the union representing graduate teaching assistants, teaching fellows, and postdoctoral scholars—were involved with the “Fight for Fees” demonstrations.

Graduate students have different challenges accessing education, having to consider research funding and teaching assistant positions, Yakubi added.

“We will continue to build on this momentum to continue mobilizing alongside Queen’s University students and continuing our fight for free education,” Yakubi said.

Features

6 • queensjournal.ca

FEATURES ASAN RIATH PH MA E S JO S BY PHOTO

Financial defic

it impacts wor kers.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Queen’staff feel disheartened by working conditions

Staff across the University grapple with dust bunnies and budget woes

University’s operating budget.

With the $62.8 million deficit facing Sophia Coppolino Queen’s, new measures to keep the Senior News Editor institution financially stable have put pressure on staff.

Staff in the Department of Physics Understanding where the maintain morale by joking about funding for positions comes the ever-growing dust bunnies from contributes to the Physics in the stairwells of Stirling Hall. Department’s problem. Research Equipped with personal Swiffer dollars are separate from the Sweepers, staff have taken working operating budget, creating a conditions into their own hands. façade that departments have With over 10 years at Queen’s, the resources to stay well-staffed.

Undergraduate Program Assistant The Department of Physics is (Physics, Engineering Physics, & separate from Queen’s McDonald Astronomy) Melissa Balson has Astroparticle Physics Institute, watched working conditions which is often conflated with change for the worse. the department’s funding when “I’ve watched as we’ve taken assesing the operating budget. on more students, but our staff There are five full-time complement has either stayed the employees in the department of same or shrunk,” Balson said in an physics serving approximately interview with The Journal.

450 undergraduate students Balson and her colleagues were enrolled in majors offered by left scrambling after a lab technician the department. On top of that, left her position over the summer the department offers first-year and the Faculty of Arts and Science courses with hundreds of students denied hiring a replacement for across faculties, which poses an this academic year. Lab technicians additional administrative burden. prepare laboratories for students’ “We have a lot of students learning activities, which is an who come through integral part of a physics education. our doors,” Balson said.

With a smaller team, Balson The Faculty of Arts and Science doesn’t know how they’re going to accounts for 43 per cent of the fill in the gaps for students.

University’s $62.8 million deficit, “This is a position that has existed according to a budget report. as long as I’ve known this place to Recommendations for minimizing be here, and I honestly don’t know financial fallout included what we’re going to do. It makes not renewing expiring term me so mad. The decision is being administrative staff positions and made by someone in the faculty implementing a hiring freeze for office who has no clue what goes staff. An update to staff from the on at the department level. I really faculty at the end of September think we’re just seen as numbers,” suggested exceptions could be Balson said. made for academic-facing positions, Balson is a Queen’s alumni, since staff in these positions having graduated with a sociology interact directly with students degree in 2000. Twenty-two and contribute to the University’s years later, Balson was awarded teaching and learning initiatives. the Michael Condra Outstanding The report suggested the Student Service Award for her Faculty of Arts and Science service to current Queen’s students. streamline the administration of She stays at Queen’s for the students. online courses, with departments “We love students, and that’s why administering online and in-person most of us stay. It makes us so sad courses. The Faculty Office is we can’t help students to the best of turning to consolidating student our abilities because we don’t have support services for distance, the time,” Balson said. undergraduate, and graduate Despite being recognized students, looking to maximize for her hard work, the award efficiency in their existing doesn’t change the day-to-day organizational structure. circumstances for staff. The As support staff and academic platitudes coming from the senior assistants at Queen’s scramble to administration, while appreciated, get the work done, United Steel don’t do enough to compensate Workers (USW) 2010 President staff wages or support strained and Kelly Orser warns University overworked departments. management may use their efforts Queen’s employed 6,229 staff as against them. With no end date for of November 1, 2022, with 2,824 the hiring freeze, department staff positions being funded through the are setting a precedent for working

at lower pressure put in a grievance because staffing levels. they’re just so afraid,” Orser said.

“If a unit The growing unease amongst somehow can Queen’s staff was evident over the manage the summer when Queen’s unions tasks, the duties, united at a rally on campus in and still operate June. Frustrated with the chronic efficiently with understaffing, the rally was less staff, than we may end up well-attended by members of the with less steel workers working,” custodial department.

Orser said in an interview with “In the custodial department, the The Journal. hiring freeze means we’re going to Orser fears the University is be taking on more responsibilities,” hiring casual, temporary workers caretaker Jason Herrington told in lieu of filling steelworkers’ The Journal at the June rally. “We positions. Casual positions don’t already have a very hard time to have to be publicly posted as vacant recruit enough people to get the positions, which makes it harder work done. The workloads are for Orser to keep track of what’s tremendous, mainly because of the going on. Over the past two months, low wages.”

Queen’s lists having filled seven Herrington claims he’s been steelworker positions. approached by professors For approximately 15 in the Bioscience Complex years, staffing has become very because their labs aren’t being top-heavy in the sense that hiring cleaned regularly. isn’t thinning out for positions “[Labs are] supposed to be done at the top of the pyramid. In fact, every other day. We’re looking at the number of senior leadership weeks, sometimes months that positions is increasing, Orser they’re not getting done. It’s a huge said. The University appointed health and safety issue for the two new senior leadership roles students,” Herrington added. prior to the onset of the hiring Queen’s divides custodial staff freeze. Queen’s posted a six-figure into two groups: custodians and salary position for the Principal’s caretakers. Caretakers are paid Partnership Liason in September, significantly less than custodians, which is a non-academic-facing despite doing the same work. role that facilitates and maintains Many caretakers at Queen’s relationships between Queen’s and are new immigrants or women, its largest donors.

CUPE 229 President Steve Senechal In a Reddit post in the summer, told The Journal. many Queen’s staff mentioned they “When wages aren’t fair and feel wages and preferable working equitable, staff are spread thin conditions are reserved for and attracting new talent becomes management, including the ability more difficult—resulting in poor to work remotely. Orser heard of maintenance of building systems, incidents where steelworkers are dirtier buildings, and poor air required to come to campus while quality, which affects a student’s management stays home. ability to do their best work,” “There’s a lot of steelworkers Senechal wrote in a statement to required to come in to keep that The Journal. unit up and running, with no Unable to provide attractive manager on site often. That can wages, understaffing is a “chronic be problematic in a lot of ways,” problem” for trades and food Orser said. “From an interpersonal services positions, Senechal relationship and workplace balance, explained. He fears understaffing in terms of nurturing, good, healthy is impacting the health managerial and employee relations. and safety of students on campus, It’s not always well received by from overflowing garbage workers, and it’s often to poor air not well quality in lecture halls. received by “We continue to steelworkers.” bring forth these Steelworkers issues to are afraid, Orser admitted.

While she does what she can to provide workers with support— in c l u din g submitting complaints on workers’ behalf— steelworkers fear that submitting grievances make them not be perceived as team players.

“We can’t force someone to put a grievance. All we can do is support them, and we do have steelworkers that we support for a very long time—we meet with them regularly. They’ve never once

management’s attention and have organized along with other unions on campus into a Unity Council, putting on the University to do the right thing and pay their workers fair and equitable pay with real wage increases to keep up with the rising cost of living, so we can continue to provide quality services for students, faculty, and staff,” Senechal wrote.

In spring 2022, Queen’s employees were asked to share their perspectives on their workplace through the Employee Experience Survey. The survey received over 3,800 responses on 42 indicators.

A press release reported over 80 per cent of respondents felt safe on campus, their job expectations were clear, and the team was respectful. Data from the survey was processed by Metrics@Work and reports were sent to units in the fall of 2022.

According to the Queen’s Human Resources Strategic Plan, empowering people is an important pillar for employment goals at Queen’s, but the details are murky. The 2022 plan, presented by Steven Millan, retired Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources), centres around people and their wellbeing.

The University has yet to fill the position.

A Journal reporter contacted Metrics@Work on Sept. 6, and was made aware the data was still under review but was being sent to the University within the coming weeks.

No comprehensive report of the survey results was ever made public.

The University denied The Journal’s request for an interview on staff ’s working conditions and compensation. In a statement received by The Journal, Queen’s reaffirmed its commitment to staff empowerment.

“We have established processes and channels in place to address employment-based concerns that may arise. We strive to improve and maintain a positive work environment for our staff and faculty as we look to realize our strategy and fulfill our vision for the future,” Queen’s University said. queensjournal.ca/ features

Editorials

Friday, November 10, 2023

The Journal’s Perspective

queensjournal.ca • 7

EDITORIALS

ILLUSTRATION BY ARDEN MASON-OURIQUE

Smith family faculties boost prestige Smith Engineering will benefit Queen’s researchers, students, and graduates.

On Nov. 3, Queen’s announced Stephen Smith’s $100 million donation to the faculty of Engineering. Smith’s donation, in a puff of yellow confetti and stoles, launched a rebrand of Queen’s Engineering to Smith Engineering at Queen’s.

Comments on the Queen’s University Instagram page and on Reddit threads are conveying some students’ discontent.

Some object to Queen’s Commerce and the Engineering

faculty being united under the Smith name as it undermines their decades-long rivalry. Their complaints aren’t unfounded.

The inter-faculty rivalry between Commerce and Engineering is an infamous part of Queen’s culture. Every year, their rivalry fuels the Cure Cancer Classic, which has raised over $1 million for paediatric cancer research.

Another point of opposition to the spread of the Smith name is its characterization of Queen’s as a capitalist rather than an academic institution. The spectacle

Kenzie O’Day Copy Editor

towards specific careers than those like Engineering and Commerce, arts students can reap incredible benefits from networking in an internship and seeing the future of their arts degrees.

Gaining experience in a field through an internship equally provides direction in an overwhelmingly broad world of potential career paths.

When I heard about the Queen’s University Internship Program (QUIP) I jumped at the opportunity to get paid work experience and explore potential career paths. Excited as I was, few internships on the QUIP job board appealed to me. Most were geared towards STEM or business students, and those that I was qualified for were limited in industry.

Experiential learning is important in the arts

While they may be harder for us to find, internships and experiential learning opportunities are invaluable for arts students.

I came to Queen’s unsure of what I wanted to do post-undergrad, but secure in the knowledge I didn’t want to battle through any more math courses and that writing lab reports bores me.

My joint honours in English and Film are grounded by my love of the subjects, not their inherent job security. Despite the value I see in an arts and humanities education, I’m jealous of the confidence my peers in faculties like Engineering, Commerce, and even the Sciences, seem to have in their future job prospects.

Experiential learning is valuable for all students, regardless of program or career aspirations. Because many arts programs are less oriented

THE QUEEN’S JOURNAL

Volume 151, Issue 13 www.queensjournal.ca @queensjournal Publishing since 1873

Editorial Board Editors in Chief

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around the change implies more enthusiasm for a renewed image than it does for serious academia.

Smith Engineering doesn’t now have $100 million to spend.

The money will likely trickle in over years and will presumably fund behind-the-scenes research more than it will alter students’ in-class experience. Because they won’t see the money themselves, it’s understandable for current students to feel cynical about their work being attached to its donor.

It can be disheartening seeing so much money and attention funnelled into such a concentrated area, particularly while PSAC 901 battles for increased funding and wages for graduate students, and Queen’s Fine Art has suspended enrolment for the second time in 15 years.

Ultimately, though, Queen’s present, past, and future students will benefit from Smith’s donation.

The influx of funding and consequent rebrand will attract prestige around Smith Engineering and Queen’s University in general.

Increasing financial resources will allow for more advanced research, paving the way for the innovations in engineering research and pedagogy Dean Kevin Deluzio imagines for the faculty.

This new prestige will boost the status of Queen’s graduates’ resumés and encourage accomplished academics in all faculties to bring their research to the University.

As long as it supports Queen’s academia, let the yellow confetti fly.

PHOTO BY JOSEPH MARIATHASAN

Continued online at queensjournal.ca/editorials

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Contributors

left unaddressed The City of Kingston is treating

The QUIP program offers the ability to make your own internship by contacting a company you’re interested in and pitching the program to them—a process I’ll readily admit that I didn’t put enough effort into.

Aidan Michaelov

Photo Editor

Housing insecurity won’t disappear if

—Journal Editorial Board

Assistant Sports Editor

Assistant Lifestyle Editor

ILLUSTRATION BY ARDEN MASON-OURIQUE

Wardah Anwar Layla Artzy Cordelia Jamieson Julian King George Manning

housing insecurity like an inconvenience they expect to disappear, rather than a problem worth solving.

In ongoing legal proceedings at Kingston’s Superior Court, deliberation is occurring on whether removing the Belle Park encampment infringes upon its residents’ right to life, liberty, and security. If the judge finds the Bylaw to Provide for the Regulation Use of Parks and Recreation Facilities constitutionally just, the shelters belonging to the unhoused population in Belle Park will be removed.

The Belle Park encampment is situated behind the Integrated Care Hub (ICH), a harm-reduction based medical clinic that serves the immediate and long-term needs of those underserved by their communities.

The clinic’s consumption and treatment services and rest zone—which allows individuals a safe place to rest and sleep—make it an invaluable service in caring for Kingston’s unhoused populations.

The ICH also refers individuals to additional medical and social services as needed.

One of the arguments in favour of disbanding the Belle Park encampment is the use of fentanyl within it. If the encampment is facilitating the use of dangerous substances, shutting it down is understandable. However, unhoused individuals who are already using fentanyl benefit from proximity to the Integrated Care Hub, the service in Kingston best equipped to treat overdose.

Distancing unhoused individuals from this service will endanger their lives.

Another issue raised by closing the encampment is where current residents will go next.

Will McDowell, a lawyer representing the City of Kingston, suggested residents take shelter during the day in public spaces, like

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Haudenosaunee peoples. The Journal’s Editorial Board acknowledges the traditional territories our newspaper is situated on have allowed us to pursue our mandate.

We recognize our responsibility to understand the truth of our history.

Editorial opinions expressed in The Journal are the sole responsibility of The Queen’s Journal Editorial Board, and are not necessarily those of the University, the AMS or their officers.

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libraries and malls. Librarians and retail workers aren’t trained to help unhoused individuals, nor is it their job to do so.

Displacing the responsibility of care for its unhoused population to workers implies the City’s disinterest in adequately addressing housing insecurity and its victims.

Provincial and municipal governments must address the root causes of housing insecurity.

Although there’s an overlap between substance use and experiencing homelessness, it’s far from being the only contributor to unhousedness—mental illness and lacking social support are equally substantial risk factors. Affordable housing and access to mental health care are grossly lacking in Ontario.

In their absence, harm reduction and diversionary measures must be promoted. Our Livable Solutions is an organization that builds communities of small cabins for unhoused people to reside in, a far more productive and humane alternative to disbanding encampments with no substitute for residents.

The money being spent to fight the encampment case in court could be directed towards helpful programs like these.

Encampments benefit their residents insofar as they provide community and protection. Living in groups dissuades the isolation associated with being unhoused and allows folks to sleep without fear of their few possessions being stolen or vandalized by passersby.

In July, the City of Kingston banned encampment residents from lighting fires to keep warm.

As temperatures drop, this continued ban will cause cold-related deaths.

Disbanding the encampment will encourage isolation from necessary community, protection, and medical services, ultimately facilitating mental and physical harm.

The need to adequately address housing insecurity is only growing.

Ana Coelho

Want to contribute?

For information visit: www.queensjournal.ca/contribute or email the Editor in Chief at journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca Contributions from all members of the Queen’s and Kingston community are welcome. The Journal reserves the right to edit all submissions.

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Contents © 2023 by The Queen’s Journal; all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of The Journal.

Opinions

8 • queensjournal.ca

OPINIONS

Friday, November 10, 2023

Your Perspective

Megan examines proposed legislation tackling drug use treatment and suggests more holistic solutions.

SUPPLIED BY MEGAN ROWE

Canada needs holistic systems of care, not coercion The practice of institutionalizing people with mental health and addiction-related concerns was incepted to support the best interests of the country’s political economy. Historically, asylums in Canada were MEGAN ROWE used to confine and control Contributor individuals who were categorized as mentally ill Canada’s push to pursue and subsequently deemed legislation that could lead to the a threat to the country’s forced treatment of Persons growing capitalist economy.

Who Use Drugs (PWUDs) is a It’s not a coincidence the rise dangerous move. of asylums in pre-confederate Recently, Alberta’s United Canada paralleled growing Conservative Party and New industrialization—adequate Brunswick’s Progressive participation in the workforce has Conservative Party—who are always been the marker of who’s both in power—have been determined as socially normal. exploring laws that would grant Today, the current neoliberal police the power to apprehend, economy has contributed to detain, and admit PWUDs to defunding many social services involuntary treatment. that focus on mental health and New Brunswick’s Public Safety well-being. In our current political Minister Kris Austin reported the system, efficiency and fiscally goal of involuntary drug treatment restrained social interventions would be to “save lives and make the are favoured. community safer at the same time,” These approaches often ignore while noting forcing PWUDs into important broader social factors treatment will reduce disruption including housing, income, and to businesses and residents in access to community resources, urban areas. and accordingly, exempt the This kind of legislative policy government from delivering relies on the belief that it’s sustainable social services. By the government’s moral treating social issues as individual responsibility to intervene problems, current strategies to in individual’s lives to ensure address substance use are limited their well-being. Whether or in their scope. not that’s true, the intention and efficacy of how governments choose to do so must be called into question, especially given that the current political agenda often seeks to reduce the government’s commitment to its social and welfare responsibilities.

Ultimately, any policy that increases the role of police power One solution that’s been and the parameters of involuntary proposed to treat individuals who institutionalization while failing use drugs is greater police power. to address broader social Proposed under the guise of problems begs the question of support, the proposed legislation who benefits from these new laws. in both New Brunswick and

Forced institutionalization isn’t the answer to drug use

"People who are unhoused or living in poverty already experience increased rates of police surveillance and contact with the justice system.

Alberta will insidiously target some of the most vulnerable community members. People who are unhoused or living in poverty already experience increased rates of police surveillance and contact with the justice system.

"Forced treatment does little to address the root cause of harm, especially in the absence of proper social safety nets and social support systems in the long term.

Providing police with more power—including the capacity to monitor, legally apprehend, and transport people to treatment facilities—will only increase police presence in people’s lives, as well as within mental health and addiction care systems.

While both these outcomes are unfavourable, the latter is especially counterintuitive to recent best practice guidelines.

Instead, working to remove police from mental health and addiction-related concerns should be advocated for in an effort to decriminalize and destigmatize mental health and addiction. The proposed legislative initiatives are an unfortunate step backwards.

Forced treatment does little to address the root cause of harm, especially in the absence of proper social safety nets and social support systems in the long term.

There’s little concrete evidence that supports the efficacy of forced substance use disorder treatment.

Healthcare providers have warned the public about the dangers it presents, claiming individuals forced to stop using substances abruptly during treatment are at a greater

risk of drug-induced poisoning—among many other dangers—if they begin using again post-treatment.

The psychological harms of involuntary treatment have also been documented, and re-traumatization is associated with involuntary containment.

When an individual is forced to receive treatment, there’s a significant likelihood that the treatment they receive will be perceived as punitive and traumatizing.

When supposed care is traumatizing, it runs the risk of worsening existing trauma.

Whenreceivingforcedtreatment, there’s significant likelihood the treatment PWUDs receive will be perceived as punitive, abusive, and dehumanizing in its denial of agency in care decisions.

Re-traumatization is especially concerning given the clear link between trauma and substance use disorder.

For many, substance use is a powerful emotional regulation mechanism.

It’s likely PWUDs will return to substances to deal with the effects of re-traumatization, especially if their substance use acts as a coping mechanism.

"Addressing the intolerable and inequitable conditions that many Canadians face would offer sustainable solutions topromoting community safety and saving lives.

The goal of drug use and addiction care legislation should be to protect individuals’ well-being. It’s up to those of us with voting power to examine why the government pushes practices that ostracize

people instead of delivering sustainable systems of social support.

The government’s role in ensuring collective wellbeing is important, but considering which policies will actualize these goals and which are counterintuitive is essential.

Instead of focusing on implementing additional involuntary treatment practices, governments should be providing increased funding to social supports that promote social welfare, including housing, income assistance, and accessible mental health and substance use care. Addressing the intolerable and inequitable conditions that many Canadians face would offer sustainable solutions to promoting community safety and saving lives.

Although the proposed legislation in both Alberta and New Brunswick is still in the conceptual stages, it’s critical to act now. Experts have collaborated on a formal letter addressed to the New Brunswick government, including Progressive Conservative Premier Blaine Higgs, outlining their concerns and condemnation. It’s imperative that we challenge the government to deliver systems of care, social services, and social safety nets that actually protect people.

In the words of Saint Mary’s University Criminology Professor Jamie Livingston, “It’s the accumulation of policies that have left people in real dire straits and in crisis.”

Megan is an ArtSci’20 Queen’s alumni. journal_letters@ams.queensu.ca

Arts

Friday, November 10, 2023

queensjournal.ca • 9

T i me t o r e s t or e r a d ica l e n ergi es of plant -bas e d e a tin g

Demystifying the origins of plant-based eating in ‘No Meat Required’

ARTS

CATHERINE MARCOTTE Contributor Alicia Kennedy’s debut book No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant Based Eating, published Aug. 15 2023, surveys the history of plant-based eating in the United States.

While the proliferation of so-called wellness and lifestyle content on TikTok and Instagram has made plantbased eating synonymous with wealth, whiteness, and ideal femininity, Kennedy demonstrates vegetables and plant-based proteins have long signified anti-capitalist counterculture with punk, hippie, and feminist undertones.

As a feminist and vegetarian passionate about global food access and planetary justice, I find Kennedy’s call to restore the radical energies of plant-based eating deeply refreshing.

Her writing blends meticulous research with exclusive interviews and personal narratives which

‘No Meat Required’ is Kennedy’s debut book.

acknowledge her privileges as a white American woman living in San Juan, Mexico. Kennedy’s approach makes the book feel antithetical to the social media landscape that gives plant-based eating a bad name.

While environmentalism is perhaps the most popular rationale for plant-based eating today, these diets are often registered as whitewashed, classist, and fatphobic. By historicizing the global origins of plant-based eating, Kennedy shows the economic realities of industrial meat

production. By documenting her own pleasures in meatless eating, Kennedy demonstrates the many reasons, and ways not to eat meat.

No Meat Required traces the culinary and political attachment to meat in the West, fashioning a chronological account of the cooks, researchers, and community leaders who have shifted the conversation towards plant-based alternatives.

Though Kennedy tends to centre a vegetarian perspective throughout, she smartly addresses omnivores, recognizing the future

GRAPHIC BY ALI SAFADI

of food, which she says isn’t possible without their support.

The text addresses the issue of factory farming and asks omnivores to stop eating meat that’s industrially processed.

Kennedy explains factory farms exacerbate economic divides as big corporations pocket profits while neglecting the health and safety of their workers.

Readers are invited to question the morality of consuming products that not only sustain planetary and animal abuse, but neglect worker’s rights. Though the choice

to introduce this critique early in the book risks alienating readers, I think the compelling breadth of Kennedy’s argument gives omnivores pause.

After all, the purpose of her book—at least in part—is to trace the many reasons why people should practice plant-based eating. Kennedy’s commitment to providing a full picture of what’s at stake in our eating habits strengthens her argument.

The book is comprehensive, surveying the centuries-old origins of plant proteins and the ubiquity of oat milk before disavowing the ability of “tech meat” to curb global warming. By lending a critical eye to the rising availability of plant-based alternatives, Kennedy cautions readers that in our hyper-capitalist climate, plant-based alternatives don’t always lead to a more just or sustainable world.

Her holistic approach to global food justice is admirable, proving plant-based ideologies are much more than what the Internet has made them out to be.

Ultimately, No Meat Required powerfully interrupts the popular discourse that has severed plant-based eating from its radical history. This thought-provoking debut is a must-read for conscientious omnivores and plant-based eaters alike.

Kai Cheng Thom’s poetry assess violence against transgender and Asian lives Hate is the fear one carries around

Learning to love the parts of you, you hate.

SUZY LEINSTER Assistant Arts Editor This article discusses anti-Asian and anti-transgender violence. The trans Lifeline for Peer Support may be called at 877-330-6366 and the Asian Mental Health Collective. The Canadian Mental Health Association Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-875-6213.

For poet Kai Cheng Thom, understanding her identity as a transgender Chinese woman requires learning to love the aspects she hated about these identities.

Thom’s anthology Falling Back in Love with Being Human: Letters to Lost Souls depicts the life of a

Chinese-Canadian transgender girl through poetry. Released in August 2023, the collection starts by addressing the reader, questioning how humans can be so contradictory. The discrepancy hinges on people’s cruelty towards others being just as strong as their kindness.

In “dear reader,” Thom explains the anthology is a compilation of love letters to exes, prostitutes, weirdos, and transphobes, because loving them means loving a part of herself.

The rhetorical questions in her writing which make readers confront ambiguity, making Thom’s message all the more profound. Thom explains embracing and loving the aspects

GRAPHIC BY ALI SAFADI

of yourself or others that are believed to be unworthy of love is a powerful journey towards full acceptance of oneself.

One of the most emotional poems in the collection is titled “to a lost sister,” which describes the weight of Thom’s sister passing away. Though Thom states she isn’t affiliated with a religious organization in “dear reader,” faith is important in “to a lost sister,” particularly in the context of understanding oneself.

When speaking about her sister, Thom uses the lowercase ‘i.’

Her voice is placed second to her sister’s as she begs God to turn back time and undo her sister’s death.

The lowercase ‘i’ illustrates the

smallness of her pleas next to the scope of God’s power—the power to take her sister away.

Thom uses her personal experience to explore the eputence of Asian women as they endure fetishization and violence against their bodies.

The trauma from the 2021 Atlanta shooting is front and centre in “to the ones who didn’t cry.” The 2021 shooting resulted in the deaths of six Asian women during the peak of COVID-19, and the poem explores the shooting as extending past sorrow, causing anger and degradation of herself as an Asian woman.

In “to the ones who didn’t cry,” Thom writes, “i did not cry,” and instead conveys rage. She was enraged when media outlets said it was degrading to say the Asian women were sex workers. The poem questions why the media shames women sex workers but not the systems that put them there.

By concealing their professions, Thom explores how the media stigmatizes sex workers’ stories.

Thom continuously writes about living on the fringe as seen in the titles “to the ones who disappeared,” “to the ones this world was never made for,” and “to the ones who watched.”

Each title gives the impression of being othered.

Based on Thoms’ analysis, the other is someone who doesn’t fit into the binaries of heterosexuality and whiteness.

Thom’s work represents the exclusion and displacement transgender, and Asian people face from the world in moments of violence.

The most penetrating message Thom showcases in the collection is that those who view themselves as monsters will always be one, until they learn to accept the pieces of themselves they hate.

Arts

10 • queensjournal.ca

Friday, November 10, 2023

Arts around Kingston: Week of Nov. 12 Colonial art at the Agnes, Modern Fuel’s next Syphon issue, and Evangeline Gentle at the Grad Club SUZY LEINSTER Assistant Arts Editor Kingston continues to offer a plethora of artistic avenues for the community to enjoy. Here are some upcoming arts events to explore during the week.

Conversations about Colonial European Art at the Agnes Cécile Fromont, professor of history of art from Yale University, will host an in-person lecture at the Isabel Bader Centre on Nov. 15 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

The event is described as a look into early modern central Africa, rendered in full-page Italian Capuchin Franciscan

paintings from 1650 and 1750. Veterans of the Congo and Angola missions created the paintings to train future missionaries and depict the natural, social, and religious characteristics of Africa during the 18th century.

The event description said the paintings depict the tenuous interactions between Christian friars and the people of Congo and Angola.

Labelled as a colonial project, Fromont will analyze the cross-cultural interactions depicted in the Italian paintings.

“With this intervention, I aim to model a way to think anew about images created across cultures, bringing to the fore the formative role that encounter itself playedintheirconception,execution, and modes of operation,” Fromont said in a statement on the Agnes website.

Modern Fuel releases its next issue Modern Fuel will launch its eighth issue of arts & culture magazine Syphon, called Tenderness, on Nov. 16 from

Upcoming art events to look out for.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Tett Centre.

The publication connects the arts community with Kingston and responds to the need for more critical arts commentary in local publications.

Their mandate is to feature local artists alongside national and international projects with an emphasis on art scenes and activities seen as peripheral.

This issue will celebrate relationships and the tenderness in our bodies and the world.

One artist included in the issue is Nic Wilson, who graduated with a BFA at Mount Allison University and studies time, queer lineage, and the relation between artistic practice and literature.

Another artist featured is Alessandra Pozzuoli, the assistant coordinator of Public Art for

the City of Markham. Pozzuoli focuses on interdisciplinary art and art education.

Evangeline Gentle at the Grad Club Singer and songwriter Evangeline Gentle will perform her new album Where the Diamonds Are at the Grad Club at 8 p.m. on Nov. 15. The performance is in support of Mariel Buckley.

Gentle, a Peterborough native, will tour across Ontario to share her music through live performance. Where the Diamonds Are features ten songs about joy, resilience, shame, ancestral trauma-healing, grief, love and queerness.

“From the writing process to the recording process, the

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experience of making Where the Diamonds Are has been an empowering one,” Killbeats Music said about the album on their website.

Queer culture is celebrated in the tracks “Bad Girls” and “Gay Bar,” in which the lyrics depict a utopian gay bar. Gentle’s feminist beliefs are depicted in “Underdog,” with lyrics that encourage women to empower themselves. “[The album is] set to empower relating listeners with lyrics [from “Underdog”] such as “calling me a crazy bitch won’t silence and degrade me, I speak my mind especially when men underestimate me,” Killbeats Music said about the album.

Indigenous beading open for all community members

Beading can act as an opportunity to destress.

Queen’s students are encouraged to participate in Indigenous beading to decompress SUZY LEINSTER Assistant Arts Editor This winter a new workshop emerges to showcase Indigenous beading in the City of Kingston.

The Kingston School of Art (KSOA) is hosting an Indigenous beading event on how to make traditional beaded ornaments. The event, “Tsyón:nis - You All Make It!” is run by teaching artist Liv Rondeau, and will be held on Nov. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Front studio on 647 Princess St. The event will cost $55 for participants, with a minimum age requirement being 16 years old.

“The practice of beading has been widely recognized by Indigenous peoples as a way of recording cultural knowledge, relationships with land, treaties and promoting wellness within communities,” KSOA said in a statement to The Journal.

SUPPLIED BY KSOA

Indigenous beading is significant to communities across Turtle Island, especially in Katarokwi, KSOA explained. In Katarokwi Kingston the beads are distinct because clay is used to create them, making it a common activity for communities to gather, sculpt, and make beads by hand.

“This tradition translates to the work we’d like to do on this territory as we’d be engaging in creating a project everyone would contribute to, using techniques, skills, and materials influenced by our own stories, identities, and the land,” KSOA said in a statement with The Journal.

Executive Director of the Kingston School of Art Maddi Andrews, ArtSci ’16 and MA ’21, described the importance of including Indigenous art forms in their programs and workshops. “[Tsyón:nis - You All Make It!] very much aligns with where we hope KSOA falls within the community as a place where we can uplift and honour Indigenous voices, artists, and their cultural traditions,” Andrews said in an interview with The Journal.

She said KSOA is focused on robust programming across different areas and disciplines to show what Kingston has to offer artistically.

Queen’s students are encouraged to participate in Indigenous beading to decompress According to Andrews, the event will be a place where Rondeau can share their knowledge and receive employment, while selling their work.

It’s important to KSOA they provide promotional and financial exposure to Indigenous artists as part of the the reconciliation process.

Rondeau will lead the workshop as a facilitator and create a

conversation around Indigenous beading to explain the significance of the art to guests. Then, Rondeau will demonstrate beading techniques that participants will use to make their own ornament to bring home.

Anyone is welcome at the event. Andrews said it’s a great opportunity for Queen’s students to connect with Kingston outside of the Queen’s bubble.

“I think this a very stressful time of year for students, and I think art making and beadwork is innately therapeutic.

It’s described by many Indigenous folks as medicine,” Andrews said.

She believes participating in the program will benefit guests’ mental health and act as an opportunity to decompress and heal.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Business, Science, & Technology

queensjournal.ca • 11

<BIZ-SCI-TECH> De-ice, de-ice, baby: obsessions with road salt hurt the lake and our community Kingston uses brine as safer alternative to plain road salt Mikella Schuettler Assistant News Editor Dropping temperatures mean students across Kingston are waking up to ice-covered sidewalks as a welcome to Canada’s natural slip n’ slide.

Along with the ice, comes one white substance we can’t get enough of: road salt.

Unfortunately, the use of salt not only impacts the environment, but those whose job it is to spread it.

“The salt issue is multifaceted.

It’s people’s behavior and expectations. It’s how we’re dealing with liability and litigation.

And then the ecology and toxicology part,” said Shelley Arnott, Queen’s biology professor, in an interview with The Journal.

Canada uses five million tons of road salt every year in an effort to save lives and avoid injuries caused by hazardous winter conditions. At Queen’s, road salt is often spread over stairs, walkways, and parking lots, keeping people from slipping while damaging the water ecosystem closest to us, Lake Ontario.

Arnott remembers when people used to say, “the solution to pollution is dilution.” The idea was that society didn’t need a solution to road salt pollution, because it would wash into large water ways, diluted and safe. As a long-time researcher of the impact of salt on aquatic ecosystems, Arnott can confirm this isn’t the case.

“It was just mounting evidence that sodium chloride, or road salt, was way more toxic than we thought,” Arnott said.

Researchers like Arnott use chloride, an ion formed when salts

Trudeau announces three-year carbon tax pause on home heating oil Noah Lee Staff Writer Last month, Justin Trudeau officially announced a three year pause on carbon pricing for home heating oil in Canada. With Trudeau falling steadily in the polls, it seems this decision may be a direct result of waning popularity rather than the invocation of sound policy.

The Trudeau government implemented the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act in 2018 to create a federal carbon pollution pricing system with the goal of lowering greenhouse emissions in Canada. Provinces could participate or implement a

are dissolved in water, to measure the salt concentrations in lakes near urban areas. When Arnott began her research, she focused on its impact on smaller organisms, such as Daphnia—water fleas that feast on algae and are an integral part of lake ecosystems.

“We were seeing effects, reduced reproduction and increased mortality, at concentrations as low as five to 40 milligrams of chloride

Though Lake Ontario is one of the largest bodies of water in North America, Queen’s students and Kingston’s habitual use of road salt will still have an impact, especially on organisms that live near the shore, according to Arnott.

As a long-time member of the Queen’s community, Arnott is disheartened when road salt is overused around campus.

Limiting the amount of salt used

protection of contractors who spread road salt within communities. The association’s Snow and Ice Management Sector group is working to reduce salt’s environmental impact.

Aside from the environmental threat, the current legal landscape puts snow and ice contractors at a disadvantage.

The high risk of slip and fall claims increases insurance costs related to ice management. As a result, contractors are slowly abandoning businesses, according to Landscape Ontario. This is leaving municipalities without people willing to spread salt.

“Snow and ice management contractors are essential,

Road salt damages the environment, but the solution may lie in protecting workers.

per liter,” Arnott said. “That was pretty shocking because our water quality guidelines suggest that 120 milligrams of chloride per liter should be protecting most aquatic species.”

Daphnia are highly sensitive to chloride, making them an important indicator of salt concentration in lakes. As Daphnia die, the algae they feed on will bloom and fish can perish without their water fleas as a food source.

is one way to reduce its environmental impact.

Unfortunately, oversalting is not a one-dimensional issue.

Snow and ice management contractors are pressured to oversalt roads, sidewalks, and parking lots so the businesses and municipalities they work for won’t be sued.

Landscape Ontario, a horticultural trades association, has been calling for the legal

PHOTO BY HERBERT WANG

frontline workers. Without them, it’s impossible for Ontarians to get to work and school—and even more critically, they allow emergency services teams to reach people in need,” said Joe Salemi, executive director of Landscape Ontario, in a statement to The Journal.

As changing weather patterns cause unpredictable freeze and thaw cycles,

The Policy Corner with Noah Lee

Mental gymnastics and a carbon tax carbon pollution pricing system of their own.

Once a crucial part of Trudeau’s 2015 campaign, the act now threatens his party’s credibility.

Jerry DeMarco, Canada’s federal environment commissioner, said this week that Canada is on track to fall short of its 2030 emissions targets.

The majority of Canadians believe carbon taxes—which aim to put a price on greenhouse gas emission and levy taxes—are ineffective at tackling climate change.

Home heating oil is the most carbon intensive way to heat your home, but Trudeau’s government recently paused penalties for using it. Only 3 per cent of Canadians use home heating oil, with most users based in Atlantic Canada.

Here's where politics come in.

Trudeau’s Liberal party has been consistently down in the polls since this past summer—currently sitting at 27 per cent of the popular vote—while the Conservatives sit at a comfortable 40 per cent.

Liberals have historically been able to rely on votes in what’s considered the Atlantic “Red Wall” of Canada, but this support has started to dwindle. In a recent provincial byelection in a Nova Scotia riding held

by Liberals for the last 20 years, Progressive Conservative candidate Twila Grosse won by a significant margin.

Grosse’s win was attributed to Conservative healthcare policies and unhappiness over “punitive” federal carbon pricing.

Trudeau’s announcement to pausing the unpopular policy might render a few more votes in the area.

The on-paper intention behind this policy decision has been to move low-income Canadians reliant on home heating oil to heating pumps, which the federal government would subsidize.

Pumps pull heat from inside a home and push it out in the summer, and vice versa in the winter. But these devices don’t always work in colder temperatures, with a shut-off threshold between -12 Celcius to -25 Celcius. While winters are by and large milder in Atlantic Canada given its geographic location, heat pumps struggle in the more frigid conditions of Ontario and the rest of central Canada.

Landscape Ontario says oversalting is becoming more common.

“If the workers feel like they could get sued, then they’re going to put as much as they can to ensure they don’t,” Arnott said.

A lobby day at Queen’s Park on Oct. 24 brought together ice management contractors and MPPs, as well as Doug Ford, to discuss the environmental and labor issues of road salt use in Ontario.

Landscape Ontario hopes the provincial government will reform the liability surrounding slip and fall claims, and establish a regulatory framework for ice management, to help prevent oversalting.

“We were introduced in the House by MPP Parm Gill, minister of red tape reduction, and Andrea Khanjin, minister of the environment, conservation and parks, [who are] committed to championing the cause in [provincial legislature],” Salemi said.

Though it may be a long way from legal changes of contractor liability, there are some easier solutions that might go a long way.

Instead of salting the roads, some municipalities in Canada such as Kingston are using brine—a mixture of salt and water that allows for less salt to be used.

Road salt only works when there’s a little bit of liquid water on the ground already—without water, the salt has no effect. The salt ions dissociate in surface water, lowering its freezing temperature, and preventing the lattice structure of ice from forming on pavement. Using brine guarantees there’s water available for the salt to dissociate, ensuring ice doesn’t form.

“It’s not taking away the toxicity is just reducing how much you’re using,” Arnott said.

Though there are many eco-alternatives available, Arnott cautions against believing everything on a label.

“I can’t use salt when I know how damaging it is. So, I get out and shovel,” Arnott said.

If anything, this reality gives further credence to concerns voiced by Jagmeet Singh, leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), that this policy is dividing citizens at a time where a cost-of-living crisis is being observed from coast to coast.

When the dirtiest form of home heating gets a carbon tax break but other cleaner forms of heating don’t, carbon pricing becomes a lot more difficult to rationalize.

Given the goals behind carbon pricing are to reduce our overall emissions, the mental gymnastics required to justify the pause are challenging. When such a clear appearance of conflicting intentions is evident, people tend to take notice.

Nobody is being fooled here.

This is a political play that has nothing to do with the environment.

Sports

12 • queensjournal.ca

Friday, November 10, 2023

SPORTS

PHOTO BY HERBERT WANG

The Gaels won 8-1 on Nov. 3 and lost 4-3 on Nov. 4.

Queen’s Men’s Hockey sees mixed results at home

RORY STINSON Senior Sports Editor

This past weekend, the Queen’s Men’s Hockey team played a pair of home games at the Memorial Centre, with mixed results.

In the first game on Nov. 3, the Gaels lit up the scoreboard against the Nipissing Lakers with a final score of 8-1.

The first goal of the game was scored almost eight minutes in by forward Alex Robert, ArtSci ’24. The goal was assisted by forward Derek Hamilton, ArtSci ’27, and Cameron Tolnai, Comm ’27.

A little over a minute later, forward Nolan Hutcheson, ArtSci ’25, scored a power play goal, putting the Gaels up 2-0. Assists were awarded to defenseman Owen Lalonde, ArtSci ’25, and Robert.

Hamilton added to the Gaels’ lead with an unassisted goal to close out the first period at 3-0 for the Gaels.

Midway through the second period, the Gaels lead was further extended to 4-0 with a short-handed goal from Tolnai, assisted by defensive players Jacob Paquette, ArtSci ’24, and

RORY STINSON Senior Sports Editor

While many varsity teams concluded their seasons this past weekend, others are just getting started. Here’s a look at the varsity team sports from this week.

Women’s Hockey The Women’s Hockey team travelled to Toronto to play back-to-back games against the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold.

On Nov. 4 the Gaels saw a tighter than usual game, which went scoreless until the third period. TMU scored first, and about five minutes later, Gaels’ forward Emma McKnight, Sci ’24,

A blow-out game and a tight one for the Gaels

Jack Duff, ArtSci ’25.

Tolnai saw a second goal in the second period with assists from Hamilton and forward Daniel Michaud, ArtSci ’27.

The end of the second period saw the score at 6-0 for the Gaels after a late goal by Duff, assisted

by Paquette and forward Dalton Duhart, ArtSci ’26.

Three minutes into the third period, Queen’s scored once again with a goal from forward Samuel Marbug, ArtSci ’27, assisted by defenseman Michael Renwick, ArtSci ’27, and Duff. This increased the lead to 7-0.

Nipissing scored their first and only goal of the game halfway through the third period.

After Nipissing’s lone goal, Queen’s saw their score increase one last time as Michaud scored. His goal was assisted

by Hutcheson and forward Jonathan Yantsis, ArtSci ’24.

The final score was 8-1 for the Gaels.

The 20 total penalties awarded throughout the game were all minor penalties, with

tied the game at 1-1. Her goal was assisted by rookie Megan Hirschfeld, and Kennedy MacAlpine, ArtSci ’24.

The game headed into overtime that was cut short when McKnight scored once again a mere 10 seconds in. Her game-winning goal was assisted by Scout Watkins-Southward, ArtSci ’24.

The final score was 2-1 for the Gaels.

The next day, the Gaels faced off against TMU again. The Gaels took a 2-0 lead in the second period with goals coming from Alyson Reeves, Comm ’24, assisted by Kelsey Dunn, Kin ’25, and rookie Mikayla Cranny, assisted by Reeves and Dunn.

In the third period, TMU

the exception of a 10-minute misconduct penalty against Paquette and a Nipissing player.

On Nov. 4, the Gaels couldn’t maintain their momentum and lost 4-3 in what was otherwise an even game against the McGill Redbirds.

With nothing but a few penalties on the scoresheet in the first period, the Gaels scored first early in the second period with a goal that just slid by McGill’s goaltender off Yantsis’ stick. McGill evened the score at 1-1 about five minutes later. Yantsis’ Queen’s

goal was assisted by Duhart and Hutcheson.

After another goal from McGill and a second from Yantsis, the game was tied 2-2 going into the third period. Yantsis’ second goal was assisted by Hutcheson and defensive player Jakob Brahaney, ArtSci ’24.

Early in the third period, McGill scored again to put the score at 3-2, and then again to make it 4-2. With about a minute and a half left in the game, Gaels player Duhart scored with an assist from Lalonde

and Hutcheson.

Despite pulling their goaltender, the Gaels couldn’t push the game into overtime, leaving the Gaels with a 4-3 loss.

Queen’s goaltender Christian Purboo, ArtSci ’25, made a total of 37 saves.

The Gaels are fourth in the OUA East division with a season record of 6-4, behind Concordia, uOttawa, and the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). They face off against the uOttawa Gee-Gees on

The U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championships are being hosted at Richardson Stadium Nov. 9-12.

PHOTO BY RORY STINSON

Sports in Brief: Week Nine Hockey and Volleyball getting into their seasons

scored, bringing themselves within one goal of a tie, but it was Rebecca Thompson, ArtSci ’24, who pushed the Gaels’ lead deeper to secure a 3-1 victory. Her goal was assisted by McKnight and Sarah Campbell, Comm ’24.

The Gaels are third in the East Division OUA standings, behind the University of Toronto and Nipissing.

Men’s Rugby The Men’s Rugby advanced in the

team OUA

playoffs on Nov. 4 with an OUA semifinal win against the Brock Badgers.

The final score was 28-10 for the Gaels.

The game was played in St. Catharines, where James Webb, Comm ’25, lead the team in scoring with 13 points. Connor Hay, ArtSci ’25, James Hohmann, Sci ’27, and Eric Godden, Sci ’24, contributed points to the win.

On Nov. 9, the Gaels travelled to Guelph to face off against the Gryphons for

the OUA Championship. They were awarded silver after losing the game 38-22.

The season isn’t over for them yet, as A&R reported, the semi-final win earned the Gaels a trip to the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship (CUMRC) hosted by Trinity Western University (TWU), which will take place on Nov. 16-19 in B.C. Story continued online queensjournal.ca/sports

Sports

Friday, November 10, 2023 AIDAN MICHAELOV Assistant Sports Editor

Both Men’s and Women’s Basketball welcomed the Laurentian Voyageurs as they opened their seasons at home last weekend.

Women’s Basketball

When the Women’s game tipped off Nov. 3 at 6 p.m., it didn’t go exactly as the Gaels imagined.

Heavily motivated by the Voyageurs’ relentless defensive pressure throughout the first quarter, the Gaels were forced to lean on the work of Emma Weltz, Nurs ’24, to keep them in the game early on.

The score was 13-11 for the Voyageurs by the end of the

Julia Chadwick, ArtSci ’24, shifted the momentum for Queen’s going into the final quarter of the game, connecting with Bridget Mulholland, Kin ’24, to knock down a three-pointer.

Chadwick continued her strong presence in the fourth, forcing turnovers and recovering rebounds, helping the Gaels to mount a 16-point lead before the Voyageurs called a timeout with about five minutes left on the clock.

Barbieri dictated the remainder of the game, forcing a couple turnovers, sinking down threes, and handling contested layups with ease.

The Gaels closed out their game against the Voyageurs with a 72-45 victory.

queensjournal.ca • 13

the court after being benched due to injury in the preseason. This contributed to a 15-point lead against the Voyageurs as the Gaels headed to halftime.

At the end of the second quarter the Gaels were ahead 44-29.

Moving into the third quarter, centre Isaac Krueger, ArtSci ’24, took over to show off his defensive abilities.

Krueger tallied a block and numerous rebounds throughout the quarter, in addition to sinking a three-point shot and a couple of free throws. He was a key factor in the Gaels entering the fourth quarter up by 28 points on Laurentian with a score of 65-37.

Gaels put up a 5-3 season record this year.

The Gaels saved their most dominant performance

AIDAN’S ANGLE

JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

Looking back on the Gaels 2023 Strong start to Gaels football season Basketball season with a

pair of wins at home Women win 72-45 and Men win 85-46

first quarter.

The start of the second quarter saw the Gaels find their offensive rhythm. A couple of early three-pointers from Bella Belvedere, Comm ’24, and Laura Donovan, Nurs ’24, and the Gaels found themselves ahead by one point halfway through the second quarter.

The offensive pressure from the Gaels didn’t stop there, with more three-pointers raining down, and point guard Haley Barbieri coming off the bench

Men’s Basketball The Men’s team tipped off against the Laurentian Voyageurs at 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Unlike the Gaels in the Women’s game, the men got off to a hot start.

The Gaels applied offensive pressure early, and points from centre Malcolm Bailey, ArtSci ’27, and a three-point throw from Michael Kelvin II, ArtSci ’25, forcing the Voyageurs to play aggressive from the start.

Gaels played against the Laurentian Voyageurs and the Nipissing Lakers.

and making an immediate impact on the scoresheet, the Gaels found themselves up 13 by the end of the half.

At halftime, the Gaels were up 36-23.

The halftime break seemed to benefit the Voyageurs, as they came out with a 10-point run to start the second half.

While the Gaels eventually stopped the offensive pressure of the Voyageurs, they struggled to return to the offensive form seen in the second quarter.

The Voyageurs were up 43-38 at the end of the third quarter.

This led to a plethora of fouls called against the Voyageurs in the first quarter, as well as several turnovers, helping the Gaels gain an eight-point lead at the end of the first.

It was 22-14 for the Gaels at the end of first quarter.

In the second quarter we got to see a “Syllas takeover,” with brothers Cole Syllas, Sci ’24, and Luka Syllas, ConEd ’24, teaming up to force turnovers, set up their teammates, and knock down a couple of shots in Cole Syllas’ first appearance on

for the fourth quarter.

A tip-in from Krueger and an electric fastbreak dunk from Luka Syllas helped the Gaels maintain momentum and increase their lead late in the game.

With the win now secured for the Gaels, free-throws started raining down as the Voyageurs struggled to contain the Gaels’ offensive prowess.

The Gaels would end the game ahead by 39-points,

PHOTO BY HERBERT WANG

beating the Voyageurs with a final score of 85-46.

Throughout the rest of the weekend, both Men’s and Women’s basketball teams would add another win to their record against the Nipissing Lakers, with the Men’s team winning 93-47, and the Women winning 82-51.

The Gaels get back to action on Nov. 10 and 11, in Sudbury as they take on the Laurentian Voyageurs once again. They return to the ARC Nov. 17 for a home game against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks.

The Gaels were OUA semi-finalists

AIDAN MICHAELOV Assistant Sports Editor The Gaels wrapped up a solid season last Saturday after a devastating loss to the Western Mustangs 47-20 in the OUA Semi-finals. While disappointing, their season offered much to look forward to for the Gaels Football program.

Starting the season with one win and two losses, the Gaels were off to a shaky start. Despite their starting quarterback, Alex Vreeken, Kin ’25, getting injured in the Gaels’ third game of the season, Queen’s showed immense resilience and finished the regular season with a record of five wins and three losses.

Several Gaels stepped up throughout the season.

Quarterback Russel Weir, ArtSci ’26, put up several great performances, and helped the Gaels secure a playoff spot despite a subpar start to the season. Running back Jared Chisari, MSc ’25, posted a legendary season by breaking the all-time single-season rushing yards and single-game touchdowns records at Queen’s.

He lead the entire country in rushing yards, with a total of 1,178 yards.

Chisari’s breakout season as the league’s top rusher stood out as a bright spot along the Gaels’ 2023-24 campaign, tallying 1,379 rushing yards throughout 10 games. Averaging almost eight yards per carry, Chisari asserted himself as an enigma for an opposing team’s defenses, and an efficient option for the Gaels’ offense.

Defensively, we saw lineman Van Wishart, Kin ’24, step up big-time, recording 34 sack yards on the season, which is the third most in the league.

Similarly, defensive lineman Darien Newell, ArtSci ’24, who was named an OUA first-team all-star, recorded 33 sack yards and total of 29 tackles.

After closing out the season with a four-game winning streak going into the playoffs, the Gaels stayed hot when they beat the uOttawa

Gee-Gees in a competitive 15-10 victory in the OUA quarter-finals. Advancing to the semi-finals, the Gaels hoped to continue their hot streak and take down the Western Mustangs, a feat the team hasn’t been able to accomplish for 12 straight matchups.

Although the semi-final game against Western was Vreeken’s first game back, he still connected on a number of drives, one of which being a 31-yard gain where he teamed up with wide receiver Aidan O’Neal, MIR ’25, setting up Chisari for Queen’s lone touchdown in the game.

Vreeken finished the game recording 263 yards while going 21-40 on passing attempts, providing Gaels fans with a substantial amount of promise to look forward to next season.

Missing Vreeken for majority of the season, and clawing their way back to a 5-3 finish, the Gaels showed immense promise this season. Head Coach Steve Snyder showed off the versatility of his offense, and his team embodied the true defensive powerhouse it strives to be.

While we hoped to watch a bit more Gaels football this year, we can all look forward to watching talents like wide receiver Jack Ashby-Jacobs, ArtSci ’27, running back Jaden Blackman, ArtSci ’26, and linebacker Justin Pace, ArtSci ’26, continue to develop and step up for Queen’s Football.

Although the Gaels’ season is over, it’s not quite the end of football season in Kingston, as Queen’s hosts this year’s Vanier Cup at Richardson Stadium on Nov. 25.

If all goes as I expect it to, I’d expect to see the Mustangs and the University of Montreal Carabins continue along their trend of dominance and kick off against each other for the Vanier Cup. Seeing as the Mustangs were able to knock our Gaels out of championship contention, I’m making them my pick to bring the Vanier to Ontario.

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14 • queensjournal.ca F riday, November 10, 2023 ifestyle

LIFESTYLE Housing horror stories And the Golden Cockroach Award goes to…

LAYLA ARTZY Contributor

Compromising is key in relationships.

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Cracking the

code of romance Understanding love languages in your relationship CORDELIA JAMIESON Contributor Though I’ve never bought into astrology, and I don’t think a Buzzfeed quiz can tell you what your soulmate’s first initial is based on your favourite pizza toppings, when it comes to the online love languages quiz , I’ll defend it until my dying breath.

In 1992, Gary Chapman introduced the tangible concept of love languages in his book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Not only did this concept transform the way we perceive romantic relationships, it also shed light on a complex web of human connection.

Chapman’s five love languages—acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, and receiving gifts—offer a framework to understand how individuals receive and express love in romantic relationships. Reconciling one’s love languages requires open dialogue and communication to provide clarity and strengthen emotional intimacy.

Love languages are more than just abstract theories; they’re practical tools with the ability to enrich your connection with your partner. Advocating for your love language is like providing an emotional roadmap for your partner, allowing them to navigate the intricacies of your emotions more effectively.

When navigating different love languages, striking a balance becomes a delicate dance of understanding and compromise.

For couples with different love languages, the compromising is key. Finding a middle ground that incorporates elements of each partner’s preferred way of loving is necessary for a successful relationship. If one values quality time and the other physical touch, scheduling regular date nights can fulfill both needs.

If one prefers acts of service and the other quality time, paint together and swap at the

end. A harmonious integration ensures that both individuals feel loved and appreciated.

Communication plays a pivotal role. Openly discussing your love languages without judgment fosters a deeper understanding of each other’s needs. It’s incredibly valuable to actively listen and empathize, creating an environment where both partners feel heard and valued.

Another strategy might involve experimenting with each other’s love languages. This doesn’t mean completely abandoning your preferred method, but instead requires expanding your emotional repertoire.

Engaging with your partner’s love language demonstrates a willingness to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of mutual connection.

Instead of viewing differences as obstacles, it’s important to celebrate the uniqueness of each love language and see them as opportunities for growth and exploration. By embrace the richness that diverse love languages bring to a relationship, it’s possible to weave a tapestry of emotions that strengthens the bond between partners.

Building habits that align with the love languages in your relationship fosters a sense of security and fulfillment.

Over time, these intentional efforts become second nature, creatinga relationship where both partners feel deeply loved and understood.

Advocating for love languages is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and mutual understanding.

It requires open communication, empathy, and a genuine desire to connect on a profound emotional level. By recognizing the importance of your love language and finding a harmonious balance when faced with differences, couples can cultivate relationships that are not only enduring but also deeply fulfilling.

Unlike fleeting quizzes or birth charts and moon cycles, love languages offer a substantial path to lasting connection.

Before getting into the nitty gritty of the prestigious Golden Cockroach Award, a history lesson is in order.

The AMS first introduced the illustrious Golden Cockroach Award back in 2005, granting the title to the worst landlord in the University District. The ultimate purpose behind this award was to shine a spotlight on the awful living conditions students were subjected to.

While this distinguished award has traditionally been bestowed upon a landlord, I’ve decided to switch it up—mostly because I’m afraid of getting sued.

Without further ado, I’m proud—and slightly embarrassed—to present the Golden Cockroach Award to none other than me and my housemates.

From my housemate CJ falling through the floor, to our reading week robbery, the last year and a half in our current manor has been interesting, to say the least.

To address the elephant in the room, it is true that CJ took an unexpected tumble through the floor of her bedroom and even managed to hit a heating pipe on her way down. Ouch!

Let me set the scene: It’s a chilly evening, and I’m sitting

at the kitchen table studying for my stats exam. Suddenly, from the bedroom that shares a wall with the kitchen, I heard a startling gasp.

Minutes later, CJ walks out of her bedroom, exclaiming that she just fell through the floor. Lo and behold, I enter her room and discover a gaping hole in her bedroom floor, where a vent once stood. We promptly contacted our landlord, who assured us they’d get on it. It took a couple days for them to show up, and in the meantime, we spotted our landlord’s handyman enjoying some (apparently much needed) downtime at Ale. Next story, the reading week robbery. It was our first year in the house, and our first time leaving the house as a group for an extended period. We got back on Sunday night, only to see that we had been robbed after someone crawled through our basement window. Sneaky!

One housemate’s jewelry was stolen, some bags were stolen, but the cherry on top was that

Layla reflects on student housing.

our Ben and Jerry’s was gone.

We’ve since fortified our defences with a basement window lock, and locks for our bedroom doors—though we did have to convince our landlord. To top it all off, our motherly housemate has begun booby-trapping the house every time we leave for breaks.

There are many more horror stories that I could delve into, from the second-floor smell, the sound of rodents that scratch the walls in the late hours of the night, our car being towed from our own parking spot, and the crowning jewel, it’s a five-bedroom house with only one bathroom. Let’s just say we’ve all peed in the backyard more times than we’d like to admit.

It could be worse. We’re two minutes from campus and have in-unit laundry. My roommates are great, and our rent isn’t terrible. On that note, if you need a place to stay for the winter semester, I’m subletting.

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Lifestyle

Friday, November 10, 2023

queensjournal.ca • 15

The Beatles bring music into the 21st Century The Beatles lead us into uncharted waters with ‘Now and Then’ GEORGE MANNING Contributor In a world where the past and future collide, the Beatles’ latest single, “Now and Then,” emerges as a captivating paradox.

Released on Nov. 2, the song showcases the voices of two musical legends no longer with us while symbolizing the inception of a groundbreaking musical era, where artificial intelligence (AI) takes centre stage.

The intrusion of AI in the creative industry has caused intense anxiety over the prospect of humanity’s creativity becoming replaced by a soulless machine. While AI taking over the music industry is worrisome, the band that’s leading us into these uncharted waters is the very same band that’s done it countless times before.

Before delving into the Beatles’ most recent use of AI, it’s

worth recalling that this isn’t the first time they dipped their toes into murky waters of technology. Between 1966 and 1969, the band crafted a blueprint for artists who sought to transcend the confines of traditional studios by constructing their own unique soundscape.

The groundbreaking use of multitracking, spearheaded by the Beatles and their equally mad studio producer George Martin, indicates the group never sought to exist by any single definition.

The use of AI in “Now and Then” had its beginnings when it was developed for Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary Get Back. This documentary chronicled the turbulent Get Back sessions, a period of great tension for the band which resulted in Let it Be, the Beatles’ final album.

When restoring old footage for the documentary, a process called de-mixing emerged.

As Giles Martin describes it, demixing involves separating every element of a studio recording. AI is then trained to learn the way the artists play their instruments and how they sing their vocals, allowing them

to be separated and remixed for enhanced clarity.

Perhaps the greatest insight to what “Now and Then” is likely to sound like is the 2022 mix of the Beatles’ iconic album, Revolver. Comparing the 1966 original mix with the demixed 2022 version proves the potential for this technology is endless. Both critically and commercially lauded, the remix tops the original mix, which is already considered to be one of the greatest albums ever produced.

Despite all this, I’m not naive, and I recognize the debate around AI in the creative industry runs deeper than a band from the 1960s getting a swan song. There’s a possibility this new technology could be utilized by studio executives to cut corners and costs at the expense of artists. Though this is a valid critique, I find it fitting the Beatles—a group of four working class lads from Liverpool who formed a band for simple love of music—are the ones to lead us into this new era. Being the forebearers of a technology people believe the bourgeois will exploit is

Shining a light on the dark side of biopics

It’s time Hollywood moves away from the biopic genre.

Has Hollywood run out of ideas?

ALLIE MOUSTAKIS Senior Lifestyle Editor It’s time for Hollywood to move away from biopics.

Sofia Coppola’s latest film, Priscilla, recently hit the silver screen, sparking a fervorous anticipation among film enthusiasts like myself. While I’ve been looking forward to this film for quite some time, I can’t help but ponder Hollywood’s curious fascination with biopics.

It appears almost every other film in recent years has been a biography of some celebrity or another, and there’s no surprise why they’re successful.

Time after time, people—myself included—flock to the theatres to watch films showcasing the lives of some of the most iconic names in history. These films offer a glimpse into the lives of real people, and allow viewers to connect with the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of individuals who have undoubtably left their mark on history.

Though biopics are already highly anticipated films, their success often hinges on

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the mesmerizing performances of actors who bring these figures back to life. Take Rami Malek’s electrifying portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody as an example, or Austin Butler’s breathtaking embodiment of Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film—which even received praise and support from Elvis’ family.

These performances not only immerse audiences in the lives of iconic personalities but also transport them to a bygone era.

Despite their undeniable success, it’s time Hollywood moves away from the genre because they serve as a driving force behind the perpetuation of the cult celebrity, contributing to the mythic status of famous figures.

Through cinematic storytelling, these films often paint celebrities as heroes—allowing viewers to see the world through their eyes, understand their vulnerabilities, and empathize with their journeys, while fostering a profound connection, admiration, and even reverence for the portrayed figures that extends beyond the cinema.

Biopics have a profound influence on public perception, shaping the way we view these individuals outside

their on-screen representations.

Society loves a good underdog story, and biopics emphasize storylines where ordinary people rise to extraordinary heights, encouraging audiences to identify with the human side of the celebrities, fostering a deep sense of connection.

Obviously, there’s no better way to showcase this than a movie on that person’s life.

While biopics can be a source of inspiration, they also harbor a darker side that prompts us to question the validity and consequences of this obsession. The biographical lens through which they portray their subjects isn’t always as accurate as we would hope, sometimes leading to a distorted view of historical events and people.

Take the cult classic, The Social Network, for example, which offered a dramatized rendition of Mark Zuckerberg’s journey in the creation of Facebook. The film leaves viewers with a skewed perspective of the events that transpired.

Though Zuckerberg himself expressed his dissatisfaction with the film, it still garnered a lot of success, winning various awards including three Oscars and four Golden Globes for editing, writing, and acting.

Often, biopics also perpetuate stereotypes and play into preconceived notions about certain individuals and events.

When these films inaccurately portray their subjects, they can reinforce harmful stereotypes and perpetuate myths that have long been discredited.

Continued online at queensjournal.ca/lifestyle

‘Now and Then’ came out on Nov. 2.

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yet another Beatles counter cultural moment.

After all, we’re talking about the same band that refused to play to a segregated audience in the deep south in the US, at the height of Jim Crowe, getting their way in the face of a culture that was backwards by simply letting their music speak for itself.

Like their past endeavours, this new project ushers in a new technology from a band who refused to accept the status quo. With “Now and Then,” the Beatles invite us to join them in the evolution of the world itself, just as they’ve done before.

The Beatles have been the guiding hand through music’s

evolution, even after their initial run ended in 1970. This last project marks the end of their guidance, having done their bit and then some. From here on, out we’re alone as we test the depths of a technology that can make or break the creative industry.

While many consider this the Beatles’ final act, their impact on our emotions, consciousness, and music is an ongoing narrative, a song without an end, and refuses to fade. I can’t write an epilogue for the band I’ve cherished all these years, as it’s one that’s still being written and rewritten, even if we only listen to them every “Now and Then.”

Celebrities need to take more direct action.

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Do celebrity opinions matter in global issues?

Celebrities’ words alone aren’t enough to promote social change LUKAS ROHNER-TENSEE Contributor From Hollywood to the global stage, celebrities have always held a special place in both our hearts and headlines.

Whether they’re our favourite actors, musicians, or athletes, celebrities’ words and actions often echo far beyond the red carpets and silver screens. Yet, as stars use their platforms to weigh in on complex global issues, it’s essential to examine the impact and responsibility that comes with their celebrity status.

Take the current conflict between Hamas and Israel.

After the devastating attacks

by Hamas on Oct. 7, notable celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Gal Gadot spoke out to condemn the acts of violence.

While their actions may be noble, their engagement prompts questions about the extent of their understanding and the

motivations behind their responses.

Celebrities often live in a privileged and isolated world, shielded from the everyday struggles and hardships faced by regular people. This disconnect ultimately hinders their ability to authentically empathize with the concerns of ordinary individuals, especially when speaking out on complex global issues.

Although celebrities have the platform to enact genuine social change, many see these crises as a marketing opportunity for their brand.

While 700 of Hollywood’s most influential figures recently signed an open letter condemning Hamas’s attack and voicing support for Israel, only a handful of celebrities have been willing to back their words with real financial support.

Ryan Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, stand out with their $1 million donation to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Though a substantial figure, this donation represents just a fraction of Reynolds’ considerable net worth—raising questions about the true impact of celebrity outrage and the level of personal commitment.

Continued online at queensjournal.ca/lifestyle

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16 • queensjournal.ca F riday, November 10, 2023 ifestyle

Letting the other shoe drop

Julian reflects on his journey of living life in the moment.

Learning to enjoy the present in the face of anxiety JULIAN KING Contributor Many of us are familiar with the common expression “wait for the other shoe to drop.” Sometimes I feel like I’ve spent my entire life waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The phrase is loosely defined as anticipation for a seemingly inevitable and undesirable event, often used as a general warning to those showing signs of careless hubris, cautioning them to be wary of potential repercussions.

On the surface, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the idiom or its sentiment—it holds merit. But for me, this phrase has become both a justification for and encapsulation of the misguided perspective that’s governed my day-to-day life.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve navigated life with an inexplicable sense of worry and dread for some abstract, ominous threat looming on the horizon.

My fearful anticipation of these imagined future consequences creeps into my experience of the present, and I find myself incapable of fully enjoying anything without an overwhelming feeling of guilt and fear for the future. I feel that letting my guard down and enjoying any moment too freely is naive and overconfident, and this naivety will be unavoidably— maybe even deservedly—met with negative ramifications.

“Be careful, the other shoe

is bound to drop,” I remind myself, time and time again. It always does, I can’t avoid it, and it’s better for me to brace myself for something bad to happen than be blindsided by it.

By anticipating the inevitable other shoe that’s bound to drop, I hope my preparedness will soften the blow, weaken the humiliation and disappointment when the inevitable eventually comes.

But the reality is, by expecting the worst to happen in a bid to protect myself from experiencing disappointment or shock, any bad occurrence only serves to justify my anxieties and reinforce the futile cycle of groundless fear.

This reasoning is a trap—a tempting cycle to fall into, but an unhealthy approach to life. You can’t spend your whole life waiting for the other shoe to drop—not because life is perfect and concerns are unwarranted, but because life is inherently messy and imperfect. Worrying is natural.

But life is full of shoes about to drop, and more often than not, waiting for their impact does little to prevent their occurrence. Hiding behind a wall of ceaseless apprehensiveness might feel protective, almost comforting. You might think living with your guard up, always prepared for the worst, is the most pragmatic approach to life.

I constantly find myself justifying my unfaltering pessimism on the grounds of realism. I look around at people seemingly happier than me, who navigate life not with guardedness and negativity toward the future, but with relaxation and presence, and convince myself their carefree

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nature is naive and idealistic.

Though they might be happier than me now, they’ll be blindsided by their impending misfortune, they won’t see it coming like I do.

I rationalize my incessant worry, hoping to ease its exhausting weight by imagining how it will eventually serve to my benefit, but it never does. I carry this dread with me every day, allowing my fear of the future to poison my enjoyment of the present, yet the future remains unpredictable.

My preparation for the worst is never rewarded, only replaced by new fears and anxieties. Life is full of shoes that could drop, and if you spend all your time searching and waiting, you’ll find them. Once something undesirable occurs or an unwanted challenge arises, I feel a misconceived sense of satisfaction.

I tell myself: “see, I knew something bad had to happen. At least I expected it.” I was right to feel anxious. My worries were justified.

This is how the cycle continues.

By constantly anticipating the worst, I perceive any negative occurrence as proof my fears were justified. But the strain of maintaining this pessimistic outlook across days, weeks, months, and years is damaging, not only for me but for the people around me.

I’m aware of how tiring this overly negative demeanor is for the people who care about me and hear me spout my unfounded worries every day. And I want to change. To learn to be present and happy in the moment, to experience unbridled joy and excitement without relentless dread for the future. But change is hard.

When you think one way for so long, you become ingrained in your perspective. I’ve become fixed in the habits of circular reasoning, convoluted justifications, and reinforcements driving my misguided convictions. Change demands a restructuring of how you think, perceive, and judge the world around you.

The first step to the process of restructuring is recognition and self-awareness.

Funnily enough, after spending my entire life waiting for the other shoe to drop, I finally decided to research the phrase in its context, to see if anyone else felt this way.

As it turns out, many do. In fact, the feeling the phrase describes has become nearly synonymous with the diagnosis of anxiety because it aptly captures the essence of impending doom. It reflects the insatiable need to be in control that consumes this anxious logic.

Part of me always sensed this feeling was anxiety-related, but I chose to articulate and conceptualize it in a playful aphorism out of a mistaken judgement and stigmatization of the word anxiety and its connotations of fragility and self-indulgence.

Explaining that I always feel like the other shoe is about to drop feels more digestible than acknowledging I experience constant anticipatory anxiety.

For so long, anxiety felt like a bad word and an overgeneralized diagnosis I thought I could outrun with enough rationalization. But justification and avoidance are detrimental when it comes to issues of mental health. Anxiety isn’t something that can be simply ignored. It won’t go

away if you pretend it doesn’t exist or refuse to acknowledge how it makes you feel based on some grossly misguided perception that it makes you appear fragile or selfish.

I’ve struggled with these notions in the past and continue to work on them today, and I encourage anyone who relates to do the same. It’s okay to acknowledge your emotions, fears, and anxieties. It’s also okay to express them to the people who support you, or to seek help elsewhere. None of this makes you weak, nor a burden on others.

Make a conscious effort to be present in the moment, to feel unrestricted joy, happiness, and excitement. You’re allowed to be happy, to feel things are good without guilt. This doesn’t mean life will always be perfect—life is full of challenges and imperfections. More shoes will drop in the future, but if you spend every moment anticipating and lamenting the inevitable bad the future might bring, you’ll rob yourself of the joy and beauty the present has to offer.

I want to note this piece isn’t a retrospective reflection on how I successfully conquered anxiety—far from it. I’ve just begun to acknowledge my shortcomings and how to address them. I still routinely contradict my own sentiments, feed into my negative thoughts, and backslide to my flawed justifications. This piece represents the ways I want to think naturally, without conscious effort. But real change takes effort, time, and persistence. I am trying—maybe now that it’s in writing, I’ll try harder.