The Queen's Journal, Volume 149, Issue 25

the Queen’s University

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journal

Vol. 149, Issue 25

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Friday, March 25, 2022

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Situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.

Since 1873

Gaels eliminate No. 1 ranked Ravens in Men’s Basketball Queen’s upsets Carleton 86-80 in OUA East Final, to play for first Wilson Cup since 1936 A ngus M erry Senior Sports Editor The Queen’s Men’s Basketball team managed the upset of the year on Wednesday night, eliminating the reigning U Sports Champions Carleton Ravens from the OUA playoffs, 86-80.

Handing the Ravens their first—and last—defeat of the 2021-22 season, the Gaels will head to the OUA finals on Saturday, where they’ll play the Brock Badgers for the Wilson Cup. In defeating Carleton, the Gaels also qualified for their first-ever U Sports national championship, which will take place at the University of Alberta from Mar. 31 to April 3.

Third-year Cole Syllas led the Gaels stat sheet with a game-high 39 points and 10 rebounds. Syllas and fifth-year Quinton Gray combined for nine of the team’s 12 three-point field goals for the outing.

“I thought we played a very good game overall,” head coach Steph Barrie told The Journal in an interview following the game. “[But] as in every game, there are things that you have to clean up.”

“We’re working pretty hard today to look at the tape and find where we need to be a little bit better moving forward.”

Coming out of the gate hot, the Gaels put out an impressive showing in the first quarter, dominating the offensive glass with six rebounds en route to a 21-12 lead before the second frame.

The Gaels lost some rhythm throughout the second quarter, getting outscored 17-23 and posting six team fouls to Carleton’s four. With less than a minute left in the half, the Ravens came within a point, but after a go-ahead layup from fifth-year Connor Keefe, the Gaels pushed their distance on Carleton to three ahead of halftime.

After the break, the Gaels fought back against a resurgent Ravens offense, throwing up six three-pointers along with 61 per cent shooting from the field to hold onto their lead by two despite being outscored by Carleton 25-24 for the quarter.

Despite leading into the final frame, Queen’s went down by eight after a 10-0 run by the Ravens to start the fourth.

PHOTO BY SPENCER HENDRICKSON

Fighting back with a string of contested layups and three-point makes, however, the Gaels quickly found their footing and were able to go up by six with 20 seconds to go—courtesy of a free-throw from third-year Cole Syllas—which capped off a stunning upset and a historic win for the Queen’s Men’s Basketball program.

The win was Queen’s first over Carleton since 1998 and will mark the first time Queen’s has played in an OUA final—and qualified for the national championship—since the advent of the “modern” U Sports postseason format in the 1960s.

Before Wednesday’s game, Carleton was in search of their fourth straight OUA championship and their third-straight national championship. They’ve also won nine of the last ten national championships, dating back to the 2010-11 season.

Despite the significance of their victory, coach Barrie remains steadfast about focusing on the team’s appearances in the coming week.

“When the season’s over, we will get a chance to digest this and figure out what it means. But we just don’t have time to do that right now,” he said.

“Our motto all year has been to get better every day […] Hopefully by the time we get to Nationals we will have gotten one per cent better over the last seven days and have a chance to take home the national championship.”

Tip-off for the Wilson Cup will be at 4 p.m. at Brock University, Mar. 26.

Queen’s Hospitality Services gears up for Ramadan Muslim dons advocating for students fasting while in residence A nne F u Assistant News Editor Ramadan, the Islamic month of prayer and fasting, begins in early April this year and will last until early May. Zainab Naqvi and Meena Waseem, HealthSci ’23 and Comm ’23, have been working with Queen’s Hospitality Services and ResLife since February to ensure Muslim students have adequate access to dining services throughout the month.

“From the very beginning, there was this town hall for food in residence,” Naqvi said in an interview with The Journal.

Naqvi said ResLife reached out to her and Meena to express their interest in supporting Muslim residents observing Ramadan. Queen’s has been collaborating with the two students ever since.

Leonard Hall, Jean Royce Hall, and the Late Night Barista will serve as options for

the evening meal of iftar and will be open until 9 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 12 a.m., respectively, during Ramadan. Retail locations will also be open until 1 a.m.

These accommodations will be available until Apr. 29, at which point the university’s dining operations will cease.

For suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, Hospitality Services plans to use a “pick and pack” model where students can pick up a meal in the evening and bring it back to their residence in Eco Containers to eat before sunrise. This strategy ensures Muslim students will have access to a wide selection of food while minimizing food wastage—something Naqvi expressed was an issue last year.

“Ramadan is more than just about fasting. It’s about feeling like you’re in a community where you belong […] It’s just so hard to do that as a first-year student away from your family,” Naqvi said.

Naqvi also plans to organize designated places in Leonard and Jean Royce Hall for Muslim students to eat together.

S ee Q ueen ’ s H ospitatlity S ervices on P age 3

Students interactions with police on St. Paddy’s

Let’s eliminate financial stigma

Students deserve access to administration

‘What Strange Paradise’ review

‘Degrassi’ headcanons from Editor-in-Chief

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NEWS

AMS convenes for final assembly of school year

Incoming and outgoing members make transition plans Anne Fu Assistant News Editor The AMS gathered virtually for their final assembly of the school year on Mar. 24, where members discussed transition training for incoming commissioners and executives, AMS grants and awards available to students, and the newly elected rector.

The assembly opened with a special guest presentation from Taryn McKenna, student inclusion and engagement coordinator, which detailed the results of the Student Experience Survey (SES) and steps being taken in response to its findings.

The survey highlighted experiences of discrimination, sexual harassment or violence, food and housing insecurity, and students’ sense of safety and belonging.

President’s Report President Zaid Kasim was not present due to illness but submitted a written report.

Kasim has focused his efforts over the past month on the JDUC revitalization project and is determined to retain the maximum amount of bookable space in the renovated JDUC. He’s also begun transition training for incoming President Eric Sikich, ArtSci ‘22.

Kasim thanked this year’s assembly members and student government leaders for their contributions to the AMS. Vice-President (Operations)’s Report Vice-President

(Operations)

Friday, March 25, 2022

Tiana Wong notified assembly of ongoing transition training for the heads of the major AMS services, as well as Incoming VPOPs Tina Hu, ArtSci ‘22.

Walkhome and the Printing & Copy Center (P&CC) have successfully transferred out of the JDUC and are now operating out of the Athletics and Recreation Center. The Peer Support Center will remain in the JDUC. Vice-President (University Affairs)’s Report Vice President (University Affairs) Ryan Seig has been working with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) on behalf of Queen’s to review policies affecting student financial aid, learning technology, and mature students.

Undergraduates of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities (UCRU), of which Seig is a board member, also plan to establish a fee next year to hire permanent members and supplement their budget. This fee is expected to be put to AMS referendum next year.

Seig has begun transition training for incoming VPUA Callum Robertson, ArtSci ‘22.

Crisis (QBACC) were present at the trustee meeting to advocate for more sustainable investment.

AMS Awards AMS Secretariat Laura Devenny reviewed some of the AMS awards available this year to the assembly, established in collaboration with the VPUA. These awards include the Frank Knox Award, Christopher Knapper Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance, and Undergraduate Research Mentorship Award, which honour outstanding professors, teaching assistants, and undergraduate research advisors at Queen’s respectively.

The AMS Letter Awards are intended to recognize three to five AMS employees, staff members, or volunteers that have made an exceptional contribution this year.

In addition, the Social

Issues Commission (SIC) has established the Robert Sutherland Award to commemorate graduating Black students who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to leadership, anti-oppression, and anti-racism efforts at Queen’s.

The SIC has also established equity grants for individuals and clubs who have committed themselves to equity and advocacy.

Rector Statement Queen’s newly-elected 38th rector Owen Crawford-Lem, ArtSci ‘23 made a brief statement thanking the AMS for their efforts in facilitating the election.

Crawford-Lem also made mention of the Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award, whose selection committee he will chair.

This award commends a student who has made a distinguished

contribution to the university in non-athletic, extracurricular activities. Nominations for the award are due by Apr. 8, at 7 p.m.

Statements by Students ASUS President Alyth Roos updated the AMS on the state of sexual violence prevention efforts.

ASUS recently established a task force and appointed a new director to address sexual violence. The society is also partnering with the City to conduct research into sexual violence prevention and response and provide intersectional, accessible, and survivor-centric training.

The society hopes to gain more student support for the policy to and present these recommendations to the Senate in the future.

Undergraduate Trustee Report Undergraduate Trustee Jaya Sharma announced the Board of Trustees approved a new carbon reduction plan at their March meeting. These new commitments establish more concrete and enterprising goals for reducing the carbon footprint of Queen’s investment portfolio.

Student groups like Queen’s Backing Action on the Climate

Newly-elected 38th rector addressed assembly.

JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

Queen’s-PSAC 901 agreement ratified by both bodies Union will advertise new benefits among its members Asbah Ahmad Assistant News Editor On Mar. 19, Queen’s ratified a new collective agreement with graduate student wo r ke r s fo l l o w i n g PSAC 901’s ratification of the agreement on Mar. 8.

“We had overwhelming success with the ratification vote, and then it went on to Queen’s and they also ratified it,” Astrid Hobill,

president of PSAC 901, said in an interview with The Journal.

PSAC 901 last went to the bargaining table in 2018.

“We were really excited, because we did actually get paid sexual violence prevention training as well as paid anti-racism training that will be provided to our membership,” Hobill said.

“We also were able to achieve a new mental health fund and hardship fund, which we can administer to our members over the next couple years.”

Along with these changes in the collective agreement, there’s “new language” s u r ro u n d i n g the accommodations process for graduate student workers.

“We’ve also expanded the definitions

of family to be more inclusive within the collective agreement. We have better accommodation processes,” Hobill said.

PSAC 901 will be diligent when it comes to advertising the new benefits. “[We’ll] do education campaigns around what we have gotten, and reminding members of their rights as well as some of the things that they can achieve,” Hobill said.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of education about the mental health fund because we want to make sure that workers who need it have access to that funding— and will be able to seamlessly apply for that by September.”

PSAC 901 stands in solidarity with other campus unions still in the bargaining process.

“Queen’s [needs] to do better because as workers, we always deserve a safe and healthy workspace and Queen’s needs to be providing that to us,” Hobill said.

“The only way that we were able to achieve all of these goals was through the mobilization of our membership and through their engagement.

We have to thank all of our engaged members who came out to rallies came out came to town halls, engaged with the process.”

Contact journal_news@ams.queensu.ca with News tips.

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Clayton Thomas-Müller talks Queen’s Hospitality new book at KFPL Services accomodates ‘Listen, Learn and Engage’ details climate justice, Indigenous rights, and neo-colonialism Liayana Jondy Contributor This article discusses the atrocities committed in Residential Schools and may be triggering for some readers. Those seeking support may contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation or Four Directions. For immediate assistance, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Hotline can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.

Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL), in partnership with Queen’s, hosted Clayton Thomas-Müller, author of Listen, Learn and Engage on Mar. 23.

Thomas-Müller spoke to what he calls “the global triple threat,”—the global pandemic, economic recession, and threat of climate change.

“Wherever you are in Canada, when you think about climate change, I think it’s becoming more and more real every day. We even see the corporate media beginning to cover this issue more,” ThomasMüller said at the event.

In an era characterized by unprecedented access to knowledge, Thomas-Müller said these anxieties aren’t simply experienced on a minute level.

According to him, there are only “seven years left to turn the taps off” on economic frameworks driven by fossil fuels. To capture the urgency of the climate crisis, he pointed to his study and experience in fighting for Indigenous rights and pipelines that threaten sovereignty.

“I wanted to not write a book about my experience necessarily just in the movement, fighting for climate justice, fighting for Indigenous rights, and recognition of those rights, but it was also more directly [tied] to my experience within the world of neo-colonialism,” he said.

“Many of us think we live in this post-colonial, post-racism world, they think that residential school is over when, in reality, the last residential school closed in the late 90s—not too long ago.”

The lasting impacts of residential schools can still be felt today and are part of a massive collective experience that hasn’t ended.

Thomas-Müller added that, despite his achievements, attacks on Indigenous sovereignty and intergenerational trauma have led to deteriorations in his own mental health.

“What it began to do for me, and my own household, is I found myself blinking out—I’d go into autopilot and just not even be present,” Thomas-Müller said.

To alleviate some of the trauma he faced, Thomas-Müller began writing a manuscript, one that was difficult for him to publish.

“Through telling the story, not just through the written book but also digital media assets, I could model a process of normalizing us, as a society, having conversations about hard topics,” he said.

“I talk about domestic, sexual abuse, substance dependency, a lot of things that make people feel uncomfortable, but they are issues in our shared community. I talk about a lot of those things and how I overcame them to still be here today.”

According to Thomas-Müller, young people are propelling restorative models of healing and economic development that aren’t about dominance and power, but also “creation” and “life.”

“A great awakening or a great remembering is happening now,” he said.

“There’s something with the young people today that’s happening, that’s pretty wild […]

There’s a level of intersectional analysis, critical race theory that I see young children presenting.”

JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

Press released published on Mar. 21.

Queen’s Black Faculty & Staff Caucus issues statement on Ukraine Press released published on Mar. 21.

Sydney Ko Senior News Editor On Mar. 21, Queen’s Black Faculty & Staff Caucus issued a statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We denounce the violence, displacement, and suffering that is being senselessly inflicted on the residents of Ukraine,” the press release stated.

The statement urged the Queen’s community not to let racism “define” whose lives are valued and whose are not.

“We are especially dismayed by explanations that seek to construct Ukrainian sufferings as extraordinary and exceptional by normalizing violence in places outside the Euro-American world and casting Black and other people of colour as inured to the devastations of war.”

The Caucus also spoke to the role of “global solidarity” in supporting the people of Ukraine.

students observing Ramadan

Continued from front...

are people going to reach out or check up Queen’s Hospitality Services on them?” Husain said in began addressing Ramadan an interview with The Journal. in J a n u a r y.

T h e y ’ ve “The actual duration of consulted with Muslim dons, Ramadan is completely on students, ResLife staff, c a m p u s , and that’s and the Q u e e n ’ s scary.

Usually, every University Muslim Students year that I’ve fasted, I’ve done Association (QUMSA). it with my family and I’d “QUMSA students have have their support.” collaborated in putting together Jirjees Al-Shammaa, HealthSci a list of menu items and other ’25, expressed similar concerns. food items that they’d like He hopes residence staff to see included. We’re and student organizations making every effort to like QUMSA can help foster include those items in the t h e same kind of ‘pick and pack’ offerings,” environment students would Theresa Couto, Queen’s Hospitality typically be surrounded by Wellness and Sustainability when celebrating Ramadan Manager, said in an interview with at home.

The Journal.

“For me, there is a very Hospitality Services has big community [at Ramadan]. also emailed students to It’s a time where everyone is determine the number of more at home together, residents who will be where you go to the mosque observing Ramadan and or you start meeting account for any allergies or people more frequently,” dietary restrictions. he said in an interview with Couto has found the process The Journal. of planning for Ramadan “I do have people here in residence to be and they’re amazing, they’re “quite rewarding.” wonderful. It’s just it’s not “This is just another the same. It’s like asking way that we’re working someone, would you towards a more sustainable be okay with celebrating food system and honoring C h r i s t m a s while in and respecting individuals residence? Would it be the food and dietary needs.” same thing?”

Sarah Husain, HealthSci Both Husain and Al-Shammaa ’25, was first made aware look forward to adapting of ResLife’s Ramadan to the circumstances. accommodations through “[Ramadan] is going a newsletter. to be what we make of it.

Although Husain hopes to We need to participate and find support in QUMSA be engaged with each and the Muslim students other, encourage each other, working in residence, she in order to have a community,” fe e l s anxious a b o u t Al-Shammaa said. celebrating the holiday “Try to reach out to each away from home during other, try to support each exam season. other, and try to spend “I think the biggest concern time with each other because is, if people are in their community has to come dorm room just studying from somewhere.” all day and someone starts feeling ill, how

“We are also committed to global solidarity that recognizes how war in all its forms (sanctions consequences of climate catastrophes, famine, etc.) destroys lives and communities all around the world,” the statement read.

“This is the time for governments, institutions and individuals to be deeply reflective, reflexive, and engaged in an ethics of care for all, and this includes all of us in the Queen’s University community.”

Dining halls will be open later during the Islamic month of fasting.

PHOTO BY SPENCER HENDRICKSON

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SUPPLIED BY AMPAI THAMMACHACK

Step Above Stigma now a nationally recognized charity.

‘Know your worth’: Queen’s student named L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth

Ampai Thammachack talks mental health advocacy Sydney Ko Senior News Editor Ampai Thammachack, MA ’22, was named L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth this year for her work in mental health advocacy.

“The L’Oréal award means the absolute world to me because for a very long time I didn’t understand my worth,” Thammachack said in an interview with The Journal.

“The L’Oréal award has given me the opportunity to send the message that ‘you’re worth it’—not only to myself—but to hundreds of thousands of people across Canada.”

Throughout her life, Thammachack has struggled with her mental health. Without access to education or the resources to identify the issue,

she found herself stuck in a “stigma.”

“After struggling with mental health for most of my life without understanding what I was really going through, and after seeing my family suffer, […] we just didn’t know that education,” Thammachack said.

Thammachack founded Step Above Stigma—a charity that aims to improve access to mental healthcare—in 2017. The organization now has chapters at four Canadian Universities.

“I got the idea just to raise some

funds so I could show solidarity with mental health,” she said. “[Our logo] had a semi-colon with a heart, which stands for resilience.”

According to Thammachack, after executing one successful fundraiser, she decided she could do a lot more to make “systemic change” within the community.

“We’ve done just around 500 events and campaigns to spread awareness about different mental health issues that aren’t talked about,” she explained.

From mental health in seniors’ homes to first-year students,

Thammachack said it’s important to address issues of mental health and stigma through an intersectional lens.

Thammachack also touched on gaps that needed to be filled regarding mental wellness on campus. According to her, there’s a need to highlight mental health advocacy in marginalized groups.

“If you don’t really structure the system, and if you don’t get more funds into it, I don’t think things will ever properly change the way you need them to,” she said.

For Thammachack, it’s been especially important to work with the administration, donors, and provincial and federal governments to change policies that create barriers. Recently, Step Above Stigma has formed a student research task force to address policies like these. “[We’re] truly trying to work this policy from the top so that universities won’t have to struggle to get the funding and structure they need to help the amount of students that need it,” she said.

“It’s really important to have mental health care for groups who are marginalized on campus, because it’s hard to access help [when] you don’t see a service provider that looks like you or that you think can relate to your experience.”

Thammachack reiterated the importance for students to continue prioritizing their mental health.

“One of the biggest things is that through all the stress of school, mental health really does matter,” she said. “It has to come first before you give to others.”

“I think it’s really crucial to listen to yourself, listen to your body, because your body’s telling you when you’re overwhelmed.”

Kingston Youth Shelter sets up temporary housing in McGillivray-Brown Opening ceremony ushered in a month of celebration Anne Fu Assistant News Editor Queen’s has partnered with Kingston Youth Shelter to temporarily house 16 new sleeping pods for youth experiencing homelessness in the gym of McGillivray-Brown Hall.

The pods will provide youth aged 16-24 a safe and private place to sleep beginning in April ,until Kingston Youth Shelter can transition to a new permanent location in July.

“Our current home is at 234 Brock St., and that’s where we’ve been since 1999 when the shelter first opened. Through the pandemic, we haven’t been able to use that space as the shelter,” Anne Brown, Executive Director of the Kingston Youth Shelter, said in an interview with The Journal.

“Because of space restrictions, we could only have six youths each night. We needed to find another temporary space until we can occupy our new building.”

Cathy Borowec, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region, worked with Brown to build the pods with supplies donated from Atkinson Home Hardware.

“Last week, I got a call from the executive director of the Kingston Youth Shelter to ask if we could pull together some volunteers to help build. We’re happy to help out another organization that deals with housing in the community,” Borowec said in an interview with The Journal.

The construction, which began the morning of Mar. 23, was completed by the afternoon.

The completed pods measured 6’0 by 8’0 tall with dividers for privacy between pods, and room for a bed and some additional personal space.

“The location is ideal for the circumstances because we’re only a couple of blocks away from our house on Brock St., so it is

probably the most ideal temporary solution that we can have. We’re just so grateful for the support of our community to be able to make this happen to support the youth in need,” Brown said.

Donna Janeic, Vice-President (Finance and Administration) at Queen’s, addressed the opening of

the new shelter space in an email sent to The Journal.

“As they prepare to move into a new facility this fall, Kingston Youth Shelter was in need of a temporary space. We are pleased that Queen’s was able to accommodate the Kingston Youth Shelter requirements by

Kington Youth Shelter to transition to new location in July.

providing a temporary location,” she wrote.

Kingston Youth Shelter’s counselling, food, and hygiene services will continue to operate out of its location on 234 Brock St.

PHOTO BY ANNE FU

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PHOTO BY CURTIS HEINZL

Queen’s students detail treatment by the Kingston Police.

Police presence persisted on St. Paddy’s weekend QLA director ‘pleased’ with lack of charges Rida Chaudhry & Sydney Ko Journal Staff This article includes descriptions of violence and may be triggering for some readers. The Peer Support Centre offers drop-in services and empathetic peer-based support and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On Mar. 17 and 19, thousands flooded the streets of the student district for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. Kingston Police monitored the crowds despite outcry from Queen’s students. Last semester’s Homecoming celebrations saw multiple alleged incidents of police misconduct.

The University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) was in effect between Mar. 10 to 20.

Under the UDSI, students can face fines up to $2,000 and sanctions under Queen’s Student Code of Conduct if they violate bylaws related to nuisance parties, obstructing roadways, excessive noise, alcohol-related offences, and failure to comply with a bylaw or police officer.

According to Kingston Police’s press release, there were a total of 41 open liquor charges, three public intoxication charges, seven underage drinking charges, and one for amplification of sound issues on Mar. 17.

Bylaw enforcement statistics also revealed a total of 24 charges for Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMP) that Thursday. For Mar. 19, Bylaw Enforcement statistics showed 13 charges for failing to leave premises of a nuisance party, eight for hosting or sponsoring a nuisance party, six for amplification of sound, six for yelling or shouting, and three for obstructing an officer. *** John Daugherty, ArtSci ’23, encountered police over the weekend.

“There was a crowd of cops arresting someone, and I screamed ‘f—ing pigs’ while giving them the middle finger,” Daugherty said in an interview with The Journal.

Daugherty was then approached by an officer. While he was leaving the area who grabbed from behind and brought him over to where arrests were being made. Despite repeating he didn’t consent to be searched, officers searched Daugherty and asked if he wanted a lawyer.

“I was sitting in a jail cell thinking, ‘I’m not even drunk. I’m being arrested for public intoxication’,” he said. “I know that I was arrested because I was calling them ‘f—king pigs.’”

According to Daugherty, he wasn’t subjected to any kind of breathalyzer or impairment test. When he asked the supervising officer what evidence they

had that he was publicly intoxicated, he was told the decision was “based off of the officer’s discretion.”

“Taking an officer’s discretion, for face value, I just think that is just so backwards—it felt like a dream because it just felt so ridiculous.”

Proving his innocence, Daugherty said, will come with a financial burden. He plans to reach out to AMS-provided resources for legal aid to pursue his case but is ultimately upset at the City of Kingston’s handling of St. Patrick’s weekend. Due to it being a dead-end street, he said Aberdeen St. could be blocked off without disrupting the path of emergency vehicles.

“When [Police] push everyone off the street and into basements and its backyards, they have no idea what’s going on. It’s not really as safe as they’re trying to present it as,” he said.

Ethan Chilcott, ArtSci ’25, witnessed several student-police interactions over the weekend. He alleged that some involved racism towards students of colour.

“We noticed an officer ticketing a POC who was crossing Aberdeen a good twenty feet away from any of the partiers,” Chilcott said in an interview with The Journal.

According to Chilcott, the student was wearing a backpack and clothes that didn’t indicate any means of joining street parties.

“At the urging of a friend who is a POC, thus afraid to intervene, I asked an officer what was happening,” Chilcott said.

Chilcott said he was then grabbed and pushed away by a second officer. He was told to “get off” Aberdeen St. or face a fine. Chilcott said he and his friends were pushed away by the officer, before he could respond. “[My friend] walked back to the porch to tell her girlfriend what happened, the officer aggressively chased her, grabbed her by her backpack and yanked her backwards,” he said.

“She was dragged off Aberdeen by the officer and went home crying while the rest of us were threatened with massive fines for trying to protest this treatment, while nothing was done about the actual throng of people in the middle [of Aberdeen].”

After the encounter, Chilcott tried to obtain the officer’s badge number to file a complaint. He received more threats of fines from officers. *** Blair Crew, Director of Queen’s Legal Aid (QLA), said Canadians have a right to know an officer’s badge number and even their name. However, when individuals find themselves in a confrontation with police, it’s often not a “wise strategy” to ask for it.

“You are essentially fighting with the person who has the discretion about whether or not you’re going to be charged,” Crew said in an interview with The Journal.

Crew suggested recording interactions, which is also a right all individuals have.

“If things go badly, that’s an appropriate response and it certainly will get some police accountability.”

According to Crew, QLA was “pleased” they’ve received fewer cases from students following St. Patrick’s Day than they did over Homecoming weekend.

“Compared to what we saw in the fall, it appears to us that the police were being a little less aggressive and were using a little bit more discretion to not lay charges than we perceive.”

Since COVID-19 emergency orders are no longer in effect, students were “simply restricted” to the regular nuisance party bylaw. According to Crew, this means police officers could no longer charge students who were merely present at a party.

“One of the things that’s significant is under the nuisance party bylaw, unlike the emergency order, with the aggravated nuisance parties it’s relevant if you don’t know that you’re participating in an aggravated nuisance party,” Crew said.

Officers need to say an area has been declared a nuisance party and give individuals the opportunity to leave the

premise. A charge under the nuisance party bylaw involves failure to leave when directed to do so. *** In an email sent to The Journal, Julie Brown, Queen’s media relations officer, said the University’s priority is safety and well-being for all students and the Kingston community.

“Queen’s University and its many campus and community partners, including the AMS and SGPS took a coordinated approach to encourage students to celebrate respectfully, safely, and responsibly during community celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day,” Brown wrote on behalf of the University.

“Should a student receive a ticket they wish to appeal, the University is ready to help them navigate the system to review their appeal options online and if they wish to speak to someone at the university for assistance, they are encouraged to email supportservices@queensu.ca.”

The Journal reached out to the Kingston Police for a statement but did not receive a response in time for publication.

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FEATURES

Features

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A look at Ukrainian students in Kingston ‘Be the best student you can be, that is your contrbution to the fight’ Julia Stratton Features Editor The recent invasion of Ukraine

by Russia has sent a current of fear throughout the world.

Combat has affected Ukranian students here in Kingston on many levels.

“This is not something that I saw coming,” Rebecca Manley, chair of the History department, said in an interview with The Journal. “This has been a very chilling series of events and frightening.”

According to Manley, something that sets the war in Ukraine apart from others is Russia’s possession of nuclear weapons.

“One of the things that has been very distinctive about Putin’s behavior in the last few weeks is his willingness to raise the specter of using nuclear weapons,” she said.

“It highlights the fact Russia is now an autocratic system, in which decisions are being taken by one individual who’s very isolated, even from his own closest advisors.”

The potential for destruction in this war is a reality that could impact the whole world.

“We have a lot of people who are from Ukraine [at Queen’s],” she said. “This is a less direct but nonetheless real trauma in

terms of what’s happening to their homeland.” *** Lubomyr Luciuk, professor of political geography at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), was born in Canada after his parents arrived as Ukrainian refugees in 1949.

His parents arrived with a single brown leather suitcase Luciuk keeps in his office to this day—it’s a symbol that helps him remember how Canadians helped his family when they had nothing.

You probably can’t do “much for Ukraine. You can’t get back there, you may end up being refugees, you may end up spending the rest of your life in exile, so be the best student you can be

“They had that one piece of luggage, they didn’t speak English,” he said in an interview with The Journal. “It reminds me of how good Canada was to my parents.”

When Luciuk heard about the invasion, he felt a responsibility to help Ukrainian Canadians in his community.

“I woke up on Feb. 24 learning of the war against Ukraine [...] like everyone else, I was shocked,” he said.

“The instinct was, of course, ‘what can we do for Ukraine?’

But then it became very obvious within a few days that there was

another problem that was falling through the cracks.”

Many Ukrainian students are anxious about their loved ones back home and will likely have to change their travel plans as the semester comes to a close.

As many of these students’ visas don’t allow them to work in Canada, the war also comes with potential financial difficulties.

Along with Sophie Kiwala from St. Lawrence College, Luciuk worked with Mayor Bryan Patterson to create The Mayor’s Fund to help Ukrainian students living in Canada. As of Mar. 17, The Mayor’s Fund has raised $45,000.

The money will help students cover daily expenses—including groceries, bus passes, accommodations, or even just a case of beer that helps students maintain a sense of normalcy.

To receive funding, students simply state how much they need and receive a cheque for that amount.

“I’ve told the students that whatever they ask for should be realistic,” Luciuk said. “If you ask for too much, and we give it to you, then some other student who may need it more might not get it.”

“The requests are pretty modest and they don’t amount to more than about six or seven thousand dollars [in total].”

Although The Mayor’s Fund is an important support for Ukrainian students, Luciuk says universities should also support students with academic accommodations.

“Every university I’ve ever taught at, there’s always an accommodation made for students

The Journal spoke with Kingston advocates working to support Ukrainians in Canada.

who suffer some kind of crisis in their lives,” he said. “Students are suffering a kind of trauma here and they need to be accommodated.”

“When I talk about accommodations, what I’m saying is Queen’s [needs to] help these students achieve what their parents wanted them to.”

would call just to “ She have somebody to talk to

Although it can feel difficult to make tangible contributions to Ukraine, Luciuk said one way to help is to provide Ukrainian students with quality education.

“I said to the students, ‘Look, you probably can’t do much for Ukraine. You can’t get back there, you may end up being refugees, you may end up spending the rest of your life in exile, so be the best student you can be,’” Luciuk said. *** Ivan Shapovalov, PhD ‘25, has a brother in Kyiv who’s serving in

GRAPHICS BY JULIA STRATTON

the Ukrainian military. Over the past few weeks, he’s spent hours on the phone keeping his family company in Ukraine.

“I was trying to call them […] and to be available for them whenever possible,” he said in an interview with The Journal.

“For my brother’s wife, being that her husband is actively involved in combat, it seems sometimes that she would call just to have somebody to talk to.”

While in Kingston, Shapovalov has been helping the Ukrainian Students’ Association on campus raise money for Ukrainian students in Canada and towards humanitarian aid.

“The war and the atrocities happening back home are very close to my heart and it seemed awfully right to be with the humans in the Queen’s community.”

When asked how the university can support him during this time, Shapovalov said he was just grateful to be safe in Canada.

If people need “ [support], it’s available.

You can find ways not to be alone “The war has been hard on me but in the sense that I would stay awake late listening to news from back home, talking to families who could be scared, frightened, worried about their life,” he said.

“But compared to that, just me listening to news at 4 a.m., that’s nothing in comparison.”

Although we don’t always see the impacts of war on the people in our community, this doesn’t make them any less real.

It’s important to acknowledge that wars often hit closer than we realize and we must do what we can to help those struggling in our own communities.

“If people need [support], it’s available,” Shapovalov said. “You can find ways not to be alone.”

Students who need support during this time can reach out to Student Wellness Services, the Chaplain’s office, or the Ukrainian Students’ Association on campus.

8 • queensjournal.ca

Editorials

EDITORIALS

Friday, March 25, 2022

The Journal’s Perspective

We need to have more unfiltered conversations about money Alysha Mohamed Graduation comes with a myriad of growing pains. I’m untangling myself from the institution I’ve spent four years at, trying to figure out my five-year plan, and begrudgingly making a LinkedIn profile.

However, nothing compares to the discomfort of negotiating my first full-time salary.

Despite having worked since I was 17, I’ve never had a conversation with employers about a higher salary. I’ve always felt lucky to be offered a job—and I would never risk a job being taken away because of compensation.

Women have an exceptionally difficult time negotiating salaries and estimating their professional value. The hiring process is further complicated when viewed through an intersectional lens, when identity aspects like race and class make negotiating even more challenging.

Harvard Business Review has a guide for how women can successfully negotiate—offering advice from full preparation to boosting emotional intelligence.

Money has always been an uncomfortable subject. Growing up, I had no idea how much adults in my life were making or what a liveable salary would look like post-graduation.

There’s no sugar-coating how difficult it is to talk about money and finances, especially when you’ve been conditioned to never broach the subject.

I’m entering final rounds of interviews with shaky hands, trying to appear confident and charismatic without being overbearing.

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an ableist and privileged mindset.

Opportunities for employment and upwards mobility aren’t equal for everyone. Those facing systemic barriers—based on factors like race, disability, and gender—are ignorantly labeled as “lazy” by sentiments like Kim’s for factors they can’t control.

Meanwhile, Kim glorifies overworking and exploiting oneself in a system in which it’s nearly impossible to achieve her level of success.

Kim’s advice should prompt us to re-examine how we value labour and how flawed capitalism is in distributing wealth.

Wealthy people like the Kardashians can say and do whatever they like for publicity without consequences, all while spreading a harmful message.

Even if the statement was made without malicious intent, Kim should’ve considered the rude tone of her words and the insensitive worldview they portray.

Her advice is suited to someone in similar

shoes: born into a rich environment with a plethora of connections.

Admittedly, Kim Kardashian is a woman media personality in the spotlight and isn’t exempt from misogyny and unjust criticism. But she must be held accountable for how she abuses her privilege to exploit people and appropriate Black culture at the foundation of her success.

It’s possible Kim’s controversial advice is another publicity ploy. Despite its negative connotations, the media backlash brings with it a vast amount of attention to promote her new endeavours.

Yes, Kim’s statement was ridiculous. But her words shouldn’t be ignored. Harmful actions must be called out to establish these publicity tactics and bad takes are neither appropriate nor beneficial.

Kim, we appreciate business advice—just not from you.

—Journal Editorial Board

ILLUSTRATION BY SHELBY TALBOT

Leah Smithson Martin Hayes Suzy Leinster

Graphics Editor

racial equity in pay,” Sarah Kaplan, professor at the University of Toronto, told CBC. However, it must be coupled with “a focus on promoting equity-seeking groups to more senior positions within an organization” to close the wage gap.

Though it won’t solve everything, having open conversations about financial literacy will give young women the confidence to secure a position where they are truly valued and compensated fairly.

When it comes to salary negotiation, I’m lost—and I shouldn’t be. Myself, and the women around me, aren’t doing anything wrong by asking for what we deserve.

Curtis Heinzl Nathan Carter

Assistant Video Editor

After sharing my anxiety with my friends and mentors, I’m starting to realize I’m not the only one struggling to talk about money.

I need more unfiltered conversations about finances—with my peers, parents, and everyone in between. I shouldn’t feel like I’m doing something wrong when I broach the topic of salary during an interview, especially because it’s such a pivotal deciding factor in accepting an offer.

The wage gap is still far from eliminated.

The complexity of varying salaries based on positionality should be out in the open for us to both critique and understand.

To best advocate for ourselves, we need to dismantle the societal norm of money talk—especially for young women of colour—being unprofessional or tacky.

“Pay transparency is one of the tools in the toolkit for achieving more gender equity or

Madeleine McCormick Spencer Hendrickson

Assistant Photo Editor

PHOTO BY SPENCER HENDRICKSON

Natara Ng Alysha Mohamed

Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Kim Kardashian’s business advice for women masks an exploitative message Wealth doesn’t equal wisdom—as Kim Kardashian has once again demonstrated for us.

On Mar. 9, Variety released an interview clip with the Kardashians on their upcoming new reality show. Near the end, Kim shared her best advice for women in business: “Get your fucking ass up and work!”

How insightful, Kim. No doubt, the Kardashians own many wildly popular brands, including Good American clothing and the KKW Beauty makeup line. Kim’s 10-digit net worth makes it difficult to deny she’s successful in her business ventures. But there’s a lot of privilege propping Kim up that most women don’t have access to.

Kim’s ‘advice’ is heavily misplaced. Telling working-class women to simply work harder isn’t just insulting—it shows how out of touch with reality Kim is from her position of privilege and wealth.

For the average person, working hard often means putting in every ounce of your effort without knowing whether or not you’ll succeed, and risking a lot of what you’ve earned in the process.

Kim, meanwhile, has always had a financial security blanket. For the richest of the rich, a job becomes a high-paying passion project .

And that’s simply not the reality for working-class people.

Kim’s exploitative message isn’t unique—it’s a harmful norm for the wealthy to encourage working class folks to work harder while directly benefiting from their toils.

Further, her statement promotes

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Contents © 2021 by The Queen’s Journal; all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of The Journal.

Opinions

Friday, March 25, 2022

queensjournal.ca

OPINIONS

•9

Your Perspective

SUPPLIED BY MATT D'ALESSANDRO

Matt, Aloka, and Yara worked together on the SES-SAG this past year.

Student-administration collaboration is imperative for diversifying Queen’s University must emphasize accessibility to be most receptive to student advocacy Matt D’Alessandro, Yara Hussein & Aloka Wijesundara Contributors In December 2021, the Queen’s Student Experience Survey (SES) Report was released in response to the University’s Declaration of Commitment to Address Systemic Racism.

The Student Experience Survey (SES) was sent to Queen’s students in March 2021, providing Queen’s with a mechanism to inform the creation of a more inclusive campus. It analyzed all facets contributing to the Queen’s experience: university policies and programming, university services, and responses to discrimination and harassment.

For the university to achieve its goal of diversifying and uplifting the community experience, students must have easier and more casual access to an administration that has committed itself to improving campus culture.

This work can’t be done in a bubble.

Before the release of the survey results, the SES Student Advisory Group (SES-SAG) was formed in May 2021 to provide input to the Student Experiences project team.

This team—chaired by Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion) Stephanie Simpson and Assistant Dean (Student Life & Learning) Corinna Fitzgerald and comprised of various student leaders—met monthly to discuss results, provide updates on action items, and provide input from the student perspective.

As student leaders in the group, we held the administration accountable to deliverables and timelines—ensuring student voices, needs, and desires were always at the forefront of the SES Project Team. We also played an active role in helping to inform the project team of effective ways to distribute and advertise results.

The survey received responses from over 5,400 students to understand the campus environment surrounding community, systemic racism, exclusionary and discriminatory behaviors, and sexual violence.

Among its responses, the survey revealed equity-deserving students didn’t feel as much of a sense of belonging, didn’t feel as safe or connected to campus, and reported more experiences of harassment and sexual violence.

When asked about belonging, 45 per cent of Black respondents and 35 per cent of all racialized respondents cited they didn’t feel close to people at this school.

40 per cent of nonbinary and two-spirit respondents, 32 per cent of non-heterosexual/non-straight respondents, and 29 per cent of respondents with trans experiences reported they have seriously considered leaving Queen’s.

When asked to comment about reasons for wishing to leave, students frequently cited mental health challenges, a lack of community, not feeling welcome or supported, financial struggles, and poor academic performance.

17 per cent of respondents said they had experienced

harassment and discrimination, most commonly being the target of put-downs and offensive humor, receiving hostile or threatening comments or gestures, facing targeted biased profiling, and navigating offensive comments made by course instructors and faculty members.

Six per cent of respondents experienced sexual violence.

Though Queen’s has the necessary tools and financial resources to improve the university, the potential for tangible change is limited by institutional bureaucracy. By taking an active step to listen to student voices, support student activism, and fund student initiatives, the University could effectively influence a cultural shift on our campus.

SES, like many other conducted surveys, has demonstrated the urgency for institutional reform and a cultural shift influenced by student leadership.

Often, when speaking to equity efforts, administrative groups can make ambiguous promises while activity following statements often goes unnoticed and unrecognized by the student body.

It’s been eye-opening to witness the way Queen’s looks to include student voices and perspectives.

While the formation of SES-SAG itself was a critical step towards promoting better collaboration between students and the University to diversify campus, the experience of sitting on this panel has highlighted where improvement is needed for collaboration

between student groups and administration.

As members of SES-SAG, we recognize the great level of privilege we have to sit on a committee with faculty and administration. We can directly share ideas, express concerns, and ask questions to administrators face-to-face.

We’re privileged to have this type of access to the University given the inaccessible nature of faculty and administrators to the average student.

However, no matter how inclusive of students a group like SES-SAG is, there still exists an innate hierarchy between students and administration that will always make it challenging for us to candidly express concerns and ideas in our meetings and interactions.

By having more casual avenues for communication, students would be better able to share their lived experiences on campus with a greater impact.

We saw this first-hand through our meetings with Taryn McKenna, Student Inclusion and Engagement Coordinator.

Taryn facilitated meetings one-on-one with each student member of SES-SAG, allowing us to speak more candidly.

Meeting with Taryn has been a great resource for us. In the past couple of months, we’ve worked to provide student perspectives that inform her inclusion and engagement work.

It can be exhausting and frustrating to share the same stories and suggestions year after year in the current formal

framework of our advocacy work. While student activists share similar experiences in seeking to drive change, we also share a similar frustration when met with administrative red tape.

Coming from different backgrounds and identities, we came together in this group with varying levels of experience in working with the University.

Each of us held a common sense of frustration regarding how Queen’s as an institution has failed its students.

Jumping through bureaucratic hoops is exhausting, and the feeling of a lack of process can be disheartening. SES-SAG has allowed us to channel the experiences and frustrations of both ourselves and our peers into conversation.

Confining where change happens and decisions get made to formal, internal processes is extremely counterproductive to Queen’s goal of becoming more inclusive and equitable.

When these channels are confined, student voices become confined.

Student voices should be the priority of the work.

It’s the lived experiences of Queen’s students that garners us with the expertise of recognizing existing gaps and improvements we wish to see. Student voices must be prioritized by the University in decision-making processes.

Matt, Yara, and Aloka are members of the Student Experience Survey Student Advisory Group.

Arts

10 • queensjournal.ca

ARTS

Friday, March 25, 2022

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DHARMAYU

Giller Prize Event highlights the power of literature.

English department hosts Giller Prize Event Guests celebrated Omar El Akkad’s award-winning novel Mackenzie Loveys Assisstant Arts Editor Queen’s English Department hosted their annual Giller Prize Event on Mar. 23, celebrating Queen’s alum and current writer-in-residence Omar El Akkad for his winning novel What Strange Paradise.

“The event this year has a lot more going on with it for a few different reasons,” Sam McKegney, head of the English department, said in an interview with The Journal. “It’s somewhat down to some glorious serendipity.”

El Akkad’s win aligned perfectly with his return to Queen’s as writer-in-residence.

“That was wonderful to have him coming back to Queens to be part of this community again, and then bam, he wins the Giller in the very year that’s going to happen,” McKegney said.

“I consider this book to be a profound intervention, both in terms of its precise and meticulous rendering of really horrific aspects of reality, but also in its craft.

It’s beautifully written.”

Some of the event’s other special guests included Juliana Okot Bitek and Dr. Shobhana Xavier. They sat on the panel alongside El Akkad and ENGL 466 student represenatative Daniel Green.

Professor Carolyn Smart , former director of creative writing at

Queen’s, commemorated her former pupil’s accomplishments via a video tribute.

Other virtual appearances included Giller Prize jurors Megan Gail Coles and Joshua Whitehead, as well as two-time winning author Esi Edugyan.

“Virtually everyone we’ve asked to contribute has happily done so,” McKegney said. “It speaks to just how highly the book is thought of in writerly circles, as well as the importance of the issues that it’s dealing with.”

The event’s panel discussed literary craft and the issues of forced migrancy and the refugee crisis, which are core topics in What Strange Paradise.

“Those who attend the event will experience all of these wonderful artists and scholars thinking together about what we can do to intervene in one of the most significant crises affecting our

world today, which is forced migrancy,” McKegney said.

The event was primarily planned by ENGL 466 students, a course focused on the Giller Prize-shortlisted novels.

“I’ve really handed things over to the students to run with, and they’ve done a fabulous job with that,” McKegney said.

McKegney was excited for students to engage in conversation with El Akkad, making the event perfect for those studying literature and literature production.

“It really gives us a chance to showcase literature’s ability to intervene in the most important issues facing our world today,” he said. “To have the opportunity for students and audience members to be engaged in conversations like that, to me, that’s incredibly exciting.”

‘What Strange Paradise’ is timely and powerful Omar El Akkad’s masterpiece preaches compassion over privilege Ben Wrixon Senior Arts Editor Omar El Akkad’s Giller Prize-winning novel What Strange Paradise is a moving tale of friendship prevailing in the face of racism, hatred, and cynicism.

El Akkad, who The Journal interviewed back in January, is a Queen’s graduate who spent a year as Journal Editor in Chief before becoming a professional writer.

He’s spent the Winter 2022 semester as the university’s writer-in-residence.

All the praise is well-deserved: protagonist Amir’s journey in What Strange Paradise is an incredibly poignant and timely deconstruction of privilege.

The story starts with nine-year-old Amir washing ashore.

We quickly learn he was one of many who escaped from their country aboard a smuggler’s dilapidated boat. It sunk under the collective weight of a group of Syrians, Ethiopians, Egyptians, Lebanese, and Palestinians seeking a better life on foreign land.

He stumbles upon fifteen-year-old Vänna, one of the island’s residents, who takes him in instead of turning him over

to soldiers hunting for undocumented immigrants.

Thetwoquicklyformafriendship built on actions and loyalty. Vänna is compelled to help reunite young Amir with his lost uncle, despite their lack of common language, and also withstanding mounting pressure from Colonel Kethros and his troops.

This tense adventure unfolds in the chapters titled “After,” while those labelled “Before” show Amir’s brutal journey to the island on the smuggler’s boat with his uncle. El Akkad’s use of divided time builds the story’s central critique of an idealized Western life.

Much to the distaste of their cynical smuggler, Mohammed, many of the immigrants escaping on the rickety boat have their sights set on North American freedom. He adamantly believes no amount of posturing will lead them to prosperity among racist white people.

Mohammed calls Americans “engines” and claims immigrants are the fuel, relegated to doing privileged society’s dirty work.

Unfortunately, real-life political and social climates in North America reveal the disturbing truth in his words.

Through his constant cynicism and mistreatment of the boat’s vulnerable passengers, Mohammed reminds Amir and the reader that racism and greed are universal.

Vänna’s unwarranted kindness starkly contrasts Mohammed’s hopelessness—she throws away her comfortable life to help Amir and take a much-needed stand against injustice.

What Strange Paradise is a call for change. Its scathing critiques of Western privilege and elitism are only overpowered by the values it preaches.

Compassion—it’s the basic human emotion that drives Vänna to protect Amir when everyone else is unwilling to put their differences aside. The global refugee crisis this novel explores might not exist if more people were willing to treat people like people.

You could easily write your own book about What Strange Paradise and come away feeling as though you didn’t say everything that needed saying. The book is that deep.

Read El Akkad with an open heart and mind. His incredible novel is thematically challenging, beautifully moving, and The novel won the 2021 Giller Prize. inspiringly excellent.

PHOTO BY BEN WRIXON

Arts

Friday, March 25, 2022

queensjournal.ca

“We all have family members, especially early on when we were quitting jobs and deciding not to do graduate school, who thought we were doing a dumb thing,” Sladkowski said.

We used to play house “shows on Princess Street.

That’s something we don’t want to forget or be disconnected from, even if the band is playing larger rooms or parts of the world

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY PUP

The group has realized its potential.

PUP is back in Kingston Band set to play The Ale House on Mar. 28 Ben Wrixon Senior Arts Editor Canadian rockers PUP are playing The Ale House on Mar. 28.

The band is touring to promote The Unraveling of PupTheBand, their fourth studio album releasing Apr. 1. Anticipation and expectations are high for the group’s new record after 2019’s Morbid Stuff won them the prestigious Polaris Music Prize.

Despite all their success and accolades, lead guitarist Steve Sladkowski spoke humbly about the band’s journey in an interview with The Journal.

“The thing about playing in southern Ontario is it keeps us connected to where we come from, where the band started,” he said.

Their lineup hasn’t changed since their 2010 inception—Stefan Babcock on vocals and rhythm

guitar, Nestor Chumak on bass, Zack Mykula on drums, and Sladkowski on lead guitar.

Their name, however, is another story.

PUP was initially Topanga after the character in the sitcom Boy Meets World but switched in 2013 to avoid association with Disney’s planned reboot of the classic show.

They settled on the acronym PUP after Babcock’s grandmother referred to being in a rock band as

PUP has a long history of playing shows in Kingston. They last visited three years ago, pre-pandemic. Sladkowski said stopping here often used to fit their schedule.

“Play Thursday night in Kingston, Friday night in Ottawa, then Saturday night in Montreal—that was the bread and butter of the band for a long time,” he said.

“We used to play house shows on Princess Street. That’s something we don’t want to forget or be disconnected from, even if the band is playing larger rooms or parts of the world. Playing shows in southern Ontario is something we’re always going to want to do for ourselves.”

Fans attending next week’s show should expect to hear their old favourites as well as singles off the new album, which include “Matilda,” “Robot Writes A Love Song,” and “Waiting.”

The Unraveling of PupTheBand is the product of pandemic

• 11

recording sessions that saw the group breaking new musical ground. “Waiting” is a classic PUP rocker, while the other two singles incorporate some electronic and acoustic elements.

“We were able to get into a productive and open-minded creative atmosphere that allowed for a lot of experimenting with different instruments and approaches to songwriting,” Sladkowski said.

“As we were writing the record in our jam space in Toronto, the songs were taking on a different creative shape in the demoing process than they had previously. We realized we should probably make the record in a different way.”

made a record “ We that is a natural

expansion of where the band can go and wants to go, but I think we still sound like those four guys who are happy to play a greasy venue in Kingston PUP spent five weeks living in a studio in Connecticut, where they had the freedom to record whenever they wanted.

The finished product speaks for itself.

“We made a record that is a natural expansion of where the band can go and wants to go, but I think we still sound like those four guys who are happy to play a greasy venue in Kingston.”

Forworld Studios unveils first collective art show

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY FORWORLD

Forworld’s exhibition is a mix of individual and collaborative pieces.

Local artist collective reaching in-person audiences Mackenzie Loveys Assisstant Arts Editor Forworld Studios, a recently formed Kingston-based artist collective, launched their first collective art show at Kingston School of Art’s (KSOA) Window Art Gallery.

Forworld Studios is a collective encouraging collaboration and support among artists with six members: William Carroll, Cat Rose, Constance Intounas (Browz), Justin André (4CID R4BBIT), Francisco Corbett, and Michaela Zinsmeister.

“I feel like I’ve found my identity through

Forworld,” Intounas said in an interview with The Journal.

“The biggest thing for me is being able to explore different things in the studio space and being surrounded by other artists of different kinds who are very passionate and welcoming. I always feel very comforted.

If anything’s going on, if I need any advice, there’s always someone to talk to.”

Everything just flowed really “nicely.

I liked it because it was

so personal to one another and there’s so much freedom and flexibility to it

The exhibition opened Mar. 21 and will remain in KSOA’s Window Art Gallery until Apr. 3 for people to see the collective’s range of individual and collaborative pieces.

“Everything just flowed really nicely. I liked it because it was so personal to one another and there’s so much freedom and flexibility to it,” Intounas said. “The freedom of it all and the variety of our artworks is something that I think speaks volumes in the gallery.”

The outpouring of support for the show has the good kind of overwhelming.

“I thought it was really cool to be able to talk about some of the pieces we have been working so hard on to people and have them ask about the meanings of them,” André said. “It was kind of overwhelming to have so many people in a small space because we haven’t lived in so long.”

For Rose, the show’s opening night was a surreal opportunity to reflect on artistic growth and the unconditional support Forworld provides.

“It was different to be able to see my art,” Rose said. “I really wanted it to be a

reflective piece and a show of gratitude to people who’ve very much supported my art and also supported me throughout the past few months.”

“I’ve been going through a good transitional period, and I feel like a lot of my art really focused on that. So, it was nice to stop and see the progress so far and keep building on that after the show.”

Overall, the artists enjoyed seeing the reactions of people unfamiliar with their work, potentially exposing new audiences to Forworld Studios and its members.

“I enjoyed the ability to have other audiences view my work because a lot of those other audiences may not see my stuff on a general basis or it might not be what they seek out,” Carroll said.

“It’s just nice that they have an opportunity to see something they wouldn’t normally see every day.”

Sports

12 • queensjournal.ca

Friday, March 25, 2022

Queen’s alum and former Gaels hockey player Kevin Bailie thanks outgoing captain Patrick Sanvido Kevin Bailie Contributor Face shaved, teeth brushed, body washed. Check.

Final review of notes. Check.

Suit dry-cleaned, shirt and tie ironed, shoes polished. Check.

Anxiety. Check.

“Alright,” I told myself, “I think I’m ready. Time to get dressed and head to the biggest interview of my life.“ Wait. I’m out of underwear.

In a panic, I called out to my roommate—who I’d known for maybe a month—and tell him I need to borrow a pair of boxers.

We hadn’t spoken that morning, as he’d left me alone, knowing instinctually I needed my space.

Despite the odd request, I immediately heard his drawers open. A single question echoed from his room.

“What ones do you want?”

Fully appreciating I was in no position to be picky, with equal parts sarcasm, desperation, and urgency, I responded, “Your luckiest pair.”

The door opened. A nowfamiliar smirk appeared and I was handed a pile of tattered cloth loosely resembling something Hanes may have produced in the distant past.

“Here’s my luckiest… but they’re not my cleanest.”

Okay, we should probably rewind before I go any further. *** In the summer of 2017, I was preparing for my fifth and final season as the goalie for the Queen’s men’s hockey team.

As a goalie, you’re only as good as your defensive group, and with a returning core of

Patrick Sanvido leaves behind a legacy of leadership.

PHOTO BY ROBIN KASEM

Thank you, Captain

legendary veterans like Spencer lot about Patty. Almost as much as Abraham, Cory Genovese, I’ve learned from him.

Graeme Brown, Nevin Guy and In an attempt to give back to Warren Steele—along with some the person who has taught me so incoming junior studs—I was much—and perhaps embarrass more than happy with our squad him a little in the process—I’d that year. like to share a few of my thoughts Then received a call from on the greatest leader I’ve Coach Gibson. He told me a 6-foot, ever met.

6-inch draft pick of the Dallas For starters, Patty thinks he Stars named Patrick Sanvido was should have been born in the interested in joining us.

1940’s. He’s an old soul, carries Admittedly, I was a a distinct lack of enthusiasm for little confused as to why texting, social media, and any such a sought-after player would music that isn’t classic rock, and voluntarily sign up to our stacked- he is filled with a grit reminiscent depth chart, but one unforgettable of decades past. recruiting trip later, I found myself Next, his large frame proudly helping “Patty” move into my displays physical badges earned apartment. from a lifelong passion for I guess fate tends to make more blocking frozen chunks of rubber, sense after the fact. and his mind carries the insights Since then, I’ve learned quite a of many adversities overcome

outside the arena for equally as long.

Lastly, Patty is a fan of continuing tradition. Whether it’s handing off the sacred managerial keys to The Brass Pub or the figurative torch that has made its way through the Queen’s hockey program for the past 135 years, he’s helped ensure despite the pandemic, generations to come will still get to enjoy the same institutions he cares so deeply for.

Now, I can’t explain why Patty is built this way. I don’t think anyone can. But I have come to trust this: Patty wasn’t born in the wrong era, because great leaders like him arrive exactly when they’re needed most.

Patty: much like the Celtic warriors in our school’s namesake,

you entered battle 120 times in tricolour—every single game possible, for those keeping track at home—and you were prepared to go out on your shield on any given shift. You were integral in bringing a championship back to Kingston, and while your specific scope of genius didn’t translate to much media attention, it certainly never went unnoticed amongst those gearing up beside you.

Your biggest fans, Vicki, Homer, and Stella, along with myself and the rest of your family, are so incredibly proud of you.

Whatever path life takes you down next, never forget there’s always a seat waiting for you at the head of any table I’m sitting at, Captain.

Queen’s Law students reach Hockey Arbitration Competition of Canada semifinals Ben Civil and Jeff Allen represented Queen’s at the competition last week ANGUS MERRY Senior Sports Editor Two Queen’s law students reached the semi-final round of the University of Toronto’s (UofT) Hockey Arbitration Competition of Canada (HACC) over the weekend.

Ben Civil and Jeff Allen, Law ’23, came within one victory of the final round of the tenth annual law competition held virtually by UofT from Mar. 18 to 20. They lost to a team from the University of Montreal, who went on to lose to Western in the final round.

Civil and Allen spoke to The Journal about participating in the tournament.

“This was the first chance for me personally to do some written and oral advocacy outside of the classroom, so that was a great experience,” Civil said.

“It’s definitely nice to get that experience and to get some good feedback from the judges as well to hear you’re on the right path if this is something you’re interested in [as a career].”

HACC is a tournament which simulates salary arbitration, a legal mechanism found in the NHL and MLB. Unlike salary negotiations for players in the NFL or NBA, for example, salary arbitration grants players the ability to have their value determined by an

objective third party rather than the team which owns the rights to them.

In HACC, law students mimic the negotiations which take place during salary arbitration by fictionally representing either a real-life player or the NHL team which that player belongs to.

Organized with qualifying, quarterfinal, semi-final, and a final rounds, HACC matches consist of two teams of two presenting their respective arguments for a player’s valuation in front of a guest arbitrator—the objective third party—who acts as the judge. Whichever team presents

the most compelling argument, based on their written briefs and oral presentation, advances to the subsequent round.

Last year, six teams from Queen’s attended the competition, none of whom made it past the qualifying round.

When asked what allowed them to travel so far in the competition, Allen and Civil both stated it was their preparedness—along with a solid written brief—that saw them through.

“I think our biggest strength was our written briefs that we made, “Allen said.

“Having stuff prepared and just knowing your brief inside and

out and remaining firm in your stance is always important.”

Allen also mentioned they’re proud of how competitive they were in every outing, regardless of their exit in the semi-finals.

“Looking back, I think [we were] competitive in every single round.

Even the round we got eliminated, we were still competitive,” he said.

“A lot of those matches just turned into a small detail you might have missed or something the arbitrator just really liked on one side specifically, and [that’s why] they end up awarding a victory to one team.”

Sports

Friday, March 25, 2022

queensjournal.ca

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OUA pens open letter calling on Ontario Government to provide equal financial support to women student-athletes The Provinces’ recent $3 million dollar investment in the OHL sparked conversation around equitable opportunities for women in sport Natara NG Assistant Sports Editor The Ontario University Athletics (OUA) association penned an open letter to the provincial government on Mar. 18. regarding equal funding for women student-athletes.

The letter comes as a response to the province’s recent $3 million investment in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Scholarship Program. In the letter, the OUA called on the government to provide financial support to women studentathletes equal to what was provided to OHL students, who are men.

“An investment in women student-athletes is a springboard for continued and even greater success moving forward,” the letter read.

“Appropriate funding in women’s post-secondary sport scholarships helps grow future sport stars, provide opportunities for outstanding careers, and profoundly contributes to sport and society.”

The letter went on to add that financial support and scholarships “cannot be ignored any longer and the lack of equal public financial support cannot continue if proper gender balance is ever to be realized at the post-secondary level and beyond.”

The OUA also voiced that prioritizing men-dominated avenues like the OHL perpetuates the commonly held belief that women in sport are lesser. The letter stated that “ultimately, funding choices speak volumes about values.”

The Journal sat down with Matt Holmberg, Queen’s women’s hockey coach, to hear his thoughts on the issue.

“I’m certainly very happy and proud that the OUA, Queen’s, and the other member institutions have picked up on this and have taken a very solid and unified

The Gaels are headed to Nationals once again.

OUA calls on government to support women student-athletes. public stance on [women in sport],” he said.

Holmberg is in favour of supporting the future of men’s hockey players, but he’s waiting for a follow-up announcement regarding what the province is going to do for women’s sport.

“Obviously, [it’s] crickets at [this] point,” he said. “So, very happy that the OUA and Queen’s […] have very publicly stated their position.”

Holmberg said if the Ontario government were to match the $3 million investment intowomen student-athlete scholarships, this might improve the province’s ability to keep elite Canadian athletes in Canada.

“There continues to be a little

PHOTO BY ROBIN KASEM

Men’s Volleyball earns spot at nationals after victory over Brock Gaels bounce Brock 3-0 move on to face the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Friday Herbert Wang Contributor The Queen’s Men’s Volleyball team beat the Brock Badgers in straight sets to claim the OUA bronze medal on Mar. 19.

With the win, the Gaels keep their season alive and will travel to Manitoba for the U Sports

Men’s Volleyball Championship, where they’ll face the No. 3 seeded Alberta Golden Bears on Mar. 25.

“Great bounce back from our disappointing semifinal loss against Toronto […] If we were going to dwell on it, we were screwed,” Head coach Gabriel deGroot said of the

game in an interview with The Journal.

In a closely contested first set, the Gaels and Badgers traded points, neither side building a lead of more than two. Then, at 14-14, a service error from the Badgers sparked four straight points from the Gaels. After that run, the team

GRAPHIC BY DHARMAYU DESAI

bit of a drain towards the U.S.,” he explained. “One of the draws from time to time is the ability to provide full rides or scholarships [like] the States.”

“I think that increasing our ability to compete with that will help [keep these athletes in Canada].”

In Holmberg’s view, men’s and women’s sports funding within the Queen’s bubble doesn’t contain any gross disparities fueled by gender inequity.

“From a scholarship perspective, the [Queen’s] athletic department works really hard to make sure that there’s fairness there,” Holmberg said.

The hockey programs at Queen’s have some funding differences—for example, the men might break more sticks than the women in a year, and the men and women’s teams have different travel destinations with respective associated costs. But for Holmberg, the issue is about more than just funding—it’s also about recognition.

“Often in articles they just call men’s hockey ‘hockey’ […] whereas for women’s hockey,

they’ll say ‘women’s hockey.’

It’s just little things like that [where] I think there still needs to be some ground covered,” he said.

Overcoming financial burdens for woman athletes is another important consideration Holmberg drew from the letter.

“We’re talking about athletes [who] give their precious spare time to be varsity athletes,” he said.

“I think [funding] […] allows the athletes to focus on their sport, which is good for them, good for their team, and good for the school.”

Holmberg acknowledged that some government funding does exist for women’s sports, but there are more hoops to jump through to access it.

“It’s not only equal funding, but also equal access to the funding,” Holmberg explained.

“At the end of the day, we’re not looking to take away money from men’s sports. We just want the same opportunity to have access to the same funding and with the same restrictions.”

never gave up the lead, winning the set 25-23.

The second set started off similarly, but it was the Badgers who built a four-point lead late, going up 19-23. However, the Gaels side fought back, going on a 7-1 run to eventually win 26-24.

After a start strong in the third, going up 9-3, the Queen’s side commanded the rest of the match with a 25-21 score in the final frame to claim the victory. deGroot touched on the team’s ability to quickly forget their previous match, an 0-3 loss against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Mar. 16.

“I thought the guys did a great job this week of just going back to work. Figuring out that our end goal was not just the OUA Championship’s, but to get to the National Championship,” he said.

“We did execute the game plan really well.”

H o w e v e r, deGroot ultimately attributed the key factor to a change in their starting lineup.

“We went with a little bit lower-risk lineup today, and it

ended up paying off. We were able to just keep the pressure on them,” he explained.

Looking forward to Nationals, d e G ro o t a c k n o wl e d g e d that a more conservative approach w o n’ t be sustainable facing the nation’s best teams.

“We’re going to probably have to find a balance, […] because teams are just going to get better, and this kind of safer volleyball isn’t going to work at the highest level,” he noted.

An aspect of the Gael’s game he does want to bring is the fighting spirit they’ve shown throughout the playoffs.

“The competitive nature of this group is really starting to show through that second set […] To show that resilience and come back and to do it in a way that just brings the team together was really good,” he said.

“That ultimately is what we’ll take from this and move forward.”

The Queen’s Gaels face off against the University of Alberta Golden Bears in Winnipeg this Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Lifestyle

14 • queensjournal.ca

Friday, March 25, 2022

LIFESTYLE

Why you should get a houseplant this spring The mental health benefits of nurturing a plant Madeleine McCormick Assistant Lifestyle Editor We all know the people who treat plants like their children. I’ve spent my entire adult life scoffing at these "plant parenthood" folks with their watering cans and fertilizers.

I was never opposed to houseplants, but the maintenance never seemed worth it for me. It also seemed like any plant I got would immediately die and wilt, no matter what I did.

Things changed for me when I got my first pathos.

My cousin was visiting me in Kingston and suggested we visit The Plant Shelf, a local plant store near West Campus. I left with an aglaonema, a marble queen pathos, and an attitude for having to pay $30 for a purchase I could probably pick for free outside.

I swear it happened

There are pros to becoming a plant parent.

overnight—but I came to adore those little plants. They’re the most endearing, adorable creatures ever, and I find myself looking forward to watering them and finding them a sunny spot.

I skip over to my housemates with joy to show them any new leaf growth or flowering.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DHARMAYU DESAI

This new phase wasn’t something I planned on.

Sometimes, learning to love houseplants just happens.

I implore everyone to join the houseplant-snobbery­—and overenthusiasm club. It’s the place to be.

You don’t have to start

whispering sweet nothings to a monstera to reap the benefits of having a plant indoors—you could just get a cactus and leave it on your desk.

Studies have demonstrated a that having fresh plants indoors has positive effect on mental health. They give us better air

quality and are therapeutic to care for, which is all students can ask for during busy exam seasons.

While my botany education is limited to the how-to-care instruction sheet that came with my plants, I’ve compiled some research and the most important findings for soon-to-be plant parents.

Pathos are a beginner plant, and the spider plant is another great option: they’re resilient, easy to care for, and air detoxifying. If you have pets, this is also a wonderful plant to start with, as it’s non-toxic for animals.

If you’re looking for the least maintenance possible, succulents are the perfect solution. They don’t need as much watering or fertilizing as regular houseplants.

Even though spring is ahead of us, there are still a few weeks left of our chilly Canadian weather. So go out, support a local plant store, and detoxify your air.

School of Recording Arts and Connor from the California Institute of Technology (CalTech).

They moved back to Toronto and often drive up to Kingston on the weekends to see Alli Bhandari and Mike Dallas. Jenna’s one of the best sound engineers that Sandbox Studios has seen yet, and Connor has a great workfrom-home gig with Alphabet.

Maya Matlin & Zig Novak, class of 2016 Maya and Zig headed to California where Maya was attending SoCal Arts. While they got back together after graduation and the first few months were great, they broke up quickly after Campbell Saunders came up—they never were good at communication. Maya’s on a SoundCloud beat now and Zig’s back in Toronto taking care of his mom’s convenience store.

There’s no way Maya and Zig worked out.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DHARMAYU DESAI

‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ headcanons, part three

Where I see our favourite and not-so-favourite Degrassians today Aysha Tabassum Editor-in-Chief Marco Del Rossi, class of 2006 Once Marco got his teaching degree from the University of Toronto (UofT), he had a brief stint at Upper Canada College—where he tried profusely to keep the toxic straight boys in line and helped a few young gay men along the way.

He’s now back to teaching in the public school system, on track to becoming administrator, and he was out protesting the lifting of mask mandates this past Monday.

Manny Santos, class of 2007 Manny’s still happily in love with Jay Hogart, who moved to California at the start of the pandemic and hasn’t left since.

Emma Nelson and Spinner Mason are frequent visitors of their West Hollywood loft. While she starred in a few indie movies and paid the bills for a while on foreign commercials, she’s now working on some screenwriting projects.

Manny wants to be a storyteller for

Filipina-Canadian women like her.

She’s also still rocking bangs.

Anya MacPherson, class of 2011 Anya did get very close to enlisting in the military, but she failed another drug test after she and Riley Stavros assumed marijuana didn’t count. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After a year at community college, Anya was accepted to UofT, where she graduated with a psychology degree. An unexpected academic after finally getting the support she needed, Anya works with children with dyslexia.

Fiona Coyne, class of 2013

Fiona went to Milan to work with renowned designer Cavalieri, but much like Miles Hollingsworth III, her bejeweled creations with infinite layers didn’t translate beyond Degrassi’s halls. However, our lesbian queen is never one to give up—you can find her showing off her creations on Instagram, which are getting better every day. With a little help from Mama Coyne, she’s working on her second Toronto showcase.

Jenna Middleton & Connor DeLaurier, class of 2014 Jenna and Connor headed to California together—with Jenna graduating from the Los Angeles

Tiny Bell, class of 2016 An expert at minding his own business, Tiny graduated early from CalTech in 2019. He works with Connor at Alphabet, except he’s at their Mountain View headquarters in California. He’s helping his brother, Vincent Bell, who’s currently on probation, get his life back on track. He’s also a proud supporter of Liberty Van Zandt’s upcoming campaign for city councillor.

Shay Powers, class of 2017 Shay headed to the University of Southern California on a full scholarship for track. At the time, she was hoping she might get back together with Tiny, but she found her beat. She graduated with honours in Biology, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind her, and she’s now at UofT’s medical school.

She and Lola Pacini have weekly girls’ nights.

Lifestyle

Friday, March 25, 2022

queensjournal.ca

Point/Counterpoint: Does pineapple belong on pizza?

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DHARMAYU DESAI

Delving into the age-old debate of salty and sweet Julia Stratton, Asbah Ahmad Not only does it make sense, but it’s also good for you It’s simple—pineapple is sweet and ham is salty; you throw them on a pizza together and boom, you’ve got the best pizza ever created. The sweet and salty combination just makes sense.

Not only does Hawaiian pizza have the ideal ratio of sweet and salty not found in

any other kind of pizza, it’s also one of Canada’s greatest culinary accomplishments.

While many people assume that Hawaiian pizza originated in Hawaii, it was actually invented in Chatham, Ontario by a Greek-born Canadian, Sam Panopoulos, at the Satellite Restaurant.

Though Chatham, Ontario isn’t known for many things, it happens to be the hometown of seven NHL players.

Perhaps these athletic feats are partially due to the wealth of health benefits obtained from the pineapple on Hawaiian pizza.

Pineapple contains an arsenal of vitamins and loads of antioxidants which might contribute to the superior athleticism found in Chatham.

In conclusion, Hawaiian pizza not only tastes better than other kinds of pizza, it’s also better for you. So next time someone denounces you for eating pineapple on pizza, you can tell them that you’re simply working on your health.

—Julia Stratton, Features Editor Pineapple on pizza is a crime This is such an easy side to take. If Gordon Ramsay—being the icon and legend he is—says pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza, this is surely the right side of history to be on.

Don’t get me wrong; pineapple is great.

The fruit is sweet, sugary, and filled with important essential nutrients and vitamins.

The same goes for pizza.

Originally co-opted from Italian immigrants in the 19th century, we eat the classic dish at birthday parties, get-togethers, and when coping with a bad grade. There’s nothing like the cheesy goodness of a warm, well-made pie.

However, in my humble opinion, pineapple on pizza is a crime.

Pineapple manipulates the texture and makes the pizza soggy and gross. It also brings in an increased level of acidity, and mixed with the tomato base, my mouth feels like it’s consuming a

Reflecting on the impact of Abloh’s “Free Game” Alysha Mohamed Senior Lifestyle Editor Virgil Abloh is undoubtedly one of the boldest and most brilliant visionaries in artistic history.

He’s most known for being the founder and chief executive officer of Off-White and the artistic designer of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection in 2018.

Defying labels and categorization, Abloh saw himself as a “maker” of all things creative, with his pursuits ranging from museum exhibitions to noteworthy collaborations with Nike, the NBA, Moncler, and Jimmy Choo.

He revolutionized streetwear and luxury fashion, made bold political statements through his creations, and used his intricate architectural brain to craft designs and transform perceptions of Blackness in fashion. However, no single statement or phrase can capture the genius and force of Abloh, who continues to be a figure of mentorship for young artists.

Abloh passed away Nov. 28 after a private battle with cardiac angiosarcoma—and the world felt the weight of this shocking loss.

Months later, I’ve been reflecting on Abloh’s unique commitment to creating space

Abloh believed in the power of artists.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DHARMAYU DESAI

Virgil Abloh’s legacy is one of trailblazing creativity and empathetic mentorship for creative minds in artistic spaces. I played his “Free Game” for the first time a few weeks ago and realized the importance of Abloh’s power to break down boundaries for the next generation.

Abloh’s “Free Game” is a digital resource for young artists looking to develop their own brands and succeed in the fashion industry. The mass mentorship database is

intended to give “information and access to black POC and to all those that are interested,” with educational videos and Abloh’s reflections on his career and experience.

Sections range from “HOW TO OBTAIN A TRADEMARK” to “HOW TO SHOOT A LOOKBOOK” and “PERSONAL MENTORS.” This holistic, easy-to-access source of industry information

is a gold mine for young creatives and is an incredible step in dismantling systemic barriers for racialized designers.

In a world where artists are encouraged to gatekeep their ideas and creative processes, Abloh was unapologetically and intentionally transparent.

The “Free Game,” like his controversial designs, is groundbreaking. Abloh’s passion

• 15

bitter ball of dough and cheese. I'm also convinced this combination is a recipe for indigestion. Our organs should not be subject to such a weird combination of food.

I think another issue with pineapple based “Hawaiian” pizza is the inclusion of ham.

I can’t consume pork-based foods for religious dietary reasons. The thought of pineapple on pizza is intrinsically tied to ham, and it makes me highly uncomfortable. Yes, I know you can get pineapple on pizza without the ham—but in my subconscious, the two are linked.

Let's quickly touch on why the term “Hawaiian” for pineapple-based pizza is unfair.

Even though “Hawaiian” style pizza originally referred to a brand of pineapple—I fear mainland North Americans believe this ungodly dish is something Hawaiians would consume.

In reality, Hawaiian food is rich with Asian influences and traditional local Indigenous recipes—we need to acknowledge “Hawaiian” pizza is actually a Canadian invention.

Pizza is amazing, and so is pineapple—but for my sake, don’t combine the two.

—Asbah Ahmad, Assistant News Editor for social justice and inclusivity translate into his efforts to make information accessible and share his wisdom across industries without cost.

“As part of my long-standing initiative to see design, art, and culture more inclusive to young black designers and those coming from non-traditional backgrounds, I wanted to assist in providing the means for them to advance on the road to ownership of their ideas and brands,” Abloh said in a statement on the website.

“I am launching this organic platform for widespread access to information and mentorship. The exact notions and tools that I used to formulate my career open to all.

For free.”

Abloh believed in the power of artists and had faith in the power of future generations.

He also understood how Black visionaries, people of colour, and other dreamers from “nontraditional backgrounds” are systemically disadvantaged and must continue breaking down barriers at every turn in their careers.

Many people who reference Abloh’s work speak to his powerful ability to craft the future of fashion and see beyond contemporary constraints.

This ability translates into the “Free Game,” which acts as a stepping stone for talented “makers” to forge their paths and transform the future of creativity.

“Look around this room,” Abloh said to the New York Times when debuting his menswear collection for Louis Vuitton.

“There are people around this room who look like me. You never saw that before in fashion.

The people have changed and so fashion had to.”

This article was originally published online on Mar. 18.

Lifestyle

16 • queensjournal.ca

Friday, March 25, 2022

POSTSCRIPT

PHOTO BY SPENCER HENDRICKSON

Alysha reflects on how drastically different her life could have been under varying circumstances.

Mourning my almost-lives

Analyzing the people I could have been allows me to evolve Alysha Mohamed Senior Lifestyle Editor In Nairobi, the ghosts of all the women I could have been cascaded in and out of my body.

Like half-written "poems and tipsy

journal entries, make-believe versions of myself kept me up at night Like half-written poems and tipsy journal entries, make-believe versions of myself kept me up at night, imprinting themselves on my psyche.

After years without travel, my family and I recently returned home to Kenya—the country they grew up in and the place I was born. The first cousin in our extended family was getting married, and if you know anything about Indian weddings, you know we were in for a week of festivities.

My sister and I are the only cousins on my mom’s side of the family who didn’t grow up in Nairobi. My memories of “home” are blurry and mainly evoked when I see pictures of myself as a toddler with curly hair and hand-me-down shirts, the African sun in my eyes.

10 years after our last visit, I was seeing Nairobi in a completely different light. Frozen in time, I saw visions of Kenya Alysha— the version of myself that might

have existed if my parents and I never moved to Canada. She looked like old money and new privilege.

It was simultaneously haunting and exciting to imagine what my life would look like in another universe. Parallel to my nostalgic experience of returning home after 10 years was the experience of my parents, whose energies completely shifted when we arrived.

I loved life in Nairobi. I loved it until I had to analyze it.

It took me weeks to realize that the time I spent back home wasn’t reality, nor was it an accurate reflection of how happy and fulfilled I would have been if we’d never immigrated to Canada.

In Canada, I’m acutely aware of my minority status, and conversations about race and discrimination fuel my advocacy and writing. Existing in Kenya was one of the first times I had the privilege I criticize and try to dismantle in my everyday life.

I breezed through life as naturally as the light dancing on the hydrangeas outside. Though there’s a sort of unity between brown communities in Nairobi, there’s an immense disconnect between privileged life and local existence. The interplay between race and class was enough to make me sick. The longer I stayed, the more I realized how I was actively contributing to deeply problematic hierarchies.

I was filled with embarrassment, disappointed in myself that I liked life being easy and laid out for me. I’ve never been handed anything in my life. My work ethic is charged by my need to survive more as much as it is my need to excel. But I didn’t need any of that in Nairobi—in fact, I didn’t even think about it.

I mourned the Kenyan version of myself once I poked holes in her effortless existence, and I appreciated my upbringing in Calgary even more as I moved forward. The discomfort and privilege I felt in Nairobi will undoubtedly inform my advocacy both inside and outside of Canada.

Nairobi wasn’t the only place that catalyzed a little identity crisis in my life.

I felt the same way when I first visited New York, catching glimpses of my almost-lives at intersections, smelling a perfume I know I would be wearing if I grew up in Brooklyn. Between the pure, resounding laughter of my childhood friends around a table in downtown Calgary, I imagined what I would be like if I never accepted my offer to Queen’s.

In these instances, I’m overcome by a longing for a life I’ve never had. I question my decisions and silently weigh whether I’ve made the wrong choices.

to be consumed "byI used visions of how much happier I could have been in different spaces

This isn’t solely a negative experience—it’s incredible for my creative projects. Characters for short stories come from different facets of who I could be, and I’m able to write poems that scratch the surface of my feelings.

But sometimes, my tendency to criticize decisions I’ve made pushes me into a spiral where my almost-lives look a hundred times more appealing than my current existence. I’m jealous of what could have been and frustrated

that my current experience is so complicated.

However, when I’m able to see my almost-lives as idealized fantasies rather than glimpses of possible realities, they became a tool in sharpening my identity formation. *** I’ve always struggled to accept my transformations.

Each time I feel I’m outgrowing something, whether it be a phase or friend group, I try and force myself to fit into a picture with no space for me. I drag out breakups, keeping old loves long past their expiration date. I think it’s because I’m scared I’ll lose the parts of myself I found in them once they’re out of my life.

Though mourning and grief are usually reserved for external circumstances, I think they can also apply inwards.

Mourning the almost-lives and almost-relationships I could’ve had actually allows me to move forward, after a period of reflection.

Strangely, by fictionalizing versions of myself that could have existed under different circumstances, I’m able to better understand who I am and what I care about. I take this knowledge into every new phase of my life, using it to inform my next big decision.

Nairobi taught me why intersectionality and critical race theory is so imperative. New York painted a picture of why I work so hard and where I hope to live. Calgary reminded me of the invaluable friendships that make me who I am.

However, I wouldn’t be happier if we had never moved to Canada, and I might be a terrible person if I grew up in

New York. I definitely wouldn’t have become independent nor mature if I stayed home for university.

woman I am now "isThea collision of all my almost-lives

I don’t even think I’d be a writer if I lived in any circumstance other than the unique ones I experienced growing up.

I used to be consumed by visions of how much happier I could have been in different spaces. The process of mourning those versions and letting reality in has been instrumental in my cycles of growth.

The woman I am now is a collision of all my almost-lives. I am because they never could be, and I move forward by stitching my favourite aspects of their identities into my being.

I’ve experienced a million little deaths within my own bones.

If loving someone is a vow to love every developing version of them, the same must be true about the relationships we hold with ourselves.

In viewing myself the way I see my poetry—constantly evolving and always creative— I’m able to deal with the terrifying changes that lie before me.

Mourning my almost-lives allows me to accept and love the woman I’m becoming. I’m able to grow because I let them exist in a liminal space, before eventually being able to move on from the idealized notions of what I could have been.

To my almost-selves—I’m glad to know you, and even more glad to have let you go.