Red & Black
The Free
s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f w a s h i n g t o n & j e f f e r s o n c o l l e g e w j r e da n d b l ac k . c o m w a s h i n g t o n , p e n n s y lva n i a April 14, 2017
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “This decision sets an important precedent for cases involving LGBTQ discrimination cases going forward, though it is likely it may end up in the Supreme Court.” -P. 8
CULTURE “While there might be people out there who welcome female superheroes fighting alongside the likes of iconic heroes such as Spiderman and Captain America, sales indicate otherwise.” -P. 10
OPINIONS “With the advancements in technology, self-driving cars are becoming more prevalent, and driving companies need to be more aware of the changing trends. Uber is resisting this change and not cooperating with cities.” -P. 14
SPORTS “The center is 30,000-square feet, which provides plenty of space for the community to participate in many recreational activities.” -P. 18
Recreation Center Opens PAGE 18
Courtesy Shannon Adams
wjREDANDBLACK.COM
2 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
14 April 2017
Spring Concert 2017: What You Need to Know Tyler Phillips Red&Black Contributor
This year’s Spring Concert performer is rapper T-Pain. T-Pain is coming to Washington & Jefferson College’s campus to perform at the annual Spring Concert on May 6. The Student Government Association surprised the student body with a big name like T-Pain coming to a smaller school. Bailey Emory ‘18, SGA Vice President said, “We’re really excited because we’ve closely worked with the SAB in planning this and the Street Fair. We’re really looking forward to the all-day event, and we really think the students are excited about it this year.” One thing that makes this concert different from past W&J Spring Concerts is the popularity of the artist. In the past few years, W&J has welcomed artists who are growing in popularity, such as Mike Stud in 2015 and Kid Ink in 2016. T-Pain was at the height of his popularity several years ago and is still riding on success of his hits of the last decade. Regarding this change, Dustin Cannella ‘18 said, “T-Pain may be a little past his prime, but I think he’ll have the crowd rocking for the Spring Concert.” Because this is not a regular tour date for T-Pain, it is likely that he will play a “greatest hits” set list, as he is not currently supporting an album. T-Pain has not released a fulllength album since 2011’s “rEVOLVEr,” but he can be expected to perform some of his recent non-album singles,
such as 2016’s “Dan Bilzerian.” Older hits, however, will likely dominate the performance. Songs such as “Bartender,” “I’m Sprung,” “I’m N Luv (Wit a Stripper)” and “Buy U a Drank” are all likely to make appearances. Students should grab their DC shoes and Kanye West glasses, because W&J is about to have a show that will take everyone back to their middle school days. T-Pain’s songs are about having fun, and that is exactly what to expect on campus. Just like in previous years, the Student Activities Board will host a Street Fair during the day, leading up to T-Pain taking the stage in the evening. One thing that results from every Spring Concert is the collective fun that everyone has on campus before, during and after the concert. During the 2015 Spring Concert with Mike Stud, special guest Huey Mack made an appearance, so this begs the question – what surprises will T-Pain have? T-Pain is known for his guest features on other artists’ songs, most notably with Jaime Foxx on “Blame it on the Alcohol.” Akon is a famous collaborator of his, featuring on “Bartender,” and T-Pain has featured on the Akon track “U Got Me.” It might be a stretch, but an appearance by Akon is definitely the kind of surprise guest that would make the show ten times better. Above all else, one thing that W&J can expect from the concert is without a doubt the use of T-Pain’s signature auto-tune. Tickets for the Spring Concert are currently available in the Office of Residence Life, and extra tickets can be purchased for $20 per student beginning April 17.
Courtesy wikipedia.com
Courtesy Shannon Adams
T-Pain will perform at this year’s Spring Concert on May 6.
14 April 2017
Red & Black
3 CAMPUS NEWS
Club Spotlight: Young Entrepreneur’s Society Nathan Repine Red&Black Staff
The Young Entrepreneur’s Society, or YES, focuses on a number of subjects in entrepreneurial studies, such as business plan development, business networking and many other subjects in the startup process. In the beginning of the year, YES discussed the different types and approaches of emerging entrepreneurs, including mainstream, social and art. Many individuals are not even aware that there are different categorizations of entrepreneurs, with more being formulated every day. There are two main functionalities of improving an industry. One is the pioneer model, where the small business creates a new product or service within the industry. The second is the “better, faster, cheaper” model, where the entrepreneur takes an existing product or service and makes it better by increasing the quality, makes it faster through quicker delivery or execution and makes it cheaper by lowering input cost without decreasing quality. Members recently made business cards for themselves. Members had the option to make one for their own personal use at networking events, or make business cards for their own existing business. The organization meets every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the media room, unless specified otherwise. The weeks that YES does not have a meeting, they have a “workshop.” These workshops are intended to bring new members up to speed on
what the club is doing, give constructive criticism of member’s startups and business ideas or have a special event planned in advance. One of these special events was a game show-like event where teams are given business scenarios and had to create the best solution in a limited amount of time. Chris Frydryck ‘18 said, “Young Entrepreneur’s Society is a great way for business-minded people to learn about business startup and running a business on a high-level position”. Treasurer Jake Harrison ‘18 said, "Young Entrepreneur’s Society is simply unique on campus. Few organizations on campus can boast our financial stability and funding, and we often look for opportunities to put those funds to use in worthwhile ventures. We look to cosponsor other clubs’ events and host annual competitions. We also use that money to purchase business supplies for our members, most recently in the form of business cards. Our organization is always trying to grow and we strive to educate our fellow students that YES is not simply for business majors, but for everyone that would like to grow their wealth in the future – which should be everybody. We welcome history majors to chemistry majors, to political science majors, as well as the predictable accounting and business majors. As an executive board member, and participant since the first meeting freshmen year, I can say with full honesty I have never regretted being part of this amazing organization.” Any questions about the club can be answered by the current president, Nathan Repine. Interested students can email Repine at repinent@jay,washjeff.edu with any inquiries or suggestions for the organization.
Courtesy Nathan Repine
Nathan Repine ‘18, president, of the Young Entrepreneur Society.
Courtesy Nathan Repine
Members of the Young Entrepreneur’s Society
4 CAMPUS NEWS
14 April 2017
Student Spotlight: Sierra Davis Red & Black
Courtesy Genea Richardson
Sierra Davis ‘20 is a cast member of this year’s spring play, “La Ronde.”
Genea Richardson Red&Black Contributor
Sierra Davis ‘20 is from Stroudsburg, Pa. She is nineteen years old and is already involved in several things on campus. She is a member of Washing-
ton & Jefferson College’s cheerleading squad. The team performs during the basketball and football season. Davis has a passion for cheerleading that dates all the way back to fourth grade. Davis said, “Cheerleading is basically my second life; every squad I’ve been a part of is like my second family, especially the girls here at W&J.” Although cheerleading is a huge part of her life, Davis also looks forward to being a bigger part of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and partaking in W&J’s spring play, “La Ronde.” The play, directed by Professor Daniel Shaw, is based on the original
play written by Arthur Schnitzler in 1897. The play is about sex and class; it features a series of sexual encounters between pairs of characters across all levels of society, offering social commentary on how sexual contact transgresses boundaries of class. Though Schnitzler’s play was written in 1897, it was publicly performed until the 1920s when it was discontinued because the play elicited “violent critical” reactions. Davis will star as the “young gentle woman” in the upcoming production. As the spring semester is ending, Davis is already looking forward to the fall semester. As a sophomore next
year, Davis will be able to not only declare her potential major in international studies or art history, but she plans to live in Buchanan with her roommate, Marisa Rosario. Although Rosario is from Redding, Pa, which is just a few hours apart from Stroudsburg, Rosario and Davis would have never have crossed paths if it was not for W&J. They became close friends this year on campus. “I’m excited to not be ‘that’ freshman anymore,” said Davis. Davis is eager to continue her exploration as a sophomore student and take advantage of all of the opportunities that W&J has to offer.
14 April 2017
Red & Black
5 CAMPUS NEWS
Speak Out: What are your thoughts about the new Recreation Center? “By expanding and improving the Henry Memorial Gymnasium, the new recreational center provides the opportunity for students to live a healthier lifestyle while truly embracing their experience as a liberally educated student.” -India March ‘18 Courtesy India March
Red & Black Established 1909
“The new gym doesn’t have a handicap button. There’s a nice ramp but I can’t get in the building.” -Haley Kulas ‘18
Courtesy Haley Kulas
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Social Media Chair Campus News Editor Life Editor Culture Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Business Manager Distribution Manager Adviser
Emily Sterk Katherine Campbell Leah Segal Tiffany Dittrich Shannon Adams Kayla Marasia Christopher Frydryck Karli-Ann Sanders Abigail Pipcho Lauren Virgin Siddhanta Bista Macie Sowers John Santa
life
6 LIFE
14 April 2017
Red & Black
Summer Plans for W&J Students
Summer is a great time to explore the United States and the world. Learning from other cultures is one of the best ways to spend your summer.
Nathan Repine Red & Black Staff
Summer will be soon upon Washington & Jefferson College. Students will be taking their final exams and driving or flying home for the summer. Some people already have their entire summer planned out until they return, and many will be starting a new journey, in the case of the seniors. Many students do not have the faintest idea as to summer plans. Here are some suggestions and recommendations for those that are struggling
with what they should do over summer break. My first recommendation for a rising senior or junior is to seek out some sort of internship. It is really late in the game for this upcoming summer, but some internships can be found and secured for the upcoming fall semester. Find something this semester that is in one’s field of study to further enhance knowledge in one’s major. The second suggestion is to travel. Traveling really brings one a lot of perspective and it is a very unique experience, especially when going with a group. This traveling could be to a different state one has never been to,
or even completely out of the country. One can meet up with friends who are doing Magellan. Another thing one can plan to do is to take on a part or full-time job to help pay for school and have some spending money. Everyone works at different levels depending on spending desires or the need to pay for school. Bryan Whittaker ‘19 said, “I really just work over the summer and hang out with my friends, nothing too exciting.” Cassie Olszewski ‘19 said, “I use my summers to travel because I feel staying in one area leaves you with close-minded viewpoints. Being a
Courtesy Knetbooks Blog
student allows you to get student discounts on flights, and websites like workaway.info provide you with housing in exchange for volunteer work. It’s really eye-opening to compare other cultures to what we grow up in.” Lauren Virgin ’17 advises students to find an internship for the summer. She said, “I did an internship in Pittsburgh last summer for credit, and I learned a lot. It looks great on my resume, and I would recommend the experience the everyone.” No matter what a student chooses to do, he or she will come back ready and refreshed for the new academic year.
14 April 2017
What’s in Your Food? Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
With the constant changing of views on processed foods, people are becoming more and more aware of what they are consuming. According to a Huffington Post article written by Julie Thompson, the unrecognizable ingredients found in everyday food items are in fact not that harmful. Thompson said, “It’s no secret that many of our common grocery store staples come with a long list of ingredients.” Some people believe that if they are unable to read ingredients found in their food, those ingredients are harmful. People think that these ingredients contain harmful chemicals that are put into food in order to preserve the food item. Thompson said that some of these ingredients are not harmful at all. In fact, those ingredients with complicated names can be beneficial to keeping the food fresh and tasting the way consumers are used to. The example that Thompson uses in her article compares the ingredients of bread baked at home versus loaves found in grocery stores. The ingredients with a long string of names are meant to preserve the food and its flavoring. Thompson said, “We are not here to say that you should always bake your own bread – we get that’s not really an option in most of our modern lives. But we do think you should know what’s showing up on your ingredient labels.” Thompson gave a list of ingredients that are not as harmful as they sound.
7 Life
Red & Black
Life Advice Life advice given to you from the mouths of the Red & Black Editorial Staff.
Where is the best place to study on campus? “The library! I work and study there, so it is practically my second home!” -Tiffany Dittrich, Campus Editor Courtesy Shannon Adams
A George & Tom’s Deli combo is a favorite among students here on campus.
Most of the ingredients on the list are salt infused. Ingredients such as Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrate, Sodium Lactate and Sodium Diacetate contribute to the salty taste and flavoring in certain meats. Other ingredients that are not of common knowledge are Butylated Hudroxyanisole, Carrageenan, Carnauba wax and mono- and diglycerides, which are used in beverages and help certain foods have a thicker consistency. These ingredients are somewhat natural. These ingredients are labeled in their most basic chemical nomenclature. Unless the customer reading the labels is educated in chemistry, the names can seem intimidating to a person. If people are unsure of what is in the food they are consuming, they could always look up the ingredient and what its purpose is in the food.
“The quiet atmosphere of Burnett allows me to get the most work done there. -Emily Sterk, Editor-in-Chief
8 LIFE
Red & Black
14 April 2017
Courts Progress Towards LGBTQ Equality
The United States is making progress in finding equality for all people in all aspects of life, including the workplace.
Macie Sowers Red & Black Contributor
On April 4, 2017, the Seventh US Circuit Court of Appeals made a landmark decision in the fight for LGBTQ equality. In an interpretation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the court ruled discrimination of LGBTQ employees in the workplace as a violation of the Act. Judge Diane Wood said in the de-
cision, “We conclude today that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is a form of sex discrimination.” The case began with a lawsuit by Indiana teacher Kimberly Hively, who alleged that IVY Tech did not hire her for a job because she is a lesbian. The final decision by the court was 8-3 in favor of Hively. This decision sets an important precedent for cases involving LGBTQ discrimination cases going forward, though it is likely this case may end up in the Supreme Court. Another recent decision by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that discrimination based on sexual orientation is not a violation of the Civil Rights Act, creating the potential for this case to go to the highest
court. Part of the division comes from how the ruling is determined. The debate revolves around Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which deals with sex-based discrimination. A stricter interpretation of the law will determine sexual orientation does not fall under sex-based discrimination, while a looser interpretation believes the opposite. Judge Richard Posner from the Seventh Circuit Court said, “I don’t see why firing a lesbian because she is in the subset of women who are lesbian should be thought any less a form of sex discrimination than firing a woman because she’s a woman.” On campus, students agree. Alex Benner ’18 was one who favored the court’s opinion. Benner said, “I think
Courtesy Youtube
the ruling was definitely needed, but I believe it should have happened a long time ago, and I wish it wasn’t necessary. If everyone cared about people as individuals, this court ruling would never have had to happen, but since it did happen, now we need to rally behind it in order to show our support for our fellow man.” Lexi Myers ’18 also agreed with the court’s opinion. Myers said, “I think it’s a step in the right direction for equality, especially in professional settings, but some fellow employees/employers will still discriminate indirectly.” While the decision has made strides for LGBTQ equality, it is clear that it is only the first step on the long road toward ending discrimination for all people.
14 April 2017
Red & Black
9 Life
How to Make the Most Out of Studying Macie Sowers Red & Black Staff
Studying on campus can be an endeavor. There are many variables, from the style of note-taking, to the perfect study spot and study regimen. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another, and a person’s study habits may change depending on the class he or she is taking. One tried and true method for studying is taking notes on the material. There are various debates about handwritten versus typed notes, but personal preference skews toward handwritten. The physical act of writing something down generally helps a person remember it better than if they had typed it on the computer. Handwritten notes also allow for personalization of notes in a way not possible with typed notes, like color-coding with various pens and highlighters. However, handwritten notes are not always preferable. Lexi Myers ’18 finds typed notes to be a more effective study tool. Myers said, “I handwrite [my notes] in class, then retype them to study.” The place where a person chooses to study can also affect how efficiently they study. For example, studying in bed can be a dangerous idea. The warm and comfortable atmosphere may cause some-
one to relax too much and entice them to take a nap. For this reason, if there is an important project that needs to be done, it may be a good idea to go to the library or the tech center and study there. This method is also helpful if one were to find oneself constantly getting distracted on a laptop. Using a public desktop computer is a good way to avoid the distracting websites. One of the most useful studying implements to use are small Post-It note tabs. These tiny things are very handy for marking where a particular reading for class is in the textbook, as well as flagging important passages. They are especially helpful when writing papers. The sticky note tabs make it easy to find that essential quote for a paper, and the variety of bright colors allows for color-coding based on class, day or importance. It can be difficult to figure out if it is best to study alone or to study in a group, and there are valid arguments for both sides. Studying alone has the benefit of fewer distractions, which is valuable when reading the material for the first time or while writing a paper. Sam Shaw ’18 finds group studying to be equally as important. Shaw said, “As a business major, it is easier to talk things out with other people, so I like to study in groups.” There is no right or wrong way to study. There are various ways which can make it easier, like multicolor highlighters or bright Post-It notes, but it all comes down to what works for an individual on a personal level. Find what works best for you.
Courtesy Macie Sowers
Macie Sowers ‘18 uses the library as a study space for her honors project instead of her room - a place where she can easily fall asleep.
10 Culture
Red & Black
14 April 2017
culture Marvel Suggests Female Characters Decrease Sales Diana Ciarallo Red & Black Staff In recent years, readers of Marvel comics may have noticed an interesting trend. Female and minority characters have begun to pop up more frequently and with more important roles. Some examples are Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager who becomes the new Ms. Marvel; Riri Williams, a black science prodigy who fights crime in her very own Iron Man suit; America Chavez, a Latina heroine who has taken up the moniker of Miss America and Roxanne Gay, the first black woman to write for Marvel and whose own comic book series features an all-woman fighting force based in a fictional country. While there might be people out there who welcome female superheroes fighting alongside the likes of iconic heroes such as Spiderman and Captain America, sales indicate otherwise. Marvel’s vice president of sales, David Gabriel, suspects that the reason why not many people have been buying these new comics is because customers don’t “want any more diversity” or “female characters out there.” “I don’t know that that’s really true,” Gabriel said in an interview. “But that’s what we saw in the sales. We saw the sales of any character that was diverse, any character that was new, our female characters, anything that was not a
Courtesy YouTube
Many female comic book characters, while often oversexualized, are a representation of female strength in a typically male universe. However, a Marvel executive suggested that these female characters have led to decreased comic sales.
core Marvel character, people were turning their noses up against.” Sociologists who have studied this subculture have found that the sorts of guys whom we classify as being nerds are those who are often excluded from the more traditional idea of masculinity. They seek comfort in the comic books where they find the male privileges of dominance, acceptance and superiority that have been denied to them in the real world. Are comic book readers really misogynistic bigots or is David Gabriel’s
putting the blame on diversity little more than a convenient scapegoat? G. Willow Wilson, the creator of the newest Ms. Marvel, has discussed other factors that turn readers off from new heroes that are completely unrelated to race or gender – one of them being that these new characters tend to serve as replacements for beloved heroes who have been killed off. One fan even posted a comment on Twitter in which he declared that Gabriel’s conclusion is idiotic; he said that his reasons for not buying Marvel comics have been because of “high
prices and event fatigue, not diversity.” He further addressed Marvel on the subject and said, “If anything I want more diversity in your cast and more sustained storytelling rather than a complete upending of tone every three months.” In spite of his comments, Gabriel assures fans that these “new heroes are not going anywhere” and that Marvel is “proud and excited to keep introducing unique characters that reflect new voices and new experiences.” Here’s to hoping that more female superheroes will be on their way.
14 April 2017
Red & Black
Culture 11
Netflix Spotlight: ‘13 Reasons Why’
Courtesy ATRL
‘13 Reasons Why’ is a Netflix series that was based on the 2007 novel by Jay Asher. The show is presented as a series of thirteen tapes that contain a young woman’s reasons for committing suicide. Released on March 31, 2017, the Netflix series has been the subject of positive reviews. Viewers across the country have adopted the show as their newest binge-watching challenge.
Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
On April 1, people were engrossed in the newest Netflix show called “13 Reasons Why.” This show has captured the attention of millions of Netflix subscribers nationwide. It has a dark and twisted plot that discusses the topic of high school bullying and suicide. The show was based off of the original book that was published in 2007. The main plot of the Netflix show is about a girl named Hannah Baker who kills herself. The viewer learns this in
the first episode. What the viewer does not know is why. Hannah left behind thirteen recorded tapes with different people in the show, spelling out the reason why she decided to kill herself. The person delegated to receive the tapes is Clay Jenson. Viewers are captivated by Clay’s journey to listen to all the tapes. The show brings to light many issues that are prevalent in society today. Each tape sheds light into Hannah’s life and her internal struggles that anyone who attended high school can understand. There are many highly sensitive topics in the show, and they are intentionally meant to emotionally move viewers. This raw content could hit sensitive sides of some people. One of the most compelling things about the show is its unashamed pre-
sentation of the effects that a cruel society can have on an individual. The show demonstrates the power of words and the struggles that accompany depression. The show’s cast is also strong. Dylan Minnette plays Clay Jensen, and Katherine Langford plays Hannah Baker. The performances of the actors in the leading roles are one of the main reasons for the show’s wild success in the entertainment industry. With its recent launch on Netflix, many people are addicted to getting through the episodes, and it is extremely popular on social media. Although the book was written as a stand-alone back in 2007, some suspect that the Netflix series is going to continue after the thirteenth episode. Some people who have read the book before watching the show say
that there are major differences between the two. Some believe that Netflix did this in order to create the perfect segue into the second season. Some students on Washington & Jefferson College’s campus were particularly moved by the show’s plot. Sowmya Srinivasan ‘20 said, “‘13 Reasons Why’ helped me understand how much one’s words and actions can have a major impact on another’s life.” This was a particularly strong message sent throughout the show. Another student, Kaylee Marshe ‘20 said, “It’s good; watch it.” This has been one of the most talked about Netflix original shows since the release of “Orange is the New Black.” While the story of this series is dark, it contains vital truths and can change the way that we look at the people around us.
12 Culture
14 April 2017
Red & Black
‘Beauty and the Beast’ Enchants Audiences Diana Ciarallo Red & Black Staff
Many say movie remakes are never as good as the original film. A very long way from being a disappointment, however, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” retains its status as a tale as old as time. This is all thanks to director, Bill Condon, whose brilliant 2017 revision has managed to successfully recapture the enchantment and spirit that charmed a generation in the classic
1991 original, but avoids the “never as good” curse by giving audiences a new spin. The screenplay of the film remains close to the story that is told in the original script. However, screenwriters Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos have sweetened the pot by weaving in a few extra subplots into the tale and expanding upon the back stories of Belle and the Beast. Emma Watson took the coveted role of Belle, and the Beast was played by Dan Stevens. Audiences are given answers to questions that have probably been on their minds for years: the reason
why the enchanted servants share the Beast’s curse to the previously unexplained absence of Belle’s mother. The film even adds a few original songs to keep the well-loved story fresh. These are enriching details that play an essential role in further fleshing out the plot-line and providing more depth to its characters. The film succeeds in remaining true to the classic story that we all know and love, while also putting a modern spin on the whole thing. The 2017 film calls the audience’s attention to themes and concepts that can be found in the original version and develops them for a more contemporary viewer. This has the effect
Courtesy Letterbox
The 2017 live-action version of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was directed by Bill Condon, and the film was developed from a screenplay by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos. The film has been positively received by critics and audiences alike, and it has taken the prize as the 29 highest-grossing film of all time.
of keeping the traditional elements of the story while adding an entirely new sense of life to it. The characterization of Belle is a good example. Belle’s status as an outcast in the eyes of her more traditionalist-minded neighbors because her love of reading is highlighted. Scenes that take place in Belle’s small town in France demonstrate the cruel, gossiping nature of Belle’s neighbors; the result is a humorous but cutting critique of society. Considering that this was a time when a lot of people weren’t able to read, Belle’s literacy would have been a luxury. Her ability to read demonstrates that she is ahead of her time. The movie makes a humorous nod to this fact when LeFou, played by Josh Gad, sings his iconic number and it suddenly dawns on him that he is illiterate when he tries to spell out Gaston’s name. A lot of us remember Belle as being a fearless young woman who stands up for what she believes in and has a desire to see the world. One of the film’s most notable successes is its portrayal of Belle as a twenty-first century heroine who is inventive and more concerned with figuring out who she is rather than looking for a husband. This is something that feminist-icon Emma Watson was truly keen on doing while taking part in this role. Watson said, “Belle really dominated and characterized a great part of my childhood and my growing up. When you love something that much you really want to do it justice.” Whether a long-time fan of the original classic or someone who has never seen it before, this movie will not fail in capturing viewers’ heart.
14 APril 2017
Culture 13
Red & Black
Poetry Corner “Captured” Diana Ciarallo Red & Black Staff Robin Snatch it up Aerial thing Feathers, freedom Panicked heart fluttering “Ivy Rock” Maggie Smith Red & Black Contributor Ivy scales the lifeless wall and blocks the sun from dying blossoms, cold and dull, pink blush coming undone. Spindly branches like spider’s limbs reach for honor like grey-coated sentinels crying for battle that they will never win and settle for ashes and dust and coals.
Slaughterhouse-Five
Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five is mostly known as one of the greatest American anti-war books. However, it is so much more. This book deals with what comes after war and how to escape the pain of everyday life. This book is fiction because of the sheer amount of aliens Vonnegut includes, but he also combines it with his own experiences in World War II. Vonnegut had a similar experience as a prisoner of war while in Dresden. This makes the book seem even more incredible because Vonnegut was pulling from experience, and this helped to further his goal of making an anti-war novel. What makes this book so amazing is how Vonnegut incorporates aliens into the story. The main character, Billy Pilgrim, has a hard time finding his sense of self once he returns from the war. He uses science fiction to try and cope with everything that he is feeling and going through. He uses fiction to try and escape the pain he feels. Von-
negut writes, “So they were trying to re-invent themselves and their universe. Science fiction was a big help.” Aliens are also important because Pilgrim believes he is abducted by Tralfamadorians. They can see in four dimensions, and they teach Pilgrim how to experience life and death when one can see every moment in time. This is an interesting part of the book because it explored the concept of Pilgrim’s humanity. He spends a lot of time with these aliens, and they helped to juxtapose this man’s human desires and characteristics. World War II and humanity had wronged Pilgrim, and these aliens gave him an escape and a new way to see the world. One of the most popular lines from this novel is “Everything is beautiful and nothing hurt.” While Pilgrim had to endure scorn from his daughter and the process of rebuilding himself after the trauma of bring a prisoner of war, it is no surprise he turned to fiction to ease his pain. It was only when he was imaging himself with the Tralfamadorians and reading that he was finally without any pain.
Courtesy 7 Summits Project
Courtesy Wikipedia
Holly Sauer Red & Black Staff
Flushed sweet petals like pearl lips wither in the choking haze and a dark rolling reaper rips through them with ivy’s cold gaze. “Dandelion” Diana Ciarallo Red & Black Staff Sprouting Amidst the green Leonine faces Drinking in the sunlight
‘Slaughterhouse-Five,’ written in 1969, is a satirical war novel by Kurt Vonnegut.
14 Opinions
14 APril 2017
Red & Black
opinions
Uber Versus Pittsburgh Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
While many people believe that Uber is welcome in all cities, Uber has recently had conflicts with the city of Pittsburgh. Uber has had a few internal affairs that are still unresolved. The previous CEO was forced to step down, and the new CEO, Travis Kalanick, is having disputes regarding the self-driving car. CNN reporter Matt McFarland said,
“Experts expect self-driving cars to bring many benefits, chiefly curtailing the 1.25 million lives lost globally each year in motor vehicle crashes. But there will also be downsides, some of which may be tough to foresee. Most obvious is the disruptive impact on people who make a living driving today.” The reason for Uber’s recent clash with the city of Pittsburgh was because of Uber’s standards and treatment of employees. Uber has not had the best reputation in recent months and Mayor Bill Peduto is trying to find a solution for the company’s lack of cooperation. In a way to help with the tension, Peduto gave a statement to the Wall Street Journal and said, “I will demand Uber to sign a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to better work-
ing conditions for Uber drivers, services for elderly Pittsburgh residents and fuel economy improvements.” This was Peduto’s way of mediating Uber’s actions as they conflicted with the city of Pittsburgh. I personally think that Uber has taken actions that have negatively affected their company. With the advancements in technology, self-driving cars are becom-
“The reason for Uber’s recent clash with the city of Pittsburgh was due to Uber’s standards and treatment of employees.”
C ontac t
E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Fridays with the exception of exams and break periods. Editorials are based upon the opinion of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper, the
College or its students, faculty, or administration. The Red & Black welcomes all reader contributions, but reserves the right to reject letters of pure promotional nature, as well as letters which do not meet its standard of integrity, accuracy and decency. The Red & Black also reserves the right to edit submissions.
ing more prevalent, and driving companies need to be more aware of the changing trends. Uber is resisting this change and not cooperating with cities. They could be jeopardizing their company if they do not go with the new trend of self-driving cars. Uber is also not making official agreements with the city of Pittsburgh. This impairs the city’s ability to receive data from the driving company. This driving data is considered to be worth billions. I think that Uber should cooperate with the city of Pittsburgh because the data is beneficial to the citizens in the city. If in the future self-driving cars take over, Uber could have potential leverage in selling their driving data.
Letters are due on the Monday before publication and may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the author’s name, campus box and telephone number. Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions on rare occasions. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu.
Telephone: FAX: E-mail: Mailing Address:
(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
14 April 2017
Red & Black
15 Opinions
YouTube’s TV Service Targets Generationals
Courtesy Techspot
YouTube’s new television platform will be available for $35 a month and will be launching on April 12.
Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
In the past, buying cable packages has been the popular thing to do. Currently, the most recent trend that is about to launch is YouTube TV. YouTube plans to stream live television through its already popular website. This concept is not new, but this is
a new platform that YouTube is trying to establish. The package that YouTube plans to offer is called the “skinny bundle” which offers 50 networks. This package can be purchased at $35 a month. YouTube is trying to outshine their competitors with the price because other companies have similar packages that are listed at $40. People will not be able to stream YouTube TV through a television like they are able to do with Netflix or Hulu. Joan Solsman said, “To set itself apart, Google's YouTube is focusing on two strengths of its massive free video-clip site: Its popularity with younger viewers, and its domination
of mobile streaming. Yet the emphasis on watching 60-minute shows or a two-hour basketball game on a phone contradicts how people tend to stream traditional TV programming. Customers who are investing a lot of time in a show prefer the biggest screen available.” YouTube plans to eventually add streaming through other devices, but for now people will mainly view content through mobile devices or tablets. The company believes that younger generations prefer to stream on more portable devices. Solsman also said, “Even with shorter-form video presented like it's live, bigger screens dominate, according to Pluto TV, a free live-TV-like service that strings
together digital videos into bespoke channels. Its users, which skew young, will watch for more than an hour per session.” With the YouTube TV program launching on April 12, people are anxious to see how the market will react. I personally think that YouTube TV will be popular for younger generations. Although this idea is not new, a platform like YouTube will most likely succeed in this market. I think that YouTube already experimented with this idea when they introduced movie rentals on its platform. As long as YouTube finds ways to keep up with current trends, they will continue to do well in the market.
16 opinions
Red & Black
14 April 2017
We Need National Women’s History Month Amiti Sharma Red&Black Contributor
March 2017 was denoted as Women’s National History Month, establishing the social and historical contributions that many women made starting in the early 1900s. This month directly coincides with International Women’s Day, and was founded and first celebrated in 1911 in the United States. It became recognized more so after a school in Sonoma, California held their Women’s History Week, which
was presented in the month of March in 1978. Consecutively, a fifteen-day conference at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, co-sponsoring the Women’s Action Alliance and the Smithsonian Institution, helped the event gain national attention within the United States in several schools, institutions and communities. On March 8, 1980, President Jimmy Carter officially stated the week as National Women’s History Week during a declaration, addressing the origins of American Indian women and their evolution and contributions to women in society and the overall development of the United States. Later in 1987, the Pub. L. 100-9 was brought to the attention of Congress by the National Women’s History Project, which allowed for the entirety of the month of March to be nationally recognized as Women’s History Month. The month of March has also been promoted and practiced as Women’s History Month in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, with many advocates and activists declaring the importance of recognizing the contributions of international women to the
development to the listed countries. Many celebrities have expressed their views and appreciation for the month, including actress Lena Dunham who posted images representing strong women in her tweet, “March is Women’s History Month…These words & images are beautiful, too familiar.” Many television networks and production companies have shown their dedication to promoting the special month with TV shows and videos representing strong, brave and independent women characters. In particular, Netflix has spoken out about the main
Courtesy National Womens March
The Women’s March took place in January 2017 n Washington, D.C. to show the impact and importance of women in society.
women in television that deserve attention for their portrayals of women of authority and independence, such as Priyankya Chopra from “Quantico,” Robin Wright from “House of Cards” and Kate de Castillo from “Ingobernable.” National Women’s History Month is truly an important holiday that gives appreciation to the many deserving women that have contributed to the accomplishments of the United States through their perseverance and resilience in fighting social, cultural, domestic and gender issues.
Courtesy National Review
17 Opinions
Red & Black
14 April 2017
Bill Gates Proposes Robot Tax
Courtesy MarketWatch
Bill Gates is an advocate for taxing robots that are doing work in the workplace.
Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
The federal government has a history of taxing incomes since the nineteenth century. With new advances in technology, however, the idea of income tax is being challenged. Since engineers are replacing human workers with robots, the question remains on how the federal government will tax these new employees. In
a Fortune article written by David Morris, Bill Gates gave his opinion about robot workers and how they should be handled. Gates said, “Right now, the human worker who does, say, $50,000 worth of work in a factory, that income is taxed . . . If a robot comes in to do the same thing, you’d think that we’d tax the robot at a similar level.” Gates believes there is little difference between a human and robot worker when it comes to factory work. According to Gates, there are two points of reasoning behind his statement that the government should tax the robots. Gates believes that the trend of robots is on a steady incline,
and that the trend will not progress if people resist the transition. Gates also said, “It is really bad if people overall have more fear about what innovation is going to do than they have enthusiasm . . . And, you know, taxation is certainly a better way to handle it than just banning some elements of it.” He believes this is the way of the future and companies should be more willing to go along with the trends of society. I have to agree with Bill Gates. Even though the robots are taking the place of humans, humans are still controlling them. So, essentially, humans
are not completely out of work at the factories. The materials to create these robots cost money and so does the labor to build them. I think that the government has the right to tax these robots because they will always require maintenance, and they use resources such as batteries or electricity. I also have to agree with Gates’ statement about how these taxes could be used to help labor force training. Even though the robots do not require health insurance or Workers’ Compensation, they are still taking the place of a human employee.
18 Sports
sports Red & Black
14 April 2017
James David Ross Family Recreation Center Opens
The opening of the James David Ross Family Recreation Center is stage two of a five stage process.
Brianna Floryshak Red&Black Contributor
On Tuesday, March 11, the greatly-anticipated official opening of the James David Ross Family Recreation Center finally occurred, and the students and faculty were able to view the facilities. The center is 30,000-square feet, which provides plenty of space for the community to participate in many recreational activities. The building has a three-lane track and athletic courts lined for basketball, volleyball and tennis. There is also a
general exercise room designated as a place to stretch and warm up or do yoga and pilates. This was stage two of a five stage renovation plan that began with the addition of the Janet Swanson Tennis Center that was completed last year. These renovations are beneficial for not only athletes, but also for the faculty and non-varsity student-athletes as well. Once these stages are completed, the sports teams will have state-of-theart facilities they can use year round. This is a big step that will help with recruiting prospective student athletes, and also for current sports teams to improve with the opportunity to prac-
tice year round. It is currently planned to have the renovations be completed by 2019 with the Henry Natatorium being the final stage of the process. A few changes have been implemented to ensure the safety of those using the facilities of the new recreation center, as well as the current Henry Gym and Pool. As of April 11, there will only be one set of doors where people can enter and exit the facilities. This entrance and card-swipe door is located to the right of the main entrance to the recreation center. Those who wish to enter will be required to use their swipe to gain access to the facility. Additionally, they will
Courtesy Brianna Floryshak
have to swipe again once in the lobby if they wish to enter the James David Ross Recreation Center. Numerous security cameras have been placed throughout the facility and at the doors. Hours for both the new recreation center and Henry Memorial Center are as follows: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. While the process is not yet finished, this is a big step in the right direction when it comes to updating the facilities. The third stage should begin shortly after this recreation center’s opening.
14 April 2017
19 sports
Red & Black
Student Athlete Spotlight: Pirates Home Opener
Katelynn Linthicum ‘17 Brianna Floryshak Red&Black Contributor
Currently the team is 4-4, with a 3-0 in conference record and a 1-4 out of conference record. The team is relatively young because it lost a large senior class last year, but as the season progresses, the team’s chemistry is growing, and they have intentions to be back-to-back champions. On March 9, Linthicum and her team defeated Transylvania 12-11 in a close match. This game was just the spark the team needed. With the win, they now have a better chance at hosting the ORLC Tournament at the end of the season. Linthicum chose W&J because it was the perfect school where she could get a great education and have the opportunity to play the game she has loved since she began playing lacrosse in third grade. Her favorite memory here was during her sophomore year when the team had a night game and it snowed the entire time. By the middle of the second half, the lines were not even visible. They ended up ending the game early, but Linthicum was sure to add that they were emphatically beating the team. Even though the game was in bitter cold conditions, she still believes it is one of her favorite memories. The team will face three in-conference teams in the next two weeks before returning to W&J to face
Katelynn Linthicum ’17 is a captain and plays defense for the Washington & Jefferson Women’s Lacrosse team. She attended York Catholic High School, and has played lacrosse for 14 years. At W&J, she is a double major in Mathematics and Computing & Information science (CIS). Although Linthicum now plays defense, she has played various positions on the lacrosse field. She ended up playing defense because, throughout her life, it has been the position that not many people willingly chose to play. Linthicum stepped up, took the role and excelled. Playing defense is a critical role on the field, and there is a lot of pressure since the defense is the last line of players on the field before the goalie. Being a defender takes mental and physical strength because players have to be able to keep a calm head after giving up a goal and be able to keep their team in good spirits. Linthicum said, “The most challenging part is probably connecting with all the other defenders, because w h e n one person breaks down, the whole unit breaks down.” Courtesy Brianna Floryshak
Franklin at home for senior night on April 22.
Alexander Benner Red&Black Staff
The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their streak of home opener victories as they defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-4 on Friday, April 7. The scoring started in the bottom of the third inning. Starling Marte was hit by a pitch, earning a free base with one out. In the next-at-bat, Josh Bell singled to right field, advancing Marte to third. Andrew McCutchen then singled to left field, scoring Marte and advancing Bell to second. In the Pirates next frame, they were able to add one more. Jordy Mercer reached on a one-out single to center field, and then was advanced to second on the next at-bat, as Ivan Nova laid down a sacrifice bunt. Marte then singled to left field, scoring Mercer and advancing Marte to second on the throw. In the fifth inning, the Braves started cutting into the lead. After two outs to start the inning, Gregory Polanco dropped a ball in left field, allowing Emilio Bonifacio to reach second. Ender Inciarte then doubled on a hard line drive to right center, scoring Bonifacio. The Pirates answered back quickly in the bottom of the inning. David Freese lead off the inning with a home run to center field, and then in the very next-at-bat, Francisco
Cervelli homered to left center, putting the Pirates up 4-1. The Bucs were then able to add one more in the bottom of the seventh. Cervelli lead off the inning with a walk and then Josh Harrison reached on an error at second, advancing Cervelli. After a fly out to center, John Jaso hit a ground ball to second, getting Harrison out, but Jaso was able to beat out the double play. Marte then came up to bat and singled to left scoring Cervelli, putting the Bucs up 5-1 going into the eighth. Atlanta began to gain momentum in the next frame. Dansby Swanson led off the inning with a single to third, but then got out on a fielder’s choice in the next at-bat, putting a runner on first with one-out. Chase d’Arnaud then singled to center, pushing Freddie Freeman to second. Nick Markakis hit a double to center, scoring Freeman and advancing d’Arnaud to third. Brandon Philips hit a single in the next-at-bat, scoring both d’Arnaud and Markakis, putting the Braves down by only one run. Daniel Hudson was able to get the next batter to hit into a double-play, ending the inning with the lead still in Pittsburgh’s favor. This was all the scoring needed, as Tony Watson was able to close out the game in the top of the ninth, earning his first save and the team’s first win of the season. McCutchen lead the team with three hits and an RBI, Mercer and Marte were both able to add two hits, and Bell, Freese, Cervelli and Harrison all added one hit as the Pirate bats got hot despite the cold weather. The Pirates are back in action Friday, April 14 as they face the Chicago Cubs for the first time this season at 2:20 p.m.
20 sports
14 April 2017
Red & Black
NBA MVP Race
This One Time...
Courtesy creativecommons.org
The MVP race continues as playoffs start this Saturday, April 15.
Brianna Floryshak Red&Black Contributor
With the NBA regular season games coming to a close, it is crunch time for teams that are still fighting for a playoff spot. This is also the players’ last opportunity to show who is most deserving of the Most Valuable Player Award. The top players in the hunt include James Harden, Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Lebron James and, the reigning MVP, Steph Curry. After the mid-season transfer, where Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City to play for Golden State, Russel Westbrook is now the sole front man for the Thunder. As expected, his stats increased significantly. He now averages 28.0 points per game whereas with Durant, he only averaged 20.7 points per game. These past two seasons, Westbrook has managed to average a triple-double for almost the entirety of those seasons. More recently, Kawhi Leonard has come on the radar as a contender for MVP. With his consistency on defense
and adamant presence inside the paint on the offensive and defensive side, he has gained an edge over other contenders by proving to be two-dimensional. Another aspect in his favor is that San Antonio has the second-best record in the NBA, and it is clear that Leonard is lead man for his team. Although Golden State has already solidified their Western Conference Championship, there is always a question of surprise finishes to playoffs, but Curry and Durant are expected to lead the way for the Warriors. However, this can cause a splitting of votes between them when it comes to the MVP race. As the regular season comes to a close, it will be interesting to see how the final games play out with most playoff spots already being clinched. Teams may choose to rest their star players which could give way for some contenders to have more of an opportunity to out shine others. Overall, this competition will be close. Fans are excited to see which player ends up on top of the race. To some fans, this award is highly expected. Fans will have to see if last year’s MVP, Curry, will steal the award once again.
Courtesy gopresidents.com
“We were scheduled to have a track meet at Mount Union on a Saturday, but it got canceled because of cold weather. Therefore, my coach found another meet that allowed us to enter last minute. Turns out, this meet was deep in the hills of West Virginia. We drove and drove forever through the middle of nowhere to get there. At the meet they played old hillbilly music the whole time, and it was freezing outside. To this day, it was the strangest track meet I have ever been to. At the time it seemed crazy, but looking back, it was really funny. It was also nice because they all were really impressed by how fast we all were.”
- Maggie Briceland ‘19, Track & Field If you have a favorite memory or funny experience dealing with your sport, email redandblackstaff@jay.washjeff.edu to be featured in the newspaper.