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 a n d 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 October 1, 2021
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... CURRENT EVENTS “The fires blackened 28 square miles of forest land.” - Sierra Walker
DIVERSITY “One of the most dehumanizing aspects of the show is the disregard for women as people.” Akansha Das
OPINIONS “Star-Crossed offers a stark lyrical contrast to Musgrave’s last album, Golden Hour.” - Ana Giampa
Student Voting Coalition Promotes Voter
SPORTS “Scherzer is making a strong play for his fourth Cy Young this year.” - Sofia Jenkins
Registration
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WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Career Pathways Oktoberfest Employer Meet & Greet Week 2 featuring PULSE! Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 13th 2021, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Location: Rossin Circle Description: The Center for Professional and Career Pathways is excited to present an Employer Meet & Greet series each week of October. This Oktoberfest Employer series features different employers each week, that you can drop-in and talk to about the career opportunities at their company. This series will be at different campus locations, so keep on the lookout for the fun and stop by for a treat and employment information! This is a great way to practice your networking skills! Oktoberfest Week 2 featuring PULSE: Maryem Aslam, Recruiting Coordinator, will be on-campus to let you know about the wonderful and rewarding opportunities that PULSE has to offer. PULSE is a great gap year option. This week we will be hosting Oktoberfest at the Rossin Circle.
Pathways of SWPA Information Table When & Where: Friday, October 8th 2021 11:00 am - 2:00 pm G&T’s area of Rossin Description: Amber McGinnis, Recruiter for Pathways, will be on-campus to present employment opportunities to students. Stop by G&T’s area of Rossin to find out more about the rewarding work Pathways does! Employer Description: At PathWays, we’re committed to overcoming obstacles and seeing the individuals we care for achieve more than they ever imagined. Through innovative programs, lifelong services, and individual attention, we empower people of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential. For more information, visit their website: https://yourpathways.org/ To see their job postings and career paths: https://yourpathways.org/careers/
October 1, 2021
Red & Black
CAMPUS NEWS 3
Vivero Represents Marginalized Peoples in Artwork Akansha Das Red & Black Editor
On Friday September 10th, W&J students had the chance to view the opening of Ohio-based artist Micaela de Vivero, whose work will be displayed in Olin Fine Arts Center till October 15th. De Vivero identifies as a firstgeneration immigrant and woman of color, and this heavily informs the feminist and post-colonial themes seen in her work. W&J sophomore and Art Education major Alyssa Beckett attended De Vivero’s talk on September 10th and found it riveting and illuminating especially in the commentary and advice she gave to young aspiring artists. Beckett says “As she talked and expanded [on] her art you could see the inspiration behind them. She also talks about the meaning of a price and how it may change over time for the artists”. As a woman of color in a field that can be economically demanding, De Vivero’s acknowledgement of the reallife obligations associated with her career serves as an excellent example of the balance between passion/purpose and practicality for W&J students to see. Reflecting further on the talk, Beckett mentions “The Olin art gallery
had Micaela De Vivero come and talk about her art. She talked about what inspired her pieces, her art and the time it took her to make.” This opportunity also gave students within the art department a chance to engage in intellectual conversation about sculpted art mediums. Beckett said that the pieces that caught her attention most were “her crocheted copper wire pieces”. She remarks that “they gave a sense of being flimsy as well as holding these very organic shapes.” Another one of De Vivero’s pieces relates much more closely to her journey as a mother. She elaborated during her talk about the challenges of a changing body while being pregnant and the internal struggles they often brought up for her. Finding art as her way to express this physical and emotional conflict, she created a reddominated piece that represents her feelings. Within the last 1.5 years, nationwide reckonings with race and ethnicity have sparked debates about the importance and our schemas of various symbols and symbolic images within the U.S. Most of these debates hold an air of disturbance as we try to reconcile the atrocities and progress represented with one symbol/ sculpture and frankly it’s a question that W&J must wrangle with at its very roots as well. There is something to be said about the refreshing nature of finally having artwork from a marginalized individual whose pieces don’t need to be viewed through this conflicted lens.
Courtesy Micaela Vivero
Micaela Vivero poses in a picture to support minorities.
Career Pathways Event Alert! FTSi.Tech Information Table Details:
Monday, October 11 11:00 am - 2:00 pm G&T’s area of Rossin
Event Description:
The Center for Professional and Career Pathways is happy to announce that in-person employer visits are returning to campus! W&J Alum, Jamie France ‘11. Senior Lead of Sales and Recruiting at FTSi.Tech, will be hosting an information table in the G&T’s area on Monday, October 11 from 11am-2pm. Stop by and hear from one of W&J’s own about the employment opportunities at FTSi.Tech.
Company Description:
FTSi.Tech focuses on attracting top talent in technology and partnering them with the technological advancements of our clients. We strive to provide the support needed in order for our clients to consistently drive innovation in today’s ever-changing world. We encourage the use of new and innovative technology to sustain growth, assist clients in differentiating themselves in the marketplace, and attract the brightest minds in technology. For more information visit their website at: https://www.ftsi.tech/
Upcoming Job Fair
WestPACS Collegiate Career Fair - Virtual Details Wednesday, October 13 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Description
WestPACS Collegiate Career Fair will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 13. More details, registered employers and link to join will be provided soon on the Handshake Events Calendar.
Fall 2021 Seton Hill University Virtual Internship and Job Fair Details: Wednesday, October 20 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Virtual Event: https://washjeff.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/27241 Description: Virtual Internship and Job Fair hosted by Seton Hill University For more information: https://washjeff.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/27241
5 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
October 1, 2021
Sarah Bryne Works For The National Park Service Katie Krise Red & Black Contributor
Sarah Byrne, class of 2022, has always dreamed of working for the National Park Service. This past summer, this dream became a reality when she landed an internship at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota. After finding the internship on Handshake last spring, Byrne applied and was later hired as an intern for the National Park Service. Shortly after the Spring 2021 semester ended, she made the twenty-three hour drive out to South Dakota. Byrne’s title was an Interpretation Intern. As an Interpretation Intern, she had many responsibilities working directly with visitors, from creating programs that were delivered to up to 150 people to helping anyone who was lost. “I did a research project on the ‘Wild West’ and examined folk heroes and their relation to the Presidents on Mount Rushmore,” Byrne said. “I managed visitor center desks, and my favorite thing I did was help children complete activity books to become a Junior Ranger.” Byrne is a History major, and she used what she has learned at W&J to help her with things like research, writing, and interpretation. After
graduation, she plans on continuing her work for the National Park Service with the hopes of becoming an Interpretation Ranger. Having firsthand experience working directly at a National Park taught her important skills that will be of great assistance to her in the future. “My internship will help with [potential jobs] because I already have valuable experience working for the Park Service,” Byrne said. In addition to working for the National Parks, Byrne also plans on continuing her education after she graduates from W&J by getting her Master’s Degree in Public History. While she was out West, Byrne was able to visit other historic sites as well. These included Badlands National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and Yellowstone National Park. All of these locations provided beautiful views, but it was also surreal knowing she might work at one of them one day. This internship was an amazing opportunity for Byrne and not only provided her with real life experience in her field, but also allowed her to make lifelong friends and connections. “I got to spend my whole summer at one of the most beautiful places, and I will always be grateful for that,” Byrne said. On campus Sarah is the president of the Panhellenic council,
Courtesy of Katie Krise
Sarah Bryne sits below Mount Rushmore
October 1, 2021
Red & Black
CAMPUS NEWS 6
Theatre Slam Restarts Live Productions
Courtesy of Washingtopn & Jefferson
Olin Prepares for the Theater Slam.
Shelbie Baker Red & Black Contributor
From fun comedies about Pikachu beating up a robber to serious discussions of abuse inrelationships, and some lighthearted parodies sprinkled in as well; Theater Slam offered many different types of miniplays for audiences to experience and enjoy. For the first time since the Covid pandemic began, Theater Slam was hosted in person between Friday
September 10th and Saturday September 11th. Theater Slam is a twenty-four-hour time period where W&J students write, practice, produce, direct, and act in a series of plays that are then performed for an audience. Seniors Lillien Shaer and Miles Sonnenberg organized and ran the event with help from advisor Daniel Shaw in the auditorium of the Olin Fine Arts Center. This year ten plays were performed in front of an audience of about eighty people. Theater slam is open to all students, and students from every graduating class participated. For some students, this was their first experience in a live production here on campus rather than attempting
to do theater online through Zoom. “It definitely felt a lot more energetic. Being able to move around the stage, make eye contact, and just interact with the other actors in general. It was also easier logistically, not having to deal with lag or other technology issues.” Rowan Angstadt, a sophomore, who wrote and acted during the event said about the change from being online to being in person. The performance is available to be viewed on the theater’s Facebook page. Members of the theater slam invite others to join them for other upcoming theater events such as Fright Night in October and Common Integrity Improv group which meets every Monday at 8 P.M in the Olin Lobby.
Courtesy of Dreamstime
A Sign advertises a Theater Production.
7 Current Events
Red & Black
October 1, 2021
Current Events
Student Voting Coalition Holds Voting Day Registration Table Isabelle Kratz Red & Black Contributor
The fourth Tuesday of September has been designated as National Voter Registration Day. Since Americans are not automatically registered to vote by the government whenever they turn eighteen, it is their duty to register themselves. Some high schools may make efforts to register their students, but typically high schools do little to encourage their seniors in this regard. Therefore, many first year students come to school able to vote, but unsure how the process works. The Student Voting Coalition’s purpose is to address these voter education and voter registration needs. This year on Tuesday, September 28th from nine to five at Clark Family Library the Student Voting Coalition will be hosting a table to help register students to vote and hand out mail in and absentee ballots to students who are already registered to vote. All students need a photo ID, whether it is their license or a state ID, in order to fill out their registration
Courtesy Flickr
Students at W&J College are invited to participate in National Voter Registration Day on September 28th, made accessible by Student Voting Coalition’s own table.
application. One of the hallmarks of mail-in ballots is that attending college outside of the district where that person is registered to vote is a recognized valid excuse to apply for a mail-in ballot because they cannot vote in person on Election Day. Current president, Nickolas Bartel, and vice president, Isabelle Kratz, formed the Student Voting Coalition during the spring and summer of 2020, as the two recognized the need
for such a club on campus. Kratz ran tables on campus during her first and sophomore years to register students and hand out absentee ballots, but with Bartel and the Coalition’s help, registration efforts have expanded and come to include education programs. The Coalition is nonpartisan and works with the Washington Fellows Program to promote voter education events and hosted a debate last year with representatives from each of the
political organizations on campus. The Student Voting Coalition urges students of all ages to visit their table at the library and engage in their civic duty to vote. Though 2021 is not a presidential or midterm election year, for many states, including Pennsylvania, citizens will vote on judges for their local and state courts, who are equally as important to preserving democracy as members of Congress.
October 1, 2021 Red & Black
Current events 8
Facing the Predatory Nature of the Music Industry
Anastasia Giampa Red & Black Contributor
Yes, ‘Wildest Dreams’ is currently trending on Twitter but no, it is not 2014. The song from her 2014 album ‘1989’ was recently re-recorded and released - now named ‘Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) - by Taylor Swift as part of her plan to re-record and own all of her master recordings. Of her ten total studio albums, Swift only owns four: ‘Lover’, ‘Folklore’, ‘Evermore’, and the newly released ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’. The rest of her discography was in the hands of Big Machine Records, the label Swift signed with when she began her career
Courtesy Flickr
Singer and songwriter Taylor Swift is again gaining traction in the media for her choice to re-record her own albums.
in 2005. Not owning the rights to her previous albums means that Swift does not earn the full royalties on the music, nor does she have full control over how they are used. ‘Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) is the second series of master rerecordings to be published; the first being Fearless (Taylor’s Version). Swift announced she would be re-recording all albums she did not own after a very public Twitter dispute. In 2019, Swift learned - along with the rest of the world - that the master recordings of her first six albums were sold to Ithaca Holdings LLC, owned by Scooter Braun, without her knowledge or consent. Before the sale to Braun, Swift was reportedly in negotiations with Scott Borchetta of Big Machine to purchase her own masters after signing with new management. Negotiations
fell through and she was told that she could re-sign with the company and “earn” the masters to her own work; ownership of one album would be granted for every new album she gave the company. This arrangement was predatory as Borchetta was already planning on selling Big Machine, therefore trapping and sealing her fate with the next buyer. Once Ithaca Holdings LLC acquired her masters, Swift was presented with the option to purchase her work. However, her team was never quoted a price for her masters and Swift would have been required to sign an NDA that prohibited her from talking about Braun publicly in a negative light. Later, she was told by Shamrock Holdings that her masters were being sold to them by Ithaca
Holdings LLC, once again, without her knowledge or consent. Swift has even stated that Shamrock Holdings was prohibited from contacting her or her team until after the sale was finalized. Many artists have spoken out in support of Swift such as Halsey, Selena Gomez, Gloria Gaynor, and JoJo; the latter two are artists who have also rerecorded their master hits. Gomez spoke out on Instagram saying “It’s greed, manipulation, and power”. Halsey released similar sentiments by saying “This is hoping to silence her from speaking about things by dangling this over her head”. Swift plans to release ‘Red (Taylor’s Version) this fall, making this her second fully re-recorded album to be released. She has not yet announced plans for ‘Taylor Swift’, ‘Speak Now’, ‘1989’ or ‘Reputation’.
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Red & Black
october 1, 2021
California Wildfire Heads Toward Sequoia Grove
Courtesy Flickr
Sequoia groves in California are facing the devastation that is the current wildfire.
Sierra Walker Red & Black Contributor
On Sept. 17th, the odd sight of giant sequoia tree trunks wrapped in protective foils was a result of firefighters trying to protect these massive, living relics from wildfires. Two lightning-sparked wildfires merged and headed straight towards the edge of a grove of sequoia trees in Sierra, Nev. An unexpected shift in weather caused the fires to grow
into a mega flame and this put the westernmost part of the Giant Forest in the Sequoia National Park in danger. The unexpected shift in weather resulted from low hanging smoke, that was choking out oxygen supply to the fire, being removed by winds. This is collectively known as the KNP Complex. The fires blackened 28 square miles of forest land. Unprecedented drought and climate change increased the difficulty in authorities’ containment of the fires. The trees that mark the entrance to the grove of twothousand sequoias, known as the Four Guardsmen were scorched by
the flames. Firefighters quickly started wrapping the base of the General Sherman Tree, the Four Guardsmen, and other trees in the Giant Forest in a special type of aluminum that was engineered to withstand high heat. In addition, they removed leaves and needles from the forest floor to reduce fuel and initiated a control burn to cut off the inferno. In addition to their historic value, it is important to preserve and protect The General Sherman and its kind because of their breathtaking awe. The General Sherman is the largest tree in the world by volume. Its impressive stats, according to the National Park
Service, gives it a volume of 52,508 cubic feet, a height of 275 feet, and a circumference of 103 feet at ground level. And although giant sequoias are adapted to thrive and reproduce after fires, Jon Wallace, the operations section chief for the KNP Complex divulged that, “Once you get fire burning inside the tree, that will result in mortality.” Unfortunately for several groves, trees reaching 200 feet tall and 2,000 years old were burned to the ground. By the continued efforts of firefighters and crews, the Four Guardsman, General Sherman, and their relatives were unharmed.
October 1, 2021
Red & Black
diversity 10
diversity PA Historical Marker Dedicated To Black Alumni Ana Giampa Red & Black Editor
This past Saturday, Dr. Charles Freemont “Pruner” West was honored by Washington & Jefferson College and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. West was posthumously presented with a historical marker along the walkway of Old Main for his historic stand against racism in athletics. Dr. West, class of 1924, was the first African-American quarterback to play in the Rose Bowl in 1922. The dedication ceremony and historical marker unveiling was attended by Dr. West’s daughter Linda West Nickens as well as his grandson Michael Nickens. Linda Nickens spoke at length about her father’s dedication to athletics, academics, community and equality. She told stories of her upbringing and her father’s dedication to his community and patients in Alexandria. Nickens also shared stories of the adversity her father experienced during the Jim Crow era. She cites the “Washington and Lee incident” in which the Washington & Lee football team refused to play against Washington & Jefferson College if West would remain on the team. W&J chose to forfeit the game rather
than bench West; the team refused to play as incomplete. She also cites that other colleges had not made the same choice when presented with similar circumstances, making W&J’s actions exceptionally uncommon. Also in attendance was Kenneth Clark, class of 2018, who is a Charles West Scholar and was the first black Student Government Association President. Clark discussed how West’s legacy impacted him during his time at W&J through the Charles West Scholars Program, an initiative dedicated to furthering the education and empowerment of black students at W&J. Clark stated that the support he received through the program in West’s honor allowed him to flourish and have greater success than he believes he would have achieved without it. He is now following in West’s footsteps by attending medical school at Ohio State University. During his time at W&J, West was dedicated to academics and athletics. Aside from his position as halfback and quarterback (on occasion) on the Presidents football team, West was also a two-time National Collegiate Pentathlon winner and was scouted for the 1924 Olympics for track and field. After graduation, West was signed to play professional football for the Akron Pros but instead decided to attend medical school at Howard University. Upon graduation from Howard, Dr. West established his own general, or family medical practice
in Alexandria, Virginia which he maintained for 50 years. West’s dedication to his community has garnered many awards. West received an award from the Alexandria Urban League for his community service in 1973 and received Alumni
recognition from both Howard University and W&J in 1978. West was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1979 and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2018. The new Pennsylvania Historical Marker is the latest testament to Dr. West’s success.
Courtesy W&J College
Dr. West’s family joins Dr. Knapp and the PHMC representative to unveil marker.
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Red & Black
October 1, 2021
Hulu’s Handmaid’s Tale May Not Be So Dystopian
Courtesy of Hulu
Photo above depicts a scene from Handmaid’s Tale
Akansha Das Red & Black Editor
Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” is based on Margaret Atwood’s wildly popular novel of the same name that explores the supposedly dystopian society of Gilead. Handmaids, fertile women, are raped and forced to bear the children of wealthy men and their wives while not being able to read and living in their household. It’s gripping, intense and incredibly intriguing but it also does such an excellent job of painting these handmaids, who are most definitely the victims of this story, as
nuanced and complex human beings. “The Handmaid’s Tale” also provides an interesting perspective, not only for it’s enticing story line and the strength of its characters, but because it provides an interesting corollary not only to our past and present, but also our future (as many abortion rights and gender equality advocates would note). One of the most dehumanizing aspects of the show is the sheer disregard for women as people, a stark contrast to the praise and intrigue given to their reproductive organs and offspring. This juxtaposition is especially hard hitting as it isn’t just a dystopian hypothesis, but rather reality that America has already hosted and fostered with enslaved Black women in the antebellum era. Some similarities between the antebellum era of United
States history and the treatment of the handmaids in the show are the sexual assault from their commanders (which, interestingly enough, is the same name given to the men who rape the handmaids in the show) and the camaraderie of the handmaids in the face of these atrocities can be compared to how enslaved women in the antebellum era were often forced to heal each other from invasive gynecological procedures performed by physicians. The view of the women in “The Handmaid’s Tale” as a collection of organs rather than a full person is all too familiar to Black women. There’s also a political analogy that directly relates to the present. In a world where many Americans feel disenfranchised with their politicians
and their actions, it’s difficult to not view the show through the lens of the present. Within the show, the very commanders that create the ultraconservative and tyrannical society they live in are the ones who violate its rules (provide handmaids with reading materials, participate in prostitution, etc.). This matches the way that the very creators of the laws and rules in today’s world (i.e. politicians) are often the ones who profit most from the breaking of these rules. From relaxed regulations from the FDA for large corporations to politicians themselves being backed by large corporations and interest groups, it’s clear that the dystopia that “The Handmaid’s Tale” projects itself to be, indeed, has some very chilling analogies to present life.
October 1, 2021
Red & Black
diversity 12
WHO Introduces COVID-19 Variant Naming System Ana Giampa Red & Black Editor
After a year of racist and derogatory nicknames for COVID-19, scientists have released an official naming system for the virus and its numerous variants. This system is based on the Greek alphabet and will be used for variant strains deemed of interest by the World Health Organization (WHO). The move to this naming system serves multiple purposes, all of which center around an ease of public understanding. Having standardized names for COVID-19 outside of their scientific monikers allows the general public to recognize each strain in an easier format. This move also allows for the media to report news on each variant in a simplified manner. The user-friendly naming guide for the public and the media erases the need for nicknames to be created by the media. This system has also worked to destigmatize the countries of origin of COVID-19 variants by removing the need for these nicknames and removing the countries from being the prominent identifier of the virus strain. Nicknames such as the “China Virus” and “Kung Flu” have been popularized as nicknames for COVID-19 but it has greatly stigmatized China and other Asian countries, leading to an increase in anti-Asian hate within society. As variants of COVID-19 emerge from different regions, the stigmatization of countries continues. Predominant variants of COVID-19 have arisen and have also been associated with
the location they were discovered in. For example, India, South America and Brazil have all had variant strains identified within their borders. Subsequently, the “India Variant” had significant air time on media outlets before the WHO’s standardized naming system, leading to an increase in hate and stigma towards the Indian population. It has been common practice for centuries to name diseases after the country of origin. For example, the Spanish Flu, West Nile Virus, Zika Virus and Ebola are all named after the country or landmarks in the country of first discovery. This previous naming system led to stigmatization of those regions and the people native to them. Relating the country to the virus leads to increased fear and hate for the country/region based on an individual’s feelings on the virus. It also perpetuates that the area of discovery is inherently unclean or dangerous because it has led to disease. The Greek letter naming system combats the stigmatization of countries of origin for particular virus strains by divorcing the country from the virus strain. Under this naming system, the “India Variant” is now the Delta Variant, which happens to be the dominant strain in the U.S. currently. Other prominent strains have been identified as Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. This system allows for the removal of negative perceptions towards a country based on feelings regarding the COVID-19 variant. While the Greek naming system proposed by the WHO is predominantly an approach for a more accessible sharing of information, it provides a valuable service in reducing the stigmatization of countries due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Courtesy NPR
Photo above represents a COVID-19 particle and antibodies attaching.
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Red & Black
October 1, 2021
Rideshare Apps Protest Texas Abortion Bill Ana Giampa Red & Black Editor
Rideshare apps Uber and Lyft have announced financial protests against the new Texas anti-abortion legislation. Both companies have announced that they have created funds to pay for the legal fees of drivers who are fined for transporting women to abortion clinics under this new legislation. Additionally, Lyft is donating $1 million dollars to Planned Parenthood. Texas Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Heartbeat Bill, was signed into law by Governor Abbot in May of 2021 and came into effect September 1st after the United States Supreme Court denied a motion to block the legislation from becoming active. The bill stipulates that any person who aides or abets an abortion after six weeks - or once a fetal heartbeat can be detected - can be sued. This isn’t restrictive to only doctors and patients, but also includes other medical professionals in the building, friends, relatives, or even rideshare drivers. The bill also encourages private citizens to enforce this new law: stating that there will be financial compensation for the plaintiff if the defendant is found guilty. Due to the new burden placed upon Texas rideshare operators, businesses felt the need to act to protect the safety of not only the employees, but their clientele. In a statement signed by Lyft co-founders John Zimmer and Logan Green, the company expressed their
stance: “Drivers are never responsible for monitoring where their riders go or why. Imagine being a driver and not knowing if you are breaking the law by giving someone a ride. Similarly, riders never have to justify, or even share, where they are going and why. Imagine being a pregnant woman trying to get to a healthcare appointment and not knowing if your driver will cancel on you for fear of breaking a law. Both are completely unacceptable.” Similarly, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shared via Twitter that his company would be following Lyft’s lead on protecting the safety of their drivers as well as the bodily autonomy of their clients. He shared the following comment on Twitter: “Drivers shouldn’t be put at risk for getting people where they want to go.” Since the announcement of Lyft and Uber’s actions against the Texas Heartbeat Bill, multiple other large companies such as Bumble have committed to similar plans of action. Together these companies stand in an unprecedented and public stand in solidarity with the right to bodily autonomy and choice.
Courtesy The Independent
Man holds a “Keep Abortion Legal” sign to protest restrictions.
october 1, 2021
Opinions 14
Red & Black
opinions “The Bold Type” Ends On A High Note Akansha Das Red & Black Editor
Free Form’s New York-based drama “The Bold Type” is ending this year with its fifth season. Set in the publishing world of a New York-based magazine Scarlet, the show follows three closely knit women in their twenties as they rise the ranks in what many describe as a slightly idealistic world. Sutton (Meghan Fahy), a modern “Lorelai Gilmore” is witty and self-sufficient, finding her footing in the fashion and styling world. Jane (Katie Stevens) is your typical type-A personality becoming a writer for the magazine while Kat (Aisha Dee) is a free-spirited, social justice champion
heading the social media division of Scarlet. As a neat package of close female friendships and mentorships, the show attempts to remain current and tackle issues that matter to youth. “The Bold Type” is intriguing both with its plot and its inadvertent depiction of the art that is needed when incorporating and centering serious social issues (such as sexual assault, transgender rights, conversion therapy, the polarization of politics and more). I will start with the positive. The initial elements of strong female friendships and mentorships that drew me to the show grow stronger throughout. Though not always realistic, the concept of a workplace family and the introduction of so many wonderful and complex side characters make for a really comforting show. Yet it was the consistency of the sophistication and sheer spunkiness that come from
the sights and backdrop of New York City along with the fearlessness of topics covered (think: sexual health and pleasure, mastectomies, breast cancer journeys, sexual assault, workplace harassment, and more) and the constant battles fought with the conservative, white men that compose the Safford board that made me stay. There are also elements of the show that come off as idealistic and superficial. While there is an understanding that shows always have a level of escapism, the application of this naivety to social justice issues and feminism was slightly bothersome at times. For example, in season 4, the show attempts to explore the concept that there indeed are issues that staunch progressives and conservatives can agree on, by having the extremely liberal Kat engage in relationship with a staunch conservative, Eva. While there
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
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might have been a way for this plot line to work, Eva continually displays public support for conversion therapy and limited healthcare that hurt marginalized populations like queer and Black people – the very two communities that Kat strongly identifies with. Aisha Dee even voiced distaste for the plot line saying that it “felt confusing and out of character.” All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed watching “The Bold Type” for its fiveseason run and I believe it makes a meaningful impact on media that serves young women. In being able to tackle the wide swath of issues that it did, it has broadened the scope of storylines to be explored and paves the way for more stories about women of color, religious minorities, the queer community and the ascension of people of lower socioeconomic status to be explored.
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15 Opinions
Red & Black
october 1, 2021
Kacey Musgraves Releases New Album Star-Crossed Ana Giampa Red & Black Editor
On her new album Star-Crossed, Kacey Musgraves explores the raw emotions and stages of grieving the end of a relationship; specifically her recent divorce from Ruston Kelly. It offers a stark lyrical contrast to her last album Golden Hour which was primarily about falling in love and the early stages of romance. Musgraves utilizes many of the most popular elements of Golden Hour such as the psychedelic-inspired pop melodies and “easy listening” style of composition that is uncommon in conjunction with divorce; something pop-singers like Musgraves rarely dedicate an entire album to. “If this was a movie” captures the cinematic theme prevalent in the album by exploring what life would be like if her divorce was scripted by Hollywood. She writes “You’d hold my face / saying we’re being stupid / and we’d fall back into place / if this was a movie / but it’s not a movie” which speaks to a yearning of the hopeless optimism on the big screen; a depart from the raw reality of heartbreak. “Justified” signals a transition within the album from mourning the loss of her relationship to beginning to live without him. Musgraves sings on the healing process: “healing doesn’t happen in a straight line . . . if I need just a little / more time to deal with the fact that you should have treated me right / then I’m more than a little justified”. Her description of a non-linear
healing pattern contrasts the desire for an idealized movie relationship within “if this was a movie”, focusing on the realistic process instead. Justified serves an anthem to anyone going through the process of grieving a romantic relationship. “Breadwinner”, the now viral TikTok audio, can speak to anyone who has been in a relationship where they felt taken advantage of. Musgraves writes this from a place where she has healed enough to shed the idealized version of their relationship in her head to see the apparent flaws.Lyrics suchs as “He wants your shimmer / to make him feel bigger / until he starts feeling insecure” explore the feeling of being emotionally drained by a romantic partner who appreciates your personality at the beginning of a relationship but begins to resent it when it begins to make him feel uncomfortable. “Camera Roll” has hints of the singer’s country origins with the strumming of an acoustic guitar backing her vocals. Musgraves croons about the pain of a forced walk down memory lane via her camera roll, “scroll too far back / that’s what you get / I don’t want to see ‘em / but I can’t delete ‘em / It just doesn’t feel right yet.” This not only harkens back to her country albums such as Same Trailer, Different Park, but the traditional sad country song; however Musgraves puts her unique personality into it. As a companion to Star-Crossed, Musgraves released a film by the same title - fitting with the cinematic feel of the album. The album is available on all music-streaming services and the film companion is available on Paramount+.
Courtesy The New York Times
Musgraves performs songs from her new album at the VMAs
october 1, 2021
Red & Black
Opinions 16
Upcoming Event: Visiting Angels Information Table Where and When:
Wed. Sept. 29, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm G&T’s area of Rossin
Description:
The Center for Professional and Career Pathways is happy to announce that in-person employer visits are returning to campus! Stop by the information table, in the G&T’s area of Rossin, on Wednesday, September 29 from 11am-2pm, to hear employment opportunities from representatives from Visiting Angels.
Company Description:
Visiting Angels is a comprehensive home care organization that is customized for seniors based on their individual needs and preferences. Our dedicated and reliable caregivers have helped thousands of older adults live happily and safely in the comforts of home while providing their families with peace of mind. If you have a loved one who needs personalized in-home care, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Job Description:
Are you interested in a meaningful career that focuses on providing compassionate care for older adults and their families? If so, Visiting Angels is offering rewarding caregiver jobs — on a full-time and part-time basis — that will help you make a positive difference in your community. If you’re passionate about helping seniors maintain their independence at home, you may have what it takes to become a Visiting Angel. For more information or to view current job openings visit: https://www.visitingangels.com/washingtonpa/ employment
17 Sports
sports Red & Black
october 1, 2021
W&J Women’s Soccer Week 4 Recap Sofia Jenkins Red & Black Staff
The W&J women’s soccer team went 0-1-1 this past week in a 1-1 draw against Marietta on September 22, and a 0-1 loss against John Carroll on September 25. In the game against Marietta was a very even game throughout the match. The lone goal for the Presidents was scored in the 21-minute by sophomore
Makenna Mann dribbles on field.
Makenna Mann. Mann was set up by freshman Peyton Behling after a corner for the Presidents. Behling was able to get the pass off to Mann, in which Mann was able to coral and put it past the Marietta goalie on the left side. The Presidents kept this 1-0 lead until the 68-minute of the match when Marietta tied it up 1-1. The teams then had over 20+ minutes of play to try and put one in the back of the net, but the defenses held tough and pushed the game into their first overtime. In this first overtime, no points were scored, which then propelled the teams into a double overtime. By the end of the over 110-minute game,
Courtesy of W&J Athletics
the Presidents and the Pioneers tied 1-1. Throughout the game, Mann and sophomore classmate Katie Brown led the W&J offense as Mann had the lone point and three shots, and Brown matched Mann with three shots as well. During the September 25 game against John Carroll, W&J was put on the defensive side for most of the game. The Blue Streaks scored at the end of the first half of the game, but then were shut down for the rest of the game by W&J’s impressive defensive stand. Sophomore Kayla Daugherty and freshman Courtney Actis led the Presidents’ defense throughout the
Kayla Daugherty gets around defender.
game. Again, sophomore Katie Brown was a leader on the offensive end for the Presidents as she led the team in shots with 5 total shots in this game. Brown also gave the Presidents’ their closest shot at tying this game as she attempted a header off of a penalty kick attempt from senior McKenna Lewis. Sophomore goalkeeper Abby Hipkins started the game and recorded three saves while surrendering one goal, and junior Gabriella Lloyd finished the last 45 minutes of the game and recorded two saves. This week brings the women’s soccer team to a 3-5-1 record. Their next game brings them home against Grove City on September 29 at 6pm.
Courtesy of W&J Athletics
october 1, 2021
Red & Black
Sports 18
Max Scherzer: Best Trade Deadline Pickup? Sofia Jenkins Red & Black Staff
Ever since the MLB pushed the trade deadline back to July in 1986, no pitcher has ever done as well in his first seven starts than new Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Max Scherzer.
Max Scherzer throws a curveball.
Before this monster trade between the Dodgers and the Washington Nationals, the Dodgers were already the most impressive team in baseball. Then, to add wickedly fast shortstop Trea Truner as well as star pitcher Max Scherzer to your roster? The Dodgers became a bigger force to be reckoned with. Even though Scherzer is 35-years old, he looks like he is in his prime with the Dodgers. Since he made his debut in the MLB in 2013, Scherzer has a World Series title, 5 CY Young Awards, and is an 8-time all-star. His five-pitch rotation is incomparable to anyone in the league
at this point. The velocity of his pitches spooks any batter who is posed against him. At this point, no one has a better strikeout count than his 63, and he seems to only be getting better from here. Scherzer is no doubt a candidate for the best tradeline pickup ever in many ways, but as of right now, he leads the entire sport, hitters included, in wins above replacement. The last time a pitcher had a start like this after being traded was two days before the trade deadline was pushed back in 1986 with pitcher Rick Sutcliffe was picked up in a sevenplayer-deal by the Chicago Cubs.
Sutcliffe, after being traded to the Cubs, picked up a 16-1 record with a 2.69 ERA and went on to win the National League CY Young Award that year. 1986 was 35 years ago, to see a pitcher have a start with a new team like Scherzer has done so far is unheard of. On top of all of this, with the Dodgers, Scherzer became one of the only 19 pitchers to reach 3000 strikeouts. He reached this number on September 12 against the Padres. Scherzer is making a strong play for a fourth CY Young Award this year, and no one would be surprised to see this Hall of Fame-bound pitcher win again
Courtesy of Forbes Magazine
19 sports
october 1, 2021
Red & Black
NFL Week 2 Recap: QBs, Kickers, & Runners
Taylor Heinicke throws a football.
Sofia Jenkins Red & Black Staff
NFL Week 2 brought viewers some important matchups that provided very interesting entertainment this past week. We saw quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Taylor Heinicke proved themselves this week as they showed off their quick thinking in close games and massive arm strength.
Courtesy of WIVB
Kyler Murray threw this week for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings, and this resulted in a win for the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 34-33. Taylor Heinicke threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns in his first start of the 2021 season. Heinicke had to fill in for hurt veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in week 1 of this year, and as of right now is the Football Team’s starting quarterback. Heinicke led the Washington Football Team to a win of 30-29 against the New York Giants, the Football Team’s first win against the Giants in their last 5 contests. Kickers in week 2 also had a field day all across the board. Kickers like
Kyler Murray poses for photo.
Dustin Hopkins of the Washington Football Team and Matt Prater showed off for their teams this week. Dustin Hopkins won the game for the Football Team by kicking a 43-yard field goal in the final seconds of the game to put the Football Team up by 1 against the Giants. Matt Prater showed off his incredible kicking strength by kicking a 62-yard field goal against the Vikings. Prater actually owns the NFL’s record for longest successful field goal, and he almost broke his own record this past weekend with that 62-yard bomb. Not only did the quarterbacks and kickers push the winning teams this week past their opponents, but the run
Courtesy of Revenge of the Birds
game this week was unlike any we have seen in a while. Players like Quez Watkins and Henry Ruggs III showed their quick speed in making impressive 50+ yard runs to bump their team up 6 points. Quez Watkins broke out of his shell in an insane 91-yard touchdown for the Philadelphia Eagles off a pass from Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Henry Ruggs III of the Las Vegas Raiders helped the team seal the win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 60-yard touchdown off a pass from quarterback Derek Carr. Fans should be excited for Week 3 of the NFL to see who shows off their impressive arm, vision, or legs against
october 1, 2021
Red & Black
sports 20
Career Pathways Oktoberfest Employer Meet & Greet! Week 1 featuring UPMC! When: Wednesday, Oct.
When: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
6,
Location: Burnett Patio Description: The Center for Professional and Career Pathways is excited to present an Em-
ployer Meet & Greet series each week of October. This Oktoberfest Employer series features different employers each week, that you can drop-in and talk to about the career opportunities at their company. This series will be at different campus locations, so keep on the lookout for the fun and stop by for a treat and employment information! This is a great way to practice your networking skills!
Upcoming Event! Grossman Yanak & Ford On-Campus Interviews for full-time positions and internships Attention Accounting Students!
Date & Time:
Monday, October 4 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location:
Center for Professional and Career Pathways
Description:
Carissa Janczewski, of GYF, will be on-campus on Monday, October 4, conducting interviews for positions/internships. If you are interested in being considered for an interview, apply through Handshake. The resume deadline is September 22 at 5pm. If you are selected, you will be notified to schedule your interview time. Interviews will be held in the Center for Professional and Career Pathways.