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Gillette
tennis serves
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face-off
shatters
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appetizing outlook Page 5
FRIDAY JANUARY 25, 2018
134th YEAR ISSUE 27
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
Bully vandals charged with felony malicious mischief KATIE POE
NEWS EDITOR
Police have charged two suspects who may be responsible for the Sept. 8 vandalization of Mississippi State University’s Bully statue in the Junction. Last semester, culprits painted over the statue with red graffiti and tarnished the white base of the statue with the date “11/17” and the phrase “Woo Pig.” MSU’s football team played the University of Arkansas on Nov. 17, a team whose hog call is “Woo Pig Sooie.” One of the suspected accomplices, Mathes
Tillinghast, was attending Arkansas Tech University when the campus police department picked him up. Tillinghast, 24, of Houston, Texas, was booked into the jail on Dec. 22 after the MSU Police Department received a tip. He was later expedited to Oktibbeha County. According to the Starkville Daily News, MSU Police Chief Vance Rice said after utilizing investigative techniques, the police built up evidence for a warrant to arrest Tillinghast. The police also obtained information from Tillinghast’s cell phone, which led to the arrest of a second suspect. ARRESTS, 2
New multi-use pathway plans to bridge city and campus Starkville aldermen receive federal funding for project, must match by 20 percent
path, so it’ll be a 10-foot wide concrete pathway, and then that will accommodate walkers and bikers, especially during game day events where there will be a lot of pedestrians,” Kemp said. MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter said the new multiuse pathway will not only enhance the university and city connection, but it will also make the community a safer place.
KATIE POE
NEWS EDITOR
Lindsay Pace | The Reflector
Last semester the Bully statue located in the Junction was vandalized with red paint.
Alumnus launches video game company EMMA KING
After receiving thousands of federal transportation dollars, the city of Starkville has the go-ahead to begin a sidewalk project that will link Highway 12 to the Mississippi State University Amphitheater, giving walkers and cyclists more opportunities for getting to their destinations.
STAFF WRITER
R
yan Gilbrech, a two-time graduate of Mississippi State University, is the proud founder of Meta Games, a video game development company he started in October of 2014. Gilbrech graduated with a degree in biomedical engineering from MSU in December 2012. In August of 2015, he returned to Starkville to earn a Masters in Business Administration shortly after the startup of Meta Games. Gilbrech said he has two memories from his time at college he holds more fondly than the rest. The first was running the Video Game Club (VGC), a timeconsuming responsibility Gilbrech considered well worth it. “It took up a lot of my time, but it was a ton of fun being responsible for all that,” Gilbrech said.
“It was gratifying knowing that we created a really welcoming, fun space for all types of gamers to hang out.” By the time Gilbrech’s term was up two years later, the VGC was hosting two events each week with upward of 40 people attending each one. Gilbrech’s other favorite memory from MSU was following his friends, Benjamin Weed and Ali Borazjani, as the two worked on their own startup biomedical device company, Innometrix. Without Weed’s and Borazjani’s influences, Gilbrech said he never would have considered starting Meta Games. Through the two fellow biomedical engineering students, Gilbrech was introduced to MSU’s newly-formed Center for Entrepreneurship
and Outreach Center, commonly known as the E-Center. Gilbrech kept close ties with the E-Center as he pursued his MBA and worked on Meta Games. The center provided Gilbrech with advice he assured was much needed. “I wouldn’t be here without them,” Gilbrech said. Eric Hill, director of the E-Center, said he enjoyed every second of working with Gilbrech. “Ryan (Gilbrech) is one of the most brilliant entrepreneurs I’ve had the pleasure of assisting,” Hill said. “The company he is building is the consummate example of what is possible focusing on the customer and nailing what they will not just buy, but will love.” Meta Games is currently working tirelessly on its first game, a platform-style
“I believe these types of projects strengthen the connection for not only the city and the university, but the county as well.” - Lynn Spruill, Starkville mayor
Ryan Gilbrech
fighter called “Dragon Slayers.” The game, which is similar to “Super Smash Bros.,” will make its debut on PC later this year. Dragon Slayers will also make an appearance on Kickstarter on March 6. Gamers interested in backer-exclusive rewards can find more information on the Meta Games’ website, along with a newsletter and Discord group. GAME, 2
Meta Games| Courtesy Photo
Meta Games is a video game development company founded by an MSU graduate. Meta Games will debut its first game, “Dragon Slayers,” later this year.
FRIDAY HI: 41 LO: 27 SKY: Sunny POP: 0
SATURDAY HI: 51 LO: 25 SKY: Cloudy POP: 0
SUNDAY HI: 54 LO: 34 SKY: Cloudy POP: 0
FORECAST: Sunshine will stick around through this weekend. We will gradually head back into the 50s this weekend, gradually heading back into the 50s. At the beginning of next week, we will be flirting with the 60s on Monday. Monday night, a strong cold front will begin to push through, bringing rain and dropping our highs into the 30s.
Jacob Lanier, Campus Connect Meteorologist
The Starkville Board of Aldermen recently approved $588,000 from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), which the city must match by 20 percent. The Mississippi Transportation Commission announced these dollars are part of $13 million going toward Transportation Alternatives (TA) for nonroadway improvements like sidewalks and multi-use paths. “Safety is always MDOT’s top priority,” Northern Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert said in a press release. “These projects will help local communities improve lighting, pedestrian access and other transportation infrastructure.” Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill said the proposed pathway project continues an existing one that goes from South Montgomery Street to Locksley Way to Blackjack Road to MSU’s campus. “This project will instead turn to the North and go along Blackjack until it reaches Highway 12, and then turn East and go in front of the Hampton Inn and into the campus and terminate at the amphitheater,” Spruill said. Starkville City Engineer Edward Kemp said the path will be about half a mile long and large enough to serve a large volume of pedestrians. “The path will be designed to be a multi-use
“As MSU continues to grow, pedestrian safety is a concern that is also growing,” Salter said. “This project will enhance safety on a daily basis, and especially on game days. It will be good for town and gown.” Creating easier access between the two entities is an important goal for the city, Spruill said. “I believe these types of projects strengthen the connection for not only the city and the university, but the county as well,” Spruill said. “Obviously, as we are able to enhance the ease of access between the city, county and university, we will encourage that same sense of a seamless transition.” The city of Starkville and the university will remain separate from one another, Spruill explained. “While we are definitely distinct entities. It behooves us all to appreciate each one’s attributes, and we can only do that by participating in activities on and off campus,” Spruill said. “If we can make it easier to access the city, county and campus for all the residents, then we have gone a long way to making that sense of connectivity a reality. Just as the SMART bus system strengthens that connection, so will an extension of additional walking and biking opportunities.” PATHWAY, 2
See Page 2 for a map of the proposed path.
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018
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PATHWAY
CONTINUED FROM 1
BAD DAWGS Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 Officer responded to a traffic accident on Stone Boulevard. Student was taken to OCH for suspicions of driving under the influence, but was later released. Employee reported missing inventory at Thompson Hall. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 Student reported a bag missing from her room in Rice Hall. Officer confiscated a car tag from a student on Hail State Boulevard that belonged to another vehicle. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 Non-resident/ visitor arrested for shoplifting in Barnes and Noble and possession of marijuana. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 Employee arrested in Starkville for simple assault.
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019 Aramark employee transported to OCH from Moe’s Southwest Grill for medical assistance. Student reported his vehicle was sprayed with silly string while parked in E9 parking lot. Student arrested on Stone Boulevard for failing to yield, improper equipment and lack of insurance. Justice Court citations were issued. Notable Traffic Citations Nineteen MSU citations issued for speeding, the most notable of which was 61/30 on Lee Boulevard. Four Justice Court citations issued for speeding, the most notable of which was 75/45 on Poorhouse Road. Two MSU citations were issued for disregarding a traffic device on Stone Boulevard. Two MSU citations were issued for disregarding a traffic device on Clyde Q. Sheely.
Lynn Spruill | Courtesy Photo
In this arial view including Blackjack Road, Bully Boulevard and Stone Boulevard, the yellow line marks the area where Starkville plans to construct a new multi-use pathway.
The next step for the city will be working with the university and county to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Spruill said. After this step, the engineering work begins and construction drawings will be laid out, followed by the bidding and construction process. Kemp said completing the paperwork is the city’s main goal at the moment, and construction may not start right away. “I would anticipate we would not even get to
construction probably until approximately a year from now, would be my guess,” Kemp said. “The project itself, I’m anticipating will take no longer than a few months, two to three months most likely.” Spruill said the preliminary preparation for the project should start soon, and it should be finished no later than 2020. “It will be a while before there is something visible, but the behind-the-scenes work will begin as soon as
we can get the agreement in place,” Spruill said. Kemp said he is excited to start working on the project, which he thinks will benefit every entity. “We’re really excited about the project. We’re thankful to Mississippi State and Oktibbeha County for partnering with us on this project that we think will be an asset to all three entities,” Kemp said. “We continue to try to find ways to expand not only our vehicular transportation
GAME
network, but also our alternative transportation network, and this is doing exactly that. This not only provides a functional benefit for people who are walking to class or walking to work, but also serves as a recreation and amenity to our community by providing opportunities for exercise and opportunities to walk to large events and destinations. The many benefits of that makes this such an exciting and worthwhile project.” CONTINUED FROM 1
Gilbrech said he is devoting his entire life right now to making the upcoming Kickstarter campaign the best it can be. Meta Games hopes to offer interested backers a few playable demos, a polished campaign video and a beautiful backer page. The recent website launch is the company’s first push on social media, and the positive response it received has left the team feeling more motivated than ever. Gilbrech’s startup is currently built on a team of 17 people, a number growing by the day. A majority of the group only worked on a small section of Dragon Slayers, and some members are contract workers from across the world. Meta Games’ 3D modeler, Christoph Schoch, said he respects Gilbrech’s dedication and the team he has put together. “I’ve only known Ryan (Gilbrech) for a few months, but in that time, he has shown great dedication and will to take risks,” Schoch said. “He has put a lot of time and effort into developing a project that he
truly cares for.” The group chats online throughout the day, working as a team on a project every member is passionate about. Even Gilbrech said he cannot believe the enthusiasm the group has for the game. “I’m amazed that they all flocked to the project, considering how insanely talented they all are,” Gilbrech said. “So many of them could be working on anything, but they choose to work on ‘Dragon Slayers.’” Gilbrech’s love for video games started as early as the age of three, when he received a Sega Genesis for Christmas in 1993. He said he remembers playing “Cave Story” in 2005, a game made by one person with no previous developing experience. The creator had no skills whatsoever—it took him five years to finish the project—but Gilbrech found it to be a better product than what most large corporations were releasing at the time. It was almost 10 years later when Gilbrech had his own idea for a video game, something he mentioned in passing to his parents.
“It wasn’t until my dad told me he thought it’d succeed and that I should go for it that I ever really considered going into game dev (development),” Gilbrech said. “Kind of wild, right?” Shortly after, Gilbrech quit his job at Capital Steel to start his own company and earn his MBA. Gilbrech said he has always tried to be an encouraging person with a positive mindset, and in middle school, he set out to make a screen name that reflected the same attitude. Gilbrech believed if he could do something special and then encourage others to do the same, then his advice would mean more. “If Michael Jordan told you that you had a lot of potential in basketball, you’d probably take it to heart, right?” Gilbrech said. “So I wanted to be someone like that. I wanted to make a tag I’d have to live up to.” He eventually decided with the word “winner,” but with a characteristic misspelling—“Winnar.” This was a more popular name than Gilbrech anticipated, however, so he began to add an “-ly”
at the end when “Winnar” was taken. Thus, Gilbrech’s signature screen name, “Winnarly,” was born, and though Gilbrech is not fond of the name himself, he said other people seem to like it. For aspiring video game developers, Gilbrech suggested starting off small: make the simplest game possible, then make it even smaller. Practicing on something no one will ever play can help students get “hooked” on the process. YouTube tutorials are also a great resource for future game developers, and Gilbrech instructs students to follow them step-by-step. Even basic game development is a long road. With the release of “Dragon Slayers” nearing every day, Meta Games will soon be known as more than a small start-up from a MSU alumnus. Hill said he believes Gilbrech’s game will be only one of the selling points of the up-andcoming company. “Their relentlessness towards customer-centric quality is what will put Meta Games on the map,” Hill said.
$5,000. Tillinghast’s last court date was Jan. 22 and Yeldell’s next court date is Feb. 26. The Reflector reached out to the MSU Police Department, which directed inquiries to the Office of Public Affairs. MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter said two factors
played into solving this crime. “It was a combination of good police work on the part of MSUPD and a
lot of public cooperation from members of the public who read about it and provided information to the officers,” Salter said.
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On Thursday, Jan. 17, Timothy Yeldell, a 25-yearold Fayetteville native, turned himself into the Oktibbeha County Jail following the police issuing a warrant for his arrest regarding the vandalism. Both Yeldell and Tillinghast were charged with felony malicious mischief, and their bonds were set at
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2019 @REFLECTORONLINE
LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
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‘Glass’ withstands critical pressure and pleases crowds BRANDON GRISHAM
Rosalind Hutton
An incredible sense of appreciation lingered after viewing M. Night Shyamalan’s new film, “Glass.” This stylistic and colorful approach, combined with incredibly resonating themes, induced a gratitude for the existence of films like this. While I hate several of Shyamalan’s recent films, including “The Last Airbender” and “After Earth” specifically, his return to masterful character studies with lower budgets has not gone unnoticed. Current critics are extremely harsh toward this film, and there is a major gap between audience and critical impressions. Whether this film stands the test of time is unknown, but I have a feeling it will remain as a shining example of how to properly execute a super-human story. Acting primarily as a sequel to Shyamalan’s 2016 film “Split,” “Glass” bridges the gap originating with “Unbreakable,” the famous thriller from 2000. In this film, security guard David Dunn uses his superpowers to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, a disturbed man who has 24 personalities. Dunn gets locked in a mental
institution alongside his oncerival Mr. Glass and the multipersonality “The Horde,” and he must escape from a psychiatrist who aims to prove the trio does not actually possess super-human abilities. As the trio engage in multiple escalating encounters, the film dives into the complex intricacies of what motivates heroes and villains. Anya Taylor-Joy, Bruce Willis, James McAvoy and Samuel L. Jackson reprise their roles from
STAFF WRITER
“Unbreakable” and “Split,” while Sarah Paulson takes on the role of Dr. Ellie Staple, the head doctor of Raven Hill Memorial, a mental institution outside Philadelphia. Other major characters include Dunn’s son Joseph, played by Spencer Treat Clark, and Mr. Glass’s caring mother, played by Charlayne Woodard. Starting strong, the progression slowed to observe the characters and their overall motivations before ramping back up to an
extremely divisive conclusion. Several plot points pointed toward a disappointing final showdown, but Shyamalan brilliantly adjusted by focusing on character payoffs. Acting instead as an origin story, the final entry in the “Eastrail 177” trilogy closes on an exciting note that incites dozens of potential outcomes. The cast was small, the budget was perfect and the performances had me hooked from start to finish. The pacing, however, was not
perfect, and it utilizes odd editing at times, but those are minor faults in an overall satisfying film from this inconsistent director. This film appeals to innate human curiosity arriving from twisting character studies. Fans of the superhero genre will love certain scenes, but there is more emphasis in character range and stylized cinematography. Segments of action and suspense occasionally appear to keep the audience
enthralled, but they are sparse in the second act. Viewers expecting a non-stop thrill ride akin to a Marvel film will be disappointed. However, there is still plenty of substance to enjoy here. Overall, I would recommend this film to anyone who would like to see a unique take on the superhero concept. It carves out a solid place among a genre of similar storybeats, leaving a refreshing prospective for the future of this genre. Instead focusing on fascinating villains saved this film, as there is a definite lack of style in similar highgrossing popcorn flicks. While slightly irritating at times, “Glass” provides a satisfactory experience that many can appreciate. It holds your hand at times to help explain character elements, but following scenes pick right back up as if there was only a brief falter in pace. It winds up being a good film that does not crack under the usual pressure that accompanies concluding a trilogy. “Glass” is currently running in theaters and will remain for the next few weeks. If you care to see brilliant acting, a decent story and have a solid cinematic experience, feel free to give “Glass” a go.
BRANDON GRISHAM
an enormous impact within our respective disciplines,” Vivier said. “I’d love for more students to come to these events, and I’ll do my best to publicize future events for that purpose.” Able to seat roughly 60, an excellent Tuesday turnout of over 30 people were in attendance. Lang’s text challenges current perspectives of the Mexican-American War, Civil War and Reconstruction, connecting martial republicanism to the culture of the era. Beginning with the inception of policy-based military occupation, it stretches to restoring a single unified republic following the Civil War. Military supervision was not offered, as the government was cautious and weary not to impose a continuous military rule. Compliance of reformation occurred in 1871, but there was considerable social upheaval after the Force Acts were initiated. Lang, quoting former President Ulysses S. Grant from 1879, said, “The trouble about military rule in the South was that our people did not like it. It was not in accordance with our institutions.” Instead of briefly summarizing the entire text, Lang focused on highlighting the final two chapters during his discussion. Following the fall of the Confederacy, the U.S. was in a precarious situation with how to handle the rebuilding of the republic, aiming to avoid more upheaval.
In doing so, Lang explained the disastrous management by the government that encompassed the Reconstruction Era. Neutered by dwindling military presence, the Posse Comitatus Act in 1878 and horrid Supreme Court decisions, the government failed to protect the freedoms AfricanAmericans needed at such a crucial period. Following Lang’s spotlight of his book, there was an inquisitive discussion segment. Several curious individuals asked for additional details or hypothetical scenarios. He responded to each question carefully and with exceptional tact. Lang is currently coauthoring “The American Civil War and the World: Limited War, Limited Peace.” His current research addresses the demobilization of Union armies, an anti-militaristic process that portended the restrained scope and purpose of Reconstruction. Following two MSU Faculty Book Talks from last fall, there are three more talks planned for this spring. The next event will feature Melanie Loehwing, assistant professor of communication, and her book “Homeless Advocacy and the Rhetorical Construction of the Civic Home” at 4 p.m. Feb. 21 in Griffis 401. Fantastic discussion and light refreshments will be provided.
are listed at $5 per issue. Student and staff ads are listed at $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found items: Found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed at standard ad cost. CLUB INFO The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday. The deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements
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MSU faculty member addresses the Civil War in award-winning book
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The MSU Faculty Book Talk Series began this past Tuesday with Andrew Lang, assistant professor of history. On the fourth floor of Griffis Hall, Lang discussed his book, “In the Wake of War: Military Occupation, Emancipation, and Civil War America.” Published by LSU Press in 2017, it has won the 2018 Tom Watson Brown Book Award. More than 50 entries competed for the award, so having it be his first book was a major accomplishment. The Faculty Book Talk Series was created to highlight academic books written by Mississippi State University professors. Established by Eric Vivier, with the support of Dean Chris Snyder of the Shackouls Honors College and Dean Rick Travis of the College of Arts and Sciences, this lecture series celebrates faculty at MSU who write books while it provides an opportunity for them to share their research with their colleagues, students and the public. Books are typically overlooked in favor of faculty research at the university, which focuses on journal articles and the total amount of money brought in by grants. Vivier, an assistant professor of English, said he thought and time dedicated to the writing of books deserves recognition. “Books take years of careful research, thinking and planning to write, and their publication can have
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THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018 @REFLECTORONLINE
OPINION
Are men already the best they can get? Or is Gillette’s point valid
Gillette’s ad contains a valuable message The Gillette ad’s message is anti-male
CHRIS LOWE
is a senior majoring in business information systems. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
As everyone and their mother knows, Gillette released a commercial earlier this month which targeted toxic masculinity and the ways in which it harms society, namely women. Of course, it has become an extremely controversial topic of discussion in recent weeks, with some praising the boldness of the act and others ridiculing the company for unfairly going after men. I would definitely be part of the former camp, albeit with a fair sprinkling of caution. I am known for my “meninist” viewpoints, and with that in mind, I do not subscribe to the idea of going too far with the #metoo movement, of which the commercial references by name. However, I believe the Gillette commercial tackles the issue of toxic masculinity in a respectful and tactful way. The fact is, men are fed spoonful after spoonful of inherently sexist and emotionally damaging rhetoric from early childhood, and it has contributed to the culture of double standards we live in today. This needs to change. Men need to do their part in making society better, and it starts and ends with eliminating the expectations of what we are “supposed” to be. It certainly is out of place for a corporation with no real ties to progressivism to make such a controversial commercial, and they almost certainly did so to emulate the success of Nike’s Colin Kaepernick ad, but I believe nonetheless in the necessity of its airing. I am not the only one who thinks so either. Gillette’s North American brand director, Pankaj Bhalla, responded to the overwhelmingly shocking decision to boycott Gillette’s products by conservatives, stating, “We expected debate. Actually a discussion is necessary. If we don’t discuss and don’t talk about it, I don’t think real change will happen,” Bhalla said
as Heather Kelly of CNN reported. To me, corporations with no personal stock in this debate might be the key to that real change. It is one thing for CNN and Huffington Post to comment on toxic masculinity; they are liberal outlets with a confined audience. People who follow entities like Fox News, though, will be well-insulated from the discussion and could easily avoid even thinking about it. Having this discussion enter every-day life without it being politically charged is critical to making a difference, as this way, sexist and emotionally suppressive behavior can never be passed off as normal to young boys. I understand why innocent men are tired of constantly being reminded of what their less respectable counterparts are doing to women and even other men. I see why people just want to be left alone. In a perfect world, we could do that, but it has been shown that there is also a considerable, unjustified backlash on the topic of toxic masculinity from men who feel they should not be questioned in their actions. This arrogance and backward way of thinking
has no place in the future, and if we have to flood the airwaves with this message, so be it. It is sad it takes the prospect of financial gain for companies to engage in this type of discussion, but I will take it. With it slowly being proven to be profitable, I expect more of these “stunts” in the future. It may not be done out of altruism, but it will become more and more unavoidable with time and will hopefully help shape our society for the better. With these renewed talks on toxic masculinity, Gillette has ingrained itself into the problem at hand. Marlene Towns of The Hill said, “Interestingly enough, despite the controversy (or, in fact, because of it) one’s reaction to the Gillette spot has itself become a barometer by which to gauge the very existence of toxic masculinity.” This showcases a resounding success by Gillette in both making themselves (and other companies in the future by extension) a part of social justice and giving an important issue a platform outside of angry-rant tweets and memes. If this does not prove exactly why Gillette’s commercial belongs, I do not know what ever will.
from male genes, nor should they because these traits are not as inherently destructive as Gillette seems to suggest. Gillette’s willful shaming of men who healthily exercise these traits is the symptom of the larger societal problem: the campaign against the traditional male himself. The patronizing campaign, according to Robert Gearty of Fox News has “been criticized for delivering an insulting message that assumes misogyny is rampant among men.” Assuming the worst in men is no way to enact change, and blanket disapproval of the masculine is meant to enflame tensions rather than alleviate them. Gillette ignores the obvious fact that a man can vent his aggression through typical male activity such as football or hunting without encouraging boys to become bullies. Gillette refuses to acknowledge that men can and should find women attractive without being guilty of sexual harassment. The Economist cites a study conducted in 2017, showing how the definition of sexual harassment has become an umbrella term in recent years. According to this study, 20 percent of men ages 18-30
MICHAEL BOURGEOIS is a freshman majoring in English. Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
The differences between men and women is an aspect of society that should be celebrated instead of vilified. Yet, modern culture has declared war on this biological fact–setting society on a course whose destination blurs the lines between male and female. Emboldened by political correctness and the urge to virtue-signal, Gillette perfectly illustrates the move to a genderless society. Casting condemnation on the traditional male, stereotyping men as aggressive and demeaning to women and calling to change traditional male behaviors to lessen the effect of what they refer to as “toxic masculinity” is a misguided crusade. Femininizing men is not a good thing. In fact, better masculinity is how we change society. Ambition, aggressiveness and the urge to compete cannot simply be removed
So, did you see that new Gillette ad? Yeah, did you? Yep.
Rosalind Hutton
believe simply offering to buy a woman a drink is a form of sexual harassment. These absurdities will only intensify as more and more men grow up in the culture condemning their nature to the degree Gillette desires. The issue of emasculating men is a threat to a healthy and traditional society, but when addressing the seriousness of the issue, it is important to consider Gillette as the messenger. At their core, Gillette is a corporation motivated by selling products to a target demographic–not some champion of social justice as some progressives cast them. Forbes writer Charles Taylor addressed this issue and said, “While corporate social responsibility appeals can be effective, corporations must be sensitive to the potential of consumers being skeptical of their motives, or not wanting to be told how to behave by a profit-motivated company.” For Gillette, all publicity is good publicity, and this advertisement was designed to spark controversy and become a polarizing issue. Politics sell, and Gillette could be hoping to capture a share of the success Nike had with the Collin Kaepernick, which made the business over 6 billion dollars in additional revenue. Gillette is willing to worship at the altar of political correctness and condemn men for their biological instincts, all for the sake of making money off free exposure is disgraceful. The moment Gillette entered the political arena is the moment they stopped being a just razor company and started being an actor. With clear intentions, Gillette won many allies by expressing a certain worldview. However, making a stance opens up criticism from those who disagree. Gillette deserves every ounce of backlash this commercial has produced because it was designed with the specific purpose of inciting rage on the opposing side. We are already living in a time where young men are becoming afraid of their masculinity and are encouraged to believe something is inherently wrong with their innate traits. No longer should society actively seek to confuse the men of tomorrow, as the commercial suggests, “boys will be boys,” and that is perfectly fine.
Republicans must stand up and dump Trump WILLIAM KALLFELZ
INSTRUCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION
Dear Editor, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln are turning in their graves. For that matter, so is General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The G.O.P., which produced the likes of such towering figures, once strove to embody and abide by the principles worthy of the name. “Republicanism,” which represented the interests of the people against the
aristocratic Whig oligarchs, who would strive for progressive social change through the noble principles of conservatism (resistance to radical ideology), compromise and consensus for the common good, as enshrined in the very principles of deliberative due process in the very U.S. Constitution itself. I am glad my father is no longer alive to witness this cataclysm today. My father, in the racist 1950s South, voted Republican—for they were the party that stood for the values of integration and
civil rights for the common good. What do we see today? Cynical plutocrats who have created and sustained this psychopathic imbecile Trump—the present occupant of the Oval Office. My father, a West Point graduate, was also an officer in the U.S. military. If a character like Trump, heaven forbid, would have ever held a position of leadership in the Armed Forces, he would have been immediately removed and undoubtedly court marshaled.
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dangerous and destructive administration. It is time for Americans with brains and a conscience to stand up and disavow this insanity–if they really care about the future of their children, the integrity of our institutions, and the survival of our biosphere. It is time for Americans to condemn the lies and race-baiting hate-mongering of this tyrant, who would label Central American refugees as “Middle Eastern terrorists,” “criminals,” “animals” and rile up the dangerous concentration of militias armed to the teeth
ready to fire at anyone at will. It is time to restore the Executive Branch with competent leadership, capable of sustained and consistent agreement. And most of all, restore the presidency with someone who does not vainly presume himself to an infallible autocrat, an impulsive slave to his own vanity, petty whims and Twitter tantrums. Our country, and the rest of the world, cannot endure much longer this toxic train wreck at warp speed, of which we are all passengers.
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Life Editor/Emma Moffett
Managing Editor/Kristina Domitrovich News Editor/Katie Poe
Trump is as impulsively dangerous as he is incompetent. He barricades himself in his delusions and takes his marching orders from the likes of Sean Hannity. With the exception of a few courageous voices from the Right (i.e. Sen. Mitt Romney, Evangelical Pastor Chuck Baldwin, and Conservative columnist and scholar Max Boot) the Party of Trump (they no longer deserve to be called “Republicans”) have been deafeningly silent, if not outright supportive, of this unprecedentedly
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SPORTS
Tennis serves appetizing outlook Armstrong makes landing in
HANNAH BLANKENSHIP STAFF WRITER
The Mississippi State University men’s tennis team is ready to explode into a new season after achieving unprecedented success in last year’s season. In the 2018 season, the team won the SEC championship and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA national tournament, as well as achieved many individual titles and victories. However, the players refuse to let the success go to their heads. Nuno Borges, a senior from Maia, Portugal, who is a world-ranked, twotime All-American player, said the team is not going to rely on last season’s success. Instead, it is going to start from step one. “We realize we’ve got to start from zero,” Borges said. “Last year was a great year, but we’ve got to start from where we started last year and work our way up, and I think we can do even better things. We’ve got to feel almost like the underdog.” Head coach Matt Roberts agreed the team’s biggest challenges would come from last season’s success. The team plans to combat the higher expectations and pressures by focusing on executing the daily, small goals that will in turn lead to even greater accomplishment. “You can’t think too much about the end of the road,” Roberts said. “You’ve got to focus on each day. We’ve talked about milestones a lot versus goals, and we have daily, weekly milestones for these guys that we focus on, so we eliminate the pressures of the outside.” Trevor Foshey, a senior from St. Cloud, Florida, said the team plans to combat the urge to take it easy and assume success by focusing on starting strong, something the coaching staff is very
Starkville to coach Bulldogs GARRETT SMITH STAFF WRITER
good atHutton facilitating. Rosalind “The biggest challenge is probably from our success last season... thinking, ‘Oh, it’s just going to happen...’ so it’s coming out with fire,” Foshey said. “Our coaches do a great job with that. We know that’s a challenge, and we’re going to take that on with all we’ve got.” Four of the players, including Borges and Foshey, are seniors and have played together for all four years of their collegiate careers. Roberts said all the hard work they have built up provides a great outlook for the season. “We have a lot of things we’ve built over the years established now, and it gives you a good feeling going into the season,” Roberts said. However, Roberts also stressed this is a new year and, even after all the building they have done, there is much work left to do. “You can look back and basically say we have the same team, but you still have to work day after day to build that,” Roberts said. “It doesn’t matter what you did last year. It’s a new season, new team, and so we just take it one day at a time, one week at a time, and just continue to get better at the things we can, and become better men.” Foshey said spending four years together helped him and his teammates form a great bond on and off the court. They have great chemistry and know what to expect
from each other, but also like to mix it up with some fun. In addition to the many extraordinarily talented seniors, several of the younger players are showing exceptional potential, including Gregor Ramskogler, a freshman from Reichraming, Austria, who partnered with Foshey for doubles in the fall. Borges said the main things the seniors wanted to pass on to the younger players was their fighting spirit and discipline. “Stay close. We’re a family,” Borges said. “Work hard, fight hard, stay together. That’s all we want for the next guys representing Mississippi State.” The MSU men’s tennis team has been placed 3rd in the ITA’s preseason ranking. Roberts said the ranking is just a number and the team will work just as hard, no matter the expectation of others. “We know it’s just a number and that we have to prove everything,” Roberts said. “Whether we’re ranked 3 or 73, we do what we do. We compete hard. We control what we can control and let the numbers and the rankings work themselves out at the end of the year.” This weekend, the Bulldogs will host Wichita State, Arizona and the University of North Carolina at Willmington for the ITA kickoff weekend.
When Mississippi State University’s women’s soccer coach Tom Anagnost resigned three weeks ago, Athletic Director John Cohen knew a national search was required. Still, the Bulldogs did not have to look too long or too far to find the right fit, hiring Auburn’s previous associate head coach James Armstrong. Armstrong was with the Tigers for the past six seasons, including a fiveyear stretch of NCAA Tournament appearances, among other successes. While Armstrong has a wide variety of coaching experience at multiple levels of the game, his tenure with Auburn was important to the search committee. “We were looking for someone who had SEC success; not just experience, but success,” Cohen said. “We were looking for somebody that really understood the nature of a winning culture.” On Wednesday, Armstrong was officially introduced as the sixth head coach in the program’s history. Armstrong has already practiced a few times with the team, and was excited to get to know the team and the community through the offseason. “I’m humbled to be here, and I cannot wait to get started,” Armstrong said. Armstrong and the Auburn Tigers have been known for their offensive style and offensive success over the past few years, which is something Armstrong wants to bring
Kelly Donoho| MSU Athletic Communications
James Armstrong is introduced as the new MSU women’s soccer head coach at a press conference.
to MSU next season. “Everything that I did with them will prepare me to work with these girls,” Armstrong said. “The offensive side of the game was a huge part for me there at Auburn. We had unprecedented success on that side of the ball. I’m definitely looking forward to bringing a more attacking style, scoring more goals, creating more chances.” Armstrong was quick to address his goals for the program going forward, hoping to continue the momentum past teams have created. MSU has not made the SEC tournament since 2004, despite their NCAA tourney bid last year. “Obviously, to make it back to the NCAA tournament is a priority, but then to go beyond that, making the SEC tournament, that’s a priority as well.” Armstrong said. “We’re very fortunate that we’re in the best conference in the country, so every game is competitive.”
THANKS
Armstrong said he is prepared to take MSU to the next level and to be a head coach in the SEC. “I know I’m ready for this,” Armstrong said. “I’ve been a head coach for every team, other than Auburn.” The excitement in the room was evident at all levels during Armstrong’s introductory press conference, with both administration and players praising the hire. The entire women’s soccer team is looking forward to working with their new leader according Miranda Carrasco, a freshman defender from Cypress, Texas. “It’s just all good things in the locker room when we discuss it with each other,” Carrasco said. “It’s just been positivity and optimism about him.” The women’s soccer season will not begin again until August, so Armstrong will have plenty of time to become familiar with his team before play begins.
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