December 2018 by Reporter Magazine

REPORTER DECEMBER 2018 reporter.rit.edu

Please Recycle

REPORTER EDITOR IN CHIEF Frankie Albin PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Cayla Keiser

ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Kristin Grant COPY EDITOR Ramya Shankar NEWS EDITOR Kasey Mathews TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Karina Le LEISURE EDITOR Anika Griffiths FEATURES EDITOR Morgan LaMere SPORTS EDITOR Victoria Sebastian VIEWS EDITOR Taylor Synclair Goethe WRITERS Liz Peterson, Karina Le, Victoria Sebastian, Tyler English, Anika Griffiths, Taylor Synclair Goethe, Marisa Kay Langlois, Jessica Slides, Kasey Mathews, Kiki Antoinette, Shay McHale

ART ART DIRECTOR Alyssa Minko ONLINE ART DIRECTOR Monica Nguyen-Vo SENIOR DESIGNER Lily Garnaat DESIGNERS Dhensel Dorji, Kathy Liu, Cassy Smithies, Lily Garnaat, Alexis Scott, Lauren Perttula, Nancy Perez, Elin Smith, Kevin Zampieron ILLUSTRATORS Juho Choi, Angela Krieg, Maggie Dybas, Maliheh Rahrovan, Asher Bozman, Sara Calhoun, Unique Fair, Monica Nguyen-Vo

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO EDITOR Catherine Rafferty PHOTOGRAPHERS Olivia Kaiser, James Porras, Tess Roberts, Cheyenne Boone, Jesse Wolfe

EDITOR’S NOTE When promises are made in response to dire needs, there is often a tendency to sit back and congratulate ourselves on an accomplished objective. We fought; they promised to fix things; we stopped. There is also another tendency however, for promises to be made — and not fulfilled, or for progress to be unacceptably slow. As a community, we recently became incredibly aware of how dangerous the lack of adequate mental health care services on this campus can be. We have seen the impacts, heard the stories and raised our voices. We demanded counseling staff that better represent the diversity of the student body, reasonable wait times and a sufficient number of those staff to make that happen. We demanded that those things be available right here, not somewhere off-campus that takes a journey to get to and a fortune to utilize. We demanded to be listened to. Inadequacies in the very foundation of a healthy and functional community should not go unaddressed, and should not be mended slowly. Money, planning and process take time, sure. However, an issue as critical as this should be made the highest priority. The student community will not settle for consistent delay, pacification or erasure of our intrinsic needs. We will not settle for unkept promises. We will not forget and stop fighting. They have made promises to us, offers to match those fundamental needs. Plans may have even been put in place already. Perhaps much has progressed even in the time since I wrote this. Regardless, we will not settle. If they don’t hold themselves accountable — we will.

Frankie Albin Editor in Chief Letters to the Editor should be sent to rpteic@rit.edu. No letters will be printed unless signed. All letters received become the property of REPORTER.

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December 3

TA B L E O F

CONTENTS

cover and TOC photography by Tess Roberts | typography by Lily Garnaat

NE WS 6

THE GIVE BACK MOVEMENT Exploring the numerous opportunities for students and faculty to volunteer and give back

T E CH 8

WI-FI PROBLEMS AND RIT’S SOLUTION What does it really mean for a campus to have Wi-Fi problems?

LEISURE 10

@reportermag 4 December

GIVE THE GIFT OF ENVIRONMENTALISM How to avoid the consumerist tendencies of the holidays and help the environment

TO CUFF OR NOT TO CUFF? Learn if cuffing season is right for you

FE AT URES 16

AT YOUR LEISURE Complete a tree-rrific crossword puzzle

THE CULTURE OF CUISINE: IS FOOD GENDERED? How do gender stereotypes affect our eating habits?

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS A look at the different ways members of the RIT community celebrate the holidays

WALLACE CENTER: THE SCI-FINAL FRONTIER Students are looking to add a sci-fi section in the library

SPOR T S 24

ADDICTION: THE FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE Addiction can affect us all, no matter age, race, status or creed

OPPOSING VIEWS Should we lie to kids about Santa?

WORD ON THE STREET What’s the biggest lie your parents ever told you?

RINGS Text or call (585) 672-4840, RIT’s Digital Confessional

reporter.rit.edu December 5

The Give Back Movement by Liz Peterson photography by Olivia Kaiser design by Dhensel Dorji

he act of being charitable has become a trend once more. Regardless of the reasons, society has recognized that helping out others in need is the right thing to do. According to a report done by RIT’s Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, last year the RIT community reported 18,500 hours in community service and raised approximately $151,800 for multiple philanthropies. The opportunity to do good is practically limitless on our campus.

Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement

Endless Opportunities to Give Back

Tigers on Community Service

The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement has one mission: “We prepare RIT students to exercise leadership as members of a rapidly changing global community.” The Center acts as a hub and provides extensive access to a variety of charitable organizations. They supply a list of all the places students and faculty can volunteer based on a variety of interests. They also sponsor 12 “Into the Roc” projects — six per semester — where students tackle large-scale projects for nonprofit organizations or help with agencies’ special events. “This program is the perfect launching board for students who are interested in getting involved in the Rochester community,” said Kathryn Cilano, the program coordinator for the Center. “Students are constantly leveraging the skills and concepts they are learning on campus out in the Rochester and global communities.” Cilano herself was actively involved with charity while attending SUNY Potsdam. From there, she began a career circulating philanthropy. “My favorite event of the year was Relay for Life, because it showed me the incredible impact a group of people can create when they come together for the greater good,” she said. Cilano is here to help students who share her passion for philanthropy. The Center aims to encourage students to use volunteering as a way to better themselves while bettering the world. It starts with signing up to join a cause. The Center partners with the likes of Habitat for Humanity to construct frames for at least two new houses in Rochester. Giving Tuesday’s Hunger Project features a collaboration between RIT FoodShare and Foodlink to gather at least 300 students to assist community volunteers in packaging meals for the organization Feeding Children Everywhere. Though the application process has ended for this year’s round, Alternative Spring Break trips are typically organized by the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, offering students the chance to spend spring break helping communities in need. They tend to announce the trips at the beginning of the Fall semester and start recruitment in September. If none of their main projects interest you, you can check out one of the two community service fairs hosted by the Center every semester.

The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement is not your only option. Student organizations host tons of events where anyone can get involved. RIT is home to a chapter of the nationallyrecognized community service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. They have a part in putting on Haunted Hayride and Relay for Life, two wellknown events on campus. They also actively work with Foodlink and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club. Alpha Phi Omega is open to any student to join, especially if community service is something the student is passionate about. Throughout the year, Greek life sponsors a variety of events as well. These sororities and fraternities actively give back to their local and national philanthropies and open the opportunity up for the rest of campus to participate as well. Many of these members join their organizations for the philanthropies they support. Timmy Tantuico, a third year Industrial and Systems Engineering major of Zeta Tau Alpha, has a strong passion for philanthropy geared toward breast cancer education and awareness, as it has directly affected her family. On her sorority’s recent participation at the Think Pink Week at Stokoe Farms, Tantuico said, “It was heartwarming when these people were thanking us for doing what we do and that our chapter [was] making a difference.” Delta Phi Epsilon hosts Be-You-Tiful Week for the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Sigma Chi and Phi Kappa Psi partner together to put on Winter Warrior which benefits the Veteran’s Outreach Center of Rochester. Delta Sigma Pi sponsors several events to aid organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and the Willow Center. While none of the organizations share the same philanthropy, they share a goal: raise notable amounts of money while drawing the RIT community in to support the cause.

Timmy Tantuico: Zeta Tau Alpha - third year

Local Spots to Volunteer If you want to volunteer off campus, there are ample options in Rochester alone. You can find yourself stopping by Lollypop Farm to play with animals, help in a soup kitchen at Open Door Mission or display your voice with Empire Justice. No matter your interest, on or off campus, there are many opportunities to give back.

Industrial and Systems Engineering major Why she volunteers: “I have had family members affected by breast cancer, so I am very passionate about our philanthropy. My favorite part of October is when our chapter volunteers for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. We get to spread awareness and hand out ribbons to non-RIT students and have the chance to interact with breast cancer survivors.”

Dakota McDonough: Alpha Phi Omega — fourth year Mechanical Engineering major What led her to join: “I joined because the organization was service-oriented, but also had slight elements of Greek life in it. A fun group of both guys and girls working to not only better the community, but themselves through leadership opportunities APO had to offer.”

Sabrina Krutz: Alpha Phi Omega — fifth year Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety major Favorite event held by organization: “My favorite event is an annual event called ‘Shantytown.’ Every year we create our own shelter made out of cardboard boxes and then for an entire week, brothers man the shelter. We hope to raise awareness of the homeless population — which is especially high in the Rochester area — and raise funds to donate to a local shelter.”

Alexis Collazo: President of Silver Wings, first year graduate student in Media Arts and Technology Why she joined silver wings: “I wanted more exposure to various types of professionals as well as a system to network with.”

Kathryn Cilano: Program coordinator for the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement Favorite part of her job: “My favorite part of my job is talking to students about how they want to make an impact. I love hearing about their passion projects, their skill sets and the ideas they would implement in the community given the chance — and then turning around and matching them with a charitable organization who is looking for someone just like them. The stories do not get told enough, but our students are out in the community doing some pretty incredible things.”

6 News

News 7

Wi-Fi Problems and RIT’s Solution R

IT is one of the biggest technology schools in the nation, filled to the brim with talented engineers and innovators. Despite this status, however, it is infamous for its rather spotty Wi-Fi. It can suddenly lag, be unusable or even stop working for a solid half hour. Students understand that RIT has some massive Wi-Fi problems, and the struggles with these problems on a constant basis. What exactly is causing the Wi-Fi connection to be poor, though? Why hasn’t Information and Technology Services (ITS) solved it yet? These can be explained by first understanding how exactly the system works.

What’s the Problem? There are a variety of ways that Wi-Fi can disconnect. Satyendra Emani, a second year Computer Engineering Technology major, talked about Wi-Fi access points. “If you have multiple Wi-Fi access points, there are chances that it will cause an interference with RIT’s Wi-Fi,” he explained. Emani outlined two ways to set up these access points that would result in better Wi-Fi speed and allow an easier time connecting. He drew out an example of a dorm hallway ideally having a few wireless access points — three in this hypothetical situation — spread across it. These access points would cover a relatively large area to allow users access to the Wi-Fi throughout the hall. “What [RIT] does instead is that they arrange the ... access points and decrease the range [from the usual setup],” Emani said. This means there is a cluster of access points within an area so that Wi-Fi is in practically every corner. However, Emani explained why this particular set up is problematic. He said, “For devices not configured for this [setup] ... to constantly switch to the nearest access point ... causes some Wi-Fi connection problems.”

8 Technology

Bradley Boice, a fifth year Journalism major, expressed similar ideas. “In actuality, on every floor there are multiple different access points,” he said. “So when you’re moving between buildings or floors ... even though it’s still the same RIT Wi-Fi, [your device] is disconnecting and connecting.” However, another reason why the Wi-Fi lags is due to RIT’s old infrastructure, which Boice explained. “RIT’s Wi-Fi system ... is really outdated,” he said. “The way that RIT does their Wi-Fi is super early 2000s era, and can’t really handle the bandwidth that a lot of students are really needing right now.” Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time, according to a Webopedia article. RIT’s old infrastructure explains the slow Wi-Fi speed. The purpose of the Enterprise Network Refresh Project is to fix this very problem.

The Enterprise Network Refresh Project ITS Director of Enterprise Support Damian Marinaccio explained what the Enterprise Network Refresh Project is. “[ITS] has been working on a three-year project to basically overhaul the majority of the wireless and even some of the infrastructure behind it,” Marinaccio stated. The Enterprise Network Refresh Project has been in the works since May 2017 and is projected to be finished by December 2018. “[The project] is just to improve wireless experience, to improve the reliability ... and to improve the connectivity,” Marinaccio said. ITS is replacing the old wireless and wired infrastructure with new technology. The team has been updating the site with the completed areas, and have shown consistent progress toward their anticipated December deadline.

by Karina Le photography by James Porras design by Kathy Liu

Marinaccio defined their progress overall. “The project is little more than halfway through ... as of Oct. 19, [2018]... about 87 percent [done] with the project ... We plan on finishing on December 2018.” So for students still having problems with the Wi-Fi, it will hopefully come to pass.

Addressing Wi-Fi Problems Immediately While waiting for the Enterprise Network Refresh Project to finish, there are still ways for students to address the current issues they’re facing. Student Government (SG) technology committee chair Erica Parker, a fifth year Computer Networking and Systems Administration major, and SG director of services Gabe Landau, a fourth year Web and Mobile Computing major, discussed some alternatives. “RAs can provide [Ethernet cables] for students looking for them,” Parker said. However, for even quicker possible solutions, walking to a different area and testing Wi-Fi connectivity could do the job. Landau primarily urged students to go to ITS with any Wi-Fi issues however. “If you do run into something ... even if it’s already resolved ... you should report it to ITS so that they know about it. It’s the best way that these issues are tracked and worked on,” Landau said. Macchiano described the ITS team as “strong and dedicated,” making sure to address issues by investigating the issue thoroughly and changing the system so that the same problem won’t happen twice. “The biggest thing students can do [to get better Wi-Fi service] is to report to ITS,” Macchiano stated. “The more we know, the more we can do and improve the network to the best it can be.”

Technology 9

Give the Gift of Environmentalism by Victoria Sebastian | photography by Tess Roberts | design by Cassy Smithies

The holiday of celebration in the Buddhist community is called Rohatsu. “[Rohatsu] is ... the traditional day ... to celebrate the enlightenment or awakening of the Buddha,” stated Shudo Schroeder, the zen Buddhist chaplain and priest for Spiritual and Religious Life within RIT’s division of Student Affairs. Many Buddhists partake in a sesshin — a form of long meditation. An issue arises when consumerist thoughts, such as buying gifts, enter one’s head while partaking in this “touching of the mind.” Schroeder explained, “Even if you’re not a practicing Christian, Christmas is more than just a religious festival. Christmas is ... or has become ... a capitalist holiday for many people.”

Christianity and a Consumerist Culture

The Jewish holiday of celebration is Hanukkah. It is an eight-day celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem when the Jews rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors. “There’s the lighting of the menorah. You add another candle ... [each night] for the eight nights. Giving gifts is sort of a newer thing,” said Jonathan Travers, a fifth year Mechanical Engineering major and current treasurer of Hillel. A consumerist argument arises here as the use of electrical candles versus real candles for the menorah comes into question. The increase in gift-giving has also been noticed around Hanukkah. “Some of that ... comes from being around [consumerist] Christmas ... and all of the aggressive advertising ... it’s hard to see all that and not get wrapped up in it,” Travers added. But don’t be fooled, consumerist Christmas is not the same as Christian Christmas.

Christian Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Pastor of the Lutheran/Episcopal Campus ministry and Chaplain for RIT’s Spiritual and Religious Life, Craig Swanson, explained, “We have worship services ... candles are used ... to refer to the presence of Christ. It shows the coming of light into the world.” Christmas trees, decorations and gift giving are secondary aspects of the holiday.

“

Christmas is ... or has become ... a capitalist holiday for many people.

“The whole giving of presents, there’s different versions of how that got started ... it’s just not part of the traditions,” Pastor Swanson elaborated. “That’s more of the secular side [of Christmas].”

The Environment and a Consumerist Culture The consumerist pressure of gift-giving can cause environmental harm, and this is seen in most holidays. But the bigger issue lies in the production of all holiday items — not just gifts alone. A popular item that falls under this issue is the artificial Christmas tree — especially those that are imported. All artificial Christmas trees are made of non-renewable resources. But the question then arises if real trees are any better, since we are throwing them out more frequently. Other items that fall under this issue are candles and lights used in menorahs and as house decorations. Both can cause light pollution when used in large quantities. This specifically affects nocturnal animals by causing confusion in differentiating between day and night. Eric Williams, a professor in the Golisano Institute of Sustainability, explained more

10 Leisure

on why mass production is an issue during the holidays. “It all depends on the item. The more of those things we make ... of steel, plastic and aluminum ... there’s more carbon emissions,” he explained. This also relates to where we get these mass-produced items from — as seen with imported Christmas trees. “Most of the impact is having to do with us buying all this stuff in places where they’re making it in an environmentally damaging way,” Williams continued. “A lot of the stuff we buy is weirdly cheap. There is no way that you can make [these things cheap] and protect the environment.” To most, it can be a scary sight to see that so many beloved holiday traditions have a negative impact on the environment. But this does not mean we have to stop celebrating these holidays altogether.

“

How to Holiday Environmentally The main thing to do is be conscious of what you buy. This consciousness can help you resist the consumerist pull. Concerning Christmas trees, there is no right answer. Williams talked about the various factors that can come into play when choosing what type of tree to get. Is it imported? Did you get it at a tree farm? Is it a necessity in your home? He suggested that these are just some of the questions that could help you choose the best option for yourself and the environment. When it comes to lights, such as the candles in your menorah or the string lights on your house, Williams said LED is the best way to go. Williams explained, “If you are using LED lights and you’re comparing an LED light to a candle, the LED light will emit much less carbon.”

By buying LED lights for decorations, you can reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying the traditions of your holiday. Being conscious of what you buy will not work in all situations though. This is because sometimes there isn’t a clear, better option. Williams explained, “You don’t have enough choices ... you don’t really know that spending more money [on an object] is really translating to ... less environmental impacts.” But there is a solution to this that Schroeder, Swanson, Travers and Williams all agreed on: straying away from material gifts. According to Schroeder, “When it comes to giving, rather than simply focusing on the giving and receiving of material gifts, give time ... and others might follow suit.”

Rather than simply focusing on the giving and receiving of material gifts, give time.

“

Buddhism and a Consumerist Culture

Judaism and a Consumerist Culture

“

ven if you don’t partake in a religious holiday in December, there is still a chance you’ll celebrate in some way during this season. Although we may know this season as a time of happiness, the environment is adversely impacted. With the incoming consumerist culture, the holiday season is no longer solely about the celebration of one’s religion.

Leisure 11

season — someone could get hurt. “One person could get attached while the other doesn’t and knows that they are going to end the relationship,” Leung said. A breakup would be damaging if someone in the relationship felt a true connection to their cuffing partner. Before heading into a cuffing season relationship, be aware that starting one can be just as harmful as ending one. “Someone might lower their standards or choose to be in a relationship that is unhealthy for them,” Leung said. The cuffing relationship is only as good as the connection that the two participants feel.

to cuff or not to cuff?

If that relationship is unhealthy for one party, then it will cause damage. Cordero built on this point: “You get to be with someone which is fun, but at the same time they might leave.”

The Choice It ultimately falls to the individual on whether or not they want to partake in cuffing season. It is typical for people to get together towards the beginning of winter due to increased time spent inside, but that is only one factor.

“Cuffing season, I feel, is just a name given to that time of year where college students come back to school and are trying to find someone to be with,” Morrison said. To cuff or not to cuff. Finding someone to cuddle with for the winter has both its benefits and shortcomings. Depending on which way the wind blows, you may find yourself either downing ice cream alone or throwing away the key and staying with that special someone when the warm weather finally returns.

by Tyler English | illustration by Juho Choi | design by Lily Garnaat

t’s that time of year, folks — prime cuffing season. It’s like a summer fling, but in the winter: the time of year when usually flirtatious individuals find themselves desiring a real relationship. The cold weather from November through March and increased indoor activity can cause singles to feel lonely. Before the fall officially ends, some people might want to find someone to spend the cold winter months with. Cuffing season participants look for a short-term relationship for the winter with plans of cutting ties when the weather warms up.

Students’ Definition With college students being the largest participants of cuffing season, their general understanding of cuffing is vast. “[Cuffing season] means you only date for the winter season because you only want to be with them physically,” said Anna Leung, a first year New Media Design major. The winter months in Rochester bring with them freezing temperatures and fierce winds, forcing people indoors. “Having someone there to cuddle with and watch Netflix is nice, but once the warm weather hits, some people want to be single again,” Leung said. But wait, what about dating apps? Why would someone need a relationship when they can hop on their phone and find someone to come and cuddle with them? “You have to let the potential cuddler know where you live. And do you truly want to be sharing your address over an app?” Cisco Morrison, a third year Chemical Engineering major, asked. Maria Cordero, a third year Human-Centered Computing major, agreed. “[Cuffing season]

12 Leisure

provides a secure and reliable cuddle partner.” You can be more confident your cuffing season partner won’t steal something from you or share your address with others, as opposed to a stranger.

Finding Pleasure in the Pros Being with someone for the cold months has some obvious benefits. “I love cuddling! Having someone to cuddle with when it’s cold is so nice, especially during exam week,” Cordero said. Wrapping up under a blanket and watching a holiday movie with someone special is a sweet moment. Spending time with someone is

[Cuffing season] provides a secure and reliable cuddle partner. also a way to relieve stress and help fight the sad or lonely feelings that come with winter. The presence of someone special during the holiday season is a gift in more ways than one. “Having someone special get you a present for the holidays is a great way to remember the relationship,” Cordero said. Whether the gift is an article of clothing or something sentimental, the memories of the relationship can be tied to it. There is also the chance that a cold weather romance won’t fizzle out when the spring rolls around. Cuffing season success stories are more common than one might think. Whether it be connecting with an old crush or finally making a move on that one person in your 8 a.m. class

who you’ve had a secret crush on since the semester began, cuffing season stories start in a variety of ways. They can also end in long-term relationships that last through the next coming years or could possibly lead to marriage. However, Morrison isn’t too keen on the idea. “What are the pros of cuffing season? None, no pros,” he said.

“What are the pros of cuffing season? None, no pros.”

Consider Skipping Cuffing As fun and innocent as cuffing may be, some students feel that the negatives of cuffing season outweigh the positives. “I’m on Tinder 24/7,” Morrison said. “Swiping left and right trying to find the right person not only takes up precious battery power, but also creates anxiety. Knowing what to say and when to say it to someone can take a lot of practice and social skills that some individuals might not possess.” Viewing profile after profile can get tiring at times, and sometimes have an adverse effect. “I am also reminded of how lonely I am, how utterly lonely I am in fact,” Morrison added. “The number of couples everywhere is astounding,” This is easily visible on campus. “Walking the Quarter Mile, I pass couple after couple, flaunting their happiness,” Morrison said. Cuffing season is also incredibly emotionally risky. “People just use you for that time of year,” Cordero said. Cuffing season is centered around the temporary relationship lasting until the warm weather sets in for good. If both participants are not actively participating in cuffing season — or are aware of cuffing

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At Your Leisure compiled by Angela Krieg and Anika Griffiths| illustration by Angela Krieg |design by Cassy Smithies

If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays more sustainably, but don’t know how, here’s a few ideas to get you started. Fill out the crossword for fun ways to recycle everyday items. Your tree will be green in more ways than one!

2 5

4 4

DOWN 1

Paint and toliet paper rolls can be used to create a jolly __________.

Too many unused plastic bags? String them together to create tree _______.

Old CDs can be cut up to create ________ to hang on your tree.

Worn out light bulbs covered in glitter can make a great ball __________.

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ACROSS 2

Fold drinking straws into the shape of a star to create a _____________.

Cut up, old clothes can be sewn together to create a ____________ at the bottom of your tree.

Painted bottle caps can be repurposed into a _________ that will never melt!

Down 1: Santa Claus, 2: Tinsel, 4: Stars, 6: Ornament Across 2: Treetopper, 3: Treeskirt, 5: Snowman

REPORTER.RIT.EDU

If he had hands, he’d probably write for us too. We’re hiring writers! If interested, send your resume and a writing sample to rptprint@rit.edu. Writing is a paid position. @ reportermag

2 ,0

by Taylor Synclair Goethe illustration by Maggie Dybas design by Alexis Scott

couple of years ago, I dined at a small family restaurant with my father and older brother. My dad is a six foot tall, broad shouldered man and my brother was a military college student dressed in uniform — while I wore short heels and a tea bottom dress. The server arrived with our orders: a salad, chicken alfredo pasta and steak with potatoes. The server picked up the steak and without question passed it to my dad. When my dad explained he had the salad, he then passed the steak to my brother. I informed the waiter that the steak was actually mine. He looked at me, then the steak and back to me again, clearly confused. Only when everyone at the table confirmed that I indeed ordered the steak and potatoes did I receive my meal.

Gender Bias in Food Gender bias is hardly a new concept. From Equal Work to Equal Pay and the #MeToo movement, gender minorities have worked for equal rights and the dismantlement of the patriarchy for a very long time. However, could food also be susceptible to gender bias? According to Philosophy professor and director of the Women’s and Gender Studies program Silvia Benso, it’s possible. 16 Features

Food is culture and EVERYTHING — especially gender — is affected by culture. “Food is culture, and everything — especially gender — is affected by culture,” Benso said. Every culture has a different relationship to food, but American culture perpetuates more of these gender norms. Brenda Ariba Zarhari Abu, a post-doctoral fellow of the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, believes that this is linked to Americans’ typically unhealthy diet. Even the common high-calorie, high-fat foods like chips and cookies can still be associated with feelings of shame and guilt. This is intensified for women where beauty standards often uphold notions of thinness as beauty. The stereotype that women eat more salads may not always be about nutrition, but sometimes a social performance. “We associate eating vegetables with looking thin, so we may want to eat more salads to appear this way,” Abu said. Hayley Howell, a second year student in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, has had this experience. She explained that dining publicly can quickly become an intense social scenario; something as simple as what you order can become a recipe for judgment and shame. “I think there’s a pressure to eat healthy, to eat a salad and not burgers or shakes, especially if you’re a heavier build,” Howell said.

Stereotyped Marketing The shame people feel when eating didn’t come from nowhere. The advertising industry is notorious for perpetuating several gender stereotypes. Even food commercials participate in the hypersexualization and objectification of female forms. In 2014, an article posted by the Munchies talked about how food and drink advertisers exploit gender biases to market their products. “If you are a man, advertisers believe that you like meat cooked on fire, or food that’s simple to eat. Or you like yogurt, crumbly chocolate that can only be enjoyed as a ‘guilty pleasure,’ and anything without calories if you’re a woman,” wrote Oscar Rickett in the Munchies. Advertisements are often expected to be corny and shallow, but they can still have lasting consequences on society. Ads don’t just sell products, but ideas and cultural norms too. A common phrase in marketing, “sex sells,” is almost entirely used in a heteronormative fashion to appeal to the male gaze. For example, the infamous Carl’s Jr and Hardy’s ad, poorly nicknamed “SlutBurger,” is a minute and a half of women in bikinis eating burgers. Unfortunately for women, the common

message is that food — even low-calorie items like yogurt — is a “guilty pleasure” that should be indulged in secret. Studies show these narratives are harmful and can feed into a monolithic view of female bodies as well as unattainable, unhealthy goals for women’s diets.

Health Risks “A lot of times, we try to achieve the socalled ‘perfect body,’ so they think if they eat less or exercise more they can become the ‘perfect woman,’” Grace Lombardi, a first year Computing Science major, said. This in part is why eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia, are more common in women than men. A study by the National Eating Disorders organization claimed that “Anorexia is the third most common chronic disease among young people.” A similar study by the National Institutes of Health stated that about one in five women and almost one in 10 men check their body size “very often.” According to Abu, eating disorders have a lot to do with maturity and young people, particularly teenagers, are more vulnerable to these bad habits.

However, it’s not just eating disorders young people should beware of. Abu says even dieting can cause serious bodily harm. On average, most men need 2,000 calories a day as opposed to most women who need 1,800 calories a day. The problem with dieting is that more often than not, it doesn’t encourage healthier eating habits — only caloric restrictions. Abu said this can lead to “weight cycling,” or the fluctuation of body weight, when people continuously binge eat and diet. Weight cycling not only risks damages to organs and bone structures, but an increase in developing diabetes and certain cancers. At the end of the day, our bodies need consistency. As Benso said, food and culture are intertwined. Food bias exists because gender bias is still prevalent in our culture for women to conform to beauty standards. However, as culture changes so do those standards. In the future, perhaps gender biases in food will not only decrease, but be nonexistent. Maybe the next time I order my steak and potatoes, it will be placed before me without question or judgment.

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The Culture of Cuisine: al o

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men

r i e s a d ay

Eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia, are more common in women than men.

One in five women and almost one in ten men check their body size “very often.”

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It’s very bad for your teeth and your health, but who cares? It’s Christmas.

by Marisa Kay Langlois | illustration by Maliheh Rahrovan | design by Lauren Perttula

ith the end of the semester fast approaching, most students are starting to look forward to relaxing over break and enjoying winter traditions with their families — such as drinking hot cocoa by the fire or snacking on cookies, candy and other delicious treats. How do members of the RIT community typically spend their winter holidays? Because RIT is lucky enough to be home to students from all sorts of ethnic backgrounds and cultures, we answer that question by taking a look at five members of the RIT community from five different countries: Austria, Vietnam, South Korea, Costa Rica and India.

Austria Mirjam Makovec, a fourth year Film and Animation major, comes from Austria and adores Christmas. According to Makovec, Austrian Christmas traditions are very similar to American Christmas traditions. 18 Features

“I’ve lived here in America for four years now. I think a lot of traditions are actually very similar,” she said. “Like, you know, the whole thing with having a Christmas tree at home and decorating it. And the Christmas lights and all that is very similar.” One of the few differences is that Austria doesn’t celebrate Santa Claus. Instead, the Christkind — German for “Christ child” — brings children gifts on Dec. 24. “Our way of scaring children is ... we celebrate Saint Nicholas and Krampus a lot bigger,” Makovec said. “Usually, we celebrate on the sixth of December, Saint Nicholas comes and brings you oranges, nuts, some sweets and treats ... Basically, the idea is that Saint Nicholas is light, Krampus is dark. But they’re both important; you need both of them to celebrate.” Another difference is that Austrians tend to stick to simple, traditional celebrations, whereas Americans — unsurprisingly — like to amp everything up.

“I think in America, as with most things, it’s just bigger,” Makovec said. “It’s brighter, it’s louder, it’s like the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center ... In Austria especially, Christmas is very traditional. So we have traditions that are hundreds of years old that are still celebrated ... For example, the traditional Christmas Market that we have in every single town.” In a Christmas Market, shoppers can buy gifts from local artisans — hats, mittens, snow globes and woodworkings — or eat all kinds of seasonal treats, such as mulled wine, coconut macaroons or roasted chestnuts and almonds. “Roasted almonds is something very, very typical,” said Makovec. “It’s very bad for your teeth and your health, but who cares? It’s Christmas.” “I just love everything about [Christmas], pretty much, it’s really hard for me to pick exactly one thing ...” Makovec continued. “I’m a kid inside. I’ll always be a kid inside, so Christmas is always like, ‘Yay!’”

Vietnam Dan Nguyen is a first year Supply Chain Management major whose parents immigrated from Vietnam in the late 1980s. “When I’m in America, I consider myself Vietnamese,” Nguyen said. “But when I’m in Vietnam, I always consider myself American.” Nguyen can describe his family gatherings in both America and Vietnam in one word. “Loud,” Nguyen said. “If it’s not loud, it’s not a family gathering.”

Nguyen’s family gatherings tend to always end up the same way: women in the kitchen, gossiping and helping with dinner, and men downstairs, watching sports and playing cards — typically a traditional Vietnamese card game called Thirteen, one of Nguyen’s favorites. “Kids learn how to play it,” Nguyen said. “They don’t actually use money or anything, but later on, as you get older, you start to do small bets. And later on, as you’re an adult, you do bigger and bigger bets. I’ve seen my uncles throw down twenty dollars and then get really mad ... I suck at the game, I’m still trying to learn.” Other than Thirteen, Nguyen’s favorite part of family gatherings is the food. “Since it’s really cold, we always try to do really, really hot dishes,” Nguyen said. “We always make pho — that’s a staple no matter the tradition, no matter what celebration it is. It’s always just pho.” For dessert, there’s always bánh da lợn, a steamed cake with bright green and yellow layers and a gelatinous consistency. “I always just call it ‘the green dessert,’” Nguyen said. Or, there’s chè, a sweet drink filled with tapioca balls or chia seeds that make it kind of like bubble tea — “but crazier,” according to Nguyen.

“It has Jello, red beans, different types of fruits in it ... After eating a lot of fried food, because usually there is, your tongue hurts and the [roof of your mouth] is scraped up, so you have this ... It just calms down your mouth and goes down easier,” he said. Nguyen asserted that every Vietnamese household has different traditions, but that many households would recognize his family’s traditions. “So both my parents are from South Vietnam, so I don’t really know if it’s different from Middle or North Vietnamese people ...” Nguyen said. “Every Vietnamese person can probably attest to ... You always get fattened up — and then afterwards they’ll ask you why you’re so fat.”

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It’s not easy leaving home.

I love eating Korean food especially, and it’s so hard to get it here in Rochester. So when I go back home, it’s just perfect.

... It’s a huge thing to come here and change everything that you consider normal in your life.

India

South Korea Michelle Kim is a fourth year Graphic Design major. Before she was born, her parents immigrated from South Korea, where most of her family still resides. “So I don’t actually know what an actual Christmas is,” Kim said. “[In South Korea], they gather all of their families over into one house and have a giant celebration. Basically, it’s just karaoke, [catered] food [and] a lot of drinking.” However, Kim and her family have a great deal of winter traditions that they observe each year. “We follow this for Christmas and New Year’s, actually,” Kim said. “We clean up the house. Sometimes we would go to church as well [and] pray. We’ll visit the cemetery for any of our family members who are deceased.” When asked which of her family’s traditions is her favorite, Kim responded, “Honestly, it’s just the food. Because I love eating Korean food especially, and it’s so hard to get it here in Rochester. So when I go back home, it’s just perfect.” 20 Features

Kim’s family always makes the staple dish kimchi. For Christmas and New Year’s they also have tteokguk, a soup made with coinshaped rice cakes that symbolize good luck. But Korean food is sorely lacking when it comes to dessert options. “Korea actually doesn’t have specific cakes or cookies or anything like that,” Kim said. “Honestly, what we eat for dessert is actually just fruits.” When she’s craving sweets, Kim makes hotteok, a street food similar to a pancake filled with a sweet brown sugar syrup.

Costa Rica Daniel Ugalde is a second year 3D Digital Design major. He has family in both America and Costa Rica, so his family gatherings are always colored by both cultures. “On my mom’s side of the family, her parents have been here for almost 50 years probably,” Ugalde said. “So when they have a get-together, to have dinner or something, it’s very Americanized. Like, say, for

Thanksgiving dinner, it’s just a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with some Hispanic food maybe thrown in there.” Ugalde’s Thanksgiving dinner features all the typical trimmings — such as turkey and cranberry sauce — as well as some Hispanic staples, like rice, beans and fried plantains. “I didn’t realize how many countries actually eat [fried plantains] until like two days ago,” Ugalde said. “When my Dominican friend was making fried plantains in the kitchen in dorms and from down the hall you hear three Hispanic kids — all from different countries — asking the same thing: ‘Are those plantains?’” Ugalde’s family Christmas celebrations in his home state of New Jersey tend to be pretty traditional American Christmases. But the Christmases he has spent with extended family in Costa Rica have one major difference: the climate. “There, it’s pretty warm during Christmas,” Ugalde said. “So we cook outside and we all sit in the backyard, have a big barbecue type of deal.” All year, Ugalde looks forward to his greatgrandfather’s chicharrones, or fried pork skins. “If you’ve ever seen a bag of pork rinds, it’s kind of like that but with actual meat and skin,” Ugalde said. “It’s really good. We wait for that all year long because he only makes it then.” In addition to the chicharrones, Ugalde’s favorite Christmas tradition is opening gifts. “Hopefully I get money this year because I need that,” he said.

Sri Kartik is a residence coordinator from India who has lived in Rochester since 2014. With her family a hemisphere away, Kartik and her fiancé have to forge their own holiday traditions, from casual get-togethers to finding ways to be as generous as possible. “While I don’t have family here, my fiancé and I, we like to create our own traditions,” Kartik said. “We like hosting friends that don’t really have family nearby or students that aren’t going home for Christmas. We try to do something small at home, even if it means getting our favorite takeout and Thai food, or going and watching a movie. Something simple, but we still try to celebrate stuff over here.” In addition to Thai takeout, Kartik loves The Red Fern, a vegan restaurant in downtown Rochester, and Voula’s, a Greek cafe and bakery. She reminisced about Chinese takeout in India. “There is such a thing as Indian Chinese food because we share borders with China,” Kartik said. “There is an entire group of food that is in some way Indian food manipulating Chinese food and vice versa, so that’s a pretty popular form of takeout. It’s very standard during the holidays to get Indian Chinese food ... There’s no surprise that it’s very spicy.” In general, though, Kartik avoids Indian food during the holidays because it makes her more homesick. “I think for me, it never really goes away — the homesickness,” Kartik said. “I think anyone that leaves home and comes here — I think on some days it becomes [easier] to bear. And on other days, you get hit with a huge wave of nostalgia when you see something that’s Indian around here.”

Kartik particularly misses being in India for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights which took place this year on Nov. 7, 2018. Her favorite Diwali traditions include getting a brand new outfit from her parents and seeing different family members and receiving blessings from them. “I guess I just miss that energy sometimes,” Kartik said. “Because, sure, the Indian community exists over here. But it’s one thing celebrating something standalone and another thing when an entire city or state is celebrating with you.” The bright side of this feeling of homesickness is that Kartik can apply it to her job at the Center for Residence Life. “I will always go out of my way to help with any student on this campus that needs help, but if there’s ever a community that my heart will always be associated with, it’s the international

student community,” Kartik said. “Because I think it’s not easy leaving home ... It’s a huge thing to come here and change everything that you consider normal in your life. So yeah, definitely, I think it translates a lot to my job. I talk to a lot of students about what it feels like to be an outsider sometimes ... So it’s a nice conversation to have, and I’m comfortable having it because of my experience.” These five countries make up only a tiny portion of the globe, and yet the winter traditions from each region can be strikingly different — and also strikingly similar. One of the best, most edifying experiences of college is being thrown into a mini melting pot where you can get to know people from all across the world. Maybe we could all get to know each other a little better over a steaming bowl of tteokguk or a refreshing glass of chè. Features 21

Wallace Center:

The Sci-Final Frontier by Jessica Sides | illustration by Asher Bozman | design by Nancy Perez

new project has arisen on campus. Members of Space-Time Adventures at RIT (STAR), along with Professor Clyde Hull of the Saunders College of Business, have decided that it’s time RIT got a science fiction section in the Wallace Library. While the library already has some sci-fi titles, they are currently scattered all over. These students, along with Hull, seek to bring them to one place. “This could be the largest sci-fi collection in the world,” Hull said. The project is still in its early stages, focused mostly on planning and building interest. Hull has been coordinating with Marcia Trauernicht, director of RIT’s libraries, about the issue. They both agree that it would be nice to have RIT ranked first in yet another area. As it is, RIT is currently ranked first in Western N.Y. for business and first in N.Y. state online schools. We have been recognized in the top 100 greenest universities, and Thinkgeek recognized us as the no. 1 geekiest campus.

Why Is This Important?

For Professor Hull, this project is simple. “Science Fiction is a big part of what RIT is. STAR, Anime Club, Human versus Zombies and other sci-fi topics hold a lot of weight at RIT. I hear people quote lines from ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘Harry Potter’ and more. They embody it and even dress up as sci-fi characters.”

For Hull, it’s not just about the students; faculty also plays a role. “We also have no shortages of experts here. At RIT, we really try to play at our strengths, and sci-fi is one of those strengths. It’s an obvious choice really,” he said. A major goal of this update would be to provide a location to relieve stress, that also inspires and leads to innovation at the same time. “When you are reading something about potential futures and technology, you become inspired to create something great. People read sci-fi at a young age, and they become lifelong readers and learners,” said Trauernicht. “You become more accepting of technology and what is out there. Also, you realize that it is not just for men.” Sci-fi often leads to a rise in possibilities. Big-screen TVs, cell phones, Bluetooth earpieces and so much more were all a part of “Star Trek.” These are things now found in our dayto-day lives. Derrick Loi, the president of Anime Club, agreed.

“We are the type of school to have a ton of geeks and nerds. To get this section would be an inspiration to students.” 22 Features

“Space itself facilitates a forward-thinking environment. It gives you a view into the future and the possibilities it can provide. This is a tech school. This is the type of thinking that is very important to encourage inspiration,” he said.

Where Would it Go?

Hull said that RIT has plans to build an extension to the Wallace Library, reaching from the current edge of the library to the Student Alumni Union. This new extension has the possibility of becoming the final resting place for the collection.

“We really want the library to become the center of campus life,” Hull said. In the case that the sci-fi section is placed on the second floor instead, Trauernicht had some ideas. “The library can change; we are willing to expand with this. Later this year, the second floor is going to be cleared,” she said. “When we are finished experimenting with groupings, we could try having all the sci-fi titles in one place and see how it goes.” Trauernicht is currently gauging student interest in such an experiment. She

encourages students to come speak with her regarding the project if they’re interested.

How Can it Happen?

The current record for sci-fi titles is 300,000, held by University of California Riverside. Despite seeming like a large number, it would not be difficult to accomplish. The Wallace Library already has a number of titles within their literature section that are considered sci-fi. Between these and donations from RIT’s extensive alumni network and its current student body, such a goal is well within reach. Donations can be given directly to Wallace Library. “We need lots of donations of titles. This is a more ground-up type of project, meaning we will start off small and build up. People must show interest in it and actually use the area for us to continue,” Trauenicht said. If the interest is indeed as large as they expect, they will expand the area and give it more space. Ultimately it is up to Trauernicht, as she has the final say in this project. Loi added that many clubs will likely be just as involved as the library. They will have to reach out to Student Government, spread awareness and gain traction. STAR is currently in charge of organizing participation; if students want to get involved, they can always step up and help them. “So far everyone who I have

spoken to has not been opposed to it. They like the idea of RIT being number one in sci-fi collections, ” said Hull. “I’m [currently] talking to people and just trying to bring people together.”

“[Sci-fi] deserves its own respect.” What’s Next?

Hull stated that the current course of action for this project is to make a solid plan. He has been working with STAR to create a proposal of sorts for Trauernicht. They are currently figuring out levels of interest, what resources it would take and where they would come from. If all goes to plan, students could see changes quickly. Hull, Trauernicht and Loi all agreed that 2019 could be a realistic goal to finish this project. There is excitement in the air this fall. The hope for this project has only grown among those in the know, and they hope to share their joy with all who will listen. Loi could hardly contain his excitement and was pleased to hear about the project. “[Sci-fi] deserves its own respect,” he said. “I’m glad that the Wallace Library is interested in this proposal. We are the type of school to have a ton of geeks and nerds. To get this section would be an inspiration to students.”

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The Spiral Down It began with a cancer diagnosis, which is enough to scare anyone. She said, “The cancer diagnosis didn’t scare me so much — we were so young and the prognosis was good. But I had no idea what was in front of us.” The doctors prescribed Vicodin and recovery was steady. However, as he eased off of treatment, her husband’s Vicodin use remained steady. “Once you’re in it, you’re in it — there’s no off ramp,” she explained. Slowly, the addiction worsened. He began to rely on the medication not for a high, but simply to feel normal. After using the drug for so long, being off of it meant feeling sluggish and unproductive, therefore developing a reliance on it. The disease took over their lives and it made raising their children more difficult. Eventually, things reached an apex and she offered her husband an ultimatum: make an effort to get clean or leave. Soon after, the two went to the hospital to look for treatment, but the stigma surrounding addiction complicated this.

Addiction: The Fight of Your Life by Kasey Mathews photography by Cheyenne Boone design by Elin Smith

e all have our preconceptions of what addiction looks like and the notion that it all could have been prevented by just saying no to drugs. While stereotypes exist, they are not necessarily representative of the disease. Oftentimes prevention is much more complicated than simple refusal. Addiction can begin in a very unassuming way and can affect anyone from friends to co-workers to loved ones. One RIT faculty member shared the story of her husband’s journey with Reporter.

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“Once you’re in it, you’re in it — there’s no off ramp.” Questions ran through their heads. What if they saw someone they knew? What if they were confronted about it? What if their neighbors or co-workers found out — what about their employers? “We were ashamed,” she explained. “... and so we wanted to go to a hospital that wasn’t even in our area.” They drove to an emergency room out of town, but were told the facility was not professionally equipped to do anything. The facility recommended attending meetings, placing the responsibility and decision-making on him, rather than helping in the moment. “And the complicated part of this is that the addict is incapable of making good decisions,” she said. “So this bullshit ... about ‘it’s a choice’ — anybody that makes that argument is totally ignorant. They have no idea of what addiction is,” she stated.

She clarified that those suffering from substance abuse disorder are still liable for their actions; however, the “choice mechanism” is entirely absent. Feeding the addiction at that point is no longer a willful decision — it’s survival. Withdrawal is ugly and painful, and people have been known to die from its effects. After the body builds up a dependency on a substance, ripping it away is just the same as ripping away any other dependency we have. Attempts were made to begin the path of recovery, but recovery is anything but a straight road.

The Winding Road to Recovery When they began to search for a rehabilitation facility, their insurance company refused to cover the costs. The insurance company saw his life as still being relatively stable, misunderstanding the tremendous effects the substance abuse was having on his well-being. Insurance would only step in to pay after he’d already failed out-patient care. Yet, as his wife explained, addicts are smart. They can convince others of great recovery successes, all the while spiraling further downward. Only after a suicide attempt did the insurance company finally agree to admit him into a short rehab program. “It was only for seven days because that’s what it takes to cure addiction,” she said sarcastically. Looking into the service, the two were able to get his stay extended to a total of 21 days. He was determined to make significant steps in his recovery and seemed to be doing well. After his release, his wife was overjoyed. It was only years later that he finally admitted that he drank the day of his release. It was difficult for her to handle, but she reminded herself that there is no such thing as a recovered addict. Rather, recovery is a road that never ends. They’ll always be addicted — they just get better at resisting the call. “When I see the problem, I’m torn because I don’t know what to tell somebody, other than ‘you’re fighting for your life right now,’” she said. “‘And there’s a good chance you’re not going to win.’” While the rehabilitation center certainly provided him with the resources he needed and the groundwork for recovery, it was by no means a cure-all. Only a month after his release, there was another suicide attempt, preceding a “roller-coaster couple of years.”

The Breaking Point Five years ago, everything finally boiled over. He went missing for a week without any trace. “It was the worst week of my life,” his wife said. “And his mother’s life.” In that week something seemed to change in her. She began to accept that she would never see him again. He had been suffering and perhaps now he wouldn’t suffer anymore. A week later, she received a phone call. It was him and he was saying goodbye. Somehow, it was a peaceful moment. His wife recalled going to sleep afterwards and resting well. She awoke the next morning to a call from his mother — they found him after another suicide attempt. While she’s asked that he not share the details with her, from what she does know, there is no reason he should have survived.

“You’re fighting for your life right now.” Even after this revelation, she still felt a sense of peace. She loved him dearly, but for the sake of the family and her own well-being, she requested he not return to their lives. With little hope for a reunion, she spent the next year focusing on herself and her life. She raised their children, cared for herself and ensured that her life was still on track. “[It] happens a lot,” she said, looking at the relationship between addicts and their loved ones. “You spiral down with them — your finances go out of control, your emotions go out of control ... your work suffers.” She had to take a step back and rebuild her life. Meanwhile, he began a more steady path of recovery. After his release from the hospital, he was determined never to let something similar happen. A year later, the two reconnected and their marriage was rekindled. He hasn’t had a fullblown relapse in the five years since the incident. Now the two work to spread awareness of the issues facing addiction — the resources that are all too scarce, the public image that is all too distorted and the stigma that only makes it more difficult to reach out for help. Through their work, they look to ensure that those who are suffering can know they are not alone.

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I'm Coming with Good Will and Gifts by Kiki Antoinette | illustration by Sara Calhoun | design by Kevin Zampieron

hether you call me Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas or good ole’ Santa Claus, know that I am coming on Christmas Day! While some sourpusses won’t agree, children collapse into joy in the Christmas tradition of gift giving and holiday spirit. As Santa Claus, I will tell you all the reasons why children should believe in me.

1. Makes Christmas Magical As the one and only Santa, I can confirm that every year children are paralyzed with the joy of Christmas. While ornaments glisten on fresh green leaves, kids dressed in onesie pajamas smile at delicately wrapped presents piled underneath it. Christmas time creates an atmosphere of magical bliss in each household. Allowing children to believe in me can only widen their imagination and ignite a creative drive in their beliefs.

2. Teach Your Kids To Bake We all know baking is tough stuff! Tradition says to leave me a gift of milk and

cookies. Children will be learning to bake from an early age. By the end of middle school, they will be baking professionals! Also, there are always extra cookies for the entire family to enjoy. Do you want to be the monster that takes away the pleasure of eating cookies on Christmas day? Let the kids bake the cookies! With adult supervision, of course.

3. Kids Go to Bed on Time Naturally, on Christmas Eve children want to stay up to meet me in person. Let it be known that I won’t come unless the kids are in bed by 9 p.m.! Make it tradition, and get rid of your children early every night. You’re welcome! Don’t get me wrong, I love kids. But parents need to regain their sanity when the kids are home 24/7 for winter break.

4. Your Kids Will Be Less Demonic My elves work tirelessly to make beautiful presents for your children to enjoy, except for the naughty ones. Remind the children: I have a list. Oh yes! After all these years, I still check it twice. If a child is on the naughty list, the

child shall receive coal. However, if the child behaves and is nice enough for praise, then they shall be given their ideal present. I will help make the children behave, since their age encourages many mistakes.

5. Ho, Ho, Ho-liday Traditions One of the biggest arguments against my existence is the regret to have the child believe that their parents did not gift them anything and it was all me. However, parents, I have a solution. I will bring the presents to the good children, but you should also be encouraged to buy some for your beloved kids as well. The kids will feel so blessed to have not only Santa look after them, but their parents as well. Santa is one of the biggest Christmas traditions. I want to encourage everyone to make it your own! As an incredible being, I can be anything you want me to be. People often draw me as an old white man. However, I can come in any gender, color or creed — the possibilities are endless! No matter what form I take, know that I can morph, folks. I will be anything you want me to be. Santa is coming!

“I want to encourage everyone to make it your own!”

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the students and do not reflect the views of REPORTER.

“The unfortunate truth is not everyone can afford to recreate the Santa myth.”

Get Off Your High Reindeer, Big Man L

by Shay McHale | illustration by Sara Calhoun| design by Kevin Zampieron

ook, instead of listening to Sandy Claws over there, try listening to me. All I’m saying is the big guy has gotten a little too big for his britches, in more ways than one. Christmas isn’t about gifts, I should know that as well as anyone. The whole point of this holiday is to celebrate being together and caring for other people. All that human Kool-Aid man has done for this holiday is take what matters most and twist it. Not only does he take all the credit from hard-working parents who work tirelessly to make their families happy, but the very culture of surveillance and behavioral policing is unhealthy, especially for the kids.

especially since Santa is all show and doesn’t actually buy the gifts. Many parents simply can’t afford to be the same “Santa” that others can. Parents struggle to afford the gifts their kids want. So, when kids show off the fancy-smancy gifts “Santa” gave them for Christmas, it causes other kids to think Santa doesn’t like them as much. The whole point of Santa is to make kids happy, but the unfortunate truth is not everyone can afford to recreate the Santa myth. It can be nice to think a magical entity gives you presents instead of your parents, but all it does is take away the glory from all the work parents do to make their kids happy.

He’s a Scammer

He’s a Creeper

To start, a creepy cis-het white dude breaking into houses is not a good idea to advertise to kids. The idea that someone else is responsible for ensuring the happiness of children around the world is taking away from the real heroes of this holiday: parents,

Again, it’s a little creepy to have some old dude watching over everything kids do to make sure they’re not “naughty.” This idea of constant surveillance and an absolute reward or punishment system is detracting even more from the idea of Christmas as a

holiday and more of childhood annual review. Not to mention if parents can’t manage to pull together enough for a decent Santa bounty, kids will think they behaved awful, regardless of how evil the little gremlins actually were. If Santa was truly worthy of goodwill and cheer, he would use his mass-distributing resources to provide gifts on an equal scale. My heart isn’t as small as you think. The magic of Christmas is not lost on kids if they know the old geezer up North is a myth. Kids love to play pretend, no matter how much they know it isn’t real. They can still enjoy writing letters, visiting some random guy in the mall to tell him their greatest wishes, and leaving out milk and cookies. The real part of Christmas that matters is the spirit of giving that is within all of us, not one literal spirit of giving. I know better than most that lying never ends up well, it always leaves you with a little ache in your heart; and in the end, it adds more pain than necessary to what should be the most wonderful time of the year.

photography by Jesse Wolfe | illustration by Unique Fair | design by Elin Smith

WORD ON THE STREET:

“I was told that my grandmother had a daughter she gave away.” Oliva Carson

“My parents lied to me about getting me a gift for getting all As.” Cole Swiernik

“My parents told me the government was trustworthy.” Rich Kosco

“You can be anything you want, son!”

“My parents told me Taco Bell has the shit-est food so I wouldn’t go there.” Jill Vorreiter

“That life is easy.”

first year, Film and Animation

second year, Motion Picture Science

What’s the Biggest Lie Your Parents Have Ever Told

You?

The opinions expressed are solely those of the students and do not reflect the views of REPORTER. 28 Views

“My parents telling me that Santa Claus was real.” Paulina Hernandez second year, Advertising and Public Relations

first year, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Jack Washburn

first year, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Erika Koch

first year, Graphic Design

first year, Film and Animation

RIN GS compiled by Taylor Synclair Goethe | illustration by Monica Ngyuen-Vo design by Dhensel Dorji

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