15 October, 2015
thescrippsvoice.com
The Scripps Voice
since 1996
Your School. Your Issues. Your Paper.
Williamson gallery exhibits new photos By Maureen Cowhey ‘19 Staff Writer
T
he Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery is exhibiting a collection of recently gifted photographs entitled “Documenters and Storytellers: Photographic Narratives in the 20th century” through Oct. 18. The exhibition was organized and curated by Scripps student Allegra Cox ‘18. The exhibition is one of two which will be shown at the gallery this semester. Cox worked at the gallery over the summer as a Wilson Intern, a paid internship in arts administration and conservation funded by the Getty Foundation and alumnae Michael and Jane Wilson (‘64). Sifting through the gallery’s recent acquisitions, Cox was drawn to the documentary photography. She explains that the goal of the show is for “viewers to come away from the exhibit questioning how they used photography in their own lives to tell their own stories.” In addition to choosing the photographs on display and the theme of the exhibit, Cox also researched the artists and the historical context of the photographs in order to write the wall text that accompanies the images. In addition, Cox worked on the layout, color schemes of the gallery, placement of images, and hanging of the photographs. She displayed the final works at an opening reception with live music on Sept. 12. Williamson Gallery’s Collections Manager and Registrar, Kirk Delman, said “The show has been a great success from both our students and the community at large.” Delman also stated how valuable the descriptive wall text has been for viewers in furthering the theme of the exhibition. The exhibition is free and open to the public until Sunday, Oct. 18. The Williamson Gallery will be opening its next exhibition titled “Preserving China’s Past: Paintings of the Ming-Qing Dynasties” on Oct. 31 with live music and light refreshments. Delman said that the show will feature 34 paintings that the College has conserved for the past 23 years. Pre-restoration photographs will accompany the conserved works. “In addition, we have organized a symposium that brings conservators, curators, and art historians from across the United States to Scripps to discuss the challenges and changes that have refined the nature of conservation,” Delman said. Speakers include Dr. Mimi Gardner Gates, Director Emerita of the Seattle Art Museum; Nicholas Dorman, Chief Conservator Seattle Art Museum; Gu Xiangmei, Chinese painting conservator; and Andrew Hare, Japanese and Chinese painting conservator. According to Delman, the Williamson Gallery is also welcoming three new Wilson Interns who will put together projects pertaining to the College’s permanent collection of works. The gallery will also be preparing for the Scripps 72nd Ceramic Annual, opening Jan. 23. The exhibition will be guest curated by Susan Beiner, Associate Professor of Art, Ceramics, at Arizona State University. According to Beiner the theme of the exhibition will be comparing sight of two-dimensional paintings with the touch of three-dimensional ceramic forms. All events at the Williamson Gallery are free and open to the public. Please visit their website, http://rcwg.scrippscollege.edu/, for more information on upcoming events and exhibitions.
Inside This Issue:
Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery’s exhibition, “Documenters and Storytellers: Photographic Narratives in the 20th Century” Photo by Layne Wells ‘19
7cs recognize disability awareness month By Madeleine Edwards ‘19 Staff Writer
O
ctober is National Disability Awareness Month, and the 7Cs are honoring its purpose along with the nation. October will be marked by campus-wide events aimed at raising awareness around the Claremont Colleges regarding disability and the resources available to students with disabilities. At the heart of this are two groups on campus, the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) and the Disability, Illness, and Difference Alliance (DIDA). The SDRC is a fairly new resource on campus, celebrating its one-year anniversary this month. It is located in Tranquada Student Services Center south of Honnold-Mudd Library. The center opened in the fall of 2014 and serves 7C students with disabilities. At the center, students with academic accommodations can have tests proctored and find advocates for their academic success. The center also provides disability awareness workshops and trainings, instructional support for faculty, and study space. This month, the SDRC will host many of the Disability Awareness Month-related events. These include a variety of lunch discussions, talks, and workshops. For a full calendar of events, look for SDRC posters around campus or check our their website (http://www.cuc.claremont.edu/sdrc/).
Page 4 - KSPC Radio
Tune into the college station as it celebrates its 60th birthday
One of the SDRC’s educational efforts during October includes posting daily trivia questions on their website Monday through Friday, which students can answer to enter to win a prize. This runs through the end of the month. October will finish with speaker Dr. Alan Green, Professor of Education at USC, on the topic “What Can We Gain From Expanding Our Definition of Diversity?” Dr. Green’s talk will be held Friday, Oct. 30 at 11:00am. Location TBA. Monsour Counseling will also hold weekly workshops on mental health topics throughout the month. Coming up on Tues., Oct. 20 at 5:00pm in the Tranquada Student Services Center, Monsour will host an Assertiveness and Empowerment workshop to facilitate learning around having healthier relationships, building assertiveness and feeling more empowered in interactions with others. Find details about these events on the SDRC’s website or October calendars of events posted around campus. Also consider checking out Monsour’s website at http://www.cuc.claremont.edu/ monsour/. DIDA, the 5C’s Disability, Illness, and Difference Alliance, is Claremont’s club led by and for disabled students. On Sat., Oct. 10, the group painted Pomona’s Walker Wall in honor of Disability Awareness Month, with images related to disability empowerment and awareness. To celebrate this month, take a stroll by Walker Wall to enjoy the art, attend a workshop or look for opportunities to participate in conversations regarding disability at Scripps .
Page 4 - Staff Profile
Read about Christine Cunanan’s Malott employment and studies
1030 Columbia Avenue | Claremont, CA 91711 | Box 839 email: scrippsvoice@gmail.com | Volume XIX | Issue Three
Page 12 - LBV Farewell
Remember the night’s best moments with a photo collage
2 • News
peer health educators talk self-care
y h t l a e h y a st with SHS
By the TFH Peer Health Educator Team
W
ith summer long gone and midterms wrapping up, it’s hard to believe how quickly the school year has progressed already. September is a thing of the past as we move into the months of October and November. That being said, with all the commotion of returning to college or beginning college life for the very first time, it is very easy to get sucked into the stress-related factors that accompany the transition as well. In recognition of October as Mental Health Awareness Month, we have highlighted some useful strategies for you to employ in order to ease your mind this fall.
Give yourself the time of day Between homework, studying, jobs, and after-school activities, it’s easy to rank yourself last on your priorities list, but it’s especially important that you set aside time every day to allow yourself a respite and a moment to relieve yourself of the stresses of life. Spend some time with a good book, lounge by the pool at the Tiernan Field House, take in the serenity of the Margaret Fowler Garden or grab a blanket and bask in some sun on the lawn.
Sleep The struggle is real when it comes to getting an adequate amount of sleep in college. So many of us are kept up late at night cramming for exams, writing papers and finishing assignments because we just can’t seem to find the time we need. Nonetheless, your body needs a chance to rest and recuperate after a long and attention-demanding day. Sleeping provides your body with this opportunity so that your mind will be ready to perform in top shape the following day. Perhaps the next time you find yourself dozing off while studying, opt for sleep in place of the all-nighter. And if you absolutely cannot make the time to sleep at night, try taking a small nap during the day for a quick burst of energy.
Nutrition Okay, so you slept past breakfast, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure that you are keeping yourself well-fed during the hours that you are up and awake. Eat foods that are known to be good for you: fruits, vegetables, protein and dairy products. These foods not only boost your physical health, but they also improve mental health. When your body receives essential nutrients, the energy it acquires ensures that you are better able to function in all aspects of your daily life. If you can’t make it to the dining hall, make sure you have a stash of healthy snacks like fruits or nuts to munch on as you go about your day.
Find good company When you go off to college or return to school for the fall, it can be difficult knowing that you are leaving behind the people you have come to know, love and depend on back home. It is for this reason that having friends on campus who are willing to listen and support you throughout your highs and lows is essential. For some of us this may be a challenge, but just remember to be yourself, and don’t feel like you have to change your ways simply to be friends with someone. Join clubs related to your interests, get involved around campus and be open to starting conversations with new people.
Adopting some of these strategies may be challenging at first, but start out small, slowly integrating these habits into your everyday lifestyle, and watch as your quality of life begins to improve significantly.
If you are in crisis, please call Monsour Counseling 8am-5pm or contact Campus Safety after hours at 909-6072000.
By Sydney Sibelius ‘18 Staff Writer
F
or all college students who dread the day the common cold arrives on campus, Student Health Services is there to help. Student Health Services (SHS) is located on the first floor of the Tranquada Student Services Center, to the southwest of the Honnold-Mudd Library. SHS provides full-care health service to all registered students at the Claremont University Consortium, and is an appointment-based clinic. All students can schedule an appointment in advance at no charge. The staff provides care including laboratory work, basic imaging, dispensary, and immunizations. Each year, SHS provides flu vaccination clinics for students. This year, the fall clinic ran on days from October 1st to October 15th. While the flu clinics have passed, it is also possible to walk into the clinic and receive a flu shot. Those students with SHIP are able to receive the immunization for free, otherwise the cost for an injectable vaccine is $20. SHS is on campus to promote the physical health and wellness of students. With the variety of services offered, SHS makes it easier for students to attend to their health needs without leaving campus to find a doctor. In addition to holding appointments for illnesses and general medical visits, the center offers sports physicals for athletes on campus. If ever necessary, SHS provides x-ray and lab services as well as any other necessary immunizations. Student Health Services offers services for women’s health and family planning, as well as STD testing and counseling for individuals. Any services offered by SHS are private and confidential, and handled by the full-time staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses. The center has recently launched services for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. Dr. Maria Dunton, D.O, is the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and can be scheduled for appointments. Alternatives to visiting SHS include the Wellness Room located at Pomona College. The room is open 24/7 to all enrolled Claremont students. The room houses various health and wellness education materials, as well as the Plan B emergency contraception pill. The Wellness Room can be found in Walker Hall, Room 204. Working alongside SHS throughout the 5Cs is the Health Education Outreach. HEO works to promote intentional healthy lifestyle choices for students through various programming and free in-office services such as HIV testing, condoms, and earplugs. Additionally, located in the Student Services Center are Monsour Counseling Center and the Student Disability Resource Center, offering more services and resources to Claremont students. SDRC provides disability awareness trainings and workshops, as well as testing and study space for students. Across the 7Cs, this is the centralized resource center for students with disabilities. In addition to providing resources, SDRC puts on various programs for all students across the campuses in regards to dealing with stress, emotions, and various other personal matters. SDRC has been working to promote that October is Disability Awareness Month. Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services is also located in Tranquada and offers support for a range of psychological issues. Students can receive up to eight free counseling sessions per year. If necessary, Monsour can continue counseling or recommend additional outside services available to students.
All of these services provide resources for students in safe and confidential environments. To schedule an appointment with SHS, call 909-621-8222. Appointments made in advance are highly recommended, and there is a $15 charge for non-scheduled visits. SDRC can be contacted at 909-607-7419, and Monsour Counseling can be reached at 909-621-8202.
15 October, 2015 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three
News • 3
EXAMINING THE LINK BETWEEN The Scripps Voice Staff Advisor Sam Haynes
and
Editors-in-Chief Lucy Altman-Newell Elena Pinsker
CREATIVITY illness By Jocelyn Gardner ‘17 Mental Health Columnist & Webmaster Content Warning: Suicide, Bipolar Disorder
Design Editors Monica Acosta Abigail Gilcrest Jenny Lee
“
Copy Editors Rachel Miller-Haughton Ashley Minnis-Lemley Business Manager Lily Comba Webmaster Jocelyn Gardner Columnists & Staff Writers Ali Bush Natalie Camrud Maureen Cowhey Madeleine Edwards Sophie Fahey Kandace Fung Sara Jane Gage Taylor Galla Jocelyn Gardner Diva Gattani Evelyn Gonzalez Joelle Leib Kaya Mark Jay Marks Erin Matheson Natasha Pinon Grace Richey Sasha Rivera Sydney Sibelius Talia Speaker Isobel Whitcomb Vloggers Abigail Metsch Lily Yang - Director Photographers Tyra Abraham Jessica Eu Suzette Guzman Anita Ho Annalise Ko Jessica Padover Layne Wells Comments and letters can be submitted by emailing scrippsvoice@gmail.com or by visiting our website at www.thescrippsvoice.com. Please review our guidelines online before submitting feedback. The Scripps Voice is a student forum and is not responsible for the opinions expressed in it.
I stopped and looked out over the fjord—the sun was setting, and the clouds turning blood red. I sensed a scream passing through nature.” The Scream is an iconic modern painting. Artist Edvard Munch described the moment that inspired the piece in the quote above. Scholars have theorized about Munch’s supposed mental illness and his anxiety, which caused this vision that inspired the piece. If there is a connection between creativity and mental illness, did artists like Munch use creativity as an outlet, or was their creativity caused by mental illness? Did their mental illnesses alter their perception, allowing them to create art like The Scream? Edvard Munch. Vincent Van Gogh. Sylvia Plath. Virginia Woolf. Jim Morrison. Robin Williams. All of these people fit a certain label society has observed throughout history: the tortured artist. Recent large-scale studies have shown a link between creativity and mental illness, which means that when I started researching for this topic, I was met with a barrage of articles triumphantly announcing that the association is valid. I have included links to some of these articles at the end of my article. In recent times, people have become enamored with the idea of the tortured artist, and have used this idea to fuel speculation about famous people from the past. According to Harvard Medical School Psychiatrist Dr. Albert Rothenberg, “Psychiatric diagnoses of eminent people have been derived not from clinical sources but from general and popular biographies revealing apparent clay feet of creative heroes, unproven gossip and hearsay, and a field called pathography, in which both literary and psychological analysts describe correlations between artists’ psychological constitutions and pathological elements they see in subject matter or characters.” Dr. Rothenberg explains that people are very quick to make assumptions about mental illness based on subjective and even somewhat violent ideas about the inspiration of works by the people they want to believe fit the “tortured artist” trope.
“
If there is a connection between creativity and mental illness, did artists like Munch use creativity as an outlet, or was their creativity caused by mental illness?
”
I wonder if this is because it makes a better story than to say someone is just a very creative individual. Even when the details are not particularly relevant, I’ve heard people (in academic settings) consistently bring up gossipy accounts of tragic incidents from artists’ lives. I haven’t heard a discussion about Sylvia Plath in which her famous suicide
is not brought up (and l a u g h e d a b o u t ) . I t ’s very disruptive to hear about an artist’s nervous breakdown in the middle of a discussion of their artwork, yet people seem to find it far more interesting to attribute Munch’s painting to a hallucinogenic anxiety attack than saying “he just felt like it.” It is also otherizing when we speak for the artists, saying that their work was caused by their altered perception and mental processing. Just because someone created something amazing doesn’t mean that that person had to be mentally ill to do so, and on the other hand, mental illness doesn’t always significantly affect creative output.
“
Suffering is an intrinsic component of mental illness but, despite traditional romantic beliefs about creative people, such disruption seldom contributes directly to creative inspiration.
”
In my classes, I’ve also noted that many people speak differently when we explore the works of people who have well-known accounts of mental illness and those who don’t. I hear words such as, “disturbed,” “hallucinogenic,” “conflicted” and “unstable,” among others. In the contexts I’ve heard them, I didn’t think they were fair to say, since the words were only used in response to famous artists’ struggles with mental illness— again, struggles that didn’t necessarily significantly affect their creative output. Writing off creativity as a symptom of mental illness is more than that scientifically-studied connection I mentioned earlier. From Dr. Rothenberg’s Psychology Today article, “…both creativity and mental illness involve deviations, sometimes fairly extreme ones, from normative modes of thought. Symptoms of mental illness differ from normal thinking and behavior, and creativity requires special or uncommon capacities. But there are sharp differences in effects; mental illness symptoms—compulsions, obsessions, delusions, panic attacks, depression, and personality disorders deviate in stereotyped and frequently banal ways, whereas creativity involves novel and rich results.” Creative geniuses are at the fringes of the population, in that they are notable and uncommon. Despite mental illness’ prevalence in society, the stigma and otherizing surrounding mental illness contributes to the misconception that those who are mentally ill— Munch, Van Gogh, and company— are rare and extreme cases. Of course, Munch and Van Gogh made art which expressed their emotions. Munch was an Expressionist, and Van Gogh was a Post-Impressionist-- both movements placed heavy emphasis on emotion. The same can be said of writers such as Sylvia Plath and Edgar Allen Poe, whose genre of poetry demanded a focus on emotion. It seems strange, then, to assert that these creative individuals focused so intensely on emotion only because they were mentally ill. The romanticization of mental illness is another alarming trend relating to this tortured artist dichotomy. If people say that you can only create masterpieces if you are mentally ill, this discourages help-seeking and treatment because people believe that will “dull” creativity. In the end, is it worth it to have respite
from suffering caused by mental illness (assuming it even causes that degree of suffering, which it might not for everyone) at the alleged sake of creativity? The last issue I would like to bring to your attention is how bipolar disorder is constantly used in the context of this topic. Bipolar disorder, according to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is, “a chronic mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly. People with bipolar have high and low moods, known as mania and depression, which differ from the typical ups and downs most people experience.” There are links to more information at the end of this article. Manic episodes have symptoms which people associate with productivity and creativity, but some scholars believe that artists and other creative professions affected by bipolar disorder create most of their work in the periods between episodes of mania and depression. Studies have also found that a huge percentage of people in creative fields have mood disorders, especially bipolar, though there is some dispute over the reason for this. Again, though there is still much uncertainty about the particulars of mental illness and the brain, it is still not appropriate to make blanket assumptions such as the ones explored earlier about them. Dr. Rothenberg worded it better, “A common claim is that extreme euphoria and productivity are features of both creative work and bipolar illness. With the illness, however, these features are involuntary, devoid of judgment, and distorted, whereas creative artists’ productivity is purposeful, and euphoria results almost always from exceptional accomplishment. Suffering is an intrinsic component of mental illness but, despite traditional romantic beliefs about creative people, such disruption seldom contributes directly to creative inspiration. Suffering may come from all-too-frequent lack of recognition and its consequences, neither a direct cause nor an effect of mental illness.” Whatever researchers and historians say--or don’t say--there is never a reason to use alleged mental illness to qualify a person’s creativity or artistic work. Even if there is a link between mental illness and creativity, a claim which is unclear due to the sketchy research and unfounded conjecture, blanket statements about this “link” only serve to romanticize mental illness and discredit the talents of those who fit the “tortured artist” trope.
NEED HELP? National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Help Finding a Therapist 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274) Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK Suicide & Crisis Hotline 1-800-999-9999 IMAlive-online crisis chat Crisis Textline: Text “Start” to 741-741 Free, 24/7, confidential On-Call Psychologist (909) 607-2000 (campus safety) and ask to speak to psychologist Monsour (909) 621-8202 Safe Alternatives Email SAFE Alternatives for information on seeking help Call 800-366-8288 for information on seeking help
15 October, 2015 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three
4 • News
CHRISTINE CUNANAN
By Talia Speaker ‘18 Staff Writer
Y
ou may recognize Christine Cunanan as the cashier at Malott Dining Hall who looks like she could be a student. Well, in fact, she is one. At age 19, Cunanan came to Scripps seeking full-time employment to support her while she pursued higher education. At age 13, Cunanan moved to California with her family from their home in the Philippines. She had a lot to adjust to after the move, including two stepsisters she didn’t know existed, in addition to her entirely new life. “One of the hardest things for me was transportation,” said Cunanan, describing the adjustment. In her hometown in the Philippines, everyone got around on foot and on buses, which were reliable and came frequently. Without a car to use in L.A., she often had to wait hours between buses just to get to school or work. Although the adjustment was difficult, Cunanan has worked hard to provide herself with opportunities to do the things she loves, including baking. Currently in her last semester at nearby Chaffey Community College, she is eager about the prospects for her future. “I am transferring next semester to Cal State Lutheran to finish my
kspc celebrates By Layne Wells ‘19 Staff Writer
H
degree,” she said, smiling. She shared that she is still debating whether or not she wants to live on campus after the transfer, but that seeing Scripps students soaking up campus life has made her curious about what it would be like. “I like the idea of having to figure things out a little more by myself,” she said, comparing it to living at home. “I want to figure out what I want in my life, and how to do things by myself. That’s how I want to live.” After almost four years of employment at Scripps, Cunanan has done a lot on her own already; and as a business management major, she plans to use her drive for independence to fuel her career. “I want to open my own pastry shop,” she said. “It would be perfect because I want to run my own business and I love sweets.” One of her favorite activities is making and decorating cupcakes, because she gets to use her hands and her creativity. “I like how it feels to actually make things,” Cunanan said. “Doing something new, even though it might be weird, is fun for me.” At 22, Christine is around the same age of most Scripps students, and her favorite part of her job is interacting with us. So say hi when you see her while she’s still around, and keep an eye out for an awardwinning bakery opening in the area!
60
idden away in the basement of Pomona’s Thatcher Music Building, KSPC radio is about to celebrate its 60th birthday. Older than Pitzer College itself, KSPC signed onto FM radio in Feb. 1956, becoming the only student-run station of The Claremont Colleges. It now broadcasts 24/7 from 88.7 FM and can be heard throughout the greater Los Angeles area. KSPC, which held its first mixtape exchange of the year Wednesday, Sept. 23, told The Scripps Voice that they are excited for more exchanges and events to follow in the coming months.
Photo by Jessica Padover ‘18 Christine Cunanan hopes to pursue her passion for business management and open a pastry shop in the future.
years of entertaining
Current Scripps student Madeline Helland ‘18 is organizing a Scripps underground concert for Oct. 9 in the Margaret Fowler Garden. FM 88.7’s 24-hour broadcast includes original music, PSAs, and newscasts. Interested Scripps students of all years can always get involved with things like CD reviews or guest DJ-ing. For volunteer information, contact Celia Eydeland, PO or stop into the station to fill out a volunteer form and snag some KSPC buttons (!). The station is typically open during weekday afternoons for business hours, but, because it is a 24-hour broadcast, there is always someone there to answer questions. _____________ KSCP 5C events to look out for in the following month: – KSPC Homecoming Dance – Station “Sleepover” – Hardcore/Punk Show
Follow KSPC on social media to hear about more exciting events!
kspc.org Facebook: KSPC Instagram: @kspcradio Twitter: @kspc
Photos by Layne Wells ‘19
15 October, 2015 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three
Sports • 5
ATHLETE PROFILE: TEEANA COTANGCO By Kandace Fung ‘19 Staff Writer
THE SCRIPPS VOICE: Why did you choose basketball? TEEANA COTANGCO: When I was younger, all my cousins, older cousins, and my parents played basketball, so it was kind of a given. TSV: How long have you been playing? TC: On an official team, since the 3rd grade. TSV: Have you ever thought about quitting basketball? Why or why not? TC: For a little while I felt that it was a chore; because there were so many other things I could’ve been doing: studying or playing other sports. But I’m glad I stuck through it. TSV: What do you enjoy most about basketball? TC: Definitely the team atmosphere, because I feel that you have to trust your teammates so much on the court and that carries off the court. TSV: What position do you play?/ What’s your favorite position? TC: I play point guard. I like to play shooting guard, but being point guard is cool too, controlling the flow. TSV: Is there anything different
about playing in a high school team versus in a college setting? TC: Well I haven’t really started playing official games in college yet, but definitely level of competition because there are twenty girls in the team. There are probably maybe ten in my high school team. So like everyone is competing with everyone here – only five can play. TSV: How do you balance being an athlete and a student at the same time? TC: Definitely time management, planning things before and after practice, and around workouts. TSV: Do you have a song or a speech that you listen to before a game? TC: I like to listen to music before games. TSV: Will you continue playing basketball after college? Why or why not? TC: I totally would just to stay in shape. And just to meet up with old teammates. There’s a league for adults, so I probably will. TSV: What do you wish you would have known in the beginning of the year in terms basketball or being a student-athlete? TC: Well, I guess I just needed to find my balance of hanging out and school and basketball.
Photos Courtesy of Teeana Cotangco Teeana Cotangco, a first-year at CMC, will serve as the team’s point guard for this upcoming basketball season.
GOT SOMETHING TO ADVERTISE? An event, a club, or a shoutout to a friend,
The Scripps Voice is the place to go! Visit www.thescrippsvoice.com/advertise for more information.
15 October, 2015 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three
6 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015
Fall Research
SCRIPPS COLLEG
Scripps Researchers Share Findings with Community
O
n Friday, Oct. 9, 27 Scripps students presented their research from this summer and fall. These students received funding from the Mellon Foundation, Johnson Summer Research Fund, Esterly Award, Hsu Fund, Scripps Environmental Analysis Fund, and LASPA Action Grant awards. This symposium gave students a chance to share their projects with the greater Scripps community.
Maddie Pierson (left), Jing Gu (middle) and Chandra Dickey (right) present their research on various topics on society. Photos by Anita Ho ‘19.
Presentations Maddie Pierson Alternate Visions of Community: Understanding the Welfare Agencies of Jane Addams and Lugenia Burns Hope Chandra Dickey Black Middle Class Formation and Higher Education in Progressive Era Atlanta Vivienne Muller Bulldykes, Coon-Shouters and Struttin’ Black Bottoms; Centering the Queer woman in 20th Century Black Cultural Production Julia Thomas Sponsor Oral Histories: Resistance in Bolivia Jasmine Kusumowidagdo Read My Hair: Japanese Hair Ornaments During the Edo, Meiji, and Modern Periods Corinna Fukushima Conceptions of Autonomy in End of Life Decisions Jing Gu Feminist MaterialTst Epistemology Lizzie Medford Sponsor Bryan Thines Using Genetic Markers to Determine the Extent of Hybridization as a Mechanism for Adapting to Climate Change on Santa Rosa Island Shimona Srivastava The Effects of Wildfire on Artemisia California and Salvia Apiana Vivian Yu Phenol-Based compounds as stressors to gene expression in Saccharyomyces cerevisiae Tricia Light Method development for the study of sewage through the δ 15 N analysis of coral bound nitrogen Eden Amita Disability Justice Grace Dahlstrom Girls Can Do Stem
Maya Espiritu Agent Orange Alexandra Harder Evaluating the Social Entrepreneur’s Academy Edith Ortega Summer Culinary and Agriculture Internship Raquel Selcer Latino Teen Peer Health Education Project Laurel Kitada Impact of Education and Community Involvement on Risk for Financial Exploitation in Older Adults Atika Gupta Can Culture Influence the Development of Children with Autism? Madison Wagner The Effect of Multimodal Cues on Child Word Learning Maya Suzuki-Jones (Esterly award) Teaching ESL to immigrants and refugees in Hawaii Jennifer Lehr (Esterly award) Engage Chicago: 2015 Tilly Barnett (Hsu fund) Summer study in China Rebecca Frumento and Juliana Beall Palestinian Consumer Perception of Palestinian vs. Israeli Foods: Opportunities & Challenges Tara Partow Rethinking Beauty in Iran: Iranians Discuss Beauty and the Western Gaze on the Iranian Face Hannah Sands Accessibility in Public Transportation: El Metro de Medellín Maria Newman Public Adaptation to the Sustainable Developments in the Confluence District of Lyon, France Amy Griffin Research on the Suzanne Macpherson Collection
h Symposium
GE SPOTLIGHT
“I
researched the sustainable redevelopment project underway in the Confluence district of Lyon, France. When I studied abroad in Geneva last Spring, I happened to visit Lyon one weekend and fell madly in love with the city. My Johnson grant gave me the opportunity to take my education abroad and learn about my interests through the lens of another country’s culture and tradition. With Scripps’ support, I had a summer I will never forget and created a body of research that will guide the course of my career.” —Maria Newman ’16 Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Major
7 VOL. XIX ISSUE III
“T
his research examines the use of hair ornaments in Japan between the 18th to 20th centuries to craft a wearer’s identity. It details the process of creating a lacquered comb using traditional carving and lacquering techniques and seeks to explain how Japan’s economy—particularly during the nation’s isolation and opening—affected hair ornaments’ manufacture and wear. It references objects in the Scripps College Collections, collected over decades by the late Angelyn Riffenburgh and presented to the College by her husband, Dr. Ralph Riffenburgh, in 2012.” —Jasmine Kusumowidagdo’16, Economics-Accounting and Art History Major
“... gave me the opportunity to take my education abroad and learn about my interests”
“I
n California, the increasingly severe drought is influencing the environment and there is a significant increase in wildfires. Clearly, any such increase in wildfires has implications both for human, animal and plant communities. It has been observed that fire may promote invasive species of plants by burning the top layer of native plants, creating favorable soil conditions for newly exposed soil surfaces, decreasing competition, and increasing nutrient availability. This led me to my research project which examined the environmental effects of the wildfire in 2013 at the Bernard Field station (BFS). With the support and guidance of Dr. Diane Thomson, I measured the post-fire survivorship of native shrub seedlings in burned areas and tested how non-native plants influenced those survivorship rates. Twelve plots each 10 m x 10 m in size were established in the burned area during the winter of 2013-14. In six plots, all non-native plants have been removed by hand weeding annually (removal plots). The other six were control plots. In June of 2014, all Artemisia californica, Eriogonum fasciculatum and Salvia apiana recruits that had emerged after the fire in fall 2013 and survived until summer were tagged in these plots, for a total of 221 plants. Over the fall of 2014 and spring of 2015,
we revisited all tagged individuals to check their survivorship. We also estimated the densities of new seedlings emerging in the fall of 2014 and still present in spring 2015. We found that 54% of 2014 A. californica in control plots were confirmed dead, 12% were still present but with no green tissue, and 28% survived. In contrast, 41% of A. californica removal plots were confirmed dead, 2% were still present but had no green tissue, and 39% survived. However, these differences were not statistically significant (X2 test, p=0.11). While this study focused on the most recent recovery of plant community in post-fire plots, it would be important to continue processing and analyzing these data sets. This would allow for a longer term prospect of understanding environmental impact of fire on nonnative and native species.” —Shimona Srivastava
8 • Features
G O R P O N R A P H Y ...
ETHICALLY SUSTAINABLE ?
By Evelyn Gonzalez ‘18 Feminism Columnist
S
ex and sexuality in general play an interesting role in society. They are, all at once, topics of taboo and yet as a society we are often inundated with images and conversations surrounding these subjects. Nowhere is this more true than with the multi-million dollar pornography industry. Feminists have been long engaged with the issue of pornography. As with most arguments there seem to be two camps: those who label themselves as anti-porn feminists and those who fall under the label of pro-porn feminists. According to a Ms. Magazine article written by Simone Levine, anti-porn feminists feel that: The effects of porn stretch beyond whatever actors do or say and have a far broader impact than simple titillation. It unfortunately contributes to misconceptions about sex. Porn also contributes to already dangerous ideas about the role of women during heterosexual sex. [It] sexualizes young women and contributes to the fetishization of racial minorities, intersex, and trans individuals. Ultimately pornography is an apparatus of the patriarchy because of the way it is aimed at male consumers. Porn in these cases is particularly problematic. At the end of the day, most pornography exists as a business utilized for profit. As companies that are out for capitalistic gain, pornography companies often ignore the rights and safety of the workers in favor of acquiring more proceeds. These businesses are difficult
to regulate, because of ease of access and the wide variety of definitions of what is considered ethical or moral, which means they can often get away with not mandating STD testing, condoms or consent. Besides that, these companies, amateur as some of them are, often feel the need to out-compete one another, which means an increase in the extremeness of the films and images that adds to its violent aspect. It is perfectly normal to have preferences in the form of kinks and fetishes. However, there is a difference between becoming sexually aroused by feet (podophilia) and being sexually aroused by illegal acts like rape, pedophilia and incest, which often become normalized through the continued immersion and repetition of these acts on screen and in photographs. We also have to think about the impact that these images have on the minds of individuals since accessing pornography on the web is faster and easier than ever. Those who have access to porn, and especially those who are not familiar with actual sex, internalize these often violent images and begin to have unrealistic ideas about bodies and the act of sexual intercourse. If individuals are constantly presented with these images, it is very easy for them to become desensitized to forms of violence. Anti-porn feminists provide valid points on the current state of pornography. On the other side of the debate, pro-porn
feminists agree that: The problems within pornography stem from larger patriarchal frameworks, so while the industry may require drastic improvement, pornography cannot be blamed for sexism and violence — particularly when there are
“
At the end of the day,
most pornography exists as a
business
utilized for
profit.
institutionalized policies that repeatedly shame and debase the female body. Pornography is often considered a site of freedom where individuals who wish to do so can explore their bodies and interests. It can also open up communication, not just between partners who want to examine their own sex or intimacy pursuits, but also among individuals who are interested in finding out about new experiences. Even though porn often has a homogenous assortment of people in films (i.e. thin and white) it can also help individuals interact with one another along similar
SCRIPPS HUMANITIES INSTITUTE
hosts lectures By Sophie Fahey ‘17 Staff Writer
E
very semester the Scripps Humanities Institute presents a series of lectures, exhibitions, and workshops on a topic related to the Humanities. This semester’s program is titled “Dangerous Conversations: Raced/Gendered/Classed Violence in the USA,” and will focus on differences and privilege. “The Humanities Institute will welcome scholars, artists, activists, writers, and musicians — all visionaries who use their brilliant skills and talents to further the discussions around difference by yoking them to the urgent and necessary work of dismantling inequality and social injustice.” (www.scrippscollege.edu/hi) The program asks: “How shall we live in a PostCharleston America? This is obviously not the postracial America many envisioned with the election and re-election of Barack Obama. An apt observation has been made that Post-Charleston USA doesn’t look much different from a Pre-Charleston USA, so the difference must be found in us, in how we respond. More and more people have come out against racial profiling, systems of injustice, implicit bias, and the indiscriminate use of deadly force, which can no longer be characterized as ‘Black issues,’ but as real world practices that affect friends, family, classmates, and co-workers. The legally condoned killings of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Akai Gurley, Rumain Bribon, and 12-year-old Tamir Rice have raised concerns to a new level of awareness — outrage
”
& other events for public
that moves us to identify the connections between racial, class, and gendered violence. How and why does America the nation-state promote systems of violence against its own people?” (http://www.scrippscollege.edu/ hi/) These questions are at the core of the program, and will help guide the course. 13 Scripps students are participate in the Fellows Program this semester. The students in this program take a course with Professor Hao Huang, the Humanities Institute’s director, where they attend the programming, and engage with the guest speakers. The fellows end the semester with either a paper or project that connects their personal interests to the program’s overarching theme. The students are nominated by faculty, then apply to the program. The Humanities Institute’s next event is a lecture by Beth E. Richie on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Garrison Theater. Richie is the Director of the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy and a Professor of African American Studies and Criminology, Law and Justice at the University of Illinois. The talk is titled “Gender Violence and Anti-Black Racism: Reflections on the problem of Carceral Feminism and the possibilities of Prison Abolition.” There will be six more events in November and December after Richie’s lecture. These include lectures by Ji-Young Um, Andrea Ritchie, Suchi Branfman, JihnFei Cheng, and Sohail Daulazai including “Buzzkils: The Parodoxes of War and ‘Feeling Good,’” “Policing Gender, Policing Sex, Policing Race,” and “The Threat of the Hologram: Specters and Shadows of Race.” These lectures are all open to the public.
interests, since they might see something that they thought they were alone in liking. In this way porn can build communities and start to open up more conversations surrounding these topics. I think it’s important to realize that neither side of the discussion wishes to eradicate pornography as a whole. The way I see this argument is that two sects of feminists are essentially fighting for different sides of the same coin. Anti-porn feminists address the “freedom from” aspect of porn that was missing from the industry which included freedom from discrimination, violence, degradation etc.. The pro-porn feminists on the other hand address the “freedom to” aspect that involved freedom to explore sexualites and interests without shame. Pornography cannot continue to exist in its current state, but in principle it has the potential to provide an outlet for sexual freedom and education. Currently, there are some companies that have started to come out with “feminist porn.” One such website entitled Bright Desire “celebrates all that’s good about sex – intimacy, pleasure, laughter, connection, fantasy and fun.” They state that their “porn is produced ethically – [they] collaborate with [their] performers, pay them properly and treat them with respect.” Pornography is not inherently problematic, but the ways in which it is produced and sold need to change in order for pornography to become a more ethically sustainable source of pleasure.
Speakers & Events Gender, Violence and Anti-Black Racism Beth E. Richie October 15 | 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Buzzkills: The Paradoxes of War and ‘Feeling Good’ Ji-Young Um November 3 | 12 p.m.
Policing Gender, Policing Sex, Policing Race Andrea Richie November 12 | 7:30 – 9 p.m.
“Title TBD” Suchi Branfman November 18 | 6:45 – 8:15 p.m.
Kentifrican Interventions November 19 | 5:30 p.m.
The Design of Gay (Male) Desire Jih-Fei Cheng December 1 | 12 p.m.
The Threat Hologram Sohail Daulatzai December 3 | 7:30 – 9 p.m.
15 October, 2014 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three
scripps stereotypes: unpacking the poll
By Taylor Galla ‘18 Opinion Poll Columnist
T
his week I ambitiously attempted to explore the concept of the Scripps stereotypes — trying to unpack how people view it in itself, how many stereotypes there are, and the effects it has on the community as a whole. When I embarked on this project I knew that it was going to push the boundaries of comfortable conversation — as I hope to do with each one of my columns to a reasonable and safe extent. However, I did not expect the intense debate that it sparked amongst the student body. Although some of the comments made did not have to do with the central question I asked, I want to start off by briefly reiterating the comment I made after a lot of heated dialogue. When creating this survey I was not sufficiently aware that the survey did not give people adequate space to express themselves. It brought up valid feelings and reactions from students that could not be expressed within the eight or so response options that I gave. I want to acknowledge everyone’s feelings and to communicate that I hear everyone. I also want to acknowledge that the language in the question was potentially problematic in that the words “targeted” and “victimized” are typically used to describe experiences of marginalized groups and those who experience more severe forms of discrimination. However, through these words I wanted to acknowledge that the stereotype has the potential to cause this amount of harm — but I can see the difficult nature in them as well. I apologize for the fact that this survey felt vague, exclusive and marginalizing for part of the student body. I want to thank everyone who shared their thoughts, because it opened my eyes to many of the issues surrounding the marginalizing effects of stereotypes in general, and especially the Scripps stereotype. I hope to discuss some of the themes brought up, not directly quote or summarize anyone whatsoever, and to do
Features • 9
“all the time- and I embrace it” with five votes (.04%), “all the time- and I don’t mind” and “sometimes, not often- and it doesn’t bother me” each with four votes, the best I can to shed light on this issue and “never” with three votes- followed by “hardly at all- and I embrace it when it does that is detrimental to many. The two stereotypes that come to my happen” with two votes. These results clearly display a wide mind as the most prominent are a pretty girl in a sundress who likes to go out and range of responses regarding this party, and the raging feminist lesbian who topic- from people who experience a hates all men. The image that comes to Scripps stereotype all the time as a mind for both of these stereotypes does very negative experience to people who not include a person of color or other never experience it and are therefore not marginalized group such as differently affected by any type of Scripps stereotype abled or who does not identify on the at all. For the purpose of length, I am going gender binary, for example. These are to focus on the top couple of responses some of the thoughts I had in response — but I want to fully acknowledge all the to the comments made, and I understand responses that were collected. The top response was that students how this is a marginalizing and harmful dynamic to have within a student body- sometimes experience the Scripps stereotype — so it as the stereotype is not a constant itself creates more I apologize for the fact occurrence in their division between those who feel they that this survey felt vague, life- but when it does happen it fit into it and those exclusive and marginalizing is offensive and w h o d o n’ t . T h i s for part of the student body. b o t h e r s o m e . dynamic is in itself I want to thank everyone who What is so hard very harmful, as are others having shared their thoughts, because about this issue to do with the it opened my eyes to many is that there is no way to take full stereotype- and that of the issues surrounding account of what many experience the marginalizing effects Scripps stereotype it differently- and of stereotypes in general, everyone feels that any one experience is not more valid and especially the Scripps they are pushed into. I also think than any other. Now stereotype. the stereotype I will break down itself is constantly the actual survey changing and results, and discuss other dynamics in terms of the survey- beyond those who shifting along with the student body. Although stereotypes are oftentimes feel they are not included in it. I asked the question “How often do you very offensive and do not accurately feel targeted/ victimized by the Scripps reflect the attributes of the people they stereotype?” and received the largest are attempting to portray, they are a number of responses I have gotten on lens into how people are seen by others, a survey thus far this year. Out of the and potentially how those people are 132 responses that I received, the most presenting themselves. They are a popular answers were “sometimes, not window into how people view themselves, often — but it still bothers me when it does others, the perspective each are coming happen” with 41 answers (31%), “all the from, the various prejudices they possess time — and I don’t appreciate it” with 28 and many more things if one looks votes (21%), and “not sure what a Scripps deep enough. Scripps stereotypes are stereotype is” with 21 votes (16%). After particularly predominant because we that it was “hardly at all- and I don’t see as an institution are the most different it as a problem” with eight votes (.06%), of all of the schools that surround us. “hardly at all- but I think it is a problem We are the only all-women/ gender and should be addressed” with seven minority college, and this opens us up to votes (.05%), “sometimes, not often- and elevated intrigue and curiosity by the other I embrace it” with six votes (.045%), schools- as anything that is incredibly
different from oneself tends to do. One Scripps student emailed me and recounted that “I and other students have had a number of issues related to stereotype threat in classes taken at Mudd. Unfortunately, some professors and classmates clearly make assumptions that Scripps students are less intelligent or hardworking because we are not Mudd students, although many would have or did get into Mudd.” This quote is interesting because it not only is evocative of a Scripps stereotype constructed by Mudd’s community, but also reflects the way that members of the Mudd community view themselvespotentially as superior to anyone who does not go to Mudd. Not only do stereotypes subjugate those they are targeting, but they also communicate a need to establish difference and separation by those using them. Other Scripps stereotypes — for example, the raging feminist lesbian one — come from a widely held stereotype of women’s colleges in general. The pretty sundress one I think comes with a droplet of truth in it, as many people here do don this look on a regular basis. However, inherent in this image is one of the most problematic things about the Scripps stereotype, and all stereotypes in general, that was brought to the attention of much of the student body this week. The message stereotypes send are that, although they are societally constructed generalizations that are not taken as fact or truth by many, if you do not fit into the image it portrays, you do not fit into the group it is based upon. You do not fit the generalized, predominant image of what that group looks like — and it therefore reinforces your feelings of exclusion from being a part of that community. I completely understand this feeling. I think what I and I hope the rest of the Scripps student body takes away from this week is that the definition of the Scripps stereotype is completely fluid and different depending on who you talk to. Some do not even have a clear definition in their head of what it is, some have a clear image and are offended by it, some do not mind it, for others it is another way in which they feel they don’t fit in here. Whatever your experience here, stereotypes are just that — others’ projections on our community that come from a place of desired separation and potentially judgement. They should not be taken as an internal form of discrimination amongst the student body — or a way to define what a Scripps person should be.
lgbtq+resources at the 5cs By Jay Marks HMC ‘19 LGBTQ+ Columnist
A
s a queer first-year first coming to college, I was worried about what sorts of resources would be available to me, especially since I’m still figuring out my identity. I already knew that Harvey Mudd would be an accepting place, based on the page on the college website dedicated to resources for transgender students, as well as a separate page for locations of gender neutral bathrooms. The resource page includes information about how to get housing that is most comfortable for you, name changing, therapy and gender reassignment benefits which are covered under student health insurance. The benefits that Harvey Mudd has are not necessarily shared by the other colleges. Of the five undergraduate schools, only Harvey Mudd has clear resources for transgender students on its website. What is shared, however, is the Queer Resource Center, or the QRC, located on Pomona’s campus. The QRC is a great resource for anyone who doesn’t identify as straight and cisgender. Their website introduces the QRC as “serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, omnisexual, pansexual and allied communities at the Claremont Colleges.” They have an abundance of LGBTQ+ literature and advertise their lobby as a safe space for meetings or even just to hang out and study. In addition, the QRC has several programs. Every Wednesday at 5:30, they host QChats, an event for people to come talk about their experiences and check in. They also host several events throughout the year, such as the
Middle School Dance that took place on Friday, Oct. 9. Another resource for queer students at the 5Cs is Queers of Faith, aimed at creating a safe space for queer people who are religious. This is an important group because it is prevalent in many religions that homosexuality has negative connotations. This way, queer students can meet others who practice their same religion or have their same faith and become empowered. Also on the radar is a group for Queer 5C Athletes, titled as such. Aside from that, each school has their own program dedicated as a safe space for queer students. Mudd has People Respecting Others’ Sexualities at Mudd (PRISM), Pitzer has Rainbow People, Claremont McKenna has the Alliance for Queer Understanding and Appreciation (AQUA), Scripps has Family, and Keck Graduate Institute and Claremont Graduate University share the Queer Graduate Union (QGU). While being queer in general certainly can be difficult, there is no shortage of places where one can find support. If a student is not comfortable coming out in a group setting or is still questioning their identity, I would recommend the Queer Questioning and Allied Mentor Program, or the QQAMP. This program allows you to apply either as a mentor to somebody who is queer, questioning, or allied, or a mentee. The QRC pairs you up with a mentor or mentee and you can either help someone through their experience or be helped through it yourself.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of any of these groups, check out colleges.claremont.edu/qrc/getinvolved/queer-campus-groups for more information. More information about the QRC itself, as well as ongoing and special events, can be found at colleges.claremont.edu/qrc. Finally, there is a large collection of resources at drive.google.com/file/ d/0B1CXQ68P8PDKRHZyRndKelhMRVU/ view?usp=sharing put together by TSV’s Lucy Altman-Newell.
15 October, 2015 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three
10 • Features
GMOs: discussing a heated debate By Isobel Whitcomb ‘17 Environmental Columnist
Here it’s important to understand that for thousands of years, people have manipulated the genetics of plants MOs are killing our children slowly.” through selective breeding. Without our “Monsanto creates tumors.” “If you manipulation, we would not be able to walk for a cure then march against the choose between “Granny Smith” and “Pink cause.” These slogans were spotted on Lady” apples. However, this “old school” signs carried by demonstrators involved method was slow, whereas modern in the third annual “March Against genetic engineering allows us to radically Monsanto,” in which protesters gathered in transform the makeup of food. over 400 cities worldwide to demonstrate It’s always a possibility that rapid against the American biotech giant. changes in the DNA of our crops might lead These scenes typify a mainstream to unforeseeable consequences in health reaction to the use of GMOs, Genetically and the environment. This is the basis of Modified Organisms, the anti-GMO argument. in food production. In However, there is little No credible studies recent years, the debate to no scientific evidence have ever suggested over GMOs has taken that would suggest that up a large portion of the current GM crops are that GMO foods cause media spotlight. Both causing any adverse cancer, and very few sides of the argument e f fe c t s . S t a t e m e n t s have suggested that have been made equally like “Monsanto creates they are harmful at all loud and clear. Heated tumors” and “GMO is with emotion, the antikilling our children to human health. GMO argument is slowly” are completely deeply mistrustful of unfounded. No credible the corporations that develop and sell studies have ever suggested that GMO GMO technology. On the other side foods cause cancer, and very few have of the debate, people argue that anti- suggested that they are harmful at all GMO sentiments are overly emotional, to human health. While some studies scientifically unfounded and create an suggest that GMOs may pose an unnecessary halt in biotechnological environmental threat, the majority of progress. Both sides claim objectivity. studies show that this threat would be However, with emotionalism and negligible. In fact, any potential damage corporate conflicts of interest on either to the environment presented by this side of this highly polarized debate, is true minority of studies often has more to do objectivity possible? with other farming methods associated When looking for an objective analysis, with agriculture than with the GM seeds we should first turn to the facts. First of themselves. For instance, GM crops’ all, what is a genetically modified (GM) herbicide resistance allows farmers to food, and how is it made? GM seeds are spray Roundup on their crops, eliminating produced by biotechnology companies, weeds. Weeds generally provide a plant which insert genes into the DNA of diversity that is beneficial to insects like conventional plants. The modified seeds bees and butterflies, so the widespread then express traits which are favorable spraying of Roundup reduces their to agriculture, such as herbicide and habitat. pest resistance, or enhanced nutritional The scientific consensus on GMOs is p ro p e r t i e s . S o m e t i m e s , i t i s t h e that they pose no risk to the environment, manipulation of genes alone that elicits or to our health. Can this scientific a visceral reaction in people, who feel consensus be trusted? A recent study it’s unethical to design living organisms. found a significant correlation between
G
dirty
Photo courtesy of Sustainable Pulse
studies showing a negligible effect of GMOs on health and environment, and professional and/or financial conflicts of interest. This means that the vast majority of studies published that support the further cultivation of GM crops are associated with funding from companies like Monsanto, or are conducted by scientists working directly for biotech companies. Science is a constant debate. Very rarely, if ever, have scientific consensuses been reached by one paper. Normally, discoveries are made once studies have been replicated many times. Often, multiple studies on one topic will have contradictory results. This is the nature of science; it builds on itself. However, in recent years, scientists have come out and spoken about the silencing that occurs within research on biotechnology when researchers come out with results that point to harmful effects. For example, in 2009, Emma Rosi-Marshall, a young female professor from Loyola University published data in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggesting that debris from GM agriculture entering streams caused ecosystem-wide damage. After the article
came out, the researcher was assaulted with emotionally charged criticism rarely precedented in the scientific peer-review process. Her research was called “bad science” and she was criticized for “sloppy experimental design.” The response to her study jeopardized her career, making it difficult to publish further studies or secure tenure. This kind of feedback has come to be expected in the community of scientists conducting research on biotechnology, and discourages an open scientific dialogue on potential consequences of GM crops. True objectivity is often difficult to recognize, even in science. Research is often motivated by personal beliefs in an issue, or funding may come from a source with a specific agenda. This bias is difficult to extricate from the scientific process. However, the real problem is when one side of the scientific dialogue is silenced. While it is important to understand the unfounded nature of many of the arguments presented by anti-GMO advocates, we also need to understand the complicated political and economic climate affecting the scientific material currently available.
cleaning up your carbon footprint T
he other day I saw something pretty appalling in the laundry room. I opened up a washing machine, only to find three items inside! So much water and energy wasted, just to clean three tiny items. Most people don’t realize this, but up to two thirds of a garment’s carbon footprint occurs AFTER you take it home. There are a few ways to reduce this footprint. You should only wash your clothes when you absolutely need to. I know, you finally have a legitimate excuse to be lazy and not wash that pile of clothes in the corner. (Mom, I’m doing it for the environment. OK?) If you drop something on your clothes, consider applying a spot cleaner (like vinegar and club soda) and then rinsing it in the sink. One super cool trick is putting jeans in the freezer. Just bag your jeans and stick them in the freezer for a day; it will kill bacteria and odors and keep them in good condition. Traditionally, jeans are not supposed to be washed unless absolutely necessary, since washing jeans causes them to lose their shape and color. When you do wash your clothes, wait until you have a full load of dirty clothes and then wash them in cold water. Something as simple as switching from hot to cold water can save 500 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere every year. It also keeps your clothes from wearing out as quickly. In
By Natalie Camrud ‘17 & Diva Gattani ‘17 Fashion Columnists
laundry
the dorm laundry rooms, the “bright colors” setting will use cold water. Once your clothes have been washed in cold water, skip the dryer and hang them up to dry! You can save 700 pounds of greenhouse gases every year by doing so, plus it looks vintage and cool. It will also save you some Claremont Cash. What’s not to love? Now let’s talk about what you’re washing your clothes with. Conventional laundry detergents contain a lot of harmful chemicals, such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), NPE (nonylphenol ethoxylate), and phosphates. These can remain on your clothes after washing and soak into your skin over time. These chemicals also get washed into waterways, which harms the environment. The scary part is that most detergents don’t list all their ingredients because, by law, they are not required to. They use vague terms like “fragrance” or “brightener” to cover up more sinister things. Luckily there are better brands that are available; just look for brands that say dye free, fragrance free, phosphate free, biodegradable, not tested on animals, etc. If you love having scented clothes (as I do), then you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the detergent before washing. For more information on the topic, check out www.thereformation.com/aboutus#healthy-dressing
15 October, 2015 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three
Opinions • 11 with other people and it’s just really strange working with other people that [take] a lot of control away from you, where this project is no longer really yours or your idea and you don’t have complete control over everything that happens. What have been some of the projects that you have recently worked on? I’m taking an Intro to Video Art class at Pitzer, which I’ve really been enjoying because the whole premise of the class is to really look outside the box and not produce conventional content but to really just take prompts and run wild with them. One thing that I got to do recently that I really enjoyed was the concept of “ballet mécanique,” which I think means mechanical ballet but I’m not really sure because, well, French. The concept is basically you take a machine and you set it to music or a story so you’re breathing life into it in some way. I went to the Motley where I work and genuinely spend most of my time and filmed lots of shots of the espresso machine being used and then I edited it to every sound except those of an espresso machine sounds. I was trying to take this object that was really familiar to me and make it strange in some way, to make it foreign and disorienting. Like I set it to a sewing machine sound and a creepy music box and I think the sound of paper being crumpled and a heart beat. It was a weird project but I really enjoyed throwing random elements into it when I could.
Izzy Steiger ‘18 with Grace Richey ‘19, Staff Writer
From: Bellingham, Washington How many siblings do you have? I’m an only child, and I grew up spending a lot of time alone in my house with a lot of young adult novels and two cats—who are actually still alive. We got them when I was in Kindergarten and their names are Snowy and Bella. What are you majoring in? I’m planning to double major in German Studies and Media Studies with a Film Production track, but I’m also thinking about Linguistics somewhere in there. What has your experience been like in taking German? I got really into speaking German in high school when I started taking it freshman year, and it was kind of always “my thing” that I do, where I was one of two AP German students senior year and nobody else was remotely interested in German. I carried my high school’s German Club, and then I came here and established myself here as someone who is really interested. Because it’s so unique, I feel like it is sometimes all that people know about me. I’ve had friends introduce me to people that I’ve never met before as, “This is Izzy, she speaks German.” It’s something that I’m really proud of and it’s very important to me, but it’s also weird to be written off as “the German girl.” Have you ever been to Germany? I went a couple years ago through a scholarship that the German government gives to international students learning German. It was amazing. I spent a month traveling around and seeing Germany with twelve other students from all over […] I got to bond with these really cool people from really different cultures. It was sometimes awkward because the only language that we had in common was one that we all didn’t speak very well. But after spending so long with them, they really feel like family—it was amazing.
What are some of the video projects that you did when you were younger? I did a lot of documentary-narrative things when I was younger. I use to want to be a writer when I was younger so I really enjoyed writing things and then saying those things out loud or filming to a set script but I also really enjoy random artistic placement of images. One of the projects that I am actually the most proud of that I’ve made was about my trip to Germany before coming to Scripps, where I just wrote an open letter to Germany. When I was there, my camera was constantly in my hand and I was filming everything I could, so I finally [found] a way to funnel all those memories and create a nice memory soup where it’s only a couple minutes long but it’s nice to look back on it and it just reminds you so intensely of people you’ve met and places you’ve been or something you’ve experienced. I really like using cameras for saving things that are really important to [me]. They stay really fresh that way. How did you get involved with I AM THAT GIRL, a Scripps CLORG that focuses on advancing women’s empowerment through different forms of media? I basically hit it off with the CLORG leader randomly at the CLORG fair in Seal Court my first year and decided to just come to one meeting to check it out. It sounded really media-based which is something that I already knew I was really interested in doing. I ended up bringing my roommates with me […] to scope things out; I came for the media but stayed for the deep conversations that we started having. It was strange because even though I lived with these two people and shared so much of my life with them, when we walked into the space it somehow became magical and we all felt more closely bonded and we were able to talk about what was really going on in our lives. It was weird to check in with someone you see all the time and find out how they’re really doing. We all gradually got more and more obsessed with the organization and now we’re all on the leadership team together. It’s like our first-year roommate activity extended into sophomore year. What is your leadership role in I AM THAT GIRL? I’m the Digital Archive Manager. Basically, I’m just the file monkey who keeps the hard drive that has all of our video files, everything we’ve ever recorded, edited, or produced on it organized. After [current I AM THAT GIRL head Sarah Rosen ‘15] departs from our group, I will take the lead on editing most of our projects.
Do you have a favorite German food? Unfortunately, I’m vegetarian, I was raised vegetarian so I haven’t tried a lot of meat before and German cuisine isn’t really something I can eat a whole lot of. Germans have this really great obsession with potatoes that I really enjoy. I don’t know how obesity is a bigger problem in America that in Germany because all they eat is potatoes. They have about as many ice cream stores as we have Starbucks everywhere, so it’s a big culture of just gelato and carbs and it’s wonderful, it’s excellent.
What have you learned since joining I AM THAT GIRL? One thing that I would underscore is the importance of involving other people in your work in media. I’ve seen that especially through I AM THAT GIRL because I was someone who really wanted to go in alone, that striving solitary artist, but once you start talking to people and working collaboratively, nothing compares to the creative juices of a whole bunch of people in a room who are all excited for what is going on. I would say to seek out community in what you are doing so that you can find other people who can help egg you on, and then suddenly anything is possible.
Do you think you will study abroad in Germany? I’m hopefully planning on studying abroad in Freiburg in the spring next year. It’s a very tiny, very old city in the south where they speak a very intense southern dialect, which makes me really nervous. I went through the Study Abroad Office and looked through their giant binders of reviews of all the Germany programs and it seemed like this one was one where people learned the most linguistically. There’s a girl in one of my German classes this semester who hardly spoke any German and then went on that program for a year and now can say more things than I can even really understand. So I’m really impressed with what she learned and I would like to mimic that.
What do you do at the Motley? I’m a barista and I love it more than anything. It’s genuinely my favorite thing about Scripps, like I love being here and I love my friends, I love the atmosphere of the campus, I love the things that I am studying, but the Motley is genuinely the thing that keeps me going—like with caffeine but also like emotional support. There’s a really great community […nice anecdote about the positive community that I can include if necessary] Everyone that I’ve ever met there is incredibly sweet compared to other jobs that I’ve worked. It’s a really cool pocket of campus community.
What has your time as a probable film major been like? It’s been really strange because I’ve always made videos and small films on my own; it’s something that I’ve loved to do since middle school, but it’s something that I’ve always done very independently from everyone else and in a very solitary sense. Then I came to campus and started doing things
Given that you’re a barista, it’s only appropriate to ask about your favorite drink on the menu. It’s very much a mood thing for me. I would definitely make a plug for matcha chachas but wish rose syrup instead of vanilla—life changing, genuinely. I’ve also been getting really into Mexican chocolate. Really, any Motley drink with chocolate is […] great. Those would be my go-tos, but honestly anything is good.
15 October, 2014 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three
12 • Arts & Entertainment
Farewell, LBV
Photos by Tyra Abraham ‘18 Scripps says farewell to Lori Bettison-Varga after serving six years at Scripps College as President. She will be working at the National History Museum in Los Angeles.
15 October, 2015 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XIX • Issue Three