SPEAK MAGAZINE
NO. 3 | SPRING 2015
CONTENTS 28
6
20 16
10 MUSIC+CULTURE
FOOD+DRINK
FEATURES
4 | Netflix Fix Need suggestions of shows to binge watch on Netflix? We’ve got your fix.
16 | Food With Plenty Of Soul Looking for great soul food in Ruston? Not anymore.
30 | Why So Many Riots? We take a look at why riots are so prevalent in our culture today.
19 | Whole Foods on a College Budget Put away that Griff’s Monster Meal. Healthier options are on the horizon.
34 | Why Do Women Pay More? What is the mysterious AWS fee at Tech and why are only female students paying for it?
6 | An Evening with Hydrogen Child This Shreveport-based band has a brand new name but the same amazing sound. 10 | Back To Your Roots The debate continues: Natural hair or weave? 12 | Road Trippin’ Summer is right around the corner. It’s time for you and your friends to plan a road trip. Are you ready?
2 | SPEAK magazine
FASHION 20 | Festival Fashion For First-Timers From Cochella to Buku, we clue you in on all the latest music festival fashions. 28 | Loco For Leggings Leggings are making a bold comeback. But how should they be worn?
36 | Beating The Odds Students reflect on hardships and triumphs throughout their college career.
From the Editor
S
“
potted: K getting her degree and packing her bags for NYC. Look out, Manhattan, because this southern blonde is ready to take your streets. Is she ready? We’ll find out soon. XOXO Gossip Girl.” Ask any of my close friends and they will tell you that I’m a little too obsessed with “Gossip Girl.” Role-playing as Serena van der Woodsen is one of my guilty pleasures. She has a beauty, confidence and grace that is so inspiring. She also has a charming personality that can essentially get her whatever she desires. She’s also passionate about anything she believes in and about doing the right thing. Not to mention, she pretty much dictates the Upper East Side in all its glitz and glamour. Yes, I’m aware that she is a fictional character in a fictitious show but there’s a lot that can be learned from her character and applied to real life. I’m not ashamed to say that I pull inspiration from her sometimes. We all deserve the opportunity to feel beautiful and confident in our skin. And we all deserve the chance to have our moment to shine. But it’s up to you to put in the work and make the sacrifices to get your sparkle. Remember, the glass is always half full and you can do anything you set your mind too. I’m proof of this; I’ve dreamed of moving to New York to pursue my career for years. I’ve made sacrifices in my social life, overloaded myself with schoolwork and enrollment hours and probably took on one too many extracurricular responsibilities, but on May 27 my dream is officially coming true. That is the day I move to the greatest city in the world. My hope is that your dreams can come true too; if you’re ever second-guessing, just know that I believe in you and you can do it. Life is too short to live in fear or play it safe. Be bold. Take risks. Just jump, and have faith because you never know where life will take you. Now that I’ve finished my cheesy, life soapbox speech, I want to leave you with one of my favorite quotes that me, my mom and my brother share with each other consistently to serve as a reminder of the greatness we are all capable of, “When life gives you lemons, make grape juice, then sit back and watch the world wonder how you did it.” Chase your dreams. Amaze the world. Inspire those around you. Do it all while doing what you love, there’s no greater guarantee of happiness.
SPEAK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelsy Kershaw
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Katie Brumfield
WRITERS
Cody Sexton John Sadler Ellie Moslander Wynnifred Sanders Nick Smith Marcel Medley Frededreia Willis
PHOTO EDITOR
Deepanjan Mukhopadhyay
PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Blakely Colin Fontenot
DESIGNERS
Rosalynne Fluty Eric Gilmore Lauren Murchison
ADVISERS
Michael LeBlanc Dr. Reginald Owens Dr. Judith Roberts T. Scott Boatright Emma Case Melville
PRODUCTION MANAGER Michael LeBlanc
DEPARTMENT HEAD
Dr. Reginald Owens
@LATechSpeak speakmagazinemedia
Kelsy Kershaw Editor-in-Chief
©SPEAK Magazine is a published quarterly by students in the Louisiana Tech University department of journalism. Views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily express the views of Louisiana Tech University. SPEAK Magazine welcomes letters to the editor. However, we reserve the right not to print anonymous letters. We also ask that each letter be accompanied by a telephone number, address, and classification or title. We will not print the telephone number or address. Direct all inquires to speakmag@gmail.com.
speakmagazinemedia
Louisiana Tech University is committed to the principle of providing the opportunity for learning and development of all qualified citizens without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status for admission to, participation in, or employment in the programs and activities which the University sponsors or operates. For Title IX information, see University Policy #1445 at http:// www.latech.edu/administration/ policies-and-procedures/1445.shtm. SPRING 2015 | 3
Music + Culture T O P
1 0
S H O W S
T O
H E L P
Y O U
G E T
Y O U R
F I X
1
2 3
Words by KATIE BRUMFIELD
Design by ERIC GILMORE
4 5 6
7 8 9 10 SPRING 2015 | 5
Armed with a new name, the Shreveport-based band in ready to take the world by storm Words by CODY SEXTON
Photos by BRIAN BLAKELY
Type design by ROSALYNNE FLUTY
As any musician will tell you, reinvention is good. While going as far as to change their name, creative evolution can be a risky venture. That does not appear to be a problem for Shreveport natives Hydrogen Child (formerly known as Super Water Sympathy) who felt it was time to change. “It was something we had been talking about for awhile,” said lead vocalist Ansley Rimmer. “We got a lot of constructive criticism from the (music) industry and our new manager who said we were a strong band who needed a strong name.” Joining Rimmer and SWS alumni Clyde Hargrove (guitar) and Jason Mills (keyboard), were Rimmer’s new husband, Chris Rimmer (bass) and Hali Kha (drums), who all collectively decided to change the band’s name. The name Hydrogen Child was created by Hargrove while the band was writing for their second album. “He goes through phases where he becomes obsessed with word combinations or concepts,” Rimmer said. “He kept going on about how there was going to be a new type of being that was going to be surfacing soon and he kept talking about ‘hydrogen child x’ and ‘hydrogen child z.’” Rimmer said the band’s former name was often a source of confusion making the decision to change their name all the more easy. “A lot of people would get it mixed up or it would be written wrong on the marquee,” she said. “It just got frustrating.” In spite of the band’s surface changes, they still employ the same sound and as they did when writing for their previous albums. Evolving from the water-centric lyrical content, Rimmer said she still considers their music to be “water pop.” “The undertones of water imagery were pretty coincidental,” she said. “The word ‘water’ was more pertaining to the fluidity of the sound.” And while the band is eager to change their image to allow for something new, they still incorporate songs from their past. “The older songs that we tend to play are songs that we enjoy,” Rimmer said. “We’ve made tweaks to keep them exciting, but there are always songs that you have to play no matter what.” The band has released two songs under their new name, both of which are expected to appear on an EP this year. Their new lead single, “Sirens,” has the familiar high-energy sound with Rimmer’s powerful vocals. Their latest single, “Close Your Eyes,” premiered on mtv.com at the beginning of the year and both are available on iTunes. 8 | SPEAK magazine
Credited songwriters, Rimmer said she and the rest of the band are constantly writing new music in hopes of getting signed to a record label and recording an album. What can be certain of this band is its sincere artistry in that it is not a desire for fame and notoriety that fuels its desire to make music, but an apparent love and commitment for what it is the band members do. What can be certain of the band’s future, if their past is any indication, is that they are as sure to find success as you are to find bubbles at their shows.
SPRING 2015 | 9
Hair is an essential element that makes a woman feel beautiful and presentable to the world and some women go to extreme lengths to embody the American Girl look. They will do whatever it takes even if that means spending hundreds of dollars on a weave that makes them look like a backwoods Barbie doll. The desire for long, beautiful hair leads women down many different routes. Some women choose to achieve locks of luxury naturally, while others prefer to use enhancements to achieve their desired look more quickly. The resurgence of the natural hair movement has revived discussion about what is natural. It has also brought into question whether hair enhancements like wigs, weaves and extensions
are components of natural hair. The various opinions on this hot topic produce what has come to be known as the “Natural or Not” debate. Both forms of hair care carry their own connotations, with natural hair being viewed largely as a political statement and weave or wig wearing considered a form of conformity. “I don’t regret going natural because it made me more confident in who I am as a person, which has worked in my benefit because now people see me as a more mature and serious manner individual,” said Taylor Morgan, a sophomore political science major. Hair is a large part of who a woman is because her face is the first thing people see and when one makes drastic changes it can often throw people off when they see you. “I feel like it made me
more beautiful because it’s naturally me,” Morgan said. “It just made me feel more confident in the fact that it doesn’t matter what type of hair I have or how my hair looks because whether it’s really short, almost to a fade, or this length or that. Hair doesn’t define you.” Although all races wear weaves, it is primarily known to be worn in the African-American community. “I thought I understood the process in which blacks go through with their hair, but when they explain it leads to a two hour conversation,” said Brooke Kelley, a sophomore sociology major. “I’ve worn a weave since I made the big chop, and I realized that it made me more self-conscious about myself and my appearance. “I was constantly battling the thought that only I could tell it was fake,”
Morgan said. The way African-Americans see it—wearing weaves or our natural hair—is the same as going with or without makeup or when other ethnicities get a tan. “I don’t see it as breaking the societal norm because there are so many different hairstyles and people seem to be adjusting to them,” Morgan said. “ Whether its box braids, natural hair, weave, wearing your hair in two buns like Miley Cyrus. People are embracing who they are and discovering that perfect isn’t everything.” Times have changed and African-Americans are now embracing their natural beauty more than ever while still having that wig or hair bundles waiting to be pulled out again. They are going back to our roots so society and its stereotypical norms should, too.
Words by WYNNIFRED SANDERS Photos by BRIAN BLAKELY
Road Trippin’
Words by ELLIE MOSLANDER
Design by ROSALYNNE FLUTY
NASHVILLE, TN Nashville has been known for its music and famous musicians, which is definitely displayed when visiting the city. It is known worldwide as Music City and for a good reason, said Katherine Roberts, public relations manager for Nashville’s visitor and tourism website. Nashville is home to many musicians of all kinds, famous, underground and local. “Music is what draws people here,” she said. “From the acoustic sets performed at Bluebird Cafe to the party music down on Broadway and the rock music belting out of Mercy Lounge, nearly every genre of music is represented here.” Nashville has over 150 live music venues, making it easy for everyone to see the music of their choice. There is even free live music all day year round on streets such as Honky Tonk Highway, Lower Broadway, 2nd Avenue, SoBro, The Gulch, Midtown and Music Row/Demonbruen. Nashville is a college town as it is home to 21 colleges and universities, including Belmont University, Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University. Roberts said it is a city many students can enjoy for many reasons.“We have a lot to offer for students who just need to hang out and take a break,” Roberts said. She said it is a city many students can enjoy for various reasons. “Nashville is accessible, affordable and authentic,” Roberts said. “From world‐class art, unique attractions, a burgeoning fashion scene, and award‐winning culinary options around every corner, you will find something to do every night of the week.” There are many vintage clothing stores such as Serendipity, Katy K’s Ranch Dressing and Savant Vintage Couture. “From independent boutiques, upscale malls and local craftsmen, Nashville is making its own distinct mark on the fashion scene,” Roberts said. “There’s a makers’ movement stirring in the Nashville fashion community, which is priming itself to grow from a powerful collection of local designers and craftsmen into a powerhouse industry.” In addition to the growing fashion scene, Roberts loves discovering the “hidden gems” of the city, and Nashville has many to offer.“Nashville is filled with unique neighborhood that all have different personalities that welcome all walks of life,” she said. Roberts said the city if full of new coffee shops, restaurants, independent boutiques, craft cocktail joints and live music venues. There are many attractions around the city
12 | SPEAK magazine
including the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum, Hatch Show Print, Frist Center for the Visual Arts and a replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park. For drinking and dining, Roberts recommends the Patterson House, which provides 50 different cocktails recipes, Nashville’s Farmers Market, Peg Leg Porker for a taste of West Tennessee BBQ and Mas Tacos Por Favor as a neighborhood favorite. The great food options complement the atmosphere of the city, which is unique and exciting. Everyone seems to be interested in and thrive off of fashion, art and music. “I also love the friendliness of the city,” Roberts said. “It’s no mistake that Nashville has been voted “America’s Friendliest City” three years in a row by Travel + Leisure.” Nashville also has many beautiful parks, such as Centennial Park, for those who enjoy the outdoors. There is also a walking and biking bridge over the Cumberland River, where visitors can take in the sights of the downtown area. For those who want to get out of the city, there are lakes nearby offering the popular attractions such as cliff diving. “Percy Priest Lake is a great spot for outdoor activities, especially boating,” Roberts said. “Radnor Lake State Parks offers great hiking and is a local favorite.” Whether stopping for a quick cup of coffee at Barista Parlor, skimming through records at a local music store or visiting the nearby lakes, Nashville has a lot to offer every visitor. For more information on the city of Nashville go to www.visitmusiccity. com. Distance from Ruston: 8 hours. Additional recommended places: Barista Parlor coffee shop, Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles and The High Watt concert venue.
SOUTH WALTON, FL South Walton is a hidden gem consisting of 16 beaches located in Florida including Seacrest Beach. While Florida may be typically known for college spring break, the area is a getaway for students who are interested in straying away from the norm. It is a place for great beaches, food and provides a relaxed atmosphere during breaks said Jon Ervin, director of marketing and communications for South Walton. “Quietly South Walton was the No. 1 coastal tourism economy in the entire state of Florida last summer,” he said. “We may be small but quality over quantity has created a healthier economy.” Straying from the typical tourist beach aura, South Walton provides a relaxed atmosphere and fun contributing to the perfect beach vacation. South Walton consists of 26 miles of white sand and turquoise water, said Carey Peters, communications coordinator for South Walton. “A trip to Seacrest will give students the opportunity to explore great surrounding areas that are home to unique ecosystems found in Northwest Florida,” she said. Located in the middle of four state parks and a state forest, visitors to Seacrest are encouraged to explore by foot, bike, board or horseback. Peters said the state also protects 40 percent of the area, which provides visitors with 20,000 acres of untouched, natural beauty to explore. “Students looking to explore the area, like the locals do, can rent a YOLO board for the day and paddleboard throughout the rare coastal dune
lakes,” she said. Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Watersound, which offer live entertainment, more shopping and restaurants for visitors looking to relax, surrounds Seacrest. “Seacrest would be the perfect spring break for a student who is truly looking to relax and rejuvenate after a semester of tough workloads,” Peters said. She recommends Ophelia Swimwear for those looking for the best beachwear. For those interested in art she recommends visiting the A. Wickey Gallery, which features South Walton’s 2012 Artist of the Year Allison Craft. For food: the Acme Ice House where students can enjoy classic American recipes which include locally caught seafood, farm fresh produce and grass fed Angus beef and a glass of wine at the end of the day. La Cocina is also a great place to enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine. Peters said students would enjoy the laidback vibe of Seacrest and the surrounding beaches. “When entering South Walton, the quickest and most fun mode of transportation is a bicycle,” she said. “We encourage your students to visit Seacrest and explore the surrounding area by bike for a week!” For more information go to: www.visitsouthwalton.com Distance from Ruston: about 8 hours. Additional recommended places: Cheveu Salon and Spa, Camp Creek Golf Club, WaterSound, WaterColor and WaterColor Inn.
SPRING 2015 | 13
ALBUQUERQUE, NM The Land of Enchantment–Albuquerque, N.M. Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and known for its arts and entertainment, but most importantly, breathtaking views. The mountains facing Albuquerque are the Sandias, which means “watermelon” in Spanish because they turn pink at sunset, said Heather Briganti, senior communications and tourism manager for the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau.“The mountains are very close here, they form the eastern border of the city so they’re very accessible for hiking and biking,” she said. “There is a tram that takes visitors to the top of the mountains (more than 10,000 feet elevation), where you can see an amazing view of the city.”There are many ski areas near Albuquerque visitors can enjoy during the winter such as the Ski Santa Fe, located outside of Santa Fe, only an hour away. Visitors can also take the tram to the Sandia Ski Resort for winter fun. “I think one thing most people don’t realize about Albuquerque is that we’re a high‐ altitude city,” Briganti said. “We are actually a little bit higher than Denver, so over a mile high in most points in the city.”There are many interesting facts about Albuquerque including the popular TV series “Breaking Bad” was filmed there, along with its prequel “Better Call Saul.” “It was such a huge hit that there are now several tour companies offering tours to the sites featured on the show,” she said. “Tours are available via trolley, bicycle, limo and even a replica of the RV used on the show.” There are also many areas of the city college
14 | SPEAK magazine
students in particular may be interested in checking out. “One of our most hip spots is the Nob Hill neighborhood,” Briganti said. Nob Hill, located near the University of New Mexico, includes places where visitors can see amazing murals on the side of buildings, shop in unique boutiques, eat at some of the best restaurants in the city, try local brews at a bar and even get a tattoo. Briganti said the neighborhood is very vibrant and full of energy, making it a great spot for students to visit. She recommends Bistronomy B2B for excellent burgers and a nanobrewery which brews wild flavors, Scalo for a higher‐end Italian meal and Zacatecas Tacos + Tequila for great food in a fun atmosphere. These restaurants are located on Central Avenue, which is Route 66, and allow great people watching. “We are a college city with a vibrant arts scene, fantastic food (we are famous for using chiles in our cuisine), exciting outdoor activities, and lots of museums,” she said. Students also may enjoy seeing The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October over a fall break or weekend getaway. Briganti said the city is a very affordable destination for students. “I always watched my wallet in college, so I know how important the affordability factor can be,” she said. For more information go to the Albuquerque tourism website at www.visitalbuquerque.org. Distance from Ruston: 13 hours. Additional recommended places: Boba Tea Company, Keva Juice smoothies, Dion’s pizza and El Pinto restaurant.
PORTLAND, OR Portland Oregon is a hip city full of art, food, coffee and an eco‐friendly environment. The city is one of a kind, as it is known by the popular logo “Keep Portland Weird.” According to Travel Portland, there are many odd events such as the World Naked Bike Ride and the PDK Adult Soapbox Derby, which contributes to this logo. Students may enjoy experiencing the uniqueness of the city, including its transportation, said Alacia Lauer, communications coordinator for Travel Portland. “Our world‐class transportation system also includes light rail and streetcar, which connects the east and west sides of the city so visitors can easily explore all of Portland’s neighborhoods,” she said. Portland is known to have an “indie” vibe college students can appreciate. According to Travel Portland, the city has numerous amounts of what they classify as “indie” entertainment such as Burnside Skate Park. Street art can also be seen around the city. Powell’s City of Books offers the bookworm a huge variety of literature, as it is a bookstore covering an entire block of the city. Art is also displayed in the form of the beautiful Lan Su Chinese Garden, a Ming style garden located in the city. The Pittock Mansion in the West Hills offers an amazing view of the city, as it is 1,000 feet above it. Food is a big part of the culture of Portland. According to Travel Portland, food trucks are a big part of the city lifestyle. There are even Forktown food tours and for the coffee lovers, the Third Wave Coffee Tours provided by Travel. “We in Portland are lucky to live in one of the top culinary destinations in the world,” Lauer said. “From food carts to fine dining, visitors get to enjoy a wide range of cuisines made fresh, locally sourced ingredients.” Portland is famous for its coffee and breweries. According to Travel Portland there are beer festivals held monthly during the summer. There is also the Union Wine Company mobile wine tasting bus. Lauer said Portland is also a very affordable city for those watching their budget. “College students appreciate how easy and affordable it is to experience Portland,” she said. “ You don’t need a car to get around in Portland. We’re one of the most bike‐ friendly cities in the country.” For those who would like to experience Portland to the fullest, there are bike tours and rentals available to visitors as well, according to Travel Portland. Portland definitely would be a great spot for a college road trip to the West Coast and to discover what truly makes Portland unique.
For more information go to www.travelportland.com. Distance from Ruston: 34 hours. Additional recommended places: Voodoo Doughnuts, Ground Central Restaurant and Bowling–Lounge includes bowling, pinball, air hockey, skee ball and more.
SPRING 2014 | 15W
Food + Drink
FOOD WITH PLENTY OF
SOUL
I
n downtown Ruston, in a small red brick building, the lunch crowd crams themselves in five days a week. This small red brick building is Firehouse Soul Food, and it is an avowed hit with the Ruston locals. The restaurant, which boasts only five tables inside, is packed daily. Regulars sit side by side with new customers as they enjoy meals like
Words by JOHN SADLER
hamburger steak, chicken fried steak and deepfried catfish. The restaurant is owned by Tommy Caesar and wife Delorise, who started out running the business out of a trailer in June of 2013. “I was driving one day by Thompson’s Barber Shop, and I saw a trailer for sale,” he said. “The very next day the bank financed the trailer for me.” It was a good choice on the bank’s part.
Photos by DEEPANJAN MUKHOPADHYAY
SPRING 2015 | 17
T
Owner Delorise Caesar (right) plates food alongside her sister Toni Holland (left).
LEFT: Patrons enjoying their lunches while George Holland, nephew of Delorise, mans the register.
Priscilla Caesar (left) and Delorise work together to keep up with the demanding lunch rush. 2 | SPEAK magazine
he couple hit a snag, however, when regulations, including a required permanent sidewalk and shrubbery, forced them to close. Caesar said he was not comfortable doing renovations like that on somebody else’s property. “We wanted a fixed residence anyway,” he said. And they found in on the edge of downtown Ruston. They purchased property at 202 West Louisiana Avenue, just off one of the busiest roads in Ruston. Caesar, who works full-time as a fireman while his wife runs the restaurant, has plans to expand the seating area of his restaurant to fit the influx of customers. “We’re talking about building an outdoor patio area, with heaters and everything for the winter,” he said. “We’d be able to fit about 50 people in one sitting.” The Caesars have a background in cooking, and Tommy said this restaurant was inspired by his mother. “I got started cooking from my mother,” he said. “I would go straight into the kitchen when I got home from school. My dream was to open a restaurant for her, but she passed away before I got a chance.” Caesar said the community and the customers make everything worth it. “It’s hard work, but all the people that come up to me saying ‘thank you’ and ‘you need to expand’ give me joy,” he said. He said he is moving to Hot Springs, Arkansas after he retires to open up another soul food restaurant, and will leave Firehouse in the care of his sister-in-law. “We’ll get the ball rolling in a couple of years,” he said. “I am going up there to become a millionaire.” If the food they serve in Hot Springs is half as good as the food they serve here, he should have no problem meeting that goal.
Tofu Breakfast tacos 1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained 1/4 c whole wheat flour 1/4 c nutritional yeast 2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp turmeric 2 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos 8 corn tortillas, warmed Salsa Drain tofu and place the block on a plate. Cover with another plate and weight the top with a food can or other object of about 1 pound. Let stand 20 to 30 minutes to extract excess liquid. Pour off liquid. Crumble tofu and place it in a bowl. Sprinkle
BREAKFAST Zesty Black Bean Soup
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 lb carrots, sliced 1 bay leaf 1/2 tsp fine sea salt 1 red onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tbsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed 1 c corn kernals, fresh or frozen and thawed 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their liquid 1 qt vegetable broth Hot sauce to taste 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for
LUNCH Cherry Pecan Grain Salad 2 c cooked pearled barley* ¼ c prepared salad dressing, or lemon juice 2 c packed baby arugula ½ c chopped red onion, rinsed well and drained ¼ c dried sour cherries ¼ c roughly chopped toasted pecans 2 Tbsp blue cheese crumbles In a small bowl, toss barley with dressing. Layer barley and remaining ingredients in 2 wide mouth jars. Top with tight fitting lids and chill until ready to serve.
garnish Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, bay leaf and salt and cook until carrots are just tender, about 7 minutes. Add onions and garlic and cook 5 minutes more. Add cumin, cinnamon, beans, corn, tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in hot sauce and cilantro. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with more cilantro. Other possibilities to make: Green curry chicken with rice noodles, zesty black bean soup, chicken taco pizza, black bean tostadas with picked vegetables
DINNER
with flour, yeast, onion powder, garlic powder and turmeric and toss. Sprinkle with liquid aminos and toss again. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat until hot. Add tofu mixture and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan frequently with a spatula to prevent sticking, until tofu is browned and crisp in places. Serve with the warmed tortillas, salsa and toppings of choice and let diners assemble their own tacos. Other possibilities you can make: a creamy Breakfast smoothie or Mushroom and Spinach Breakfast puffs
WHOLE FOODS ON A COLLEGE
BUDGET
C
ollege students have become accustomed to eating on the go or eating the cheapest thing we can find which either included Ramen Noodles, McDonald’s, or Taco Bell— none of which are generally healthy. Which is funny because to us “healthy” is any food that we eat before letting it stay in the refrigerator for three weeks. Here are recipes for every meal of day that will allow you to eat healthier without breaking the bank.
*To cook barley, simmer in a large pot of gently salted water until tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain well, cool and then proceed with the recipe. Other possibilities you can make: chicken dippers or deli style ham rollups.
Words by WYNNIFRED SANDERS
SPRING 2015 | 19
Fashion
2 | SPEAK magazine
SPRING 2015 | 21
JAZZ FEST
LEGGINGS Just a passing fad or totally rad?
R
evealing, yet comfortable and sometimes scarily see-through, leggings are fashion’s improbable heroes, and they are coming back with a bang. Leggings escaped from the ‘80s and reappeared in the fashions world in 2006 by trendsetting and highly watched celebrities. Many women and men experienced flashbacks that were not so pretty and feared that legging will be a trendsetter all over again. Leggings are extremely comfortable and convenient, said Kailey Nash, a junior kinesiology major. “But this is more than a show stopper,” Nash said. “It is an epidemic and it has caused the biggest controversy in the fashion world next to platform sneakers and leisure suits.” She said when leggings are worn with the appropriate shirt or dress, she believes they can be worn as pants, but they cannot be worn with everything and it be acceptable with everyone else. Leggings were originally called hose and were first found in the Renaissance era. They were worn by both men and women. “I don’t believe a guy should wear leggings as pants,” Nash said. “Although I do know some baseball players who wear them underneath shorts, but not alone. Men wearing them as pants gives a guy chance to expose himself to the general public.” Leggings were actually onelegged, using different colors and prints for each leg and 28 | SPEAK magazine
different prints and designs have crept their way back into the trend. Blake Haynie said she does not care how cute they are, it is about being modest and respectable. “I think that wearing leggings are okay if you have a shirt or top that comes down enough to cover all the bits and pieces that should be covered,” said Haynie, a sophomore finance major. “And when I say they top needs to cover everything, I do not mean just barely covering it.” Alex Spiers said he only notices someone is wearing these kinds of “pants” if they are being worn in a way that it is accentuating their body, in a way that is noticeable or distracting. “I know that there are a lot of body types that really cannot wear these kinds of clothing without having that effect,” said Spiers, a senior music major. “I honestly never seem to have any negative reactions to seeing these outfits unless they seem to be purposefully suggestive and I rarely see it that way.” Spiers said he is sure there are some guys, who for indecent reasons, notice girls when they are wearing these kinds of pants. He also said he does not particularly care, because leggings are basically the same things as very tight jeans or workout pants. Leggings, the reviled of ‘80s garments, may be here to stay or will enough “Leggings are Not Pants” protesters boot this trend right out of the fashion world.
Words by FREDEDREIA WILLIS
Photos by BRIAN BLAKELY
SPRING 2015 | 29
Features
A HISTORY O
2 | SPEAK magazine
OF VIOLENCE Words by MARCEL MEDLEY
Design by ERIC GILMORE
AP PHOTO SPRING 2014 | 3
WAR, TORNADOES HURRICANES... are all reasonable causes of $4.2 million of damage to a city. This dollar value has nothing to do with those disasters, but instead it is the amount of damage caused by a riot of all things. Today’s society is becoming increasingly irrational in how they respond to situations throughout life. With the events leading to these riots and other deviant behaviors being so varied and extreme, one must ask what is it all for? A riot is defined as a violent disturbance of peace by a crowd. The psychology behind such disturbances is examined in the article “Deindividuation” by Marie Gould and Alexandra Howson. The article lays out the ideas of 19th century psychologist—Gustave Le Bon—ideas that form the basis of deindividuation theory. The first and main idea is that in a crowd, people no longer feel responsible for their actions due to anonymity. This feeling of no responsibility is evident, considering that in the past 10 years alone there have been two riots that have caused damages in excess of $4.2 million each. 32 | SPEAK magazine
One riot followed the shooting of an unarmed teen, Michael Brown, by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014. The second riot came after the Vancouver Canucks lost the Stanley Cup to the Boston Bruins in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on June 15, 2011. Yes, as outrageous as it sounds, the loss of a hockey game apparently warranted the same response as one of the biggest race-related riots in the past 20 years. While it is important to note that any group that riots is in the wrong, some riots are arguably more senseless than others. According to an article on the Gawker website, sports-related riots are more frequent than any other form of riot in America. What does this say about the U.S.’s society today? Nothing good. There has been very little public opinion on the sports riots that have taken place in the 10 years. A number of these riots have done tremendous amounts of damage. Some of the most extreme riots that relate to sports, according to Gawker are as follows:
AP PHOTO
• Boston Celtics riot in 2008, where 23 people were arrested and damages were estimated at $50,000, all after the Celtics won the championship. • Los Angeles Lakers riot in 2010, where 10 were injured and 50 were arrested after the Lakers won the championship. • Montreal Canadiens riot in 2008, where 16 people were arrested and damages equaled over $500,000 after the Canadiens won the championship. Penn State riot in 2011, where $200,000 in damages occurred from rioters after Joe Paterno was fired over the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Most of these and other sports related riots gain minor media and public attention in comparison with the attention given to the turmoil in Ferguson. This fact is made worse by the overwhelming negative criticism being cast down on the unrest. The unrest followed the shooting of Brown, by Darren Wil-
son, a white police officer. The already tense situation escalated further once Wilson was not indicted for the shooting. No matter the opinion on the outcome of the trial, the media has been in overdrive covering the resulting events. News outlets have gone wild in recent months condemning those involved in the civil unrest in Missouri. According to “Race to the Bottom” by Charlie Gillis, this media attention attracted many outsiders to the riots. Activists drawn to this unrest include such figures as New Black Panther Party member Malik Shabazz and Revolutionary Communist Party founding member Carl Dix. It is people like these local leaders call “outside agitators” which have helped to turn these protests into riots. The mentality of those involved in riots screams to the irrationality of today’s culture. The nature of society appears to be slowly turning to one of illogical behaviors. The proof of this downturn is evident in how the unrest following the shooting of a young man equates to the loss of a hockey game. What could be more absurd than that? Not much. SPRING 2015 | 33
WHY DO FEMALE STUDENTS PAY MORE?
Words by NICK SMITH 2 | SPEAK magazine
U
nlike Whitney Houston, I am not every woman. In fact, I am not at all a woman,
which sadly works to my favor. When I graduate, I will make more money than any comparable woman in my field regardless of the quality of our skills. I have better access to health care, I’m not too emotional to serve as President, and I don’t even have to make my own sandwiches. Even now, as a man, I don’t have to pay the same amount as a woman for my degree. Yes, it’s true. On average, women are mandated to pay an extra $6.50 on their tuition at Louisiana Tech over the course of their undergraduate career. This seems to perpetuate a false societal belief that women just are not as valuable as men. But why do women pay more? If you look at your account summary, which details all the fees that you are charged, you’ll find fees such as the Liberal Arts fee, 12-hour energy surplus fee, and if your sex is female, you’ll find a $0.50 AWS fee. If you’re like many students, you have no clue what AWS is and why they’ve targeted women. The organization’s full title is the Association of Women Students. AWS is a student organization whose goals are to promote a culture of diversity and enhance leadership and academic opportunities for women on Tech’s campus. But it’s 2015. Our student body is predominantly female, and we even have a female student government president and vice president, which is actually something to celebrate. Why do women need to be treated as though they are vulnerable and weak–so much so that they require an organization to tax them, but not do things exclusively for them? Annie Jantz, coordinator of special programs and AWS academic adviser, said she understands there is an air of mystery surrounding the organization. “AWS, while it is probably not the most visible student organization on campus,” explained Jantz, “and I’m hoping to change that–we tend to work behind the scenes with other organizations and departments to help when the budgetary climate is so bad.” As of this academic year, AWS has funded additions to the TV lounge in Adams Hall, funded the Peer Leadership Council’s (PLC) female repre-
sentative’s stipend, PLC’s polo shirts and two non-finalist scholarships for the Miss Tech Pageant for academic achievement and volunteerism. In years past, AWS has funded, at least in part, the history department’s women’s history month essay contest, the blue emergency call boxes, additional lighting and a bench around Lady of the Mist. If you are a female who would like to get this fee removed from your account, be prepared for a headache. Initially, I was told that in order to have the fee removed, one had to request it from the Comptroller’s Office. After a quick visit, I found out that isn’t so. To which, I was directed to the third floor of Keeny to the Student Affairs Office to resolve the issue. Although, if you are female, you must be prepared to do this at least yearly. (After speaking with the Comptroller’s Office, they said they would keep the request for a year so that students wouldn’t have to do it quarterly.) A lot of work just to make a point and get your money back. But it’s just 50 cents. What’s the big deal? By allowing AWS to mandate a fee on every female student, a precedent is created. This precedent is the same standard that would allow the Black Student’s Union to charge every individual who identified as black a quarterly fee, which is as equally outrageous and prejudiced. A student should not obligated to pay any fees that are not equally applied to the student body en masse. Yes, students have to pay technology fees and fees from their respective departments, but these fees are applied to all students regardless of their identity. A counterargument that I received while doing research of AWS from an administrator who I will not name said, “Students do not get to pick and choose their fees. The students that are here now did not choose to have the Tech 2020 fee added to them, but someone before their time here thought that it would be beneficial in the grand scheme.” While this assertion that many may hold is correct, it is not comparable. The Tech 2020 fee, which is added into students’ tuition without being itemized, is applied to all student regard-
less of sex or other categorization. On the contrary to Tech 2020, the AWS fee is exclusively applied to females, as if that point has not been made clear yet. An institution should not financially penalize a group of students for their sex. There’s a solution. It’s quite simple. Make men pay the same, or remove the fee entirely. If males pay the same fee, the fee could be redressed as a safety fee. Considering previous projects are among those promoting safety on campus, this would not be entirely unreasonable. Requiring females to exclusive be responsible for funding their own safety is effectively victim-blaming. When males pay for safety on campus alongside females, the fee is no long akin to victim-blaming. Or, perhaps, keep AWS as an organization promoting equality and diversity, but require they compete against every other student organization for funding through optional membership fees. Senator Karen Carter Peterson, who is the chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party and a champion for women’s equality and rights in the Louisiana Senate, said, “There is a reason that Louisiana was recently named the worst state for women. We expect better than this from our public institutions. Louisiana women must be treated with fairness and respect, not callousness. All Louisianians matter, not just men, or old people, or any other group. All of us need to be treated equally. We should accept nothing less.” So Tech, let’s be progressive for once. Let’s right a wrong. AWS, though you are well intentioned, your means to an end are oppressive. Though you claim to be fighting for women’s equality, you’ve done just the opposite. However, this is simply reflective of our society at large, so AWS isn’t entirely to blame. Our society could care less about pay equality. Especially in this state, women’s healthcare is extremely restrictive. Not to mention our anti-family policies with no paid maternity leave or sick leave, which disproportionately affects women. So maybe AWS shouldn’t change. Society continually penalizes women for merely being women–what’s one more? SPRING 2015 | 35
g n i t a e b e ds h t
2 | SPEAK magazine
d o
DISABLED STUDENTS OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES
A
ttending college is a time filled with joy, excitement, nervousness and anticipation but there is also some insecurity to be dealt with, too. Many students have to adjust to life away from home and the added stresses of finding books that won’t break the bank. Disabled students have some of these same obstacles. Yet as well as balancing basic hurdles, establishing a life at a university with a disability brings a
Words by WYNNIFRED SANDERS
whole different set of challenges. This a case for Keith Shepherd, a senior computer information systems major, who was born with cerebral palsy — a condition that mainly affects ones physical movement. Once diagnosed they don’t worsen over time but can improve. Some people say that they understand the struggles that disabled individuals face on a daily basis, but I can say that I truly understand because like Keith — I have cerebral palsy too.
Photos by BRIAN BLAKELY
Design by LAUREN MURCHISON
SPRING 2015 | 37
2 | SPEAK magazine
I was born three months prematurely with a slim chance of survival. Having to learn to walk using walkers, canes and braces, I never imagined that reaching this point in college would be obtainable. I’ve lived my life in fear of the constant ridicule and shame that is accompanied with having “deformity” — as the world calls it. “People stereotype us in many ways saying that we are mean and overly aggressive, I’m not mean I’ve just had to learn to be tough and independent,” said Shepherd. Growing up with a disability people will constantly tell you that you can’t do something because you’re “different,” “broken” or “damaged”— it may not get done the same but it’ll get done and college is one of those things. “It’s been kind of difficult coming to college with a disability — my mom was even worried because she thought something was going to happen to me, but it’s shown me that I can take care of myself.” Keith and I aren’t the only students on campus that understands the struggles, the stares, and the judgment. According to the Office of Disability
Services, “there are approximately 221 active students registered within the office” Their primary goal is to aid in the progression and well-being of these individuals by assisting them in anyway from testing to housing accommodations. As a teen with CP it was easy to get overlooked, discouraged or even patronized simply because I wasn’t considered “normal.” Shepherd said, “Sometimes I have to prove that I can do something to myself as well as proving it to others and when I do that it makes me feel great.” A bully can’t compare to what we put ourselves through mentally. Just entertaining the thought that you’re not the same as everybody else can work against anyone, even if you know you’re above the norm is so many ways. Shepherd said, “ If I could change my life in this aspect I would because it would make me feel better especially when I just want to get up and do things instead of all being judged by other people and having to answer questions regarding what I can and can’t do.” When teachers, friends and strangers told Keith he couldn’t do it or even make it to college, he used those hateful words as inspiration and is now preparing to graduate with his bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, he has used the obstacles set before him to be am inspiration to others and to help them get through their days with a smile. So next time you see a disabled student like us on campus don’t judge or feel sorry — get to know us because beyond what you may think is different, isn’t really different at all. SPRING 2014 | 3
SPEAK MAGAZINE
is avaliable digitally on issuu Go to issuu.com/speakmagazinemedia or download the issuu mobile app and search for SPEAK Magazine