Varsity Writer Micah Della Foresta micah@ufvcascade.ca
Columnist Sean Horn sean@ufvcascade.ca
Columnist Faby Cruz Alderete faby@ufvcascade.ca
Distributor Kirat Dhami kirat@ufvcascade.ca
CONTRIBUTORS
Editorial // November blows in with issue 32.11
Cozy
up
with a copy of The Cascade
CATHERINE CAMPBELL
Welcome to The Cascade, your source of news, culture, and student life at the University of the Fraser Valley. November has blown in with a storm, and carried alongside it, the end of the semester inches closer. In this time of midterms, shielding ourselves from the rain as we run from our cars to our classes, and drinking too much coffee, we bring issue 32.11 of The Cascade — hopefully as an informative and restful distraction from mid-semester stress.
If you’re looking for ways to cozy up and take a break from all the hubbub — or, let’s be real, postpone starting those end of semester assignments — why not take a look at Campus Fashion on p. 16 to see some winter staples for the colder months. Or maybe you’re looking to read about sports; we have a number of entertaining articles, from the Cascades kicking butt at volleyball and basketball on p. 10-11, to a Q&A with Mateo Brazinha, forward on UFV’s men’s soccer team, on p. 10.
Then, on p. 12-15, we have a beautiful photo feature on Moroccan culture sure to fire up your senses. You’ll find everything from alluring architecture, to beautiful beaches, to divine-sounding cuisine. After reading this one, I spent a good 10 minutes looking up photos and recipes of Moroccan cuisine; I know what I’ll be searching for in the next few weeks.
Or maybe you’re here to hear students report on all things UFV. If that’s the case, we have an overview of S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery’s newest exhibition, Portals into Nature, on p. 17, a spotlight on UFV Hub Club on p. 18, and a UFV Speaks on p. 16, all about students’ feelings on having children.
On the holiday side of things, we’re balancing between two festive times of year: Halloween and Christmas. On
Illustration by berdsigns / AdobeStock
the spooky side, we have a Tech Talk on the science of fear on p. 8, along with a Book Talk on Jac Jemc, writer of all things nightmare fuel on p. 23. Sliding over to the Christmas side of things, p. 8 sees an overview of overconsumption during the holidays, and how we can individually do our part to reduce waste (and, by proxy, lower stress). And before you say anything: it may only be early November, but it’s never too early to talk about reducing our ecological footprint!
Wherever you’re reading from, we hope you’re staying warm and dry — preferably watching the November storms from the comfort of your home or a coffee shop.
P.S. Do you have thoughts on this issue, or want to contribute your own words? Send an email to managing@ufvcascade.ca — we’d love to hear from you.
The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by The Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every other Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities.
The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor. Pitch meetings will be digital for the remainder of the semester. Please email managing@ufvcascade.ca to be put on the assignment email list.
In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, copy editor, and corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. The Cascade will not print any articles that contain racist, sexist, homophobic, or libellous content. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. As The Cascade is an autonomous
publication,
expressed do not necessarily reflect that of
home
2SLGBTQIA+ //
Celebrating Ace Week!
From Oct. 20 to Oct. 26, a rundown of activities that honoured the 2024 Ace Week
SKY S. TERRONES
Ace Week, formerly known as “Asexual Awareness Week,” is celebrated internationally every year in the last full week of October. Originally founded in 2010 by Sara Beth Brooks, the week was designed to celebrate the ace community, battle ongoing misconceptions and prejudice found outside and within 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces, and encourage awareness regarding ace-spectrum identities. Kelsi James, the founder of “Art for Ace Week,” and Erica Mulder, co-contributor and ace events organizer, discussed the importance of Ace Week and its impact in the community and the world with The Cascade.
This year’s celebrations took place Oct. 20 to Oct. 26, hosting various activities in different parts of the world. This included coffee meetups in Kansas City, Missouri, board games in Lisbon, Portugal and even a protest for aspec visibility in Cologne, Germany.
B.C. was no different. The “Art for Ace Week” initiative was created by James back in 2022, who shared that it “comes out of my work as a theatre maker,” which inspired a focus on making art featuring diverse representation for ace folks. This year, the event began on Monday, Oct. 21, from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., starting with the “One Night Choir,” in which attendees were invited to join in on a joyful evening of singing.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, the Vancouver Public Library hosted a “Mini Queer Zine Fair.” This event gathered Vancouverbased zine makers from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for a zine craft segment and
a booth displaying ace zines dedicated to Ace Week. Mulder and James taught participants how to make their own mini zines at 6:30 p.m.
Mulder has worked on Ace Weekrelated events since 2018 and expressed her excitement over the increase in events for Ace Week. When discussing representation, Mulder shared that “the solution to bad representation is not good representation, but more representation.” She believes that when it comes to community space, accessibility, and its impact, “the answer is just more.” This year is the first time she and James partnered up for an event during Ace Week. “It brings me a lot of hope,” commented James regarding the high number of ace folks that attended.
On Friday, Oct. 25, the community was treated with an “Ace Poetry Night,” an intimate gathering co-hosted by ace poets Sarvin Esmaeili and Kelsi James, with the help of Coquitlam Heritage
Society, who, in James’ words, is “very supportive and very queer-friendly.”
This workshop, running from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., explored writing prompts on asexuality. The workshop encouraged meaningful conversations about the vast ways people experience asexuality, as well as the struggles faced by the community.
The final event of Ace Week, an “Aces/ Aros and Friends Meetup,” occurred on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 1:00 p.m. at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. This meetup, hosted by the Ace/Aro Vancouver BC group, was meant to foster a safe and supportive space for community-related discussions.
For those who were unable to attend Art for Ace Week in person, submissions for the “Ace Art Exchange” were open until Oct. 26. For the exchange, contributors were encouraged to send in a piece of art from a medium of their choice, which was then collected, printed, and later a
compilation of the art was sent back to each person as part of a care package meant to celebrate everyone’s art and bring the ace community closer together. “Across the country, people participated, which is really cool,” James said on last year’s exchange.
The Cascade asked Mulder and James what message they would like to spread involving Ace Week, to which Mulder responded, “Build the world you want to see.” Mulder added that “if you want to host an ace event for Ace Week, go for it.” James supported this statement, adding that when they first moved to Vancouver, they didn’t know anyone they could form a community with until they started hosting these events. “The ace community, in my experience, is like ‘if someone is doing something, I totally wanna go,’ there are things you can find, and you can also do it yourself.”
Left: Erica Mulder; Right: Kelsi James (Photo by Sky Terrones)
“Hallway healthcare” is the new patient care
Doctors speak out on the “worsening” conditions of our healthcare systems
VERONICA POWELL
Fraser Valley hospitals are drowning in a pit of increasing urgency, and it’s not due to patient emergencies. As of this past September, hospitals are reporting a legitimate “crisis” as a result of extreme staff shortages, too many patients, and not enough room for everyone who needs care. Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre and Surrey Memorial Hospital are just a couple of the hospitals impacted by these factors.
The Abbotsford Regional Hospital (ARH) in particular is overflowing at 130 per cent capacity; they do not allow patient refusals, even if there is no space available for incoming patients. Doctors and other medical staff at the ARH shared their thoughts in an interview with 1130
NewsRadio. Surgeon Dr. Terry T. W. Leung said that if patients are lucky, they’ll get a place in a lounge or one divided area that holds multiple patients. “It’s out of control,” Dr. Leung said. Due to the lack of space, some patients have beds in the shower areas of other patients’ rooms.
Future patients or residents who might need to admit a family member or friend to ARH should reconsider. Dr. Leung warned that some patients may not be seen by a doctor. Coming in with a serious injury, like a broken limb, would cause most people to wait many hours just to get into a department, followed by “another 10 plus hours to finally see a doctor,” said Leung. Doctors often have to take on double the clientele — approximately “20 patients” per physician — which results in
“suboptimal” care.
Dr. Leung explained that Fraser Health has not been supportive, and other physicians impacted by the crisis stated that it’s all been a result of “years of neglect.”
On Sept. 16, Surrey Memorial Hospital reportedly issued a five page letter to the CEO of Fraser Health, Dr. Victoria Lee, to emphasize the importance of a need for change within their workplace, for them and for their patients. They stated that “our primary concern is the quality of care provided to patients, but we are met with silence from those who have the power to implement changes.”
“We’re just soldiers here, working with
what we’ve got. We’re all stretched pretty thin,” Dr. Leung explained, citing the impact it’s had on her and other professionals. She added that “I’m exhausted from having to talk about this over and over again because I feel like, ‘Why is nobody listening?’ Like, this is such a big deal, how can anyone not care? It’s frustrating.”
Leung and other healthcare employees are understanding toward their patients’ own frustrations, but claim “there’s nothing we can do…” Dr. Leung spoke on behalf of all hospital staff when she said that “we feel demoralized and really, quite helpless.”
October 2024 Senate recap
International Student Program changes
RACHEL TAIT
Senate is the academic governing body of UFV, with the university President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joanne MacLean as chair. They are responsible for making decisions on everything academic, including: approving new courses and programs, approving changes to programs, and setting entrance requirements and the academic calendar. The Board of Governors, which looks at the business side of the university, is advised by Senate on matters of mutual interest.
All at the university are welcome to attend Senate’s public meetings, which are held once a month. Senate makes decisions that impact the daily lives of both students and faculty. This article will recap the main agenda items of the hybrid Senate meeting which occurred on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024.
David McGuire, associate vice-president international, presented on where
UFV is regarding international students amid the recent changes the provincial and federal government have made to the International Student Program. This change directly affects UFV, as it includes setting a limit on the number of international students accepted into Canadian universities. According to the government of Canada, it is expected that the percentage of temporary residents will go down from 6.5 to 5 per cent by 2026.
According to McGuire, UFV has an approval rate of 87 per cent for international student study permits. He mentioned that according to a recent freedom of information request “that compared every designated learning institution in Canada,” UFV ranked third of all Canadian universities that are “legally able to accept international students.” McGuire added that the number of international students who graduate within a six year period at UFV is 88 per cent.
Dr. James Mandigo, provost and
vice-president academic, made a motion to discontinue the criminology extended minor. According to a memo from Mandigo to President Dr. MacLean, there is no longer a need for the program, due to the changes made to the criminology minor. The motion was voted on and approved.
Dr. MacLean wrote in her President’s report about the annual Open House that took place at the Abbotsford campus on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. She emphasized that “a university open house plays a crucial role in student recruitment and fostering community understanding of the university’s academic mission and facilities.”
President MacLean added that an open house offers the opportunity to talk and get to know potential students and their families, while also providing them with information about UFV programs, student life and support, giving advice, and answering any questions they have.
Dr. Mandigo wrote in his Provost report that the recent revisions by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are supposed to be the last ones made to the policy. Mandigo added that “For fall 2024, UFV received 5,960 domestic and 1,300 international applications leading to 2,196 new domestic students and 393 new international students.”
Photo by Maria Fleischmann / World Bank
Canuckle, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Illustration by Eseniia Bondar
NEWS BRIEFS
DEATH TOLL IN SPAIN RISES TO OVER 200 DUE TO STORM SURGE THE PRINCESS DIARIES 3 CONFIRMED!
On Tuesday, Oct. 29, heavy rain led to one of the worst meteorological catastrophes in Europe in decades, surpassing the 2021 flood in Germany, which reported around 185 deaths.
In a matter of minutes, flash floods destroyed everything in their wake, leaving people trapped in cars and buildings. By Friday, the death toll rose to 205, with people still missing. 202 out of these deaths were in Valencia, located on the Mediterranean coast. Spain hadn’t seen this much rain since the 1996 flood close to Biescas, resulting in 87 deaths. With more rain in eight hours than in the past 20 months in Chiva, this has turned into Spain’s worst flood in modern history.
Minister of Home Affairs Fernando GrandeMarlaska Gómez said in a press conference that the civil guard rescued over 4500 people trapped by the floods. Additionally, 1700 emergency unit soldiers have been deployed to aid in the search through debris and mud, with 500 more who joined on Saturday. As of Sunday, there are 217 confirmed deaths. The mayor of Chiva, Amparo Fort, told radio RNE that “entire houses have disappeared, we don’t know if there were people inside or not.”
After nearly two decades, The Princess Diaries (2001) franchise is set to return with a bang. Under the direction of film-maker Adele Lim, The Princess Diaries 3 was announced to be in production. Actor Anne Hathaway will reprise her role as the fan-favourite Queen of Genovia, Mia Thermopolis. Hathaway announced her return for the film by captioning on Instagram, “Miracles Happen… Back to Genovia…The fairytale continues.” This was accompanied by a compilation video of the iconic “shut up” from the first two films, repeating the phrase for the third movie.
According to an article by Deadline, the sequel’s screenplay is being written by Flora Greeson. Producer Debra Martin Chase is expected to return as a co-executive producer with Melissa K. Stack and Naia Cucukov, Lim’s producing partners.
Several actors such as Chris Pine, Mandy Moore, and Sandra Oh have expressed their interest in being in the film. Regarding her return to the third movie, Julie Andrews has stated, “I think we know that it’s probably not going to be possible.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, there is no confirmed release date, but Disney intends to begin production in 2025.
VIBRANT KITES IN SOUTH AFRICAN SKY FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
BC // SkyTrain expanding to Langley
Update on the SkyTrain expansion to Langley
PARUL BHOLA
The B.C. provincial government has introduced the Surrey Langley SkyTrain expansion project, which will enhance transportation services by providing seamless transport options in the Langley region. The project plans to expand the expo line by 16 kilometres, primarily running along an elevated path along Fraser Highway. The skytrain will start from King George Station in Surrey and end at 203 Street in Langley City. The construction for the project is scheduled to begin in late 2024, with the anticipated opening of the new SkyTrain stations in late 2029.
The project’s budget, estimated at around $5.996 billion, covers all infrastructure costs and other supporting costs. This includes building pathways for biking and walking, to provide alternate transportation options connecting to Skytrain stations.
communities across Metro Vancouver are growing quickly, and we are committed to building infrastructure to meet these needs.”
The preparation work has already begun: BC Hydro has started relocating power lines, as well as conducting site surveys and geotechnical investigations. By 2050, the expansion is anticipated to increase annual transit trips by 10.3 million. According to the project’s website, other significant benefits of the expansion include “22 minute travel time between King George Station and Langley City Centre” and “65 minute travel time between Langley City Centre and Waterfront Station.”
With a close race in the B.C. elections, the counts are in and David Eby of British Columbia’s New Democratic Party (BC NDP) has been re-elected as the Premier of British Columbia. The 2024 provincial election left B.C. wondering who the winner would be, as the NDP and Conservative Party of British Columbia were nearly tied at 46 and 45 seats, respectively — with the NDP only needing one more seat to win a majority government in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The results were confirmed last Monday, Oct. 28, with BC NDP winning 47 seats; the Conservatives came in a close second with 44 seats.
“We’re going to fight hate and racism,” said Eby last Tuesday, during his first public appearance in Victoria. He added that “these are non-negotiables for us.” His next priority is to ensure that the needs and priorities of B.C.’s citizens are met with the cooperation of B.C.’s legislature.
John Rustad, leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, stated that the NDP is seeking a member of the Conservative Party to be their new speaker of the house. However, he will only agree if Eby proceeds with certain conservative agenda items.
Cape Town witnessed a colourful sky on Oct. 27 with the 30th annual Cape Town International Kite Festival. Brought to life by the non-profit organization Cape Mental Health, the festival attracts both local and international participants — varying from professionals to casual kite fliers — to help bring awareness during South Africa’s Mental Health Month.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Melkbosstrand Beach was filled with kites ranging from dragons to jellyfish. The festival also hosted EduKite, a kite-crafting contest for students in primary schools and special needs education schools, with monetary prizes as rewards. The main goal of the event was to promote community building and raise money to finance mental healthcare services for those who need it most.
The motto for the festival is #HopeOnAString. “The significance of our motto is [that] a string looks insignificant and tiny, but you need to hold on because if you let go, the colourful kite will disappear. But while you hold on, you have hope that that kite will fly and colour the sky,” shared Santie Terreblanche, Cape Mental Health’s deputy executive officer. Organizer Barbara Meyer said, “No matter how fragile the string seems, a person can use it to hold a kite as large as a house.”
The project is set to construct eight stations and three transit exchanges. Once completed, travel time between Surrey’s King George Station and Langley’s 203 Street is expected to be 22 minutes. The Eight stations to be constructed consist of: Green Timbers, 152 Street, Fleetwood, Bakerview-166 Street, Hillcrest-184 Street, Clayton, Willow Brook, and Langley City Centre. The three transit exchanges are going to be constructed at Bakerview-166 Street, Willow Brook, and Langley City Centre stations.
As stated by Rob Fleming, B.C.’s minister of transportation and infrastructure, the reason for the expansion is that “The populations of Surrey, Langley and other
The completed project is anticipated to bring the regular number of weekday commuters up to 80,000 with an anticipated “330,000 average daily reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled.” This will lead to over 20,000 new jobs being within reach by transit and accommodating residents located in an 800-metre radius of the upcoming transit stations. On the environmental side, the completed project will apparently reduce GHG emissions by 106,000 tonnes.
Besides the SkyTrain expansion, the project intends to add “14 km of multiuse pathways, bike racks and enclosed bike parking.” This is expected to help provide alternative transportation choices connecting to the SkyTrain stations, promote healthy lifestyle choices, reduce car usage, and ultimately decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
More information and updates can be found on the Government of B.C. website.
SKY S. TERRONES
GAURI SETHI
RACHEL TAIT
UFV //
Chilliwack’s BERRi Lab
Director Dr. Lauren Erland shares insights about UFV’s latest facility
PRATI KAPOOR
UFV’s Chilliwack campus recently welcomed the Berry Environmental Resilience Research & Innovation Lab (BERRi), “a 980-square-foot facility outfitted with state-of-the-art technology.” Directed by Dr. Lauren Erland, the lab aims to enhance the resilience and sustainability of local berry horticulture and the surrounding ecosystem. In a conversation with The Cascade, Dr. Erland shared the lab’s goals, current projects, and the exciting opportunities it has for students.
Dr. Erland explained that their research centres major commercial crops from the Vaccinium genus, such as blueberries, cranberries, and huckleberries. She stated that these berries are “really interesting from a plant biology perspective,” as they have high levels of melatonin and serotonin. “We can use them as a kind of study system in that way.” Erland added that these berries grow in diverse ecosystems, “they’ve got lots of environmental resilience.”
The BERRi lab has brought new research capacity to UFV, equipped with an $800,000 chemical analyzer that measures all the berry’s chemicals in detail. “We’ve got a whole plant tissue culture set up,” Dr. Erland explained. “It’s very much a custom built space to really build capacity for berry research that we didn’t have before.”
“There is no research without students, and it’s really cool watching their journey,” Dr. Erland said in an interview with UFV Today. The BERRi lab prioritizes creating hands-on opportunities for students; four undergraduate students and one postdoctoral researcher currently work for her. The lab offers diverse opportunities, including work-study opportunities, research assistant positions, and volunteer opportunities. Students are welcome to join ongoing projects, receive training, and run their own projects.
The BERRi lab is currently engaging in many projects — including one focused on melatonin and serotonin in plants — to help understand how metabolites control plant growth and enhance survival during climate change associated disruptions. Another project is centred on understanding climate resilience in vaccinium, examining how different vaccinium species respond to different environmental stresses.
One of their most exciting projects involves studying environmental responses of different plant collections from above the Arctic. “I got to go up to Nunavut for my research a few years ago,
and we did a bunch of plant collections.”
Dr. Erland added that “we’re kind of looking at expanding some of that more northern research, which I think is quite fun.”
One of the student-run projects involves investigating how compounds in wildfire smoke control plant growth. Another, in collaboration with BC Cranberry Growers’ Association, examines how cranberries react to different climatic conditions. The lab also has multiple projects going on to understand plant growth in different environments, and has a diverse plant tissue culture growing in clear gel to “do all sorts of cool experiments.”
Conducting research and facing failures goes hand in hand. “All the time, everyday,” said Dr. Erland in response to research challenges. “We wouldn’t have to do research if there weren’t any challenges, if there weren’t any open questions. All of [the] research is about things that we don’t know, things that don’t work, things we don’t understand.” For students who want to conduct independent research, going at it without the proper support can be challenging. Dr. Erland advises those interested to speak with their instructors, as many of them collaborate with students on research projects.
Dr. Erland mentioned various funding opportunities available for BERRi projects. One approach is to collaborate with industry partners with similar interests
who are willing to support applied berry research. Another common avenue is securing grants from federal and provincial governments. The lab also engages with non-profit organizations or special interests groups for additional support.
The BERRi lab also conducts research on specimens besides berries. Dr. Erland’s office hosts different plant species, such as Sundew — a rapidly moving carnivorous plant — and a lace plant — a rare plant that not only grows its own leaves, but also kills a predefined number of cells. “My job is mostly to come up with questions and then hope the students want to find answers to them.”
Dr. Erland envisions that the lab will continue adding more projects with more students and faculty members while seeing some fun research papers come out of the lab. She said, “Some of the information we generate is useful and interesting to someone who is not us.” The research generated not only helps to meet the lab’s broad objectives, but provides companies with an understanding of how their products can support plant growth.
When it comes to research, Dr. Erland advised students to “be persistent…[and] don’t give up,” emphasizing that it’s normal for research to be challenging and to not feel discouraged. “Research is hard. You’re learning new things, you’re creating new knowledge, you’re doing things that no one’s ever done before. And so, you know, that’s okay.”
Home?
by Iryna Presley
I think I’ve lost the notion of home. For 18 years, home meant living in Morocco with my dad, mom, and brother. Home, for the longest time, was the house my dad chose for us before my birth, delicious meals my mom prepared with love every day, and daily fights with my brother over silly things; a home filled with the loudest giggles. Then, I moved to Ifrane to pursue my bachelor’s degree, and the meaning of home gradually changed. Back then, it still meant living in Morocco; I had a dozen friends as my support system whenever I missed “home.” Two years later, those same friends became home, or as cheesy as it might sound, they became my home away from home. Currently, I am in Canada; 9000 kilometres away from Morocco, from my family, and from my friends. Yet I feel a sense of home. I do not know if it’s because I end up meeting good people and they become my home, or for some other reason. But with all these changes, I’ve lost the notion of home. I am not sure how to feel about it.
The Environmentalist: warming planet, unequal burden
The inequalities that run through the veins of our climate crisis
FABIOLA CRUZ ALDERETE
How much has climate change affected your life? Probably not that much, but this is not the reality for marginalized communities around the world. Due to the government prioritizing the interest of corporations, some communities disproportionately suffer from the relentless hammering of climate change on a daily basis.
Welcome to The Environmentalist, your column for understanding the natural world. Today we will introduce climate inequality, one of the most daunting challenges of our time.
Climate inequality occurs when the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, especially Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and refugee folks. Usually, these groups have limited access to resources, lower incomes, and marginalized social positions, which leads to them being less capable of adopting mitigation and adaptation strategies. This makes them more susceptible to the impact of climate disasters, food insecurity, economic hardship, and related health issues. It’s clear that climate inequality has serious impacts on physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
In Canada, there are numerous examples of environmental racism. One of the best known is Boat Harbour, an estuary turned into a freshwater lake and used as an industrial waste water effluent by the pulp mill at Abercrombie Point and Canso Chemicals between 1967 and 2020. The
consequences are undeniable: more than 200 studies done at Boat Harbour have confirmed that the sediments in the lake have contaminants such as cadmium, mercury, petroleum hydrocarbons, and many more. This case also shows how industrialization can work as a tool for colonialism and cultural erasure. The events that surrounded the incident disregarded the livelihoods and land treaties of the Indigenous Mi’kmaq community; the traditional and generational knowledge of the local people was almost eradicated because of corporate greed and their disregard of the environment — just to save the company some “liabilities.” Some other notable cases that I encourage you to learn about are mercury pollution of the river in Ontario’s Grassy Narrows First Nation and toxic waste dumped in the community of Africville in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
It is important to mention that climate inequalities are ruled by systematic neglect caused by the lack of, or non-compliance of, environmental government policies, acts, and decisions that intentionally or unintentionally affect vulnerable communities. This is because our governing bodies care more about protecting the economic interests of corporations than the well-being of citizens and integrity of the environment. Such is the case of Monsanto, an American corporation that, until Bayer bought it, was the leading producer of chemical, agricultural, and biochemical products of worldwide
agricultural importance. The company got into a controversial case in which a number of malpractices were revealed, and ended in them pleading guilty to 30 environmental crimes related to the use of pesticides. They constantly bribed government officials around the world, most notoriously the senior environmental official of Indonesia, Nabiel Makarim, to get him to reject a decree that would have been unfavourable for the company. Climate inequality on a global scale gets more concerning, as with mining in Congo and other countries in Africa. This is a dreadful situation that allows us, in the global north, to have our electric cars and cell phones with rechargeable batteries. This is all because of cobalt, a metal that has allowed for miraculous advances in technology, but that is toxic to the point of devastating landscapes and polluting both water and soil. Additionally, the human rights of the people living around Kolwezi, the centre of Congo’s cobalt industry, are being constantly violated by neglected security, lack of access to clean water and food, reduced access to education, and exposure to toxic chemicals — chemicals that have been proven to affect reproductive health of women, cause various skin diseases, birth-defects, and increase child mortality. In fact, the whole cobalt and copper mining region was defined by the African Resources Watch (AFREWATCH) as a “sacrifice zone” which is an area where people suffer severe health issues and human rights abuses related to living in heavily contaminated areas.
The worst part about climate inequality is that it is not talked about in the media. For example, huge portions of South American forests, including parts of the Amazon rainforest, burned down to a crisp this summer due to the extreme droughts. I’m sure most of us are oblivious about not just this, but many other events happening in the global south, since they aren’t commonly covered by the media. There are myriad solutions for climate inequality, but only if it is not kept silent and ignored. Listen to the victims; be vigilant about industrial activity around you and how your local government is regulating it. There is only one solution: as The Lorax once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” So, let’s care.
SNAPSHOT
“Reading break”
Illustrations by Iryna Presley
I was ecstatic when I heard we’re getting a fall semester reading break. For whatever reason, the fall semester feels longer and busier than the others. A promise of a full week to catch up on homework, cleaning, and maybe even get started on Christmas shopping… it sounded like a dream come true — until I realized that “reading break” is only three days. Instead of giving students the full week, fall reading break is clumped in with Remembrance Day. So they give us a provincial holiday that we’d already have off, and two extra days — then back to school Thursday! I don’t know about you, but to me, that’s just a long weekend.
For the lucky students who already aren’t on campus Thursday and Friday, well done! You’ve got a full week. For those of us who don’t, I’ll see you around campus, grumbling about how they could’ve extended it just two more days. But hey, I guess three days is better than nothing, right?
BY ANNA MCCAUSLAND
2018 Fred Murphy,
Lifestyle // Seasonal overconsumption
A season of endless opportunities
SAMANTHA PENNER
The holiday season seems to rip your wallet out from under you and tap your card any chance it gets. With Christmas right around the corner, and Halloween costumes shoved into storage, we are smack dab in the middle of a time that demands overconsumption.
I love the autumn and winter decorations that get me through the rainy season — and I give in every single time I find something new that speaks to me. I also want to treat my friends this Christmas, and I’m not going to show up to festive dinners empty handed! Plus, I love a thrifted sweater as much as the next guy. This time of year is a consumer hayday and my bank account’s nightmare.
Hypocritically, I am a self-proclaimed maximalist. Proof? I keep ticket stubs … yeah. I wish I would have been more conscious of my consumerism my whole life, but any step forward is a step in the right direction. I am taking it upon myself now to be a conscious consumer. I am not perfect, but I want to improve, so thinking about consumption, and bringing it into the discussion, feels like a decent first step.
Quantum Lifecycle Partners provides a helpful outline for limiting consumption for a happier, healthier holiday. The first principle is twofold: eliminate waste before it begins, and take some time to think before making a purchase. Often, our rushed instincts take over and we purchase without thought of the future. I know from experience that something we want in the moment can be so easily pushed to the side months later. Quantum says that during these holidays, you should “frame your gifting based on the idea of stopping physical waste,” which can apply to buying not only for others, but for ourselves. I struggle the most when it comes to wanting. Our media influx has put a consumerist burden on “the wanter”: hauls fill our feed, leading us into a trap of things we must have. To limit our consumption, we have to put intentional thought into our buying decisions. This cycle of “I want — I buy” is a burden I struggle with deeply. But I am working to make more conscious decisions to limit my consumption and provide myself with more thoughtful and lasting purchases.
The second principle Quantum brought forward is to choose circular products and materials. You remember the three “R’s” don’t you? Well, we can utilize our elementary school recycling principles
Illustration by May Beeney
this holiday season! Finding upcycled, recycled, or just plain old second-hand goodies is a way to limit overconsumption. Purchase things that are recyclable or made from natural and sustainable materials in order to increase their lifespan. The way I do this is through tried and true thrifting! Thrifting for the holidays is so much fun — I recommend everyone try it. My best friend and I did a thriftswap a few years ago; instead of buying new for each other’s Christmas gifts, we gave each other a budget, made Pinterest boards for inspiration, and hit the thrift store. It was a huge success and went down as our favourite gifting experience together. Sustainable and rewarding with a splash of festive joy — what more could you ask for?
The third principle Quantum listed is to regenerate nature. Here we can narrow our lens to food: buy local, compost waste, shop organic, and consider buying food from regenerative agriculture farming. Again, be considerate, thoughtful, and conscious with your purchases to limit consumption and give back to the Earth. Ultimately, we have to be sensible this holiday season. We can work to purchase with intention, aim for sustainability and longevity of products, and gift with purpose. With these values in mind, we take a huge step toward reducing our overconsumption this holiday season. But let it be known … I will continue to collect ticket stubs!
Column // Tech Talk: technology of fear
Survival horror takes advantage of our fears and anxieties for an immersive experience
SEAN HORN
As much as I’m a big chicken, I love horror games. I played through Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Outlast, Alien: Isolation, and of course Silent Hill 2. For a lot of these games, they all fit in the same genre: survival horror. This genre aims to take the player away from their comfortable home environment and drop them into a world or scenario where they have nothing to defend themselves with. There’s many different ways to make a player feel this dread and insecurity, and the games industry knows this. One of the many ways that game developers pull us into a world of horror and make us truly feel immersed is through audio design.
I’m no audiophile, but I know what I like, and that’s good audio. I love a good set of headphones to listen to the soundscape the developers made. Take Amnesia: The Dark Descent as an example. As you wander around Castle Brennenburg, you hear everything you’d expect to hear in an abandoned and crumbling edifice: wind howls through the broken windows and gaps in the walls, mice can be heard scurrying back and forth, and the strange groaning sound of some unknown creature that feels way too close for comfort. The whole place feels alive, and it shouldn’t. You know you’re in a horror game, you know you’re in control, but you really need that creature behind you to stop breathing on your neck. It’s getting weird.
A lot of these games employ a mechanic to track the sanity of the player character. In some cases, if you even look at a monster for too long, you start to go insane. In others, staying in the dark for too long will make the character literally fall to the ground — the view blurs or swirls and the character begins to die
slowly. This whole experience of taking sound design, atmospheric storytelling (such as a crumbling, dank building), and then adding in the psychological aspect of going insane — perhaps not having a weapon or tool of defense — creates a true marvel of game design and merger of technologies. It seems mundane now, but it can still bring you kicking and screaming into the game’s world.
These games encourage you to light up the environment with torches or your flashlight to make your way through the castle, and since you go insane if you stay in the dark too long, you really want to do that. You end up having to choose between the safety of light and being seen by the monsters or sitting quietly in the dark, listening to the monsters close in on you, slowly, with little hope of escape. If you don’t go out this Halloween, pick up one of these marvels of game technology and have a good time getting spooked.
Photo courtesy of Frictional Games
Photo courtesy of Frictional Games
The best mental health mantra is you
My guide to better mental health
PRATI KAPOOR
As the wind picks up, our bodies and minds might just mirror the approaching chilly season, and it’s important to remember that our mental health deserves our attention. With the year’s end approaching, bringing its familiar melancholy, it is the perfect time to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and discuss how to navigate the darkness.
I am no guru, but based on my sense of the world, I believe that protecting your mental health is a personal responsibility. One way to do so is by setting firm boundaries — with yourself and others. In Nedra Glover Tawwab’s book, titled “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself” (2021) the author writes that “boundaries set you free,” and I wholeheartedly agree.
While setting boundaries can be exhausting, I find it important for my well-being. To set boundaries, you must know yourself; for me, nurturing self-awareness of my strengths and weaknesses has empowered me to recognize my triggers. Once you learn what makes you uncomfortable, it’s easier to address the issues and work toward a resolution. Having clearer expectations in different aspects of life, be it professional or personal, empowers me to define my boundaries. Knowing what I want in my life helps me eliminate influences that hinder my growth. This clarity allows me to invest wholeheartedly in what’s mutually flourishing — for myself and for others. I truly believe that once you create a solid support system, life becomes significantly more fulfilling.
Engaging in self-care and doing things that bring me joy also improves my mental health. A literature review by Kirsten Posluns & Terry Lynn Gall suggests that fostering self-care can help prevent the downward spiral of stress and promote an upward spiral of well-being, improving overall mental health. It’s important to note that self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming; it can be as simple as making your bed. For me, keeping my space organized contributes to my peace of mind. When I am overwhelmed, I find myself deep-cleaning my space. I also enjoy making to-do lists and taking it one day at a time, both of which alleviate my stress. Seeing my calendar filled with deadlines can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into daily to-do lists and mini goals rather than looking at the big picture eases the load.
As we go through different stages in
life, our self-care practices may evolve. Growing up, journaling was my refuge, it was where I vented and found peace, while last summer, baking every week was my source of happiness. Whatever you choose, it’s incredibly important to dedicate at least ten minutes a day to yourself, using practices rooted in selflove rather than obligation.
Building happiness rituals has improved my mental health, and now I look forward to each day. For as long as I can remember, I have been practicing daily gratitude for what I have and my ability to work toward what I want. I even have a tattoo which reads “grateful” as a reminder. Connected to this, shifting my mindset from “I have to” to “I get to” has turned tables for me. Sometimes, what we have is someone else’s dream. I get to live this life, shape it into my dream life — for example, I get to write for The Cascade Once you start viewing everything with gratitude, it makes a difference.
Another cherished happiness ritual is having dinner with my flatmate at the end of each day. While we eat, we share one good thing and one bad thing from our days. Once, she told me her bad thing
was she didn’t have a job; a couple weeks later, she had one. Practicing this ritual is a great way to reflect on each day for a better tomorrow.
If I can say anything else it’s that ultimately, your mental health starts and ends with you. You are your own constant; you know yourself the best. Gaining positive mental health is easier said than done — it can be challenging. What works for me may not work for you, but there’s always something that will work for you.
There should never be any shame in seeking help. While you should reflect and work on yourself on your own, it’s helpful to know the resources available to you.
UFV offers group workshops and individual counselling sessions for their students, and also provides Student Success Handouts alongside multiple self-help resources. The provincial government also has a number of resources for mental health support.
“There can be no health without mental health” stated Professor Martin Prince for The Lancet. And with this, a gentle reminder: it’s the baby steps that help you weather the storm. You’re valued and you’ve got this.
SNAPSHOT
What I’ve learned from The Real Housewives
People love to look down on reality television. Don’t get me wrong, I used to as well — until I actually began watching it. I started with Vanderpump Rules (2013) and slowly entered into the world of The Real Housewives (2010). I have to say, it is not a shallow and vapid form of entertainment like I thought it was before. These shows explore a lot of hard topics in life including suicide, divorce, spousal abuse, racism, bankruptcy, infidelity, and sexual assault. Moreover, I’ve learned a lot from the women who are featured on this show. I’ve never seen women be so direct and honest about their feelings, and if they aren’t, fans and cast members know. The Real Housewives gives us a lesson in vulnerability and female friendships, something I’m trying to cultivate in my own life. So before you knock these shows as trash, give them a try — you might be pleasantly surprised (or at least thoroughly entertained).
BY DARIEN JOHNSEN
Illustration by Natasha Zilcosky
Illustrations by Iryna Presley
sports@ufvcascade.ca
Sports Editor - Jeffrey Kennett
Q&A //
Cascade Q&A: Mateo Brazinha
Get to know your student athletes through our Cascades
JEFFREY KENNETT
Mateo Brazinha is a forward on the men’s soccer team at UFV, and the reigning Men’s Soccer Player of the Year in Canada West. In his third year with the Cascades, Brazinha set program records in points (17) and assists (9) in a season, leading the squad to their highest point total in program history and an 8-5-3 season record, good for third in the Pacific division. Brazinha’s strike in the semi-finals on Oct. 27 forced UBC into extra time, before the Cascades’ season ultimately came to an end. What’s your opinion on wearing socks and slides to class?
I’m chill with it; I’ll do it — I’ve done it — and I’ll do it again … I’m kind of here for it. [My] fashion’s not the greatest though.
Who’s the hardest player to defend in practice?
I rarely defend (laughs)… I’d say Kevin Mailand. [He’s] very tricky. Fast feet. He’s very quick, very hard to defend. He’s so rapid, and when he starts moving the ball… you don’t get it from him.
What was your rookie idol song?
“One Kiss” by Dua Lipa.
What did your team learn from winning the Keg Cup?
Everyone in the province knows we had a tough [season] last year.
We went into [the] Keg Cup [and] it was like we’re gonna do this or we’re gonna have another bad year. This has to set the tone for the coming months. We [had] nothing to lose and everything to gain.
That’s what Tom [Lowndes] said to us, go out there and be what this program’s about, and we’ll succeed. I think everyone [on the team] has this mentality of, ‘we’re gonna be what this program stands for.’
Who’s at the top of the team’s FIFA rankings? Jackson [Cowx] is unreal. We’ll even play outside of team trips, and he’ll still kill me. He will kill everyone. He takes no prisoners when we play.
What does being a Cascade mean to you?
Hard work, resilience, and just a hell of a lot of grit. We will always have adversity … whether it’s other
player profiles
teams looking down on us — and once we get to [another] level — the other teams looking at us and saying they got there because of this… they’re looking for ways to tear us down.
So it’s adversity, perseverance, and just so much grit; we just gotta fight.
Who’s your favourite athlete outside of soccer?
I don’t watch many other sports besides soccer, but if I had to pick one… Kobe Bryant. The way he conducts himself [is] the way I want to think of myself, that kind of mentality.
What’s the most Mamba Mentality thing about Mateo Brazinha?
Nothing’s over ‘til it’s over … whether we’re up one nothing, or we’re down one nothing — the whistle goes and anything can happen between one and 99.
What does ugly winning soccer look like?
Ugly winning soccer is: we don’t need the ball very much, [we] don’t need possession.
It’s doing things that other teams don’t like [or] want us to do. People don’t want us to be physical. People don’t want us to run in behind all the time, or run in line with the defence.
It’s doing what we need to do to win. Sometimes you play really nice soccer, but sometimes it doesn’t matter. In my
Basketball // WBB’s team defence shines in tournament sweep
opinion, it doesn’t matter [how pretty it is], as long as you get the result.
Who is most likely to lose it on a ref?
Adam Szymanski, but I can’t say that anymore; it’s getting better. I can’t because then he’s gonna come for me. Ebi Igali for yells.
What’s your reaction to UFV’s ranking on the 2024 coaches poll?
It went up a lot from last year! (laughs) It’s kind of a fire underneath us.
People don’t rate us… and I’m fine with that, Tom’s good with it [too]. It’s just more adversity. It’s like [go ahead and] look down on us, because when we do this… you’re not going to see us coming.
Who works the hardest in practice?
Nate Cervo; he’s just a dog. That kid will run, and run, and run, until his legs fall off… and I love it.
What do you do after a big game?
Nine times out of 10 — no, 10 times out of 10 — I think if you asked our [entire] team that, 31 players would say the same thing — watch the game back. Just watch the full 90 minutes right away. You can see what you did wrong.
That’s something everyone on the team [has] added this year that’s made us a little bit better.
Q&A has been edited for length and readability.
A dominant showing at the Naismith Classic sets UFV up to start the season as a strong contender
MICAH DELLA FORESTA
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Cascades women’s basketball team (WBB) made a strong impression in Waterloo, Ontario at the 55th annual Don McCrae Naismith Classic on Oct. 17-19. The Cascades captured the tournament title by dominating all three of their games, extending their winning streak to
five as they gear up for the regular season.
The tournament victory featured commanding wins over the Windsor Lancers (64-51), the Waterloo Warriors (64-55), and the Memorial Sea-Hawks (66-52). Fourth-year forward Julia Tuchscherer was named the tournament’s most valuable player for her standout performances spanning all three games — featuring a 21 point performance
against the Lancers, while shooting 9-14 from the field.
“It feels good ending pre-season with a win,” Tuchscherer reflected. “I think it’s important to have a big weekend like [this in] Waterloo to build confidence as a team and as individuals. Especially after having a slow start to pre-season, it’s nice to see everything come together before we start conference play.”
The Cascades defensive prowess emerged as the foundation of their tournament dominance, applying relentless pressure every time they stepped on the floor. Over three games, the team collected an astounding 44 steals, forcing their opponents to turn over the ball 61 times — numbers indicative of potential
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Photo by Joshua Sulpico
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to be on a shortlist of defence powerhouses across the country this season.
The chaotic nature of the Cascades’ defensive pressure dismantled their opponents. Inhibiting the opposition’s abilities to get consistent looks and control the pace, they were forced to adapt among the havoc induced by the Cascades. Further setting the standard for the Cascades’ style of play, fourth-year forward Esther Allison emphasized the team’s unwavering commitment to their physical ethos.
The dedication to physical play was also on full display on the glass, as UFV crashed with unrelenting intent throughout all three matchups. In the final against Memorial, the Cascades garnered a weekend high of 35 rebounds, highlighted by Allison’s 13. Their dominance on the
Volleyball //
boards throughout the latter half of the pre-season has created critical second chance opportunities, further contributing to their offensive output.
What was excitingly apparent were the contributions across the board from the rotational players and beyond.
“Everyone stepped it up and did their role,” Tuchscherer noted. “There was a consistent effort from the entire team throughout the three games. The new players were able to come in and make an impact with solid minutes as well.”
Tuscherer’s words confirmed that the wins in Waterloo served as another stepping stone in uncovering and fully embracing the team’s desired core identity. “We needed to get back to playing our style of basketball again,” Tuchscherer explained. “Our defence is what fuels our offence, and that really showed through
the weekend. When we’re locked in defensively, everything flows on offence, and that’s when we’re at our best.”
With the regular season on the horizon, Tuchscherer and Allison both acknowledged the team’s commitment to consistent growth and development.
“Continuing to play our style of basketball for a consistent 40 minutes is something we’re still working on,” Tuchscherer said. “We need to start strong and stay focused on what we can control.”
The Cascades opened the regular season on Halloween night, falling to the #2 ranked in the conference, the UBC Thunderbirds. They got back in the win column two nights later against the University of Victoria, winning 57-52.
The Cascades start the regular season 1-1, ready to make a statement as a unified and dynamic contender in Canada West.
Cascades volleyball home opener recaps
Unpack the first games of both the women’s and men’s volleyball season with us
VERONICA POWELL & CASSIE WILLIAMS
On Oct. 18, the Cascades served a pair of volleyball season openers at the UFV Athletic Centre against the visiting Calgary Pandas and Alberta Golden Bears. UFV’s faithful crowd was eager to come alive seeing their teams for the first time this season.
WVB’s killer instinct
With horns blaring and green and white pom-poms shaking in the air, the Cascades’ women’s volleyball team (WVB) proved themselves without fear, recording their first win of the year. Swarms of visiting children from nearby schools filled the stands, the high-spirited energy of the gymnasium echoed with the sounds of kazoos and cheers. The Cascades dominated early, taking the first two sets with scores of 25-18 and 25-14, before a tighter third and final set with a score of 25-23, as the Cascades completed the sweep in straight sets.
The home crowd was on the edge of their seats as second year outside hitter Mandi Feist dominated the court with 11 kills. Feist’s confidence shone through post-match, where she shared her thoughts on their win. “We were really aggressive tonight and if we keep being aggressive, it’s going to take teams down. You can’t really defend being aggressive.” She also gushed over one of the match highlights. “I got the ace at the end at 24 [and] it was a crazy feeling. I don’t even know how that ball went over, but it made me so happy. The win at the end was an amazing feeling [too].”
The team’s victory was not without help from fourth year middle, Zoe Arca, who racked up five strong blocks and two aces. “We’ve been preparing really hard for this, for our season,” said Arca. “We’ve been working really hard on our systems, and I think it all paid off in this game.” When it comes to implementing their success and skills into future matches, Arca said, “We can accomplish what we put our mind to and the goals that we set for ourselves … we can accomplish anything.”
As of Oct. 30 the Cascades’ WVB team is first in Canada West with a 4-0 record in the season; their second place ranking in all of U Sports is the highest in program history.
MVB’s spirited yet frustrating debut
Although they dropped a four-set decision, the men’s volleyball team (MVB)
proved themselves a worthy challenger for the previous year’s U Sports national champions, the University of Alberta Golden Bears.
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with the first two sets ending 25-20 and 25-21 in favour of the Golden Bears. The Cascades took the third set 25-19 to avoid being swept and forced a fourth, where the Golden Bears closed out the match 25-22.
On the Cascades’ performance, Jonas Van Huizen, a setter in his fourth year, said, “Going into it, we knew it was going to be a challenge for sure. It took us a while to really get going, and then once you’re down three or four points, it’s really hard to dig yourself out of that hole.” Van Huizen and Nimo Benne dominated the court with a combined 22 kills — 11 each.
The pair were able to find pockets on the floor and execute fierce strikes that left Alberta unable to react. Roan McCarthy and Ryan Hampe weren’t far behind with the former having nine kills and the latter six; not to mention McCarthy’s killer serves throughout the match.
UFV didn’t go down without a fight; several impressive rallies proved they were still in it. The team woke up in the
second set, seeming to find their groove. Unfortunately, it was too late.
Van Huizen lamented his team’s slow start, stating, “The first two sets, we did not come out with a sense of urgency and it showed on the score … definitely a game we want to take back. We showed in the last two sets that if we just come out with a little bit more fire, a little bit more urgency, and a will to win a little bit more; we can find ourselves on the other side of it.”
Van Huizen recounted a pivotal play from the game where a misplay led to a successful block, demonstrating the unpredictability of the match. “I messed up the dig a little bit but my brother Silas [Van Huizen] lunged for it, [and then] Nimo somehow, with his back to the net, turned and knocked it over. We got the block. It was pretty sweet.”
With the season just kicking off, the MVB team’s record is 0-4 as of Oct. 30, and they currently hold 11th place in the Canada West MVB standings.
Be sure to catch the Cascades on Nov. 15 and 16 when both teams return to the UFV Athletic Centre to stand off against the visiting Thompson Rivers Wolfpack!
This guide takes you through Morocco’s vibrant landscapes, rich flavours, and cultural highlights
CHIFAA BOUZID
WPhoto by Chifaa Bouzid
hen someone asks me where I come from, love, warmth, royalty, fun, delicious food, rich culture, and colourful cities are what come to my mind, and one word sums it all up: Morocco. Then, I spend the next two minutes of the conversation answering the “tell me more about it” question. I will spare you the details of Morocco being located in the north-western part of Africa and the fact that Moroccans speak at least two languages. Let me tell you exactly what it means to be from Morocco.
Morocco, or Al Maghreb in Arabic, has been my home for 23 years, yet I keep on discovering more about the country. Although we all belong to one land, Moroccans from different regions have their own unique culture, food, traditional clothes, and different dialects, if not languages. This is because the country is home to both Amazigh and Arab people. Historically, Amazigh are the native people of Morocco; they have their own language called Tamazight, which is entirely different from Arabic.
Morocco was colonized by both France and Spain for several decades in the 20th century. Essentially, Spain colonized the northern part of Morocco while France ruled over the central and southern parts. Even though we managed to gain independence in 1956, this colonization left a lasting impact on us. French is now an official language that is used widely throughout the country, and despite Spanish not being an official language, many people from the northern area speak it. Moreover, with the spread of pop culture and Hollywood movies since the 2000s, many Moroccans speak English as well.
In a nutshell, the Moroccan dialect is a sweet mix of Arabic, Tamazight, French, Spanish, and English, with Arabic and French being the dominant languages. In fact, my friends and I joke all the time about how we consistently use at least three languages in one sentence.
The architecture is one of my favourite aspects of Morocco; I would describe it as majestic, colourful, and unique. This style is present everywhere in the country, including mosques, houses, fountains, historical monuments, and administrative buildings, among others. The architecture is a blend of Arabic, Amazigh, and Andalusian symbols, as well as Arabic calligraphy. I admire the vibrant colours in Moroccan architecture: you’ll often see surfaces adorned with red, green, blue, and white tiles, creating striking, intricate patterns that bring the buildings to life. If I had to choose one building to represent the architecture in Morocco, it would be Hassan II mosque, one of the largest mosques in Africa, which took several years to build with the contributions of thousands of artisans. If you were
physically there, your point of view would be a beautifully adorned mosque in green and white, standing majestically on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with one of the tallest minarets in the world (210 metres or 689 feet).
One fun fact about Morocco is that almost every city is known for a specific colour. For instance, Casablanca — which translates to white house — encompasses buildings entirely painted in white. On the other hand, Marrakech — one of the most famous tourist destinations — is coated in red. The buildings in Chefchaouen — wait for it — are painted in mesmerizing shades of blue. In fact, some tourists travel to Chefchaouen just to take photos with Instagrammable backgrounds. I hate to break it to you, but I was not an exception.
Beautiful beaches are another aspect that would get you moving from one city to another. Thanks to its strategic location, Morocco has coastlines along two major bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. The Atlantic coast is known for its long and sandy beaches, while the Mediterranean beaches are characterized by calm, warm waters. One of the dreamiest beaches that I have ever been to is Imessouane Beach, located between Essaouira and Agadir. Surrounded by little mountains, shining with its golden sand and the bluest and clearest water possible, this beach holds a special place in my heart.
If I had to travel to Morocco for one and only one reason, it would be the food. A recent poll celebrated Moroccan cuisine as the best in the world, according to fans worldwide. The cuisine is known for
its royal dishes such as Pastilla, Couscous, Rfissa, and Seffa, among others. One of the things that I find most interesting about our food is the mixture of sweet and salty flavours in several dishes. For instance, Seffa medfouna, my all-time favourite dish, is made with steamed and sweetened vermicelli layered with a filling of chicken. This dish is known for its unique presentation, as the vermicelli is shaped into a mound and topped with chicken, nuts, and a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.
Being away from home has made me value all of these aspects a lot more. For the longest time, I have taken Moroccan architecture, culture, and food for granted. But now I fully take the chance of being an international student in Canada to share my culture with other people, learn how to cook my own food since my mom is not around the corner, and discover others’ cultures as well. In fact, I believe I am learning a lot more about my culture being away from home, as I get asked questions about my culture that I have never thought about. Every once in a while, I call my parents to confirm why we celebrate particular events or why we eat certain foods on a specific day, just to be able to answer others’ questions. And I am enjoying it so far!
Morocco is a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, a unique culture, royal and delicious food, and majestic views. So, if you are thinking of a destination for your next vacation, you know where to go!
culture@ufvcascade.ca
Culture Editor - Elyssa English
Column //
Campus Fashion: keeping warm this season
How to stay cozy amid the frosty weather
RACHEL TAIT
November marks that time of year when we’re pulling out our thick sweaters, winter parkas, and cold weather accessories from the bottom of our closets. As temperatures drop and winter moves in, let’s take a look at how to dress warm and stay stylish during the chilly season.
Winter sweaters:
A historic staple in most wardrobes, winter sweaters are designed to keep you warm and toasty. Classic styles like cardigans, cable knit sweaters, fair isle, and plain crew necks are just some of the offerings to choose from. Sweaters range widely in style and fit, ensuring that there is a favourite option for everyone.
Ear muffs:
What keeps your ears warm without messing up your hair? Ear muffs. Designed to protect ears from the cold, ear muffs play a fashionable and functional role in staying warm this winter. From a Minnie Mouse inspired muff to faux fur, ear muffs can be a playful accessory sure to come in handy when temperatures drop.
UFV Speaks
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Hats:
Wearing hats is not only fashionable, but necessary for surviving the cold. Whether you prefer beanies, bucket hats, fuzzy toques, faux fur caps or wide-brimmed wool hats, accessorizing your headwear is a great way to beat the chill and look good while you’re at it.
Scarves:
Scarves are great for adding an extra layer of warmth while bringing timeless style to any wardrobe. Wearing thick scarves that come in a variety of patterns and colours can help you stay cozy this cold season.
Gloves:
Wearing gloves is no small matter, especially when it’s freezing. Try a pair that are designed to accommodate smartphone usage to avoid taking them on and off while out in the cold. Gloves with good insulation and movement are ideal to keep your hands toasty warm.
Winter coats and parkas: There are so many types of outerwear out there; it’s important to determine which ones meet your needs, because everyone feels the cold differently. Winter parkas that are down-filled or fleece-lined are
good versatile options and are perfect for keeping out the wind and rain. For more elegant occasions, try pairing a long wool coat over a formal outfit to keep the winter chill out.
Boots:
Wearing a winter boot with good traction is a must for enduring cold and icy conditions. Look at the soles of the boot;
you can determine if they have a good grip by testing how soft and sticky they are — the softer and stickier, the better. A boot with a good grip is ideal for walking in the elements, especially when there is black ice.
There you have it, a compilation of winter wear to keep you cozy this frosty season.
UFV Speaks: do UFV students want children in the future?
Hear what participants have to say about starting a family
NATALIA TOSCANO MURUA
In UFV Speaks, our intrepid reporters pick a topic currently relevant to UFV students or staff, and ask them for their heated opinions to get a real sense of how the UFV population feels about the facts. Planning for the future can be a huge undertaking for some, especially when it relates to life goals, milestones, and aspirations. As university students, we are in the face of adulthood and are about to go out into the world and live our lives as such. Every student has their dreams for life further down the road, and for this edition of UFV Speaks, we’ll explore the question: “Do UFV students want children in the future?”
Mckenna Farlin, General Studies: “Yes, I’d like to have kids one day. Once I graduate with a degree and can provide them with a good future, that is.” Josh Stephens, Sciences:“It seems like an appealing idea to raise a family.”
Aleena Aleena, Associate of Science: “Yes, definitely. I want to have a baby girl. Having a child is the most beautiful feeling in the world. To have a little kid come and call you “Hi mamma!” is amazing.”
Divyansh Manrao, Bachelor of Business Administration: “One hundred percent yes. The first reason would be, if I had kids with a spouse, it’s a way to kind of look back at how you were back then, and that’s something to cherish. Secondly, it helps with responsibility. You need that to raise a family, and also you learn a lot of patience from it.”
Samarja Sandhu, Bachelor of Business Administration: “If I had to, I would adopt. That way I can save the stress of having to care for a pregnant lady.”
Kyle Howden, Bachelor of Business Administration: “Definitely, maybe in like 10 years or something. I want to be financially secure before I have kids, and that would give me time to have a job and prepare for all of that.”
Illustration
Illustration by Natasha Zilkosky
Events // Portals into Nature
UFV students curate and feature in gallery exhibit
ELYSSA ENGLISH
Once again, the S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery plays host to a new exhibition. Curated in collaboration between UFV students Megan Ali and Yukun Lin, Portals into Nature is a journey through nature and our everyday environments, as shown through the eyes of the artists. The exhibition — running from Oct. 16 to Nov. 8 — is a collection of work including sculpture, photography, mixed-media, and paintings that represent the connection between humanity and nature, while reflecting on our place in the world around us.
The collection features pieces of the curators’ own work, as well as work from contributing artists: Ruby Woo, Cobi Timmermans, Jacquelines Pan, Devins Pigeau, and Arty Urdabayev. Each artist’s participation in the collaboration works to support the vision of the exhibition in a cohesive way.
For both Lin and Ali, curating a gallery exhibition was a new experience. Reflecting back to last spring, when they first answered the gallery’s open call for artists, Lin said, “Curating is something we didn’t expect at all,” with Ali adding, “I never thought I would do that.” The initial hope was only to find a space where they could showcase their work.
Transitioning from creating art to also curating a gallery exhibition was quite the process. Not only did Lin and Ali need to prepare pieces for display, they also needed to connect and collaborate with
other artists to help fill the space with works that complimented each other and contributed to the overall theme. When asked about the challenges faced, Ali said, “I think my least favourite part was just how busy I was... It was a lot. But I also found that it pushed me to limits where I was like, ‘Okay, I can do this.’ It taught me new things about myself.”
In Ali’s featured sculptural series, Growing and Changing Always, mixed media sculptures of twisting wire and vibrantly painted clay pay homage to our ever-changing bodies, as well as the fluidity of our perceptions and emotions connected to such change. The series is designed to evoke feelings of self-acceptance and understanding, while embracing the natural changes we face — encouraging everyone to connect, as Ali hopes, “their own memories and experiences through our artwork.”
The exhibition as a whole asks its viewers to shift their perspectives and see the ordinary parts of life as something extraordinary. With the large scale prints of Woo’s and Lin’s street photography featured on the gallery walls, seemingly everyday, mundane aspects of life are shown in a new perspective.
“I think for me this series is like a personal project… this is my way to figure out the city,” said Lin. Talking about his inspiration for the photos, he said, “I tried to find some interesting angles to discover the city.” These photos, capturing ordinary moments, freeze them in time, adding significance to scenes that
many of us pass daily without a second thought, from traffic and construction to quiet afternoons reading in a cafe.
When asked what he hopes people take away from the exhibition and his work, Lin said, “Hopefully we can take more [time] for the details… Seeing the details of the cities, seeing… more details [in our] daily lives.”
The exhibition asks viewers to shift their perspectives, and see the ordinary parts of life as something extraordinary. Both Ali and Lin agree that the
experience has been a beneficial one. “I think it’s great for both of us, careerwise,” Lin said, with Ali adding that “it pushed us to see the perspective of putting everything together in different settings, rather than individually.”
Portals into Nature remains open in the S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery until Friday, November 8. To celebrate the exhibition, there will be a closing reception held in the gallery at 5:30 p.m. on that date. Attendance is free and open to the public.
by
Photos
Joshua Sulpico
CULTURE
Club Spotlight // UFV Hub Club: events for everyone
No friends? No problem. Hub Club creates community
GAURI SETHI
Making friends and developing a sense of community can be especially challenging, particularly for students who feel alienated on our commuter campus. The events hosted by UFV Hub Club, led by club president Lucy Park, a fourth-year communications student, have become a crowd favourite for students eager to make new friends, connect with others, and engage in fun, inclusive events.
The Hub Club was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by Aaron Sandhu — the club’s current advisor — and Andrew Vilan, the former club president, in response to UFV’s diminishing social involvement, seeking to address the social isolation many students experienced during lockdowns. According to Park, “when it was created… people were not coming out [to] the events because of COVID. People were staying home.” Since its formation, the club has continued encouraging students to attend events even if they don’t have friends to go with them or feel uncomfortable going alone. “We want to be the hub of UFV, where everyone can come,” Park emphasizes. “I personally find that [UFV] events are for people to come out as a friend group or with friends... So we are trying our best to have a space where students can come out and meet new people [and] collaborate.”
The Hub Club organizes events that are easily accessible to students and open to all. They recently organized a PNE Fright Nights event, where a number of students visited Playland. Park explained how Fright Night perfectly captured the friendly environment of the club. “We carpooled to Vancouver, because a lot of people don’t really have a way to get there, and our first goal is for people to… have a way to get to our event and be comfortable with us. We stayed as a group… club members carpooled together, enjoyed rides, and bonded over meals,” said Park. She further explained, “A couple of people DM’d us being like, ‘Oh, I’m a little nervous that I don’t have any friends to come [with] to this, but I would really like to go to. And I’m like, ‘yeah, that’s what we’re here for.’”
The pumpkin patch trip, which was a favourite last year, was back again for 2024. It offered students a chance to socialize while taking in festive fall feels. The Hub Club is also planning to have a tote bag painting event in November where you can paint totes and take them home with you. All the necessary supplies will be provided alongside music, food, and a lively atmosphere to encourage you to join in and have fun.
In addition to hosting events, the club also provides opportunities for students to volunteer or become part of the executive team. Due to the recent addition of 11 executive members, future events are anticipated to increase even further in scale and influence. “All of our members who will be there hosting the event are super nice, super friendly, [and] always open to meet new people,” added Park. Moreover, she called out students who are passionate about photography, saying, “We’re actually looking for a
photographer for our team.”
With her graduation approaching, Park is hoping that Hub Club’s events will continue to be successful after she leaves.
“I’m hoping to see a lot of annual events happening again, even when I’m not there... [like] the Cultus Lake event.” Park is also trying to plan an event with The Aroma Bistro, a local pub in Abbotsford, for a “post-exam celebration” before her graduation. She sees it as a much-awaited night out where students can relax, dance, and spend quality time making new
connections. “What they’re looking for is for students to come and hang out, and what I’m looking for is a space for my students to go out. So it’s a perfect combination,” she said. “It will be like an after exam party… where everyone can just go out, have a drink or have food — just a socializing event,” Park added.
Whether you’re a first-year student trying to make new friends, a fourth-year student searching for something new, or just someone who wants to hangout and socialize, Hub Club events are open to all.
Photo courtesy of UFV Hub Club
Crossword Puzzle
Horoscopes //
By: Madame LaCarte
Aries - Mar. 21 to Apr. 19
There’s making a mountain out of a molehill, and then there’s whatever you’ve been doing: digging a hole, making the molehill, and then turning it into a mountain. Oh sure, you put on a brave face when you trip on it, and people commend you for it, but in the end you’re still just playing in a sandbox. Put down the toy, step away from the holes, and maybe re-evaluate in a relaxing bath.
Taurus - Apr. 20 to May 20
It can be hard to spot sometimes, but honey, there’s nothing sweet about the way they’re treating you. The buzzing about has kept you too busy to notice their sting, but you need to take a moment to smell the flowers, even if they are plastic. Move away from this hive that has been keeping you, and see all that could bee without them.
Gemini - May 21 to Jun. 20
You are the sharpest tool in the shed, the brightest bulb in the box, the cleverest of clogs. Your practicality and clarity have gotten you to new comfort, and I say enjoy it! Relax. Recover. Rejoice.
Cancer - Jun. 21 to Jul. 22
Your anxiety has you impulsive and reckless, the consequences of which have you angry and resentful, which has you feeling rushed and stuck. You need to H.A.L.T. and ask yourself if you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. You need some magic in your life — get some E.L.F.S.: Eat, Laugh, Find a friend, and Sleep!
Leo - Jul. 23 to Aug. 22
Jumping through hoops has you feeling as fulfilled as a trained monkey. You’re distracted by all the traveling around, but trust me when I say: living in a circus, full as the audience might be, is a lonely place.
Virgo - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You’re bulldozing through life, blind to the trees you’re wrecking in the name of progress, efficiency, and self improvement. And in the name of efficiency, that’s all I’ll say.
Libra - Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
What’s the saying? When you reach your bottom, you can only go up? You’re planning your climb, but by wanting to create the perfect ladder, you’re burying your motivation. Good enough is good enough; stop with the perfectionism, and climb out and toward new heights.
Scorpio - Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
There’s a storm on the horizon, and the cards are giving me no hints as to how it will play out for you. I can’t tell if you’ll sail around it or through it, but you will come out of it transformed. I will say that the storm comes from behind you; it stems from some long ago resentment.
Sagittarius - Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
The engine is running but the car is on blocks. It’s a nice car, granted, but ultimately as useful as your efforts. You’re too focused on the haves and the have-nots of others. How about you focus on your own projects, and fix that car.
Capricorn - Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Your head is in the clouds and you get moody when someone tries to bring you back down. But, as a fellow dreamer, I say stay up there. One, higher is funner, two, it sucks down here, and three … well there is no three. We both know this isn’t healthy in the long run, but for right now, it’s ok.
Aquarius - Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
You’re gaining new perspectives and new beliefs, but don’t be too quick to think it’s all true. Lower your expectations just a tad. Don’t let others trick you into joining the band wagon without thought.
Pisces - Feb. 19 to Mar. 20
It’s hard to be independent and unique. Rebelling is cool, but when everyone is doing it, what are you really rebelling against? Sometimes it’s ok to go with the traditional. Sometimes, you don’t have to fight everything. This might sound counter-intuitive, but there is comfort in conformity. Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s you making the decision.
Movies // A cancer survivor’s take on We Live In Time
Reviewing THE movie of the fall
CAITLYN CARR
This past spring, I was diagnosed with non-hodgkin lymphoma. When people find out that one of my favourite films to watch during my chemo-filled summer was 50/50 (2011), they’re usually surprised. As depressing as they can be, I like watching cancer movies because I’m interested in how different films depict us cancer survivors (this includes not only those who have “beaten” their cancer, but also those who are living with cancer today) and our lives. So, when I learned that two of my favourite actors, Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, were going to be starring in the latest cancer flick — John Crowley’s We Live In Time (2024) — I knew I had to watch it.
The most unique part of the film is easily its non-chronological structure. The story jumps back and forth while demonstrating key moments in Tobias (Garfield) and Almut’s (Pugh) relationship, giving it the feel of a poem in cinematic form. Some of these key scenes include the couple’s wholesome first date, their infuriating first argument, the unique birth of their child, Almut’s cancer diagnosis, and the event that kicks off their relationship — when Almut accidentally hits Tobias with her car (talk about sweeping a guy off his feet!).
An esteemed chef and restaurant owner, Almut is portrayed as more than just her illness and not once is she written as a
flawless victim. There are moments when the audience might disagree with her, and even dislike her, preventing Almut’s character from falling into common
stereotypes that surround cancer survivors — that we lose our identity with our diagnosis and that we are perfect victims to be pitied. Of course, part of this success is attributed to Pugh’s phenomenal acting skills (unsurprising if you’ve seen any of her other performances).
Unfortunately, Tobias’ character was not nearly as compelling. The film is set up as being about the relationship between Almut and Tobias, which to me implies that the two characters should have equal significance in the film. However, his personality and development are gradually overshadowed. Compared to Almut, we see relatively little of Tobias’ past, beliefs, and occupation. As talented an actor as Garfield is, this role criminally underutilized his outstanding acting abilities.
As someone who did lose her hair during chemotherapy, my final gripe with this film is that, while Almut does shave her head, her hair never actually falls out. Yes, I know not everyone experiences this during chemo, but hair loss is shown to be the intention for Almut in this film. During production, Pugh had actually allowed her co-star to shave her head, rather than wear a wig or a bald cap. Pugh explained in an interview with Vanity Fair that she wanted to “do the thing that [was] needed to be done.” Look, I’m all for committing to the role; however, letting Almut get away with a flattering buzzcut instead of a shiny bald head was a missed
opportunity. It’s possible my expectations were too high, but I was hoping for some representation for us baldies (especially from a female character).
I’ll conclude my review with a quote from the film that resonates with me. At one point, Almut’s oncologist says, “It’s okay not to be okay. It’s a lot.” To some, this might sound insignificant, and maybe even a tad cheesy. However, to me and other young adult cancer survivors I’ve met, this idea is something we wish others understood.
There is often a degree of pressure on us to constantly be these inspirational, brave warriors for others, but the weight of these titles can be overwhelming. At times, I myself feel like I must either act positive to the point of toxicity or risk being scolded for expressing any fears or grief. All of that to say, it was a breath of fresh air to have the emotional hardship of a cancer diagnosis not only validated in this film, but also embodied through a flawed character.
Was the movie perfect? No. Should you still watch it? Absolutely. A heartfelt and bittersweet exploration into the way we live and love, We Live In Time is one of those movies that resonates with viewers long after they’ve seen it.
Commentary // Players or profit?
Profit is driving the gaming industry today
REBECA MARQUEZ LOPEZ
For decades, video games have been a medium for sharing stories, much like movies and TV shows, creating strong communities and fond memories for many. However, the gaming industry has shifted, with more games appearing to be designed with investors in mind rather than players. As a result, monetization tactics like battle passes and in-game stores filled with microtransactions are becoming a problem for gamers. While these practices are profitable, they have led many players to question whether games are being made to enrich investor pockets rather than enhance their experience.
The rise of these monetization systems has changed gaming from a one-time purchase experience to a constant pay-towin grind. Many games have become free-to-play to incentivize downloads, but then hit players with unavoidable in-game purchases. Gameplay is now structured around what developers think will encourage players to spend. This alienates those who feel they are being exploited rather than respected by video game companies, especially AAA studios like Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft.
However, gamers are starting to tire of these tactics, which is reflected in the performance of recent games. Concordwas expected to be PlayStation’s next big Intellectual Property (IP) — a unique game franchise that could be expanded over time — but it had to be
Commentary //
shut down after less than two weeks, and the studio behind it, Firewalk Studios, closed shortly afterward. Meanwhile, Infinity Nikki, a game by Infold Games, a brand founded in 2022, is surpassing expectations with 26 million global
pre-registrations as of writing this article. But why did Concord, a game with a budget of around $400 million USD, made by a multi-award-winning studio, flop? Concord was filled with microtransactions despite its $40 USD price tag, and
Art of representation: creativity or reflectivity?
About the accurate representation in media
RAJDEEP KAUR
I believe media to be an interlude from life. It makes you think, connects you with others, and sometimes hits you with a surprise that changes everything! It is constantly shifting with advancements in technology and changes in societal values, and this evolution needs to reflect our diverse experiences and perspectives. What one person sees as accurate or relevant might differ greatly from another’s view, as we are all influenced by our background, culture, and personal
experiences. This fluidity in both media and human perspectives highlights the importance of embracing multiple viewpoints to foster understanding and inclusivity. But it also raises a crucial question about the nature of media: can it ever be truly unbiased?
At the centre of this debate lies the undeniable influence of creators, directors, and actors on how stories are told. Movie adaptations of books might seem to offer a more direct representation when the author is involved and only their intent is conveyed in the process. It also depends
on if the author’s guidance is accepted in the process. For example, the Percy Jackson (2010-2013) movie series didn’t have Rick Riordan’s hand in the creation process. But even then, narratives are coloured by individual interpretations. Another example is the character of Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter (20012011) series. While originally depicted as a purely antagonistic figure, due to his popularity, the perception of Malfoy from book to movie is the opposite, which has led some fans to view him through a more sympathetic lens, complicating his
its designs were considered, by gamers, to be poorly made and very uninspired.
On the other hand, Infinity Nikki seems to be a game that understands its fanbase. Even as it expands into an open-world format with puzzles, combat, and exploration, it remains true to its core as a dress-up game, which fans love. However, as much as fans have been hyping up this game, we’ll have to wait and see about any hidden in-game purchases when Infinity Nikki releases in late 2024.
Concord and Infinity Nikki are two examples of games focused on maximizing profit, and those developed with players in mind. Baldur’s Gate 3, last year’s biggest success from indie developer Larian Studios, offers players a monetization-free experience that has been praised for respecting players’ time and money. In contrast, Star Wars Outlaws, one of Ubisoft’s recent releases, has underperformed and faced backlash over its high pre-order prices, lack of engaging gameplay, and weak immersion. These comparisons show how players prefer games that prioritize genuine engagement over profit-driven design. As games that focus on player experience continue to receive praise and outperform profit-driven games, it becomes clear that long-term success in the industry might come from balancing necessary financial goals with gamer satisfaction. While investor and corporate interests are essential, developers need to prioritize player experience to build a stronger, more player-driven industry.
representation.
Commercialization further complicates the media landscape, often leading to stereotypical portrayals that reinforce harmful narratives. A common trope is the depiction of individuals from specific backgrounds as violent or as terrorists, a pattern seen across various forms of media. Such representations not only distort reality, but can also perpetuate fear and misunderstanding.
Graphic by Gabriela Gonzalez / Left Image courtesy of FireWalk Studios / Sony / Right image courtesy of Papergames
ARTS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
One area where the media has a responsibility to strive for accuracy is in the portrayal of religious beliefs. When creators engage with individuals from those communities and conduct thorough research, they can create more authentic narratives that resonate with audiences. Similarly to a series like The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019), where Raj, an Indian character, embodies the stereotypical “Other.” He is portrayed as socially awkward, effeminate, and culturally distant, often depicted with exaggerated traits that emphasizes his ethnicity and outsider status. Such portrayals fail to reflect the evolving realities of contemporary Indian life. Casting choices also frequently reinforce stereotypes. It’s easier to play into an idea that is already accepted in watcher’s views and doesn’t require any research or risk of new criticism.
As consumers of media, we share the responsibility for the narratives that dominate public discourse. By engaging critically with the content we consume, we can influence the direction of media representation. It’s essential to understand the implications of these portrayals, as they can impact everything from dietary choices to political sentiments.
Books //
Historic portrayals and promotional adaptations can carry significant weight, holding parties accountable for their actions. However, if these narratives are presented without careful fact-checking, they risk misrepresenting individuals and communities. Responsible storytelling is essential to ensure that their narratives are being honoured and that misinformation does not extend further harm.
This is not to say that media should forgo creativity and their vision in order to stick to accurate representation; this could discourage a lot of people from pursuing creative fields. But we need more diverse voices in the media and more people willing to take responsibility for accurately representing different communities. While media representation is a complex interplay of creativity
and responsibility, it is vital to prioritize authenticity and inclusivity. By embracing diverse perspectives and engaging with the communities depicted, creators can foster narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of human experience. This balance is essential for a more equitable media landscape.
There’s no guide for grief
A review of Stuart Ross’ The Sky is a Sky in the Sky
ANNA MCCAUSLAND
I can only describe Stuart Ross’ newest poetry collection, The Sky is a Sky in the Sky (2024), as beautiful and bizarre. The Toronto based poet has been the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the 2023 Trillium Book award for his personal essay The Book of Grief and Hamburgers (2022) and the 2019 Harbourfront Festival Prize. Ross is also the co-founder of Meet the Presses Collective, an organization which curates literary events for independent publishers in the Greater Toronto Area. Not new to the Canadian literary sphere, Ross’ work manages to bring something novel every time.
The Sky is a Sky in the Sky takes us through Ross’ journey of grief. Both fresh and persistent, his visceral poems are experimental; throwing the rules of literature out the window. At times I wasn’t quite sure what I was reading, or what form the poem was taking until later, when a powerhouse of a line hit me — or days after reading when I finally figured out the double meaning of that seemingly simple word.
In poems like “A Toy Bird,” “Math
& Science,” and “Willow Street,” Ross highlights the importance of community. Each of these poems are either in collaboration with, or dedicated to, other writers. While this could have been a fun creative consorting that Ross chose to include, it also serves as a reminder that we don’t grieve alone.
To me, “Self-Portrait” is one of Ross’ experiments gone right. The poem consists of sixteen ideas — words, feelings, and things that “make up” Ross. After each line is a sentence, an abstract idea that creates a picture of who he is — including his dry sense of humor — proving that you don’t need flowery language to explore heavy feelings. “Valediction” shares a similar sentiment with a total of six lines. Within those lines, Ross questions what it means to truly know someone, and what our lasting mark on the world is. The image and sentiment is strong, without the need to over explain.
Proving his point again, he uses three words or less per line in “List&ning.” Within this poem, Ross uses irony in the personification of inanimate objects; with only a few words he creates vivid, bizarre pictures in the reader’s mind. The
purpose of these pictures is unclear to me, and pulled me out of the poem and the environment his collection had built in my mind. “Ten” is another poem that didn’t hit right; a running sentence with no punctuation, each stanza broken up by roman numerals. The numerals broke the flow of the poem and took me right out of my reading.
Although I don’t think every poem in this collection is an absolute banger, Ross
revolutionizes poetry. The collection as a whole is a testament to the fact that no one knows how to handle grief — I sure don’t. But these poems aren’t “steps” for getting through it. I think Ross is showing us that it’s okay to experiment with how you feel — maybe you cope with humor, by trying to see the beauty in the world, or maybe by reflecting on yourself. All are ways of processing grief.
Graphic by Gabriela Gonzalez / Photo courtesy of Coach House Books
Photo By Antonio Rodriguez / AdobeStock
Column //
Book Talk: Jac Jemc’s nightmare fuel
A novel unsettling enough to make you sleep with the light on
CATHERINE CAMPBELL
Welcome to Book Talk, where we help you find new fuel for your bookish obsession. While you might not find these authors while scrolling short-form content online, you will find their work to be significant, impactful, and, hopefully, something you reach for time and again. Happy reading!
Are you looking for an author whose work will leave you breathless, your eyes darting between shadows when you’re trying to sleep at night? No? Too bad! You’ve found it with Jac Jemc. Jemc, a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow and creative writing professor at University of California San Diego, has published five works of fiction — both novels and short story collections. Her books have both been nominated and won a number of awards, including the Chicago Review of Books Award for fiction and the Paula Anderson Book Award. Her most recent novel, Empty Theatre, was published in 2023.
Unlike most of my reading — where I choose a book at random from the library shelf or thrift store — this one is a bit more special. Not long after my partner and I started dating, he made it his mission to find the best horror novel for me. Nothing over-the-top bloody; nothing that uses shock value in place of good writing. Through his research, he found it: Jac Jemc’s The Grip of It (2017).
One thing I need to mention: I am a spooky kind of guy, but I’m also extremely
picky when it comes to horror media. I don’t want guts and gore; I don’t want mental illness as a flimsy, end of story excuse (looking at you, Stephen King). I want work that’s concise, something that uses the fears that crawl through us, creeping its way into our bones — The Grip of It does just that.
If you know me in real life and have asked for a book recommendation, this is one you’ll have heard of before — I’ll take any opportunity to yell about how effective it is. That’s because Jemc’s writing is so subtle that you don’t know you’re frightened until you’re halfway through the book and you set it down. Was that something just crawling out of the corner of your vision? Were those fingers edging away under the bed?
Forget about the fingers. We’re talking about Jac Jemc, and her ability to carve a home into a narrative that’s not only haunted, but possessed as well — with human emotion; with the raw, real narrative of living, nestled in the unholy worlds she creates. Those poor people; they never know what hit them.
I want to leave you with a quote from The Grip of It, to give you some comfort when you’re thinking about the creatures lingering just outside your window at night.
“What is worse? To be confronted with an obvious horror, or to be haunted by a never-ending premonition of what’s ahead?”
Happy reading!
CHARTS SHUFFLE
CIVL’s Aaron Levy is as stoked for the start of the Canada West basketball season as anyone, even though only a game or two on the schedule will include teams from outside B.C. That’s because, thrillingly, next semester will see UFV play host to the MacEwan Griffins, who are notable if only because at the time of writing, they haven’t won a regular season league game since winter semester 2020. They also haven’t won a league game in which they’ve scored more points than their opponent since January 2019. Don’t ask.
Theme to NBC’s Hang Time (1995)
Growing up in the city during the 90s, the most exciting things about weekends was this enthralling addition to the teen sitcom programming of American daytime television, featuring now well-known actor Anthony Anderson as Teddy, the 3-point shooting savant, on a team led by an elite female point guard.
Barry White and Chris Rock - “Basketball Jones”
From the Space Jam (1996) soundtrack, famously employed to demonstrate sir Charles Barkley’s wayward descent into madness following the theft of his basketball skill and abilities at the hands of the evil villains known as the Monstars, in an attempt to enslave Toons in their intergalactic theme park with MJ.
Drake ft. Rick Ross“Money In The Grave” The more popular of the two “dip” songs that Drake chipped into the ether on account of the 2019 Toronto Raptors’ merciless dismantling of the championship Golden State Warriors’ injury riddled mid-era legacy run, featuring former O City ring wearer Patrick McCaw, who, despite riding the pine, won another ring.
Queen“We Are the Champions” Does anyone else revel in the irony of usages applied to this song within the macho, sometimes even misogynistic world of competitive athletics, despite the pervasiveness of the subtle and insidious homophobia which often comes along with such “arenas,” given the fact that Queen’s Freddie Mercury was out and proud?”
01. CARIBOU Honey 02. MAGDALENA BAY Imaginal Disk 03. DESIREE DORION Remember Your Name 04. CHROMEO Adult Contemporary (Deluxe) 05. RAPALLO Merger 06. DONOVAN WOODS Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now 07. BEN COTTRILL The Ballad of Favoreau EP 08. WINONA FOREVER Sound Argument 09. SHEENAH KO Transformation 10. GIRLY. About Maxine EP 11. NILUFER YANYA My Method Actor 12. ROOTS ROUND UP Up Rooted 13. MADELEINE ROGER Nerve 14. INFRARED Manifestation 15. HOTKID Downtown EP 16. FRANCESCA WEXLER I Dreamt I Found A Red Ruby
ANVIL One and Only
CASSANDRA JENKINS My Light, My Destroyer 19. TEON GIBBS The Calm Before 20. TERELL SAFADI Live Now Die Later
Graphic by Gabriela Gonzalez, Illustration by ckybe, Generated with AI / Adobe Stock, Blank book cover mockup by James Thew / Adobe Stock, Book cover for Empty Theatre by Jac Jemc, courtesy of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Book cover for The Grip of It by Jac Jemc, courtesy of FSG Originals.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Note: Some of the events require tickets, and most are online. If something catches your eye, take to the Internet for more details, including those about any safety measures for in-person events.
NOVEMBER
06:00PM - 08:00PM Bunny Yoga @Evered Hall, S Building
