the carillon the staff
editor-in-chief editor@carillonregina.com
taylor balfour
executive director business@carillonregina.com
jacob nelson
production manager production@carillonregina.com
morgan ortman
advertising manager advertising@carillonregina.com
ty cote
technical editor shae shackman carillontechnical@carillonregina.com multimedia/graphics editors multimedia@carillonregina.com graphics@carillonregina.com
kate thiessen sarah carrier
copy editor copyeditor@carillonregina.com
aurel dumont
news editor news@carillonregina.com
sara birrell
a&c editor aandc@carillonregina.com
julia peterson
sports editor sports@carillonregina.com
ethan butterfield
op-ed editor op-ed@carillonregina.com
holly worby
distribution manager distribution@carillonregina.com staff writer staff writer news writer a&c writer sports writer
kyle anderson
marty grande-sherbert
reese estwick
matt thomson florence hwang sarah nakonechny
web writer
gillian massie contributors hammad ali, rayanne gwilliam, rooky jegede and david sahlmueller
vol. 63
board of directors taylor balfour, lindsay holitzki, maddie ouelette, dustin smith. marty grande-sherbert, and jacob nelson
the paper
227 Riddell Center University of Regina - 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, Canada S4S 0A2 www.carillonregina.com Ph: (306) 586 8867 Printed by Star Press Inc, Wainwright, AB The Carillon welcomes contributions. Opinions expressed in the pages of the Carillon are expressly those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of The Carillon Newspaper Inc. Opinions expressed in advertisements appearing in the Carillon are those of the advertisers, and not necessarily of The Carillon Newspaper Inc. or its staff. The Carillon is published no less than 11 times each semester during the fall and winter semesters and periodically throughout the summer. The Carillon is published by the Carillon Newspaper Inc., a non-profit organization. land acknowledgement The Carillon is written on treaty four territory. As such, the staff recognize that we are living, working, and telling stories on and of Indigenous lands. We recognize that we are on the traditional homelands of the Nakota, Lakota, and Dakota peoples, along with the homeland of the Métis nation. The carillon understands that it is pointless to acknowledge the land on which we work without speaking to our commitment to telling stories and prioritizing voices that further the return of the land to its place sacred place in the cultures of those that live here. the manifesto In keeping with our reckless, devil-may-care image, our office has absolutely no concrete information on the Carillon’s formative years readily available. What follows is the story that’s been passed down from editor to editor for over forty years. In the late 1950s, the University of Regina planned the construction of several new buildings on the campus grounds. One of these proposed buildlings was a beltower on the academic green. If you look out on the academic green today, the first thing you’ll notice is that it has absolutely nothing resembling a belltower. The University never got a belltower, but what it did get was the Carillon, a newspaper that serves as a symbolic bell tower on campus, a loud and clear voice belonging to each and every student.
the people’s friend; the tyrant’s foe
The University of Regina Students’ Newspaper Since 1962 March 4 - March 10, 2021 | Volume 63, Issue 20 | carillonregina.com
news
news
arts
India protest p.3
Stem cell club
p.5
Eight months in to the farming protests in India, fatalities are rising and there is no resolution in sight.
The U of R Stem Cell Club aims to collect a diverse set of samples to donate to Canadian Blood Services.
Welcome back to another week! Each week, we love hosting and sharing your work. Thanks for making yet another issue of the Carillon great. This paper is made for you.
p.9
The new film Judas and the Black Messiah follows Fred Hamptom, the Black Panther Chairman who once visited the U of R campus.
op-ed
op-ed
sports
Fred Hamptom
We hope you enjoy this issue! Stay safe, everyone! Taylor Balfour Editor-in-Chief
photos
cover......................................sarah carrier news...........................wikipedia commons news...........................wikipedia commons a&c..........................................the carillon sports.......................................kam abbott op-ed...........................................ted eytan op-ed...............jeremy davis/kate thiessen
Bathtub racing
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Next up in the kooky sports category is bathtub racing! Every year, “tubbers” gather in beautful British Coloumbia to participate.
Conversion therapy
p.15
Despite decades of evidence against its effectiveness, coversion therapy is still being practiced in saskatchewan, but thankfully that’s starting to change.
URSU
p.18
Hammad Ali, an URSU spectator since 2017, gives his take on this year’s regularly scheduled drama.
news
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editor: sara birrell news@carillonregina.com the carillon | march 4th - march 10th, 2021
India farmers’ protest enters eighth month Millions resist new legislation
hammad ali contributor Most of us have been seeing it on our social media timelines since late last year. Farmers in India are protesting. International media first noticed it around early December, when farmers marched towards New Delhi, the capital of India. In cities across Canada, the Indian-Canadian community has organized demonstrations of solidarity. More recently, the government and government-friendly media in India has been attempt-
government proposes to heavily deregulate these committees, expecting farmers to sell directly to private businesses. Further, the government will no longer be offering price protection. Farmers are concerned that this will lead to private corporations driving down prices. Gurjinder Singh Lehal, who comes from a family with a history of farming for several generations, tells us when this all began: “Farmers have been voicing their concerns since August 2020, when the three bills were made
ment has also shut down the internet, and set up barriers of concrete and barbed wire to restrict the movement of the farmers in Delhi. In January, the Supreme Court of India suspended the laws and formed a four-member committee to submit a report to the court. However, farm unions refused to cooperate with the committee, made up primarily of parliament members on record for having voted for the laws. In the past few weeks, the Indian government has tried to discredit the protests by claiming
Several Indian celebrities have responded negatively to comments from international media, claiming that this is a matter internal to the state of India. Most of these celebrities are also on record for siding with the government on this issue. To date, more than two hundred farmers have been killed in these protests, and far more have had their livelihoods affected. When asked about his biggest fears, Lehal mentions, “My ancestors have been involved in farming for decades. I am worried
With more than 250 million people protesting, we are confident our voices cannot be ignored indefinitely. I really hope that instead of silencing its own citizens, the government of India sets an example as the largest democracy in the world. It should understand that agriculture is the primary source of income for the people of India.” At the time of this writing, a resolution has not yet been reached between the farmers and the government of India. International celebrities like Rihan-
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Protests have been ongoing in all the parts of India and people from various provinces are joining the farmers in Delhi. The government tried to stop the farmers from reaching the capital by using tear gas shells, water cannons and barricades. – Gurjinder Singh Lehal
ing to discredit the protesters by alleging that their motives are primarily political. India is a country where farming remains a prominent occupation for a large portion of the population. For decades, these farmers have sold their crops to the Indian government via the State Agricultural Produce Market Committees. This was highly regulated, with minimum price protection, maximum stock limits, and price caps on essentials. Under a recently passed law, the
public. The protest began in Punjab and was later joined by other provinces. However, the government kept on ignoring the protests until the farmers of Punjab started their march to Delhi. Protests have been ongoing in all the parts of India and people from various provinces are joining the farmers in Delhi. The government tried to stop the farmers from reaching the capital by using tear gas shells, water cannons and barricades.” Since late January, the govern-
that the primary motivation of these protests is political and/or religious in nature, and has even claimed that anti-Indian terrorists are posing as farmers. “There are farmers who used to serve in the Armed Forces who are now being met with water cannons for protesting peacefully. While Indian media is trying to defame the protests, international media and celebrities have been speaking up about the plight of Indian farmers to the world,” said Lehal.
that big corporations are going to take over our family farms if this bill is not repealed.” When asked if there seems to be any imminent hope of a positive resolution, Lehal says, “the protesters have been residing on the borders of Delhi since November, and plan to stay there until these laws are repealed. The people of Punjab have fought for human rights all through the history of India, and they now have the moral support of the world.
na, Jameela Jamil, and activists like Greta Thunberg have been speaking up about the issue. Very few Indian celebrities seem to have spoken up against the government, possibly due to its less than stellar reputation for honouring differences of opinions. Any disruption to agricultural exports out of India will affect prices all over the world, so hopefully other countries begin to take notice and do what they can to help the negotiations end successfully. Wikipedia Commons
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news
Mail carriers refuse to deliver newspaper stoking anti-Asian racism
Epoch Times spreads misinformation marty grande-sherbert staff writer On February 2, Ramiro Sepulveda, a Canada Post employee, returned to work after an emergency suspension that came about after he refused to deliver a copy of the Epoch Times. Sepulveda is the second of two workers who took this action after notifying the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) – the other, Linying Su, was born in China and cited
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borough attempted to order the stoppage of delivering the Epoch Times, but Canada Post has stated that workers must continue to do so. Derek Richmond, the CUPW local’s vice-president, said it was “very irresponsible” of the Canada Post to accept and distribute the Epoch Times with its threat of stoking the fires of xenophobia. In Toronto and Montreal in particular, anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiment has led to a decline in business for Asian store
coverage of the virus in one of its issues, “exploring the idea that the virus that causes COVID-19 was created as a biological weapon.” The Epoch Times calls COVID-19 “the CCP virus,” and entertains the notion that its spread was intentionally covered up by the CCP in order to create a global crisis. It was also reported by CBC that this special issue was delivered to “specific neighborhoods,” although this is not expanded on widely. While this issue is meant
and encourage an enemy along xenophobic lines during a time of panic, and this anti-CCP stance is shared profitably between the Epoch Times and Trump supporters who benefit from racism and anti-socialism. The Epoch Times maintains that they are not stoking sinophobia, as there is a difference between the Chinese people and the CCP. However, the rise in anti-Asian violence in Canada speaks for itself. The Chinese-Canadians who
The Epoch Times has a stand at our own University of Regina, meaning that we as students must also take a critical stance towards its contents. Promoting critical thinking was the rationale behind Sepulveda’s refusal to deliver the Epoch Times, he says to CBC. In a time where 1 in 10 Canadians believe a conspiracy theory about COVID-19, we need to know about the source, content and slant of the media we are reading, and be aware of what the inten-
The Epoch Times maintains that they are not stoking sinophobia, as there is a difference between the Chinese people and the CCP. However, the rise in anti-Asian violence in Canada, including in Regina, speaks for itself. – Marty Grande-Sherbert
a concern about anti-Asian sentiment being spread through the paper’s coverage of COVID-19. “I may not be able to stop other people from delivering these papers, but I can stop myself from doing things that betray my own belief,” said Su to CBC. Sepulveda and Su’s actions are not isolated. Postal workers across Canada are objecting to the delivery of the Epoch Times because of the messaging it promotes, and their union is moving to support them. CUPW in Scar-
owners as well as racist violence. Chinese-Canadians have long spoken out about the racialization of viruses such as COVID-19. The Epoch Times, a paper started by Chinese-Canadians, is troubling the waters further as it links the spread of COVID-19 directly to the Chinese Communist Party – an angle often favored by former US President Donald Trump and his supporters, among others. What kind of things, exactly, is the Epoch Times saying in relation to the pandemic? The paper recently delivered eight pages of
to be a “sampler,” many complained that it was inappropriate material to be delivered to a mailbox, and that it was racist and inflammatory. The idea that COVID-19 was a virus manufactured by the CCP in a lab is an untrue conspiracy theory. Stepping back and viewing this theory, it should be obvious that it bears a striking resemblance to historical “red scare” propaganda from the 1950s, propaganda that at the time targeted not China but the USSR. It is meant to stoke fear
started the Epoch Times and its extended circle of associated media also share pro-Trump content because of this mutual benefit. The anti-CCP sentiment on the Epoch Times’ part derives from the paper’s association with the Falun Gong movement, a religious/ spiritual practice with a history of animosity towards the CCP. Before aligning with pro-Trump media, the paper’s circle of influence was much smaller. Now, their shared political views make them a formidable force behind the Canadian right and far-right.
tion is behind it all. The Canada Post says of its insistence to deliver the paper, “We understand the reaction to this publication. However, as Canada’s postal system, we are legally required to deliver it. The content is the sole responsibility of the publisher.” In light of this, we might consider our responsibilities as readers, consumers and supporters of journalism. What messages do we want to internalize and spread?
Pixabay
A folded up newspaper.
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UR Stem Cell Club helps build diverse database of donors
More racialized donors needed
hammad ali contributor Stem cell research is often in the news, as are campaigns to find stem cell donors. There are actually stem cell clubs all over Canada that are geared towards raising awareness, and collecting stem cell donations. You may have seen one in our very own University of Regina campus, setting up their table at Riddell Centre and collecting swabs. Founding President, Sylvia Okonofua, told us more about the UR Stem Cell club. “There are stem cell clubs all over Canada, and we are essentially the Regina chapter and were founded in 2016. Most of the local chapters are tied to a university, just like the one here at
Wikipedia Commons
A gloved hand holds a clear base housing a vial.
the U of R. This may be because it is easier to recruit interested members in college campuses,” said Okonofua. She also added that there used to be a chapter at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, but at present they are the only active stem cell club in Saskatchewan. When asked if this means that membership to the stem cell club is restricted to college students, Okonofua clarified, “Membership is open to anyone who gets in touch and wants to be involved. We are very active on social media and will respond promptly to questions about how to be more involved.”
The primary goal of the stem cell club is to collect donations of stem cells, something that can be done in just a few minutes by doing a cheek swab. “When doing our collection drives, anyone interested to donate has to go through a pretty rigorous list of requirements and provide us their informed consent. The requirements include being between 17 to 35 years old, in good general health, willing to donate to anybody who is a match, and they must have a valid health card. It does not even need to be a Saskatchewan health card,” said Okonofua. People with known autoimmune conditions or other
chronic illnesses might not be able to donate. One of the current goals of the UR Stem Cell club is to ensure a more genetically diverse pool of donors. At present, 75 per cent of the donors in the national registry are of Caucasian descent. This vastly decreases the likelihood of finding a match for members of other ethnic groups. In fact, they just did a virtual donor drive all of February for Black History Month, trying to get more donors of African-American descent. When asked what is done with donations collected during a typical on-campus event, Okonofua said “immediately after the event,
we use FedEx to send off all donations to Canadian Blood Services in Alberta, where they do a barrage of tests. These are intended to both ensure that the donations are from healthy people, and to find a potential match with someone waiting for a match. There is actually a nationwide database of donors and people waiting to be matched at the Canadian Stem Cell Registry.” Those interested in learning more about the club and wanting to be involved can check out their Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/uofrstemcellclub/ or check out their Instagram at @ stemcelluofregina.
It’s Canada’s own fault we’re at the back of the vaccine line
Living in Mulroney’s world matt thomson news writer Vaccines, or the lack thereof, have dominated the headlines of every major publication in the country for the better part of the last two months. Every day, the public is bombarded with messages of hope or doom about our supply. On Monday we’re getting 5000, on Tuesday we’re not getting any, on Wednesday last week’s shipments are delayed, on Thursday we should expect a flood of vaccines coming in, etc., and repeat. While politicians point fingers at drug manufacturers, foreign governments, and at each other, the story of Canada’s underpreparedness for vaccination has its roots in the neoliberalism of the 1980s and 90s. While much of the infrastructure for producing vaccines domestically in Canada was present by mid-century, with several major labs located in Alberta and Ontario, the introduction of a little-known trade deal called NAFTA soon changed all that. By the turn of the millennium, neoliberal economic policy dominated either side of the political
aisle in both Canada and the United States, and industry profit became the chief factor in policy making. Pharmaceutical companies which had been running or partially funding these plants quickly outsourced their research and facilities to larger economic centres in the US or Europe, and within a few years domestic vaccine production was cut to zero. While vaccine research continued
in universities, any and all findings were carried out in foreign facilities. As far as policy makers were concerned, though, the move was a win-win. Large and expensive facilities no longer had to be subsidized, and both provincial and federal governments made a tidy profit from liquidation. By November 2020, the gravity of the mistake was obvious. Throughout the following
months, officials desperately tried to secure every possible foreign surplus of vaccines they could get while reassuring the public that everything was going according to plan (it wasn’t). Without the means of production, Canada waits with everyone else, while Western Europe and the USA continue to inoculate millions of their own. Worse, Canada elbowed underdeveloped nations
Pixabay
Coronavirus molecules.
out of the way, becoming the only G7 nation to take vaccine doses from a fund meant for poor countries. As the vaccine supply came under increasing strain, it seemed like officials suddenly remembered that trading essential safeguards and fallbacks for public health for what amounted to a figurative, crisp $20 bill was a REALLY bad idea, and now the cycle of political finger pointing and media fear-mongering is back to running its usual course. The stripping of domestic vaccine production is yet another lesson in terrible short-term thinking, and a reminder of the destructive repercussions late 20th century neoliberalism continue to wreak upon us all. Both successive Conservative and Liberal governments were complicit in the destruction of the nation’s vaccine industry, and, as often happens, it is the Canadian public that has been left dealing with the fallout. For the sake of the next generation, in the looming shadow of future pandemics, we need to reinvest in domestic medical facilities and research, and we need to do it now.
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Human rights sidelined as Canada ships billions in arms to Saudi Arabia
matt thomson news writer It wasn’t too long ago that Saudi Arabia was considered untouchable by many in regards to foreign policy. The Kingdom of Saud remains one of the richest nations on Earth and has been the leading producer of oil for decades, and that single fact has kept it safe from economic sanctions or any sort of international humanitarian oversight. Some of us can even remember when OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, flexed its muscles and sent the West into an economic depression by cutting off oil imports in response to NATO’s support of Israel. However, much has changed since the 1970s. The oil market is tanking faster with each technological leap and climate disaster, the Middle East is no longer a chess board split between Soviets and Americans, and the Saudi government can no longer hope to hide in the shadows. If you are not in the know, here’s a quick history lesson on Saudi Arabia. Following WWI and the Sykes-Picot Agreement, what is today known as Saudi Arabia was a mishmash of a dozen or so noble tribes and regional powers vying for control of the regions oil fields after Faisal’s British backed Confederacy broke down. After a few decades of intermittent civil war, the House of Saud came out on top, which under normal circumstances wouldn’t mean anything for Westerners, save for one crucial detail. At the time, the Saudi noble family had recently embraced an extreme and austere form of Sunni Islam called Wahhabism, which is notable for its incredible hostility to the West, its hardline attitude towards civil and minority rights, and its focus
Wikipedia Commons
Protesters with sign reading “Stop selling weapons to Saudi Arabia”
on complete religious domination and ‘purification’ throughout the entire Middle East. To put this into perspective, even Al-Qaeda deems the sect too extreme, and much of its theology was a major inspiration during the early formation of ISIS/ISIL. Nowadays, Saudi Arabia has toned own their religious rhetoric [barely]; however, that’s not saying much. The kingdom operates as an authoritarian theocracy complete with all the Orwellian hallmarks we know and
recalled university students studying abroad for fear of the possible spread of ‘radical’ ideas such as equal rights for all or, you know, not getting publicly executed for speaking out against an immoral totalitarian regime. Despite this, though, the Canadian government has largely maintained a status quo relationship with the Saudi Crown and continues to support its theocratic/imperialistic aspirations through the trade of arms and military materials. Recently, however, there have
despite international demands for a cease-fire or peaceful resolution, the Saudi government has continued to pour gas on the fire. And finally, with the total withdrawal of Saudi students from international campuses, much of the informed public has grown to count the regime as just another global pariah. A few weeks ago several government officials, alongside humanitarian organizations such as Amnesty International, ALNAP, and The Humanitarian Coali-
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The kingdom operates as an authoritarian theocracy complete with all the Orwellian hallmarks we know and love. – Matt Thomson
love: mass surveillance, cloak and dagger foreign policy, and extreme oppression of its citizens. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been known most for helping to foment the catastrophic Yemen Civil War in the wake of the Arab Spring, and continues to this day to aid religious and authoritarian extremists in the area. While yes, Crown Prince and heir to the Saudi Throne, Mohammed bin Salman, has promised social reforms such as increased women’s rights and freedom of worship for Christians and Jews (although atheism is still punishable by death), the trade-off is a complete monopoly and the absolute subjugation of any and all political opposition. After all, it’s only been a few years since the country
been growing signs of coming change. Following the demise of ISIS/ISIL in 2019 and the Paris Climate Accord in 2015, Western powers have begun to re-evaluate their respective relationships to the Saudi regime. As renewable energy and transport alternatives continue to eat away at the fossil fuel industry, the demand for Saudi oil has rapidly declined, leaving the Saud crown without its crucial trump card. Also, the threat of global Islamist terrorism has diminished significantly over the last five years, and the need for a dubious regional ally in the Middle East is no longer a necessity. The Yemeni civil war, which will soon reach it’s tenth birthday, has become the globe’s worst humanitarian disaster, and
tion, called on the federal government to cease any and all military aid to Saudi Arabia. While the feds have yet to respond to these calls, there might be reason for some semblance of optimism. For starters, this is not the first time the Trudeau government has been called out for it’s support of Saudi Arabia. In 2018, Following the state sanctioned assassination of the Washington Post journalist and Saudi national, Jamal Khashoggi, in Turkey, members of the global community formally jumped off the pro-Saudi train, including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who, among others, called on the Liberal government to cease military aid. Under threat of an oil embargo, though, the PM’s cabinet released a strongly
worded statement but ultimately did not react to these calls. Last August, the Crown Prince was implicated again in a separate 2018 assassination attempt of exiled Saudi officials residing in Canada, and earlier last week a U.S. report released showing damning evidence of the prince’s role in Khashoggi’s death. In addition, the general instability in Syria and Yemen, as well as a lack of significant domestic reform, continued to high-light the significant blood on hands of Saudi royalty, and some within the Canadian media have had enough. Renewed calls for a complete cessation of military aid and a re-evaluation of our economic and diplomatic ties has rung out in Rideau Hall once again, and a growing share of the wider public is beginning to echo these sentiments. For now, though, the public shouldn’t expect much, if any, action from the current ruling cabinet. The pandemic and China’s continued detainment of two Canadian citizens, Michael Korvig and Michael Spavor, will likely occupy most of the government’s focus this year, and it’s unlikely that any significant change in Canada will come anytime soon. Thankfully, though, the pursuit of justice isn’t totally screwed. US President Biden is set to take drastic measures to change federal policy towards Saudi belligerence in Yemen, and has already taken the first steps towards implementing change. Saudi Arabia, for its part, seems to have temporarily yielded to Biden’s chastisements for fear of losing its most important ally. As US foreign policy in the Middle East goes, Canada will follow suit.
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editor: julia peterson aandc@carillonregina.com the carillon | march 4th - march 10th, 2021
Places, curtains, lights? Regina Little Theatre waits for the go-ahead
florence hwang arts writer It’s like a sprinter is training for a 100-metre dash. The announcer says, “Ready,” but there is no other command to start. “We’ve got everything in place. We’ve been training for it. Let’s do it. But no, you can’t,” said John Chaput, Regina Little Theatre president. Chaput has been with the volunteer-run theatre organization for a quarter of a century. He has been tracking the coronavirus since it came to Saskatchewan. The theatre postponed multiple times putting on live shows because of the changing conditions. The theatre is hoping to restart in 2021. Things were looking up in the fall when there were nearly no new COVID-19 cases reported in the province. The number of coronavirus cases started to rise. A vaccine was quickly released. Hopes were raised again. But then, variants of the virus began to emerge in different parts of the world. The theatre could be three days away from opening, and all of a sudden, something happens. “And boom. Everything shuts down again. So you know, the uncertainty is not going to go away, but we have to prepare as if something good is going to happen and give us a break,” Chaput said. One year ago, Chaput was the last character to exit from the last show called A Red Plaid Shirt. The next play, Helium, was set for April 2020. Rehearsals were in full swing. In mid-March, everything came to a grinding halt due to the pandemic. Regina Little Theatre has been running continuously since
Garrett Harnish
A cast photo from Regina Little Theatre’s production of A Red Plaid Shirt. From left to right and top to bottom: Kep Spencer, Brenda Cheater, John Chaput and Darlene Barss. Four actors are wearing red plaid shirts while sitting on a couch holding workshop tools.
1926. It is the oldest English theatre operating in Canada. And they have no intention of losing that record. “We’re very strongly motivated to maintain that, but there’s no way we’re going to do it if it means putting our actors, our crew, our volunteers, and the public at any kind of risk,” said Chaput. The pandemic has forced the play selection committee to scrap the whole season initially planned. Plays cannot run more than two hours because holding
because the space was not being used. Over Christmas, the Regina Little Theatre organized Zoom calls for families to have with Santa. The theatre also performed a radio play. One of the theatre members, Devin Melnyk, wrote an adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The play called for 25 actors. Organizers set up partitions between audio booths. There was lots of disinfecting and sanitizing of equipment. About 400 people tuned in – some listeners were from as far
youth practiced but had no way to show off their skills. Videographers recorded their performances so the dancers’ parents could safely watch in their own homes. Despite the delays, the Regina Little Theatre remains hopeful their show will go on. Once the actors for the upcoming play called Writers’ Runaround are given the green light to perform, they only need a month of rehearsal time. The actors still meet virtually and rehearse their lines. Some of them likely know their lines by memory. The chal-
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Regina Little Theatre has been running continuously since 1926. It is the oldest English theatre operating in Canada. And they have no intention of breaking that record. – Florence Hwang
intermissions are discouraged. Shorter productions are needed so audiences are not cooped up in the theatre for too long. Actors have the added challenge of socially distancing for health reasons. “You get into your character, and I have accidentally spit on other actors, and they have accidentally spit on me because we’re in close quarters […] It was a little unsanitary in the first place. Now, it could be deadly,” he said. The Regina Performing Arts Centre had to temporarily lay off some staff, such as technicians
away as Israel. It was an experiment to see if the theatre could actually pull something like that off. And they did. “We’re considering another venture like that in the near future. We’ve got to come up with some creative solutions to try to stay involved and keep the public in touch with us,” Chaput said. Other arts groups are suffering from the pandemic, too. Ukrainian dance groups had to re-choreograph performances to maintain social distancing between dancers. Children and
lenge for them is to keep the performance fresh – mostly if they have been rehearsing for more than 10 weeks. Regina Little Theatre is hoping they can put on their first show in June if all goes well. When the show is allowed to go ahead, organizers need to make sure the audience’s seating arrangement complies with the latest government regulations. Each audience member must provide phone numbers or email addresses in case contact tracing needs to be done if there is a report of one or more cases
of the coronavirus being spread from that event. The theatre will restrict, or won’t allow, drinks or food to be served. Extra safety precautions need to be taken for ushers and volunteers taking tickets. Regina Little Theatre has many volunteers willing to make the productions a reality. Other smaller community theatre groups in the province are not so fortunate because they have fewer resources. All community theatres miss doing theatre. “[Smaller community groups are] tired of the uncertainty of having no idea when they’ll be able to perform again and under what kind of conditions they’ll have to do it. The whole province has been affected, and it’s hitting some people harder than others,” he said. If there are further delays in putting on plays, the theatre is considering putting on a virtual performance. It takes about six weeks for the volunteer organization to prepare for opening night. All that preparation could be in vain if the restrictions are further extended. Chaput says Hamlet would be a good analogy for the pandemic. “Is something going to happen now? Except he just killed Polonius. And now we’re in a whole new situation,” he said. “We may end up like the end of Hamlet with bodies strewn all over the floor. We’re trying to avoid that. No matter how great theatre it may be, we’re trying to avoid that.”
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Album review: Hollywood Park The Airborne Toxic Event delivers another genre-defying hit
david sahlmueller contributor
While I think it is safe to say nobody was sad to see 2020 go, fans of the indie music scene can at least look back fondly on the release of Hollywood Park in May. This sixth studio album by Los Angeles based alternative rock band The Airborne Toxic Event – the first to not feature violinist Anna Bulbrook – was inspired by the troubled past of frontman Mikel Jollet and the recent passing of his father. Named after the horse race track in LA that Jollet often visited with his brother and father as a child and young adult, the album provides a view into his difficult childhood, struggle with poverty, rise against adversity, and relationship with his father. Despite The Airborne Toxic Event’s familiarity with writing songs about personal struggles, hardship and how bleak life can be, Hollywood Park takes this emotional quality to an all new and much more personal level. It will make you laugh at times, cry at others, and feel a deep sense of empathy, all while weaving a tale of Jollet’s history. The title track “Hollywood Park” serves as a fitting introduction to the record, establishing the setting at Hollywood Park as some of the happiest moments of Jollet’s childhood. “Brother, How Was the War?” is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful ballad from the perspective of Jollet’s father writing to his brother during the Vietnam War. Currently in prison, his
knowledge of what is going on in the outside world, not to mention the battlefields of Vietnam, is quite limited, but his concern for his brother is evident: “But your 4F brother just hopes you make it back alive.” Following this theme of serious subject matter are songs such as “Come on Out,” which tells the story of a young Jollet facing abuse from his stepfather, and “All the Children,” which sheds some light on the cult called Synanon into which Jollet and his brother were born. Similarly, “I Don’t
ther’s passing: “I lost my shit when I heard the call / Felt buried beneath the weight and all / Twenty five tons fell on my chest / Every hour, every breath.” Arguably the most emotional track on this album, it addresses Jollet’s regret that he didn’t have more time to spend with his father. Following these feelings of regret, inadequacy, confinement, and the desire to escape are the songs “Carry Me,” and “All These Engagements.” The former is a sort of plea by a young Jollet to escape his current situ-
youth, love was an unfamiliar concept to him. Upon getting to know his actual father after years of living in an orphanage within Synanon and then in poverty with his mother, he finally began to understand what it felt like to have someone take care of him. The loss of his father was a huge blow to Jollet, but as he points out in “All These Engagements,” “They say it’s so much better to have loved and lost / Than to have lived in a bubble, never knowing the cost.” Rounding out the album are
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The band has a unique sound which has evolved from album to album while staying true to its alternative rock roots and genuine down-to-earth approach to writing meaningful lyrics. – David Sahlmueller
Want to Be Here Anymore” is based on Jollet’s confusion regarding his time spent in this cult and his eventual escape with his brother and mother. Another common theme of this album is the close but complicated relationship between Jollet and his father, who struggled with drug addiction and spent some time in prison. Their relationship is discussed in the songs “Everything I Love is Broken” and “The Common Touch,” the latter of which describes Jollet’s reaction upon hearing the news of his fa-
ation and create a better life for himself: “These straps across my chest make it hard to breathe.” It really hits home for anyone who has ever felt trapped and determined to find something better, but not sure how to get there: “I don’t know what I’m trying to run from/ All I know is I need to be someone.” Similarly, “All These Engagements” is a reflection on love and inadequacy; the desire to find love and be loved, but at the same time feeling undeserving of such love. For much of Jollet’s troubled
“The Place We Meet a Thousand Feet Beneath the Racetrack,” a beautiful melodic outro, and “True,” an uplifting song about life, death and friendship. The latter depicts life as a series of highs and lows, emphasizes that time is limited, and talks of being reunited with loved ones; “It’s true you were my best friend / We needed each other in the end / When there’s nothing left to give / There’s just some time that you can spend.” My verdict, if you haven’t already figured it out yet, is that this
album is very good. One of the great things about The Airborne Toxic Event is that it never conforms to one particular style of music; it bridges genres and has defined its own niche within indie music. The band has a unique sound which has evolved from album to album while staying true to its alternative rock roots and genuine down-to-earth approach to writing meaningful lyrics. This latest album is less electric guitar driven than some of its earlier music, and features less violin due to the departure of Anna Bulbrook. Yet Hollywood Park is a masterpiece in its own right, boasting a sound reminiscent of bands such as The Tragically Hip and U2. Beyond just presenting great music, this album tells the remarkable and inspiring story of how Mikel Jollet overcame significant adversity to get to where he is today. If this album wasn’t enough, it is accompanied by Jollet’s memoir, also entitled Hollywood Park, which provides context to the tracks on the album. As the first new release from The Airborne Toxic Event since 2015, Hollywood Park hits very close to home for Mikel Jollet and serves as a testament to listeners that we can make something great of our lives, regardless of the shit we have been through in our past. Although Jollet says “everyone knows that the common touch ain’t worth the price,” I can guarantee that this superb album sure as hell is. Pixabay
The headstock of a teal and silver Fender guitar sits in front of a teal background.
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arts & culture
9
The radical re-education of Judas and the Black Messiah
Revisiting the revolutionary who visited us
hannah senicar copy editor CW: Racial violence. “You can kill liberators but you can’t kill liberation.” These words were published in the Carillon on November 21, 1969. They belong, of course, to Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton, who had just delivered a rousing speech to a crowd of more than 600 in the U of R’s Education Auditorium. He and two other BPP members discussed their community programs, the inner workings of the party, and the importance of class solidarity, among other topics. Two weeks later Hampton would be shot and killed in his bed by a Chicago police raid in an FBI-sanctioned assassination. He was 21. Judas and the Black Messiah, directed by Shaka King and released on February 12, endeavors to tell the story of Hampton’s work, albeit somewhat indirectly; the film follows FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) as he infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther party, befriends Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), and ultimately helps the FBI carry out Hampton’s murder. Through Bill’s involvement with the party, we see second-hand Fred Hampton’s unwavering commitment to his cause and his community. Though there has been (valid) criticism regarding the fact that the movie is centred around FBI informant Bill O’Neal and not Fred Hampton himself, I argue that this creative choice has merit. However, before I elaborate, I must qualify my opinion with the fact that I am white, that my viewing experience is inextricably influenced by that fact, and that we
The Carillon
Reporters interviewing Black Panthers, including Fred Hampton, in the pit in front of the U of R Education Auditorium.
should listen to and acknowledge Black perspectives when it comes to films about Black experiences and Black history. To be American (and Canadian) is to be inundated with state propaganda on a daily basis. If the BLM protests of last year have taught us anything, it is that our governments will go to great lengths to cover up and justify the racism built into its institutions. Figures who were once antagonized as dangerous rebels (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Louis Riel) are co-opted as idols by the state in a tepid attempt to position themselves on the “right side of history” with-
Black Panther Party is biased at best, and completely falsified at worst. Though public attitudes are shifting, many folks, to this day, still think of the BPP as a violent, criminal organization, due either to racism or miseducation. Even the film’s producer, Ryan Coogler, was initially misinformed about some aspects of the party’s history. According to the film’s companion podcast, an early version of the script depicted BPP member Jake Winters ambushing the cops who killed him when, according to Black Panther documents, the cops were the instigators and Jake had acted in self defence.
these systems, you [Hampton Jr.] had to ask us, [. . .] and I remember the room got quiet.” Public misconception regarding the Black Panther Party is exactly what makes Bill O’Neal’s role as the audience surrogate so effective in Judas and the Black Messiah. We listen in as FBI Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons) directs Bill and characterizes the Black Panther Party as a dangerous terrorist organization – sentiments that are only ever contradicted by Bill’s lived experiences in the party. Where Mitchell makes the party out to be senselessly violent, we see their rigorous education and internal code of ethics. Where
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Not only was this group fighting, but they were also documenting when they were fighting. – Ryan Coogler
out acknowledging nor atoning for the fact that they remain the exact institutions these figures fought against. For instance, just a few weeks ago the Manitoba RCMP took to Twitter to laud Louis Riel as “a champion of minority rights,” despite the fact that they are the present-day iteration of the North-West Mounted Police, the very organization that sentenced Riel to death in 1885. The hypocrisy is clear. Given the state’s ever-explicit tendency toward self-preservation, it is no surprise that much historical information about the
In a conversation with Fred Hampton Jr. for the podcast, Coogler recounts the shame he felt after discovering that he and his film crew had relied on biased police accounts rather than the BPP’s own information. “Not only was this group fighting, but they were also documenting when they were fighting,” Coogler said. “They were documenting in they own voice, in they own words with they own fingers with they own resources and still, because we’ve been trained filmmaking in a Western style media [and] we came up in
Mitchell depicts Hampton as a figure of hatred and division, we see him not only empowering and educating the Black community of Chicago but reaching out to other street organizations to form his influential Rainbow Coalition. Ultimately, the centering of Bill O’Neal allows us to witness firsthand the discrepancies between state propaganda and fact. I think I speak for most folks when I say we are all too used to seeing biopics that make consolations to tend to the comfort of white, straight, cis, abled audiences, or so as to not risk offending
those in power. Judas and the Black Messiah pulls no punches. Created over two years of consultation with past and present Black Panther Party members, including Fred Hampton’s son, Fred Hampton Jr., and widow, Akua Njeri, there are no “good cop” characters or white saviours in the film to spare the feelings of audience members. The film is deeply, gravely upsetting, as were the real-life events that it depicts. Police officers fired over 90 shots in their raid on Hampton’s apartment, killing him and fellow party member Mark Clark and critically wounding several others. Only a single, involuntary, shot was fired by the Panthers. In January 1970, the state-sanctioned murder was ruled to be a “justifiable homicide.” Utterly deplorable. When Fred Hampton visited the University of Regina over 50 years ago, his message was reportedly well-received. Unfortunately, not much has changed since then. BIPOC people in North America are still targeted by police at alarming rates. BIPOC activists are still routinely surveilled by the state. Capitalism runs rampant. We need to radically rethink the status quo and organize if we want to make things better. I will leave you with some words that were printed in the Carillon all those years ago: “When asked if he thought that there was anything good about today’s society, Mr. Hampton said that there were a lot of good people in it. These people have no political avenues because these have been blocked by people that are no good.”
march 4th - march 10th, 2021
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arts & culture
10
Carillon horoscope
A Capricornucopia of sign-based study suggestions!
marty grande-sherbert staff writer In the astrological world, it’s currently what we call “Pisces season” – that is, the time of year (February 18th to March 20) when the sun is traveling through the constellation Pisces’ area of the sky. This means that people born during this period will be Pisces suns, and that Pisces and its energy is going to have an influence on our lives for the next little while – you know, if you believe in that sort of thing. If you do believe in that sort of thing, you should know that things are probably going to get kind of emotional, reflective, and spacey for about a month. Given the circumstances of quarantine, that sounds about right. Even if you don’t go in for the stars, you should watch out for those tendencies. Make sure your self-contemplation and deep feelings are serving and refreshing you, not dragging you into a dreamworld you can’t escape. To me, astrology (a hobby of mine; don’t tell my Rabbi) isn’t about making predictions for the future, or being prescriptionist about the way reality is. Rather, astrology is about using a system of symbols and patterns to reflect upon (not predict) ourselves, our lives and our relationships. It’s not that we can’t do this without using the planets and stars as an excuse. But sometimes, the language of astrology forces us to look at areas of life we wouldn’t have considered before. Astrology is very much about throwing things at a wall and hoping they stick. So, just for fun, I’m going to take a crack at writing some horoscopes, specifically horoscopes about quarantine, and how your daily life or study habits in quarantine might be affected by your sun sign. Again, these aren’t predictions or pre-
Pixabay
A picture of the twelve zodiac signs superimposed over a photo of a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds
scriptions. What they are is suggestions, and regardless of your sign, all these suggestions might have some helpful input for you. Aries: If you’re an Aries sun, it’s possible that being inside all day during quarantine and remaining stagnant is making you lose your damn mind. Maybe you’re engaging in a lot of highly stimulating hobbies to entertain yourself. It’s in your nature to be active and focused, so try getting outside and moving if you can, or finding a way to incorporate action and drive into your day – even a definite set of goals can help with this. When you do stuff, you do it in a powerful way!
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ternet, huh? Listen, there’s a LOT going on right now, and it’s hard to not want to consume, be a part of, and understand all of it. But we Geminis are going to get overwhelmed if we don’t narrow our focus a little bit. Try making to-do lists, and keeping in mind what is most important for YOU to participate in. Because where your energy goes, things will happen, even if for you it feels ad-libbed. Cancer: Okay. Do not text your ex. Seriously, do not. The moon was in Cancer recently, so you may be feeling a little more emotional and stressed out than usual – but you can get through it! Take some baths, eat some ice
no one does. While it may seem impossible sometimes, go easy on yourself for being a little more disorganized than usual. Remind yourself of the accomplishments you’re still pulling off. They are there, knowing you. You just have to look. Libra: I’m going to guess that it’s difficult for you right now to maintain your friend groups and your social life. Additionally, you might be going through some insecurities about your relationships, your appearance, and how things are all going to change after this is over. Trust in your own natural charm. The friends you deserve will stick with you
Sometimes, the language of astrology forces us to look at areas of life we wouldn’t have considered before. – Marty Grande-Sherbert
Taurus: It’s honestly a crime that we can’t all just spend the entire pandemic baking bread, petting cats and napping. I know you’ve been cozy as hell, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that; try merging business with leisure by making yourself an area to study or work in that has all the comforts you need. Blankets, tea, your favourite music and a pet being within arms reach might help you feel more at home when you get things done. Others could take a page from your book when it comes to being at peace with everyone’s need for rest. Gemini: How many tabs do you have open on your computer/tablet/phone right now? There is really a whole entire in-
cream, and keep a steady pace. You will feel more ready to take on the world soon enough, and I promise you are strong enough to come out the other side. Leo: Take solace in the fact that you are likely a big positive in someone’s life right now, because good friends and study buddies are hard to find and you have a lot of great energy to spread around. That being said, your feelings matter too. Make sure you have someone to go to when you need to vent, and keep up your relationships with people who are good to you. Virgo: There’s a lot of pressure for you, on a normal day, to “have it together” – but remember that right now, almost
through this, and even if you lose something by the time the quarantine ends, you have no problem finding new people to surround you. Promise. Scorpio: A lot of us are falling into old habits and doing some reminiscing during our time alone, and this means we can be vulnerable to ruminating over the past. You might be feeling vulnerable to people slighting you, being treated unfairly – and this makes sense, as there’s a lot of unfairness in the world right now. Despite all that, try to assume the best in people. You are fiercely loyal to those you care about, and if you continue to have healthy standards, that will come back to you in a good way.
Sagittarius: You thrive on travel and new experiences, which means quarantine might be particularly hard for you. Try to channel this energy into exploring exciting topics in study or work, and putting passion into what you do. Avoid letting off steam by starting fights, getting into drama or going out to unsafe social events. Being too driven towards excitement can sometimes have a cost. Capricorn: Much like Virgo, you should keep a list of the successes you’ve had over the past few months, and remind yourself of the evidence that you are still a dependable person who gets results. In the meantime, make sure you’re having authentic connections with people. Don’t get so caught up in “treading water” with school and work that you forget to show off your fun, non-professional side. Aquarius: You may have been using quarantine as a time to try to search for some kind of personal significance; you’ve been searching for insight into your identity or your direction in life. My advice is that we are all adrift right now, and it’s okay if you feel like you don’t have any answers. Keep doing what you need to do to survive, and trust that answers will reveal themselves naturally. Most importantly, don’t isolate yourself ! Pisces: You are a dreamy and emotional sign in the best of times, but being cut off from the world is not helping this any. Avoid the temptation to sleep the day away and put some structure in your routine, including in that structure an outlet where you can express yourself. One thing that may be particularly nice for you is to keep a dream journal or write some good old-fashioned poetry in-between work and study.
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editor: ethan butterfield sports@carillonregina.com the carillon | march 4th - march 10th, 2021
University of Regina scholarship honours Warren Woods Reflecting the positive and kindness of Woods
ethan butterfield sports editor January 20, 2021, marked the untimely passing of Warren Woods, a well-known figure within the world of broadcasting, sports, and the general public. At the age of 66, Woods left behind a kindness and passion for his work that was seen in all corners of the province. It is because of Woods’ impact and kindness that the University of Regina, through the School of Journalism, is putting together a scholarship under Warren Woods’ name. The scholarship will serve as both assistance for future journalism students that pursue their
GoFundMe
Warren Woods laughing at a restaurant.
show called Cheers from the 80s. But there was a character called Norm and when he walked in the bar, everybody would go ‘Norm!’, and that was Woodsy. Everybody knew Woodsy, everybody liked Woodsy.” Wood also provided his thoughts on the scholarship that would be put under Woods’ name, speaking on its ability to help future journalists. “He would have felt very good about the fact that some young people were getting a chance to pursue the field that he spent so many years in, namely jour-
body’s perception of him, was just such a fun, great guy.” “Sometimes,” Vanstone continued. “When someone passes, the tendency is to emphasize the good things and gloss over things that might not be as flattering. But in the case of Woodsy, it’s just who he was. You didn’t have to embellish or exaggerate anything.” Vanstone was also able to provide his thoughts into what the scholarship would mean for Woods, as well as what it means to him personally. “So to tie it in with the Journalism School,” said Vanstone.
As for the details of the scholarship, Mark Taylor, the Department Head for the School of Journalism, offered more information on how the scholarship came to be. “A week ago today I think it was,” said Taylor. “Murray Wood, who runs Ralco, who I’ve always had a good relationship with, he just called me up and said, “Mark, we’d like to set up an award, or a scholarship in memory of Warren Woods. “Warren Woods,” continued Taylor, “he was kind of a legend around here, everyone, especially
now that it’s in motion. As well, Taylor spoke on the benefits of the scholarship when it officially becomes available. “For a student, I mean to get 3000 bucks,” continued Taylor. “That really helps out with your tuition. So I mean at its very simplest, I mean, it’s just going to help. Tuition is expensive. It’s going to help students pay their tuition bill.” As stated by Taylor, Wood, and Vanstone, the impact that Warren Woods had on the community was unquestionably positive. The kind comments provid-
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He would have felt very good about the fact that some young people were getting a chance to pursue the field that he spent so many years in, namely journalism. – Murray Wood
career through the School of Journalism, and a positive reflection of the memory of Warren Woods. Murray Wood, Program Director at CJME, was able to share his memories regarding Woods and his impact on people. “Warren was one of the best known media people,” began Wood. “Probably in Saskatchewan, and also I would say certainly one of the best liked or loved. If he went anywhere, particularly to a curling event, I don’t know if you remember a
nalism. And his daughter talked about how Woodsy came from a blue collar background and knew that education was important. Especially for people who might have a challenge paying for it. So, I think he would have been very happy with this.” Rob Vanstone, the Regina Leader-Post Sports Editor, was also able to speak on the fond memories regarding Warren Woods and his impact as an individual. “I think I felt the way everybody did, you know, about Woodsy” said Vanstone. “Every-
“Just a person of whom I thought the world of at a school that transformed my life in the space of two years. Just two things I’m very passionate about talking about are married here. “I just can’t think of a better fit.” continued Vanstone. “I just felt so grateful from every standpoint when I heard this news, because I’m just so glad that Woodsy is being honored that way. There aren’t enough ways to honor him. There really aren’t. Just there’s an infinite number of ways in which he should be remembered.”
people who follow sports, everyone knew him or knew of them. Everyone liked him. Which says a lot.” Although there is no official set date for the scholarship’s start, Taylor was also able to provide other details on how the scholarship will work and the numbers behind it. “We want to give you $12,000 a year for the next three years,” said Taylor, “which will mean four $3,000 scholarships per year for students. So yeah, I mean, that was a week ago. And here we are
ed serving to reflect what so many knew about Warren Woods and his warm nature. It is a certainty that Warren Woods will be dearly missed, not just in the sporting world, but in the worlds of those around him. Moving forward, with the help of the scholarship, Woods’ impact will only continue as future journalism students will have the opportunity to put their best foot forward in a field that they love.
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sports
The Scotties
The Super Bowl of the Canadian curling world
sarah nakonechny sports writer Despite all of the uncertainty in the sporting world due to the new found challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts has continued for another year. On February 19, 2021, 18 teams took the sheets in Calgary Alberta to duke it out for that winning title. For those of you who are familiar with the Scotties, you may know that having 18 teams compete is not the common protocol. In regular years, there are 16 teams that are scheduled to take part and two teams fight it out for that 17th wild card spot. However, due to the risk of travelling and other COVID-19 protocols currently in place, they made the decision to allow for all 18 teams to be scheduled to ensure everyone has a chance to take part in more than one match. This is the first time over the tournament’s 60 year history that the playing field has expanded to allow for this extra team to be scheduled. Each province and territory are being represented in this tournament. Over the course of nine days, spanning from February 19
to 28, these teams will compete with the final game scheduled to take place on February 28 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Originally, the tournament was supposed to take place in Thunder Bay, Ontario. However, it was decided that Calgary provided a better space for the protective bubble. They are utilizing the Markin MacPhail Centre in the Canada Olympic Park as the location for this year. What is the pay-out for such a longstanding and well-known tournament? Let me tell you, you definitely want to be that firstplace winner, as the team will receive $100,000. The winning team would have also represented Canada at the 2021 World Women’s Curling Championship, which would have taken place in Schaffhausen Switzerland, but has now been cancelled due to continued COVID-19 concerns. Following, the second-place team will receive $60,000, and the third-place team will receive $30,000. We are rooting for our Saskatchewan women as we have not had a winning team from Saskatchewan since 2011. This team consisted of Amber Holland, Kim Schneider, Tammy
Andrew Klaver
Team Saskatchewan at the Scotties.
Schneider, and Heather Kalenchuk. This year’s team consists of Sherry Anderson, Nancy Martin, Chaelynn Kitz, and Breanna Knapp, with Amber Holland acting as an alternate.
Although this year’s tournament looks different due to format, it is also a lot quieter, as spectators are not permitted to enter the area. This is disheartening as this is something that many peo-
ple looked forward to attending. Even though it is different, we still had the chance to enjoy the tournament this year.
well. One such addition are the time clocks. With the popularity and intensity of the sport picking up, individuals were worried about how to effectively schedule games, as they could go on for many hours. The Sports Network introduced time clocks in 1983 to mandate time lengths for each team’s game. The game that originally came here in the middle of the 1700’s does not seem to be the same game as the one that we know and love today. We have progressed from iron rocks to granite, and from natural outdoor
ice to artificial indoor ice. Players used to rely primarily on luck, but skill is prominent today. When we take a closer look, curling always had the same goals as it does now. The primary goal isn’t necessarily to win, although nobody will complain about that. Rather, the goal is to bring communities together and allow for feelings of belonging and community to grow, and to provide something for people to hold on to during hard times. The appreciation and excitement for curling will only continue to grow stronger.
Curling in Canada All the rocking without the rolling
sarah nakonechny sports writer In honour of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, which took place in Calgary on February 19 to 28, and the Tim Hortons Brier, which will be taking place March 5-14 in Calgary, let’s explore the history of curling in Canada. Curling originated in Scotland in the 16th century, and made its way to Pre-Confederation Canada through Scottish immigrants familiar with the sport. This, paired with the desire to alleviate the strain of long winters with some form of sporting activity, led to a more serious discussion of curling being introduced to the country. Over the years, curling has grown and flourished rapidly. With the development and maintenance of artificial ice, it moved from outdoor ice rinks to covered rinks. It has continued to expand and evolve, not only in terms of locations and technologies, but also in the seriousness of the competition, allowing for friendly matches, local, provincial, and national tournaments, as well as the creation of an Olympic team. An interesting aspect to curling’s history in Canada is its close relationship with military and police forces. When different regiments were disbanded, many of the officers would be given tracts of land. With this new land and passion for curling, it was an ideal situation to contribute to the growth of the sport. Many of
these contributions became the homes for the first-formed curling clubs. Although these clubs were not fancy, they fostered a strong sense of community and feelings of belonging. The delivery of the rock has also changed over the past decades as well. The well-known slide that is associated with the sport was not always present. Long ago, when the stone was delivered from the hack, the curler would have to do a step or two afterwards. There was no slide that went along with it. As time went on, curlers began to learn
that the swinging motion allows for more momentum to occur. This causes an involuntary slide to happen with it rather than the couple of steps that came before. Curlers began to slide farther and farther on the ice. With this new tactic came a change in footwear to accommodate the technique. The material for sliders changed countless times but the goal has always been the same: allowing the curler the ability to slide however far they desire. Other additions that we are so accustomed to seeing had to break their way onto the scene as
PxHere
A yellow rock sitting on ice.
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Mike Babcock new head coach of U of S Men’s Hockey The Stanley Cup winner in Saskatoon ethan butterfield sports editor With the NHL season in full swing, it’s interesting to see a piece of the league make its way to Saskatchewan. For those who haven’t heard the news, former NHL head coach Mike Babcock will be the new head coach of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Men’s Hockey team. According to the U of S Huskies article regarding the situation, it will not be a long wait for individuals to see what Babcock will bring to the organization, as he “will begin his new role with the Huskies in May 2021”. Babcock will also bring his impressive track record of being not only a Stanley Cup Champion, but also a World Champion, gold medallist, and World Junior Champion. Babcock’s track record was reflected via comments made by U of S President Peter Stoicheff in the same article: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Mike Babcock, one of the most decorated hockey coaches in Canadian history, to the U of S and to Huskie Athletics as the new head coach of the men’s hockey team”. Diving further into his background, Babcock has had a rich history of success, and near suc-
cesses, throughout his NHL days. Going back to his first official job with the Anaheim Ducks in 2002, he took the Ducks to a 2003 Stanley Cup Final against the New Jersey Devils, but fell short of glory via a game seven loss. Instead of remaining in Anaheim, Babcock set his sights elsewhere by heading to the Detroit Red Wings organization after the NHL lockout of 2004-2005. It was here that Mike Babcock would find that Stanley Cup glory. During the 2008 season with the Red Wings, Babcock and company defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the big one (with notable players such as Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg). The following year, however, Babcock did not see a second victory, as there was a rematch for the Cup between the Penguins and the Red Wings, this time with the Penguins coming out on top instead. The years went on in Detroit with ups and downs, but Babcock did not end his NHL career with the Red Wings. Instead, he found his way to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2015. Unfortunately, unlike that of the Red Wings, Babcock found minimal success with the Leafs organizations. On a positive note, a last place finish
Wikipedia Commons
Left: U of S Huskie hockey player, number 19. Right: Mike Babcock during his time with the Detroit Red Wings
with Babcock as head coach allowed the Leafs to gain the draft pick that brought Auston Matthews onto the squad. Now, Babcock is returning to his home of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he will look to be an experienced figure from whom players can learn. As mentioned
by Huskie Athletics Chief Athletics Officer Dave Hardy in the Huskies Athletics article: “Our top priority, especially during these challenging circumstances, is to make Huskie Athletics the top program in the country for our remarkable student-athletes. With the appointment of Mike
Babcock, we are succeeding in that commitment.” All in all, no one knows what the future holds for U of S Huskies Men’s Hockey moving forward, but it does look bright with Babcock at the coaching position.
Canadian-made sports: bathtub racing You do not want to forget to put the plug in for this race.
gillian massie web writer Bring your bath salts and rubber duck – Bathtub Racing is one of the eclectic original Canadian sports, and spectators will have a hell of a time watching it. Each year, spectators and contestants gather on the beaches in Nanaimo, British Columbia, to watch motorized bathtubs coast along the water in the race of their lives. The “tubbers” gear up each year for the marathon race, combatting choppy waters in their unique watercrafts. Each year, tubbers gather for the epic ocean race to joust it out with the open water. The L-shaped course spanning 58 kilometres takes contenders two to three hours to complete. For most tubbers, their biggest competition is not each other, but the conditions of the water. Participating in the annual Bathtub Race takes courage, but to complete it takes strategy. While the bathtub gives a quirky look, it does not provide much suspension on open water, causing many tubbers to capsize during the race. Many tubbers have stated that they felt like they had been tossed around in a washing machine, even upon finishing the race. The finish line is an iconic staple of the race, as tubbers must beach their watercraft, run to the finish line, and ring the bell to signify the race’s winner. Tubbers must wear a wetsuit
that extends to their elbows and knees, as well as a motorcycle helmet and lifejacket. Each must have a boater safety certificate per Canadian Coast Regulations to operate a tub in the race. Each tub must have a kill switch, much like the ones on jet skis, in the very likely event that the tubber gets knocked off during the race. As for the tub itself, the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society wants the event to stay true to its roots
and only contain roll-edged tubs to fit the race’s aesthetic. Every watercraft must include bright colours in the event of capsizing so the officials can find it. If you think this event is a little ridiculous, that is because it is. Bathtub racing is an event that represents true Canadian creativity on a sporting level. The inaugural race occurred on July 1, 1967, Canada’s 100th anniversary, where Nanaimo local
Pat Fagan gathered himself and other firefighters to construct the first-ever bathtub watercraft. 47 boats raced the first year through the 36 mile course to Vancouver’s Fisherman Cove. This resourceful event may have never taken off if it were not for Frank Ney’s enthusiasm as the Mayor of Nanaimo. Mayor Ney very passionately became a mascot for all bathtub racers sporting his flattering pirate costume.
“You think riding a bronco is tough? Try riding a bathtub!” Exclaimed Mayor Ney in a promotional video for the races. The event has gained attention from spectators and tubbers all over the country. As a result, the event has become the Marine Festival and National Bathtub Racing Championship, with parades and fireworks to appeal to all spectators.
Kam Aboot via Flickr
A man racing a bathtub in a boat on the water.
march 4th - march 10th, 2021
carillonregina.com | the carillon | 14
sports
Sailboat racing: why it’s worth a shot Yachts, Dinghies, and Catamarans! Oh My!
gillian massie web writer Some of my fondest memories as a child were weekends spent at the lake. I spent hot summers on the water with my family playing on the motorboats and jet skis, soaking up the sunshine, having beach picnics, tubbing or water skiing, or even just swimming in the lake. In pristine calm weather, motorboats and jet skis fill the lake. When the wind is howling, colourful sails decorate the lake. While I appreciate a beautiful day on a motorboat, something about the experience is so different from being on a sailboat. Sailboats fit their aesthetic, where little wind provides a smooth and peaceful ride. Without the regular hum of a motor, it shows how tranquil it is on the water. Sailboats can also be intense when the wind is howling, lurching to one side as you book along the water, ducking under the bow as you turn, or “tack”, across the lake. Nevertheless, riding on a sailboat provides an interesting perspective on the watercraft life that not many people tend to experience. However, in a place like Saskatchewan with lots of wind and lakes, I do not think enough people experience the beauty of sailing. While seemingly niche, Sailboat racing is a certified sport played in the Summer Olympics. Sailing competitions are rampant in areas with access to water, and contests can range from four to a hundred boats competing in a regatta, meaning multiple vessels. The races consist of many dif-
Pixy
Sailboats gliding across the water.
ferent types of ships, from large yachts to little dinghies. Some ships, like catamarans, are specifically designed for cruising, while yachts are the typical racing boats. Races can occur from sheltered harbours to open ocean events varying in difficulty. Before I explain some of the different types of races, there are some questions or assumptions about sailboats that need to be addressed. Most often, I am asked if I have ever capsized or fallen off of a sailboat. The answer is no, firstly because I have been with
Another common misconception is that sailboats are slow. While they are very slow in comparison to motorboats, it entirely depends on the wind at hand. If you are going on a joyride with low wind, it will be slower with less of a heel. In high wind, part of the fun can be standing on the leeward side, which is the lower side when heeling, and sitting on the windward side, which is where the high side is. Furthermore, it depends on what sailboat you choose to captain. Catamarans can be incredibly exhilarating,
storm. You probably will not get doused from waves. Furthermore, always check the weather so you do not end up in a storm, as sailboats are the highest point in the middle of water and makes you a perfect target for lightning. However, remember that you are on the water and that means there is always a chance of getting wet. Short-course racing typically takes place in constructed harbours in a triangular form. A sailboat moves in a zig-zag pattern upon tacking, so it only fits that they move in a triangular pattern
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Sailing is far from how Captain Jack Sparrow sails the Black Pearl through a storm. – Gillian Massie
an experienced instructor, and secondly because at the bottom of the sailboat is the keel, a fin which provides enough stability to prevent it from capsizing. Sailboats are tipsy in some conditions, but that is because the wind causes them to heel, which is entirely normal. Heeling refers to the sailboat leaning over the water as you gain higher speeds. The incline will increase when you get up to higher rates which increases the exhilaration. Do not let your fear of capsizing get in the way of your experience; enjoy it.
as they have you suspended over the water. Windsurfing has you in the water, where you can achieve high speeds as if you were surfing or water skiing. The third most common question I am asked is how cold and wet it is. The answer entirely depends on you. What conditions are you going out in? What kind of boat do you plan to sail? If you are sailing on a yacht, you probably will not get wet other than maybe a few spritzes. Sailing is far from how Captain Jack Sparrow sails the Black Pearl through a
to maximize speed. Short-course contains a range of different boats, from larger craft boats to smaller craft boats, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to finish. Upon the beginning of the race, officials will notify sailors when the race is set to start so sailors can cross the starting line at maximum speed. Short-course is most commonly sailed as an Olympic event. Off-shore racing is usually reserved for yachts in the open water and is considered the marathons of sailboat racing, as they
usually span hours. Most famous among off-shore races is the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in Australia, which spans 1170 kilometres. The race is held on Boxing Day and has been an annual tradition since 1945. Oceanic races are another type of open-water race, like The Ocean Race that goes all the way around the world. The race is held every three or four years and takes an average of 20 days to complete. The Ocean Race has sailors racing day and night in temperatures of -5 to +40 degrees Celsius, where crew members often only bring one change of clothes. They also have a crew member who is a dedicated on-board reporter solely responsible for taking pictures of the trek and sending them to headquarters. Event criteria differ in the discipline. Fleet racing requires at least three races to be considered a regatta and contain over one hundred vessels. Match racing is where only two boats race against one another, and team racing often includes two teams of three ships competing together for a score. Sailing is a gender-neutral sport, and many crew members often have a mix of people operating the sailboat. The events are often separated by age or by taking into account individual health conditions. Sailing is a delightful experience. Whether you choose to take up racing of different mediums or go for an afternoon joyride, it is a delightful experience that everyone should try.
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editor: holly worby op-ed@carillonregina.com the carillon | march 4th - march 10th, 2021
What does the evidence say about conversion therapy
In light of Saskatoon’s recent ban, let’s review
Ted Eytan
CW: homophobia, transphobia, mental health struggles, suicide. A key aspect of scientific study, understanding, and practice in quite literally any field is willingness to adjust current methods when evidence from valid scientific research suggests there’s a better way for things to be done, or that current methods cause more harm than good. Adhering to this method is usually to the benefit of the field itself, and to those who benefit from the work of said field. This is fairly easy to observe in areas like agriculture; once upon a time it was the norm to yolk your ox and plow a field by hand in order to feed yourself and your family, but with technological advancements we can now feed millions of people through the work of thousands. Another example would be plumbing; rather than having sewage waste run through the streets or exclusively using outhouses, we now have toilets with running water and pipe systems to transport that waste. There’s even been recent progress in designing vehicle tires that don’t use inflation to hold their shape (non-pneumatic), so that a puncture wouldn’t lead to immediate disposal. This method is a core aspect of psychology as well, especially in clinical psychology which involves the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders. Instead of locking people in asylums and using treatments that modern standards would deem inhumane at best, there are countless treatment options and pharmaceutical aids that can be used by those who need them, alongside a code of ethics that practitioners adhere to in their treatments. I will stress the fact that these changes did not come about smoothly. Change on a personal level isn’t easy, and it’s no easier in professional atmospheres where someone’s theory that they’ve potentially devoted decades to is being brought into question. However, unless we want current problems to continue indefinitely, we must question
Rainbow-coloured decorations on a brick building.
the way things are currently being done. This questioning was publicly engaged in by the Saskatoon city council over the past several months as they considered placing a ban on conversion therapy. The Trevor Project, an American organization devoted to crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ individuals, defines conversion therapy as “any of several dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.” In addition, the American Psychological Association Task Force said in 2009 that scientifically valid research shows that conversion therapy is unlikely to reduce samesex attraction or promote heterosexual attraction. The fact that it’s a discredited
withdrawal, and suicidality. The Trevor Project expanded on this by conducting a national survey on LGBTQ+ youth mental health in 2020. On the plus side this study found that only 10 per cent of respondents had experienced conversion therapy, but that 10 per cent reported over twice the rate of attempted suicides in the previous year compared to youth who didn’t experience conversion therapy. A common narrative in bigoted circles is that being anything other than cisgendered and heterosexual will lead to mental health disorders and suicide, so they portray stopping people from exploring their gender identity and sexual orientation as protecting them from that outcome. This is often used to justify things like conversion
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If the goal of those who use that narrative is truly to reduce attempts of suicide in those who identify as LGBTQ+, they need to look at the research and take accountability for their contributions to those avoidable attempt statistics. – Holly Worby practice – something that’s been shown through replicated research to not be effective – should be enough of a reason to end it. However, it is still practiced (yes, even here in Saskatchewan, which realistically should not be surprising), and the harms of the practice have been thoroughly documented. Some of the harmful effects identified by the American Psychological Association Task Force for those who experience conversion therapy include guilt, shame, loss of religious faith, increased self-hatred, feeling dehumanized, increased substance abuse, high-risk sexual behaviours, social
therapy, which aims to discourage and demonize any exploration in order to shape the individual’s view of exploration as dangerous, shameful, and unnatural. What they fail to acknowledge is the research, that shows their precious conversion therapy was correlated with a steep rise in suicide attempts compared to a group of the same population that didn’t experience conversion therapy. Another study done in 2018 by The Family Acceptance Project found that rates of suicide attempts in LGBTQ+ youth and young adults averaged 22 per cent - jumped to 48 per cent for individuals whose parents tried
to change their sexual orientation, and to 63 per cent when attempts to change sexual orientation were made by both family and outside sources (like conversion therapy). Makes it easier to understand why so many people don’t come out until adulthood, right? These studies do not show that being queer leads to suicide attempts. They indicate that when a person experiences homophobia and/or transphobia in and/ or outside their home, their likelihood to commit suicide increases. The research shows that conversion therapy is not likely to succeed in either of its purposes, and that it is harmful enough to the individuals experiencing it that their risk for attempting suicide can nearly triple. If the goal of those who use that narrative is truly to reduce attempts of suicide in those who identify as LGBTQ+, they need to look at the research and take accountability for their contributions to those avoidable attempt statistics. The parents too, but that is a rabbit trail for another article. I am incredibly encouraged by the fact that the Saskatoon city council passed their ban on conversion therapy through Bylaw 9747 in a nearly unanimous 9-1 vote. I am encouraged by the fact that Regina Mayor Sandra Masters told CTV she would be in support of a similar ban in Regina, and welcomed people to bring the topic before the Community Wellness Committee. I am encouraged to see so many people actively questioning the way things are done, thinking critically on potential solutions for the present and future, and using evidence from valid scientific research to guide their judgement. These changes not only send an unignorable message to those who support conversion therapy and the ideology behind it, they are also history-making changes with the potential to save lives.
holly worby op-ed editor
march 4th - march 10th, 2021
op-ed
carillonregina.com | the carillon |
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Saskatchewan’s pandemic response as adequate, but enforced too late
Does addressing the problem once it’s overwhelming count as respecting medical professionals? Just yesterday, I was speaking to a friend about how we are close to one year since the University moved online and we sort of went into lockdown. My friend commented ruefully that it has only been one year since we went into a two-week lockdown to flatten the curve. We laughed a bit at the irony of that sentence, but it also got me thinking. I will first acknowledge that the situation in Saskatchewan could have been far worse. However, I also understand that given our population, we have not done a very good job of containing the spread of the virus. It seems to me that we have taken all the measures and steps that scientists have been recommending. Why then are we still not confident that the worst of it is behind us for those of us here in Saskatchewan? I follow the government announcements, and it always seems that after a few days of positive trends, we regress into a high number of new cases. Almost every region of the province has seen alarming spikes, and most recently Regina has been seeing an uptick in new cases, with talks of a potentially more contagious variants being the reason. What seems to be the issue? I for one think that this seeming contradiction can be explained by one simple observation. The Government of Saskatchewan has taken all the measures recommended, but it is almost like they have always taken these measures just a couple of weeks too late from the ideal date. Whether it be the social distancing measures last spring, or the mask mandate sometime in the late summer, the government was late in announcing and enforcing them. Even when measures are announced, they are hardly enforced. I remember the first few weeks after the mask order on transit, when I saw many people boarding a bus without a mask. No one stopped them. They were not refused service, which frankly I believe should have been done. Anyone is welcome
Wikipedia Commons
Scott Moe.
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The Premier, Scott Moe keeps talking about how much he respects Dr. Shahab. Maybe he could show it by taking the doctor’s work a little more seriously? – Hammad Ali
to exercise their right to not follow public health orders, but then public transit should also have the right to turn them away, for the sake of all those other passengers like myself who were trying to be careful. I am aware that mine might be a very unpopular stance. It seems to me that even the government has been very cautious about being seen as impinging on the freedom of the people of the province. In doing so, however, they have made the proverbial band-aid that much more painful to take off. If we went in full force, and implemented all the measures the rest of Canada was doing instead of thinking we are not as densely populated and will be fine, maybe by now the numbers would be manageable and life could slowly return to normal. Instead, we have been drawing out a scary and stressful process, and have caused damage to the economy, public health, and mental health sectors in Saskatchewan. I personally feel that the government’s shying away from taking strong measures and enforcing them appropriately also played a role in certain citizens treating our medical officer Dr. Saqib Shahab as a scapegoat and a target of their racist tirades. The Premier, Scott Moe keeps talking about how much he respects Dr. Shahab. Maybe he could show it by taking the doctor’s work a little more seriously? We are almost at the one year mark. Warmer weather is hopefully not too far away, and there is reason to hope that vaccines will be coming in at a faster rate over the next few weeks. We may escape this pandemic yet, without any more major losses. As many experts are already telling us, as far as viruses go COVID-19 is not a particularly fatal one. However, as experts then add, a more dangerous variation might not be too far off.
hammad ali contrubutor
Sask may underestimate the impact of winter storms on southern states With a smaller population and prepared infrastructure, our experiences do not compare
Much of the weather-related news has been covering the odd and arguably dangerous temperatures across different states in America. As a province collectively used to cold and ugly winters such weather activity doesn’t feel as intimidating to us, generally speaking. An inconvenience and something we remain alert to, but fortunately not an overall emergency. However, it’s important to keep in mind the differences in weather patterns and their apparent impact on us. For example, someone who is used to either very cold or temper-
ate weather can struggle in hot climates, and vice versa. People grow to adjust to the climate they live in, including the severity of the weather such as humidity and wind. As we all know the temperature itself could actually be quite nice, until we account for 30 mile-an-hour winds. It’s also important to note the level of humidity present, since there are provinces that technically speaking experience milder winters in terms of temperature and sometimes wind. However, they tend to be in a more humid climate,
Wikipedia Commons
A sidestreet in the evening, with sidewalks covered in snow.
so the temperature can be misleading. Both Saskatchewan and some of the states dealing with the cold have large agriculture industries and livestock. Therefore, one thing we can relate to is the fact that freak weather can greatly impact the chance of any type of livestock surviving. Due to the routine experiences of many in the agricultural business in the United States, there is going to inevitably be the burden of navigating frost, snow, wind, etc., which these farmers have rarely (if ever) had to prepare for. Similar to how
we’d be unprepared if something happened that exposed us to extreme flooding or a hurricane. Furthermore, it’s important to look at the population differences in the comparison of Saskatchewan versus the states involved. Even when comparing Canada and the United States as a whole, a rough estimation of Canada’s population is forty million people, whereas the United States is over eight times that. That’s not only a very sizeable difference, but our land masses are very similar. Therefore, Canada is much less crowded than the United States geographically, so our resources are arguably more plentiful and easily accessible given the amount of people we would have accessing our power grid in Saskatchewan versus a state such as Texas. With a much greater population who are all in demand of a much greater amount of power, power outages are a consistent consequence. No matter the location, power outages and scarce resources are dangerous in any extreme weather scenario. It’s important to keep in mind the struggles we face, given our natural experience with such things and our resources. This can provide an idea of how we would manage without the advantages we have, like the people in the southern states are doing right now.
rayanne gwilliam contributer
march 4th - march 10th, 2021
carillonregina.com | the carillon |
op-ed
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Sia’s film showcases autistic stereotypes, not autism
Blacklisted practices, inaccurate representation, and poor research – oh my! The recent film Music by Sia has created a lot of controversy because Maddie Ziegler, a neurotypical actress, was cast as the main character who has autism. Teo Bugbee, a NYTimes critic, said that “the pop star Sia’s feature directorial debut, about an autistic teenager, at times seems indistinguishable from mockery.” The public has greatly criticized this film as it has been stated that Sia did not do enough research or consult those who actually have autism when making this film. Her negligence and ignorance continue to inaccurately represent those with autism in the media, and to perpetuate wrongful assumptions and stigma surrounding neurodivergence. In addition to the general inaccuracies throughout the film, Sia included a scene where Music, the main character, was restrained in attempt to calm her. This practice has been blacklisted by the autistic community, as it most often causes more harm than good. After receiving negative publicity for this scene, Sia tweeted saying that the scene would be removed from the film – this tweet was later deleted, and the scene remains a part of the movie. After analysing this film and doing some research on autism spectrum disorder, Sia’s disregard for the autistic community when making this film begs the questions: What were her intentions with this film, and why did she ignore the requests from the autistic community to include them in the making and production of it? It is no secret that Maddie Ziegler and Sia work very closely together. Ziegler, a famous dancer, is Sia’s goddaughter and has been featured in Sia’s music videos, red carpet appearances, and live shows. Ziegler is a very talented young woman, but she is
not an experienced actress which makes me consider if she was the best person to fill the role of Music, a neurodivergent character. There are many actresses that are autistic and would be wonderful in the role of Music, yet Sia chose to ignore that fact and stick with what and who she was comfortable with. In media productions, neurotypical people are far too often cast in the roles of neurodivergent characters, which continues to keep opportunities out
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intentions were when making this film. Was it just to get press? Was it to make money? Why would Sia put out a film that obviously mocks autism and depreciates the value of those who live with it? Most often, when someone hears “autism,” they have a very clear idea in their mind of who that person is and how they talk, act, and interact with others. This depiction is often incorrect, as most people have gained their knowledge of autism from a singular experience they have had,
The depiction of autism in this film was very clearly just another example of the media depicting neurodivergence by using stereotypes instead of truth, research, and people’s lived experiences – Resse Estwick
of the hands of neurodiverse individuals, and allows for inaccurate representation of neurodivergence and thus is continuing to perpetrate stigma and general misunderstandings in society. The depiction of autism in this film was very clearly just another example of the media depicting neurodivergence by using stereotypes instead of truth, research, and people’s lived experiences. This angle is widely taken and ignores the truth of what it is like to live with autism spectrum disorder in order to create something that is “more entertaining on screen.” This fact leads me back to the question of what Sia’s
or from what they have seen in the media. Not everyone with autism spectrum disorder is the same and this fact is far too often lost in conversation, leading to many incorrect views and stigmas. Sia’s lack of consultation demonstrates how little she values the lives of neurodivergent people and how little she values raising awareness and bringing truth to the autistic community. Prone restraint was used in this film as a way to calm the autistic character, Music; yet this practice has been deemed unacceptable as it has been documented to cause harm and in extreme cases, avoidable deaths. The positive de-
piction of this in the film is dangerous and can cause great harm to those with autism, as people watching this movie may believe that prone restraint works and could attempt to use it. Due to Sia’s lack of research, she is putting the wellbeing of those with autism spectrum disorder at risk. In a review on commonsensemedia. org, a reviewer with autism said, “As an individual with autism, I found this movie repulsive and violating. The title character is simply a caricature of autistic behavior. I found her performance hurtful and misleading. The glorification of Music “overcoming” her problems is just.....blegh. All the characters are one-dimensional stereotypes, the dialogue feels about as graceful as a rhino in an antique store, and the artistic representation of the mind of an autistic person felt like an awkward 5th grade ballet recital. A mess of an experience you can’t wait to be over. All in all, I think this movie feels to me what blackface may feel like to a black person. Shallow, self-indulgent, and all-around offensive. Stay far away from this movie.” As stated in this review, the film made a mockery of those with autism spectrum disorder and was very out of touch with the facts. The feelings, talents, and experiences of those who are neurodivergent were completely disregarded in the making of this film. It is quite disappointing that Sia chose to be so insensitive and ignorant in this film, because Sia has a huge platform and could have used this film to raise awareness, battle stigma, and educate people about the truths of autism spectrum disorder.
holly worby op-ed editor Wikipedia Commons
Sia performing on stage in her staple black and platinum blonde wig
march 4th - march 10th, 2021
op-ed
Another year, more URSU drama
carillonregina.com | the carillon |18
The pattern continues, though not inevitably
Wikipedia Commons
A photo from the walking platform on archer library with the current URSU logo in a garbage bin, on fire.
I arrived at the University of Regina campus in the winter of 2017 and since my first week here, URSU has been a visible part of the campus for me. One of the first big events I attended was organized by URSU, where I met many people with whom I remain friends to this day. Even that first year right after the URSU elections in 2017, there were concerns raised about the election process. As I often joke with my friends, since then there are two things that I know are bound to happen every early spring: roll up the rim at Tim Horton’s,
and drama at URSU. Roll up the rim has not happened yet this year, but I already have my fill of URSU drama. In the beginning it was mostly about the fairness of the election process. It seems every year there is at least one executive position for which the winner was disqualified due to questionable actions. This would then be followed by weeks of not knowing who made up the executive for the coming year, and general mudslinging. In 2018 began the culture of resignations. I forget now who did it first and
from what executive position, but every year just as their term was about to end some executives began to step down. Maybe the height of it was reached this past year, when one of the VPs stepped down less than six months after starting her term. I have previously written about how maybe these students were not given a clear idea of how much of their time and effort this job takes and found themselves unable to manage their schedules. Soon after that piece was printed by the Carillon, the URSU president at the time thanked
me for my input and said they had begun a process of giving all candidates a briefing on what is expected of them if elected. Mildly proud that my writing helped make a policy change, I was nonetheless far more concerned that this meant previous candidates never got such a briefing. As is the nature of things, this year they seem to have fallen apart in a much more spectacular fashion. Now, the resignations are no longer limited to executives. As I understand, several board members have resigned, and there are troubling accounts of an unhealthy working environment at URSU. Fortunately (I think?), I personally know many of the URSU directors and executives that have been in the news the past few weeks. In personal interactions and working together, they have all seemed to be wonderful people that would never offend anyone or create an unsafe workplace. Which has me wondering, what is going on? Could it be that representing our interests as a part of the student government is such a stressful job that our fellow students in these positions are burning out? Could it be that the uncharacteristically negative behaviour some of them are being charged with is a reflection of how powerless or constrained they feel? It is a shame that the URSU execs are not more open to questions from the campus newspaper. Maybe they need to see that no one is out to get them, and that candidly talking about the challenges of their work might actually help them get the resources they need to do it better. As I have been doing since 2018, I will reset my counter, and hope for at least one full year of no bad news from URSU.
hammad ali contrubutor
Leading someone on out of convenience is #notacompliment How to talk to boys who really want to date you, but (insert self-serving excuse here) As a young woman, I have come to learn that some men have an odd idea about what most women deem a compliment versus what is just plain offensive. I have far too often said, “excuse me?” or “what exactly do you mean by that?” These phrases often catch men off guard, as they honestly thought what they were saying would flatter me. We can compare this to the playground in elementary school when the girls were told that the boys who assaulted them just “had a crush on them” – I promise, that is not a healthy way to gain female attention. Growing up, I quickly became the girl who was “hot enough” to sneak around with or sleep with, but never worth a date or relationship because (from what I believed at the time) I was too different, too opinionated, or too strong willed for guys to want to date me. In my recent experiences, I have realized that my personality and passion is not the problem – the guys who treated me like an object are the problem. When I left high school I had this fantasy that boys like that would be left in high school, and I would meet men who respected me, my passions, my voice, my body, and wanted to be with me for me. Unfortunately, I have been met with very similar experiences in my adult life thus far. I was seeing this guy for a while and when we had the dreaded, “so…what are we?” conversation he said, “I really like you and want to be with you, but you won’t
be meeting my family for a long, long time.” Of course, I asked why and when I did, I was met with the response that I am too much of a socialist, that his family wouldn’t get along with me, and that it would be risky because they might not like me. I was visibly hurt by this, yet instead of addressing the issue, he told me that he would introduce me one day with the disclaimer that I would have to bite my tongue, but that he really did want to be with me. Is that supposed to make me feel wanted, special, valued, or complimented? That was the conversation where he was
telling me that he did indeed want to date me. It didn’t seem like it, and I can assure you that I never dated this person. Let me translate that conversation through the lens of my feelings: You are hot enough for me to want to keep you around for a while, but your opinions, passions, voice, intelligence – literally everything that makes you you – aren’t what I want in a long-term partner. I can promise you that I am not the only woman who feels minimized by men in this way. It is an old joke (that isn’t funny) that when a woman is expressing a frustration to her partner, they just call her pretty or “give her a compliment” and she will
“stop bitching” and the conversation can be over. The answer is no, the conversation isn’t over. I am not going to stop expressing my needs or feeling because you said I “look so cute today.” To those who are having their voices minimized by toxic masculinity: I hear you, I see you, and I respect you. Don’t settle for someone who does not respect you for YOU.
reese estwick staff writer
Kate Thiessen
Two stick figures on a background of different shades of pink with the words “#notacompliment” in the center in black.
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editors: sarah carrier, kate thiessen graphics@carillonregina.com the carillon | march 4th - march 10th, 2021