University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Thursday, October 17, 2019
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MILWAUKEE NOIR REVIEW
WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AS A COLLEGE STUDENT +L&S, page 8
+arts, page 5
Educators discuss value of gen ed courses Shaping a new general education experience: Differences in student, faculty priorities within higher education curriculum By Will Husted ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR
Students often feel the pressure to start turning red boxes green in the Degree Audit Reporting System early in their campus career. Since 2012, students have been advised to take the ethnic studies requirement in their first 60 credits. In a 2017 ethnic studies report, the number of freshmen taking an ethnic studies course rose from 58 percent in Fall 2013 to 71 percent in Fall 2015. This rise was attributed to advisors’ outreach to new students. However, the quality and structure of general education on campuses increasingly comes under scrutiny. Before 1994, a UW-Madison student’s general education would look much different than it does today — that same year, the university decided to fix what they saw as a lackluster multi-subject educational experience. “Moreover, from one school/ college to another, considerable variation exists regarding requirements for basic composition and mathematics instruction, as well as for other required subjects, including natural science, humanities, literature, and social studies,” an updated version of the 2017 report said. Thus, the modern general education system for UW-Madison was born. Before graduating from UW-Madison, students are expected to take courses in the following fields: Communication A, Communication B, Quantitative Reasoning A, Quantitative Reasoning B and Ethnic Studies. UW-Madison’s General Education Committee outlined what they believe students ought to receive via these requirements. The committee describes a particular set of skills they hope graduates gain. “This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world,” according to their website. There is a question, however, in exactly the quality of gen ed students receive and if that education aligns with the stated goals of the university. This question has prompted some to think of alternatives to the system, especially with
technological advances. Philosophy professor Harry Brighouse noted the flaws in defining a broad, knowledgeenhancing education often used when faculty construct gen ed requirements. In partnership with the Mellon Foundation, a group working to advocate for humanities education, Brighouse outlined what a typical breadth experience looks like at universities.
the stated educational aims of the institution,” Brighouse said. Faculty sat down to discuss and recommend alternatives to this issue in a way that might better achieve institutional goals of offering students core knowledge that would help them post-graduation. University of Illinois at Chicago faculty proposed various solutions to a problem they
Students, professors debate benefits of university’s breadth requirements By Elea Levin STAFF WRITER
At the beginning of each semester, UW-Madison students search through the course catalog, browse the Rate My Professors’ website and talk to their friends to find the easiest courses that fulfill breadth and general education requirements in subject areas outside of their major.
GRAPHIC BY ZOE BENDOFF
Student, faculty and administrative priorities clash in the classroom when it comes to general education. “It is implausible that the aims of the liberal education are always fulfilled by the kinds of institution and/or courses of study we have described and equally implausible that those are the only ways through which those aims could be fulfilled,” Brighouse said. Brighouse is specifically critical of the decoupled incentive structures between faculty and students. Some teachers, Brighouse claims, see young students in their gen ed classes as potential future enrollees in the instructor’s field. With this mindset, instructors tailor lessons to spark student interest rather than give a wide swath of knowledge. “The actual behavior of the institution and the people within it is not necessarily aligned with
see partially based on student incentives for coming to their university in April 2019. “Many UIC students want to know that all the courses they take for their degree are helping them develop the skills and experiences they need to successfully enter and compete in the workplace,” their report said. The report also noted the university’s obligation to expose students to new ideas that will help them turn into good citizens and people able to contribute to the world. With this relationship in mind the commission recommended various solutions to the varying incentives between students, faculty and administrators.
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While some tend to complain that these classes are annoying or a waste of their time, many students and professors see the benefits of having these requirements in place. “In my personal opinion, the university is looking out for what skills are most important for college grads to have in order to be functional, productive members of society,” Professor Beth Meyerand, associate chair of graduate advising in the College of Engineering, said. UW-Madison students must take a variety of general education classes, including those in communications, quantitative reasoning, ethnic studies and “breadth.” Breadth requirements are 13-15 credits of coursework intended to provide
students with experience in a variety of intellectual fields — natural science, social science, humanities and literature. These courses aim to help students understand how fields outside their major think about the world, and to give students a chance to explore subjects they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to, possibly sparking their interest in a new area of study. Professor John Hawks teaches an introductory biological anthropology course. He believes that although some students may take his course to fulfill their biological science breadth, they often end up gaining a lot of knowledge and finding at least part of the class interesting and helpful. “I have an audience of students that know what’s important about biology that applies to them and gives them more context for the world around them,” he said. “Most breadth courses do that really well for different students.” While schools across the country have a wide range of requirements, the breadth requirements across the UW System and other Big 10 schools are fairly similar, Meyerand said. “The faculty and all the institutions talk to each other when coming up with these requirements,” she explained. Breadth requirements came into existence in the 1960s when there was a push to be more inclusive of minorities and other cultures in higher education. Matthew Hora, an assistant professor of adult and higher education, believes that without breadth requirements, especially in ethnic studies, students would miss out on important skills that might not be taught in major-specific classes. “We need people who understand how to talk across race, culture and gender lines, it’s in demand in the workplace,” Hora said. “Many of people arguing for cutting it tends to be aggravated white males who feel the pendulum has swung too far.” Students may be exempt from some of these courses depending on their placement test scores and advanced level classes in high school. Still, most
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“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
sports
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An independent student newspaper, serving the University of Wisconsin-Madison community since 1892 Volume 129, Issue 9
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Orr, Baun guide ‘Goose Egg Gang’ Badger D to top rank
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Chris Orr has had arguably his best season ever up until this point, leading the Badgers D to the best stats in the country so far while the rest of the defense is playing at peak capabilities, which makes Jonathan Taylor and Jack Coan’s job on offense much easier than last year. By Raul Vazquez
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“We want to be like the monsters of the midway, we want to be the no-name defense of the Dolphins,” Senior linebacker Chris Orr said. “Probably more so the noname defense because we want to be a selfless defense, we want everyone to get a piece.” Those are lofty comparisons for any defense, but to this point in the season, the Wisconsin defense has lived up to those types of comparisons. The stats speak for themselves. Through six games, the
Badgers have allowed just 29 points, or 4.8 points per game – the best mark in the country. The Wisconsin defense has managed to shutout the opposing offense in four of their six games played so far, earning them the nickname “Goose Egg Gang.” The last time a UW defense had three shutouts in a season was in 1930. Jonathan Taylor often leaves the rest of the team speechless with his performances, but the way the defense is playing has now left Taylor at a loss of words. “Those guys, they’re playing lights out,” Taylor said. “I don’t
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1. Alabama 1,503 2. LSU 1,449 3. Clemson 1,427 4. Ohio State 1,404 5. Oklahoma 1,333 6. Wisconsin 1,245 7. Penn State 1,129 8. Notre Dame 1,042 9. Florida 1,041 10. Georgia 995 11. Auburn 985 12. Oregon 906 13. Utah 729 14. Boise State 716 15. Texas 672 16. Michigan 648 17. Arizona State 524 18. Baylor 470 19. SMU 398 20. Minnesota 330 21. Cincinnati 308 22. Missouri 233 23. Iowa 210 24. Appalachian St. 148 25. Washington 107
1. Alabama 1,601 2. Clemson 1,536 3. LSU 1,455 4. Ohio State 1,454 5. Oklahoma 1,414 6. Wisconsin 1,297 7. Penn State 1,182 8. Notre Dame 1,107 9. Florida 1,057 10. Georgia 1,049 11. Auburn 998 12. Oregon 955 13. Boise St. 795 14. Utah 768 15. Texas 695 16. Michigan 674 17. Arizona St. 504 18. Baylor 501 19. SMU 421 20. Minnesota 419 21. Cincinnati 298 22. Iowa 230 23. Washington 149 24. Appalachian St. 140 25. Temple 88
have any other words.” The incredible statistics for the Wisconsin defense just keep on going. They have allowed just 29 points on the season but have also scored 28 points of their own. UW has scored as many touchdowns on defense as they have allowed – four – courtesy of three pick-sixes and a fumble recovery. The Badgers defense also tops the nation in just about every major statistical category. They now own the best mark for rush defense, pass defense, total defense, scoring defense, yards per play allowed and third-down defense. Those skeptical of Wisconsin’s performance so far have point to the “soft” schedule that UW has had to this point, Although the Badgers can’t control who they play on Saturdays, they can control how well they execute and play. They beat their three nonconference opponents by a combined score of 158-0. This past weekend “goose egg gang” was at it again, holding Michigan State scoreless on homecoming weekend. The Badgers take pride in keeping a zero on the board throughout all four quarters. Against Michigan State, starting corners Rachad Wildgoose and Faion Hicks voluntarily came back into the game for the final plays of the game to preserve the shutout. Wildgoose, a sophomore, secured the shutout with an interception in the red zone. “It just shows how dominant we can be” senior linebacker Chris Orr said. Orr was the one who dubbed UW “goose egg gang” in honor of the frequency in which they’ve been able to record a shutout. The defense has been led by the linebacker duo of Zach Baun and Chris Orr. They lead a group that has generated 23 sacks through six weeks,
which is already better than the 19 sacks the unit recorded through 13 games in 2018. Though Baun and Orr are clearly the leaders of the defense, the whole group was looking to bounce back from a disappointing 8-5 campaign a year ago. Every member of the defense has improved from last year. Faion Hicks and Chris Orr have emphasized a “no switch” mentality to the guys on both sides of the ball to stay focused through all stages of preparation and every stage of a game, from start to finish. That mentality has allowed the Badgers and the defense specifically to get off to quick starts. Wisconsin has not given lesser opponents any chance early in the game – UW has outscored its opponents 152-3 in the first halves of games this year. While the Badgers do not have a ton of household names, they have all done their job and contributed to a 6-0 start for UW. “It’s a lot of no-name guys on this team that people don’t really know about until they actually play them,” Junior safety Eric Burrell said. “And then after the game, they’re like, ‘Oh damn.’” “It doesn’t matter who we play, it’s just nameless, faceless opponents,” Orr said. “I’ve never been a part of a defense like this,” Burrell added. UW’s preparation and mentality throughout the season have been key, and it will be crucial as they enter the toughest part of their schedule, including road trips to Ohio State and Minnesota and a home game against Iowa. The last games of the season will most likely prove to be the most difficult tests of the season for Wisconsin. Ohio State brings a quality offense that the Badgers just haven’t seen this year, but the players are ready. “I’ve never been a part of a defense like this,” Burrell said.
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Thursday, October 17, 2019
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Nonprofit welcomes local input for new Mifflin St. mural By Abby Schinderle STAFF WRITER
When Madison community members think of Mifflin Street, the long-standing tradition of the Mifflin Street Block Party — one of the city’s largest celebrations — probably comes to mind. What many fail to recognize, however, is that one of the most recognizable and creative buildings sits on the corner of W. Mifflin Street and N. Bassett Street. And it might be undergoing a big change. ABC For Health is a Wisconsinbased nonprofit public interest law firm that purchased the famous and long-standing Mifflin Street mural site in 2007. The organization now has launched a year-long project seeking community input for an update to the wall. “Now, we seek your input and support on what comes next,” Bobby Peterson, Executive Director of ABC for Health, said. The ABC For Health Mural Project will replace the 32-yearold mural on the west side of the nonprofit’s building with public art that commemorates the culture and traditions of the community, Peterson said. The site has housed four different murals over five decades — the current mural was completed in 1987. It’s not a simple process. Painting a mural is a complicated and collaborative operation, according to local artist Niki Urban. After creating a design, it must be pro-
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A Wisconsin-based nonprofit launched a year-long project seeking community input on a new Mifflin mural honoring Madison’s values. jected onto the space and then traced by artists, before being painted. Urban specializes in lyric art — filling empty portraits with song lyrics — but is currently working on a local mural for a State Street restaurant. She explained that large-scale murals usually require several artists and are a collaborative effort. Spray paint designs may take one to four weeks, while painting could require up to six weeks. “It should start a conversation based on where it is,” Urban said. “If it’s in Madison, it needs to incorpo-
rate certain aspects of Madison that are crucial to where it is [located].” In the past, the mural has been used as a canvas for community-centered businesses and projects, displaying advertisements and artwork. The current mural — created for the previous owner of the building, Mifflin Street Co-op — took about seven weeks to paint, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The 28-foot-high, 65-foot-long mural depicts food politics and locally grown produce. The painting began after about six months of design work.
Pilot shortage stunts aviation industry By Michael Bogaards SENIOR STAFF WRITER
State representatives were informed of a significant pilot shortage at an informational hearing Wednesday as Wisconsin’s aviation industry officials detailed a high demand for pilots in commercial and military sectors, but a lack of human resources within the state. Chris Johnson, Wisconsin aviation data scientist at UW-Madison, told representatives from the Jobs and Economy committees to keep up with global demand for air travel almost a million new pilots are needed by 2037. “For more than two decades, we knew this was coming,” said Bill Peterson, the director of flight training at Wisconsin Aviation. “And we failed to address it.” Johnson and Peterson highlighted many challenges the industry faces today, including a rising number of baby boomer pilots retiring teamed with a lack of prestige the pilot position holds, steering younger generations away from aviation. Looking for solutions, Johnson and Peterson noted universities and technical schools such as North Dakota, Southern Illinois and Embry-Riddle are filling aviation programs with students from Wisconsin looking for opportunities in the field they cannot get in state. In fact, the only collegiate level program for aviation in Wisconsin is at the Fox Valley Technical College, where both enrollment and retention numbers have increased over the last three years, facilitating unnecessary competition. Together, Johnson and Peterson created a program utilizing resources of Wisconsin Aviation to provide educational opportunities for UW-Madison
COURTNEY KESSLER/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Experts warn legislators airlines will need a million new pilots. students interested in aviation. Efforts to combat negative connotations currently associated with being a pilot, according to Peterson, are necessary to get younger generations involved in flight programs. “If these [young people] follow a solid educational career, learning decision-making and mathematical and engineering skills, these are the types of things that are going to be desired by airlines down the road.” Peterson said. “There is opportunity for them.” Members of Women in Aviation International also spoke to representatives about the underrepresentation of women and minorities within the field. Sarah Pozdell, founding member of the Madison chapter of Women in Aviation International, introduced statistics showing the number of women in aviation over the last 10 years stagnated. “We’re not bringing women into aviation any faster than we were 10 years ago, in a time when we are focusing on bringing women into STEM,” Pozdell said. State representatives also raised concerns regarding wages for pilots,
emphasizing entry-level positions in aviation are not high enough to offset the costs of technical schools and flight programs. Johnson mostly dismissed these fears, stating that these wages are market driven and a higher demand for pilots will lead to higher wages. Greg Aretakis, president of formerly-defunct Midwest Express Airlines, spoke about the importance of ample opportunity for new pilots, but also the importance of new airlines and flight routes for Wisconsin’s economy. “If we provide more aviation services and create more jobs, we’ll both get the economic multiplier effects and we’ll be helping Wisconsin companies grow,” Aretakis said. In response, Johnson and Peterson recommended larger investments to build education at the collegiate level for training pilots to alleviate shortages. “I can’t underestimate the importance of a successful and vibrant aviation industry to the economy,” Peterson said. “Every time you see a pilot walking down that causeway, he’s representing another dozen or more jobs that it takes to get that airline off the ground.”
The new mural will honor the history and culture of Madison, while also looking forward to the future. “We seek to honor the present values of the city, our nonprofit organization and new neighbors,” Peterson said. “We also want to set our sights on the future of Madison and hope to have a mural that encourages a vision forward with optimism, hope and progress.” Mural ideas will be reviewed this winter, with actual painting expected to begin in late spring or early summer. The project is expected to cost around $15,000,
general from page 1 Among them was to make all gen ed courses problem-oriented and taught by a team of crosscollege faculty. In this model, students from all majors would tackle big issues such as climate change and persistent poverty, according to the report. “Courses would aim to teach students how to work collaboratively to be able to make progress on such seemingly impossible or complex problems,” the report said. The report also offered a value to the Chicago community in its ability to problem-solve nearby. Building off the problem-based gen ed experience, the authors of
requirements from page 1 will need to take at least a few courses throughout their time at UW-Madison. “Clearly at big universities, some students find it hard to find the thing that matches with them,” Hawks said. While some students claim they take “joke” classes to fulfill general education and breadth requirements, UW-Madison tries to offer a variety of classes to make it easier for students to find at least one class per breadth requirement that is somewhat interesting to them. “I think [breadth requirements] can be a good incentive for people to take classes they otherwise wouldn’t,” sophomore Noah Brown said. “But the effect of having such focused breadth requirements is students picking classes more off what boxes they can check.” Some students find the
according to Peterson. ABC for Health is seeking proposals from artists and feedback from residents about mural ideas, in the hope that the mural will reflect things that are important to locals. The nonprofit also envisions the mural displaying themes of diversity, inclusion and innovation. “A mural needs to evoke a conversation based on where it is,” Urban said. “Obviously you want it to look great, but is it standing out and making people think more deeply? Because that’s what art is supposed to do.” the report recommended a gen ed capstone which students from different majors would work in teams to solve a big problem — possibly in the community. One way UW-Madison is attempting to bridge student and instructor incentives is through a program called Redesigning for active learning in highenrollment courses through the Office of the Provost’s Teaching and Learning initiative. “The REACH Initiative aims to transform large, introductory, lecture-based courses into sustainable, active learning environments that increase students’ engagement in their own learning,” according to their website. requirements frustrating and feel they take up time that could be better used for classes more directly related to their field of study. “Having the school make me take a certain number of credits for math or science defeats the purpose of me wanting to focus on what I want to focus on,” sophomore Izzy Steir said. “I took math and science in high school — I don’t need to take it in college where I’m paying to get an education.” Despite the controversy, many people acknowledge these classes have value both in preparing students for future careers and providing a holistic education. “The positives vastly outweigh the negatives,” Hora said. “Many grad programs are looking for students who have a specialization, but the expectation is that a student is going to be able to come in and write and communicate well.”
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dailycardinal.com
Snapper’s Row: A week in photos
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Madisonians gather together on Friday, Oct. 11 to get ready for the upcoming Homecoming football game.
CLAYTON JANNUSCH/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Flamingos sit in a “W” for the “Fill the Hill” tradition to thank the various donors of the campus on Oct 11.
EZRA ECKERSON/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Students remake a homecoming video to show a more inclusive UW-Madison campus on Oct. 11 in the Shell.
COURTESY OF DC ARCHIVES
ARCHIVE: A young Badger fan watches the fun festivities at UW-Madison’s homecoming football game in 1997.
KALLI ANDERSON/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Native tribes from the Madison area celebrate Indigeneous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 14 in Dejope Residence Hall.
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Thursday, October 17, 2019 • 5
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‘Milwaukee Noir’ bares darkness in Brew City By Raynee Hamilton LITERATURE COLUMNIST
COURTESY OF AARP
Lucy Dacus headlined a concert of powerful voices and evocative lyrics with opening acts Sun June and Liza Anne last Friday night.
Powerful female-led groups By Dana Brandt COLLEGE NEWS EDITOR
I first discovered Lucy Dacus just over a year ago when she opened for The National summer 2018. The crowd whooped at the high points of her hit song “Night Shift” and cheered on the band during the powerful beat of “Timefighter.” I left the venue that night talking just as much about Dacus as the headliner. It’s fitting she’s now returned to Madison, headlining a show of her own with two female-led opening acts — Sun June and Liza Anne — for more lovers of moody, powerful indie-rock to discover. “I’ve only ever been happy in this town,” Dacus said toward the end of her set. “I think I like Madison.”
She kicked off her set with a slow and mournful unrealeased song, causing everyone to fall silent in anticipation.
The sold-out show was packed with millennials holding drinks, the colorful lights and intimate space of the Majestic theater painting the venue as the coolest house
party you’ve ever been to. And if the concert was a party, Dacus was the host, with her soaring voice and gut-punch lyrics ensuring you RSVP to the next one. She kicked off her set with a slow and mournful unreleased song, causing everyone to fall silent in anticipation. Dacus played the song on her guitar without any other accompaniment. Dacus’ irresistible voice guided the crowd through her biggest hits from her 2018 album Historian with a few highlights from her 2016 debut No Burden sprinkled in. She and her band transitioned effortlessly between more upbeat songs like “The Shell” to slower jams like “Yours & Mine.” A mid-set cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” energized the audience and turned into what Dacus called “group karaoke,” one of her favorite parts of playing the cover during her tour. It was obvious Dacus enjoyed herself up on stage, grinning as she performed songs between little snippets of conversation with the audience about everything from her band members, astrology to politics. “I hope that Trump gets impeached,” she announced in lieu of a longer story about
herself. Dacus also mentioned that an organization supporting LGBTQ+ rights was at the concert along with information about a text code to help with voter registration.
Together, the three groups formed a night where women sang everything — from upbeat to slow, honest to light-hearted, rock to pop, and no subject was offlimits. Highlights included the band’s dramatic shifts between silences and the band’s loud exclamation points to Dacus’ lyrics during the head-banger “Timefighter” and the climax of the show, one of the all-time best break-up anthems, “Night Shift.” During repetitions of the chorus, the loudest audience singing of the night burst forth: “You got a 9 to 5, so I’ll take the night shift / And I’ll never see you again if I can help it / In five years I hope the songs feel like covers / Dedicated to new lovers.” Dacus played for about an hour including the encore, which felt a bit short, but with two opening acts, the show as a whole was a good length. Together, the three groups formed a night where women
sang everything — from upbeat to slow, honest to light-hearted, rock to pop, and no subject was off-limits. Sun June, a band originally from Austin, Texas, began the show, and although lead singer Laura Colwell told the audience that she was sick and having a hard time with her voice, she owned it. Colwell made a few jokes about her illness between songs, and Sun June’s style of drawn-out, soulful pop wasn’t one to suffer from a few voice cracks. Liza Anne brought the energy next with powerhouse vocals and songs about everything from panic attacks to ghosting your therapist. She mostly played songs off of her 2018 album Fine But Dying , getting people dancing on tracks like “Small Talks” and new single “Devotion.” Dacus brought Liza Anne back on stage for the last song of the encore, a cover of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” which ended the concert on another high note. With all three acts boasting strong performances, it shouldn’t be long before they return to Madison, either as a group again or headlining separate shows with opening acts of their own, beginning the cycle all over again.
“Milwaukee, like so many cities in the Rust Belt, built its identity as a home to manufacturers, a growing immigrant community, and booze. Over the last half century, as jobs disappeared, so did the dreams that came with them.” This is how Tim Hennessy, editor of the anthology titled “Milwaukee Noir,” begins his introduction. “Milwaukee Noir” is a collection of 14 short stories, all written by Milwaukee natives and residents, that documents fictionalized encounters with the seedy underbelly of the Brew City. Each story takes place in a real Milwaukee neighborhood and, using fictional characters and scenarios, addresses the issues that people living in Milwaukee face. The short story “Cousins,” by Milwaukee-based author Jennifer Morales, wrestles with the pressing theme of transgender acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. Most of the remainder of these stories — such as “Runoff” (Valerie Laken),“3rd Street Waltz” (Matthew J Prigee) and “All Dressed in Red” (Vida Cross) — have overt themes of class and racial inequality that shape the actions of the characters and the situations that they find themselves in. According to editor Tim Hennessy, “[these stories] capture the struggle and resilience of the people who live here.” Although there are settings in the anthology that are likely familiar to non-Milwaukee natives, such as the Summerfest grounds in “Summerfest ‘76” by Reed Farrell Coleman, the majority of the book is set in the ungilded corners of the city. By using the noir genre of literature, this novel successfully fictionalizes the criminal aspects of the city, while still creating a space for social commentary about the issues that allow crime and bad behavior to flourish. Appearing at the Wisconsin Book Festival, held in Madison from Oct. 17-20, are authors Jenifer Morales, Vida Cross and editor Tim Hennessy. These writers, among other contributors to the novel, will share their inspirations and influences at Central Library. Final Grade: B+
‘Big Mouth’ season 3 showcases sensitivity matters with pubescent depravity By Joe Marz TV COLUMNIST
Bringing back its trademark humor and raunchiness, “Big Mouth” returns to the screen in a big way with its third season. However, in its surreality and dedication to pushing boundaries, the show may have gone too far with its humor. The series continues to explore the lives of its middle school characters as they learn more about sex and hormones — with help from the Hormone Monsters that guide them along the way. This season takes a deeper look at the relationships
between these characters — testing their strength and resolve. As always, props should be given to the show’s main stars, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, for their excellent portrayals of characters Nick and Andrew, respectively. The life they give these characters fuels the show and makes for a more dynamic season because of it. Kroll deserves special praise for voicing half of the characters on the show — from several of the Hormone Monsters to the crazy gym teacher to a random ladybug offering commentary on current situations.
The show could not function without Kroll, and much of what works about it is thanks to him. Season three also manages to continue the show’s unique brand of humor. It comprises some of the show’s funniest jokes to date, and continues to push the boundaries of what kinds of jokes it is allowed to tell with often humorous results. However, it is this exact quality of the show — in its willingness to keep pushing boundaries — that it begins to falter. Many of the jokes the show offers in this season fall flat, and
come off as strange and misguided. In many cases, the show goes for humor that — instead of getting huge laughs — leaves a strange taste, making for many uncomfortable moments. This season of “Big Mouth” in particular also lacks a strong through-line for the story it is telling. Season one revolved around the Hormone Monsters and how the characters dealt with and adapted to the appearance of these creatures in their lives. Season two focused on the Shame Wizard and how these characters deal with the shame this being inflicts on them.
Season three, however, lacks a central idea to concentrate on — instead reading more like a series of events that happen to involve the show’s characters. It lacks guidance and does not seem to know where it is going. Ultimately, “Big Mouth” gives a third season with the same lewd and wit viewers have come to expect, but pushes its jokes too far and lacks true direction this time aroud. The season is most certainly still worth watching, but a course correction may be needed for the show going forward. Final Grade: C+
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dailycardinal.com
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Leaked DNA test reveals Lizzo only 98.63 percent That Bitch, contrary to ‘Truth Hurts’ claim
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Sources have not yet confirmed if Lizzo will alter the lyrics to her famous song “Truth Hurts” in response to the recent DNA test controversy. By Jordan Simon ALAMANAC EDITOR
This past week controversy surrounded the singer Lizzo after her DNA test was leaked to the press, revealing that she is only 98.63 percent That Bitch (results showed that her remaining genetic makeup is 1.29 percent Vegan and 0.08 percent Ashkenazi). In her song “Truth Hurts,” Lizzo claims that she ‘took a DNA test’ and it turned out that she was ‘100 percent That Bitch,’ however, this claim
appears to be exaggerated following the news of the leaked test results. Many critics have demanded Lizzo issue an apology immediately, arguing that the overstatement of her genetic makeup is offensive to those in the That Bitch community, while others have come to her defense saying that Lizzo’s genetic makeup is still predominantly That Bitch, and for that reason the backlash is an overreaction. In a recent interview with
Rolling Stone Magazine, Lizzo admitted to the fact that she took a 23andMe Test prior to writing “Truth Hurts” and knew that she was genetically only 98.63 percent That Bitch, but she adds that, “It was an artistic decision to include the lyrics as I did. To say ‘and it turns out I’m 98.63 percent That Bitch’ just does not have the same ring to it … but the lyrics were never intended to degrade or offend those in the That Bitch community.” The report comes in the wake
of Lizzo’s highly-attended performance at the Sylvee in Madison last Thursday night, and “Truth Hurts” is a commonly played song at parties around campus. Reactions from college students have been mixed, but the controversy has certainly been a topic of conversation on Twitter and other online platforms. On a parallel note, after the news of her Ashkenazi Jewish heritage was made public, Lizzo has reportedly been invited to at least one Shabbat dinner.
Elements By Anupras Mohapatra STAFF WRITER
Humans are the most profound pieces of literature Each chapter tells a different story Every human has a layered existence But we’re often blinded to see it When we do, it opens up our minds and souls Some people possess the tranquility of water Calming ripples in the ponds and lakes They possess the empathy of earth Healing wounds and providing ground to grow They possess the presence of air Covering the vast expanse of earth Keeping the drowning seafarers alive They possess knowledge as vast as free space Incalculable in its expanse and so vast, yet well appreciated And lastly they possess the intensity of fire Enough to wreak havoc but also to create change A flame whose pursuit burns many but does not deter the determined The most special humans are a blend of all As discredited as it is, deep down, humans are all elemental. -AM
All content contributors to “UW-Madison Memes for MilkChugging Teens” Facebook page win Nobel Prize for literature
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The Academy announces that all content contributers to the infamous Facebook Page “UW-Madison Memes for Milk-Chugging Teens” will win this year’s Nobel Prize for Literature. By Jordan Simon ALAMANAC EDITOR
The Swedish Academy has named all content contributors to the Facebook Page “UW-Madison Memes for Milk-Chugging Teens” the winners of the 2019 Nobel Prize for Literature. The Facebook page is an avenue for members of the UW-Madison community to post memes about current events and other matters related to campus, and the decision to award all its content contributors the prize marks
thefirsttimeinacademyhistorythat so many people have been awarded the prize in the same year. NotonlydoestheUW-Madison meme page still regularly generate high-quality content, but the page is a highly influential platform for campus-related social commentary and certainly ranks among the top college meme pages of all time. The Academy stated “the social insight and comedic apparatus provided on the Badger meme page is invaluable to society, both currently and
throughouttime,andforthatreason is our honor to award all of the MilkChugging Teens a Nobel Prize.” The meme page has been a powerful mediator on such subjectsastheWisconsinvs.Minnesota rivalry, the vibrant but often clashing subcultures of the STEM and Humanities majors, matters relating to freshman and their peculiar freshmanyways,and,mostrecently, memes about Wisconsin’s claim to the Upper Peninsula as well as ‘I do not suffer fools’ memes.
Interestingly, the Academy’s decision to indiscriminately award all content contributors the prize does mean that Cory Puisack will be included among the winners. Puisack posted a strange and contextless rant in the meme page in Nov. 2018 in which he articulated his grievances around having only made $190k in the past year. Beyond the initial reaction to the post, memes about Puisack resurfaced on the page in the spring of 2019 after one of his
Tinder interactions was made public via the “UW-Madison Memes for Milk-Chugging Teens” Facebook group. The Puisack memes quickly became a prominent subcategory on the page. Some have criticized the decision to award Puisack the prize, stating that his 2018 rant is not Nobel material. However, it is hard to deny the fact that Puisack played a key role in influencing one of the greatest literary movements of the twenty-first century.
We’re always looking for more funny and insightful writers with fresh takes on topics ranging from the UW campus to international news. We accept and encourage creative submissions as well! Any and all submissions are more than welcome. You can send your submissions and any comments or questions to almanac@dailycardinal.com. All articles featured in Almanac are creative, satirical and/or entirely fictional pieces. They are fully intended as such and should not be taken seriously as news.
opinion Helplines on Wiscard aid in crises support
dailycardinal.com Thursday, October 17, 2019 • 7
By Anthony Trombi STAFF WRITER
T
he Wiscard we all have grown accustomed to is facing some potential changes for the upcoming freshman class. The Associated Students of Madison proposed on Oct. 2 to add crisis hotline numbers on the back of incoming freshmen’s Wiscards. The numbers that are planned to be added are the UW Police Department phone number, University Health Services Mental Health Crisis Line and Rape Crisis Line. California has already implemented legislation that requires middle, high school, and college student IDs to include the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. This change was prompted four years ago when Palo Alto High implemented this hotline on ID cards after a student at the school took their own life. The idea behind the law is to give students a clear understanding that immediate help is readily available — the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a network of local crisis centers, provides free and confidential support on a 24/7 basis. As someone who went to high school in California, I have experienced first hand having student IDs with such hotline numbers present. I personally felt a sense of progress that our government and political leaders are taking into account the lives and wellbeing of students, as this addition to ID cards can be a lifesaver for many students. At first glance of the ID card, most of my friends and classmates did not even notice it. After students began to recognize the addition of the hotline number, no one seemed to have
KALLI ANDERSON/THE DAILY CARDINAL
Adding crisis hotline numbers on the back of student Wiscards could decrease stigma of reaching out for help. any complaints either. Most students at my school were in fact appreciative of the number being present, for it gave them hope that progress is being made to encourage and normalize the act of reaching out for help. Mental health issues and sexual assault incidents are known to be prevalent in the UW-Madison community. In 2017, UHS provided 2,432 individual counseling sessions, 137 accompaniments or advocacy appointments, 102 unique students by providing confidential, trauma-informed services (individual counseling, group counseling, advocacy, or information about rights and resources), and provided other resources to 237 individuals. Also, 126,757 students had patient/client visits for mental health and sexual assault. Students are certainly using UW-Madison’s resources, but it is not necessarily enough. Last year, 300 cases of sexual assault were reported. And these are
only reported cases — who knows what the amount of unreported sexual assaults was. In 2015, UW-Madison was one of the 27 institutions to participate in the Association of American Universities (AAU), Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assult Climate Survey. Nearly 9,000 UW-Madison students were surveyed, uncovering that one in four women and one in 18 men were sexually assaulted as undergraduate students. Of those reported assaults, 12.6 percent were females experiencing “nonconsensual penetration by force or incapacitation” — and most assaults were reported to have happened during the victims’ freshman or sophomore years. Of these assaults, most took place in residence halls, and most were committed by attackers who were known to the victims. Of these students who experienced penetration by force, only 26.1 per-
cent reported the incidents. This study is based upon 2015 data but does give a baseline of the magnitude of unreported sexual assault instances at UW-Madison. For many students, it is difficult to reach out for help. Students struggle, from the stress of class, pressures of personal life, to extracurriculars like clubs and sports. It becomes even more of an obstacle when attempting to reach out to a loved one, TA, or counselor on top of everything else. Especially for incoming freshmen, most of whom have never lived on their own, and no longer have anyone forcing them to go to class or complete homework, this can be quite challenging. It is even harder for students to reach out about their mental health and sexual assault on top of adjusting to the responsibilities and the new elements of college life. The implementation of these
hotline numbers on the Wiscards will not only make these numbers easily available, but can also offer a sense of community acceptance around reaching out. Every UW-Madison student has their Wiscard on them at all times. We use it throughout the day, so having these hotline numbers on the card will make these services apparent and present in our everyday lives. Hopefully, this provides a sense of acceptance within the community and those seeking help do not feel ashamed for using UHS services or calling these hotline numbers. Diminishing the negative stigma around using these services through a widespread acceptance of these hotline numbers will also make students feel more comfortable to reach out for help on behalf of another student. Some might propose that having these numbers displayed on the Wiscards will shock and potentially trigger students who have been assaulted. An important part of accepting the use of these resources is perceiving the accessibility of these numbers in a positive manner. These hotline numbers should be accepted — the use of them should not be met with shame, but with acceptance and support. Although adding these hotline numbers is a step in the right direction, it is not everything. Making the call is the first step, but supporting students who seek out these services is necessary for an inclusive student body. Anthony is a Freshman studying journalism. What are your thoguhts on adding crisis hotlines to the back of Wiscards? Send all of your comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
Misguided Ellen video on kindness propogates oppression By Ethan Levy SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Over the past few days, social media has been filled with reposts of Ellen DeGeneres calling for universal kindness in response to criticism over her evening at the Dallas Cowboys game with former President George W. Bush. From most people I know, this video has been captioned with “Inspiring stance from Ellen,” or “This is the RIGHT take.” One person even suggested that “This Photo of Ellen & George W. Bush Will Give You Faith in America Again.” I have an alternative take: f*ck this Ellen video. Ellen’s overall stance in her rebuttal to criticism is this: be kind to everyone — even people with different beliefs than you. This sentiment is not something unique to Ellen, but is shared by many people, including liberals and self-prescribed social justice advocates. The statement may sound charitable, empathetic and just, but it is, instead, problematic — largely based on a misrepresentation of beliefs and kindness. Ellen starts her argument by stating, “I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the samebeliefs I have. We’re all different
and I think we’ve forgotten that that’s okay that we’re all different.” We are indeed all unique, and no two people share the exact same set of beliefs. Accordingly, Ellen is correct that we cannot be unkind to people who are different — no one would ever get along with anyone. But being kind and creating relationships that transcend belief systems is only valid if “beliefs” are defined as follows: opinions that do not deeply affect people’s lives. Ellen provides an example that illustrates this type of “belief.” She says she should be kind to people already playing Christmas music, even though she thinks it’s far too early. I agree — it is a ridiculous time to break out “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” but I should still be kind to someone who believes in Christmas music in October. It is, as Ellen says, okay (and even fruitful) to have these differences. That difference in “beliefs” hurts no one. However, this is not how all beliefs work: not all debates revolve around trivial disagreements. Some beliefs directly or indirectly harm people, especially those within marginalized communities. If someone tells me, for example, that they believe trans
people should be fired solely based on their gender identity — which the Trump Administration asked the Supreme Court to rule accordingly the day after the Ellen video was released — they do not deserve my kindness. This person’s differing beliefs have tangible consequences for me and folx like me — I would literally be able to be fired (or kept from even getting hired in the first place) from any job, at any time, just for being me. If everyone is simply kind to someone with this bigoted stance, and even attempts to form a friendship with them, it tells this person that their beliefs are okay — that their beliefs are nothing more than a harmless difference in opinion, like when to start playing Christmas tunes. People’s differing beliefs keep marginalized folx oppressed, and kindness only reinforces the idea that those types of beliefs are acceptable. Ellen also mischaracterizes the difference between kindness and niceness. Niceness is politeness. Niceness is saying hello to people when you pass by them, or at least not telling them to “f*ck off.” And yet, Ellen is not saying, “be nice — be polite — to everyone, regardless of their beliefs.”
Being nice to people isn’t forming friendships. It is certainly not going to a football game and laughing with that person only to defend them on national television, stating their decision to start a war that led to 250,000 civilian deaths is just a difference of beliefs. So no, Ellen is not talking about niceness. She is saying that we should be kind to one another. We should look past political lines and differing beliefs, and instead form companionships. But this stance is flawed because what Ellen is doing is deeply unkind. Kindness refers to enriching people’s lives, even those whose identity (something separate from belief systems) may be different than your own. Opposing same-sex marriage is unkind because it limits queer people’s opportunities based on who they are. Microaggressions and racism are unkind because they limit people’s quality of life based on their identity. And when Ellen forms relationships and pardons those people with bigoted beliefs, she provides legitimacy to hate speech and marginalizing laws, stating they are not wrong, they are just different. Ultimately, agreeing with this
video is incredibly privileged. To state that everyone’s beliefs deserve a response of kindness, you are admitting that those beliefs do not have profoundly negative consequences for you. You would likely not be kind to someone who fired you because they don’t agree with who you love or how you identify, so why would you be kind to someone who’s beliefs have that effect on trans folx and other disenfranchised populations? To not challenge opposing beliefs and to merely accept them as different is to maintain the status quo — a status quo that has seen 18 black trans women murdered this year for being who they are. Kindness that excuses oppression is not kindness — it is cowardly, and it privileges your discomfort in challenging white supremacy over the oppression marginalized groups face every day. Ethan is a graduate student in the Secondary Education Master’s Program. What are your thoughts on Ellen’s recent response about kindness? Do you believe her remarks are valid in all situations? Send all your comments and thoughts to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
life & style How to procrastinate productively 8 • Thursday, October, 17, 2019
By Brooke Messaye STAFF WRITER
Let’s take an adventure together that many of us have done before. I’ll set the scene: it’s a school night and you’re just starting your paper due tomorrow. And … ACTION! “It’s due at 7:55 a.m., which gives me 17 hours before it’s due.” If not these exact times, these are the infamous words of every procrastinator. College is a balancing game of pushing things off until the last minute, but giving yourself just enough time to thoroughly complete assignments. At the same time, as college students, we know that there is no such thing as free time. We are always striving to be semi-productive in at least one way or another. This is when the idea of productive procrastination comes into play. Productive procrastination means that you know you have something due, but instead, you do other things that you eventually have to but that aren’t as pressing. Here are a few examples of how to be productive, while procrastinating, on less pressing priorities. Phew, plenty of problems! Procrastination List Making Looking at the giant assignment ahead of you, some of us start by avoiding this one thing that we unequivocally know we must do by making a list of all other things you must do as well. This allows you to organize and think ahead of what else you have to do and how you should wisely spend your time. “Ah, I have to clean out my backpack. I don’t think I can start to do my
assignment until that is sorted out. Clean backpack = clean mind!” Time check: 15 hours before it’s due. Procrastination Cleaning Now we put that list to work. Instead of doing your assignment, it is okay to engage in a different task that allows you to feel marginally productive. Take for example, your backpack organization or apartment/dorm cleaning. While it might not be getting your assignment done, in the end, you will not only be in a cleaner environment allowing more focus on the task at hand, but you won’t have to come back and clean up later before you decide to go out on the weekend. Time check: 13 hours before it’s due. Procrastination Laundry Now, if you still can’t focus and crank that paper out, another ideal thing you can do is laundry. Especially if you live in dorms, while you clean your things, you can also have a nice quiet study space to study and do work. This is the perfect way to study in blocks of time and get double the work done by doing household and academic responsibilities. Time check: 10 hours before it’s due. Procrastination Homework Sometimes we know we have something due, but we cannot bring ourselves to do it, but we still want to be academically productive. Instead of staring at the black assignment, an easy option is to work on other homework that you will eventually have to do anyway, but is short lived and easy to accomplish. Time check: 7 hours before it’s due. Procrastination Shopping
Now, this one might be a little controversial but when is shopping not necessary? There is always something that you know you need to get in the back of your head. With online shopping at our fingertips, purchasing these items gives you the opportunity to run errands quickly and easily. Time check: 5 Hours before it’s due The final stretch It’s now 3:55 in the morning and you finally start stressing about how you still have to finish your assignment and you are now tired. You spent all this time avoiding the inevitable when you finally sit down and start working, your hands are typing lighting fast like nobody’s business. Being in this fresh clean space and knowing you have crossed everything off your to-do list has left your mind clear and able to focus. Not to mention, you now have the pressure of time forcing you to finish and to get the grade. Time check: 3 hours before it’s due. Once the paper has been submitted and have received the grade two days later and it isn’t half bad, it’s time to reassess whether procrastination is best for you. Obviously the time crunch and working under pressure gives you a high like no other, but maybe don’t utilize all of these productive procrastination activities on one deadline. Utilize these procrastination ideas to help you be productive while you are putting off an assignment. We are college kids and simply can’t do it all; however, kill two birds with one stone and do your daily chores and school assignments together.
dailycardinal.com
GRAPHIC BY LYRA EVANS
While putting off your work, do little chores to stay productive.
Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? By Samantha Benish STAFF WRITER
As the brisk winds of winter begin to stir, it can be hard to remember what it was like to be tan, carefree and healthy. The memories of aimlessly watching hours of Netflix and sitting poolside seem far from the tables of College Library. If you are anything like me, you sit and wonder how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while trying to balance unending piles of work. Although you may not be able to learn a month’s worth of lecture notes by that midterm tomorrow, you can take steps to help you relieve some stress and anxiety. As a disclaimer, I am no expert, but I hope these tips help you relax and take your mind off things - at least for an hour or two. Here are some ways to overcome being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Know that it’s okay to relax. One of the most important things to remember is that it is okay to give yourself a break. One day of your week should be set aside to provide some me time. I can hear you now, “WHAT? A whole week? Who does this girl think I am?” If a full day isn’t conducive to your hectic schedule, it is crucial to block out some extended period of time to just relaxing and de-stressing. Grab some popcorn, watch a movie and forget about the stress of the week. Don’t worry about what you are missing out on; rather, focus on your well-being. Going a hundred miles an hour every single day can cause major headaches, unneeded stress and ultimately, a crash. Start reading that book you promised yourself you would read by the end of the year. Give yourself an attainable goal, something as little as 5-10 pages of a non-school book. Do your laundry. Eat a cookie. Give yourself a break!
Work, work, work it out! Had a fight with your roommate? Got a bad grade on that paper? One word: cardio. Going to the gym doesn’t have to be a horrible experience. It can be a great tool to let off some steam and better your mind and body. And who doesn’t love a great post workout snack? If the gym isn’t your vibe, just go on a walk. Get the blood in your body moving, cool off and even take a scenic route by one of the surrounding lakes. Going on a walk has so many benefits physically, mentally and will give you the time to be actively resting when you feel too distressed to relax. Take care of your body, too. If you just so happened to catch the flu bug, rest is the most important thing you can focus on. I, along with half of the campus, have been fighting against a cold for the past few days, so I completely understand your struggle. I cannot stress enough: sleep, water, eat and repeat! Getting a solid eight hours allows your body to rejuvenate and recover more quickly. Drinking water and eating right are also very important. Your throat may feel like absolute garbage but water replaces the fluids and electrolytes you lose while fighting off infection. Grabbing an apple rather than a bag of chips may not seem like the fun choice, but your body will definitely thank you later Cold weather brings hot chocolate, snow, and germs. As you begin to bundle up for your walk up Bascom, remember to worry about your mental health too. Sometimes we get so caught up in our hectic lives that reality seems like a distant memory. So remember that you only have one you, and it is crucial to take care of yourself in the hustle and bustle of life.