Thursday, February 8, 2024 by The Daily Cardinal

University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

WHO’S AFRAID OF LITTLE OLD ME?

STEAMROLLED AT HOME

Taylor Swift is beneficial for the NFL, regardless of what the haters say.

Purdue relegates Wisconsin to second-tier team in costly loss at the Kohl Center.

+ OPINION, PAGE 7

+ SPORTS, PAGE 6

UW Athletics Canvas observer program raises concerns By Natasha Hicks SENIOR STAFF WRITER

A Canvas program allowing University of Wisconsin Athletics advisors to monitor the educational progress of student athletes is raising concerns about surveillance and privacy in UW-Madison classrooms. Professor Dorothea Salo, a UW-Madison School of Information professor, recently got an email from UW-Madison Vice Provost John Zumbrunnen about a “Canvas Observer Role” in one of her courses. She said the role allows learning specialists from UW Athletics to directly monitor student athletes’ progress in Canvas.

Observers are able to access class assignments, calendars, discussions — including posts from the entire class — and more. Other students in the course aren’t notified there’s an observer in it. Salo said it’s not the first time she has received this email. This, alongside her past Canvas-related research, has her worried about the student athlete observer role and Canvas’ lack of data transparency as a whole. “I don’t love the way that we’re substituting data surveillance for instructors and advisors and students actually communicating,” she said.

The email Salo received said the Canvas observer role is designed to support the academic success of student athletes by giving information to UW Athletics learning specialists. Athletics staff can use the data to conduct “early interventions” for students facing academic difficulties. UW Athletics communications director Patrick Herb said one of the organization’s core priorities is helping student athletes in academic success. Canvas Observer, which launched in 2020, is used by 10% of student athletes to help bolster learning outcomes, Herb said.

TREADING ON THIN ICE

Other academic assistance options provided by UW Athletics include learning specialists and tutoring and mentoring services. UW-Athletics emphasized the importance of student athletes’ privacy, especially while using Canvas Observer. “The privacy of our student-athletes is paramount,” Herb said. He said it is important that both instructors and student athletes are comfortable with Canvas Observer, leading to the inclusion of an opt-out option — which Salo chose to use.

+ Canvas page 4

Tuberculosis case reported in Smith Hall Free tests available for students as university health staff investigate By Bryna Goeking STAFF WRITER

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Lily’s Classic to continue as planned for now despite warnings about ice instability By Kayla Dembiec & Noe Goldhaber STAFF WRITER & COLLEGE NEWS EDITOR

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) will hold its Lily’s Classic hockey tournament and fundraiser as normal on Feb. 17 behind the SAE house on Lake Mendota’s ice despite recent warm winter temperatures, according to a member of the fraternity. This decision could change based on weather conditions within the next two weeks, according to philanthropy chair Sean Kramer. “Right now, everything is going to happen as planned,” Kramer said. “[SAE] will take all the necessary precautions prior to the event, and if we feel like the ice isn’t safe to have the event, we will call it off.” SAE did not immediately share how it is monitoring ice safety or if it has an alternative plan in place. Lily’s Classic consists of a 4-versus-4 “boot hockey” tournament to benefit Lily’s Fund, which supports research

on epilepsy at UW-Madison. This year, Kramer said the fraternity plans to “put a bigger emphasis on the hockey tournament and try to raise as much money for the Lily’s Fund as they can.” Hundreds of attendees typically gather on a frozen Lake Mendota during Lily’s Classic. However, climatology experts and local authorities say ice on Lake Mendota and other local lakes is not thick enough to safely support winter events following a recent string of above-average temperatures. “It is highly unlikely that it would be safe to run [Lily’s Classic] this winter,” said Michael Notaro, climate change expert for the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. With temperatures expected to remain above average for the next several weeks, other events on the ice have been canceled or postponed. The Clean Lakes Alliance canceled all on-ice events at its Frozen Assets

festival last weekend. It’s the first cancellation in the festival’s 14-year history, according to Adam Sodersten, Clean Lakes Alliance marketing & communications director. “I think what it teaches us as event organizers is that we really have to have a plan B from the get-go, which is unfortunate when you are planning large events because you essentially have to plan two events,” Sodersten said. The UW Winter Carnival also moved or canceled all events on Lake Mendota’s ice — including moving its signature Lady Liberty inflatable statue off the ice to Library Mall — citing “thinning of ice and several weak and open spots.” UW-Madison Student Affairs and university police made similar statements Wednesday. In a Twitter post, the police department asked people to stay off the ice and warned “it is not safe.”

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University Health Services at the University of Wisconsin-Madison confirmed a student in Smith Residence Hall during Fall 2023 had an active case of tuberculosis in a recent email to residents. Smith residents received an email Feb. 1 from Jake Baggott, UW-Madison chief health officer, and Andrew O’Donnell, UHS interim director of health services, urging them to get tested for tuberculosis. The email said there is “no cause for immediate concern.” The student with active tuberculosis had not been on campus since December, according to comments UHS spokesperson Sarah Clifford Glapa made to the Wisconsin State Journal. UHS and campus public health officials are offering free tuberculosis tests on Feb. 12 and Feb. 20 for students that may have been exposed. Test results are most accurate 8-10 weeks after initial exposure, per the email sent to students. Tuberculosis is a rare but serious bacterial infection of the lungs that can spread to other parts of the body and be spread by coughing or sneezing. In 2022, Wisconsin reported 52 cases of active tuberculosis while Dane County had 10 active and 464 latent tuberculosis cases in 2023. Tuberculosis is treated with a course of antibiotics. Latent tuberculosis — tuberculosis without symptoms — could become active if not treated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates a 1 in 10 chance of latent tuberculosis infections leading to future disease. Students presenting symptoms, including a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue or unexplained weight loss, were instructed to call UHS as soon as possible. The email directed students who have received the BCG tuberculosis vaccine, have ever tested positive for tuberculosis or have a weakened immune system to speak to a nurse at UHS.

“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

An independent student newspaper, serving the University of Wisconsin-Madison community since 1892 Volume 133, Issue 20

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Opinion Editors Franchesca Reuter • Lauren Stoneman Arts Editors Gabriella Hartlaub • Anna Kleiber Sports Editors Maddie Sacks • Seth Kruger Special Pages Editor Annika Bereny Photo Editor Mary Bosch • Raaidah Aqeel Graphics Editors Paige Stevenson • Hailey Johnson Science Editor Madelyn Anderson Life & Style Editors Cate Schiller • Erin Mercuri Podcast Director Honor Durham Copy Chiefs Isabella Barajas • Jackson Wyatt Copy Editors Ava Menkes • Francesca Pica • Noe Goldhaber • Alexis-Rose Fischer • Meredith Schadrie • Clara Strecker Social Media Manager Rachel Schultz

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Editorial Board Graham Brown • Tyler Katzenberger • Em-J Krigsman • Charlotte Relac • Priyanka Vasavan • Drake White-Bergey • Ethan Wollins • Franchesca Reuter • Lauren Stoneman

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Transit experts weigh in on proposed Madison Amtrak station By Ty Javier TRAIN CORRESPONDENT

The city of Madison held a virtual meeting Tuesday to present initial findings of the Madison Passenger Rail Station Identification Study to the public. City officials unveiled the preliminary draft of the project in January. The study aims to find a future site for a Madison Amtrak station. It evaluated six corridors for a potential site, later narrowing the study to eight site locations. Although no funding has been approved for a potential new train station or passenger rail service to Madison, Mayor Rhodes-Conway expressed her excitement for the potential corridor at the meeting. “We want visitors to Madison to feel how special our community is,” Rhodes-Conway said. “Get excited about the prospect of passenger rail service returning to Madison because I am super excited about it.” Arun Rao, Amtrak director of network development, said Tuesday the proposed MadisonMilwaukee-Chicago corridor has both potential for high ridership and return on investment. Rao said most of the ridership, like the existing Hiawatha Line, would be for business trips, tourism and educational travel rather than daily commutes. Transit experts on rail service to Madison Dr. Michael Schlicting, Ph.D. in transportation & community development and University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni, told The Daily Cardinal his primary concern is how an extended Hiawatha train will compete with alternatives like

the Badger Bus or driving in terms of speed, schedule, reliability and ease of use. Schlicting referenced past failures like the Lake Country Limited from Janesville to Chicago, which was discontinued in 2001 after less than two years of service. He said the line was a “complete failure due to speed and frequency issues.” Schlicting emphasized the importance of ensuring all tracks from Madison to Milwaukee can support a timecompetitive alternative. Noah Sobczak, president of student-run Wisconsin High-Speed Transportation Group, said there should be an emphasis on train operation, planning a future with faster trains and opportunities for transit-oriented development when choosing a site. Sobczak told the Cardinal he prefers high-speed rail service to Madison, such as the Japanese Shinkansen rolling stock, which operates at over 180 mph. Using Shinkansen locomotives could mean Madison to Milwaukee in under 40 minutes and Madison to Chicago in under 90 minutes, according to Sobczak’s calculations. The current Hiawatha Line runs 90 minutes on average between Milwaukee and Chicago. The existing locomotive used by Amtrak Midwest, the Siemens Charger, can operate at over 100 mph. However, Amtrak rarely runs their trains this fast because the freight-owned track they operate on cannot support higher speeds. “The only current limitation to the speed of the corridor is the infrastructure itself, upgrading the current track and grade crossings could allow for higher

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speeds,” Sobczak said. Rao said the corridor’s speed has yet to be determined, but will likely use the Siemens Charger. Transit Experts on Station Location Regarding station location, Schlicting said the study should focus on accessibility for cars and public transit. “Will it be easy to park and hop onto the train? This is critical to those outside the city of Madison area who may drive to the station, and then park and ride, such as Deforest, Waunakee, Sun Prairie, etc.,” Schlicting said. Schlicting recommended the Johnson Street location due to its proximity to campus and space for parking and redevelopment. “The station is on the future north/south BRT, and the rail line could also be expanded north someday to Minneapolis,” he said. “Also, that whole area has potential redevelopment, including potential affordable housing.” Schlicting said the proposed Baldwin and Blair sites are accept-

able but have more limitations. He is opposed to the Monona site. “As for Monona Terrace, it is a dark, cramped and noisy location that I believe is hard to get to,” Schlicting said. “Further, Monona Terrace would cause significant traffic jams on Williamson, Wilson and Blair as that whole intersection will need to shut down for the train to enter and exit the station.” Sobczak has a similar view. He said the Monona site “may provide less economic benefit to the city than other sites.” Sobczak prefers the Johnson Street site. “It is the best location to recreate a station area in Madison while still serving a large part of the city,” Sobczak said. “The site has a lot of potential for spurring development in Madison...with adequate access to existing roads and planned BRT services.” City officials plan to recommend one or more station sites later this year. If rail lines are added or extended to Madison, the service would not start to run until 2027 at the earliest, according to the study.

Republican lawmaker sends late night anti-trans email in response to child marriage proposal By Ray Kirsch STAFF WRITER

A Republican lawmaker responded to a co-sponsorship memo regarding child marriage on Friday with an email saying he would add an amendment against gender-affirming healthcare for minors. In an email sent to Wisconsin legislators at 3 a.m., Rep. John Macco, R-Ledgeview, said he would add an amendment to prohibit gender-affirming hormones and surgery for minors in addition to banning child marriage. “If you’re really serious about protecting minors I’ll add an amendment to also protect them from sex altering drugs and surgery and then cosponsor with you,” the email read. Macco’s email was in response to a child marriage co-sponsorship memo sent by Democratic Sens. Mark Spreitzer of Beloit and Jeff Smith of Eau Claire, as well as Democratic Reps. Jimmy Anderson of Fitchburg, Sue

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Conley of Janesville and Clinton Anderson of Beloit. The bill would ban 16- and 17-year-olds from legally marrying with parental consent. It would also repeal statutes that allow adults to have sexual intercourse with minors if they are married. Married minors would also be able to file for annulment, divorce or legal separation without their guardian’s consent. Macco did not immediately

respond to comment on his email. Spreitzer, who is the chair of the Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus, told the Cardinal in an email statement he will “continue to strongly oppose any attempts by Republicans in our state to attack LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites.” “Ending child marriage should not be a partisan issue,” Spreitzer said. “Regardless of a single email from one representative, I hope the rest of my colleagues will consider the

importance of this bill and sign as co-sponsors.” Additionally, Spreitzer said he would be happy to find common ground on political issues with Macco, but “[he] knows that we do not agree on the issue of gender-affirming care.” According to Legislative Reference Bureau data from 2013, girls are six times more likely than boys to be married as minors. The memo also stated that child marriages have higher rates of domestic violence. There were 14 children married in Wisconsin in 2022, according to the LRB memo. Two minors were married to other minors in 2022, while the number of minors married to adults was 12. “LRB-5749 will ban child marriage in Wisconsin and give children who are currently married the means and agency to leave that marriage,” Spreitzer wrote on Twitter. Legislators have until Feb. 12 to co-sponsor the bill.

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Inside Camp Randall’s push to host a College Football Playoff game By Jasper Bernstein ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

College Football Playoff games are a right normally reserved for sunnier cities, but that isn’t stopping Wisconsin from pushing to host one in Madison. Camp Randall Stadium is currently undergoing renovations to improve playability and the game experience. These upgrades, coupled with the expansion of the College Football Playoff, position Madison as a possible host venue for future postseason games. Camp Randall underwent its latest renovation in 2021, adding premium seating to its south end zone. Now, almost three years later, the 107-year-old stadium is also receiving an update to its video boards, replacing the main board and many of its static elements. With the NCAA’s switch to a 12-team playoff format in 2024

— as opposed to the four-team format that has defined the playoffs in the past — the opportunity has opened up for Wisconsin to host a postseason game. Wisconsin Athletics is preparing for that possibility. A newly-implemented $5.5 million heated field will create better playing conditions for games in late December or January, when the average low temperature is comfortably below 20 degrees. “The project is on schedule and will be completed [in] July 2024,” said Patrick Herb, director of communications and brand strategy for Wisconsin Athletics. “Heating the field will allow for better playability during inclement winter conditions…This would allow for Camp Randall to be a terrific host venue.” With the expansion, the Badgers control their chances of hosting a playoff game, said

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Brett Daniels, senior director of communications and branding for CFP. “In the 12-team playoff format, the on-campus games would be earned by the host institutions based on their

Meet the far-right religious group behind Shen Yun By Jasper Bernstein & Ava Menkes ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR & STATE NEWS EDITOR

The Madison Overture Center is hosting Chinese classical dance group Shen Yun this weekend, whose expressive, colorful performances are earmarked by a tagline of ‘China Before Communism’ But behind the flowery dresses and cultural performances is Shen Yun’s parent organization, Falun Gong, a controversial group known for its homophobic, anti-feminist and anti-modern medicine views. Founded by Li Hongzhi in the 1990s, Falun Gong emerged as an organization that promoted Buddhist and anti-communist beliefs. The group grew exponentially to 90 million members by the mid1990s, according to University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Edward Friedman. “They were trying to expose the evils of what the Communist Party [was] doing,” Friedman said. “There’s a period of time when they’re first being crushed, in which they are virtually the best source in exposing the evils of what is going on under Chinese communism.” The Chinese government — headed by the Chinese Communist Party — soon cracked down on the fast-growing movement. In July 1999, China banned Falun Gong, with reports of members being killed and tortured. The CCP displays “low tolerance for groups that place any spiritual authority above their allegiance to the party,” Freedom House reported. After Falun Gong moved to America, it took a hard turn to the “extreme right,” Friedman said. “They all become anti-gay, antiwomen, etc.” Shen Yun features little reference to the Falun Gong movement on its website. But Friedman said they’re connected. “They have to find ways of

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF MILLER/UW-MADISON

earning money,” he said. “They create a newspaper, they create a television station and they create a dance group.” The group’s associates run The Epoch Times, a conservative publication founded by a Falun Gong practitioner that has come under fire for its COVID-skeptical articles and ad campaigns. Falun Gong denies affiliation with the publication, which is now the fourth-largest magazine in America, despite financial ties. Although membership for Falun Gong isn’t close to its mid-1990s high of 90 million followers, Friedman said Shen Yun has expanded in recent years, with eight traveling dance companies worldwide. Shen Yun, which will perform this Saturday and Sunday at the Overture Center, is one of the dance companies. Shari Gasper, communications director of the Overture Center, said the center strives to provide “extraordinary experiences” through a wide range of events. “Not all of what we offer is appealing to everyone and, ultimately, we leave it to our patrons to decide how and when to participate,” Gasper said. “The diverse communities we serve and the artists we present have varied viewpoints and the right to express unique opinions.” According to the Guardian,

local Falun Dafa chapters — groups that practice Falun Gong’s philosophy — sponsor Shen Yun performances in their home cities. Madison has a Falun Dafa chapter. “This is a facility rental event presented by an independent organization separate from Overture Center for the Arts, which simply means we offer our space for rental,” Gasper said. “We hope our diversified approach to programming sparks respectful dialogue between those with opposing viewpoints that fosters deeper understanding within our community.” The group’s associates claim it “espouses conservative sexual ethics. However, Falun Gong does not seek to impose its ethical precepts on anyone,” according to the Falun Dafa Information Center website. Falun Gong is also antimodern medicine. The group’s founder, Hongzhi, claimed aliens introduced humans to modern technology like computers and airplanes. He also believes aliens will “introduce legislation to stop human reproduction.” “Everyone thinks that scientists invent on their own when in fact their inspiration is manipulated by the aliens,” Hongzhi said in a 1999 Time Magazine interview. “When such people grow up, they will help replace humans with aliens.”

final seeding,” Daniels said. “Basically, if Wisconsin were to finish seeded No. 5-8, the school would host a game on campus.” The Badgers were unranked in the 2023 season and would not have a chance to compete

Lake ice Continued from page 1 According to the Wisconsin State Climatology Office, Lake Mendota officially froze over on Jan. 15 as a cold front moved through Wisconsin and brought below-zero temperatures. The Jan. 15 freeze is the third-latest freeze date since monitoring began over 170 years ago. “Since the winter of 1997-98, ice cover duration has only averaged 82 days, which marks a dramatic shift towards a warmer, less icy state for the Madison-area lakes,” Notaro said. On Jan. 25, user-reported data from the Lake Link Fishing Report measured 13 inches of ice on the lake. By Feb. 1, however, only seven inches of ice remained. As of Wednesday, the ice outside the union is approximately six inches, according to the Wisconsin Union. “We normally look for close to eight inches,” Sodersten said. “When you have 700 people in a tight area on the lake, then they start behaving like a vehicle because they are distributing their weights in a very small area.” Recent warm temperatures could also impact the strength of the ice, according to the US Army Corps of Engineers. Between Jan. 22 to Feb. 5, the maximum temperature in Madison has been above freezing every day, according to data from the Dane County Truax Field Station. During approximately half of those days, the temperature did not drop below freezing. Even when ice has an adequate thickness, the strength is lost if the air temperature stays above freezing for

in the CFP, much less host a postseason game. With another season under second-year head coach Luke Fickell’s leadership, though, the Badgers have playoff hopes. “It is great to know that Camp Randall Stadium is undergoing these renovations and will be ready to host a CFP first-round game should Wisconsin get that privilege,” Daniels said. The main video board’s replacement will start following spring commencement, and the entire project is expected to be completed before the 2024 season starts, Herb said.“It’s crazy to think that 80 years from now, when people [currently] going to school have grandchildren, their grandchildren could be going to school with buildings not up to what they should be with the climate crisis.” 24 hours or more. The Clean Lakes Alliance measured ice thickness at approximately 6.5 to 7 inches leading up to their event and said warm temperatures seemed to influence the quality of ice. “The quality of the ice was really poor. It was slushy on top, and it was really flaky. It wasn’t good, strong, clear ice,” Sodersten said. “There’s just zero reason to take a risk on it.” Sodersten said he was confident the Lily’s Classic organizers would “make the right decision.” “They’re going to have a hard time even getting on the ice because we have noticed the ice is pulling away from the shore,” Sodersten added. Feng He, senior scientist for the Center for Climatic Research, agreed with Notaro and Sodersten that Lake Mendota may not be safe by the time Lily’s Classic rolls around. “I anticipate that the ice on Lake Mendota will be quite thin, but Lake Mendota probably won’t be completely ice-free, as the typical thaw date for Lake Mendota usually occurs in March,” he said. Notaro also said this year’s mild winter and diminishing ice cover could become even more common with climate change. “In terms of climate change, Wisconsin has experienced a large rise in air temperature, especially during the winter,” Notaro said. “Annual precipitation has increased. Heavy rainfall events have become more common. Lakes are warming and losing ice cover.”

Riley O’Flanagan contributed research to this story.

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news Diverse palate crafts sense of home at The Globe l

Thursday, February 8, 2024

By Sanjeev Anand SENIOR STAFF WRITER

October 2018 wasn’t the most sunlit month for Ashim Malla and Suzy Karki to start one of downtown Madison’s most popular restaurants. Yet the married pair felt excited as the sunrise of a new venture began to take form. Five years later, and their snug portal to the world’s palate draws surges of customers from various cultural backgrounds with a single objective in mind: To experience a sense of home. Malla and Karki’s multicultural cuisine restaurant, The Globe, sits at 309 N. Henry St. across from the couple’s other business, Triangle Market. The Globe offers a cozy variety of East Asian, South Asian and Mexican dishes — among other cuisines — along with a dessert menu covering household favorites and seasonal delicacies. The restaurant’s quaint spacing allows for a myriad of fragrances to blend and entice one’s hunger. Before operating their business, Karki and Malla completed their higher education as international students from Nepal at Winona State University and Madison Area Technical College. The couple said their exposure to the international community was the initial spark behind The Globe. “When you come from an international background, you just get so

comfortable with others from international backgrounds because they’re going through the same things you’re going through,” Karki said. Like many international students, Karki and Malla went through the difficulty of being far from home. However, Karki said the challenge exposed them to the comforts of having a multicultural community to engage with. “You’re missing home, missing your family, your community and your food,” Karki said. “So then [everyone’s] experiences match, and the close-knit interaction that comes from that leads to you learning about and respecting each others’ cultures and then trying their food. That’s what we grew up around.” As a recipient of a cross-cultural scholarship, Karki facilitated certain cultural exposition projects that fostered a connection between surrounding communities and international students. These events were supplemented with food stemming from a diverse range of cooking styles. Experiencing the culinary diversity there ignited the couple’s desire to create connections through cuisine. According to Karki, this ultimately manifested in The Globe. “We wanted to get food from many different parts of the world so that the

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person who is familiar with different cuisines can enjoy them, and those who do not know much about the foods of other cultures can experience them fully,” Karki said. “It’s for both types of people.” Jeewan Khadka, an international student sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from Nepalgunj, Nepal, said he appreciated The Globe’s unique ability to cater to the tastes of both American and international palates. “If there’s an international cuisine restaurant, they usually try to blend flavors and make their food more logical to the taste of most people in the area they’re operating in. Or, they make their food purely for the taste of people of that cultural cuisine,” Khadka said. “The Globe, however, has blended their food to the liking of most people around, but have not lost that authentic touch of home-like cultural food at all.” Considering many of his friends are from a vast range of international locations, Kadhka said he was surprised at how the range and blends of flavors at The Globe satisfied his diverse friend group upon their first visit. “Five or six of us were from different countries. One of my friends was from Brazil, another was from Ghana, another from Mexico and one from

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Rwanda,” Khadka said. “We were sitting there after our meal, and not a single person had a critique to make.” “In addition to providing an opportunity to eat different dishes while bonding over a meal, The Globe’s space also serves as a refuge of comfort for those who are new to town,” said Joshua Norona, a UW-Madison student. “It’s the way the space is set up. Each table is meant to be an intimate space for you and the people at the table to share your own stories, and yet share the same sense of community and belonging,” Norona said. Karki and Malla stated that their commitment to serving the commu-

nity around them is central to The Globe’s mission. The couple implemented a pay-what-you-want model during the pandemic, which they said provided affordable nutrition to people struggling with income loss. Aiming to continue their restaurant’s legacy of unity, diversity and community service, Karki and Malla said they plan to continue their operation for the foreseeable future with hopes of expanding down the line. “For right now, we are content with where we are at The Globe. The place is so cozy,” Karki said. “We really appreciate all the help from our local community.”

Canvas

tion, disciplinary actions, and financial need as well as other statistics, Salo said. “A lot of people were going to have access to this. Were we going to tell students about this? No. And that’s really bothersome,” Salo said. Although the database was scaled back, Salo worried students would never have found out about its data-monitoring potential. Even in its scaledback state, many students don’t know about the database, which can access personal information, including Canvas conversations. Salo connected the lack of transparency around Unizin to larger awareness problems toward how much student data is monitored and transferred. “It’s so important that students be aware of what’s going on with their data trails on campus, and it’s so hard to find out,” she said. UW-Madison junior April Krumpos was concerned that Canvas direct messages and conversations are going into Unizin. “I had no idea and I think most students had no idea,” Krumpos said. “It just feels like an invasion of privacy.” The Observer program and the Unizin database collect data through Canvas that can be used for student surveillance. Though both are designed to help with academic success, Salo still has data privacy concerns. “There is obviously some intentional obfuscation going on here... I think the fear is, that if students knew, they would object,” Salo said.

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If an advisor is concerned about a student, Salo would love to meet with them. But she dislikes advisors for a particular student being able to see discussion posts from every student in the class. “Some teachers will facilitate a discussion that discloses personal information in order for students to engage personally with course content,” said Kaitlyn Israngkun Na Ayuthia, a recent UW-Madison graduate. “I don’t think observers should be able to see posts from students who didn’t consent to the program.” Although Salo said she likes supporting student athletes’ academic success, she thinks there are other methods to do so. Canvas in particular has a “squirrely” history with data privacy, she said. UW-Madison has Canvas through Unizin, a data platform that enables universities to capitalize on learning data from Canvas to serve “advising, institutional research, business intelligence, research and more.” While the current database only includes data such as learning modules, module completion and, concerningly for Salo, Canvas conversations, the platform had much “grander ambitions” at the beginning, she said. Originally, the Unizin database would have included personal information like health and disability information, family and home informa-

life & style

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Wisconsin Badger turned Oscar Mayer hotdogger By Gracie Becker & Madeline Wooten STAFF WRITERS

SOPHIA ROSS/THE DAILY CARDINAL

New restaurant Butterbird Chicken & Bar pictured on Regent Street.

Butterbird opens on Regent Street By Sophia Ross SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Butterbird Chicken & Bar, a new fast-casual fried chicken restaurant located on Regent Street in Madison, welcomed its first customers on Jan. 18. The restaurant is the second business opened by Joe Papach and Shaina Robbins Papach in the Madison area and their first as business partners with Kaitlin Fischer, Butterbird’s general manager. The couple also owns an upscale supper club, The Harvey House, near the Kohl Center. Following the continued success with Harvey House, the Papachs and Fischer aimed to branch out and experiment outside of the fine dining format. “We knew we wanted to create something where every age group could easily be guests and join the fun,” Robbins Papach told The Daily Cardinal. “We want to give our friends and neighbors the opportunity to dine and enjoy restaurant quality food without any of the rules or roadblocks of a sit-down restaurant.” Robbins Papach said Butterbird doesn’t require reservations or demand a relatively small party to be served, things she said foster the carefree atmosphere she hoped to establish. “Large groups are enthusiastically welcomed at Butterbird,” Robbins Papach said. “Now that we are open, we embrace a certain level of unpredictability — never knowing who could be walking through our front door — while delivering everyday fare extraordinarily well.” In addition to its counter-style restaurant format, Butterbird offers a photo booth and a game room. The infectiously enthusiastic environment is designed with the intention of creating a true dining experience rather than just a meal. “Our goal is not to ‘turn and burn’ tables,” Robbins Papach said. “The games invite our guests to stay awhile, to have

that second or third cocktail and order dessert from ‘The Sweet Spot,’ our priority cashier for banana pudding sundaes, rootbeer floats and classic soft serve.” And if you’re one to be turned away by a lengthy and complicated menu, don’t fret. Butterbird’s owners said they purposefully designed the menu to be small and ensure each item is of the utmost quality. Robbins Papach encouraged customers to go with their gut when it came to narrowing down Butterbird’s menu. She did, however, list two items that any new customer must try. First up is the Butterbird Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich, topped with shredded lettuce and the restaurant’s signature super dill pickles and “dilly ranch”. For those seeking a unique twist on the standard forms of fried chicken, she suggests another item: Butterbird’s Chicken in a Biscuit. “This cheesy, chicken flavored deep fried cornbread biscuit was inspired by hush puppies and was created specifically for the Butterbird opening by Joe [Papach],” Robbins Papach said. Madison holds a special place in the hearts of the three owners. Robbins Papach grew up in Madison, eventually moving back here in 2018 with Papach. Fischer attended the University of WisconsinMadison during her undergraduate years. In a city as vibrant and full of spirit as Madison, the owners said it seemed fitting to open a restaurant that contributed to Madison’s culture in its own nature. “Modern and timeless, warm and lighthearted, we hope Butterbird is not just somewhere you’ll want to eat — it’s a place you’ll want to be for games, celebrations, weekday dinner, date nights and family outings,” Robbins Papach said.

Samantha Benish, a 2023 University of WisconsinMadison graduate and former editor for the The Daily Cardinal’s Life & Style desk, detailed her postgrad experience as a professional “hotdogger” driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile around the country. The application process to become a hotdogger is more difficult than most would assume, according to Benish. “This is an extremely competitive position. Last year alone, we had over 2,000 people apply for only 12 positions,” Benish said. So, statistically speaking, it is harder to become a hotdogger than to get into an Ivy League school. We encourage anyone to apply who has an appetite for adventure, a taste for travel, and a passion for people. No two hotdoggers are alike, and that is what makes the position so amazing.” Benish spoke of the “dogmensions” of the Wienermobile: it is 60 hot dogs long, 18 hot dogs wide and 24 hot dogs tall. The inside has six ketchup- and mustard-colored seats, complete with “meatbelts,” a condimentsplattered carpet, a ‘bunroof ”

and a blue sky ceiling. “It is always blue skies when you are in the Wienermobile,” Benish said. She thinks the Wienermobile is “bunderful!” Benish said it was “a bit challenging at first learning how to drive the ‘big dog.’” Thankfully, she trains “for about 40 hours on a closed course with retired police officers here in Madison.” She likes to say that she had to learn to “cut the mustard” before hitting the “hot dog highways.” Benish said every day is different as a hotdogger, who said she drives to a new city every week and explores on her own before having events for the rest of the week, typically on weekends. Events include parades, festivals, grocery stores, birthday parties and weddings. “Each week is filled with adventures no matter what you end up doing,” Benish said. “The Wienermobile was created by Carl Mayer, [whose] goal was to spread smiles during [the Great Depression] when people had no reason to,” Benish said, adding that the Wienermobie continues to be “this amazing opportunity to spread joy and create lasting memories for people all over the country.” “I’m beyond lucky that I get

to be the person who brings some joy to their day,” she said. During her time at UW-Madison, Benish spent four years working at the Cardinal, with her junior year as an editor for the Life & Style desk. Benish said the experience she got from the Cardinal has prepared her for life on the road as a hotdogger. “I learned how to juggle a lot of responsibilities all at once. I was communicating with other writers, pitching stories, working in a collaborative setting, and staying organized throughout it all,” Benish said. Benish said she thoroughly enjoyed every city in the 13 states she visited, including her return to Wisconsin in the Wienermobile. Still, one city stands out to her: Chattanooga, Tennessee. “I visited during Halloween, and we had an event where we literally got to drive the Wienermobile into the Chattanooga Zoo. We were parked right next to an anteater,” Benish said. “No matter where you go with the Wienermobile, the reaction is always the same: people see us and light up in a bright smile,” Benish said.

COURTESY OF SAMANTHA BENISH

Samantha Benish journeys across the country driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

sports 6

Thursday, February 8, 2024

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Wisconsin’s men’s basketball has improved. What made the difference? By Grace Cannizzo STAFF WRITER

The Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team sit comfortably at No. 11 in this week’s AP Poll behind dominant performances from AJ Storr and the recently successful Max Klesmit. The seven-spot jump to No. 6 last week after their win against Michigan State marked significant progress since last season, when Wisconsin failed to make the NCAA tournament. The last time the Badgers were ranked that high was in the 2020-21 season. Some of that success came from the consistency of returning players, such as Steven Crowl, Tyler Wahl and Chucky Hepburn. Additionally, sophomore and Saint John’s transfer Storr, along with Klesmit, a junior who has had his best season to date, have undoubtedly made significant contributions to the team. They’re the missing pieces the Badgers needed. At this time last season, the Badgers were 12-8 overall and 4-6 in the Big Ten. This year, they are 16-6 overall and 8-3 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin has cut their losses by nearly 50% and doubled their conference wins. And it’s not by luck — Wisconsin is dominating offensively, averaging 9.8

PHOTOS BY MEGHAN SPIRITO/THE DAILY CARDINAL

more points per game than last season (75.5 compared to 65.3 points). The Badgers’ success is most visible in their wins playing opponents they struggled against last year. Last season, Wisconsin lost to Nebraska by 10 points, and this year they prevailed by 16 in the first matchup of the season. Ohio

State knocked Wisconsin out of the Big Ten Tournament last year, winning by eight points. This year, the Badgers have already beaten Ohio State by 11 points on the road. AJ Storr has brought astonishing talent to the Badgers in his first season with Wisconsin. He currently leads the team in average points

per game at 16.4 points. For comparison, Wisconsin’s leading scorer last year, Chucky Hepburn, had an average of 12.2 points per game That’s 4.2 points less than Storr’s current average. Storr recently recorded a dominating performance against Michigan State. He put up 28 points for the Badgers, which accounted for more than a third of the team’s total points. His continued growth and success has been vital to Wisconsin’s victories. Additionally, Klesmit has stepped up to the plate in his second season with the Badgers. Klesmit had an inconsistent start to this season, scoring 32 points in the first five games and averaging 6.4 points. However, Klesmit put up a total of 77 points in a more recent stretch of five games, averaging 15.4 points per game. Klesmit leads Wisconsin in three-pointers

with 38 so far this season. Almost half came in the past seven games. Storr’s phenomenal performances, along with Klesmit’s recent contributions and unfailing ability to step up for Wisconsin, have been imperative to the team’s high ranking. Coupled with Storr and Klesmit’s abilities is the consistent, high-level play from the rest of the team, which puts Wisconsin on a good trajectory to be a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

Badgers lose to Northwestern in worst game so far By Jordyn Hawkins STAFF WRITER

The Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball team fell short to the Northwestern Wildcats 69-43 on the road Sunday at the WelshRyan Arena. Prior to the matchup, Wisconsin sat at 10-10 and was 3-7 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats had a 7-14 record and are 2-8 in the conference. Senior Brooke Schramek, sophomore Ronnie Porter, sophomore Sania Copeland, senior Natalie Leuzinger and sophomore Serah Williams started for the Badgers. Despite winning the tip-off, Wisconsin struggled throughout the first quarter as Northwestern held the Badgers to zero points for the first three minutes. Backto-back scoring from Williams

and Porter helped Wisconsin end their scoring drought. The Badgers’ biggest struggle came from their eight turnovers, which almost matched their nine points in the quarter. The Wildcats benefitted from the Badgers’ turnovers, creating a 10-point lead to enter the second quarter up 19-9. Northwestern’s momentum picked up in the second quarter as Wisconsin was unable to score for the first four minutes. The Wildcats increased their lead as the Badgers struggled. Turnovers continued to hurt the Badgers. At one point in the quarter, Wisconsin’s turnovers amounted to more than their points. A 3-pointer from Porter finally put the Badgers in double-digits and gave thems much-needed momentum to cut Northwestern’s

PHOTOS BY MEGHAN SPIRITO/THE DAILY CARDINAL

lead to single digits to end the quarter. The score going into halftime was 31-23. Northwestern quickly created another double-digit lead at the beginning of the third quarter with a 3-pointer from sophomore guard Caroline Lau. Northwestern’s defense was a key part of their success. They racked up six steals, converting two of them into scoring opportunities. The Wildcats defense held Williams to zero points in the quarter, shutting down Wisconsin’s leading scorer. Despite their effort, the Badgers continued to come up empty-handed. As a team, Wisconsin scored only eight points in the quarter compared to the Wildcats’ 21 points. The final quarter of the game was no different than the first

three quarters. Northwestern continued to dominate and increase their lead. Unfortunately for the Badgers, Williams left the court with less than eight minutes to go due to injury, and Porter also left the game after an injury. The Wildcats finished the game with a 26-point lead win over the Badgers, finishing 69-43. Sunday’s low score marks the fewest points the Badgers have scored so far this season and their lowest score since the 2021-22 season, when the Badgers managed just 42 points against Ohio State. Northwestern’s Lau led all scorers with a career-high 24 points. Lau had a perfect game, making every shot she attempted. Williams led Wisconsin in scoring with 11 points and 11 rebounds, marking her eighth

consecutive double-double. Williams’ performance Sunday puts her alongside Wisconsin women’s basketball legend Theresa Huff, who also attained eight consecutive double-doubles during her time as a Badger. Sunday’s matchup was the second between the two teams of the season, with Northwestern winning both. Northwestern leads the all-time series 19-9. The Wisconsin women’s basketball game will return to the Kohl Center on Feb. 11 to take on Penn State.

opinion Lily’s Classic must happen, but partying on thin ice isn’t the answer

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Fundraising, partying and a boot hockey tournament at Lily’s Classic are in danger due to melting ice. Here are the changes needed to preserve one of UW-Madison’s biggest events.

By Paul O’Gorman STAFF WRITER

Lake Mendota’s condition due to recent weather may require postponement, or even relocation of a longstanding UW-Madison tradition. Lily’s Classic, hosted by Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), is a boot hockey tournament and philanthropic effort that benefits Lily’s Fund for Epilepsy Research. The annual event is a staple of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s spring semester and unites the community in an exciting and eventful occasion on a frozen Lake Mendota. However, rising temperatures in the past few weeks have made some activities on the lake unsafe, and many parts of Mendota have completely melted. Events typically held on the frozen lake are canceled every day, including Lodge’s Langdon Invitational hockey tournament. While the ice’s integrity relies on many factors, the seven inches of ice on Mendota would struggle to hold a massive crowd. It’s clear there is a sense of worry among students looking forward to the tournament as the days get warmer. “I’m pretty upset that Lily’s might not happen, especially since this would’ve been my first year seeing it,” said UW-Madison freshman Brendan Clifford. Lily’s has been a traditional way of kicking off the spring semester at UW-Madison since 2009, but the current state of Lake Mendota may require the members of SAE to look for other alternatives. Talk of postponement and even cancellation has spread across the student body.

The notion that an event so integral to student life at UW-Madison could be canceled has raised concerns around campus. “I saw videos of Lily’s on social media, and it really intrigued me about campus life here in Madison,” said UW-Madison freshman Tyler Scholz. “Lily’s and other events on the lake definitely played a role in my decision to apply here.” Distress at the thought of Lily’s Classic’s cancellation seems heightened among those who have attended it in the past. “Lily’s was a great time, it was something I really looked forwarwd to doing again this year,” said UW-Madison sophomore Carter Loui. “It’s a shame it’s not happening.” Seeing as this event contributes so much to campus culture and student identity at UW-Madison, it seems obvious the best course of action is to postpone Lily’s Classic in the event that the lake is not safe enough to host the tournament. But canceling Lily’s Classic wouldn’t just affect some students looking to have fun out on the lake — it would deal significant monetary damage to muchneeded research. Even more than its effects on campus, Lily’s Classic has made significant impacts on the fund the tournament was created for. Last year, the tournament raised over $20,000 for epilepsy research through their GoFundMe alone. This is no small feat, and donations like this are crucial for research

CLAIRE ZIMMERMAN/DAILY CARDINAL

and advancement in medical practices. It’s clear Lily’s holds a special place in the hearts of the brothers of SAE, and the current situation is not lost on them. “There isn’t much we can do but hope for the best,” said Jamie Dolan, a member of SAE. SAE has yet to release a statement regarding the tournament’s status, but as the date for Lily’s is right around the corner, it would be in SAE’s best interest to begin planning to host Lily’s on a future date. With weather forecasts up to next week still showing temperatures in the high 40s, it seems doubtful that conditions could change enough to allow for a com pletely frozen lake.

While postponement is an option — and the most feasible one at that — members of SAE could also consider moving the tournament to Langdon, opting for street hockey if the lake doesn’t freeze over in the coming weeks. Lily’s Classic plays a major role in defining the culture of UW-Madison. But as something that students, members of the community and the Lily’s Fund for Epilepsy Research look forward to every year, it is crucial the event goes on. Paul O’Gorman is a freshman studying history. Do you agree Lily’s Classic should be postponed due to the lake’s condition? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com

Tolerate it: Taylor Swift is beneficial for the NFL By Alyssa Grezek STAFF WRITER

When she’s not writing hit albums, attending her own movie premiere or performing on tour, one of America’s most famous singers has taken an interest its favorite sport. Taylor Swift changed the NFL last September when she attended a Kansas City Chiefs home game. Swift’s appearance at the game confirmed the dating rumors between her and Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. She has since made appearances at 12 games this season and is expected to make her lucky 13th this Sunday at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Some devoted NFL fans are upset about Swift’s appearances because they feel conversations about the pop singer’s involvement take attention away from football. In an interview with Fox News, Hall of Fame NFL coach Tony Dungy voiced his concerns about “entertainment value” drawing attention away from the games. Other fans are upset for reasons that have little to do with Swift herself. They use her as a scapegoat to express their distaste for female interest and involvement in a sport that has been growing long before she began attending games. To that end, Swift has become the target of memes and backlash on social media. Angry fans have expressed their resentment at games by booing the singer.

EVA RINALDI/THE DAILY CARDINAL

However, Swift typically only has around 25 seconds across each threehour-long program. To quote the singer herself, “You need to calm down.” It is nothing new for celebrities to be featured at sporting events as a way to increase media coverage. While public relations experts agree the relationship is not a publicity stunt, business has been booming for the NFL as ratings rose 7% just after Swift’s appearance in September. This sea-

son’s “Sunday Night Football” had its best viewership since 2015, a massive increase that persists despite an 8% decline in U.S. television viewership. Due to the increase in publicity, the singer’s appearance at games has generated $331.5 million in brand value for the Chiefs and the NFL. Kelce’s career also benefits from this relationship. He now holds one of the top 10 best-selling jerseys in the NFL after his jersey sales skyrock-

eted 400% following Swift’s initial appearance at the Chiefs game. Swift’s foremost contribution to the NFL is a powerful yet underserved demographic: the teenage girl. After her box seat appearance, the NFL saw a 53% increase in viewership of girls between the ages of 12 and 17, bringing female viewership to an all-time high. The NFL is not the only company looking to profit from these new romantics. Two beauty brands, L’Oreal’s NYX Professional Makeup and e.l.f. Cosmetics, are set to air their first-ever Super Bowl commercials. A new demographic means new opportunities for marketing, and there’s no doubt these brands hope to ride Swift’s wave of success. Swift’s involvement in the NFL has also proved meaningful in households across the country. Many parents have taken to social media to share how it has sparked their daughters’ interest in the sport and given them something to bond over. So, while some NFL fans may continue to gripe when Swift makes an appearance, it is clear that the NFL should continue featuring the singer this Sunday. They know all too well that she is an asset to the success of the sport. Alyssa Grezek is a freshman studying psychology. Do you agree Taylor Swift is good for the National Football League? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com.

arts

Thursday, February 8, 2024

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Actress, writer Anna-Deavere Smith headlines MLK Symposium By Rebekah Irby STAFF WRITER

Actress, activist and writer Anna-Deavere Smith visited Memorial Union Wednesday as the guest speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s annual MLK Symposium. The event, now in its sixth year, is a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work, continuing his legacy of social justice, civil rights and advocacy. Anna-Deavere Smith was invited to perform her own interpretations of MLK’s life and legacy, reflecting on his battle for civil rights and calling attention to the battle that still persists today. Smith, a well-known playwright, performed dramatic monologues and a short play, combining historical anecdotes from Martin Luther King Jr.’s life with her own experiences in activism. In doing so, Smith explored America’s history of racial prejudice. Smith is a celebrated actress with many accolades, best known for her work in “The West Wing,” “Blackish” and Netflix’s “Inventing Anna.” Her personal work combines artistry and activism into one, creating performances based on real-life experiences and conversations. Smith said her artistry is inspired not only by her talent, but the power of the human experience. Smith encourages discourse in her work and said her method involves visiting people from various backgrounds and encouraging

open dialogue to gain a deeper understanding of American cultures and values. “I think really the answer is listening, really well. Hear differently. See differently. To develop a voice, you have to have an ear,” Smith said. Smith’s work combining drama with real-life situations of social injustice and the experiences of American people has received Tony Award nominations, Pulitzer Prize nominations and other awards. Smith’s main project, a series of plays entitled “On the Road: A Search for American Character,” represents over 25 years of exploration and insight into American identity and culture. Smith’s play “Notes from the Field,” a part of her series, depicts stories of police brutality and captures the horrors of the school-to-prison pipeline in the United States. Many of her works discuss racial inequality and the effects of racial prejudice on individuals and communities all across the United States. Inspired by a quote from her grandfather, Smith said she emulates various perspectives of American people from different racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in her work. “I became very interested in individual human speech and how people express themselves,” Smith said. “My grandfather had said ‘If you say a word often enough it becomes you.’ That became the

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF MILLER/UW-MADISON

mission of my work. That saying became my methodology.” At the MLK Symposium, Smith performed a powerful retelling of King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” in which King begged the question, “What kind of extremist will you be?” Smith mirrored King’s words in her own writing, asking audiences what sacrifices they were willing to make in the name of preserving justice. Smith also gave Madison a taste of her work with a reenactment of an interview with

renowned lawyer and social activist Bryan Stevenson, titled “Injury.” The performance provided insight into an intimate conversation Smith had with Stevenson, which she later reproduced in her one-woman show, acting as Stevenson himself. Her evocative performance highlighted America’s history of lynching and provided an anecdotal story from Stevenson himself as he attempted to save a prisoner from unlawful execution.

Smith’s work earned a standing ovation from the audience at Memorial Union. With her final words, Smith recounted King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech and challenged viewers to take part in his tradition of resistance. “It wasn’t a promise. There was no guarantee. It was an inspiration. It’s up to us to magnify the flame and to shine the light,” Smith said. “As Dr. King repeated many times on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, now is the time.”

Zac Efron strikes his iron claw into viewers’ hearts

COURTESY OF A24

By Bryna Goeking STAFF WRITER

I wasn’t expecting a movie packed with sweaty muscular dudes, 1980s rock music and teenage heart-throbs inspired by a Texan wrestling family to make me sob so hard I couldn’t stop coughing. But “The Iron Claw” is more than just a battle of wrestlers. It’s a battle of toxic masculinity and generational trauma among family members, stuff you can’t beat by physical force alone. In a story known all too

well, the movie follows the lives of brothers falling apart under pressure to be the toughest and the strongest. Zac Efron, who stands out as Kevin Von Erich, watches three of his brothers meet their end, all in one way or another related to torment and abuse from their father. Kevin Von Erich was always told his family was cursed, a myth that felt all too real following the death of his older brother at five years old. His father, Fritz Von Erich, taught him and his brothers the only

way to survive the curse was to be “the toughest, the strongest.” For the Von Erich brothers, failure in wrestling was a manifestation of failure in manhood. The brothers struggled to talk about their feelings or seek help for extreme stress. Their family encapsulates toxic masculinity, modeled by their father. The brothers all struggle with some form of depression, chronic stress and substance abuse as a result. David Von Erich is perhaps the most pertinent example of the risks of toxic masculin-

ity. His death occurs the night before the heavyweight championship, the most important fight of his career. In the movie and in real life, he died from acute enteritis, an easily treatable condition he ignored to continue wrestling. “The Iron Claw” breathes new life into the story of the Von Erich family and provides a fresh perspective on how ideas of gender and masculinity have changed since the late 20th century. It reminds viewers of the importance of men’s mental health and that being physically strong is nothing without strong mental health. In recent years, male athletes have begun speaking out about their struggles with mental health — a cultural code that suggests a growing openness toward these issues. From Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to Michael Phelps to Dak Prescott, male athletes are pushing back against the narrative that they must always be the strongest to be the best. “The Iron Claw” is perhaps the only movie this year that can transition flawlessly from intense, high-action wrestling to grave funerals. The aggression of wrestling is seamlessly

interwoven with tense, emotional moments against Fritz. The film is cast to perfection, with Efron delivering a career-defining performance. Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons bring distinct energies to each of the brothers that viewers can understand with little exposition. Lily James, who plays Kevin’s wife, shines as the emotional heart of the film, often functioning as the only character with any level of emotional intelligence. In the penultimate scene, the deceased brothers reunite in a peaceful afterlife. Away from the torment of their father and the grueling expectations of toxic masculinity, the end result of happiness is cathartic after seeing the characters struggle for so long. Watching Efron as Kevin Von Erich in the final scene finally break and allow himself to cry and feel the misery of the past two hours inspires a sense of hope — maybe he can rise above the curse of his father. The Von Erichs may be remembered as a powerhouse wrestling family, but “The Iron Claw” will be remembered for its artful dismantling of toxic masculinity.