The Badger Freshers' Edition (21st September 2020)

BADGER ·

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·

21st September 2020

THE

Official free fortnightly newspaper by and for Sussex students · Printed on recycled paper

A slightly different big Badger hello

The start of this accademic year may feel a bit unusual but The Badger’s back and the team want to hear from you!

Joshua Talbot Editor-in-Chief Hello readers- wherever you’re reading from, whatever you find yourself doing, after being displaced by an international crisis that is radically changing the world. I sincerely hope this exciting and featurepacked Freshers’ Edition finds you well.

In times of such uncertainty, when the world seems to be falling apart, we cling on to the constants, run with them and fight for them. Whilst, empirically, some battles are bigger than others, lockdown has, I think, demonstrated in ways that have been raw at times, that struggle is very personal and comparisons, fruitless.

With this said, solidarity is of utmost importance, and it is important to all at The Badger that the paper continues to critique, incite change and hear the voices of all Sussex students.

Obstacles have likely been popping up in all corners of your life; from travel bans preventing you from experiencing Sussex in person, to the rule of six, cancelling your long-planned birthday gatherings.

The Badger has not gone untouched by Coronavirus,

either. What is perhaps the elephant in the room, if you have been on campus recently, or, perhaps not, if you haven’t and are reading this edition in blissful ignorance online, is that the paper is exclusively online for the foreseeable future.

Restrictions to the distribution of print material on campus have meant that we have made the very reluctant decision to focus our energies entirely online, and this is where you find us.

In all honesty, not a huge amount has changed and print will return, but this way we endeavour to have an outreach more in line with the distribution of the student body that we are here to serve.

Without further ado, to inspire, excite and entice you, a preview of this bumperpacked edition! And please, if you’re reading this and can’t wait to get contributing yourself, do contain your excitement, read on, and once you’ve finished, message us at the next possible interval @thebadgersussex on socials or send us an email: badger@ sussexstudent.com- we’d love to hear from you!

Kicking it off with our brilliant new news team who, in this edition, have covered

22-23

Libyan front lines & Campus and COVID-19 3

Comment

#LiveLaughLove, Cancel culture & Churchill 8 Joshua Talbot stories from the international, with news of front line developments in Libya, to the local with stories on Sussex and Covid-19.

Comment, in a time when there is just so much to discuss, tackles the Churchill debate and, in ‘THE BIG DEBATE’, whether ‘cancel culture’ has become toxic.

The Features team are talking uni-routine, the importance of sleep and the state of Brighton’s music scene- a must-read for freshers finding their way in their new home.

Arts is brimming with content: from lockdown film watchlists to the introduction of a regular column penned by the new main section editorsexciting!

Our Travel and Culture team

have been busy trekking the South Downs Way- a five-day 80 mile hike that runs through campus. There’s a how-to guide for that, as well as Sussex Ranger’s recommendations for lockdown eating out!

Science and Tech are questioning whether the time is right to pop the male contraceptive pill and also take us on a journey to Mars with the launch of a new NASA rover.

Finally, last but certainly not least, a spotlight on a local nonleague football club’s battle to survive in the current climate with Sport, and insight into the UFC’s exciting new signings.

All this and much much more is just an (albeit virtual) page f lick away! You know what to do.

Societies insight

for a Q and A at the end where you can challenge the ideas you’ve heard.

We have a wonderful community of regular members that make you feel at home from the get-go and you’ll have the chance to get to know us all at any of our pub crawls, karaoke nights or other socials organised throughout the term!

So, don’t feel like you need to be an expert in any topic to come along, we guarantee that you’ll learn something new every week and we look forward to seeing you!

Continued on page 24...

LTD:

Eden Clifton

News

Liberate the Debate is the largest political society on campus.

We meet every Wednesday in Bramber 255 where we split off into small groups and discuss anything from current affairs to philosophy, politics and social issues. As well as this, we get interesting speakers in to give talks on topics that they’re passionate about, always with time

Features

Uni life priorities & Sleep patterns

Arts

12

Online Hamlet & Lockdown watchlists 15

Travel & Culture South Downs Trekking & Eating out 26

Science & Tech

Sleep deprivation & Male contraception29

Sports

Lewes F.C.’s COVID survival & UFC signings 31

THE

BADGER

Editor-in-Chief Josh Talbot badger@sussexstudent.com Print Production Editor Ellie Doughty Online Production Editor Georgia-May Keetch Print Production Sub-Editor Gurpreet Raulia Online Production Sub-Editor Margaret Arabambi Marketing Managers Alex Norman Sarah Wong The News Team Oliver Mizzi Joshua McLaughlin Sam Kimbley Ewan Vellinga Grace Curtis badger-news@sussexstudent. com The Comment Team Issy Anthony Will Day Libby Mills Joel Renouf-Cooke badger-opinion@sussexstudent. com The Features Team Alana Harris Olly Williams Teddy Parkin Beth Pratt badgerfeatureseditor@gmail. com The Arts Team Jessica Hake Robyn Cowie badger-arts@sussexstudent.com The Books Team Jasmine Smith Eric Barrell thebadger.bookseditor@gmail. com The Music Team Alice Barradale Percy Walker-Smith thebadger.musiceditor@gmail. com The Film & Television Team Yazz James thebadger.film@gmail.com The Theatre Team Elijah Arief Harrison Fitzgerald thebadger-theatre@gmail.com The Artist Focus Team Luisa De La Concha Montes thebadger.street@gmail.com

Editorial

Ellie Doughty Print Production Editor

Georgia Keetch Online Production Editor

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Badger! If you’re new to Sussex, I’d like to thank you for giving this a read even in it’s unusual online format!

Obviously it is disappointing for Josh, Georgia, myself and everyone else on the team to not be able to give you the classical print edition that we would have done if circumstances were different.

However, the entire team has worked hard to adjust to this new way of campus life, and we are proud to say that we will still be delivering the same quality and quantity of content this coming year!

If one thing is painstakingly evident amidst the year that is 2020, is that change is here, it is coming, it is inevitable and it is necessary.

As an entire community I think we can all agree that each of us can do better to educate ourselves on the aspects of society we may have lived in ignorance of, and The Badger has a unique opportunity to provide a platform to those people whose voices have not always been elevated or heard in a way that is fair. As a group we are totally committed to making the paper an inclusive and varied space, where all students have the opportunity to write for us and collaborate with us over the coming year.

I speak for all of us when I say we are so excited to be in the privileged position of helping this become a reality.

Please, if you’re reading this and have thoughts about contributing do drop us an email or message to the addresses listed on the front page. We can’t wait to see you all on campus next year, and stay tuned on our socials to read about life at Sussex and beyond!

Hello and welcome to the First Edition of ‘The Badger’ this year!

After six long months we find ourselves back at Sussex again; or for the first time. If you are in the latter group let me just say that this Freshers I’m sure isn’t what you expected, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be as good.

As detailed in the news section, there are lots of different events, zoom parties and socially distanced meetups that will surely pique your interest. I must say not being physically at Sussex has been strange- not seeing friends and not spending hours in the library was something I really missed.

Ever since we started The Badger back up again for the new academic year, I have been completely bowled over by our incredible editorial team, staff writers and anyone who has been involved in this edition. Watching 50+ people get back into the swing of things so quickly and produce such a cracking first copy was a huge privilege to watch and I hope you enjoy reading it as we did creating it!

Lockdown has proven to be a catalyst for radical change in the world and it has sparked conversations that have shown us all that minorities are not equally represented in our world, especially in media and journalism. So myself, Ellie and Josh are committed to keep providing The Badger as an outlet for everyone and their voice. Everyone no matter their sexuality, race, gender, disabilities, class and general background should be able to enjoy a resource like The Badger as a way of expressing themselves, sharing their beliefs and raising awareness on all sorts of issues. So if you are interested in expanding your horizons come and join ‘The Badger’- we don’t bite!

Sussex University is (as far as I’m concerned) one of the most creative, inclusive and vivid places on earth and I’m unbelievably proud to welcome you back this week.

The Travel & Culture Team Hal Keelin Bryony Rule Katya Pristiyani badger.travelculture@gmail.com The Sports Team Charlie Batten Max Killham thebadger.sport@gmail.com

Events and Publicity Jess Dingle Grace Ochieng Proof Readers Yasmine Yaguer Jake Nordland

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The Science & Technology Team Isaac Hallé Eleanor Deane thebadger.science@gmail.com

Follow The Badger online @thebadgersussex @thebadgersussex @thebadgerarts @thebadgersussex www.thebadgeronline.com Follow The Badger on Issuu Whilst The Badger waits for a safe time to venture out onto campus, the temporary home of the print form is in editons like this on Issuu.com! Follow us to get email updates on our fortnightly publications.

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The Badger 21st September 2020

News

3

‘Blended learning’ and social distancing: Sussex and COVID-19 The University of Sussex prepares for the 2020-21 academic year with heightened social distancing measures and practices. their capacity to aid with social distancing and have provided information on how they will help disabled passengers with social distancing while travelling.

The company has stated they will continue to monitor passenger numbers and will potentially duplicate journeys to ensure as many people as possible can travel. Further information on this is offered on the official Brighton & Hove Buses website.

Miranda Dunne Staff Writer The first semester of the 202021 academic year at Sussex will commence with the university’s ‘blended learning’ approach – a combination of in-person and online lessons.

The next academic year begins Monday 21 September with teaching starting the consecutive week from 28 September. There was an abrupt end to in-person teaching in March 2020, when classroombased learning was quickly converted to online teaching methods due to enhanced safety precautions in light of the escalating COVID-19 global pandemic.

Kelly Coate, Pro ViceChancellor of Education and Students at Sussex, confirmed in May that the blended learning approach would consist of: “a mix of campusbased learning experiences and remote approaches, [...] some on-campus classroom and laboratory-based learning, including small group work, seminars and tutorials, and […] plenty of space to adhere to social distancing rules.”

The University of Sussex has stated that students can expect a minimum of 11 hours of ‘live interactive learning’ per module, either in the classroom or online, though is prepared for a situation where teaching would have to be moved entirely online.

Students currently living in countries with travel restrictions and unable to attend campus in September can request to study their course exclusively online until January 2021. However, if you think you may be unable to attend scheduled in-person classes, please contact the university directly to discuss your situation, as this is being considered on a case by case basis. The situation is changing all the time, and attendance requirements will vary across courses.

Library Access

Over the summer, the library has provided a click-and-collect service for books and other materials. This service will continue into the new academic term, with the Library working closely alongside academic staff to ensure that essential readings on module reading lists will be available in digital form (ebook and digitised chapters), where possible.

Students were also able to book available individual study spaces online by adding them to their basket using the ‘Library

Student Opinion

Josh Talbot Search’ feature, which can be accessed through logging into the Library’s website using your Sussex account details. This system will continue on into the academic term with scheduled plans in place.

Exclusively speaking on the Library’s facilities and developments with The Badger, Jane Harvell, Director of Library Services at Sussex, says: “We recognise that the booking software we have been working with over summer isn’t the easiest to navigate. We made a decision in June to go with a solution we already had which allowed us to safely and quickly open the study spaces.

“We are now implementing new booking software – that will also be used across campus – for students to book socially distanced study space in computer clusters and other areas.”

Speaking on this new study space booking system, Suzanne Tatham, Associate Director at the Library, adds: “These spaces will include desks both with and without computers.

They will be bookable in two hour slots. We will allow up to five bookings per week. We won’t place any restrictions on how students choose to use those five slots they could use them all in one day or spread them over the week.

“Students will be able to book up to a fortnight in advance.

Spaces in Shawcross and Bramber House will also be bookable.”

Asked whether this booking software will guarantee fair and equal access for all students, Jane Harvell stated: “We will be placing limits on the number of bookings that our users can make which should help with equality of access.

We will be keeping a close eye on fairness, working with our users and adjusting the system to ensure as many people as is safely possible get access to the library space this year so I’d really encourage any feedback.”

More information on how the Library is operating - including software and IT support, printing, returning books and requesting ebooks and student support can be found on their website. As the Library is also regularly updating their procedures in line with scientific, government and university guidance, students should also check the Sussex app and the Student Hub for additional information.

Social Distancing

Sussex will be implementing its social distancing policy via the use of new one-way corridor systems and smaller groups for face-to-face teaching. It has also stated that the campus will be kept as safe as possible with the use of face masks and hand sanitiser stations.

As it is still a legal requirement to wear face coverings where social distancing cannot be observed, such as on public transport or in shops, including those on campus, the university has followed suit in enforcing

it as an on-campus health and safety requirement.

Coverings must now be worn unless medically exempt - in all communal indoor spaces such as cafés when taking away food or drinks, public bathrooms, the Library, corridors, foyers, lifts and offices. This includes spaces where two-metre social distancing cannot be achieved, such as teaching and computer rooms.

Additionally, social areas including the Falmer House common room, have also been addressed to remain closed until further notice.

Wellbeing and healthcare

The walk-in clinic at the health centre remains closed for face to face appointments, allowing telephone consultations only.

The University Pharmacy remains closed; with the pharmacy closest to campus being the Coldean Pharmacy.

The Student Life Centre will also be offering a “mix of online, telephone and face-toface services.” The counselling service is also offering a remote service for initial consultations and counselling sessions.

The Sussex Student website has compiled a list of resources on how to maintain your mental wellbeing and where to go if you need to support.

Transport

As of releasing this article, it is currently a legal requirement to wear facemasks when travelling on public transport. Brighton and Hove Buses have decreased

Wanting to gather some initial student perspective on these practices, The Badger spoke with a number of students concerning these changes: “We shouldn’t be going back for unnecessary seminars which could be done online. I feel we’re not getting proper use of university learning facilities, and that we should get a reduced tuition fee.” - Josh, third-year Politics student “Whilst it’s fair enough that the University is still figuring everything out, it’s a bit confusing as the university hasn’t been very communicative.

For example, they haven’t said how big the seminars are going to be and whether or not my housemates on the same course will be exempt from social distancing in seminars.” - Heidi, third-year Psychology student “From my perspective, the uni hasn’t been communicating with international students very well.

It would help if they provided a clear guidance for us. Some countries might close their borders, meaning the student [living in that country] wouldn’t be able to come back.” - William, Politics student from Thailand.

Disclaimer: As always, the nature of COVID-19 is constantly evolving with new updates to guidelines and policies being offered on a regular basis. As well as checking your student email for updates from Sussex, follow the official government advice of your country and healthcare system on social distancing, travel and general health and safety.

For further guidance, support and resources, see the links below.

GOV.UK: Coronavirus (COVID-19) NHS: Social distancing, what you need to do University of Sussex: Responding to Covid-19 University of Sussex Students’ Union: Covid-19 BBC News: Coronavirus pandemic

The Badger 21st September 2020

News

4

Study abroad students’ panic as COVID-19 left them stranded A year cut short: Sussex students talk to The Badger about their scuppered years abroad and what happened when travel bans were called.

Grace Curtis News Print Sub-Editor Five students from Sussex, who have all recently returned from their year abroad, speak to The Badger about their rushed returns to the UK after the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

For Robyn Cowie, an American Studies student enrolled at the University of Massachusetts, the decision to return home came about suddenly.

She told The Badger “Within the space of a week everyone went from talking about Spring Break to being asked to leave campus unless they had exceptional circumstances”.

After the World Health Organisation announced that Covid-19 was officially a worldwide pandemic on 11 March, Robyn found it difficult to get in touch with the Sussex study abroad office. “The week when everything changed Sussex was still on strike… meaning that me and many of my peers across America were unable to get hold of people to ask advice as to what we should do.”

Before receiving an official response from the University, President Trump extended the US travel ban to include the United Kingdom on March 14th.

Originally, she was “somewhat hopeful” that she could stay in America and get back to University for the next semester.

However, Robyn says Trump’s

announcement accelerated her decision to leave the US and “24 hours later I was on a plane home”.

“

“The week when everything changed Sussex was still on strike…meaning that me and many of my peers across America were unable to get hold of people to ask advice as to what we should do.”

With host institutions dotted all over the world, and travel bans compromising some homeward trips, many students were left with few places to turn.

3000 miles away from home and faced with iminent accomodation shut down,

Charis McDowall, studying at the University of North Carolina, Asheville could have been stranded with nowhere to go.

Luckily, she could rely on her roommate who “took me in without question or hesitation”.

Others studing in similar situations, may not have been so fortunate and, with reportedly little communication from Sussex adminitstration, could have been left in quite a helpless situation.

While the Sussex Abroad team were undoubtedly dealing with unprecedented circumstances, some students criticized the speed of the University’s response. Robyn stated that many students felt “stuck in limbo”, unsure of what to do in the midst of a global pandemic with “borders closing and flights being cancelled” every day.

Celina Chan, an English and Politics student who was studying at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, told The Badger that, “when cases increased in the UK, emails from Sussex were rare and generic (and) addressed to all international students on all continents.”

“

“When cases increased in the UK, emails from Sussex were rare and generic (and) addressed to all international students on all continents.”

Sussex,

in

response

to

these claims, has said: “the Global Mobility team kept students studying abroad around the world informed of developments”, explaining that, “as the global outbreak progressed, Sussex provided around the clock support to 203 students who wished to return

she was safe and to advise her about how to return home from her placement in California Ultimately, the year abroad students who returned home were forced to mourn the loss of part of an experience that they will never get back. Although, some now see themselves as

home”.

However, not every student abroad had a negative experience with the Sussex administration.

Celina praised the Sussex Abroad team for offering to cover her repatriation costs and, once she had returned from strike action, the director of the Year Abroad program contacted American Studies student Claire Cunningham directly to ensure

the lucky ones. As April Ribbons, a History and Politics student who had to leave her Erasmus year in Germany halfway through, said: “in a way, I think that we were lucky as we got to experience some time abroad before Corona hit. I feel sorry for people who were supposed to go on a year abroad next year as it’s now impossible to tell when it will be safe again!”

What’s on: Freshers’ Week.

The Freshers’ calendar for 2020-21 is here- it’s a little different but there’s still lots to be getting involved with, so here’s what you need to know... home! LGBTQ+ society, as well as Filipino and Thai Society, are amongst the multiple groups participating.

Other movie highlights include the showing of the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke on Friday by the Anime & Manga Society.

Sam Kimbley News Online Sub-Editor Freshers’ this year was always going to have to change due to the pandemic. Now, however, we know what format it will take.

Virtual Escape Room

Freshers’ Fair

Can you solve the sci-fi themed mystery of this escape room? Join with your friends or be matched up with a team to make new ones in this online challenge! This event is on every day of freshers’ but needs to be booked ahead of time.

This year the freshers’ fair will be entirely online from 9 am on 19 September, until midnight on the 27 September. There will be opportunities to explore and chat with members of the many societies Sussex has to offer.

Geocaching

on

Campus

- Sussex Students’ Union has hidden geocaches across the uni. Running each weekend of freshers’ week, grab your phones and use your wits to track down the containers, and explore

TimBrighton all the secrets campus has to offer. Go on an adventure with this challenge running on both weekends of freshers’ week!

Movie Screenings

Many of Sussex’s best societies are screening movies where you can watch films from the comfort of your own

Opportunities to meet new people

During the week there will be plenty of opportunities to meet new people and talk to your classmates with Speedmates sessions. During these, you will

be able to meet new people and have a range of different conversations. No need to worry about the awkward small talk as talking prompts will be provided to get the conversation flowing!

Exploring Beyond

Brighton

and

While there are many events put on by the university, there are plenty of things to see in town. Taking walks along the beach is one of the most relaxing things to do if you want a little alone time, and the pavilion museum can help you understand the history of the area.

While this year’s freshers’ week will be different there are still plenty of things to do!

Check out this link for the full list of events and where to book. https://sussexstudent.com/ whats-on/freshers

The Badger 21st September 2020

News

5

‘Downgrading’ system threatens A-Level dissapointment Ellie Massey Howes Staff Writer 36% of all grades released on 13 August were lower than teacher predictions, resulting in the loss of university places for many, and sparking huge outrage amongst students, parents and teachers.

So, what happened? Ofqual – the Office of Qualifications and Examinations – developed an algorithm through which a student’s centre-assessed grades (based on teacher predictions and a student’s ranking compared to other pupils in that grade) were analysed.

This algorithm then factored in a school’s performance over the previous three years for each subject to determine the final grades for each student.

The intent was to ensure that grade inflation would not catalyse adverse effects on universities nationwide. This followed concerns raised around potential oversubscription of student finance, course and student accommodation, and the impact of what rewarding a higher number top-class grade classifications (based on teacher predicted grades) would

do to the future job market in lieu of students taking official examinations.

There were concerns that university finances would suffer in terms of elevated cohort sizes, as some institutions were predicted to have a larger intake than planned due to more top grades being awarded. Adversely, others could end up with a lower intake than foreseen, with prospective students potentially being accepted into rival, higher-ranking institutions.

A major issue with the downgraded results for pupils and schools nationwide has been that it has increasingly affected students from underperforming schools – with bright pupils in these schools being downgraded one to three grades lower than what teachers had assessed.

Schools who had been statistically improving would not see their achievements reflected in this year’s results either, as the Ofqual algorithm took into account the historical academic performance of each school when deliberating grades.

This year’s A-Level grading was, therefore, more likely to disadvantage already marginalised highschool students. Factors such as

family income inequality and socio-economic status, lack of regional state school support and funding, and educational attainment gaps affecting ethnic minority groups lead to secondary schools in more deprived socio-economic areas performing worse than institutions in advantageously prosperous regions.

Similarly, the proportion of top grades increased the most for private schools, with 48.6% of pupils at independent schools getting an A or A* grade – double the percentage point increase of secondary comprehensives.

The algorithm has further undermined the concept of a meritocratic education system that promotes social mobility, and has exposed inequalities already at play within the UK. Studies show that pupils from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background are on average 18 months behind their peers by the age of 16.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said to BBC News that he was “fully prepared to take legal action” against Ofqual’s “straightforwardly discriminatory” grading system.

“It discriminates against young people on the basis of the institution that they went

to, rather than their ability,” he said. “It is clear to me that the system used to mark A-Levels is inherently biased against larger educational institutions,” with bigger, urban sixth form colleges being attended by larger numbers of working class and ethnic minority student populations.

Initially, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson defended this algorithm as “fair,” and Ofqual Deputy Chief Regulator and Executive Director for Strategy Risk and Research Dr. Michelle Meadows commented that analysis of the assessment model showed “no evidence of systematic bias.”

However, student protests following the A-Level results announcement resulted in a U-turn from the devolved governments of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It was instead announced that the original centre-assessed grades (the ones based on teacher predictions) would be awarded instead.

But how has this all affected this year’s cohort of new university students?

After many rushing through clearing after being rejected from their original university choices, some are now being told that

even with downgraded results being upgraded to the centreassessed grades, there is no place for them on the course or at their desired institution.

Some universities have responded by incentivising students to defer their entry to receive a place on their firstchoice course. Universities are urging the government to guarantee funding to maintain the capacity of students they will be receiving this year.

The University of Sussex Students’ Union accused Ofqual’s algorithm delegating A-Level results this year as providing results that “favour those who were already favoured by the education system,” and offered solidarity to all students who may have been affected by the measures.

In light of the grading and algorithm upset, Sally Collier, former Chief Regulator at Ofqual, has resigned. Dame Glenys Stacey, the previous chief, has since reoccupied the position.

Despite the emerging clarification over the past weeks, the long-term ramifications of this controversy remains to be seen.

What is happening in Belarus?

Amy Holden Staff Writer On 9 August Belarus held their elections, resulting in a sixth consecutive term for their President, Alexander Lukashenko. However, since the results, the country has been flooded with protests and demonstrations (some involving over 100,000 people) regarding a number of issues, with many demanding a new election.

The protests against Alexander Lukashenko, who became President in 1994, are caused by concerns held by Belarusians, over widespread poverty, corruption, low pay and the current coronavirus pandemic. Previously, Alexander Lukashenko in April claimed that no Belarusian would die of COVID-19 and suggested drinking vodka and using saunas to prevent the virus.

Now, over 600 have died, and tens of thousands are infected, in Belarus, the pandemic has only compounded bad-feelings.

Officially, the results show a landslide victory of 80% for Lukashenko, which opposition movements vigorously refute.

The night of the results was marked by around 3000 arrests, with rubber bullets and tear gas deployed by riot police against

Homoatrox protestors.

Protests have continued for over three weeks, despite President Lukashenko’s attempts to stop the demonstrations with security forces, rather than negotiating with the council created by opposition leader Sviatlana Tikhanovskaya (of which some members were arrested).

Sviatlana Tikhanovskaya fled the country, and, communicating via video from Lithuania, said that she wanted new elections and President Lukashenko’s security officers to change sides to strengthen their cause.

Her attempt to get the results annulled was rejected by the Belarusian Supreme Court.

Sviatlana Tikhanovskaya, now President Lukashenko’s rival, entered politics as other opposition figures were arrested or exiled, including her husband Sergei Tikhanovsky, whose campaign she is continuing.

However, the attempts to subdue the protests are simply fuelling more, and we are seeing the conflict escalate with allegations of police brutality, overcrowded jails and calls for strikes becoming widespread across Belarus. Furthermore, on 17 August, TV staff walked out due to the situation (with TV services traditionally being loyal to the government), alongside many high-profile resignations. In many cities, the

official flag has been replaced with the historic white and red flag, which has now started to represent the resistance movement, along with solidarity chains standing against the administration’s actions.

The use and control of technology is also transforming how the protests against the government happen. Despite Lukashenko trying to cut internet access, the protestors have moved to applications that do not require a web connection. Having previously used social media to coordinate the groups and expose state and police violence, telegram services such as ‘NEXTA’ are being utilised for coordination purposes, as well as to share news on police beatings being leaked by opposition telegram services.

However, the unease does not stop at Belarus, with many countries voicing their views on the situation. President Lukashenko has claimed that NATO are building up forces in bordering Poland and Lithuania, and that they intend to split Belarus up with a new President.

In response, NATO denied that their troops were there for any reason other than defence, urging President Lukashenko and the current administration

to recognise the human rights of Belarusians and hold free elections. Furthermore, the European Union and United States have disputed the results and condemned the subsequent actions of the police and security forces, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel commenting that President Lukashenko refused to speak with her.

Most recently, Russian President, Vladimir Putin announced that the Kremlin would send military and law enforcement into Belarus to support President Lukashenko if they felt the situation required.

A Kremlin spokesperson refused to clarify the size and type of the forces that would be deployed, of which Chancellor Merkel said she hopes does not occur.

Alongside promised support, President Lukashenko and the Kremlin have been discussing economic aid, including the refinancing of $1 billion Belarusian debt owed to Russia.

Given the stances of other states and global organisations, as well as its previous relations with Europe, the situation in Belarus is not only everchanging, but one that is likely to continue for some time, with neither side showing signs of conceding, and unrest continuing to mount.

The Badger 21st September 2020

News

6

Jail time for College Admission Scandal perpetrators Recent arrests expose flaws in the US higher education application system, exploited by the elite of US society.

Sam Kimbley News Online Editor Lori Loughlin, known best for her role in Full House, has been sentenced to two months in jail, including 100 hours of community service and a $150,000 fine (£112,351), for her role in the US college admissions scandal, pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.

Her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, was also given a five-month prison term.

The fraudulent scheme was organised by William Rick Singer, who would be paid to get wealthy parents’ children into prestigious universities including Yale.

Lori Laughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli paid William Rick Singer $500,000 to pass both their daughters off as rowing crew recruits to the college admissions board at University of Southern

Mr Singer used two primary methods to get these students into these colleges, the first, was allowing them to cheat on the entrance exams and the second was to provide fake sporting credentials to persuade admissions offices to admit these students. Mr Singer was able to charge between $200,000 to $6.5 million ($149800 - $4868531) which were paid to Singers non-profit; which meant that he was able to avoid federal taxes and the parents could deduct the costs from their taxes.

Not only has this investigation exposed fraud committed by the wealthy elite, but it also brought up flaws within the USC application process. USC had approached Mossimo Giannulli and Lori Loughlin prior to the scandal, as they were seen to be potential large donors. Loughlin and Giannulli’s lawyers said that universities “solicit donations from the families of prospective

students and that such donations can have a material effect on admissions decisions.”

This frame of thinking was their lawyers’ argument that they believed their money was only going towards donations for USC.

“

Ken Lund California. This involved bribing officials within the athletics department at the university and taking pictures of their daughters on rowing machines to make them appear to be real athletes.

Fifty people were originally charged by officials in March 2019 after the FBI’s operation codenamed “Operation Varsity Blues” investigated crimes wealthy parents committed to cheating the college system.

Not only has this investigation exposed fraud committed by the wealthy elite, but it also brought up flaws within the USC application process.

Loughlin along with other high-profile names such as actress Felicity Huffman who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud will now be spending time in jail. Judge Nathaniel Gorton described the crimes as “breathtaking fraud” stating that there was “no excuse” for the fraud committed before sentencing Giannulli.

Brexit talks derailed as UK Government table controversial bill Four years, three prime ministers and two general elections later, Britain is still grappling with the consequences of the country’s most comprehensive constitutional reform in its recent history. a safety net to prevent the ‘damaging default position’ of inter-UK tariffs should no deal be agreed.

Domestic and international pressure has mounted against the plans. Numerous prominent figures, including former PMs Tony Blair and Sir John Major, have condemned the proposal, warning it risks ruining the UK’s reputation for honouring promises and upholding international law.

Jake Nordland Staff Writer The onset of further discord between the UK and EU has once again thrust Brexit back into the limelight.

Ahead of the transition period ending in December, the Government is seeking to amend the agreed terms of departure. In a move that could see a breach of international law, the proposed bill modifies the Withdrawal Agreement and purports to ‘clarify’ the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Protocol is an agreement that commits to regulatory checks on goods passing to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. It is designed as a fall-back to avoid a land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland (who remain in the EU), amidst fears of endangering the Good Friday Agreement.

Agreed by Mr Johnson with the EU in January, the arrangement in effect erects a regulatory border in the Irish sea, but stipulates that some goods will be exempt from checks. Northern Ireland would continue to follow some EU regulations under the agreement. Mr Johnson’s new plans would give the UK sweeping powers to modify or ‘disapply’ the Protocol’s

“

The European Commission requested an emergency meeting about the bill after Ministers themselves admitted in parliament that the plans break international law.

Number 10 new regulatory rules on goods crossing the Irish sea - even if it contravenes international law.

The move shocked EU ministers, who strongly condemned it as a provocation in an already tense relationship.

The European Commission requested an emergency meeting about the bill after

government Ministers themselves admitted in Parliament that the plans break international law. The EU have issued an ultimatum demanding the UK abandon the bill by the end of the month, or risk legal action and an end to trade deal negotiations.

The Prime Minister has

defended the changes as necessary amendments that “ensure the integrity of the UK internal market” and clear up ambiguities in the Withdrawal Agreement - despite calling it ‘oven ready’ throughout the 2019 general election.

Mr Johnson’s spokesperson said the new bill would provide

Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer called the plans ‘wrong’, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that it undermines trust and incites deep concern.

Talks had already started stalling before the move, with negotiators reaching an impasse on several key issues. Talks will continue until the arranged December deadline, after which the transition period will end with or without a deal.

The Badger 21st September 2020

News

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Manchester Arena bombing: Hashem Abedi given minimum 55-year life sentence The brother and accomplice of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber is facing a minimum of 55-years life imprisonment following the murder of 22 people, in what has been described as the largest murder case in English legal history.

Joshua McLaughlin News Sub-Editor On 22 May, 2017, at 22:31, 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated a homemade shrapnel bomb in the City Room of the Manchester Arena following an encore at an Ariana Grande concert. Killing himself as well as 22 other people, and injuring over 800 others, this incident was the first and deadliest UK terrorist attack since the 7/7 London bombings.

Three-years following the incident, a landmark court ruling has been delivered in the form of a life sentence for each of the 22 lives that were tragically lost – almost half of whom were minors.

Hashem Abedi, the younger brother and now convicted accomplice of the suicide bomber, has been given a 55year minimum life sentence following a two-day sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey in Manchester on 20 August.

Hashem Abedi was found guilty in March after the court heard he was “equally culpable” as his brother for the deaths and injuries caused by the explosion, due to his inextricable involvement in their joint process of planning, sourcing and constructing resources for the bomb in advance of the attack. He was officially found guilty of 22 counts of murder, attempted murder of all the

remaining injured individuals, and for conspiring to cause explosions.

Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett who was killed from the blast, said: “Abedi has now faced justice for his crimes.” She is subsequently campaigning for the enactment of Martyn’s Law – one that would make it compulsory for every venue in the UK to assess the potential risk of a terrorist attack.

Having left the UK for Libya prior to the bombing, Manchester-born Hashem Abedi was arrested for his suspected connection to the incident a day after the attack, subsequently being extradited back to the UK to face trial.

The Old Bailey heard that the pre-meditated terrorist attack began 6-months prior to the incident at the Manchester Arena, where both brothers began collecting materials necessary to construct “an improvised explosive device of the kind used in the subsequent explosion.”

Hashem and Salman Abedi collectively devised a subterfuge to accumulate the necessary ingredients in producing the highly explosive material of Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), a substance they combined with shrapnel to cause maximum injury to people in its vicinity upon detonation.

As the brothers were accused of deliberately targeting a young audience demographic

at the Manchester leg of Ariana Grande’s 2017 ‘Dangerous Woman’ tour, Mr. Justice Jeremy Baker remarked: “The stark reality is that these were atrocious crimes: large in their scale, deadly in their intent and appalling in their consequences.”

Hashem Abedi, being only 20-years-old at the time of the attack, fell under the protection of subsections within section 269 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 – meaning that the court could not impose the minimum of a whole life sentence upon him. The Act provides a sentence of 30 years to be an appropriate starting point, though this was exacerbated in Mr Abedi’s case due to the extent of his involvement, alongside the severity of his intentions to harm.

The court was also witness to what were described as ‘palpable’ victim impact statements throughout the two-day sentencing period. Witnesses were described as “diverse, talented and extraordinary individuals whose lives have either been extinguished or forever blighted by the physical and psychological effects of the explosion,” by Mr Justice Jeremy Baker. Many survivors have been recorded as feeling guilt and shame for surviving the incident – with most enduring psychological trauma.

Members of bereaved families detailed the trial as “torturous” for having to relive the attacks

on their children, highlighting that Hashem Abedi was not even present for the majority of the sessions due to the judge having no “legal right” to compel him to attend.

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The Old Bailey heard that the pre-meditated terrorist attack began 6-months prior to the incident at the Manchester Arena, where both brothers began collecting materials necessary to construct “an improvised explosive device of the kind used in the subsequent explosion.”

“No sentence will be enough for us,” they stated. “We will be the ones serving that sentence, we’ve had our children ripped from us in the most horrific way and nothing will ever come close to taking that searing pain away.”

In the wake of the sentencing, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the jailing of Hashem Abedi is “an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tolerance, community and kindness.

“Those who were taken from us will never be forgotten, nor will the spirit of the people from Manchester who came together to send a clear message to the entire world that terrorists will never prevail.”

With echoing sentiments from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, describing

the attack as “pure evil,” he added that it “ultimately failed” as “it was meant to divide us but it only brought us closer together.”

This was in reference to the 2017 Albert Square vigil, countless displays of solace and solidarity from international audiences, as well as the One Love Manchester concert organised by Ariana Grande herself.

Produced as a benefit concert centred in Manchester on 4 June, 2017, merely two weeks after the attack, One Love Manchester simultaneously broadcast live to more than 50 countries and ultimately raised over £10 million towards the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund within the first 12-hours of airing. It also provided some much needed relief for a city in mourning.

This gesture of bravery and determination from Grande in the face of extreme adversity earned her the title of being Manchester’s first honorary citizen in 2017.

Described by Ian Hopkins, Greater Manchester’s Police Chief Constable: “The division and hatred he [Hashem Abedi] sought to foster was, amidst the pain, met by strength and unity - by the courage of the victims’ families, the bravery of the survivors and the kindness and generosity of Greater Manchester as a whole.”

Sirte; site of new military build-up amidst embargo breaches A new independent report details multiple embargo breaches by international actors, as Libya’s rival governments build up their militaries and face off around the city of Sirte.

Oliver Mizzi News Editor An independent report given to the UN security council by sanctions monitors this month has accused Turkey, Russia, the UAE, Jordan and Qatar of breaching the UN arms embargo that has been imposed on Libya since 2011.

The report’s key findings detail the extent of Russia’s involvement in Libya, which has been supporting Khalifa Haftar.

The report stated that Russia had conducted 338 flights from Syria to Libya between 1 November 2019 to 31 July 2020.

The Russian government has denied all involvement in the conflict so far with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Rr016- Wiki Commons stating “no facts have ever been presented” in accusations about

Russia’s involvement.

The US has also accused

Russia of intervening in Libya.

Africom commander General Stephen Townsend accused Russia of deploying military aircraft such as MiG-29s, Su-24s and the state-backed private military company ‘Wagner Group’ to “tip the scales in its favour”.

The UAE and Jordan have previously faced accusations of supporting Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar in his campaigns against the Government of National Accord in Libya by sending military equipment and mercenaries. Likewise, Qatar has worked with Turkey in supporting the GNA, contributing its own military advisors alongside Turkey’s.

Turkey, which has been the GNA’s main international

patreon, has also used drones and Turkish backed Syrian rebels to support the government.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that nearly 18,000 Syrians have been deployed to Libya by Turkey since its intervention began.

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The report’s key findings detail the extent of Russia’s involvement in Libya, which has been supporting Khalifa Haftar.

The continued military buildup in and around Sirte which is at an important halfway point between both governments administrative capitals of Tripoli and Tobruk, leaves the conflict ongoing.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Comment

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THE BIG DEBATE In The Big Debate this week, two writers debate whether cancel culture is bullying, or if it genuinely holds people accountable.

Yes Miranda Dunne Staff Writer It was only this February that Caroline Flack died after the Crown Prosecution Service pursued a trial where she was to be accused of domestic violence. As she awaited trial during her final days, she was subject to ridicule from tabloids and abuse on social media.

Despite the legitimate justice that was due to transpire, her wealth and status ensured the torment of additional trials thrust onto her by the tabloids and social media. The human psyche is not equipped to deal with that many people piling on, irrelevant of whether the target occupies a more powerful position than those jumping to pass their own judgment.

The term ‘canceling’ is often traced back to “black twitter”, as a strategy originally used by women to hold powerful men accountable for the abuse they had hitherto subject their victims to - case in point the early usages of the #metoo hashtag. Justice was not being served to powerful abusers. Thus, social media became the alternative for victims to regain the agency they’d had stolen. Since then, this strategy has been seized upon and uncritically applied to an array of situations, resulting in, at best, abuse against people perceived as powerful; at worst, people with little having their livelihoods taken away.

Despite the evidence, it is popular to claim that cancel culture doesn’t exist; people are, instead, being “held accountable” for their behaviour. Criticising this, Ayishat Akanbi, a social commentator on cancel culture, fights against the oppression of marginalised groups but is wary of cancel culture. She holds firm that cancel culture is not only real, but hypocritical, especially with regards to mental health. Speaking to Double Down News, she says: “We talk so much about mental health and how important it is… [but then we] discard people at the first sign of something we dislike… We undermine how easy it is to become the people that we dislike. Which is why I’m hesitant to label things as evil. I’m much more interested in the root causes as opposed to the symptoms.”

Unpacking this, Olotu claims such hastiness is done via Noscitur a Sociis (‘a word is known by the company it keeps’) which some use to conflate contestable opinions with egregious behaviour: “Why do people abuse language in this way? So they can… treat critics with unrestrained aggression. What society allows us to do to “people who have a different opinion” is much tamer than what society allows us to do to “sexists”.”

On this note, Ayishat Akanbi succinctly

No illuminates, ‘we can’t live in a sick society without absorbing some of its sickness.’ This might well explain where this mutated form of canceling stems from.

To flip Oluto’s argument, when women, historically, have sought the state’s justice for the men who have abused them, lawyers and media have chosen to taint their character. They are too familiar: “How much clothing was she wearing?” and “Does she sleep around?”.

It is fine, and even accurate, to dissect how everyday behaviours underpin violent acts of real oppression, but let’s start from the top, not the bottom. If these attitudes are systemic, scapegoating one person won’t change anything; you are merely playing into the polarisation that social media platforms thrive on. It’s an even cheaper, decentralised copy of the likes of The Sun which, over the years, has hunted people with its metaphorical pitchfork.

If you pile on to someone because you view their language as oppressive, if you

Summer Kelly Cancel culture is perhaps controversial, but not toxic. A system that allows marginalised communities to publicly assert their value systems, is not toxic. Instead, it is demonstrative of the toxic system we have - the toxicity here being that in many cases “cancelling” is the only way to shut down hate speech and has often been the only way for marginalized groups to be heard and finally be a part of the debate.

Much of cancel culture centres around being ‘called out’ for wrongdoing or boycotting brands or events that are inherently racist, sexist, homophobic or repugnant in any way. In 2016 Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith as well as others including actor George Clooney and “BlacKkKlansman” Director Spike Lee, boycotted the Oscars due to an appalling lack of diversity. The Men in Black star stated that it reflected a “regressive slide towards separatism and racial and religious exclusion”. This act of essentially

Has cancel culture become toxic? call for them to lose their work and livelihood, you are being abusive. You also participate in the same sick behaviour that has resulted in some being more equal than others in the first place. You can engage in unilateral, mass-conducted demands that someone should revoke or ‘apologise’ for their actions. But what is the purpose of an apology if it is only given due to the fury of internet users?

Flikr In a world that hosts so much injustice and pain, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. To stop the stem of hate some have been subject to, we must return to the basics.

We teach our kids to treat others how they wish to be treated, to be kind, and not to bully people or sink to the level of those whose behaviour we dislike. To weed out harmful behaviour at the root, we cannot, with a clear conscience, engage in the same destructive behaviour.

We must be better.

‘cancelling’ the Oscars arguably lead to change and 2019 saw the highest ever number of black nominees and six wins.

In this sense, cancel culture’s effects didn’t necessarily lead to toxicity, but to social change and social justice, however that being said, the Oscars still has a long way to go before becoming fully representative.

Jada and Will Smith’s and other’s actions against the Oscars diversity issues helped to open the public’s eyes to the inequality inside Hollywood and helped encourage racial discussions within the world of film. Clearly, cancel culture doesn’t have to be negative or toxic, for the event, structure or individual that is being ‘called out’, calling someone out can be an act of service. In some cases, of course, we must be slower to cancel, particularly in the UK – we claim to be a liberal country, meaning we should be widening the floor for debate and not infringing freedom of speech. I think that cancel culture in terms of being ‘called out’ does open the floor; it educates and brings attention to issues that matter.

Furthermore, the idea that cancel culture has victimised those being called out is a very controversial issue, Rachel Ricketts, founder of Spiritual Activism, a movement which promotes racial justice, reconciliation and healing, calls this “white centering” – a prioritization of white feelings above those of people of colour. Rachel suggests that often white people are fearful of cancel cul-

ture because of a fear of being called out and therefore demonise it, but this is arguably a good thing. Being called out happens because every person matters, every voice matters and allyship is a necessity, but change can only come through education and accountability for people’s words and actions.

However, in terms of educating companies and corporations, cancel culture has allowed for toxicity to brew, but this does not mean cancel culture itself has become toxic. It has become trendy since the birth of cancel culture for companies to punish an individual that has been called out. This may sound moralistic, but in fact, it can be an issue of “woke capitalism”. As Helen Lewis highlights; “those with power inside institutions love splashy progressive gestures - solemn, monochrome social - media posts deploring racism and firing low-level employees who attract online fury[…] because they help preserve the power.”

Without sincerity behind these actions, it can appear that capitalism has taken hold of the activist’s words and intentions, made them hollow and sold them back. This, of course, leads to a mistrust in cancel culture and its effects, but considering again the people that cancel culture has given a platform to, to consider cancel culture ‘too much’ or toxic is perhaps a misunderstanding of its true purpose. The only toxicity here is that of capitalist greed. Cancel culture has allowed for transparency and accountability to increase within companies, particularly due to high profile cases, such as those of convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein and the wider ‘Me Too’ movement.

Cancel culture is a system that brings knowledge, awareness and accountability and has furthered social justice. It has helped to create safer spaces for people such as women, the LGBTQ+ community and people of colour who for far too long, have not had a place to speak about injustices and now can. The aggressive approach of cancel culture has helped to breed sincerity, thanks to the education that ‘calling out’ evokes. All too often people in the public eye are caught uttering racial slurs, being homophobic or misogynistic and offer weak responses and apologies in order to not lose deals or a fan base, without caring for their fans value systems. Cancel culture has brought about apologies that acknowledge structural discrimination and a commitment to unlearning their abhorrent views. Cancel culture isn’t some form of toxic mob mentality, but an overdue way of speaking the truth.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Comment

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We need to talk about Winston

We all know of his achievements, but Churchill had a dark side that is rarely acknowledged in Britain; it’s time we faced the truth.

Will Day Comment Sub-Editor Few names can produce such a visceral response simply by its mention than that of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. As Brits we grow up taught to revere him, shown clips of his speeches, told tales of how he single-handedly galvanised the nation and defeated the Nazis.

He is presented to us as a God - this is the man who gave you everything, without him we’d all be speaking German and eating currywurst, no Churchill, no fish and chips just boiled sausage and Nazi’s. We are told Churchill is the embodiment of the nation, our courage, our wit, our freedom, the Churchillian spirit surges through all our veins and we are Great because of it.

We soak this all in because we want to hear it. We want to feel special. We don’t question what we are told. if someone does dare to slander Churchill, they are WRONG and probably a bloody communist. We know everything of his spirit, his courage, D-day, and his twofingered V celebration. Yet we are taught so little of the actual man. Why? Could it be we have been taught a distorted narrative of Churchill, one that celebrates his achievements whilst sweeping his grave flaws under the rug? That doesn’t sound very Britishy - I suppose there was that whole Empire thing, but we couldn’t possibly have done it twice - right? It’s time for Britain to face the truth - the man we’ve revered as a God is one of the most problematic figures in this nation’s history.

Winston Churchill was a racist. Please, don’t take my word for it - take his.

“I hate Indians they are a beastly people with a beastly religion” Not enough? How about Lord Wavell, Viceroy of India?

“He hates India and everything to do with it” Still not enough? How about some more Churchill?

“The PM said the Hindus were a foul race protected by their pullulation from the doom that is their due and he wished Bert Harris could send some of his surplus bombers to destroy them.” (From Churchill’s secretary’s diary) Look if you’re reading this trembling with rage, trying to suppress the scream of BUT EVERYONE WAS RACIST THEN (argument no 1 in the racist apol-

Matt Brown ogist’s playbook). I know alright - take a breath, stop reading for a moment and calm down. I’m not disputing that society wasn’t overtly more racist then than it is now. Judging Churchill by today’s standards would be wrong.

The problem is Churchill was massive racist even by the racist standards of the 1950’s. Andrew Roberts (Churchill’s biographer), a man who describes Churchill as a “true hero” acknowledges Churchill anachronistic views on race, “although racist views were almost universally held (in Britain) during the 1950’s, Churchill was profoundly more racist than most”.

John Charmley, author of Churchill The End of Glory notes, “Churchill was very much on the far right of British politics over India. Even to most Conservatives, let alone Liberals and Labour, Churchill’s views on India between 1929 and 1939 were quite abhorrent”.

Churchill’s views on race cannot and should not be explained as a product of his generation.

This isn’t the type of ignorance your nan might slip out with after one too many sherries at Christmas (not that this should be excused either), Churchill was racist to his core. His extreme views transcended intense hatred towards others.

Winston Churchill was a white supremacist.

I know these are difficult words to digest but they are true, nonetheless. Whilst white supremacy is contemporarily conflated with Neo-Nazism (I’m

not suggesting Churchill goosestepped his way around Whitehall), it is predicated on the pseudo-scientific belief that the white race is inherently superior to all others. In this, Churchill was an ardent believer.

Speaking to the Palestine Royal Commission in 1937, Churchill stated, “I do not admit... that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America or the black people of Australia... by the fact that a stronger race, a highergrade race... has come in and taken its place.”

These comments, amongst many others, led Andrew Roberts (remember MASSIVE Churchill fan) to claim, “He was a convinced whitenot to say Anglo-Saxon- supremacist and thought in terms of race to a degree that was remarkable even by the standards of his own time”.

In isolation, these repugnant attitudes towards race highlight striking flaws in a man we’ve been convinced was beyond reproach. These views were not, however, restricted to rhetoric and in the case of the people of Bengal, they had devastating consequences.

Since the outbreak of war in 1939, Britain perpetually drew grain and resources from India.

When famine broke out in the Bengal region, India continued to be exploited. Instead of addressing the famine, Churchill placed blame solely on the Indians for “breeding like rabbits”.

As India’s food reserves were exported to Sri Lanka, Australian ships sailed past India carry-

ing wheat destined to be stockpiled in the Mediterranean to help ease the post-war burden.

Churchill resisted diverting any ships to help the starving and refused the offers of Canadian and American aid. India was forbidden from using their own sterling reserves or ships to import food. Any remaining food was reserved for the white man, as Indian politician and writer, Shashi Tharoor claims, Churchill “deliberately ordered the division of food from starving Indian civilians to well supplied British soldiers”. When confronted with the suffering caused by the famine, he responded, “Why hasn’t Gandhi died yet?”

(He really didn’t like Gandhi) Whilst Churchill showed a callous disregard for the plight of Bengal when famine struck Greece, he was eager to divert food. In a cabinet meeting in 1943, Churchill stated, “the starvation of the underfed Bengalis is less serious than sturdy Greeks”.

Fitting with Churchill’s beliefs, the white European was deserving of help; the inferior Indian was not. An estimated 3 million Bengalis perished in the famine, the largest loss of life on the British side during the war.

Churchill’s views on India were so abhorrent that the Secretary of State for India and Burma claimed, “I didn’t see much difference between his outlook and Hitler’s.”

Blaming Churchill entirely for these deaths would be unfair he did not orchestrate the famine. He does, however, bare sig-

nificant responsibility. His white supremacist beliefs undoubtedly contributed to the suffering and starvation of millions of Indians. To Churchill, stockpiling food for the white man was more important than Indian women, men, and children.

Why are we so afraid to confront the truth about Churchill?

Even when presented with the evidence, many will dispute it: “Churchill can’t have been a bad guy he fought the Nazis!” Yeah well so did Stalin and I hardly think it would be appropriate to have his canine manifestation selling the nation car insurance.

Does Churchill perhaps represent the final horcrux of British exceptionalism - if he falls so may finally the façade that’s been fed so fervently to us? Does our fear resonate then from a daunting truth we are slowly beginning to realise - there’s nothing Great about Britain?

Churchill played a significant role in the Allied victory.

Churchill was a repugnant man with repugnant beliefs. Both statements are true. If you wish to continue to celebrate his achievements, then do so, but you must acknowledge the man you celebrate. To not hold him accountable is a vindication of his views and is utterly disrespectful to those who suffered because of them.

For those who refuse to acknowledge or even refute his grave flaws. Those who continue to start their day clutching their little red book whilst belching out Rule Britannia towards the portrait of Churchill hanging above their mantlepiece, then they should do so in the knowledge that they are probably (definitely) a racist.

Our nation’s refusal to acknowledge the real Churchill is just a small part of a failure to recognise our deeply flawed attitudes towards race – both past and present. Every time we appear to be making progress, the push-back shows us just how far we have to go. As the cry of Black Lives Matter grows louder and louder, sadly, so does the cry of All Lives Matter. As many Brits try to confront our nation’s dark past, we are accused of trying to rewrite history. But the truth is history has already been rewritten; it is the oppressor who has shaped the narrative we have for so long failed to question.

Addressing our nation’s troubled past is not an attempt to ‘rewrite’ the past instead, it is an acknowledgment of the truth.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Comment

10

#LiveLaughLove The other side of the ‘Wellness Industry’ - has capitalism created another beast?

Libby Mills Comment Print Sub-Editor ‘Live. Laugh. Love.’ three little words that, circa 2010, seemed to be popping up everywhere.

Whether it was on an inscribed piece of shabby-chic drift-wood hanging up in your friend’s kitchen, the mug you were sipping your choice of beverage from or the PJ’s that the model in the George Asda campaign was wearing - they were everywhere.

These three famous words were originally inspired by the Bessie Anderson Stanley poem ‘Success’, which opens with: “He has achieved success / who has lived well, / laughed often, and loved much” A century on, #LiveLaughLove has essentially become a staple part of meme culture. In 2011 Urban Dictionary user ‘McPhd’ submitted their own definition of #LiveLaughLove - a definition that has seemed to be largely agreed on and that has stuck.

Whether you choose to truly #LiveLaughLove your way through life, of which there are plenty of clothing, interior and stationary sites dedicated to the philosophy - Google at your own pleasure - or adopt its ironic and humorous adaptation, it represents an industry that is currently booming.

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The wellness industry, despite first impressions, creates a false perception that we need to be in a constant state of self-improvement.

Whilst also providing solutions to a very real need to ‘cope’.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness industry was worth $4.2 trillion in 2019. Between 2015 and 2017 it grew by 12.8% and in total has a global economic output of 5.3%.

Wellness includes all activities that help boost your overall wellbeing - these being physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Anything that makes you look and feel good can be classified to be a positive contributor to your wellbeing.

In a world where we are bombarded by gadgets that help us save time, only to free up more time for us to do more, incorporating wellness into your life is understandably appealing.

The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s report, ‘Mental health and well-being in the workplace’ shared how burnout and

Stacey Spensley other stress-related conditions include high-blood pressure, sleeping disorders as well as a general low resistance to infections. They also stated how work-related stress is a major reason for absence, as well as early retirement.

The subject of activity density has been explored in great depth by sociologists, in regards to how we divide our time. With the productivity market being worth $82 billion and wellness being linked to accessing your best self in order to cope with the un-ending demands we face, it can be easy to fall into the trap of toxic productivity.

The wellness industry, despite first impressions, creates a false perception that we need to be in a constant state of self-improvement. Whilst also providing solutions to a very real need to ‘cope’.

So, not only does the wellness industry offer an abundance of opportunities to feel better about yourself - which is always rather tempting and a core premise to the individualistic society enabled through capitalism - there is a proven genuine global need for a collective improvement of our wellbeing. This has provided the wellness industry with the perfect, well-trained customer: one that returns and in-tow brings new customers along with them.

Pandora Sykes, journalist, writer and podcaster, recently published her first book ‘How do we know we’re doing it right?’ a collection of essays written by herself on modern life. It’s an excellent read that covers trials and tribulations millen-

nial women - and early Gen Z’s - face. From the balancing act of being an empowered working woman in the 21st century, who still needs to shrink herself as and when to not come across as too much, to how wellness has now just become another thing we need to do. If we’re not partaking in self-care, we’re failing.

We’re letting ourselves go, if we don’t have a mind-body-emotional-spiritual balance that we are now told we oh-so need in order to be happy and fulfilled.

Pandora addresses the ambiguity surrounding ‘wellness’, which has, in turn, allowed it to be incorporated into an increasing amount of products or experiences we consume. Wellness is the new hottest western selling trend.

Wellness is: ‘celery juice, turmeric lattes, pink Himalayan salt lamps, activated charcoal, gratitude journals, colouring books, detox cleanses, face masks, chia seeds, matcha powder, alkaline water, raw water, rose quartz water...pillow spray, mindfulness apps, massage, CBD oil, anything pre-fixed by ‘green’ or ‘raw’, bubble baths, running a bath, just looking at a bath.’ ‘Just looking at a bath’ is an understated humorous take on just how ambiguous wellness really is.

While wellness can be, it seems, anything. There are clear aspects of the industry that are accessible only frequently, if at all, to the middle-upper class.

All of the equipment, paid classes or workshops, retreats, subscriptions, specific food ingredients are largely inaccessible to the majority. Gwyneth Paltrow’s

GOOP brand, which initially began as an online newsletter in 2008 concerning yoga and juice cleanses, was worth a cool $250 million in 2018. Last summer she held a summit ‘In GOOP Health’ at a wellness sanctuary in Hammersmith. Ticket prices ranged from £30-£4,500, something for every budget it could be argued.

However, somehow anything that costs £4,500 in the name of wellness - without taking into consideration other expenses necessary in order to attend in the first place - beckons almost exclusively the white-upperclass-elite.

Despite GOOP having over 1.5 million followers on Instagram and over 2 million annual website views, GOOP has come under fire on numerous occasions. Health professionals have accused GOOP of making unsubstantiated health claims, resulting in them paying over £100,000 in civil penalties in 2018 alone. Perhaps, exposing a naivety of wellness consumer culture.

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Out of the shadows, an enhanced toxic productivity has been emerging. From banana-breading, to blogging, to learning a new language, to never-failing-to-upload daily walk pics, to completing an array of Shaw Academy courses because, why not? Even self-care seemed to become a competition.

During the last few months, the world has seen itself face a period unlike any other. For some, their world has ground

to halt, with life becoming slower and simpler. For others, particularly key workers, their world has only intensified to an unimaginable level. COVID-19, globally, has been a different experience for everyone. However, one thing that has seemed to be undoubtedly on the rise is the perception that this time is a period for even further bettering one’s self. As if we don’t already engage in the subtle yet obvious - competitions involving one’s self against...one’s self enough, it’s only gone and dramatically intensified. Out of the shadows, an enhanced toxic productivity has been emerging.

From banana-breading, to blogging, to learning a new language, to never-failing-to-upload daily walk pics, to completing an array of Shaw Academy courses because, why not? Even self-

care seemed to become a competition. Perhaps it’s withdrawal symptoms from a world we have adapted to, to where if we are in fact not being productive, what’s the point? Every moment of anything has to be ‘earned’. It seems, amongst many other lessons, periods of lockdown are teaching us we do need to slow down. Queue: wellness, the perfect antidote.

It seems the wellness industry won’t be slowing down anytime soon and with the world facing a pandemic, people are turning to wellness more than ever. It seems to be providing a genuine (being serious now) comfort to many. For some, it might just be the making of their 5th tea of the day, for others, it may be the purchase of a £175 Active Botanical Serum. Regardless of your personal association with wellness, we could probably all do with a little more #LivingLaughing&Loving.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Comment

11

On the Beauty Myth Capitalism has dictated our appearance for too long, here is how to fight back.

Lotte Jaegar It’s a glance. Then a gaze. Then a feeling. We just know it when it’s there; seeing it is inevitable.

We yearn for it. We chase it. We are obsessed with it. Beauty. But what is beauty, and how do we decide who we find beautiful? Is it a decision at all?

We’ve grown up thinking that our notion of beauty is personal, that it’s subjectively perceived.

We like to believe that what and who we find beautiful is just a part of our individuality because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? That’s what we’ve always been told. Ironically, Western society has agreed on a pretty rigid idea of what female beauty looks like. And the scope of who is considered beautiful is, compared to the vastness of human diversity, tiny.

Escaping the confrontation with the ideal is impossible.

We are, everywhere and always, bombarded with images of young, thin and slender white females, with hairless, smooth skin and glossy hair. During the last years, we got to see more exceptions, but it is undeniable that this is what they still are: nothing but exceptions. You will hear people discuss if that one actress is “an 8” or “a 10”, but you probably won’t ever hear people disagree if she’s “a 2” or “a 10.”

The perception of beauty as something an individual is - to a great extent – a fallacy. Who we find beautiful, pretty, desirable and sexually attractive is not as personal and intimate as we might think – it is actually highly political. The prevalent Western beauty ideal of the young, white and thin women has emerged through capitalism, racism and the patriarchy - and most of us have internalised it so thoroughly that it powerfully serves their perpetuation.

But isn’t the battle for beauty just in our genes because in order to successfully procreate we’re trying to appear as sexually attractive as possible? Isn’t it inevitable that humans look in a partner for health and fertility; isn’t that just sexual selection like Darwin already described it in his theory of evolution more than 150 years ago? It is not. The prevalent beauty ideal is not based on an underlying genetic quality. Nothing at all makes slender white women generally more fertile, healthy or more successful procreators than other women. Since the present-day Western beauty

standard is so pervasive, it is easy to forget that beauty has never been universal. From droopy breasts, fat vulvas and big tummy rolls to hooked noses, huge ear lopes and scarred skin, epitomes of beauty in different cultures around the world could not be more contrasting. Even within Western culture, the definition of beauty sometimes changed radically within only a few decades while evolution takes millions of years to happen. This makes it evident that there is nothing inherently superior about the Western beauty standard, which clearly cannot be traced back to human biology. Our definition of beauty is not natural, not universal and not inevitable; it is a product of our history and a manmade social construct.

Something essentially human, a distinctive characteristic of us is that we collectively believe in imagined orders. Religions, the market, human rights; all of these are not natural; they only exist in our common imagination; they are myths. However, we have internalised these myths so much so it is incredibly hard for us to realise and admit that they’re actually imagined.

Naomi Wolf, one of the most influential authors of the third wave feminist movement, argues that beauty is just another myth, which is both a direct product and buttress of capitalism and the patriarchy. The fundamental assertion of her book The Beauty Myth, published in 1991, is that while women have won more and more legal rights, social power, opportunities and prominence; while they have climbed up the ladder of gender equality unprecedentedly high, simultaneously, the pressure they feel to adhere to beauty ideals has skyrocketed.

Innumerable images of the perfect women shown by the mass media in commercial advertising, magazines and films propagating an unrealistic ideal affect and preoccupy both men and women. The immense pressure that women feel to comply with the shown images leads to unhealthy behaviours, which compromises and limits their ability to be effective in and accepted by society.

“The more legal and material hindrances women have broken through, the more strictly and cruelly images of female beauty have come to weigh upon us. […] More and more women have more money and power and

scope and legal recognition than we have ever had before; but in terms of how we feel about ourselves physically, we may actually be worse off than our unliberated grandmothers.” (Naomi Wolf, The Beauty Myth, p. 2) But what is it that women gain once we are considered beautiful? Wolf argues that in our society, beauty is a currency system; it is a facet of power that assigns value to women. Beauty makes us worthy of respect; it opens doors and increases opportunities. By the same token, the lack of beauty also has tangible dire consequences. At the top of our imagined beauty hierarchy is what call “natural beauty.” Beauty should be effortless, easy and permanent.

However, very little of what is naturally human and feminine is perceived as beautiful. The most natural traces that life leaves on a women’s body and face have been labelled as “flaws”. Body hair, the natural shape of breasts and stomachs transformed after the miracle of childbirth, stretch marks, scars, dark circles around the eyes after a night spent dancing, fuzzy hair after a day on the windy beach. Instead of appreciating them a sign of a fulfilled life, they make us feel ugly, ashamed, unworthy.

“How can an ‘ideal’ be about women if it is defined as how much of a female body, and how much of a female life does not show on her face?” (p.72) Naomi Wolf convincingly explains that by condemning so much of what is essentially female as ugly, undesirable and unworthy, the power of women is diminished and their position in society significantly weakened in favour of the position of men. This is how the Beauty Myth props up patriarchy; it is a belief system that keeps male dominance intact.

In a society in which beauty functions like a currency, no one wants to live with an appearance cluttered with flaws. Luckily, capitalism can fix that. The market offers an overwhelming variety of products designed to retouch or hide our ugly bits.

Men don’t like hairy legs, tired eyes and tummy rolls? How lucky we are that we can buy razors, make up and weight loss tea, right? Sadly, the opposite is true. Capitalism is not helping us out here, but it is to blame for making us feel like we’re flawed in the first place. The beauty industry is worth more than 530 billion dollars, and it’s on an up-

ward trajectory. All of that money is made from our insecurities, our feeling that we’re not good enough, that we need to change and to spend money in order to become more accepted, desired, worthy.

Interestingly, women only started shaving because in the 1920s the razor manufacturer Gillette, which had previously only sold products to men, started using advertising and marketing strategies that effectively made women embarrassed about their body hair.

It was a capitalistic triumph: With strategic advertising, razor companies used fear, shame, loneliness and sex appeal to create from scratch what has become a million-dollar industry and a daily struggle for women and girls around the world. Let that sink in for a bit. We all spend a fortune of money and time on making our armpits, legs and vulvas hairless because some company a hundred years ago had the random idea that this is how they could make money – and it worked.

21-year-old artist, writer and activist Florence Given has become fed up of being told that she should be repulsed by something that is part of her own body: “Fuck your overpriced pink razors, I’m gonna be a hairy bitch now!” In her recently published book Women don’t owe you pretty, she fiercely challenges “outdated narratives supplied to us by the patriarchy.”

Defining female beauty as appearing desirable to men; pleasing the male gaze; Florence voices some very uncomfortable truths: Since we all have grown up in a society that teaches us that desirability is women’s most important worth, that beauty is a currency, that being pretty makes us privileged, we cling to this concept so much so we torture ourselves with painful and expensive beauty rituals, we accept harassment, and we don’t dare to speak up about issues that actually matter to us.

We are not only objectified by men, we objectify ourselves.

Every time we shave our legs just because he likes them better smooth, put that push-up bra on that is actually extremely uncomfortable, and every time we shut up after being laughed at when we try to speak up about harassment, we accept that we’re viewed as objects.

Objects are not supposed to be empowered. This is how we disempower ourselves. Florence

explains how much women and girls themselves have internalised misogyny.

Whenever we shame other women for what they wear, who they do or don’t have sex with, when we tear women down for being successful, when we say that we are not “like the other girls” (because they’re bitchy and full of drama and we are the exception) and whenever we find comfort in other women’s “flaws”, we’re actually just doing the patriarchy’s dirty work, reproducing its toxic misogyny.

As long as women are kept busy competing with and shaming each other, busy making themselves look as desirable as possible, busy running after the beauty myth, we are unable to fulfil our real task: finally smashing the bloody patriarchy.

So what now? Life is so much easier when we reflect society’s idea of beauty. Rejecting it requires a lot of courage and strength. It’s okay not to be that brave all the time, but we need to stop judging those who are.

It’s okay to buy make-up and push-up-bras and razors, but we need to be aware that what makes us feel so good about it is the validation we receive by meeting society’s expectations and not really the hairless legs themselves. Hairy legs actually feel really nice.

We need to be aware that we contribute to perpetuating our own oppression. I think that the liberation of our appearance cannot be achieved by attempts to broaden our definition of beauty. But it can be achieved if we stop assigning beauty so much importance altogether.

We need to realise that unlike we’ve always been told, our body is not an image, it’s an experience. Chocolate tastes just as good when your hair is frizzy, your favourite song sounds the same when you have circles around your eyes, dipping into cold water on a hot summer day is just as refreshing when you’ve gained 5 kilos and an orgasm feels just as magical when you have not shaved your legs.

Let’s stop sacrificing these moments. Let’s praise our future daughters for their kindness, intelligence and empathy and not for their beauty. Let’s raise them to be shameless. To be brave. To pursue pleasure. To close their eyes and feel. Actually, let’s not wait for our daughters. Let’s start with ourselves.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Features

12

Certainty: Sense of self during Freshers’

University life can be an overwhelming adjustment from what you have been used to before- jump right in but know when to call it a day...

Teddy Parkin Features Online Sub-Editor

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tarting university for the first time can be a daunting prospect. The responsibility of paving your way and making good of the opportunity is a heavy burden to bear. What can help us during this uncertainty, what can we fall back on when we are struggling with pressures and how should we approach the chaos that is freshers?

I was in the passenger seat driving down the M23. My dad at the wheel of the car with my older sister in the back. A strange anxiety circulated my stomach. My thoughts were coloured with a contrast of doubt and excitement, rebounding back and forth inside my brain. There was no imminent breakup with a long-term partner, and I wasn’t entering a warzone where the odds of survival would be stupendously low. Something tamer. I was enrolling at university and moving away from home for the first time. We arrived at my accommodation in Brighthelm, “the best on campus” everyone reverberated to me, and I unpacked my belongings with the help of my dad and sister. We hugged and exchanged goodbyes and off I saw them drive down Refectory Road. Me, myself and I were left with the stark reality of a blank canvas that was my university experience to come. I remember feeling this deep uncertainty, a lingering doubt embedded in the middle of my chest.

With all the change happening around you it is more important than ever to remember who you are. To solidify your core and your values, think deeply about what you want from life and establishing a direction. This can encapsulate all meaningful areas of life: your relationships, career, community. In this context, university can be understood with more clarity.

A stage of life that will help cultivate your character. The inevitable hurdles and moments of pressure seem worth it as you know why you are enduring them.

Josh Talbot It’s not that you have to have everything worked out. More so, that putting together a solid idea of where you want to go and how you will approach it will help reduce anxieties and offer guidance in that journey. It will help you carve out a meaningful experience in an environment that can be overwhelming and frantic.

As life changes, people change and

not everything. Take the pressure off it by focusing on what’s important to you and understand how your social life fits into this.

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It’s not that you have to have everything worked out. More so, that putting together a solid idea of where you want to go and how you will approach it will help reduce anxieties and offer guidance in that journey.

Clubs and Societies

Simon Carey your environment changes - you can remain internally steadfast.

With this in mind It may be helpful to separate your university experience into three areas: solitary time, social life and engagement with university opportunities.

Solitary time

Time for yourself is golden. Freshers is of course a big social occasion and you want to be out there meeting people and making friends. It’s easy to neglect yourself. Respect the solitary sphere of your life. It’s ok to say no when you need space to think, to relax. You can use this time to really clarify what your values are. The social mirrors can be blinding and distract you from what matters and why you wanted to come to university in the first place.

“

We hugged and exchanged goodbyes and off I saw them drive down Refectory Road. Me, myself and I were left with the stark reality of a blank canvas that was my university experience to come. I remember feeling this deep uncertainty, a lingering doubt embedded in the middle of my chest.

What does your social or work life really mean if you haven’t understood what it’s all for? This time can be used to plan, to ref lect, to realign in the direction you want to go. Write down your ideas, be creative with your life, develop a hobby and appreciate the space away from the chaos of the outside world. But also relax when it all gets too much. Have a nap and watch that Netf lix show. Many students explain to me that they do not consider the importance of alone time, which I understand. I am here to say that your solitary time must be prioritised. It is

from here that you can compound a solid base for the other aspects of your life to be built upon. To establish what you want from this stage of your life.

To rest and to work, but also to ref lect on the process as it unfolds.

I would like to add that if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety or any other mental health issue, I recommend talking to the people around you. Seek help and don’t be afraid to do so. There is a link to the resources available at the University of Sussex at the bottom of the page.

Social Life

There are so many interesting people in this world. University brings a substantial chunk of them into one place. Appreciate this phenomenon.

Embrace the occasion and go for the deep end, say hello to everyone, go to the club nights and house parties. This is such an exciting experience, and everyone is out to have a great time.

But as the dust starts to settle, having established some personal values in regard to relationships will help you make sense of how you want to engage with this part of your life. This is personal and varies for everyone. Subjugate your doubts to what you know is of importance to you, whether that be honesty, creativity or generosity. The social element of Uni can be especially overwhelming, and as someone who can be anxious from time to time to it was important for me to understand this sphere of my life in a wider context. Your university social life will be a fun experience and the excitement of all the characters that come into your life is truly incredible, but it is not the be all end all. You have other things to do. The world is open for you. Have the patience to not connect with everyone, have the confidence to put yourself out there even if you don’t consider yourself the most social person in the galaxy. Enjoy, have fun and remember that your social life is

University opens doors. Alongside throwing yourself into the deep end of freshers socialising, I strongly advise you to get involved with the myriad of clubs and societies. This is a magnificent opportunity for you to release your steam, meet new people or discover unfound passions. Explore anything that interests you. I have taken strongly to salsa. Every Monday at 8pm I am there moving my hips in the Mandela Hall to the funk of Cuban musical vibrations. After a period of exploration doing things that are exciting and uncomfortable, you can assess how you want to engage with these opportunities. With the overwhelming social pressures, work and other matters of the mind, it can be so great to have a release or another facet of your life for which you care for. To diversify what you spend time doing as to not pressurise one aspect over another. A society may help you develop skills for later in life or act as a point of focus to contrast with the hectic and changing world around you. Do what is important for you however that may manifest.

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The social element of Uni can be especially overwhelming, and as someone who can be anxious from time to time to it was important for me to understand this sphere of my life in a wider context.

Since that first drive down my Uni experience has been incredible. Entering my third year, I have had my ups and downs, my challenges and moments of beauty. I have met some incredible people and learnt valuable lessons. The journey continues. Looking back thus far I don’t have any regrets. All in all, it was a fulfilling experience and I hope all the freshers out there can approach university with optimism and back themselves through the whole process. Enjoy, focus on what is important to you and everything will be fine.

Here’s a link to Sussex mental health and well being resources http://www. sussex.ac.uk/wellbeing/mentalhealth

The Badger 21st September 2020

Features

13

Getting those Z’s Sleep is an essential biological need to maintain your life support system, yet two thirds of adults in developed nations fail to obtain the recommended eight hours of sleep.

Beth Pratt Features Print Sub-Editor

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leep is an essential biological need to maintain your life support system, yet two thirds of adults in developed nations fail to obtain the recommended eight hours of sleep.

In fact, over the last one hundred years, our total amount of sleep has decreased dramatically, with a 1940s survey demonstrating that the average adult was sleeping eighteen hours per night and now, in the UK, the average is six hours and forty-nine minutes.

Every major disease in the developed world has significant links to a lack of sleep, with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer displaying causal links. As well as this, there is an intimate relationship between mental health and sleep, with deep REM sleep shaving off our sharp emotional edges, prohibiting feelings of anxiety and depression. Despite this, sleep deprivation (less than seven hours of sleep) is encouraged as soon as you delve into your first week of university, with club nights temptingly lined up every night of the week and 9am lectures greeting you the morning after. Therefore, it may be of interest to consider how you can implement a healthy sleep pattern back into student culture to promote positive change in your physical and mental wellbeing.

The basics begin with achieving seven to nine hours of sleep per day. Once you have established a routine that allows for this amount of sleep, which may take time, regularity within that routine will anchor your sleep and improve its quality. Going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time makes sense because our bodies are designed to revolve around regularity. Regular exercise will enhance this further.

“

Despite what you may have been told, alcohol is not a sleep aid. Instead it is a sedative that fragments your sleep. After a night of drinking, you will not wake up feeling refreshed and restored because alcohol blocks your REM sleep, your emotional first aid which regulates mental health and mood.

Falling asleep seems to be becoming increasingly difficult, paralleled with

only encourages the vicious cycle of numbing anxiety with alcohol further.

Unfortunately, alcohol is often a misunderstood chemical. It is inevitable that some students will be on a quest for impenetrable confidence, and many students both new and old will indulge in a lot of alcohol during welcome week, it’s just important to be aware of the effects this can have on our sleep cycle.

Pixy increasing stress and anxiety in students. In fact, last year The Guardian spoke on a poll of almost 38,000 UK students that suggested that rates of psychological distress and illness are on the rise in universities, with alarmingly high levels of anxiety. Therefore, it is no surprise that stress and anxiety are the leading cause of insomnia.

For you to fall asleep effectively, you have to switch off the branch of the nervous system that is pushed into fight or f light drive by stress and anxiety. This is the enemy of sleep, releasing cortisol, an activating stress hormone, in the the brain. Studies have

Pexels shown that journaling before bed allow you to fall asleep in half the time because it enables you to identify what is stressing you out. Meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system to address the stress, through deep breathing techniques that allow

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the body to rest and digest. Technology blocks melatonin, the hormone that works to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, delaying your peak of sleep by 3 hours. It is the blue light emitted from technology that harms the melatonin and so it is encouraged that you turn of applications at least an hour before bed.

For many first years, the prospect of fresher’s week and all that it entails can be overwhelming. Pair moving away from home, meeting new people and trying to make friends with the countless events and club nights put on during fresher’s and the out-

come can result in drinking excessive amounts of alcohol as a classic coping mechanism to evaporate any nerves or anxieties that have emerged since leaving home. The social constructs around drinking tell us that alcohol is fun and being sober is boring, which

“

Technology blocks melatonin, the hormone that works to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, delaying your peak of sleep by 3 hours. It is the blue light emitted from technology that harms the melatonin and so it is encouraged that you turn of applications at least an hour before bed.

Despite what you may have been told, alcohol is not a sleep aid. Instead it is a sedative that fragments your sleep. After a night of drinking, you will not wake up feeling refreshed and restored because alcohol blocks your REM sleep, your emotional first aid which regulates mental health and mood. This means you’re much more likely to become sleep deprived and unfortunately, you don’t know how badly you are suffering when you don’t get enough precious Z’s. Our natural killer cells, that eliminate dangerous or unwanted elements such as cancer cells, are a critical part of our immune system. If you were to be limited to four hours sleep for one night after traipsing in from a club at four, hanging around in the kitchen making toast to soothe those midnight cravings until the early morning and then waking up for a 10am lecture, there would be a 70% drop in your natural killers cells.

Sleep may seem simple but its easy to push it aside and not prioritise getting the right amount of downtime.

For students embarking on a brandnew life path, working on developing a healthy sleep cycle is something you’ll be very thankful for a few months down the line with deadlines looming.

In reality, sleep is the very best life insurance policy you could ever wish for, and it is an aspect of an individual’s wellbeing that should be prioritised whether you’re a student or a CEO.

Want to find your inner journalist?

Join one of our Writers’ Meetings!

Fridays 12pm, Zoom Link On Social Medias

The Badger 21st September 2020

Features

14

How’s live music doing?

What does a global pandemic mean for an industry fuelled by live performance and those who work within it?

Alana Harris Features Editor

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n March, the COVID-19 pandemic made public performances not only something of the past, but also something that won’t be seen in the near future. From cancelled concerts to derailed festivals, the future of live music has been altered, potentially irrevocably.

Arena-sized venues, prominent festivals and music’s biggest names are highly likely to survive this unprecedented time off, but for other musicians, promoters and venue owners, the standstill of live music has meant that one of their most reliable ways to make money has been completely eradicated.

For grassroot music venues in particular, the introduction of a global pandemic is bordering on heart wrenching. At the end of last year, grassroot venues finally began to get the help and attention they desperately needed and after nearly a decade, music venue decline was halted. Coronavirus isn’t just kicking a man when he’s down, it’s kicking a man who was down and only just got back up. Toni Coe-Brooker, campaign coordinator for Music Venue Trust’s #SaveOurVenues campaign commented “We were starting to see the industry stabilise for smaller venues. Less were closing and a few even opened. But this crisis meant that months of programming would be cancelled and we have had no indication as to when we can open again. So it’s hard to predict how bad the damage will be.”

The #SaveOurVenues campaign is fervently calling upon artists, fans, local communities and the wider industry and asking them to take action in order to save over 400 grassroot venues across the UK which are at imminent risk of being closed permanently due to the pandemic. Venues like these are important for so many reasons beyond just economic ones.

They support numerous people and provide jobs for everyone from sound engineers, to bar staff to bouncers, who in turn create a family out of a local venue. These families extend to everybody who walks through the door and buys a ticket and to every band and artist who plays on its stage.

Coe-Brooker stresses the importance of grassroot venues. “It’s where artists learn to hone their craft and build their audience. They provide a space where live performance doesn’t have to be perfect and where music can be fun, interactive and experimental.”

Sally Oakenfold, creative director at Brighton music venue The Hope and Ruin echoes this sentiment, describing the venue and others like it as “a breeding ground for new bands and artists to find their feet” she emphasises how such spaces are essential for young musicians to pursue their dreams in an environment where the can fail, get back up, and try again un-

Alana Harris til they find their way. After all, every artist has to start somewhere, and some of music’s most iconic names spent the early days of their careers paying their dues at local pubs, clubs and venues.

The Manatees, a four-person indie rock band, are in the early stages of their music career. They are one set of musicians among many who rely heavily on local and small music venues as a means to learn their trade, get performance experience, build a fan base and earn an income, something which has now ground to a halt. The disruption of the pandemic turned very quickly from speculation to fact. Tyler Bloor, the bands lead guitarist, initially felt frustrated, “I knew straight away that our tour was going to be cancelled and our live performances are what brings in the most amount of money so it’s a huge loss for us.” Just two weeks after the bands last public performance on 22nd February, Bloor and his bandmates got the call which confirmed their fears. Their entire March tour had been cancelled.

Tours, concerts and festivals may all have been cancelled, but there has been a much-needed ray of inspiration for musicians which has come from the ability to live stream performances from their homes. Whether they’re the biggest names in the business or budding talent, thousands of musicians have been taking to social media to stream their songs and keep their performance appetite satisfied, all whilst providing some at home entertainment for fans. Live streaming is well and truly having its time to shine, Bloor and his other band mates have held their own live streams as well as having featured on several hosted by other people, he reported how he believes it to be one of the biggest positivity’s to be coming out of the current situation, “live streaming and virtual gigs aren’t something we’ve done before, its maybe a platform that people haven’t necessarily thought about se-

riously before. Now with us and other artists, we’ve almost been forced to do it, it’s a really positive thing and I think even after this is all over its something we’ll definitely continue to do.”

Along with musicians, promotion companies have been using live streaming as a method of maintaining a livelihood and staying af loat.

Billy Fitzjohn, who runs promotion company Fitz Promotions discussed how the pandemic has affected the company. “Ultimately COVID-19 has ensured that all of our shows have either been cancelled or postponed. It’s a massive shame but we’re trying our best to bring our live shows bigger and better when we’re allowed to return.”

In the meantime, Billy has been hosting Fitzolation, weekly live sessions on Fitz Promotions Instagram where he invites artists to perform songs and have a chat. “The reaction has honestly been great! Honestly when I set out to start it, it was just me having a chat with artists I like and wanted to speak to and it’s slowly grown to something more than that. I’ve received a lot of great feedback and messages from

Josh Talbot people who have really enjoyed the streams.”

Clearly live streaming is incredibly important right now, people from all different walks of the industry are us-

ing it as a way to stay creative, keep fans engaged and stay relevant. But, in the long run, how beneficial is it for keeping the live music industry on its feet? The end may not be in sight just yet, but at some point, life will return to normal and when that day comes, if the venues, promoters, musicians, sound technicians and countless others have made it through, who’s to say the fans will come f locking? Especially when it has been suggested that live music performance played a part in the transmission of the virus. The picture of what live music will look like once this pandemic is over, is one every individual reliant on the industry is desperate to see.

Bloor and his bandmates are pinning their hopes on the pandemic making people cherish live music more than ever before. “I hope that people will have more of an appreciation for live music and want to support the scene more after this is all over. Maybe people will see it as something they previously took for granted.”

Although it can’t be predicted what exactly live performance will look like once its deemed safe, the challenge being presented has ignited a community into action and has created a defining moment in music history. Public performance has been taken from us, but the sense of community being experienced is as strong as it is when a couple of hundred sweaty bodies are packed together under one dimly lit roof, listening, dancing and relishing the performance of their favourite artist.

Music Venue Trust’s #SaveOurVenues campaign has reached £1,087,728 of its £1,500,00 target with 37 days left. Coe-Brooker says those organising the campaign have been astounded by the response it has received. “We have been overwhelmed by the support and kindness of others. We have been inundated with offers to help the campaign. I think this proves how important venues are to their communities.” The Hope and Ruin have received £4,077 in donations, Oakenfold said the support for the venues customers has been incredible, dubbing the community support being seen as the largest positive that can be taken out of a testing time. “All that has happened has just highlighted and confirmed what we knew already. Live music is a crucial resource for so many people and the community is rallying round to support each other.”

In the course of this pandemic there isn’t a lot of certainty. We don’t know how many artists, venues and promoters will survive. We can’t predict when the next gig will be able to take place or how many people will turn up when it does. But the unity coming from live streams, fundraisers and campaigns, provides one piece of certainty; there’s a whole lotta hope.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Arts • Books

15

Revisiting American Psycho Eric Barrell Books Editor Bret Easton Ellis’ cult classic novel sparked controversy when it was first published in 1991. Patrick Bateman is a character who inspires both revulsion and admiration in the book and film’s audiences. Revisiting this story of a Wall Street Banker and part-time serial killer in 2020 draws striking parallels with the current state of consumer culture, masculine identity and the rise of Bateman’s not-so-little-known hero: Donald Trump.

Yet small moments, such as when a co-worker’s business card has a slightly better font or the booth reserved in a fancy restaurant is not to Patrick’s tastes, result in aggressive outbursts. Patrick’s hypermaintained appearance is an extension of his unhinged psychopathy within. The egotistic men and simpering women in his world are absurdly oblivious to his derangement, laughing off or mishearing his occasional barefaced admissions that he is a murderous psychopath. As the novel progresses, the reader is taken on a wild ride through Patrick’s increasing descent into insanity in his need to quench his bloodlust.

The most controversial parts of American Psycho - leading to the book often being banned or restricted to over-18’s in several countries - are the extremely graphic descriptions of Patrick’s torture and murder of several people throughout the story.

When it was first published, many feminist critics including Gloria Steinem opposed the novel’s explicit depictions of violence against women. Many of these criticisms were abated

by American Psycho’s 2000 film adaptation, directed by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale (who ironically is Steinem’s stepson).

The film also had a female scriptwriter, Guinevere Turner, who has a small role in the film as Elizabeth, one of the many upper-class Manhattanite women in Bateman’s life. In both the book and the film, Patrick takes Elizabeth to his apartment to engage in a drug-induced threesome before murdering her to fulfil a grotesque sexual fantasy. While seducing her and the other girl, a prostitute he names Christie, Patrick lectures about the talents of Whitney Houston, listing most of her 1980s discography and which songs he enjoys best. In the book, this is portrayed as one of

many inner monologues about Patrick’s music tastes; his obsessions with particular artists such as Whitney and Phil Collins providing a humorous insight into his psyche, whilst also depicting his meticulous appreciation for popular consumer products. In the film, however, his delivery of this monologue to the drug-addled Elizabeth prompts a mocking response.

‘You own a Whitney Houston CD? More than one!?’ she cackles to a stony-faced Patrick.

This scene captures the more overtly satirical perspective Harron and Turner took with the film. Elizabeth finds the fact that the hyper-masculine Patrick Bateman owns Whitney Houston CDs hilarious, and the fact that she is played by the film’s script writer further solidifies Harron and Turner’s mocking of this character. Whilst the book is also satirical and meant to criticise the extremes of American capitalism, Ellis would go on to admit that the character of Patrick Bateman was based on aspects of himself in the 1980s, when, by his admission, he was ‘slipping into a consumerist kind of void’. Book Patrick Bateman feels more unhinged, more of a manifestation of the cruellest parts of the human psyche than the easier-to-laugh-at Patrick Bateman of the film. The reception of both works from their release to now sparks a debate about artistic intent versus reception, and what rightfully justifies artistic censorship.

“

Book Patrick Bateman feels more unhinged, more of a manifestation of the cruellest parts of the human psyche than the easier-tolaugh-at Patrick Bateman of the film American Psycho is a dark comedy, and the film expresses this in a more overt way which leaves most audiences laughing at the fragility of Patrick Bateman’s materialism and hypermasculinity. Reading from a perspective of revulsion at his actions and humour at the subtle ways his perfectionist ideals are critiqued, I never felt that the character was explicitly portrayed as someone to be admired. However, something I did take note of was how many of the story’s themes echo many aspects of the 2020 zeitgeist.

Patrick Bateman idolises Donald Trump, mentioning him and his then-wife Ivana frequently throughout the book. Many of

Bookish Brighton Jasmine Smith Books Editor If you’re new to the city, Brighton has endless avenues of discovery. The perfect mix of modern and historical means Brighton is a great location for book lovers and literary enthusiast. There are endless literary delights nestled about town for you to discover.

Here’s a mini bookish guide to Brighton and the surrounding areas:

Landmarks

his victims are from marginalised groups – two of which, a homeless man and a gay man – have pet dogs which he also maims or kills. All the women he encounters are objectified to varying degrees, the ones he murders being a part of his violent sexual fantasies.

It is interesting, then, that many men in current times idolise Bateman. His extreme grooming and fitness regimen would be considered absurd and effeminate in the 1990s. Yet in the social media-driven age of the 2010s, successful marketing and an increased focus on appearance has made male grooming be seen as more masculine and aspirational. Fans of Bateman point out that they admire his ‘alpha male’ personality and aesthetic dedication, whilst rejecting his…bloodthirstiness.

In certain internet communities connected to the neo masculinity movements of the alt-right, Bateman is idolised among other outsider male characters such as the Joker for his aspirational masculinity and misogynistic attitude. Reactionary men’s movements are part of the conversation surrounding a supposed ‘crisis of masculinity’ in the 21st century; a backlash against the progress to undo limiting gender roles in the feminist and LGBTQ rights movements. Satire or not, characters like Patrick Bateman are tied up in ideas around idealised masculinity.

The millennia-old archetypes that men must be dominant, competitive and strong inform both the products marketed at men and the political standpoints in the current reactionary men’s movement. Thus, revisiting American Psycho and examining exactly what message it seeks to convey is crucial to ensure the story is not diluted of meaning to justify a more malevolent purpose.

Kipling Gardens, Rudyard Kipling The Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean, East Sussex were once part of The Elms where Rudyard Kipling lived. You can visit the gardens and bask in the beauty and history of the famous literary landmark.

Brighton and Eastbourne, Brighton Rock Graham Greene’s famous novel, Brighton Rock, gives us an insight into the seedy underworld of Brighton in 1938. Filming of the two subsequent film adaptations took place in various locations across the city. Much of the 2010 adaptation was filmed in the nearby town of Eastbourne, just a short train journey away.

Bedford Hotel , Charles Dickens Dickens was a lover and frequent visitor to Brighton. Whilst staying in the Bedford Hotel, now Brighton’s Holiday Inn, Dickens wrote novels Bleak House and Barnaby Rudge.

Ruins Of The West Pier, The Death of Bunny Munro Musician, Nick Cave, is the author of two novels. His second book, The Death of Bunny Monroe, follows his middle-aged protagonist and son on a chaotic road trip across Brighton. Set in 2003, the book takes place at a similar time to the West Pier burning down.

Brighton Pavilion, Pride and Prejudice In Jane Austen’s 1813 novel, Pride and Prejudice, Lydia Bennett escapes to Brighton with her lover, George Wickham. Unfortunately, rumours say that Austen wasn’t a fan of Brighton, which was then known as a place of debauchery and immoral behaviour. Why not take a trip down to Brighton’s Pavilion and envisage what it might have been like during Austen’s regency period.

University of Sussex, Sweet Tooth Ian Mcewan’s novel, Sweet Tooth, takes us back to Sus-

sex in the 1970s. Set against the backdrop of the Coldwar, Mcewan’s protagonist, Serena Frome, travels to Sussex where she begins an affair with a writer and professor from the university. Mcewan’s story might be fiction, but his links to the university are very much real; he studied BA English Literature at the university, graduating in 1970, before going on to become one of the worlds most critically acclaimed authors.

Sussex Square, Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland Brighton is known for its quirky and unique atmosphere, which is why this literary connection seems so apt. Lewis Caroll, author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass, frequently visited Sussex square during his summers. The secret tunnel linking Brighton beach to a luxury home in Lewes Crescent inspired the author’s rabbit hole in his iconic works of children’s literature. Unfortunately, there is no fantasy land of peculiar characters and grinning cats at the end of this tunnel.

Events

Coronavirus has made the ease and accessibility of social events much hard. Fortunately, many have adapted their inperson events to take place online. Here are a few on and offline events happening in the coming months.

Brighton & Hove Christmas Book Fayre: November 21st, Brighton Unitarian Church Brighton Book Club Live at Selina: September 3rd, Selina Brighton Brighton Dome Live Online - Elizabeth Day: October 2nd, Virtual Event Brighton Dome Live Online- William Boyd: October 4th, Virtual Event Brighton Done Live Online- Fatima Bhutto: November 1st, Virtual Event Brighton is a perfect location for book lovers! Use your time in the city to visit the famous landmarks, pick up a paperback from one of the many bookstores, or connect with otherliterature lovers at an event over the coming months. The experience might even inspire your own Brighton-based writing venture!

George Redgrave

The Badger 21st September 2020

Arts • Film & Television

16

What we watched in Lockdown In lockdown we had all the time in the world to watch new content: Here’s our highlights reel...

The pandemic saw the UK go into lockdown in mid-March, leading to increased levels of loneliness, financial stress and cabin fever. For many of us, our response to this meant hiding away in our rooms, binge-watching series as a way to escape the scary realities of the real world.

In this article, three writers discuss their top lockdown discoveries.

RuPaul’s Drag Race

Emily Alexandra Hyatt There were a lot of shows to watch during lockdown, however, starting a show that I was unfamiliar with was daunting, so I decided to start a show that I was acquainted with. That show was RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Drag Race is a reality TV show where 12 contestants compete to win $100,000 and the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar”. Those involved complete challenges that allow them to show off their skills and progress as performers.

My favourite challenge, ‘Snatch Game’, involves the Queens doing impersonations of celebrities. I love it because it distinguishes whether a Queen has comedic talent or not. Shea Couleé’s “Flavor Flav” (All stars 5 Queen) and Gigi Goode’s “Maria The Robot” (Season 12 Queen) encouraged me to rewatch their ‘Snatch Game’ episodes. The show involves contestants sporting multiple runway looks, doing makeovers and performing musicals, parody soap dramas or rap-songs. Usually, every episode ends with 2 Queens “lip-syncing for their life”. The lip-syncing is a crucial part of the show as it incorporates all the qualities you need to excel in Drag Race; plus, most of the iconic moments from the show are from the lip-syncs.

RuPaul’s Drag Race references 80s and 90s Gay culture, more specifically Ballroom culture.

“Reading is fundamental” is one of my favourite mini-challenges where contestants “throw shade at one another”. Each contestant insults one another and the queen with the funniest and harshest insults wins.

“Reading” is popular in Ballroom culture as judges and audiences read bad runway looks “to filth”. Some contestants would be a part of “a house”, where they had a “Drag mother” who would mentor them and provide familial support.

RuPaul took inspiration from the documentary, Paris is Burning allowing audiences to educate themselves on the lives of people in the Black and Hispanic Gay community,

showing them how different dance moves, catchphrases and makeup looks are inspired by them.

From the fights, double deathdrops, shady comments and the iconic “Miss Vanjie” exit; Drag Race leaves me “gagged”, laughing, crying and content.

The show has given Gay men and Trans women a platform and a safe space where they can be who they are without feeling judged. The show has educated me about Drag culture and has helped me understand the experiences of people in the LGBTQ+ community. I saw queens like Monique Hart, Chi Chi DeVayne (Rest in Power) and Heidi’n’Closet have financial setbacks, but still excel in the show and grow from it. My favourite queens have to be Shangela, Shea Couleé, Jaida Essence Hall and Heidi’n’Closet.

These Queens represent Black excellence whilst always being vocal about racial inequality and putting 1000% into their work.

If you want to laugh, cry or appreciate art, watch RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Normal People

Inès Bussat You have probably heard about the BBC TV series Normal People which was released during lockdown, but did you watch it? If you did, I hope my words will match your love for the visual masterpiece. If not, I will try to convince you to give it a go.

Based on the novel written by the young and talented Sally Rooney, Normal People explores the complexity of relationships.

The story follows Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) on their journey

to becoming young adults – from the end of school to the end of university – and their discovery of love. Connell is smart, shy, uncertain and emotionally mature. Marianne is observant, intense and fragile.

We witness the evolution of the two endearing and charming characters, empathize with what they go through and envy the complicity that grows between one another.

“

Normal People is the series I wish I had written, starred in, and shot. It inspired me on a human and artistic level.

A truly beautiful and moving piece of television. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

This series made me extremely emotional because of its authenticity, its sincerity and its sensitivity. For once, I felt like a cinematographic piece could grasp the intricacies of life, one’s self introspection and the challenge of true connections with others. It reveals the intimacy of young lovers, their moments of joy, doubts and

misunderstandings.

Without being overly cheesy, Normal People presents small, yet meaningful details of

everyday life in a very poetic and down-to-earth way. For instance, the directors Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald chose to highlight situations of embarrassment and humiliations to illustrate true and relatable aspects of adolescence. Normal People also subtly tackles social and economic inequalities and the issue of mental health in young people’s life.

Taking place alternatively between the stunning Irish countryside and the prestigious Trinity College in Dublin, the series is also full of aesthetic shots. Each scene is centred perfectly to attract the viewer’s attention. Lights, shadows and colours transform each shot to present the actors in the desired atmosphere, and make us feel part of it.

Normal People is the series I wish I had written, starred in, and shot. It inspired me on a human and artistic level. A truly beautiful and moving piece of television. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

I May Destroy You

Yazz James Binge-watching may be unsuitable for this series due to its heavier topics of rape and consent, but that is not to say the narrative lacks moments of heart, comfort or comedy.

Written, co-directed and produced by the extraordinary Michaela Coel (Chewing Gum, Black Mirror), I May Destroy You follows Arabella (played by Coel herself) as she tries to process the grief of being spiked and sexually assaulted. As the show progresses, the prevalence of sexual violence becomes even more apparent, with each

character navigating their personal trauma differently.

Intersectional, without the feeling of forced tokenisation, the BBC drama is centred around three young, Black Londoners, their relationships with each other and their sexual experiences.

Arabella, the protagonist, is an author with a large social media following and just enough fame to get her recognised on the street. Prone to procrastination and partying, she finds herself struggling to write her next book and, on the night of her deadline, uses a trip to the bar as a not-so-brief break. Aspiring actress Terry (Weruche Opia) is Bella’s sisterly best-friend – “your birth is my birth, your death is my death”, the two repeatedly promise each other. Terry’s protective nature towards her friends presents her as a tougher, level-headed character, but her vulnerability comes through in her audition scenes where she becomes anxious and insecure. Kwame (Paapa Essiedu) is the third member of the trio; an aerobics instructor and somewhat of a Grindr-pro, the queer character’s story offers insight into online-hookup culture and the exploration of sexuality.

The experiences of the three are intertwined, emphasising friendship as central to the television series.

Based on her own experiences, Coel’s creation is realistic, refreshing and should be required-viewing – for those who are able to watch. The show centres itself on people who are often neglected – rape victims, Black women and Black queer men. Where Black women – and in particular dark-skinned Black women – are typically depicted as one-dimensional, strong and “sassy”, I May Destroy You gives us more. It celebrates creativity and sensitivity: segments of call-out comedy, striking monologues and its non-linear structure all highlight this.

For me, one of the most remarkable moments of this warmth comes in episode twelve. With an outstanding finale, Coel offers Arabella a variety of endings and reinforces the fact that there is no singular path to healing. Ultimately, the protagonist chooses to console herself through her craft – she writes.

Please note: this series can be incredibly triggering due to its content surrounding rape, sexual assault and consent. educated me about Drag culture and has helped me understand the experiences of people in the LGBTQ+ community.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Arts • Film & Television

17

Exploring Black is King; Beyonce’s ‘passion project’ Ellie Harbinson Staff Writer You know that feeling when you watch something and are left with a burning sensation to either cry, ring a friend, get up and dance, or – if you’re like me – grab a pen and analyse everything you’ve just watched?

Black Is King will make you want to do all the above. It’s a film celebrating the roots of a culture but also looks forward to a future of change. It is so much more than a visual album; it is both a work of art and a love letter.

“History is your future, one day you’ll find yourself back where you started, but stronger” Beyonce leans into the legendary words of Mufasa, “we are all connected in the great Circle of Life”, focusing on how the future and past are connected.

The film submerges you in a pool of culture, acceptance, sense of being and strength.

Beyonce uses her platform to highlight a time without oppression or discrimination; she takes everything back to the beginning, celebrating the beauty of African culture and the African diaspora. After releasing her last visual album “Lemonade” in 2016, Beyonce was praised for the artistic cinematography and incorporation of Warren Shire’s emotional poetry. Niellah Arboine, from the Independent writes; “If Lemonade was for Beyoncé, then Black Is King is for us”, which speaks volumes.

During Black Is King we are introduced to a host of dancers, actors and famous faces who all make up a celebration of Black

talent. After filming in Africa, the US and the UK, British Vogue reveals that Beyonce used local talent in her film, incorporating a sense of community and

the young king; “I know exactly who I am, the question is who are you?”. Beyonce is displayed multiple times throughout the film, with blue body paint; she dances during the song ‘Find Your Way Back’ after taking off a gown of sparkles to reveal the blue stripes. The struggle of self-identity within the story is intertwined with voices of people who have lost their roots amidst other cultures and silenced from their history, a man speaks; “when it’s all said and done, I don’t even know my own native tongue and if I can’t speak myself, I can’t think myself and if I can’t think myself, I can’t be myself. So, Uncle Sam tell me this if I can never know me, how can you?”.

The artist uses glamour and regality in her film to highlight aspects of African culture which are rarely represented in western media. During the song ‘Mood 4 Eva’ we are led into Simba’s coming of age as we switch between the young king and Jay Z as the older version of himself. We see a carefree Simba rolling up to a mansion in a Rolls Royce, portraying the image of wealth as he tucks into a grand meal. Beyonce hosts an afternoon tea party; for viewers this serves as a visual feast, with the guests dressed in colourful, elegant dresses highlighting the pinnacle of high class. Later, during ‘Brown Skin Girl’, which celebrates a coming of age and beauty, we focus on a debutante ball which is an element of

it’s the women that reassemble us. A lot of my manhood training came from women. Men taught me some things, but women taught me a whole lot more.”.

The song ‘My Power’ highlights the strength of women and the war against people doubting the importance of a gender. To me it feels like a battle song, fighting for the recognition deserved, B sings “on the frontline ready for war”. She is joined on the track by the talented; Tierra Whack, Nija and Busiswa. The fashion in this section of the film is bold and the colours vibrant, celebrating a host of women.

African American culture which is generally overlooked. Jenn Nkiru, the director for the song, speaks with Vogue on the vision for the scene, she comments on how the focus was to have a “think about how we can stretch people’s ways of thinking.” She explains that this “was very much the ethos for Black is King”.

Queen B has always ruled the music and film industry when it comes to female empowerment, so it’s no surprise that she uses her celebratory film to highlight women as powerful forces in ‘the circle of life’. A man speaks on the importance of women as the film transitions into the song; ‘Water’ which represents the essence of life; ‘‘Many times

surrounding ideas of royalty.

She ends her visual album with this; “And to all our sons and daughters, the sun and the moon bow for you. You are the keys to the kingdom”. She indicates that the youth of today are the future; they can move forward and create change and that’s what the film is all about, celebrating both the roots of a culture as well as accessing a future which links people back to their beginnings.

Beyonce has produced a work of art, if you haven’t watched Black Is King already, log-in to Disney Plus, or steal a mate’s and get ready for a spectacular piece of cinematography. You won’t be disappointed.

“

involvement for the people she dedicates her ‘passion project’.

This film comes at a time of international unrest sparked by the death of George Floyd, which triggered the onset of Black Lives Matter marches all over the globe. Beyonce prematurely released her video for ‘Black Parade’ on the 19th of June – ‘’Juneteenth” – a celebration of the 155th anniversary of the freedom from slavery for black people in America. As part of her “BeyGood” initiative she donates the earnings from the song to black-

owned small business funds.

The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People reveals that her initiative inspires people to be kind and

reaches out to businesses worldwide. Speaking to Vogue, Beyonce reveals that she began the film to accompany the reimagined 2019 Disney film. As the film was released at such a pivotal moment of change, she states, in Vogue, that the film will “serve a greater purpose”. “...I wanted to present elements of Black history and African tradition, with a modern twist and a universal message, and what it truly means to find your self-identity”, she writes on Instagram.

The theme of self-identity is prevalent in the premise of the Lion King, Simba acts as the naïve young lion who grows into himself, being misled and deceived, before finally finding his roots and coming home to himself. Beyonce recreates this journey towards self-identity through her visuals, acting as a celestial presence throughout, with her voice intermittently guiding both us and the young king. She could also be perceived as a motherly figure not just to the child she nurses, but also to the entire cast whom she brings unity.

Throughout the film she is accompanied by a man painted in blue who acts as a guide, dancing and contemplating.

Colours play a significant role in African culture; an article in the Radio Times discusses the Afam culture – for them, blue is representative of protection to ward against any evil spirits. We can gather that Stephen Ojo, the man painted in blue, could be a reimagined version of Rafiki with his lines recited, depicting him as a wandering soul. Rafiki’s most significant line comes at a time of self-reflection for

Beyonce recreates this journey towards self-identity through her visuals, acting as a celestial presence throughout, with her voice intermittently guiding both us and the young king. She could also be perceived as a motherly figure not just to the child she nurses, but also to the entire cast whom she brings unity.

The significance of Kings is a recurring theme in the film, as proposed in the title.

Beyonce reiterates the fact that “Systemically we’ve had so much taken from us. Being a King is taking what’s yours, but not just for selfish reasons, but to actually build up the community.”. Beyonce highlights that being a King is based on duties and taking care of people not necessarily always

The Badger 21st September 2020

Arts • Film & Television

18

What’s on

Brighton: A film fan’s guide

Tenet Dir. Christopher Nolan

Yazz James Film & TV Editor

Featuring performances from John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki, Nolan’s latest mind-bending feature Tenet is still showing in cinemas around the city.

Going into my fourth year of university and third year living in Brighton, I feel fairly equipped to share my knowledge and advice with fellow film fans.

With plenty of cinemas, festivals and pop-up venues, the sea-side city has a range of spaces for all to sit and enjoy screenings.

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Screening from the end of September, Attenborough’s new documentary highlights the beauty of the natural world and the damage that humans have done to it. Watching it on the big screen also offers viewers the chance to witness a conversation between Attenborough and Sir Michael Palin. It is also set to go on Netflix later on this year.

Cinemas:

Aside from the central, Przymneighbouring Odeon or the Marina’s Cineworld, Brighton is home to many other cinemas and screens.

Depot

Reachable by bus or train, Depot sits next to Lewes Train Station. With its friendly staff, incredibly affordable pricing of £4 per ticket (for under 25s) and spacious, yet comfortable auditoriums, Depot is easily one of my favourite university discoveries. In addition to a variety of screenings, the Lewesbased cinema also offers courses, shows plenty of independent, foreign and documentary films and it hosts live events - such as Q&As. The venue is accessible with each auditorium having wheelchair and companion spaces and its audio-described, signed, captioned and subtitled screenings. There are also relaxed and autismfriendly screenings. For more information or showtimes, take a look at the website: https:// lewesdepot.org/

Duke of York’s and Dukes at Komedia

‘Picturehouse’ cinemas are known for their stylish interiors, special screenings and somewhat quirky character.

Both are recognisable by pairs of striped legs extending from their roofs.

Duke of York’s houses one screen, but offers balcony seating in addition to the usual ground level. It claims the title of Britain’s oldest cinema and is located at Preston Circus, whereas its younger sibling, Dukes at Komedia, can be found on Gardner Street; both are suitable spots for a post-film pint and discussion.

The ground level of Duke of York’s is wheelchair accessible, as are the ground and first-floor levels of Dukes at Komedia.

The not-so-student-friendly pricing can be intimidating, but I would highly recommend purchasing a £20 student membership if you’re likely to visit often; you will receive a discount, saving yourself a couple of pounds each trip and the membership also allows you to get two free tickets, £5 tickets for ‘Vintage Sundays’ screenings and 25% off food and drink – you even save on alcohol! I also used my membership to get

The Great British Bake Off

Back just in time for the start of term, The Great British Bake Off returns to our screens with twelve contestants this September, on Channel 4.

Mike Quinn first dibs on tickets to events like a Timothée Chalamet Q&A at Picturehouse Central in my second year; the London-based special screenings tend to sell out quickly and so a membership is sometimes the only way to attend. Your option for the cheapest possible Picturehouse trip, however, would be to attend one of the monthly E4 Slackers Club screenings for free. For this, make sure you sign up to “My Picturehouse” and keep an eye out for any updates – it’s a great way to catch a preview showing.

ACCA

The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) is located on campus. Always with the offer of a concession rate and – depending on when you arrive – sometimes ‘pay what you decide’ tickets, it is great for those on a budget. Whilst it may be predominantly known for hosting an array of productions, exhibitions and talks, ACCA also shows films. As one of the venues for Brighton’s CINECITY film festival and its Sunday Cinema Club, there is plenty to be seen throughout the year. Possibly most suitable for documentary fans, ACCA always have something educational and intriguing to screen. Part of my love for the Attenborough Centre is down to its more niche selection – it’s unlikely you could find anywhere else to see the films on the big screen.

Film Festivals: CINECITY

After fears of it being cancelled, Brighton’s biggest

film festival, CINECITY, is due to return this autumn. The website currently explains that the festival is to take place both online and physically, once again, inviting audiences to discover world cinema, regional filmmakers and emerging talents. Last year’s screenings included Robert Eggers’ beautiful, yet disturbing ‘The Lighthouse’, Celine Sciamma’s stunning ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ and Rian Johnson’s funfilled, murder mystery ‘Knives Out’.

Spike Fest

Brighton has previously been blessed with The Brighton Film Party Society’s (TBFPS) ‘Wes Fest’, a mini Wes Anderson celebration with screenings, Q&As, fancy dress parties – the lot! However, 2020 provides something a little different; organised by White Wall Cinema (WWC) in collaboration with TBFPS, ‘Spike Fest’ is described as “two days of a special pop up cinema film festival… dedicated to one of the world’s greatest living movie directors Spike Lee.” There shall be six films screened across the weekend with Saturday centred on ‘Do The Right Thing’ (1989) and Sunday on ‘Blackkklansman’ (2018) – two other films shall be shown either side. WWC continually offer exciting popup screenings around Brighton and were my first taste of public film viewing post-lockdown.

‘The Socially Distanced Summer Screen’ has hosted an array of cult-classics, anti-blockbuster and secret screenings over the past two months, giving

Brightonians a taste of big screen life again – for that we are very grateful.

University Societies: Film Society

Free, on-campus and offering an easy opportunity to make friends, Film Soc is well-loved!

Run by students, the team host weekly screenings for all to attend. I’d recommend familiarising yourself with the friendly faces via the Freshers Fair and following them on Instagram (@sussex_filmsoc) to keep up to date. Screenings are usually followed by a trip to Falmer Bar where everyone grills or gushes over the film and gets to know each other.

Uni TV

For those who are interested in production, Uni TV is a great place to get some experience and meet other creatives. The team have shot projects ranging from news updates, short films, freshers events and their own game-show ‘UScovery’.

I’m Thinking of Ending Things Dir. Charlie Kaufman Available on Netflix, Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a psychological drama centred on a young couple as they take a roadtrip.

Criminal: United Kingdom

The second season of Netflix’s police-procedural drama has been released on the streaming site. With four episodes, each explores a different criminal investigation. Warning: themes of sexual violence are evident in this series.

Matthias et Maxime Xavier Dolan

Dir

A story of friendship, love and everything in-between, Xavier Dolan directs and stars in the tender Matthias et Maxime is streaming on MUBI.

Undergraduate Film Showcase

All undergraduate filmmakers - whether film students or not are invited to screen and share their work at the showcase.

Again, this is organised by students and so the event only runs thanks to volunteers. I attended last year and was overwhelmed by the level of talent and creativity displayed.

Keep an eye out on Facebook and your university emails to see more student work.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always Dir. Eliza Hittman

Summer saw the release of Hittman’s down-to-earth film. It follows Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) and her cousin (Talia Ryder) as they travel by bus in search of an abortion clinic. The feature is vulnerable and controlled, taking its time to realise its central characters. You can rent it on Amazon Prime.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Arts • Music

19

“If they go, they will never come back.”

Brighton’s music scene post-lockdown and the importance of #SaveOurVenues Alice Barradale Music Editor Like many lovers of Rock and Roll, Brighton’s ‘standby’ for independent music venues is a haunting matter at hand.

Since the government’s announcement to enforce lockdown measures during late March, the vulnerability of Brighton’s music scene has been further damaged.

Brighton is well renowned for its brilliant live music scene, where many up and coming bands rely on the city’s vast array of venues and loving supporters.

Unfortunately, it is somewhat difficult to know when such venues will be able to open again due to the issue surrounding social distancing, where our beloved sweaty mosh pit fuelled venues can be viewed as a breeding ground for the virus.

Worryingly, this would in turn mean that many venues might not survive the current climate and would be forced to close due to the government’s reluctance to properly support and fund such arts.

The degradation of independent venues across the country is incredibly detrimental for the UKs music scene and artists alike. Such grassroot venues are the only platforms performers must showcase and promote their material and play an important

Alan Tennyson role within the economic factors of a city. Independent music venues are and were incredibly important for my own development of music.

My beloved independent rock venue ‘The Shed’ back within my hometown of Leicester is also at high risk of closure, a devastating blow for myself and other young maturing lovers of rock music, especially due to its existing vulnerability as a genre.

Thankfully, many likeminded individuals have worked tirelessly to support our beloved industry.

In April, The Music Venue Trust announced their nationwide #SaveOurVenues campaign to try and help save over 400 Grassroots Music Venues in the UK [that] are at imminent risk of being closed permanently”. (#saveourvenues, 2020)

With only two days left of the campaign, they have amazingly been able to raise £1,213,824 (and counting) to help nurture and restore such culturally important arts within our towns and cities. Shockingly, 9 venues alone within Brighton have been found to be at high-risk, including; The Prince Albert, The Pipeline, The Brunswick, Green Door Store and Komedia.

Frontman Scully Creature, from the independent Brighton based band ‘Creature Creature’ helped provide a great insight into the reality of lockdown for many up and coming bands within the area; explaining how, “we were gearing up for three UK tours to promote our debut album before the pandemic hit.

Being independent, it’s a lot of work to make those contacts and arrange the tours so it

took a while for the news to settle in that they just won’t be happening this year. We didn’t want to postpone the release of our album because we need it out there to help us build support for what we do, along with bringing in a little income to help with our past and future outgoings as everything we earn is reinvested into the band.

Everyone in the industry and beyond are feeling the financial strain right now, whatever level you’re at. Not being able to play any live shows to promote the album has been tough. Equally, watching many magazines go under has been hard to witness both as a reader, and as someone trying to get coverage.

The music industry is difficult for up and coming bands to crack in the old climate, but this new one will really test the foundations of all the artists out there. You’re going to have to be tough to survive!” Therefore, many artists are having to diverge into new promotion platforms, where bands such as Creature Creature are having to investigate different ways to keep building interest online, such as through streams and social engagement.

“It’s not the same as playing live, and we can’t wait until we can get up close and personal with people again but that’s the way it’s got to be right now.” - Scully Creature.

Interestingly, artists have

now been compelled to perform home-based performances to support themselves and their local venues that are currently at risk. The impact of this virus has led to even large bands hosting online-sessions, especially those who have yet to showcase and perform their new albums live. Enter Shikari’s 2020 album ‘Nothing is True & Everything is Possible’ is a great example of an album that has taken to social media to promote and perform their new releases, whilst also publicly announcing their support for the #SaveOurVenues campaign.

Amazingly, to help support their road crew that are currently unemployed due to the closure of venues, they have given all profits of their ‘The Last Spark: Live At Ancienne Belgique, Brussels Bootleg Series Vol 11’ to help support their incredibly important team survive the current economic climate.

Unfortunately, it is therefore noticeable to view the UK’s independent music scene as being on the brink of collapse, especially without the government’s long-term financial support for such venues.

To see more of ‘Creature Creatures’ work: Website: https://distrokid. c o m / h y p e r f o l l o w/c r e a t u rec re at u re/t wo -f i n g e r

Fontaines D.C.: Reborn with new album A Hero’s Death Percy Walker-smith Music Editor Only a year since the release of their debut album, honest and frank lyricism has succeeded once more, with Fontaines D.C.’s second effort. This time around, the collection of songs feel as though they are cut from a different cloth than the debut record.

The opening track I Don’t Belong is a far cry from the first album; Dogrel’s opener Big. Both tracks are anthems in their own right. However, the opening song from the recent album is more mature in its context, and lyrically seems like a realisation from the band’s frontman Grian Chatten. The realisation that they are now a successful sought-after band and that success is not what it originally seemed to them. The second track Love Is The Main Thing confirms the proposed

realisation, that in life, love is the main thing, and that love can outdo being controlled by a record label or pop culture. The thoughts that the songs provoke when listening are heartfelt and honest.

Sonically, the record is very diverse with the clashing symbols and twisting reverb of Lucid Dream to the sleepy lullaby sounding guitar on Oh Such A Spring. The title track is certainly the most comparable to their debut record. It is also the most empowering on the record. It is a track of hope which becomes an instructional message on how to live, repeating the mantra that ‘life ain’t always empty’.

As a whole the record seems far more vulnerable than the first and does not feel as if the band are deliberately capitalising on their success last year; their Mercury Prize nomination, and album of the year from both

“

BBC Radio 6 and Rough Trade.

The title track is certainly the most comparable to their debut record. It is also the most empowering on the record. It is a track of hope which becomes an instructional message on how to live, repeating the mantra that ‘life ain’t always empty’.

However, I still think that this band has brought life to the guitar-band music scene that is arguably fraying at its edges.

Whether you are a lover of the post-punk sound or not, this band will undoubtedly impress you if you happen to wander past their set at a festival next summer. Yes, we have our fingers crossed for that to happen, but I’ll save that dreaded topic for another article.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Arts • Theatre

20

The show must go online: A review of Digital Hamlet Elijah Arief Theatre Co-Editor Theatre and technology are two things which seem incongruent.

Technology seems to create a barrier between us and the art, it is a wall of separation that leaves the viewers with an impersonal experience.

We see this mostly with television and film, though we are watching the story we are not directly a part of the journey. If theatre has taught me anything, it is that there is nothing like being in a small sweaty room with a pint of warm beer with an actor screaming directly into my face to plunge me deep into the story that the artists are trying to create. In that moment I am at one with play, and the play is at one with me. But of course, times have changed. Every August I am in that tightly packed room, warm beer in hand and losing myself to a play that I paid £5 entry too, getting enraptured or disgusted, depending on the play itself.

This August I am getting the Shakespeare kick that I need every now and then, but from the window of my laptop screen.

Technology and theatre have blended this year and let me tell you it is wonderful.

The Show Must Go Online is a passion project created

by Robert Myles as a direct response to the pandemic. It has its platform on YouTube and livestreams theatre created

Hartwig HKD from Zoom calls, with its primary focus on producing and showing Shakespeare.

Myles quotes “Shakespeare is for everyone. Being in a time of crisis and isolation, I believe it is more important than ever”.

The platform puts on a show once a week, with the cast and crew only having two and half days of rehearsal before the Zoom calls are livestreamed.

The critical response has been phenomenal, with the platform winning two OnComm awards and having amassed over 16,000 views from sixty different countries. In the YouTube comment section, we see the ‘Digital Groundlings’ react and debate when the show is performed, which in of itself is a form of entertainment that

anyone can participate in. I am reminded of going to the Globe for the first time and getting to fully experience Elizabethan theatre and loving the experience of audience participation. It is soothing to know that even within these times that tradition can continue. Furthermore, the Show Must Go Online is keen on gender representation and including underrepresented groups, with a beautifully diverse cast to prove to us at home that Shakespeare truly is for everybody.

The play I tuned into this week was Hamlet, and I was incredibly excited to see how one of my favourite plays would be adapted into a digital format.

I was not disappointed. The

show begins with a fifteenminute introduction by guest speaker Dr David Sterling Brown, a Shakespeare and premodern critical studies scholar who gives us a fascinating insight into Hamlets inherent whiteness and opens our eyes to view the play itself through this lens.

This was an amazing touch and I felt thoroughly engaged by Dr Browns analyses and felt moved to read more about race within Shakespeare. Dr Brown set the tone for what would be four hours of some of the most innovative theatre I’ve ever seen.

Brilliant and charismatic, the play seems to be self-aware in the knowledge that it is being performed via Zoom, but that in no way cheapens or takes away from the serious nature of certain themes within Hamlet. The actors are dressed in their own costuming and their own makeup, which helps personalise and distinguish the character beautifully and I loved seeing the different costumes each actor could present us with, it really helped each actor to step into that role in such a way that was completely unique to themselves alone. It would be very hard to feel alienated by this version of the play, despite the technological wall.

The simplified lighting cues via torches, and the use of the Zoom green screen background feature made the play easy to follow, which can be a relief for those who find Shakespeare

difficult or overwhelming. One example is the way Old Hamlets ghost was presented to us; the actor used the light cues in such a way that it seemed as if the ghost was about to jump out of my laptop screen. It was then that I was reminded of the fact that Hamlet is first and foremost a ghost story, and the cast remind us of this eagerly which excited me greatly because I love horror theatre! One worry that I had was that the show would be presented like film, however as soon as I realised every single actor had turned their home into their stage, I was reminded of the heart of theatre. That heart representing the concept that anything can be your stage. With enough creativity and passion theatre can live on in any medium that it wishes, and just because I could not see Hamlets actor perform his infamous soliloquy live on stage does not mean that did not translate well live on YouTube.

The world of theatre is changing as we know it, and we are entering a new and strange world when it comes to the arts. Companies such as The Show Must Go Online are keeping up with the times and showing us that the arts will continue to thrive even in the darkest of times. I encourage all Shakespeare fans to support this wonderful company and not to give up on theatre. It is a new world, but I am forever the optimist.

It’s so close you can touch it Harrison Fitzgerald Theatre Co-Editor Ah, hello there, welcome to the theatre part of The Badger.

Please, read into my sometimes chaotic and sometimes organised mind that is being spewed onto this page about theatre.

If you are a fresher, then double welcome, to the University and to The Badger.

Though your experience will certainly be exceedingly different to that of anyone else’s first year, the time you have will be good regardless, and what better a place than Sussex, in Brighton. If you’re not new here or even new to The Badger then welcome still, I will be your host (or rather editor) Harrison, ready to give you a wild ride of current drama, upcoming drama, university drama, professional drama and of course, completely needless bits of information that I know about theatre or read once. As you will find out during the Freshers Fair (which you should take an interest

in if you’re a fresher or not), there is the ‘Sussex University Drama Society’ (SUDS), the BAME Drama Collective and the ‘Sussex Musical Theatre Society’ (SMuTS) to wet your appetites for just on campus theatre.

These come with endless opportunities for involvement and simply just entertainment, running shows all throughout the year at very much student rates. It is definitely worth your while to find and follow their social media accounts, both Facebook and Instagram, as that way you can keep up to date on what is going on around you.

There is also, obviously, the whole of Brighton to explore, and oh is there a lot to explore.

There are the most known places like the Theatre Royal and Komedia that run shows and stand up all year round but littered throughout are pop up shows, pantomimes and other outdoor shows that take place in the centre of Brighton, especially as the weather warms up through spring and summer.

I always remember what my dad

told me, theatre isn’t just for christmas, it’s for life (or was that about the dog?)

It is safe to say that in your first year you won’t find everywhere that you can see theatre, or rather, some sort of theatrical performance, let alone go to them all; but that doesn’t matter, because exploring and finding them out alongside finding what it’s like to live out of your parents house (if you’re fresh out of A levels and home) is a task and a pleasure in itself. The societies at Sussex, including everything that isn’t theatre, are all inclusive and all help is needed. You don’t have to be in a psychology course to join psychology society and the same applies for theatre, it is just a place for like minded people, not necessarily die hard fanatics.

I hope that you feel welcomed to Sussex and welcomed to the theatre portion of The Badger particularly (as that is basically my job). Peruse at your pace. I’ll be churning out all the theatre news you can handle.

@NiamhBarker_Art

The Badger 21st September 2020

Arts • Editors’ Choice

21

A new column: Editors’ Choice Editors’ choice is a new column in which the Arts Editors have both the platform and opportunity to share what we are engaging with from the world of the arts. We wanted to create this section so that we are not only being the Arts Editors this year but also have the chance to write as well. We hope you shall discover some up and coming events, ideas, artists, productions, musicians and texts which may peak your interest, as we share what has caught our eye as well as getting us thinking about the events, new releases and ongoings from within the arts. For our first article we wanted to share some of our all time favourite texts; movies, books, podcasts, artists, albums, magazines, social media accounts and our cultural highlights, as a way to establish this new column and also share the types of artistic media we consume and enjoy. As well as sharing what kept us sane during lockdown.

Robyn Cowie Arts Co-Editor In terms of my personal favourite cultural texts and events, I have to confess that I am heavily influenced by my degree. I study American Studies and therefore a lot of the culture and media that I enjoy is based around that. My fascination for American culture appears in all its forms, since I am attempting to keep up with the constantly evolving cultural scene which inhabits the country.

‘Blind Date’ column. I find exploring all the possibilities and interactions of love which we can encounter in our lives an endless source of fascination which I

Robert Lamb Other than simply consuming culture for my degree, I was lucky enough to grow up in London and therefore have many places of artists importance upon my doorstep, some of my all time favourite places have to be the V&A, Royal Academy of Art, KOKO, Brixton Academy, Royal Albert Hall, Alexandra Palace, the Roundhouse, Union Chapel, Design Museum and Jazz Cafe. I am also a hopeless romantic, so rom-coms, classic romantic literature fiction, love songs, poems and even instagram accounts all follow that theme. My favourites for this category have to include Modern Love from the New York Times, Dolly Alderton’s podcast Love Stories, the Humans of NY instagram page, any cliché romcom film made by Richard Curtis or Nora Ephron or even the Guardians weekly

Well welcome back readers! You left me a Theatre Editor and found me now one of the Art Editors in charge at The Badger.

So much has happened since we last spoke; however, instead of chronicling my humorous anecdotal experiences I’m going to stick to the brief of ‘Editors choice’, indulge my narcissism and make you aware of my favorite art and artists.

Artist focus

Cultural hightlights

Podcasts are an invaluable resource which I indulge in to further educate myself when attempting to get my head around my degree matter. Podcasts’ such as; the New York Times ‘The Daily’, Slow Burn, Ameri-Cast, 5-4, This American Life, Serial, Nice White Parents and the 1619 Project, all help me to enrich my degree. Other texts which continue to fuel my fascination for across the pond include that of leading publications such as the Atlantic, the Washington Post, the New York Times, The Boston Globe, in particular their Spotlight series, The New Yorker, American Vogue, and Time Magazine. These allow me to hear from all different people, stories, ideals, experiences and identities which make up modern America.

Jessica Hake Arts Co-Editor

cannot seem to quit.

Lockdown distractions

During lockdown I tried to fill this time of isolation and quiet with different voices, ideas, life experiences and adventures as I could. I found I needed to seek both relief and distraction during this time, whilst attempting to broaden my horizons whilst being confined to my home like everyone was. I got really into film analysis during this time, although I enjoy films, I decided to instead focus on the makings of them. From watching and listening to ‘Beyond the Screenplay’, I was able to examine classic texts to see why and how they were so relevant.

By getting into the making of films it allowed me the ease of escapism not solely into the cinematic texts which were being examined but also the movie industry as a whole. I also fell back in love with BBC iplayer, from ‘Normal People’, ‘Mrs. America’ and ‘I May Destroy You’, each offering spectacular television which kept me sane and occupied by placing me into narratives which I was a world away from, sitting in my house alone during lockdown. Lockdown was a time where I was able to slip into as many different narratives and peoples shoes in order to distract myself from the ongoings around me. For me personally the pure escapism was necessary for that period of solitude.

Before I forget I have some information to share, don’t worry - I will get back to the ‘Artist Focus’ aspect of this paragraph very shortly. The big news is I now have a record player. I am the epitome of a 90s teenager with vinyl covers stuck on my walls and I love it! Granted, I have struggled to not spend all my money on my favourite all time albums; however, I have found joy in searching through antique stores and junk shops, stumbling across some brilliant finds (including a copy of ‘The Graduate’ score). I feel as though I have suddenly been granted a whole new lease of life - I listen to music both old and new, recordings of live concerts (historical events), a selection of monologues and even stand up comedy (thank you Richard Pryor). I wasn’t sure who I should pick for my ‘Artist Focus’ section of this article, so I will go with EdouardLeon Scott de Martinville who, according to Google, made the first version of a turntable in 1857. In turn, creating my lockdown obsession.

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Sex Education

Theatre

Oh theatre my love and joy…. Despite enjoying the live streaming that has occurred for the past few months from venues across the country, I am still longing to watch some in person standup comedy and take in a London musical. If any of you out there were trying to experience some theatre yourself, I would recommend purchasing a copy of ‘Fleabag’ the script. I have previously written an article raving about the BBC series, written and starred by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and in case you wanted a new way to experience media after a Netflix binge this lockdown - a theatrical read could be a welcomed change.

Books

As a bibliophile books have always been an important part of my life. They came with me on car journeys, sat with me when I was waiting for my parents to pick me up from school and kept me company at school during lunch break.

My all time favorite book is The Princess Bride by William Goldman and I cannot recommend it more than enough. There is drama, romance, horror, action and magic. Words are unable to express my love for this text, so I will just tell you all to buy the book and be done with it.

TV/Film

Top 5 films: Goodfellas The Princess Bride What Men Want?

Inglorious Basterds Forrest Gump Top 5 series: Dear White People Peaky Blinders (not the last series) The Inbetweeners

Justin Higuchi

Music

Music is quite possibly where I’ve seen the largest impact of lockdown. Moving back to live with my parents for so long was lovely but was very reminiscent of my adolescent and brought back a lot of memories surrounding teenage rebellion. The combination of my invigorated teenage angst and valid driving license led to car journeys involving the screaming of Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since you’ve been gone’ in the queue for McDonalds drive-through, blasting Pink’s ‘So what?’ down rural roads at 1 am and last but not least, aggressively enjoying Avril Lavigne’s ‘Girlfriend’ absolutely everywhere.

Having just moved into my new student house I am trying to move away from the 2000s music that dominated the last few months of my life. However, I will always remember those power songs with joy, happiness and memories of McDonald’s veggie sticks. Good times.

Artist Focus: Eden Clifton We know the last few months have been weird to say the least, but despite the uncertainty of the world at the moment, here at Artist Focus we want to use our platform to create a space where up and coming artist can talk about their art, their obsessions, and everything in between. For the first Artist Focus article of this year, I wanted to select an artist whose work reflected the vibrancy and colourful vibes of Brighton, and who better to do this than Eden Clifton?

Eden, a creative and illustrator studying at Brighton University, loves to draw on any surface she can find. From dishes, to tote-bags and even earrings, Eden is constantly transforming objects into art. Her style, which can only be described as explosively colourful often features lively characters that play with geometry. For this feature, I chatted to her about her childhood, her sources of inspiration and her artistic trajectory.

The Badger 21st September 2020

How did you manage to find your niche illustration style?

This has taken me many years of exploration. I started by drawing people with enhanced facial feature, and I just went from there.

Today I’m quite happy with my own visual language, which I would describe as simple but fun. I’ve also made peace with the idea that my style can be as divisive as Marmite: some people find the eyes too scary!

You work in a variety of formats (ceramics, jewellery, prints), does your creative process change depending on the medium?

Have you got any upcoming projects that you’re looking forward to?

At the moment, I’ve been working on my earrings and my online shop, investing into new products with the money I’ve been making.

I will also be starting ceramic throwing lessons soon, which is very exciting!

My short-term plans would be getting my own studio, turning my illustration into a full-time job, and working on commissioned pieces.

My long-term goal would be to open an art shop selling my own and showcasing other young creative’s work. That’s the dream.

What places in Brighton inspire you to create?

My designing process, which is mainly freehand, doesn’t necessarily change throughout the different mediums.The techniques, however, vary a lot.

I often draw whatever comes to my mind –I think that my fingers have a mind of their own. Sometimes I will start with a sketch of a design, and I just change it up. Other times, I’ll have a late-night thought, a little poem, or a sentence in my head, and I turn it into a drawing.

I live in the centre of Brighton town, so literally everywhere around me is inspiring. The people, the shops, the parks and the food!

To see more of Eden’s work…

Website: https://edenclifton.com/ Instagram: @eden_clifton Words by Luisa De La Concha Montes

The Badger 21st September 2020

Societies 24

A one stop society shop Want to join a society but aren’t sure which? Here are just a few of Sussex’s vibrant and varied offerings!

Nigerian Soc:

‘The Sussex Nigerian Society was constituted by a small group of Nigerian students in the year 2013. Its fundamental purpose was to unite Nigerian Students at the University of Sussex. The Nigerian Society is a home away from home, a strong community where members find, not just friendship, but academic, social and emotional support.

Even in the time of a pandemic, the SNS is not relenting in its vision to support its members and has engaged in virtual activities to interact with current and most importantly, prospective Nigerian/African students who are expected to commence their studies in the coming session.

Freshers are provided pre-arrival and post-arrival signposts to help them integrate into campus and social life, they are handheld by an academic mentor within the society to help bridge the cross-border education system dichotomies.

We have fun, eat world-famous Nigerian jollof rice, dance and ‘gbe bodi’ to Burna Boy’s classics, we do zanku leg work to free our bodies from the stress of “acada” life.

We make it our duty to provide a safe space for Nigerian students here at the University of Sussex, and this time more than ever, the SNS is ever ready to go above and beyond in providing its members with the necessary support needed for a gratifying academic experience.’

Law Society:

The University of Sussex Law Society exists to enhance the experience of law and non-law students by exposing members to opportunities during their time at University. As a very active society in Sussex, and as a society that wants to give the most to its members, the USLS provides a unique crossplatform experience ranging from social and educational events, speaker events, practical events/workshops, the Law Ball and many more. Follow us on our social media platforms to make sure that you get the latest event updates and opportunities @sussexunilawsoc.

Becoming a member gives you exclusive access to career event tickets & subscriptions, as well as discounted Law Ball tickets and merchandise. Visit us on www. sussexunilawsoc.com

Badminton soc:

The University Badminton team offers a wide variety of sporting opportunities for people

interested in our rapidly growing community. Our teams compete in the BUCS leagues across south-east England and we also have a local league team for developing players. We have also hosted charity events and plan to host tournaments next year to make sure everyone can get involved. Obviously, with COVID, we are unsure exactly how things will work but with a great committee this year we will be constantly working to ensure a strong, safe, and successful year at the club. If you are interested in picking up badminton this year, we have one of the largest ACTIVE US communities on campus with lots of players with a wide range of ability. Please check out our freshers stand for more information on times and dates of trials and sessions!

Model United Nations:

Model United Nations is a style of debating in which you take on the role of a delegate (or as part of a delegation if you prefer), and debate world issues from the perspective of a certain country. Not only can you become more informed on global issues and how the UN works, but there is also the opportunity to go to national/international conferences, where you can meet people from around the world. Whatever your past experience, we promise lively, but inclusive debates. Model UN is a brilliant tool by which anyone can gain confidence and public speaking skills. We’re a friendly committee, so no pressure to speak during a debate until you’re ready! When you are ready, you’ll get to passionately argue for (or against!) human rights, negotiate peace treaties with the US or North Korea, and discuss a whole range of solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s problems!

Walking soc:

The University is surrounded by the beautiful South Downs National Park, providing plenty of great walks with amazing sights.

The Sussex Walking and Hiking Society runs regular walks, both local and further afield. We’re open to everyone - from the most inexperienced stroller to the keenest of ramblers.

Our walks run every other weekend (with variations), usually starting at 11am on campus.

They are usually between 8 and 15km (5 and 10 miles) and last around three hours.

To find out more about the society and our walks, visit our website (sussexwalking.uk) where

you can find our calendar, photo gallery, social media, mailing list, and even member discounts at several outdoors retailers!

For regular updates you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

We’re looking forward to showing you our beautiful countryside on one of our walks soon!

Yoga soc:

The Sussex Yoga Society is here to bring you therapeutic and calming yoga sessions for both beginners and more experienced yogi. The many physical benefits of yoga include increased musculature, cardiovascular and respiratory health, along its proven ability to reduce stress and increase self-awareness. Yoga helps you to relax and return to the present moment, which is great for when you are feeling stressed about your studies! On top of the physical aspect, we aim to explore the whole breadth of the yoga traditions, including informative talks, meditation sessions and spiritual practices. Classes are taught by professional yoga instructors, so the price of classes can vary, but we aim to provide as many free sessions as possible. The more members we have, the more funding we can get for new equipment, so make sure you join! It’s free!

Pol soc:

Sussex Pole Fitness is an inclusive and supportive sports club, welcoming people of all abilities, body types and backgrounds.

Whether you’ve had years of experience or are starting as a beginner, we train all abilities in dance, fitness and flexibility. Like many clubs and societies, this year we have adapted our practice to ensure that our members can still safely get involved in everything we have to offer, whether they have access to a pole or not. This will include online strength and flexibility training, in addition to virtual workshops and collaborations with other societies. We at Pole Fitness love to see our member’s confidence grow, making friends

as you learn and improve. As well as social experiences and events, members of Pole Fitness have access to weekly classes, workshops, showcases and national competitions to help you make the most of your time with us at Sussex.

Filipino society

The Sussex Filipino Society is a society focused on bringing and sharing the fruits of the Filipino culture to Brighton. We have meetings every fortnight where we hold events such as acoustic night, quiz night, game night, potlucks and hosting parties with our partners at Revolution Bar. If you’re more sporty, we have weekly meetups to play badminton and basketball, and hold monthly sports competitions with societies within and out of Sussex. If you’re interested in creating good memories, enjoying food with good people, making lifelong friends and learning about the Filipino culture, then the Sussex Filipino Society is the society for you.

Filipino or not, we welcome you with open arms and we can’t wait to see you at our future events.

Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram page to find out more @sussexfilipinosociety.

Psychology society:

We are the Psychology Society at the University of Sussex, where we host socials and activities that are both psychology and non-psychology related.

Last year we hosted a number of nights out and pub quizzes, as well as sober socials such as a competition between the psychology society and the neuroscience society. This year we’re planning a number of socials that can be done regardless of government advised restrictions, such as virtual games and competitions, as well as many others. If you have any questions or would like to get to know our society better you can find out more at our Facebook page (Sussex Psychology Society) and our Instagram (@sussexpsychologysociety). We can’t wait to meet you all, enjoy the rest of your summer and see you in the new academic year!

STAR:

STAR is a national student charity welcoming refugees to the UK. We volunteer at local projects, campaign to improve refugee lives, raise awareness about the international refugee crisis and the UK asylum system, and fundraise to welcome refugees both nationally and in our City of Sanctuary; Brighton.

The human beings seeking refuge in the UK are fleeing war, torture and persecution. They deserve our respect and protection. Seeking asylum is a Human Right and should be treated as such. STAR’s aim is to build a connection between the refugee community of Brighton and the University of Sussex. While we’ve only been represented at Sussex since 2014, our Equal Access campaign has already led to the acquisition of two full scholarships for students with Discretionary Leave to Remain in the UK. We’ve also volunteered at English conversation classes and worked in cooperation with local charities and organisations. Get in touch to join a team of passionate individuals working to improve refugee lives.

BAME soc:

BAME society is dedicated to providing Black Asian Minority Ethnic students with a safe social space on campus and support as well as bringing attention to important situations that are occurring in our communities world-wide.

We strive to bring together the BAME students of Sussex in order to combat feelings of isolation on campus by uniting the community while also respecting and celebrating our members’ individual ethnic identities.

Our committee is dedicated to providing BAME students with a wide range of inclusive events throughout the year that cater to our diverse group of members and we will be here for you if you need any help or advice during your time at Sussex. We look forward to seeing everyone this year and welcome to Sussex.

Pirate society So, yer looking to join the Sussex University’s very own Pirate Society, eh?

Before you embark on the journey of a lifetime, ask yourself these questions: ~ Do you seek fun and adventure? ~ Do you dream of a world where you can dress as a pirate whenever you wish? ~ Do you want to meet fun loving, thrill seeking, adventure taking individuals?

If you answered yes, then The Pirate Society be the place for you! Even if you answered no, it can still be a place for you!

“What can I expect from an event by The Pirate Society?”, I hear you ask.

1. A welcoming group of individualistic individuals!

The Badger 21st September 2020

Societies 25 2. A fun, progressive, inclusive and accessible environment.

3. Pirates. Absolutely. Everywhere.

Some Future Events Include: ~ Screenings of Your Favourite Pirate Films ~ Pirate Zoom Quizzes ~ Virtual Treasure Hunts ~ And Much More!

Veg soc:

VegSoc is a society dedicated to promoting the ethical and environmental benefits of veganism in a pragmatic and friendly way.

Events are open to absolutely everybody from meat eaters to vegans, but never include animal products so as to be welcoming to everyone. All we ask is that you are respectful and there because you’re interested in veganism (and having a good time)!

Our past events include bringyour-own-dish potlucks, bakeoffs, picnics, activism workshops, VR experiences, bigscreen documentary viewings and we always welcome collaborations with other societies. We also encourage society members to suggest events or set up their own unofficial meetups; you can use our friendly group chat. The vegan community in Brighton is ever-growing, and the number of vegan/vegan friendly restaurants seems limitless. If your thing is great food, activism, or meeting like-minded people, this city is the place to do it- and we’re here to compliment that!

Equestrian

Hi, freshers we are the Equestrian Sports Society! Lessons for all abilities are on Wednesday afternoons at Lancing (beginners and novices) and Polegate (advanced and intermediate) riding centres. We organise transport to our venues for our riders. We also have a BUCS team that competes in dressage and jumping in style (trains on Wednesdays at Polegate). We are a super inclusive club welcoming anyone and everyone and we try to keep our prices as low as possible. We organise a wide variety of activities including intra-club competitions, movie nights, themed nights out, hacks with beautiful scenery and so much more! We even organise a riding holiday to Sicily! Feel free to contact us on our email (polo@clubs.sussexstudent. com), facebook(University of Sussex Equestrian Society) and instagram (@sussexuniequestrian) with any questions you may have. We all look forward to welcoming you into our club and making lots of new friends!

Sussex Labour Society

The University of Sussex Labour Society is the branch of the Labour Party here at Sussex. We engage in all sorts of political

activities and played a key role in the general election campaign in 2019. Beyond this we strongly believe in activism outside of party politics and take a leading role in this across the city. Last year alone we supported campaigns for a ‘Plastic free Sussex’ and supported direct action on campus. Away from politics we have regular socials including but not restricted to bar crawls and Pub Golf. The Labour Society is a genuinely welcoming environment where members can get stuck into political campaigns and make good friends along the way!

Sussex Food Waste Café

The Food Waste Café is a student-led environmental and social enterprise with a simple idea. We take surplus ingredients and turn them into delicious vegan/vegetarian meals, served on campus on a pay-asyou-feel basis in order to provide an accessible and sustainable option for everyone and help to tackle food waste together. Last year, with the help of 30 volunteers, we held 5 cafés which saved 550 kg of food.

Due to Covid-19, it is likely that we will be unable to hold cafés in the near future, but that doesn’t mean that we are willing to stop pushing for change! We want to continue to raise awareness about how to reduce food waste, set up challenges to save food on an individual level and volunteer together with other projects such as joining the Feedback’s Gleaning Network to rescue food from the fields. Besides that, we aim to campaign for a community kitchen, a community fridge and compost bins on campus. And let’s not forget about our socials as well! So if you are interested in any of this, please join us to help make a real change, meet like-minded people and have fun together. To see the kind of things we’ve been up to and what’s still to come, check out our Facebook (@foodwastecafesussex) or Instagram (@foodwastecafe_sussex) - we hope to meet you soon!

Sussex Sikh Society

The Sussex Sikh Society aims to bring together Sikhs and our surrounding communities on campus. In seeking to promote the key principles of Sikhi, (Naam Japna: meditation on the name of God, Vand Chakna: sharing the fruits of our labour and Kirat Karni: earning an honest and pure living) we aim to build a more apparent presence, understanding, and awareness of Sikhi on campus. Previously we have organised talks, quizzes, inter-faith discussions and also social events such as bowling, etc. Whilst regarding COVID-19, this year we will aim to

establish a volunteering group with Nishkam S.W.A.T to provide for Brighton’s homeless, provide consistent talks with BoS, and still maintain a positive and active outlet to inform and unite everyone on campus. Stay up to date by following our Instagram (@sikhsociety.sussex) and joining our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ SikhSocietySussex!

Psychedelic Research Society:

At the Psychedelic Research Society of Sussex, we aim to create an open space for discussion and education around the growing field of research surrounding the spiritual and clinical use of psychedelic substances, bringing in speakers and researchers from the forefront of scientific breakthrough. We put on a wide variety of events, including lectures and talks from those leading in their fields, workshops for more practical entries into the field, and more relaxed socials in order to maintain our friendly, vibrant community. Find us at: https://www.facebook.com/ sussex.uni.psychesociety.

SUDS (Sussex Drama Society)

University

Insta: @sudsofficial Fb: Sussex University Drama Society Email: suds@societies.sussexstudent.com

Sussex Live Music Society (SLiM)

The official University of Sussex society for artists, bands, aspiring band members, and people who love live music. We are an active and vibrant society that has the aim of building a strong music scene at the university and beyond.

Instagram: @sussexlivemusicsociety Facebook: Sussex Live Music Society

Sussex Hawks Ultimate

Everyone’s heard of frisbee.

Many have played it with their friends or even their dogs. Only the brave play Ultimate. A blend of netball and American football, with gender mixed and split teams. The Hawks were founded in 1986 and we’ve accumulated 22 trophies, quickly becoming established as a premier team in the UK. We play indoors and outdoors and in any weather, many players have gone on to represent Team GB and our coaches are internationally renown. On top of national competitions, we also like to take part in friendly local tournaments and engage with the wider Brighton Ultimate community. We also love throwing a good party! Come one and all, bring your flatmates along, the Sussex Hawks has a spot for everyone!

The Politics Society

Just because the lights in our theatres have temporarily gone dark doesn’t mean that our passion for theatre has. SUDS has always been about groups of individuals creating beautifully together and forging friendships and memories that make the society feel more like a family home than a student-led organisation.

One thing is for sure, that is not something that can be broken; not by social distancing, a negligent government or anything else. Whilst our ability to create in close proximity this year is still very much uncertain, we have been working to adapt and respond to the covid situation as it has developed. As such, we have a variety of events planned including; our virtual freshers week events (tba shortly), student and industry professional led remote workshops, virtual socials, socially distanced performances (hopefully) and many, many more. We will be evolving as the situation progresses and creating in any way that we can, difficult problems breed creative solutions after all.

The Politics Society is here to help you learn about the important issues of our time, directly from the world-leading politicians, thinkers and activists who shape them.} Our diverse and unique speakers have made us the reigning back-to-back winners of the Guest Speaker of the Year Award at Sussex, and recipients of the National Politics Society of the Year award. We heard candid stories and insights from speakers including the President of Azad Kashmir, the activist Gina Miller, the South Korean Ambassador, and the former Archbishop of Canterbury.

But that’s last year. What about this year?

Well, you can find out how to survive in the age of fake news with BBC journalist Evan Davis.

You can learn what a No-Deal Brexit means from a former Conservative Party Leader, or join us for a Q&A with Labour MP Jess Phillips. Discover how to win a war from a US General, or understand the current recession from a former Governor of the Bank of England.

You can come to our virtual Murder Mystery Nights, or our

renowned pub quizzes. You can take part in virtual debates, or decide who you think will win between Trump and Biden in our US Presidential Election Panel.

Whether you are looking for debate, to socialise, or even to meet the occasional Prime Minister, the Society aims to bring something for everyone.

You can become a member on our Students’ Union page (https://tinyurl.com/suspolsoc), and see all of our events on our Facebook page (www.facebook. com/suspolsoc).

The Sussex African/Caribbean Society (ACS)

The African Caribbean Society is a society aiming to bring together individuals from a range of backgrounds, to help appreciate the beautiful black heritage through art, fashion, music and other achievements of those within the community.

We aim to be united and provide a respectful, comfortable and enjoyable environment that informs and empowers our members. The ACS represents a positive symbol that showcases how proud we are of our heritage and to accept anyone who shows interest in our culture into the society. We use our differences to our advantage by uplifting and expressing the range of cultures found in the ACS through get togethers and events, which will enable a safe space that both educates and celebrates the afro/caribbean culture.

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat : @SussexACS Email: Sussexacs14@gmail.com

Under the Sheets

Under the Sheets is a student led campaign group which facilitates educational workshops, signposts sources of support and disseminates resources on issues surrounding healthy relationships and sex. The area of relationship and sex education is lacking severely within campus and younger school environments, and our group’s aim is to make information and resources more readily accessible for the student community to help keep us all safe and healthy.

The issues we cover include consent, emotional health, sexual health, and effective communication. A large part of what we do includes signposting to other organisations and facilities for survivors or witnesses of assault and / or abuse, such as charities, university resources or the police. Due to COVID-19 we are unsure of how long it will be until we can again run consent workshops on campus - but in the meantime we are working on plenty of online resources for the Sussex community!

The Badger 21st September 2020

Travel & Culture 26 First year reflections A glimpse into the post-first-year thoughts of three Sussex students.

Lauren Hines Staff Writer

Ellie Harbinson Staff Writer

Inès Bussat Staff Wirter

I

I

M

Over the year, I began to love my newfound sense of freedom. To my mums delight I started to enjoy cooking, I started doing well in my studies because I was doing something I enjoyed and wasn’t being nagged to start working. I could explore a new city and feel like it was my own with new people, drunk or sober. I spent my first few months in absolute fear of the library before braving it and finding it was my favourite spot on campus. The student bars became mine and my flatmates go to each night, finding solace in a game of pool. The best thing for me about Sussex university was the diversity of students, I met people with differing political views, artistic individuals and intellects, the majority of my friends were international students giving me insights into different ways of life. If I could give you one important piece of advice for the year it would be to not take anything too seriously, everything’s new, get used to your surroundings, try new things, meet new people; the worlds your oyster.

First, find familiarity in the unknown. When I arrived in Brighton, where I had never been before and where everything was new, I found it helpful to recreate habits from home before creating new ones. For instance, it was important for me to put pictures from home on the walls of my bedroom. I also found it comforting to cook meals I would eat back in France and find a friend with whom I could speak my mother tongue.

Secondly, I also saw the benefits in making decisions without too much hesitation and in starting to say yes.

During the first semester, I kept thinking about all the other things I could do if I had not chosen this course, this university, etc. After some time, I realised I would probably have had the same concerns if I had been in another situation. Instead of that, I accepted my decision and finally started to make the most of it. Time at university gives us the freedom to explore so many different fields and interests. By saying yes to opportunities, I ended up attending in the same day my sociology lecture, a drama workshop, a talk about environmentalism and a life-drawing session!

Lastly, I learnt to accept that it does take time to get used to a new situation. In my first year, I was sometimes frustrated of not finding a balance even in the simplest things, such as feeding myself, having enough sleep, socialising and doing well in my studies. I still sometimes struggle to find the right balance but I have now realised that it’s normal because we all do. It took me time to make friends, to not get lost on campus and to know where I like to go in Brighton, but Sussex is full of people eager to help and listen, and thanks to that, I now feel more comfortable to ask questions.

I’m now about to start my last year at Sussex and I truly feel grateful to have arrived a couple years ago knowing nothing about all these things I was going to learn and discover. I sincerely hope your time here will be fun, full of life lessons and surprises!

think I can speak for most students when I say it has been a rollercoaster of an academic year. Having said that, I think the academic year I’ve experienced has been one of opportunity, and that is largely down to Sussex.

I was late starting the first semester due to having had an emergency operation, and because of this I was incredibly concerned that I would miss the chance to build those all-important friendships others would develop in the first few weeks, especially as I was living off campus.

When I was able to start, the Student Life Centre made sure I had support available to me upon request, giving me the confidence that everything would work out.

Despite the offer of support, the first semester was challenging for me as I found it difficult to settle in and make friends, which was something I had never experienced in my life before. This is where I feel it necessary to emphasize the importance of finding your niche, no matter which stage of university, or even general life you’re at. I took myself along to numerous freshers fairs/ events and unexpectedly found myself drawn to the radio and media orientated side of the societies, within weeks I had been invited to share a slot with another member of University Radio Falmer (URF) and we broadcasted together weekly, discussing all things politics!

The isolation I experienced from my unfortunate beginning to the academic year left me determined to find out what it was that I enjoyed, giving me the courage to venture out and try something new. This is what I loved about my first year of university. For the first time in my life I had a rich array of exciting possibilities, I could try out almost any sport imaginable, learn a new language alongside my studies, host a radio show, even write for a newspaper! I felt and still feel I have been given a chance to thrive, to do things I never imagined I would.

Therefore, if I had any advice for the September 2020 first years, it would be ‘never be afraid to ask.’ I mean this in both academic and social settings, the academic side of university can be overwhelming to begin with because it introduces a whole new way of learning. For example, being able to implement your ideas into work is a great freedom, but also something that needs adjusting to. Academic advisors and lecturers are there for you, so use them! Having the courage to ask questions and challenge issues seems to be a feature of Sussex. I don’t think there was a single day of term pre-Covid where I didn’t see different groups of students voicing their beliefs, or simply asking pertinent questions to passersby in Library Square. Ask questions and find your niche!

t feels as though I began my first year a lifetime ago, even though this year has flown by, the friends I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned have made me feel a whole world older.

People talk about your first year at university as the most exciting of your young adult life and I brushed this off with feelings of nervousness which took over the excitement entirely. If I could see 19-year-old Ellie this time last year I’d first want to tell her to stop trying to wear clothes that I thought were ‘Brighton-esque’ and just be myself. I would want to tell her to say YES to everything, you never know who you might meet on a trip to the library or where a last-minute night out could take you. In some sense of the word I will be a first year again this year, after completing my foundation year, so my reflection will come in handy going into September.

The day I moved to Sussex university I was shaking with anxiety; I had driven four hours from the south west riddled with nerves. I was lucky enough to instantly call my flatmates friends, from the moment we all awkwardly stepped foot into the kitchen and introduced ourselves, we could tell we were going to stick together, a year on and they’re some of the most important people in my life.

Everyone is different, some people find friends on their course, through societies, on nights out- either way no one knows anyone, and everyone wants a friend. I quickly found that the question; ‘Where are you from and what course are you on?’, is asked regularly for around three weeks. I found it funny to make up different courses I could be on and would scurry swiftly away if the person in question was also on the same course. I would recommend sticking to just saying your own course I certainly made no friends this way.

y first year at university was challenging and exciting. I definitely learned more from living away from home than from my course work during that year.

When I first arrived on campus during welcome week it seemed to me like everyone was finding it so easy and yet for me, it seemed far easier to turn around and go back home. Now I am so happy that I decided to stay because looking back, I realise that I gained so much from these past two years at Sussex. Not only did I meet amazing people and experienced the surprising Brighton life, I also learned so much about myself, my needs, my limits and my capacities. Here are the three main lessons I learned from my past two years at university, that I find useful to keep in mind in any new situation.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Travel & Culture 27 Sussex Ranger saves your Freshers’ Week including half price cocktails Mon-Wed, and happy hour on Saturday. If you are looking for a new cocktail we can recommend the indulgent ‘Irish Disco Biscuit or the classic ‘Spicy Poo’.

Rory Hinshelwood Coronavirus has taken over our lives since lockdown started in March and even though the signs have been promising and cases have begun to decrease, there are still some lockdown measures in place. This poses a few challenges, luckily for you Sussex Ranger has set out a guide on how to make the most out of an extraordinary freshers week.

Who is Sussex Ranger?

We are a local guide and food blog on Instagram (@ SussexRanger) aimed at students based in Brighton. We launched last september as a group of Sussex students with the aim of helping out students by mapping out pubs, restaurants, cafes in Brighton and discovering some hidden gems!

So without further ado, we present Sussex Ranger’s guide to freshers - Coronavirus Edition.

Bars

Just because clubs are closed doesn’t mean you can’t get boozy,

Quiet Boozers

have fun and meet new people.

One of the great student pubs/ bars in Brighton is Hobgoblin, located halfway down the 25 bus route to Old Steine. It has a great outdoor seating area which would usually get pretty rammed. They also have cheap drinks and many student deals.

Next door is another student classic - Shuffle Cocktail Bar. It’s always lively and filled with young people, there is even the option for you to queue your own songs.

It’s well decorated so if insta photo opp aesthetics are your thing, it’s a must. They have deals on all week,

If you fancy something more relaxed where you can enjoy a cold beverage, have some decent chat and maybe even have a bite or two to eat we can recommend The Walrus and The Gladstone.

Each one a little different, The Walrus is in the centre of town just off the seafront and is a large pub with a mix of locals and students. It’s classic pub interior and cosy booths combined with some pretty excellent food make it one of the most charming pubs in Brighton. The Gladstone is closer to Uni, a quick walk from the Lewes Road Bus Garage stop on the 25, you won’t miss it, it’s painted bright yellow! It is usually packed with students enjoying the chilled yet vibrant atmosphere.

They have a range of quality pub food with 2-4-1 burgers on

Wednesdays after 5pm.

Restaurants

If you fancied going out to eat you can take your flat or mates down to one of Brighton’s many great restaurants like VIP or Clean Kitchen. VIP is a pizza place on Old Steine right in front of the pier. They have delicious pizzas at affordable prices and even a nutella pizza if you’re still hungry.

The food combined with the location make it an all-round top tier establishment, just make sure you book as seating is limited!

Clean Kitchen burst onto the food scene earlier this year, owned and championed by Brighton-based YouTuber Mikey Pearce. They do vegan friendly burgers of all sorts which are truly delicious and enough to convince anyone to go meat free.

Activities

Aside from a lot of drinking and eating you can enjoy Brighton and freshers in a myriad of different ways. The Laines have some really cool shops and boutiques of all kinds, from plants, to thrift

shops to iconic miscellaneous Snooper’s Paradise. Of course one of Brighton’s great assets is the beach, which can be utopic on a hot windless day. If you’ve remembered to bring you swimwear you can always go for a dip, trust us you never get used to the initial cold but it’s actually pretty nice once you’re in. If you’d rather not get wet you can always pick up a Brighton Bike and cycle along the seafront to Hove or the other way to the Marina. You hire them through an app called SoBi, they charge £1 per go and then an easy 3p every minute so use it to your heart’s content! If you do find your way to the Marina try out Globalls. It’s a glow in the dark painted crazy golf course which, if not too busy, is a great laugh for £5.95 We hope that helps! For more recommendations check out the places we’ve reviewed on our Instagram @SussexRanger and feel free to message us for any advice.

East Sussex: 10 things to see and do American connection (Thomas Paine, revolutionary theorist who inspired the American Revolution lived in Lewes), peaceful gardens (The grange), and fantastic pubs.

Hal Keelin, Inès Bussat, Elizabeth Strange, Margaret Arabambi

Pavilion and Gardens

One of the places you will notice when going into Brighton with its minarets and domes is the Pavilion. When travelling for the first time into Brighton I could not miss it. This former palace now museum was built for King George 4th.

Go explore the building where the Mad King is alleged to have met his lovers in a secret underground passageway beneath the city.

The building’s interior is just as amazing as its exterior with its many magnificent rooms, including the banquet hall. If you want refreshments there are wonderful tea rooms, that do amazing cream teas and spill out onto the beautiful gardens.

The gardens themselves are a beautiful spot for a picnic, catchup with a friend or some quiet alone time. Hidden within one of the busiest areas of town for restaurants, bars and street traffic, and yet typify the special atmosphere and spirit of the whole city in microcosm. On a typical day a steady stream of buskers performs all types of music from ballads to afrobeat while circus performers hone their trade and when the music stops all you can hear is the friendly buzz of chatter from the numerous fellow revelers.

The Depot – Lewes

The North Laines

Many peoples favourite part of the whole city. These narrow, pedestrianised streets are filled up with independent cafés, record stores, vintage emporiums, bookshops, theatres, museums and art spaces. Wandering through this maze of passageways is an excellent way to spend an afternoon, while there are almost too many pubs and cafes in the area with the potential to becoming your go to for a long time.

The Mash Tun

Need a central pub with a spacy outside area, the mash tun is many students best bet. Probably the most popular pub on a night out, the mash tun is always heaving for a reason. Occupying a prime

central location on North Laine / Church street its within easy walking distance of most of the seafront clubs.

Upside Down House: Looking for something unique to do with friends on a day out? Why not visit the upside-down house! Capture surreal images in unique poses from an inverted perspective.

A great experience and fun attraction.

Lewes

A Historic old town complete with a half-ruined castle, cobbled streets, wonky Tudor houses and the remains of some medieval monks’ toilets (The Priory Ruins).

Lewes is only 20 minutes on the train from Brighton and is packed with historic sites.

Go for: the Norman castle, the

Yes, Lewes is good enough to make this list twice. The Depot is an amazing cinema located less than 20 minutes by train from campus. Not only is it well priced (tickets cost £4 for young people under 25!) It also offers a very rich and diverse range of films, from the current blockbuster to very niche independent foreign pieces. It often proposes ‘Film seasons’, during which they show a selection of films based on a theme. Grab yourself a fancy drink from the bar and sit back and relax in the super comfortable seats. Going to the cinema is a great way to support the culture sector which has been, and still is, suffering from the pandemic.

Fletching

A stunning medieval English village that feels a world away from the bright lights of Brighton.

Its major attractions are a ridiculously beautiful church that seems oversized for the size of the village and a terribly posh country pub -The Griffin Inn- complete with stunning views looking onto the South Downs from the back.

Fletching is a good hour from Lewes on a bike but well worth a visit on a good weather weekend Church at Fletching

The Amex: Go to a Brighton and Hove Albion Game

Yes, just over the motorway from Falmer Campus is a fully fledged Premier League club and ground.

Well just about. Brighton will need all the support they can get having only just survived relegation the past two seasons. You can see the Amex from the library and may even hear something of a roar from the crowd on a Saturday afternoon. Do your best to hide from the rowdy lads packed like sardines on the train on matchday, but occasionally, maybe join them, why not, it’s literally five minutes from halls.

Devils Dyke

The UK’s widest, longest and deepest dry valley lies just a bike ride, or bus journey away. Offers one of the best views of the South of England’s famed sleek and slumbering landscape of meadows, shallow hills and feudal farm squares. Devils Dyke is a cracking picnic spot and a great way to escape the stress of the city.

Alfriston

If you fancy a stunning bike ride in the countryside, Alfriston is a brilliant destination. Start in Brighton or Lewes and take one of the B roads out beside sleek hills and vibrant meadows. Alfriston is your quintessential Sussex country village complete with pub, church and fantastically old houses.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Travel & Culture 28 How to walk The South Downs Way Travel and Culture Editor Hal Keelin walks us through completing the 80 mile trip From Lewes to Winchester in 5 days

check. Although it’s quite hard to get lost on The South Downs Way as it is near faultlessly marked out at every twist and follows an obvious ridgeline most of the way.

Three days’ supply clothes minimum: Make sure that pack is as light as possible. If you are unsure over whether to take something I’d say as rule don’t take it.

Sun hat and sun cream: If in summer, it gets hot up there walking all day, stay hydrated and keep the sun off your neck.

Essential clothing – lightweight Waterproof trousers, shorts, (if summer), lightweight jacket, base thermal layers (for cold nights), 3 pairs of walking socks minimum, s

Hal Keelin Travel and Culture Editor Over the Summer I and a good friend decided to walk straight out of our back gardens in nearby Lewes, head for the South Downs way and keep on walking, with Winchester firmly in our sites. 80 miles in 5 days. A few pub lunches, pints, and weary legs later we made it, here’s a handy guide for whoever’s fortunate enough to take on the challenge.

What:

A fairly challenging hike across the south of England, from Eastbourne in the South East to Winchester in the West

Length:

What’s not necessary?

100 Miles (or start from Lewes and make it just that tiny bit more manageable at 80 miles)

When:

Late Spring, Summer, early autumn

Why:

For the Challenge, for the humble brag, and to escape the city!

What You Need:

1x Good, reliable, equally determined friend: Possibly the single most important thing to consider for this trip is to think about who your companion is.

Will you get on for 5 days walking in a row? Are they as enthusiastic to cover this amount of mileage?

Do they know how challenging it will be? What’s their experience?

I was fortunate to have a very close friend who pitched the idea of walking The South Downs Way to me. I knew we would be a great duo; we are both relaxed people but equally determined to complete the challenge after being cooped up, playing too many hours of Fifa and Football Manager during Lockdown. The difficulty of the trip took us by surprise, but we had each other at our low points and in the end managed the challenge fairly comfortably. He knew when I needed to eat my flapjack to improve my spirits, I knew when to tell him to stop scanning for marauding deer in the forest, that kind of thing.

Water – At least 3 Litres each.

And go in summer, or at least early Autumn. English weather is unpredictable at best and depressingly predictable at worst.

Unpredictably a mix of rain and sun in summer, and predictably rainy the rest of the year! This walk takes most people between four and seven days, so in order to avoid rain and a thoroughly miserable trip, don’t go later in the year than October or earlier than March.

1 x Lightweight tent, tarp or bivvy bag: The best and cheapest, most student friendly way to do this trip is to travel light and carry your own shelter. There are campsites and a few Youth hostels along the way, but these really aren’t needed every night. *Disclaimer*Always camp sustainably and with responsibility, keep yourselves out of the way, never light fires, and pitch up at last light and pack away at dawn to be out on the

always forget but so handy when I don’t. Extremely useful for finding your tent after a few hours in the pub beforehand, or toothbrush in the dark!

Blister plaster (Compede) To our shock we both had pretty severe blisters after the first day and we soon ran out of our only pack of plasters by the second day.

Compede is brilliant and might just be the difference between allowing you to walk those extra

road at dawn.

1x lightweight sleeping mat : You don’t want to be forgetting this.

You want to be comfortable on this journey and ensure maximum hours of shuteye after walking 15 miles a day. You’re going to be tired and the last thing you want is the hard chalk of the South Downs pressing into your spine!

Head Torch: One of things I

few miles a day and not being able to carry on.

Book: If you go walking with a friend for a few days in a row without speaking to anyone else, the chances are no matter how close you are, you are going to run out of things to say. Although we spent most of the time laughing and chatting along the way, we were both glad to snuggle up in

our bags and read if only for a few minutes before bed.

Lightweight stove, Lighter: Essential for cooking as you go, and great in the morning for a much-needed coffee on the hilltop.

The Right Gas (for stove) The most annoying and difficult part of this whole journey was ensuring we had the right gas for my mini camping stove. This mistake put us back about two days! If your stove has a screw top, make sure the gas is also a screw top and you don’t attempt carving your stove into an incompatible gas cannister like I did by accident.

Instant Coffee: Just take it Hiking Boots, Trail Runners: We met some lovely fools in a pub on this journey who were only wearing flimsy trainers.

They had just started and one of them confessed they didn’t think they could make it in the gear they had while the rest of them were expecting to make it to Eastbourne in a few weeks. They were obviously on a different trip to us, while we wanted to balance the challenge of walking it in a great time by having as much fun on the way as possible, they were strolling it and stopping off pretty much everywhere. If you want to complete the walk in a good time, be kind to your feet and make sure they are properly supported.

Charging cable/ Portable Chargers: Quite important if you want to stay in touch with friends and family and make sure you have the possibility of an emergency GPS/google maps

Travel Pillow: Of course it’s up to you but I’d say use a jacket or a t-shirt as pillow instead, you’ll be too tired to think about a pillow, it’s an unnecessary expense when you want to cover this much ground.

Loads of food: Food is perhaps the trickiest aspect in hiking to get right. But I’d advise think about how long you are away for, where are the nearest towns where you can pick up supplies and what foodstuffs are you willing to carry a whole day in your backpack.

Fortunately, the South Downs way does pass beside and through a lot of very small towns and villages, most of which have a shop. We took spaghetti and a jar of pesto for the two of us, a few some dry camping meals for emergencies, mango slices and a ridiculous amount of trail bars that lasted not nearly long enough.

Side Note – We quickly realized that it would be far more fun and rewarding to stop off for a pub lunch most days as there were some fantastic ones along the way and so many villages beside the ridge. Just consider how steep the ascent is down to the village doing this, it may seem ok on the way down but after a few drinks and a full pub meal that climb back up to the trail is going to be painful…

A fake wallet – I’ve seen it suggested by some hiking blogs that it is necessary to take a fake wallet to catch out potential muggings that can be detrimental to a trip. There is no chance of this happening on the South Downs Way. You are looked at as a stinking hiker with no valuables rather than as a “tourist with money”. The only danger on The South Downs Way is getting spotted by an unhappy farmer in your tent. If you don’t want to chance this or don’t fancy going to bed and waking with the light every morning, this is easily solved by staying in campsites or youth hostels along the way.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Science & Technology

29

Male birth control Are we ready to pop the pill?

Rosie Marilyn Burgess Imagine, for a moment, the bright lights of Kensington and the bustling shoppers of Carnaby Street. Adorning shop windows are images of the now-iconic Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, teenage supermodels in the process of redefining fashion.

Pouring out of radios and record players across the nation is a cacophony of “Londonsounds”; The Beatles, The Kinks and The Who, each one changing irrevocably the face of British rock music. Postwar London is being transformed by experimentation of all kinds and the political activism of the anti-nuclear weapons movement, and sexual liberation is in full swing.

This is, of course, Swinging London, a place and time which bore witness to seismic social change. While the debate then centred around the ethics of contraception, there are today new debates to be had on the topic of birth control and sexual health. One of which concerns birth control for men, rather than for women.

Informally known as “the pill”, Gregory Pincus and John Rock spearheaded the discovery of the oral contraceptive in the 1950s. Approved in 1961, it was and can still be made up of synthetic hormones progesterone and oestrogen.

Combined oral contraceptive pills work by thinning the lining of the uterus which

Lance Wheeler stop implantation. It also affects the hypothalamus and pituitary glands inhibiting ovulation. Nowadays, the pill boasts over 151 million female users globally and is now so developed that it has been refined into 23 different types.

For some women, the pill can improve certain symptoms like lighter periods and a reduced risk of certain cancers.

Even so, it still isn’t without its downsides. With a reported plethora of unwanted side effects: acne, depression, breast tenderness and weight gain to name just a few. In 2018, a survey of women on the pill conducted by the team from the documentary ‘The Contraceptive Pill: How Safe Is It?’ found that a quarter of respondents reported negative effects upon their mental health. And, even where women have been exempted from the burden of contraception thanks to non-hormonal contraceptive methods for men, still, a majority of the time women are involved in family planning. So, when it comes

to contraception, why are we not levelling the playing field?

However, male counterparts are now thankfully being developed. Research started in the ’70s and involved the artificial causation of a biological process known as azoospermia, which suppresses the body’s formation of sperm.

This allows for the production of semen with little to no sperm content through the use of androgen hormones like testosterone. Ongoing research suggests there are clear advantages to this contraceptive method; it would reduce the risk of pregnancy to about 1% per year, the same rate as female hormonal birth control. However, as injectable testosterone isn’t so quickly excreted by the body, such a method may require between 3 and 4 months to take effect. While this method may not be instant, it may potentially be long-lasting; injectable testosterone can last longer in the body owing to its slower rate of excretion.

So, what is happening right

now? In the last few years, the science community has seen a marked groundswell of new research into male hormonal birth control. So far, this interest has led to the development of a topical gel that combines progestin and testosterone, with reliable rates of azoospermia. Studies have found that the drug is reversible and that its side effects (decreased libido, increased risk of sunburn and dry, scaly rash at the site of application), are deemed acceptable by most participants. The study passed human safety trials and human clinical trials but has yet to be tested as a contraceptive.

A new method is being developed in China. This method involves using an injection of non-hormonal chemicals that block the vas deferens, the tube that transports sperm to the ejaculatory duct. This is the same tube that gets cut in a vasectomy to inhibit sperm motility. Such an injection would also directly inhibit the ability of sperm to swim. Unfortunately, this has only been tested on rats.

Another prospective method involves Dimethandrolone Undecanoate or DMAU for short. DMAU is a once-daily pill that suppresses two male hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The result of this suppression is a decrease in the production of both testosterone and sperm, without causing symptoms of

low testosterone. However, testing of this method has solely focused on safety so far.

Meanwhile, even traditional medicine has proved to be a promising endeavour.

Gendarussa is a plant commonly used in South East Asia, namely in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Although further research has yet to be conducted, the key to Gendarussa’s effectiveness may be an active ingredient; specifically, f lavonoids called Gendarusin A and B. There is no doubt that the female birth control pill changed the world. New contraception methods were developed such as IUDs, injections, patches and implants. It empowered women by giving them control of their bodies.

Women could successfully delay childbearing, therefore gaining the freedom to forge their path in the pursuit of education or a career. However, great inequality remains because of how little research has been conducted in this area. Nearly 50% of pregnancies are unintended, and when 1 man can get 100 women pregnant but only 1 woman can get pregnant at a time there is a sense of urgency for another solution to come to the marketplace. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has delayed most studies but we can be hopeful that within the next decade men can say they are popping “the pill”.

Death from sleep deprivation?

A recent neuroscience paper investigates the link between sleep deprivation and the gut Sereena Kang One of the many mysteries in the field of neuroscience is understanding why we need sleep. Intuitively we all understand having a good night’s sleep refreshes us both physically and mentally, whilst a lack of sleep is linked to a decline in cognition and general wellbeing. At the extreme level, given enough sleep deprivation can be fatal.

A recent paper published in June has investigated this lethality that comes from extreme sleep deprivation.

With results reported in Cell, Alexandra Vaccaro and colleagues from Harvard Medi-

cal School sought to understand the exact biological processes which led to death from sleep deprivation. What the researchers unexpectedly found was significant damage in the gut. Oxidative stress, the damage created by unstable molecules attacking DNA leading to cell death, was observed in the guts of mice and f lies. This was due to a build up in reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are generally helpful for cells and support them – we would not be able to function without them however, when ROS levels are higher than their counterpart, antioxidants, this leads to damage in the form of oxi-

dative stress.

To further investigate this potential link, the researchers also cleared the reactive oxygen species from the gut by giving the f lies oral antioxidants, whilst continuing to sleep deprive them. What they found was that these f lies lived as long as a normal f ly. So in other words, preventing oxidative stress in the gut also prevented the early death of these f lies. Consequently, a causal link was now established between oxidative stress in the gut with sleep deprivation and early death.

It had already previously been shown that sleep loss is linked to gastrointestinal

damage, however the extent of this was not realised until now to be a major factor causing death. Furthermore, this finding is interesting because although sleep is generated in our brains, this organ is not the most affected when sleep is taken away. Instead, the significant damage is found in the gut. Even when given mild sleep deprivation, a build-up of oxygen species (albeit at a slower rate) is still observed.

This finding could be important for improving treatment for sufferers of insomnia and chronic sleep disorders.

The paper ultimately shows a cause of death from sleep deprivation, but it is not

known how this deficiency in sleep leads to a build-up of ROS. Perhaps the next step in this investigation is to try and understand this. Whilst this research could be potentially very promising for insomniacs. It is important to understand that knowing the cause of death from a lack of sleep will not tell us if this is the main purpose of sleep in the body. Sleep deprivation does indeed damage the gut but whether the primary function of sleep is to support the gut is yet to be observed.

The full paper can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/32502393/

The Badger 21st September 2020

Science & Technology

30

NASA’s new mission to find life on Mars

Meet the six-wheeled, robotic vehicle at the forefront of space exploration and its task for finding extra- terrestrial life.

Rob Barrie After eight years of planning, the Perseverance rover has finally started its long, seven month journey through space to Mars. Encapsulated in a NASA Atlas V rocket, this autonomous vehicle launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on 30 July this year. Its primary aim is to search for ancient, or perhaps even present, life on Mars.

While the launching of two American astronauts to the International Space Station in May may have garnered more public interest, the importance of Perseverance’s mission is arguably far greater.

Indeed its impact on the science community, and life as a whole, has the potential to be monumental.

Humanity has, for centuries, looked up to the sky in wonder, awe and trepidation of the countless glimmering lights amongst the darkness. Through technological advancement, we now know these are not of divine origin but instead planets and stars, some in our galaxy whilst others are millions of light years away. 1969 saw the first steps taken on land by man beyond Earth, and although Neil Armstrong’s famous line struck inspiration into the minds of those watching, technology has limited travel beyond the moon. At least, travel using a crew.

1975 saw the development of autonomous spacecraft, and thus the Viking programme was born. Although this time its target wasn’t the moon - it was Earth’s neighbour in the solar system: Mars. Two Viking landing missions were the catalyst for a further eight Mars landing missions.

In 2004, these landers gave way for the more efficient and advanced “rovers.” These portable science laboratories can retrieve samples, carry out rudimentary analysis and, thanks to their wheels, travel vast distances on the surface of a planet. Perseverance is just the latest in a long line of rovers, but it is both the most sophisticated and advanced to date. It is also, arguably, the most important rover to land on the Red Planet.

While Perseverance’s design is based on that of Curiosity (the previous rover to land on Mars), it has a number of

NASA additions and modifications.

It is the largest and heaviest rover to date. A large robotic arm has been fitted to enable carefully selected samples to be taken. Stronger wheels than those on Curiosity have been developed to allow travel over harsher terrain and to help bear the load of this one tonne vehicle. For the first time in human history, we will be able to hear the Red Planet, too, as Perseverance has been fitted with multiple microphones. It will, of course, see the planet as well, thanks to 23 onboard cameras.

“

Indeed, as scientists suggest, if life had spontaneously occurred on two independent planets in the same solar system, then the chances of life appearing in other corners of the universe are extremely high.

The rover is also, remarkably, self-sustaining due to its radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) which is, in essence, a self-charging battery. This will power Perseverance for its entire mission and allows it to travel up to 200 metres a day. The rover is designed to last one year on Mars, the equivalent of two on Earth. Finally, the rover is not travelling alone.

It is travelling to Mars with a fellow robotic companion called Ingenuity, an 80cm tall helicopter drone.

Its aims are to scout interesting sites with its full colour camera and to help navigate the most efficient routes for the rover over the undulating terrain.

Air on Mars is 99% less dense than on Earth, so NASA openly admit Ingenuity is, in effect, an experiment to test the viability of using drones in tandem with rovers. However, if the robotic helicopter successfully takes off, it will become the first powered f light on a planet other than Earth.

For this reason, there is a lot of excitement growing around Ingenuity and its implications for future Mars missions.

This mission, however, is not merely designed to show the technological prowess of NASA. It has a wealth of equipment to aid scientific research. Probes to monitor both the atmosphere and weather, and radar instruments to investigate potential hidden water beneath the surface, are two examples of equipment on board.

The rover also will test the viability of humans surviving on Mars by examining a new, advanced spacesuit specially designed for utilisation on Mars that it is carrying. Its main mission goal, however, is to search for life, past or present, on the Red Planet which will be done in two stages.

First, Perseverance will collect various rock samples and store them in tubes which are then dropped on the surface.

Although the rover is capable of rudimentary analysis, true investigation of the samples and confirmation of extra-terrestrial life will happen back on Earth. The samples will be brought back on a return mission in collaboration with the European Space Agency scheduled for a 2028 launch which will most prob-

ably involve another rover picking up the tubes left behind by Perseverance.

“

For the first time in human history, we will be able to hear the Red Planet, too, as Perseverance has been fitted with multiple microphones.

It is known that Mars, today, has an extremely cold surface along with high radiation levels which creates a very hostile environment for life. But the Red Planet 3-4 billion years ago was vastly different: it was wetter and warmer.

Geologists hypothesise that around a third of the surface of the planet was covered by oceans. Evidence for this presented itself in the form of surveys from previous Mars missions. Ancient shorelines and remnants of river features, along with Curiosity’s discovery of organic molecules (the building blocks of life) in dried up lakes, all heavily point to a very different “Ancient Mars”. On Earth, water is, and billions of years ago was, an ingredient for life - so it seems plausible that Mars once supported life too.

“

If the robotic helicopter successfully takes off, it will become the first powered flight on a planet other than Earth.

It is for this reason that the Jezreo Crater was chosen as the landing site for Perseverance. After parachuting from the main module and using a thrust-driven platform to touch down on the Martian

surface, the rover will find itself in a 30 mile wide crater that was once filled with water. Images of the crater show an inf low and outf low channel, meaning it was once filled with a lake billions of years ago that today forms a delta.

Thus, here is a region where life, if it did develop, could have thrived.

Water, coupled with a warm climate and favourable atmospheric conditions, means all the ingredients for early forms of life existed concurrently. And if life did indeed develop, there would be evidence of this on present-day Mars in the form of microbial microfossils. Such microfossils embedded within rocks are exactly what Perseverance is tasked with collecting and why Jezreo Crater is such an ideal and scientifically exciting place to study.

There have been critics bemoaning the search for life on Mars as a waste of both money and resources, but the hunt for life beyond our planet is well-founded. Rocks within the crater are hypothesised to be as old as when life first started to f lourish on Earth, so the parallel occurrence of life on separate, neighbouring planets has implications for other planets or moons with similar conditions.

If signatures of ancient life are detected, it would cause huge implications for life beyond our galaxy too. Indeed, as scientists suggest, if life had spontaneously occurred on two independent planets in the same solar system, then the chances of life appearing in other corners of the universe are extremely high.

In seven month’s time when this six wheeled rover at the forefront of human space exploration sets down on Mars, our understanding of life beyond Earth will begin. And while previous rover missions simply investigated if life on Mars could be supported, Perseverance will investigate if life did, or even does, exist.

2031, the year when the Martian rock samples return to Earth, shall be a date to save in calendars for it will be the year when science will be able to confirm with irrefutable evidence whether there really is alien life on Mars.

The Badger 21st Septemner 2020

Sport 31 Rizin through the ranks: The UFC’s most exciting signings Will Vo With Ultimate Fighting Championship being the first major sport to come back since the outbreak of Coronavirus, I think now’s the best time to look at some new rising stars who could become title holders in the coming years.

On 30 March 2020, AKA Thailand released a photograph of Manel Kape holding a UFC contract. With that, the former Rizin bantamweight champion was ready to face the best of either the ultra-competitive bantamweight division, or the flyweight division, which has finally found its king in Deiveson Figueiredo.

As of writing this, Kape has a 15-4 record, and is on a three fight, all knockout win streak: including his second-round finish of Kai Asakura which won him the vacant title and avenged his 2018 split decision defeat. Looking at his record, he has only one victory by decision, a testament to his finishing instinct; the versatility of which is evident through his nine knockout wins and five submissions. There are some question marks, however.

Firstly, in Rizin he fought in a ring, as opposed to the cage that he will be competing in at UFC. The key difference here is the

fact that a ring allows a fighter to more effectively cut off their opponent, due to the corners and ropes. This would benefit a power puncher like Kape, who can unload when his opponent is in the corner. Secondly, Kape wears shoes in Rizin, which allows more grip, akin to that of a pure boxer. Transitioning into the UFC will mean Kape has to fight barefoot; and whilst the difference is marginal, at the highest level, marginal differences can be crucial.

Stylistically, the man nicknamed “Prodigio” is an athletically gifted stand-up artist, boasting good boxing and very heavy hands. Looking at how he matches up with individual fighters is difficult as we don’t know which division he will fight in; however, there were rumours of a bantamweight debut so we can look at how he would fit in there.

It seems his power gives him a chance against anyone. However the 135lb division is somewhat of a shark tank right now, and there certainly wouldn’t be any easy fights. Should Kape crack the top 15 (which I think he will), he would be entering a group of fighters that could potentially capitalise on any defensive grappling deficiencies Kape may have. However, there would also be opportunities for success, as the likes of Rob Font and Song

Yadong would most likely fight the Angolan on the feet, which is his bread and butter.

So, why is he one to watch?

Firstly, he is a former world champion who is willing to test himself in a new division, with a new ruleset, in a new promotion, and that is admirable.

Secondly, Kape possesses a charismatic personality; and his trash talk, self-confidence and pre-fight antics will add a level of excitement to his fights that won’t be found everywhere else.

Finally, and most importantly, Kape’s style is explosive and exciting. His power and desire to throw heavy shots makes every fight a must see, and against the most skilled fighters that the UFC has to offer, it’s a recipe for some incredible action.

Jiri Prochazka: Owner of a 9-fight knockout streak, former Rizin Champion “Denisa” proved that his skills translate from the ring, and into the UFC’s famous Octagon, with a second-round finish of perennial top 10 Volkan Oezdemir.

Volkan was riding high after back to back victories over Ilir Latifi and hot prospect Alexsandar Rakic, as well as a controversial split decision defeat to Dominick Reyeswhen he stepped into the octagon on Fight Island to take on Prochazka. After an eventful

first round, in which Jiri’s handsdown, reflex oriented style led to a couple of scares; it took less than a minute of round two for the Czech light heavyweight to put an end to Oezdemir.

Now, why is he one to watch in the future? Firstly, it is important to look at the skillset Prochazka provides. He is a rangey striker, with heavy hands and quick reflexes; and this alone would stylistically stand him in good stead against the stand-up heavy light-heavyweight division.

Looking at his fellow top ten competitors, Prochazka looks like he can be a real problem for absolutely anyone in the division, particularly due to his cardio. As was highlighted in his fight in Japan against newly crowned Bellator champion and Fedor Emelianenko protege Vadim Nemkov, who’s exhaustion following their ten (yes ten) minute round prevented him from getting off his stool.

A potential fight for Prochazka could be against either Aleksandar Rakic, or Anthony Smith; and I believe that stylistically, Prochazka matches up well against both.

Firstly, Rakic fights mostly from the outside, using his 6’5 frame to set up big high kicks. Rakic is still inexperienced at 12-2, and therefore, there is a lot we don’t know about him, but trying to beat Prochazka from the

outside is a recipe for disaster, especially if he can’t find the kind of shot, he used to put away Jimi Manuwa.

Anthony Smith showed a change in style against Glover Teixeira, and became a pure volume striker; at least for the first one and a half rounds. He then showed everyone why he wasn’t a volume striker previously, because he gassed out and allowed a 40-year-old Glover Teixeira to take two 10-8 rounds, and then stop Smith in the 5th, at least two rounds past the point that Smith had anything left to offer. There are multiple things to look at in terms of this potential match up.

Firstly, it is difficult to pick anyone against Prochazka if they have noticeable stamina issues.

Secondly, following the Teixeira fight, there have to be questions raised over the damage, both psychologically and physically, done to Smith.

Against someone with the pure power of Prochazka, any vulnerability has to be noted, and a situation where Smith charges in and gets knocked out is certainly not out of the question. Overall, there is an entirely feasible chance that Jiri captures the Light heavyweight belt, in the not too distant future.

Things are getting messy with Messi and Barcelona Charlie Batten Sports Print Editor With the Coronavirus pandemic halting football for a time and preventing fans from stadiums, I think it’s safe to say we were expecting a fairly quiet and uneventful transfer window…, were we wrong?

In my opinion, Lionel Messi is the greatest player to ever kick a ball. Some may say, Maradona, Pele, Best, Ronaldo or the other Ronaldo are the best players ever, but in my opinion none of them produces the magic that Messi can on a nightly basis.

Growing up in England I didn’t get to watch many of his games as La Liga wasn’t often shown here so I only got to watch him in the World Cup and Champions League which made seeing him play such a special occasion. I’ll always remember his header against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final and just being in awe of him.

To me Messi was Barcelona and Barcelona was Messi, but now that bond seems to be

Lluís breaking.

After Barcelona’s frankly shocking 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich Messi did the unthinkable, he asked to leave.

To be fair he has done this before, but they’ve always seemed like empty threats with the purpose of them to actually get the Barca higher-ups to give him a new contract. Yet this time it seems different.

Over the last 3 years, Barcelona has been a shadow of their former self. Their football has lost their signature calculated finesse, high profile transfers have failed, poor managerial appointments and unrest in the boardroom. Early exits from the

Champions League also haven’t helped with them not making it past the quarter-finals in 4 of the last 5 seasons. I think anyone that watched the game against Bayern could see that Messi was frustrated and almost lost in what to do whereas years before he could have single-handedly turned the game around.

It was a few days after this loss that Messi made it clear to the Barca board that he wanted out by submitting a transfer request. In his contract, he has a clause where ten days after the Champions League final he can choose to leave Barcelona and become a free agent.

It seemed that as soon as it became public knowledge that Messi wanted out, clubs from all around the world started accessing their financial books to see if they could spare the small fee of about £25 million a year to get him. I think realistically only Manchester City and PSG have the financial power to buy him. Money doesn’t seem to be a problem for these European heavyweights, so they are likely more than

prepared to pay Messi in excess of £30 million a year to secure his signature.

If he does leave, I think the most likely destination, and his best option is to go to City.

There he can link up with not only his childhood friend Sergio Aguero but also work with Pep Guardiola again, who he played his best football under.

If he came to England we could finally answer the age-old question, can he do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke? Although considering Stoke are still in the Championship we might have to settle for seeing what he can do at West Brom.

His decision depends a lot on if he wants to challenge for high profile trophies like the Premier League or earn lots and lots of money while playing for PSG. Even though Messi has requested a transfer, Barcelona is not making this an easy divorce, and are likely to challenge this, suggesting that the700 million euro release fee still applies.No team wants to lose what in my option is their greatest ever player to another

team, but they certainly aren’t helping their relationship.

Messi is relying on the clause in his contract that lets him leave 10 days after the Champions League final, but this date was not changed after the final got pushed back due to the halting of all sports events. Lionel and his lawyers are arguing that the club should accept his decision as no one could account for the viruses impact on football, However, the club is saying he missed his opportunity and if another club wants to buy him before his contract expires next season they’ll have to cough up £625 million to get him.

As of the 31 August Messi has not returned to training and reportedly does not view himself as part of Koeman’s Barca squad. I think this will play out up until the last day of the transfer window and if he doesn’t go I genuinely believe he will refuse to play. I can’t think of a time that such a huge star has done something like this and I still think so much more could happen over the coming weeks.

The Badger 21st September 2020

Sport 32 Struggle for survival in Non-League: How Lewes FC has endured In a year hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chairman Stuart Fuller discusses the impact on his club Lewes and the future of non-league football. operating on a reduced capacity and thus less potential income as the season starts.

“If there is another outbreak and suspension of games, then it could prove fatal for some clubs but as the season starts in the current format, I doubt we will see many clubs cease to exist.”

Whilst it is easy to focus on the footballing side of things, one cannot forget the impact the lack of football would have had on local communities across the country. Football isn’t everything, but in many people’s lives; a hole appears when it is taken away.

Max Killham Sports Online Editor Lewes FC is one of the oldest clubs in English football, having been founded in 1885. A staunch organisation based in East Sussex, the club are currently in the Isthmian Premier League, the seventh tier of English football.

Contrary to the financial superpowers of the Premier League, who receive lucrative TV deals each year as well as major sponsorship deals, teams further down the footballing tier are unlikely to receive these luxuries.

Without these financial guarantees, clubs in the lower divisions have to manage their finances with extreme care.

But when a worldwide pandemic takes place in the middle of the footballing season, all plans are thrown out the window.

With fears that various English clubs could fall into administration, times are tricky for Stuart Fuller.

Stuart Fuller became Chairman of Lewes Football Club in 2015, leading the club to promotion to the Isthmian Premier League in the 2017-18 season.

The Chairman, spoke on the challenges he and the club have faced, conveying how they have tried to overcome them: “Football is the main source of income for the club, so without any ability to open our gates since March we have lost out on gate revenue, income from our bar and catering, sponsorship and merchandise.

“Whilst we were able to furlough all of our staff (both playing and non-playing) there were still costs that we incurred.

In addition, essential ground works such as the replacement of floodlights and dugouts had been scheduled and had to take place.

“We were able to essentially run the club in a ‘mothball’ state with most operating costs reduced to zero but those essential maintenance costs had to be covered from our reserves.

“We managed to open our bar, the Rook Inn, as soon as we were allowed by the Government by putting picnic tables on the side of our pitch and introducing table service. So when we had the fine weather we were able to welcome fans who could have a drink over the weekends

“

With a 3000 capacity, ‘The Dripping Pan’ is home to both a men’s and women’s team, with the club becoming the first in the UK to pay their two teams equally.

@theballisround and earn some much needed revenue for the club.”

With a 3000 capacity, ‘The Dripping Pan’ is home to both a men’s and women’s team, with the club becoming the first in the UK to pay their two teams equally.

With this loss in revenue, financial hits are likely to take place. However, it appears that the club has prepared well and are in good shape entering the new season: “As we were able to furlough staff, we didn’t face any issues there.

shape and come into the new league in a strong position.”

The Chairman also highlighted that clubs need to adapt in order to survive: “Yes, clubs will find a way to survive as long as they are prepared to adapt.

“

“The pandemic should be a wake-up call for all clubs and spending beyond means should not continue. Will that happen?

I doubt it. Some clubs will continue to over-spend today chasing a dream that will never materialise.”

“On the Men’s side of the club we only have one player on contract and so the financial commitment was negligible, whilst with our Women’s side, the FA stipulate that most have to be on a contract but that was covered by the furlough scheme.

“The key thing for us is that we could not contemplate a return to football without fans, that simply isn’t an option as we would be incurring all of the normal costs but have zero income.

“But as a club, we are in a good

down to the pandemic but due to their approach.

“The clubs need to be part of the pandemic solution, not the problem.”

The pandemic has caused major issues regarding final league positions. In many lower

“The pandemic should be a wake-up call for all clubs and spending beyond means should not continue. Will that happen?

I doubt it. Some clubs will continue to over-spend today chasing a dream that will never materialise.

“We know that some clubs are committing ridiculous sums and there can only be one league winner and one play-off winner.

“Some clubs are spending more than Step 2 clubs yet get crowds of less than 100 so if some fade and die it may not be

James Boyes

league divisions, promotion and relegation has been based on premature final league positions, with many divisions being forced to void league seasons altogether.

Despite these concerns, and the financial impact that COVID-19 will have on all levels of the game, Mr Fuller is optimistic as he looks towards the future: “As long as we see the COVID situation improve then the financial pressure will reduce.

Virtually every club will be

Chairman Fuller clearly understands this and highlights how the club have been supporting the local area through this tough period: “Lewes FC is at the heart of the community and has the community at its heart.

“By not being able to host football and thus the various groups from around the town has been tough but the club has been active within the community.

“For instance, the club offered its players to deliver medicines and shopping to the vulnerable, manned food bank collection points and even offered outreach through calls to those unable to leave the house.

“We take our responsibility as one of the most visible ‘brands’ in the town very serious and will continue to support our local community.”

The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on football remains to be seen. Non-league clubs have been hit hard, but with the announcement of fans being allowed back in stadiums at now 30% capacity below the National League North and South, the future may not look quite so bleak.

Lewes will undoubtedly welcome back football and the new season. The return of the beautiful game will never fail to lift the mood of a person and a community, and that will be reflected across the whole country when relative normality returns.