The Bishop’s University Newspaper Vol. 72, No. 8
The Bishop’s University FlosffWaking NewspaperSharing up the Townships the love since since1944 1944 FEBRUARY 8, 2017
website coming soon
University Investments, Trump, Valentine’s Day, Basketball, Winterfest, Theatre Activ, Fashion Show & MORE PHOTO COURTESY AGGIE VEALE
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NEWS
THE CAMPUS FEBRUARY 8, 2017
Rachel Newcombe, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
The Editors
2016 - 2017
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katie Manners thecampus.editor@gmail.com
BUSINESS MANAGER Natasha Paikin thecampus.business@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR Nicole Gauvreau thecampus.copyeditor@gmail.com LAYOUT EDITOR Angélique Bielski thecampus.layout@gmail.com NEWS EDITOR Rachel Newcombe thecampus.news@gmail.com
ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR Dominque Davidson thecampus.ac@gmail.com
FEATURES EDITOR Taryn Buskard thecampus.features@gmail.com
OPINIONS EDITOR Sam Lazanis thecampus.opinions@gmail.com SPORTS EDITOR Madeleine Hession thecampus.sports@gmail.com GRAPHICS EDITOR Samantha Burns
This issue’s contributors Abdullah Siddiqi Payton Bernett Kyle Donnelly Jordan Hier Aggie Veale Theo Giraudon Oliver Rind Lena Zarifogu Gerrit Coulter Shannon Delarosbil MJ Katz Mitchell Wideman Aline Knofczynski Katharine Mussellam Tyson Boyd
PHOTO COURTESY PAUL CHIASSON/ CANADIAN PRESS
Canada mourns Quebec City mosque attack RACHEL NEWCOMBE News Editor
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n Jan. 29, a mass shooting occurred at a mosque in Quebec City in the Sainte-Foy area, leaving six people dead. Police have a suspect in custody, Alexandre Bissonnette, charged with six counts of first-degree murder. It has been reported that he was known for xenophobic and anti-feminist positions. In the wake of the hate-fuelled attack, there has been an outpouring of support from across Canada. Vigils have been held in several provinces, and mul-
tiple officials have publicly condemned Bissonnette’s actions. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the attack an act of terrorism, despite the RCMP still evaluating whether to lay those particular charges. Terrorism is generally defined as an attack with a political motive and for political gain. The six victims were important members of the community, and are mourned by friends, families, and those who condemn such violent, racially motivated acts. Bishop’s University put out a state-
PHOTO COURTESY MATTHEW MCCULLY, SHERBROOKERECORD.COM
People gathered in front of the Islamic Cultural Centre in Sherbrooke on Jan. 30.
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The Campus is editorially and financially autonomous. It is published by the Campus Publication Board. All material is copyright The Campus. Nothing may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. Complaints may be made directly to the Editor-in-Chief. If no resolution can be reached, complaints should be forwarded to the Publishing Board. The opinions of the writers published in The Campus do not necessarily represent the opinions of the staff of The Campus or the Campus Publishing Board. Likewise, the opinions expressed in the advertisements published in The Campus do not reflect the opinions of the staff or the Publishing Board.
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ment the day after the attack: “The members of the Bishop’s University/ Champlain College community are deeply saddened by the events which took place […] on Sunday evening.” “We stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters and extend our deep sympathy to those who have lost loved ones,” the statement continued. Bishop’s has a highly diverse student body, with over 60 countries represented. The statement assured that in the wake of such a tragic event, “our campus remains committed to fostering diversity and respect of all people.”
PHOTO COURTESY PAUL CHIASSON/ CANADIAN PRESS
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife laid flowers for the victims.
BE PART OF THE TEAM! Submit your articles, questions, photos, or ideas to the editorial team by FEBRUARY 17, 2017
Submissions to The Campus will be considered if they are received prior to the deadline at midnight on the Friday previous to the publication date. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, style, and/or inappropriate material. The editorial staff also reserves the right not to publish submissions, including assigned stories or solicited material. Letters to the editor can be submitted directly to the Editor-in-Chief by email, in person, or by mail. Letters must be accompanied by the author’s name and phone number for verification purposes, even in the case of anonymous letters. All submissions should be in text-only or Microsoft Word format.
NEWS
SINCE 1944
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US immigration restrictions
Application fees waved for affected students RACHEL NEWCOMBE News Editor
I The new Learning Commons are expected to be completed in 2018.
PHOTO COURTESY BISHOP’S UNIVERSITY
Bishop’s gets a boost with major investment RACHEL NEWCOMBE News Editor
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t was a happy day for Gaiters on Jan. 27 when Bishop’s University principal Michael Goldbloom announced that $24.55 million was being invested in the university’s infrastructure. The money will be funnelled into the alreadyunderway Learning Commons project and the refurbishing of several laboratories in the Andrew S. Johnson building. The Learning Commons will receive $17 million, with the rest of the renovations costing approximately $7.5 million. These projects are coming to fruition thanks to federal and provincial government grants under the Major Infrastructure Component of the building Canada Fund. Goldbloom was very happy to make the announcement. “These infrastructure investments
will dramatically impact the student experience and campus life at our university for decades to come. We will be able to carry out these projects, thanks to the support of the federal and provincial governments, as well as the financial contributions of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners.” The extra funding will assist with the money that was raised by alumni and donors in support of the Learning Commons. “This project will give Bishop’s University the opportunity to offer its students a thoroughly modern place to meet, exchange, and learn,” said architect Eric Pelletier, partner and chief creative officer at Lemay. With both projects destined for completion in 2018, students past and present will be very interested in seeing how the money is spent.
n response to the executive order issued by United States president Donald Trump preventing anyone holding passports from Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Libya, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen entering the country, Bishop’s University announced on Feb. 1 that they would be waiving undergraduate application fees for students affected by the ban. Principal Michael Goldbloom made a statement that promoted global acceptance. “Inclusiveness and community are at the heart of our values as an institution. Every year we open our arms to students and faculty from around the
world. Our student body in particular is a rich tapestry of different cultures, nationalities, religions, and passion. The diversity found on our campus plays an important role in our success as a liberal arts university.” This statement was supported by Director of Enrolment Management Dan Seneker. “Sixty countries are represented on the Bishop’s campus, including some that are affected by the executive order,” he said. “We are happy to waive the application fee for anyone applying that holds a passport from these countries for the 2017-18 academic year.”
PHOTO COURTESY ANDREW HARRER, INDEPENDENT.CO.UK
Civic leadership institute coming to campus RACHEL NEWCOMBE News Editor
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his coming summer, Bishop’s will play host to students from across Quebec for a five-day intensive institute on what it means to be a member of the English-speaking community in the predominantly French province. Bishop’s University principal Michael Goldbloom spoke with The Campus about what the institute would do, and what it means to hold the event on the campus. The initiative was first brought to his attention by the Dean of Education. “She
came to me with the idea for an institute for English speaking youth,” Goldbloom explained. He added that the goal of the institute would be, “to see more of its young people choose to stay,” in Quebec after their secondary education comes to an end. The key to that goal, according to Goldbloom, is to ask, “what is it that would encourage a young person to make their home here?” Exploring that question, the most important factors the institute will consider include effective communication in a French community, employment opportunities for young adults, and an
increased capacity to contribute to Quebec society. Goldbloom explained that these are very important to being a happy member of the community, and making young adults want to stay. “The other really important factor is a sense of belonging,” he said. That belonging comes from engagement, something Goldbloom hopes the institute will give to those who attend. He added that many aspects would be covered. “What is the process of getting heard?” he said. “Who works in those [not-for-profits] areas, how do those organizations function?” The institute will be made available to
students from all over Quebec. “The idea would be that we would bring Englishspeaking CEGEP and university students,” Goldbloom said. “Part of this is about building connections,” he added. With that in mind, Goldbloom is hopeful that the institute will be able to be run entirely on campus, intensively and with everyone living together. “This is all a work in progress,” he explained. Depending on how this year goes, the civic institute could become an annual event. “We think we can grow,” Goldbloom said, adding he was optimistic about the reception the institute will receive.
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OPINIONS OPINION
THE CAMPUS FEBRUARY 8, 2017
Samuel Lazanis, Opinions Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
Bursting the liberal bubble The rise of alternative facts and post-truth politics in America potent navel-gazing of the cultural New Left—but it is due cause for incredible concern for those whose civil liberties he cataclysmic events of 2016 have have now been jeopardised. many considering democracy, at the While it is evidently the case, like Imvery least in the United States, to be over. manuel Kant would have believed, that The kind manipulation of facts and values perceivers without concepts are blind, espoused by the world’s most rancorous what we are blinded by now is not conTwitter troll, now elected U.S. president, ceptual ignorance, but the overwhelming is mirrored by the recent appointment of orange radiance of the “naked self interest his cabinet. of man” heralded by Marx and Engels 169 I would like to suggest that the polit- years ago. ical tempestuousness of recent times has At the risk of thinking rather dangerexposed the groundlessness of the belief ously, the suggestion is that the elections in moral fictions that have justified social are a hyper-expression of a deeply emcontrol for the bedded contrapast two centurWhen a liberal philosopher tries to diction in liberal ies; the fiction thinking; that the ground their theory in something factual guaranof the apparent concrete and non-metaphysical expertise of the tee of freedom managerial and and equality by corporate class an enlightened that warranted cultural elite, authe belief in a thorized only by meritocracy that their “expertise” was premised to assume poson the exclusion itions of power, of those populawas a bogus fictions now casttion from the ing their ballots outright used to in favour of right justify a system wing reforms. of bureaucratic Assessing the authority for logic or rationalwhich there was ity behind voting no true justificafor monstrosities tion. means evaluating Authority the vanity of liband effectiveeral elites for believing that the construc- ness are self-referencing ideas; rights and tion of the liberal community along shared utility are two warring factions within values that ensure the rights and dignity the bosom of a single state; and the utilof all irrespective of gender, race and reli- ity that promised the greatest happiness gion would in the end eradicate those ra- for the greatest number, celebrated as a cial, transphobic, homophobic, and violent right within constitutions everywhere, is prejudices that were dividing us in the first showing its empty, ugly hair-piece-toutplace. ing-orange-faced truth; we are past truth, Rational self-interested agents acting and the only facts are of the alternative within the egalitarian boundaries of the kind. free market cannot solve our problems; What remains to be done in lieu of they are our problems. The inherent ab- all this is countering the institutional surdity of the post-truth claims, the lies practices that treat workers as mere championed by the Trump campaign are means for bureaucratic-capitalist ends, hyperboles of the already present lies that with practices that give the due digthe managerial elite have been forcing on nity to beings on earth as ends in themus since the invention of the bureaucratic selves; to counter post-truth with the order. truth that flourishing is not parasitic on That someone should come along and suffering, but endemic on the sanctity of abuse that system is solace for someone life. like Slavoj Žižek—par example of the imMITCHELL WIDEMAN Contributor
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Trumpism and the alt-right Fascists take America
MJ KATZ Contributor
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n the night of Jan. 29, 2017, a young Canadian, allegedly enamoured with the current political landscape taking hold in American politics, committed a senseless act of violence. The white, Christian man, some sources claim he’s a Trump supporter, decided to commit an act of violence; ending the lives of six Quebecers and injuring more with bullets of hate. Why? Because they were Muslims. Sound familiar? A man blames a religious sect for their country’s problems, then restricts them to ghettos and concentration camps, promising the masses he will make Deutschland great again! Let’s make America great again kids! A quote from the movie The Producers comes to mind: “Don’t be stupid, be a smarty, come and join the Nazi party!” Catchy isn’t it? When Trump was elected, I was very worried that his whole campaign platform and admiration by the alt-right would eventually cause trouble for Canada. Approximately one week after the inauguration, my worries sadly proved true. This week, the entirety of Canada felt the actions of Alexandre Bissonette; an Islamophobe inspired by Trump’s political attitude. As Canadians, it is our responsibility to stand up for our Muslim, black, female, and LGBTQ+ neighbours to the south. The Trump administration used a Canadian tragedy to defend its injustice against Muslims with its anti-Muslim bans. This is unacceptable. Trump has got it all wrong. We shouldn’t be exiling people: it’s exactly what Islamic extremists want! ISIS wants us to portray the Muslim people as “the other” in order to perpetuate their extremist beliefs onto potential followers! If ISIS can get people to believe that the United States hates Muslims, it makes it easier for them to control these potential terrorists and perpetuate acts of terror with said people. It’s easier to hurt people you hate than those you love. In this sense Trumps anti-Muslim tactics to reduce terrorism is a huge catalyst of said terrorism. Hate breeds more hate. With the inauguration of President Trump, the activities of the alt- right (a white supremacist, neo-Nazi movement), are rampantly increasing and escalating their tactics in hopes of achieving a “peaceful ethnic cleansing.” There is nothing peaceful about ethnic cleansing. Period. Richard Spencer is the president of the National Policy Institute and his movement frequently quotes Nazi propaganda, anti-Semitic doctrine, and any other neo-Nazi, white supremacist material he can come up with. They wish to establish a white America, and to stop the destruction of white European culture. They believe that minorities such as the Jewish and Muslim peoples are slowly causing the destruction of the white race and its culture in America. It’s no wonder they attached themselves to the xenophobic ramblings of Trump during his campaign (All Latinos are rapists, other fear mongering lies, etc), “Let’s make American White again!” The Alt-Right movement has shown tremendous support for Trump. Videos have surfaced with these individuals sieg heiling Trump. If these people are not the greatest threat to democracy, then I don’t know what is. Fascism is alive and well in America. Lady Liberty weeps as Trump’s authoritarian hammer smashes down on the rights of its people. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” no longer seems relevant. America is slowly falling to fascism. With the inexcusable actions of Alexandre Bissonette, Canada mourns the senseless loss of those brave Canadians who died in the Quebec City shootings. We as Canadians cannot stand blindly by as our Muslim, Jewish, black and LGBTQ+ neighbours to the south suffer at the hands of the Trump Administration. Love is louder than hate. It will always be.
OPINIONS
SINCE 1944
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PHOTO COURTESY CREDIT CHANG W. LEE/THE NEW YORK TIMES
Women’s March on Washington on January 21, 2017.
Love trumps hate The importance of peaceful protests SHANNON DELAROSBIL Contributor
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The August 28, 1963 March on Washington protest demanded civil and economic rights for African Americans.
Americans protested in many cities January 20 on Trump’s inauguration day,
he United States has seen a spike in civil engagement over the past few weeks, with people taking to the streets to protest the inauguration of Donald Trump as president. With these protests, however, there has also been some violence. At least 217 protesters were arrested on Inauguration Day, the charges ranging from smashing storefronts to attacking police officers to burning Make America Great Again hats. The various Women’s Marches the following day saw no arrests and those a week later over the immigration ban saw arrests only for blocking traffic. The Inauguration Day protesters have come under criticism for this. It is clear to see why people are causing destruction: they’re angry, they want attention for their cause, and most importantly, they want change. Critics of the protests argue this violence is senseless, undermines their cause, and does more harm than good. People disapprove of the president and his
policies, and they take action to show it. The violence of such campaigns attains the goal of drawing attention, but at what cost? The issue of the use of violence in protest is murky: where do we draw the line? Is it at the destruction of property, or at human casualties? Ultimately, a pacifist approach is the best way to go. In a world so full of anger and hate, it is important to stand with love. Taking a peaceful approach to protest allows for inclusivity, is low risk, and paints protestors in a more favourable light to the public, which can widen the scope of support. Historically, we have seen that peaceful protests, such as the March on Washington in 1963, can be successful in achieving their goals. Peaceful protests can be effective, so long as they remain persistent. While an individual protest may garner support, continued activism in the form of further protests and direct action, such as writing to members of government, will make the cause difficult to ignore. By remaining relentless, gaining mass support and putting pressure on the decision-makers, you can make them listen and take action.
PHOTO COURTESY USPOLITICO.COM
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OPINION
THE CAMPUS FEBRUARY 8, 2017
Big oil, big problem A South Dakotan reflects on the DAPL ALLIE KNOFCZYNSKI Contributor
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s an American and South Dakotan, the executive actions from Trump’s administration are nothing short of alarming. Of those actions, one is especially close to home: The Dakota Access Pipeline. Despite the effort of water protectors last year, all of that action seems to be in vain under Trump’s recent executive action to approve the pipeline’s construction. The widespread media attention the pipeline has accumulated is well deserved. DAPL is too great a threat to North Dakota and the entire country due to its complete negligence of culture, the well-being of citizens, and the environment. From the president’s perspective, the pipeline will cultivate more jobs in the country and less reliance on foreign sources of energy. In reality, the pipeline would benefit oil companies, shareholders, and local governments. Dakota Access claims the project will create between 8,000-12,000 jobs and generate US$55 million dollars in annual property taxes. According to its own official website, DAPL is said to be the safest means of transporting oil to American consumers. The DAPL controversy stems from two important factors: environmental damage and an abhorrent disregard of Native American rights. If the United States wants to support an eco-friendlier future, further dependence on crude oil is not the answer. Environmentalists agree that fossil fuel production is not sustainable. Coverage from CNN adds that the 1886km pipeline would stretch across the Midwest,
greatly affecting the natural landscape and increasing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The pipeline runs directly north of a Native American reservation of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. DAPL’s location, running under the Missouri River, presents a great risk in contaminating drinking water and damaging sacred Sioux burial sites. According to the BBC, the Sioux say the government took the land from them illegally in a series of treaties in the 19th century. The tribe also accuses the government of approving pipeline construction without consulting them, a requirement under United States law. People from the across the country have chosen to join in solidarity with Standing Rock to protest this injustice, in the face of freezing temperatures and aggressive police tactics. Last week 76 of the protesters were arrested. If the United States wants to move forward in a positive direction, DAPL is not the answer. Protesters who call themselves “water protectors” do so much more: they also protect the integrity of Native American culture and the future of the natural landscape for all Americans. The country’s priority should be celebrating its unique diversity, especially a culture from the original residents of North America, and focusing its attention on lower carbon emissions to fight against climate change. The benefits of DAPL for a small group of individual stakeholders should not undermine American interests for its people and the world as we know it. With continued resilience and determination, the people will keep fighting until America truly sees justice for all.
PHOTO COURTESY AP PHOTO/DAVID GOLDMAN
PHOTO COURTESY STAUGUSTINE.COM
Can we make Trump care about bees? America and the future of the rusty-patched bumblebee KATHARINE MUSSELLAM Contributor
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bama was working hard during his final weeks as President of the United States. One of his last acts in office was adding the rustypatched bumblebee to the U.S. endangered species list. Obama’s actions acknowledge that pesticides and climate change negatively affect the bee population and the endangered species designation is meant to accelerate measures that can prevent the bees from completely dying out. Now with the transition to President Trump complete, many are beginning to question whether the rusty-patched bumblebee will continue to be protected by the U.S. government, and feeling uncertain of its future survival. There are plenty of signs that Trump and his administration do not care about protecting the environment. The first of which was when pages on climate science were removed from the official White House website very soon after Trump was sworn in as president. The leader of Trump’s transition team for the Environmental Protection Agency, Myron Ebell, also has views that seem to threaten the future of the United States’ protection of the environment. He is reported to have stated that two thirds of the engineers of the EPA could be fired and that Trump still aspires to abolish the EPA entirely. Ebell is prepared to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and has stated that the environment movement is “the greatest threat to freedom and prosperity in the modern world.”
His attitude towards measures that protect the environment means that there is little chance that neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides harmful to bees but widely used in agriculture, will be banned during the next four years. The EPA is close to finishing the multi-year process of regulating four of the five types of neonicotinoids, but the rules themselves are not yet completed. Ebell opposes the regulation of the pesticides. This is all disconcerting, but that does not mean it is hopeless. The regulation of the four neonicotinoids could still happen, since the last step is public comment and is scheduled for this year. According to the EPA’s website, proposals are listed in the Federal Register so that members of the public can send the EPA what they have to say about it. As long as that schedule is followed, Americans will be able to have their say on the regulation, and hopefully will support it. If enough people support it, they should listen. Until then, Americans can contact the EPA and their representatives through other means. This a time when people should make their voices heard so that they are difficult to ignore. Trump is inclined to look down upon protestors, but the EPA’s public comment could be a way to offer public opinion that appears more respectable to the Trump administration and more likely to be listened to. Americans need to take this chance when they are given it in order to protect their future and that of the world’s population, the importance of which their president needs to be reminded.
OPINIONS
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Trudeau wasn’t (wholly) unreasonable A response to “The Language Divide” published on January 25, 2017 NICOLE GAUVREAU Copy Editor
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henever I weigh in on issues in Canada or Quebec, I always feel the need to preface it with the fact that my opinion probably doesn’t count because I am not Canadian, or even a Permanent Resident. In this case I shall also add that despite having the very French name Nicole Louise Gauvreau, I am not a francophone. In the Jan. 25 issue of this publication an article ran deriding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s choice to answer questions only in French at his Sherbrooke stop on his crossCanada tour. The main point was that the Townships are highly bilingual and proud to use English and French, but that there are unilingual Anglophones as well. According to the writer, ignoring this was a slap in the face for Townshippers. Perhaps using only French to answer questions goes against the spirit of the Townships and those who are proud of their Anglophone heritage. But, perhaps it does not. Outside of Lennoxville, Sherbrooke is not even evenly split linguistically; it is majority Francophone, or Allophones who speak French in their daily lives. French is the de jure and de facto language of
Sherbrooke. Had Trudeau elected to answer in English there was greater chance that people would not have understood his answer than when he answered in French. Was it a general faux pas to answer a question about English-language mental health service in French? Yes. Was it an abomination? No. Perhaps Trudeau’s biggest mistake in answering in French was answering a refugee, who apparently asked in halting English and had not yet learned French, in French. I can only hope Trudeau himself, or someone else, spoke to this person separately later. However, going back to the bilingual spirit of the Townships, if anyone in the audience truly had not understood what Trudeau was saying, I’m sure there was someone with them or even standing nearby (as I’ve found Townshippers to be astonishingly friendly) who could stand in as an interpreter. French is the predominant language of Sherbrooke and Quebec; Trudeau, who has previously said he feels his English is better, respected that. And finally, in what has been little covered on this matter: when Trudeau made his stop in Peterborough, Ont. On Jan. 13, he told a person who asked their question in French that he would be answering them in English because they were in Peterborough.
PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA GOODSELL
PROMISES, PROMISES BY GREG PERRY
ALTERNATIVE PRESIDENT BY THEO MOUDAKIS
ALTERNATIVE FACTS BY GREG PERRY
Do you agree with the opinions expressed in the articles? Do you disagree? Let us know what YOU think! Write a response to the editor thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
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FEATURES FEATURES
THE CAMPUS FEBRUARY 8, 2017
Taryn Buskard, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Happy Valentine’s Day! Don’t forget to treat yo’self TYSON BOYD Contributor
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alentine’s Day is a strange holiday because it celebrates a condition that requires the approval of another person. No one has to validate your Christianity for you to celebrate Christmas; that’s your decision. Valentine’s Day celebrates a very specific kind of romance; not everybody has this type of affection in their life. The purpose of the holiday is fun for those who are coupled up. It can be an opportunity to celebrate your partner, and share your love. This article does not seek to shame people who want to celebrate their love, but to toss a line to the people who aren’t in partnered relationships. Maybe romance is some-
thing that has never interested you, or maybe it’s something you can’t see for yourself right now. Maybe you’ve never felt like you could be loved. That’s okay! A lot of people feel the same way. That doesn’t mean Valentine’s Day can’t be for you as well; it’s just a matter of perspective. This Valentine’s Day make a point of shifting the onus from the love of another to love for yourself. Take the time to show yourself love in whatever way you like. Take a long bath, eat a bunch of conversation hearts, go for a walk and be alone with your thoughts. Go on a shopping spree like Tom and Donna from Parks and Rec: treat yo’self. Be there for yourself, because at the end of the day if you have a honey or not you’re the only person you’re going to have to be with for the rest of your life. Valentine’s Day is an excuse and an opportunity to love yourself.
FEATURES
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This Valentine’s day, fall in love all over again (and again) PAYTON BERNETT Contributor
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he term polyamory stems from the Greek word for “many” (poly) and the Latin word for “love” (amor). Though it may initially seem odd to deviate from the typical monogamous relationship, consensual non-monogamy is becoming an increasingly popular relationship orientation. The typical assumption about polyamory is that it refers to a person having two significant others at once. In fact, this is only one type of polyamorous configuration within the countless possibilities. Examples include triads and quads (three or four people dating each other at once), V or star shape formations (where one person is in the center but dating several others at the same time), solo polyamory (not having any official relationships, but being open
to seeing multiple people at once), or having a primary partner and potential secondary partners. Though some may only open their relationship to casual non-monogamy, there are countless people who have rich intimate and long term relationships with more than one person. With the typical portrayal of Valentine’s Day surrounding monogamous (and often heterosexual) couples, where does that leave room for those who are polyamorous to celebrate? Upon discussing with other members of the polyamorous community, it appears that there are as many options as there are orientations (and then some)! One option may be to select separate days to celebrate with each of your partners, picking dates that work best for everyone. The point of Valentine’s Day is to celebrate your love, so does a specific date make a difference? Another option is to celebrate with all of your part-
ners (and even your friends). Grab as much chocolate as you can, some cuddly blankets and wine, and spend the evening as a group. Coming together is a great way to share the love and affection that you hold in your heart. These feelings are not quantitatively finite, therefore nothing is stopping one from expressing their passion for multiple people at once. Any option that is chosen will involve mature communication and scheduling. Fortunately, these are two qualities that those who identify as polyamorous typically get to work on. Non-monogamy involves discussions of boundaries, consent, respect, and many other important points. I hope you all enjoy a lovely Valentine’s Day with your partner/partners, friends, and family. Love has many different definitions, so celebrate it in whatever form it has found you.
Galentine’s Day Celebrating love in the era of feminism TARYN BUSKARD Features Editor
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rowing up, many of the functional relationships around me were monogamous. Monogamy is not a shameful thing, but a holiday dedicated to this love style had always left me feeling like the odd one out. I remember my parents, who are not the gushy type, still shelling out money on roses and cards. If I ever visited my grandparents close to the date, I’d find my equally non-mushy grandmother, keeping near dead roses as the center piece on her table. It wasn’t until I was older, that I realized these gestures had nothing to do with romance or consumerism. In both relationships, Valentine’s Day was not the event, but an excuse to recognize the other person. Upon consulting many members of monogamous partnerships, I came to learn that almost everyone I knew thought Valentine’s Day was silly. I also recognized that the people using Valentine’s Day as an
excuse to celebrate their partners also used this day to celebrate me. My mother recently sent me a box of things from my childhood; amongst it were several cards from over the years. Through most of my life, my mother and grandmothers had sent me cards to remind me they cared. While I find Valentine’s Day to be silly, it is also a day I’ve grown rather fond of. Love is so heavily based in partnered love that a holiday surrounding it often falls into that trope. While it alienated me as a child, looking to couples as my example, it is one of my favorite days as an adult. It all began when the film Valentine’s Day debuted when I was in grade 10. My best friend and I were so inspired by the cynical “I hate love” party, that we decided to host our own. The reality of this kind of party is the irony of its theme. Whether the celebration supports or dismisses the holiday, it is inevitably a celebration of who you love.
The cards my female relatives had given to me as a child, had translated into an alternative celebratory style. This party defined Valentine’s Day in my later years of high school. Many of my friends rescheduled plans with their partners to celebrate the holiday at these gatherings. Valentine’s Day became so synonymous with friendship for me, that it never occurred to me that I should be scheduling dates or spending it with my partner. Valentine’s Day, as a construct, has a very distinctive expectation. Find a partner and spend a lot of money. As a consumerist, gendered practice, the tropes that define the holiday have never suited my value set. The reality of this holiday is that it requires you to fulfill an expectation to celebrate. In a connected world, love is something we need to celebrate. No matter where it comes from, we are all worthy of it. The source of love does not dictate its power or presence. Honour it in whatever form it comes to you.
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SPORTS SPORTS
THE CAMPUS FEBRUARY 8, 2017
Maddie Hession, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Lady Gaiters chomp the competition, win against Concordia KYLE DONNELLY Alumnus Contributor
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nowledge is power. The Bishop’s Lady Gaiters proved this on Jan. 28, when it mattered most, as they shot the lights out in the final quarter of eight straight hotly contested periods against the well-acquainted Concordia Stingers at Mitchell Gymnasium to earn a 76-66 result. The two well-acquainted sides were playing their second of a home-and-home spanning three nights. The win marked the cap to a run-and-gun style game after a tighter defensive battle two nights prior in Montreal. Bishop’s, long out of the playoff spotlight, snapped a five-game losing streak, and remarkably still remain in the playoff hunt, sitting just two games behind the very same Stingers team. The Gaiters now sport a modest 2-3 home record to accompany their 0-5 winless road campaign on the season. In Montreal, the Gaiters shot just 25.4% from the field, 14.3% from the 3-point arc, and committed a season-high 29 turnovers in the loss. Vying for a better result in front of the home fans, the Gaiter’s offence looked like a well-oiled machine. All five starters logged at least 30 minutes of playing time, with four of the five scoring in double figures. This was led by power forward Maude Archambault, with 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in 34 minutes of playing time. Despite the starters’ overall dominance, things did not start out peachy for the Gaiters. Scoring some key points off turnovers in the first quarter, Bishop’s had to fight through a lacklustre 25% field goal percentage, converting on just 20% of their 10 3-point attempts in the frame to earn a tie after one quarter. The turnover bug bit the team in the second quarter as they provided Concordia with six extra pos-
PHOTO COURTESY GAITERS.CA
Knowledge is power.
sessions. Fortunately for Bishop’s, starting small forward, Ashley Milhomme, and backup centre, Maeva Dinalle, scored 15 of the team’s 20 points in the frame to spur the team’s 57.1% shooting percentage and another split going into the half, this time knotted at 33-33. Coming out of the half, it was clear Concordia sought to take the Gaiters off the glass. The plan was mitigated, however, by seven turnovers in the third quarter despite an 11-6 advantage on the glass to provide
Bishop’s with just enough possession to gain a 49-48 advantage. The final quarter was a thriller as the Gaiters received great tandem play from point guard Edith Noblecilla and Archambault who scored 22 out of the Gaiters to attain a season-high for a quarter with 27 points. The Stingers responded with 18 points in the frame, largely due to shooting guard Marilyse Roy-Viau and a dominant 13 points to allow Concordia to at least hang around in the game.
Gaiters’ basketball stung in loss against Concordia Stingers JORDAN HIER Alumnus Contributor
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he Bishop’s Gaiters hosted the Concordia Stingers during both team’s final game in January. The Gaiters’ basketball team came into the contest on a three game losing streak with an overall record of 2-7, placing them alone at the bottom RSEQ Conference. Bishop’s lost the previous two games to the Stingers this season, both played on the road at Concordia’s Loyola campus in Montreal. Meanwhile, the Stingers came into Lennoxville third in the RSEQ posting a 5-4 record; without having a multiple winning or losing streak the entire season to this point, winning their last
game, which just happened to be against the Gaiters. The Stingers came swarming out of their hive scoring the first eight points of the game in slightly over a minute of action. That forced the Gaiters to regroup by calling the first timeout. Methodically, the Gaiters scored the next nine points of the match, taking a one point lead shortly before the midpoint of the first quarter. The lead seesawed back and forth for the remainder of the quarter, with Bishop’s up by two points at the conclusion of the opening quarter. As the Stingers struggled to score at the beginning of the second quarter, Bishop’s expanded on their lead and had what would be their largest lead of
the game at 28-20 at the 3:44 mark of the second. After a Concordia timeout, the Stingers chipped away at the Gaiters lead, going on a 12-4 run for the remainder of the half. As a result the match would be deadlocked at 32 all at halftime. Concordia started the second half in a similar fashion as they started the first, outscoring the Gaiters. The Stingers had their highest scoring quarter of the game and their greatest advantage with an eleven-point lead to close out the third. Gaiters had a steep hill to climb in the closing quarter and they were definitely up for the challenge. They started the fourth quarter on a 15-7 run and, in the process, caused early foul trouble for Concordia.
The Gaiters were in the lead by the midpoint of the quarter. If not for a handful of unfortunate calls against the Gaiters, the outcome of the game may have been different as it was a one-possession game with less than thirty seconds remaining in the fourth. The Stingers made the most of their visit to the Eastern Townships as they came away with a 75-69 victory, and in turn, secured a multiple game-winning streak for the first time this season, in front of 408 spectators. Ricardo Monge and Ken Beaulieu led the Stingers to victory by scoring 16 and 14 points respectively. Abdul Kamane led all scorers in the game with 19 points while Joany Castor-Thadal tallied 16 points for Bishop’s.
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Matt Ryan wins MVP at the 6th annual NFL Honors A Recap of the 2016-’17 NFL Player Awards
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very year the Associated Press NFL Player Awards are voted on by a panel of 50 members of the media who cover the league. Since 2011, these awards have been handed out at NFL Honors; a ceremony televised the night before the Super Bowl. GERRIT COULTER Contributor
Federer with his fifth Australian Open win.
PHOTO COURTESY TALKSPORT.COM
Australian Open crowns Grand Slam champions ABDULLAH SIDDIQI Contributor
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he 2017 Australian Open final came to a close with Roger Federer picking up his 18th Grand Slam title against Rafael Nadal for the men’s final and Serena Williams winning a tough game against her sister, Venus Williams. Roger Federer came back from a two-point disadvantage at 1-3 in the fifth set against his great rival Rafael Nadal before winning his fifth Australian Open. Federer, the No. 17 seed, defeated ninth seed and 2009 winner Rafael Nadal, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in three hours and 38 minutes. Throughout the game they left the Melbourne Rod Laver Arena crowd on the edge of their seats. The win is Federer’s first Grand Slam championship victory since he defeated Andy Murray for the 2012 Wimbledon title. Federer is the first No. 17 seed to capture a Grand Slam championship crown since Pete Sampras, who clinched the 2002 U.S. Open title in his final professional match. The Swiss star is now 18-10 in major finals while Nadal is 14-7 in finals on the biggest stages. Federer hit 73 winning strokes including 20 aces and won 76 per cent of his first service points for victory. Nadal won 4/17 breakpoints, committed 28 unforced errors—29 fewer than Federer.
Returning after a six-month injury lay-off, Federer is 12-23 in the FedEx ATP head to head series. This means that Roger Federer is now the new world number 10 and Rafael Nadal moves up to sixth. In the women’s finals, Serena Williams beat sister Venus Williams in straight sets to win her seventh Australian Open and 23rd Grand Slam singles title in one hour and 22 minutes. Australia’s Margaret Court is the only player still ahead of Serena for Grand Slam single titles, with a total of 24. Serena, at age 35, won 6-4, 6-4 to pass Steffi Graf in the alltime list of major winners since the Grand Slams accepted professional players in 1968. The American jumps from number two to regain the number one ranking from German Angelique Kerber. The match started with a couple of breaks of serve as both players struggled early. Serena made a few errors but with her sister making more, Venus eventually surrendered the second set in just over 40 minutes. A comeback looked possible for Venus when she went up 40-0 in the third game of the second set. She won five consecutive points to take a 2-1 lead. Although it was Serena who gained a 4-3 advantage and held onto it, serving out the match that sent her onto win her 23rd Grand Slam title.
Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player: Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons This year Ryan had a completion percentage of 69.9, he threw for 4,944 yards, 38 touchdowns passes, one interception and led the league with a passer rating of 117.1. Matt Ryan’s Atlanta Falcons went 11-5 and are playing in Super 51. “Matty Ice” is the first player in Falcons history to win the MVP award. He received 25 of the possible 50 votes to win the award.
AP Offensive Player of the Year: Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons This is the second award of the night for Ryan. I suspect he received the vast majority of the OPOY votes from everyone who selected others to win MVP in what was a close race. AP Defensive Player of the Year: Khalil Mack, Defensive End, Oakland Raiders In his third season, Khalil Mack amassed 73 combined tackles, 11 sacks, one interception, three passes defended, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one defensive TD. Although Mack did not lead the league in any one category, he made an astonishing amount of big plays in key situations that helped his team win a lot of games.
Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan.
AP Coach of the Year: Jason Garrett, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys went 13-3 in the regular season, good for the second-best record in the league. This was Garrett’s sixth full year as head coach in Dallas. He was the team’s Offensive Coordinator from 2007 until November of 2010 when he was named HC.
AP Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers Jordy Nelson caught 97 balls for 1,257 yards and had the most receiving touchdowns in the NFL with 14. Nelson tore his ACL during the 2015 pre-season and missed the entire year. He was once again the top target in Green Bay’s passing offense, seemingly not missing a step. AP Offensive Rookie of the Year: Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys During the ’16-’17 season Dak Prescott finished with 3,667 passing yards, 23 touchdown passes, 4 interceptions and a 104.9 passer rating. He also accumulated 282 yards on the ground, on 57 carries, with six rushing touchdowns. Dak led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record after he was thrust into a starting role when Tony Romo was injured in the pre-season. A bit of an upset here, as Prescott’s teammate Ezekiel Elliott, who led the league in rushing yards, seemed to be the heavy favourite.
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Los Angeles Chargers In only 12 contests, Joey Bosa had 10.5 sacks, 41 combined tackles, and one forced fumble. After holding out for the first four games, Bosa stepped up and almost instantly became an elite pass rusher. Bosa will be a key player for the Chargers as they make the move from San Diego to Los Angeles.
PHOTO COURTESY SPORTINGNEWS.COM
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February play-off PREDICTIONS for the Stanley Cup NICOLE GAUVREAU Copy Editor
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he NHL regular season is just over mid-way through; there have been great games and notso-great games, teams have gone up and down in the rankings and are now settling into the rough area of the standing they are likely to remain in for the rest of the season. This brings us to the play-off spot predictions.
Metropolitan Division
The Metropolitan Division is bringing another strong showing this season, with last season’s league-topping Washington Capitals and Stanley Cup-winning Pittsburgh Penguins both within the current top five teams in the league. The Columbus Blue Jackets currently hold the number two spot in the Metropolitan Division, but have an unfortunate tendency of going strong for half of three quarters of a season and then hitting a lasting losing streak. Unless they can overcome this, it seems unlikely that they’ll make the playoffs and the more consistent New York Rangers will take the third Metropolitan seed instead. Washington Capitals Pittsburgh Penguins NY Rangers
Atlantic Division
Eastern Conference Wild Cards Toronto Maple Leafs Philadelphia Flyers
The Minnesota Wild and Chicago Black Hawks are resting fairly easily at the top of the Central Division, with their biggest threats residing in the Eastern Conference. In the Central Division the true question is if the Nashville Predators will continue to sit in the third spot, or if the Saint Louis Blues will pull themselves together and overtake a floundering Winnipeg to give the Predators competition for the third Central Division seed. Minnesota Wild Chicago Blackhawks Nashville Predators
Pacific Division
While the Atlantic Division’s top teams haven’t put out quite as strong a showing as the Metropolitan Division’s top teams so far, they are the teams nearer and dearer to many Canadian hearts, with the Montréal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators taking the top two spots. While the Boston Bruins currently sit in third, the Toronto Maple Leafs have played fewer games, but have nearly as may wins, and more overtime wins. Could we see all Canadian teams top the Atlantic division? Only if the Leafs can overcome their recent string of losses. Montréal Canadiens Ottawa Senators Boston Bruins
Central Division
It pays to have three teams in your state as it means it’s that much easier to have a chance of hosting the Stanley Cup. Thankfully for the rest of us, the Edmonton Oilers are having a particularly strong season and the once-consistent champion L.A. Kings have fallen slightly in the past two years, meaning only the remaining two California teams (the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks) seem assured at Pacific Division seeds for the playoffs. San Jose Sharks Edmonton Oilers Anaheim Ducks
Western Conference Wild Cards: LA Kings Saint Louis Blues
Super Bowl 2017
PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE SQUIRE, THEGUARDIAN.COM
The New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime to win Super Bowl 51.
Lady Gaga performed the half-time concert.
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Feb. 2-4 Bishop’s University PHOTOS COURTESY AGGIE VEALE
ARTS&CULTURE
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Dominque Davidson, Arts and Culture Editor » thecampus.ac@gmail.com
Movie releases in February
February 3
The Space between Us
Rings 3
PHOTO COURTESY BISHOP’S GAITERS FLICKR
Theatrical review
Theatre Activ prompts gasps and laughs in 32nd year OLIVER RIND Contributor
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heatre Activ returned to Turner Studio for an instalment of thirteen plays between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2. The plays featured themes of tragicomedy, horror, and humour; filling the room with themes of suffering, death, and guilt. Gasps and laughs filled the audience with each play performed. Sins of the Mother dealt with the abuse of a habitually drunk mother (Anneta Krapivnitskaya) and her enabling daughters and aunt. It began with laughs that slowly waned as the story revealed itself as tragic, with the murder of the mother by daughter Rose (Lilly Louise Smith). This play was intimately portrayed, permitting the audience to feel involved in the everyday life of the characters. While the writing did not have a raise of intensity until the final moments, it perfectly grasped the drama of a domestic sphere. This year’s instalment also praised the French community of Sherbrooke with a French adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s classic story The Tell-Tale Heart, masterfully recounted by Guillaume Lirette Gélinas. Guillaume took the stage alone with nothing but a cot, dim barred lights, and the ambient beating of the hideous heart, for a chilling experience of the famous tale by one of horror’s forefathers. Audience members were also treated to the classic folklore of The Monkey’s Paw, a camp story about a severed monkey’s paw that grants three wishes, though if not done “sensibly” has disastrous consequences. Like the tale, the audience was left to their imaginations of the mangled daughter rapping on the door until wished dead back to the grave, ending with a beat of silence thereafter for the added effect of dread.
Fugue caused some visceral reactions in the audience. Three dead girls, portrayed by Dominique Davidson, Brie Yee, and Kelly Coubrough recounted their murders by a pedophile, played by Jonathan Fryman. This play brought to life the horrid themes of child abuse and sexual harassment, and the stands were mute until the end, hanging on every eerie moment as the girls described the man’s lure and audience members watched it come to life on stage. The interpretation was shocking for many viewers with the realization that the events are not impossible. For those who sought more laughs than gasps, humour was still there for them. One of the most memorable performances was the second-night closing act called When Shakespeare’s Ladies Meet, set in a comedic alternate Shakespearian universe where his ladies met regularly for saucy gossip of their male counterparts. From the hysterics of Ophelia (Taylor Rohr) to the butch Katharine (Marianne Lassonde), and the love-stricken Juliet (Jaimee Yates), the play was one about promises of resolution of their loves, but for the audience and Shakespeare scholars was dramatic irony. The closing act of the third night, Naomi in the Living Room was one performance that kept the audience teared-up-laughing throughout with the mad ravings and vulgarities of Naomi (Aislinn Fisher). Not to mention, as well, the odd couple of John the cross-dressing husband (Mathew Mulkern) and his timid wife (Tabitha Hartropp). The order in which the plays were set provided relief after shocked silences and intensity after laughs and jokes. They were well received by the audience and cheered by their fellow actors and friends. Another successful year for Theatre Activ and the hard-working artists who performed with great poise.
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February 10
February 17
The LEGO batman movie
The Great Wall
PHOTO COURTESY YOUTUBE.COM
PHOTO COURTESY SCREENRANT.COM
February 24
Get Out
Collide
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On the topic of black history at BU
DOMINIQUE DAVIDSON Ar ts & Culture Editor
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tarted in 1916, Dr. Carter Woodsen launched “Negro Week”, an initiative to educate Americans about black Americans’ contributions and accomplishments in the United States. that were largely left out of the educational curriculum or else portrayed with demeaning or discriminatory imagery. Woodsen believed that if white Americans knew the true history of black America and Africa, it would help overcome negative stereotyping, promote awareness and new critiques, and not act as a basis for ethnocentric pride and cultural divide. Eventually, Woodsmen’s vision was that someday a special week or month would no longer be required to appropriately honour black Americans’ history. However the United States government only officially recognized Woodsen’s week 60 years later, in 1976. While Black History Month is now a celebration of achievements by black Americans and Canadians (as recognized in 1995), it is also a time for recognizing the central role of black Americans and Canadians in history. Which is why CASA decided to take a new initiative in introducing Black History Month to Bishop’s University. “This year we wanted to take a different approach to Black History Month. In the past we’ve done poetry jams and various events celebrating black history, but
this year we wanted to approach topics that are more unknown—of course we celebrate Martin Luther King and Malcom X, but our initiative is to educate. And that’s why we started the talk series,” said Judith Ntambwe, member of CASA, speaker at the Talk Series Events. Including conversations on pre-colonial Africa, white privilege, and racial conflicts, CASA seeks to look at a different side of black history: aspiring for peace and equal opportunity in today`s world. Featuring short clips from Hidden Colors by Tariq Nasheed, this series is intended to open up the discussion in a safe environment. Unfortunately, racism is prevalent in the Bishop’s community and widely ignored. As a predominantly white community, it is evident that the traditions of white culture are enlightened. Phrases such as “I have black friends”, “you’re pretty for a black girl”, or “you don’t act black” are comments that Ntambwe has encountered on campus in the past. She’s even dealt with a romantic interest telling her that he’s “never been with a black girl before”. “Things are not necessarily said with negative intention but it’s ingrained in white culture to define the human race under a variety of races as opposed to a unity,” Ntambwe elaborated on occasions of undermined racism in the community. “This is why it’s so important to attend these talk series. It is an opportunity to discuss matters of racism embedded in culture, and how to be more
PHOTO COURTESY THE CARIBBEAN AND AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
CASA invites all students to participate to the activities organized for Black History Month.
aware and therefore prevent it.” The first event of the Talk Series, Out of Africa: Africa Before Colonization, took place Feb. 1 and focused on precolonial Africa. The African continent is thought to be the oldest inhabited continent on Earth and is believed to be the place where humans first originated. It is only later that the human race distributed themselves across the other continents. The talk provided a focus on African societies, and the Indigenous politics and cultures, which then led into an open discussion: Why don’t we know about this? “The information is available, but unfortunately it is not provided. We need a certain curiosity to stem to find discussions on African history. And it can be difficult to find accurate information without bias because of the portrayal of black communities in the media,” Ntam-
bwe recounted from a colleague’s response during the first of the Talk Series. This raised the question of what is being taught in the school systems. “There are black mathematicians that initiated many theories, there are many philosophers and pioneers, but when we think about history, the first personality that is imagined is not black,” Ntambwe continued. The Talk Series is open to the public, with speeches every week in February. Feb. 8 will have a presentation on white privilege, titled A Colour Blind Society, and the final talk on Wednesday, Feb. 15 will discuss Solutions: What it Means to be Colour Brave. CASA invites everyone to be present for the discussions at 8 p.m. in The Gait, and follow daily celebratory black history posts on their Facebook page: BU Caribbean African Student Association.
Bishop’s Fashion Show brings in $17,000 for NuHab ANGÉLIQUE BIELSKI Layout Editor
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eaturing over 60 models, four coordinators, and a multitude of committee volunteers and dancers, the Bishop’s University Fashion Show took over the Centennial Theatre stage the afternoon and evening of Jan. 28 to raise money for the local NuHab Addiction Center. “SOLACE: it’s taking something bad and turning it into something good,” said Erica More, co-head coordinator of the 2017 Fashion show (with Sophie Duchesne) about this year’s Fashion Show theme. The models showed off clothes from international brands Adidas and Top Shop, and Canadian Retailer WLKN. Butik, June Swimwear and Dex were brought in from Montreal. On the local side, Illusion Boardshop, Kitsch, Glori.us, Boutique L’Office, and L2D (many located near Wellington St.) provided apparel for the show. BridesMade, a bridesmaid dress rental company funded by a Bish-
op’s Alumni, was also showcased. Between catwalks, MCs Lauren Neils and Mike Izzard kept the crowd entertained with BU inside jokes, Mike’s possible mullet haircut, and personifications of BU security guards. The Dance Club also performed a number of choreographies. Unannounced, Lily Kolbelt sang, accompanied by dancers, during the intermission. In past years, the event took place later in the winter semester, but Centennial’s scarce availability forced the organization to up the speed and be ready just over two weeks after the semester started. “Normally, we start rehearsal only after the Christmas break. We had to start earlier, but it went smoothly,” recalled More. All V.I.P. tickets sold out, but many general admission ones were still available as the event started. “It was really hard to get the first years involved,’’ explained More. ‘’We sold tickets to those who would normally go, but we had a hard time reaching out to the others.” This is something that next year’s coordinators
expect to work on for the 2018 edition. The sale of the tickets for the show is where the organization raises most of the money, but they also organize activities like fundraiser nights at The Gait and the Lion throughout the fall semester. “The donation is smaller than last year, mostly because of the donation page for parents,” assistant coordinator Maryclare MacIsaac said. She believes that, since the event took place so close after Christmas, people were less able to give. Despite this, the NuHab Centre will receive over $17,000. “We are coming together and trying to make things better for them. Our money goes to a good cause with NuHab, and it has real impacts. It does make a difference,” said MacIsaac. If the seats were almost full at the beginning of the night, many were empty by the time the models, volunteers, and organization came for applause, around 10:30. “It’s like that every year,” agreed More and MacIsaac. “I don’t really think that there’s any-
thing we can do about that because it’s a Saturday night. People want to go to The Gait. It’s a big Gait night and people want to be drunk so they drink before the show, and then it wears off, so they want to go back and drink before they go to The Gait.” The current coordinators have selected Danaka Robertson and MacIsaac to coordinate next year. “It was really well run this year, I learnt a lot about what happens behind the scenes. There’s a lot going on; you don’t see the challenges from your seat,” MacIsaac stated. The 2018 coordinators will begin planning the big event as of the fall 2017 semester, and hopes are high to achieve the success of previous years.
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BACKSTAGE PHOTOS BY LENA ZARIFOGLU RUNWAY PHOTOS BY THEO GIRAUDON