The Bishop’s University Newspaper
Spring flowers and Degrees since 1944
Vol. 74, No. 6
NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Take Back the Night Articles Pages 4 & 7
Courtesy of Noelle Meharchand
Sitting down with Live Life Unfiltered Page 12
Gaiters Fall to Stingers in RSEQ Men’sRugby Final Page 10
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Photo Courtesy of Clare Webb Cover page design by Mallesh Madapathi
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NEWS
THE CAMPUS NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Victoria de Morel, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
THE EDITORS 2018-2019 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HELEN TINTPULVER thecampus.editor@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR LOCH BAILLIE
thecampus.copyeditor@gmail.com
LAYOUT EDITOR MALLESH MADAPATHI thecampus.layout@gmail.com
BUSINESS MANAGER MARISA LEA
thecampus.business@gmail.com
NEWS EDITOR VICTORIA DE MOREL thecampus.news@gmail.com
OPINIONS EDITOR ALEXANDRE MARCEAU thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
FEATURES EDITOR JESS LAPENNA
thecampus.features@gmail.com
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR MARYCLARE MACISAAC thecampus.ac@gmail.com
SPORTS EDITOR GRAHAM CHILDS
thecampus.sports@gmail.com
GRAPHICS KATE SCHWARTZ
thecampus.graphics@gmail.com
THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Jessica Bournival Jessica Caputo Marielle Caruth Darcie Danesh Marilyn Hardy Bronwen Holder Philippe Lapointe Lassonde Anika Malone Sarah Mojsej Matteo Nobile Pamela Pascal Sonia Patenaude Caroline Surrette Max Taylor
Update from SRC Vice President External MARILYN HARDY Contributor
Have you checked your emails lately? Well, if you have, you will have noticed an email asking you to take part in our mental health survey. This has been an ongoing project of mine since my last year as VP Student Life. Now as VP External Affairs, I have been working countless hours to ensure Bishop’s students take part. That being said, if you haven’t seen our numerous posters, our shattered smiley face coasters, and our yellow t-shirts, then know that the SRC has been promoting this mental health initiative across campus for the past week in order to maximize participation in the survey. This survey is done in collaboration with 13 other universities and the Quebec Student Union (QSU), representing approximately 150,000 students. The goal is to depict what mental health looks like for
students across the province, so, if you haven’t already, please take seven minutes of your time to fill it out. Although the mental health study has taken up the majority of my time, I have also been planning our very first Bishop’s held QSU caucus to be held at the end of November. Additionally, I am preparing for the federal Advocacy Week held on Parliament Hill, Ottawa, in partnership with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and QSU. As always, if you have questions, comments and/or concerns do not hesitate to email me at srcexternal@ ubishops.ca. Cheers!
Update from Director of Communications and Marketing DARCIE DANESH Contributor
With midterms season finally coming to a close, I can happily end some of the busiest weeks of my term as Director of Communications and Marketing. Since my last update, I hired a videographer and completed our strategic plan. Additionally, we launched our first vlog as part of our “Day in the Life” series, closed our Think Pink campaign, and so much more! Halloween weekend came to a fantastic close with our photo-booth and costume competition having some incredible participants (shout out to you seniors!). I also managed to take my grad photos, which was a stoic reminder that all of this purple is about to come to an end, and I have to write finals. I’ve been working with Marilyn on the mental health survey so make sure as many of you Gaiters are out there answering the survey so we can work with the Quebec
/thebucampus 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.
Student Union to advocate for better services and improve your student experience! The survey ends on Nov. 26 and we need 17 percent participation to make it count! So far, we’ve been doing well, in fact, we have
reached 1.5 percent more participants on average than other participating institutions. But that doesn’t mean we can’t overachieve and show other schools how much we care about mental health. And give the truest representation of the supports we require! In the next couple of weeks, my focus will turn to next semester, planning future campaigns for the upcoming Executive Elections (in February) and Winterfest (along with the rest of our phenomenal executive team). Be on the lookout for videos/picture and more awesome content as well as call outs for Winterfest Volunteers! As always, if you ever want to contact me to find out about ways to get your event, fundraiser, anything out there, or simply talk about ideas for the SRC in our communications and marketing, my email is: src@ubishops.ca.
FOLLOW US ONLINE 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 (thecampus.editor@gmail.com), 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.
SINCE 1944
NEWS
Vice President Academic Update JESSICA CAPUTO Contributor
As usual, it’s been a very busy month! Here are a few things that we’re working on at the moment. We are In the midst of restructuring the Student Success Centre program, as well as coordinating and planning this year’s study hall, which we hope will be in our newly renovated Learning commons. We are also working on providing our senators with the tools they need to help students and one of the ways we are going about this is by conducting on campus survey feedbacks. You will see our team out and about, handing out info flyers and gathering student feedback. This is a crucial opportunity for us to collect as much information as possible to help in our planning for next semester. The team will be in the sub all week, so please be sure to swing by! Another exciting event that we are planning is Bishops Speaks! This is going to be phenomenal – bigger and better than ever! This will be marketed in the new semester. I also had the idea of organizing a failure panel and have asked BUCS to collaborate on this. The event will provide opportunities for several students and faculty
members to share their stories and experiences. The idea is to highlight failure and remove the negative connotation that comes with it, to shine a light on how failure is simply a learning opportunity and the experience is sometimes crucial to eventual success. We are also working on including a section on mental
health in all syllabi! We are working alongside Enzo Evangelista, jack.org and DR Mike Teed. In addition, we are beginning to organize this year’s teaching awards event and standards. Last but not least, we are planning a “Tell us what you need” event, the first of its kind on campus. It will be an opportunity for students and faculty to gather to answer questions in an open environment and to provide feedback, concerns, comments. The best way to understand each other is by speaking together. Allowing everyone to gather together in a free space and have a facilitated “debate” will allow a free flow of ideas to form. The goal is to help faculty help students. Together we can make a positive change! If you have any questions, comments or concerns please stop by my office! I always love hearing feedback from you!
The Digitized Mitre is Launched! ALEXANDRE MARCEAU Opinions Editor
Since 1893, copies of The Mitre have circulated around campus informing and entertaining students. It has been an incredible resource, and now, through digital technology, it’s available everywhere. It wasn’t the first attempt of any literary endeavor. In the early years, there was first a paper called “The Frying Pan,” issued with the “purpose of agitating reforms in the domestic economy of the college”; and then in 1866, “The Student’s Monthly,” which resembled the Mitre in its content – different articles on literary, educational, poetic, and classical subjects, as well as college events. In 1893, the editor uses the first issue of the Mitre to state: “The character of our magazine we hope [is] to make acceptable to all who are interested not only in Bishop’s College, but in the more extended realm of University life and thought” – in the second issue, which I think, in a way, finds its echoes in this year’s theme: “The very cause of the existence of our paper, is to give a constant reflection of the changes and events which take place within the walls or at least beneath the shadow of our University.” And so begin the publications – eight issues in one year! The early 20th century is where student identity is characterized by the pages. There are WWI letters from the front, poems from students or Alumni fighting, transcriptions of chapel services, but not much creative writing. A theme found in every decade is the call for contributions and the ever-present worry about the standard of and interest in literature. In 1910 the editor was calling for all contributions – “such is your duty as part of your Bishop’s experience!” To all students here, I ask you to think about your current situation here at Bishop’s. The editorial reads of Volume 22 (2) reads: “The one thought which dominates the minds of all, from the kitchen-boy to the most exalted potentate of the University is – WAR. And especially in this the case at the time of writing, when about ten of our number are about
to enlist for active service”. In a letter from former editor M.H. Wells, we can follow the boys who left from Val-Cartier to Salisbury Plain. In the 20s and 30s, the journals refocus on literary efforts, but soon the Second World War rolls around. This was my introduction to the Mitre. I had read a few poems from the 2017 issue at Doo-little’s and then sort of drifted from it. That buzzing “nerd” excitement when I read the Editorial to Vol 48: 1940-41: “These are the times that try men’s souls” – Paine; followed by a long two-page commentary on the war and the students there. My very favorite quote comes from April 1943’s Notes and Comments section: “The ingredients of a good column in the Mitre are usually one old battered typewriter, several packages of slow-burning cigarettes and any other stimulus available. Oh yes! Also one sadly mutilated sucker to do the composing. Anyway, here we are again with a ‘weed’ in one hand, a rusty portable before us, a glass of cider to provide the aforementioned stimulus and a few badly chopped up and oft-disputed bits of gossip upon which it is our duty to comment.” It appears that the effects of the war cast a satirical tone over many of the pieces. Articles questioning the nature of the war, or even religious faith – at a time when students still had to wear academic caps and gowns to class – are featured. The introduction of the Campus in 1944 replaced all collegial records in the Mitre, which now dedicated itself to an arts magazine. In 1969 the journal is briefly renamed Nuevue. A long editorial seeks to revamp Canadian literary efforts. There is a striking contrast between the patriotism voiced in the early publications and this new focus on Canada separate from England. Simultaneously readers discover a photographic display of Newfoundland which introduces photography as a new artistic focus in the Mitre.
It was briefly called The New Mitre, but almost immediately returned to the Mitre, always seeking contributors and bemoaning the state of literature and the apathy of students. The following decades were dominated by literary prose or poetry, and included many photographs, paintings, and even musical compositions – it always depends on the year and the editor’s vision. It is funny to see us here, still writing, in 2018, the 126th edition in the making….
Photo Courtesy of Bishop’s University Archives
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OPINIONS
THE CAMPUS NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Alexandre Marceau, Opinions Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Free Solo: The Art of El Capitan ALEXANDRE MARCEAU Opinions Editor
I wonder what it must have felt like, eating breakfast in the van, driving to El Capitan Meadow, and walking to the base. Tall granite face, 3000 metres beaming in sheer size. Putting his chalk around his waist, climbing shoes on his feet, hands in his bag, up he began – no rope or anything. 70 years ago, the face of El Cap was climbed for the first time in eleven days. The next big push in 1960, seven days; 15 hours 1975; 3 hours and 56 minutes June 3, 2017 – ropeless. There was much discussion in the climbing world that the next great achievement – let us say an unthinkable one would be Honnold free soloing El Cap. To my disbelief, it happened. On Oct. 26, my friends and I went to see Free Solo, a film by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, which documents Alex Honnold’s unthinkable climb of Freerider (5.13a). This was a 33 pitch climb – each around 30 metres, normally completed with at least one other person in three to five days. Yes – you’re sleeping on the wall, anchored up in your bivy sack (while climbing, he passed a group of climbers, one emerging his bivy in a pink bunny suit, something never seen by any of the crew who have been climbing in Yosemite for years). There are four general types of big wall climbing. Top-rope, where one is belayed from a fixed anchor and has no slack to fall; sport climbing, where one clips into bolts as they climb up a set route, falling two metres if they climb one metre above the last set quick-draw; trad climbing, two ropes are used and the lead climber sets gear into cracks, which one hopes will stay, with the following person picking it up (one has to trad climb El
Photo Courtesy of Jimmy Chin
Capitan); and lastly, free soloing, where one simply climbs with a chalk bag and their shoes – if they fall, they fall. Since the screening I’ve had certain shots stuck in my mind. Is this climb more than just the climb itself? Was he thinking or was he in a state of flow? How do I talk about his achievement without romanticizing climbing itself? “I can climb it because it is there,” he says. I bit my nails and sat forward in my seat, but for some odd reason, I could see why he was doing it. A transcendental feeling was flowing from the screen, yet I had no time for reflection – I was waiting for the infamous boulder problem, where one “expected” the fall spot, if he did, would be. There was something more than just interest that captivated me though. Jimmy Chin, film maker and Alex’s climbing partner
of ten years, alongside his crew, expressed a huge concern – is this okay to film? What if he dies on film, in front of his best friends? Do we pose a distraction? Many of the shots illustrated the exposure around Honnold – mountains in the background and thousands of feet down to Lego-sized pine trees with whipping winds – revealing the true minuteness of the human. The wall never challenged him nor would it change if Honnold fell to his death; El Cap would still gleam throughout the valley and the next morning the guys in their pink bunny suits would keep climbing. Honnold’s response to death reveals a man who has accepted his medium of art – looking at walls, crafting a route, and climbing it in the most natural way. To accept such a form of art is to understand much more – or maybe quite simply – death. Alex says, “Anyone could conceivably die on any given day. Soloing just makes it much more immediate and present.” To top out, one must have been perfect in every sense of the word. It seems that death’s immediacy brings with it life’s intimacy. The ever-present consciousness of your life ending puts into perspective the presence. Honnold’s documented climb is meant to give us much more than “entertainment,” and more than purpose. However, I cannot conceive any one else’s viewpoint. The film is currently playing in Sherbrooke at La Maison du Cinema for $6.50. Totally worth it.
Taking Back Our Nights: The March ANIKA MALONE AND ALEXANDRE MARCEAU Contributor & Opinions Editor
“By a show of hands, who has either been personally affected or knows someone who has been affected by assault?” A crowd of nearly two hundred people lifted their hands in response to the question posed by Anika. “When we hear the stories, we feel just as powerless as the act of assault makes us feel. We feel as if the power which was inherently ours was taken from us forever.” At 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 at Optimist Field, Anika and the “Purple Ladies” – a crew of women, best-friends, and supporters, started handing out pink bandanas to students coming out to march against assault in the community. “We were expecting a big turnout, but this was huge. The bandanas were gone right away.” The march followed College up to Queen and back to the Gait. The next morning I sat down with Anika to talk about the night. Alex: How was it seeing all these people you did not know show up? Was the school involved at all? Anika: “It felt so natural and that everything was coming together. People cared and were there without obligation – they wanted to be there. I was always surprised at how the community responded and how supportive everyone was. The march was going to happen whether or not we got the school’s approval,
but when both an institution and its students bind together like at this event, we get last night’s march – a community “Taking Back their Voices.” Alex: Was this more of an awareness event, or do you think it was an actual movement of change? Anika: It was an event of awareness to start a movement of change; assault is an issue of power and those affected feel like their power has been taken away forever. Assault envelopes you in a cloak that becomes very hard to take off. We wanted this event to be an unveiling of people to take back the voices that were taken away from them. Alex: Was there anything people said or did this week against the march that bothered you? Anika: “There wasn’t much opposition, but many comments on how we should do things differently. A man asked me, “Why aren’t there any men here?” and I said bluntly, “Yeah, why aren’t there any men here?” We’re inviting the men and they are not coming. Look at how many women are here, defending themselves, and standing up for each other – but we’ve opened up the discussion and march to all. Everything we have written or presented has been represented by all genders.” Alex: How do you think personal stories brought people to fight for something together?
Anika: “Camille’s message in the video summed up the real problem: ‘I’m nineteen and all the girls I know have been sexually assaulted. People often overlook social situations: two people leave a party and you genuinely assume that “they’re just drunk.” But that is the beginning of the assault; it starts in the social realm.” Alex: Do you think assault is primarily based on power or the need for sexual stimulation? Anika: “You have no control – you can do everything in your power not to get assaulted, but it is other people’s actions. It’s often a horrible power dynamic. You don’t put a drunk girl in a room and she automatically gets raped. Why does one have to ruin her life and respect his choices? For survivors, that’s not sex. When we hear the stories and how it affects people we feel inclined to come together, be vulnerable, and talk. Someone had to mobilize, however, we all have to continue moving together.” “I challenge anyone who has an opinion on how we can do something differently to raise their voice on how this can be an active change. Don’t just critique us, but help us make it better. The Purple Ladies will be back and we look forward to hearing your input.”
OPINIONS
SINCE 1944
Senator Flake’s Post-Kavanaugh Revelations SARAH MOJSEJ Contributor
Questions remain after Senator Jeff Flake decided to support Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the United States Supreme Court after having originally requested a one-week investigation into Kavanaugh’s alleged sexual assault. When news outlets caught up with Flake to discuss the reasoning behind his decisions, Senator Flake said the sole reason he voiced his concern over Kavanaugh was because he was retiring at the end of the year. He claimed there is “no incentive” and “no value to reaching across his aisle.” Was the senator saying he has no place questioning the party line even when trying to discover the truth? Is an elected representative of a state not obliged to speak up and voice his or her real take on issues? A senator is elected because the people have collectively agreed that individual is the one who should speak for them on the federal stage. If a senator from Arizona votes “yes” when he is undecided, has he truly fulfilled his duty to the Arizona people? If a senator stays quiet to not mess with the decision of their party are they a political
having a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the country. The questionable one-week investigation into a judge accused of sexual assault would not have taken place. Instead Kavanaugh would have been immediately handed the power to determine the future of rights in America including those of women. Senator Flake admitted, “he didn’t know who he believed.” When a man is accused of murder and there is uncertainty, he is acquitted. When a safety check is performed on an airplane before takeoff, the engines need to perform properly and they take the time to make sure it does. When a supreme court candidate is accused of sexual assault and Senator Flake admits his uncertainty, has he failed his people and the justice system by voting to appoint the candidate to the highest court in this country? Why is the time not taken to make sure the engine works? With doubt present amongst at least one member of the jury, why is the nominee not further questioned or even rejected and replaced with one more qualified for the position?
Photo Courtesy of Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
figure or just a political pawn? If Senator Flake was running for re-election, he wouldn’t have spoken up and expressed his concern of Kavanaugh
You’re at a Concert – Watch the Band! ALEXANDRE MARCEAU Contributor
Attending different gigs over the past few years, I have noticed the incredible rise of people watching bands from behind their phone screens. “Why are you watching them through your Snapchat filter or square frame on Instagram? They’re right in front of you! Oh, ok. I’m glad your screen is now in my face.” On Oct. 13, my partner and I drove down to Silver Spring, Maryland to see a show. I was baffled when the girl in front of me, after three songs, looked up the opening band Grayscale on Instagram. What more will it tell you than the actual humans playing their music on a stage five metres in front of you? Will their online appearance instantaneously change their live sound? No, it won’t, unless the individual’s musical tastes are governed by online followings. Whatever one’s online character appears to be, the band’s rawest identity is live on stage, vulnerable yet powerful, evoking movement and emotion in the audience. I think it’s important to note that I do not object to taking pictures or videos at concerts. There is no better way to remember a stage-set than with an image, or the variation of your favourite chorus with a video. I’ve got those and I revisit them plenty. It is the obsessive desire to capture moments in fear of losing them rather than soaking them in for personal internalization that compels me. You’re paying money to be there, are you not? Your free time can be spent later. The lineage of this opinion dates back to high school,
Photo Courtesy of EDM Chicago
when I saw The Amity Affliction, a heavy rock band, play their third show in Montreal. I had been to their two previous gigs and was floored by the energy – circle pits and crowd surfers stirring heat between the walls of La Tulipe. At their last show, though, I remember standing near the front and just looking around me; everyone had their phones out filming “Pittsburgh” rather than engaging with the sound. There was a clear and unfortunate barrier between the performers and the audience. I wasn’t the only one who noticed and after the fourth song, Joel, their front man, muttered into his microphone, “Guys, put your f**king phones away, this is getting boring.” He completely took me by surprise.
For him to notice such a lack of energy in a sold-out show (unlike the previous ones) is remarkable. Two years later, I watched The Maine in Portland, Oregon on crutches with a broken foot. I remember John saying: “All the people with your phones out, put them up high! Raise them! Now shove them up your rectum. For two minutes and forty-six seconds be here, be now. This is a rock concert. Snapchat can come watch it if they want to watch it!” When the phones went away a powerful wave stormed through the crowd and everyone seemed suddenly alive and engaged. What I do find impressive, amidst the tone of cynicism, is the starry blanket of flashlights that illuminates throughout a venue during a slow song. What was once a fire of little flickering comets has the ability to record all of the other lights, while glowing itself. In the middle of a crowd at the Bell Centre on Oct. 6, watching Ben Howard, I did a full 360 degrees and found myself surrounded by a thousand little flickering lights; such an experience moved me. Perhaps it was because I was in the space of sound, found between the back of the phone and the stage, rather than behind the screen with a pressing thumb; maybe it was just the sight of so many white lights with a good song, but I remember feeling two things: that it must have been beautiful for Ben to face such a flashing audience, and pity for those who will not retain a memory of the show which is unique to their lens.
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FEATURES
6 FEATURES
THE CAMPUS NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Jess Lapenna, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
Eliminate Useless Waste - BYOM JESS LAPENNA Features Editor
As the cold weather arrives on campus, we are more likely to stop for a warm beverage on the way to class. Not to mention the late-night coffee runs to keep us awake for a few more hours to get those last-minute assignments done. How many times have you gone to Tim Hortons and gotten one of those famous red cups? How many times have you put that same cup in the recycling bin and thought you were saving the planet? Well I’m sorry to be the one to tell you that you’re not doing anyone any good. Containers with leftover food in them are not recyclable, and have the potential to contaminate other things in the bin! If you want to recycle your cup, you need to rinse it off first, and if you want to recycle your food, you need to put it in a compost bin. While we all probably won’t put the effort in to rinse our recyclables, or look for one of the very few compost bins on campus, there are other solutions to these problems. The Environmental Club has just hosted its second bring your own mug event (BYOM). On Wednesday November 7th, between 10am and 4pm, every student
Photo Courtesy of Jess Lapenna
and staff passing the SUB was able to get free coffee or hot chocolate if they brought a reusable mug. This is a great event to promote the importance of reusable items and reduce waste. While every university student loves an opportunity to get free things, The Environmental Club has also provided a little warmth to your cold hands as you rush to class.
Don’t hide from mental illness MATTEO NOBILE Contributor
Photo Courtesy of Kaitlyn Fredriksen
With almost all midterms finished, the final push of finishing papers and prepping for exams has started. The ability to stay mentally strong, for many, is easier said than done. Studying pushes the mind to its limits, then winter tests mental resiliency in other ways. The Lennoxville plague takes no prisoners, as it preys on those who are exhausted from late nights studying, or too busy to prepare nutritious food so immune systems are weak. With the constant fall of rain, colder temperature, and no sign of sunshine, the effects are clear. This time of the year takes a toll even on the most mentally resilient. Small tasks become more difficult, and difficult tasks seem to be impossible. Waking up in the morning you may realize all that has to be done surpasses the amount of energy you possess.
People may try to hide behind a mask to protect themselves against showing their true feelings to their friends and family. These people are suffering, but without opening up to anyone, they may feel helpless. In many cases these students appear externally happy, but internally they’re in a tough situation. Without seeking help, the problems will just continue to accumulate. For those who are obviously showing signs of a mental issue help often approaches them first, but sometimes it doesn’t. At Bishop’s University this past week, several events were put in place to help students cope. On Monday November 5th, the Student Representative Counsel filled the Gait with puppies, so students would be able to relieve some stress, while taking a break from studying. For many, this was a great opportunity to relax and bring a smile to their face. There was a “study day” on November 6th in which all classes were cancelled. This was for students to get caught up on assignments, readings, sleep or just to take a personal day, a proven way to help control stress. If you’re struggling, just remember that it’s important to take a break every once in a while, and it’s okay to ask for help. With the mind tired from strenuous use throughout the semester, small triggers may result in something more serious. All of us need to seek the guidance we need as soon as possible. Taking care of your mental health is a lot more important than people may think, and it’s not something to be embarrassed about.
If you’ve missed out on the event, don’t be worried, you can go to almost any facility on, or even off, campus and get your next coffee order in your own reusable mug. While it may not be free, you’re still eliminating waste from landfills and that’s still a great reason. If you’re still not convinced, here are some facts for you: 16 billion paper coffee cups are used in America every year. This alone can fill 6,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools full of waste. The plastic used in coffee cup lids is either polystyrene or Styrofoam, carcinogens and neurotoxins, which are neither recyclable nor biodegradable. What a terrible consequence for such a little pleasure in life!. Keep an eye out for more events hosted by The Environmental Club, and maybe invest in a reusable container to help eliminate waste in landfills. Change begins with one person – you. Bringing your own mug to get your next coffee seems like a little thing but together we can make a big difference.
FEATURES
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Gaiters Take Back the Night CAROLINE SURRETTE Contributor
Bishop’s University hosted its second annual Take Back the Night walk on Thursday, November 8. This initiative started in the 1970s when multiple incidents of femicide, the intentional murder of women because they are women, caught media attention in the United States. Unfortunately, Québec is not a stranger to violence against women as we take the time every December to honor the fourteen women killed at Montreal’s École Polytechnique in 1998. Take Back the Night is aimed at reclaiming female peace of mind when walking home alone, day or night. A visual comparison recently took social media by storm in September when social researcher Jackson Katz posed the question to both men and women: “what steps do you personally take, on a daily basis, to prevent assault?” The viral chart showed two columns, on the left was a single generic answer from men: “nothing, I don’t think about it.” The right side portrayed the female column which told a different story. Over thirty responses were documented including not drinking too much and not having an unlisted phone number. The research is clear: measures to prevent sexual assault are taken daily by women, and rarely by men.
Photo Courtesy of Caroline Surrette
Dozens of Bishop’s students flocked to Optimus Field last Thursday night, ready to march against sexual assault. Both male and female students wore pink and held handmade signs that ranged from profane exclamations to statistical statements. The field fell silent when the organizers of the march took to the megaphone for a powerful introduction. Anika Malone spoke to the crowd about how survivors of sexual assault
are part of the Bishop’s community, and the community will always be there to support them. Unfortunately, a lot of sexual assault stories start with fun nights with friends, whether it is going out or staying at home. As a community, chants were yelled in excitement as we marched to take back the night from the fears of sexual assault. One student commented on what Take Back the Night meant for her: “It means everyone coming together to make a positive difference. We need to put a stop to sexual violence and what better way to bring everyone together at Bishop’s than to take back these nights that belong to us.” I am proud to call myself a Gaiter walking among both men and women who support the fight against sexual assault. We definitely took back the night and it felt good to be a part of something that’s such an important global issue.
Sports Business Conference BRONWEN HOLDER Contributor
The John Molson Sports Marketing Committee (JMSM) hosted its 23rd Annual Sports Business Conference on November 1st to the 3rd in Montreal. This conference allows students to network with other students, build knowledge about sports business, and interact with professionals in the sports-business industry. The threeday student conference was held at Hotel Bonaventure, located in the heart of Montreal. This year, 400 students from 30 different universities, attended the conference to hear 25 industry professionals 15 panels and participate in many workshops. This conference truly allows passionate sports business students who aspire to pursue careers in the industry to get more information and network with others. Each day, student had the opportunity to select two workshops from the following six options: Analytics at a Glance, hosted by Neil Lane, co-founder & CEO of Stathelets; Take me out to the Ball Game and Tickets! Ticket! hosted by Scott Lewies, VP Strategy for the Orioles; Building your Professional Band and Interview Ins & Outs, hosted by Lindsay Pinckney, HR coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens; and Working Your Way to the Top, hosted by Simon Arsenault, former UFC boxer. All interactive workshops lasted an hour long. Day- 1 On Thursday, students with an all access pass were able to check-in to the hotel at 2pm. This gave them a couple of hours to explore the city of Montreal before the first panel of the conference. Panel one, Designated Dollars, presented by MLS with the Toronto FC and Chicago Fire Soccer Club, was about the concept of
the ‘designated players’ and how it impacts the league and team culture. Panel two, Law & Order, presented by the Vegas Golden Knights and Charlotte Hornets, was about labor relations, community relations with their respective cities, and corporation sponsorships. Following the panel discussions, there was a short networking cocktail to allow students to meet their peers. At the end of the night, students were encouraged to partake in jersey night at McKibbins Irish Pub. Day- 2 Friday morning, the start to a long day, with two panels and two workshops to attend. Panel one, Behind the Numbers, discussed statistical analysis and how it now impacts sports in today’s world. Presenters were Stathletes Inc. , University of Miami and SPORTLOGiQ. Panel two, Evolving Demographics focused on marketing, was presented by three different teams from three different leagues. Hearing the various strategies each team has, and how they market their product to each of their regions, was a very informative experience. Presenters were the Minnesota Vikings, Portland Trail Blazers and the Kansas City Royals. At the end of day two, there was a recruitment cocktail for those who wanted a chance to do some networking with the guest speakers. Day-3 The last and final day of the conference was jammed packed with learning opportunities. The day started out with three panels. Panel one, Action from all Angles, discussed the different angles teams take to generate revenue including special events. Presenters were the Miami Marlins, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota
United FC. Panel two, Show Me the Money was presented by Quartexx and Priority Sports, speaking of how they obtained their careers as sports agents. Panel three, Struck by Lightning: Bolting for Success, was presented by Julien Brisebois, the most current GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He shared his story of how he got to where he is today. The workshops offered were Social Media with the Mets, hosted by Will Carafello Director of Social Media; Networking & Career Development, hosted by Larry Hall, VP special projects and historical affairs for the Indianapolis Colts; Transforming a Sports brand, hosted by Eric Blankenship, VP of marketing for the Tampa Bay Lightning; and Using Data to Drive Sport Business Decision, hosted by Chris Kamke, VP strategy & analytics. After a busy weekend of panels and workshops, students had two hours to get ready for the final gala. The keynote speaker, Craig Waibel, shared his compelling and motivational story of how he got to his position as general manager for the Real Salt Lake. Overall, the John Molson Sports Business Conference was a very well organized event, offering many informative workshops and panels for students interested in different industries in sport. The networking opportunities among the students were like no other. The speakers and their real-life examples really helped engage and educate the audience. Personally, I can’t wait to see who they bring in next year!
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ARTS&CULTURE
THE CAMPUS NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Maryclare MacIsaac, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.ac@gmail.com
Bishop’s University Drama Department is Here to Tell a New Story JESSICA BOURNIVAL Contributor
A figure in a bowler hat, identified only as the Man, teeters on the ledge of an apartment building, seven floors up. His life has lost its meaning and he’s considering the big jump. His deliberations are interrupted by a host of colourful and eccentric neighbours who pop their heads out of nearby windows, confounding and inspiring him. They see the Man only as a reflective surface for their own obsessions. Two lovers who constantly threaten to murder one another need an audience; the paranoid psychiatrist requires a focus for his suspicion as well as a potential ally, among many others. In this fast paced, sophisticated, and hilarious play, The Man confronts the residents of the seventh story who eventually lead him to a charming and surprising ending. The New York Times calls 7 Stories “sweet and funny.” This black comedy play originally premiered in Vancouver in 1989 and is coming to the Bishop’s University Stage as the Drama Department’s second production of the year.
BU Singers Kick Off the Holiday SONIA PATENAUDE Contributor
The Bishop’s University Singers will perform the World Premiere of Hodie Christus Natus Est Op. 92, for chorus and brass quintet, composed by Eastern Townships’ Andrew Paul MacDonald, as part of the Christmas concert presented at Centennial Theatre on Nov. 29 and 30. Under the direction of Fannie Gaudette, the choir has been rehearsing the program that is in part classical, in part holiday classics. The program includes the Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham, the famous O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen, as well as O Holy Night, It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, All I Want For Christmas Is You, and many more of the season’s quintessential airs. A group of nearly fifteen talented local musicians will accompany the choir and the many soloists to launch the Holiday Season with spirit and verve. The performance will take place at 8 p.m. on Nov. 29 and 30. Tickets can be purchased at the Centennial Theatre Box Office, by phone via 819-822-9692, or online though busingers.ca. Ticket prices are as follows: SECTION A| $25/adult, $23/senior, $15/student. SECTION B| $10/all ages
Written by award-winning playwright Morris Panych, 7 Stories playfully philosophizes truth, fiction, and the meaning of life. Directed by the psychology department’s Wade Lynch, the play features a cast of 11 actors sharing 19 roles in an exciting, outlandish, and heartfelt story about life, death, love, friendships and hope. 7 Stories opens on Nov. 21 and will run until Nov. 25 at Turner Studio Theatre. You won’t want to miss it! Tickets are being sold at Centennial box office. Call or email centh@ubishops.ca, 819 822.9692 to reserve. Tickets are $15 Regular and $10 Student/ Senior.
SINCE 1944
George Canyon at Centennial on his Made in Canada Tour SONIA PATENAUDE Contributor
Canadian country star George Canyon is taking his new album, Southside of Heaven, on the road this fall with the Made in Canada Tour. The tour is kicking off in Canyon’s hometown of Pictou, NS, on Nov. 1. “I was born in the greatest country in the world … Canada, I met my wife in the greatest country in the world … Canada, we raised our kids in the greatest country in the world … Canada, and when I die they will bury me in the greatest country in the world … Canada,” said George Canyon. “I am made in Canada!” Released earlier this year, Southside of Heaven features the Top 40 Canadian Country radio hits “More You” and the second single “Better Off In Love,” written by prolific hit songwriter Brett Jones (Justin Moore, Jason Aldean).
Currently wrapping a successful run of summer festival dates including Big Valley Jamboree, Sunfest, Lucknow Music in the Fields and The Gathering, Canyon shows no signs of slowing down. With countless accolades including multiple JUNO, CCMA and ECMA Awards and his induction to the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame, Canyon has released 12 albums with multiple Top 10 Canadian Country radio singles. To date, Canyon has achieved nearly seven-million total streams. Canyon has also spent time in front of the camera with roles on the hit television shows “Heartland,” “The Trailer Park Boys” and Hallmark’s highest rated original movie “One Starry Christmas.” Most recently Canyon hit the stage as the Teen
Angel in the Toronto production of “Grease: The Musical.” Canyon is also highly regarded as a humanitarian for his work with the Canadian Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He is also a proud supporter of the Canadian Armed Forces, making many trips overseas to perform for our troops. For this, he was appointed an Honorary Colonel for the Canadian Air Force. He was also awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his charitable work. Canyon will take to the stage of Centennial Theatre on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from the Centennial Box Office, by phone via 819-822-9692, or online though www.ovation.qc.ca. Photo Courtesy of Sonia Patenaude Tickets are $43 + tax.
BUDD Comes Full Circle: Circle Mirror Transformation PAMELA PASCAL Contributor
October 25, 2018: my pen, notebook and I are heading to Turner Studio for the second performance of Circle Mirror Transformation. As a dedicated theatregoer, I never miss an opportunity to get out of my daily routine to attend one more play. This would explain why I jumped at the opportunity when I was offered a ticket to see the production. To be honest, this was the first time in three years that I was attending a stage performance presented by the BU Drama Department. Yet, as I had only heard positive reviews, my expectations were high. What initially caught my attention when I entered the room was its size. Although I was not expecting an area as big as that of Centennial, the small size of Turner Studio turned out to be to the performers’ advantage, allowing me to feel close to the characters that they were portraying. I might also add that it facilitated the transitions of scenes by the game of lights and visual effects. In terms of the play, I enjoyed it and would characterize it as a worthy production by drama students on the path to becoming professionals. Each and every one of them was able to convey their character’s emotions in a way that allowed the audience to feel their deepest emotions. As someone who has never taken a drama class, and had no background knowledge of the Circle Mirror Transformation book or its playwright, I initially found it difficult to follow the narrative. Thus, I did not connect to the story as much as I would have liked. Nevertheless, alongside the 70s and 80s clothing styles, the humour, and likability of the actors, I left with the theatre bug for the BU Drama plays. This may have been my first, but it’s certainly not the last!
Photo Courtesy of Stephen Levac
SPORTS
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THE CAMPUS NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Graham Childs, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Gaiters Basketball is back for a new season ANONYMOUS
With the fall sports season all wrapped up, the time for Gaiters basketball is upon us. After a long preseason, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are ready for RSEQ action. The women’s team competed in multiple exhibition games, participated in the McGill Tournament and the Darcel Wright Memorial Classic at Ryerson University. The team had multiple preseason wins against teams like Millersville, UBCOkanagan, and York University. Similarly, the Gaiters men’s basketball team competed in multiple exhibition games. They also participated in the Stu Aberdeen Tournament and the Naismith Classic. The men’s team had preseason wins against teams like Acadia, Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier, and Memorial. If students or Lennoxville locals are looking to catch the men’s or women’s team at the Sports Plex, both teams have home games Saturday, Nov. 17, hosting Laval and Saturday, Dec. 1 hosting McGill.
Catch the Gaiters men’s and women’s basketball teams on November 17th and December 1st in the Mitchell Gym in the Sportsplex. Women’s games start at 6:00 pm and men’s start at 8:00 pm. Source: gaiters.ca
Canada’s Team is Rolling Anonymous
The Toronto Raptors have been on an absolute tear to start the 2018-2019 NBA season. Currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, they have just swept a four-game West Coast road trip beating teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. The Raptors made a lot of changes this past offseason, and several factors can be attributed to their success. First, the Raptors have the best player in the Eastern Conference, Kawhi Leonard. Leonard only played nine games with the San Antonio Spurs last season because of an injury, but looked fully recovered to start this season. The Raptors are being cautious with Leonard, resting him one of the games when they play two days in a row, or when he feels any discomfort. Fans should not panic, however, because he is working his way back into the professional athlete lifestyle after injury and understands that the games near the start of the season are nowhere near as important as the playoffs in April, May, and June. Another reason for the Raptors success lies with point guard and bulldog, Kyle Lowry. Since Lowry’s best friend and all-star Demar DeRozan was traded this past offseason to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard, Lowry has taken on a larger leadership role and has had more floor space to take more shots. Lowry currently leads the league in assists per game and is on his way to a career year if he can stay healthy. Similarly to last season, the Raptors have a lot of depth, and first-year head coach Nick Nurse has been playing matchups night after night in order to give the Raptors the best chance to win. This means that the Raptors play “small ball” often if it gives
The women’s team plays at 6 p.m., the men’s team plays at 8 p.m. The Gaiters men’s basketball team finished 5-11 in RSEQ action in the 2017-2018 season, while the Gaiters women’s team finished 8-8. Both the Gaiters men’s and women’s teams play a 16-game regular season, meaning that both teams will have eight games at home. The women’s basketball team will also host a mini tournament at the end of December when they have games against Carleton and University of Ottawa. Last year, the McGill Redmen and Martlets on the men’s and women’s side made it out of the RSEQ and competed in the National Championship Tournament. The Laval Rouge et Or also made it to the championship on the women’s side. The Gaiters play their home games in the Mitchell Gym in the Sports Plex and admission is free with a student card.
Gaiters Fall to Stingers in RSEQ Men’s Rugby Final MARIELLE CARUTH Contributor
The Raptors traded for 2X Defensive player of the year and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard this past off season. His abilities as a two-way player should hopefully carry the Raptors further in the playoffs than years past. Source ClutchPoints.
them a better chance to win. Last season, the Raptors had multiple young players who were still adjusting to life in the NBA. This season, however, the confidence level has been raised and players like Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Delon Wright are starting to look like natural players in the NBA. The Toronto Raptors also got shooting guard Danny Green in the Kawhi LeonardDemar DeRozan trade in the offseason, and it’s easy to say that the trade is paying off. Green is a 3-point specialist and has great defensive abilities for the Raptors. The Raptors’ kryptonite over the past couple of seasons has been the playoffs, but the Raptors have never had such star power before. It’s true that the Celtics and Bucks are strong teams that could give the Raptors a run for their money, but if Toronto can compete at the current level come playoffs, it will be extremely hard for anyone in the Eastern Conference to take them down.
After beating the McGill Redmen in the RSEQ Semi-Finals, the Bishop’s Gaiters took on the Concordia Stingers on Saturday November 10th in the RSEQ Finals in Montreal. The weather was not on the players’ side, as they endured cold winds with light snow intervals throughout the game. The match was an even race, both teams teeter tottering back and forth but ultimately the Stingers wound up on top. The game began and Bishop’s showed their fight right from the start. In the first 10 minutes of the game Bishop’s made the first move and Robert McGovern stole a try after an uncompleted penalty kick by Bishops. Tyler Murphy completed the conversion, making it 7-0 Gaiters. Concordia responded with two trys soon after, only missing one conversion because of a large defender, the post. Stingers took the lead 12-7. The wind continued to pick up and the ball swayed slightly, but the boys remained solid. With 11 minutes left in the first half, Bishops evened out the score on Patrick Lawton’s try. Tyler Murphy made another conversion making it 14-12 Gaiters. At the end of the first half, Bishops held their own and went into the second half with the lead.
At the start of the second half, the Gaiters got a penalty kick and were an inch away from converting on the kick. The Gaiters would hit the next penalty kick though and take a 17-12 lead. The Stingers did what they could to stop the Gaiters, and took the lead with 25 minutes left, scoring a try and nailing a conversion to make it 19-17 for Concordia Then, with 8 minutes left Tyler Murphy nailed a penalty kick through the wind to gain a 20-19 lead. The lead was too good to be true, as Concordia got a penalty kick to take the lead 2220 with six minutes left in the game. The game ended and the Stingers were crowned RSEQ Champions. The final score was a close 22-20. What a game! The Gaiters were so close to not only becoming champions, but also snapping the Stingers 16 game winning streak (now 17). With this win, the Concordia Stingers qualified for the Canadian University Men’s rugby championships at the University of Victoria November 21-25, in collaboration with Rugby Canada.
SPORTS
SINCE 1944
The Rise of Esports MAX TAYLOR Contributor
When I was 12, my mother took me to Toronto to visit her side of the family. In the basement of my Uncle Charlie’s house, my cousin Eric was playing League of Legends on his computer. I remember this moment vividly. The slight perspiration that was building on his brow, the concentration of his eyes as he watched the screen, and the quiet grunts he let out during what seemed to be the most heated moments in the game. All the while I remember what was going through my head, “What is he doing?” If I could go back in time, I would tell my 12-year-old self, “this is your first glimpse into e-sports. Invest in what is quickly becoming the most remarkable thing the world of competition has ever seen.” Where did this surge come from? Some say that e-sports were conceived in 1985 when Billy Mitchell broke multiple records for arcade games, or even in 1997 when Dennis Fong won a Ferrari at a Quake tournament. But these events didn’t have the same air of competition around them that basketball or football provided, leaving North America stagnant in the growth of competitive gaming. In 2000, Korea was the first country to start idolizing players and to air 24-hour television programs dedicated to gaming competitions. Although watching competitions wasn’t popular in North America, it was still clear that gaming itself was a multibillion-dollar industry. As the number of North American gamers grew, an online streaming service called Twitch would rise up and finally bring the culture of e-sports overseas. During its formative years, Twitch was able to amass eight-million people to view their stream of the League of Legends championships. At this time, more and more people outside of Korea were starting
Billy Mitchell beat many classic video game records including Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Source: Variety
to realize the entertainment value of watching these competitions. However, it was yet to be accepted by the mainstream media. Multiple outlets would laugh at the concept of people watching other people play video games, suggesting, “why don’t they just play the games themselves?” But that argument would be the same as suggesting people just go outside to play basketball as opposed to watching the NBA. That just wouldn’t happen. It’s fun to watch those who are skilful, at the peak of human conditioning, battle it out for a prize. Eventually the media will catch on when they realize the rapid growth rate of e-sports. In 2015, the NHL Championship had eight-million viewers, the NBA Championship had 24-million viewers, and the League of Legends world championship beat them both combined with 36-million people watching the event. To put a cherry on top, the championship sold out Madison Square Garden in one hour. Insane.
There’s a reason why e-sports is growing at such a fast rate. It doesn’t take super humans to play the sport. Unlike other major sports leagues, e-sports do not require certain body types or physical prerequisites for someone to be successful. E-sport players can range from 250 lb bodybuilders, to 110 lb preteens. It brings truth to the famous words of Bill Bowerman: “if you have a body, you’re an athlete.” E-sports is a culture in which it is accepted that anyone from anywhere can thrive and be successful. It also helps that the work that the studios put into their games’ graphics and gameplay happen to be so extensive. It’s hard to watch without being interested in at least one sequence that’s going on in the game. E-sports will continue to grow as more people start to realize the diversity behind the community and the entertainment value they bring to audiences outside of the ESPN fan base. E-sports are on their way to the top of the mountain. NFL is down nine per cent from last year, Barclays Premier League is down 19 per cent – even the Olympics have taken a 15 per cent dip in its ratings. Big sports networks are finally starting to get the message, which is why we’ll continue to see big events like the Street Fighter 5 EVO finals air for a second consecutive year on ESPN2. E-sports continue to grow day by day, so it’s time to embrace them and show them the love they deserve.
The Curious Case of Tyson Fury PHILIPPE LAPOINTE LASSONDE Contributor
Although born in Britain, Tyson Fury identifies as an Irishman so much so that he hoped to represent Ireland at the 2008 Olympics; however, he was not allowed. To be more precise, Fury identifies as an Irish traveler, and it is this upbringing the boxer credits for most of his qualities and flaws. Growing up, Fury was taught that a “true man” only has two things: his word and his fighting ability. Thanks to this philosophy, Fury is one of the most entertaining fighters both inside and outside the ring. He speaks of himself and his opponents with a rarely seen level of honesty, which has led to some very humorous and informative quotes. When asked who he fears in the heavyweight division he said, “I’m not even scared of the devil. If the devil confronted me, I’d confront him as well.” When asked about why he acts the way he does, he said, “I’m a little bit backwards. I didn’t really go to school.” This fact is absolutely true as Fury would often skip school to go to the gym, and when he was in class, his brain was thinking of boxing. Fury has also had struggles with mental health and motivation. He can be quoted as saying, “I think I need a psychiatrist because I do believe I am mentally disturbed in some way,” which probably explains why he took a two-year hiatus from the sport in 2015. After winning and unifying the Heavyweight
Tyson Fury’s next fight will be against Deontay Wilder(above). The fight will take place in Los Angeles on December 1st, 2018.
Source: The Denver Post
title by beating the Russian Wladimir Klitschko, Fury shockingly retired and ballooned up to over 400 pounds. It was by drinking twenty pints a night, three to four times a week, that the boxer became obese so quickly. Tyson claims that it was a lack of competition which ultimately drove him to his temporary
retirement as he says he had nothing to look forward to. He already had the belt and believed there was no one on earth who could beat him or even challenge him. But fight fans can rejoice as “The Gypsy King” has come back! Fury has not lost a step either as he prepares to fight knockout artist Deontay Wilder. The winner of this throw down will get a shot at the heavyweight title and the champion Anthony Joshua. For those unaware of his fighting style, here’s a quick breakdown: Fury prioritizes combo attacks over punching with power; Fury has the footwork and ability to manipulate angles of a man half his size; he loves to attack first, keeping his distance by using his stiff jab and then in the blink of an eye coming right inside his opponent’s guard to punish the body. Tyson also has a deadly uppercut which should prove to be tremendously effective to counter Deontay Wilder’s vicious straight left. Tyson Fury is an athlete that sports fans should keep an eye on over the following year. As great and unique as Fury’s story is, if he can successfully come back from two years off and immediately regain his title, it will truly be one of the greatest stories in sports’ history.
ARTS&CULTURE
12
THE CAMPUS NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Sitting Down with Live Life Unfiltered MARYCLARE MACISAAC Arts & Culture Editor
I’ve ticked off every symptom of an Instagram addiction. I’ve caught myself mindlessly scrolling while crossing the street. I have bumped into an elderly couple walking in the mall because my eyes were glued to my feed. Every time a guy, that catches my eye follows me, I analyze my own profile to make sure my grid is cohesive and interesting enough. I’ve made a snack, scrolled by a photo of a ridiculously fit influencer, and thrown out my food. I can feel my face turning red from embarrassment, just typing this. That’s why it was such a breath of fresh air, (something I don’t get enough of in the social media age) when I learned about Live Life Unfiltered (LLU). LLU describes itself as a “movement reminding young women that behind each perfect photo there’s still a girl with insecurities, bad days & struggles just like you.” Launching on November 1st, LLU has taken Instagram feeds across Eastern Canada by storm with unfiltered photos posted by young women to contribute to a conversation on the dangers of sharing a false self image on social media. Preferring to remain nameless, the girls behind LLU met with me in the shiny new library last week so we could turn off our phones and chat about this movement that we didn’t know we desperately needed. Could you give me a background story on where the idea for LLU came from? Our own insecurities. I hate my legs. I knew that social media was making my insecurities worse so I tried to get rid of Instagram, but it didn’t work. I started looking for other Instagram accounts to follow that could help bring more perspective to my feed. [I saw] campaigns like Dove and #aeriereal. They weren’t what I was looking for. Eventually we just realized that we can create what we couldn’t find, so that’s what we did. Exactly. I’ve often heard from other girls, ‘oh, Instagram makes me feel this way, it gives me insecurities, it makes me compare myself, so I just delete it.’ But what I find with that is that it doesn’t solve the issue. We’re trying to find a way to improve social media, not remove it.
Which universities did you go to, and how were you able to implement this? We were at UOttawa every Friday in September and October, which was a lot of driving! Then we were at Concordia, and here at Bishop’s, and we’re hopefully getting into Queen’s. We now have six or seven universities with representatives. Launch day was last Thursday, how was that day? Can you tell me about the lead up? [Laughs] Didn’t sleep! We described it as the night before Christmas. There was a lot of prep obviously, including making hundreds of calls. We also personally had lead this and post first. That was scary. I didn’t want to tell people my secrets, I wanted to keep a shield up. But we couldn’t expect other people to do it if we didn’t. We thought that seventy five people would post. In the end it was over seven hundred people! Now that you’ve launched successfully, where do you want to take Live Life Unfiltered from here? Our plan is to get a celebrity on board. Once we have that, we can do it again, and do it bigger. We have a giant card that’s 6ft tall., If you drop it off at enough doorsteps, someone’s going to say yes. So we’re going to work our contacts, be annoying, and DM enough people. Go big or go home! What’s been your favourite memory so far from the whole process? My first time at a booth. It’s really nerve racking. I didn’t think anyone would talk to me, with me going “Hey, can we take your picture then interview you for 5 minutes about this controversial topic?” That’s not an easy sell. What I learned from so many different girls really opened my eyes and made me more committed to this project. If we can help one person, then this is all worth it.” My favourite is getting dm’s from people. If they say it’s made a difference, and we’ve had a couple of those, those are great. You start to accept who you are if you tell enough people what your insecurities are.
I’ve tried to delete my Instagram… one time my roommate and I had a competition with each other to see how long we could keep it deleted which sucks, because Photo Courtesy of Live Life Unfiltered Instagram is actually fun. I just don’t want it to make me feel bad. How can people reading this get involved in the movement? I also want to say this now: we’re not shaming. That’s sometimes a misconception. If They can dm us on Instagram, or post a photo! We’re always looking for more people, you go through my personal account, there are tons of ‘Instagram worthy’ photos on anyone who identifies as a female. A movement doesn’t happen with 25 girls, it happens there. We’re not saying to not put those photos up, we’re not even saying don’t filter! with hundreds. All we’re saying is that Instagram is not a realistic representation of who we are, and as users we have to be aware of this when we’re scrolling through. Just because you As for the boys out there who want to support this, they can share the posts and follow you? post a perfect photo, let’s not assume that your life is always perfect. It doesn’t mean Follow us, comment, 100%. that moment wasn’t perfect, but your whole life isn’t represented. Everyone forgets this I think you can learn a lot as a guy from following us too. People ask why we because you spend hours on social media. aren’t doing males. Our response is that we are starting a niche. We understand females. Social media is harder on people in high school. LLU is going to help people in Living a life unfiltered isn’t posting a photo with no makeup. It isn’t not using university but it’s going to help people in high school even more. a filter. It’s just showing Instagram what you’re actually doing. How you genuinely feel. That’s all we’re looking for. The #AsSheIs movement is however you interpret it. We What was your immediate approach once you had this idea? want everyone to interpret it individually. First of all, there was the equipment. That was a lot. Second was advertising. We Be part of the movement today! initially went to malls. Eventually, when we got into universities, we started expanding Instagram: @livelife_unfiltered and getting more people involved. We began our ambassador program which was Post an unfiltered photo of your life and tag @livelife_unfiltered and use the hashtag huge, because then we had people promoting us and commenting on our posts on #AsSheIs. social media to exponentially grow the account.
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and Acknowledgement: We acknowledge the Abenaki people and the Wabanaki Confederacy, the traditional stewards and protectors of the territories upon which we are learning. In performing land acknowledgment, we make what was invisible visible, and invite the land, the First Nations people, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into our conversations. This act of naming – of inviting something into language – is an underlying principle of advocacy and lies at the heart of higher education. The etymology of advocacy is ad (to add) + vocare (call or voice): the origin of the word’s meaning is to give voice to something or to call out in order to initiate dialogue. The “ad” prefix makes explicit the importance of multiple voices – and by extension multiple perspectives. In this sense, advocacy compels us to acknowledge a diversity of thoughts and opinions as a starting point rather than as an ideal outcome. In institutions of higher learning, we have a responsibility to honour spaces for emerging and established voices to engage in productive, respectful, and sometimes even uncomfortable conversations where individuals are safe to speak truth to power, explore and challenge dominant ideologies, and call out injustices and inequalities in order to imagine new ways of existing.”
Dr. Jessica Riddell