Issue 2 Volume 60

e x p l o r at i o n w i t h i n t e n t i o n

The Inquirer The official student newspaper of canadian university college

a n au ro r a c h ro n i c l e s pu b l i c at i o n

s h a k e i t u p, l e t i t b u r st { j o r da n t y l e r l e e ph oto g r a ph y}

issue

September B EDITED.indd 1

2

volume

60 •

september

28, 2012

12-09-25 12:27 PM

Editor’s Note Inside...

3

Outside among men, where the skies are bright, there’s a saying ‘Man, to thyself be true’; but here among trolls, the saying runs: ‘Troll. To thyself be-- enough.’

Peer Gynt by Henrik Isben

They sometimes tell us that potential is something that runs in your genes; something that is inherited and bigger than you

5

IN THE BRAIN

I Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere So You Should Get To Know Me

ENTERTAINMENT

Evensong and Class Challenge

6

The Listener

7

The World

8

will ever be by yourself. They sometimes tell us that purpose is

International Flights and Puerto Rican Angels Hypocrisy, Hierarchy and Holier-Than-Thou Ethics

something you should already know, and, well, if you don’t know what it is by now, you’r good as failed. And so we float on with hot air in our lungs, fire in our chests, blowing off steam in all directions far, far, into nowhere.

9

Rhizomatic Religion

Woe Unto You, Scribes and Pharisees

But for what? I advocate death to the teenage Tumblr theatrics with its percocet posts.

Speak with your heart where words don’t come out right and they sound like nothing anyone has ever said before.

10

Dedicated Devotion

Go.

Jump off rat-wheel conversations and onto the trail marked with your name.

You are not a troll, don’t settle for ‘enough’.

Your purpose is not hidden under lock and key. THere is nowhere you need to go in order for you to find it.

11

Redemption Song

Opinion

12

Just a Childish Rant

It is here, inside you, waiting patiently for acknowledgement-away from the stones of distraction tied to your ankles.

Emancipate yourself, be freer, let go.

You are here, this is now, take a breath, make a change.

‘Man, to thyself be true’ Sapphire w.

Listen: Giver by Patrick Watson

13 in the Soul

Tea Time with Jamie Scott

14

LIKE A WRITING DESK

To submit questions, response, art, or an article: - www.caucsa.tumblr.com - sachronicles@gmailcom September 28, 2012

September B EDITED.indd 2

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In the brain I a i n’t g o i n’ N ow h e r e s o yo u s h o u l d g e t to k n ow m e

by Sapphire Woods

“Librarians are not format dependent.

Format does not change the way we learn”.

Who knew that graduating

that librarians are neutral in

of your peers.

writing up your own citations?

with a BA in Secondary Educa-

this state of change within our

tion and a Bsc in Biologoy would

libraries: “Librarians are not

within a graduated literacy

painstaking manual labour and

lead head librarian of CUC,

format dependent. Format does

program will help students learn

say hello to the hereafter of cit-

Sheila Clark, into getting her

not change the way we learn”. So

how to use and evaluate infor-

ing and bibliographies! Zotero

MA in Library Sciences? It isn’t

what’s the library all about if it

mation that will lead to success

puts articles all in one place and

that hard to believe that at one

isn’t just a building dedicated to

and innovativeness. Basically,

generates your citations in one

point, back in ‘88, Ms. Clark was

books?

you can forget hours of googling

shot. Daryl has proven his pas-

random stats online or scrolling

sion and has even set up a quick

an indecisive young student, just

Sheila Clark defines a library

These specialized resources

Well, say goodbye to hours of

like so many I know-- filled with

as an intellectual center, a hub

through useless articles that are

tutorial on cauc.ca for everyone

ambition but cursed with foggy

for the cross fertilization of

getting you nowhere, and no job,

to learn. All you have to to do is

vision. Turns out that all of Shei-

knowledge; a place where schol-

fast. “Increasingly, the busi-

head to LibGuides, click on ‘How

la Clark’s undergraduate studies

ars meet and exchange ideas.

ness community recognizes the

do I find’ located in the far right

were the perfect prerequisites in

She points out that at a time in

value of an information literate

corner, search under ‘Recent’ and

the making of an extraordinary

history, libraries were initially

workforce: employees who can

BAM! Zotero.

head librarian. Walla Walla

collections of clay tablets, which

effectively and efficiently use

almost had her in the bag after

evolved into scrolls, and went on

technology to locate, manage and

changes with technology and

fourteen years of dedicated ser-

and forward from there. With

communicate business informa-

transitions that the library is

vice, but Canadians belong in Ca-

the philosophy of a library being

tion” (Katz, Harasl and Blaszc-

going through, Sheila Clark still

nadia, thus CUC stole her heart.

a place of learning regardless

zynsk).

gets that element of surprise

And aren’t we glad for it. On top

of form, guiding her work ethic,

of important committee meetings

Clark is a huge advocate of intel-

gram is a progressive dream

any library. Here’s some free

and other necessary administra-

lect and proficiency (look it up).

going hand in hand into the fu-

advice from one of the most im-

ture alongside the new learning

portant people you will encounter

tive duties, like making sure

One of Sheila Clark’s biggest

The graduated literacy pro-

Amidst all the new

when browsing the shelves in

students aren’t eating “aromatic

dreams for the library, and for

center that CUC hopes to have

during your time as a University

foods” (which is a huge pet peeve

the students that enter into it,

built...sometime.

student:

in any library so just don’t do it),

is a graduated literacy program.

Recently joining the ranks in

Sheila Clark is simultaneously

Essentially, this program would

service to an intellectual future

don’t see its immediate ap-

balancing librarian duties which

hold information that can be ac-

is Daryl Bennedbaek, new librar-

plication.

are what make the library ..well,

cessed dependent on the indi-

ian here at CUC. With his MA

what a library should be.

vidual’s discipline. So, if you’re

in Library Sciences from U of

in your life. This time never

a Business major working on a

A, Mr. Bennedbaek has already

comes again.

essential question: is digitization

technical report, you could learn

launched a very much needed

taking over print?. Shockingly,

how to maximize any source in

citation management program

the answer was neither yes or no.

order to get the information that

called Zotero.

Projecting her true position as

you really need to make you

head librarian, Clark answered

stand apart and ahead of the rest

When asked the seemingly

The Inquirer

September B EDITED.indd 3

Do you remember in English

•

•

•

-learn all you can, even if you

-See this time as a privilege

- Ask a librarian. You aren’t interrupting.

Words from the wise. Internalize.

101 learning the tedious skill of Page 3

12-09-25 12:27 PM

A university is just a group of buildings gathered around a library.

Shelby Foote September 28, 2012

September B EDITED.indd 4

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Entertainment & Experience Are you looking for events that will enrich and entertain your year at CUC? If so,

by Melissa Myers

this column will be for you! Look here to stay updated about events on and off campus, interviews, pictures, and recaps of past events. There is always a variety of musical, theatrical, and cultural goings-on at CUC, including volunteer opportunities, sporting events and those put on by our S.A. There is a plethora of talent and diversity on this campus, which is sure to make for a full semester! Here’s a brief rundown of what’s taking place this month:

Had you walked past College Heights Church at 7:00pm on

Saturday the 22nd and listened very, very carefully- or if you were a superhero and could simply hear through the walls- you would have heard chords progressing, strings being plucked, a mezzo soprano voice soaring out to you and lifting your spirits.

Pianos and guitars were played in a way that captivated the audience and caused the skin to shiver. This was the first Evensong of the year, and CUC’s Music Department put on a performance that was not only memorable, but moving. The sounds of Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Debussy, and many other composers filled the church, and yet it was not they who captivated. It was the performers. Although these composers are impressive just on their own, what continually amazes me are the musicians performing their pieces, and doing it with talent and passion.

These exceptional musicians are students and faculty of CUC— our peers, friends, and mentors. Music professor Debra Bakland accompanied students on the piano multiple times and represented the faculty, as did the Vice President of Academics, Joy Fehr, who enriched the evening with a Spoken Word. The music we hear at Evensong can be many things: calming, passionate, soothing, or emotional. It can be spiritually reviving and bring us closer to God as the Sabbath ends, and is also a relaxing experience for those listening in the pews. So if you are walking

by College Heights Church and hear the chords and melodies of Evensong, consider coming inside. Whether or not you’re a superhero.

The next Evensong is at College Heights Church October 20th, at 6:00pm.

I went to Class Challenge last Saturday night like most 3rd years go to Class Challenge; with the understanding that I was just making an appearance to maintain my “social life.” I showed up fashionably late (15 minutes to be exact) with the purpose of spending 10 minutes there and then doing something more interesting with my life… I’m not sure how it happened— maybe it was just my spirit of competition, but suddenly I found myself tossing jellybeans into the mouths of future teachers, doctors, pastors, and maybe even a few members of parliament while screaming at the top of my lungs for the college team. 10 minutes came and 10 minutes went, and with those minutes left my desire to be doing anything different.

This has officially become my confession… my name is Annina Engelbrecht, I am a third year education student, and I loved Class Challenge. I loved drawing pictures and I loved watching rolls of toilet paper being turned into ball-gowns fit for the red carpet. I loved the ridiculous drone of the longest audible sound and I even loved the feather relay (during which groups of 8 people contorted in unnatural ways to blow a single feather across the gym without it hitting the floor). By the time I realised I was having fun it was too late for me to retract my steps and walk out the gym door. I had to stay, I had to cheer and I had to lose my voice because nothing short of that would have been enough.

So if you current second years (and maybe even the really cool first years) find yourselves showing up to next year’s Class Challenge fashionably late, and you happen to roll your eyes at the over-enthusiasts at your school, you better watch it, because I will be one of those people screaming my lungs out, and I’m willing to bet that if you give it a chance, you’ll be screaming with, if not at me, for much longer than 10 minutes.

The Inquirer

September B EDITED.indd 5

- Annina Engelbrecht Page 5

12-09-25 12:27 PM

t h e l i st e n e r “S malltalk ”, U ltraista ,

“U ntold S tories ”, B uju B anton

Sometimes it’s just really nice to have a mini dance party in

I really hope that you all can understand the lyrics to this

your head, in your car, or if you’re braver than I am, around

amazing piece. If not, I urge you to search for the lyrics on the

people. Nigel Godrich, super-producer of Radiohead, plus Joey

web and check it out. It is a song about someone’s struggle

Waronker and Laura Bettinson, make up Ultraísta, a band

with injustices. He feels misunderstood and never got to tell

“conceived from a love of afrobeat and electronica.” Smalltalk

his full story because it’s just that intense and entails a lot of

has a smooth sound and catchy beat, and the Four Tet remix

hardships. There are not many opportunities for him, too much

makes it better still. Their debut album is coming out October

money is being spent for something that should be free and not

2, and I can’t wait to get this song. Although I’ve admittedly

without intense sacrifices. This can be helped with fair leader-

been taking one too many study breaks listen to this (or maybe

ship. There is so much more to tell but it shall never be told.

have a dance party).

“E scape A rtist ”, Z oe K eating ,

“T ake O ff Y our C ool ”, A ndre 3000 This is my absolute favourite song to listen to when I’m in

Zoe Keating is a one woman orchestra. She performs with a

the bath. That way I can have my privacy to daydream and re-

foot-controlled laptop and uses live electronic sampling to create

live the song in my mind without disturbance. The song urges

a rich, layered, DIY cello experience. Her music is powerful,

your love to take their masks off and reveal their true self to

haunting, and intricate. Last year I discovered her album “Into

you because you see their true nature within and yearn get to

the Trees” and it became my study and writing soundtrack. Es-

know it on a personal level. The accompanist on the guitar did

cape Artist is my favourite song on the album—deep, dark and

a killer job at making the curve of my lips reveal itself. I love

beautifully compelling. Plus what’s not to love about a Canadian

you, song.

avant cellist?

-M.M

“B ach - G oldberg V ariations : A ria ”, U ltraista , G lenn G ould September 25, 2012 would’ve marked the Canadian legend’s

-L.B

“I n elon

the

C ontinuum

E ffect

of

T ime ”, T he E ch -

A moment, transcendent.

80th birthday, had a stroke not sent him to a premature death.

Once seen as an iconoclastic pianist for his bizarre interpreta-

“C oncrete

wave ”, kendra

M orris

tions of Bach, he predicted that in the future, listeners would

Like the title implies, this song is slow, heavy, rises, and falls

opt out of concerts in order to make their own music at home.

with a grace that allows you to saunter your way to class or

Gould claimed to have rarely practicBaed on the piano, choos-

release stress in between hardcore days. Kendra Morris’ album

ing instead to study the music by reading alone. And if you

‘Banshee’ has an Amy Winehouse feel that leaves you holding

listen carefully to his music, you can hear him humming along.

on to every sultry note.

- S.W

“I W onder ”, ”, C ecil G ant Nashville-born wartime singer and pianist Cecil Grant blended the blues with pop and something called “rockabilly boogies”--the first steps towards rock n’ roll, a phenomena he wouldn’t live long enough to see come to fruition. This song was oft sung by Gant as War Bond rallies, as Gant himself enlisted in the United States Army.

-E.D September 28, 2012

September B EDITED.indd 6

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T h e wo r l d I n t e r n at i o n a l F l i g h t s a n d pu e rto r i c a n a n g e l s

w i t h: t h e d i s a st e r e x pe rt

To get to Trinidad from Edmonton on a

line that had at least 15 persons by now. It

eyes as Cherubim. It was the light at the end

student budget, you have to pass through the

had now been just about 24hours since I left

of the tunnel for me. I made my way to, what

USA like I did at the end of first semester

Edmonton. After a painful wait, I got to the

was this time, the gentleman at the desk. He

2010. I dashed from the car to the airport as

front of the line, exhausted. I just wanted

told me that I had to pay the difference on

slivers of snow poked my eyes. In less than

to see my mom, brother, dad, and dog. Was

my ticket to Trinidad and that it was going

14 hours, I’d be in Trinidad. Or so I thought.

that too much to ask? It seemed so, until the

to cost me US$149.79. All of the birds in my

Dreams of my mother’s food were interrupted

lady at the desk apologized and said, “There

head suddenly vanished at this point. With

by a lady at the desk with the message,

are no more flights to Miami for another two

the last ounce of power on my mobile phone,

“O’Hare is closed due to an unforeseen snow-

weeks. They are all booked up. Would you

I sat in a bathroom stall, called my brother,

storm.” From Chicago, I had meant to fly to

mind going to Washington? It’s the last flight

and bid him farewell since there was no way

Florida on my way to Trinidad. The lady at

out tonight and maybe you can get to Miami

I would make it out of Puerto Rico within the

the desk reassured me that I would be in

from there so that you can check your lug-

next two years or so. I was suddenly married

Miami soon, via a detour to San Francisco.

gage to Trinidad”.

to Puerto Rico and decided that this was it.

“Only a two hour change in time. Enjoy your

So off I went to Washington staring out

flight!” Two hours turned to four as my flight

the window with my complimentary cup of

life as I knew it. I was on my way out of the

took its time leaving Edmonton. .

Apple-Cranberry juice. Extra ice. Everything

airport with the clothes on my back and a

In San Francisco, I was delayed further

inside me was numb. No smile could warm

passport in my pocket, headed to my new life

when, in line to board the flight to Miami,

me. I was hungry, exhausted, thirsty, emo-

in Puerto Rico.

I was informed that I had the wrong ticket.

tionally drained as I accepted defeat. I asked

But, if I ran to the ticket office they could

the Lord to take me anywhere outside of

a Cherub that I decided to call Rico Suave.

help. I sprinted to the other side of the air-

North America. Anywhere but here.

“Yes, Rico?” I replied.

port and joined a short line of about 3 people.

In Washington, I approached the help desk

No more CUC, no more family, no more of

“Hello, miss,” came the heavenly voice of

“Is everything alright? I couldn’t help but

I received everything I needed and I raced

asking for a flight to Miami. “I’m sorry but

notice that you looked distressed,” said Rico.

back to board my flight.

the best I can do for you is send you to Min-

I explained what the gentleman at the desk

neapolis and they can help you there,” said

told me and I let him know that I was on my

ther,” said the lady at the desk for my Miami

the airline agent. I was too removed from

way to what I knew as my rebirth. He chuck-

flight. “If you don’t mind running over there

myself to cry.

led and said, “Follow me, I’ll get you sorted

“I’m sorry but this is not the right ticket ei-

quickly again and have them fix the issue.

I arrived in Minneapolis by that afternoon

out.”

You have to hurry because you are the last

and the lady at the desk there told me that

person to board.” Ato Bolden and Usain Bolt

she could have me in Puerto Rico by the next

ing to get me on a plane to Trinidad, but he

had nothing on me. This time, the line had at

morning. I was ready. Ready to finally leave

said he would do his best and I believed him.

least a dozen persons in front of me. That did

North American soil. The lady at the desk in

What I did not know, however, was that this

not faze me as I stepped up to the desk and

Minneapolis reassured me that this would be

flight was on its was to St. Vincent, then

requested a quick fix on my ticket since they

the last time that they would transport my

Barbados, and I would have to catch a flight

were responsible for not doing it right the

body through the United States of America.

from Barbados to Trinidad. Well, my stress

first time. “Can you please wait your turn?

She expressed regret that I would not get my

level went higher than it already was since

We will get to it eventually,” said the agent.

luggage right away as it was stuck in Miami,

I’d rather have gotten stuck with my love,

My requests turned to demands as large

but I could request it when I have landed in

Puerto Rico, than sail off with some other

beads of sweat started bulldozing their way

Trinidad. On the way I was to Puerto Rico!

tropical cousin. The rest? Well, the rest is

all over my body. Finally, I accepted the

The beautiful, vibrant, tasteful, island blew

circumstances of what was before me, prac-

me away. The airport let in lots of natural

ticed patience and rejoined the back of the

light and everyone there seemed to grace my

The Inquirer

September B EDITED.indd 7

He seemed to be a little stressed in try-

history. Needless to say, I haven’t vacationed since.

Page 7

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H y p o c r i s y, H i e r a rc h y a n d H o l i e r-T h a n-T h o u Eth i c s: T h e P o l i t i c s o f To rt u r e a n d Co n d e m n at i o n i n t h e 21st This is the first of a two-part series exploring modern approaches to C e n t u ry by Ev i e da r k ly torture in the West.

Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as first adopted on December 10, 1948, defines torture as “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”1 Following World War II, the Tokyo Trials saw Japanese soldiers tried, convicted and then executed for torturing Americans during wartime.2 At the forefront of the accusations were water-based interrogations, better known to us today as waterboarding, where the drowning experience is brutally simulated.

Fast-forward to July 27, 2002, where after an hours-long firefight, 15-year-old Egyptian-Canadian citizen Omar Khadr is captured and shipped off to Guantanamo Bay. By all accounts, Khadr should have been considered a child soldier and reprimanded somewhere other than one of the world’s most sadistic interrogation facilities. Khadr’s subsequent allegations of torture incited Canadian authorities to write him off as nothing more than a liar, although it is now widely accepted that torture is a major component of the treatment of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay. Psychiatric tests concluded that Khadr was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and medical examinations indicated that he had been abused numerous times. As public opinion began to fall on Khadr’s side, the Canadian government started to advocate for his repatriation too.3 Sadly this is just another case of too little, too late.

But while we’re talking Guantanamo, let’s consider that the most widespread employment of torture within those facilities is waterboarding, something Americans should have never debated over whether or not it constitutes tortures in the first place because of examples like the Tokyo Trials. And it’s not just Guantanamo. The West routinely outsources torture to countries like Syria before turning around and pointing the finger of blame for whatever human rights abuse it chooses. Ah, but remember my friends that when you point your finger, three more point back at you. Most Western countries have more than just robust anti-torture legislation--they have anti-torture advocacy groups that campaign against torture around the world. The problem with that lies in the extreme hypocrisy of condemning other nations for actions their own nation is willfully and knowingly committing. Prominent examples of this are seen in the United States and Canada, whose government officials wax poetic about freedom and justice and human rights and then betray all of that with one fell swoop when the torture of those seen as security threats is deemed “necessary.” Federal investigations in Canada with regards to about half a dozen suspects detained on accusations of terrorism unearthed a disturbing degree of involvement and collusion in their torture, and a 2002 Supreme Court decision cited “exceptional circumstances” as justification.4

According to this logic, waterboarding isn’t torture if the West carries it out, and torture is only condonable when our security is at stake. This kind of double standard is emblematic of the hierarchical position the West has assumed in the world,

one where our wars are “peacekeeping missions” and torture is categorized under the guise of a “necessary evil.” It’s a classic “my ethics are higher than your ethics” attitude whereby the exact same behaviour is regarded in completely disparate way based on who is carrying said behaviour out.

But the question at the heart of the debate is this: is the real issue purely of the ethical connotations of torture or is it of the efficacy of torture? Simply put, is it wrong and does it work?

Well, let’s take a step back and consider a few things, starting with the word “work.” If by “work,” we are referring to obtaining some sort of confession, then yes, torture generally “works.” But if we are asking does torture juice the truth out of torturees?

The answer there is a resounding no.

First, the there is no evidence to suggest that torture coerces the truth from victims. On the contrary, the results of these “alternative” methods of extracting information tend to point to detainees saying whatever they could to appease their torturers. Recall the numerous post 9/11 terrorist threats to shopping malls and nuclear plants and banks? The media publicized these as “thwarted attacks,” and in the gripping fear that was (is?) the post 9/11 era, it was easy to buy into. But it simply wasn’t true.

Those thwarted attacks of the early 2000s were later shown to be little more than false alarms.5 When interrogating someone through means of torture, leaving them at the detainer’s mercy, odds are they are going to say whatever will cease their suffering, regardless if it’s fact or fiction. Torture disregards the assertion “innocent until proven guilty” and transforms it into “guilty until proven more guilty.”

Interestingly, once these alternative coercive methods of interrogation were banned and replaced with a rapport-based questioning, interrogators in Iraq had a swelling of over 50 percent more high-value information. That’s right, the truth is more obtainable when interrogators don’t beat and threaten the prisoner first. Ali Soufan, supervisory special agent for the FBI from 1997-2005, doesn’t believe any information acquired from torture could not have been obtained through other techniques.

Furthermore, he recalls torture methods on terrorists as having “backfired on more than a few occasions — all of which are still classified.”6 But that’s not all: testimonies acquired through the use of torture cannot even be used in a court of law.7

The tragic bottom line seems to be “we’re good people, they’re bad people.” The underlying problem with this perspective is in the imposition of the “other.” By focusing our attention on this assumed Us vs. Them dichotomy, we forget the implications of having a Universal Declaration for Human Rights.

Namely, the “universal” and the “human” part.

Footnotes: 1 http://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-9&chapter=4&lang=en 2 http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2007/dec/18/john-mccain/history-supports-mccains-stance-on-waterboarding/ 3 http://www.hrw.org/legacy/backgrounder/usa/us0607/ 4 http://rabble.ca/columnists/2012/09/taking-liberties-canadas-growing-torture-infrastructure 5 http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/03/31/obama%E2%80%99s-torture-problem-is-only-just-beginning/ 6 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/opinion/23soufan.html?_r=1&emc=eta1 7 http://ejil.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/2/349.full

September 28, 2012

September B EDITED.indd 8

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R h i zo m at i c r e l i g i o n

by S aw y e r

‘Wo e u n to yo u, s c r i b e s a n d Ph a r i s e e s

Wo m e n’s O r d i n at i o n a n d R ac i s m i n t h e A dv e n t i st C h u rc h

When the General Conference voted against the ordination of women, it became difficult for me to attend church. Inequality in church policy made God a non-real being to me. The unfair treatment of others based on social constructs and difference is a human invention, a mindset, even though the SDAC (representing us) may attribute it to Divine Will. I approached my friends to see if they felt the same, if they felt implicated with the church’s position not to ordain women. The answer, an unfortunate no—“social justice does not belong in the Church” or “it doesn’t affect me.”

My friends’ responses made me revisit why I go to church. With complete selflessness, I concluded that I go to church to worship God or to inspire others. Less selflessly, I admitted the need for fellowship and the desire to feel connected. We go to church to give, but also to receive. My friends felt a debate regarding ordination would disrupt the sanctity of church, which is probably why pastors do not discuss the issue in church either. But being an Adventist is an identity, intricately connected to how an Adventist experiences life. To separate God into a sphere, with a 2 hour duration on Sabbaths, contradicts living a Christian life.

When we attend church, when we become Adventists, we affirm the doctrine and policies of the Church. We receive meaning, as well as blessings, from our interactions with others. It is, therefore, our responsibility to consider how our policies or doctrines affect others.

It may not seem like gender equality is much of a problem on campus. We often have women in leadership positions from both the students and the faculty: our Student Association president, our Campus Ministries Director, our Academic Vice-President, our new Chaplain. The amazing thing is, these women were not chosen as women; they were elected as persons, based on their merits.

Does our success on campus make us acquiescent of institutional inequality?

This past weekend, I was told of a CUC alumnus who had the opportunity to preach at a church in British Columbia. It would have been an amazing opportunity to share her love of Christ, if people did not walk out because of her sex. Although our campus seems like a safe environment for both genders, our Church policies have more detrimental effects outside our borders. They not only hurt the women within our church, but also send an embarrassing message to the secular world. Christianity takes another hit as an archaic institution that fosters oppression and backwardness. The publicity will do wonders for our decreasing number of youth.

Religions, unfortunately, have a history of continuing oppression in many parts of the world—physically and intellectually.

We often blame the Dark Ages on the Catholic Church and take credit for the Protestant Reformation. We claim to be the Remnant, though I wonder if we aren’t more like Pharisees, holding on to previous cultural traditions to ensure a balance of power and comfort. Another historical instance of social injustice and

the Adventist Church takes us to Apartheid-era South Africa.

Apartheid, an Afrikaans word meaning “apartness”, refers to the official policy of the South African government from 194894. A system of racial segregation, apartheid classified the population into four racial groups, which benefitted the minority white population while displacing millions of Black, Coloured, and Asian peoples. It took the racist laws within Britain and the States and multiplied them. Needless to say, racism pervaded South African culture, which was concentrated with Christian beliefs. The Dutch Reformed church, the dominant denomination in South African, even provided Biblical evidence for their racist policies. Instead of taking a stand against racism, the Adventist Church instigated their own racist policies in South Africa.

The first person of colour to attend Helderberg College, the Adventist school in South Africa, was Alwyn du Preez in 1967.

He attended the Adventist college to complete his 3rd and 4th years. Three years later, Robert Hall became the second Black student. Although the enrolment of 2 students may seem like a small victory of Christian love, the Adventist church still imposed restrictions on their non-white students, forbidding them to live in residence and only use certain classrooms. There are only a few examples of the presence of racism throughout the institution. The Church even sought government action to maintain their racist policies. The infamously racist government responded that it is not their policy to interfere with the training of ministers by any denomination. It was our church, not the South African government, that instigated racist policy on Helderberg campus.

“Our association with [people of colour] is going to spoil our influence with [the white minority] who are accustomed to [racial segregation]. To have any influence with the higher class of people, we must respect these differences. […] Furthermore, I do not want my children to associate with the lower classes of coloured people. I will labor for them and teach my children to do so. But I do not want my children to mix with them for such is detrimental to their moral welfare. Nor do I want my children to think there is no difference in society that they should finally associate and marry into coloured blood” (Letter from Pieter Wessels to Ellen G. White, January 14, 1893, quoted from Panthalone, A. 1998. A Missiological Evaluation of the Afrikaanse Konferensie (1968-1974) and its Significance for the Seventhday Adventist Church in South Africa. D.Th. dissertation, University of Durban Westville, Durban).

I wonder how my peers would have responded to the social injustice of Apartheid Adventism, which only happened a few decades ago. Did Helderberg students think it did not affect them?

Did social justice not belong in Church? Racist views have been around as long as gender inequality. The phrase “question of women’s ordination” is a concept noun, reminiscent of the Woman Question in the Victorian era. It masks our church’s blatant sexism. Like racism, it is not a question; women’s ordination should not merit open conversation.

Footnotes: http://www.adventistworld.org/article/1134/resources/english/issue-2011-1011/more-than-skin-deep

The Inquirer

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d e d i c at e d d evot i o n by m eg h a n n D i m i n yat z

G o.

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:19 (KJV)

It is such a gorgeous day outside. Birds shout, “check it oh, oh, oh, out!” from the trees by the sundial. The curtains flutter with the soft

ment. Some faces are even alarmed. But the urgency and excitement are beginning to build, even though calm pervades the heart.

fall breeze, and the voices of your friends drift into an open window as they meet upon campus trails.

The cool metal of the door handle doesn’t register on your skin.

Nothing else matters now.

But you could care less.

The books sit, left open to the appropriate page, slowly collecting dust.

This is your favorite class; everything about [Old Testament] is lovely. You hang off every word that falls into the air from the Professor’s mouth. You take so many notes in [O-Chem] that the people who

The laptop finally goes into sleep mode, the screen saver playing for no one.

The chair cools, pushed back where you left it.

sit near you are annoyed by the click of your MacBook Pro keyboard.

You actually leave other classes to get to [Music Theory] early. You

Our society doesn’t have time for detours. Go to school to get a job –

have a 100% going into the midterm. T/TH’s are the day you crave,

but be a model student, and get a sweet job when you graduate. Get a

because you get more than a full hour of [Shakespeare]. Sometimes

job to buy food and support a family – but buy organic, gourmet food,

at night, you wake up sweating, because you think you are late for

and have a desperately good-looking family. Don’t stand up, and walk

[Rock Climbing]. You inspire some of the freshmen, but most of them

out on opportunities. Don’t shirk your responsibility. Don’t do some-

are scared of you because you are so into [Classroom Management].

thing different than what every one else is doing. Don’t rest.

Your closest friends have concern in their eyes when they look at you - you are seriously obsessed with [Intro to Psych].

But when Jesus walks by your classroom and says, Come after Me, it won’t be a moment when you have all your work done, or all your degrees earned. It won’t be a moment when you’ve made all

Today’s class is even more interesting than normal. You are so busy listening to the lecture and translating your mental processes into

the money you want, or had all the popularity you can stand. And it won’t be a moment that society will understand.

notes that when you take an uncustomary glance at the window, you shock yourself. And then, you see him.

When Jesus walks by, you’ll feel the need to GO. But will you? Or will you let the duties, situations, standards, and pressures of society

Your eyes lock. Everything narrows in; the world stills, bit by bit,

keep you in your seat?

thickening into a glaze of warm blurs. Your skin tingles, and the noise you heard so clearly moments before jumbles into rich, fat murmurs.

Perhaps this doesn’t seem realistic to you. Jesus, here? But if you were around last Thursday, or last Friday eve, or last Sabbath morning around 11:45 am, then you will grasp that it is no far cry for Je-

You are caught in this moment. There is no understanding yet, but

sus to tread this campus. He was here – and a few of us dropped our

it feels good. Warmth, peace, and purpose move toward you, from the

nets and followed him. There is nothing more that the enemy wants

point in space that you are glued to.

now than for things to go back to normal – but Jesus isn’t done. So if you see him, listen. Let him distract you from a life that is reaching

And then it makes sense. You just know.

Stand up slowly…push your chair back. Don’t worry that the class

far lower heights than the one he has dreamed up for you.

Make haste, depart. Leave your notes half-written.

has gone quiet; that every single person is staring at you in astonishSeptember 28, 2012

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O pi n i o n

Redemption Song by l i ly b lu

Listen: “Redemption Song” - Bob Marley

I have been noticing from my fellow peers that

keep rolling. Stick your head out the window if you

the Trinidadian accent is hard to emulate. Some

have to, but by no means do you stop to take care of

persons try to help me feel at home by greeting

it or your car may be dismembered piece by piece,

me in what they feel I sound like to them: Jamai-

along with yourself.

can. Some find me to have an ESL accent. Others

When I tell people that I live in Diego Martin,

proudly wear their ancestral accents and say “wha

they wonder how I cope with all the gang activity

gwan!” My accent, apparently, is accompanied

in my neighbourhood. Well, this was home. These

with a kind of vocabulary unknown to the English

“gangsters” were like brothers to me and really

speaking world. Once, I asked for a broom and dust

went the extra mile to ensure my safety while re-

shovel while at work on campus and received the

lentlessly asking for my digits.

reply, “Can you say that again, but in English?”

You see, my accent is the only rhotic one in the

dent on my tropical island. Many men and women

many other islands. As a result of my alien ca-

who dwell in the Beetham, Beetham dumps, and

dence, I have a love/hate relationship with my

Sea Lots wear the latest Timberland shoes and

own twang. I had not had any relationship with

Retro Jordan’s. Often, they steal from some and

it before because I spoke like everyone else that

murder others to get such things. Some other per-

surrounded me. A Canadian asked me one day, “Do

sons work the honest way and purchase merchan-

I have an accent to you?” No, you do not. You see,

dise in spite of sacrificing a month’s groceries for it.

North American television defiles the minds of the

American television markets these products so well

people in my country.

that people relinquish necessities to obtain them.

Whilst America and its products desensitize

Trinidad to be extremely dangerous, next to Mor-

many in Trinidad, and in the world at large,,

vant/Laventille. I recall my dad telling me that if

America stands proud still, accepting no responsi-

ever I got a flat tire and happened to be driving

bility for the rubbish in which we dwell.

through Beetham Gardens/Sea Lots, I should drive

September B EDITED.indd 11

hearts and minds of billions of people and it is evi-

Caribbean, which is what makes it unique from

Many consider the Beetham/Sea Lots area in

The Inquirer

North American television has conquered the

Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none

on the bare rim until I got home. If when passing

but ourselves can free our minds. – Edwin Hawkins

and your windscreen got egged, the advice is to just

and Bob Marley

Page 11

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J u st a c h i l d i s h r a n t by m e e r a n a a m

A lifetime ago, I was close friends with a girl whose father, when

Article 19- 1. State Parties shall take all appropriate legislative,

she was quite young, broke her arm, accidentally, during a heated

administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child

disagreement. I remember asking her what her Mother’s reaction

from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, ne-

was. She said, “my Mom couldn’t do anything.” The entire rest of the

glect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including

day, my own feelings were a mixture of horror, rage, and awe. Later

sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any

that evening, I went home to my own mother, a social worker, in

other person who has the care of the child.

distress and anger. I asked her how something like that could happen

2. Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effec-

without immediate consequence. How could someone not do any-

tive procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide

thing, something, to help my friend? How could something so blatant-

necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the

ly wrong happen in broad daylight? Was there no possibility for help?

child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification,

Despite my plea for answers, my own Mother shook her head, prob-

reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instanc-

ably in the same helpless and despairing way my friend’s Mom did.

es of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate,

Sadly, this was not anywhere near the first time my mother had to hear about an unjustifiable situation with a child. Day in and day

for judicial involvement.

During the ending of second semester last year, while assisting in

out, she would come home weighed down by seeing and listening to

an elementary school, I was unaware that over 3 million child mal-

so many children abused and even more of them looked over, their

treatment reports are filed each year. Breaking it down, that’s almost

injustices having to be dealt with. Later.

six reports every minute . Horrifically, these laws aren’t written for

Sadly, over 740,000 children and youth are treated in hospital

nighttime reading and these stats aren’t just a general estimation.

emergency rooms as a result of violence each year making a total of

These numbers represent children with recorded cases. What about

more than 84 children hospitalized every hour.

the rest of “them” who don’t even know that how they are being

According to the Canadian Children’s Human Rights under the Foreign Affairs and International Trade, “it is because of the unique vulnerability of children that their rights are of priority concern within Canada’s foreign policy.”

That makes us, the adults, responsible for children because of their

treated is WRONG. Who determines what incidents get reported in order to bring a voiceless child justice?

One of the hardest things to hear about, and especially see, is a child maltreated by a trusted adult in any way. I found it jarring that nothing could be done for the Grade 1 boy who was patted repeatedly

nature of innocence and our (presupposed) superior knowledge of

on the bottom on his way to and from class by a former male student

right from wrong.

colleague. I grew horrified that no action ensued when teachers were

The following is taken from the Office of the United Nation High Commissioner for Human Rights: Taking due account of the importance of the traditions and cultural

informed of another male colleague whose foot pinned a Grade 5 girl’s hair to the ground making her feel, as she later expressed to me, “embarrassed”.

values of each people for the protection and harmonious development

Why. Why was there nothing done? Would it just cause too much

of the child, Recognizing the importance of international co-operation

drama? Would it be too embarrassing to impose action? Was it easier

for improving the living conditions of children in every country, in

to leave children feel embarrassed to save the face of institution? Or

particular in the developing countries, have agreed as follows:

am just kicking up a childish fuss.

Footnotes: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childmaltreatment/ The Provincial Ombudsperson ensures that youth are treated fairly by people providing service to them. This office can provide an independent review of a case. The website is www.ombudsman.bc.ca and the phone number is 1.800.567.3247.

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In the soul tea time

w i t h J a m i e s cott, t e a e n t h u s i a st

The inquirer If you would be so kind, the newspaper would like to ask you a few questions concerning tea: To the Extreme Tea Enthusiast • What do you love the most about tea?

• What kind of tea is best for fall weather?

• What tea shops to do recommend for sitting down and doing homework?

• Where would you recommend to buy your tea?

• What is your most intimate tea moment?

• What is your ‘flavour of the month’?

jamie • The thing I love most is that it’s calming. Having a nice warm beverage without an overwhelming taste is very relaxing I find.

• In the fall, I prefer black or oolong teas, because they often come in varieties that have a bit of spice in them, such as pumpkin spice, and it fits the season nicely.

• Any tea shop is nice to sit down and do some homework in, though personally, I would rather make tea at home because that way I can make tonnes of tea without it costing tonnes of money.

• My favourite place to buy tea is Teavana (formerly Teaopia) because I find they have a very wide selection and tend to come out with new teas every year. However,I have found a few gems at smaller shops, so if you get the opportunity to visit a local tea store, don’t pass it up.

• Most intimate tea moment... that’s a tough one. I would have to say this summer, there was a surprisingly cold evening for summer, and me and a bunch of friends sat

The Soul of Rumi-translated by Coleman Barks Wide Sargasso Sea- Jean Rhys Of Bees and Mist- Eric Setiawan Letter to My Daughter- Maya Angelou Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland- Lewis Carroll Notes from Underground- Fyodor Dostoyevsky To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee

and drank tea and caught up on the events of the summer

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance- Robery M. Pirsig

since the majority of us were soon leaving for school again.

The Prophet- Khalil Gibran

It was good to talk to all my friends one last time before the school year started...tea is a very social drink I find.

• My current flavor of the month would be Sakura Allure.

It’s a green tea with cherries, cranberries, mango, pineapple and rose petals.

e d i to r’s n ot e If you ever find yourself in southeast Calgary and craving a cozy spot to get away from the hustle and bustle, Oolong Tea House is your cup of tea. With its eclectic and relaxed atmosphere, it is the optimal place for downtime with a friend or prime for treating yourself to a couple hours in solitude.

The Inquirer

September B EDITED.indd 13

Book list

His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman The English Patient - Michael Ondaatje Acquainted with the Night: Excursions through the World After Dark - Christopher Dewdney A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L’Engle St. Maybe - Anne Tyler Page 13

12-09-25 12:27 PM

like a writing desk

with ginger

In Lewis Carrol’s book, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter asks “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” and the guests at the tea party attempt to solve the riddle. Several pages later, the Hatter admits “I haven’t the slightest idea.” This scene was meant to illustrate the mystical, magical world that Alice has fallen into, a place of leisure and adventure. In turn, this column is a cove of possibilities, where whatever you create, write, draw, photograph, or imagine can come to life. In each issue, you can flip to this section to find voices of others that are meant to express, inspire and stimulate.

“All I wanted was to be poetry. I wrote, erased, rewrote ‘til the paper was crumpled and dirty, but the words eluded me. Perhaps, though, it is better to love and let leave than to become a book of untouched pages.”

“I can never find the right words to describe you. How can a single post contain you? How can a pen outline you? Find me an adjective that completes you.”

“And the heavens rejoiced, and angels cheered, and God, himself, stood up to watch with tears of joy running down his face, and the holy spirit came down and consumed us (On the baptisms last Saturday).”

She liked to sit and gaze out the apartment window. Green grass and quiet, slender trees. It was always so very quiet.

Sometimes she refused to get out of bed. The silence reminded her how lonely she was. Often she thought the trees understood,

“I bottle up secrets like poison and try to pour them out on people I don’t know well. That way if they freak out and shut me

and they knew she was one of them. But maybe they were only pretending.

down and walk away, I won’t care.”

All I wanted was to be poetry. I wrote, erased, rewrote ‘til the “I could see the words as they fell from his lips, but I could hear nothing. They fell into his lap and lay there, looking for a home. I drank them up. I fear I’m falling in love.”

paper was crumpled and dirty, but the words eluded me. Perhaps, though, it is better to love and let leave than to become a book of untouched pages.

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Sylvia Plath Effect I was 17 when I felt myself going insane.

I came to this realization when I was writing late one night, fighting insomnia. My curtains were gaping, an open yawn, so I had the clearest view of the maple trees from my window.

These trees have always curved over this little path in front of my home, a leaf canopy for youth in love. But never had I seen their silhouettes dance (for me? I cannot say...), not heard stars gossip amongst the dusky sky, not felt my bones shift beneath my skin in an odd, awakening sort of way, nor felt so thick with stories, brimming with poems, that I could not rest until each was written down. So write I did, without pause, and when beams skipped upon my face the next morning, I knew I had fallen into insanity and I did not resist.

Drown The Ocean tempts me, I’d love to take a dip, the Sky mulls this over peach-stained clouds.

I answer from my beach towel, “Sure, the Ocean has a lovely voice cocooned within a lullaby, smooth as the belly side of a coral seashell or an oyster’s stolen heart but croons only the siren’s call.

Thus, you’ll abandon ship after seamen anchored to the Ocean’s ballad, spellbound and cradled in her hurricane’s sweet centre.

You limbs will wilt afloat along the Ocean’s foamy lip.

Drowning is beautiful but only in poetry.”

are you nothing now but ink. a smear on the photo paper. hiding and hidden behind a plant or back turned against the camera or in the shadow of an angle in my mind. are you nothing now but fading. a memory only doomed to slip away. seldom brought back and visited except on times in the future while going through old letters while cleaning out stuffed drawers in another semi-permanent domicile.

- Sapphire Woods

Nathalia Campos

Lewis Carrol stated that he did not have an answer in mind when he wrote that riddle. In a later adaptation of the story: “The Madder replied, ‘The question is the answer,’ and laughed his way out of the story; leaving a very confused Alice to ponder this question. She then reflected on all her adventures that day, and how absurd they had been. How none of what she had seen that day made any sense whatsoever. After remembering this, she understood the answer.”

If you’d like to see your pieces of creativity in the newspaper, email jenna at jdiamant@cauc.ca!

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The Crossword

Compliments of Nicole Dutnall Across 5. Not in the Dorm 6. PLT President 8. Mmmm Food!

9. Girls Student Dean 10. SA President 12. Upperclassman live here 14. Bring in the Sabbath on Friday night with..?

15. Girls Honor house #2 16. Newspaper editor 8. Get some sunlight in the 1 Science building in the?!

19. Hit the books in the...

DOWN 1. ACAL Champions 3 years in a row!

2. At 11 pm 3. Knows many languages 4. Dealing with Student loans? go to..?

7. History Professor 1. Native Reserve CUC 1 helps out with?

3. Music Major spend most 1 of their time in?

15. Psychology Professor 17. Lift those weights!

Wa n t to w i n a f r e e c u c s w e at e r?

B e t h e f i r st o n e to pr e s e n t yo u r co m pl e t e d a n d co r r ec t c ro s swo r d to t h e e d i to r i n t h e n ewspa pe r o f f i c e. [N o rt h h a l l]

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