April 6, 2017 by The Collegiate Times

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April 6, 2017

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An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 BLACKSBURG GYMS Does it matter where you get your sweat on at the most fit university? page 8

SARI, NOT SARI Putting cultural appropriation into perspective of the West and the East. page 5

SOFTBALL SWEEP Check out how the Hokies did in their home doubleheader against Elon. page 7

Paige Neubauer remembered as the 'epitome of kindness' After a recent car accident, Virginia Tech mourns the loss of a beloved Hokie, but friends will forever remember Paige for her glowing spirit and positivity. many employees and patrons of Hokie Grill remember about her. “Whenever she asked a customer how their day was going, it wasn’t just the basic, 'How are you doing?' She

IZZY ROSSI

news editor

irginia Tech student Paige Neubauer, 21, died March 31 in a car accident. The three-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Wythe County killed two women, including Neubauer and a Radford University student, and sent five other people to hospitals with injuries. Neubauer was traveling south on I-81, near Fort Chiswell about two miles north of the Interstate 77 interchange. She crossed the median and struck a Honda Civic traveling north shortly after 10 p.m. The impact caused her Insight to spin around in the northbound lanes and be struck by a northbound Ford F-150 pickup truck, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said. Neubauer, of Virginia Beach, died at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from her car. Paige was an active member of the Virginia Tech community as a cashier at Hokie Grill and a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. “I have worked with her for

“

I worked for her for two years now and she was just the epitome of kindness."

Katie Graves student general manager at Hokie Grill

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two years now and she was just the epitome of kindness,” said Katie Graves, the student general manager at Hokie Grill. “I’m sure you’ve heard that from everyone. People would come through her line and if she had a credit card she

had to wait on she’d say, ‘So what’s going to be the best part about your day?’ and would just listen to people and genuinely wanted to know what the best part of their day was going to be. When they left she’d say, ‘Alright, well I hope you have

a fantastic day.’ It was just the step above what customer service is; it was a genuine caring about what they had to say.” Paige’s kindness toward all those around her is a distinguishing characteristic that

actually seemed to care about everyone’s day. She always complimented people,” said Eric Lucy, a cashier at Hokie Grill. “She would actually ask people personal questions about their day, in the short time they were there, actually try to figure out how their day was going, greet them and make them feel better.” Many of her sorority sisters also recall memories of her kindness and cheerfulness, even in negative situations. “During rush, for Paige it see KINDNESS / page 3

Tech looks to young talent Fine arts education vital to fill in wide receiver gaps With the departures of Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges, to neural development new players must step up in the Hokies' receiving corps. column

Neuroscience research suggests numerous benefits of learning music and arts during one’s formative years.

dequate funding for public education — and lack thereof — has become a leading issue on the political battleground these past few decades. The rise of the current administration has imposed a greater sense of urgency upon the matter. Of the 19 federal agencies that President Trump’s proposed budget would eliminate, there is one that is of particular concern: the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). With a current budget of $148 million, the NEA helps fund and promote fine arts programs across the country. It was originally created as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society and recently celebrated 50 years as a standing agency. However, at this rate, the NEA may have very little time left to honor this milestone before it is wiped from existence altogether. Of course, it is no secret that even at the municipal level, fine arts programs are among the most vulnerable to budget cuts, especially in comparison to STEM and athletics. Music and art departments, in many school districts, are under near constant threat of downsizing and outright elimination. I suspect that it is easy to trivialize such a pressing concern when we’re blinded by a veil of what appears to be fiscal pragmatism — when we convince ourselves that math, science and football are all that really matter. These budget cuts may bolster the linings of the government’s pockets, but doing so comes at a price whose repercussions far exceed politics. Research in the behavioral sciences shows the overwhelming benefits of a fine arts education, especially in the formative years, which are a critical period for brain development. Eliminating these programs could take a serious toll on the cognitive enrichment and psychological well-being of students. The field of neuroaesthetics explores how artistic and aesthetic experiences register in the brain. Ramon y Cajal, the legendary theorist who articulated the neuron doctrine,

drew intricate visuals of the brain that are on display at a Minnesota museum. This illustrates the unlikely marriage of the sciences and arts, and the integral role it plays in development.

“

Eliminating (fine arts) programs could take a serious toll on the cognitive enrichment and psychological well-being of students."

One of the most profound effects that the arts have on the developing brain is increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-order thinking and motor skills. Studies show that students who have received a comprehensive arts education tend to be better at drawing comparisons, forming constructive criticism and analyzing alternative viewpoints. Artists and instrumentalists in particular show greater development in the prefrontal cortex: they acquire very acute fine motor skills, as they develop the precision needed to master controlled tasks — for example, being able grasp a paintbrush or maneuver the keys of a piano. Brain imaging suggests that students trained in the arts also have more activity in the hippocampus, a brain structure involved in memory, learning and attention. This may be linked to overall better long-term academic performance compared to their non-artistically involved peers. Artists and musicians also tend to be more skilled at spatial-temporal reasoning, which is the ability to understand the relationship see MUSIC / page 2

CHASE PARKER football beat reporter

A year ago, the Virginia Tech football team had one of the strongest receiving corps in the country. Led by soon-to-be NFL players Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges, the group was rich in experience and talent. This year, however, the situation couldn’t be more different. “It’s kind of like the universe has flipped a little bit,” said Virginia Tech wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins. “We had a whole lot of experience kind of coming into last year, and now we’ve got a few guys with some experience, you know Cam (Phillips) kind of being the more veteran of that group, C.J. (Carroll) has kind of been nicked up a little bit. Now we’ve got some young guys

looking to take on some larger roles. Some of those guys are kind of chomping at the bit for those opportunities, and this spring they’re getting a lot of those opportunities.” Head coach Justin Fuente didn’t seem too optimistic about the wide receiver spot at Tuesday’s press conference, either, as he said, “I would stop short of saying (we’re looking for) ‘depth.’ We’re just trying to find three guys to start.” Behind Phillips and Carroll, the receiving group is full of young talent, but hardly anyone has experience. However, there is one young player who is rising above the rest of the competition and impressing the coaches: sophomore Eric Kumah. As a true freshman, Kumah played sparingly. His role was primarily with the special

teams unit, but the decision to not redshirt him showed that the coaches had confidence that he would be able to perform if his number was called. With the wide receiving corps needing young players to step up, Kumah has been making the most of his opportunity. “(Kumah) is making plays,” Wiggins said. “At the end of the day, we’ve got to produce, right. As coaches we’ve got to win games, as receivers you’ve got to catch the ball and bear fruit and produce, and he’s been doing that. You know, when his number has been called and the ball has been in the air, he’s done a great job at fighting and scrapping and taking it out of the air, which. see RECEIVERS / page 7

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech's Jovonn Quillen (26) and Elisha Boyd (42) do a defensive drill for cornerbacks during the second spring practice of the 2017 season, March 23, 2017.

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MUSIC: Fine arts crucial to neurological maturation from page 1

between objects in space and time. This can be seen in the correlation between musical ability and math skills; it also corroborates the correlational evidence between fine arts education and higher math scores on standardized tests. A nother interesting finding is the relationship between the fine arts and language development in young children. Music, art and language share common biological substrates; as a matter of fact, making art or simply talking about it can foster language skills. Much like with math skills, this might play a part in the correlation between fine arts immersion and higher verbal scores. Furthermore, cognitive neuroscience resea rch show that fine arts have a lasting impact on emotional and social development. They affect the limbic system of the brain, which is involved in emotional processing and houses the rewards center. People who are learned in the arts tend to have better com munication sk ills,

especially in measures of cooperation and empathy. All of these struct u ra l a nd f unctiona l changes occur because of a phenomenon called neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to reorganize synaptic connections of neu rons in response to learning and experience. It is important to note that such changes take place during what we

“

However, the formative years don’t last forever. This is why it is essential that children are exposed to the arts starting in elementary school.”

call critical periods: these are periods of development in which the effects of experience are especially strong. Early and intensive training molds the brain, causing it to undergo these extraordinary changes. However, the formative years don’t last forever

— you might have heard the expression “use it or lose it.” This is why it is essential that children are exposed to the arts starting in elementary school. If they are not given the chance to harness and cultivate their artistic skills, they may never be able to fully benefit from them. If the science is lost on you, consider a more humanistic perspective: elective courses are often the only thing keeping students in school. Some students have a need for cognition, others a longing for expression. While there are those who thrive in the classroom, there are just as many who better flourish in a studio; the intellectual gratification that one student may achieve with projects and essays, another gleans only through paintbrush and canvas. Schools need fine arts programs. After all, lack of opportunity is perhaps the worst predicament that can be imposed on a person, because it so often leads to unfulfilled potential. And while students from more affluent families may have every chance in the world to visit art museums or take

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private music lessons, the average household cannot afford such luxuries. A fine arts education within the public school medium is the best chance these kids have. If such programs are cut, students of the middle and working classes may

next Mozart or Matisse, which is a pretty sad waste of talent. T h roug hout hu ma n history, the arts have been a welcome escape from the mundane inanities of our day to day lives. They detract — if only for a few moments — from the romantic woes, the financial troubles, possibly even the odd existential crisis. We, as people, have always turned to music and art to drown our sorrows, but also to exalt in our happiness. It really is a beautiful thing. And sure, a cellist is not going to cure cancer with a well-articulated cadenza; the hole in the ozone layer certainly won’t be filled with the stroke of a paintbrush. But the purpose of music and art is not to solve such problems. Rather, it is to provide us with both an outlet for creativity and a haven of solace to count on in troubling times. The fine arts are vital to our physical and mental wellbeing, and we must do everything in our power to preserve them.

never get to experience the simple joy that comes from successfully playing a scale on a new instrument, or completing a piece of pottery and finally getting to paint it. They may never have the chance to nurture NEHA OGALE their capabilities, and the • assistant opinions editor world may miss out on the • freshman/psychology

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Children’s and young adult literature worthy of respect Stigma may surround literature marketed toward younger readers, but this genre still resonates across all audiences.

iterary scholars have a habit of dismissing children’s literature from any conversation about “serious works”. Children’s literature is a broad term to describe books that are marketed typically to people eighteen and younger. This includes everything from picture books to young adult novels. Children’s books give the youngest members of society heroes who they can relate to. If every book was written with the intention of being marketed to adults, child heroes would be few and far between, and representation is important. It is hard for people to accomplish great feats if they cannot picture themselves doing just that. Books like “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Harold and the Purple Crayon” are considered to not only to be classics, but also as some of the greatest books ever written. Young adult novels in particular are the recipients of much derision. Frequently allotted only a couple of shelves in

bookstores, YA novels are often forbidden from serious discussion in high school English classes, despite the students being part of the intended audience for these books. However, young adult novels feature relevant themes and important messages, just as adult novels can. For instance, The Hunger Games series features a commentary on authoritarianism, media manipulation and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Uglies series is about the nature of beauty. “Thirteen Reasons Why” is about depression and suicide. “His Dark Materials” provides a frank commentary on religion. None of the above topics can be described as uniquely childish. In fact, without a good writer, broaching such topics can be a rather uncomfortable experience. Young adult authors tackle important issues in an interesting and engaging manner. Books like “Little Women”, “Black Beauty”, and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” are considered to be masterpieces,

despite the fact that these books were written with the intention of being read by young audiences. Additionally, it is worth noting that not every children’s book is a masterpiece, just as not every adult novel is either. They should be held to the same standards in that regard. Twilight is frequently alluded to when criticizing children’s literature, without noting that a glorified fan-fiction of that same book became a bestselling novel for adults. The authors of children’s books have a whole other set of standards for their material besides simply writing a marketable book. As many of these authors are adults, they have to address an audience that is fundamentally different from them, with their own priorities and concerns. These authors have to find a way of connecting with their audience in a way that feels relatable using language in a way that they might not normally use in everyday life and discussing challenges that they may not understand quite as well as their audience does. Their audience has a short attention span, and therefore most books include almost continuous action, with every part of the story contributing to the plot in a significant way. It seems ridiculous to declare a whole subsection of books to be unworthy of serious discussion simply because they are marketed to a different age group. Reading should be an activity that everyone can share as a hobby, not an elitist club that solely recognizes the validity of their more senior members’ interests. With so many

proven benefits, including a larger vocabulary and better focus, of reading, encouraging people — especially children — to read is critical. There is also the issue of adults reading children’s literature. Most people over the age of 18 have had the uncomfortable experience of walking through the children’s section of the bookstore, followed by the confused eyes of children. However, there is no shame in reading books meant for a younger audience. Books can be a way for people of different generations to connect. While Les Misérables is a wonderful book, it would be unreasonable to expect most children to fully comprehend many of its more serious topics or even understand its old-fashioned language. For adults, reading a simple and entertaining book can be a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When a person’s days are spent reading dull and uneventful reports, manuals, memos and emails, reading something with plenty of action that uses informal language could come as a relief. Children’s books also tend to be shorter, which makes reading them more convenient for people with a busy work schedule. Most importantly, at the end of the day, fiction has one purpose and that is to entertain. Even if a book is beautifully written with three-dimensional characters, it has failed in its purpose if its readers are not entertained. SALLY DUKES • opinions contributor • sophomore/political science

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Journalism adds sports to line-up A new sports media and analytics concentration will be available for students this fall. IZZY ROSSI news editor

On March 17, Virginia Tech announced a new concent rat ion wit h i n t he D epa r t ment of Communication. The sports media and analytics concentration will be offered beginning with students graduating in 2019. This allows students to fulfill the multimedia journalism major while specializing in sports.

“

We had the infrastructure and we had the people ... so it just made sense to do it.”

Bill Roth communications professor

Spring has sprung

ARMAHN RASSULI / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Two visitors walk around the Pylons overlooking the Drillfield, April 2, 2017. Spring weather has finally arrived in Blacksburg. The warm weather invites students and faculty to spend more time outside on the Virginia Tech campus.

KINDNESS: Sisters say she

‘saw the good in everyone’ from page 1

was never about appearances the way I think it is for some people,” said Audrey Moentmann, a member of Delta Gamma sorority. “People can really get petty sometimes, but she was always so kind to everyone and kept everyone in good spirits. She was always the one who had really great conversations with people and really tried to actually get to know them as a person. She saw the good in everyone.” Paige was also known for her ability to stay positive and brighten other people’s day. “I actually met Paige in the first couple weeks of my freshman year,” recalled Jordan Dinopoulos, a member of Delta Gamma. “I met her at a tailgate one day and she was literally wearing a necklace that she

had made, and it was literally just a string and it had like pretzels and beef jerky and stuff on it. I remember one of my friends was visiting from out of town and she was like, ‘That girl seems so cool,

“

She was always the one that had really great conversations with people ... she saw the good in everyone.”

Audrey Moentmann Delta Gamma member

you should go try to be her friend.’ She kind of became like an older sister to me.” As a way of honoring Paige’s memory, members of Delta Gamma have begun a Tilt online fundraiser in her honor. “One of our good friends had the idea of starting a fund

he Blacksburg community has been experiencing some warm weather over the past couple of days. However, the temperatures will be dropping over the next few days and warm back up into the weekend. Thursday, April 6, is expected to be cloudy with a 60 percent chance of rain. The temperatures should range with the high in the mid-50s and the low in the mid-30s. On Friday, there is a 30 percent chance of precipitation. Friday is also expected to be very chilly with a high in the low 40s and a low in the low 30s.

to give money to a charity in Paige’s honor that she would have really enjoyed, so we’re going to start doing that and I automatically thought of the Peace Corps because that’s a group that Paige cared so much about,” Moentmann said. “So now I’ve gotten in contact with a rep from there and she found a program for us that empowers young women and makes sure in third world countries that they all have proper education. I just feel like the best way to honor her is to give back.” In addition to the fundraiser, members of the sorority are also planning a candle-lit vigil on Virginia Tech’s campus to honor Paige. No date has been set as of now, but they expect it to take place at the end of April. @IzzyRossiCT

Saturday is forecasted to be sunny with a high in the low 50s and a low in the mid-30s. Sunday will follow up with more sunny weather and a high in the mid-60s and a low in the mid-40s. Moving into next week, we can expect to see more sunny weather with temperatures warming up into a high in the mid-70s and a low in the low 50s. Follow @HOKIEwxWATCH on Twitter for any and all updates!

AUSTIN VIGIL

• weather correspondent • @HOKIEwxWATCH

“There’s a need for it, particularly here because we have a first-rate faculty already here and, with the Moss Arts Center, we had the incredible television studio,” said Bill Roth, former voice of the Hokies and current Virginia Tech professor. “So, we had the infrastructure and we had the people and we had the culture here, which is very pro-sports and athletics; people love sports here. It’s a big part of our culture, so it

made sense to do it.” This concentration does require more hours than the other communication majors, but it doesn’t require a minor. There is also the possibility of the concentration progressing into a major in the future. “It’s not a minor, it’s a concentration. It’s 15 more credits in addition to your other major that you can get a sports media and analytics concentration,” Roth said. “Eventually we’d like to see this become a major, but we need additional courses and hopefully additional staffing for it.” Several new courses have been created specifically for the concentration. “So for this fall we have sports journalism, which we’ve offered for the last couple of years; intro to sports media, which is a brand new class and just officially got approved; sports as entertainment, which is a brand new class; and broadcast management,” Roth said. “So we have these four classes and then the fifth one, which we’re doing now, is a sports casting class, it’s performance. So that’s what we have in the fall is those four classes, with sports performance for the spring.”

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Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Exciting possibilities arise in unexpected places this year. Keep on your toes! A team project shifts focus after August, and before new love carries you away. Launch a profitable year in October. December brings a two-year cycle favoring coordinated group efforts. Accomplish dreams together.

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April 6, 2017 PAGE 5

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Democrats are out of touch with their base Focusing on social issues is out of line with what the base of the Democratic Party really needs: jobs and national security.

en nsylva n ia, Oh io, Michigan and Wisconsin: these states went red this past presidential election, but why? President Trump’s election was a direct result of former President Obama’s presidency — a presidency filled with political correctness, as shown when he refused to say the simple statement “Islamic terrorism” and failed policies such as Obamacare. Many citizens saw Trump’s biggest campaign strength as the promise of economic growth, after eight years of a less-than-exceptional economy and a shrinking middle class. According to a Pew poll U.S. metropolitan areas have experienced a six point percentage drop in middle class citizens and a four point drop nationally over the last several years. Because of this, the American people wanted a president who truly cared about how much money stayed in their pockets. T he Democratic Pa r t y has recently been consumed with social issues such as LGBT rights, climate change and feminism. Now, social and economic issues are not mutually exclusive. However, the Democratic Party has prioritized these social issues over economic and national security issues. To some Americans these may be the most pressing issues, but many blue-collar Americans are more concerned about how they are going to pay their bills, as was shown by the recent election. The Democratic Party, a party that used to be for blue collar, hard working Americans, seems to have shifted. Many Americans are fed up with this new protest/ riot culture that is most associated with the left. Hollywood actors and actresses have also added to the Democratic Party’s lack of connection with everyday Americans. Actors and actresses who are well in the infamous 1 percent have been preaching to their viewers about what’s right for the United States. Being lectured by multi-million dollar individuals on social issues that many deem non-pressing issues is not what a family living paycheck to paycheck wants to hear nor should hear. These actors/actresses and protesters are the new face of the Democratic party and it is not flattering. Every time a new protest or riot erupts they are only guaranteeing Trump’s reelection, as many Americans are not drawn to whining as shown by the recent election. Because of this unflattering image of the Democratic Party that many Americans came to see during the 2016 election, Trump

did very well with Independents in swing states that impacted the outcome of the election. For example, in the state of Michigan, Trump won 52 percent of Independent voters compared to his Democratic Party opponent Hillary Clinton, who only won 36 percent. Also, in Wisconsin, Donald Trump won 51 percent of Independent voters while Hillary Clinton only won 38 percent. While many variables may have contributed to Independents voting for Trump, it is obvious that they resonated more with his rhetoric and policies than those of Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party’s candidate. Considering much of Trump’s campaign was centered around national security and economic policies, it’s safe to say many Independents were much more concerned with these issues rather than the Democratic Party’s fictitious concerns for social justice. The Democratic Party also has a long history of relying on identity politics. Democrats rely on minorities and women to vote for them in order to win elections. For many Americans, including myself, this is extremely frustrating. Has America not progressed past the idea that one’s gender and race must reflect their values? By assuming minority groups need a social program as a crutch to get by, the Democratic Party is in turn belittling minorities’ competence. The reason the Democratic Party is able to connect with these groups so well is because they tell them they are victims that need to be saved from the oppressive patriarchy. One example of this rhetoric was shown when Clinton made this statement while speaking to a predominantly black college: “What’s happening is a sweeping effort to disempower and disenfranchise people of color, poor people and young people from one end of our country to the other.” Clinton’s statement suggests she somehow knows what’s best for the individual. For myself, having someone assume I am not capable of earning my own success or knowing what is best for me is insulting and I think many women and minorities are starting to feel the same way. As one can imagine, being called a victim for years can get old. Many minorities are now turning to the Republican Party after seeing failed liberal policies in heavily concentrated minority cities such as Detroit and Chicago as well as seeing the black community only continue to have the same difficulties despite having a black, liberal president. According to a Pew poll, Clinton was down 7 points among minorities compared to Obama, and

Trump was up among minorities compared to Mitt Romney in the previous election. People of minority groups may soon realize if they have not already, that the Democratic Party does not care about their economic and social prosperity as shown by the lack of success in liberal strongholds such as Detroit, Chicago and Washington, D.C. As of April of 2015, Detroit had an unemployment rate of 10.2 percent which is twice that of the United States’ unemployment rate at 5 percent as of December of 2015. Once minorities become successful the message of these individuals needing to be saved will not resonate, and therefore, the Democratic Party will no longer have a base. It is in the best interest of the Democratic Party to keep people in the poverty cycle in order to receive the maximum number of votes and in turn push their dependency state agenda. Many scandals have also crippled the Democratic Party leaving the party increasingly distant from everyday Americans, from the DNC rigging its primary against Bernie Sanders, to Donna Brazile leaking CNN presidential debate questions, to Clinton’s countless number of failures such as Benghazi and her email scandals. Many Americans who hold jobs with a security clearance felt betrayed, as they would have been indicted for similar actions, while these leaders of the Democratic Party escaped with at most a warning. The lack of repercussions for these individuals reinforced the idea that this party is not a party of the people but instead a party of those “above the law.” The majority of Independents who found themselves attracted to Trump’s campaign were drawn to his promise to drain the swamp. Unfortunately for the Democratic Party, Clinton was a perfect example of this swamp. If the Democratic Party does not realize that most Americans care more about job security and economic growth than they do about how many genders exist, they will only become more disconnected from the American people and therefore will continue to lose elections.

AMANDA FIELDS

• opinions contributor • freshman/business undecided

A TALE OF TWO PARTIES by Ibrahim Mohamed

COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Students partake in yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian culture.

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Sari, not sari: Cultural appropriation over-exaggerated Some might see cultural appropriation as offensive, but others claim that it is the sincerest form of flattery.

ith the widespread usage of social media across the globe and the popularity of international TV shows and movies, the advent of cultural diffusion is one that has evoked much controversy from the Western world. It isn’t a shock that the vibrant clothing and lively dances of African culture and the intricate patterns of henna worn at Indian weddings come as attractions to foreigners. As an Indian American, what I have noticed from my observations of discussions on cultural appropriation is the divide in the way Westerners and Easterners view the adoption of elements of another culture. In the Western world, critics often race to categorize actions of cultural diffusion as cultural appropriation. For example, a yoga class at the University of Ottawa’s Centre for Students with Disabilities was told to be removed out of fear that potential issues that could arise considering the practice originated in India. Yoga, now a nearly universal exercise that allows one to synchronize his or her mind and body to reach inner and physical well-being, was called off by the university solely because it holds roots in another country. However, India’s president himself, Narendra Modi, advocated for the United Nations to recognize International Yoga Day. India’s national anthem writer, Rabindranath Tagore, wrote, “The infinite personality of man … can only come from the magnificent harmony of all human races.” He believed that the unification of aspects from various cultures is what leads to understanding and peace. Another example of the disparity between Western and Eastern perspectives on cultural blending is the aftermath of Coldplay’s release of the “Hymn for the Weekend” music video, in which Beyonce was dressed in a sari, playing the role of an Indian woman. Numerous comments were posted on social media accusing the production as an act of cultural appropriation. Natassja Omidina Gunasena, a doctoral candidate, and Omise’eke Natasha Tinsley, an associate professor of African Studies, took a Sri Lankan and feminist approach to this video and argued that Beyonce wonderfully represented the

beauty that is often overlooked in Indian dark-skinned women due to their skin complexion. They found the performance to be empowering to females who are insecure about the shade of their skin, especially because most Bollywood actresses are generally more fair-skinned with Caucasian features.

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Before racing to categorize the actions of others as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ we must ... understand their intentions in adopting certain practices from other cultures.”

Many argue that wearing the jewelry and attire of other cultures is a prime example of appropriation. Westerners often assume that foreigners wearing henna, bindis or Indian headpieces are outwardly disrespecting the culture. However, all of my family members and Indian family friends admire when an outsider sports a sari or dresses in traditional clothing and follows indigenous rituals. Overall, Indians are quite open about sharing their culture with others and adopting pieces of culture from other countries in their daily lives. This can be applied to East Asian citizens too. Lilian Min, a freelance writer, who lives in the United States, visited Japan with her family and noted that stores offered kimono rentals to tourists who were interested in dressing in traditional attire when going to Japanese temples. Evidently, there are two sides to each of these situations and there always will be. While the boundaries of what is classified as appropriation or appreciation will remain blurred, we can agree that before racing to categorize the actions of others as “good” or “bad,” we must take a step back and understand their intentions in adopting certain practices from other cultures.

NISTHA DUBE • opinions contributor • freshman/neuroscience

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lifestyles

April 6, 2017 PAGE 6

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Campus dining options: O veggies, where art thou? Even surrounded by nationally acclaimed dining halls, meat-free Hokies still struggle to find meals that meet their diets. ALAYNA JONES lifestyles staff writer

Virginia Tech has one of the best dining programs in the country, according to The Princeton Review — but that’s not surprising for anyone who eats at the dining hall on a regular basis. There are many options that the dining halls have to offer — but how easy is it to find options that are suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet? I’m not a vegan or a vegetarian myself, but I swapped out eating my normal pizza, chicken fingers or sandwich at the dining halls for a few days to see how easy it would be to find vegan options to eat for three meals a day. So, how did eating vegan and/ or vegetarian on campus go? It was difficult. Owens I went to Owens for lunch one day to find that there were not many options there for a vegan to eat. If you are a vegetarian, the Farm and Fields veggie burger is a good option at Owens, but the bun is made with milk. If vegans want to eat the veggie burger, they can ask for it without the bun and toppings. Lotsa Pasta has gluten-free pasta made with soy that is a healthier choice for vegans and vegetarians as opposed to regular pasta and, of course, there is white rice, steamed broccoli or a salad at the Carvery. The choices for vegans were pretty limited here at Owens, and they are certainly not the most exciting foods that vegans want to eat on a daily basis. I was disappointed to see that there were not any soy patties or

BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES The interior of D2 on the Virginia Tech campus, Sept. 20, 2016. The dining facility occupies the second floor of Dietrick Hall and offers students an array of different dining options.

dishes made with tofu at any of unfortunately they have eggs in the nine stations in Owens. them so they are not an option for vegans. Squires Pan Asia serves an asian vegeI went over to Squires to see if table stir fry that is made with soy, APB had better options, but still which is suitable for vegans, but not much luck. there are not many other options Some soups at ABP in Squires at the all-you-can-eat dining hall. are vegan friendly, including the 12 veggie and the vegetarian West End chili. There are many vegetarian Vegans and vegetarians can options at ABP, but it is mostly eat at the salad bar in West End, carb-based items such as breads, but not much else fits within the bagels and pastries. limits of their diets. The veggie burger bun does D2 not contain milk, but if vegans D2 has a vegetarian station want to be safe, they can request a that serves veggie nuggets, but lettuce wrap instead of the whole

wheat bun option — or vegetarians can order a grilled cheese at the sandwich shop next to Wrap World. Turner Most bagels at Bruegger’s are vegan, and students can get them topped with hummus, peanut butter or jelly. Students can also purchase salads and then go down the stairs to Fire Grill to purchase some oven-roasted potatoes as a side. Still, I was finding very few options to fill my empty stomach on a vegan diet. I found that our dining halls are

much more vegetarian friendly than vegan friendly — but still not as much as they should be. Having more vegan options in the dining halls would help out many students who eat vegan diets. According to The Guardian, plant-based diets are becoming more common among young people. Emily Baklajian is a sophomore who has been maintaining a vegan diet for six years. “Last year I really didn’t use my meal plan at all because there were not many options for me,” Baklajian said. “I would mostly buy food from Kroger and make meals in my room. If I would eat on campus, it would normally be a salad from Turner with tofu.” I was finding most of the pre-made foods at dining halls were not vegan friendly. Most of the options I had were to make my own meals, salads, some graband-go items or fruit. When trying to find vegan options, I mostly ate salads because I could not find much else that I thought would be filling enough. As healthy as students want to sound, eating salads every day is not fun for anyone. “Adding in meals like cooked or roasted vegetables, and more grains like quinoa, beans, barley and lentils would be better for vegan eaters,” Baklajian said. D i n i ng s e r v ic es of fe r s hundreds of options for our meals, why can’t more of those hundreds of options be vegan friendly? If students wish to look up the nutritional information for dining hall foods, they can access the information on the dining service website. @CollegiateTimes

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April 6, 2017 PAGE 7

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Justin Fuente earns contract extension through 2023 Tech has extended Justin Fuente’s contract after his impressive first year as the head coach of Virginia Tech football. CHASE PARKER football beat reporter

Virginia Tech head football coach Justin Fuente had such an impressive first year that he’s already received a contract extension, locking him up as the head Hokie through the 2023 season.

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Coach Fuente exceeded our expectations in terms of how well he and his staff have embraced the winning tradition established by coach Beamer.”

Whit Babcock athletic director

“My family feels incredibly blessed that I’m able to work at Virginia Tech and we’re able call Blacksburg our home,” Fuente said. “I am very appreciative for the leadership of Whit, Desiree (ReedFrancois), Dr. Sands and the Board of Visitors in making Virginia Tech such an attractive destination for a head coach and a staff. Their support, a talented and hardworking group of student-athletes and an unbelievably passionate fan base were all paramount in helping us build on coach Beamer’s winning culture.” “I’m also indebted to our

coaching staff and support personnel for their continued loyalty and dedication,” he continued. “Our student-athletes know how invested our staff is in the success of our team and in helping them achieve their personal goals in the classroom, in life and on the football field. I’m excited that we’ll continue the work that we’ve begun at Virginia Tech for many years to come.” In his first year on the job, Fuente guided Tech to a 10–4 record, an ACC Championship appearance and a Belk Bowl victory over Arkansas. Fuente also earned ACC Coach of the Year honors in 2016. The ACC’s youngest head coach commanded the Hokies to a resurgence on offense as they broke or tied 10 single-season records, including total touchdowns (61), total points (490), first downs (330) and total offense yards (6,223). The new deal adds two years to Fuente’s original contract and gives him a pay raise. The salary bump will begin next year, as he will make $3.4 million in 2018, $3.5 million in 2019, $3.65 million in 2021, $3.9 million in 2022 and $4 million in 2023. In all, Fuente’s seven-year deal is worth around $25.9 million before performance bonuses. “Coach Fuente has exceeded our expectations in terms of how well he and his staff have embraced the winning tradition established by coach Beamer at Virginia Tech, while adding their own distinct touches to enhance the legacy of

LOREN SKINKER / COLLEGIATE TIMES Head coach Justin Fuente (LEFT) speaks to network analyst Mike Burnop about new football signees and recruits during Virginia Tech’s National Signing Day at the Merryman Center, Feb. 1, 2017.

our program,” said athletic director Whit Babcock in a press release. “Justin has set high expectations for our team in the classroom, in the community and on the field. I personally appreciate the way he exemplifies our Virginia Tech values and helps instill those attributes in our student-athletes. I have

the utmost confidence in his ability to lead our program as he continues making a positive impact on our campus and in the lives of every individual associated with Virginia Tech football.”is this still babcock? Fuente’s original contract, which was signed in November of 2015, was only set to keep him

in Blacksburg through the 2021 season. He was paid $3.2 million in 2016 and is set to make at least $3.25 million in 2017 under the new deal. @ChaseParker_VT

Tech swept in home double header The Virginia Tech softball team faced off against Elon at home on Tuesday. The Hokies were beat in back-to-back games due in part to defensive struggles. STEPHEN NEWMAN sports reporter

JINA RO / COLLEGIATE TIMES

RECEIVERS: Lack of experience raises concerns from page 1

we need a lot of.” Standing at 6 foot 2, one of Kumah’s greatest assets is his size and frame. The 210-pounder has been using that to his advantage throughout the spring, leaping over defenders and making spectacular catches. “He’s gotten a couple (50/50 jump balls),” said veteran cornerback Brandon Facyson. “And that’s something that we need. You know, at the end of the day, I want to make the play, but at the end of the day, you’re happy that those guys make plays because those guys are going to have to do that in the game. You know, Kumah has been doing a great job with those things and we’re just going day by day just learning the system and doing what you need to do on the field.” In addition to Kumah, redsh i r t-f resh ma n Ph i l Patterson has been showing promising signs as well. Even though the coaching staff ultimately decided not to play the 180-pound receiver last year, it did consider burning his redshirt and putting him in a few games.

“We actually traveled Phil half of the year, with the idea that he may possibly play,” Wiggins said. “When Isaiah (Ford) got a little dinged up in the North Carolina game, we kind of flirted with pulling his redshirt off because he showed a little bit of promise. But it was good that Isaiah didn’t miss a step. So I think he benefited from a semester being in the weight room, a semester kind of learning what to do. And also, a chance to kind of sit and see those guys work and try to emulate a lot of the good things that those guys did.” Although inexperience plagues the majority of the wide receiver group, the lack of depth opens up playing opportunities that the young pass-catchers don’t want to let slip from their grips. “I mean, I’m happy to know that I can play this year and that I have opportunities, but it’s just like all the other receivers that are out there every practice trying our hardest just to be that man and get that spot,” Kumah said.

@ChaseParker_VT

After missing out on a series sweep over the weekend against Georgia Tech, the Hokies fell behind early and lost both games against Elon. Game One After starting pitcher Taylor Barnes retired the side in the top of the first, Breanna Davenport led off by driving a pitch over the center field fence for a career-high ninth home run. An RBI single by Emma Strouth extended the lead to 2–0. Elon rallied back in the second inning, bringing all nine hitters to the plate. The Phoenix began the frame with three straight singles, followed by a controversial hit-by-pitch, a fielder’s choice and a single past the shortstop by Jenna Reilly to give the team the lead. Emma Strouth made an impressive catch at the side wall in right field, but an additional run scored on the play, stretching the Elon advantage to 4–2. The visitors had a chance to add on to the lead in the fourth after an odd play in which Barnes and third baseman Jessie Mehr made contact with each other on a pop-up, resulting in an error. “We’re not playing very good defense,” said coach Scot Thomas. “Sometimes it’s because we have people out of position, but we really need to

be able to catch and throw the ball.” Virginia Tech did escape the inning unscathed. Tech once again had its back against the wall with an opposing runner at third base in the fifth. However, Barnes worked her way out of the jam. The Hokies strung together somewhat of a two-out rally in the sixth frame, getting two runners aboard ahead of a double off the bat of Mehr, scoring Lauren Duff. The following inning for Virginia Tech began with hits by Vanessa Gonzalez and Aysha Richardson. After a sacrifice bunt by Olivia Lattin, Davenport was intentionally walked to load the bases. However, with the game on the line, a fielder’s choice at home and a fly ball to center off the bat of Duff ended the Hokies’ chance. “We hit the ball well enough to win, but we didn’t get the hits when we needed them in key situations,” Thomas said. “In the seventh, we had them right where we wanted them. We just had to hit the ball out of the infield and (we) didn’t.” This was Virginia Tech’s first loss to Elon in school history, despite out-hitting them 11–6, including two hits from Gonzalez, Richardson and Duff. Game Two Carrie Eberle was given the task of attempting to salvage

a split of the doubleheader. After a relatively clean first inning, the Phoenix got to her a bit in the second. Hannah Olson reached base on an error by Gonzalez at first base. Later in the frame, Strouth dove for a ball near the right field line off the bat of Emily Roper. However, it got by her glove, resulting in a triple and scored run. Two walks by Eberle loaded the bases, and Alaina Hall hit a two-run double to push the deficit to 3–0. The Hokies got back-toback singles from Davenport and Strouth to lead off the bottom of the second. However, a popped-up bunt and a lineout to Hall in left field, in which Davenport was caught off second base for a double play, promptly ending the threat. Tech led off the third inning with a single by Mehr and a two-run home run by Gonzalez to tie the game. Davenport narrowly missed hitting a two-run homer herself, but it hooked just outside the pole. Richardson, the reigning ACC Player of the Week who had reached on a single, was then caught stealing, and Davenport hit a laser to shortstop Olson for the third out. The Hokies got runners aboard with an error and hit-by-pitch in the fourth. Eberle then singled, scoring Strouth on a play at the plate,

as catcher Roper bobbled the throw. The exciting play gave Virginia Tech a 4–3 lead. This lead didn’t last, though, as Hall led off with a triple to center field for Elon. She scored on a line drive by Kara Shutt. Later in the inning, Roper hit a sacrifice fly, driving in Carey Million. Strouth’s throw was wild, so Olson also scored from third on an error. Strouth rebounded in the bottom of the inning with a triple to drive in Lattin to bring the team within one run. The Phoenix tacked on an additional run in the top of the seventh, and the Hokies failed to respond. This marks the second time in consecutive weeks that the Hokies have been swept in a doubleheader by a team from the lesser-known Colonial Athletic Association, having also done so at James Madison last Wednesday. Worth noting, Caitlyn Nolan officially has a torn ACL that she suffered in Sunday’s game against Georgia Tech, meaning that players like Taylor Clark will have to step up in her absence. The Hokies will look to rebound when they hit the road to face ACC foe Pittsburgh for a three-game set beginning on Friday. @CTSportsTalk

BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES (LEFT) Breanna Davenport (22) stands at the ready to steal third base, cautious to remain in the game, April 2, 2017. (RIGHT) Emily Anderson (88) pitches to Vanessa Gonzalez (7) at Tech Softball Park, April 2, 2017.

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Healthy Hokies: Don’t sweat over where to sweat KATIE RICE fitness columnist

There are many aspects of life to consider when living in a college town — among them is where to get your sweat on. As one of the most fit colleges in America, it is evident that Hokies take their fitness seriously. However, there are several gyms to choose from that are located on or near campus. How is one to decide which is best? Some options in the area are War Memorial Hall, McComas Hall, Blacksburg Health and Fitness at the Weight Club, and Anytime Fitness. First up for inspection is War Memorial Hall. It was built to memorialize Tech men who died in World War I. The gym was completed in 1926, which explains its lack of air conditioning. It was renovated in 1972 — but still no air conditioning. This iconic Hokie Stone structure is located at the heart of campus, overlooking the Drillfield. Ac c o r d i n g to the Recreational Sports website, the gym features a weight training area, a cardio area, a strength and conditioning room, four basketball or seven volleyball courts, a dance and exercise room, a 25-yard eight lane pool and diving well, 12 racquetball courts, two squash courts, three wallyball courts, a multipurpose room, and more.

All Virginia Tech students and staff who pay the rec fee have access to this gym with a valid ID. Long term guests, dependents and alumni are eligible to exercise in War Memorial Gym and can obtain access on the Rec Sports website. The newer of the two on-campus gyms is McComas Hall, which is located on Washington Street at the roundabout. The gym opened in 1998 and expanded in 2010 due to popularity. This gym features two weight training areas, a cardio deck, a single and a double court gym, two fitness studios, a 25-yard eight lane pool, an indoor track, equipment checkout, shuffleboard, billiards, and table tennis. While students have access, faculty and staff must purchase a membership. The full year membership fee is $481 and a semester is $160. Both War Memorial and McComas offer personal training and group exercise classes. Virginia Tech affiliates can purchase a fitness assessment and one personal training session for $33. Group exercise classes for the remainder of the Spring 2017 semester are $25. The formats include Les Mills formats, cycle, deep water fitness, yoga, Zumba, Club Zumba, bootcamp, high intensity interval training, small

BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES A view of the entrance to both McComas Hall and Schiffert Health Center, Oct. 2, 2016.

group strength classes and dance classes. But for those not affiliated with Virginia Tech directly or who live inconveniently far from the other two locations, there are other options! The Weight Club is located next to Kroger on University City Boulevard, in the same center as the infamous Math Emporium. Its rates can be found on the website, and it offers discounted student semester rates as well. One semester is $132, and both semesters are $249. The exercise area is spacious, and they offer many of the same group fitness classes as War Memorial and McComas, as well as some others such as Lite Low, Healthy Backs and Train Like an Athlete. In addition, the Weight Club has childcare, massages and nutrition services. Personal trainers are offered here too. The price is $45 for a session. Last on this list is Anytime Fitness, located at First and Main. One major benefit of this facility is that it is open 24 hours, seven days a week to all its members. This gym features weight training, cardio equipment and an exercise studio. Its website is visually appealing, but offers vague information about the classes offered since the different locations of these gyms can vary. Group exercise classes and wellness programs are offered here as well, and new members receive two one-hour personal training sessions. Memberships start at $39.95 a month depending on the location. For those affiliated with the university and have all four options available to them, the decision may come down to location, program preferences and pricing. Happy sweating! @KatieRice_CT

‘The most alive human’: Heath Ledger turns 38

COURTESY OF SPIKE

On the day Heath Ledger would have turned 38, Spike released the trailer for the upcoming documentary about him. SAMANTHA SMITH lifestyles editor

On April 4, what would have been the late actor’s 38th birthday, the trailer for Spike’s “I Am Heath Ledger” documentary debuted. This film is a part of the “I Am” series, presented by Spike. The series looks at the lives of exceptional people — from J.F.K. to Chris Farley — by interviewing loved ones to gain a first-person perspective. The documentary is set to screen on April 23 at the Tribeca Film Festival and then on May 17 on Spike. “I Am Heath Ledger” shows never-before-seen footage of Ledger, who passed away in 2008 from an accidental overdose caused by prescription drugs. The trailer is simultaneously heartwarming and chilling — showing various clips of Ledger alongside emotional interviews from those closest to him, including his sister, Kate Ledger; musician and friend, Ben Harper; as well as model and former girlfriend, Christina Cauchi; and industry friend

and director, Ang Lee. Former girlfriend Naomi Watts will also be featured in the film, but was not shown in the trailer. The YouTube description reads, “A born director. A fearless actor. An unforgettable artist,” and the trailer is filled with interviews from loved ones and close friends who back up this statement. “He was always a director, acting was just a way of getting there,” said Trevor Di Carlo, a childhood friend of Ledger’s. L ee, who di rected “Brokeback Mountain,” one of Ledger’s most popular roles, went on to say, “Even as supporting actor, he will steal the whole show. That is the power of Heath Ledger.” Much of the footage in the film was shot by Heath Ledger himself, showing him in his natural habitat — which was behind the camera, according to Cauchi. “There were always cameras around. A video camera, or a Polaroid camera, or the film camera. That’s the only way I think of him — with the camera in the hand,” Cauchi said.

The candid and carefree shots included in the trailer and documentary give the viewer a glimpse into Heath’s passion for living life to the fullest. According to Harper, Ledger was “the most alive human, and if it wasn’t on the edge it didn’t interest him.” While the trailer is filled with outpourings of love for the late actor, it also gives a brief look into some of the turmoil that Ledger faced at the height of his fame and toward the end of his life. “He kind of almost ended up pulling out of every movie he ended up doing,” said Steve Alexander, his agent. “He wanted fame, and then when he got it, he didn’t want it,” explained filmmaker Matt Amato. Even after he rose to fame, Ledger was committed to not letting the popularity go to his head. According to childhood friend, N’Fa Forster-Jones, Ledger once told him, “‘I’m not going to be that guy, and I’ll show you.’” @Smith992_CT