The Concordian - April 11th 2017

Concordia University’s weekly, independent student newspaper

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VOLUME 34, ISSUE 27 | TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017

theconcordian.com  /theconcordian  @theconcordian

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Women in Power Narrowing in on the realities of being a woman in the workforce

News p. 2

also in this issue

life

A role model for self-love p.9

arts

music

sports

Backstage with Suiting up for INTERIM: Exploring ConU studio arts p.11 Young Critters p. 14 Stingers gala

opinions

p.16

The Concordian: A year in review p. 18

news

NEWS EDITORS /// news@theconcordian.com SAVANNA CRAIG & NELLY SERANDOUR-AMAR ( @savannacraig @nellsamar03)

NATION IN BRIEF

COVER STORY

Women in positions of power

ALEXANDER COLE SPORTS EDITOR Health Canada advertises indigenous care

Examining sexism, mansplaining and the gender-based obstacles women face in their careers

Health Canada is now putting ads on Facebook in an effort to find more indigenous youth to give services to, according to the CBC. The ads come after criticism that the government was not doing enough with their allotted budget to respond to First Nations health needs.

According to CBC, Health Canada only spent a quarter of their $127 million budget in the last fiscal year. Charlie Angus, an MP with the NDP, said Health Canada’s move to Facebook is “troubling.”

So far 900 people have shared the ad.

Hikers found dead in British Colombia Five hikers who were walking up Mount Harvest in Lions Bay, B.C, fell 500 metres to their deaths on Saturday, according to the Vancouver Sun . The one member of the group who did not fall, decided to hang back during the hike. He said he saw tracks leading to a break in the snow.

According to the Vancouver Sun, when the hikers reached the top, the snow broke off and all five hikers plummeted to the base of the mountain. A rescue crew of 40 volunteers found the bodies of the hikers on Sunday.

Nurse fined for healthcare complaint Carolyn Strom was ordered to pay $26000 in fines after she made a Facebook post in February 2015, which criticized the healthcare her g r a n d f at h e r re ce i ve d , according to the National Post. Strom, who is a nurse in Saskatchewan, was found guilty of professional misconduct after posting her complaints on Facebook.

Staff at the care facility she criticized issued a formal complaint, which led to the fines. According to the National Post, Strom and her lawyer are “saddened and angered” by the penalty.

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There’s definitely a dynamic where we expect that men are experts, and we seem to have a little bit harder of a time accepting women as thought leaders or experts

SAVANNA CRAIG CO-NEWS EDITOR Regardless of the strides taken

by Canadian women to gain rights and strengthen their position in society, issues of gender equality are still present and prominent today. Women in Canada earn 72 per cent of a man’s wage and various obstacles and barriers hinder them in their careers.

The Concordian sat down with five women in positions of power to discuss intersectional, genderbased obstacles and sexism they have faced in the workplace.

Homa Hoodf ar, a ret ire d profe s s or of s o c iolog y and ant hrop o log y at C on c ordia University, experienced physical and emotional struggles in the last year during her 112-day imprisonment in Evin prison in Iran. Looking back at the days before her imprisonment, Hoodfar recalled barriers she faced as a professor, a researcher and a young, female immigrant.

“I didn’t experience my gender separate from my ethnicity,” said Hoodfar. “The question was I

was a woman—but also I was an immigrant—so there are two different obstacles.”

Despite working in the more female-driven departments of sociology and anthropology, Hoodfar said she didn’t feel she was taken seriously enough.

During her first few years of teaching at Concordia, she said she and some of her colleagues felt that, if they were less formal or less strict, students wouldn’t take them as seriously as male professors.

“In my case, I also had an accent. I [am] Iranian and so it was—when I was younger—it was a problem, and then [when] I got older that kind of passed,” Hoodfar said. The increase in respect is one of the advantages of getting older, she added with a laugh.

Hoodfar’s research involves studying gender in the Middle East. Often, people criticize sexism and gender inequality present in Muslim cultures, but the presence of these issues in other cultures and religions is not discussed as much, said Hoodfar. “ It ha s b e en a c hallenge

throughout to talk about these issues, but part of academia and the scholarly work is to ... find out and come out with a more realistic understanding of the context,” she said.

She said discussions around feminism have altered throughout her life. “Well certainly 20 years ago ... not everybody, but a lot of people looked at feminism more as a political stance than a scholarly stance,” Hoodfar said. “[Now] it is fairly well-established that feminism, just like class analysis, is a very important perspective.” She said, while there are still people who do not accept feminism, they do not feel as comfortable expressing these views.

In terms of critiquing the current state of the workforce, Concordia alumna and current managing director of the Youth and Innovation Research Project at University of Waterloo, Ilona Dougherty, said she finds men still have more power in the workforce.

“What I feel like I’ve observed in my career is men—I don’t exactly know why this is—but

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men tend to move forward more quickly, just based on their ideas, versus on what they’ve actually accomplished,” Dougherty said.

She added that she believes women are asked to prove the validity of their ideas more often than men. “There’s definitely a dynamic where we expect that men are experts, and we seem to have a little bit harder [of] a time accepting women as thought leaders or experts,” she said.

Since graduating from Concordia, Dougherty has led a national charity committed to generating youth voter engagement for 10 years. Dougherty, who has also worked as a keynote speaker and a columnist, said she’s noticed many of the spaces she’s worked in were predominantly male.

Having been on at least five boards of directors, including Volunteer Canada and Michaëlle Jean Foundation, Dougherty said she found herself being disregarded sometimes. However, she did note other boards were very supportive.

“It’s kind of the double whammy of being young and being female, which I think is pretty challenging,” she said. “It’s hard to tell when it’s

APRIL 11, 2017

gender and when it’s age … When you’re challenged on something irrelevant when you’re an expert, that’s not very fun.”

“I definitely have been the most expert person in the room and I’ve been criticized on body language,” she said. “[I’ve been] taken aside and told that I cross my arms too much or that I was looking frustrated—I was in a board meeting that was frustrating,” she said. “My ideas [were] being dismissed because of small things.”

In terms of spaces within student politics and Concordia governance, Lucinda MarshallKiparissis, general coordinator of the Concordia Student Union (CSU), has found herself being overly aware of her femininity in environments with administrators, where these spaces are predominantly male.

Marshall-Kiparissis said she has found herself not wanting to look informal, so she will dress up, as she is conscientious of the fact she may not be taken as seriously otherwise.

However, Marshall-Kiparissis recognizes her privilege, as she is a white woman who identifies as the gender she was born with, is able-bodied, and a woman who falls under conventional hetero-norms of appearance.

“It’s easier for me to go into a space and represent myself as this image of what it is to look like a woman [and] to be taken seriously in professional spaces.”

“Something I noticed a lot on council, even as a councillor and even as an executive, is I would say something or I would make a point, and for a lack of a better term, there’s a pattern of mansplaining,” said Marshall-Kiparissis. She

identifies mansplaining as where after she explains a situation or makes a statement, a man will then restate exactly what she said.

“I’m not saying this is all males or male-identifying people who [are] in these positions, but it’s a pattern of peers raising their placards and saying the same thing I said but with the sense of, ‘Well if I’m saying it then you know it makes it real,’” she said.

periods. In addition, when she tried to introduce menstrual hygiene products, she said her idea was interrupted and shut down because some men in the room felt uncomfortable discussing providing these products.

Regardless of this instance, Sutera Sardo has seen an improvement among council members. “I have noticed an improvement at ASFA because

Full-time professors currently teaching at Concordia University.

63% 37%

“There is a tendency that I’ve seen a lot more with male-identified folks, where they really want to hear themselves talk.”

ASFA vice-president of internal affairs and soon-to-be interim general coordinator, Julia Sutera Sardo, has had similar experiences with mansplaining. During an ASFA council meeting on Jan 12, Sutera Sardo told a male colleague to stop mansplaining after she was discussing her motion for ASFA to support and fund menstrual products for those that experience

people think about things before they state them, I think having our council meetings filmed, for example, that brings a lot of transparency to the meeting and people are more careful of what they say and how they react.”

She said this has helped reduce the accounts of mansplaining.

However, she said she still notices hints of mansplaining now and then.

Outside of Canada, sexism is more prominent and obvious, whereas in Canada some find

sexism to be more camouflaged.

Canada is not as overt with sexism, but however more covert, said Andrea Krasznai, the current president of ASFA. She said it may be harder for her to identify sexism because it’s more subtle.

She found, in her country of origin, Romania, she has experienced more sexist behaviour.

Krasznai has not encountered apparent obstacles or d i s c r i m i n at i o n wit h i n t h e Concordia community over her identifying as lesbian, but in the educational system in Romania, she was bullied. However, she did hear comments on her sexuality while attending the High School of Montreal Adult Centre. At one point, she was told she was too girly to be gay, based on how she dressed.

However, at the first job she had in Montreal, a McDonald’s, she was hired at the same time as someone else, who was male.

“I did all the jobs, I did the drivethru, the cash, the kitchen—at one time I did all three jobs at the same time while he was stocking up the kitchen.” She said soon afterwards the male employee was promoted. “He only knows one position, [whereas] I know three positions.” She said it was hurtful.

“I used to be a very anxious girl when I came into Concordia in 2013 and now I’m the president of the third largest faculty in Canada,” said Krasznai.

“I feel like a lot of the times the roles that we’re told that we can’t take in society or what we should do, regardless of our gender, dictates what we think we can or cannot do,” said Krasznai. “If you want to do something, you can do anything.”

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WORLD IN BRIEF CRISTINA SANZA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Two ISIS bombings in Egypt Two bombings occurred at two Egyptian churches, killing at least 44 people and wounding roughly 100 on Palm Sunday, according to CBC News. The first bomb exploded at Saint George Church in the city of Tanta.

The second bombing took p l a c e a t S a i n t M a r k ’s Cathedral in Alexandria.

ISIS claimed responsibility for both attacks through its Aamaq news agency, after previously stating they would increase the number o f a t t a c k s o n E g y p t ’s Christians, reported CBC News.

Alleged Cincinnati gunman pleads not guilty

A man who allegedly opened fire in a nightclub in Cincinnati, OH, pleaded not guilty to two murder charges and three dozen other charges, including inducing panic and felonious assault, reported CTV News. Twenty-sevenyear-old Cornell Beckley was arrested on a murder charge on March 26 at the Cameo club. A Hamilton County judge has ordered Beckley to remain held on a $1.7 million bond, according to CTV News. Two died and 15 people were injured during the shooting. A dispute among patrons is what led to the hootout that evening.

Increased damage to Great Barrier Reef Coral New aerial surveys show unprecedented coral bleaching has damaged two-thirds of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, reported the BBC. Coral bleaching has affected 1,500 kilometres of the reef—the most recent damage occurring in the middle section. In comparison, last year's bleaching hit mainly the north, or upper section. The latest damage occurred without the help of the weather patterns associated with an El Niño, which is known to worsen bleaching events, according to the BBC. Coral bleaching is caused by rising water temperatures and man-made climate change, and negatively impacts ocean ecosystems.

Graphic by Florence Y.

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APRIL 11, 2017

ASFA

Getting to know the Arts and Science MAs Learn about the initiatives and goals of some of ASFA’s member associations

NELLY SÉRANDOUR-AMAR CO-NEWS EDITOR Representing over 20,000 students on campus, the Arts and Science Federation of Associations (ASFA) is made up of more than 20 Member Associations (MAs) with the goal of organizing academic and social events for their students. The Concordian spoke with members of a few Arts and Science MAs about the work they’ve done this year and the projects they hope to continue in the future.

CUPA T he goal of Concordia’s Undergraduate Psychology Association (CUPA) is to benefit students in psychology and neuroscience with both social and academic activities. “We really try to reach as many students as possible to make their Concordia experience more inclusive,” said Samantha Briand, the 2016-17 CUPA president. According to Briand, with approximately 1,400 students in the psychology department, it can be intimidating to get out there and interact with other students.

For their social events, CUPA collaborates with other student associations, such as the COMS Guild and the Biology Student Association to organize pub crawls where students go to different bars and complete a series of challenges. CUPA also organizes “Sexpo,” a kiosk aimed to inform students about sexual health.

It is held every year during Valentine’s Day week at the Loyola campus. “We are the first association to endorse rapid HIV testing on campus,” Briand said. “We created this initiative and included it in our Sexpo event.”

The association’s executives also recently held an event at a cottage

LSSA up north where 60 students were able to participate in different workshops related to academic success, such as how write an academic CV and how to get into grad school.

For the first time this year, CUPA participated in the annual psychology case competition alongside McGill, Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal. During the competition, students present on three main topics within the field of psychology.

According to Briand, CUPA decided to form to break down barriers between Concordia and McGill, and also between English and French universities.

Concordia’s Law and Society Student Association (LSSA) focuses mainly on hosting academic-based events. They organize workshops where representatives of the University of Toronto and University of Ottawa law programs come and speak with students to help prepare them for law school applications and inform them of the expectations the universities have for their future students. LSSA also organizes wine and cheese events throughout the year, along with speaker events where lawyers are invited to semi-formal evenings to interact with students.

“The association has existed for

three years, and it has been [improving] each year. Our workshops are becoming more and more packed,” said Karinne Légaré, this year’s LSSA president. “We want to be the third party, the liaison between students and speakers or guests.”

According to Légaré, this year, the team has focused on expanding their network. For example, for the first time this year, the association got in touch with Concordia alumni who helped the association reach out to various guest speakers.

Next year, Légaré said the LSSA plans on getting in touch with law firms to potentially find internships they can inform the student body about.

SHAC Students of History at Concordia (SHAC) is an association that represents undergraduate students, professors and graduate students in the history department. “We host events where we invite professors and any students to really create this bond within the department,” said Athena Sita, this year’s SHAC president. “Every semester, we host a meet-and-greet for new and returning students where we have trivia games and play card games,” she said.

The association also hosts a panel discussion every year called “WTF to do with your History Degree?” where multiple guest speakers with history degrees working in various fields

The Political Science Students’ Association (PSSA) holds many different academic events related to the various concentrations available to political science students. For example, the association organizes board game nights related to international relations. “There’s a huge amount of the student population in political science who study international relations, and therefore, we learn strategic relations,” said Veronika Rydzewski, the PSSA’s VP internal.

The association also organizes different workshops where students can learn more about public speaking and how to use the Robert’s Rules of Order, a method which is used to conduct meetings. It is used during meetings for other student groups, including the CSU and ASFA. “We also have debate

come to speak with students. “One of our guest speakers was a project manager at Bombardier, and another one was a teacher. This shows all the different aspects of careers through a history degree,” Sita said.

SHAC also brings together students and teachers to watch historical films and form discussion groups afterwards.

The association also hosts a coffee break every two weeks, where professors sit down with students to discuss ongoing events around the world over coffee and snacks. “One of the coffee breaks was after the shooting at the mosque [in Quebec City], and our professors came to talk with us which made us realize that, if we are feeling unsafe, we can always talk to them about our insecurities,” Sita said.

PSSA practices every week,” Rydzewski said.

In addition, every year, a team of 20 to 25 students compete in Les jeux des science politiques against universities across Quebec and Ontario. The event is a case competition focusing on political subjects. Every year, 250 students meet to compete in this event.

The PSSA also organizes social events, including cinq à septs, trivia nights and end-of-year parties. Rydzewski said she believes students are enthusiastic and engaged in the events, and she is looking forward to seeing the creation of new projects and the continuation of successful projects next year.

APRIL 11, 2017

WSSA

COMS Guild The Communication Studies Student Association (COMS Guild) represents and hosts various events for students in both the cultural studies and communications programs.

“For the communic ations program students, we organize Prod Fest to show the different videos that students have produced over the semester,” said Catherine Dubé, the COMS Guild VP of cultural studies. “For the ones who are in the cultural studies department, we give them the opportunity to showcase their work in a journal that was initiated five years ago by the then-VP of cultural studies.”

This academic journal, called The Medium, takes submissions every year from students looking to showcase their best essays and works, which are reviewed by MA and PhD students within the department.

The association also organizes panel discussions where they invite communications professionals

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and alumni to discuss the types of careers a communications degree can lead to.

COMS Guild also organizes social events, such as back-to-school and “Meet the Guild” events in the fall semester for students who want to meet their student association executives.

The association also organizes its own end-of-semester parties.

LCSA

CGLSA The Concordia German Language Student Association (CGLSA) will be led by Shugofa Danesh, the organization’s president for the 2017-18 year. The CGLSA’s leadership will also include Morgan Rutty, VP of social affairs, Eleftherios Flavaris, VP of marketing, Ainsley Albert VP of finance, Taliesen Herb VP of academic and Frederic Leone, VP of internal affairs.

The group hosts numerous events throughout the year, including weekly coffee hours, where students can share coffee and refreshments with their peers while practicing their German language skills. The group also organizes an annual German-inspired essay competition, and hosts an annual trivia night event in collaboration with the Italian Student Association.

In the upcoming year, the CGLSA is hoping to make an impact in their department through a petition against the currently planned suspension of the German Minor—the only academic program offered in this field at Concordia. “The upcoming petition will be taking place in front of the Hive in the Hall building,” said Danesh. “We have created an online petition as well to increase reach.”

Danesh added the organization hopes to be able to protect the German Studies program on campus, while enriching Concordia’s campus through the promotion of German language and culture.

- MEGAN HUNT, CO-NEWS ASSISTANT

The Loyola College Student Association is the student group representing those enrolled in sustainability studies and diversity and the contemporary world minors. The association focuses on developing a close-knit relationship with its student body while also promoting sustainable and healthy living through workshops and events.

Jenny Kuan will be the president of the LCSA for the 2017-18 year. The group’s

The Women’s Studies Student Association (WSSA) is ASFA’s smallest member association. “The fact that we are the smallest and newest, I would say that maybe our organization is less strong than other MAs,” said Éléonore Schreiber, a member of WSSA. The organization was formed three years ago.

According to Schreiber, the focus for the WSSA this year was to bring students together and strengthen the association’s presence within the department to ensure students in women's studies were aware they have a student association.

“We also do study sessions with cupcakes, fruits and coffee where students have a chance to meet,” Schreiber added.

This year, the WSSA organized a fundraiser for Solidarity Without Borders which was held at Reggies.

Solidarity Without Borders is a justice network based in Montreal that brings people together to support individuals confronting an unjust immigration and refugee system.

The WSSA also raised funds for this year’s black speakers series at the university, where various African-American activists shared their life stories and experiences with students and teachers.

“We are very happy that we are able to bring support to both of these important organizations,” Schreiber said.

In the future, the association wants to create more events to allow women’s studies students to connect more with one another.

leadership in the coming year will also include Matthew Leddy as the VP of sustainability, Elisa Cohen-Bucher as VP of communications, and Stephanie Inumerable as VP external.

“Due to LCSA's small size, there is a closer relationship with its student body,” Kuan said. “If a student has a project or idea they would like to see taken into fruition, there is a much higher chance of it actualizing.”

The LCSA holds a number of events annually, including Cooking With Prof Nights, where students can enjoy healthy meals while getting to know their professors. The association also organizes workshops focused on sustainability and conservation. The workshops, which Kuan said the LCSA hopes to continue hosting next year, cover a wide range of topics, including creating DIY, environmentally-friendly cosmetics and beer.

These workshops are available to the public and educate students on how to live sustainably and prepare homemade, eco-friendly products.

On April 12, the organization will be hosting an art exhibit at 5 p.m. at the Hive Café. The event, which will feature live music and work from students and Montreal artists, will be open to the public.

-MEGAN HUNT, CO-NEWS ASSISTANT

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APRIL 11, 2017

CAMPUS

Concordia spokesperson Chris Mota to retire

After more than 23 years at Concordia, the university's first spokesperson says goodbye

Mota will be retiring on May 31.

Her office was in the GM building.

Photo by Adrian Knowler.

ADRIAN KNOWLER STAFF WRITER After working at Concordia for more than 23 years, director of media relations and university spokesperson Christine Mota will retire on May 31.

The last time Mota left her job, it was under very different circumstances. After spending more than 15 years working in

broadcast journalism as a producer and talk show host, Mota lost her job as part of a wave of layoffs at the radio station she was working at. However, she didn't have to search for a new gig for very long.

Getting laid off was “actually the best thing that could have ever happened to me, timing-wise,” Mota said. “There was a replacement position available at Concordia, so I was unemployed for 36 hours...

Which said to me, ‘This is where you’re supposed to be.’”

It seems her instincts were right. In 1993, Mota was hired as the university’s media advisor.

Concordia didn’t have a spokesperson until Mota took the job in 2006, when the position was created as part of the university’s move to centralize and modernize its communications work. Since then, Mota’s title has been director

of media relations and university spokesperson. According to Mota, it is a process that has made Concordia’s public relations more efficient and effective.

“Concordia’s communications shop is a leader,” Mota said.

“Within the university sector, people try to emulate the way we function.”

Mota cited the recent bomb threat against the university as an example of how the media relations team is critical to the success of the school. After the threat was received, the group, led by Mota, was in charge of sending out the emergency messages to students and faculty and coordinating the university’s response in the media.

Over the course of Mota’s career, she has seen the communications services department grow in tandem with the university as a whole.

“As an institution, I don’t recognize the Concordia of today from the Concordia I arrived at in 1993. It’s just not the same place,” Mota said. “We have a very solid reputation.”

Mota is now in charge of the bragging. As director of media relations, Mota manages a team whose tasks include finding interesting events and impressive students

for the media to cover, enhancing the university’s reputation in the process.

As the public face of the school, Mota’s quotes can often be found in local newspaper stories involving Concordia. Mota said she finds her mandate to protect and enhance the university’s reputation relatively easy these days, since there is so much to be proud of at Concordia.

Mota pointed to Concordia's student body and research profile as some of the university's strengths.

“We have a lot to squawk about,” Mota said. “We can’t do our work [in communications services] unless people here are doing wonderful things. There’s so much neat stuff [at Concordia].”

Mota said she is looking forward to her retirement at the end of May, but knows the adjustment will be strange. She said she’s looking forward to spending time with her children—both of whom are Concordia graduates like she is—and her grandson.

“My heart is here,” Mota said.

“The day I walk out of that door, it’s not going to be easy. I’ll probably do some consulting. I’m not too eager to jump in [another job] yet, I’ll give myself a little breather, but I don’t think I’ll be bored.”

CONFERENCE

Montreal hosts Canada’s annual HIV/AIDS conference

Canada’s leading scientists discuss issues and future progress surrounding HIV/AIDS CHLOË RANALDI CO-NEWS ASSISTANT More than 900 of Canada’s top scientists, physicians and community leaders joined Canada’s largest HIV/AIDS conference in Montreal from April 6 to 9.

According to the Canadian Association for HIV Research, in 2017, more than 70,000 Canadians live with HIV, and every year an estimated 2,300 to 43,000 new infections are reported.

Canada’s annual HIV/AIDS conference was held at the Hotel Bonaventure in Montreal. The Canadian Association for HIV Research is Canada’s leading organization for research on the disease.

The organization includes more than 1,000 researchers, scientists and physicians committed to finding ways to prevent and cure HIV. The 26th edition of the conference addressed how HIV remains a pressing issue that still requires more resources and research to prevent and cure. This year’s theme was “We’re Not Done Yet,” in reference to the need for more research and resources to help eradicate HIV/AIDS. Five presentations were given,

focusing on issues related to HIV/ AIDS, protection and preventative measures.

“Tremendous successes have been achieved in the fight against HIV-AIDS,” said Dr. Alexandra de Pokomandy, a faculty member at McGill University and a renowned HIV researcher, during her presentation. “However, people living with HIV, health care workers, community members and researchers in Canada and elsewhere around the world also agree that many challenges remain, and HIV continues to kill.”

More than 800 people attended the event and stopped by specialized kiosks to learn about HIV research and resources.

Realize Canada, one of the organizations with a kiosk, is a national charitable organization that works with schools, employers, insurance companies and other associations to help improve the daily lives of people living with HIV and other episodic disabilities, such as depression, Hepatitis C and chronic fatigue syndrome. “Realize is geared towards postsecondary students,” said Puju Ahluwalia, Realize Canada’s project coordinator.

“When someone has an episodic disability like HIV, there is little

predictability as to when these episodes will occur or for how long,” Ahluwalia said. “Realize Canada works with schools and student disability offices to help raise awareness and offer assistance for students living with an episodic disability.”

Students who have a test or an assignment due on a specific date might not be able to meet the deadline if they are affected by an episodic disability like HIV. Realize Canada will guide these students to different resources on their campus and help work with their schools. Realize Canada works as a rehabilitation resource to help provide students with the health care and psychological support they need, Ahluwalia said in an interview with The Concordian.

During the conference, the PrEP pill was a point of discussion during a presentation by Dr. Peter A. Newman, a researcher at University of Toronto. The PrEP pill was legalized in Canada in February 2016. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Canada, PrEP-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a pill that reduces the risks of contracting HIV from sex by more than 90 per cent. Among

people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70 per cent.

The risk of contracting HIV from sex can be lowered further if you combine PrEP with condoms and other safe-sex methods.

However, Newman addressed how stigmas have begun to emerge within the LGBTQ+ communities on whether or not someone is on the PrEP pill, and whether or not they could have sex without a condom.

“When dating, some men who are on the PrEP pill might receive pressure to not use a condom when having sex, or might be judged for using a condom,” Newman said during

Canada’s HIV/AIDS conference addresses globalissuessurrounding HIV/AIDS. Photo by Ana Hernandez.

his presentation.

Another presenter, Allison Carter, who is a PhD student at Simon Fraser University, focused on the feminist approach to women living with HIV. Carter’s study revealed that “women who are HIV positive can be happy and enjoy emotional and intimate relationships,” she said.

Among the 1,300 HIV-positive women involved in the study, those who claimed they were happy were involved in long-term sexual relationships. “We want women to know that they can have sex and have pleasure,” Carter said.

life

LIFE EDITOR /// life@theconcordian.com DANIELLE GASHER

BOOK

A socio-political tale of motherhood and cultures meeting Concordia professor launches her debut novel, Arabic for Beginners

MEHANAZ YAKUB STAFF WRITER Despite the relentless rain on Thursday, April 6, about 50 people came to support Concordia professor Ariela Freedman for the launch of her acclaimed debut novel, Arabic for Beginners.

The bookstore Drawn & Quarterly hosted the intimate gathering, with many of Freedman’s friends, family, colleagues and readers present to show their support.

“I love publishing, and I rarely enjoy it more than when I am in a position to launch a first novel and introduce a new voice in literary firmament,” said Freedman’s publisher, Linda Leith, when introducing her at the event.

Arabic for Beginners tells the story of Hannah, a Jewish woman from Montreal who spends a year in Jerusalem. She becomes fascinated by group of mothers from her son’s daycare because of the cultural differences she notices. Upon meeting Jenna, a Palestinian mother, Hannah begins to reassess her own beliefs about motherhood and Israel.

The idea for the novel came about when Freedman travelled to Jerusalem in 2008 for her sabbatical year. She had spent time in the city during her youth, but it was during this return trip with her family that she found herself looking at Israel from a different perspective.

“Coming with young children made the country open up for me and brought me into contact with people I would have never met otherwise,” Freedman told The Concordian.

The novel explores themes of motherhood, friendship and nationality.

During the launch, Freedman read a passage from the book where Hannah is in a car with Jenna and her daughter. “Jenna smoked, drove and nursed,” she read. At

this point in the novel, Hannah’s friendship with Jenna forces her to revisit her own assumptions about parts of her life, including parenting. The character contrasts Jenna’s behaviour with those of her “puritan” friends in Montreal who all quit drinking and smoking after having kids, and who buy organic foods and use water filters.

Freedman confessed the reason parenthood was a central theme in the novel is because of her own initial worries, confusion and curiosities surrounding it.

“In the first flush of motherhood, I couldn’t figure out how to keep space in my head for my own identity and ideas,” she said. “I was afraid I would vanish into this consuming

form is atypical because of their different cultural backgrounds. Freedman described the present-day political situation in Israel as “kaleidoscopic” and said “capturing it factually is elusive.”

Freedman said she wanted to tell the familiar story of the Arab and Jewish conflict but she did not want to focus on men and wars. Instead, she explored it through the small gestures and ordinary domestic tasks of women’s lives.

“By focusing on the characters and their relationships, I tried to not let the themes overwhelm the story,” Freedman said. “I like stories that seem constrained, but have dimension, like those old View-Master

The launch took place in Mile End’s Drawn & Quarterly bookstore on Thursday, April 6. Photos by Ana Hernandez.

role as so many women have.”

Freeman said it was also important for her to explore the Israel-Palestine conflict in her novel. Set during the Gaza war, the friendship Hannah and Jenna

stereoscopes that you would peek through to simulate binocular depth perception.”

Freedman has written reviews and poems for several publications, including magazines such as Vallum, Carte Blanche,

and The Cincinnati Review. In 2014, she was given a writing mentorship with Elise Moser by the Quebec Writers’ Federation (QWF). That was when Arabic for Beginners was really able to take off. That being said, Freedman recalls it was difficult to start the novel.

“At a certain point, I decided that, if I wanted to write fiction, I just had to go ahead and do it without standing in my own way,” Freedman said.

Freedman said she sees herself as a reader first and a writer second. She wrote fiction as an undergraduate student, but went into literature in graduate school.

“That demanded a lot of my writing energy, but it also made the critical part of my mind so dominant that it became hard to produce creative work because I was always aware of where I fell short,” she told The Concordian. “Writing fiction has involved letting go of that critical voice.”

Freedman is currently working on another story that has potential to turn into a novel.

“The next thing I'm working on so far seems to be set in New York,” she said.

The author has lived in Calgary and London, but New York, Montreal and Jerusalem are three cities she said she particularly loves living in. “[They] provoke feelings of intense ambivalence,” she said.

While Freedman said she would like to write a book set in Montreal, she remembered Margaret Atwood once saying it is easier to write about places from a distance.

Freedman also wanted to share some advice to aspiring writers: “I guess I'd add—for students who are writers—that it can be really useful to share your work, and to look for the people who can help you get it into the world.”

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APRIL 11, 2017

COLUMN

Bartender Banter: “Hop” into spring with beer

Ale versus lager, and some Montreal hot spots and picks for beer DANIELLE GASHER LIFE EDITOR Craft beer is trendier than ever. If you’re a lover of beer and all its types, flavours and colours, you are definitely in the right province. There are over 100 different microbreweries in Quebec, producing thousands of varieties of beer. In Montreal alone, dozens of locations offer a taste of these great brews.

Before I recommend different beers, breweries and pubs, I feel it's important to make one basic yet vital distinction between two beer types.

Ale vs. lager The difference between an ale and a lager comes down to the brewing process and the way the yeast ferments. Ales include pale ales, India pale ales (IPA), stouts, porters and wheat ales. Ale-brewing is typically done in warmer temperatures, which make the yeast ferment faster, and ultimately makes for a richer, more flavourful and complex beer.

Lagers usually have fresher, crisper flavours.

While ales are top-fermenting, meaning the yeast brews at the top of the barrel or cask, the yeast in lagers brews at the bottom of the barrel. Lagers brew in colder temperatures, which explains their simpler and lighter flavour.

Lager styles include pilsners and amber beers.

Now that that’s all settled, let’s get to the goods.

A taste of great Quebec microbreweries in Montreal Brasserie Dunham Located in the small town of Dunham, Que., this brewery is award-winning. While a bit more on the expensive side, Dunham beer is the perfect purchase for any cinq à sept or celebration because the ingredients are often more refined. What’s great with beer is that, even if you’re getting the fanciest brew, you never come close to spending as much as you would for the fanciest bottle of wine. Many of their 750 ml bottles sell between $13 and $30.

From this microbrewery, I highly recommend their award-winning Saison du Pinnacle. The beer is light and summery, while keeping a strong bitterness. It has undertones of peach and lemon.

Other great beers from the brewery include the Saison Framboise, their Black Imperial IPA and my personal favourite, their Leo’s Early Breakfast IPA. The latter has a subtle Earl Grey tea taste—a flavour that complements many alcohols.

You can buy Dunham beers at a variety of specialty stores and bars, including Marché Station 54, Au Coin Duluth, and the bar Vices et Versa.

Dieu du Ciel If you’re adventurous, this is your brewery.

From a beer brewed with cocoa and vanilla bean, to a delicious espresso stout, to an intense, dark, smokey amber beer, this place does it all.

But don’t worry, they’re not all play. They have

Quebec is home to over 100 different microbreweries (top).

Dunham’s Saison du Pinnacle (left), Helm’s Bernard Pale Ale(centre)andPitCaribou’s LaBonneAventure(right).

Photos by Danielle Gasher.

well-crafted basics, from a blonde to a white beer, and a classic, crisp pale ale.

The microbrewery is located in Montreal’s Mile End neighbourhood, at 29 Laurier Ave. East.

Pit Caribou This Gaspésie-based microbrewery opened their Montreal location last summer.

This brewery’s beer is simple yet full of flavour.

The beer that peaked my interest at this spot is their red beer, La Bonne Aventure. The beer is light but has the caramel and nutty undertones I absolutely love in any darker beer.

Their Montreal location serves a sample beer platter, perfect for first timers who want to taste a bit of everything.

Pit Caribou’s Montreal location is at 951 Rachel St. East in the Plateau.

Happy beer belly!

BOOKS

Textbooks down, summer reads up!

Concordia students recommend some good books for the summer BEAUTY TIPS FROM MOOSE JAW: TRAVELS IN SEARCH OF CANADA

by Will Ferguson This book is part humorous travelogue, part personal memoir, part cultural history— andoverall,undeniably Canadian. Based on three years of cross-country travel and a lifetime of exploring his native country, author and travel writer Will Ferguson showcases Canada’s deeply-ingrained diversity and uncovers dozens of tales that have slipped through the cracks of Canadian history textbooks. The author’s undeniable passion and respect for history is infused in his historical accounts, which are given colour and intrigue by his witty narrative voice and travel anecdotes. History has never been more entertaining and digestible. Each chapter in this book could be its own short story, which makes this book ideal for stop-and-go readers, and allowed Ferguson to pack a wide variety of content into 332 pages.

Beauty Tips from Moos Jaw is a fitting read heading into the summer of Canada’s 150th anniversary—it is nostalgic, amusing and emanates a feeling of unity. “Canada is more than just a country,” Ferguson writes. “It is a sum of its stories.”

- KATYA TEAGUE, HEAD COPY EDITOR.

BEST IN TRAVEL 2017

by Lonely Planet

BROOKLYN

by Colm Tóibín

Yes, you read correctly. I am reviewing a Lonely Planet book. That can only mean one thing: it’s really, really good. I was still trying to overcome a severe case of wanderlust when I stumbled upon this book. Twenty bucks later, it was mine. I devoured it—and not just the food porn and the listicles. The whole, entire thing. With summer fast approaching, this book is perfect if you’re planning on jetting off, but have no clue where to. The book offers up unique ideas for up-and-coming destinations that aren’t (yet) overcome by tourism and over-priced expeditions. The book is divided into sections, going in-depth on 10 countries, 10 regions and finally, 10 cities that are must-sees in 2017. Supported by beautiful photographs, maps, itineraries and snippets of history, the det ail and honesty in the guide is impressive.

Set in the 1950s, Tóibín’s novel follows Eilis Lacey’s journey to America from Ireland. With no jo b or mar it al prospect for her in her hometown, the young woman accepts an offer to move to Brooklyn, New York . There, a department store job and bookkeeping classes keep her busy. With so many stories about emigrating to America, Tóibín does nothing to sensationalize the experience. Although she does meet a love interest along the way, Eilis has an independence and strong spark to her throughout the novel that is charming and empowering. This is part of what makes her such a realistic and relatable character. Brooklyn gives insight on the reluctance and the struggles of moving away from home. Brooklyn is a slow-paced yet emotional coming-of-age story that explores Eilis’ move into womanhood and simultaneous move to a new country. Tóibín does not waste words—the story is simple, but with profound emotion.

- DANIELLE GASHER, LIFE EDITOR.

- MEHANAZ YAKUB, STAFF WRITER.

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PROFILE

Aiesha Robinson was born to rise How a skin disorder inspired one Montrealer to spread a message of self-love

Aiesha Robinson, 27, is the founder of Born to Rise, a non-profit organization with the goal of helping youth overcome their personal obstacles. Photo by Nastia Cloutier-Ignatiev.

EMILY VIDAL ASSISITANT MUSIC EDITOR When Aiesha Robinson was first diagnosed with vitiligo at 18 years old, her life took a turn for the worst. But what the now 27-year-old Montrealer thought would ruin her life forever has actually given her life more purpose.

Robinson’s lifelong dream was to play basketball professionally. “The plan was to go play basketball, and to hopefully go play in the NBA, overseas, somewhere,” she said.

The dream fell through for her when she was cut from the AAA basketball team at Dawson College. After that, her grades took a serious hit. “I just didn’t care,” she said. “I went into social sciences and school was irrelevant. I didn’t concentrate on that at all.”

Then, one day at school, she saw it for the first time. “I believe that’s when the stress started, and that’s when I noticed a small white spot on my right thumb,” she said. “I had no idea what it was.”

According to Robinson, vitiligo can be triggered by stress. And having seen friends and family members with the disorder, Robinson began to suspect what it was.

However, she was also in denial and kept hoping the spot was just a scab that would eventually go away. After three weeks of keeping it a secret, she finally showed the spot to a friend.

“That’s when she told me to come with her to the bathroom. She looked at me, and

she said, ‘Aiesha, you have vitiligo.’ Right then and there, she confirmed my worst nightmares,” Robinson said.

Robinson described the first six years of living with vitiligo as the roughest of her life. She had to watch white spots appear all over her body, and she didn’t know how to deal with it. “I mean I’m 18, I’m going to clubs, I’m starting a whole new life, meeting new people, and at the same time I’m being judged or looked upon differently because of the way that I look,” she said.

She said she would often hide in her

given this condition, then it was for a reason,” she said.

Jaimie asked her how she could make a difference, not only for herself, but for others.

That’s when it dawned on Robinson—if she was feeling this way, then others probably were, too.

“That’s when, [in 2014], I decided to come up with my non-profit titled Born to Rise,” she said. “I get people to come out and share their stories on overcoming their own adversities in the hopes that it will inspire somebody going through a similar situation, and just

people to know that, no matter how different you are from a “typical model,” you can still make it in the industry.

“I just want to be a representative for all my fellow vitiligo-ins, and just anybody out there who thinks they can’t do it—I want to be living proof,” she said.

Robinson said she is very proud of how far she has come since she was first diagnosed with vitiligo. “Aiesha eight years ago until about four years ago was somebody who was insecure, not confident, who was sad … but I always put up a front,” she said.

“Aiesha today is genuinely happy—I look forward to the future.

Before, I didn’t because I didn’t know where I was going with my life.”

Now, she said vitiligo is her purpose, and she is not afraid to put herself out there anymore. “I know where I’m going, where I want to go—I have a vision now. Before I didn’t,” she said. These goals include continuing to educate people about what vitiligo is, and inspiring others to overcome the obstacles in their own lives.

“I’m just happy, I’m just so self-loving and I think that’s the greatest gift of all: to be able to be happy in my own skin.”

This year’s Born to Rise event will be held at Westmount High School on Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Born to Rise show are $20 for general admission, and $10 for students. Doors open at 6 p.m.

I just want to be a representative for all my fellow “vitiligo-ins, and just anybody out there who thinks they can’t do it—I want to be living proof.

room, not wanting to go outside and be stared at and judged.

“At this point, I became depressive. I contemplated suicide because, you know, at a certain point you can only handle so much. I’m a human being. And it wasn’t that I wanted to commit suicide because I wanted to not be here anymore—I just didn’t want to feel the pain, and I thought that was the only solution,” she said.

She said she is thankful for her older brother, Jaimie, who helped her in her lowest moments.

“He told me that I have to look at the positive side of things, and that if I was

send out the message that they’re not alone.”

For the last three years, Robinson has held an annual event also called Born to Rise, where she invites speakers to come share the story of their personal struggles to inspire others. The show also includes dancing, singing and spoken word performances.

“It’s an evening of inspiration,” said the young activist.

Robinson is also a public speaker, and often visits elementary schools to educate young children about vitiligo.

In addition to her other projects, Robinson works as a model with Kill Management, a Montreal-based agency. She said she wants

”

arts

ARTS EDITOR /// arts@theconcordian.com TIFFANY LAFLEUR

PROFILE

All Our Wrong Todays looks at what is and what could be Debut novel from Concordia alumnus exp l o re s te c h n o l o gy, t h e f u tu re a n d stor ytelling

TIFFANY LAFLEUR ARTS EDITOR What if today wasn’t the today we were supposed to have? What if the present was supposed to be the future that was dreamed of in the 50s and 60s—with flying cars, teleportation and jet packs?

What if we somehow ended up with the wrong today?

That’s the premise of Elan Mastai’s debut novel, All Our Wrong Todays. The book has a solid core of science fiction, but with a lot of dark humour and a sprinkle of heartfelt romance, wrapped into one futuristic story that hops between what could be and what actually is.

All Our Wrong Todays centres around Tom. Tom lives in a world where teleportation and space travel are passé. Family vacations to the moon are mundane. The world runs on sustainable, renewable energy. It is the perfect future, but set today, in 2016.

As the son of a prominent scientist, Tom is frequently overshadowed by his father and his incredible work involving the newest frontier: time travel. After the sudden death of his mother, Tom grudgingly helps his father with his time travel pet project. Except it doesn’t take long before things go horribly wrong.

What was supposed to be a great discovery soon spirals into a disaster of monstrous proportions after Tom sends himself back in time, accidentally altering the timeline and completely changing the future. Suddenly, Tom finds himself in our today. No renewable energy, no flying cars, no jetpacks. Now, Tom must find a way to fix his mistake without screwing things up even more.

Though this is Mastai’s first novel, he is no stranger to storytelling. The Concordia

communications graduate has been writing screenplays since he was in high school.

His most recent film is The F Word, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan and Adam Driver.

The film was nominated at the Canadian Screen Awards for Best Picture, and won Best Adapted Screenplay.

Mastai’s interest in science fiction started when he was a child. His grandfather, a chemist by trade, had a whole bookshelf of science fiction novels. Mastai would peruse them, admiring the artwork. But something became very obvious very quickly: “even as a kid, I knew there was some kind of disconnect going on, because the future that was imagined by these writers and artists in the 50s and 60s did not turn out the way everyone had imagined it,” Mastai said. “I did not get a jetpack for my ninth birthday.”

His interest in technology and the past’s perception of the future followed him throughout university. At Concordia, he had the opportunity to think about it differently through the different theories in his communications classes.

“I was interested in technology and futurism and where technology was going.

[I was] looking at historical examples of how technology influences society, to think about how new technology moves us forward,” Mastai said. “My time here was a time when I was taking that stuff that was a childhood fascination and thinking about it more critically.”

When Mastai was thinking about his story, he knew it needed to be told through a book, but transitioning from writing screenplays to writing a novel had its challenges. Screenplays follow a format—no matter the genre, tone or length, the style remains the same. The writing is lean and visually dynamic, and screenplays are always written in the third

Mastai’s film, The F Word, received critical acclaim and was nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards. person and in the present tense.

Working on the novel gave Mastai complete creative freedom of expression—a freedom that doesn’t exist with screenplays, which is a more collaborative medium.

“That was the big change. As a novelist, I needed to figure out what type of book this was,” Mastai said.

“Something as simple as ‘are you telling it from the first person or the third person?’ ‘How much authority are you going to have in terms of the main character's psychology?’ ‘What is the tone?’”

Mastai has already sold the rights to Paramount, and has started working on adapting the book into a screenplay. Just as learning how to write a novel posed its challenges, the same goes for the process of adaptation.

“When I was writing this story as a book, I wanted to embrace all the literary techniques that work in a book,” Mastai said.

“Likewise, when turning this into a movie, you want to embrace all the cinematic things that can work in a movie.”

All Our Wrong Todays is the amalgamation of the topics and ideas Mastai studied

during his degree at Concordia, wrapped in a veil of narrative storytelling. Though technology is the cornerstone of the book, the story is told through the decisions the characters make.

“There are always unintended consequences of technology. Fundamentally, technology doesn't solve any problems,” Mastai said. “Technology is the tool, the sort of material manifestation of human ingenuity, and a lot of the mess in our world is because of human ingenuity. But it’s also what's going to save us.”

APRIL 11, 2017

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EXHIBITION

Studio arts department hosts INTERIM end-of-year exhibition An extensive collection of works takes the viewer on an exciting visual journey

MAGGIE HOPE ASSISTANT ARTS EDITOR Held in the historical building formerly known as L’École des beaux-arts de Montréal (EBAM), this year’s Concordia studio arts department end-of-year exhibition is extensive and multifaceted.

The exhibition, known as INTERIM, is made up of over 100 contributions by Concordia studio arts students. The pieces range from paintings and sculptures to performances and multimedia installations. The exhibition spans a total of four floors, utilizing all the space available, taking the viewer on an exciting visual journey.

Immediately upon entering the building, the viewer is greeted by a variety of ceramic and textile pieces that line the foyer. The first floor branches off into two main areas—one of which is large and open, the other giving way to a few smaller rooms.

One of the smaller spaces on the first floor hosts an installation by Nix Burox. All four walls are lined with pieces of paper, fabric and other textile materials. Many have grids

and what seems to be maps either printed or drawn on them. The installation, titled Mapping Failure, includes a desk against one wall, which is also covered in paper and grids.

Scribbled on the walls and pieces of paper are phrases, including, “It would be naive to expect anything to turn out exactly how you planned it to.” In contrast to these pieces of the installation that appear to be works in progress, Burox also displays larger pieces which were undoubtedly labour intensive and thoughtfully planned out. One is comprised of hundreds of small, paper-like circles with various patterns and colours printed on them, arranged and stapled together to create an aesthetically pleasing mass. The entire collection illustrates the creative process of an idea, as opposed to a final product.

After climbing the staircase and passing through a few hallways, the viewer arrives at Rihab Essayh’s contribution, Jardin Automate. In a rather small room, Essayh created a synthetic garden out of mylar, coroplast and animated projections.

Artificial material is cut into leaves and sheets which hang from the ceiling and cover the

walls. A projection of a naked woman walks across them. The illuminated figure moves slowly, occasionally bending down to touch the ground or reaching toward the sky. Soothing music plays over a sound system—it is serene and fabricates a feeling of being in nature. According to the artist’s statement, the installation “reflects an emphasis on technological digital obsession and consumption: an analog rendering on virtual space.”

The third floor is equally divided into large and small rooms. Marie-Pier FavreauChalifour’s piece lines an entire wall of one of the larger rooms, and commands the attention of everyone who enters. From a distance, the piece, titled Looking for Dust, appears to be a simple graphite drawing with sweeping shapes and yellow accents.

Upon closer inspection, however, the viewer discovers intricate details. Clusters of tiny holes become visible, small numbers cover the piece and ascend into the thousands, and carefully placed layers of translucent paper create texture and dimension.

The fourth and final floor of the exhibition

features a wide variety of pieces, some sculptural and some multimedia. The largest room is occupied by a collection of graphic art and video clips, which are projected onto one wall. A three-minute video clip by Ben Compton displays a snow-lined river carrying a white egg downstream. The video is made up of multiple scenes, each featuring the same section of the river, yet the egg travels through the water slightly differently each time. This subtle change entertains the viewer for the duration of the clip. The soft and tranquil scenery generates a feeling of calmness.

The INTERIM exhibition runs until April 16, and is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The event is located at 3450 Saint Urbain St. More information, including a full list of the artists involved, can be found on the event’s Facebook page. Admission is free.

Hundreds of students have their works on display at INTERIM, the year-end exhibition for Concordia studio arts students. Photos by Ana Hernandez.

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APRIL 11, 2017

CINEMA POLITICA

Permaculture: Becoming part of the whole Cinema Politica film offers alternative to unsustainable, destructive agriculture model

Inhabit tackles permaculture from several perspectives through expert commentary.

TIFFANY LAFLEUR ARTS EDITOR Conventional agriculture is about extracting from the land to produce as much food as possible. It’s taking without giving back. The current model of industrial agriculture is unsustainable, inefficient, polluting and unnatural.

Finding a viable alternative that will feed the world’s population, while also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the complicated and thorny issues of our times.

And yet, the solution might be embar-

rassingly simple: permanent agriculture, or permaculture.

Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective explores the principles of this new vision of agriculture by showing the viewer different farms that abide by the principles of permaculture.

Directed by Costa Boutsikaris and produced by Emmett Brennan, the film is both beautiful and poignant. The subject in and of itself is fascinating, but the cinematography and beautiful score, composed by Aled Roberts, carries the narrative. The score gives the film an optimistic feel—a nice change from the

typical doom-and-gloom outlook on the future.

Permaculture is about designing a living, breathing ecosystem—one in which plants and animals coexist symbiotically with one another and the land. It is a step further than sustainability. Permaculture is about making things better through intelligent design and structural adjustments, while sustainability is simply about making sure the environment doesn’t worsen. It is the complete opposite of conventional industrialized agriculture, which is the attempt by humans to control nature.

In theory, spaces that adhere to the principles of permaculture would continue to function if the human element was removed. Fruit trees coexist with vegetables, perennials, flowers, insects and even grazing animals—all working together to form an ecosystem.

The film’s central argument is that no space is too large or too small to abide by the principles of permaculture. It is divided into different points of focus, and rounds out its argument by looking at how different scholars, artists, farmers and ordinary citizens have transformed their spaces to create ecosystems. It looks at suburbs, cities and farms, exploring how each space can be transformed through intelligent design.

There are 40 million acres of lawn in the United States that could be producing food, while also bringing people together through communal gardens. In cities such as New York, there has been a surge in rooftop green spaces. Not only is this a more efficient use of space, but it also diminishes the burden on sewage systems during intense rains. These are just some of the examples highlighted in the film.

Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective was one of the last films to screen at Cinema Politica this semester. The final screening, on Monday, April 18, will feature a selection of feminist short films from the 2016 Fantasia Film Festival. A total of nine shorts will be featured, focusing on intersectionality in feminism. Screenings take place in H-110. Admission is by donation.

FILM

Life : A movie which feeds off a classic story

The latest science fiction thriller to hit theatres sucks the life out of a great concept

Life draws upon the same tropes as other extraterrestrial science fiction classics such as Alien.

ROMINA FLORENCIA ARRIETA STAFF WRITER Space is beautiful, mysterious and, sometimes, deadly. In Life, directed

by Daniel Espinosa and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson and Ryan Reynolds, what was supposed to be the greatest discovery ever soon turns into a deadly fight for survival.

Life takes place in the International Space Station (ISS). When a probe from Mars brings back a soil sample from the Red Planet, the crew discovers a hitchhiker: a single cell contained in the soil. It is the first evidence of extraterrestrial life.

After the ground-breaking discovery,

the scientists start conducting experiments on the organism, reviving it from its dormant state. They are fascinated by what this new life form could mean for the advancement of science and, of course, their careers.

Due to their eagerness to discover more about the physiology of this extraterrestrial being, they ignore scientific protocol. This lack of prudence puts the lives of the scientists in terrible danger, as their specimen, nicknamed Calvin, starts growing larger and larger. A series of gruesome and stomach-turning gore scenes follow, as the extraterrestrial entity proves to be a ruthless killing machine, hunting its prey one by one. The crew

must try to survive in the limited space of the ISS while outrunning the alien that is trying to outsmart them at every turn. The surviving crew must not only try to escape, but also prevent Calvin from following them to Earth—where the potential for destruction is unfathomable.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Aside from some superficial differences, Life ’s plot exactly matches that of Ridley Scott’s magnum opus, Alien —a film that revolutionized the science fiction thriller genre. Anyone who has seen Alien can predict how Life will unfold.

Jump scares and killings can be seen coming from a mile away—especially due

to the suspenseful music which plays before every gory scene. Moreover, some scenes are too disgusting, lasting several minutes and making for a very uncomfortable watch.

The film has difficulty keeping a realistic tone. Calvin is too smart, too fast, making the story too unrealistic. It took a matter of hours for the single-celled organism to develop and grow into a dangerous, blood-thirsty predator. But more than that, it mapped out the entire ISS layout straight away.

Despite its shortcomings in the storyline, the ending is spectacular and redeems the film.

music

MUSIC EDITOR /// music@theconcordian.com SANDRA HERCEGOVÁ

RECOMMENDATIONS

French experimental band La Femme La Femme combines French yé-yé with a 60s California vibe of psychedelic rock 2

1

1: La Femme from top left to right bottom: Sacha Got, Marlon Magnée, Sam Lefèvre, Clémence Quélennec, Lucas Nuñez Ritter, and Noé Delmas.

2: Album cover for Mystère, La Femme’s second album.

ELISA BARBIER STAFF WRITER I will always remember the first time I heard La Femme—it made me see music from another perspective. At the time, I was on exchange in Westfield, N.J., when a local student named Andrew said, “Do you know ‘La Femme’? They are really good.

Give them a listen.” The disturbing yet fascinating melody of “Antitaxi,” which incorporates taxi honks and bus brakes with psychedelic pop sounds, played in the background as we rode to his house. Less than an hour later, Psycho Tropical Berlin, La Femme’s debut album, was already part of my playlist.

From the numerous genres they experiment with, to the lyrical topics they dive into, or from the cold-yet-sincere and eye-opening atmosphere they create musically, to their clothing style—ranging from three-piece tuxedos, to Sex Pistols torn jeans and leather jackets—La Femme is one of a kind. The group describes their music as limitless and without a specific style or distinct voice. Aside from their full-time lead female singer, the band features the singing voices of different women on many songs—according to their online biography. It 's a singularity that rapidly got me hooked.

La Femme is a sextet initially created by high school friends Marlon Magnée and Sacha Got in France’s Basque region—Europe’s surf

capital. Magnée, who is on vocals and plays the synthesizer, moved to Paris, followed

by Got. Back in 2010, La Femme began their journey in Paris, where they met the other bandmates: Noé Delmas, the drummer; Sam Lefèvre, the bassist; Lucas Nuñez Ritter, who plays the synth; and Clémence Quélennec, a vocalist.

La Femme’s genre may be undefinable, but elements of different styles are recurrent between La Femme’s Psycho Tropical Berlin and their second and newest album, Mystère.

The group’s influences stem from California’s surf music and the 60s French yé-yé style, which reinterprets English songs in French.

From one album to the next, the band has deepened their psychedelic and post-punk tones, evolving and adding to their style.

Over the past 15 years, French radio stations have been marked by a great amount of foreign music, mostly from the U.S. There were few French pop-rock bands that rose and stood out between the dominant French variety—which consists of songs with French-driven lyrics and a poetic structure, or French rap. Yet, La Femme, with their distinct sounds, have stepped up in France, overseas and even have a presence in the U.S. Their popularity has also risen due to the topics they write about, such as suicide, gender neutrality, psychedelic drugs, women, depression and the sometimes ugly

realities of life. Their songs, written as short narratives, carry listeners through the life of a protagonist, usually a woman, making the listeners feel their despair or joy in raising awareness about social causes. Here is a list of some of my personal favourite songs: “Tueurs de fleurs” from Mystère In “Tueurs de fleurs,” which translates to flower killers, La Femme touches on the sensitive subject of conjugal violence directed towards women, using the metaphor of women as flowers being poorly looked after or mistreated by their “owners.” In the end, the flowers grow strong in the dark and become carnivorous plants taking their revenge out on their abusers.

“From Tchernobyl with love” from Psycho Tropical Berlin In the form of a letter sent by a liquidator at the Chernobyl power plant to his family somewhere in past USSR, La Femme puts emphasis on the people directly exposed to the nuclear waste in the aftermath of the explosion. In the letter, the man, who tries to stay positive, describes his daily life as “a mission: destroy everything,” before saying the gamma rays are more important than his own flesh. The band uses a vintage synthesized voice resembling radio voices of the time, perfectly transporting the listener to that era.

“Si un jour” from Psycho Tropical Berlin This song aims to break gender labels using the story of a woman living in France during the 50s and 60s. The protagonist enumerates simple fantasies, like smoking all day, wearing trousers, spitting or walking and whistling, which shape her gender-neutral identity. Yet, she is faced with people telling her to go back to sewing, to not play with the ball meant for boys and demanding she put her skirt back on. In the end, she trades in her Moulinex—a 60s kitchen utensil with the slogan “freeing the woman”—for a leather jacket and a Harley Davidson.

Now she is ready to beat up anybody who criticizes her choices.

Special mentions A special mention should go to “Mycose,” from Mystère, which explores the delicate subject of vaginal mycosis, commonly referred to as a vaginal yeast infection in the song it affects a woman who wishes nothing but for it to go away. She departs from Earth to another planet in hope of the mycosis to go away.

“Le Blues de Françoise,” from Psycho Tropical Berlin, touches the depression that can occur after a break-up.

Finally, “Sphynx,” from Mystère, aims to spread the message that differences should not divide us. As it uses the image of taking acid as a means to unify everybody under one universe during an mind-opening experience.

La Femme will remain a mystery, and their music will keep on carrying me and other listeners to the rhythm of their uniqueness.

14 theconcordian

APRIL 11, 2017

Quickspins

PROFILE 1

COCO HAMES

Young Critters aim for a win at the Omnium du Rock contest The alternative rock band will be performing their new EP at Matahari Loft

EMILY VIDAL ASSISTANT MUSIC EDITOR The Montreal-based band Young Critters may have only been together for a year, but they are one of the top five bands competing in the Omnium du Rock contest. The new alternative rock band blends elements of funk into their music— it's a stylistic direction lead singer and guitarist Shaun Pouliot is glad the band is taking. “It’s getting more and more heavy, I like to think, but there’s still a funk aspect to it in terms of rhythm and groove,” he said.

The contest, which has been ongoing since September, is held in six different cities across Quebec, including Trois-Rivières, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Chicoutimi and Montreal. The band managed to make it to the final round. “There were 121 bands, and we’re in the final round—so there are five bands left,” Pouliot said.

The winner of the contest will be revealed on April 29 at Café Campus. “We’re really looking forward to it,” Pouliot said, adding that they expect to be one of the softer rock bands of the evening. “I think [the other bands] are mainly heavier music than what we’re doing, like more metal-ish,” he said.

In addition to Pouliot, Young Critters’ lineup consists of Nicolas Martel on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Maïko Despeignes on bass guitar and Patrick Bureau on drums.

The quartet will be launching their first EP titled Sedate Me on May 18 at the Matahari Loft in Montreal. Pouliot said what makes them stand out, especially in the competition, is that they all share a similar background in music.

“We all studied music—I think that helped [get us to the finals],” he said. “We covered a lot of details maybe some bands didn’t work on as much, and we may have a little more experience than others.”

According to Pouliot, every band member brings something unique to the group.

“Bureau is very methodical,” said Pouliot.

“He’s a great drummer.“ He also said the bassist, Despeignes, leads the melodies in their songs, “I think Despeignes brings

the groovy aspect as well as adding the right tone.”

Martel and Pouliot have known each other for more than five years—which is longer than the other members. “Martel is the most charismatic dude I’ve ever seen on the stage,” Pouliot said. “He’s crazy up on a stage, and he’s got some great ideas in terms of writing songs and melodies and doing something catchy and bluesy.”

Pouliot said he feels Martel is more instinctive than him when it comes to music.

“Sometimes I over-analyze [the songs],” he said. “I think Martel brings me down to earth again. And I think it’s important to kind of listen to what you’re working on in a very innocent way.”

Pouliot said his ultimate goal when creating new music is to bring everything together in a cohesive way. “I write most of the material with Martel, so I write the lyrics for the music,” he said.

Pouliot is also currently working on trying to make his guitar sound like a keyboard. He said it’s important for him to bring a different sound to the group, since two members of the band play guitar, one member plays bass and the other plays the drums. “I’m still working on it a lot,” he said. “[I use] certain effects like reverb and delay and stuff like that, but it’s still a work in progress.”

While the band takes its influence from a wide variety of genres, Pouliot said he enjoys dance music and takes much of his influence from that style. “I like the idea of having a certain dance appeal to rock and roll. That’s what we’re trying to achieve,” he said. “And if we could achieve that with rock, we would be really, really happy.”

A portrait of Young Critters. From left to right: Nicolas Martel, Maïko Despeignes, Patrick Bureau and Shaun Pouliot. Photo by Antoine La Salle.

According to Pouliot, the four songs and two bonus tracks on the band’s EP are all meaningful to him. For example, the single, “Sedate Me,” reflects his own personal experiences. “It’s kind of me addressing myself to music, back when I hurt my arm,” he said. “I wanted to play guitar very much, and I couldn’t wait until I got to play guitar and music again. So it’s kind of a weird concept, but that was what I was going for.”

The band members said they’re very excited to play in their hometown of Montreal. According to Pouliot, Montrealers should expect some surprises during their performance. “We like to change the songs a little. We like to arrange them a little from one show to another,” he said. “ We like to make things more exciting for everyone.”

Young Critters’ new EP Sedate Me can be heard at Matahari Loft on May 18, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Entrance is $10, and their EP can also be purchased on-site.

Coco Hames (Merge Records, 2017) If music were a time machine, Coco Hames would take you back to the 1970s. Her classic vintage sound will make you want to dance around in the sunshine with flowers in your hair. Her opening track, “When You Said Goodbye,” has that distinct 70s pop melody along with relatable lyrics about heartbreak. “I Do Love You” is reminiscent of songs from the 70s pop group ABBA. The track “I Don’t Wanna Go” has more of a garage-band sound, with its repetitive, upbeat guitar riffs, coupled with playful lyrics. Her lyrics are witty and revolve around heartbreak, mostly focusing on unrequited love. Her song “If You Ain’t Mine” distinguishes itself with its soft keyboard melodies and Hames’ sultry voice. “Tiny Pieces” is a cover of the original 90s country-pop hit by Tommy Stinson, which she sings as a duet with John McCauley, member of American alternative rock band, Deer Tick. Hames’ first studio album successfully combines the hippy, bohemian pop songs of the 70s with a soft, folk-rockish feel.

11 Trial Track: “When You Said Goodbye”

8/10

— Sandra Hercegova Music Editor

2 FREDDIE GIBBS

You Only Live 2wice (ESGN, EMPIRE, 2017)

Known for his distinct quick rap flow and witty rhymes, Freddie Gibbs just released You Only Live Twice, a hip-hop album with honest lyrical content and heavy bass instrumentals. The beat in “Crushed Glass” comes from Mobb Deep’s classic track, “Where Ya Heart At.” In this track, Gibbs raps about unfairness in the justice system, how he was wrongly convicted of rape, and how he wishes he could start anew: “Tried to give me 10 for some pussy that I never touched—hire like 11 lawyers, had to level up.” He also raps about his baby daughter and how his rape conviction has made him see life differently. In “Andrea,” Gibbs raps about his criminal past and how he made it out when others have never left the hood and remain caught up in a fraudulent lifestyle. “Some n***** take the trip I took but they don’t get to leave.

Came out that bitch speaking Russian, German, Guapanese.” Gibbs brings forth genuine lyrics reflecting his life and shares them with the world on this hip-hop album.

11 Trial Track: “Homesick”

7.5/10

— Sandra Hercegova Music editor

APRIL 11, 2017

theconcordian

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CONCERTS

3 JAMIROQUAI

Where to rock out when school’s out Start your summer break off right with these must-see Montreal concerts

Automaton (Virgin Records, 2017)

Exploring sonic electro-pop ballads reminiscent of the disco era is the essence of Jamiroquai’s album, Automaton. These groovy tracks will automatically put you in the mood for some dancing because of their disco, electro feel. The album is reminiscent of experimental pop group Metronomy. “Shake It On” could easily be an anthem for all kings and queens of the dance floor, as it has an eclectic mixture of retro disco melodies coupled with Jamiroquai’s dynamic pop vocals. In “Automaton,” you can hear upbeat, hypnotic keyboard melodies and disruptive sounds of all sorts with a catchy 80s chorus. “Cloud 9” has a smooth instrumental sound set, which highlights Jamiroquai’s soothing vocals—it sounds just like a 90s hit resurfacing on the pop charts. “Superfresh” is filled with nostalgia, as it is sure to remind you of your favourite 90s dance track.

Jamiroquai also mixed in some soulful sounds, particularly on his track “Summer Girl,” which has neo soul and strong 70s disco influences. This album is a journey through a wide variety of different retro dance ballad styles.

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11 Trial Track: “Summer Girl”

8/10

— Sandra Hercegova Music Editor

4 CREEPER

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Eternity, In Your Arms

CRISTINA SANZA & SANDRA HERCEGOVA

(Roadrunner Records, 2017) This English metal punk band is back with hectic guitar riffs and energetic screams on their new album, Eternity, In Your Arms.

The opening track, “Black Rain,” begins with soft piano melodies and a woman’s soft-spoken vocals, but gets interrupted by the groups habitual loud guitar riffs and heavy drum strokes. “Poison Pens” is a mixture of heavy-metal screams, punkrock guitar riffs and drum smashing sounds.

It combines a hectic amount of loud, cacophonic electric guitar riffs and drums with both vocals and heavy screams, which can confuse your eardrums. “Suzanna” is a repetition of their loud guitar and drum instrumental set—the song has no pattern, it’s just a bunch of loud random noises.

“Hiding Boys,” “Misery” and “Crickets” have a more soft, grunge, punk-rock feel, which allows your ears to take a break from all that ruckus. These songs have a soft rock appeal that varies greatly from the heavy metal tracks on the album.

11 Trial Track: “Misery”

5/10

— Sandra Hercegova Music Editor

While we may be approaching exam period in the next few weeks, soon after, many of us will be saying goodbye to Concordia for a little while. Why not start your summer break off right by going to an energetic concert? We’ve compiled a quick list of must-see shows. Bonus: they’re all inexpensive.

Overcoats at Divan Orange on April 30 The New York female duo, Overcoats, will be performing the folk-soul ballads from their anticipated new album, YOUNG. The duo consists of vocalists Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell. They both have soothing and soulful voices—their songs are mainly a capella based. They will be kick-starting their North American tour for their album launch on April 20. They also recently performed showcases at the SXSW music festival. If you are a fan of experimental soul duets and a capella music and would like to hear something magically unique, this is the show for you. They will be performing along with Yoke Lore on April 30 at Divan Orange at 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12.

Dawn Tyler Watson at Upstairs Jazz on May 5 If you’re a fan of jazz and blues tunes,

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a performance by Dawn Tyler Watson will never disappoint. The singer-songwriter and Concordia alumna’s energetic and enthusiastic performance style is sure to keep you on your feet all night. Watson is the recipient of nine Quebec Lys Blues Awards and also placed first in the International Blues Challenge in Tennessee this year. Her most recent album, Jawbreaker, which was released in 2016, pushes the boundaries of blues, incorporating elements of soul, folk and gospel. With Watson, you’re bound to hear a mixture of originals and iconic jazz interpretations. The show at Upstairs Jazz begins at 8:30 p.m, and tickets are $15 at the door. You can also catch Watson performing at the Montreal House of Jazz on April 28.

Jojo at the Corona Theatre on May 7 You might remember Jojo for her mega R&B-pop hits “Too Little Too Late” and “Leave (Get Out),” which came out in the early 2000s. For many of us pop fans, they were a part of our childhood. After a 10-year hiatus from releasing music due to problems with her former record label, Jojo finally returned to the music scene in October 2016 with Mad Love. The album features an eclectic mix of club bangers and sultry R&B tunes. Luckily for Montrealers, Jojo is making a pit stop in the city during her Mad Love tour. It’s sure to be a night filled

1:Jawbreaker by Dawn Tyler Watson, a Concordia alumna and notable Montreal jazz figure.

2: Listen to soulful alternative-indie sounds on Nick Hakim’s new album, Green Twins.

3: New York duet Overcoats’ new album, YOUNG. 4: Jojo’s album, Mad Love., features a mixture of smooth R&B and club hits.

with dancing, drinking and a lot of energy.

Rumour also has it Jojo will be performing a few throwback hits—truthfully, it’s never too little too late for her to do so. Catch Jojo at the Corona Theatre on May 7—the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.50 pre-purchased, or $33 at the door.

Nick Hakim at Bar Le Ritz on May 12 Would you care for some mysterious and sultry, yet experimental indie-alternative sounds? If so, make sure to check out Nick Hakim’s performance on May 12, as he launches his new album, Green Twins.

His eclectic, smooth guitar riffs, along with dreamy vocals, will bring you into a state of bliss. His soulful and passionate music is known for its relaxing romantic alternative tunes that can sweep you off your feet. Hakim is originally from Washington, DC, and will begin an international tour promoting his new album on April 19 in London, England.

The solo artist will be in Montreal on May 12 to share his deep and soulful sounds at Bar Le Ritz at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $20. Don’t miss out on this emotional and profound experiential indie show.

sports

SPORTS EDITOR /// sports@theconcordian.com ALEXANDER COLE ( @AlexCole_80)

STINGERS

Stingers put season to rest with gala Concordia’s athletes and coaches were honoured for the 2016-17 season ALEXANDER COLE SPORTS EDITOR Athletes from all of Concordia’s sports teams packed into the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall at the Loyola campus for the Stingers annual athletics awards gala on April 6.

The event was hosted by T V host Chantal Desjardins, who opened the evening with jokes that got the crowd roaring with laughter. Later in the night, the two Stingers valedictorians got on stage to leave the players with some words of wisdom, while also making some jokes at the expense of their teammates and coaches. The valedictorians were Antoine Marchand of the men’s hockey team and Emily Hickson of the women’s rugby team.

“It was honestly extremely unexpected and humbling,” Hickson said about being selected as valedictorian. “It’s an honour to be representing the athletes this way, and it was a really amazing experience.”

Like Hickson, Marchand said he felt being able to speak on behalf of his fellow athletes was an honour.

“Words can’t explain what it means after four years of being here,” Marchand said. “There are so many amazing people graduating here this year, and to be able to represent them and sum up the year for them was more than honourable—it’s inexplicable.”

The first awards of the night were the President’s Academic Awards which were given to the female and male athletes who achieved the highest academic standing while demonstrating success in their sport.

Hockey player Alexandra Nikolidakis won the award, as well as football player Patrick Mills.

Immediately after, the Marvin Cooper Award, which is given to the athlete who has successfully overcome the most adversity, was awarded to football player Mickael Côté. Côté has been through shoulder and

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leg injuries in the past three years, but his determination to keep playing football is what ultimately earned him the award, according to the Stingers.

About halfway through the evening, Interim Athletic Director D’Arcy Ryan handed out the awards for each team’s best rookie and most valuable player.

Men’s hockey forward Anthony De Luca swept his team’s awards, winning men’s hockey team rookie of the year, while also being named MVP. De Luca led the men’s hockey team to their best season in 30 years, according to the Stingers. He scored 24 goals and recorded 19 assists for a total of 43 points.

At the end of the night, De Luca was also named Male Athlete of the Year. While the awards may recognize individuals, De Luca said he could not have done it without his teammates.

“It’s an honour, and I love the fact that in my first year I can make an impact,” De Luca said. “It was a great season, and I’m really proud of my teammates and the progress we made. But as I say in all of my other interviews, there’s room for improvement on my end and the entire team, and we’re going to get ready for next season.”

In women’s rugby, fourth-year player Alex Tessier won the team’s MVP award and, later in the night, Female Athlete of the Year. Tessier won the award in 2015 as well, during her second year with the Stingers. She has played with Canada’s national rugby team and was named to the tournament's all-star team at nationals in 2016.

“It’s always such an honour. It’s one of the best awards you can win at the banquet,” Tessier said regarding winning Athlete of the Year. “Honestly, I did not expect it this year, but it’s definitely one of the best feelings I’ve had in my four years here to win it again.”

In the last three years, the Female

Athlete of the Year awards have all gone to rugby players, as Frédérique Rajotte won it in 2016. For Tessier, sharing the award with her teammate is special.

“Me and Frédérique have such a connection on and off the field,” Tessier said. “We’re actually roommates and she’s a good friend of mine. I’m proud of what she’s accomplished.”

After the awards were handed out, g r aduat ing foot b all player A ndrew Barlett said a few words to the crowd before being interrupted by hockey captain Olivier Hinse, who told Barlett he wasn’t actually the valedictorian.

O f c o u r s e , t h i s w a s s i m p l y a j o ke Hinse and Barlett were already in on.

As the crowd laughed and Barlett left the stage, Hinse introduced Marchand and Hick son for their valedictorian speeches.

According to Hick son, the initial nerves she had about her speech were

set tled thank s to one of her classes earlier in the day.

“I was a little bit nervous, but I had a class presentation about two hours before the event so I got the ner ves out,” Hickson said. “I was just excited to speak in front of everybody because it’s been an amazing five years here and I had a lot of jokes to say.”

The night was also a send-off for this year’s graduating Stingers athletes.

Marchand, who has been at the school for four years and has helped run the Swar m,—an organization dedicated to c re at i n g m o re u n i t y a ro u n d t h e Stingers—said he’ll definitely miss his time as a Stinger.

“Honestly, it’s hard to explain just the love, the family coming together here,” Marchand said. “The fact that I’m leaving hasn’t even sunk in yet to be honest with you so I couldn’t even tell you how it feels to leave.”

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(1) For the second time in her Stingers career, Alex Tessier took home the Female Athlete of the Year award.

(2) Antoine Marchand and Emily Hickson were this year’s valedictorians.

(3) Hockey player Anthony De Luca won Male Athlete of the Year at the awards gala. Photos byAlex Hutchins.

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APRIL 11, 2017

S

More than just a board

17

PORT

S

CHESS

theconcordian

Rant of the Week

BY ALEXANDER COLE

Exploring the intellectually-challenging game of chess

ONE FINAL RAN

T

When I inherited the sports editor position from Peggy Kabeya in October 2015, I was a scared, naive and unprepared first-year journalism student. I had only written one or two stories for The Concordian at the time, but somehow, Michelle Gamage, the EIC at the time, saw something in me and gave me a chance.

Looking back on things, I’m so glad she did.

For the last year and a half, I’ve covered one of the most under-appreciated sports leagues in the world, U SPORTS. While I give them a lot of shit for their mistakes, I’ve loved every second of covering sports here at Concordia.

I mostly focused on hockey and football, but thanks to the many amazing writers I’ve had the pleasure of working with, I got to learn so much about baseball, soccer, basketball and rugby.

MATTHEW LAPIERRE STAFF WRITER It’s exam time, or close to it, but on a Wednesday evening on the 10th floor of the Hall building, Concordia students Vlad Boshki and Andrew Kyres make time to sit across from one another to play a game of chess.

They’re both executives of the Concordia Chess Club, an organization they’re hoping to grow into a group where members who share their passion for “the game of kings” can connect and develop their chess skills and logic.

Chess originated as a board game played by the rulers of India 1,500 years ago to practice tactical and strategic thinking. Back then, chess was the game of the elite—of generals, intellectuals and royalty.

By the Middle Ages, the game had spread from India to the Middle East and made its way to the Western world. It was being played in the Arabian Peninsula, Northern Africa and Europe. Today, chess is played by men and women of all races, nationalities and social classes around the world.

At Concordia, the chess club is a small group of students and occasionally professors who meet Friday evenings on the 10th floor of the Hall building to chat, joke and play chess. The atmosphere is friendly—this is no cutthroat chess tournament. It’s an environment where chess players of all levels can improve their game and have fun.

“The skill level varies greatly. We have some who are just learning and have never played at all and we show them stuff. We also have some who come regularly, who study at home and play online,” said Boshki.

“There are even some who are advanced and have ratings and go to tournaments.”

Alika Utepova is a former Concordia Chess Club executive and a current member. She’s in her fourth year of computer science and she’s passionate about chess.

“I googled ‘Concordia Chess Club’ before actually coming to Concordia,” she said.

“When I first got involved in the club about four years ago, there were only two of us.

We would play there on the 10th floor and people would walk by and join in.”

Utepova’s former chess partner, Wafic Alameddine, has since graduated. He was involved in the chess club while doing his masters in electrical and computer engineering at Concordia.

“We were a small group of people at the time, but the group grew in popularity as we hosted tournaments and created a Facebook page,” Alameddine said.

The Concordia Chess Club’s Facebook group has 178 members, but only a fraction of them attend the weekly chess sessions.

“There’s actually quite a few people.

They’re not all regulars. If we’re all together, I think we’re like 20,” said Kyres.

Kyres, Utepova and Boshki all started playing chess at a young age. Utepova is from Kazakhstan, Boshki from Russia.

“I started when I was six,” Boshki said. “I was playing in tournaments like the Russian Open Championships. Every kid plays chess in Russia. I would say it’s a national sport.”

Here in Canada, organizations like the Chess’n Math Association, an association which teaches people to play chess, promote the game as a way for kids to develop their “personality, intellectual skills and strength of character,” according to their website.

Kyres agreed. Chess thinking, he said, helps him with his studies, since it requires the same type of thinking as some of his

math and statistics classes.

“It definitely relates,” Kyres said. “It’s all logic.”

It takes years of study and practice to be good at this simple game. It takes a lifetime to master it, according to the club.

The Concordia club caters to all types of chess players: those who want to experiment with the game, and those who see it as a sport. Kyres recently competed in a tournament in Trois Rivières and won $50. He and Boshki are both looking to improve their chess skills. They’re hoping to compete in more tournaments in the future, but for them, chess is just a hobby.

Chess is frequently used as a metaphor for conflict and problem-solving. Professional boxer Lennox Lewis once compared chess to boxing. Napoleon compared it to war. Rap group the Wu Tang Clan compared chess to swordfighting. Former chess world champion Garry Kasparov even wrote a book about how chess imitates life.

Utepova sees the connection. “Both in chess and in life, it’s so easy to follow the path of least resistance, but when you challenge that attitude and try and be more proactive, you can make a lot of good things happen,” she said.

“Sometimes I wish life were as simple as chess because in chess you know there is a solution. Life is more complex.”

Graphic by Thom Bell

Coming into university, I never thought much of varsity sports, but after going to my first Stingers football game, I fell in love—as cliché as that may sound. The level of play was just as good as any professional game I’d seen on TV and it was just as intense.

University sports are the hidden gems of sports culture in Canada.

I’m glad I got to cover them—university sports made me appreciate what student athletes are capable of.

Not only was this job fun, it taught me a lot about journalism, like how to make connections and allow people to trust you. I’ve made so many connections with coaches and athletes, something I never thought I’d be capable of.

But being thrown into the job so early on in my university career gave me the confidence to go out and do what I wanted.

Being a sports journalist is my dream, and I like to think I have been living that dream for the past two years, even if I’m not working professionally. Journalism is a hard field to break into, and I am so grateful for the doors this job has opened for me. It’s truly been a blast.

Now, I won’t be completely gone from The Concordian next year.

I’ll be taking over as managing editor. However, new responsibilities mean new projects, and I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to contribute to this section next year. Regardless, I’ve loved every moment and every game I’ve covered, and I just want to say thanks for reading. It’s been a pleasure.

opinions OPINIONS EDITOR /// opinions@theconcordian.com SANIA MALIK

EDITORIAL

Looking back on volume 34 events that will help educate students on important social and environmental issues within the university or the city.

We’ve also tried to cater to people with varying political views within our opinions section—we believe healthy debate and discussion is important in order for us to sympathize and understand one another.

Next year, we hope to more actively report on all faculties within Concordia, to further diversify our content.

This past year, The Concordian saw new projects come to fruition. In the winter semester, we launched our first-ever radio show and a series of weekly spreads about part-time faculty professors at the university. We had a video team that put out content regularly—also a first. In addition, we had opportunities to interview amazing individuals, including Homa Hoodfar and Mohamed Fahmy, and attend awesome events, like South By Southwest (SXSW) and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). We’ve even broke a few stories

before mainstream media outlets did.

Among the successes and fulfilling experiences, we’ve also learned a lot about the world of journalism and the nature of writing about and for university students. Here are some of the key things we’ve learned as a team over the course of this year: The importance of diversity We believe diversity is important not only within our newsroom, but within the content of our articles. We try our best to give a voice to the voiceless and cover

How to embrace criticism With publishing articles comes readers, and with readers comes criticism. Not everyone is going to like every article we put out, and that’s okay. As reporters and writers, we are constantly learning—we are bound to make mistakes, despite our best efforts to be as accurate and sensitive as possible in our reporting. While criticism can be discouraging at first, over the year, we’ve learned to acknowledge it and, in turn, refine our approach to our practice.

Our readers always have the option to write a letter to the editor or, if it’s in reference to an ops piece, write a rebuttal. And for

the people spewing out incoherent hate messages about articles we’ve published, we ain’t got time for you.

How to be innovative Working at a student newspaper comes with pressures to meet deadlines and the need to think on your feet when things don’t go as planned. Nearly every week, we’ve been faced with articles falling through or interview subjects not getting back to us.

As a team, we’ve aimed to support one another when something goes wrong and always look for solutions. We are proud of the creativity everyone brought to every issue. Going into volume 35, we hope our team continues to be one collaborative family.

On behalf of the team, we’ve had a blast putting an immense amount of energy and love into volume 34 of The Concordian. With the recent launch of our new website, we’ll be bringing you so much more next year.

It is really only up from here.

See you around, The Concordian team

SEXISM

The realities of being a female reporter

Confronting sexist rhetoric and gender-based obstacles as a female reporter SAVANNA CRAIG CO-NEWS EDITOR Pry your eyes off my legs—I am not here for your gaze, I am not just an object to stare at. Don’t call me sweetie, I’m not here to be your date. I’m here as a reporter—to interview you, not to put up with your excessive and inappropriate passes. I’m not here to have my credibility undermined by your overt sexism.

I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons in my two years working for The Concordian and in my first year of journalism school.

However, a hot topic I find lacking in the curriculum is how to deal with sexism, harassment and constantly trying to be taken seriously—all things that seem to come with the territory of being a female reporter.

It’s not uncommon for my attentiveness and eye contact during interviews to be interpreted not as traits of a diligent reporter, but rather, as flirting that encourages inappropriate behaviour from some. This has often made me extra vigilant when I have to interview men.

In the last year and a half as a news reporter, and naturally as an intuitive person, I’ve become familiar with the insinuation of certain types of eye contact and non-verbal communication. Oftentimes, the interviewee’s body language and eye contact are just signs of attentiveness to my questions.

Other times, it’s almost impossible to ignore that I am being sexualized and thought of in an objectifying way when I’m trying to

do my job.

Body language is one thing, but the commentary is another. Whether it’s before, during, or after an interview, it’s never an appropriate time to ask if I’m single, free later or pose any other questions about my personal life. While my interviewee is always informed on the nature of the interview and article I’m writing, I’m never given the same outlines for the way I will be hit on or undermined as a female reporter.

The thing I love most about being a journalist is meeting and speaking with people who have a variety of opinions and aspirations. However, sometimes those in positions of power have been troublesome.

I’ve found myself in situations where male faculty at Concordia think it’s appropriate to ask me invasive questions, or even to ask me out on a date. I've even encountered people who will request coverage of an event as a sly attempt at getting to know me better, hoping an interview will turn into a date.

There have been many times where I’ve gotten the impression that my gender undermines my credibility and judgement in the eyes of the people I collaborate with and report on. I once had a source question my choice of words in an article, only to ignore my response for a month, then eventually respond with an apology—followed by asking me out on a date.

Not only are some of my own experiences as a reporter troublesome, the language used towards female reporters is also problematic.

Too often, the response I receive when I mention I'm a journalism student or a news

editor is, “I can totally see you on camera,” or “You would be a great news anchor!”

Yes, these are nice comments—but when you break it down, it’s easy to see there is an immediate assumption that how I look is what makes me fit to sit in front of a camera. It undermines my capability and my work as a journalist, and is essentially presumptuous, sexist rhetoric.

Since this issue seems to be deeply

rooted in our society, I believe media outlets and schools with journalism departments should take it upon themselves to better tackle sexism and address gender-based obstacles that non-male counterparts may face in the field. It's important and necessary to learn how to professionally handle instances of sexism, racism or any other kind of mistreatment.

Graphic by Florence Y.

APRIL 11, 2017

theconcordian

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SOCIETY

Don't accommodate cultures, celebrate them Islamophobic outburst at Peel District School Board meeting signifies a deeper problem AYRTON WAKFER CONTRIBUTOR I grew up in a part of Toronto where being white meant you were part of an ethnic minority. From the first day of kindergarten until I moved away in grade 11, my peer group was wonderfully diverse. Attending schools where religious and cultural differences were celebrated— not just accommodated—was a positive and eye-opening experience. Ever y group was recognized and respected for their beliefs, which created a comfortable and constructive environment.

So, when I heard people were literally ripping up religious texts at a school board meeting in Ontario in protest of religious tolerance, I was scratching my head in confusion. The Peel District School Board (PDSB) meeting on March 22 was attended by 80 individuals who were afraid of the board’s decision to allow Muslim students to write their own sermons for their Friday prayers.

To put this outburst into context, the PDSB has allowed Muslim students to pray every Friday in school spaces for 20 years, according to CBC News. The prayers are monitored by a Muslim teacher and, until the recent change allowing students to prepare their own materials, students used six pre-written sermons.

The intensit y of the resistance to students preparing their own sermons is shocking. A petition calling for the end of religious accommodation in schools in the

Peel region has received approximately 6,135 signatures so far, according to the petition’s website. Started by a group called Religion out of Public Schools, the petition states religious accommodation will lead to “unintentional intolerance” and “unsolicited exposure to religion.”

It is an odd choice to be intentionally intolerant in an attempt to avoid the risk of “unintentional intolerance.” What’s even stranger is to argue that being exposed to another religion can have negative effects.

Respecting diversity and allowing different cultural practices to take place around you should never be seen as negative. Inclusion creates a holistic environment—ignorance creates hostility towards misunderstood groups.

The hate broiling in the Peel region is a result of not blissful ignorance, but of fearful ignorance.

According to Global News, a 2016 poll found 54 per cent of Canadians viewed Islam “unfavourably.” Watching this hate gain support makes it impossible to overlook the ignorance present in the public's view of the Islamic faith.

Some of the Islamophobic comments made during the school board meeting were about Shariah law and the “Islamic indoctrination of children,” according to CBC News. None of these arguments are rational, and are only defendable when there is a significant lack of awareness about another group.

The group Religion out of Public Schools argues religious accommodation is too

expensive for schools to incorporate.

What isn’t clear to me is whether they consider derailing board meetings and necessitating police inter vention not to be costly to the school board. Also, the group seems to forget that religious accommodation has been taking place in Peel district schools for over 15 years.

The best way to move forward from these sentiments is to address the underlying issue. It's a big challenge to get someone to change their opinion, but it is easy to create an environment in which people can no longer hold irrational views.

Graphic by Florence Y.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Montreal police protest needs to end Why the camouflage clown pants are undermining the police’s credibility REBECCA MELOCHE CONTRIBUTOR Quebec Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux unveiled a 38-point action plan to reform Montreal’s police department on March 29, according to CBC News.

Parts of this action plan includes changing the organization’s structure to encourage collaborative leadership, and requiring police officers to stop wearing camouflage pants and resume dressing in their proper uniform.

Montreal police officers have been protesting cuts to their pension plan for almost three years now. According to the Montreal Gazette, the protest began in July 2014 in opposition to a Quebec pension plan reform that would affect 65,000 public sector employees. Since police, firefighters and public transport employees are essential to the city, they were prohibited from taking a day off work to protest. Instead, they decided to embarrass the government by not wearing their proper uniform as a form of protest. Now, this has become more of an embarrassment to the police department as it has been going on for far too long.

As with any profession, the way we dress is not only representative of ourselves, but also of the company we work for. For the police, a uniform is essential to ensure

citizens can identify a police officer when assistance is needed.

A uniform also sends a message of professionalism and credibility. How can the police force expect us to take them seriously if they are dressed this way?

According to CBC News, in July 2016, SPVM officer Nathalie Dagenais caught a man named Marc-Olivier Caron speeding and asked him to pull over. Caron slowed down instead of pulling over, because he didn’t recognize Dagenais as an officer—she was wearing camouflage pants and a bright yellow vest.

The officer gave him two tickets: one for speeding and another for dangerous driving, since Caron slowed down as opposed to fully stopping, and Dagenais had to “move at the last second,” according to CBC News.

Caron contested the second charge, and the judge sided with him. The judge said Caron’s reaction was reasonable because Dagenais was not dressed like a police officer. The judge ended up revoking the $1,200 fine. This is a perfect example of how the police officers’ protest is affecting their work—they’re not even being recognized as police officers when patrolling roadways.

Right now, police authority is being undermined because people do not take them seriously in their camouflage, fluorescent-coloured pants. It’s about

time Coiteux is implementing change within the police community in order for them to regain the respect of the city.

But truthfully, the camouflage pants are just one part of a larger issue: the credibility of Montreal’s police force is gradually deteriorating. Today, the police force is plagued with issues of racial profiling, questionable internal investigations and tapping journalists’ phones. Despite being trained to protect us, I don't feel protected knowing there are other motives and ideas in the minds of the police force.

The Montreal police department represents the city and notions of protection and responsibility. When we are in trouble, we are told to call the police.

When we need help, we are told to call the police. When we feel threatened, we are told to call the police. Yet, the Montreal police have become something of a laughingstock in the eyes of citizens. The government trusts the police to ensure the city is protected, and the safety of the citizens are supposed to be their number-one priority.

The police are supposed to be symbols of the law, but it's hard to keep faith in them when they are dressed in clown pants and conducting unprofessional and sometimes unethical acts.

Graphic by Thom Bell.

20 theconcordian

APRIL 11, 2017

MENTAL HEALTH

Being afraid of your thoughts: The dangers of escapism

Running away from your reality to avoid stress isn’t the only option MARISSA RAMNANAN CONTRIBUTOR Escapism refers to activities that allow someone to focus on something other than their current problems, stresses or lives, according to Philip Cooper from John Abbott College’s depar tment of psychology.

Escapism can come in the form of music, movies, books or the Internet, among other things. Using these mediums to “get away” isn’t necessarily a bad thing when used in moderation. These mediums can help us relax, and few would deny relaxation and recreation are healthy activities that enrich our lives. However, it isn't the healthiest approach to dealing with our stress. Many people are so accustomed to escaping reality that these mundane activities have become harmful.

My friend Matthew said something that resonated with me while we were bussing downtown together. There was a pause in our conversation, and in that moment he looked at the people around him, all buried in their phones, and said absentmindedly: “It’s as though people are afraid of their own thoughts.” This comment put escapism into perspective for me and got me thinking more

deeply about the subject.

People keep finding new ways to distract themselves from the present moment, disturbing their thought processes with media.

But when do you give yourself a chance to settle into yourself and your actual surroundings?

I only recently realized how much I was escaping my realities—my phone has been dying in the middle of the day, and so I’ve been forced to spend the hour-and-a-half-long trek home without music or a phone. At first, I felt incapacitated, like I was missing out on the constant connection of social media. But then I started to appreciate the mundane moments around me, and I started to appreciate the strangers around me as well. I’ve been making small talk with the people I sit next to, or just complimenting them on things I wouldn’t have noticed had I been absorbed by my phone. I also get a lot of thinking done, either dissecting a lot of issues I’ve kept buried or practicing my creative writing skills.

We are compulsively trying to escape reality and deviate from our thoughts. We millennials are the zombie generation. We avoid reality—in other words, we avoid facing stressful or emotional circumstances.

By being forced to disconnect from social media, with my phone constantly dying prema-

turely, I was in turn forced to face the cause of my stresses that I had been so desperately avoiding. After I faced it, I felt nothing but relief. This helped me tremendously, and gave me the incentive to stop running away from my problems.

In order to avoid relying on escapism, one should try to cope with stress directly whenever possible, or look for alternative ways to manage it, Cooper said.

“Sometimes talking over your problems with friends can be enough,” he said. “Sleep and exercise are both natural stress relievers and will provide you with other health benefits as well. Breaking tasks down into manageable chunks, and setting up a schedule with reasonable goals can often make something seem much less stressful.” He added that, in serious cases, the person might want to consider talking to a counsellor or getting some other type

of professional help.

For help with stress management, or to figure out exactly what you are avoiding, do not hesitate to contact the mental health services at Concordia University.

For more information, visit www.concordia. ca/students/health/mental-health.

Graphic by Florence Y.

SOCIAL MEDIA

A world dominated by selfies and stories How the new social media stories option is fueling our self-centered lives NICHOLAS DI GIOVANNI ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Facebook recently added “stories” to its mobile app, similar to the Snapchat and Instagram story features, further pushing us into a narcissistic world.

Here we are, in 2017, and almost everybody on the planet now has access to this feature on one social media platform or another.

The stories features on all three of these platforms are guiding us into a world where everyone has an “all about me” attitude. Honestly, I’m all for technology—and I know I may sound like a low-tech old man when I write this—but our world is being defined by selfies and 24-hour time limits.

Every day, people from all around the world feel the need to share their lives with their friends. It started in 2014, when Snapchat released the revolutionary Live Stories feature. Immediately, people started sharing pictures ranging from their Starbucks cups to their bubble baths to personal rants. Then there’s my personal favourite: driving. Yes, users can show the world they're putting their life at risk in real time.

Although people shared those types of pictures long before stories came out, the stories feature gave an opportunity to share a series of pictures at once, with viewers simply needing to tap to cycle through them.

T his s ocial media feat ure didn’t impact the whole social media world immediately because Snapchat only has 122 million users, according to

Statista, a statistics-gathering website.

In August 2016, Instagram launched its own “stories” feature, almost exactly like the one on Snapchat. According to Statista, Instagram had over 600 million monthly active users in December 2016.

Mos t re cent l y, Faceb o ok copie d Snapchat and Instagram—two companies it owns—by releasing a stories feature on its mobile app. Facebook claims they had 1.86 billion monthly active users as of December 2016. From Snapchat to

Instagram to Facebook, just like that, the majority of social media users could use a stories feature on some sort of social media app.

The problem with these stories is people think they're celebrities and their friends want to know about their life. Everyday people watch reality shows about celebrities who have a camera crew following them around for a TV show, and they’re inspired to do the same. Their phone is their camera crew, and these

apps are the TV channels.

An article published in the January 31 issue of The Concordian said social media use could lead to depression and anxiety in young adults. In my opinion, the stories feature is the root of it all.

By choosing glamourous moments of their lives, people only share the happy moments, and the people who see these stories think their own lives are not as perfect in comparison. We used to think celebrities had perfect lives because of what we saw from their reality shows— when in fact they don’t—and now we think our friends have perfect lives because of social media stories.

I also notice a lot of people posting stories of their night outs partying or at a club. I didn’t think much of it until I started going out myself. What I saw shocked me—so many people are on their phones taking selfie videos of them dancing or having a drink. It’s pure narcissism, and it just ruins the night. You’re out with your friends, leave your virtual friends alone and in your pocket.

Like everything else on social media, stories are useful. Sports teams can show fans behind-the-scenes action.

Companies have an oppor tunit y to advertise. Snapchat’s Discover, which features stories from news media,companies and live events, has changed the way news is dispersed.

But there are just too many negatives to the stories feature—the biggest being its contribution to our ever-growing narcissistic society.

Graphic by Florence Y.

etc

Rotterdam window sill , 2017.

Fe a t u r e d Concordia Artist Navy Chadsey

Navy Chadsey is an artist in her final year at Concordia University.

She is graduating with a major in painting and drawing, a minor in art education, as well as a minor in psychology.

Treading Water , 2016.

Similar to her studies, Chadsey's artwork includes varying and contrasting subjects and styles.

Her favorite method o f c re a ti n g i s p a i n ti n g .

Curious by nature, Chadsey always stumbles upon something that inspires her to create. Her curiosity also leads her abroad, which fuels her passion for traveling and in return, inspires her further in her art. Navy recreates places she's been or places she would rather be, working from memories and experiences. An extrovert, who's always on the go, Chadsey does not have a hard time finding herself in situations that inspire her. She aims to accomplish a connection with the viewer through her artwork. She wishes to share an experience with the viewer and have them see things the way she does...differently.

S wimming in C ap D'ail , 2016.

A lgonquin , from memory, 2016.

22 theconcordian

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APRIL 11, 2017

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It's been a crazy, hectic, fun and rewarding year at The Concordian.

Our team is super proud of all the content we put out, and we hope you've enjoyed it, too.

We've learned so much about journalism, design, radio, video and how to collaborate as a team and with those we cover. We are very grateful to be given the opportunity to do what we love, and it is all thanks to the student body supporting us.

Be sure to check out our newly-revamped website at www.theconcordian.com See you all in the fall (and maybe at some point in the summer, too!)

- The Concordian Team

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