Concordia University’s weekly, independent student newspaper
theconcordian
VOLUME 33, ISSUE 27 | TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2016
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theconcordian
“Diversity” according to
Concordia Students are fed up with the lack of minority representation amongst professors
News p. 3 also in this issue
life
Menswear made modern p. 7
arts
Not short on Talent at Phi
music
p. 9
Andrew Bird takes flight
sports
p. 11
Athletes honoured at banquet p. 12
opinions
Remembering the Armenians p. 15
news
NEWS EDITORS /// news@theconcordian.com GREGORY TODARO ( @GCTodaro) & LAURA MARCHAND (
CITY IN BRIEF BY JESSICA ROMERA COPY EDITOR
Thousands of volunteers needed for city’s milestone anniversary Montreal will be celebrating its 375th birthday next year and will need around 6,000 volunteers to help organize and run the celebrations, according to the Montreal Gazette. Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and will be helping with matters of security, hospitality and production. Events and activities will take place throughout the entire year. The city of Ville-Marie, which later became Montreal, was founded in 1642.
Woman stabbed to death in St. Michel grocery store A 20-year-old woman was stabbed to death at a Maxi grocery store in St. Michel Sunday evening, according to CJAD. The woman was identified as Clémence Beaulieu-Patry, who worked as a cashier at the store. She got into an argument with a man, who then pulled out a knife and reportedly stabbed her in the neck. She was immediately rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead by doctors shortly after. The SPVM are still investigating whether it was a random act of violence or if there was a motive involved, according to the Montreal Gazette. They’ve identified the suspect, a man in his late 20s, but he still evades arrest.
Couillard pledges to make the city more accessible to seniors The provincial government has allocated $3.5 million to make Montreal more accessible to its aging population, according to CTV Montreal. The money will go towards improving infrastructure and crosswalks, housing for seniors, transportation, safety and funding for outreach programs. Within the next few months, the government will keep an eye on seniors’ groups in order to better prioritize spending. Senior citizens make up 16 per cent of the province’s population, making Quebec one of the most rapidly aging populations in the world, according to CTV News.
@Marchand_L)
CAMPUS
Faubourg report details problems
Concordia University bought three floors of the building for $9.5 million BY LAURA MARCHAND CO-NEWS EDITOR
which were purchased two years later by Concordia for $4.5 million. The report noted areas such as Cracking bricks, building-wide handrails and the ceiling height were leaks and ceilings that weren’t not code compliant “and would need up to code—these are just some to be adjusted and/or replaced.” The of the issues inspectors raised report also noted a circular staircase to Concordia after visiting the between the fifth and sixth floors Faubourg Ste-Catherine, years that was apparently blocked off and before the university purchased “[seemed] to be dangerous.” three of the building’s floors for Ultimately the report assessed the $9.5 million. fifth and sixth floors as being in good The inspection report, obtained by condition. However, it also claimed The Concordian through an Access to that areas of the walls, ceilings and Information Request, was presented to floors “need to be added or replaced Concordia after being commissioned as they are missing, broken, or by the university in December 2010. damaged,” and that some places The document details the condition “need to be treated and repainted of the Faubourg after Concordia as they have been affected by leaks University had already established and/or water.” classrooms in the basement level. Accessibility was also raised as According to the report, the an issue, with no way to reach the outer walls of the structure exhibited sixth floor without taking the stairs. discolouration, The escalators which indicated and elevators in The due diligence “a faulty assemthe space were report for the blage, leakage, also assessed. escalators claimed infiltration and/ T he due dilithat two of them or other potengence report for were not compliant tial problems.” In the escalators addition, some claimed that two with safety codes, bricks were seen of them were not lacking a “large “to have become compliant with number of safety loose and/or got s afet y codes, devices [which] are chipped,” and lacking a “large not installed on crack s were number of safety those units.” noted in some of devices [which] the exterior wall are not installed bricks. The documents added that the on those units.” The escalators causes needed “to be investigated and were also not well-maintained, treated and should not be overlooked as the report found “that a lack of nor neglected.” preventative maintenance is leading The document also delved into to premature deterioration of some the second basement floor, which is components.” It estimated that the currently used as classroom space cost for modernizing the escalators for the university. Inspectors noted in question would be over $120,000 that that level—which was already over two to five years. occupied by Concordia at the time— The elevators were found to be was in need of certain repairs. acceptably maintained, however, Areas of the ceiling needed “to be the life expectancy for all of them replaced and corrected … because was found to be five years or less of damages possibly because of [a] leakage” that permeated several floors of the building. Inspectors also found a wall with “a vertical crack on the north side of the building,” as well as a particularly damaged wall elsewhere on the floor. The benches in the common area were singled out for replacement, due to the chipping of the marble and the poor condition of the leather on the banquettes. There were also notable problems with staircases in the lower floors. The report claimed that several stairs needed to be refinished, including the stairs connecting the first and second basement floors, in addition to the curved staircases leading to the lower classrooms. The inspectors also assessed floors five and six of the Faubourg,
Cracks and discoloration are visible on the walls of the Faubourg. Photos obtained through Access to Information Request.
from the time of writing in 2010. One elevator would require over $135,000 to repair; another two would require an estimated $160,000 combined. Marie-Christine Houle, a Media Relations Coordinator with Concordia University, confirmed that renovations were done to the fifth and sixth floors, in addition to the ground floor lobby exiting onto Ste. Catherine St. No renovations were done to the basement space. The total budget for the Faubourg project was approximately $10.5 million, according to Cléa Desjardins, Senior Advisor for E x ter nal Communications at Concordia University. Following the purchases
for the space, that left approximately $1 million for renovations. “The renovations [made] are largely functional and include architectural and mechanical upgrades,” said Desjardins. “The Faubourg’s central location and the fact that it could meet our academic needs made it a solid option.” The report also wrote that “the purchase of phase four [floors five and six] precedes the purchase of phase one [ground to fourth floors].” Concordia representatives could not confirm by press time whether or not the university had ever considered purchasing the entirety of the Faubourg building.
Above: Stained ceilings, a symptom of buildingwide leaks. Below: Cracks in the building’s interior floor.
APRIL 12, 2016
theconcordian
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COVER STORY
N AT I O N I N B R I E F
Concordia students seek a more diverse university
BY SAVANNA CRAIG ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Students push for greater representation and diversity in the English department
On the final third day of the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) convention in Edmonton, Thomas Mulcair was removed as NDP leader. A vote over party leadership was held, prompting a total of 52 per cent of delegates to vote to replace Mulcair. Afterwards, Mulcair gave a speech in which he discussed his “hope” and “optimism” for the future of the NDP. After his speech, delegates gave Mulcair a full minute clap, some of which gave him a standing ovation. Vice News reported Mulcair gave a posed smile, looking like he was on the brink of tears. Mulcair will remain caucus leader until a new leader is chosen.
BY SAVANNA CRAIG ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Concordia held an event on how to better support diversity among staff and faculty Monday afternoon. The “Racialization, Indigeneity, Racism and the University” event took place in the LB building. The lecture was introduced by Graduate Program Director Danielle Bobker, who presented the speakers—Queen’s University professor Audrey Kobayashi and York University professor Enakshi Dua. The event was sponsored by the Subcommittee on Representation and Visibility in the Academy, the English department, the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Simone de Beauvoir Institute. Organizer and English Literature MA student Mona’a Malik said she and Bobker knew there were concerns amongst English students concerning the lack of representation of people of colour and LGBTQ+ communities in faculty and curriculum, especially in terms of authors and theorists on syllabi, said Malik. Creative Representative for the Student Association for Graduate Students in English and Creative Writing Graduate student Liam LaChance said it’s vital for the community to acknowledge the limitations inherent to an all-white faculty. “We should accept our limits in speaking on behalf of people whose experiences we will never fully share,” said LaChance. “Having more voices in a conversation seems like a higher quality of discussion and education.”
NDP vote for Mulcair to step down
Attawapiskat First Nations in state of emergency Kobayashi said one of the reasons everyday racism occurs is due to the persistent white culture. Kobayashi said, “overall, what we see in virtually every campus across Canada is … entrenchment of [white] culture.” She said many administrations ignore this white culture by implementing some programs with diversity, but which ultimately do not lead to enough change. Presently, many students at Concordia are not only feeling the effect of racism from white culture, but are noticing the great lack of diversity within their education and at the university. “I’ve had my own issues with the art history department,” said Shaun Contant, an art history student. “Mostly the fact that it tends to be a very Euro-centric curriculum.” He said
that being a person of colour in a The Concordian sat down with Euro-centric classroom causes the head of the English department, him to feel that “your art and your professor Andre Furlani. He said culture is not as important.” that during the hiring process the He and his classmates from his department aims to be blind in terms elective African-American literature of race and sexual orientation. found the lack of diversity within “The department is currently in the faculty has affected professors’ negotiations to secure a second fullanalysis of topics like racism. time faculty member who belongs “As the black students we had to a visible minority,” said Furlani. “In to point out things that she wasn’t terms of larger issues of diversity, bringing up in the class,” the department’s said Contant. cadre of 27 full“When you only Melissa Murphy, an time members give one avenue English Literature student includes 10 women of education, or and Contant’s classmate, and five gay/lessaid the teacher did not bian members.” education from analyze the literature in Furlani said the one perspective the way she felt a black last seven hires all the time, professor would. were white males, then it kind of “There wasn’t however he said leaves a certain enough cultural context there was no bias glare on the … [The professor] was within these hires. other side of kind of giving us a very “One of the hires the story.” formal understanding [of was Alan Shepard,” African-American litsaid Furlani, adding -SHANNON GITTENS erature].” that Shepard will Murphy said it’s hard begin teaching in for teachers to relate the Fall 2016 term. to issues associated to racism Furlani said that while this does not when their perspective is outside fill their racial minority category, he the realm of those experiencing is proud the English department has racism first-hand. LGBTQ+ representation. The students collectively said In terms of greater diversity within it’s not the professor’s fault that she the classes offered by the English didn’t bring a personal understanding department, Furlani said you’re to the analysis as a white female, not going to see the diversity of a however they feel this can be aided course in the title or the description by a greater minority representation online, however students should within the staff. look at the details of each syllabus “I want to be able to see myself to recognize the different ethnic in the things I read, I want to be able authors and literary works studied. to go and learn about my history,” “We’re black students, we’re said Shannon Gittens, an English advocating for our history, we literature student that participated want our stories told, we want our in the African-American literature representation and that’s something class. “The problem is when you that we should be able to demand only give one avenue of education, freely without it feeling offensive or education from one perspective or aggressive or out of place,” said all the time, then it kind of leaves Shannon. a certain glare on the other side of the story.” Graphics by Florence Yee.
Attawapiskat, an Indigenous community in remote northern Ontario, has issued a state of distress as a result of a sudden spike in the rate of suicide attempts. CTV News reported that since September 2015, there have been more than 100 attempted suicides. “This is a national catastrophe,” said local MP and NDP critic for Indigenous affairs Charlie Angus, adding that if the state of emergency was issued in any other community, “it would have an immediate response,” according to CTV News. First Nation resident Jackie Hookimaw said in response to grief of suicide attempts, Attawapiskat youth and closeby communities took part in a march last week to bring attention to the problem.
Evacuation after fire on coast of Newfoundland Hundreds of people have been removed from a small community in eastern Newfoundland as a result of a large fire inside a fish plant. Mayor of Bay de Verde Gerard Murphy called for an emergency evacuation of the 400-person shoreline community, according to canoe. com. Murphy said the fire in the 50-year-old Quinlan Brothers fish plant may result in a deficit of 700 seasonal jobs. The wife of plant manager, Barbie Skulason, said they were notified of the fire at approximately 5:30 a.m., Canoe News reported. Previously, there was speculation the fire may have been caused by an ammonia tank, but Murphy said most of the elements of the tank had been freed into the air, according to canoe.com.
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theconcordian
WORLD IN BRIEF BY DAVID EASEY OPINIONS EDITOR
Terrorists sought to attack France again The terrorists responsible for the attacks in Belgium last month had initially planned to attack France, according to The Guardian. Mohamed Abrini, a key accomplice in the airport bombing in Brussels, was arrested last week and has admitted to police that terrorists intended to attack Paris once again. According to the same article, Abrini admittedtheywereplanningaterror attack in July when France would be hosting a large soccer tournament. The investigators also found clear and established links between the Brussels bombers and the Paris attackers, stating that many were childhood friends and brothers who grew up together in the suburb of Molenbeek in Brussels. French and Belgian authorities have begun to share more information in a bid to better understand and map out the trail of terror.
Children sue U.S. government over climate change A group of young individuals were allowed to go forward with their lawsuit in an Oregon court on Friday as they continue their legal battle against the federal government, according to Think Progress. The 21 individuals—aged eight to 19—are suing the government and large fossil fuel companies because they were aware for almost 50 years that pollutants would cause climate change and have adverse impacts upon the environment, according to CNN. The youngsters are a part of Our Children’s Trust, an organization that has heavily criticized the U.S. government for not doing enough to combat climate change. After the hearing, many children lamented about how their generation has to inherit this massive issue.
APRIL 12, 2016
CAMPUS
CSU pledges $185,600 for Hive move
The move to the new space is expected to happen in 2018 BY GREGORY TODARO CO-NEWS EDITOR It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon at Concordia’s downtown campus. But wandering around the Hall building’s seventh floor, the smell of fresh peanut butter cookies and the sound of mountains of crisp, fresh kale being chopped are a sign of life in the otherwise still building. For the three cooks in the Hive Café Co-op kitchen, it’s a Sunday like any other. Food coordinator Shylah Wolfe usually starts her day with a 10 a.m. grocery run and spends the whole day cooking and baking the food which will be sold at the Hive’s two on-campus locations. This Sunday, Wolfe made 90 peanut butter cookies, as well as the vegan rosemary chocolate chip cookies which lay cooling on trays near one of the dozen windows along the room’s back wall. The space is bigger than the Hive currently needs—something Colleen Risby, a chef with the Hive since September 2015, knows all too well. She said her pedometer has hit four kilometres in a day. “It’s like a football field in here,” she said. But this space is a vast improvement from the kitchen the Hive was using when they started two years ago. Wolfe said she was working from the kitchen on the Loyola campus which, as she explained while scooping cookie dough from a large stainless steel bowl, didn’t even have knobs on appliances. “We have knobs everywhere
Royal couple visit India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down in Mumbai on Sunday, beginning their six-day tour of India and Bhutan. The royal couple began their visit by paying tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai bombings, in which 166 people died, according to CBC News. They also visited one of the poorest slums in the city to oversee the work done by various charities in the district, and spent time speaking and taking photos with the children who inhabit the area. The couple is expected to make a stop over in neighbouring Bhutan to meet with King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema.
CRISP AND CLEAN Colleen Risby prepares salads (above) while Shylah Wolfe starts on the dishes (right).
BUZZING ABOUT
now,” joked Jay Manicom, a cook for the Hive since October 2015, from the next table over. “Yes, we do have knobs here,” she laughed. “We’ve made such great strides.” Now, thanks in part to a $185,600 allocation approved at the Concordia Student Union’s last special council meeting on Thursday, the Hive is preparing to take it’s next big step. In 2017, Concordia University will be making major renovations to the Hall building’s seventh floor—changes which mean a new kitchen space for the Hive. “I think it’s a positive thing for the university to promote and allow student initiatives to play with food and learn about food,” said Colleen Risby, a chef with the Hive since September 2015. Concordia will be covering costs of the infrastructure changes on the seventh floor, a project which will require the Hive’s current
The chefs at the Hive Café Co-op’s current kitchen are cooking up a storm. Photos by Gregory Todaro.
kitchen space to be demolished temporarily until the new space is open sometime in 2018. Despite the university taking the brunt of the costs for the project, the Hive still needed help with purchasing kitchen equipment for the new space. The $185,600 will cover purchasing a commercial kettle, tilt skillet, grill and oven among other tables and appliances. While the actual costs of the items will be less than the amount asked from the CSU, Hive Café co-founder and Hive Café Mezzanine coordinator Jess Cabana explained a portion of the cost will go towards what she called a “contingency cushion,” or a sort of safety net in case unexpected costs arise. However, the motion passed at council stipulated that all money not used for the project would be returned to the CSU at the end of the move. During their presentation to
council, Cabana and Wolfe highlighted how important this move would be for the Hive and the necessity to act quickly. The group only had two weeks to let the university know if they were on-board with the new plans and Cabana said not taking advantage of this opportunity “would take away momentum” from the Hive. “[There are] three main reasons why we need this money,” Cabana said to the CSU council. “The first is to keep what we have.” The Hive currently makes 80 per cent of its food in-house and 70 per cent of the food sold is organic. Cabana said keeping a kitchen space will allow the Hive to maintain and stabilize its current services. “We also want to enhance service to students,” she said. “The last one is really about opening opportunities.” CSU general coordinator Terry Wilkings said contributing to the Hive’s move fits in with the organization’s mandates around food systems—five of the last nine referendum questions passed by the CSU related to the topic. “Given the timely nature of the proposal and the very significant financial contribution from the university we feel that it is a large part of our mandate to support these types of initiatives,” he said, adding the funding proposal was for roughly two per cent of current amount in the Student Space fund. Cabana said she was both excited and proud of the new project because of what it means to students. “This project is a milestone in gaining more control over the food we eat and increasing engagement opportunities for students in our local food system,” she said.
That’s a wrap!
It’s over for The Concordian’s 2015-2016 team, but we’ll be back next year bigger and better than ever! Thank you for putting up with our endless headline puns and cats. Cats, everywhere. Balou the cat will likely make a return appearance in the coming years. See you when the leaves change colour. Stay classy, and take it easy. - The Concordian 2015-2016 staff
life
LIFE EDITOR /// life@theconcordian.com CRISTINA SANZA ( @Cristina_Sanza)
EVENT
Home: what’s love got to do with it? Technology keeps us at home while pushing us away at the same time BY JOSHUA DE COSTA CONTRIBUTOR What do E.T., Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and Home Depot have in common? They’re all obsessed with home—phoning it, finding it, filling it. But what makes home, ‘home?’ The University of the Streets Café hosted a forum to discuss this topic. At 7 p.m. on a Wednesday night, cups of tea and coffee covered the tables at Café l’Artère, where the air was heavy with Indian, Brazilian and Australian accents. “By a show of hands, who is from somewhere other than Montreal?” asked Susan Edey, the first speaker. She didn’t need to count—everybody had raised their hands. “And how many of you call Montreal home?” Half the hands vanished. Draped in black from head to toe, Edey’s smile spread across the room as she explained how technology has eased her move from Edmonton. “Whenever I’m feeling down, I can just call my mum, and if I don’t have plans on a Friday night, I can just have a Skype-date with my best friend back home,” she said. Today, technology has evolved into the platonic lover’s dream, we’re forever in touch—while never having to touch. And technology refuses to let go. In 2000, when J.K. Rowling wrote of Sirius Black’s face appearing to Harry Potter in the fireplace,
it was magic. Now at the touch of a button, our smartphones can do the same—and in higher definition. A product of a generation prior to such magical technology, the second speaker, Patrick McKenna, was forced to flee Belfast in 1975 when bombings and shootings scarred the face of a nation. “For me, it took 30 years for
Montreal to become home,” he said, with an Irish lilt that speckled his sentences. “I knew it was home when I returned to Belfast and I was looking with my eyes, instead of my heart.” While technology helps us relocate physically, emotionally it can burden us. We get a false sense of home through slices of Snapchat and bites of FaceTime. Throughout the discussion, one thing became clear: home is wherever we feel connected to others. Prolonged disconnection wreaks havoc. In 2014, Michael Bond wrote an article for
the BBC about the distressing effects of social isolation on the mind, ranging from mental instability to hallucinations. Isolation can make us do some truly bizarre things. If you need more evidence, just look at Tom Hanks in Castaway and his unorthodox but understandable relationship with his volleyball, Wilson. I’m sure Snapchat keeps them close. We insist that apps like Snapchat do keep us close, but our desire to be constantly connected with wherever we’re not slows our search for a home wherever we are. Edey ended the night explaining how she knows Montreal has finally become home for her. “I’m starting to read Le Devoir, instead of the Edmonton [Journal].” Graphic by Florence Yee.
“Whenever I’m feeling down, I can just call my mum, and if I don’t have plans on a Friday night, I can just have a Skype-date with my best friend back home,” - SUSAN EDEY
FOOD
Vegan or not, these restos are worth a shot
Narrowing in on some of the top places in Montreal that offer plant-based foods BY SANDRINE PELLETIER CONTRIBUTOR
are also available at the Aux Vivres market next door.
For the casual culinary observer, this might be the time to explore Montreal’s garden of veganism. Whether you are a hardcore vegan or simply a plant-based enthusiast, here are the best spots on the island to enjoy veganism at its best.
Vegan Rapide - 6206 Sherbrooke W. Vegan Rapide has everything a nostalgic vegan could dream of. The eatery offers a bunch of reinvented fast foods that will satisfy any soul food cravings. The restaurant provides the finest plant-based foodies in town their monthly junk fix. Choose from a variety of pizzas and sandwiches, like their innovative fall vegetable and faux pepperoni “Étoile” pizza. Or perhaps their mind-blowing BLT, made with coconut bacon. You could also go all out and order their vegan poutine. There is a great variety of flavours and options, and all of their plates are $15 or less. If you’re around Loyola campus, you should definitely give them a try.
Aux Vivres - 4631 boul. Saint-Laurent The famous pioneer restaurant of Quebec’s vegan culture sits in the heart of the Plateau. Founded in 1997, Aux Vivres proposes vegan and healthy dishes that would probably trick any meat-lover in town, and even better, get them hooked. This vegan Eden has a broad range of options to choose from for those willing to energize their sometimes redundant sprouts-and-tofu-only diet in a cozy, retro ambiance. You’ll be delighted by their crispy, flavourful veggie burgers and homemade vegan tzatziki, not to mention their mind blowing “fake” cheesecake or their super moist carrot cake. The staff, the food, the vibe—everything about Aux Vivres is amazing. For a full experience, try their souvlaki plate or buddha bowl. All of their signature sauces and sandwiches
Crudessence - multiple locations With several locations across Montreal— namely on Rachel, St-Viateur and Mackay, Crudessence is mostly known for its 100 per cent organic, vegan and raw cuisine that never fails to deliver a healthy, light and flavourful experience. Their white, simple, and zen decor does attract yoga enthusiast crowds, but don’t get intimidated: you don’t have to be a hippie or a vegan to appreciate
Whether you’re vegan or not, these restaurants have reinvented classic dishes many of us love. Photos by Mell Martella.
Crudessence cuisine. With dishes such as japanese black bean noodles with macerated kale and grilled seaweed, caesar salad with aubergine bacon and garlic brazil nuts or pesto lasagna with macadamia nut ricotta, meat is probably the last thing that’ll be on your mind when looking at the menu. If a banana mochachino smoothie sounds
pretty good to you, you might have found your next date location.
APRIL 12, 2016
theconcordian
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FASHION
Timeless styles for the modern gentleman
Style Attorney enhances classic menswear styles with a contemporary twist BY SANDRA HERCEGOVA ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR All men looking for inspiration on both classic and casual styles may have a new go-to guide. Claudiu Pascalau is the founder of the fashion blog Style Attorney, and he’s making classical menswear refreshing and appealing to a younger audience. Pascalau is currently studying at Concordia, majoring in communication studies. In the summer of 2013, he decided to take his passion for men’s clothing to the next level by creating a blog where he could share and express his unique style. Since 2014, he has been a stylist for Boutique Tozzi, which has inspired him for many styles and brands that he shares through his blog. “The concept of inspiring people by doing what you love thrills me,’’ said Pascalau. The fashion blogging field is saturated with bloggers—so many of them are competing for recognition, yet, Style Attorney has managed to gain awareness regardless of the struggle. “The blog started with “I want people only a simple to know that idea, however, it’s not unusual it took a lot for young of work and men to dress determination formally. My to implement it. blog is all about At first, I would showcasing post every day how to make and not get any views or feedthese classic back,” he said. styles fit into “It’s important today’s modern not to give up wardrobes.” an d remain consistent. If - CLAUDIU PASCALAU I did not per-
sist, my blog would not have reached the audience it has today.” The website gets over 2,000 visits per month. Pascalau said his style is all about the “old world charm” adapted to modern standards. His inspirations come from style icons such as Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and Gregory Peck. “I want people to know that it’s not unusual for young men to dress formally. My blog is all about showcasing how to make these classic styles fit into today’s modern wardrobes,” said Pascalau. He also said honesty and integrity are key concepts for his blog. “I only showcase products that I truly believe are worthy. I won’t promote a product just to get paid, I need to agree with its quality,” he said. Through Style Attorney, Pascalau has had the opportunity to collaborate with various companies from the menswear industry such as Sprezza Box, Union Jack Boots and Scarzza Shoes. Pascalau reached a milestone while collaborating with Coghor, a Montreal-based custom tailoring and men’s styling company, where they got together to document the process of getting a made-to-measure suit. When asked what trends to look out for in summer and fall of 2016, he said: “Suede shoes, mainly Chelsea boots or desert boots. White and off-white pants are going to be very trendy as well. A lot of prints; printed shirts are making a huge comeback. As for suits, linen or cotton fabrics—any suit that is deconstructed is in style. It gives the look a more casual allure while remaining chic,” said Pascalau. He said keeping it simple is key, focusing on comfort, but also confidence in what you wear. Pascalau said it is always best to favour quality over quantity. “Build a wardrobe that will still be in style 10 years from now,” he advised.
Claudiu Pascalau created Style Attorney, your goto guide for everything menswear. Photo courtesy of Sacha Cohen.
Hungr y for more fashion recommendations? Check out www.styleattorney.com or visit his Youtube channel “Style Attorney.»
CAMPUS
There’s nothing quite like having a best buddy The Best Buddies chapter at Concordia brings awareness to various disabilities BY OLIVIA O’MALLEY STAFF WRITER Best Buddies is a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships and leadership
development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are currently Best Buddies chapters in every Canadian province and in over 50 additional countries. Concordia has its own Best Buddies chapter. Students who join Best Buddies go through an interviewing process with their chapter president, where they are matched with a buddy. B u d d i e s a re a d u l t s with developmental or intellectual disabilities. They are matched based on common interests. Once matched, buddy pairs are expected to be in contact through phone or email once a week and meet in person t wice a month. This year Concordia’s Best
Buddies members have gone bowling, gone to the museum and watched a Concordia Stingers men’s hockey game. Kristyn Wright, one of the founders of the Best Buddies chapter at Concordia, said that the purpose behind establishing the chapter was to “provide the same types of friendship experience we all enjoy to a group of people who may not have this same opportunity.” Ashton Golding, current president of Concordia’s Best Buddies, said seeing her buddy and the smile on her face whenever they spend time together is the most rewarding feeling. She strongly encourages everyone to get involved because there is no feeling quite like being a friend. “It’s not a responsibility, it’s about having fun and getting to know your buddy,” said Poppy Baktis, logistical and financial coordinator for the Centre of Arts in Human Development. There is no emphasis on the distinction between students and the participants of
the program as everyone is referred to as a buddy or friend. Golding said it’s great to see so many friendships being built. “Many of the thing s people with developmental disabilities struggle with are the same kinds of needs or wants that every student has had some experience with,” Wright added. Although Best Buddies Canada has come a long way since their establishment in 1993, they are still striving to achieve their long-term goal to make every school and community across Canada more inclusive and accepting of people with intellectual disabilities. “They are people just like us and we are all equal. We all have emotions, likes, dislikes, and strengths and weaknesses,” said Golding. “Their disability does not mean that they are different from anyone else.” For more information or to join Best Buddies, visit bestbuddies.ca. Graphic by Thom Bell.
arts
ARTS EDITORS /// arts@theconcordian.com LYDIA ANDERSON ( @LydiaAndersonn) & ELIJAH BUKREEV (
@ElijahBukreev)
EXHIBITION
PLEASE : making an appeal appealing
Concordia alumna and collage artist Amanda Durepos explores concepts behind the word ‘please’ BY LYDIA ANDERSON CO-ARTS EDITOR It can be a solicitation, an appeal, a request or satisfaction. The word itself is a dichotomy between pleasure and pain. We’re taught from a young age to say “please,” but the politesse has taken on new connotations and is now utilized and interpreted in a multitude of ways. Amanda Durepos—a collage artist and Concordia alumna who graduated with a BFA—has drawn inspiration from this loaded letter arrangement and her exhibition is on display until April 23. It is being exhibited at Ymuno, which is a gallery space that was recently opened by Ben Williamson and his girlfriend Madeline Richards in Studio 530 of the Belgo Building. To set out to observe PLEASE and step in off the bustling street of Ste. Catherine is to enter into a building that is crawling with creativity and artistic potential. Making your way through the Belgo Building’s halls is an experience in itself, where you can peer into studio spaces littered with products of artistic endeavours and projects of passion. Studio 530 is simple, small and, behind one of the gallery walls, serves as a loft-style studio as well. PLEASE marks their first display as a
gallery, and Durepos’ simplistic and enticing collage work proves an excellent channel to ignite their space’s personality. PLEASE begins with the display of a collection of poems and short essays contributed by friends of the artist, all revolving around and delving into the concepts of the word ‘please.’ This facilitates the intellectual marination of the concepts attached to the word in question before the consumption of Durepos’ work. The diversified literary approach to what the word represents contextualizes her interpretations of it. Her choices of imagery explore the very diverse facets of what the word can entail. Her interpretations range from sexual pleasure to desperate pleas or the dynamic of appeals within a relationship. However, Durepos said she prioritizes aesthetics and pleasing visual arrangements first and only projects narratives onto her pieces after. Durepos gravitates towards a vintage, black-and-white aesthetic in her collected cutouts, and harnesses diverse tactics such as the rough ripping of material and clean cut strokes. Her style often involves the removal of facial elements, making the word “please” jump out of the piece because of the composition rather than a facial expression or entreaty.
It’s an exhibition that will ignite a desire in you to tear up old magazines in a passionate frenzy, eagerly collecting the ingredients of a visual composition and searching for the pieces of a potential creation. Words or phrases from the publications or advertisements she has collected these images from are sometimes still visible, only adding to the concept that random and banal pieces of the world around us can come together to create beautiful art and work together to portray a message. Collage work has a distinct beauty rooted in the fact that its
aesthetic is made up of pieces of other works’ simplicities, pieces of a whole marrying the details of another. This exhibition is the result of Durepos utilizing this medium for over 10 years now. “I love the physicality of paper and the colour palettes of old photographs. I think there’s something romantic about ephemera and discarded materials and magazines,” said Durepos. PLEASE is on display in Studio 530 of the Belgo Building (372 Ste. Catherine W.) until April 23.
PLEASE will ignite a desire within you. Photo by William Fox.
FILM
A small-town American science-fiction story Midnight Special incorporates ‘80s nostalgia into a tight and suspenseful ride BY ELIJAH BUKREEV CO-ARTS EDITOR Even before the first image appears, you know you’re in for a good ride. Voices of news anchors are heard sharing the news of a boy’s kidnapping. The man shown on a T.V. screen to be the abductor is standing in a barricaded motel room, while an accomplice, noticeably armed, looks outside. A small human form, sitting under an illuminated bedsheet, is revealed to be a young boy in swimming goggles reading a Superman comic book with a flashlight. All three leave in an aging ‘70s car, racing through an empty highway. The music intensifies. The driver cuts off the car’s lights, putting on night-vision goggles, and the vehicle dissolves into the night. Now you’re left
staring at an essentially black screen, and you couldn’t feel any more ecstatic. That is one of the coolest and most gripping opening scenes I’ve seen in a long time. A film usually builds to a high, but Midnight Special starts with one, and maintains it almost all the way through. An original, genre-defying mixture of the old, the new and the eternal, Jeff Nichols’ fourth film confirms the American director as one of this decade’s most exceptional new talents. Grounded in a strong sense of authenticity, and featuring constant reminders of its setting in the Deep South, the movie feels real in a way that most action-based movies don’t. You’re used to seeing guns and shooting, often for entertainment, but here when you see a gun, you know blood might be shed, and there’s not a single character that you’d
The mostly unspoken father-son connection is the emotional heart of this film.
want to lose. The film is upfront about its sci-fi influences—if you squint, you can almost see the spectres of ‘80s Steven Spielberg and James Cameron—and also shares its basic plotline and distinctly American themes with Stephen King’s novel Firestarter, but it could hardly be confused with anyone else’s work. Like Nichols’ masterful Take Shelter, it stars Michael Shannon as a father trying to protect his family when confronted with a supernatural occurrence. The supernatural here comes in the form of his own son, Alton (Jaeden Lieberher), a boy of seemingly unlimited capabilities who can bring down a space satellite and draws information from an invisible parallel dimension. These powers catch the attention of both the U.S. government and the leader of a religious cult known as the Ranch, which leads the father, Roy, and his childhood friend Lucas (Joel Edgerton) to kidnap the boy from the cult and aid him in accomplishing his mysterious destiny. The film takes place mostly at night, daylight being dangerous to the boy’s well-being, which helps justify the title. Adam Stone, the cinematographer and Nichols’ regular collaborator, made no use of artificial lighting even in scenes that could have required it, which made light a recurring visual theme: when there is some, it is usually to denote fantasy or mystery, such as in the strong rays of light that the boy radiates through his eyes, or the appearance of the room in
which he is at one point taken by the F.B.I. This light also signifies a certain hope amidst the darkness that surrounds the characters, and a strong positivity that can be taken away from the film: despite its genre influences, it is remarkable for arguably having no antagonist, and delivering a story that is fundamentally about its characters and the emotions of a father who fears losing his son, but is resolved to let him determine his own path. Midnight Special starts with no exposition, throwing you right in the middle of the action, and feeds you information by little pieces, which forces you to watch carefully and connect the dots. Dialogue is sparse and the tone understated, with wonderfully economical filmmaking that keeps you on the edge even when little is happening, while telling you no more than you need to know at any given point. If you can overlook some of the less convincing later developments, and even if you can’t, there is much to appreciate and admire on this unusual journey. Like young Alton, you can immediately tell that you’re in good hands. MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
Directed by Jeff Nichols Starring Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Jaeden Lieberher Released on April 1, 2016 Duration 151 min
APRIL 12, 2016
theconcordian
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THEATRE
Bloodshed in the land of ingenuousness L’orangeraie is an adaptation of Larry Tremblay’s 2013 novel dealing with terrorism
BY AMBRE SACHET ASSISTANT ARTS EDITOR Amed and Aziz are twins. Their grandmother Shahina thought nothing could tear her “two drops of water in the desert” apart, but war did. The theatrical adaptation of Quebec writer Larry Tremblay’s prize-winning novel L’orangeraie (2013) is a topical tale that sheds light on the vices of a conflict whose first target is youth. After a bomb decimates their grandparents’ house in an unnamed village, the two brothers experience the fate of a nation at war somewhere in the Middle East. The twins’ father Zahed will have to make an inconceivable choice between his sons and decide which one should become a martyr to avenge their grandparents’ death. Three men in a Jeep: that’s all it took to turn the slice of heaven where their grandfather Mounir once grew oranges into the holy land of sacrifices. Directed by Claude Poissant, the artistic director of Théâtre Denise-Pelletier, and adapted by Tremblay himself, the play remains close to the original text. The famous writer, who is also a playwright, at first hesitated on whether L’orangeraie should be a novel or a play, as he revealed in an interview for Théâtre Denise-Pelletier’s Cahier d’hiver. This uncertainty helps explain the theatrical dimension of the book’s structure and the successful adaptation that followed. The author extracted fragments from about 20 scenes from the book, which is divided in three main parts: Amed, Aziz and
Sony. After fleeing his country to become an actor in America, the surviving son obtains a role in a school play. The twin remembers his lost brother by impersonating Sony, a child forced to give a soldier a reason not to kill him. Resilience and war’s abolition of borders between children and adults are at the heart of an exchange between the surviving teenager and his professor Mikaël. This mise en abyme ending is a reference to another one of Tremblay’s plays, War Cantata (2009). One aspect in which the play differs from the book is the use of voice-over in the first part, as the play begins with Shahina’s voice introducing her own death, whereas an external narrator prevailed in the written piece. However, the narration fades out during the second part of the play, set in America, where the dialogue is omnipresent. “The characters are outlines of the currents of thought and history of the world, they are only inventions of the actors on stage, that’s what guided us to stay in the narrative mode at first and abandon this restraint in the American part,” said Poissant. The pared-down scenery and modest costumes remind us of the impact such powerful dialogue can have on the illogical nature of war and its human-scale ramifications. Gabriel Cloutier Tremblay and Sebastien Tessier, who respectively played Amed and Aziz, bring to life an incarnation of juvenile disillusion. The director’s choice to use white actors as the two brothers, and only two actors originating from outside Quebec overall, meets the vision he had of the play, as he
From left to right: Sébastien Tessier, Jean-Moïse Martin and Gabriel Cloutier-Tremblay.
explained in an interview with La Presse. In making a clear distinction between theatre and reality, Poissant said he didn’t focus on the actors’ ethnicities but rather on who he thought would best suit the roles. Poissant’s selection of settings resonates with the uncluttered but thunderous style of Larry Tremblay. “Being simple is complex. I’ve often reminded all [the artists] that they should hold back on emotion … so you could hear the lyricism but also the real issues of
the characters and the insidious manipulation within the human spirit,” said Poissant. Devoid of any judgment, Tremblay’s unapologetic and poetic contemplation of terrorism breaks a taboo by finding the right words to paint one of the 21st century’s main horrors. L’orangeraie runs at Théâtre DenisePelletier from March 23 until April 16. Tickets are $31 for people under 30.
FILM
10 big stories in a small package
At the Phi Centre, Not Short on Talent gives Canadian film a place to shine BY TIFFANY LAFLEUR ASSISTANT ARTS EDITOR Short films often present relatable characters, interesting plots and engaging stories that aim to hook the viewer and ignite their interest. Except that, unlike features, shorts have only a fraction of the time to do it. Every second of every shot counts. At the Phi Centre, Not Short on Talent brings together 10 successful short films produced by Canadian talent from across the country and exhibits them on a loop for all to see. “You have to look at the big picture,” said
Danny Lennon, film curator at the Phi Centre and programmer at Prends ça court!. “It’s a year-round screening event, so 10 films per month. And it’s just another excuse to show brilliant work that’s being made in Canada right now that, even if the Internet exists, and even if festivals exist, lots of people don’t get to see.” The films are varied in their genres, themes and visual styles, and yet the one common aspect across all films is their powerful message. This month’s selection happens to highlight multiple works from Quebec artists. “We’re showing the films, but it’s also an
La Voce tells the surreal story of a pig butcher who falls in love with his favourite stripper.
initiative with Téléfilm Canada,” said Lennon. “It’s also the people behind the film that we want to showcase. The directors, the director of photography, the editor, everything. It’s not only the film as a whole, it’s the people behind it.” La Voce by David Uloth is a story of a pig butcher who falls in love with his favourite stripper. It is a film that subtly edges over the line of surrealism, weaving a realistic story of lost love and hopelessness with abstract themes of slowly losing one’s identity. A must-see for the cinephile that enjoys stylized works and reading between the lines.
On the other hand, Maurice, by François Jaros, crashes the viewer back to reality. When Maurice is given only a few months to live, he must continue living the time he has left while embracing his own impending death. He opts to choose a day to end his life so that he doesn’t become a burden for his children. Jaros was the winner of the Best Fiction Short Film award at the Gala du cinéma québécois 2016. In She Stoops to Conquer by Zack Russell, a struggling actress dons a mask for a talent show, and keeps it to go clubbing. There, she meets her doppelganger, and engages in a strange dance. Her identity begins meshing with the character she portrays, and the audience is left wondering who is really calling the shots. Russell won for Best Live Action Short Drama at the Canadian Screen Awards 2016. Lennon believes it is important to highlight local talent, because it remains obscure to many. “The short films, there’s so much content right now in the world that it gets lost. So we’re bringing that content to one place, there’s not a zillion films, there’s 10 films,” said Lennon. The films are being shown from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the exhibition is free.
music
CHECK THIS WEEK’S SPOTIFY PLAYLIST AT bit.ly/1S1W6Pz
Quickspins
MUSIC EDITOR /// music@theconcordian.com SAMUEL PROVOST-WALKER
THE LUMINEERS
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Cleopatra (Dualtone, 2016)
PROFILE
The heartrending chords of AN DR EW B I R D Are You Serious takes flight in a welcome new direction
Following 2015’s ambient experiment Echolocations: Canyon, Are You Serious represents a more straightforward and approachable return to form for Bird. Photo by Reuben Cox
BY SARAH JESMER CONTRIBUTOR
decide how far he wants to push himself. Bird has achieved an untamable genre with his classic style of vibrant instrumentation, Andrew Bird is trying something he has but the album shows something new with a never done before on his new record Are more alternative rock and roll vibe. “Roma You Serious. With hopes of breaking out Fade,” a creepy, eerie love song punctuated of his seemingly whimsical and unrelatable by bouncing guitar, proved to be the most sound, the album is a visceral exploration personally challenging and important track of human nature. for Bird on the new record. “The record I phoned Bird on a sleepy, rainy Sunday is more about the songwriting craft and afternoon to talk about his new record, and restraint. In Are You Serious I’m [resisting] what it means for him as a musician. the urge to play the violin, and saving that Are You Serious tells a story about for other projects,” he said. Bird’s earlier human relationships and experiences. work is known for his mastery of the violin Starting with its emotional opening track and other instruments. “In that sense, it “Capsized” detailing a break satisfies,” he said. up, the album then moves Bird hopes to close the through songs of love and gap between performance “In Are You Serious the broad complexity of and studio with Are You human relationships. The idea Serious, and to join in the I’m [resisting] behind these major themes discussion he hopes his the urge to play of existence was conceived songs are facilitating when the violin, and more as a sequence of scenes dealing with heavy topics. saving that for in a play than a narrative “’Here’s an interesting idea: other projects.” of personal stories, Bird discuss amongst yourselves,’” explained. “I do scenes like said Bird about the carefully ANDREW BIRD bits in the play, where the chosen lyrics and themes on verses all point to the same the record. topic,” he said. “Valleys Of The Young,” The record aims to be more accessible a thoughtful discussion between two lovers and visceral to a wide range of audiences and about bringing a son into the world, is reflective venues than Bird’s 2015 album Echolocations: of Bird and wife Katherine Tsina’s experiences Canyon. Released in tandem with a short raising their son. “I had something I really film, the album was more about location and wanted to say,” he said. With songs such as sound than the lyrical mastery of his newest “Left Handed Kisses,” a powerful and emotional record. Are You Serious reaches past the duet with Fiona Apple, Bird describes them as scene of indie rock ghetto to a place where internal dialogue songs, in which he attempts Bird can be infiltrating the mainstream. to ascribe lyrics to heavy emotion. “It was a reaction to the old stuff,” said Though he’s been in the music scene for Bird. “I wanted it to be top of the line this years, Bird described this album as distinctly time.” A perfectionist, the multi-instrumen- set apart from the “scrappy” means of protalist described how producing the album duction that he has so far experienced. The posed an unfamiliar challenge, trying to 42-year-old teamed up with artists like Fiona
Apple and Blake Mills and took inspiration from the city instead of the quiet opposite barn-atmosphere he’s used to back in his home state of Illinois. A portion of the Are You Serious tour ticket sales is being donated to Everytown For Gun Safety, an organization dedicated to the education and promotion of gun safety. Bird comes from Lake Forest, Illinois located in Northern Chicago. “Chicago is a frightening place in that realm,” said Bird. “[Every town] is a smart organization and they have a chance to really make a difference.” He said the issue lies in the symbolism behind guns in America, and the effect a lack of common sense can have when using a “destructive machine.” Chicago violence and gun control has been a subject of intense discussion in North America recently. In addition to contributing to political discourse through charities such as Everytown, Bird also aims to be involved with others in more than just a musical way. “I enjoy being part of the dialogue between me and the audience,” said Bird. “When you’re a musician, you’re not simply a musician. I like talking to other artists.” In 2010, Bird was featured in a TED talk that doubled as an intimate commentary and music performance. Since then he’s been working on short films including an upcoming collaboration with Everytown to put on a Chicago-themed music video to Bird’s popular “Pulaski at Night,” as well as his ongoing Echolocation series. He has explored the world of sound and film while figuring out what the room wants to hear in the Coyote Gulch canyons of Utah, and hopes to continue that series. “There are four more coming up,” Bird said. Are You Serious is available now on Loma Vista Recordings.
Coming off of their massively successful self-titled debut album in 2012, which featured the smash hit “Ho Hey,” The Lumineers surely knew the pressures of delivering with their sophomore album, Cleopatra. If their debut was boisterous, upbeat, and playful, the latter is more subdued, melancholic and contemplative. Since going from relative obscurity to global fame and selling out arenas across the globe, here we find a world-weary band that attempts to reconnect with their audience through intimacy. Fans expecting more of the same foot-stomping indie folk anthems may be slightly let down initially by this sudden restraint. Most importantly, however, Cleopatra also effectively showcases a band that has matured both lyrically and musically. Trial Track: ‘’Ophelia’’
7/10 — Ayan Chowdhury
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WEEZER
Weezer (The White Album) (Atlantic, 2016) Weezer’s 10th studio album, their fourth self-titled release (this one being referred to as The White Album), is a perfect rock album to take you into the summer. The lyrics are simple and the melodies range from sunny upbeat songs to laidback beach tunes. The album has the inescapable feeling that it was crafted for a day at the beach. While some might feel that this album is stagnation for a group stuck in the ‘90s, it delivers a refinement of the Weezer formula. It might not be a step forward but it delivers what it promises. Like its titular colour, the album will no doubt be bland to some and comforting to others. If you are looking for a spiritual, complex and challenging experience, look elsewhere. If you are in the mood to have fun, relax or party like it’s 1999, don’t miss out! Trial Track: “California Kids”
8/10 — Justinas Staskevicius
APRIL 12, 2016
theconcordian
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Music to summon the summer
Though it’s still cold outside, these albums oughta warm you up BY SAMUEL PROVOST-WALKER MUSIC EDITOR
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BAAUER
Aa (LuckyMe, 2016) American DJ Baauer first came to prominence in 2013 after his song hit song “Harlem Shake” went viral. Although Aa does not contain any songs that have the same viral potential, his debut album is a well-balanced feast for the ears. The track “Temple,” which features M.I.A. and Korean rapper G-DRAGON is a stand out song, wasting no time pulling the listener in. The whole song feels like an out-of-body experience at a temple with two whacky monks rapping at you. The catchy beat mixed with the Oriental sounds creates a crazy sophisticated sound. The album feels like a progressive attempt to pull in listeners who aren’t fans of electronic music. It contains catchy tracks that become quite addictive like “Sow” and “Body,” as well as hard-hitting true trap style songs like “Day Ones” and “Make it Bang.”
It may not seem like it, what with the cold weather and the white snow still occupying our rooftops, but summer is just around the corner. No really. The heat is nearly here and festival season is almost upon us. With the temperature still hitting the negatives however, it’s understandably a bit hard to get in the swing of things—it’s been a notoriously unpredictable spring season. To help speed it along, here are a handful of albums that oughta get you primed and ready for the year’s most exciting season in music.
— Erdene Batzorig
DEFTONES
Gore (Reprise, 2016)
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As the sole nu metal band to actually grow up, Deftones have outdone themselves time and time again. Whether incorporating lush shoegaze elements or further refining their crunchy down-tuned riffs, the band comfortably exists in a vacuum between rock and metal. Gore, the band’s eighth studio album, does little to dispel this notion. Though it borrows more liberally from Saturday Night Wrist’s glimmering shoegaze, namely on its excellent opener “Prayers/Triangles,” Gore unfortunately falls victim to a dearth of inspiration where verses are concerned. Many of its songs lurch towards enormous choruses without earning much momentum—“Xenon” and “Doomed User” feel especially slight. To make matters worse, Gore continues the unfortunate compression of its predecessors, its mix more claustrophobic than ever. If anything, Gore represents a solid if unspectacular footnote in Deftones’ consistently surprising career. Trial Track: “Prayers/Triangles”
6/10 — Samuel Provost-Walker
TH E CO N G O S - H E A R T O F T H E CONGOS (BLACK ART, 1977)
YO L A TENGO - I CAN HEAR THE HEART BEATING AS ONE (MATADOR, 1997)
Trial Track: “Temple”
7/10
three song EP Super Roots 7, however, is something else entirely. A prolonged reconstruction of English punk rock band The Mekons’ classic single “Where Were You?,” Super Roots 7 is an odyssey of sun-baked guitar tones and driving rhythms brimming with droning repetition and pure gleeful joy. Psychedelic rock should always be this fun.
Over 30 years strong, Hoboken’s Yo La Tengo have built a career out of noise pop bliss and dreamy, experimental diversions. To put it simply, they are the logical extension of The Velvet Underground. I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One , their eighth studio album, found them at the peak of their power, seamlessly blending the cathartic guitar squeals of yore with elegantly subdued ballads and pop sensibilities. What’s always been most striking about Yo La Tengo’s approach to indie rock is the amount of love they imbue into every release, their music having the therapeutic qualities of a nice warm hug. In that sense, I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One is akin to being hugged by a giant fuzzy teddy bear. Skeptics should just listen to “Green Arrow” as the sun sets following a long, eventful day.
BORE DOMS - SUPER ROOTS 7 (A.K.A., 1998) Principally known for their cacophonic and incredibly percussive brand of psychedelic noise rock, it’s easy to forget how positively fun Japan’s Boredoms can be—Vision Creation Newsun remains a mainstay for instant happiness. The 1998
Produced by Jamaican dub pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry, Heart of the Congos is a warm and mellow voyage through the world of roots reggae and an essential addition to any summer playlist. The Congos have an absolutely infectious energy and some of the most pleasant rhythms around, serving as a healthy and much needed reminder that not all reggae sounds alike. Don’t let those MP3 tags fool you; not all reggae songs are by Bob Marley.
recording that’s nearly impossible not to dance along to. In fact, choosing the best Fela Kuti album is akin to having to pick between your two children—it’s pretty much impossible. The 1975’s He Miss Road, however, harbours one of Kuti and band Africa ‘70s best grooves, its horns blaring melodically as the percussive backdrop grows increasingly untamed. Though it may not be their best, He Miss Road showcases Kuti and Africa 70 at their most diabolically infectious. If you want to get people dancing, don’t hesitate with this record. THE STONE ROSES - THE STONE ROSES (SILVERTONE, 1989)
KURT VILE - WAKIN ON A PRETTY DAZE (MATADOR, 2013)
If Kurt Vile’s Smoke Ring for My Halo was distinguished by its flanger-drenched guitars and solitary psychedelic vibes, its 2013 follow-up marks a sunny welcome change to his signature formula. With its psychelia stripped down considerably, Vile and his band (known as The Violators) lay down nearly 70 minutes of potent folk rock perfect for the summer season. Singing in a nasally, lackadaisical snarl, Vile exudes more confidence than ever on some of his longest songs to date. If you find yourself digging his stuff, be sure to catch him this summer at Osheaga.
Driven by a playful, sometimes cocky demeanor and glistening jangly guitars, The Stone Roses laid the groundwork for much of the ‘90s alt rock scene with their self-titled debut. As one of the quintessentially hypnotic albums of its time, much of The Stone Roses’ appeal lies in its energetic delivery and warm, cozy psychedelia, with guitarist John Squire layering bright leads over Mani’s punchy basslines. Without a doubt the most important release to emerge from the drug-fueled Baggy/Madchester scene, The Stone Roses’ debut is a heartwarming snapshot in time and a timelessly pleasant record tailor-made for the summer. QUAD CITY DJ’S - GET ON UP AND DANCE (ATLANTIC, 1996)
FELA KUTI - HE MISS ROAD (EMI, 1975) Though much of his work is starkly rooted in politics and largely guided by protest and revolt, Fela Kuti brings a livewire energy to each and ever y
Seriously, if “Summer Jam” or “Stompn-Grind” don’t get you moving, nothing will. This is Miami Bass we’re talking about! Get on up and DANCE!
sports
SPORTS EDITOR /// sports@theconcordian.com ALEXANDER COLE ( @a_cole39)
STINGERS
Stingers honoured at athletic banquet
Frédérique Rajotte and Trenton Miller were recognized as Concordia’s athletes of the year BY ALEXANDER COLE SPORTS EDITOR Stingers rugby star Frédérique Rajotte and football quarterback Trenton Miller were both given Athlete of the Year honours on April 8 during Concordia’s annual athletic banquet at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall. “It felt so great and I was happy,” Rajotte said after the event. “It was a whirlwind of emotions because we went to Nationals, I got injured and I’m really happy that all my hard work and passion has paid off.” Rajotte had a season to remember with the women’s rugby team, as she was named RSEQ MVP and was also a member of Team Canada. The rugby team finished the season with a record of 6-1 and made it to the RSEQ championship where they lost to the University of Ottawa. Rajotte was also nominated for Play of the Year, for her 85-yard score against Bishops. The title of Play of the Year went to basketball player Ken Beaulieu, who won for one of his signature dunks. “How can I compete against [Ken Beaulieu]?” Rajotte said. “I see his highlight
tapes and I’m in awe. I’m glad he won and I’m glad I even got nominated.” Miller, who stood alongside Rajotte to claim his award for Male Athlete of the Year, said the award was a reflection of his team. “Honestly it feels pretty good, but [the award] is a testament to the hard work of my coaches and offensive line,” Miller said. “My first year was great but it was just something to build on and I think we’re ready to come out and do better than we did last year.” Miller was a standout on the Stingers football team this year, as he was given RSEQ MVP honours and broke the Stingers record for touchdowns in a season with 20. Miller threw for 2,384 yards in his first season with the team and finished with a record of 4-4. The show started off with a video montage of some of the year’s highlights. The video was met with immediate praise, as each time a particular team would appear in the video, the players from that team would yell out and fill the ears of everyone in attendance with Stingers pride. Comedian Joey Elias co-hosted the event and was met with laughs and cheering from the crowd. Elias made jokes about the
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ATHLETIC BANQUET 1) The event was held at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall. 2) Rugby player Samantha Bennett accepts her award. 3) Concordia president Alan Shepard gives a speech at the banquet. Photos by Marie-Pierre Savard.
strength of athletes and even the obscurity given Rookie of the Year honours. of CIS sports. Elias jokingly said his career “There were great awards and players and must really be taking off considering he teams that were recognized,” Rajotte said. was hosting an event put on by the Stingers. “It’s great to see teams like cross-country “I really enjoyed the night,” Miller said. and baseball get recognized and to be “Having Joey Elias, who is a able to cheer them all on funny guy, was nice and the to our fullest is an awe“I’ve always been speakers did well overall.” some feeling.” very involved One of the first awards The event finished with with the Stingers that was given out during the Stingers’ athletic valethe night was the President’s dictorians. Stingers men’s and I love the Academic Award for high and women’s hockey community. academic standing. The award defense players Youssef It means a lot was given to Kathleen Browne Kabbaj and Marie-Pier becasue I get of the cross-country team Cloutier were given the to represent all and Petr Prokopiev of the honour of speaking on of the athletes wrestling team. The Marvin behalf of the Stingers family. and share our Cooper Award, which is given Both athletes put on enterhard work.” to students who overcome taining and funny speeches adversity, was awarded to together which highlighted MARIE-PIER CLOUTIER Saby Dagenais of the rubgy the quirks of being a part team, while fittest female and of the Stingers family. male athlete honours were Kabbaj and Cloutier given to Samantha Bennett of the rugby were both chosen as valedictorians because team and Mikael Charland of the football they are both graduating and therefore, will team, respectively. not be returning to the Stingers next fall. Later in the night, men’s hockey captain For Kabbaj, being chosen as a valeOlivier Hinse and wrestler Linda Morais dictorian was both an honour and a were given the Michael nerve-racking experience. Di Grappa Award of “I’ve seen these speeches my first three Distinction for outstand- years and to get to do it now is definitely ing career contributions more than a dream come true,” Kabbaj said. to the Stingers organiza- “I’m not going to lie I was nervous before, tion. Women’s basketball during and after but I’m glad everyone had player Tamara Pinard- a good time and laughed at our jokes. Devos took home the Cloutier, who shared the stage with Kabbaj, Denise Beaudet Award was honoured to be able to represent her for her community ser- fellow female athletes. vice and leadership, while “I’ve always been very involved with Charles Debove of the the Stingers and I love the community,” men’s rugby team won Cloutier said. “It means a lot because I get the Ron Lapointe Award to represent all of the athletes and share for loyalty to his team our hard work.” and the Department of “I was nervous but at the same time it Recreation and Athletics. all felt good,” Cloutier said. To round out the awards, football star The night marked the official end to the Yanic Lessard and wres- Stingers season, while the 2016-2017 season tler Jade Dufour were will begin for most teams next September. 3
APRIL 12, 2016
theconcordian
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STINGERS
Looking to the future of Concordia athletics A conversation with athletic director Patrick Boivin about how to grow the Stingers program BY JONATHAN STILL ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR It’s been approximately two and a half years since Patrick Boivin was named Director of Recreation and Athletics at Concordia. While having a conversation on the past, present and future of Concordia’s athletic department, Boivin made it clear that he believes the program is on the right track. “All the programs are progressing well, they’re all on track to more or less achieve the potential we feel they can achieve,” said Boivin. “I continue to believe that we have
a great opportunity here, being the second English language school (in Montreal) but also being a lot more accessible and therefore open to the rest of Canada.” In order to get Concordia’s athletic program to the top, Boivin believes that it is important to have a plan that is both realistic and practical. “It’s a building process,” Boivin said. “Unlike professional sports teams, you can’t blow everything up and buy everything new again, whether it’s with players or with staff; you have to build things up properly and you have to make sure you’re building solid foundations. My motto has been that no matter what we’re doing we’re doing it not only to progress but to progress sustainably.” This culture change throughout the athletic department may cause short-term pain in the win column, but Boivin is sure that shortterm gain is not necessarily conducive to creating a respected and consistently competitive program. “Football, for
example, was dressing anywhere between However, Boivin believes that no matter 20 and 25 rookies this year and a lot of them what the alumni do to provide support for played some really good ball for us,” said the team, the student body has to become Boivin. “The hockey team steadily engaged in the perhad a ton of rookies and formance of their sports “Unlike in both of those cases it’s teams. Last year’s football due to significant change.” home-opener drew the largest professional Boivin continued on to crowd in the school’s history. sports teams, say that when it comes to Boivin acknowledged that you can’t blow filling holes on a team, the maintaining that viewership everything goal is not to fill those holes will be challenging but believes up and buy with “one and done” players the initiatives in place can yield everything new because it is a “disservice results in the years to come. again, whether to the student athlete.” “We had some pretty good it’s with players The key to Boivin’s success last year through or with staff.” method of turning the ASFA and John Molson Sports program around is alumni Marketing,” Boivin said. “The PATRICK BOIVIN support. He knows that in reality of having two campuses order to become a force means that this audience athletically, the university and the depart- (Loyola) might be a little more captivated but ment have to embrace former students and it’s a fifth of the entire student population so student athletes and outline to them exactly we want to be relevant without necessarily how they’re involvement can help take the being present downtown.” program to the next level. When it comes to figuring out how to “The reality is in CIS sports in general. get people engaged, Boivin believes he That delta that differentiates those top tier has the answers. teams, a lot of it is related to the added “First things first, it has nothing to do with funding that they’re able to get their hands how you market things. Your teams need on through donors, fundraising and a to win,” Boivin said. “In order to get people re-engagement of the alumni base and it’s engaged, there needs to be an emotional something we’ve kind of fallen short on a tie and it’s usually tied to winning and if not little bit through the years,” Boivin said. “It’s winning at least having a good time because all relationship building; so if you haven’t there’s a possibility for you to win.” done it in the past you can’t just flip a switch and have it start.” Graphic by Thom Bell
OPINIONS
Bringing a baseball team to Montreal
Looking at why Major League Baseball needs to return to the home of the Expos BY CASEY DULSON STAFF WRITER For a third straight year, the Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up Spring Training by playing two exhibition games against the Boston Red Sox at the Olympic stadium. Around 106,000 fans attended the April 1 and 2 games, which begs the question: is it time for Montreal to get back their beloved Major League Baseball franchise? Montreal has the 13th largest population in North America but is the only city with over 4 million people that does not have a baseball team. The other 12 cities all have baseball teams, including New York and Los Angeles which have two teams. Montreal is one of the greatest cities in
the world due to its culture and international recognition. When Montreal hosted Expo 67, about 55 million people attended the event. Two years later, the event led to the Montreal Expos becoming Canada’s first Major League Baseball team. Montreal has a unique culture within North America because of the bilingual population, which is great for tourism and could also be great for baseball. If the good sport did return to Montreal, I think both francophones and anglophones would accept the team and would wear the team’s gear. If you walk in Downtown Montreal today, it is very hard to miss someone wearing an Expos hat or t-shirt. There is a strong desire from people wanting to relive the good old days of
watching baseball games at Jarry Park and the Olympic Stadium. The desire for a return to baseball started in 2012 when former Expos catcher Gary Carter passed away. Carter was a hero for many in the ‘80s because he was always helping out in the community. I believe that the return of a baseball team will lead to more profit for the city, especially in the summertime. The other thing the city has going for it is the fact that a lot of tourists go to the summer festivals like Just for Laughs, the Grand Prix and the Jazz Festival. The city of Montreal had 9.6 million tourists and generated $2.9 billion in revenue last year according to the CBC. Just imagine taking a day off from one of these festivals and sitting down to watch a
baseball game on a hot sunny day. A new baseball team will likely have to be placed in the American East division because it would create a strong rivalry with the Blue Jays, the Red Sox and the New York Yankees. I personally have very fond memories of going to the Olympic Stadium in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. My goal was always to be there early to see batting practise so that I could get autographs from the players. The other memory I have is after the games sometimes, you were able to run around the bases. These were the fun times of attending Expos games. I hope someday, I will be able to take my kids to see a baseball game in Montreal just like my parents did with me.
Based on the amount of people going to see Blue Jays games in Montreal, it is apparent that the city is ready to take back the Expos. Photo by jalvaro2012 from Flickr.
opinions OPINIONS EDITOR /// opinions@theconcordian.com DAVID EASEY
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Reflecting on being female and in charge It’s been two years since I was told I was too pretty to be a journalist. The offhanded remark, likely idiotically intended to be a compliment, slipped out of a boy’s mouth during the Concordia associations and clubs tabling fair held outside of the Hall building on a sticky September afternoon. Myself, the newly hired Production manager, and the Life editor at the time blinked at this boy, quickly calculating if leaping over the table and bashing his insensitive face into a bloody pulp would decrease our chances of attracting potential writers to signing up to work for The Concordian or not. But we were well-trained by society to deal with these types of sexist remarks, so we straightened our smiles and dug our fingernails into our palms and let the boy amble off into the crowd of fresh-faced students. Two years later and my mandate as Editor-
in-chief at The Concordian is concluding with the school year, and while my skin has grown thicker these offhanded sexist remarks keep on rolling in. Dubbed “micro-aggressions,” these subtle but offensive remarks were originally coined for comments towards visible racial minorities but expanded to all minority or non-dominant groups. And while I’ve never faced racism, comments such as, “alright thank you for your feedback, now can I talk to who is in charge here?” or, “well, you know, you like it and other women like it because you have that mothering instinct,” or, “wow, you have a really strong handshake,” or even, away from the office once, “I didn’t know you were sexy!” Surprise! There was a woman in charge who was smart, multi-talented, sexy, non-baby-wanting, capable of running a team with men on it and who could even
shake someone’s hand properly. Because you know what? Women can be all of those things at once and more. Hell, they can even want babies or have babies and still be all of those things and more. But for all of our progress in society, and for all of the back-patting we do at The Concordian for having a female-majority staff with a very powerful feminist attitude—I am the fourth female Editor-in-chief in a row and Cristina Sanza has officially been hired to take over next year—for all of Trudeau’s “because it’s 2015” remarks, there is still a ton of misogyny and sexism out there. And it wasn’t until I stepped into a role of power and demanded people’s respect, time and attention that I realized—because I am a woman—people would resent me for that. Because, being bossy isn’t sexually desirable right? And clearly, all women should only ever do what makes them
sexually desirable. So here’s one woman who ran a student newspaper for a year saying fuck that. I refuse to be apologetic if you do not like who, or how, I am. I refuse to say sorry if you thought I was too loud or too demanding or too bossy. I was awesome. And I will now graduate and head out into the word to demand excellent jobs and rights and positions. I will not hesitate to ask questions and will not say “sorry” when I need to interrupt you. If you think that because I am pretty I cannot be a journalist, or an Editor-in-chief, or an equal human being then your views are narrow, limiting, and everything wrong with this world. And I will never apologize for being who I am to you.
- Michelle Gamage, Editor-in-chief
SOCIETY
Why can’t men wear makeup?
More males are dipping their beauty blenders into the realm of cosmetics BY MARCO SAVERIANO STAFF WRITER “You accept a grown man being mentally unstable enough to put on makeup in a non-entertainment way? Guess you’ll also end up accepting incest, rape, nudity, and all other kinds of hell that’ll break loose with no restraint.” It’s hard to believe that in 2016 people are still this ignorant... but on the other hand, it really isn’t. That comment was found on Maybelline’s Instagram page, on a photo of YouTube beauty guru Manny Gutierrez—also known as Manny Mua. Manny was sporting a full face of flawless makeup. With makeup trends continuing to rise, thanks to the onset of YouTube and Instagram beauty gurus sharing easy-tofollow tutorials, women can now achieve makeup artist-caliber results at home. But it seems like men are still too restricted by their own masculinity to give in to the siren call of cosmetics. Manny is not the only popular male makeup artist subjected to online scrutiny because of his affinity for makeup. His best friend, makeup artist Patrick Starrr, who is more gender fluid, often wears wigs along with his painted face. Scrolling through his Instagram feed, you can find hateful remarks like “ewwww. Made me throw up” and “is this a boi or a girl.” Manny and Patrick are two, albeit extreme, examples of how men are shamed for wearing makeup. Why are so many men vehemently against the idea of wearing makeup? It does not have to be a sign of femininity. Men feel self-conscious about their looks, too. Men get pimples they want to cover up. Men have scars and skin discolorations they
want to hide. Some just want to enhance what they have. Why shouldn’t they be able to wear some concealer? Why can’t they use powder to fix that shiny nose? Makeup wasn’t always just for women. In Ancient Egypt, upper-class men embraced cosmetics as both a sign of status and as part of their health regimens, and it wasn’t always about vanity, according to HowStuffWorks.com. These men would use scented oils and animal fats to protect their skin from the harsh sun and soothe their aching muscles after hours of hard labour. Men would even line their eyes with heavy black kohl and use crushed minerals to adorn their eyelids, as demonstrated by notable figures like King Tut. These were powerful men who wanted to show off their wealth through their aesthetic. They certainly didn’t worry about appearing weak or feminine. This has nothing to do with drag and nothing to do with looking like a woman. This is a case of men wearing makeup the same way women wear makeup. Some may wear a little concealer and powder just to cover a blemish, while others may favour contouring and highlighting to give a completely different effect. And others won’t wear any at all, and that’s fine. But that shouldn’t mean all men should be shamed for wanting to experiment with their looks. We need to start a conversation about men breaking free from the suffocating hyper-masculine facade that they are still being forced to perpetuate. Makeup doesn’t need to be gender-specific, and we need to start realizing that by shaming men for wanting to explore it—even just by making seemingly harmless jokes about it—you’re just reinforcing this toxic masculinity. This is meant as a message for not only men, but for women, who are just as guilty
when it comes to this kind of harmful behaviour. People need to explore their
Photo by Homo Erectus from Flickr.
identity on their own, and they don’t need your ignorance to hinder that process.
APRIL 12, 2016
theconcordian
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HUMAN RIGHTS
The forgotten genocide of the 20th century
The Turkish government refuses to acknowledge the Armenian genocide
(Clockwise from above): - Statue in memorial of the genocide. Photo by Young Shanahan from Flickr. - A London march in solidarity of survivors. Photo by Karaian from Flickr. - Memorial in Armenia. Photo by Zadoune from Flickr.
BY DAVID EASEY OPINIONS EDITOR The bitter smell of Armenian coffee—otherwise known as soorj—fills the house as I stare at an old photograph of my late grandfather whilst sipping on this cultural delight. The black and white picture is brittle and cracked, and it continuously endures the test of time, serving as a critical reminder that my grandfather worked tirelessly to bring his family to Canada. He lived in a very different world compared to mine. His world was filled with instability, violence and bloodshed, as his family members were survivors of the 1915 Armenian genocide. It was a dark moment in history, and an even darker fissure in Turkish society. Yet Turkey still denies the genocide ever took place, with the government in Ankara insisting the systematic annihilation of 1.5 million Armenian ethnics was simply a casualty of war, according to The New York Times. As a descendant of these survivors, I find this policy extremely offensive; it highlights Turkey’s backwardness and refusal to come to terms with its bloody past. My connection to the genocide begins with my grandfather’s family, who hailed from a Turkish city called Iskenderun, situated by the Mediterranean. This city once housed a large and vibrant Armenian community, as did many others within the Ottoman Empire. This all changed rapidly in 1915 when a radical political party called The Young Turks obtained power. The Young Turks
saw the Armenian minority as a threat and recognized the events of 1915-1917 against also as a scapegoat, since the Ottomans the Armenians, stating in the UN report on had allied with Germany in WWI, and were genocide that “evidence of that massacre losing the war at this point—especially on has been provided in numerous diplomatic the Russian front. This led to a campaign of documents of the various countries, including mass murders, arrests and deportation of Germany, which had been Turkey’s ally during ethnic Armenians, according to the United the First World War.” Nations. More than 25 countries including France, This meant that my grandfather’s Canada and Russia recognize the events family was deported out of of 1915-1917 as genocide Iskenderun in 1915—before against the Armenian people, my grandfather was born— according to the CBC. “It’s bad forced to march through However, Turkish President enough that the the Syrian Desert in the Recep Tayyip Erdogan still perpetrators of harshest of conditions with adamantly denies a genocide the genocide barely any water, food or took place. In a 2010 interview were never shelter. Hundreds of thouwith CNN, Erdogan said, “no sands would eventually die nation, no people has the right tried for their from exhaustion, starvation, to impose the way it remembers crimes against dehydration and exposure, history [onto] another nation humanity.” with marauding bandits of people.” He said in the same DAVID EASEY also allowed to raid, rape interview “no one should expect and pillage Armenians as this of Turkey,” when questioned they marched onwards. about labeling the violence as ‘genocide.’ Two of my great-grandmother’s daughters This statement from the Turkish leader were kidnapped during this period, never is a slap in the face to all Armenians around to be seen again. My ancestor’s house and the world, and demonstrates the sheer lack possessions were confiscated and looted by of respect Erdogan has towards the living locals and those in power. descendants of genocide survivors. A few family members survived this death It’s bad enough that the perpetrators of march and made it to Deir al-Zour in the the genocide were never tried for their crimes heart of the Syrian Desert. My grandfather against humanity in an international court, was born sometime later without a birth or even in a Turkish court for that matter. In certificate or any official papers. They were fact many of the collaborators went on to refugees, trying to find stability in a world serve in the next government led by Kemal that sought to murder them. Ataturk, according to professor Frank Chalk, In 1985, the United Nations officially cofounder of the Montreal Institute for
Genocide and Human Rights Studies. But to have a government policy that denies the systematic murder of more than a million people seems downright blasphemous. Even prominent members of Turkish society have spoken out, admitting that there was indeed a genocide, only to be silenced by the government. Orhan Pamuk, a famous novelist from Istanbul spoke out in 2005 to a Swiss newspaper, saying the murder of the Armenians was undeniable, according to BBC News. Following his comments, Pamuk was branded a traitor by the government and he was charged in Istanbul with ‘public denigration of Turkish identity’ according to The Guardian, with a prison sentence of up to three years. The charges were eventually dropped, but serves as a reminder that freedom of speech is hard to come by in the Turkish Republic. “There is a debate in Turkish society today about which policy to follow in the future,” said Chalk, before adding that “the number of Turkish academics, intellectuals, and lawyers arguing in favor of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide is growing every year.” Although the path to justice is far from over, the most important aspect here is to remember the genocide. To remember the people who did not get to live in a peaceful country, attend university, or live full lives. To pay homage to the 1.5 million people who were systematically targeted and murdered for belonging to a group, which included my ancestors, my family, and countless other families.
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