THE CORD THE TIE THAT BINDS WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926
VOLUME 60 ISSUE 22 • APRIL 1, 2020
ISOLATE FOR SURVIVAL RATES By staying home you can flatten the COVID-19 curve
THANK YOU
NOW STAY HOM
E!
GREEN LIGHT GRADUATION
GROWING YOUR GROCERIES
PANIC! AT THE GROCER
PANDEMIC PASTIME
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
WLU postpones Spring 2020 convocation
Starting a veggie garden in quarantine
Hoarding items for yourself isn’t the answer
The best movies to watch during an outbreak
Looking back on this year’s top moments
News, page 4
Arts & Life, page 6
Opinion, page 8
Arts & Life, page 6
Sports, page 10
2 •
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020
@cordnews
The Cord
@thecord.ca
CordNews
THE CORD’S PANDEMIC
P L AY L I S T Editor’s Note: Closing a chapter without closure
17 // YOUTH LAGOON
MOON RIVER // FRANK OCEAN
CAPITAL // JOHN K. SAMSON
EMILY WAITSON OUTGOING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ENDLESS // PINEGROVE
SMOKE SIGNALS // PHOEBE BRIDGERS
CRAWLING IN MY SKIN // SOCCER MOMMY
HOW TO SOCIALISE & MAKE FRIENDS // CAMP COPE
12:38 // CHILDISH GAMBINO
I WANNA RIDE // PORCHES
BARE IT // FROM INDIAN LAKES
GOOD DAY // BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB
SOFT CURRENTS // ALEXANDRA SAVIOR
IT’S NOT REAL // COMMON HOLLY
CORD STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Waitson editor@thecord.ca CREATIVE DIRECTOR Brittany Kovacs creative@thecord.ca WEB DIRECTOR Kashyap Patel online@thecord.ca NEWS EDITOR Sophia Cole news@thecord.ca ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Alyssa Di Sabatino arts@thecord.ca OPINION EDITOR Jade Hosick opinion@thecord.ca SPORTS EDITOR Mark Cascagnette sports@thecord.ca
Out of all of the experiences I thought I would have during my undergrad, I never thought I would be completing my final issue as Editor-in-Chief of The Cord in the midst of a global pandemic. It’s difficult to find the right words to conclude a year that’s been challenging in more ways than I could have ever imagined, but has given me so much in return. Three weeks ago, I had our final papers planned, with detailed ideas of how we would approach each cover, the content that we would be working on and, most importantly, a final production that would complete the year as every other EIC before me has done in the past — with cheap (but well-earned) champagne, group photos and a bittersweet feeling of accomplishment. News surrounding COVID-19 developed so quickly that I didn’t give myself time to process the scope of its impact and what it would mean for this little student paper that I’m so passionate about. I was excited to end this term with my team and I looked forward to send-offs that would transition me into the next phase of my life with a sense of closure and fulfillment. I’m very grateful that spring convocation and our organization’s annual volunteer awards have been postponed, instead of cancelled completely, but I can’t help but feel sad about their deferrals regardless. Graduation celebrations will be
GRAPHICS EDITOR Jamie Mere graphics@thecord.ca PHOTO EDITOR Darien Funk photos@thecord.ca ONLINE EDITOR Kathleen McCullough online@thecord.ca SENIOR COPY EDITOR Victoria Marshall copyeditor@thecord.ca EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR
Ranjit Saini
CORDCAST PRODUCERS Victoria Marshall Jade Hosick cordcast@thecord.ca
CONTRIBUTORS Matt Sneath Jennifer Webb Ian Schakel Amichai Abraham Katelyn Tufford
muted and put on pause, and my already written, sappy speech that I would have given at our end-ofyear party will sit unopened as a note on my phone. There are people I shared classes and worked with throughout the term who I likely won’t see again. It’s unfortunate for countless students all over the world that this is the way their university and college years are coming to a close. I have so much gratitude for the wonderful people I was privileged to meet and work alongside because of this job and I can’t express how appreciative I am for the opportunities I’ve been given as a result. I met one of my closest friends through The Cord, and it was because of her that I even considered applying for EIC in the first place (so thanks for that, Safina). I’m so different from the shy volunteer who applied on a whim almost four years ago, that it’s difficult to believe that I’m the same person. If you were a Cordie, then you know that it’s an experience like no other. I’ve been lucky to have a group of people by my side who have helped make this publication come to life each week. So, it only makes sense for my last Editor’s Note is dedicated to them. To Kash, thank you for being the entertainment I never asked for but didn’t know we needed on Tuesday nights. Your willingness to tackle whatever task we needed you to do (even if it was midnight), saved us more times than I can count. Jamie, I have never met someone who is so easy to work with and is always ridiculously fashionable while she gets the job done.
EDITOR’S CHOICE ADVERTISING INQUIRIES “How to flex your green thumb without lifting a finger” by Alyssa Di Sabatino
All advertising inquiries can be directed to Kurtis Rideout at kurtis.rideout@wlusp.com or 519-884-0710 ext. 3560.
COLOPHON The Cord is the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community. Started in 1926 as the College Cord, The Cord is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors. Opinions expressed within The Cord are those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in The Cord bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent. The Cord is created using Macintosh computers running OS X 10.10 using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used
Your kindness and cute graphics are two things I have valued since our first issue. Victoria, thank you for your impressive knowledge of CP style and for the unending commitment you showed your volunteers — there was never a week where I didn’t hear them all laughing and having a good time. Mark, you have grown so much as an editor since you started and I’m so proud of how far you’ve come. You’ve been dedicated from the start and it shows in the articles you produced these last few issues. Kathleen, you’re definitely cooler than I’ll ever be, but I could always count on you to do the job you needed to do and to laugh at my late-night rants. Always on time with her article submissions and up-to-date on pop culture trends that I don’t understand in my old age, Jade, you pulled through with content. Ranjit, from the second I hired you earlier in the semester you took on every little thing that I asked you to do without complaint and filled that role better than I thought anyone could in just a few months. Darien, you produced beautiful photos that have become some of my favourite pieces of the paper this year. I have no idea how you balance everything in your busy life and remain so down-to-earth and easygoing in the process, but I’m thankful you decided to share your talent with The Cord. Sophia, you are one of the most quotable people who never complained about the work you were asked to put into the paper. You filled the gaps whenever you were needed and your positivity, love of dogs and impressive taste in Netflix shows made Tuesdays fun and filled with the most memora-
for principal photography. The Cord has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2006. Any unsatisfied complaints can be sent to the council at info@ontpress.com. The Cord’s circulation for a normal Wednesday issue is 4,500 copies and enjoys a readership of over 10,000. Cord subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada. The Cord has been a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) since 2004.
PREAMBLE The Cord will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy. The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly. When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to
reply at the earliest time possible. Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff. The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on Wilfrid Laurier University, and the community of Kitchener-Waterloo, and with a special ear to the concerns of the students of Wilfrid Laurier University. Ultimately, The Cord will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate. The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the student body. The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of the student press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our newspaper.
ble discussions. I’m so pleased that the EIC reigns are being handed over to such a capable leader and talented writer and editor. Alyssa, you deal with every situation, no matter how difficult, with humour and humility. I can’t wait to see what you accomplish during your year because I know it’s going to be amazing. If a production had Hayley present, then it would be guaranteed to have constant laughter and five articles written if I needed them. Your hilarious commentary, fierce loyalty and ability to add sunshine to any dark day, no matter what, made making this paper so much fun. You’re a star, Hayley. I wouldn’t have made it through this year without one person in particular, though, and I owe so, so much to her. Brit, you are the hardest working person I know and I have unending pride for the incredible covers and layouts that you created for The Cord week after week. You helped me survive countless stressful nights, and your constant encouragement and support at 2 am over Cineplex popcorn and reality TV episodes helped more than you can ever know. Thank you for everything you put into this paper. Although this isn’t the way I envisioned our last issue to go, I’m so happy with the papers we managed to publish. No matter what direction my future goes in, The Cord has had one of the biggest influences on me in my adult life. The dingy office and the people in it mean the world to me, and I know how much I’ll miss it. With the state of the world so dreary and dark, I can at least take comfort in knowing that I ended my time at Laurier with the people I care about, doing what I love most.
Quote of the week: “And watching you eat Airheads.” - Creative Director Brit Kovacs commenting on Editor-in-Chief Emily Waitson’s snacking candy of choice during production nights.
TOP NEWS STORIES ‘20 02 01
laurier cancels in-person classes amid covid-19
After back and forth decision-making that initially included cancelling or postponing all events not part of courses or academic requirements from March 13 to April 30, Wilfrid Laurier University announced their decision to suspend on-campus classes effective Monday, March 16, amid growing concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, to reduce the potential public health risk it presented and protect the collective well-being of the campus and its students. WRITTEN BY emily waitson
WATERLOO LAUNCHING NEW CAMPAIGN TO WARN
AGAINST SEX TRAFFICKING
In the Waterloo region, a new campaign surrounding the topic of human trafficking is drawing attention to the reality that the issue isn’t quite as far from home as many people believe. This project, called “It Happens Here,” looks to dispel the myth that human trafficking is something that only happens elsewhere and provide the community with information and resources to help them protect themselves against human trafficking, specifically vulnerable populations like young women and girls. WRITTEN BY SOPHIA COLE
04 03
devyn kelly elected students’ union president and ceo
Receiving 69.02 per cent of the total vote, the Laurier student body elected Devyn Kelly as the next President & CEO of the Students’ Union for the 20202021 period. With 1603 fewer votes than last year’s 4330, the election saw less interest than in previous years. However, Kelly’s election is still quite significant: not only will she be the first female president-elect in a number of years, but this year also saw the Students’ Union’s first-ever all-female presidential race, a historic moment for the university.
miss j. comes to uofg event for black history month
Runway coach, model and reality television personality, Miss J. Alexander, delivered a keynote address, “A Talk with Miss J.” on the University of Guelph’s campus on Monday, March 2. This was done to observe and celebrate Black History Month but gave Alexander the opportunity to discuss their identity and journey as a black, queer person who has been in the fashion industry for over 40 years.
05
laurier brantford welcomes co-creator of degrassi to talk tv
On Tuesday, Jan. 28, Linda Schuyler, the co-creator and executive producer of the hit television franchise Degrassi, gave a series of lectures at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus, looking at her experiences with the film and television industries, as well as her thoughts on the franchise’s success. WRITTEN BY SOPHIA COLE
WRITTEN BY emily waitson
WRITTEN BY cord staff
LAYOUT BY BRIT KOVACS/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
4 • NEWS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020
PANDEMIC
DARIEN FUNK/OUTGOING PHOTO EDITOR
Number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase across Canada SOPHIA COLE OUTGOING NEWS EDITOR
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve on a daily basis, sparking constant change across Canada and the Waterloo region as the community struggles to contain the virus and adapt to a new way of living. According to Public Health Canada, as of 11:30 am, March 31, there are 7695 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the country, with 1966 of those cases in Ontario, making it the province with the second highest amount of cases in Canada, after Quebec. There have been 33 COVID-19 related death in Ontario so far, and 10.9 per cent of all patients have been hospitalized at some point of
their illness.
Wilfrid Laurier University announced that they will be donating 12,000 N95 masks, 38,500 disposable gloves, 200 isolation gowns ...
In response to the rising number of cases in Ontario, Premier Doug Ford and Education Minister Ste-
phen Lecce announced that school within the province will remain closed until at least the beginning of May, if not longer. “Our number one priority is to protect our children … The reality is, I think everyone in this province knows, the reality is April the sixth is not realistic right now,” Ford said in a public statement. As of Monday, March 30, there have been 103 confirmed and presumed cases of COVID-19 in the Waterloo region, 34 more cases than lasted reported on Friday, March 27. The overwhelming toll the pandemic is placing on the healthcare system and its limited resources it a cause for concern across the country.
Many Canadian hospitals are expected to face a shortage of healthcare supplies to protect both their staff and their patients, such as N95 masks and disposable gloves. On March 30, Wilfrid Laurier University announced that they will be donating 12,000 N95 masks, 38,500 disposable gloves, 200 isolation gowns, in addition to an unspecified amount of surgical masks, visors, goggles, hand sanitizer and test kits. These resources were gathered from Laurier’s student wellness centre, faculty of science labs and the department of safety, health, environment and risk management. The supplies will be sent to the Grand River Hospital in
Kitchener as well as the Brant Community Health System where they will be allocated to other local hospitals and health care services based on the highest need. In response to the pandemic, Laurier has made several changes of it’s own, including postponing spring convocation. At the rate which the COVID-19 virus is spreading within Canada, it is clear that social distancing will need to continue longer than anticipated, making the original dates for spring convocation, June 8 through 12, no longer feasible. Laurier has announced that spring convocation will be postponed to later dates when large gatherings are expected to be safe again.
CAMPUS
Laurier convocation postponed
The decision was made amidst uncertainty regarding the status of ceremonies for the graduating class of 2020 EMILY WAITSON OUTGOING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Wilfrid Laurier University announced on March 30 it will be postponing its Spring 2020 convocation ceremonies due to the public health and safety concerns that the COVID-19 global pandemic presents. With schools like the University of Toronto making the decision to cancel their Spring convocation ceremonies, graduating students across the country have been voicing their concerns over social media regarding the status of their school’s convocations for the class of 2020. In the news release, Laurier said
it “is looking forward to hosting this celebration when it is safe to do so.” “We know that students will have many questions about the postponement of convocation and about receiving their degrees. Please be assured that the university will reach out directly to all graduating students via their Laurier email when we have more information to share.” The university will also be presenting degrees to graduating students in June 2020. This is to ensure that students will have any necessary documents required for graduate programs or employment. Individual degrees will also be
mailed to students over the summer period. In regard to Laurier’s traditional “Toast to the Graduating Class” of 2020, which normally takes place in person, the university has also announced that it will be working on plans for a “virtual gathering,” with more information to come. “We will soon have the opportunity to celebrate these achievements together. When we do, we will do it with all of those who stood by the Class of 2020 as they studied, met new people, opened their hearts and minds to new experiences, volunteered, overcame challenges, and grew as individuals and as members of the Laurier community,” the statement said.
FILE PHOTO/LUKE SARAZIN
best PHOTOS
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6 •
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020
Arts & Life
ARTS & LIFE EDITOR ALYSSA DI SABATINO arts@thecord.ca
PLANTS Why would you need to panic-buy when you can do your produce shopping straight from your backyard? So if you’re looking for a relaxing quarantine hobby, might I suggest trying to start a home garden, or tending to some house plants? There’s no better way to battle boredom than by getting your hands a little dirty. If you’re starting from scratch, it might take time before you can reap the benefits of gardening. Luckily, the following plants have relatively short growing seasons, but most people don’t have any reason to rush these days, anyway. Here is a list of some plants that are easy to grow from home. All of these plants can be grown indoors, which is especially useful if you don’t have a backyard.
Scallions
DARIEN FUNK/PHOTO EDITOR
How to flex your green thumb without lifting a finger
Social distancing is a great opportunity to grow your own vegetables ALYSSA DI SABATINO INCOMING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
With everything being shut down a
lot of people have been left to their own devices. There’s basically nothing to do except panic-buy groceries, and,
well, just panic. But do you wanna know who’s not panic-buying groceries? People who have gardens.
Scallions, also known as green onions, are a part of the onion family. Although they are milder than most onions, they can easily be added to your dishes as a topping. You can regrow scallions by saving the roots of the green onion bulb and covering them root-end down with water. They will grow in about two weeks in the sun. Scallions are low commitment, and don’t take up a lot of space, which makes them the perfect indoor plant. Once placed in a pot of soil, they will regrow year after year. This means you’re basically getting a never-ending supply of scallions.
Herbs Many herbs can easily grow indoors, like mint, basil and chives. You can either start your herb garden from seeds, or you can buy herb plants which will help speed up the growing process. Herbs thrive in sunny and warm locations with regularly watered roots. Herbs are plants that can be regularly pruned, but be careful not to overwater or over prune as this could damage your plant. If you want to get started on a herb garden, Indigo sells indoor garden kits on their website, like their “Herbs Of Italy Indoor Garden Grow Kit” which includes rosemary, thyme and oregano seeds. It pretty much can’t get easier than this.
Baby Kale If you’re using your time in self-isolation to get your eating habits back on track, now is the perfect time to start growing kaleMost kale can be grown and harvested in less than a month, and if you want to be zero-waste you can try growing kale from your kitchen scraps. If you cut the top bud off an already growing kale plant, dip it in root hormone, plant it in a pot and water it regularly, you will have a flourishing plant in no time. This is a simplified version, but kale is great to experiment with if you want to regrow a plant using vegetable cuttings. You can also grow it from seeds, but any zero-waste efforts should be applauded.
FILM
Apocalyptic movies to watch during a pandemic AMICHAI ABRAHAM STAFF WRITER
In this time of grave uncertainty and the world going into an increasingly dark place, sometimes it’s important to take your mind off these scary things. So, to make sure all potential world-ending disasters are removed from your head, I have written here are three reviews for three very different apocalypse movies! Wait a minute...
Snowpiercer Snowpiercer is Bong Joon-ho’s first of two American films. You may be more familiar with Bong’s recent domination of the Oscars, winning 4 awards including best director and best picture this past winter. In the story, we find the world turned into a frozen wasteland after a human-made chemical meant to fix global warming goes terribly wrong. With most of humanity now extinct, all of the survivors live on an ever-moving train whose populace
is divided into separate sections by virtue of their economic class. Fed up with the conditions and oppression enforced by those in control, Curtis (Chris Evans) launches a revolt of the lower class. I am a very big fan of the unique concept of the film, of our protagonists moving their way from the back to the front of the train that holds all of humanity. Like many of Bong’s other films, I appreciate the social commentary on class division (even if it isn’t done in the most subtle way). With such an interesting setting, I was very happy to see Bong use the space creatively for action and exploration scenes. I thought the casting was very well done and it made the characters easy to invest in. I thought many of the props were well used and added a lot to the story. There is violence: however it is not to a gratuitous amount. And as a final random note: Tilda Swinton has a relatively minor role in the film and absolutely nails the part (as she always seems to do). This is
a great watch and I highly recommend it.
Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior is an Australian post-apocalyptic action-adventure film and the second film in the Mad Max series. While not the best film in the franchise, (such a distinction I’d give to 2015’s Fury Road) Mad Max 2 should not be looked over. Set in a desert wasteland where society has long since crumbled, everyone scavenges and risks their lives for gasoline, which is in limited supply. The story follows a loner scavenger, the mysterious road warrior known as Max (Mel Gibson) as he too scavenges the barren land for any gas he can, so he can power his car and keep moving. He finds a group of survivors with a large quantity of gasoline, that is being harassed by a rival gang led by their terrifying leader, Humungous (Kjell Nilsson). With a set up reminiscent of classic
western films, Max Max 2 is a fun action-filled adventure. Everything on screen is very gritty and grimy, and despite some cartoonish characters and elements, the film has a dark consistent tone that effectively engages the audience. Nothing gets me more excited than practical effects and this film is full of them. The costumes/ makeup are very well done and make different characters very distinct. The environments are simple but realistic and help you buy into the setting the film presents you with. It also doesn’t really require you to have watched the first film in the franchise which is a factor I’d appreciate in any series. When talking about apocalyptic movies I’d say that is the quintessential film for the genre.
28 Days Later 28 Days Later is an English zombie apocalypse film that puts a unique spin on the zombie horror subgenre. The plot follows Jim
(Cillian Murphy), a man who has just woken up from a coma only to find his surroundings deserted upon waking up. After meeting some survivors, he learns that the U.K. was destroyed over the last month by a virus that turns people into rapidly moving cannibalistic beasts that lose all senses of their former selves. There are many things this film excels at, leaving many other zombie films in its wake. The environment, especially in the first half of the film, is astounding. Seeing empty streets in a typically busy London is an awe-inspiring visual. In addition to that, there are many really good realistic environments in the film that really help invest the audience. I am a big fan of the infected themselves. As opposed to their typical slow-moving counterparts, Boyle’s zombies run fast lunging at their targets at a horrifying speed. This film belongs on the Mount Rushmore of all zombie films, in my opinion. It’s a must-watch for any horror or zombie movie fan.
TOP ARTS & LIFE STORIES the repercussions of racism and coronovirus
01
Staff writer Katelyn Tufford explores the hysteria and racism that spread as quickly as the virus did in this article. Featuring input from a risk communications professor at Laurier, this article delves into the unprecedented reactions that oftentimes becomes part and parcel with viral infections. The best advice is to wash your hands often, and dismantle harmful discourses.
unconventional alternatives for valentines day
02
In this satirical article, staff writer Jackson Carse addresses the age-old question — “what do single people do on Valentine’s day?” This story outlines four of the best ways to keep yourself occupied when you’re single during this romance-driven holiday, and luckily, a lot of these alternatives will also work during social isolation. Except maybe “massive porn-binge with the boys” — you definitely shouldn’t do that during a global health pandemic.
the cold, hard truth: is sweet jesus worth the hype?
03
In this article, The Cord’s in-house ice cream expert and staff writer Eliza Moratz gave a review of Sweet Jesus, one of Waterloo’s newest ice cream shops. While considering each cone’s aesthetic appeal and abundance of toppings, she investigates whether the ice cream truly lives up to the hype or not. To find out if this ice cream is worth the price, check out her article.
movies that are so bad, they’re good
04
Everyone knows the feeling of watching something cringe-worthy take place, yet not being able to look away. Sometimes this phenomenon happens during movies, too. Staff writer Amichai Abraham writes about three movies that are so hilariously bad that they become good, in this article. Luckily, all of these movies can be found online for free so that you don’t have to waste your money, or time, if the second-hand embarrassment becomes too unbearable.
rocketman launches into theatres
05
Rocketman is a biopic of Elton John’s rise to fame, which received positive critical reception upon its release in May 2019. In this article, staff writer Sarah Caley broke down the movie with a refined review of the plot. If you’ve never listened to an Elton John song, much less watched the movie, you’re likely to feel much more inclined to do so after reading this well-rounded review.
8 •
Opinion
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 OPINION EDITOR JADE HOSICK opinion@thecord.ca
Hoarding high-demand supplies isn’t helpful MATT SNEATH OPINION COLUMNIST
The explosion of COVID-19 has induced panic buying amongst Canadian consumers, creating shortages of in-demand items like hand sanitizer, N95 masks and toilet paper. All the while, the Canadian government staunchly defends the robustness of our supply chains. In other words, we can be optimistic that shelves will be restocked, and Canadians will not be left wanting for necessities, perceived or not, through these trying times. But what about the things that times like these demand of us, that can’t be found halfway down aisle 5 in between the red solo cups and the tin foil hats? Perspective is one thing that is sorely lacking, particularly among many Millennials and Gen Z’ers. Our reactions to the recent crisis serve as proof of this. In January, when tensions between Iran and the United States reached a boiling point, the world came as close to a true state-on-state conflict as it has been in decades. And while debates raged about whether or not the crisis could devolve into a regional or even global conflict, we made memes. Compare this with our reactions to COVID-19 and a pattern reveals itself. The world is currently engulfed in the worst healthcare disaster since the Spanish Flu of 1918. Experts and all levels of government are impressing on us the importance of isolation, personal health, hygiene and social distancing. Despite this, many young people are failing to get the message: that if heeded, could stand to save lives and change for the better how history regards our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us are reacting to these instructions in a balanced and healthy manner by remaining calm, and following them to the letter. But many others are choosing to react in two drastically different yet equally problematic ways: either with panic and selfpity, or nonchalant disbelief. Across news and social media
feeds, it’s not uncommon to still see us hosting quarantine parties, hitting bars and travelling despite explicit instruction against doing so. Pair that with the outpouring of memes (albeit some of which are great), and one thing is clear. The humour we display in trying times is a coping mechanism to either minimize or forget altogether a fact that has already been lost on many of us. Despite the facades of certainty and civilization we are fortunate enough to live behind, we are vulnerable. COVID-19 is just the most recent reminder of this, and we ignore it at our own peril. On the contrary, it’s equally common to see in these same media feeds sentiments of despair and self-pity over the current state of affairs. Being confined to your home and held to standards of social distancing sucks, full stop. We’ve all had to adjust our concepts of “normal” to varying degrees, but the reality is, it’s not that bad yet. As of now, supply chains are still meeting our basic needs, and critical infrastructure is being maintained. Governments and many employers are rolling out measures to help offset the financial burdens Canadians are already facing. While this new normal is far from ideal, this shouldn’t serve to remind us of what we are missing out on. It should open our eyes to the luxury in which we collectively live when times are good. In the grand scheme of human existence, the post-World War II concept of the peaceful, prosperous day-today in the Western World is the exception, not the rule. Amidst the overflow of potentially contesting information and media hysteria, it’s difficult to stay accurately informed. Times like these create a precariously narrow gap between fear mongering and responsible news reporting. Now, more than ever, it’s on us to do our part as Canadians to go the extra mile to seek out credible sources of information and make responsible decisions based on it. The bottom line is that COVID19
JAMIE MERE/OUTGOING GRAPHICS EDITOR
is serious. While the current data indicates it’s no significant threat to our generational demographic, many of our loved ones fall within age ranges that place them at serious risk of the virus, not to mention those of us who are immunocompromised. This virus carries with it conse-
quences the likes of which can’t be accurately predicted at this time, but will almost undoubtedly continue to change our “normal” significantly for months, and perhaps years, to come. One day, our grandchildren will be told a story about the 2020 pandemic. Our actions as individ-
uals right now will decide how that story gets told. It won’t be panic, despair, or ignorance that pulls us through. Perspective, resolve, and sacrificing what little is being asked of us on the other hand, just might. Stay home, stay informed and listen to the experts.
Instagram isolation challenges; yay or nay? JADE HOSICK OUTGOING OPINION EDITOR
During my self-isolation, not a day has gone by where I have not seen a new challenge pop up in my Instagram feed. It started with drawing foods, then it moved onto women posting photos to lift themselves and other women up, then it was push up challenges and it slowly moved to
posting a picture with the caption ‘until tomorrow’. It seemed like this self-isolation thing didn’t even last two days before people started to do these challenges, and I have some mixed feelings about them. I follow a lot of different people on Instagram — 643 different people to be exact, and something that I enjoyed about following a variety of different people is that I get different content from each of them. So, when I go on Instagram and I see the exact same thing from every person I follow, I get annoyed and frustrated, but I don’t think that people are doing this intentionally.
We are currently living through a pandemic, which has required us to socially distance and live our lives differently than we would have a month ago. I know personally that I used to post on my Snapchat or Instagram stories a lot, because I always thought I was doing interesting things and I wanted other people to see what was happening in my life. I know that a lot of other people used their Instagram in the same way — they wanted to connect with people. My take on Instagram challenges is that people are doing it for two reasons: firstly, everyone is bored
out of their minds, and I don’t blame them. Secondly, it is a way to push out content and communicate with people you might not be talking to during isolation. I haven’t had a face-to-face conversation with anyone besides my mother and sister for the past 10 days. Yes, I have been facetiming people and texting, but it just isn’t the same. I feel like I have not been socially stimulatedin a long time, so I can understand how doing an Instagram challenge might help people feel connected to the world. While I do get annoyed with Instagram challenges, it is a good
way for people to live their lives as normally as they can during this time. I mean, when Instagram first started gaining popularity, a lot of people did challenges — and there were things like ‘man crush Monday’ or ‘selfie Sunday,’ so what makes these different? I guess the fact that our demographic has grown up and has started to post more content specific to them changes things. But if we can get through middle school seeing all our classmates posting their #MCM, I think we can make it through the next couple of weeks with people coming up with new ones.
OPINION • 9
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020
DARIEN FUNK/OUTGOING PHOTO EDITOR
Saying goodbye to Laurier after four years as a Golden Hawk KATELYN TUFFORD STAFF WRITER
After four years at Laurier, my undergraduate career is coming to a close. In an alternate reality, I’d be sitting in the library on campus or at my favourite bubble tea shop writing my last article for The Cord, but instead I’m stationed at a makeshift desk in my hometown. Amidst COVID-19, our world has turned upside down. While the virus claims our rights to using public spaces and de-stressing with family and friends, it’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that this is my last semester as a Golden Hawk. With everything being online-
now and some of us getting laid off from our jobs, it’s important to know that it’s okay to not be okay. We have to acknowledge that even though we are fortunate, it is okay to be upset. All events have been cancelled. These included a lot of our final and defining moments. These are days that we won’t get back, especially if you are graduating after this semester. It’s not as easy as re-doing a class or just going to the next club event. Many of my peers were scared that the ceremonies would be cancelled altogether following in the footsteps of schools nearby. Yesterday, Laurier made a decision to postpone graduation ceremo-
These are the days we won’t get back, especially if you are graduating after this semester.
nies scheduled in June until it is safe to host them. Thankfully this means that now we know that we have a ceremony
to look forward to once this trauma passes. As great as that news is, it doesn’t change the fact that I attended my last class at Laurier and I didn’t even know it. I’m sure many of my peers feel the same way — a little bit blindsided. Some of us have even made friends with others who we may never see again and did not get the chance to say goodbye. Our graduation has become a scary, uncertain, underwhelming experience. A time in our lives that is supposed to be full of celebration and congratulations has become isolated and remote. Sometimes we have to sit back and let things work out the way
they are meant to. Where we may have lacked in experience will be made up somewhere down the road. We just have to wait it out. It is more important than anything right now that we do our parts in social distancing so that this virus does not keep spreading as it is. We have to look out for ourselves and for our communities during these unprecedented times. Our time to shine will come. I’d like to thank Laurier for the last four years of my life. Thank you for deciding to allow us grads of 2020 to celebrate our hard work and achievements at a later date. It means the world to us. Thank you.
Trump needs to have a better approach towards COVID-19 JADE HOSICK OUTGOING OPINION EDITOR
CONTRIBUTED IMAGE
As I am sure everyone is aware, the world is basically shutting down due to COVID-19. In Canada, all non-essential businesses are closed and will stay closed for sometime. The impact is already harming the economy tremendously, and many economists believe that we are heading into a recession. But don’t worry — Donald Trump knows a “solution”, which is to get back to work. Trump stated that he wanted the U.S. to be back to its pre-virus state by Easter, which many experts are pushing back against. A lot of people also believe that the only way
for the economy to really function again is to control the virus. It is important that long term goals are looked at: yes, the economy needs to be worked on, but only after the virus has run the course. If every single person goes back to work tomorrow, the virus is just going to spread exponentially faster. It is also important to note that the Obama administration set up a board of directors for global health security and biodefense after the Ebola outbreak of 2014, in order to prepare the U.S. for other pandemics. It would be an amazing thing if Trump’s administration had not eliminated the board and, in turn, made the country more prepared for an outbreak like COVID-19. On March 27, the U.S. surpassed China and Italy in the total number of infections, and Trump responded by saying that the only reason their total number is higher is be-
cause they are doing more testing than other nations. This is not true, considering South Korea administered more tests per capita than the U.S. has. And while the world is in the middle of a pandemic, where people are worried about losing their jobs and are forced to stay home, Trump is on Twitter talking about his press conference ratings. Trump’s time in office has been one misstep after another in my opinion, and I believe that his reactions to COVID-19 are just the icing on the cake. From calling it the “Chinese virus” to his slow and uninformed media responses, in which he often berates reporters who are asking tough questions, show that he is not equipped to lead a country that is in distress. The U.S. deserves to have someone in charge who is focused on their long-term success, and not just on their television ratings.
2020 2019
SPORTS WRAP UP
01
men’s curling finish near perfect season as national champions led by coach matt wilkinson, the laurier men’s curling team had a remarkable season with a combined record of 26-3-1 which saw the team win their last fourteen games of the year
02
laurier golf wins their first oua championship in program history
03
golden finish for men’s baseball winning the provincial title
04
pattison and laurie make history for laurier
05
men’s hockey gains its first national ranking in over a decade
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men’s basketball oua semifinals
laurier vs. western february 26, 2020
after 35 years of competition, the golden hawks golf team won their first provincial title after a big comeback on day 2 and 3 of the tournament
for the third straight year the golden hawks baseball team made it to the oua championship game and for the second year in a row, they were able to come out on top
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best games
best sports moments
Following the conclusion of the 2019-20 sports season at laurier, sports editor, mark cascagnette recognizes the top players, best games and most memorable moments from the past year
men’s football week eight
waterloo vs. laurier october 10, 2019
both capped their outstanding careers at laurier with spectacular seasons in cross-country and middle-distance running - both medaled several times at the oua championship
coach puhalski and the laurier men’s hockey team were ranked seventh in the usports national rankings, which was their first national ranking since 2010
men’s hockey
ryerson vs. laurier
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january 11, 2020
men’s basketball oua quarterfinals
laurier vs. lakehead
top student athletes
february 22, 2020 (in no particular order)
1. ali sow - men’s basketball 2. lizzy laurie - cross country 3. sydney pattison - cross country 4. le’vondre gordon - football 5. kate moran - women’s basketball 6. anthony conti - men’s hockey 7. matt hall - men’s curling 8. jasmine raines - Swimmer 9. jaron brown - Golf 10. brianna iannazzo - womens basketball
read the full article on thecord.ca
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