2-12-2020

Wednesday, Feb. 12 - Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 Weekly Print Edition

Vol. 106, Issue 22 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

Graphic by Emily Burgess

Lovely locations to take a date this Valentine’s season

by Sofia Longo STAFF WRITER

Valentine’s Day, no matter who you spend it with, is a day of appreciation and love to be celebrated with special people in your life.

Electrical engineering freshman Katherine Rzepczynski said she believes Valentine’s Day can be celebrated with anyone and everyone.

“I think Valentine’s Day, to people, is special because they get to spend time with the people they love,” she said. “Whether it be friends, a significant other, or yourself. Finding love in yourself is super important too.”

With that being said, you don’t have to go far to make your Valentine’s Day a special one.

Here are some fun activities to do with your Valentine to celebrate the most loving day of the year.

SAN DIEGO STATE’S VALENTINE’S DAY FILM FESTIVAL To really get in the Valentine’s mood, enjoy an evening of short films with your sweetheart.

All of the films are created and made by SDSU filmmakers.

Richard Underwood, an SDSU film school professor, said in an email

that all short films are themed for Valentine’s Day with the topics of love and relationships. This is the perfect option for those who want a relaxing and lowkey night out.

The show starts at 7 p.m. and is located at the Don Powell Theatre.

Admission is $10 per person.

GROUP DATE AT AZTEC LANES There’s no better way to celebrate Valentine’s than with your close friends. Grab your date and bring your whole squad together for an affordable night of bowling fun at Aztec Lanes. To beat the lines, reserve lanes online and don’t forget to rent shoes.

Even if bowling isn’t your forte, Aztec Lanes is a perfect place to hang out for the night. Feel free to play matchmaker with your single companions to really get in the holiday spirit!

PICNIC AT THE POND Grab some goodies and cozy blankets for a special picnic at the pond. Lay on the grass and enjoy the quiet surroundings, maybe write some love letters. If you stay long enough, you might be able to catch the sunset.

Spoil your date and make a stop at Trader Joe’s to get all the Valentine’s treats, such as dark chocolate mini heart cookies,

raspberry rose white chocolate bars, jelly bean hearts and flowers.

DATE NIGHT VIBES AND LOVE POTION CLASS AT EUREKA For that quality one-on-one time, grab a bite at Eureka for a tasty meal filled with love. The burgers and vast selection of drinks combined with the lively atmosphere make Eureka the perfect place to dine out.

If dessert is on your mind, a quick trip across the street to Cream will top off your sweet night out. The ice cream sandwiches, sundaes and their staple ice cream tacos are hard to stay away from.

FOR AN OFF-CAMPUS ADVENTURE There’s no better way to combine the love in the air with some tasteful music. For a musical night out, Sitting on Stacy, an alternative punk rock band, is playing a show at SOMA on Feb. 14. Two members of the band are current SDSU students. With a quick Uber ride from campus, the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and general admission is $15.

Love with your friends or Valentine can be celebrated on campus with a bunch of fun and heartfelt activities. Mix it up, explore or relax for this special day!

Black Resource Center hosts HIV/AIDS activists to help raise awareness

by Johann Derek Oribello SENIOR STAFF WRITER

On Feb. 7, the Black Resource Center at San Diego State commemorated National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by hosting a lecture with activist and best selling author Marvelyn Brown.

Diagnosed with HIV at 19 years old, Brown spoke to SDSU students to promote her new book, “The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive,” as well as to raise awareness on the importance of sexual awareness.

Brown said her experiences speaking at numerous events in the past have culminated into three main messages she spreads to her audiences regarding HIV. “One would be to get tested,” Brown said. “I also tell people to be educated because (at that time), I still haven’t seen anyone who looked like me that had the virus … My last one is to be responsible.”

Africana Studies lecturer Dr. Bonnie Reddick helped coordinate the event with the Black Resource Center and said a prior speaking opportunity for one of her classes led to a chance

to speak to a bigger audience outside the classroom.

“I was teaching a black women’s studies class and I saw her on MSNBC, so I emailed her,” Reddick said. “She hit me back up, emailed me and gave a talk to my students which was great. So I hit her back up and said, ‘I’ll pay the director of Black Resource Center, I’d really like to bring you back again,’ and she’s here.”

Brown said winning an award at the Ryan White National Youth Conference in the past, a national event on HIV care and treatment, helped give her nationwide exposure in spreading HIV awareness.

“Here at this conference there were over 1,000 youth from all over America who had HIV at this conference,” Brown said.

“I was given an award at the conference for my courage. I had no idea that by putting the story in the paper I was doing what so many people are scared to do.”

Brown also said the experience gave her connections that allowed her to elevate her SEE ACTIVIST, PAGE 2

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News

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Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State women’s athletes celebrate ‘National Girls and Women in Sports Day’

by Katelynn STAFF WRITER

Robinson

Several members of San Diego State’s women’s sports teams attended the Aztecs women’s basketball game against Air Force on Saturday to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The day is celebrated to inspire young girls to participate in sports.

Head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson said her message to her team was no different today than any other day, because for them everyday is about inspiring women.

“You know every day for us is about young ladies and inspiring them to play a sport or do whatever they do and do it well, so no difference for us,” Terry-Hutson said.

“Everyday for us is Women in Sports Day.” Terry-Hutson also said she hopes her team can inspire young women to be determined and pursue their dreams.

“I think sports, just putting it that world, is such a great teacher of life skills.” she said. “So I think through sports my young ladies can mentor and help motivate other young girls to never give up to go steadfast towards their dreams whatever it may be.”

Before the game, members of SDSU women’s rowing, volleyball, swim and golf teams were set up outside the arena where they taught young girls about their sports and inspired them to participate in sports they were unfamiliar with.

Kinesiology senior and SDSU women’s

Activists:

continued from page 1 platform and activism to the next level.

“I remember there were people in the audience that completely changed my entire HIV activism career,” Brown said. “Before you know it I was traveling, doing TV shows and it was a whirlwind of experience.”

Students who attended the lecture said the informative lecture opened their eyes on the risks of contracting the disease, especially in a college campus.

Finance freshman Natalie O’Neal said the event enforced a difficult point to come across for younger generations.

“I feel like it was really informative and also needed because a lot of people in our generation don’t understand the risk (of contracting HIV),” O’Neal said. “I

Members of the Aztecs women’s basketball team sign autographs following their matchup.

rower Brooke Boron said she was excited to expose youth to her sport.

“It’s so fantastic just seeing the kids’ energy and then everybody just wanting to try it out,” Boron said. “The best thing in the world to see their faces light up on something they’ve probably have never even seen before. It was just really cool to get the sport of rowing out there for boys and girls too.”

At halftime, Paralympic silver medalist Lacey Henderson spoke about her journey through athletics and what brought her to compete in the Paralympics. She also talked about the empowerment of this influential day.

feel like having Marvelyn come talk to us showed us just how real it could be for us as it was for her.”

Biology freshman Amber Davis said the lecture gave her a new sense of awareness about contracting the disease.

“This is something that’s not really talked about and is taboo,” Davis said.

“So having her debunk it for us is just really good to hear and to take that step to be educated.”

O’Neal said the most important lesson she gathered from the lecture is that communication is key, especially when it comes to sexual health.

She also said she is now more aware of who she trusts.

“A lot of us don’t really think that it could be people that you trust and love and care about so I feel like that was really important that she said that,” she said. “She brought up a very important question for us to ask in the future.”

Photo by Johann Derek Oribello

Brown spoke to SDSU students to promote her new book.

Photo by Aaron Tolentino

“You don’t tell a girl in sports what she can and can’t do,” Henderson said. “That is the truth and that is how my career started, which is crazy.”

Henderson said she participated in track and field as a young girl before she discovered she had a soft tissue tumour in her leg, meaning her leg had to be amputated. But this life changing challenge did not stop her from doing competitive cheer in high school and college, and eventually competing in long jump for the Paralympics.

In a one-on-one interview prior to her half time speech, Henederson, spoke about how empowering it was to see so many

young women support each other and to see teams celebrate a day that specifically gives recognition to female athletes.

“I think when I was young, there wasn’t really a moment to celebrate just women in sports,” Henderson said “And I think growing up for a long time, I was raised by boys and I was kind of a tomboy, not really by choice but kind of by circumstance and to see people make a moment, to kind of make a space for exclusively women and to help kind of show solidarity.”

Henderson also said the term “female athlete” helps describe women in sports as more than just athletes, but as whole, complex people.

“I find that the term itself is actually way more inclusive because it includes that you are more than just an athlete,” she said. “It includes all the other aspects of you.”

Redshirt senior and guard Taylor Kalmer said it was fun and humbling to see young girls look up to her and the women’s basketball team.

“There were a lot of people here, and the kids just gave a reminder for us of why we are out here — hopefully to inspire some young girls,” she said. “It’s just humbling.”

Redshirt senior and basketball center Zayn Dornstauder said proving women are just as capable as men is important as a female athlete.

“Our games are just as entertaining I would say and just going out there and proving we are just as capable,” she said.

Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com

News

The Daily Aztec

3

Local Black Panther members talk history, misconceptions

by Charlie Vargas STAFF WRITER

Members of the San Diego Black Panther Party were invited as panelists to the Black Resource Center to discuss misconceptions about the organization on Feb 6.

The event “Debunking the Black Panthers,” discussed the party’s history, misconceptions and personal self-reflections of participants. Panelists included Ibraham Fardan, Patrick Germany, Defforest Hancock, Rene Walton and Robert “War” Williams.

The event began by having attendees get into small groups to discuss their roles in personal and community empowerment as well as the barriers they face in their journey — a core aspect of the party’s ideology.

“The whole position is about loving ourselves,” Williams said.

“You should never allow hate to be

your fuel to do something better.”

Sociology senior Jazmine Miles co-founded Black 365 with her friend Jada Johnson and helped to coordinate the event. One of the organization’s goals is to generate events that diversify the conversation about black history.

“We’re tired of hearing the same narrative(s),” Miles said. “Usually you hear about MLK (or) Rosa Parks, and even though they did do their thing, we still need to talk about other people.”

Members of the party passed out informational packets that detailed the party’s historical ties to San Diego State.

The Black Panther Party formed through the Black Student Union in 1968 with founders Kenny Denmon and Shirley GeorgeMeadors. According to the packet, Denmon and George-Meadors were contacted by the Central Black Panther Committee in Oakland, which helped guide them

into developing the organization on campus.

Fardan was a student at San Diego State at the time and later joined the party. He described himself as not being fully aware of how he viewed his identity until he interacted with other students who gave him inspiration.

Fardan described the moment when he received a Liberator magazine in which he read about how blacks helped build the pyramids.

“Wow, if we had the ability and the skills to do that then, what can we do now,” Fardan said.

The party also sought to address misconceptions about the Black Panthers, including those that say the party is anti-government and antagonistic towards voting.

Williams also dispelled any idea that the party “hates white people.”

“That is not the legacy (and) perspective of the Black Panther Party,” Williams said. “We attempt

to suppress that type of idiot thinking.”

Another misconception that was addressed was the reasoning behind the party’s public display of weapons. According to Germany, party members in the late 60s would carry guns to discourage brutality by police and instead felt safer patrolling their own communities. “(Police officers) would find brothers walking down the streets — especially if they were panthers — and take you off into the commercial street,” Germany said.

“They (would) pull you into the lumber yards and start whooping on you.”

Germany said people remember the guns because of the demonstration in California’s state capitol in 1967. The reason the Black Panther Party marched was in opposition to a state bill that aimed to prevent the Black Panthers from carrying their weapons in public,

which they saw as an infringement of their rights.

At the end of the event, the moderators asked panelists what advice they had for future generations.

Walton spoke more directly about current political time and online quarrels and ways to address it.

“If you can connect with them and get something good going, do that,” Walton said. “You don’t discount and totally write people off.”

Williams circled back to empowerment and growth, leaving words of advice as guidance.

“Never allow yourself to be crystalized in your thought (and) growth process,” Williams said.

“Never think you know so much that you’re unteachable.”

For more information about the Black Panther Party of San Diego and its community events visit their Facebook page.

Construction on Aztec Recreation Center begins to move forward

by Jadyn Brandt STAFF WRITER

Construction on the Aztec Recreation Center is currently underway after San Diego State students voted to renovate and expand the gym back in a March 2018 student referendum In the coming weeks, students can expect a bit of a shake-up at the ARC as equipment is moved around during construction, Vice President of University Affairs George Scott said.

“In the next couple weeks, we’re expecting that two of the basketball courts will be taken off-line and the free-weight equipment and group cycling bikes will be moved into that area,” Scott said. “Students will still be able to continue to play basketball and have access to (equipment and classes) it might just be that the locations have changed.”

Shake Smart was also required to temporarily relocate to the ARC’s new entrance on the opposite side of the facility while construction is ongoing.

Business marketing sophomore

and ARC employee Grace Markel said the renovations have had an effect on the day-to-day functions.

“Due to the expansion, we’ve had to relocate the ARC entrance to a narrower part of the facility and this has definitely made it chaotic for members to enter and leave (the ARC) at times,” Markel said. “We hope members can be patient with us during these times because the final result will be well worth the wait and occasional inconveniences.”

The expansion is expected to be completed by the fall semester of 2021 and will increase the size of the ARC from 78,000 square feet to 138,000 square feet. Additions to the ARC include an indoor track, new climbing walls, social and study spaces, office and meeting spaces and a greater number of fitness rooms.

Scott said he hopes the new ARC will function similarly to the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union for students who live on the north side of campus.

“This really could be a second Student Union,” he said. “Students have a healthy eatery with Shake

Smart, they have a place where they can do homework or sit and hangout without having to walk to the library.”

One of the biggest focuses of the expansion is on improving the sustainability of the ARC. “We’re looking for the ARC to be LEED Double Platinum certified, meaning it will be self sufficient,” Scott said. “Throughout the course of the planning of the ARC there have been multiple voices from different sustainability areas, (a nd) we’re taking a lot of input from them.”

The new updates to the ARC come at the cost of an increase to the mandatory Student Body Center Fee by $195 per student, bringing the fee to $432 beginning in fall 2021. The increase in student fees caused some students to vote against the measure in 2018, and the referendum passed narrowly with 51% support and only 23.18% of the student population participating in the election.

Scott said despite the opposition in 2018, the renovation and changes to the payment model are long overdue.

The expansion of the ARC is planned to be completed in 2021.

“We’re changing from the monthly payment model to a semester fee,” Scott said. “We’re one of the last universities in the country to switch to this model, and it will give all students access to all of the ARC facilities.”

Kinesiology sophomore Naomi Jenkins said she’s most excited for the extra floor space the ARC will have after renovations, as the single studio room is usually booked with classes and, at times, open

Photo by Daniel Guerrero

machines are scarce.

“I think the ARC upgrade is long overdue especially compared to other state schools with much nicer and bigger gyms than us,” Jenkins said. “Sometimes three machines I need are taken causing me to totally switch up my workout that day.

(The expansion) will create more space for everyone. I think the expansion will encourage people to come to the gym and try new types of workouts.”

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Opinion

The Daily Aztec

Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Catherine Van Weele • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Sexualization by fraternities is a major issue

by Sam Mason STAFF WRITER

When I committed to San Diego State my senior year of high school, the one thing I heard time and time again was, “To survive at SDSU, you have to be involved in Greek life.”

I had never really considered joining a sorority, but decided to register for fall rush. I quickly realized that it was not my cup of tea. The feeling of being pinned up against other girls based on outfits and appearance was not a good one. But I know that being a part of a sorority can be a good thing that brings people joy, so I support women who do it regardless.

However, you can’t really argue that the Greek system doesn’t thrive off sexism.

Sororities are held to an unfair standard compared to their male counterparts. They can’t throw parties and have unrealistic standards for their members on social media.

Fraternities hold the power, and women in the Greek system are seen as tokens. Every party that is thrown revolves around “the ratio,” or the amount of women to men at a party. A party is a good one only if there

are clearly more females than males. A group of 20 pretty girls have a better chance of being let in to a party compared to one non-Greek male.

Men who are not involved in Greek life have close to no opportunities to attend the same events that their peers in fraternities can. The entire system is structured to treat women as a commodity.

I’ve been seeing more and more of this as spring rush is in full swing.

A friend of mine recently

Similarly, there are “rules” revolving around pledge pins (the pins that men pledging a frat have to wear at all times).

Rumor has it that if a female touches a male’s pledge pin, they have to sleep with them.

Regardless of how much of a joke this is meant to be, the idea of having an abundance of females at frat parties perpetuates the idea to young women that sex is expected.

The idea is if you are let in to the event, given alcohol and the time of day, the least you could

“Fraternities hold the power, and women in the Greek system are seen as tokens.” received a text message from a male friend that read, “Can you write ‘Rush [insert fraternity name here]’ on your tits and send it to me? I need it for an activity, ask your friends too.”

Pledges are being marketed to through women being used as a marketing tactic. Active members are sending the ideas to pledges, “if you’re in our frat, these women will be at your disposal 24/7.”

do is have sex with whatever frat boy has been assigned to you for the evening.

This is before we delve in to the endless list of sexual assault and rape allegations and incidents on this campus and nationwide as a result of this entire structure.

Fraternities perpetuate rape culture. As if we needed another toxic way to perpetuate damaging beauty standards, the

Greek system is only accepting of conventionally attractive females. The first time I realized there might be some toxic undertones to the Greek system was when I realized that the majority of the girls getting called back to houses looked the same.

It was hundreds of tall, thin and conventionally attractive girls. I have seen girls get turned away at the door of parties because of their appearance or because they are in a “bottom house.” And the rank of each house is fully based on how attractive it’s members are.

These same “bottom” houses are also called derogatory nicknames by the frat boys who think they have any jurisdiction to judge the beauty of women.

Sororities and fraternities comprise the very same power dynamics and bullying we all so deeply wanted to escape in high school. It’s childish and ironic.

As spring rush continues with a new season of frat parties on the horizon, I warn my fellow women to be aware of how we’re being valued, and demand for men to be better.

Sam Mason is a freshman studying criminal justice. Follow her on Twitter @sammmason.

For lower income communities, practicing safe sex is harder due to limited access to birth control options

by Patrick Doyle STAFF WRITER

Methods of birth control and sexually transmitted disease prevention are incredibly common to come across here at San Diego State. Whether it’s the free condoms being handed out like candy in dorms or the birth control pills provided by a nearby Planned Parenthood (free with most insurance plans), sex has become safer and less of a danger on college campuses than it was before these contraceptives were as common.

But although we are fortunate to have such options available, it is easy to take this kind of access to protection for granted.

A Guttmacher Institute study found that unplanned pregnancies in 2008 were five times as likely for those at or below the federal poverty level. The study also found that “unintended pregnancy rates are highest among low-income women, women aged 18–24, cohabiting women and women of color.”

These statistics are no abnormality. Women who live below the poverty line are not having sex far more frequently than those above the poverty line, they just don’t have the same level of access to methods of birth control that people on a college campus often do.

Planned Parenthood is sometimes a literal lifesaver for many men and women who need access to contraceptives.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Bella Ross MANAGING EDITOR Dana Tsuri-Etzioni NEWS EDITOR Kaitlyn Little ASST. NEWS EDITOR Michael Cline OPINION EDITOR Catherine Van Weele MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Alejandra Luna ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Diane Lopez ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Ceighlee Fennel SPORTS EDITOR Aaron Tolentino ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Betz ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Roxanna Becerril PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Oslowski MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Amal Younis ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Jack Molmud GRAPHIC DESIGNER Emily Burgess VOLUNTEER COPYEDITOR Noah Goldbloom

STAFF WRITERS Aaliyah Alexander Jaydn Brandt Patrick Doyle Adriana Horne Sofia Longo Lucelis Martínez Sam Mason Catlan Nguyen Katelynn Robinson Charlie Vargas SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Cristian Alvarez Kelly Kerrigan Johann Derek Oribello CONTRIBUTORS Kristie Burgess ________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Diamond ________________________________ GENERAL MANAGER/ADVISER Jay Harn GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Luis Valenzuela ________________________________ EDITORIAL 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com

Graphic by Emily Burgess

Preventing unplanned pregnancy naturally decreases the need for abortions. But these facilities are not everywhere.

This leads to many people in living areas without a nearby Planned Parenthood resorting to unprotected sex, which can be incredibly dangerous. Not only is there a risk of pregnancy, but also potentially risking sexually transmitted infections.

A common criticism of this comes from men who believe women simply should not be having unprotected sex due to the risk. They say it is their fault for being intimate with their partners with no forms of protection in place.

Although it is very important to keep in mind these risks before consenting to this kind of sex, we cannot put the blame entirely on women.

Especially not on women from communities who often have no contraceptive options whatsoever.

No matter your personal beliefs, sex is a part of life.

There is no way, ethically or practically, to stop low-income communities from engaging in sex like everyone else does.

We can only provide methods for lower-income couples to obtain birth control in the hope that STIs and unplanned pregnancies decrease. The lack of contraceptives available to them now is pitiful.

And despite what it may seem, this isn’t an issue of abortion.

This is an issue of preventing unplanned pregnancy in the first place. Every single man or woman who claims to be against a woman’s right to choose should at least overwhelmingly

support methods of birth control. Anyone who doesn’t is denying the real problem.

SDSU does a lot to help its students stay safe during sex, but poverty-stricken individuals who are not located near a Planned Parenthood do not have this luxury. Instead of blaming the victims of unplanned pregnancy, prolife supporters should blame themselves for not doing more to make sure everyone has access to birth control.

If you believe life begins at conception, then you damn well better be sure everyone, including low income families, has access to contraceptives.

Patrick Doyle is a freshman studying journalism and political science.

Follow him @PatrickDoyle100.

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Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Catherine Van Weele • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Opinion

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5

Dating as a bisexual girl can be confusing

by Alexa Oslowski PHOTO EDITOR

Relationships in college are nothing short of a roller coaster.

It’s all about getting to know people from scratch, learning how to be independent and potentially spending part of your relationship long-distance when school is out for summer.

On top of all it all, college is also a time to reinvent yourself and figure out who you are. It can be a handful for anyone to manage.

Now take all that, factor in discovering your sexual identity, and you’ve got my freshman year of college in a nutshell.

I spent 18 years brushing aside all indications that I wasn’t straight. During my first semester of college at UC Santa Cruz, I was surrounded by supporting, mostly LGBT+ roommates that encouraged me to be my most authentic self. I quickly discovered the most genuine version of me was as a queer, bisexual woman.

I had no idea where to go from there. I’m still figuring it out today, and it hasn’t always been easy. How do you navigate the world as a queer woman when everyone around you is still figuring themselves out?

Even now, after being publicly out as a queer woman for more than three years, I find myself

Photo by Alexa Oslowski

primarily dating men, and recently I’ve questioned why.

Is it because it’s considered “normal”? Is it simply most convenient? I know what it’s like to date men, but what if I’m honestly terrified to start dating women?

Deciding when and how to reveal my sexual identity is always an interesting situation. I have labeled myself as “queer” on my public social media many times and removed it just as often. Not

that it’s a secret, but I struggle sometimes figuring out how to build my identity into online and offline life.

Two years ago, I decided to try online dating, even if it just meant making a few more LGBT+ friends. Downloading and creating a profile on Tinder proved to be the most frustrating experience of my life. All it did was make me feel like an object for couples to experiment with, and I am constantly fighting

against the ridiculous stereotypes bisexual people get every day.

There are days I feel that who I am will always come with battling the ignorance and stereotypes.

When I transferred to San Diego State, I removed “queer” from all my social media bios. Honestly, I was just tired of constantly having to come out to those around me, and it made me question how loudly I want to be myself. Then I realized, if people don’t want to be in my life simply because I

date people other than men, then they weren’t the best people to surround myself with anyway.

I always remind myself to be the person I needed when I was younger. I wonder how different my life would have been if I had grown up watching more people of the LGBT+ community live and thrive in the world.

I recently realized I can be that person for someone else.

Normalizing the presence of queer people in the dating pool makes it easier for us to find the person we will spend our lives with, regardless of our gender. I currently have “queer” on my social media accounts.

Representation and finding your community matters, and I want people to know that I am with them, I support them and I am someone to come to if needed.

As I approach the end of my college career, I have learned a lot about myself. I’ve also learned how I can be a better friend, girlfriend, student and sister. The best thing you can be is yourself, and regardless of it you decided to label yourself publicly, you’re valid.

I’ve found true happiness comes from being myself and knowing that I am working on myself every day.

Alexa Osklowski is a senior studying journalism. You can follow her on Twitter @AlexaROslowski.

Finding love in real life is better than using dating apps

by Catherine OPINION EDITOR

Van Weele

Online dating apps have become all the rage, especially among college students. Just swipe to the right on people who you find attractive, get your match, start a banter of flirtatious messages and you can meet up with someone in your area that very day.

The process appears fairly seamless compared to conventional dating methods.

As college students, we are surrounded by thousands of other students on campus, and dating apps make it simple to narrow down our potential prospects.

Dating apps seem to be quite the successful matchmakers for many. But before you delve into the world of online dating, there is another side to dating apps we should all be wary of.

Dating apps can diminish our sense of self-worth, force us into uncomfortable situations and deter authentic human connection.

When we meet people online, we are only interacting with the virtual aliases of one another. This removes the core humanistic aspects of forming relationships.

Face-to-face interaction is a crucial component in forming romantic relationships. There is more to learn about a person from real life interactions than

from an online profile. The way a person carries themselves can say a lot about who they are — from their choice of clothing to the posture of their stance to their inflections of their voice.

Talking face-to-face is particularly important in understanding what a person is like. Communicating via messages makes it difficult to grasp who someone truly is.

Online messaging presents people the luxury of time to curate the perfect responses which are not afforded in a typical conversation. Or the opposite may happen, people may be harsher and ruder because they are able to hide behind a screen.

Initial reactions to what you send someone are unknown since you are unable to see their facial reactions, nor can you be certain of sarcastic or humorous tones in someone’s messages.

People’s texting style can differ significantly from how they converse in real life. This can lead to completely inaccurate impressions.

We can use queues from inperson interactions to make judgements on how compatible someone may be using all of our senses and discover if there is something worth pursuing.

Whereas dating apps can lead to misconstrued portrayals of who people are, especially because we are relying heavily on carefully constructed profiles.

We tend to only put our

best foot forward on social platforms. We upload photos taken with the best lighting and the best angles and we write the wittiest and most charming profiles. This image of our most polished selves sets unrealistic expectations for ourselves and potential partners.

Studies have shown that people who use dating apps have lower self-esteem and are less satisfied with their appearances.

This held true for both women and men.

Perhaps this is in part due to the fact that initial impressions are largely based on physical appearances. There is pressure to take the most flattering photo of yourself. Then, if you don’t get the matches you hoped for, if any matches at all, you may feel self-conscious about your looks or even begin to feel objectified.

Objectification may occur as a result of the associations made between online dating apps and the rise of hookup culture.

While some people are looking to form long lasting romantic connections, others are merely trying to find someone to have casual sex with. This alternative motive is just as valid and with millions of people using dating apps as it is a convenient way to meet new sexual partners.

Unfortunately, many go about this without directly expressing their true intentions, leaving the other party feeling hurt. Some people have even been ghosted after a hookup,

meaning the other person stopped all communications without warning. This can make someone feel used and lower their sense of self-worth.

Additionally, many women are bombarded with messages asking for a one-night stand, nude photos or they are sent unsolicited nude photos.

Experiencing these types of interactions undoubtedly leads to feeling like a sexual object, and the pursuit of finding love becomes even more discouraging.

Of course, the negatives of online dating apps can also be seen in traditional forms of

dating. But the bottom line is finding love is hard regardless of how you are going about it.

However, there is something about online dating that amplifies the struggles of finding someone to love.

This is not to say that online dating apps should not be used at all, because they have worked successfully for many couples.

Rather one should be aware and mindful about all the aspects of dating apps if they chose to use them to seek love.

Catherine Van Weele is a sophomore studying political science. Follow her on Twitter @catievanweele.

Graphic by Emily Burgess

Sports Women’s basketball drops close match to Air Force 6

The Daily Aztec

Feb. 12 - 15, 2020 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com

FREQUENT

TRIPS TO THE RESTROOM? Photo by Aaron Tolentino

Aztecs senior guard Taylor Kalmer goes pass the Air Force defender for a layup. Kalmer has had 19 straight doubledigit scoring games – the longest streak by an Aztec in the Mountain West era (since 1999).

by Cristian Alvarez SENIOR STAFF WRITER

San Diego State women’s basketball lost 51-49 to Air Force on Feb. 8 at Viejas Arena.

The Aztecs’ (11-14, 6-7 Mountain West Conference) three-game win streak ended after Falcons (5-18, 3-9) sophomore forward Riley Synder made what turned out to be the game-winning basket with five seconds left.

Saturday’s game was also commemorated as National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Here are three observations from the game.

1. POINTS IN PAINT, LOW THREE-POINT SCORING HIGHLIGHT SDSU’S AFTERNOON This game proved to be a defensive battle for the Aztecs. Their offense had to restrategize against the Falcons.

The Aztecs managed to have some success, but most of the scoring came inside the paint.

Twenty-four of SDSU’s 49 points came from the key, 14 of them coming in the first half. “(Air Force) pressured a lot. They denied us so what any team does we tried to get to the rim,” senior guard Taylor Kalmer said.

Both teams, after three quarters, combined to go 0-for-17 from downtown. The Aztecs had five attempts themselves.

The game’s first 3-pointer came in the fourth quarter, which was made by Aztecs sophomore guard Sophia Ramos with nine minutes left.

It was SDSU’s only 3-pointer.

The Falcons hit two 3-pointers of their own but finished 2-of-16 for the game.

2. AZTECS MAKE DEFENSIVE STOPS NEAR THE GLASS The Aztecs were protective near the glass against the Falcons.

By halftime, SDSU had five blocks recorded.

More of the same would continue in the second half, with the Aztecs getting two more additional blocks – for a total of seven blocks for the game.

“We have historically been more of an

offensive team than a defensive team, but we definitely showed more of our defensive side tonight,” senior center Zayn Dornstauder said.

Dornstauder had three blocks, along with adding five rebounds and 11 points.

It was one block short of tying the team’s season-high record.

“I think that’s the highlight of tonight’s game,” head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson said. “We’re getting better defensively.

In the last couple games we’ve done a good job playing defense as a unit.”

3. TAYLOR KALMER KEEPS HER STREAK ALIVE Senior guard Taylor Kalmer finished the game with 11 points, which extended her streak of 19 straight games scoring double-digits.

“It’s pretty cool, but to be honest I don’t really care because we lost,” Kalmer said of the streak. “I’m just trying to help my team win in any way I can.”

That is the longest streak by an Aztec in the Mountain West Conference era. “(Kalmer) is a competitor. She had one of the better defenders on her tonight and was still able to do that,” Terry-Hutson said. “She is going to give you 110% every single night both offensively and defensively.”

The previous streak for the Aztecs was held by Courtney Clements, who scored double-digits for 18 straight games back in the 2012-13 season.

“What makes her special are not only the accolades you gave her offensively, but she tries to defend every single possession,” Terry-Hutson added. “She normally has the best offensive player every single possession, so I’m really impressed she’s able to do fantastic things all while playing 40 minutes and guarding the best player on the opposite team.”

NEXT FOR THE AZTECS SDSU is back on the road Wednesday as they travel to Albuquerque to play the New Mexico Lady Lobos inside Dreamstyle Arena, famously known as “The Pit.” Cristian Alvarez is a senior majoring in interdisciplinary studies. Follow him on Twitter @AlvarezTheViper.

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Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec

7

Men’s basketball atop the Mountain West San Diego State clinches its 12th Mountain West regular-season title in program history, first since 2015–16

by Kyle Betz ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

San Diego State men’s basketball clinched the outright Mountain West regular season title after defeating New Mexico by a score of 82-59 on Feb. 11 at Viejas Arena.

Big performances from junior forward Matt Mitchell (22 points) and senior forward Yanni Wetzell (20 points) helped the Aztecs (25-0, 14-0 Mountain West Conference) lift the Mountain West Conference trophy.

AZTECS CLINCH REGULAR SEASON CONFERENCE TITLE, NO. 1 SEED IN MOUNTAIN WEST TOURNAMENT For the first time since 201516, SDSU will be the No. 1 seed in the upcoming conference tournament.

A 75-72 Utah State win over Colorado State meant the Aztecs would at least share the title.

But a win over New Mexico gave the Scarlet and Black the outright conference title – SDSU’s 12th in school history.

Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher said winning the conference in early February is a massive achievement.

Photo by Kareem Jones

Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher cuts the nets after defeating New Mexico for the Mountain West regular-season title on Feb. 11 at Viejas Arena.

“The hardest thing in basketball — obviously, other than winning the Final Four — is winning a regular season conference title, because you have to do it over the whole season,” Dutcher said. “To have the title outright already with four games to play is an incredible accomplishment.”

Dutcher and each player had the opportunity to cut down a piece of the net after the victory.

“I always think it’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Dutcher said of cutting down the net. “It’s the

moment that we’re doing it. It’s exciting. You kind of realize a lot of the hard work you put in.”

The last time SDSU was the No. 1 seed in the MW Tournament was in 2015-16, when the Aztecs finished the season with a 28-10 overall record (16-2 in conference) but missed out on the NCAA Tournament.

This time, the Aztecs will play the No. 8 or No. 9 seed on March 5 in the conference tournament.

But for now, the Aztecs will aim to reach 18-0 in conference

play — a feat that has never been accomplished before in Mountain West history.

MATT MITCHELL PASSES KAWHI LEONARD ON SDSU’S ALL-TIME SCORING LIST, TOPS 1,000 POINTS From one Inland Empire kid to another.

Mitchell entered the night 15 career points short of 1,000 and five short of Kawhi Leonard’s career points total.

After 11 points in the first half, Mitchell moved ahead of Leonard

on SDSU’s all-time scoring list — good for 34th in program history.

“I actually didn’t know that.

Wow,” Mitchell said of surpassing Leonard. “I’m happy I was able to do that. I feel like that’s good company to be in.”

Mitchell then eclipsed the 1,000-point mark early on in the second half with a short-range jumper.

“It’s special to me because I was able to reach 1,000 — not only reach it, but reach it on the night that we could hang a banner and win the conference,” Mitchell said. “I definitely will cherish tonight, but tomorrow, got to let it go and move on to the next four games we have.”

He added seven more points, including a tomahawk slam dunk to tie the Aztecs in scoring in the second half.

“Our defense picked up in the second half,” Mitchell said. “We definitely wanted this tonight.

We wanted to win this on the home court, and we came out and I think we showed that in the second half.”

Mitchell passed Leonard, Randy Holcomb and Kim Goetz en route to claiming 32nd all-time in the SDSU scoring record books at 1,007 career points.

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Mundo Azteca

Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Alejandra Luna • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

San Valentín en la comunidad hispana por Lucelis ESCRITORA

Martínez

El Día de San Valentín se celebra en diferentes maneras en Latinoamérica y el mundo hispano en general. Sin embargo, hay diferentes connotaciones relacionadas con este evento y algunas de ellas son poco feministas.

Hay muchas versiones que relatan como el 14 de febrero se originó.

La primera versión habla de cómo un sacerdote casaba a los soldados con sus amores aun cuando el rey había prohibido la práctica, ya que distraía a los soldados.

La otra versión tiene referencia a la obra popular de Shakespeare llamada “Julio César” (Julius Caesar).

Al comenzar, esta obra toma lugar durante un antiguo festival romano llamado Lupercalia, el cual se celebraba a mediados de febrero.

Durante el festival se festejaba la fertilidad y como consecuencia de aquello, las mujeres se casaban con hombres por muchas razones, que no siempre tenían que ver con el amor.

En un artículo publicado por Britannica menciona que hasta había un sorteo en donde las mujeres eran rifadas como esposas o regalos.

Finalmente, el Papa Gelasius I remplazó este evento romano con el Día de San Valentín.

Una búsqueda en el internet puede decir esta simple información, pero no te puede explicar la influencia que estas costumbres tienen en el Día del Amor y la Amistad.

En el tiempo moderno, esta festividad marca el único día del año en donde es “obligatorio” ponerle atención a la pareja

Muchas de las panaderías venden postres de corazones por el Día de San Valentín.

sentimental.

Las flores se venden a mil por hora, las calles huelen a chocolate, y la persona que espera hasta el último minuto para hacer una reservación, corre el riesgo de quedarse sin planes.

Aunque los roles de sexo y género van cambiando con el paso del tiempo y las personas tratan de no definirse por estas características.

Sería un error ignorar unas observaciones de cómo el mundo hispano

Foto por Lucelis Martínez

ha interpretado el día del amor.

Todos los regalos que se compran para esta fecha, revelan que el dinero se relaciona directamente con el amor.

Otra expectativa es el sexo, especialmente en el mundo hispano en donde se ha persistido una ideología machista y enfocada en las relaciones sexuales.

Que si tienes sexo, “no eres una niña de casa”, pero si no lo tienes, “entonces tu novio ha perdido su tiempo comprando

cosas para el 14 de febrero”.

Estas percepciones crean una presión en las mujeres y los hombres de latinoamérica, que se adhieren a lo que se espera de ellos por la sociedad.

Ambos siguen una forma de actuar porque sienten que es lo que deben de hacer.

Pero, en realidad, el Día de los Enamorados es solo un día común y cualquiera en donde se ha decidido ponerle atención a su pareja.

Se celebra porque es bonito tener una fecha especial para dos personas que se quieren.

Las presiones de este día han sido resultado de décadas de antifeminismo y el seguimiento de prácticas machistas, que no ayudan ni a las mujeres ni a los hombres.

No está mal que tengan relaciones sexuales en este día, tampoco está mal que no las tengas.

Además, no tienes que gastar dinero, simplemente aprecia a tu pareja y siempre di lo que sientes por él o ella.

Si no la tienes, entonces dedicate a quererte a ti mismo.

Ese día, las escuelas estarán llenos de globos de corazones, rosas por donde sea, y seguramente mirarás esos grandotes osos de peluche que apenas las mujeres los pueden cargar, pero no seas un Grinch con los demás.

Si te sientes con pena por cualquier motivo, recuerda que fue un papa quien estableció el 14 de febrero.

Disfruta de los chocolates y reflexiona sobre tus relaciones entre tus amigos y familia. Diles cuantos los amas todos los días.

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Feb 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Alejandra Luna • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Mundo Azteca

The Daily Aztec

9

La gran expectativa en el Día del Amor por Diane López ASIST. DE EDITORA

“El amor está en el aire”. A tan solo dos días de San Valentín, las tiendas suben sus precios de las rosas y empiezan a vender chocolates en cajas de corazones.

Para muchos, este día lo festejan con sus parejas, regalos costosos y una cena romántica en un restaurante.

Después de comer y de regalos, la noche aún es joven.

Además de fresas cubiertas de chocolate y osos de peluche, el 14 de febrero es conocido por un día de pasión.

Según un artículo de TMZ, el cantante de R&B conocido como Tank, explicó que el sexo cuenta como regalo de San Valentín. Aunque este día sea conocido por el Día del Amor y la Amistad, romance y sexo, es un día que también puede presionar a los que lo celebran.

Algunos gastan una gran cantidad de dinero para demostrarle a su pareja, su amor y otros con la presión de tener relaciones íntimas, no quiere decir que eso va a pasar contigo.

Antonio Márquez, estudiante de periodismo de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego, explicó que el sexo puede ser empoderamiento, pero también puede ser menos especial cuando se usa como regalo.

“Creo que tener sexo es algo que usamos para negociar y para sentir placer, pero lo importante es cómo lo usas”, dijo Márquez. “Así que quizás, podamos explorar fantasías y sexo al

para eso, pero se siente presionada a dar su consentimiento debido a la misión de ‘expresión de amor’”.

Una estudiante de psicología de SDSU expresó que el significado del sexo en este día depende de la relación y su dinámica.

“No creo que debería ser algo esperado por ninguna de las parejas”, dijo anónima. “Si pasa, pasa.”

Por cualquier motivo que sea, lo importante es disfrutar del momento. Al igual que deben de estar seguros de lo quieren y de cuidarse.

Aunque para muchos este día es como cualquier otro dia, no se les olviden darles un detalle a su pareja.

Al final del día, lo crucial es compartir y demostrar tu amor todo el año.

Foto de archivo

Durante esta fecha, las personas consumen más productos sexuales.

mismo tiempo, mejor que un regalo”.

Al igual que las flores y joyas, la lencería y los juguetes sexuales también son objetos que se vuelven populares durante esta temporada.

El sexo en el día de San Valentín es diferente de cualquier otro día para muchos, ya sea que quisiéramos que fuera o no, el sexo está conectado con el 14 de febrero y las personas buscarán formas de despertar este día y hacerlo “inolvidable”.

Una estudiante de comunicaciones en SDSU compartió que hay tantas maneras de amor y es importante recordar que no son iguales para todos.

Además, las parejas deben de expresar su amor y aprecio el uno al otro independientemente del día.

“Creo que el sexo en el día de San Valentín está sobrevalorado y no debe contar como un regalo del día del amor y la amistad”, señaló estudiante anónima.

“Qué pasa si una persona no está lista

Encuesta: El amor se debería de festejar solamente un día por Adriana ESCRITORA

Horne

El Día de San Valentín ya está a la vuelta de la esquina, y para muchos es un día lleno de amor pero para otros es un día más.

Es por eso que Mundo Azteca se dio a la tarea de encuestar a algunos de los estudiantes de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego para saber que piensan del Día del Amor y la Amistad.

Después de haber entrevistado a varios jóvenes, nos dimos cuenta que muchas de las respuestas adquiridas fueron similares. ¿Qué piensas del Día De San Valentín?

“El Día de los Enamorados es bonito pero me gustaría que ese tipo de amor, cariño y atención se diera todos los días”, dijo Michi Mbawa, estudiante de tercer año en SDSU. La segunda estudiante entrevistada, Rana Hoseen, admitió que es un día bonito para festejar en pareja, pero que eso debe de ser todos los días y no cada año.

Sin embargo, Nathan Elisha, quien también es estudiante de tercer año en SDSU, asegura que ese día es muy importante para él y su novia por lo que deciden festejarlo al máximo.

“Es un buen día para mimar a mi novia y demostrarle lo importante que es para mí”, aseguró Elisha.

El joven espera que este 14 de febrero, su novia disfrute las sorpresas que le tiene preparadas.

Algunos de los hombres tienen una perspectiva muy diferente de lo importante que es el Día del Amor y la Amistad, tal es el caso de Luke Adame.

“Este día es importante para las novias por lo que tratamos de consentirlas y quererlas mucho más”, comentó Adame.

Además, compartieron algunos

consejos para todos aquellos que están enamorados y para los que aman su soltería. ¿Qué le Aconsejas a la gente soltera o en una relación?

“El estar en una relación sentimental puede causar emociones hermosas y mariposas dentro del estómago, pero es importante no perder tu identidad en la relación”, aconsejó Mbawa.

Recuerda que el estar en una relación implica apoyo mutuo.

“Uno debería de estar con alguien que te apoya, que le importes y que este contigo en las buenas y malas” dijo Hoseen.

No, nos olvidamos de los solteros y aquí van dos consejos para esas personas que pasarán el día con amigos o familia.

“No seas tan exigente para buscar a una pareja”, expresó Adame. “La persona indicada para ti llegará cuando menos te lo esperes”.

Siempre recuerda que San Valentín no es un día solamente para personas que están en una relación amorosa, sino también para disfrutar a tus mejores amigos y familia.

Existe un dilema sobre el Día de San Valentín si debe de ser celebrado todos los días o solamente el 14 de Febrero.

Probablemente, tu eres una de las personas que piensa que el amor se debe de celebrar todos los días, diciéndole a las personas cuentos los amas, y que lo material es lo que menos importa y se respeta tu respuesta.

En sí, nadie está mal en lo que cree, cada persona tiene su forma de ser.

Durante este día no trates de tirar la casa por la ventana, para demostrarle a tu ser querido cuanto lo amas, él o ella sabe el valor de la relación.

Si no tienes pareja en este día, tu puedes darte amor propio, que es lo más importante antes de encontrar pareja.

Feliz Día del Amor y de la Amistad.

Foto por Edgar Santacruz

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Arts & Culture

Dating tips for dummies

Songs between the bedsheets

by Johann Derek Oribello SENIOR STAFF WRITER

by

Love is blooming in the air with Valentine’s Day right around the corner.

Along with that, moods can turn frisky fast, especially for college students.

Whenever that mood kicks in, it can be bothersome to have the old, rickety bed frames inside your dorm room constantly creaking. So why not switch things up and put on a sex playlist to set the mood, right?

Everyone has their own personal tastes when it comes to music, and the same can be said whenever the situation gets hot. Whether or not you already have your own playlist, consider checking out some of these songs that will add some spice to the bedroom:

Kelly Kerrigan SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Rom-coms have made us believe that dating is easy and fate will draw us together with our one true love.

According to the movies, we’ll drop our wallet one day and our soulmate will be there to scoop it up with a Leonardo Dicaprio-esque smirk on their face. I’m not declaring that fate isn’t true or soulmates aren’t real, but dating in real life is not as easy as Nicholas Sparks crafted in his books.

Dating is hard.

Dating in college is harder. Between busy schedules and preparing for the “real world,” it is difficult to stay on top of our love lives.

Thankfully for you, I’ve done a lot of research and have compiled some of the best advice available for those who feel lost in the vast world of dating.

“TOO DEEP” BY DVSN Toronto-based R&B duo, dvsn have been creating projects full of baby-making jams ever since they signed to Drake’s music label, OVO Sounds. This song in particular encapsulates their specialty in narcotic slow jams featuring sexually frank lyrics. The sensual production with seductive vocals makes this song the perfect choice to get the mood going.

“BEAUTY & ESSEX” BY FREE NATIONALS FEAT. DANIEL CAESAR The funky, retro-soul band Free Nationals is best known for being the live band for popular singer Anderson .Paak, but they have developed into their own musical act after years of supporting the frontman. The band enlists soulful crooner Daniel Caesar to deliver romantic vibes with lyrics like “wet like an ocean, aphrodisiac potion.” Throwing on this song will definitely create an atmosphere for an unforgettable night.

ENVIRONMENT IS EVERYTHING Picking where to go on a first date can be tough. Restaurants are tricky because sometimes they’re too loud or distracting, and there is nothing worse than wondering if the Caesar salad you ate is wedged in between your front teeth while you talk to your date about your childhood.

Netflix and chilling, as enticing as it may seem, is not first-date material. Sitting on your date’s couch watching “Parasite” as their roommates walk in their shower towels cooking Asian food from Trader Joes is not romantic.

Instead, try to pick somewhere that evokes conversation and provides an activity. Living near the beach is a perk San Diegans share, making a lovely first date choice with endless things to do.

“WET THE BED” BY CHRIS BROWN FEATURING LUDACRIS R&B superstar Chris Brown and iconic rapper Ludacris dive in to create one of the most seductive songs of the last decade.

The title itself already establishes the racy atmosphere listeners will experience. As the second collaboration between the two artists, they don’t miss a beat in gearing up your sex drive. Get your towels ready.

DO NOT FORCE IT. NO MATTER HOW LONELY YOU THINK YOU ARE. Some people fear being alone so much, they jump to the first person they can find. Sure, being lonely can be a rough feeling to overcome, but rushing to date someone who may not be a match, in the end, can result in a lot bigger problems than being lonely.

Instead, evaluate your options. Is this someone you want your roommates to meet? Do you value the same things? Do you enjoy spending your free time in the same way? If you cannot confidently say “yes” to any of these questions, then the relationship can result in one person changing too much to fit the life of the other.

“IN THOSE JEANS” BY GINUWINE This is a bonafide sultry R&B song that captures the timeless sound of 90s R&B. Ginuwine is one of the most classic and prominent artists when it comes to the art of seduction. The guitar strings layered in the production matching his seductive and provocative delivery is bound to make eyes roll. Cupid won’t need to shoot shots if you put this song on at the right spot.

“I INVENTED SEX” BY TREY SONGZ FEAT. DRAKE If Ginuwine is the R&B sex icon for the 90s, then Trey Songz would be the one to carry the torch towards the 2000s. Songz’s bravado with Drake’s braggadocious verse oozes sexual prowess that makes this song a no brainer. The hypnotic beat surrounding Songz’s vocals will spark a passion that’s bound to keep things busy the entire night.

“1 ON 1” BY LEVEN KALI FEATURING MXXWLL Up-and-coming singer Leven Kali creates a mystical and adventurous ambiance that’s guaranteed to captivate your lover. The warm bounce and soothing vocals from Kali develop a sense of intimacy that will dispel any previous sexual tension. A song that focuses on seizing the moment is the perfect culmination to a passionate night of romantic expression.

Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com

DO NOT RELY ON YOUR PHONE TOO MUCH TO MAKE IT HAPPEN In the modern world of dating, romance is not dead, but relying on your phone too much can send it to the grave. It is easy and tempting to stalk whoever you are going on a date with thoroughly on the internet. But don’t.

Knowing too much can spark a lack of interest in the conversations that occur on date night because none of the information you hear is new.

Also don’t rely on social media too much as a form of communication. As much as using Snapchat or Instagram direct messages can help keep the conversation casual, if you really like this person and have their phone number, shoot them a text, ask them to hang out, channel life away from our phone screens.

Communicating too much through screens can impose a new kind of stress on how to act when you actually have to talk to each other in person. The show “Catfish” exists for a reason.

Graphic by Emily Burgess

“THE ONE” SOMETIMES TAKES TIME TO FIND “You’ll know when you know” is what we’ve been told for centuries when talking about finding love. And although this advice may be true, how can you know when you didn’t try to get to know?

It is easy to cross a prospective person off your list after a first date gone wrong or when the stars didn’t align the first time you met, but most people deserve a chance. If any part of you might still find a sense of interest in that person, dip your toes in the water and maybe, just maybe, you will uncover what you are looking for, or not. On that note ...

IF THEY AREN’T RECIPROCATING MAYBE THEY JUST AREN’T FEELING IT Unrequited love, a story best known through Shakespeare’s very own “Romeo and Juliet.” Since then, narratives have been rewritten and reworked again and again with a story where one is finally recognized by their crush and they live happily ever after.

Yeah, it happens, but don’t use that as a foundation for your beliefs. There’s a reason the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” is such a hit, even though that ended in the usual rom-com narrative with him actually being into her but didn’t know until the very end. The truth is sometimes they just aren’t feeling it.

Although finding this out may hurt at first, take a step back, reflect and recognize that you deserve to be with someone who finds you as special as you do them.

And finally, the most important piece of advice we all need to hear, no matter how many times we do. First said by the living legend, Ru Paul ...

“IF YOU CAN’T LOVE YOURSELF HOW THE HELL ARE YOU GONNA LOVE SOMEBODY ELSE?” It seems to be a common theme of advice when talking about dating.

As humans sometimes we need some reassurance, sometimes we aren’t emotionally stable enough to start dating, sometimes we have a poor image of who we are and that is okay. Most people feel this way.

I once read a quote that said to view yourself the same way your best friends do, and since then I’ve found this to be one of the most important pieces of advice I’ve ever read. Before jumping into a relationship, make sure you’re able to give yourself as much love as you give your significant other. You and them can then build your relationship around one another instead of building a filler for your insecurities.

Be vulnerable and be true to you.

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Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 EDITOR: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec

11

Podcast explains love and dating

by Catlan Nguyen STAFF WRITER

Do you feel like you can never figure out the pesky concept called love, especially with Valentine’s Day on the horizon?

San Diego State alumnus Alex Piscatelli’s podcast “Dating or at Least Trying” will remind all listeners you’re not alone when it comes to problems of the heart and dating confusion.

After Piscatelli moved to Los Angeles after graduating in 2018, she found herself wanting to start her podcast around one of her interests, dating and relationships.

She launched “Dating or at Least Trying” in October 2018 after playing around with the idea over the summer. Piscatelli currently works in marketing at an agency in San Diego but finds it important to have hobbies and a creative outlet.

“I feel like it’s so important to have a creative thing on the side that you’re working on,” Piscatelli said. “Everyone

says your job should be your passion but it has to start somewhere. As long as you’re working on something you enjoy and you save time to do that, I think that’s important for people.”

Her cohost and fellow SDSU alumnus, Daisy Santana, joined towards the end of last November after appearing as a guest multiple times.

“It’s cool to interview people we know because we see a whole different side to them,” Santana said. “Even if we don’t have a guest, it’s still fun and listeners still enjoy it anyways. Alex and I have been friends for a while and she asked me to cohost when she recently got into a relationship.

We have such a good chemistry and we work really well together.”

Nate Kling, the first guest on the podcast and a fellow SDSU alumnus, said he enjoys how Piscatelli pulls from her dating life to create lessons and give advice to her listeners.

In the first episode, Piscatelli talked about a time she got catfished by a guy she

Photo Courtesy of Alex Piscatelli

Piscatelli and Santana take advantage of golden hour to get a picture together. Photos during the podcast are rare.

met on a dating app. While she was out on that awful date, she met Steve Carrell, Kling said.

Piscatelli and Santana used to work with KCR before graduating from SDSU, and Piscatelli based the podcast’s format off a similar one about the reality show “Survivor.” She edits each episode of the podcast using a program called Audacity, but tried not to make too many changes.

“I wanted it to feel natural and like you’re just hanging out with friends, talking about dating and relationships,” Piscatelli said. “I try not to edit it too much.”

“Dating or at Least Trying” covers topics such as polyamory, being ghosted, sex, virginity, situationships and more. The podcast has 38 episodes so far and releases weekly on Sunday evenings. Piscatelli even had her current boyfriend Jack Molmud, an SDSU student and Daily Aztec editor, on the show after they had their first date.

“I don’t want to have people on the show who are necessarily experts,” Piscatelli said. “I want to have real people talk about their experiences. I feel like we’ve done a range of topics and we’ve had all different kinds of people with all different kinds of experiences. I also definitely try to apply what I learn to my own relationship.”

The show gets a lot of positive feedback, usually from friends or mutual friends, Santana said.

“I get people who I haven’t talked to since high school messaging me with suggestions,” Santana said.

One of Piscatelli’s favorite episodes has been with Michaela and her experiences with polyamory. Michaela, who asked us not to release her full name for privacy reasons, said she enjoys listening to “Dating or at Least Trying” because it’s well rounded in the topics it covers from funny experiences such as being catfished to serious issues like virginity and role expectations. The episode released on Nov. 1 featured Michaela talking about misconceptions with polyamory and how it fits into her lifestyle.

“It was really easy to talk to Alex and what I enjoyed most was that she was very respectful,” Michaela said. “She was engaging during the conversation and professional.”

Michaela said she relied on podcasts when she was coming out as queer and felt it was nice to become a resource for others who are going through the same struggles.

Michaela believes sexuality is fluid and that identifying as polyamorous is flexible.

“I’m not saying I’ll never be monogamous,” Michaela said. “If I meet somebody and want to be monogamous with them, it doesn’t take away that experience of me being polyamorous.”

Michaela touched on misconceptions about polyamory when she was a guest and she said that she has been told that people who are polyamorous are just promiscous. She has also heard that they are basically cheating and have unhealthy lifestyles.

“One person can be polyamorous and cheat,” Michaela said. “It’s all about communication and setting boundaries in any type of relationship. I don’t think every polyamorous person will be monogamous one day. There are multiple ways to be queer or polyamorous.”

Michaela would love to see more guests who are queer and older appear on future episodes.

Piscatelli said she hopes to one day build a business from their podcast and get sponsors. “Dating or at Least Trying” is available for free on iTunes and Spotify.

Must-watch RomComs for the Valentine’s day season and beyond

by Kristie Burgess CONTRIBUTOR

Nowadays, there are so many types of romantic comedies to choose from, often resulting in endless scrolling on Netflix and Hulu trying to pick the right one.

To save you the trouble, I have picked five of my go-to romantic comedies.

“THE PROPOSAL” (2009) Margaret Tate is an executive in a publishing company in New York City who faces deportation because her visa paperwork did not go through. Tate finds a loophole by telling her immigration agent she is getting married to her assistant, Andrew Paxton, and chaos ensues. They take a trip to Paxton’s hometown which turns into a weekend of mayhem mixed hilarity.

“The Proposal” has A-list stars Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds and Betty White.

My first time watching it, it instantly became one of my favorite movies of all time.

I recommend “The Proposal” because it is a spin on the classic romantic comedy.

Like any romantic comedy, it is predictable but not as predictable as you may think.

There are so many unexpected scenes that make the movie easily quotable. Bullock and Reynolds play off each other easily and provide great chemistry, you want them to be together.

“CRAZY RICH ASIANS” (2018) Nick Young and Rachel Chu are a New York City couple who travel to Young’s home in Singapore to attend his best friend’s wedding. While there, Chu learns that Young is part of the wealthiest family in Singapore. Young’s mother, Eleanor, quickly disapproves of Chu because of her background. The movie navigates through many relationships between Young and Chu, Young and his family, Chu and Young’s family and more.

I recommend watching “Crazy Rich Asians” because it is a slow love story with a lot of little love stories within it. The cinematography was great. The movie plays out like a modern Cinderella story with Chu (Cinderella) falling in love with Young (Prince Charming), but with more family drama.

“LOVE, SIMON” (2018) Simon Spier, a closeted gay guy in high school, finds out about another closeted gay guy who goes under a pseudonym, Blue. Under his own pseudonym, Spier starts emailing him and slowly catches feelings. Martin, one of Spier’s acquaintances, has a crush on one of Spier’s close friends, Abby. Martin finds Spier’s emails and blackmails Spier into helping him date Abby.

“Love, Simon” is a classic coming-of-age story with a colorful twist. This is one of the few mainstream movies that has an LQBTQ+ character as the main romantic lead.

I recommend “Love, Simon” because not

only does it show romantic relationships, but also the relationship between friends and family. Although some elements seem overly dramatic, the quality doesn’t suffer.

“THE NOTEBOOK” (2004) Set in 1940, “The Notebook” tells the story of two star-crossed lovers, Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun. The moment Calhoun sees Hamilton, he is in love. It is a whirlwind summer romance that ends in heartbreak for both Calhoun and Hamilton. Years later, their paths cross again. Did their love sustain after years apart or do they give each other the cold shoulder?

It might seem cliché to have “The Notebook” on this list, but how could I not put it on here? It has all the elements of a romantic comedy. A boy meets a girl and they fall madly in love. You want them to be together even if outside sources try to prevent it. Although it is predictable, it’s still a great movie.

I recommend “The Notebook” not only because it is a classic, but because it’s a feel-good love story.

“SHE’S THE MAN” (2006) Viola Hastings attends Cornwall where she plays on an all-women’s soccer team.

The team gets cut, and Hastings tries to join the men’s team but gets denied.

Meanwhile, Hastings’ twin brother ditches school to go on tour with his band. Hastings takes on his identity and impersonates him to join the soccer team.

“She’s The Man” has many love triangles

and is definitely not your average romantic comedy. In most romantic comedies, there seems to be a formula on how the plot is laid out and how the characters interact with each other. “She’s the Man” does not follow this unspoken formula. There are so many characters and all of them play a vital role in the plot. Also, the movie was made when Amanda Bynes was doing her

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The Back Page Relationship advice from The Daily Aztec followers 12

Feb. 12 - 18, 2020 Editor: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

by Ceighlee Fennel and Roxana Beerril

ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR AND ENGAGEMENT EDITOR

a k n i r “D wine” f o t lo

“Pro vide buffa l o fries ”

one e som ve e e lov ou lo ’t giv t ’ n ly n t “Ca unti lf. Ca don’ se you ” r u yo what have

“Love yourself first”

“Trust God and marry only. Do not date.

It’s a sin across all religions, including Christianity”

The way to one’s heart is through sugary, sweet desserts. So, why not take the time to make a delicious vegan friendly-treat for you and your significant other for Valentine’s Day? These recipes feature effortless and affordable treats that can be enjoyed during a good RomCom or after eating a hearty dinner — no pun intended. The ingredients can be found at your local Trader Joe’s or Walmart.

CLASSIC VEGAN STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE You can’t go wrong with a classic strawberry milkshake. The items needed for this dessert are almond milk, frozen strawberries, non-dairy vanilla ice cream and non-dairy whipped cream. After you have all of the ingredients, combine three scoops of the non-dairy vanilla ice cream, one cup of almond milk and two handfuls of frozen strawberries into a blender. Blend to a consistency of your choice, pour the shake into a glass cup or mason jar, top it off with a swirl of coconut whipped cream and enjoy!

SWEETHEART VEGAN CUPCAKES With this dessert, you can let your creative side take the lead. All you need are the basics and you can decorate the cupcakes however you like! The items required are Duncan Hines signature strawberry cake mix, a banana, Duncan Hines vanilla frosting, vegetable oil and vegan butter. Alternative Duncan Hines cake mix or frosting will also work with this recipe. Follow the instructions displayed on the cake mix box, but replace the eggs with one mashed banana

and add a scope of vegan butter in the mix. Whisk everything together in a bowl and continue to refer to the instructions on the box when it comes to the baking steps. After the cupcakes are out of the oven, let them cool then decorate them with frosting and other vegan-friendly toppings.

CUPID’S VEGAN CHOCOLATE PUDDING It’s not Valentine’s Day unless chocolate is involved. All you need for this dessert is rice milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, a banana, coconut whipped cream, cherries and caramel syrup. Combine ¼ cup of rice milk, ½ cup of cocoa powder, ½ cup of maple syrup and one banana into a bowl and mix until smooth. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour to set, and then top the treat off with coconut whipped cream, a cherry and caramel drizzle.

NO-BAKE VEGAN OREO CHEESECAKE For this no-bake dessert, you’ll need cashews, coconut milk, a lemon, red velvet oreos, vanilla extract and vegan butter. For the crust, combine six oreos and a scoop of vegan butter into a blender and blend until it’s a crumbly texture. Place the crust into the glass pan or split it between mason jars, and place it in the freezer to set. To make the filling, combine 1 ¾ cup of cashews that have been soaked in water to soften, ¼ coconut milk, lemon juice from one lemon, 10 oreos, 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/3 cup of maple syrup into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and scoop the filling on top of the crust. Then, place it in the freezer to set. Lastly, top the no-bake cheesecake with a swirl of coconut whipped cream.

” e t ca

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Vegan Valentine’s Day Recipes

by Aaliyah Alexander STAFF WRITER

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DAILY AZTEC Graphic by Emily Burgess