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BUSINESS AS USUAL
graphic by JENNIE DELATTE
Interim President Thomas Galligan describes LSU’s plan to embrace COVID-19 restrictions and ensure safety. NEWS
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University administrators aim to stop student partying amid rising COVID-19 cases.
ENTERTAINMENT
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“‘Project Power,’ one of Netflix’s newest films, ... delivers a potent punch of action within the first 10 minutes of the film.”
SPORTS
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The LSU Athletic Department unveiled updated plans for Tiger Stadium this fall, including a 25% capacity for gamedays.
Read on
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OPINION
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“Millennials and Gen Z’ers are going to be the ones to rewrite these racist, sexist workplace rules.”
L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le
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COVID-19 cases are rising; Interim President Galligan says LSU will continue ‘embracing’ regulations BY CAITIE ZEILMAN @caitiezeilman LSU Interim President Galligan said he is confident in the University’s ability to operate safely in the midst of COVID-19 despite the challenges that lie ahead in an interview with the Reveille. Coronavirus testing, enforcing the use of face coverings and providing safe spaces for infected students are only a few of the obstacles the University expects to face. “We’re not going to get through this by enforcing it,” Galligan said. “We’re going to get through it by embracing it.” LSU began planning for the fall semester in March, according to Galligan. Months of planning with the Emergency Operations Center and consultations with medical experts led to the creation of the Roadmap to Fall 2020. The Roadmap provides an outline of procedures and protocols set in place to prevent the spread of COVID. “We tailored our plan to what we thought was the best plan for us,” Galligan said. The interim president said LSU looked to other schools for comparison and guidance. Vanderbilt University, also in the SEC, announced it would require all undergraduate students to be tested for coronavirus weekly starting Aug. 31. “Frequent testing is key to our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Vanderbilt’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Susan R. Wente said in a press release. Galligan said the University considered mandatory testing before students returned to campus but ultimately felt it wouldn’t be the most effective approach. “We’ll make the best decision we can with the information we have in the moment,” Galligan said. “Whatever we can do effectively to stay on campus as safe as we can be, we are willing to consider.” The University provides free testing for students on a voluntary basis at several locations on campus. As of Sept. 9, the total number of cases recorded in the LSU community since Aug. 15 stands at 673. Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard said testing site closures due to Hurricane Laura and issues with reporting software were to blame for the late update of cases between Aug. 24 and Aug. 31. The University reported 182 positive cases on Aug. 31, a 135-case jump from the initial 47 reported cases from the week prior. The Aug. 31 update was the first update the University had provided since Aug. 24. Updates are currently posted three times a week on the Roadmap website on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Aug. 30, Ballard said he could not give a definitive answer
graphic by JENNIE DELATTE
as to how many tests have been administered so far this semester. “For total tests, in addition to testing on campus, people are still getting tested on their own off campus, so we don’t have numbers for total tests among the LSU community,” Ballard said. Galligan announced in the University’s weekly press briefing on Sept. 9 that there have been a total of 4,442 self-reported tests on campus. Residential Life reserved 75 spaces in on-campus apartments for infected students to be isolated. Fifty spaces, both on and off-campus have been reserved as “quarantine spaces” for those who have been in close contact with the virus. As of Sept. 9, 77 people are in isolation, and 180 people are in quarantine. These numbers do not include any students or faculty members who have chosen to isolate or quarantine at home. At the beginning of the school year, the University encouraged students living on campus to return home to isolate or quarantine, according to Ballard. Now, the University wants students to shelter in place, as well as isolate and quarantine on campus. “We did strongly encourage people to go home at first, but that has evolved with our understanding of the virus and recommendations from state and national experts,” Ballard said. “University leadership has shown that as our knowledge of the virus and protocols evolve so will our plans and preparations.”
An emergency shutdown could occur if the University’s total case numbers rise over capacity, Galligan said. Other factors including the number of positive cases in a given residence hall or class and the possibility of spikes in the Baton Rouge community will also play a role in this decision. “We don’t want to do it, but if we have to, we will,” Galligan said. “We’ll exercise our best judgement and consult with the medical folks based on these factors.” Galligan stressed the importance of face coverings to prevent the spread of the virus. A team of six event management members from Landmark Security can be seen on campus enforcing COVID protocols, including encouraging students to wear their masks. Galligan said he is generally impressed with how well the community has complied with wearing face coverings on campus. He encourages students to continue to wear them while in groups outside, however. As of now, there have been no known incidents of students refusing to wear masks. Though there is no defined consequence for refusing to comply with the requirement, Galligan said it depends on the circumstances. The University is aware of one rumor of a large off-campus party thrown by LSU students over the weekend of Aug. 28. Galligan said the gathering was believed to be broken up by BRPD. Ballard said instances like these are not in the University’s
hands. “One thing students need to realize is [events] off-campus are out of LSUPD’s jurisdiction,” Ballard said. “If the group is violating the governor’s mandates then it will be city police.” Students are also required to participate in daily COVID-19 symptom checkers. There are currently no set consequences for those who refuse to participate or lie about their symptoms in the questionnaire, but Galligan encourages students to take it. “It only takes 20 to 30 seconds to fill out,” Galligan said. “I did mine at a red light this morning.” As football season inches closer, Galligan said he is happy with where they stand in terms of readiness. “It’s going to look different,” Galligan said. “If the situation turns and we don’t think it’s safe, we will make a U-turn. I don’t think we’ll have to, and I don’t hope we’ll have to.” The LSU Athletic Department announced new plans for the 2020 football season Wednesday, limiting Tiger Stadium to 25% capacity, roughly 25,000 fans, with no tailgating allowed on campus. Fans will also be required to wear face masks in Tiger Stadium, and social distancing will be mandatory, according to the University’s official release. Most SEC schools have announced capacity limits around 20-25%. Texas A&M announced a 25% capacity, and Alabama announced a 20% capacity for the 2020 football season. Fans will also be required to wear face masks in Tiger Stadium, and social distancing will be mandatory, according to the University’s official release. Students will be placed in assigned seating to allow for physical distancing. The rules are subject to change at any time in accordance with public health guidelines. “By all of us doing a few things differently this season, we’re going to safely play football with fans in the stands and that’s exciting for everyone who loves LSU,” said LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward in the press release. “Doing this safely and smartly is our shared responsibility. It’s important for this community, our school and our student-athletes. We’re in this together and we are all excited to play football in Tiger Stadium with the greatest fans in America.” The Tigers will kick off the season against Mississippi State on Sept. 26, followed by Missouri on Oct. 10, South Carolina on Oct. 24, Alabama on Nov. 14 and Ole Miss on Dec. 5. Amid the work the University has been doing to control COVID-19, Galligan said there have been no updates on the search for a permanent president. “They haven’t moved on that conversation yet, but I expect that to be happening soon,” Galligan said. “But until then, here I am.”
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ABOUT THE REVEILLE The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Reveille is published biweekly during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, LA, 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
NEWS
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RESEARCH
Professor researches COVID’s impact on Black communities BY MARYKELLY MUNSTER @mkokayokay
dent organization, we’re going to enforce,” Galligan said. For students like digital advertising senior Vanessa Dinh, the largest concern remains off campus and out of the sight of administrators. “I see it all the time,” Dinh said. “Groups of easily 50 people get together at a house party and then post it on social media like it’s nothing. But that’s going
An LSU professor is conducting research on how Black communities in Baton Rouge are impacted by COVID-19. David Stamps, an assistant professor in strategic communication and mass media, collected data from members of the community regarding their resources and shared experiences. “There’s a plethora of evidence that communities of color have been hit harder by COVID-19 than white communities,” Stamps said. In Louisiana alone, African Americans make up roughly 70% of COVID-19 cases, but the African American population only comprises 32% of the population. Stamps said African Americans are more susceptible to the negative impacts of the pan-
see PARTYING, page 4
see COVID-19 IMPACT, page 4
PARTY PENALTY
What is LSU doing to stop students from partying during the pandemic? KRISTEN YOUNG / The Reveille
LSU themed masks pictured Sept. 3 alongside empty solo cups while discussions about off campus parties continue. BY CAITIE ZEILMAN @caitiezeilman As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise within the LSU community, some partygoers continue to disregard social distancing guidelines. The University is aware of several reports of large social gatherings involving LSU students, according to Interim President Thomas Galligan.
As of Wednesday, four student organizations are in the “conduct process” for violating the Code of Conduct, and “three or four” are under investigation for allegations. The interim president could not comment on which student organizations were involved. “All I can say is it’s not exclusively Greek-life related,” Galligan said. The University has no set punishment for those who
disregard COVID-19 regulations, but doing so is considered a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Failure to comply with the Code of Student Conduct may result in a warning, disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion. Galligan said the plan is to act on a case-by-case instance. “We’re going to investigate; we’re going to communicate and, as necessary, if it’s a stu-
PARKING
LSU offers new contactless metered parking with ParkMobile BY MADELYN CUTRONE @cutronemadelyn LSU implemented a new parking service across campus that allows users to pay for parking spots through an app and extend the meter’s time remotely. In early 2020, LSU began discussions on renovating the metered parking spaces throughout campus. This included replacing the physical meters and adding canopies, updating the software and integrating it with ParkMobile’s contactless metered parking platform. ParkMobile is the leading provider of smart parking services across the United States. The platform is currently offered at five SEC schools, now including LSU, and there are over seven million users in the Southeast region. “The ease of use and the familiarity many users may already have with the ParkMobile system is something that made this program a great fit for LSU,”
LSU Parking & Transportation Manager Josh Galasso said. In light of COVID-19, contactless metered parking has a new practicality. By using an app to pay for parking, touching a physical meter can be circumvented. Galasso said this factor “was a strong selling point as we learned more about COVID-19.” The ParkMobile system is user-friendly and provides a variety of unique features. Before leaving for a destination, users can see on the ParkMobile map where parking spaces are available. Upon arrival, users enter their zone number into the app and set the amount of time they intend to be parked for. The mobile app then transfers that data to the physical meter without the user having to touch it. Jeff Perkins, CMO and Head of Product at ParkMobile, said another feature of the app is the ability to extend a meter’s time remotely. “If you don’t have an app and you’re paying at a machine, you
have to go back to that machine to extend your time,” Perkins said. “With the app you can be ten miles away from where you
parked and extend your time without having to run back to your car.” Galasso said the University
is hopeful this feature will prevent students and visitors from
see PARKMOBILE, page 4
COURTESY OF LSU
This map depicts the different locations of the new ParkMobile pay meters around the University’s campus.
Thursday, September 10, 2020
page 4 PARKMOBILE, from page 3 receiving citations for expired meters. In some areas of Baton Rouge, such as the Raising Cane’s River Center, parking spots can also be reserved in advance for spe-
cial events through ParkMobile. “The days of going to concerts or sporting events and driving around aimlessly are over,” Perkins said. “Now people are pre-paying for parking and driving right to that spot, and it’s waiting for them.”
SAVANNA ORGERON / The Reveille
A parking meter sits on Sept. 1 at LSU’s welcome center.
COVID-19 IMPACT, from page 3 demic because they are statistically more likely to live in areas with worse air quality, leading to preexisting health conditions such as asthma. “These factors existed before,” Stamps said. “What COVID did was shine a light and really exacerbate those issues.” Tina Harris, an internationally renowned interracial communication scholar and the Douglas L. Manship Sr.-Dori Maynard Race, Media and Cultural Literacy Endowed Chair, echoed Stamps’ sentiments. “It’s heightened society and even members of the Black community to the racial and ethnic disparities that have existed in our country for decades,” Harris said. Stamps’ research partnered with the E. Pluribus Unum Institute, a nonprofit working toward equity and inclusion for all individuals in the Deep South run by former mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu. Through partnerships with third party vendors and local vendors throughout the community, Stamps surveyed almost 330 Black individuals, diverse
in age and gender, to pull information for recommendations as how to best aid Black communities. While his research team expected to see a need for financial aid and stimulus payment, the collected data showed an overwhelming need for digital literacy. “In the midst of COVID-19, being able to talk to your doctor over Zoom or Skype or request medications online keeps you safe,” Stamps said. It’s really about creating more hotspots, expanding broadband and creating classes that teach people how to access the right apps.” Stamps also said that of all the medical professionals in the country, about 5% are African American even though African Americans make up 14% of the population. The lack of Black doctors has a detrimental impact on the Black community. “We are grossly underrepresented,” Stamps said. “A doctor who looks like you, who understands your lived experiences and understands the nuance of your identity can tailor medical examinations and practices to-
LSU is looking into providing this feature on campus, but it is not currently available. The 650 ParkMobile spaces are strategically spread out over campus. Most are located in high-traffic and high-visitor areas, such as Tiger Stadium and Union Square Garage. Due to online and hybrid classes, many students are only on campus a few hours a week. Perkins said students could potentially pay for parking through ParkMobile instead of buying a permit. Galasso said ParkMobile is an “efficient and convenient” way to pay for parking through users’ mobile devices. “With a large number of students shifting to a hybrid model in light of Covid-19, the metered spaces on campus will provide students an affordable parking solution and an alternative to purchasing a permit,” he said. One metered hour with ParkMobile costs $1.50, while commuter parking permits are around $180. If a student is on campus for under 120 hours, ParkMobile would be a cheaper option than purchasing a permit. If a student already has a permit but would like to convert to using ParkMobile, they are able to return their permit for a pro-rated refund. “We want to offer that and we understand it’s a difficult time and there’s a lot of uncertainty. We have updated our refund policy on our website,” Galasso said. Both LSU and ParkMobile are hopeful about the benefits and convenience contactless metered parking will provide on campus. “Once people download the app, it becomes a habit,” Perkins said. “We’re a screen one app for most people.” ward that community.” Stamps’ research offered a data-based outlook on how communities can assist their Black citizens. Harris said she found the effect on the community to be depressing; she hopes change could materialize from the research. “People could come together and develop creative ways to support these communities,” Harris said. “I think that if people were to be strategic, they could work together and collaborate and identify ways they could give back to the local community.” Stamps agreed and hoped that efforts to aid Black communities would not end with pandemic outreach. “It’s important for every single community to have a voice, for every single community to have agency and to be heard and to have their needs met by a society that has arguably vilified and marginalized a lot of different sector,” Stamps said. “We need to make sure that everyone is going to be okay amidst the pandemic and post-pand emic.”
PARTYING, from page 3 to be the reason we’re all online in a few weeks.” When it comes to off-campus reports, Galligan said the Code of Conduct still applies to students. He also said that if students fail to follow government mandates, the citation may be handled by local law enforcement. Several bars near campus faced harsh criticism for staying open in the middle of the pandemic. Bars with food service were permitted to operate at 50% capacity under Louisiana’s Phase 2 regulations. Speech pathology junior Bailey Devers works at a bar with food service near campus. She said a well-regulated bar is currently safer than a house party. “I know social distancing in a bar might be hard to understand, but my place of work tries our very best to make sure
everyone is safe,” Devers said. “In my opinion, I felt safer from corona[virus] in the bar rather than going to get groceries.” Mass communication junior Ricky Bryant said those who continue to gather in large groups are putting themselves and everyone around them at risk. “As we have seen since the virus first reached our community in March, the only way to be able to operate semi-normally is by following the safety guidelines that the federal, state, local and LSU leaders have put forward,” Bryant said. Bryant said he approves of the University’s efforts so far. “I think that is the most reasonable way to handle it,” Bryant said. “Students should be punished for not following guidelines, but the punishment shouldn’t get in the way of students receiving their education they paid for.”
KRISTEN YOUNG / The Reveille
LSU themed masks pictured Sept. 3 alongside empty solo cups while discussions about off campus parties continue.
COURTESY OF DAVID STAMPS
David Stamps conducted research on how Black communities in Baton Rouge are impacted by COVID-19.
ENTERTAINMENT NEW TO NETFLIX BY CAROLINE HEBERT @sister_carols
Each month new shows and movies are added to Netflix for us to enjoy. This September, oldies but goodies are appearing, and you don’t want to miss out. Check the listings below to see the old and new productions being added to our beloved Netflix. For the full list of what’s to come this month head to whats-on-netflix.com. There is something for everyone to enjoy as we practice social distancing.
Food Shows: • • • •
Chef’s Table: BBQ (Season 1) The Chef Show (Season 2) Taco Chronicles (Volume 2) American Barbecue Showdown (Season 1)
Romantic/ Drama Movies:
Comedy Movies:
• • • •
• • • •
•
Adrift (2018) Wildlife (2018) Love, Guaranteed (2020) Take Me Home Tonight (2011) I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
• • •
Barbershop (2002) Due Date (2010) Magic Mike (2012) Not Another Teen Movie (2001) Pineapple Express (2008) Sex Drive (2008) The Producers (2005) (musical)
Major Films: •
The Devil All the Time (2020), starring Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson
Classics: • • •
Coneheads (1997) Grease (1978) Sister Sister (Seasons 1 to 6)
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Documentaries/ Docuseries: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
My Octopus Teacher (2020) Waiting for “Superman” (2010) The Social Dilemma (2020) Hope Frozen: A Quest to Live Twice (2020) A Love Song for Latasha (2020) Kiss the Ground (2020) The Playbook (Season 1) A Perfect Crime (Season 1) American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020) Cold Case Files Classic (Season 1) La Línea: Shadow of Narco (Season 1) America’s Book of Secrets (Season 2) Ancient Aliens (Season 3) The Universe (Season 2)
Netflix Originals EDUCATION
Hit the books: four easy tips to conquer remote learning BY BRITNEY YOUNG @byoun99 Remote learning is just another obstacle to deal with during the pandemic. It’s a new way of learning that I’ve never done before, so it was difficult at first during the lockdown. But, I was able to adapt to online learning as time went on. It’s going to take some time to get used to the start of the school year because we haven’t been in an in-class setting since March. We have tackled many obstacles in college, and this is one of them. If you’re a freshman, then this is the start of new challenges. However, you’re not alone. Here are some tips I use to be successful and productive for my online classes: 1. Get out of bed This was the hardest for me because I thought staying in bed would not be an issue, but it was. It was easier for me to close my laptop and take a nap after finishing one assignment. It wasn’t a productive way to do work, and it slowed me down. Getting out of bed helps so much that it’s now part of my routine. The next step ties with this, but it’s helpful to create a
space that will increase comfort and productivity. It’s not fun having to do work at midnight because of the distractions of being in bed. 2. Choosing the right study space A nice, comfortable space helped my productivity. I sit at my desk and play music while doing assignments. I find it easier to stay awake and finish my work early. There was hardly any distractions, and I don’t feel obligated to take a nap as I did when I was studying in bed. A nice candle, essential oil or incense can also add to the environment. It doesn’t hurt to have a nice aroma. Some students probably already do this but dress comfortably. There’s nothing wrong with wearing pajama pants while attending an online lecture. It’s better to focus when you’re in an environment that you’re comfortable in. 3. Plan ahead My biggest enemy is procrastination. Setting aside work for hours does not contribute to anything good. It’s also sad to find out that the assignment only took a few min-
KRISTEN YOUNG / The Reveille
Biology freshman Sara Rester focuses on her class Aug. 25, on the first day of school in Allen Hall. utes to do after you’ve been procrastinating all day. Choose a day and put together all of your assignments, lectures, quizzes and exams on a calendar. It’s productive to do the easier assignments in one day, and I spend the majority of my time on bigger assignments and preparing for exams. It’s a relief to have nothing to do on Sunday night because all my assignments were completed
on Thursday. 4. Write your notes Professors usually don’t post their PowerPoints, but with the situation that we are in, some professors will share recorded lectures or slides. It may feel like a relief to not have to go to class, but it’s still a good idea to write notes. I don’t retain information by only looking at the PowerPoint. I
have to actively study to be able to learn and prepare for exams. Sometimes it’s better to not take the shortcut. It’s hard to actively study on recorded lectures, but there are ways to do it. Handwriting notes is something I firmly standby, and I use handwritten notes in the majority of my classes. It’s a great way to actively learn when your professor only posts recorded lectures or a PowerPoint.
Thursday, September 10, 2020
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Thursday, September 10, 2020
REV R ANKS
This Week in Baton Rouge BY CAROLINE HEBERT | @sister_carols
Baton Rouge is on the quiet side this week but still has fun options that are safe and socially distant. New happenings are going down, and you need to be in the know. Check below to see what you could be doing this week in Baton Rouge.
TV SERIES
COBRA KAI
Friday Fun
Football Sunday
Modesto, a new Baton Rouge Mexican restaurant, is opening this Friday, Sept. 11. For a fun Friday night, head here to find tacos, tequila, whiskey and more. It’s located near campus at 3930 Burbank Drive.
Yes, football is back! The New Orleans Saints play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday at 3 p.m. You and your friends could enjoy the game, food and drinks at Walk-On’s for the game day experience we all miss dearly.
Up for a Challenge?
Day on the Water
Movie Night
Fat Boys’ Pizza is now open right by campus at 3624 Nicholson Drive. With a variety of pizza options and snacks to choose from, you are sure to find something you like. Fat Boy’s also offers the challenge of eating a 2-foot long pizza slice in seven minutes or less to receive a Fat Boy’s Pizza t-shirt and a $20 gift card.
Looking for a fun activity to do? You and your friends can paddle board or kayak at BREC’s Milford Wampold Memorial Park this Thursday.
The live action “Mulan” is finally on Disney Plus. With an additional fee alongside your subscription, you can finally see the magic come to life in your own home.
With a wide range of options, fun can be found in your own home or out in the city. No matter what you choose, make sure to wear a mask and be socially distant to keep Baton Rouge safe.
Sony Pictures
It introduces and focuses on a mostly new crew of Californian teens to keep it fresh, even if the overall premise of rival dojos in high school remains the same. Despite its mature language, alcoholic main character, and offhanded reference to other nefarious activities, the acting is still that of a high school drama.
Taner Morgan @taner_morgan ALBUM
CTV3: COOL TAPE VOLUME 3 Jaden Smith
With lyrics about summertime and the feeling of being in love, this album makes you feel like you’re driving at golden hour under a pink sky with your crush. It’s giving me all kinds of bubblegum, rainbow vibes that’s getting me through the dreariness of 2020. With a combination of sweet vocals and lofi beats, Smith stays true to himself with a hip hop album, but he surprises us with tones of psychedelic pop similar to The Beatles or the Beach Boys.
LIFESTYLE
Plant Parenting 101: Tips and tricks for indoor plants Finally ready to take part in the indoor plant trend but still scared you’ll be a plant murderer? Don’t fret, down below are great tips to get your indoor plant collection started.
Olivia Deffes @liv_deffes ALBUM
BY CAROLINE HEBERT @sister_carols
HOW I’M FEELING NOW
Pots, Please When it comes to plants, drainage is super important to keep those pretty green things alive. Make sure to check the details of the plant you pick to see if it needs drainage. If so, purchase pots with holes at the bottom or your plant could get root rot from lack of oxygen, (which results in plant death). Mud, Mud, Mud The soil for your plants needs to be checked regularly. After purchasing the right pot for your specific plant, be sure to check if your plant likes dry or damp soil. Plants that like their roots to be dry definitely need a pot with draining holes.
Charli XCX
Abstract, avant-garde and experimental are all words to describe Charli XCX’s latest project. During lockdown, I missed my friends and was bored. I wanted to go out and have fun. The production describes one of those moments when you’ve been stuck inside for weeks. On every album of hers, the outro is out of this world and leaves you stunned. This outro is purely unique and describeS perfectly how 2020 feels: Chaotic.
Sunlight on her Leaves Plants need light. However, for those in apartments or housing that lack great light, here is a list of plants that don’t need tons of light. • Golden Pothos “Devil’s Ivy” (the paler the leaves the more light needed)
if the soil is dry. If so, it may need watering. Plants that are Easy: Along with the plants listed “Sunlight on her Leaves,” here are more plants that are easy to keep alive: • Aloe Vera
•
Peace Lily
•
English Ivy
•
Peperomia
•
Rubber Tree
•
Snake Plant
•
Jade Plant
•
Spider Plant
•
Cactus
•
Succulents
•
String of Pearls
I Need Water Making sure your plant is water isn’t as obvious as it sounds. Not all plants require frequent watering so be sure to check how often and how much your plant needs to be watered. To check if your plant needs watering, you can stick your finger about an inch down to see
Tips Before Purchasing Before buying a plant, take note of how much light the designated room receives in order
to buy plants that fit that setting. Most plants you purchase have tags that inform you of how much light and water is needed to keep it thriving. Make sure to check these tags, and if you lack information on a plant, check with an employee who can direct you to the perfect plant for your home. Plants can be kind of demanding. They sometimes like to die with no warning, but do not be discouraged. With proper research and supplies, you are sure to find the perfect plants for your house. If you want more information or inspo, head to Pinterest. Pinterest holds tons of information that helps any beginner start off on the right foot with their indoor plant garden.
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Ariel Baise @arielbiancaa NETFLIX SERIES
SOMEBODY FEED PHIL Netflix
The show explains the history behind local traditions and provides a tour of each city Phil visits. Phil tours the city with famous chefs and locals to get an authentic tour. The show is easy and fun to watch whenever you need a light show to keep you entertained. It could even inspire your next dinner or even your next vacation.
Caroline Hebert @sister_carols Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/entertainment
‘Project Power’ raises questions of powerlessness
BY JORDANNE A. DAVIS @jordanneashley
Relentless in his task to rescue his daughter, Art and Robin, played by Jamie Foxx and Dominique Fis back, scour the Crescent City in search of locating the source of power. Hitting the ground running, one of Netflix’s newest films, “Project Power” delivers a potent punch of action wit in the first 10 minutes of the film. It leaves the audience wanting for more, having back to back fight scenes and subsequently introducing the main characters of the film and the strength of power. So what is power? Shown in the first moments of the film, power is a pill. Built in capsule-like form with half colored black and the other half transparent with a sparkle cloud of yellow smoke, the power pill gives its ingestor a select power for a total of five minutes. The kicker? They have no idea what their power will be. Shown throughout the film, the animal derived enhancements given can be anything from the power to freeze to turning into a human fireball. “But that’s only if you happen to have a good power. Not everybody does. Some people take it and just blow up. So the question is, what’s your power? Might be good. Might be bad. Nobody knows,’’ said Joseph GordonLevitt’s character, Frank, as he attempts to persuade a teenage knucklehead to not take the pill while at gunpoint. With those types of repercus-
sions, what would make anyone want to take the power pill? The rush. The thrill. The intrigue of the unknown. Focused on getting his daughter back, Foxx strategically tracks down power dealers with the intention of getting closer to its source. Having been tested on during his time in the military, some of the remnants of power were still within his system, causing an automatic genetic transfer to his daughter, making her the first human to possess the power of the power
without ingesting the pill. Enthralled with capitalist greed, the scientific and financial benefactors of power wanted more. With no regard for the death and destruction in their path, they infiltrated the drug culture as a way to test their products on humans. Sound familiar? M a k i n g moves for their own benefit, the powerful exploits the powerless. Determined to stop at nothing until he finally reaches his daughter, Foxx delivered a flawless execution of his character, fight scenes included. Thankfully, he rarely disappoints. In addition to the presence of the characters, the special effects are some of the best that I’ve seen in quite a while, leaving out cheesy transitions and effects that don’t even closely appear to be real. Visually pleasing and well executed, “Power” also highlighted some of the best aspects of our beloved Louisiana, paying homage with an aerial view of the Mercedes Benz Superdome at night, an additional aerial shot at sunset over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway bridge and music from Louisiana native, Lil’ Wayne. An age-old story told in the form of an action thriller provides a delightful plot twist. Unable to tear my eyes away for all of the three times that I viewed the film myself, I’d highly recommend popping some popcorn, grabbing your favorite snacks and pressing play.
Classifieds
Thursday, September 10, 2020
page 8
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The YMCA of the Capital Area is now hiring for Extended Day Counselors and Distance Learning Counselors! Extended Day Counselors will assist in the care taking and supervision of youth placed in YMCA care before and after the school day. The counselor will assist students with homework, light tutoring, and provide recreational activities for the students. Must be available to work M-F, hours of 2:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Distance Learning Counselors are responsible for providing care and supervision to campers as well as helping campers with virtual learning assignments. Must have experience working with youth ages 4 & up. Must available to work M-F. FREE EMPLOYEE MEMBERSHIP!! Apply online today at ymcabr. org!
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The LSU Office of Student Media is seeking an at-large student to serve a one year term on the LSU Student Media Board. The Student Media Board is comprised of LSU students, faculty, staff and media professionals who are responsible for interviewing and selecting students who have applied for the top editor or manager positions for The Reveille, Tiger TV, KLSU Radio and Gumbo Yearbook. The at-large student must not hold office in Student Government, must not be enrolled in the Manship School of Mass Communication and must not be employed by LSU Student Media. Availability for Friday afternoon meetings up to three times per semester is required. The first meeting is Friday, November 6th via Zoom. If interested, please email studentmedia@lsu.edu and include a brief statement about your interest in LSU Student Media and why you want to serve on the board.
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For Rent $TUDENT $PECIAL!! WALK TO LSU!! NEED YOUR OWN LARGE 1 BR APT? LARGE LIVING ROOM, KITCHEN, DINING AND BEDROOM. ON SITE MGR, POOL AND LANDRY ROOM / $650/ MTH / 225 266-8666
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THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Electrician’s supply 5 Physical therapy, for short 10 Work the fields 14 Region 15 Escape detection by 16 Output from Mount St. Helens 17 Spaghetti topper 18 Harasses; mistreats 20 Paternity suit evidence 21 Short-__; temporary 22 Amphitheater 23 Like umbrella weather 25 By way of 26 User 28 Bad breath cause, perhaps 31 Gifts for little girls 32 Snapshot 34 One honored in January, for short 36 Generations 37 Dangerous cats 38 Stretch across 39 Prefix for place or print 40 Christmas song 41 Canadian migrants 42 Run away 44 Sandpaper grade 45 As happy __ clam 46 Lucille and others 47 Soccer or rugby 50 Benevolent 51 Chance __ lifetime; rare opportunity 54 Folk singers’ jamboree 57 As strong as __ 58 Anise-flavored liqueur 59 Compadre 60 Nude 61 Songbird 62 __ Rouge, LA 63 Stately shade trees DOWN 1 Beaver’s dad 2 Middle East nation
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
3 In any case 4 Parisian water 5 Be truly sorry 6 Each 7 Injure 8 Commercials 9 Stinger 10 Not singular 11 Tardy 12 Kitchen appliance 13 “Fuzzy Wuzzy __ bear…” 19 Egypt’s capital 21 Little twitches 24 Feels lousy 25 Tubs 26 Actor Brody 27 Motherless calf 28 Hockey score 29 Too businesslike 30 Group under a teacher 32 Untainted 33 Type of health plan, for short 35 ACL tear site 37 Daddy 38 Animal with flippers 40 Indian social division
9/10/20
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.
41 Wedding ring material 43 Egg container 44 Deep narrow valley 46 Party game, often 47 __ up; arrive 48 Make cocktails 49 Leak out slowly
9/10/20
50 Make a sweater 52 Paper to be filled out 53 Dangerous tools 55 Capture 56 Org. for Drs. & others 57 Mary Todd’s man
SPORTS
page 9 TENNIS
Women’s Tennis returns to practice
‘YOU HAVE TO TRUST EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE
BY HENRY HUBER @ HenryHuber_
hero overnight,” he said. “One step every day. You have to keep plugging away at it, and you have to trust in everything you have done.” Off the course, Woollam recorded tremendous success. He was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Woollam is studying finance after recently switching his major from accounting. Woollam acknowledged the cutthroat competitiveness of trying to become a PGA professional and said he would hope to use his finance degree from LSU if golf did not work out. “It would be in the business world. If I did not go pro, I will probably get my MBA either here or somewhere else.” The international student is adjusting well to life here in Louisiana. Although his parents and younger sister are still in
Even though their 20192020 season was cut short, LSU Women’s Tennis hasn’t lost any motivation. The team has been training intensely and improving significantly over the past few months. The team returned to normal practices this week and look to continue improving as the fall season quickly approaches. It’s been a difficult few months for the team, with the teammates separated from each other. Taylor Bridges, a senior from Mesa, Arizona, was happy to spend time with her family, but missed her teammates tremendously. “The pandemic put it into perspective how lucky we are to be here and how much the team means to us,” Bridges said. It’s been a sad time for Bridges and the team, but it has not gotten in the way of their training. Bridges spent all her off-time training, whether it was running, doing drills with her dad, playing against guys from Arizona State or doing workouts that assistant strength and conditioning coach Reneé Balconi gave the players to do at home. Bridges certainly was not the only player to work hard throughout this summer. Coach
see GOLF, page 10
see TENNIS, page 10
Junior golfer Chris Woollam is ready for challenges ahead BY JOE KEHRLI @joekehrli9 The stretch of time from March to August was a long, unexpected off-season for athletes. During that time, with all the hectic noise and distractions caused by the pandemic, training and keeping focus could easily be lost but not for junior golfer Chris Woollam. The native of Hilton, South Africa, compared the lengthy off-season to a tournament, where his main goal is going into competition prepared and confident. He preached the importance of maintaining passion and love for the sport. “You’ve got to be doing this if you love it. Golf is not always easy, and sometimes it’s frustrating,” Woollam said. Last week, LSU and the SEC released the schedule for fall golf. There will only be three tournaments, and only conference teams will compete. The first tournament will be held in Arkansas on Oct. 5-7. The tournament has not yet released an
official comment on whether spectators will be allowed to attend. Woollam is excited to get back to the course and explained why golf is such a unique sport that, while in a pandemic, can still be played. “There is definitely a risk to playing,” he said. “However, with golf you can mitigate that risk really well. We are really excited to have tournaments to look forward to, it makes [all the practice] worthwhile.” This year will be Woollam’s third season swinging the clubs for the Tigers. He is coming off a fantastic sophomore year, in which he averaged 72.07 strokes per round and helped the team place in several key tournaments. Althought the statistics show on paper that it was a good year for Woollam, he remains adamant that he had left a few shots on the course and did not play his best due to a nerved back. “It began with an awful start. I had a back injury from the summer, and I could not swing all that well. I got MRIs, took a month off and missed
AURIANNA CORDERO / The Reveille
LSU freshman Chris Woollam prepares for practice at the University Club golf course on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. the second tournament,” Woollam said. This year, Woollam has set his goals for making the team’s short list of travelling players who will compete in all three tournaments. This year, that will be a difficult task. Two key players are set to return, Phillip Barbaree and Trey Winstead, leaving the other eight teammates battling for three spots. The team only travels with five players. Woollam is used to the pressure, from being recruited by LSU months prior to his freshman year, to overcoming a major injury and competing in several competitions. Woollam is soft-spoken, but he is determined, a natural leader that any team would appreciate. The golf world should not be surprised if he has a breakout season this year and continues to improve through his senior year. “You can’t go from zero to
FOOTBALL
LSU announces ticket plan, stadium capacity for 2020 BY HARRISON VALENTINE @ HValentineLSU The LSU athletic department announced its ticket plans for the 2020 football season on Wednesday, limiting Tiger Stadium to 25% capacity with no tailgating allowed on campus. Most SEC schools have announced capacity limits around the 20-25% range. Rival programs Alabama and Texas A&M will allow 20 and 25 percent, respectively. “Among numerous safety measures, fans will be required to wear face masks on campus and in Tiger Stadium, tailgating on campus will not be permitted and physical distancing will be mandatory,” said the University’s official release. The LSU ticket office will be in contact with ticket holders and students regarding next steps in the distribution process.
The Tigers will play host to Mississippi State on Sept. 26, Missouri on Oct. 10, South Carolina on Oct. 24, Alabama on Nov. 14 and Ole Miss on Dec. 5. While the pageantry and atmosphere of a Saturday in Death Valley is unlike any other in the sport of college football, LSU coach Ed Orgeron is confident the Tigers will be able to manufacture their own energy when they take the field. “We tell our team that we’re going to have to provide our own energy,” Orgeron said to reporters on Tuesday. “There’s no way we can duplicate the energy our fans give us. We still have to win the game. The team that can deal with it the best is going to win.” This announcement, specifically pertaining to stadium capacity, was something both Gov. John Bel Edwards and LSU Interim President Tom Galligan hinted at this week at
their respective press conferences. “This plan focuses on the health and safety of all those attending LSU football games, from the fans to the team to the workers,” Edwards said in the statement. “While this season is undoubtedly starting out differently from a normal football season, with COVID keeping all of us from celebrating together, nothing can dim the support we have for our LSU Tigers.” Last week, Louisiana officials also gave the New Orleans Saints the “go-ahead” to allow fans for their Week 3 contest against the Green Bay Packers scheduled for Sept. 27 which comes a day after LSU’s scheduled home opener vs. Mississippi State. It may be a bizarre and unusual fall for Tiger fans, but at the moment, there will be football played in front of at least 25,000 inside the cathedral of college football.
ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille
Fans gathered on campus for a parade celebrating the Tigers winning the 2019 football national championship.
page 10
Thursday, September 10, 2020
GOLF, from page 9
TENNIS, from page 9
South Africa, they are still connected through FaceTime calls weekly. Woollam said that he would watch football highlight clips as a high schooler, and he was stunned to see a highlight of a season last year in person. Woollam is also enjoying the quintessential Louisiana cuisine. “The food is great,” he said. “But if you get too much of it, the trainers will get on us.” This upcoming season will be unlike any other, with many new regulations and precautions. But similarly to years past, the same hard work will be rewarded. Although Woollam is realistic about his future, he has a burning passion and love for golf. “You can’t do it if you do not have the hunger and the desire,” he said. “You have to love it.”
Michael Sell was proud of his entire team, stating that with the team being back after months of training by themselves, it has been apparent how much work they put into training just by watching them practice. “They’ve been very proactive and professional in the sense that they stayed ambitious,” Sell said. “They wanted to come back and maintain the high level in which we ended with.” Maintaining the high level they had last season would have been difficult had they not taken their training seriously over the extended summer. The Tigers were a top-25 team last year and at one point had a seven-game win streak that extended through the entire month of February. But because they put in a lot of effort, they now have a chance to surpass that level, with everyone returning and two new freshmen joining the team. The team is in a great position, and Sell believes they are in mid-sea-
NAIF OTHMAN / The Reveille
Taylor Bridges eyes a forehand shot during the Tigers loss to South Carolina on Sunday, Mar. 31, 2019. son form. “They are equally as energized [now as they are] during the season and they are ready to get back to competition immediately,” Sellsaid. The team is elated to be back in Baton Rouge, practicing and
preparing for fall. Taylor Bridges expressed how great it is being back with the coaches and players, energized and ready to win. “Everyone is excited to be back and there’s a good energy with the team,” Bridges said. “It’s really good to get back to
things and I’m excited for our fall matches coming up soon.” Despite all the unknowns of this year, the team never quit trying to improve. With the team back at practice and fall play at least a month away, they will only get better from here.
FOOTBALL
Perspective : LSU football impacts the Baton Rouge economy BY TAYLOR LYONS @ taylorjlyons There is no question that the Louisiana economy is dependent on LSU Athletics, especially in Baton Rouge. Regardless of how you enjoy your Saturdays, LSU Football does wonders to the local economy. Every home football game in the fall brings over 100,000 people to Death Valley, with thousands more watching in nearby restaurants and bars. Even if you’re watching from home, you’ve probably ordered a pizza or wings and bought drinks. As a first-year, out-of-state student, I experienced this firsthand last season. Last November, I made the trip to Baton Rouge from Maryland for a campus tour and a football game. There were no doubt thousands of other fans doing the same thing I did all season long. I even saw a few folks on my plane out of Baltimore wearing the purple and gold. Between hotels, rental cars, food, parking, game tickets and souvenirs, families like mine likely spend thousands, maybe even millions, every weekend. Loren Scott, a former awardwinning chairman of LSU’s economic department and president of Loren C. Scott & Associates Inc., attempted to quantify just how much the local economy depended on LSU Football. He published two studies, one in 2002 and an updated one in 2013. In his first study, Scott concluded that fans from outside of the Baton Rouge area spent $27.4 million in the city throughout the prior season. In 2013, that number jumped to $47.7 million for out-of-town fans and $65.7 million in total.
In the 2013 study, Scott estimated that the LSU Athletic Department created $397.5 million in sales and $119.7 million in household earnings, as well as 3,948 jobs. The department also generated an estimated $331.6 million during the 2012 fiscal year for Louisiana businesses. Spending during football season creates what Scott calls a ripple effect, meaning when consumers have more money, they spend more money, and that money eventually reaches the outermost parts of the economy, far from the football field, comparing it to the ripples from the original spot if you were to drop a rock in a pond. LSU football clearly helps local economies, but what about right here on campus? You may have known that in 2019, the football program generated $92 million in revenue, $36.3 million of that coming from ticket sales, good for a $56.6 million profit. Did you know that almost no other sport is able to return a profit? Men’s basketball was able to earn just $453,022 in profit, while baseball earned a slightly higher $464,109. Even the successful gymnastics program has yet to turn a profit, and 12 other sports lost more than $1 million. It’s the surplus from football that allows other sports to remain operational. With capacity at Tiger Stadium unknown, the results of minimal fans in attendance leading to potentially 75% less ticket sales, the main source of revenue, could be catastrophic. We’ve already seen smaller schools across the country cut sports such as swimming, track and golf as a result of this loss
EMILY SCHEXNAYDER / The Reveille
A view of Tiger Stadium stands tall on Aug. 25 on LSU’s campus. of revenue. Longtime season ticket owner and Louisiana native Chris Chagnard told me he and his wife decided to defer their season tickets to next season, and he expects thousands of others to do the same. “We made the decision due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the uncertainty of if LSU would play a full season if the virus got worse,” Chagnard said. “Our decision became final when we were informed that the capacity of Tiger Stadium would be extremely limited, meaning Saturday nights in Death Valley would not be the same.”
We know there will be games this fall. Now the question becomes how many fans will be able to attend. LSU announced Wednesday that, to open the season, Tiger Stadium would operate at 25% capacity. Fans will also be required to wear face masks, among other safety measures. “This plan focuses on the health and safety of all those attending football games... By reducing the capacity and taking the year off from tailgating, which puts LSU in line with other SEC schools, the plan allows for fans to be socially distanced in Death Valley” Gov. John Bel
Edwards said. “...with COVID-19 keeping all of us from celebrating together, nothing can dim the support we have for our LSU Tigers.” Nearby restaurants and bars are also making plans to operate at less than 100% capacity. With all the uncertainty for this season, the local economy as well as LSU Athletics that is so dependent on football will undoubtedly take a hit. Fewer fans, like I once did, will be traveling to Baton Rouge, resulting in less money spent, less jobs created, and damages that could potentially be felt across the state for years to come.
OPINION
page 11
First-year housing expectation defies student interest KEVIN WONDERS OF THE WORLD KEVIN DOUCETTE
@kgdouce
As a freshman, you’re expected to spend your first year at the University living in a residence hall on campus. This rule was first enacted in the 1970s, scrapped, returned briefly in 2007 and most recently again in 2018. The excuses for this reinstatement may sound reasonable at first. Students living on campus display higher GPAs and a stronger sense of community, according to the University. But while the former may be true on paper, it fails to account for the unique problems residents and commuters face. While a resident may make it to their classes quicker, it doesn’t mean they will attend. Con-
trarily, though a commuter may not live among their classmates, they still have opportunities to meet them. The distinct pros and cons of residing on campus do not outweigh those of commuting. Though these experiences aren’t exactly equitable, they both should remain valid options for students. Broadly speaking, it’s not ideal for strangers—young adults at that—to have to cohabitate within four walls. While certain valuable experiences can only be had in a dorm environment, they often come at the expense of a student’s privacy and comfort. Roommate selection, a vague and bureaucratic process, has always been problematic, as students regularly find themselves matched with bigoted, unhygienic or outright abusive roommates and suitemates. Now more than ever, students need their physical and emotional health assured. Someone
disregarding social distancing guidelines in a residence hall puts their peers in a uniquely difficult situation they shouldn’t have to face. Bringing together people of all backgrounds and beliefs should not entail forcing individuals to share their most intimate space with another, especially considering many’s social and political beliefs may disavow the identity of minority or LGBTQ+ individuals. These instances are only ever remedied following a negative, possibly traumatic incident for at least one resident—an incident that could have been avoided. It cannot be stressed enough how important a student’s agency is in ensuring they have a valuable learning experience. The University extends first-year residency exemptions to students who are age 21 or older, married, in custody of a child, in the military, documented with a disability or residing with a guardian within 50 miles of campus. If a student
wants to or needs to live off-campus, they must appeal to a committee. The first-year housing expectation is both nonsensical and anti-student. Depression, anxiety, learning disabilities and other behavioral disorders regularly go undiagnosed in young adults; students who struggle with socializing, sleeping, studying or other executive functions don’t always benefit from simply being forced into a commune with others. Most notable is the administration’s failure to consider diverse financial circumstances. At a time when 8.4% of the population is unemployed and the nation is inching towards recession, it is unconscionable to nickel-anddime students and their families. I use that term because the residential expenses do not stop at the $3,000-$4,500 per semester leases. First and second-year students living on campus must purchase a meal plan priced
between $1,915 and $2,084. If they own a vehicle, they must also buy a parking permit for over $100. These come alongside other vague fees which are supposedly not covered by tuition, including a building use fee, student excellence fee, academic excellence fee and required activity fee. On top of that, another $500 is due upon lease cancellation, as if students are renting from a landlord rather than a learning institution. Choosing to carry this requirement over to the Fall 2020 semester amid the COVID-19 pandemic only further exposes the administration’s warped priorities. The decision to value maximizing profit over student safety is essentially corporate; it’s clear the University will continue to drain wallets in any way imaginable, and at any cost. Kevin Doucette is a 20-yearold political science junior from New Orleans.
We need to make room for self-expression in the workplace GABBING WITH GABBY GABRIELLE MARTINEZ
@martinez_g0
The workplace status quo needs a makeover. Career choice has long been a determining factor in people’s right to self-expression. From tattoos to piercings to unnaturally colored hair, markers of individualism are often stifled by made-up rules written far too long ago by the 1% who employ us. This system is outdated to the point that it has redefined the public’s perception of things like body modification and certain hairstyles. In the workplace, a tattoo or facial piercing is seen as “trashy” rather than as a piece of important body history or cultural expression. These things now get the general bad rap of being unprofessional. In a perfect world, we wouldn’t judge people based on appearance — but we do. The best way to work towards changing this is by starting
with workplace standards. A potential employee shouldn’t be deferred just because they have pink or green hair; instead, the hiring process should be based on their qualities as a person and a worker. Made-up professionalism shouldn’t trump selfexpression. Too often we see ethnic hairstyles such as dreadlocks and afros deemed “unprofessional” in academic and professional settings. This type of casual racism is not only damaging for those being punished for their natural hairstyles but also threatens the self-image of others with similar styles, particularly those of young children who lack proper representation. Teenagers and young adults are told they must monitor their online presence in addition to physical appearance so as not to dampen their future career opportunities. We’re told to not get too political, controversial or opinionated on social media just because some HR employee might find it down the road and use it against us.
With the advent of OnlyFans, an online platform that allows independent creators to sell original NSFW content, it seems appropriate to discuss the distinction between a person’s online presence and their work persona. A person shouldn’t succumb to hiding their entire personality—or their body—just for the sake of maintaining a “professional” appearance; their life outside of work is their own. Obviously, this excludes hate speech and dangerous posts on social media that would point to further investigations into the workplace, such as using threatening language or exhibiting any behavior which poses a potentially serious threat to the safety of coworkers and clients. However, a woman posting a promiscuous picture online shouldn’t be cause for her getting fired from serving at a restaurant or even from her job as a mechanic. Capitalism shouldn’t stop someone from expressing themselves confidently and artistically. As generations age, I’d expect to see more distinction within the tight regulations between
CARTOON BY BRANDON SHEPHERD
personal and professional life. A worker’s personal life and decisions shouldn’t interfere with their job and vice versa. Millennials and Gen Z’ers are going to be the ones to rewrite these racist, sexist workplace rules. No longer should someone’s expression of their identity
Editorial Policies and Procedures EDITORIAL BOARD Bailey Chauvin Brittney Forbes Anna Jones Katherine Manuel Grace Pulliam
Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor
The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
determine their eligibility as an employee if it doesn’t directly pertain to their ability to work. Otherwise, we’ll soon lose our ability to express ourselves entirely. Gabrielle Martinez is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Gonzales.
Quote of the Week “We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.”
Kurt Vonnegut
author Nov. 11, 1922 — Apr. 11, 2007
Thursday, September 10, 2020
page 12
The CARES Act did not care enough for those affected by COVID-19 GOING SOUTH TAMIA SOUTHALL @tamiabrem_ On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) was passed into law to provide economic relief for American families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act was created to provide financial assistance to many different areas of societal infrastructure, including universities across the country. LSU received $9.44 million to distribute among its students. Distribution was based on the students’ 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid which was based on tax information from 2017. Is this really fair? Everyone was financially impacted by the pandemic. Many college students did not qualify for stimulus checks because they were still listed as dependents on their parents’ taxes. Some were also unable to receive unemployment checks because they did not meet the requirements. If the CARES Act was the only aid the government could hand out, why was it so unfairly distributed? Personally, I received $250. I know some students who did not receive a dime and others who
received nearly $1000. I’m not saying the aid was insufficient for some students. It simply isn’t fair to base distribution on tax forms from 2017 during a pandemic taking place in 2020. To put this situation in context, let’s say my family was considered a high-income family in 2017, but both my parents lost their jobs due to the pandemic. I would probably not be eligible for CARES Act aid because of my previous high-income status from 2017. I might have been rich then, but a lot changes in three years. The government should have taken this into account and released a form for students to fill out with their updated financial information. The CARES Act was a onetime supplement of aid for students, but there’s always more that could be done, more leniency the University could provide its students. Why do universities feel like they are doing enough when most are doing less than the bare minimum right now? Universities are not making tuition and fees feasible during the economic disarray the pandemic has caused. They aren’t providing enough emotional support for students. Releasing statements on campus safety and dispersing CARES Act funds
is the bare minimum when there is so much more the University could be doing to support its community. College students are a part of a financially challenged
demographic in America. Tuition rates are sky-high, and, on top of work and school, we now have to deal with the stress of living through a pandemic. But does the administration
care? Did the legislators who wrote and passed the CARES act care? Clearly, not enough. Tamia Southall is a 19-yearold mass communication sophomore from New Orleans.
ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille
United States Representative Steve Scalise speaks about coronavirus on Tuesday, July 14 during the press conference with Vice president Mike Pence and other local officials at Tiger Stadium
It’s time to re-evaluate your parasocial relationships DOM’S UNCANNY DISCOURSE
DOMENIC PURDY
@tigerdom16
In a year of unprecedented chaos, Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing on Aug. 28, and the subsequent global mourning period it spurred on highlighted an interesting phenomenon of modern celebrity: the parasocial relationship. Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships between public figures and their audience members. With celebrity culture becoming such an integral force in many of our lives, the personal connection one feels in such a relationship can be stronger than their connections with loved ones. Boseman, who died after a four-year battle with colon cancer, was no stranger to parasocial relations. Portraying a trio of historical Black icons in Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson and James Brown, as well as the first mainstream Black superhero, Black Panther, Boseman cemented his legacy as an inspirational figure to the masses. While most fans never knew him personally, in some, Boseman’s death prompted similar reactions to the loss of a loved one. They lost someone they’d looked up to, someone who gave audi-
ences representation, which was a form of love unto itself. Boseman may be the most recent example of a mass grieving event for a celebrity, but there is a precedent for such a reaction. Just this year, Kobe Bryant’s death garnered similar media attention. Like Boseman’s fans, Bryant’s had engaged in a one-sided rela-
tionship with the basketball player that seemed to go beyond an appreciation for his work; it seemed the entire city of Los Angeles mourned him like a brother. When a celebrity passes, the larger-than-life mystique around their identity crumbles away. We only ever see them at their best, so to juxtapose that heightened perso-
na with the sobering effect of death is quite jarring. I myself am not immune to the phenomenon of parasocial relations and was impacted immensely by the death of Carrie Fisher in 2016 and Stan Lee in 2018. Growing up loving Marvel comics and Star Wars and knowing that two people
CARTOON BY BRANDON SHEPHERD
integrally involved in these things had passed away saddened me. I’d had such good memories of watching Fisher as Princess Leia and reading stories Lee had set the groundwork for. However, I realized these memories were special because they were with my actual loved ones, not the public figures. I vividly remember my dad showing me both Marvel Comics and Star Wars at a young age. Regardless of my connection to Lee and Fisher, it was my personal relationships within my family that made the impact of these celebrities’ deaths mean something. Our relationships with celebrities, regardless of how important they may seem, are only shadows of real relationships; they’re terminally one-sided. No matter the impact their deaths have on us, we didn’t truly know them—we can only celebrate their legacies. So go hug your loved ones. Watch movies with them. Watch “Black Panther” or an old Lakers game if you’re feeling sentimental; just don’t forget to make new memories with the ones you care about most. Keep your favorite celebrities in your heart when they pass, but always remember: the most fulfilling relationships are mutual ones. Domenic Purdy is a 19-yearold journalism sophomore from Prairieville.