Etera
Eastfield College
The best bars every
Dallasite must visit See page 8➤
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Volume 49, Issue 3
Exploring Heritage Looking at the ways American, Hispanic cultures combine to create a unique Texas personality See page 6 ➤
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NEWS
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
Executive action leaves student lives in limbo By KATY HIGGINS Reporter @KatyHigginsETC
For Luz Ibarra, Sept. 5 began like any other day. The humdrum of her pre-work routine filled her morning with a soothing sense of familiarity. Then, without warning, the television blared the news: The Trump administration was ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for young immigrants. Like a rug being pulled out from underneath her, the life Ibarra had been building for years came crashing down. The 21-year-old criminal justice major has lived in Texas for the past 18 years, and DACA had allowed her to work legally and pay for her college education. “The end of DACA was like the end of my life in Texas, in the United States,” Ibarra said. “I felt betrayed by the country I love with all my heart.” Ibarra is one of 800,000 recipients of DACA, a program created through executive action by then-President Barack Obama in June 2012 that shields undocumented immigrants from deportation and provides temporary work permits. To qualify, immigrants must have been under the age of 16 at the time of their arrival in the United States and must be attending school or serving in the military. There can be no felony or significant misdemeanor charges
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Karen Beltran, an 18-year-old DACA recipient, has lived in Texas for 17 years. She studies biology at Eastfield.
on their record, and they must have established continuous residency in America for a period of five years prior to the executive order.
Ibarra immigrated to Texas at the age of 3 with her infant brother. They traveled separately from their parents, with the help of a coyote,
a person who helps illegal immigrants cross the border. Surrounded by violence in San Felipe, Guanajuato, Ibarra’s father made the decision to relocate their family to a place that offered more opportunities for his two young children. In the beginning, however, it was a struggle. “There were times when we didn’t have anything to eat,” Ibarra said. “We were in the United States, and we didn’t have anything to eat. My mom couldn’t drive and we couldn’t afford another car, so my mom walked us to school every day. She made an effort to raise us in a place that was unknown to us.” When DACA was first implemented, Ibarra and her brother immediately signed up at a cost of $495 each and eventually were approved. Ibarra was excited to gain the freedom to get a job and have legal documentation. “Now somebody knew who I was,” she said. “Somebody knew I belonged here, and that I am part of the United States.” Although DACA will be rescinded by March 5, 2018, Ibarra remains optimistic about her future. President Donald Trump has encouraged Congress to implement legislation within the next six months that will allow DACA recipients to stay in the United States permanently. “Even though it feels like it’s taking a lot from us, I feel like it’s also giving us an opportunity to fight, to keep moving on,” Ibarra said. See Undocumented, page 4 ➤
Campaign aims to reduce suicide, raise awareness By BRYAN PEREZ Assistant Design Editor @TheEtCetera
During National Suicide Prevention Month, mental health advocates, allies, survivors and community members come together to promote suicide awareness. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, About 44,000 Americans die by suicide each year. On average, there are 121 suicides per day. The college’s Counseling Center offers free individual counseling and can refer students to community resources that provide shelter, food pantries and child care, among other help. Counselor Jaime Torres said that students get caught up with their day-to-day lives, working and studying. They fail to realize they might need help and can remain unaware that on-campus resources are available. September is a good time to spread the message about mental illness and how to treat or prevent it. “Students are coming back or starting college for the first time,” he said. “For us it’s a big time when you have a lot of students on campus. It’s always good to have a time of year designated for something like this as kind of a reminder to folks.” Added counselor Katie Neff: “It’s a crucial time.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness says spotting the difference between expected behaviors and potential signs of mental illness isn’t easy. There are no tests to self-identify mental illness or if actions and thoughts are normal, caused by physical illness or are signs of mental illness.
Mental health conditions can also develop in young children while they are still learning and coping with identity, thoughts and emotions. According to NAMI, warning signs in children include changes in performance, excessive worry or anxiety, frequent nightmares, disobedience and temper tantrums. Trying to help someone who is dealing with depression or contemplating suicide can cause a bystander to become overwhelmed or to panic. Torres said the best way to help is by listening and not coming across as judgmental. If you feel you are overwhelmed, do not leave to get help, Neff said. Take the person to a counselor or place with support services, she said. Courtney Pickens, program coordinator for the Providing Hope, Awareness and Suicide Education Project, said she experienced depression and considered suicide. “When I was in college I placed a lot of pressure on myself to be perfect that I got to a point where I didn’t meet those expectations to where I withdrew myself from friends and everyone,” she said. “In the end, I found myself getting down, not knowing how to climb out of that cave I put myself into. I was tired of putting on a mask every day, and I might as well do something about it.” Pickens found it difficult to pinpoint why she felt down until she talked to a therapist, who later helped identify and put words to how she felt. Friends and family also supported her. “You are not a burden for seeking help,” she said. “That’s what the profession is for: to provide resources to help find the reasons why.” Suicidal thoughts are common, according to the Suicide Pre-
BRYAN PEREZ/THE ET CETERA
vention Lifeline. Raising awareness, starting conversations and providing help can prevent suicides and save lives. Pickens urges students to understand from her own experience that it’s OK to not be OK. “You can’t handle everything,” she said. “Everything isn’t under your control, and that’s OK.”
NEWS
3
The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Eastfield to move to two eight-week terms By JAMES HARTLEY Editor in Chief @JamesHartleyETC
Students at Eastfield will begin taking the majority of their classes in two eight-week terms per semester under a new scheduling plan that goes into effect in fall 2018. The college plans to make 80 percent of all classes as eight-week term courses. The change is an effort to increase retention and grades, President Jean Conway said. It will prompt credit per-term caps and require most students to be in class for four to five days a week. Some classes will be face-to-face lecture classes for two hours each day while others will be hybrids of lectures and online work. “We are really excited about doing that,” Conway said. “Faculty are on board. We are spending this next whole year getting everything in place to set up the eight-week schedule.” The eight-week terms are modeled after those in many California colleges and universities and some Texas colleges such as Odessa, Amarillo and Austin community colleges, where Conway said student success and retention has benefited. Financial aid will likely remain the same under the new plan, Interim Vice President Mike Walker said, but other details like how payment plans will work are still uncertain. The biggest change will likely be in scheduling. “It changes the structure of the class, but it also changes the entire student experience,” Walker said. Karlin Lee, an undecided major, said the proposed scheduling could harm his ability to hold a job. “If you’re working a full-time job and you’re a student here, your job still needs you,” Lee said. “If you have all these classes stacked one on top the other, you’re cutting into your work hours. Some people are coming here just to get a degree or get their certificate on the side.” Walker said the new schedule should help students to plan their days. The four-day schedules will, he hopes, allow students to more efficiently schedule work and social activities as opposed to the seemingly chaotic class schedules many students now hold. “We don’t want to set a schedule that will interfere with the student’s ability to have a job or do the rest of their life because that wouldn’t make sense,” Walker said. “We want this to be a positive student experience.” Janecia Jones, a business major, said that going to class every day would not be possible for her. “I have three little kids,” Jones said. “My oldest is just now starting school and I have a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old and I work, so it would be difficult.” Jones said that if she had gone to school be-
fore she had kids and did not have a job, eightweek terms would be preferable. But even with just a job, Jones said eight-week terms might prove too difficult. Lee said some students won’t be able to learn as efficiently in eight-week terms. “It could be good or bad,” Lee said. “The thing I don’t think they’re taking into account is that not everybody learns the same. Some people need the 16 weeks plus a lot of study time. I could see it being helpful, but I could see it being really unhelpful.” Geology professor Daniel Murphy, who served on the committee planning the eightweek terms transition, said it can be difficult to schedule work around this format, but that students can adapt and make it easier on them and their employers. “In this new situation, you’ll just say ‘I can’t work from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,’ ” Murphy said. “The hope is that students will have an easier time managing a work schedule.” Many science classes will have class each day and then hold a five-hour and 20 minute lab on Friday. While a more than five-hour lab “sounds absolutely horrible to some people,” Murphy said, he plans to use that time for trips to historic dig sites or museums into his historical geology class. He suspects other professors will find a way to make their longer lab periods more interesting or engaging for students. “The idea is that if you are part-time and you feel you can only handle one class at a time, you are still doing only one class at a time but you’re taking two every 16 weeks,” he said. “If you take one class every 16-week semester, it will take you 12 years to complete. Let’s be completely honest. Not many people are going to finish at that point.” History professor Liz Nichols said she is excited about the idea of eight-week terms. “If you just look at my courses statistically, students in the summer do better than in the long semesters,” Nichols said. Nichols hopes that shorter terms will reduce the number of students who drop. “I think in eight weeks, they have enough time to study the material, stay engaged with it and then move on,” Nichols said. “I think it will help our students actually be able to complete their degree plans or certificate goals in a more timely manner.” Those summer courses are five-week terms. Nichols said the extra three weeks in the proposed eight-week terms would make it easier for students to succeed. “I don’t think it’s for everybody,” Nichols said. “The current generation, you have so many more distractions and so much more that you’re up against.” Music professor Oscar Passley said he hopes skill based courses such as music theory, private instrument lessons and ensemble courses will still be taught in 16-week terms. “We need the full 16 weeks,” Passley said. “There are traditional things that need to be
ANDREW GONZALES/THE ET CETERA
Eastfield currently hosts about 78 percent of DCCCD eight-week course offerings.
taught, and it takes a little time to develop those skillsets.” Alex Lam, a language student, said he does not think he could learn the necessary skills to speak a language fluently in an eight-week course. “I think it might be a little bit rushed,” Lam said. “If you’re taking a language class, which I am for a full year, you won’t be able to learn much. I think that like now, a full semester, it should stay this way instead of eight weeks.” Math professor Jonathan Verwys said that
the ability of students to succeed in an eightweek course depends on their determination, schedule and learning ability. “It’s kind of hard to tell from what’s already happened, but I’ve personally seen some really good results,” Verwys said. “But it seems to really polarize students. Students tend to either buckle down and really do well and actually really appreciate it, … but I also have students who struggle to keep up in eight weeks.” Verwys said that it often comes down to pacing. “I feel like what it does is put pressure on students to be able to perform more quickly,” he said. “Some students rise to that and they like it better because they get to knock out their math classes quicker, but some students aren’t able to rise to that speed that is required. They struggle a little bit more.” Lee said that as a student, he sees merits in eight-week terms but does not think they should be the only way. “Should they do it? Yes,” Lee said. “But it should just be an option. … Just say, ‘You can do the eight week term or the 16 week term.’ ”
Correction Soccer player Arianna Dunsworth was misidentified in a photo in the Sept. 6 edition. The Et Cetera regrets the error.
NOW HIRING
DALLAS FIRE-RESCUE
The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department is hiring Fire Rescue Officer Trainee 1 Apply online at dallascityhall.com and select “Find a Job.” To qualify, you must be from 18 to 35 years old and have 45 semester credit hours with a 2.0 GPA OR have four years of active military service with an “honorable discharge.” The starting salary range is $47,000-$49,000 a year. For information, go to www.dallasfirerescue.com or call a recruiter at 1-800-510-FIRE.
4
NEWS
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
Four-week maternity leave replaces one day By KATHRYN HIGGINS Reporter @KatyHigginsETC
A new change in maternity leave policy gives employees of the Dallas County Community College District four weeks off work instead of one day for the birth or adoption of a child. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the change during its Sept. 5 meeting. Under the previous policy, employees were allowed a single day of leave. Any time after would need to come from their accumulated sick days and vacation time. Dusty Reasons Thomas, a professor of theater and a mother of two, is excited about the change in policy but thinks it would be better if it were six to eight weeks. “Faculty has it easier than staff because we’re on a nine-month contract,” Thomas said. “But staff works 12 months out of the year, so they would have to plan to have their baby during spring break or Christmas break and that’s really hard.” This new policy allows DCCCD employees to take the paid parental leave after 36 months of employment
and will be eligible again every 36 months. “I think this is a long time coming,” Thomas said. “My second daughter, she happened a little earlier than we planned, so I had to plan my class schedule and my work schedule and use up all my sick leave.” This benefit extends to both mothers and fathers. “We’re recommending this as a way to continue to build our reputation as a family-friendly employer,” said Susan Hall, DCCCD chief talent officer. Adoption and foster-care placement will also be covered. The policy allows adopting parents to take maternity leave when an adoption is official and a child is now living with the family. “Adoption processes, especially a foreign adoption, could take many, many months,” said Rob Wendland, DCCCD general counsel. Most colleges in Texas either offer one day of maternity leave or no maternity leave at all. “The policy reads that … leave can only be taken once in a 36 month period, and theoretically you could have three kids in a 36 month period,” Trustee Joseph Ritter asked. “Is
YESENIA ALVARADO/THE ET CETERA
Dusty Reasons Thomas picks up her oldest daughter, Charlie, from daycare. Thomas had her second daughter, Violet, in March before the district changed its parental leave policy.
that too restrictive?” Hall said the important thing was to pass the policy now, taking a step in the right direction. “We can look after the first year,
and certainly after the second year and know better,” Hall said. The board also voted on a policy change related to weapons on campus. The policy, in response to open
sword carry law that went into effect Sept. 1, still only allows for blades 5.5 inches on campus. —Macks Prewitt contributed to this report.
Undocumented students face uncertainty despite reassurances Continued from page 2 “I still want to go to the Army and fight for the country that I love.” Another Eastfield student, 18-year-old Karen Beltran, has lived in Texas for 17 years. A biology major with aspirations to teach high school science and later become a pediatrician, Beltran said she was devastated when she heard about DACA ending. “This is what helps me go to school, get a job,” Beltran said. “[My parents] said that no matter what happens, no matter where we end up, we should stick together and move forward.” Many college students like Ibarra and Beltran are in limbo as they wait for Congress to respond. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that 22 percent of the undocumented population in America is under the age of 25. Eastfield President Jean Conway said in an email to college staff that she is disheartened by the plan to eliminate DACA. “I feel it threatens the security and opportunities available to DREAMers,” she said. “Further, losing these students would compromise the richness of our community and classrooms because higher levels of learning and growth occur in environments where there is diversity of experience, culture, ethnicity, and thought.” DCCCD Chancellor Joe May also released a statement reassuring students that their education is not at risk because of the Noriega Bill. The bill, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2001, allows undocumented Texans to pay in-state tuition. “We know that these are scary and uncertain times for those
JESUS AYALA/THE ET CETERA
Luz Ibarra, a 21-year-old criminal justice major, is one of about 800,000 beneficiaries of DACA.
students, but I want to assure them that repealing DACA should not have an impact on Dreamers in Texas,” he said. “… DCCCD stands ready to help students attend college under the Noriega Bill, which is state law, whether or not DACA continues. We have a strong history of supporting our students and their educational goals and dreams.” However, not replacing DACA would create a financial burden for students like Uriel Regalado, who is working toward a degree in automotive technology. “It’s going to take me out of work, so that’s going to be bad for me,” Regalado said. “That’s going take me out of school because
I’m not going to be able to go to work anymore.” Francisco De La Torre, head of Mexico’s General Consulate in Dallas, said there is little distinction between DACA recipients and natural born United States citizens. “The only thing they don’t have is a document that states they are American,” he said. DACA renewal requests for recipients whose benefits expire between Sept. 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018 will only be processed until Oct. 5, 2017. For the 600,000 DACA recipients whose country of origin is Mexico, the Mexican Consulate is extending certain protections. “We are offering every single one of the Dreamers that want to come here to the consulate … free legal counseling and legal representation with a lawyer that will be provided by the Mexican Government,” De La Torre said. “We’re willing to do that because you deserve it.” De la Torre said the young DACA recipients he has spoken to have expressed anger, fear and anxiety over their future in America. “You cannot afford to be just angry or just sad or just worried,” De la Torre said. “You have to fight by any means to make the system understand the value of you for the United States.” Though she faces an uncertain future, Beltran offers words of encouragement for others who are in her place. “To all DACA recipients that are devastated and scared, they should know that they shouldn’t give up,” she said. “… Always pursue your dreams no matter what happens, no matter who knocks on your door. Still keep fighting, because your education matters, your lives matter.”
NEWS
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The Et Cetera
PUT IT ON YOUR
Calendar Wed
20
September
Blood drive, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., C-135 University recruiters, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Pit Flu shots, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., C-139 STEMinar, Chickenosaurus, 12:30-1:30 p.m., G-101 Recital series: Kent Ellingson Jazz Quintet, 12:30 p.m., F-117
Thu
21
Completion and transfer event, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pit and C-135 Mission 22 pushups for veterans, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., Lower Courtyard Free Speech Panel, 9:30 a.m., C-295
Mon
25 Tue
26 Wed
27
Artist visit: Tierra Firme, Analise Minjarez and Sarta Westrup, lecture 11:15 a.m., demo 12:15 p.m., G-101 University recruiters, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Pit Employer recruitment, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., the Pit University recruiters, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Pit Recital series: Texas Saxophone Quartet, 12:30 p.m., F-117 Employer recruitment, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., the Pit
Wed
28
Completion and transfer event and workshops, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Pit and C-135 Employer recruitment, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., the Pit
Fri
Fun Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., the Pit
Tue
University recruiters, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Pit
29 3
Part-time/seasonal career fair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the Pit National Night Out crime prevention block party, 6-8:30 p.m., parking lot 3
ABOUT THE COVER
The Olympaxqui Ballet Inc Co. to perform traditional Latin American dances during Eastfield’s Diecisies Festival on Sept. 15. PHOTO BY YESENIA ALVARADO
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Spontaneous gathering honors 9-11 By DAN LUNA Reporter @TheEtCetera
Tony Cottrell had not yet heard the news. The Mesquite resident received a phone call Sept. 11, 2001, from a friend who told him to turn on the television. Terrorists had flown planes into the World Trade Center. There was an attack on American soil. Cottrell said that, like most Americans, he was horrified. That day was burned into his memory. In 2002, with the shock of the attack still present, Cottrell and his wife decided to fly American flags on the New Market Road Bridge that stretches across Interstate-635. To him, this wasn’t just about being a patriot or getting attention. It was more than that. It was about showing honor and respect. Tony wanted to “do something to honor the victims [and] show respect to the heroes who came to rescue.” Cottrell wanted to remind people that despite the attack, Americans are still standing strong. When he and his wife first set up the flags and began to wave, they were the only ones there. It didn’t take long before cars pulled off the interstate that first year and drivers found their way to the bridge, stopping to ask what all the flags were about. Many would return with their own flags and join them. Now, with the flag-waving memorial a 15-year tradition, the bridge is packed with people by sunset and traffic on both sides slows as people wave and honk their horns in support while passing under the bridge. The impromptu memorial caught the eye of Karen Winton of Seagoville. She drove by in 2002 when she saw them on the bridge. She stopped to ask Cottrell what he was doing and decided to join them. She’s taken her flag there every year since. Mesquite resident Susan Tortorice has been attending for 13 years. She was driving by the bridge when she spotted the flags and stopped to participate. In recent years, Cottrell has brought extra flags for anyone who stops by. Cottrell, along with the other people joining, not only carry flags but
PHOTOS BY YESENIA ALVARADO/THE ET CETERA
Above, Karen Winton of Seagoville wave American flags with Tony Cottrell every year. “This is the day I’ll never forget,” Winton said. Below, Cottrell has gone to the New Market Road Bridge over Interstate-635 every Sept. 11 since 2002 to remember the terror attacks in 2001.
also dress in patriotic clothing. “We stay up there until they can no longer be seen,” he said, “When the cars stop honking it means they can’t see us so that’s when we leave.” Cottrell usually arrives at 9 a.m. and stays until nightfall. “At night, the flags look beautiful,” he said, “When they are hit by the car lights that drive by, they just light up and look beautiful.” He feels as though he is keeping the memories of the victims alive every year. He wishes to continue the tradition for at least 20 years, but work makes it a struggle. Everyone who stays on the bridge all day asks for the day off of work. Remy Davis of Mesquite, whose family used to go to the bridge together, came alone this year. “I’ve been coming up here for about four years now with my family,” she said. “They had to work so they couldn’t make it, but I came anyway”. A few people are able to come to the New Market Road Bridge in the morning with an ice chest for food and drinks. Although the bridge was not very full early in the day, Cottrell said most families show up after work. Cottrell said that people tend to forget as time goes on, but that it is
important to remember. “At first the group was larger,” Cottrell said. “But after awhile, fewer people showed up. Just with time, I guess because it’s been so long”. It makes him happy to know that he is reminding his fellow Americans about 9-11, and is encouraged every time he sees someone wave or hears
them honk. Cottrell shows that anyone is welcome to join, whether it be in the morning at night. All anyone has to do is stop by and wave at passing cars. “It’s really nice having cars stop by,” he said. “Then they hop out and join us for awhile. It’s nice to have that.”
Life &Arts The Et Cetera
6
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Hispanic culture influences daily life in Texas By JON-MARK TAMEZ Staff Writer @Jon_MarkETC
Texas’ diversity stems form its history as a melting pot of cultures. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, the state celebrates Hispanic and Latino-American influences on Texas. Texas culture incorporates Southern traditions and cowboy rituals, but the blending of customs from Mexico and Latin America are visible almost everywhere you turn – architecture, food, music, clothing, language and more. Jessica Trevizo, education coordinator for the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, said many Hispanics and Latinos in the Lone Star State identify themselves as Texans above other labels. This type of state pride is unique to Texas, she said. “Everyone, no matter their cultural background, has that same mentality,” she said. “I think that can be a unifying thing. That no matter someone’s background, we are all Texans first.” Texas cuisine is a blend of techniques and ingredients from native tribes, Mexico and America. “We essentially created a whole genre of food,” Trevizo said. “It’s a mixture of different cultures, and that’s really the most beautiful thing about it. It’s not Mexican or American. It is its own thing.” Another cultural meld is the music, whether it is the San Antonio native Freddy Fender and The Texas Tornados or crossover artists like Selena. “Tejano music is a melding of American country and
Latino music,” Trevizo said. Sociology and dance major Brianna Williams, president of the Agbara Latina Dance Club, said that Dallas sees this blend of culture almost every day. The African slave trade spread musical influences and instruments across the U.S. and Latin America, she said. “That’s why we have a mixture of Afro, Latin and American culture here in Texas,” Williams said. The Spanish influences are around us every day right under our noses: Texas’ rivers, valleys and other geographical marks have Spanish names such as the Rio Grande. Texas is a Spanish translation of the Caddo Indian word for friends. English professor John Garcia said it’s important to stay connected with Latino heritage. Talking with relatives and asking about their family history is a good way to maintain this connection with the past, he said. “I wouldn’t know about my great grandparents, my culture, my traditions, my language, my customs or my heritage if I had not sat down with my grandmother and my mother,” Garcia said. Garcia recalls spending time with his family learning from his mother and grandmother, and in his college years he was given an assignment to talk with elders in his community. His grandmother was born in the time of the covered wagon and lived to see the moon landing and color TV. Garcia feels that the current political climate is affecting confidence of some Hispanic students, saying some are fearful of the future and affecting their education. He added that getting an education was important to help educate the community. “Be proud of who you are,” he said.
Plan it Out Hispanic Heritage Month Events Recital: Trio Montuno Latin jazz band, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 11, F-117 Recital: Soprano Nerelda Garcia, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 18, F-117 Author talk: The Art of Storytelling and Tales from the Atacam Desert in Chile by Andrea Amosson, 11:15 a.m. Oct. 18, S-101 Panel: Coming to America, the Risks and Relief of Sanctuary Cities, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 19, C-135 Readings and Ritmos: Faculty and student readings and Guitar Ensemble performance, 11 a.m. Oct. 24, G-101
DAVID SILVA/THE ET CETERA
Clockwise from top right, Tacos La Banqueta Puro DF is a modern example of how Texas has adopted from Mexican tradition but has also created a separate cuisine. Mariachi is a traditional Mexican music genre, but many continue their customs here and create an influence on many generations. A Mariachi band member plays a “guitarron” a Mexican six-string acoustic bass at Eastfield’s Diecisies Festival on Sept. 15. A mural at the Latino Cultural Center depicts a couple dancing.
DAN LUNA/THE ET CETERA
BRYAN PEREZ/THE ET CETERA
LIFE&ARTS
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The Et Cetera
www.eastfieldnews.com
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
heritage month Hispanic Heritage Month, which originated in 1968, begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. On Sept. 15, OSER sponsored the Dieciseis Festival,
where Hispanic-inspired foods, games and performances took place. The event brought a mariachi band, dancers and games to the college in connection with the common book, “Deep Down Dark,” and was one of the Hispanic heritage events planned for this month. —Compiled by Bryan Perez
Far left, A performer demonstrates a traditional aztec dance involving fire at the Dieciseis festival on Sept. 15. Right, dancers perform an original dance at the festival. The festival celebrated hispanic heritage with art, food and games.
ANDREW GONZALES/THE ET CETERA
BRYAN PEREZ/THE ET CETERA
DAVID SILVA/THE ET CETERA
Left, students prepare to collect candy from the pinata after a blindfolded student breaks it open. Above, a Dieciseis performer shows her traditional inspired Latin dance originated in Veracruz. ANDREW GONZALES/THE ET CETERA
DAVID SILVA/THE ET CETERA
Above, a Mariachi performs at the Dieciseis Festival Sept. 15, interpreting music from Jalisco.
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LIFE&ARTS
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
www.eastfieldnews.com
The Et Cetera
5 must-visit local bars Story by Lesley Reyes Photos by Dan Luna and Lesley Reyes Being a college student comes with a hidden price of over stressing about assignments, exams and the constant dread that lingers in the back of your mind that you will fall behind in your classes. There are multiple ways to unwind, but the best way to deal with the overwhelming sensation of studying is to go out with a couple of friends and enjoy some affordable drinks. Here are five Deep Ellum spots to try. ➤ The
Green Room
2715 Elm St., Dallas
➤ Armoury
DAN LUNA/THE ET CETERA
high
Located at the heart of Deep Ellum, this is a great bar to have a memorable time, meet new acquaintances and enjoy local music. As soon as you enter, the groovy bartender is there to greet you. The whole wall opposite from the bar is covered in an amazing mural with long, high tables stretching out from it. It has a grungy Deep Ellum feel with an energetic atmosphere, yet the rooftop patio and bar still allow you to slow down and enjoy the city view. On the rooftop, you can reconnect with your inner child by playing pool and testing your hand eye coordination with jumbo Jenga. It also has an outstanding view of Deep Ellum and the Dallas skyline to enjoy while sipping local beer. Shots are affordable, ranging from $4 to $7. The food that stood out the most was the patty melt. It is a Swiss-cheesy, saucy mess between two slices of Texas toast. The patty is well seasoned but not overpowering, complimented by sweet seared onions and a tangy special sauce. It comes cut diagonally, just the way mom did your grilled cheese. It’s served with crunchy, well-seasoned fries that can compete with any from around Dallas. The patty melt itself is reason enough to visit the Green Room.
D.E.
2714 Elm St., Dallas
Come in and take a peak. Although it may look like a Viking guild, it is more thrilling than frightening. Mounted animal heads, dim lighting and an old folk-vintage vibe characterize the Armoury. Stepping in, the first thing you’ll see is the massive collection of whiskey, rum, tequila and other spirits lined up behind the bar. They also have a variety of special cocktails, namely the Save the Queen, Mr. Pink, Speak of the Devil, and Hell Hound – and they all live up to their names. The bartenders and waitresses create a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy the dark, underworld cocktails that will drag you to hell and back. While there is a patio with live music, these devil-made cocktails are to sell your soul for. With their sweet and savory tastes, Hell never tasted so good. ➤ Bricks
& Bones
2713 Elm St., Dallas
As soon as you step into the vintage Mexican/Tex-mex bar, you are immediately among friends with an amazing “be your-
DAN LUNA/THE ET CETERA
LESLEY REYES/THE ET CETERA
Clockwise from left, the Armoury uses a cedar fire to smoke the glass before pouring an old fashioned. Most bars specialize in local or state made brews, from Deep Ellum blondes to Shiner. The Green Room hosts local artists on their rooftop patio, where they also have two bars and shots ranging from $4 to $7.
self ” atmosphere. The enlarged circle frame of Mexican bingo cards that decorate the left wall catch your eyes when you enter. On the opposing wall, there is a large mural with a little boy holding Brick & Bones mascot rooster. The roosters and chicken decorations started off originally with four and quickly grew to 20-plus. They are gifts from family, friends and locals who have traveled from all over the world. These roosters literally fly from Mexico, Africa, Japan and other areas around the world to be placed on the shelves of Brick & Bones. It has vintage tables and chairs for seating, as well as several chairs hanging from the ceiling for decoration. Bricks & Bones is known for its chicken and waffles. Everything is made from scratch. The chicken and waffles are lightly seasoned with spices that mash perfectly together with a honey mustard tangy special
sauce that is drizzled with melted sweet Mexican candy syrup that make your taste buds dance the night away. The fried chicken is enough to make the visit worth it. It is so good that it is competing with two other bars for a call back in mid-October to film the TV show, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” They were also listed for the best fried chicken in D magazine The cocktails are a must. The Lit Chicken — cooked in oven-roasted pineapple-infused Mescal with rye, whiskey and thyme — doesn’t taste like alcohol until you notice how lit you get. The bar changes the cocktail menu every season, but the Lit Chicken is available year-round. The Huckleberry Hound is the total opposite of the Lit Chicken. This drink is made with vodka, and makes the flavor stronger and raises the overall alcohol content of the drink itself.
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DAN LUNA/THE ET CETERA
Above, Local bars often feature local artists. Many bars have a list of upcoming performances available on their websites.
Go here if you just want to have a good, laid back time and enjoy yourself from the bricks to your bones. ➤ Three
Links
2704 Elm St., Dallas
Three Links is a must for any rock and roller. Like many other bars in Deep Ellum, it has an atmosphere similar to that “Keep Austin Weird” vibe with a good dose of Dallas pride. The name Three Links is a tip-of-the-hat to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), and was opened by three current Odd Fellows: Oliver Peck (Elm Street Tattoo & Ink Master), Kris Youmans (Transmission Events) and Scott Beggs (Sierra Bravo productions). The place is set up like an open garage. The first thing that catches the eye is a large stage in the middle of the room. It quickly established itself as one of the premier spots to see live music in North Texas. Whether it’s new up- and- coming national bands, the hottest locals and regionals or the veteran doing an underplay, Three Links provides an intimate, professional and above all else a fun experience for fans and bands alike. The entire place is decorated with murals, graffiti and stickers placed from wall-to-wall by bar-goers. Known for its high-alcohol-content craft beers, like the Peticolas Velvet Hammer, this bar is perfect for the dark beer lovers. Three Links has more than 40 craft cans with 16 beers on tap
and one of the best top shelves in the neighborhood. If dark beers aren’t your thing, the bartenders are equipped to mix up a cocktail as long as you let them know what you’d like as the foundation. Whether it is vodka, tequila or anything else they have behind the bar, they can make you a personal cocktail that will leave you craving more. This makes the bar stand out from the rest. Three Links is also partnered with Fuzzy Tacos shop, and their full menu is available to order from the bar. Enjoy great craft beer, local music and saver some of the best tacos available in Dallas. What more could you ask for? ➤ Off
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the Records Bar Craft Beer & Vinyl
2716 Elm St., Dallas
Off the Records is another music lover’s bar, stacked with vinyls ready to be sold. Their diverse music choices suit a variety of music tastes, although this bar is best known for its craft beer collection. The menu is full of 24 craft beers. It does have a patio, but it is only open on days that local artists are performing. If you visit the bar on Wednesdays, you can listen to Dead Blue aka Blue, the Misfit, a local hip-hop artist. You don’t have to be a hipster to enjoy this joint.
PHOTO BY DAN LUNA/THE ET CETERA LESLEY REYES /THE ET CETERA
From top, the Save the Queen is one of the specialty drinks offered at the Armory. Bricks & Bones offers a chicken and waffles dish that alone makes the trip down town worth it.
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Dolly Python combines thrift store, antique mall By MACKS PREWITT Life & Arts Editor @MacksPrewittETC
ANDREW GONZALES/THE ET CETERA
Above, Dolly Python sells an eclectic offering of clothing, furniture and art. Left, the thrift storemeets-antique mall has everything a good cowboy needs: boots, hats, jeans and denim button-up shirts — for a decent price.
ANDREW GONZALES/THE ET CETERA
Located off of Haskell Avenue, Dolly Python, a vintage clothing store in Dallas, offers a shopping experience unlike any other with its selection of items and local venders hosted in the store. The place seems small at first, like a rectangle of Western-themed vintage clothing, but then you walk a few feet in and see the vendor stands in a second rectangle to the left. The racks of clothing press against the walkway to the exit. The store looks like your grandmother decorated it, but thankfully it doesn’t smell that way. The store feels full, not just full of clothing and items, but full of possibilities. Similar to East Fork Mall in Mesquite, these vendors sell a wide variety of strange and interesting knick-knacks that add to the store’s mystique. There are vintage cameras
and odds-and-ends. Old toys mingle with black and white photographs. The first thing that stands out when you walk into the store are the shelves upon shelves of used cowboy boots. To the left of the entrance, you will see an entire wall of boots in both male and female sizes, divided by style. The selection is massive and the prices are affordable.. If you aren’t looking for boots you can still buy an outfit to sing “Happy Trails” in. A clothing rack is dedicated to getting your denim Bob Dylan look on, while the rest are for when you want to look like you raided your parents’ Woodstock outfits. Tunics, hats from the 1940s, ties, bandanas, vests and vintage clothing are packed onto racks parked around the store. Dolly Python’s prices are higher than those of a normal thrift store, but lower than those of normal stores. Clothing items like jackets and coats averaged around $45, and dresses and shirts were closer to $15 and $20.
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One vendor sells old concrete sculptures, some modeled accurately after the male genitalia, that fit on your desk, while another sells abstract art pieces in green, red and blue to hang on your wall. Throughout the booths there are tarot decks, old pinup girl posters and even a Ouija board. In the very back of the vendor portion of the store is a booth that sells vinyl records. The collection of records isn’t bad with Nirvana, Black Sabbath and John Denver among those represented. Dolly Python has personality. It might be hard to nail down what kind of personality that is, but it results in a shopping journey that is enjoyable even if you don’t buy anything. However, not buying something is very hard to do. Dolly Python, 1916 N. Haskell Ave. in Dallas, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
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BOOK REVIEW
‘Sourdough’ exhibits brilliant plot, characters By MACKS PREWITT Life & Arts Editor @MacksPrewittETC
In exploring themes of food and technology and how they interact in a modern world, Robin Sloan presents a sophomore novel that is a brilliant successor to his groundbreaking “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore.” “Sourdough” revolves around Lois Clary, a software engineer from Michigan who moved to San Francisco after being wooed by the robotics company General Dexterity. One day, she finds a menu for a small restaurant run by two brothers in her neighborhood. She soon becomes the small business’ No. 1 customer. When the brothers are forced to close down because of trouble with their visas, they give Lois their sourdough starter and tell her to talk to it, play it music and bake with it. Once she gets the hang of baking, her bread gains popularity and she gets invited to a shady underground farmer’s market that is literally underground. The venders use technology to push the limits of what humans can do with food. One such vendor who is known as “the microbe whisperer” makes cheese that is enhanced and strengthened through microbiology. Another is a young bagel company with geometrically pleasing bagels called NewBagel that is a nod to Sloan’s first book. One lady is making bread, scones and other baked goods with
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crickets. This experimental market is trying to bring a new way of experiencing food to the public and Lois jumps right in by teaching a robot arm how to bake bread. This opens up a whole new set of adventures that leads Lois to discover what she wants to do with her new skills and her life. Robin Sloan is one of the best writers of modern fiction under 40. His first book is a New York Times best-seller and NPR named it Best Book of the Year.
In “Sourdough,” Sloan focuses on his own home base of Oakland, Berkley and San Francisco, writing descriptions that make readers feel as if they are in Northern California with the main character. Throughout his second book he has hidden several Easter eggs from the first novel, which felt like inside jokes between the author and reader. This is where Sloan excels. He pulls reader in and makes them feel like they are a part of the story.
He rewards the detailed reader with subtle hints that make the resolution sweeter, but he doesn’t lose the casual reader with his exposition. His writing is comfortable and relaxed while also containing a deeper note to it, which makes re-reading his novels a must. His descriptions of scene and setting places the reader right in the middle of it, whether it be on an abandoned airfield or in the cafeteria of a San Francisco start-up. His use of the main character’s inner monologue is clever and never overdone. And while it reveals everything the main character knows, his build up to key plot points is never spoiled. With “Sourdough,” Sloan dives headfirst into the subjects of food, science and food history and explains it with a simple but compelling narrative for the technological world of today. He weaves complex explanations of programing and microbiological organisms with jokes about twerking. He even adds a love story into the plot, but it’s subtle and therefore more sincere than most. “Sourdough” is another feather in Robin Sloan’s cap of fusing new technology with old school sensibilities. Everyone should read it. This is a book for those who love food, those who love technology and those who love a great story.
ALBUM REVIEW
Ariel Pink takes his craft to new level with latest release Jon Aguirre Staff Writer @JonAguirreETC
“Dedicated to Bobby Jameson” is presented like an old cassette tape you would find at an estate sale and play on your dad’s dusty cassette player you retrieved from the attic. Ariel Pink is an American lo-fi indie artist that seamlessly blends influence and original ideas, his most prominent influence being ‘80s pop. It is clear Pink draws influence from many places, but his music never feels derivative. This is mainly because Pink incorporates strange, sometimes dark, lyrics, dissonant textures, and nuanced effects. He juxtaposes these ideas with sweet melodies and playful instrumentals. The album cover itself displays this juxtaposition, depicting a pitch black forest looming over a dark church graveyard with pink car lights and a light pink sky.
Pink has used this sweet and sour style for many years now and gained a lot of attention for it on his last album, “Pom Pom,” released in 2014. But where “Pom Pom” lacked in momentum, “Dedicated to Bobby Jameson” trims the fat and doesn’t feel its length of nearly 50 minutes. And while this new album is only about 15 minutes shorter than “Pom Pom,” the difference is obvious. The shorter track list and runtime allows for more focus on the individual songs rather than the collection. While his previous albums have had the same style and ‘80s retro aesthetic, Pink kicks it up a notch on this latest release. Certain songs like “Feels Like Heaven” could fit perfectly in a John Hughes scene where the main characters go to the prom.
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‘80s pop influence is a big thing in music these days, but no one does it quite like Ariel Pink. Many modern artists take this influence and do not expand on it. For example, “Another Weekend” sounds
like a Mac DeMarco ballad because they’re both influenced by the same genre. However, there is a clear difference in the two. Where Mac adds a retro synth over a finger picked guitar drenched in reverb, Pink takes this influence and adds psychedelic elements and interesting song structure, as he does with most of the songs on this album. This is not to say the album is perfect. “Acting” clashes with the rest of the album with its g-funk style, provided by producer Dam-Funk, and its use of vocoder on the vocals. This idea works for Snoop Dog, but not experimental indie artist Ariel Pink. However, I wouldn’t say there is a bad song on the album, some are just not as exciting as others. The highs on this album are incredibly high and the lows are just decent. On “Dedicated to Bobby Jameson,” Pink has expanded on his influence and maintains his originality to create something that feels wholly unique.
opinion Etera Award-winning member of: • Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • Texas Community College Journalism Association • Associated Collegiate Press • College Media Association
Eastfield College 3737 Motley Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 Phone: 972-860-7130 Email: etc4640@dcccd.edu Editor in Chief James Hartley Digital Managing Editor David Silva Multimedia Editor Andrew Gonzales
Life & Arts Editor Macks Prewitt
Design Editor Manuel Guapo
Asst. Design Editor Bryan Perez
Photo Editors Yesenia Alvarado
Jesus Ayala
Senior Staff Writer Julio Vega Staff Writers Jonathan Aguirre
Jon-Mark Tamez
Reporters Alejandra Pena Rodrigo Mendoza Nicholas Singleton
Kathryn Higgins Caroline Ceolin Samuel Farley
Senior Staff Photographer Lesley Reyes Photographers Dan Luna Niels Winter Anna Lehmann James Patterson Graphic Artists Aldahir Segovia Sean Watkins
Allison Lee Julian Hernandez Narely Martin
Jesse Lay Jonathan Ventura
Social Media Reporter Mikaela Carrillo Cartoonist Caylin Gaines
Addison Miller
Editorial Assistant Marie Garcia Advertising & Marketing Keturah Hill Publications Adviser Elizabeth Langton Digital Media Adviser Sarah Sheldon Faculty Adviser Lori Dann Editorial Policy The views expressed on the opinion pages and other opinion pieces and cartoons in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Et Cetera, Eastfield College or the Dallas County Community College District. The Et Cetera is published every two weeks— except December, January and summer months—by a student staff. Each member of the college community is entitled to one free copy of The Et Cetera. Additional copies are available in Room N-240. First Amendment Right Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters will be edited for profanity and vulgarity, Associated Press style, grammar, libel and space when needed. The content will remain that of the author. Letters considered for publication must be 250 words or fewer. Letters may be delivered to Room N-240 or sent to etc4640@dcccd.edu.
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OUR VIEWS
Congress must act on Dream act
President Donald Trump made close to a million people susceptible to deportation by ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, otherwise known as DACA, with a six-month delay. Only four years ago, 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children— otherwise known as Dreamers— made the risky decision to trust the federal government with their personal information to obtain DACA status. In February, Donald Trump seemed to welcome the 800,000 by stating that he would “deal with DACA with heart.” In September, he betrayed them. Trump’s choice of ending DACA but also giving Congress six months to take action on the future of Dreamers allows him to appease his voter base while giving himself a false sense of a clean conscience. Former President Barack Obama used executive action to establish DACA on behalf of these individuals after Congress failed to pass the Dream Act, a bipartisan bill that
offered them a path to permanent residency. DACA did not offer a path to legal status, but instead allowed undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States before the age of 16 to have the opportunity to obtain renewable two-year work permits if they have no criminal records and held high school diplomas or were working to obtain them. Nearly three-quarters of DACA applicants have lived in the United States for at least 10 years and nearly one-third were age 5 or younger at arrival, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Trump made his decision knowing there is a high chance Dreamers will have to draw back into the shadows. The Dream Act has been proposed since 2001 yet has made little progress in Congress. Six months is too short of a time period to pass any significant legislation to secure the future of Dreamers in the only country they have ever known. Dreamers know this. We recommend that Congress act immediately to pass the Dream
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Act. The 800,000 enrolled in DACA and other young people like them deserve green cards and a path to permanent residency and possibly citizenship. Dreamers make up some of the most promising to chase the America dream. According to the Center of American Progress, about 90 percent are employed and 72 percent are seeking higher education. If Congress does not act within six months, the U.S. could lose close to $460 billion in GDP in the next 10 years without DACA recipients. Immigration reform has always
been complex, but “sending them back” is not feasible. Dreamers offer too much to the country they call their home to be sent to foreign lands, where they know no one and may not even speak the language. This decision of keeping or deporting young people who came here unlawfully as children through no fault of their own demands for America to reflect on compassion and empathy. It is asking Congress to act immediately and pass a bipartisan bill that grants these individuals a pathway to legal status so they can be neighbors, classmates and friends.
8-week terms harm non-traditional students The plan to transition 80 percent of classes to an eight-week format by fall 2018 will undo the work Eastfield has done to make higher education more accessible to lower income students and those who have not had strong educational foundations. Eight-week terms, while beneficial to full-time, traditional students, is a poor idea for students who have jobs, children or other responsibilities outside academics. With eight-week terms, the timespan of the class is shortened but contact hours and content remain the same. This means students are in class for longer periods with less time to study. While it is commendable that the college would make strides to help students with the ability to embark on eight-week term courses, the move to make the majority of courses conform to this format will further burden those who cannot handle such an endeavor. College administrators say that students will find more success in this style of class scheduling. Shorter terms mean less chance that something will come up in a student’s life that will cause them to drop all of their classes, they say. Also,
dropping all classes would mean using two or three drops instead of five. Students would complete at a quicker rate. And administrators cite improved student success and retention at other colleges with eight-week terms. But this does not sound as appealing to students who have to work to pay for classes, books, food, gas and rent. If students spend two hours in class for four days a week, as has been proposed by college administrators, they are recommended to study four hours each day outside of class. If students take two classes, that is four hours in class every day and eight hours studying each day. This adds up to 12 hours of every day with only two classes. The ability of a student to hold a job, especially full-time, is slim to nil in this format. Students who fall behind early in a class will have no time to catch up. With mid-terms in the forth week and finals in the eighth, missing a single day of class can be detrimental. Science classes that will meet five days a week— a lecture period on Monday through Thursday and a five-hour lab on Friday— will sap the energy from students and make it hard for
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them to take other classes, much less take a full load and work a job. The Et Cetera recommends that Eastfield amend its plan to increase eight-week offerings while not removing 16-week options. It is the responsibility of a community college to serve the interests of students. The effort to make Eastfield more accessible to full-time students is admirable, but it should not undermine the ability of parttime or non-traditional students to achieve the same education.
OPINION
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Feminism, equality find their roots in Christianity
It’s not surprising that the mere uttering of the word “feminist” is equivalent to nails on a chalkboard for some Christians. Many of them associate the movement with radical notions and abortion-pushing man-haters. In reality, true feminism is similar to Christianity in the sense that the interpretation varies from person to person. To say those fanatics seen in the media represent a whole array of women would be like saying one so-called Christian’s iniquity represents the entire Christian community. In order to understand the true nature of feminism, let’s try to forget everything we’ve learned from popular culture so far. MerriamWebster defines feminism as “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities” and as “the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.” Ring any bells for you? Take a look at Galatians 3:28. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Indeed, scripture tells us that both women and men were created equally precious in his eyes. Jesus even calls us to protect the equal rights of all people, regardless of gender, race or anything else. So, why the need for feminism as a qualifier for Christianity? Doesn’t scripture alone defend the notion of equality?
Caroline Ceolin
@TheEtCetera
Yes, it does. But not all Christians have risen to the challenge of fully understanding God’s truth and what his dreams are for humanity. The term “Christian feminism” is necessary to describe those who choose to fully devote themselves to being as Jesus-like as possible. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that women still suffer a great deal inside the church today. In many of them, women are not allowed to participate in leadership roles such a leading worship or preaching. Churches that are heavily influenced by extremely patriarchal religion will assign leadership roles to men rather than a better educated, better-informed and better-qualified female counterparts solely on the basis of gender. This may not seem like a big deal in itself, but when this happens women are downgraded to second-class citizens and it becomes a common reoccurrence for girls and women to face discrimination within these cultures. In churches such as these, women suffer with the presence of sexism throughout all other aspects of the church. Not just in the roles
assigned to them but in Sunday school, after giving a sermon or at a church staff meeting. Women’s opinions, ideas or concerns hold less importance than those of the men, and ultimately religious gender discrimination transpires out of the walls of the church and negatively impact society at large. This is not how it is meant to be. Matthew Henry, a Bible scholar, has a view of equality starting with the creation story. He writes, “Eve was not taken out of Adam’s head to top him, neither out of his feet to be trampled on by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, and near his heart to be loved by him.” Evangelical churches are also failing to recognize issues such as female genital mutilation, child brides, discrimination, pay gaps, inadequate maternal healthcare, domestic violence and sexual objectification. They are failing to reach an enormously large population of God’s people because of it and by doing so are also choosing to stay ill equipped to help these women. The worst part of all is that they are failing to show them the true extent of God’s power and mercy. Women are being forced to find a safer haven where they may follow Jesus Christ because of inadequate representation and transgressions towards them. Many are following Christ’s revolution-
Confederate statues must come down
The removal of statues honoring Confederate war heroes has stirred a national conversation about racism and honoring history. The Confederacy is the shameful history of the United States. Local governments – including the city of Dallas, which last week removed a statue of Robert E. Lee from a city park – are justified in getting rid of Confederate monuments. It is important to remember that the Confederacy promoted inequality, hatred and racism. Slavery was a burning issue in the Civil War. In 1850, about 400,000 families owned more than 4 million slaves in the United States. President Abraham Lincoln and his Republican comrades aimed to abolish slavery, which resulted in his failure to receive a single electoral vote from the Southern states. Southern states despised Lincoln because of his stance on slavery. Their desire to sustain slavery culminated into the Civil War. The Confederacy wanted slavery to be determined by the states so they could continue to promote their white supremacy.
Nicholas Singleton
@TheEtCetera
The Union wanted to embrace equality within the United States by freeing African-Americans. The citizens of the United States should be honoring the statues of heroes that helped abolish slavery. Instead, individuals are worshipping Confederate statues that symbolize racism. Slaves were tortured, degraded and humiliated. Confederate monuments only remind us of racism and slavery. The Confederate soldiers and generals fought to sustain the institution of slavery because of economic growth. Lee married into one of the wealthiest slave-owning families and commanded the plantation after his father-in-law died. In addition, the Confederate flag represents the actions and values of the South. The flag should be re-
moved from public view. William T. Thompson, creator of the Confederate flag, wanted the flag to symbolize the heaven-ordained supremacy of the white man. The Confederate flag has no place in the 21st century. We must reject the racist beliefs of the Confederacy and take down their statutes. We live in a different America. It is now time to embrace true American values and look toward the future. Some say that removing the statues of the Confederate soldiers will erase an important piece of history. The fact is that we are just removing the monuments from public places, not the history of the Confederacy from school curriculum or textbooks. The goal is to remove the statues without inciting violence from supporters or opposition. The solution is to remove the statues from public view and into museums – retaining their history while removing them from places of prominence. — Nicholas Singleton is a reporter and a chemistry major
ary ideas within the blogosphere, their living rooms and more personal communities and churches. In these places, they continue to extend God’s grace to others, all the while fighting social injustices. The term Christian feminist is still necessary because the ways of the Kingdom of God are in direct contrast to the ways of a majority of Christian culture. One could even argue for the sake of moving forward with Jesus, toward love and acceptance for one’s neighbor, that God’s way is progressive, democratic and justice-orientated. His vision for us has never been one of patriarchy, belittlement, exclusion or the oppression of women. Feminism is a belief that is perfectly correspondent with the way of God. I am a Christian, first and foremost. My feminist ideals are only reinforced by my passion for Christ and my commitment to following his examples and teachings. To accept patriarchy is to deny that unequal weights and unequal measures are abominations in the Lord’s eyes. To accept the unjust ways of old power structures is to deny that God created all of us, both man and woman, in his image. Feminism, for me, is the understanding that God shows no favoritism, but loves and accepts all of us who fear him and do what is right. — Caroline Ceolin is a reporter and an undecided major.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Jesus exists in hearts of believers, regardless of political affiliation I disagree with the generalization, “Jesus does not exist in the Republican Party, nor will he ever,” (“Conservatism and Christianity don’t mesh,” Sept. 6). Because Jesus is in the hearts of any who have received him (see John 1:12), no matter what party they belong to. Also Jesus didn’t “damn the rich” and didn’t just “feed the poor.” If you read the New Testament, he tells a rich person “to sell all he has and give it to the poor,” but the rich person goes away. Later, Jesus feeds 5,000 and then 4,000, but he doesn’t separate the rich from the poor. They were all in a desert place and had the same need; he fed them all. Where is the scripture that supports your statement that “Jesus fed the poor”? If, as you say, “many Evangelicals
use hate to separate themselves from those who differ from them,” then I believe they need to be disciplined because they’re not followers of Christ. I disagree with your statement on p. 13, col. 2, second paragraph: “Follower(s) of Christ are not only commanded to love their neighbors despite their differences, they are told to love those very differences as well.” Where do the scriptures say that? All I see is two commandments (from Matthew 22:37-40). There is nothing in here that speaks about “loving their differences.” What scripture did you get that from? And, if not from the scriptures, then don’t tout it as being true. P. W. Conant Dallas
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Sports The Et Cetera
Sept. 21 Sept. 25 Sept. 27 Sept. 28 Sept. 28
Soccer vs. Brookhaven College Volleyball vs. Cedar Valley College Volleyball vs. Murray State Soccer vs. Richland College Soccer vs. North Lake
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Holding all the aces
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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Kiki Reyes’ serve is feared by teammates and opponents alike By JULIO VEGA Senior Staff Writer @JulioVegaETC
As she approaches the baseline, volleyball in hand, Keishla “Kiki” Reyes takes a deep breath and relaxes. She gives the ball a few bounces then steps forward, throwing it high into the air. She jumps, eyes never straying from the ball, and swings her right arm, striking the ball cleanly with a loud, deep thud into the opposing court to start the rally. Setter Kalli Caddell, Reyes’ roommate, said that the entire team knows to expect the power Reyes provides in her jump serves. “Whenever we’re [practicing] serves and passes, the passers will always be like, ‘Oh gosh, Kiki’s up to serve,’ ” she said. “You know she’s about to hit the crap out of it.” Reyes leads the nation with 58 service aces, averaging 1.04 aces per set and is ranked fifth in the nation with 172 kills. Reyes was named Division III National Player of the Week by the National Junior College Athletic Association due to her powerful serving and offensive contributions during matches Aug. 21-Sep. 3. In that time, Reyes had 34 service aces and 78 kills. Her dominance has earned her the Metro Athletic Conference Player of the Week for Sept. 3-9, recording 75 digs, 65 kills and eight service aces in that time. Reyes, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, said that after she learned her preferred serving method, it has become natural and she doesn’t really think about it. “I’ve had that strength since I started, which was like when I was 5,” she said. “My topspin I was taught when I played at a really good club in Puerto Rico. That’s how they taught me how to serve.” Reyes said she constantly practices her jump serves, trying to perfect her technique as well as challenge her teammates. “Every practice, we do drills specifically for the people that jump serve to practice our serving for spots,” she said. “Sometimes we practice 6-on-6, so I really have to put in a hard serve. That’s when I really go all out. But our liberos Maura [Munoz] and Alyssa [Tomlin], they’re not scared. They go for it.”
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Emily Juarez advances the ball against Hill College.
Roa’s 6 shutouts help Harvesters start strong By JULIO VEGA Senior Staff Writer @JulioVegaETC
JESUS AYALA/THE ET CETERA
Keishla Reyes earns her title of national player of the week due to her aggressive kills as an outside hitter for Eastfield’s volleyball team.
Munoz said she loves it when Reyes serves, giving both liberos a challenge and prepares them for teams with similar serves. “When we play other teams, it’s like ‘It’s just another Kiki,’ ” Munoz said. “I just love how she’s really aggressive with it. You feel bad, but she’s certainly helping us.” Tomlin said Reyes’ serves are consistently powerful with a unique diagonal spin. “When she doesn’t hit it hard, you’re like, ‘What’s wrong?’ because you’re not used to her not hitting it hard,” Tomlin said. Volleyball coach Brandon Crisp said Reyes’ strong serving ability was especially evident against Southwestern Christian College on Sept. 1. In that match, Reyes had 13 service aces and the team earned 10 straight points on her serves as Eastfield swept at home. Reyes also leads the team in kills, playing as a left outside hitter. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall, she said it’s important to play to her strengths while playing at the net. “Considering I’m one of the smallest hitters on the team, I have to be smart about what I do and where I put the ball,” she said.
“It’s about putting the ball where they’re not and scoring points for my team when they need me the most.” Crisp says she’s the strongest hitter on the team and provides good offense playing on the left. “She has a very heavy arm swing,” Crisp said. “She does very well with her hits. She puts a lot them away with power. So she’s doing what we ask of her from the left side.” As for her squad number, 17, Reyes said she’s felt close to it for a while now. “It was my high school number, and it was my graduation [year],” she said. “It’s something really meaningful to me.” The Harvesters record stands at 10-7. They look to start conference play on a strong note when they travel to Mountain View College on Sept. 18, after press time. Crisp said the keys to success this season are to stay focused on their goals and be responsible on and off the court. “The two big areas where we want to work on is offense, putting the ball away, and defense, digging the ball out,” he said. “We want to be aggressive at the service line, and we don’t want to allow them to get into a rhythm.”
Freshman goalkeeper Gabriela Roa has excelled for the Harvesters this season, starting every game and making 39 saves with a .848 save percentage. Her recent performances have resulted in two back-toback Division III Goalie of the Week awards by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Eastfield Coach Dustin Stein said Roa’s leadership has massively influenced the season outcome so far. “We are very fortunate to have Gabi,” Stein said. “She has come up big when we have needed her to. Goalkeeper can be a tough position.” The team is ranked No. 6 in the nation, winning eight of their 10 matches Roa and seven in a row. Overall, the team has surrendered seven goals all season, and leads the nation with six shutouts. Offensively, the Harvesters rank second in the nation in goals scored with 41. Left forward Arianna Dunsworth leads the team with 10 goals in seven Dunsworth starts, while also providing five assists. She was named the Division III Player of the Week for Sept. 4-10, the same week Roa picked up her second consecutive Goalie of the Week award. Stein says Dunsworth is proving her value as the team’s main goal-scoring threat, but she has more potential. “She’s shown up for big games against Hill, Oklahoma Christian, Cowley, and some others,” Stein said. “We played Southwest Adventist and she played 67 minutes and she has one goal. “That was a game that she should score 10 goals if she wanted to. She just wasn’t there mentally. If she wants to become an elite-level player then she’s going to have to treat every game the same, regardless of the competition.” —Rodrigo Mendoza contributed to this report.
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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Brand Medusa Comics By Caylin Gaines
COURTESY OF BLACK LABEL MEDIA
Salinger biopic tells accurate, emotional story By SAMUEL FARLEY Reporter @TheEtCetera
I have never read J.D. Salinger’s books, but after watching “Rebel in the Rye” I can honestly say that I cannot wait to pick up his classic novel “Catcher in the Rye.” This biopic is an excellent watch that will pull on every last heart string you posses. Enter a pre-World War II America to watch a young J.D. Salinger on his insatiable quest to become a published writer for The New Yorker. The role of Salinger is played by British actor Nicholas Hoult, who absolutely immerses himself into the character of Salinger. His sarcastic, witty and cynical tone all blend nicely together to produce a very layered Salinger. His love interest, Oona O’Neil, played by American actress Zoey Deutch, adds an intoxicating dose of sexual tension and drama to the film. Oona’s character helps to show a softer side of Salinger, who is starstruck by the young beauty. The next and perhaps best character besides Salinger is Professor Whit Burnett, played by House of Cards star Kevin Spacey. Spacey delivers a brilliant performance as Salinger’s creative writing teacher at the University of Columbia. Hoult and Spacey are great on screen together. Their chemistry is excellent, supplying intellectual sparring and heartfelt conversation. Burnett is shown as the father
Salinger always wanted. This film shows Salinger as a man who always seems to be on the outside looking in. Each life experience he goes through provides the fodder for his next short story. And because he uses real life scenarios his stories have very cynical endings. Showcasing this is where the film shines, it does a masterful job of showing the audience Salinger’s process. It attempts to get inside his mind and help show how he came to write such gritty yet realistic stories. The war, for instance, shows the mental and physical pain Salinger endured. The war almost costs Salinger his sanity, but rather than allow himself to be destroyed by his demons, he returns to writing and pours out his pain through the pen and onto the paper. This movie is phenomenal because it seemed to present a realistic view of who Salinger was. Rather than praise him for being a really great writer, “Rebel in the Rye’ helps to make him human. Often, great writers are immortalized and seen as being beyond scrutiny. But in this film, Salinger’s personal struggles and character flaws are put on full display. The actors convey each part of Salinger’s story beautifully, and Hoult, I believe, pays a great homage to Salinger. “Rebel in the Rye” is a must see film for all aspiring writers.
Sus Comics By Aldahir Segovia
Pirates board Eastfield
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The Dallas Children’s Theather visited Eastfield College for their annual play production. This year’s play, “How I Became a Pirate,” is a musical with high-energy songs and action to keep audiences engaged intended offer family friendly entertainment. The performance had showings on both Sept. 15 and Sept. 16.