Eastfield Et Cetera October 18, 2017

Etera

Eastfield College

The 10 most anticipated films coming this fall See page 8➤ Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Exploring the freedoms of the First Amendment See page 2➤

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Volume 49, Issue 5

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

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The Et Cetera

A look at the state of the First Amendment

By JAMES HARTLEY Editor in Chief @JamesHartleyETC

October 16-22 is Free Speech Week, an annual non-partisan celebration of the freedoms of speech and the press.

In recognition, The Et Cetera staff examined the five freedoms, including speech and press, guaranteed by the First Amendment.

“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 to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Religion Religion What it means:

The government cannot establish a state religion, and people may worship any faith they choose.

Current issues: The full scope of freedom of religion has been debated in recent years after a bakery privately owned by a Christian was taken to court for declining to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, a county clerk refused to sign same-sex marriage licenses and President Donald Trump signed an executive order placing a temporary moratorium on travel and immigration from a handful of Muslim nations with connections to terrorism.

What people think: Shazia Ali, an English professor, said that she does not believe religious liberties are under any real attack today, but that they will be in the near future. Ali, a Muslim immigrant, said like a baker being taken to court for refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding and the multiple attempts at placing a temporary moratorium on immigration or travel from specific countries— most of them Muslim-majority nations — are rare recent examples of religious liberties being attacked.

“The travel ban itself was definitely a violation I believe,” Ali said. “I was at the airport protests for almost three days.

I did feel it was outrageous. It was unprecedented. … If this was any country other than America, we would still be able to, to a certain degree, understand this. But when you think about America, when you think about what it stands for in the world, as an immigrant myself, even before I arrived in this country I was told it is the land of the free.”

Jonathan Payan, a theater major, said he believes private businesses should be allowed under the First Amendment to operate within their religious beliefs.

“Everyone believes in their own thing,” Payan said. “They should have the right to practice their religion because that’s a part of their culture and a part of who they are.”

Ali said there is also a lot of anti-Jew sentiment that she has seen, but does not believe religious freedoms are in any immediate danger.

Speech Speech What it means:

Government cannot interfere in a people’s right to express themselves.

Current issues: New issues have been brought to the discussion about free speech in the wake of a series of eruptions of violence on col-

ANDREW GONZALES/THE ET CETERA

Protestors gather on Feb. 18 to voice their concerns with the Trump administration. Protests like these are protected under the First Amendment that allows people to gather in peaceful protest. While most protests in Dallas have been peaceful, a lone gunman killed multiple police and wounded other officers and protestors. Violence at protests across the nation have brought these gatherings under sharp criticism.

lege campuses from protestors trying to shut down speakers, a radical left-wing movement advocating for the prohibition of hate speech has clashed with a radical right-wing white nationalist movement and professors have been doxed and targeted by the White House for sharing political views in classrooms.

What people think: Speech professor Courtney Brazile said the responsibility of limiting speech does not fall on the government, but on each person.

He said social norms should define what is acceptable speech.

“We do have the right to say what we want to say, and I think that’s what makes America great. But at the same time we don’t,” Brazile said. “We should not abuse that right to make other people feel inferior or less [than others] or culturally divide the classroom or even our communities.”

Nick Vera, another speech professor, said he believes in absolute free speech.

“I don’t think any speech is hate speech,” Vera said. “There’s hateful speech, but I don’t think any speech should be illegal.

So that puts me, I think, in a really weird box.”

Vera said that the actions of alt-left protestors and white nationalists cross a line when they become violent, but that the speech of each side should still be protected.

“I’m always going to be on the side of free speech, and that includes zero limitations,” Vera said. “Now the minute you start getting out there and hitting people and, you know, and causing riots, with your physical actions, that’s what I’m against.”

The Press What it means:

Government cannot interfere with the media.

Current issues: Government officials have shown a distrust of the media and made broad claims of “fake news” and overall trust in journalists has been found at an all time low in recent years.

Moreover, Trump has questioned the ability of his administration to interfere with and stop the press from printing news the president disagrees with.

What people think: At the start of the 2016 presidential election, members of the press found their credibility and reputations questioned and even attacked. Some have said the press does not engage in enough bias when confronted with political issues while others have taken to calling traditionally reputable news sources “fake news.” While trust in the media is still low—a September 2016, Gallup News reported that trust in the press was at a record low of 32 percent of Americans saying they had a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust for the media— Gallup reports that trust is on the rise, in part because of Trump. A 9 percent increase, to be exact.

Adjunct journalism professor Jacqueline Fellows said actual fake news makes it hard for many to discern good journalism.

“There are people who make up news stories and spread See Press, page 3 ➤

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Controversial books face ongoing challenges

By SYDNEY ABBAS and MACKS PREWITT Staff Writers @TheEtCetera

The Biloxi, Mississippi, school district has pulled “To Kill a Mockingbird” from its eighth grade curriculum.

It’s not the first book to be challenged or banned in American school districts, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” has been challenged numerous times since its release in 1960.

This time, the school district received complaints that the use of the n-word in historical context made people uncomfortable and that they could teach the same lessons with another book.

They will still have the book available in the library but they will not be using it in the curriculum.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a core text for eighth grade English, according to the Common Core state standards for English Learning Arts.Executive Dean, Karla Greer, who oversees the Eastfield library, said banning books infringes upon First Amendment rights.

Greer said that the job of a librarian is to provide books to those who seek them, regardless of the content of said book.

“Just because I disagree with that view point doesn’t mean I have the right to ban or squelch that viewpoint,” she said.

Books are most often challenged because of the content they present and the suitability of young readers being exposed to this content.

“As a librarian it goes against my principles to ban books,” said librarian Jason Moore. “We are supposed to provide materials that people want regardless of our personal opinions.”

Many works considered the best American literature has to offer have been banned or challenged, including “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and ‘The Great Gatsby.”

But books such as “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Goosebumps,” “Captain Underpants” and “Where’s Waldo?” have also been targeted.

“My freedom to express my self through books is important to me and if a person thinks they can make that decision for me they are wrong,” said Computer Science major, Addison Adathor.

At one time, the Nazis burned massive amounts of books that did not agree with their views.

“I think banning books isn’t right,” said biology major Sumitha Thomas. “People who do that are probably scared of the truth.”

English professor Larissa Pierce thinks people who assemble to ban books are not stewards of literature.

BANNED BOOKS

BRYAN PEREZ/THE ET CETERA

“The problem is they look at the surface, they’re not looking at it analytically,” said Pierce. “I don’t understand why people decide to ban books anyway I think its really ludicrous.”

Press, petition, assembly freedoms under scrutiny Continued from page 2

them online,” Fellows said. “These stories contribute to confusion about real news.”

Trump has fueled the distrust in the press.

He banned media outlets from White House press briefings and publicly attacked journalists, newspapers and broadcast stations.

His feud with CNN, whom he frequently refers to as “fake news,” has been widely televised and written about.

His Twitter assaults have been equally publicized.

Trump even questioned if network news channels could lose their broadcasting licenses for things they publish.

“With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!” Trump tweeted Oct. 11.

This isn’t the first time Trump has toyed with the idea of limiting the ability of the press to distribute news.

During the 2016 election, Trump said Feb. 27 at a rally in Fort Worth that he wanted to look at expanding libel laws.

“I’m going to open up libel laws so when [media] writes purposefully negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money,” he said. “When The New York Times writes a hit piece, which is a total disgrace, and when The Washington Post, which is there for other reasons, writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win lots of money. … We’re going to sue you like you’ve never got sued before.”

ET CETERA FILE PHOTO

English professor Shazia Ali reads the Quran at the East Plano Islamic Center.

History professor Matt Hinckley said journalists are vital parts of a functioning democracy.

“We also need professional journalists who won’t bow to pressures from owners and advertisers who want certain stories dropped or sanitized,” Hinckley said. “In other words, it’s part of the job of the good reporter to make people angry, to comfort the afflicted, and to afflict the comfortable.”

Petition and assembly What it means:

People may gather in peaceful protest and have the ability to seek remedies from the government when they feel they are wronged.

Current issues: Violence in protests and questions about the right of groups labeled as domestic ter-

rorist or hate organizations has brought up questions about where a non-violent protest is no longer protected.

What people think: Antifa, a radical left wing organization made up mostly of college aged people, has resorted to violence to stop speakers they deem to be fascist, racist or otherwise hateful. Meanwhile, actual white nationalists have come out into the public to march with Confederate battle flags, Nazi flags with swastikas, tiki torches, firearms and riot gear.

Many of their protests end with violence between them and counter-protestors. A protest in Charlottesville on Aug. 12 ended with one dead and 19 injured after a white supremacist plowed his car through a crowd.

But government professor Glynn Newman said that, even if a person’s beliefs are “morally wrong,” they have a right to speak them, so long as they do not become violent.

“It’s a First Amendment right,” Newman said. “The people have the ability to redress the government because the people, we are the governed.”

Government professor Kat Reguero said protests and petitions can have positive impacts and can be some of the most effective ways for ordinary people to have their voice heard.

“If you don’t know that there are people that are like you, you’ll be quiet,” Reguero said. “If it is something that is important to you and it’s not rediculous, the have to answer it.”

—Bryan Crady, Bryson Ray, Jay Hill and Keaira English contributed to this report.

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PUT IT ON YOUR

Calendar Wed

18

October

Speaker: Author Andrea Amosson, 11:15 a.m., S-101 Speaker: Identifying Trauma and Working with Borderline Personality Disorder, 11:30 a.m., G-101 Recital series: soprano Nereida Garcia, 12:30 p.m., F-117 Lecture: Working with Students with Autism, 1:30-3 p.m., S-100

Fri

Student Government induction and celebration, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the Pit and C-135

Tue

Readings & Ritmos, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., G-101 University recruiters, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fireside Lounge

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Blood drive, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the Pit

Wed

25

Dance and Snack, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lower Courtyard Recital series: Jazz faculty, 12:30 p.m., F-117

Thu

26 Fri

27 Wed

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Reality Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., C-135 Career Technologies Tech Expo, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., T-134 Day of the Dead celebration, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Pit Cops ‘n’ Donuts, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., C-135 Blood drive, 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m., G-101 Workout Wednesday, noon-1 p.m., Lower Courtyard Recital series: Choral and vocal students, 12:30 p.m., F-117

Thu

Veterans Benefits and Info Fair, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., S-100

Tue

Panel: Learning a Second Language, 10:30 a.m., G-101

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The Et Cetera

Forum addresses safety on campus

By JAMES HARTLEY Editor in Chief @JamesHartleyETC

When students have the number for campus police saved in their phones and know safety procedures, police say they can do their job more efficiently.

Sgt. Kevin Levingston, an officer with the Dallas County Community College District police, said people are accustomed to dialing 911 from their cellphones.

This sends the call to Mesquite police, who will then have to call campus police. This can hurt response time.

“In an adverse situation, you need quick assistance,” Levingston said.

“The sooner we get there, the better the situation can turn out.”

Police participated in a public Student Government Association forum Oct. 11 in hopes of increasing student awareness of safety and emergency procedures. The forum was a part of DCCCD police’s community policing efforts.

The forum was held the day after a Texas Tech campus police officer was shot and killed while booking a suspect on drug charges, but was not in direct response to the shooting.

Earlier this year, a student at

North Lake College, a part of the DCCCD, shot and killed another student, leading to a lockdown and national headlines.

The North Lake shooting happened before campus carry went into effect at two-year schools and the man suspected of killing the Texas Tech officer is charged with illegally carrying the stolen firearm police believe he used in the shooting.

DCCCD police believe that community policing efforts can help cut an emergency situation short more quickly, if not prevent some altogether.

“Community policing is very important,” Levingston said at the forum.

“It’s not about knocking heads and taking names. It’s about getting to know the community and finding out what their needs are and hopefully addressing those needs.”

Police at Eastfield intend to facilitate more frequent emergency drills, such as intruder lockdown drills, to make sure officers, students, employees and Community Emergency Response Team members are prepared in case of a lockdown.

Levingston said that if students know how to respond to an emergency, officers could more effectively handle the situation.

“You hear about those stories where people were trampled or killed

because everyone was trying to get out of one door?” Levingston asked.

“We want you to respond, but we want you to do it as safely as possible.”

That means staying calm, controlled and safe.

Witnesses should try to get information that may be useful for police while getting to safety.

In active shooter situations, anyone with information should contact police as soon as they are in a safe position.

Look for physical description, the type of weapon being used and a possible motive for the attacker.

“Try to find out what they are saying and why,” Levingston said. “They might be saying, ‘My wife is so and so and they did this and that.’ We may be able to get his wife in and talk him down or calm the situation.”

Witnesses should also tell police about any injuries and give as much detail as possible, Levingston said.

That will help police determine what resources are needed.

Knowing the difference between a revolver, semi-automatic handgun, a shotgun and a long rifle can help police.

Although campus carry is now in effect at all public colleges in Texas including Eastfield, handguns are

only to be carried by handgun license holders and must remain concealed.

Any non-handgun firearms, such as long rifles and shotguns, cannot be carried on campus.

“I think as long as you can’t see the weapon for open carry then it’d be OK,” said Jennifer Retez, public relations officer for the SGA. “If we believe that the student does not have a permit, then we’d contact Eastfield police to assess the situation and determine whether the person is allowed to carry the weapon on campus.

Commander Gabe Galvez, the new head of police at Eastfield, said community policing initiatives aim to help community members and officers keep each other safe, but that he also hopes those efforts at Eastfield will have an impact on the way police are viewed in general.

“If something happens and you need help, you can come to me. If something happens and I need help, I can come to you,” Galvez said. “It’s just not being a stereotype and not being judgmental.”

The forum also included presentations from the care team at Eastfield and Title IX coordinator Rachel Wolf.

— Macks Prewitt and Steve Carrasco contributed to this report

Light pollution effects more than stargazing

By ALE PENA Staff Writer @alepenaETC

The same stars that have existed for billions of years are diminishing visually due to light pollution, said night sky advocate Gary Carter.

Light pollution, which is the excessive and inappropriate use of light, is a phenomenon that affects every living organism on the planet but is not well known.

Carter, a member of the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas, said light pollution’s effects are mostly harmful. He spoke Oct. 5 at STEMinar sponsored by the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Division.

“How many of you have seen this?” Carter said after displaying a picture of a landscape in which stars are bright and visible. The audience stayed silent.

“It’s estimated that 90 percent of humanity, at least in the United States, especially if you’re east of Dallas, have never seen this,” he said.

“And why? Because we’re too well lit.”

The International Dark-Sky Association estimates that least 30 percent of all outdoor lighting in the U.S. alone is wasted. This wasted light adds up to $3.3 billion and the release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Carter stressed that light pollution not only feeds into climate change, it ruins ecosystems.

“A good example of this is the sea turtle,” Carter said.

Sea turtles hatch at night on the beach but find their way to the sea by searching for the horizon the morning after. The growing amount of artificial light can lead them astray.

Millions of new sea turtles die this way every year.

Although the night sky is now

taken for granted by the general public, it once was depended on for guidance. The stars led to huge discoveries that advanced mankind.

“Imagine if we were a planet orbiting a binary star system and we never had night and we never saw stars,” Carter said. “We couldn’t have navigated the globe. We may have never walked on the moon. We may have never learned of our expanding universe or grown to know that we are in fact made of star dust.”

Carter called for a community and individual effort in combating light pollution.

“How can you take action? Well, community projects,” Carter said.

“Work with your homeowner’s association. Start with yourself. Fix your house up. Talk to your neighbors.

STEM activities, like we’re doing.”

Education major Carlee Mejia already has a community-based plan.

“We could try holding some of

those things at Eastfield like have food, tents and what not to make it a big deal, but also educate the people that are going,” Mejia said. “Like the Solar Eclipse event on the first day of school. It brought a lot of people who don’t know much about science.”

Andrew Zapata, a digital media major, felt motivated for personal reasons.

“I would like to see the stars at night again,” Zapata said. “It’s something that people know about, but don’t really care about it because the public feels it’s not a huge problem.

But I say it’s worth investing. It’s a domino effect that expands the damage as time progresses.”

Carter’s urgency also impacted the audience.

“We need each other to progress into a better life not just for ourselves, but the future life of the planet,” business accounting major Jon-Michael Turner said.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

‘Blue Palm’ brings cartoon-inspired pieces

By DAVID SILVA and CAROLINE CEOLIN Staff Writers @TheEtCetera

Local artist Dyemond Obryan doesn’t recall a time in which he wasn’t creating drawings.

As a child, Obryan moved around from school to school and said drawing was something he could always do by himself. He also remembers that his drawings would make his mother happy.

“She would be at work and I’d come home from school and I’d have like a buffer time before she got home so I’d draw her something,” Obryan said. “She’d get home and sometimes cry and she’d be happy.”

He never thought his childhood hobby would one day become his career.

Obryan is now a full-time artist.

He has designed graphics for Format, Most Pleasant and NOW Skateboards and has appeared in Jenkem Magazine and Austere Magazine.

His latest gallery show, “Blue Palm,” is on display in F-219 until Nov. 10.

Iris Bechtol, director of galleries at Eastfield, said Obryan balances accessibility and refined skill in “Blue Palm.”

His artwork is inspired by cartoons, comic strips and skateboard culture.

The gallery depicts iconic 1990s and early 2000s cartoons and utilizes a similar style throughout.

Obryan’s art in “Blue Palm,” even if only through its technique, is an ode to the artist’s past experiences and past self. He takes inspiration for skateboard-related pieces through his past of being a semi-professional skateboarder.

Bechtol said Obryan’s work is different from the art typically showcased in the campus gallery.

“A lot of work that we show is more traditional, like painting and drawing, and really refined,” she said.

“I wanted to show something that students could really relate to.”

The art and the manner in which the gallery is set is less formal than many galleries at Eastfield.

Some pieces are larger and required more than the usual work to install, such as a large painting by the

entrance that utilizes the wall as a canvas and depicts a composer fumbling as he tries to collect his sheet music as it flies above his head.

Other pieces are presented as doodles.

Obryan also has multiple traditional comic strips for “Blue Palm” and has created several portraits, including a collection of small portraits that depict people in his life, including Bechtol as well as her husband.

Bechtol was immediately drawn to an illustration of a man sitting on a chair wearing wedged heels with a drawing in the background of Fred Flintstone.

She could recall trying to figure out the meaning behind the wacky man sitting in front of the cartoon icon then realizing that the meaning was not so complex after all.

“I just didn’t want to draw a woman,” Obryan said, “I think as an artist it’s important to draw everything.

There’s more than just heterosexual males in art and in life.”

Obryan’s drawing style allows him to create a large number of work in a short period of time, Bechtol said.

The show has more than 50 pieces.

YESENIA ALVARADO/THE ET CETERA

Megatronics major Ricky Espino observes Dyemond Obryan’s work.

John Lemus, who’s working toward an Associate of Science , said that attending O’Bryan’s art gallery was unique and motivating.

“It inspires you to make your

own,” he said. “The other galleries that I’ve been to haven’t been like this. It’s really nice.”

Obryan will conduct a Q&A 12:30-1:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in C-135A.

Pair coffee, culture at Deep Vellum bookstore

By MACKS PREWITT Life & Arts Editor @MacksPrewittETC

Coffee, Books, Culture. This is the slogan of one of the best independent bookstores in Dallas. Deep Vellum Books, located in Deep Ellum, makes you feel like you are just picking a book off of your bookshelf at home.

Sitting on the corner of South Walton and Commerce streets, Deep Vellum is inside a small square building that used to be the site of Club Clearview, a mainstay of Deep Ellum’s golden age in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

The bookstore, named best in Dallas for 2017 by D Magazine, is small but cozy. They leave the doors open, a visual welcome echoed by the booksellers inside.

Two walls have black shelves that reach to the ceiling and are packed with books. The old Club Clearview

neon sign rests beside one of the bookshelves, a subtle nod to their location’s impact.

Nestled in the back corner is a small reading area with comfortable chairs within reach of outlets.

On the opposite corner is a small bar where they check out books and sell alcohol and local coffee provided

by Noble Coyote Coffee roasters.

Deep Vellum started out as an independent publishing house in 2013 and then expanded into a bookstore in 2016.

Co-founder Will Evans runs the publishing house that is dedicated to translating the world’s best novels

MACKS PREWITT/THE ET CETERA

An employee at fixes shelves in preparation for the day.

into English. He also serves as the translator for these books.

One of the unique quirks that Deep Vellum provides is a “Blind

Date with a Book.”

You buy a book covered in brown wrapping paper with a “goes well with” list and “Is similar to” list on

the cover. You never know what you will unwrap.

The black table in the center of the store has a family style dinner feel to it.

During my visit, my two brothers and I sat around it drinking coffee and reading the current New York Times and Dallas Morning News on hand.

They also host live performances, poetry readings, literary groups and even private events such as photography sessions and wedding showers.

Schedule your events at deepvellum. com.

Deep Vellum isn’t just about selling books.

It’s about inviting people to come in and enjoy the North Texas breeze through an open door while sipping coffee and reading a book.

Swing by, grab a book and a chair and take a break.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

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The Et Cetera

Activities for your spooktacular Halloween

By Caroline Ceoline Staff Writer @TheEtCetera

If you’re anything like me and believe we should take an insipid and soporific holiday such as Valentine’s Day for example and replace it with a second Halloween, then October is probably your favorite time of the year.

But, with so many “boo!” loving, pumpkincarving Halloween enthusiasts followed by a whole lot of corny festivals and events, it’s easy to fall back into the same familiar tune year after year.

This October, I encourage everyone to step away from the sexy Halloween costumes and jack-o’-lantern shaped candy buckets to indulge in some of Halloween’s best homages to human oddities.

Whether you feel like a character straight out of a Tim Burton movie or you’re just a fan of all things dark and bizarre, this month might be the only time of the year when you can truly relax, unwind and enjoy being surrounded by the true terror and gore of Halloween. ➤ Visit an Asian-themed horror house

8-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday 501 E. Swisher Road, Lake Dallas danshauntedhouse.com Because home is where the horror is, we’ll start off with a haunted house that is anything but a stereotypical Halloween haunt.

Located in the dark woods, Dan’s Haunted House prides itself in not having any clowns, zombies or chainsaws.

Instead the spooky Asian horror house depends on the already dark forest to unleash the evils and warped fears within Japanese horror culture and demonic folklore. ➤ Watch the movie of your nightmares

angelikafilmcenter.com thetexastheatre.com Another sure-fire way to banish any and all traces of cuteness this Halloween month is to watch as many horror flicks as your twisted heart desires.

Go to a screening of “The Exorcist” on Oct. 29 at the Majestic Theatre, or catch one of three films directed by the master of suspense.

Tickets are available all month long at Angelika Film Center & Cafe in Dallas with their Hitchcocktober event.

The screenings include “Psycho” on Halloween night. ➤ Have a meal with some dead folks

801 W. Mitchell St., Arlington naturallyfun.org/doug-russell-park Located inside Doug Russell Park is Arlington’s lost cemetery of infants.

The Berachah Industrial Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls was founded in 1894 and was later turned into an orphanage.

5 HIGH

BRYAN PEREZ/THE ET CETERA

The small, well-kept hidden graveyard is all that remains of the establishment.

It is also said to be an active paranormal grave site where many have reported seeing toys appear and disappear, hearing voices of children running through trees and feeling like they are not alone.

It’s the perfect spot to have a romantic meal with someone you care for, especially if the both of you are far more disturbed by the living than you are the dead. ➤ See a haunting ballet

dallasneo-classicalballet.com If you absolutely must indulge in costume and candy then at least do it for the arts.

Check out the Horror Series, an annual ballet show presented by Dallas Neo-Classical Ballet that features new works based on “Carrie,” “Silent Hill,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Shutter Island” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”

The show will also have a silent auction, candy, a costume contest and free drinks.

Tickets are expected to sell out fast so get yours online today.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at Sammons Center for the Arts, 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Tickets are $16 to sit on the floor and $22 for a chair.

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Janet Leigh, playing Marion Crane, in the iconic shower murder scene in “Psycho.”

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➤ Go to a Halloween concert for charity

Backyard on Bell 410 N. Bell Ave., Denton facebook.com/backyardonbell/ Backyard on Bell, a food truck park and concert venue, is hosting several Halloweenthemed events, including a charity concert Oct. 28.

Macabrecast and Cinedump will perform and Dallas Neo-Classical Ballet will preview one of its horror-based dances.

A traditional Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, observation is planned, including an alter where attendees can place photos dead friends and relatives.

Proceeds from the $7 cover will help people needing counseling services. Doors open at 4 p.m.

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.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Giving power to night life at the Texas fair

By KATHRYN HIGGINS Staff Writer @KatyHigginsETC

With a variety of electrical tools in-hand, Mitchell Walker moves into a dimly lit room in search of a breaker box.

The room is filled with several massive, softly whirring machines that line the wall.

“Well, the problem’s not in here,” Walker announces as he screws the faceplate back on to the breaker box.

“There’s a lot of problems, but that’s not it.”

His walkie-talkie comes to life as a scratchy voice on the other end alerts him of a problem elsewhere in the park. Walker tests each outlet as he makes his way toward his golf cart parked outside.

For most Texans, the State Fair evokes images of deep-fried foods, carnival-style games and Big Tex. For Walker, the State Fair is home for 29 days a year.

September 2017 marks Walker’s fifth year as chief electrician.

He has 12 electricians serving under him with five stationed, two-man teams, and one portable two-man crew. Together, they keep the fair running smoothly.

In 2016, the State Fair welcomed 2.4 million visitors.

Walker expects just as many this season.

“When we’re in full swing, we’re larger than Six Flags,” he said.

At 277 acres, Fair Park houses attractions such as museums, the Cotton Bowl stadium, and the Midway, which features more than 70 rides, like the Texas Star and the Dentzel Carousel.

Every night, the fair conducts dozens of shows per hour. Everything, including the maintenance of standard light fixtures, refrigeration and air conditioning, is ultimately under Walker’s supervision.

“I have a great team,” he said. “They’re able to maintain it. A lot of prayers and a lot of struggle, but it gets done.”

Walker makes his way to a booth near the Midway, where two of his men are hunched over a small hole in the floor, one attempting to fix the overheating wires while the other holds a flashlight. Walker supervises and offers advice.

The fair doesn’t stand still. Park guests still place their orders and the staff work to fill them, all the while avoiding the men on the ground In spite of the sheer size and work required at the fair, Walker is able to boost morale among his team.

“Mitch is an outstanding person, always willing to give you recognition, a pat on the back,” said Bobby Figueroa, a master electrician who works under Walker. “There’s no ‘I’ in our team.”

After devoting a month to the maintenance and tear down of the fair, Walker returns home, where he and his wife Angela to try unwind.

“He works 29 days without a day off,” she said. “That first Saturday (after the fair ends), I make sure he has the food that he wants and the house is nice and cool.

He’s got the bedroom, if he wants to watch TV or whatever he wants to do for that Saturday and Sunday. For the first weekends when he’s home it’s like that.”

Walker said that he enjoys the work because it teaches him new things daily and, as the second chief tech-

DAVID SILVA/THE ET CETERA

Mitchell Walker has been the chief electrician for five years. He is only the second electrician since the State Fair’s opening in 1886.

DAN LUNA/THE ET CETERA

The Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps marches under purple lights as night falls in the fair.

nician since the fair started in 1886, it places him in a unique role.

DAN LUNA/THE ET CETERA “I love what I do. It’s challenging. It’s rewarding,” he The Texas Star Ferris Wheel is 212 feet high and lights up at night. The said. “And it’s great being a part of the history of the state fair of Texas will end this year’s run on Oct. 22. city of Dallas.”

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LIFE&ARTS

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

www.eastfieldnews.com

The Et Cetera

REALITY

Escape with these 1 Summer is over and last time I checked the world is still garbage.

As you read this Donald Trump is probably tossing paper-towels to hurricane-stricken citizens like he’s MJ shooting a fade-away jumper.

One out of every seven people on this planet still suffers from hunger.

And YouTube has taken the audacious step to make you watch two damn ads before you can play your favorite BuzzFeed video.

Fortunately we have the luxury of ignoring most of these problems through the undeniably numbing value of entertainment.

While we got some movie gems this summer with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” sequel, the “SpiderMan” reboot and the “Wonder Woman” solo film, audiences are ready to take on the fall season’s serious dramas, realistic characters and original storylines.

Well screw yourself, losers. You’re getting more comic book movies anyway.

The big three films headlining what I call “Summer Blockbusters but with Cold” kickoff with “Thor: Ragnarok.” The trailer itself helps me forget the existential fears that come with adulthood.

With “Justice League,” dropping in late-November, we’ll get to see if Patty Jenkins will have to direct every single DC film ever. And “The Last Jedi” in December will determine if Mark Hamill’s “The Force Awakens” paycheck was actually worth it.

Summer Blockbusters but with Cold also include the stacked “Murder on the

Orient Express,” the James Francodirected “The Disaster Artist” and the already stuck-in-my-head musical “The Greatest Showman.”

So while pollutants slowly engulf the world’s natural resources and my mother continues to tag me in memes that haven’t been funny in months, my pressing need to consume fictional storylines will be happily satisfied.

To wrap things up with a perfect Christmas bow, here are my top 10 anticipated movies for the remainder of the year.

COURTESY OF FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

10. The Shape of Water Dec. 8 Despite his last outing, Guillermo del Toro still has me wrapped around his adorably chubby fingers.

“The Shape of Water” is a fantasy drama about a mute cleaning lady who falls in love with a mysterious scaled creature that’s kept inside a secret water tank by the federal government. You know, bread-andbutter-type stuff.

“The Shape of Water” looks like it can bring del Toro back to prominence. Just like with my father, I’ll give him another chance.

9. Jigsaw Oct. 27 I know this isn’t the high-class, somber Oscar bait that usually ends up on fall movie previews. This is pure guilty pleasure.

As the eighth installment of the “Saw” franchise, you’d think that any decent person would know when they’ve milked the same plot twist to the ground. Luckily, Lionsgate’s greed knows no boundaries, and after watching the terribly acted trailer, I’m ready to take on Jigsaw’s gruesome traps one more time.

8. The Greatest Showman Dec. 25 Speaking of Oscar bait, “The Greatest Showman” is a biographical musical drama about T.P. Barnum’s founding of what would become the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The cast, starring Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya, is enough to make this initially stale plotline seem worth it.

It doesn’t look nearly as catchy or as much of a crossover success as “La La Land,” but I’m sure the experience will be worth the ticket price.

7. The Snowman Oct. 20 “The Snowman” is a crime thriller about the chase of an elusive serial killer who begins his murder sprees following snowfall. This movie just looks great all around.

Leads Michael Fassbender and Rebecca Ferguson are always phenomenal, and director Thomas Alfredson proved his grasp of the cat-and-mouse game with “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” The film looks like it could find itself in the ranks of “Seven” and “Silence of the Lambs,” and they somehow found a way to give Val Kilmer some work.

6. Justice League Nov. 17 I said I would never trust DC

again, and I lied. Fo appointment that w Superman” and the ter that was “Suicid attempt for a cine that could compete seemed as ineffectiv getting into charac his used condoms overnight delivery.

But Patty Jenkins just had to come a one of the most su hero films to date, a denly found itself wi stand on.

With Gal Gadot a returning, and Jaso Fisher and Ezra M their debuts, this w whether the DC cin is a real contender.

5. My Friend Dah Nov. 3 From a comic boo graphical drama abo serial killer, this fall “My Friend Dahm the graphic novel c Backderf, who was f fery Dahmer in the

LIFE&ARTS

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The Et Cetera

www.eastfieldnews.com

Y BITES

10 fall-premier films

ollowing the diswas “Batman v. e flat out disasde Squad,” DC’s ematic universe e with Marvel’s ve as Jared Leto cter by shipping through FedEx

s and Gal Gadot along and create uccessful superand DC has sudith something to

and Ben Affleck on Momoa, Ray Miller all making will truly cement nematic universe

COURTESY OF FILMRISE

hmer

ok epic to a bioout an American season has it all. mer” is based on created by John friends with Jef1970s.

The film depicts Dahmer in his teenage years as a tormented, lonely and neglected young man and leads us to his first killing two weeks after his high school graduation. Ross Lynch steps outside of his Disney fame to play Dahmer and Marc Meyers directs.

It’s been 23 years since Dahmer’s death and nearly 40 years since his first murder, yet this film looks like something new and unexplored.

4. Murder on Orient Express Nov. 10 Now we’re rounding out into the best of the best. If nothing else, “Murder on Orient Express” is exciting on its cast alone. The film stars Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley.

I don’t care if this was a two-anda-half-hour round table discussion about their favorite frozen yogurt flavors, I would watch it more than once.

Based off of the 1934 Agatha Christie novel about a mysterious murder on a fancy train being investigated by first-class private detective Hercule Poirot, this film seems to set the perfect stage to flex dynamic filmmaking.

3. Thor: Ragnarok Nov. 3 Somebody needs to give the guy making all the Marvel trailers a big fat raise.

If that Led Zeppelin-bumping trailer and its follow-up didn’t get your testosterone levels sky high, nothing will.

Hela, the goddess of death, looks to destroy Asgard, and by the looks of it, no one is putting up a fight.

Chris Hemsworth returns to play Thor, who has his hammer destroyed and is forced into gladiator dueling with the Hulk.

They then, in a zany move, have to team up with Loki and Valkyrie

to defeat Hela.

This infusion of the Ragnarok and Planet Hulk arcs and a synthinspired score already makes this a stylistic win.

Promising filmmaker Taika Waititi, who’s manning the director’s chair in his first big budget film, said the movie is “a cool, bold, colorful cosmic adventure,” and I need that in my life. A cast that also includes Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum and Anthony Hopkins essentially doing “Guardians of the Galaxy” on steroids will have me googly-eyed at every fight scene and one-liner.

COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

2. Star Wars: The Last Jedi Dec. 15 “The Last Jedi” trailer is here and it looks like everything we wanted it to be.

It’s dark, it implies that Rey is as powerful as all hell and it has Mark Hamill saying a lot of audible words.

The entire marketing scheme is drenched in blood red, and I love it.

Kylo Ren looks like even more of a badass and might shoot down his mom, which is totally rude. The late-Carrie Fischer makes her final film appearance.

John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Lupita Nyong’o also return. And we get new star-studded additions headlined by Benicio del Toro.

John Williams returns for the score, and perhaps the most exciting thing is that this film was written and directed by Rian Johnson, most notably known for directing perhaps the best “Breaking Bad” episode, “Ozymandias.”

On any other occasion, this would have easily been my No. 1 choice. But the film in my top spot is just that good.

1. The Disaster Artist Dec. 1 “The Room” from 2003 has done something unprecedented. It’s perhaps the most popular terrible movie ever made.

It’s truly awful in every possible cinematic aspect. But in terms of watchability, it’s overwhelmingly entertaining.

It’s the definition of an “it’s so bad it’s good” movie and appropriately developed a massive cult following.

Now, James Franco and Seth Rogen take on the “Citizen Kane” of bad movies, and by the looks of it, this might be the pair’s magnum opus.

“The Disaster Artist” is based on “The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made,” a book written by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell about the film’s troubled set and mysterious creator.

It seemingly taps into the same spirit that made “The Room” a classic.

The teaser trailer itself is perfect.

It depicts the 67-plus takes it took to film the iconic “Oh, hi, Mark” scene with cuts that I hope translate over to the film.

The showcase of perfect timing and comedic detail set this apart from every Franco-Rogen film I’ve ever seen and from every movie this year.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

10

The Et Cetera

FULL

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

SCHOLARSHIPS! Teachers change el mundo!

!

UNT Dallas’ Emerging Teacher Institute is offering full scholarships for Bilingual/ESL teacher candidates.

T

he Emerging Teacher Institute at UNT Dallas is honored to offer the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers to community college and early college high school students who qualify and want to become Bilingual/ESL teachers. Apply today for this annual scholarship that covers your full tuition and fees for an entire school year. If you feel called to serve as a Bilingual/ ESL teacher, we invite you to join us at the Emerging Teacher Institute at UNT Dallas. Together we can make a difference ‌ and change our world. on ati c i pl e is Ap lin d 17 dea 1, 20 c.

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To find out more, visit www.untdallas.edu/aspiringteachers

9/26/17 3:14 PM

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

ALBUM REVIEW Celebrating 50 years of Social Work Education

Bachelor of Social Work Take classes in Arlington, Fort Worth or Online Make a difference...

Join one of the fastest growing career fields in the country* Accredited • Affordable • Top Ranked Program • Full Time or Part Time

With a Bachelor of Social Work degree you can work providing services in: • Mental Health • Substance Use/Addiction Recovery Counseling • Education/School Counseling • Employee Assistance Programs • Disability Advocacy/ Compensation • Family and Children • Aging and Gerontology • Human Services • Military and Veteran Care • Public Health • Healthcare • Equal Opportunity/ Diversity

JAMES HARTLEY/THE ET CETERA

Joel Puente, a student who goes by the stage name Rocktee, is the creator of “1998.”

• Take classes in Arlington or in a cohort model in Fort Worth or completely online • Supportive environment as a cohort of students who start and finish together with guaranteed class offerings • Flexible class schedule for full-time or part-time students • Transfer your credits from community or junior college or a four-year college/university • Earn a degree that is in demand*

*Ranked #1 School of Social Work in Texas for Veteran Friendliness by College Factual *According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social work is projected to grow 12 percent by 2024, faster than the average for all occupations For more information, go to our website uta.edu/ssw or contact the UTA School of Social Work Admissions Office at 817-272-1044 or 817-272-9488 or email sswadmissions@uta.edu

Rocktee shines in ‘1998’

By ALDAHIR SEGOVIA Graphic Artist @TheEtCetera

“1998” is a personification of a near 20-year lifespan expressed through rhythm and melody.

Joel Puente, who goes by Rocktee, is an Eastfield student who in his free time produces beats.

Most staff and pupils may not know Puente, but people should check out Rocktee.

“1998” is his sixth project.

He also has multiple standalone tracks on the side that you can check out on his Soundcloud or YouTube channel, “Rocktee.”

The entire EP is nearly 22 minutes long and entirely instrumental.

As the songs progress, you notice the distinction in every track.

The mixtape covers a variety of music, but it still works.

Despite the lack of words, the EP clearly reflects ideas that resonate with the process of growing up whether it’s about encountering ephemeral endeavors, self-value and being more appreciative for these things that happen.

It does this through its track titles and the subsequent moods that each track conveys.

It’s fitting that the first track of the EP is named the date of birth of the young artist.

The song begins with a muzak vibe that slowly ramps up energy with bumping beats.

There are other tracks that tell a story through their melody such as “Ones That Matter” and “The Real Friends.” These two touch on the acceptance of fair-weather friendship.

The rhythm of “Ones That Matter” paints a picture of friendship and good times.

The track ruminates on what matters to a person and that sometimes people matter a lot more to us than minimalistic expenses.

Bouncing off that idea of the individuals who truly matter to us, we slide into a disheartened

actuality of “The Real Friends” who muster up genuine value in our existence.

Both of those songs have similarity in the idea of friendship and in song title but are diverse in sound. While one is cruising with the music pulses on an afternoon drive, the other is the opposite with a gloomy tone.

The transitions go back and forth by heading from a boisterous beat to a slumped tone. The music troughs and timbers but overall represents the happiness of an individual’s life.

“Live Life Long” is my personal favorite because of the collaboration of having an acoustic guitar flow with hip-hop. The entire EP is hiphop based, but the elements used for this song, from the tempo, the vibe and beat, are a great culmination to the final product.

On the topic of using multiple instruments to spark a fun tune; “Personality Overall” starts off with a beautiful bass guitar then transitions to a bouncing drum beat and the tag teaming of a saxophone with Rhodes keys. If you are into jazz, you’ll be amused by this track.

The last five songs are buoyant and structured with confidence.

“Bye” is the best way he could have ended the album. There’s no more room to tell stories with the ephemeral sounds that were produced on a computer to entertainingly express the life of an individual.

This song is the fourth piano track on the EP and the energy is enhanced but also evaporates into the end of this homemade compilation of music. It’s a bittersweet sensation, for me at least, because of wanting to hear more from the artist.

Overall the tracks are great and each is unique. They all unite for a unique sound that’s sure to satisfy the audience.

Puente’s productions have passion, professionalism and purity of thought all over it.

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 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 Alejandra Pena Caroline Ceolin Karol Kilgore

Jon-Mark Tamez Kathryn Higgins Samuel Farley

Senior Staff Photographers Lesley Reyes Andrew Gonzales Photographers Dan Luna Narely Martin

Niels Winter

Graphic Artists Aldahir Segovia Sean Watkins

Jesse Lay

Cartoonist Caylin Gaines 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.

12 www.eastfieldnews.com

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

OUR VIEW

Censorship on campus spells doom The growing efforts to limit or ban disagreeable speech on college campuses is a dangerous path that, if successful, could spell the end of the First Amendment as it is written in the Constitution.

The Et Cetera stands by the rights of all people, no matter how controversial their views, to speak on college campuses.

Hateful, racist, bigoted or sexist speech must be protected or all speech will be threatened.

Colleges and universities coddle their students and protect them from hurt feelings by banning speech deemed “hateful” or otherwise bigoted.

This not only violates the First Amendment, it goes against the spirit of higher education.

The free expression of ideas, views, beliefs and thoughts is one of the most essential aspects of college atmospheres that fosters personal intellectual and emotional growth.

Removing this part of higher education would hurt only those seeking to better themselves and their place in the world.

Fighting against free speech hurts everyone, not just those directly targeted.

By setting a precedent for limiting freedom to express all views, everyone is at risk of being censored or silenced.

Banning disagreeable ideas is an authoritarian trait adopted by every memorable dictator and tyrant in memory.

Educational institutions that embrace this tactic are placing themselves in a position of opposition to freedom and the democraticrepublic systems that make America the freest nation in human history.

In the 2015-2016 academic year, attacks against free speech on college campuses became a clear problem.

Transgender rights activist Janet Mock was shouted off stage because her event was sponsored by proIsrael organization Hillel.

Conservative writer Ben Shapiro, who planned to deliver a lecture on microagressions, Black Lives Matter and safe spaces, was disinvited from the University of California at Los Angeles — only rescheduled after

JESSE LAY/THE ET CETERA

Shapiro threatened legal action.

Even Nicholas Dirks, chancellor of the historically progressive University of California at Berkeley, left the stage in the middle of a public discussion on the value of higher education.

The irony that the campus credited with sparking the free speech movement is now an enemy of that very right is rich enough to give you gout.

Protesters’ shouts drowned out Dirks’ words, accusing him of being unsympathetic toward the plight of black students and saying that his salary was too high.

Other speakers who were disinvited that year included rapper Action Bronson due to claims that his lyrics were misogynistic and Emily Wong due to student complaints that she could not speak with authority about racial issues and transgender rights.

Jason Riley, a black columnist for the Wall Street Journal who had made claims that liberals made it more difficult for black Americans to succeed was also disinvited.

The free speech attacks have only worsened and evolved to include physical violence.

In February, Antifa activists started a riot on the campus of UC

Berkeley that led to the cancelation of the event.

The self-proclaimed anti-fascists attacked Trump supporters and bystanders during a talk from conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos.

The riot at Yiannopoulos’ event sparked a conversation — one that is not always civilized — about what views speakers should be allowed to espouse on college campuses.

The day after riots shut down Yiannopoulos’ event, comedian and co-founder of Vice News Gavin McInnes was pepper sprayed at an event at New York University.

Protestors outside NYU threw punches at McInnes’ supporters, resulting in arrests.

Protestors justified their actions by claiming McInnes is a proponent of hate speech and a fascist.

In May, protestors attempted to shout author Charles Murray off stage at Middleburry College.

When he moved his event to another room, they pulled fire alarms.

When he finally finished his speech, he and the professor who interviewed him were attacked.

The professor, Allison Stanger, suffered a concussion after a protestor “grabbed her hair and twisted her neck,” the New York Times reported.

Conservative student groups at UC Berkley have reported being attacked and stalked by liberal peers and videos have shown their promotional materials and property destroyed or vandalized by other students.

The threats do not come from the speakers, who are simply proposing and discussing ideas.

They come from the groups that come armed with pepper spray, stun guns, knives, brass knuckles and bike locks to attack those who they disagree with.

But American college campuses seem inundated with the idea that if someone is sharing views students see as potentially fascist, racist, bigoted or hateful, it becomes OK to “punch Nazis” or dox and call for the dismissal of liberal professors in an contradictive move to protect freedom and democracy.

As Americans, we must come together to reject the idea of criminal hate speech.

As college students, we must be willing to look past our beliefs and sensitivities to hear and discuss, in a civilized manner, opposing views.

If we begin stifling the speech of those with whom we disagree, we set a precedent that allows for the end of our right to share our own views.

OPINION

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

The media needs to stop assuming mental illness My psychiatrist smiled while giving me a diagnosis.

“Major depressive disorder,” Dr. Shipe said.

But I did not smile.

All I could think about were the CNN headlines branding Adam Lanza the same.

That same year, the Connecticut State Attorney’s Office concluded that Lanza, the Sandy Hook shooter, planned his actions but had no evidence to prove why he did so.

The media incessantly covered that he had suffered from depression and anxiety in his early teens.

They did not mention that so do one out of every four American teenagers.

Mental health is a topic that is only discussed in the pale walls of psychiatric institutions, psychologists’ offices, counseling rooms or in the wake of every mass shooting.

The stigma that violent tragedies are directly correlated to mental illness rests on false premises.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology, the vast majority of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders do not commit violent acts — only about 4 percent of violence in the United States can be attributed to people diagnosed with mental illness.

In fact, a number of the most common psychiatric diagnoses, including depression, anxiety and attention-deficit disorders, have no correlation with violence whatsoever.

Yet, the media continues to feed into this oppressive system after every mass shooting.

Only a couple of weeks ago I watched a CNN reporter ask the Las Vegas’ shooter’s brother if Stephen Paddock had shown any signs of mental illness.

“No,” his brother replied.

“Was he depressed?” the news reporter pressured.

The media had immediately televised their false conclusion that only someone with a mental illness could have murdered 59 people and injured over 500 with an automatic rifle.

The media only partakes in spreading these oppressive stereotypes because we let them.

Because the country that closed its last insane asylum only 50 years ago has not realized the harm of this stigma. Instead, it’s normalized it.

But mental illness does not have a face. It is not a white male in his 20s. It is not inherently violent or deranged.

When mental illness is equated to violence, it leads to personal silence from those who would benefit from medication or therapy.

Ale Pena @AlePenaETC

The waiting room of my psychiatrist’s office is a testament to this.

“This is my first psychiatric appointment ever,” I once overheard an elderly women tell my psychiatrist’s receptionist. “I could not avoid it any longer.”

She had lived through decades of unfulfilled potential because she could not stomach the reality of her disorder.

This was all due to the demonization and inaccessibility of mental health treatment.

In fact, 21.9 million Americans, out of the 43.8 million that experience mental illness, do not seek help although it often dictates life or death for many people.

For example, 46 percent of homeless adults live with severe mental illnesses, and 50.5 percent of adults with a substance abuse disorder also have a co-occurring mental illness. About 90 percent of people who die by suicide have

Women must come together in our world Plaid for Women is a digital media platform that utilizes tools such as educational, informational, and inspirational blogs, podcasts, and videos submitted by member contributors to encourage and empower women to be kind to and love themselves; and to implement a healthy regimen of daily self-care.

It also seeks to inspire and motivate them, in the spirit of embracing diversity, to be both considerate and accepting of women of different ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic status, etc.

And it entreats them to include these women of diverse backgrounds in their daily interactions, such as a simple “Hello” at the grocery store.

It aims to do this by highlighting women’s similarities more than spotlighting their differences and then challenging women to connect and bond with each other on the basis of those similarities in a sisterhood of awareness, understanding, and support.

At Plaid for Women, founder and CEO, Shivaun Palmer, and her team are cultivating an environment where women treat each other and themselves with kindness, dignity, and respect.

And, according to Palmer, “no means girls are allowed.” That is no one is allowed to disrespect, discriminate against nor mistreat another for any reason. Period.

Earlier this month Plaid for Women had

Karol Kilgore @TheEtCetera

its #NoMeanGirls Conference in Dallas.

This conference brought together women leaders from entrepreneurs to CEOs to writers and even a candidate for Congress to discuss survival, success, and leadership strategies to help coach and train both current and future leaders.

There were keynote speakers, such as 2017 Texas Business Woman of the Year, Dr. Cortney Baker.

Dr. Baker is owner and CEO of KidsCare Therapy, a pediatric home healthcare agency that aids in caring for over 2200 children throughout Texas.

She is also the Amazon best-selling author of the book: “The 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Business”.

Dr. Baker shared her challenges as a single teenaged mother who didn’t allow early parenthood to prevent her from achieving her dreams.

She also intimated she suffered health challenges including a stroke from which she recovered and went on to realize her goals.

She encouraged attendees to see their

struggles as hurdles, not obstacles.

There were also breakout sessions like “The Bling Affect” in which author and speaker Dr. Kat Smith compared women to the “4 Cs” of a diamond.

Her closing affirmation: “I have the capacity to cut through obstacles, will paint the world with the color of my smile, light my path with the radiance of my carat, and see my dreams with clarity.”

One of the highlights of the day was the diversity panel. It included a caucasian woman from the LGBT community, a young Latina woman, a middle-aged AfricanAmerican woman and a seasoned Muslim woman.

They discussed the importance of sisterhood and how women stand stronger together than alone.

In her closing remarks Dr. Hind Jarrah, executive director of the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, said: “We are empowering people from within to do what’s right for them. This is how you perfect anything you do. If you are a janitor, you can be a perfect janitor. If you are a nuclear physicist, you can be a perfect nuclear physicist.”

Overall, Plaid for Women made a great start towards sharing its vision of outreach, inclusion, and encouragement in a time where narrowing and narcissist mindsets

— Karol Kilgore is a reporter and psychology major.

mental health conditions.

I also suppressed the reality of my mental health. Although I had first started showing symptoms of clinical depression at 13, I only sought out treatment when I was 17. For years, my parents and I came up with excuses for my symptoms: laziness, sensitivity, puberty.

We did not believe a bright 13-year-old could be mentally ill. Only the lunatics on TV could have been capable of mental illness.

It took me years to feel comfortable and open about my diagnosis. I still find myself feeling shame for the chemicals in my brain that require artificial help.

This feeling of shame magnified while watching the news the morning after the Las Vegas shooting. The mood stabilizer and antidepressant I take every day felt heavy in my hand with each news headline.

I had to remind myself of the massive amount of privilege it took to be able to hold the small green and pink pill. The privilege is so elusive that 21.9 million Americans will not ever get to experience it.

I do not know if this privilege is a burden or a victory.

— Ale Pena is a staff writer and English major

Sports The Et Cetera

Oct. 20 Oct. 21 Oct. 23 Nov. 3

Soccer vs. Richland Basketball vs. Texas College Volleyball vs. North Lake Basketball vs. IQ Hoops Prep

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6 p.m.

1 p.m.

8 p.m.

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Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Volleyball 3rd in nation, undefeated in conference As an opposing serve arches over the net toward Kalli Caddell’s side, the freshman setter moves into position. The squeaking of shoes echoes throughout the Eastfield gym as the volleyball team practices against one another.

Caddell anxiously taps her fingers on her thighs, anticipating her teammates next move.

A teammate digs the ball and Caddell reads its flight before moving to set the ball for a hitter to attack to the other side. Caddell said her role as the team’s setter has her actively participating in the buildup of plays.

“I think I am one of the most important [players] because I do touch almost every single ball that’s on our side,” she said. “Without a setter, an offense can’t be run.”

Over the course of this season, she has distributed 644 assists to her teammates, nearly two-thirds of

Eastfield’s entire team tally of 973.

The team is ranked No. 3 in the nation and continues its undefeated run in conference (7-0).

Her recent performances earned her the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division III Player of the Week award for Sept. 25-Oct. 4.

In that time span, she had 134 assists and 39 digs.

Eastfield coach Brandon Crisp said setters like Caddell keep the offense ticking smoothly, like a quarterback in football.

“It’s a big, important role for the team,” he said. “They run the offense and call the plays. Every time we get the ball, they will get contact. It’s up to them to try to isolate the blockers so they can get our hitters in the right spots.”

Caddell said she knows the importance of her position on the team, even though the average fan may not quite appreciate a setter’s responsibilities.

“We have great hitters and the

There is a very good chance this is Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki’s final campaign.

When the Dallas Mavericks begin their 37th season Oct. 18, Nowitzki will begin his 20th season as a Maverick. He told reporters this past March that “Twenty is a great number. I think 20 seasons also with one team … that’s a great accomplishment.”

He wouldn’t say outright that this will be his last season, but he did tell media that he believes 20 years is a good career length.

Nowitzki is only the second player in NBA history to play 20 or more years with one team. The other? Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Nowitzki is a transcendent talent who will go down as one of the greatest players of all time.

He showed that big men can be skilled players, not just large bodies to grab rebounds and block shots.

His name has become synonymous with the Mavericks and basketball in Dallas.

The German, who is sixth on the all-time NBA points list, has had a

huge influence on the game.

He paved the way for some of today’s stars such as Kevin Durant, Paul Millsap and Kevin Love. All of these players are tall, physical players who would’ve been forced into dunks and boxing out for rebounds before Nowitzki.

He showed that a 7-footer can shoot and dribble, revolutionizing the league and creating a whole new archetype in the NBA. Nowitzki also paved the way, with the help of Spain’s Pau Gasol, for Europeans to compete in the NBA. Prior to Nowitzki, the NBA was made up almost entirely of Americans. Now, stars such as Kristaps Porzingis and Nikola Jokic can make it to the highest level of basketball competition.

Prior to Nowitzki’s arrival via a draft day trade with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998, the Mavericks were a perennial bottom feeder in the Western Conference.

Nowitzki would eventually lead the team to its first-ever NBA Finals appearance in 2006, then lead them to their only NBA title in

By Julio Vega Senior Staff Writer @JulioVegaETC

Outside hitter Kirsten Fredrickson won two consecutive Metro Athletic Conference Player of the Week awards, for Sept. 24-30 and Oct. 1-7.

In that time, she made 54 kills, with many assists coming from Caddell. She is second on the team with

244 kills this season.

Outside hitter Keishla Reyes, who leads the team in kills, 272, said Caddell plays in a smart and efficient manner on the court, heavily influencing the team’s entire game play.

“She thinks and she visualizes what she’s going to do and what should happen before she actually runs the play,” Reyes said.

Crisp said Caddell is a composed leader on the team, describing her as “calm” and “level-headed.”

“She’s a good, quality kid,” he said.

“She works hard at everything she does, always seems focused and is responsible.”

Reyes described Caddell as an aggressive and hardworking player and a “mom” figure in the team.

“On and off the court, she takes care of us,” she said. “She’s the one that will get all, ‘you go hard or you go home.’ When we go to the weight room, she never skips sets or does too little. It’s a good thing to have a setter that never gives up. That’s what you want on the court.”

2000 season, finishing 11th in the Western Conference. They had a very passive offseason, re-signing a couple of young, core members and having a decent draft.

Meanwhile, the rest of the West improved.

The Mavericks project to finish in the bottom four of the West and miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Only once before in the Nowitzki era have they missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the first two of his career.

With Nowitzki’s role on the team decreasing along with his athleticism, it is less likely that he will be able to carry the Mavericks like he used to.

The burden of winning games will fall on the shoulders of Harrison Barnes and Wes Matthews.

Nowitzki has been extremely loyal to team owner Mark Cuban and the Mavericks organization, repeatedly taking pay cuts to allow the team to sign big-ticket free agents.

As long as he wants to play in Dallas, Cuban and coach Rick Carl-

isle should continue to show loyalty to him. The man is very proud to be a Maverick and has absolutely no desire to play for any other team.

While the team should focus on the core of Barnes, Nerlens Noel, and Dennis Smith Jr., Nowitzki deserves to still be treated as the centerpiece of this team until he retires.

Fans should treat this season as a farewell tour, even if it’s not guaranteed to be his last.

Nowitzki deserves to be appreciated while we still have him.

Since no one has the Mavericks succeeding this season, early-season tickets are affordable, with prices likely increasing as the end of his career nears.

I encourage anyone who enjoys basketball to go to a game this year to witness the final run of one of the greatest to ever play the game.

He’s given so much to Dallas, it’s only right for us to pay tribute to him.

Thank you, Dirk.

— Colin Taylor is a reporter and a journalism major

JESUS AYALA/THE ET CETERA

The Lady Harvesters defeated Mountain View on Oct. 9.

passers just dig these great balls up, but sometimes the in-between thing is kind of unseen,” she said.

However, the Harvesters have reaped the benefits from Caddell’s play and Eastfield has continued their overall dominance.

Mavs are down, but Nowitzki is still playing hard Colin Taylor @TheEtCetera

2011. Nowitzki led a solid yet stardeprived roster against one of the greatest teams of all time: the Miami Heat’s Big Three.

This was a monumental upset in which Nowitzki carried his team against two future first-ballot Hall of Famers, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, as well as one of the greatest players of all time in LeBron James.

Nowitzki overcame huge obstacles to bring the trophy home to Dallas, scoring 21 points while having the flu in a critical Game 4 to tie the series 2-2.

In a time where championships had either LeBron, Wade or Kobe on them, Dirk brought one home for the underdogs.

However, the end of the Nowitzki era doesn’t look so bright. Last year the Mavs missed the playoffs for only the second time since the

SPORTS

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The Et Cetera

www.eastfieldnews.com

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Harvesters battle Richland, Brookhaven for conference title

By Julio Vega Senior Staff Writer @JulioVegaETC

The No. 8 ranked women’s soccer team looks to finish conference going into the final games of the regular season.

The top three spots of the Metro Athletic Conference are still up for grabs, with first-placed Richland (71), second-placed Brookhaven (6-11) and third-placed Eastfield (5-2-1) all having a chance to win the regular season title.

Eastfield will host Richland on Oct. 20 in the regular-season conference finale. That game will be crucial in deciding seeds for the conference tournament.

Eastfield coach Dustin Stein said the team’s seeding for the MAC playoff tournament won’t matter and called the remaining conference games “glorified scrimmages.”

“We’re not really concerned about the outcomes of these games,” he said. “We just want to be playing our best soccer [in the playoffs].”

The Harvesters recorded a 5-0 win over Cedar Valley College (0-

YESENIA ALVARADO/THE ET CETERA

Alyssa Guzman battles a defender during a game with Cedar Valley.

8) Oct 13. Forward Arianna Dunsworth scored a hat trick and gave one assist. Goalkeeper Gabriella Roa recorded her tenth shutout of the

season, putting her joint-top in the nation with Union County College’s Lauren Buchanan. Eastfield recorded its first scoreless game of the season

in a 0-0 draw against Brookhaven Oct. 10. The game was a tough and physical battle, resulting in multiple injuries on both teams. During the first rounds of conference play, the Harvesters lost 3-2 to Brookhaven and 3-1 to Richland, and Stein said the players didn’t step up in either game. During the Brookhaven game, Eastfield conceded two goals from set pieces, including the golden-goal overtime winner by the Bears.

Outside factors also affected the team. During the Richland game on Oct. 3, a two-hour lightning delay halted play early in the second half with the Harvesters trailing 2-1, killing the team’s momentum as they searched for an equalizer. Stein said the delay gave their opponents the chance to recover and score a third goal, putting the game out of reach.

Midfielder Emily Juarez, who leads the team with eight assists, said the Harvesters must play their best going into the last conference games but also admitted that the focus is beyond conference.

“Our main focus is [making] nationals right now,” she said.

Forward Yesmin Gabino said the

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link play between offense and defense will be crucial in order for the team to play efficiently.

“Our defense is really good at playing the ball,” she said. “I’m comfortable playing with them on my side since they know how to play the ball to the forwards.”

Defender Gloria Perez said she must be able to play the ball to both midfielders and forwards so the team can move up.

“I need to see who is open and know when to play the ball forward,” she said.

Eastfield’s defense has let in 14 goals in 19 games played, averaging 0.73 goals per game, but they have outscored their opponents with 69 goals. Forward Arianna Dunsworth leads the line with 21 goals while forward Joy Carlock has 10 goals.

Stein said Eastfield’s record in conference play won’t determine the outcome in the tournament.

“I’ve entered it as an undefeated team and I’ve entered as a team that’s hardly won any games,” he said.

“There’s no advantage to either one.

It all comes down to who plays best for 90 minutes.”

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WRAP UP

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

www.eastfieldnews.com

The Et Cetera

Sus Comics By Aldahir Segovia

Getting in the groove

‘Say Something’ performed

The Harvester Theatre Company’s production of “Say Something” of strategically constructed scenes exploring the devastating aftermath of sexual violence, rape and the challenges that exist in sexist female-male relationship culture have begun around campus.

The scenes are taken from various plays, including Naomi Iizuka’s

“Good Kids,” which targets modern rape culture and victim shaming, as well as “Boy Gets Girl”

by Rebecca Gilman, which explores stalking and the misperception of romantic pursuit.

These scenes are intended to be intense and thought-provoking and will be performed in various public locations throughout the campus.

YESENIA ALVARADO/THE ET CETERA

Above, Chris Beaty from the Texas Saxophone performs in Eastfield College on Sep 27 . Left, Dana Sudborough, band leader, plays the Vibraphone during the groups (Trio Montuno) performance at Eastfield College on Oct 11.

For Eastfields continuous celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Plan it Out “Say Something” performances Oct. 18, 12:10 p.m., the Pit Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m., lower courtyard Oct. 23, 12:30 p.m., women’s locker room COURTESY OF EASTFIELD COLLEGE

Giavanna Ramos, left, and Victor DeTerra in Eastfield’s pop up production of “Say Something.”

The cast hopes to bring awareness to sexual abuse.

Oct. 24, 12:20 p.m., fireside lounge Look for the red flag.

JESUS AYALA/THE ET CETERA