The Founder
VOL. XII, ISSUE I | SEPTEMBER 2020 |
@RHULFOUNDER
BLACK LIVES MATTER Lack of Media Coverage, But the Movement is Still Alive SELA MUSA | FEATURES EDITOR
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Source: Rebecca Weigler, Illustrator
Index News....................................................................................2 Opinion And Debate............................................................6 Features................................................................................9 Lifestyle.............................................................................11 Arts: Arts And Culture.......................................................14 Arts: Literary Reviews.......................................................15 Arts: Film...........................................................................18 Arts: Music.........................................................................20 Sports..................................................................................23
with so many more names of those that have lost their life to blatant racism. Read their stories. Stephon Clark was shot by police in his grandmother’s back yard. Botham Jean was shot eating ice cream in his own home. Breonna Taylor was shot whilst she was asleep.
staff should not wear BLM badges on air as this runs the risk of breaching impartiality guidelines. So, does this means that the BBC fear being impartial about racism – are there arguments for and against condoning racism? The fact that impartiality is considered surely suggests that there is more than one side that one of our biggest media outlets in the world can take when it comes to racism. They say that they cannot support one cause over another – the value of a black person’s life that has been lost to racism is narrowed down to little more than a ‘cause’.
eorge Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Aura Rosser, Stephon Clark, Botham Jean, Philando Castille, Alton Sterling, Michelle Cusseaux, Freddie Gray, Janisha Fonville, Eric Garner, Akai Gurley, Gabriella Nevarez, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Tanisha Anderson: this entire article could be filled
Police officers killing unarmed black people has never not been a problem. It has just not always received the attention of that in the last few months. How long will it take before the media slowly and subtly override this disgusting injustice and we go back to living in ignorance? As of approximately two months ago, the BBC stated that
A- Level Results p.3
Defund The Police p.9 BLM Reading List p.15
Continued on p. 10
2 NEWS
THE FOUNDER September 2020
COVID-19 Disproportionally Affects BAME Communities IZZI VAUGHAN | EDITOR IN CHIEF he Office for National groups. Bangladeshi, Pakistani Statistics reported that and Black Britons are the most between the 2nd March vulnerable to COVID-19, and 15th May, the mortality according to the Office for rates for deaths involving National Statistics. COVID-19 were highest This disproportional effect amoung Black males, at 255.7 deaths per 100,000. on minority groups is likely Mortality rates were lower due to the economic inequality among White men, at 87 seen between ethnic groups in deaths per 100,000. There Britain. According to Ethnicity is a similar case for females, Facts and Figures on the gov. with 119.8 deaths per uk website, between 2015 100,000 for Black females to 2018 76% of Pakistani and 52 deaths per 100,000 households fell into the lowest for White females. This two income quintiles, the makes the rate of deaths for highest percentage of all ethnic Black men 3.3 times greater groups. Over half of households than for White men, and from the Bangladeshi, Other 2.4 times higher for Black Asian, Black and Other ethnic women compared to White groups also fell into the two lowest income quintiles. women. Comparatively, 42% of White For the total number of British households fell into the deaths involving COVID-19, two highest income quintiles, 88.6% were of people from the highest percentage of all a White ethnic group, 6.2% ethnic groups, and 10% of from an Asian ethnic group, Bangladeshi households fell 4.0% from a Black group into the two highest income and 0.5% from other ethnic quintiles, the lowest percentage
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of all ethnic groups. Ethnic minority groups also make up a higher proportion of NHS staff compared to the population. Minority groups make up 20.7% of NHS staff, despite making up only 12.9% of the general British population. Those of White British ethnicity make up 79.2% of NHS staff, compared to 87.1% of the general population, according to the “Ethnicity Facts and Figures� on the gov.uk website. It is clear that People of Colour are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 because of their unequal economic circumstance, meaning they are less likely to be able to work from home and selfisolate, and due to the higher proportion of NHS staff from Black and Minority Ethnic groups.
The Founder Board 2020 - 2021 Editor in Chief Izzi Vaughan editor@thefounder.co.uk
Managing Editor Alex Whiteman managingeditor@thefounder.co.uk
Publishing & Creative Designer Laura Nietfeld designer@thefounder.co.uk
News Editor Carlota Santos Movilla
Illustrator Rebecca Weigler
news@thefounder.co.uk
illustrator@thefounder.co.uk
Features Editor Sela Musa
Arts Editor Tessa Pinto
features@thefounder.co.uk
arts@thefounder.co.uk
Opinon and Debate Editor Abra Heritage
Literary Review Editor
Mercedes-George Mayes
opinion@thefounder.co.uk
literaryreview@thefounder.co.uk
Lifestyle Editor Katie Upton
Music Editor Amelia Morris
lifestyle@thefounder.co.uk
music@thefounder.co.uk
Sports Editor Eliot K. Raman Jones
Film Editor Lewis White
sportseditor@thefounder.co.uk
film@thefounder.co.uk
The Founder is the independent student newspaper of Royal Holloway, University of London. This means we are not affiliated to the student union or the college. We pride ourselves on our investigative journalism and aim to keep our readers up to date with news on and off campus. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Editor, particularly of opinion and debate pieces. Every effort has been made to contact the holders of copyright for any material used in this issue, and to ensure the accuracy of its stories. To book ad space in The Founder, contact our managing editor at managingeditor@thefounder.co.uk. Source: POLITICO Europe
THE FOUNDER is printed in Cambridge by Iliffe Print
NEWS 3
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Black Lives Matter: In the Wake of George Floyd ELLIE MATTHEWS
Lack of representation and On the 25th May 2020, a understanding of POC is man named George Floyd was rife in many countries, and murdered at the hands of a police officer. Now, 3 months later, another black man, Jacob Blake, was shot seven times at close range in front of his three children. After the confrontation with the police, Blake claims he tried to “de-escalate” the situation, while police officers feared he was reaching for a knife. In either of these situations, it is the public sentiment that an unnecessary amount of force was used against Blake, who is now paralysed from the waist down.
most people have started to educate themselves on racism as a result of this.
Following the rise of BLM protests, Kent Police records show a doubling in racially aggravated crimes, white militia groups are becoming more prevalent and anti-black social media pages are on the rise. Amid the social uprising, we must not forget those who were lost along the way. To name only a few:
- Breonna Taylor – Shot by Police aged 26
- Philando Castile – Shot by Police aged 32 - Alton Sterling – Shot by Police aged 37 - Walter Scott – Shot by Police aged 50
Police reform in America is needed, say the voice of the people, but we can’t forget that American police may not be the only place Many more names have come forward a a result of George Floyd’s death. where reform is needed. Source: Clay Banks on Unsplash
- Tamir Rice – Shot by police aged 12 - Michael Brown – Shot by police aged 18 - Eric Garner – Choked by police aged 43
There are currently Go Fund Me pages set up for the George Floyd Memorial Fund, Justice for Breonna Taylor, and Justice for Jacob Blake, to name a few. There are also many petitions which needs to be signed, including: Justice for George Floyd, Justice for Breonna Taylor, and to petition the UK Government to condemn President Trump’s response to the BLM protests. Please sign, and donate if you can.
...
"We must not forget those who were lost along the way."
...
And so many others.
Disappointment over A- Level results CARLOTA SANTOS MOVILLA | NEWS EDITOR
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his year’s A-Level results have been referred to as scandalous, life-changing and traumatic. The students, who never sat the actual exams, have faced harsh results which many felt did not mirror reality nor their mock grades. Due to the pandemic COVID19 has caused, the idea was to cancel A-Level examinations and give students their grades through an algorithm. This system was mainly influenced by the school’s past academic performance as well as the students’ ability. However, the student’s predicted grades
were not taken into account and this is a very important factor in terms of reliability of the grades themselves. To put things into perspective, we have to acknowledge the fact that this generation is also the same one that was affected by GCSEs and the changes in their grading system. Two years later, coronavirus makes them unable to study and prepare the way they have been taught to do since February- March time.
39% of results were m a r k e d d o w n whilst only 2% were marked up and many appeals have been made as a result. To secure a place at Source: Pew Nguyen from Pexels university, continued with apprenticeship m o r e students than usual have plans or vocational careers. opted for clearing, hoping to Teachers indeed tend to be be understood. Others have optimistic when predicting
grades, but results day of 2020 is one the majority of people will not forget.
4 NEWS
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Israel And UAE Sign Historic Deal, But What Does This Mean? DOMINIC TAYLOR
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he agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates promises to establish normal relations between the two countries. The historical significance of the agreement is highlighted when noting that the UAE became only the third Arab country to normalize relations with Israel. The two nations have been working towards normalizing relations for several years. However, the signing of the accord comes at a significant time. For Israel, the agreement is the diplomatic end goal of
years of negotiating. Despite increased hostilities to Palestine, Israel has aimed at improving relations with other Arab states. The accord illustrates a shift in the region’s geopolitics. It shows that several Arab states now view Israel not as their greatest threat, but as a potential ally. Iran’s rising influence in the region has seen some of the Gulf states, including the UAE, to now view Iran as their greatest regional threat. Although the UAE will take some achievement in preventing Iran to gain a permanent foothold in Yemen, the
Source of photo: Morocco world news
increasing influence of Iran is unavoidable. Thus, a deal with Israel, a technological and military powerhouse in the region who shares a common resentment to the Iranian regime, serves the UAE well, in this respect.
is Palestine. Although Netanyahu has, as of yet, failed to follow through with his July 1st plans to annexe West Bank territory. The Emiratis reportedly took the opportunity to promise full normalisation only if annexation was taken off The loser in this deal the table. Despite this, the
Palestinian leadership has rejected the accord. From the Palestinian perspective, the accord shows bad faith from Israel, the UAE and the US. Moreover, the accord – in their view – is a continuation of the US and UAE neglecting the Palestinian cause. Recently, the Trump administration took the controversial stance of moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and subsequently cut its aid to Palestine. The UAE has been accused of abandoning the Palestinian cause. Thus, any suggestion that new negotiations between Israel and Palestine will begin soon is misguided.
Protests Against Lukashenka’s Regime Rage on in Belarus The Belarusian democracy movement, which the protests are a part of, has gained widespread international support. The EU is currently considering imposing personal sanctions on Lukashenka while the EU’s High Representative Josep Borrell also condemned the wide-scale arrests on Monday, calling for the immediate release of Belarusians currently being detained on political grounds.
ANNA- MARIA LEST
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n the Sunday 9th of August, Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected as Belarusian president for his sixth term in the office. The turbulence in the country could already be felt before the election and as the results were made public on national television, widespread protests quickly erupted across Minsk and other Belarusian cities. The majority of Belarusians believe the election results to be corrupt and falsified and are currently fighting against dictatorship and military violence. The opposition over election results was initially expected to die down.
People have been protesting for weeks now and there is not a sign that this will die down. Source: EuroNews.com
However, the protests have only gained momentum. This is after large-scale arrests and incidents of using torture against many of the
unlawfully detained people were reported during the first week. An exceptionally high number of people attended the demonstrations over
the previous weekend and Belarusian people have now been on the streets for over 4 weeks.
It is difficult to predict what this continued outrage might signify for Lukashenka, who until this moment has made no indication he will acknowledge the protesters’ demands.
NEWS 5
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Conflict Between Greece and Turkey Indicates There is Still Tension. ANTONIN LEFEBVRE
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Protests continue around the world Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
The Black Lives Matter Movement Grows Strong PAULINA MOTYL wo months after George Floyd’s murder, we continue to hear of race-led incidents. On the 23rd of August 2020, the recent police shooting in Wisconsin, left Jacob Blake paralysed from the waist down. Following this, over two hundred people marched to the Northampton Police Station from Sheldon Field in Massachusetts to express their rage as well as their worry. Moreover, the NBA postponed Game 5 of several playoff series, due to numerous players refusing to play. This sign of solidarity has been emitted all around the world. The Black Lives Matter movement aims to
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eradicate racial inequalities There have been claims made and discrimination which towards education and training improvement, continue to be omnipresent. needing and more funding for The Institute of Race community agencies. Relations has concluded that on average, per year there have Several people have been five racially-motivated expressed their concern murders since Stephen through joining protests all Lawrence’ murder in 1993. over the world as well as We must raise awareness through donating to several so that any offence should charities, such as, ‘Show not form part of our reality. Racism the Red Card’, Since the Black Lives Matter or ‘Runnymede’. They movement was formed in aim to send a message of July 2013, most people have equality and compassion educated themselves about no matter the race or social the reality of racism only this status. To achieve this, year. Therefore, it could be without a doubt, the formal said that one of the biggest agencies could advocate movements in US history this necessary change. has become a phenomenon.
aunched in August, the Turkish expedition ‘Oruç Reis’ aims to find alternative energy for the country. Indeed, the Ottomans are deeply dependant and import 99% of their energy supply (IMF). Moreover, Turkey has seen a drastic economic growth since 1990, therefore creating an increase of 166% in energy consumption. The seismic research has been conducted in a Greek protected maritime zone. Greece’s response was not long in coming: two joint operations with Europe and the United Arab Emirates. Internally, the Greek parliament also voted for new agreements with Egypt on the Aegean Sea at the expense of Turkey. A Turkish show of force is commonplace, Erdogan is seeking to prove his international legitimacy, for example by wishing to become the mediator in the Venezuelan conflict. The localisation of Turkey gives it a strategic position and Erdogan aims to become predominant in the region (the Turkish army being in Libya and a military boat in the Somalian sea). Moreover, the conflict also unearths existing tensions between the old continent and Turkey, following the refusal of their candidacy for the European Union in
Tension prevails between Greece and Turkey. Source: Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash
2016. The Turkish president has condemned the French intervention in the Aegean Sea and Mevlut Cavusoglu (the Turkish head of diplomacy) has qualified France to be a ‘caid’. The European Union is threatening the country with economic tensions, Greece is preparing for a direct conflict and Jens Stolberg (SecretaryGeneral of NATO) is asking for a ‘deconflict’. However, Turkey remains in its position. The question now is to find out if the country has the means to achieve its international ambitions, knowing that the country lives far beyond its means leading to an increase in the borrowing rate as well as a fall of the Turkish Lira (in addition to the actual economic context). Turkey could lose big in this conflict with Greece.
6 OPINION AND DEBATE
THE FOUNDER September 2020
BLM in STEM: Why Black People Rarely Study STEM Subjects ELLIE MATTHEWS
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s a mixed-race woman studying physics, I have always felt like somewhat of a unicorn. From a young age, physics and maths seemed particularly inaccessible, and with a lack of role models and encouragement, my already fragile STEM identity started to shatter. It wasn’t until my GCSEs, when I met a teacher who made me feel like Physics really was an option for me, that I actually started to believe in myself. To this day I still thank Mr Moss for proving that I really could do it. But I am one of the lucky ones. So many talented young Black people (particularly men) find their voices are lost in the white noise of STEM subjects. We may all complain about the lack of diversity amongst professors and teaching staff at the uni, but the lack of diversity in the students is what is scarier.
against the stereotypes. When it's a constant uphill battle, sometimes it feels easier just to give up.
Over the years I have had to watch as fellow POC were discriminated against due to their colour. I am not talking about overt racism; I am talking about all the microaggressions that you could almost miss. The fear of young black men amongst some teachers, the general stereotype that black students are often less intelligent than their white counterparts, and the lack of drive impressed upon those students when, despite their ability, they can’t see a future in STEM. It is not just in schools where this is a problem. Black children are more likely to live in poorer, more urban areas, and this lifestyle can have a huge effect on the way someone may perceive their future. Societal messaging often associates black maleness with crime. This is not something that goes unknown to children at the end of the stereotype. When we now look to
NASA astronaut Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to be selected as an astronaut and fly into space. Source : Wikipedia
what one might stereotype a scientist as, the lack of identity for these POC becomes even more evident. You may often see young black people who try to work towards ‘Performing whiteness’, which in their own words
means speaking improper English, dressing ‘preppy’, not talking about their family, pretending to go on vacations, and proving to their white female teachers that they are not to be afraid of. After a while it gets tiring trying to fight back
In the UK 6.2% of STEM students are black. In the US in 2011, a poll showed that 71% of STEM jobs were held by white people, 15% by Asian people and 6% by black people, despite 12% of the population being black. We see in schools and universities that black participation is very far behind, but there is lots we can do to change that. Volunteering with students from disadvantaged backgrounds of all kinds can truly make the difference, even if only for one person. Overall, the future looks good. With social movements such as BLM bringing people together, and more and more people questioning their own unconscious biases, one day we can hope for a world that is truly equal.
The BLM Movement and the US Presidential Election are an Incompatible Match, not an Inspiring One. ZAFIR ZAFIROV
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t is an undeniable fact that the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparked a mass movement for racial and economic change in the United States. Thousands of people all across the country are taking to the streets every day to protest. Not only that
– people from all over the world are protesting as well, showing their solidarity to the movement and its causes. And although some change has been achieved so far, for example, the banning of chokeholds in certain American cities, there is still a long way to go before police brutality stops being an issue, and meaningful police reform is implemented.
What is also an undeniable fact is that the upcoming US presidential election in November will be of crucial importance for the future of the BLM movement in the country. What is unfortunate, however, is that this election, for all of its historic significance because of the current global crises, is not one that BLM activists
neither of them support the adequate measures that the coronavirus crises entails – those being universal healthcare, universal basic income, and increased In other words, neither federal minimum wage, President Donald Trump nor how would one be former VP Joe Biden seem to optimistic that either of be the inspiring change that the them will support the BLM movement needs. The BLM's bold agenda for facts speak for themselves – if radical change? should be energized for. Let’s be honest, this is a fight between the status quo and the former status quo that brought the current one.
THE FOUNDER September 2020 Perhaps, we should be speaking of Joe Biden only, as President Trump's view on the BLM movement is more than explicit, without any sign of nuance or sympathy. For him, the movement is somehow a 'symbol of hate' and a 'leftwing cultural revolution, designed to overthrow the American revolution'. The president has claimed that the protests are overly violent, which, a recent study found out, is all but true, with more than 90% of protests being peaceful. On that front, it is pretty clear that a Trump reelection would probably mean nothing positive for the BLM movement. A Joe Biden presidency, however, might be viewed by some as a light in the tunnel for the mass
OPINION AND DEBATE 7
movement. After all, Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris as his running-mate, which must be a nod not only to the Left but also to African Americans. While this is at least the theory behind the selection of Harris, the reality is somewhat different. Kamala Harris has a more complicated record than one might think of. Not only that, as a recent Vox article rightfully pointed out, Harris is also more of a standard mainstream politician than an activist for change. Joe Biden himself has been criticized by activists that his campaign holds little support for some of the movement's most crucial needs. It is also interesting how only a few dare to mention that Joe Biden is directly
Source: Bloomberg responsible for writing the 1994 Crime Bill, believed to have hurt the AfricanAmerican community, which is disproportionately more likely to suffer police brutality anyway. Throw in the fact that Biden has tried
to cut the Social Security programme over the years, and has a controversial record on a number of other issues, and you end up with anything but optimism.
Only time will tell what is about to happen. Unfortunately, the upcoming presidential election and the BLM movement, when put in an honest perspective, do not seem to be a match made in heaven.
Left Forum: On BLM and Police Repression LEFT FORU M
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s BLM protests spiral and America burns, President Trump declares anti-fascists terrorists, activists are branded thugs, and widescale protests against police brutality are met with more police brutality. Protestors are removed off the streets once again; and it is once again, because for BLM activists police and paralegal repression is nothing new. Ferguson protest organiser, Darren Seals, was found shot dead in a burning car, and he’s not alone - Deandre Joshua was also found dead in a torched car. One article in Rolling Stone magazine collates the deaths of six prominent activists in the Ferguson activist scene, who all died under suspicious circumstances (Dickson, E, 2019). Now the violence has reached a new crescendo with
the Kenosha shootings, when Kyle Rittenhouse brought an illegally possessed firearm to a protest with the alleged intention of ‘defending businesses’, then killed two protestors and wounded a third. Yet, police on the scene did not apprehend him but let him pass unimpeded (Barton, G, 2020). This is part of a growing trend of vigilantes and armed militia taking to the street to dole out justice as they see fit. America already has a worrying trend of farright violence and domestic terrorism; the American right-wing were responsible for two-thirds of domestic terror plots in the last 6 years, and 90% of plots in 2020 (Jones SG., 2020). This must be considered
with the history of America's police violence, civil rights abuses, and its foreign policy in particular; the US is responsible for participating in over 81 overt and covert coups around the world. In targeted countries US-backed disappearings, shootings at protests, and police repression are common. For example, Coca Cola union activists have faced brutal repression in Columbia, with 4000 murders since 1986 (Gill L., 2004). Mass arrests, violence and shootings are common in this nation, subject to US domination since its early days as a postcolony bullied into seceding Panama, to the US-backed violent repression of its left-wing dissidents during the 1960’s, and now in its ongoing violence to continue to protect US trade interests.
This pattern of violence cripples every state the US empire holds its economic interests in, including the USA itself. In fact, a land war was waged in the USA between federal agents and around 20,000 Union activists during the West Virginia Coal Wars, and white economic interests have been protected in acts of violence throughout American history, predominantly, the Rosewood massacre, Tulsa massacre and hundreds of other events. This kind of violence is common for the US, but this new overt branding is not. This violence is formalised only so it can be normalised, and new acts made practicable. This new social upheaval can only be described as Fascism. It has
happened recently in Iraq, Columbia, Yugoslavia, and dozens of other nations. Now it is happening in the US, and increasingly, happening in the UK. Already, we are seeing far-right demonstrators gathering veterans and football hooligans to oppose BLM rallies and to protect statues. The police search injured black activists (Braddick G., 2020), clandestinely arrest activists the night before protests (CNBC, 2020), and abuse coronavirus gathering laws to break up trans rights protests before they happen (Kelleheler P., 2020). It is happening now in front of our eyes, and will continue to do so, unless we do something about it.
8 OPINION AND DEBATE Using Privilege: Police, Protests & Pickets THE FOUNDER September 2020
ABRA HERITAGE | OPINION AND DEBATE EDITOR
the police, at protests, and hite Privilege: (noun) at picket lines, is white inherent advantages privilege in practice. possessed by a white person White privilege in the on the basis of their race UK is perpetuated through in a society characterized the imperial and jingoistic by racial inequality and historic narratives of British injustice. (Oxford Languages, education. This is not a 2020) failure of individuals, but a 2020 has witnessed the failure of honesty in school biggest mass interest and curriculums. How many knew upsurge in support of the of the fortune that Edward Black Lives Movement Colston made from the slave since its establishment in trade before the toppling of 2013. Sparked by the violent his bronze statue in Bristol? killing of George Floyd (and The only name I was taught countless others), protests in high school in relation to against police brutality and the slave trade was William systemic racial inequality Wilberforce. When we are have spread across the taught that white history is globe. But with rates of noble, the need for change prosecution and sentencing in racial inequality is left three times higher for black neglected. Failing to teach people than white people in young people of the racist Britain (Equality and Human nature of their country’s Rights Commission Race history only perpetuates the Report Statistics), many of privilege and advantages these protests have proved that white people hold in the systemic advantage of a society characterized by being white when dealing racial injustice. with the police. Violence So, when school against Black people in the UK continues to be so deep curriculums fail to encourage rooted and normalised that a change of the status quo, racism is evident in the very it is up to white people to acknowledge systems that were built to individually protect. Feeling safe with their privilege. This means
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Protesters demonstrate in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in The Hague on June 2, 2020.
Source: POLITICO Europe becoming actively informed about black struggles in both history and the modern day, speaking out against inequalities in personal environments and further educating friends and family, and perhaps most importantly, protesting and picketing. Banksy’s Instagram statement in solidarity with global Black Lives Matter protests (6th June) perfectly recognises the need to use white privilege on the streets: ‘At first I thought
I should just shut up and listen to the Black people about this issue. But why would I do that? It’s not their problem. It’s mine. People of colour are being failed by the system...This faulty system is making their life a misery, but it’s not their job to fix it... The White system...This is a White problem.’ What good is it for the oppressed to fight against the privileged, when the privileged can help raise their voices, can join the fight, and can truly recognise and spread the history of the racial atrocities that took
place at the hands of their ancestors? While white privilege is not something to be inherently ashamed of, it must be recognised and used for greater purpose. If you are not actively anti-racist, you are allowing for the continuation of a society built upon racial injustice. White privilege allows for people to live a non-political existence and we simply cannot allow for this comfort. The fight has only just begun, if you have white privilege: use it.
The BLM Movement and the US Presidential Election are an Incompatible Match, not an Inspiring One. ZAFIR ZAFIROV
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n the last five years, social media has risen to have a massive impact on our everyday lives. From Twitter to Instagram, we can never seem to escape it. From everyday activities to current affairs, our lives are always posted, liked and commented on. The general narrative of social media was once largely focused upon personal moments in the world around us, but this changed on 25 May 2020, when George Floyd was unjustly killed by a police officer. From there onwards the nature and rhetoric of social media had changed for the foreseeable future. This
has been largely triggered by the Black Lives Matter movement, which has used social media as a key tool in gaining public attention and raising awareness of current injustices in the world. For example, the tragic and unlawful murder of Breonna Taylor was brought into the global public sphere through the likes of Twitter and Instagram, shared by millions around the world. Instagram is one of the world’s fastest growing social media platforms, now with over one billion active users. Ever since its creation it has been used by many to keep in touch and share memories with their audience. But it is
clear that there has been a massive change in not only what is posted on social media, but also what is said.
The Black Lives Matter movement has risen to prominence through actions that have been widely shared on social media, partly to raise awareness about the death of George Floyd, as well as the issues surrounding racism that remain in society. This movement rising to global significance on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram has had a huge impact upon the general narrative of social media. Now, the focus of social media has shifted from individual moments to
current affairs, marketing, and activism. A prime example of the rise of general activism is the Instagram account, @eisellety, who’s focus shifted from lifestyle content to activism on 1 June. This is just one of a huge number of accounts that have recently changed their content, giving global attention to a wide variety of causes; for example, the current situation in Yemen. However, we must question whether this rise in activism is largely performative. For example, the #BlackOutTuesday movement on Instagram was criticized for distracting from key information surrounding
the Black Lives Matter movement. This to many felt counter-productive and was seen as a trend jumped on by many influencers, who may have wanted to present themselves as well informed on the matter, but in reality provided very little genuine support. Despite the issue of perceived performative activism and ‘virtue signaling’, the change in the use of social media has meant that vast amount of important information surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement and others, has been given a global reach to younger generations who are not as reliant on conventional news sources as their parents.
FEATURES 9
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Defund the Police: What
IZZI VAUGHAN | EDITOR IN CHIEF moung the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, one demand has been resounding throughout the protests: Defund the Police. But the meaning has often been conflated with Austerity, debunked as too radical, and written off as idiotic. This demand is anything but; it is the result of centuries of oppresion, black activism and struggle, and it should not be so easily ignored. Defund the Police originates from the abolitionist movement’s of America, a call to abolish the racist structures of our society, largely focusing on prisons and policing. Essentially, Defund
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the Police doesn’t just mean that the police force should receive less funding, but that they should also have less power and less responsibility. It means stripping away the conditions in which racism is permitted to thrive in modern society, the structural racism which threatens not just the opportunities of people of colour, but their lives too. To understand the meaning of Defund the Police, it is important to also understand the meaning of ACAB, or All Cops Are B***ards. The misunderstanding of this term comes from the same problem which Defund the Police faces: a conflation of the structural with the individu-
it
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by the conservative government over the past decade, and many people have been criticising the demand for having little relevance to the UK. It is true that police in America and in Britain face vastly different circumstances in their funding and powers. However, police in both countries serve the same function: to maintain discipline in capitalist, racially divided countries. Police in Britain are still armed, and still dangerous. They might not be militarised to the same extent as the US, but the government had no trouble with providing police with riot gear Defund the Police has also during recent Black Lives often been conflated with the Matter protests, while NHS Austerity measures imposed staff were denied essential PPE. It is a matter of prioritising funding, to provide resources for social and community programmes to reduce poverty, inequality and crime so that the police are not needed to address the outcomes of such destitution and discrimination, for example mental health crises and drug problems. al. Neither term means that every individual police officer is a bad person, but rather that the system of policing as it stands originates from, and perpetuates, a system of violent racism and oppression of minorities, and all police officers are complicit in this system. Therefore, holding individual police officers to account for their crimes is not enough, and the fact that some police officers may be good people is irrelevant, because they are still complicit in this system of policing. And it is the system of policing itself which violently oppresses minority groups.
The UK’s situation is different in many ways from that of the USA, but that Source: Jacobin
does not mean that we do not have very serious problems to face in our society, and our police force. The last time a UK police officer was successfully prosecuted for the death of somebody in custody was in 1969, and black people are more than twice as likely to die in police custody in England and Wales (BBC). The 2017 Lammy Review reveals statistics which demonstrate the UK’s racism problem. It shows that while black people comprise 3% of the population in England and Wales, they make up 12% of it’s prison population. A higher percentage in relation to population than the USA. For under-18s, 48% in custody are from black or other ethnic minority backgrounds. The demand of the Black Lives Matter movement to Defund the Police is not a spontaneous slogan for a short lived protest, it is a demand from a movement born out of racial injustice and oppression, which would significantly help oppressed minority groups. It is therefore our responsibility to listen to these demands and do all we can to understand and support the Black Lives Matter movement. Angela Davis is a key figure in the abolitionist movement, and I would urge anyone wanting to learn more to read her writings.
10 FEATURES
THE FOUNDER September 2020
The Genocide Happening in China
SELA MUSA | FEATURES EDITOR ince 2017 (though, it may have been earlier) concentration camps have been scattered across the north-western region of China in Xinjiang. They are being used today to detain Uighur Muslims without charge. Uighurs are mainly a Muslim Turkic speaking ethnic group, and China is funding these camps to ethnically cleanse them.
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Unsurprisingly, China prefers to advertise these camps as ‘vocational training centres’, used to teach Uighurs about the dangers of extremism, rather than exposing them for the genocidal concentration camps that they really are. In fact, the BBC were taken on a tour of the camps in 2019 and were fed corrupted scenes of joyful Uighurs playing musical instruments, learning new languages, and whatever else they needed to see to believe that these camps were humane. China claims that attendance to these ‘vocational training centres’ is entirely voluntary,
Source: BBC
so why is the entire parameter of each camp surrounded in barbed wire? Why has the population growth in Uighur jurisdictions fallen by 84% between 2015 and 2018, as stated by a Chinese Ambassador himself. Where are Uighurs disappearing to?
This is a blatant effort to reduce the Uighur population – it is a Holocaust. Uighurs are separated from their families. They are brutally tortured. They are fed propaganda and taught about the dangers of their religion and women are sterilised under force to ensure that they cannot add to the Uighur population. Detainees watch their fellow victims kill themselves. How do we know this? We know this from first-hand experiences of Uighur Muslims that were released. ‘I had left my five-year old daughter at home. She was so cute at that time, but I couldn’t even think about her whilst I was inside. All I could think of was surviving
each day without being killed'. Zumrat Dawut, a Uighur who spent three months in a camp, shared this experience after she had fled to Virginia with her husband and children. The cost of her voice was her father’s life, who died in China shortly after Zumrat spoke of the camps. China insists on defending the euphemism that these camps are used to tackle extremism. However, the people that are tortured and killed in them only had to go to a mosque, or visit a ‘sensitive’ country, or send a text with a Quranic passage in it to qualify as ‘extreme’. Uighurs are being killed for practicing their religion – this is the definition of ethnic cleansing. We can always hide behind the excuse that we cannot do anything about it or are ‘too far away’ to help, but please do all you can to campaign and donate to help the Uighur population.
Continued on from front page Ironically, the BBC said that ‘wearing badges … would be a step too far.’ Wearing a badge would be too far. BBC p r e s e n t e r s Source: Global Justice Now wear poppies to still cannot escape the demonstrate their sympathy negative connotations that for those that have lost their the media has given the life in conflict. What is it movement; for example, about black people losing we all saw the media their lives to police officers coverage arguing that the that makes them unworthy BLM protests would have of a similar symbol? There detrimental effects on are no two sides about the spread of COVID. Of opposing racism, just like course, COVID-19 is still a there are no two sides huge issue, but we cannot about opposing terrorism ignore the fact that the – we simply oppose. Thus, method of educating and again, we end up at the informing is completely out same question: why does of balance. Half a million the media not think that people on Bournemouth the injustice against black beach on the 25th June lives does not deserve and the media still want to similar recognition to other remind the country of the travesties? virus to warn us away from BLM protests. The BBC is not the only media outlet guilty Nevertheless, the media of turning a blind eye to does not always just report racism and BLM. In fact, on the negatives of BLM many other media channels protests – most of the time choose to shed a bad light it does not report on the on BLM when ‘informing’ protests at all. It seems readers and viewers. For that news channels have example, one of the first actively chosen not to stories that appears when give the movement further ‘BLM’ is searched online is coverage, perhaps to about ‘vandals who spray- convince us that it has died painted ‘BLM’’. Another down when this could not article, from UnHerd, is be further from the truth. titled ‘Stop pretending Why is our media so intent the BLM protests were on reporting BLM from a peaceful’. And should bad angle, or not reporting someone avoid actively it at all? searching up BLM, they
LIFESTYLE 11
THE FOUNDER September 2020
BLM Movement at RHUL – What Happens Now? KATIE UPTON | LIFESTYLE EDITOR ecent reports and student accounts deemed Royal Holloway to be lacking in diversity, leaving many ethnic minority students feeling ‘tokenised and Source: House of Hedon, 2020 underrepresented’. ‘We are only just touching Paving the way in the tip of the iceberg when diversifying the campus and it comes to racial issues on encouraging acceptance was this campus. When we look Clay Hakiziman, recently at microaggressions we have graduated Politics student. to understand what they hint This goes to show that at or represent; a careless even the sleepy town of ignorance, and also the lack Egham isn’t exempt from of effort or desire to want to the ability to change and address this ignorance, and reform. Hakiziman planned what this could potentially and carried out the Egham develop into. All these BLM Protest in June with educated students who make an incredible turnout whilst these countless comments, complying to all social harbour these attitudes and distancing measures. Staged continue to be perpetrators – in the iconic location of the however covert or apparent Magna Carta Memorial. they may be – grow up to become teachers and lawyers and doctors and politicians and this ignorance only
society in the UK also.'
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How to be an ally to Black Lives Matter:
privileged does not mean that you haven’t had a hard life or that you have not worked hard to get to where you are, it just CHLOE STORER means that someone without ow, more than ever, it is your privilege would finder important to understand it harder to achieve the same what it means to be an ally things. and how to be a good one. You can be an ally in many ways, 2. Educate yourself And this DOES NOT including being a feminist mean going to your black ally, an LGBTQ+ ally and a trans ally just to name a friends and expecting them few, however todays list is to educate you, take some to aimed at being a better action and be proactive and ally to the Black lives matter educate yourself, it is NOT their job. A good place to start movement. is by reading and reflecting. 1. Confront your own Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race prejudice and bias This includes checking by Reni Eddo – Lodge is a your privilege. To have particularly good place to privilege is to be afforded start as is it is relevant to the unearned benefits in society Black Lives Matter movement such as being white, today but also talks about cisgender, non-disabled or black history and the purpose straight for example. Being of white dominance. You
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persists and festers in their workplaces. Sometimes their ignorance grows to become far more insidious racist acts. Then there are the people who wonder what all of this has to do with ‘what’s happening in America’, and why we’re all suddenly angry now. A part of me wants to peacefully guide them to connect the dots, to see how the jigsaw pieces all fit together – that the small covert racial microaggressions countless black people face here and all over the world, and the more overt over-policing and unfair persecutions and murders of African-Americans by the US police are all products of the same systemically can also educate yourself by following accounts on Instagram or listening to podcasts if you struggle with long reads. There are also a great number of programmes dedicated to the topic including Dear White People and Pose which also features trans and LGBTQ+ narratives. By educating yourself you become a better ally. 3. It is not enough to be non-racist, you must be proactively anti-racist This is particularly important with regards to family members and those of the older generations. It is NOT enough for you yourself to be nonracist, you must challenge those around you with outdated and frankly disgusting views so that you are proactively anti-racist. There was an image of a
racist institution. Racism is so deeply ingrained in a system that has existed for so long that of course we’re all complicit in it, how could we not be?' – Sahnun Omar UNIVERSITY RESPONSE:
Student Union: ‘Racism is a systemic, institutional issue, one that organisations such as Royal Holloway Students’ Union and the University need to take seriously. Whilst these protests are centred in America, the Black Lives Matter movement is not solely an American one. The same systematic racism the movement seeks to fight against is prevalent in our placard circulating on social media which said: “if you’re tired of hearing about racism, imagine how tired people are of experiencing it”, and this cannot be stressed enough. 4. Listen and amplify While it is important to talk to others about Black Lives Matter and why racism must be defeated, it is equally important to listen. Listen to your black friends and colleagues and do not attempt to dominate the conversation, as it is their struggle, and not yours. It is important also not to generalise or stereotype, one black person cannot speak for the entire movement and generalising in this way is equally as damaging. As well as listening, you can amplify the voice of those around you even by sharing posts on social media or through
Paul Layzell: ‘If we are to tackle racism and discrimination, we must recognise the structural and cultural change that is necessary throughout our society, for acts of extreme violence begin when we tolerate any form of racial prejudice and discrimination.' HOW ARE THINGS GOING TO CHANGE? Earlier in the summer the library announced its plans to ‘decolonialize and diversify’ its contents to encourage students to read up and learn more about the history of ethnic minority groups to empower them to shape the future. Enriching a large group of people with the necessary resources is said to tackle the ever increasing levels of ignorance. something as simple as a retweet on twitter. 5. Sign petitions and donate if you can Finally, it is astonishing just how much of a difference your signature can make on a petition so that it gains traction, and just how quickly you can do so! Sharing these petitions is also important as not only can it gain support it also spreads awareness, and it is completely free to do so. Donating to bail funds and charities is also a good way to be an ally to BLM however, as students, we do not often have the funds to do this and as such we can do free things such as share black businesses on our social media or watch specific youtuber videos so these individuals can gain money through adverts.
12 LIFESTYLE
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Celebrating Black Female Fashion The Black Makeup KATIE UPTON | LIFESTYLE EDITOR n a time of global crises, the importance of inclusivity and diversity has shone through. The year of 2020 may have been labelled the lost year but has resulted in the mass global recognition of a crucial societal topic; racial inequality and prejudice. Amid all recent discussions, the need to support black female fashion has increased significantly. Whether it's their bold and unfettered address of society or their refusal to align with the industry's demands, these luminaries are making waves and creating their own lanes. Their talent is a demonstration of what happens when the discussion around fashion is as diverse as the real world. Here are the black female fashion designers you need to know…
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Telfar Clemens of Telfar Pictured here with Selah Marley, Telfar launched a unisex line long before the biggest houses put genderneutral designs on the runway. Since the brand's inception, Telfar has been a proponent of speaking for the marginalized through fashion. Recently, the Queens native combined functionality with a cool sensibility: think flares, high-waisted denim, and sportswear pieces that turn the trend on its head. Aurora James of Brother Vellies Toronto-native Aurora James has taken over the footwear industry. With furry confections that are a go-to for celebrities, editors, and influencers, her Brother Vellies pieces will absolutely continue to be seen. In short, feel free to purchase a pair or two.
Artists Redefining the Industry:
Kyemah Mcentyre Kyemah Mcentyre's dashiki-print prom dress went viral a few years ago, which eventually led to her showing at New York Fashion Week. Now she's even selling t-shirts on her site, proving she has plenty of range as a designer.
KATIE UPTON | LIFESTYLE EDITOR
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Rihanna's Fenty Empire From her ground-breaking cosmetics collection to her coveted lingerie Source:Vogue, 2020 line, Rihanna is making unprecedented strides in beauty and fashion. She's advocating for representation in the most powerful way: With Fenty Beauty, she's turning the cosmetics market on its head with a 40-shade foundation range catering to neglected deeper and paler tones; through Savage X Fenty, she's giving lingerie Source:Vogue, 2020 brands a run for their money by serving — and casting — people of various sizes, Dumebi Iyamah of Andrea heights, and shapes. The Iyamah Rihanna reign just won't let Influenced by the colours up. and patterns of her home country, Nigeria, Dumebi Iyamah designs statementmaking ready-to-wear and swimwear clothing with a unique feminine flair. The vibrant colours details on each piece complements melanin in the most graceful way, further supporting her mission of the Andrea Iyamah woman being a part of a 'cultural story.'
lack makeup artists have been breaking boundaries in the industry since the beginning. They've navigated an industry that has not always been built to celebrate people of colour, and considering the torrential cultural climate of our world, their artistry has stood the test of time and made women of all ethnicities and skin tones feel absolutely beautiful—on the inside and out. Bernadine Anderson:
Pat McGrath:
Bernadine Anderson was the first Black female celebrity makeup artist in 1972—and since she broke the barrier, Black makeup artists have made waves with their incredible techniques. The artistry of our top Black celebrity makeup artists has stood the test of time and makes people of all ethnicities and skin tones feel confident.
We have to pay homage to Pat McGrath, also known as the 'Mother of Makeup,' who has been spearheading the industry with her insanely talented skills since the early '90s. McGrath and her team of makeup artists are responsible for major international fashion week shows every year (think: Valentino and Alexander McQueen).
Source:Vogue, 2020
Source:Vogue, 2020 Source:Vogue, 2020
Source: Instagram, 2020
Source:Getty Images, 2020
LIFESTYLE 13
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Sam fine:
Camara Aunique:
Fine has been paving the way since the '90s when he was painting the faces of industry icons like Iman, Tyra Banks, and Naomi Campbell. Nowadays, he works with Queen Latifah and Vanessa Williams. He was awarded the title of the first Black spokesperson for Revlon and Covergirl, and is the author of his first book titled Fine Source: Instagram, 2020 Beauty: Beauty Basics and Moshoodat Sanni: Beyond for African American If you're struggling to Women. find inspiration for your next beauty look, head to pro makeup artist and creative director Moshoodat Sanni's Instagram—trust us. She's one of those artists who quite literally showcases makeup as an art form, exhibiting clean, colourful, looks that'll long live in your mind even after you click out of her Instagram. She is also the founder of Crowned By Moshoodat, a line of bedazzled headpieces fit for royalty. Source: Instagram, 2020
If you've seen any of Camara Aunique's work, it's clear she's born for beauty. Her work has appeared on the runway stages of top fashion designers, in editorials, and beauty campaigns. Her list of A-list clientele includes Angela Bassett, Ava DuVernay, and June Ambrose, to name a few. She's also the founder of
Source: Instagram, 2020
Three quick and easy ways to transform your life from sluggish student to a wellness warrior! CHLOE STORER lthough the new academic year is set to be different this year to say the least, there is no reason not to get into healthy habits as soon as possible! We are always encouraged to look after physical health but what about our metal health? What about the link between the two of them?
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As a soon to be master’s student I have weathered many a hungover lecture and many a deadline with little to no motivation. While my three years here were filled with terrific ups, it is also important to consider the downs we have as well. Over the years I have made a few easy changes to my lifestyle
which have benefited me enormously, not just through my productivity in an academic sense, but also in helping me to lead a healthier, happier life. Drink water Drinking water has a great number of benefits including healthy skin, fighting infections, getting rid of toxins from the body, helping with a healthy heart, reducing the risk of cancer, and boosting energy and productivity to name a few! Once I committed to drinking water daily, I noticed an instant boost in my mood and health, given it is such a simple thing it has an enormous amount of benefits. You can even
We need to stop relying CamaraAUniqueBeauty, a on the 'bigger brands' to line of handcrafted faux mink become inclusive, we need to lashes, as well as The Unique showcase deeper skin tones Beauty Podcast. models and clients on our pages, especially as makeup Whilst we may appreciate artists ourselves. People the sheer talent of their work, want to be able to relate to there is still plenty more the what they see on your page industry can do to become and draw inspiration from more inclusive, MUA Nikita people who look like them, Baffour states that the issue is and therefore I believe that representation… it’s very important and our responsibility to showcase diversity in complexions on our platforms, instead of furthering the biased narratives in place. We have a big role and we have to play our part, together we can break down the stereotypes of the 'ideal' beauty standards.
download an app which can tell you exactly how much you should be drinking based on your height and weight, and also remind you throughout the day. Swap out a coffee or fizzy drink for a glass of water, it’s cheaper anyway! Get up and go to bed at set times Getting into a routine was not something I mastered until my final year during lockdown. I found it hard to get out of bed, waking up at ten or eleven in the morning and snoozing my alarm regularly. This is turn left me feeling sluggish and disappointed at my lack of productivity as I had wasted the morning by being in bed.
I adjusted my sleep schedule to be in bed ready to sleep by 12 (most nights anyway, SU nights never counted!) and set my alarm for nine or half nine (depending on how tired I was) and got up immediately. This aided with my productivity as I used Pomodoro’s throughout the day and as such could award myself more breaks for enjoyment as my whole day was longer. Having set times to sleep also made a big difference to my mental health and is another small adjustment that can make a big difference! Tidy room tidy mind Staying organised is one of the most important things to me, and always has been. However, during my younger years particularly, I was so messy! When I lived in Gowar in first year my room
was atrocious with how messy it was, just rubbish and clothes everywhere. I found it near impossible to work in my room in that state so then would go to the library where I would spend most of my time there simply chatting to people. Setting time aside on a Monday allowed me to clean my room and organise my time well around my lectures and shifts which also aided my productivity and mental health a lot! Tidy room tidy mind is 100% accurate in my opinion, and another small thing that can help you feel happier and more in control of your life. 'The body and mind are not separate. What affects one, affects the other.'
14 ARTS & CULTURE
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Black Lives Matter Murals – Are They Enough?
TESSA PINTO | ARTS EDITOR ollowing the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other Black Americans at the hands of the police and of fellow citizens, protestors and rioters took to the streets across the U.S. this summer in a phenomenon which quickly went global. City streets are the arena in which surveillance, victimisation and violence are performed on a daily basis – their reclamation by the Black Lives Matter movement has been a powerful thing to behold.
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And yet while the state seeks to violently oppress mass uprisings in U.S. cities, the streets themselves
have become not only the avenues for bodily protest, but the canvas for the artistic expression of the Black Lives Matter movement. In the last few months, this simple and powerful slogan has been painted across key thoroughfares in major cities by community groups, in letters so large they can be seen from space. The murals themselves have become flashpoints for further racially motivated acts of violence, with several examples of white people attempting to vandalise the murals by throwing paint.
city, and is replicated in another street mural directly outside Trump Tower, New York. Their placement is no accident: another mural in Foley Square, New York, lies next to an African Burial Ground – locations carefully selected to reverberate with contemporary meaning and history. In Portland, Ore, the letters of the mural contain the details of historic injustice. Others are more complex still, adorned with scripture or containing portraits of those killed by police violence.
The first mural project was commissioned by the Mayor of Washington D.C., Muriel Bowser. Its huge, bright yellow calligraphy runs like an electric current through the centre of the
These are bold and often beautiful expressions of pain and of resilience, and their creators hope they will bring visibility to the cause, providing a visible symbol of resistance, unity and
Black Lives Matter Mural in Washington D.C. Photo credit: Ted Eytan
Slogan visible from space Source: space.com hope in the face of injustice. But they have opened up a debate about the role of art in political movements. Some activists have been more critical; Kenan Moos, organiser of a June protest against police violence in Los Altos described the murals as performative – something that can be both good and bad – ‘the bad side of performative is a lot of people feel that it’s all that needs to be done. The mural is great in terms of making a statement, but the statement needs to be followed up with the City Council’s actions.’ Others have been more scathing; Black Lives Matter D.C denounced the murals as ‘distraction from real policy changes’ and a way to ‘appease white liberals.’ The Black Lives Matter street murals are particularly fraught, as they have been commissioned or at
least supported by city governments – and the state has not only failed to bring about any significant change with regards to defunding or the abolition of police forces, which is what protestors are largely calling for, but it has mobilised a militarised police force against the people they are supposed to serve. In this context, frustration around the prominent visibility of the murals, but lack of tangible progress is understandable. These art works are temporary, and with cars beginning to obscure their message as the roads reopen, what will the movement have left to show? Art is political, and there should be a role for art in political movements, but it isn’t enough on its own: we must continue to support the Black Lives Matter movement in bringing about real, structural change.
THE FOUNDER September 2020
LITERARY REVIEW 15
B L M R e a d i n g L i s t Catherine House: A Novel by Elisabeth Thomas
KINZA AZIRA want to write a book about a girl who falls in love with a house’. Elisabeth Thomas wrote this sentence on the inside cover of a notebook amidst a dark period in her early adulthood. Years later, she did exactly that. 2020 has been a year filled with political unrest and a worldwide demand for justice of the persecuted. The Black Lives Matter movement has been patiently simmering over impactful and provide both Another contemporary the past decade and this year an emotional and exposing author with a range of non- made a global leap in its read, but his final revised fiction and fiction available movement. Black creators work finds his style at its is Ta Nehisi Coates. A and public figures have best. For those wishing to journalist as well as an come forward with their truly investigate the historical author, he has also published experiences of injustice context in which systematic both fiction and non-fiction and in response, the world racism is rooted, Douglass work, most notably Between has listened and educated is the definitive voice of a The World And Me (2015). themselves accordingly. generation. One of his earlier works, Elisabeth Thomas was born this book encompasses a and raised in Brooklyn, For something letter from father to son America, and later educated contemporary, one of the about what it means to be at Yale University- a place most prominent black authors black in modern America. she outwardly recognises to today is Chimamanda Ngozi It is heartfelt, and powerful, have no allegiance to her as Adichie. She has written conveying the struggles an African American. several books, from fiction of living beneath an eversuch as Half of a Yellow present history that cannot Both Thomas’ father Sun (2006) and Americanah be ignored and explaining and grandfather were also (2013) to her non-fiction its lingering effects. As well students at Yale University pursuits such as We Should as this Coates has published and admitted to facing All Be Feminists (2014) a memoir entitled The blatant racism in their and Dear Ijeawele, or A Beautiful Struggle (2008), day to day lives. In a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen about his coming of age debut interview, Thomas Suggestions (2017). Her and We Were Eight Years In stressed the ever-growing stories present lives glossed Power (2017), a compilation importance of works over and mis-represented by of essays on the Obama which naturally include a the modern media through a presidency. diversified cast. Books can gripping and blunt prose. Her most undoubtedly have a fiction mercilessly confronts This is a short snippet of black character without the reader’s preconceptions, what should be a much larger having to politicise the exploring the challenges of list, promoting more black colour of their skin and it having an identity stretched writers and thinkers, but I is important to recognise across two continents and hope that this has provided the dire need for published the different ways people a springboard from which black stories in our quest experience war. Meanwhile, readers will be able to get to overcome centuries of her feminist texts fiercely interested in black history ignorance and prejudice. tackle problems with and black stories, and Thomas’ novel is set in an sincerity and clarity, making start their own journeys of elitist university- named for emotional but practical discovery. Catherine House- which reading. becomes a suffocating
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Source: Unsplash.com MERCEDES-GEORGIA MAYES | LITERARY REVIEW EDITOR
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he current prominence of the Black Lives Matter movement has brought with it a deluge of information sharing across social media and the news. I am not an expert on politics by any means, but I know that this momentum needs to be kept up, so here are a few book recommendations that either were written by black authors, feature fantastic black characters, or delve into black history in order to educate, enlighten, and entertain. When it comes to authentic historical accounts of black lives, Frederick Douglass offers a rich series of narratives surrounding his experiences as a slave, and his journey to freedom. Douglass was a proficient orator and writer who used his experiences to promote antislavery values. His first work, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (1845), was a bestseller at the time of its publication, and he continued to revise it, culminating in the Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (1881). All accounts were hugely
home to the students who attend it. The education, food and accommodation come at no monetary value providing all students cut ties with their family, friends and home lives in order to study. The university becomes a clean slate; an opportunity for protagonist Ines to become reborn and escape a ‘dark past’. The novel draws no attention to themes such as racism, sexism and classism, leaving the characters unapologetically themselves. The world in Thomas’ novel is familiar to readers in many ways; the drinking culture, the sex and the questions of young adulthood entwine in the characters’ lives. Ines indulges in the freeness of Catherine House while Elisabeth quite tactfully disregards the diversity of the students to an extent where their coexistence becomes almost utopian.
Catherine House is written in the vein of academic campus novels such as Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and whilst Thomas brilliantly tackled diversifying the genre- the novel somewhat failed as a debut. The book, whilst beautifully written and steeped in seductive languageis overall quite drab. The plot is dry with little drive behind it and even less of a climax, doing little to captivate a reader. Most disappointingly, Ines is an unlikable main character and spending the novel trapped in her mind can become quite tiresome to read. Catherine House had the potential to be a modern gothic masterpiece and Elisabeth Thomas’ writing style is definitely worth watching as an up-and-coming author. Therefore, Catherine House does something brilliant in diversifying a tired genre, but leaves the reading wanting more.
16 LITERARY REVIEW T h e D e s t i n y o f Wa n g r i n
by Amadou ANTONIN LEFEBVRE he theme for this edition, ‘A black writer to honour the movement Black Lives Matter’ seemed at first, not only interesting, but, I admit, also fiendishly easy. To my despair, I found that I had close to no books written by black authors in my library (which is mainly composed of books I studied at school) and above all, that I could cite less than ten books having been written by a black author. Was I the one to blame? Have I been ignorant for more than twenty years? Do our societies not showcase books written by black artists?
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Surely, all are true, but eventually I did find one: at the bottom of my shelf
Hampâté
lay The Destiny of Wangrin by Amadou Hampâté Bâ, a Malian author.
Born in 1901 in Bandiagara, Mali (which at this time was part of ‘French West Africa’), Hampâté Bâ is known for his role at the UNESCO, and his writings. His books are tinged with a bitter feeling vis-à-vis the French colonisation in place, as seen by Wangrin’s referral to French people as ‘son of demons’. Indeed, Hampâté Bâ was very political and militant in his fight for the conservation of African heritage, especially to avoid its desecration by colonisation (as he said in his speech at the UNESCO in 1960).
Bâ
Published in 1973, the story showcases the life of Wangrin, a valiant fighter and citizen on the one hand, a sneaky businessman on the other. Wangrin’s story is claimed to be real and he is said to have been Amadou Hampâté Bâ’s friend. However, in some respects the story seems to emanate from the African oral culture, in which he
Source: Unsplash.com
THE FOUNDER September 2020 was illustrated as a great defendant, with the famous precept, ‘whenever an old man dies, it is as though a library were burning down’, attributed to him. Whilst Wangrin was an official interpreter to the governors (the AOF in the French colonies), he devoted his life to setting up scams, indiscriminately chipping away the French authorities, his friends, or compatriots. If embezzlement was an Olympic discipline, there is no doubt that Wangrin would have been awarded a gold medal! The satire is drawn further by his position as an ‘hostage’ of the French f o r c e s . Indeed, at the time, some
children from the bush were requisitioned and educated according to the French tradition to ensure their loyalty. The book is astonishing, thrilling and coloured by a wonderful description of Mali at the time. Hampâté Bâ easily transports us with crazy details, anecdotes, and a whole host of different characters. The story is extremely poetic, and its atypical style reads like a tale. Hampâté Bâ does not enter into deep descriptions, and in the end the reader does not know much about the different characters, as Wilde or Balzac would allow us to. But, in fact, it is unimportant. Amadou Hampâté Bâ still weaves an amusing and authentic story well worthy of praise.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett GEORGIA BISBAS
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ome people disagree with the defacing of a novel, they would never fold down page corners or underline favourite passages in rough pencil, especially not in a pristine hardback copy. Reading Brit Bennett’s stunning new novel I was compelled to do both, and I went a step further and wrote all over the receipt I was using as a bookmark, with some thoughts I had now indistinguishable from my ‘Cardholder Verification’ on the crinkled strip of paper. In a recent interview, Bennet described The Vanishing Half as ‘a story about twin sisters, Desiree
and Stella, who decide to live their lives on opposite sides of the colour line – one as a white woman and one as a black woman.’ The theme of race and passing as white recur throughout the non-linear narrative. The twin that decides to live as a white woman grapples with her identity and the choices she has made to protect her family from who she was. She ruminates that ‘sometimes lying was an act of love.’
Dishonesty and lies effect every character with some choosing to withhold truths, even from those they love most, and others unaware of the extent of the fallacy of their lives.
Bennett explores what race means generationally and geographically; she interrogates colourism through a rich narrative polyphony. The book’s publication coincided with the recent protests against systemic racism and the violent clashes between civilians and police in the USA. The novel feels both anachronistic with a pre internet age of distance, but it is also strikingly relevant and indeed timeless with haunting lines like ‘The Vignes twins grew up without a daddy because white men decided that it would be so.’ Bennet brings humanity and complexity to the twin sisters, their indeterminable
appearances as children belied by their different personalities and ambitions as adults. The axis of the book is race and the duality of how the women are seen and the identities they carve out for themselves as a black and a white woman in their respective communities. Bennett compounds the theme of duality by introducing photographers, actors and drag queens and I was enraptured with each of their battles with pretence and the transitional roles they adopt. There is enormous skill in establishing a trope in a character type and then letting it lie dormant until the reader is sufficiently invested in their progress. So much so that I felt disappointed
when something that was statistically likely rang true. So too, Bennett adeptly avoids the cliche of young creatives swallowed up by the solipsism of Los Angeles, such as the aspiring photographer who ends up working in Kodak and taking odd jobs instead of practicing their craft. The Vanishing Half is a comprehensive and beautiful novel that seamlessly intersects the spheres of the political, the sociological and the familial with delicate messages throughout. I am intrigued now to read Bennett’s first novel, The Mothers. My pencil is at the ready.
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Th e F a te of t he C aptives; C o mp a r ing The Co l l e c t o r t o Room ALI KRAUSOVA Content Warning
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he Collector, written by John Fowles and published in 1963, is a thriller novel about a young girl called Miranda, who is kidnapped and held captive by butterfly collector Frederick. Frederick is obsessed with Miranda, as he is with many beautiful things, and when he finds himself with the cash to spare he decides to purchase an isolated house in the countryside: the perfect trap for his victim. The story is unbelievably immersive and intelligent, sneaking in references from Shakespeare’s The Tempest to the British caste system. It wouldn’t be the same if not told by both Miranda and Frederick, with their conflicting perspectives of the situation and their attempts to cope with it. Miranda is often found wondering how to trick her captor and successfully escape. For example, even though Frederick is not interested in a sexual relationship, she eventually tries to persuade him into one to get an easy chance of killing him. Such moments in the story were especially fascinating to me as a reader and a woman, knowing that even those brave thoughts can go through a captive’s mind. The story ends tragically with Miranda falling ill and dying, and Frederick, although at first obsessed with Miranda alone, planning on kidnapping another girl. On the contrary, Room, written by Emma Donoghue, ends on a comparatively lighter note but is tragic on many other levels, maybe
because it is also inspired by the real Fritzl case. The story is told by fiveyear-old Jack, the child of a molestation, called nothing other than ‘Ma’. The story focuses mostly on the lives of him and his mother after the escape, which, while it could be harmless, somehow fails to be. Since Jack has never lived in the real world before, it soon becomes overwhelming for him: not only does he not understand most of things he encounters but he also cannot comprehend space and struggles to navigate his surroundings. The story is constantly disturbing, flowing into a naturalistic Zola-like literature, as Jack describes things such as being hidden in the wardrobe whilst his mother is being raped by their captor, sucking on his mother’s rotten tooth or still being breastfed at the age of five. Ma also continues to struggle once they are freed and cleverly references Woolf’s A room of one’s own to explain she needs her own room to do her thinking. At an interview she is told ‘her experiences have given her an enormous empathy with the suffering children of the world’ and to that she responds, ‘not just children, people are locked up in all sorts of ways.’ This becomes apparent throughout the rest of the book as she continues to struggle with her renewed freedom while battling depression. Having read both books one is left with the question of which heroine really escaped her trap, and if, once caught in one, there is a chance to truly get away?
LITERARY REVIEW 17 I Will Not be Erased by Gal-dem MICHELLE KENNEDY
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ducation is the finest form of understanding. With this collection of short stories written by women about their experiences with racism growing up, one is pushed to educate themselves and come to terms with the reality of the whitewashed society we live in. Focusing on each story allows readers to delve deep into lived experience of racism and examine how it pervades everyday life. The authors of I will not be erased are all involved in the award-winning magazine ‘gal-dem’ written by nonbinary people of colour and women. The decision to write this book showcases strength and importance of marginalised voices. Not only does it present the experiences of its authors to empower those that have suffered the same, it further allows those who do not experience racism on an everyday basis to understand how draining and painful it can be to an individual; how it must be stopped. One of the many short stories in this book, Kuchenga’s My Cousin MenyaÏ, displays the courage and resilience of black women through highlighting the difficulties of gender transition. It engenders feelings of support, inspiration and piercing pain when reading this terrific piece. After being disowned by her parents Kuchenga experienced homelessness, yet pulled through with the support of her cousin. When her cousin passed away, she was overcome with loneliness, without even the comfort of
Source: Unsplash.com expressing herself truthfully. This story is a bittersweet learning experience. Whilst reading it, it is important to consider how race fits into the difficulty of transition and how being a black trans woman is tough in a society that offers no support- only reprobation. The perfection of each short story within I will not be erased lies in the way that each story finds a way to relate to the reader, whether that is through race, identity or sexuality. It is an important novel for the ways in which it provides solidarity for those going through similar struggles but also for the ways in which it educates, shedding light on the fact that growing up as a person of colour is exceedingly difficult in a society that is inherently racist.
These short stories emphasise the need for systematic oppression to be completely broken down in society. Start by reading books and magazines based on the Black Lives Matter movement. Listen to podcasts. Begin to change society by changing yourself and the way you see things. Gal-dem’s novel is the first step on the path to do this; it shines light on how deeply rooted racism actually is, in ways that may not even be realised. Be critical in how you think and teach others who need to be spoken to; use novels like this in order to talk to your family and friends. If we do not educate ourselves and speak up, the flaws of society cannot be changed. Start by educating yourself and educating others. This fight is not over yet.
18 ARTS: FILM
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Black Power and White Uptight: T h e F o r g o t t e n Classic Fragility on Film:
How cinema needs to be held accountable for its role in perpetuating racism. LEWIS. J. WHITE | FILM EDITOR
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020 is a year faced with change. Not chosen change like many would hope, but forced change; existential change. COVID-19 has changed the way in which we have lived our lives forever – this is an undeniable fact. However, one thing that refuses to change in this new world is racism. On the 25th May 2020, George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis police force, a white knee forced on his neck for 8 minutes and 15 seconds and in that time, what of his human rights? Forgotten. Racism prevails when the ignorance of white people extinguishes the power and desire for change from the black community, not a new concept, one can find examples of this from years ago. One of the most enduring aspects of recorded racism can be found in the format of cinema; in film. For example, in 1915 D.W. Griffiths released his controversial epic: Birth of a Nation. A film documenting American history and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln as well as the tensions between the south and the north during the American Civil War. The film also portrays the Ku Klux Klan and the lynching of a Black American man in a positive light. You may be asking what does this have to do with institutional racism and George Floyd? Well, sadly Birth of a Nation’s
for the Black Lives Matter M o v e m e n t FRASER REITH
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Source: LA Times
reputation doesn’t just end there. With certain films, elements often represent firsts or foundational attributes that transcend their inception and begin to become common place. The way in which D.W. Griffiths depicts black men is monstrous, a caricature; he others them. The 'other' has a known place in cinematic history and genre history – it didn’t begin and end with Birth of a Nation. Ask yourself, what other narratives feature something othered and predatory towards white women until a white male saves her and enacts revenge on the monster. A common narrative? Yes. Now ask yourself, how often is that monster just a surrogate for racial tensions and disgusting allegory?
The Phantom of the Opera (1925), King Kong (1933), The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954), the list goes on…
The continuation of this depiction of black characters in film, allegorical or not – perpetuates systemic racism. I am not arguing that George Floyd and countless other black men, women and trans peoples were killed as a direct response to Birth of a Nation, but it does beg the question: what is the role for black characters in film and how is that reflected in our society? Are the only roles for black characters in film to suffer for the white audience – is cinema perpetuating the idea that black people are only useful when they are suffering, only interesting when their narratives are gratuitously painful. Cinema is racist. It just is. But it doesn’t have to be. And if anything changes for the future as a result of 2020, I hope cinema can follow in suit; because maybe it’s time to let go of the black monster and start showing the reality – that maybe the white man is the true monster.
he first film director Jules Dassin was allowed to film in America following his 1948 blacklisting, featuring a black cast, a black protagonist, with a screenplay written by two black civil rights activists about a group of black revolutionaries – it’s surprising that this film even got made. Those aren’t the hallmarks of an easy sell at a major Hollywood studio in the 1960s. Nonetheless, in December 1968, Uptight arrived in cinemas – albeit to empty seats and scarce reviews. Fifty-two years on, it seems little has changed. Starring Julian Mayfield as the protagonist, Tank, we follow a group of black revolutionaries whose plan to violently retaliate to Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination is derailed when their leader becomes a wanted man. The group’s willingness to use violence conflicts with Tank’s anti-violent stance. Spitefully, Tank betrays his long-time friend, the group’s wanted leader, by informing the police of his whereabouts. Tank is then hunted by the revolutionaries and haunted by his conscience. The film shows a man torn between loyalties to his fellow activists and with his anti-violent principles. The film asks whether violently retaliating to violence is
appropriate, understandable or productive. While the film doesn’t offer a firm answer, the revolutionaries’ resentment of society and desire for violence becomes understandable. Nonetheless, there’s a lingering irony throughout as the film notes Martin Luther King Jr’s unyielding condemnation of violence. Perhaps the film’s finest moment is its mockery of the white upper-class perception of the black struggle which feels brilliantly out-of-place in this era of Hollywood. As a group of slumming white people encounter the inebriated Tank, he acts out their fallacious perception of what the activists are trying to do, while distorted by funhouse mirrors. Symbolic, memorable and amusing – this scene is when the film peaks. Uptight does have its flaws. At times, Dassin’s direction is inelegant, clumsily creating a cartoonish world with the backdrop of the ghetto more akin to a man-made set than the actual filming location in Cleveland. Losing this realistic look damages the film’s emotional impact. The film demands a grittiness to its direction which Dassin does not provide, instead opting to submerse the film in a comfortable and familiar Hollywood audio-visual style which horridly jars with the
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THE FOUNDER September 2020
film’s plot and subject matter. Cumbersome shifts in tone, a slow pace, and an ending which lacks impact don’t help either. Nonetheless, the film developed an unappreciated historical significance in portraying the anger of the ghetto – something scarcely documented in American cinema by 1968. Uptight might just be the first Hollywood film to depict black America’s reasonable indignation of the twentieth century.
Source: Citizen Dame
Uptight might not be the most entertaining or exciting film, nor would anybody consider it to be Dassin’s magnum opus, but it should be heralded in higher regard for its historical significance to American cinema. With Black Lives Matter’s resurgence over the last few months, Uptight, and the issues it deals with, seem to be increasingly relevant – perhaps now it might get the recognition it deserves.
Black Roles in Hollywood: A History of Onscreen Stereotypes ARIANNA PALADIN
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ollowing George Floyd’s death and the Black Lives Matter movement protests, movies like The Help (2011) have been trending for weeks on Netflix and other streaming platforms. However, such 'feel-good' movies keep perpetuating harmful, antiBlack stereotypes which inevitably hurt the Black community. In the past few months, a lot of people globally have been willing to educate themselves on the movement, it is therefore vital to avoid and defy historical archetypes and racist caricatures. By analysing common clichés regarding Black roles onscreen, we can overcome their outdated media representation. The 'Mammy' and Domestic: The figure of the Mammy is a stereotype rooted in the American culture: a Black woman whose life circles around taking care of a White family. An early example of such a role is Hattie McDaniel’s character in the 1939 blockbuster
Gone With the Wind. Despite McDaniel’s being the first African American woman to win an Academy Award, such performance contributed in the naturalization of Black people portrayed as domestics. The Help still depicts Black women in the role of maids. By not addressing historical racism or segregation, this racial reconciliation film ultimately prioritizes the White protagonist’s affirmation over the Black maids’ struggles. After winning an Oscar for her role in the movie, Octavia Spencer stated that 90% of the roles offered to her were maids.
focus on their inner world, only subordination. Examples include Stacey Dash’s Dionne Davenport in Clueless (1995) and Dave Chappelle’s George 'Noodles' Stone in A Star is Born (2018).
The Black Best-Friend:
The White Saviour Narrative:
Always a best friend, never a protagonist. Black best friends to a white protagonist solely exist to support the main character and offer comic relief by usually having a more 'colourful' personality. Such a marginal role doesn’t give dimension to the character whose main purpose is in facilitating the protagonist. There is no
This narrative keeps sending the message that people of colour can’t aspire to a better life without the help of their White saviours whose triumph comes from risking their social position to defend the underprivileged. In The Blindside (2009), a Black boy finds solace under the roof and care of a sympathetic middleclass Caucasian woman. The problem with these tales
Source: BBC
of white benevolence and salvation is that they avoid all serious exploration of race and class. The Angry Black Woman: Depicting black women as unbreakable, sometimes abusive and irrationally angry is perhaps one of the most hurtful anti-Black stereotypes. Such a cliché was used to demean Black women and re-enforce the idea of them being unable to properly care for their family and unable to face their vulnerabilities. This prevents Black women from seeking the mental health support they need and depicts them as almost superhumans.
To defy these longlasting stereotypes and better understand racism, here are some films with which one could counter those stereotypes: - Selma (2014) and 13th (2016), dir. Ava Duvernay - Get Out (2017) , dir. Jordan Peele - Moonlight (2016), dir. Barry Jenkins - Do the Right Thing (1989), dir. Spike Lee
20 ARTS: MUSIC
THE FOUNDER September 2020
A Rare Live Gig in 2020: Lockdown Matt Maltese at Signature F a v o u r i t e s : A Brew, Walthamstow
AMELIA MORRIS | MUSIC EDITOR t 8pm on a Tuesday evening in early September, one of the last places one would expect to find live music would be an enclosed area at the front of a brewery at one of the farthest reaches of the Victoria Line. However on this particular evening, this became the place to be for dozens of 20-something music fans. With soft lighting, artisan beer and darkening skies, this small outdoor space in North London transformed with music and conversation as this select group settled in for what was many attendees’ first experience of live music in many months.
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Now, a ‘socially distanced’ concert may sound like an impossible feat but, by
Source: Amelia Morris
providing long tables and benches, limited tickets and limiting movement during the live set, this open air venue felt not only comfortable but also safe. This of course comes with the risk of bad weather and, like many outdoor events which have been adapted for social distancing, would be far less viable as winter nights draw closer. As it was, many of these corduroy-clad soft boys donned knitted jumpers against an early autumn chill as evening turned to night.
At 23 and over 5 years since the release of his wellknown debut single, Even If It’s A Lie, Matt Maltese is entirely comfortable in his musical and lyrical style. Jumping between upbeat and melancholy with practised ease, Maltese performed a
wide variety of his singles, including several from his new EP madhouse to a rapturous crowd, including As The World Caves In, I Hear The Day Has Come and hi.
Speaking after the concert, I asked how it was to release an EP during quarantine, knowing full well that it was unlikely that live music promotion would be possible. Maltese replied that it was definitely really different to previous releases and that while he is grateful that we are able to connect with others online, there isn’t anything comparable to live concerts for the energy that they bring which validates the experience of an album. This gig, however, while being different from pre-lockdown still and feeling very strange with all the differences of social distancing, was almost miraculous in that it happened, It was, Maltese said, ‘amazing to be at a gig, to perform to an audience even with all the differences which are impossible to ignore and shouldn’t be ignored.’
RENÉE LEWIS s the global pandemic escalated and lockdown was enforced across the UK, I felt myself getting incredibly restless and hopeless, but it was the music I found and listened to whilst we were all adjusting to our new reality that helped me through it. Oh Wonder – No One Else Can Wear Your Crown (released 7th Feb 2020)
Although the English altpop duo released their third album just before 'The Big C' was declared a global pandemic, I first came across it about a month or so later. As someone who had heard of Oh Wonder but never listened to their music before, No One Else Can Wear Your Crown was a great introduction to them. The album opens strongly with a message of hopefulness and self-trust in Dust, and this is further explored in Hallelujah, a song about proving the
While the government’s ‘Rule of Six’ bill may put a slight dampener on events such as this one, it is clear that on a small scale - on a Tuesday night in North London, socially distanced concerts can, and will, safely go ahead. As music fans, we have to find small slivers of hope that despite everything, live music will always find a way. Source: Pitchfork
naysayers wrong and finding success after chasing one’s dreams. On the other end of the emotional spectrum are Better Now, inspired by the news of a friend who was recovering in hospital, and How it Goes, which depicts the fleeting nature of human emotion accompanied by lo-fi instrumentation. The overall composition of the album is incredibly calming, making it perfect to relax to. Hayley Williams – Petals for Armour (released 8th May 2020) Like many people, I have been a fan of Paramore for years and was, as a result, very excited when frontwoman Hayley Williams released her long-awaited debut solo album. In an interview with Zane Lowe, she noted that Petals for Armour grew from her time in therapy, where she was able to discuss her childhood trauma, battles with depression and recent
THE FOUNDER September 2020
ARTS: MUSIC 21 to make deeper and more meaningful relationships. Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris is particularly inspiring: here Williams celebrates her womanhood and femininity while preaching body positivity and self-love amongst women.
sound so complete despite there being no backing track, and their cover of Billie Eilish’s when the party’s over beautifully highlights all of the underlying harmonies that are more difficult to hear in the original (due to
Eilish’s production style). This short collection of a cappella covers is enjoyable to listen to from start to finish, as the quintet continue to demonstrate how versatile the human voice is.
Pentatonix – At Home EP (released 24th June 2020)
Source: Amazon
divorce from her partner of ten years in a safe environment. This gives the album a very introspective, autobiographical tone and takes the listener along on her path to recovery. Williams uses Cinnamon and
Dead Horse to communicate how she has learned to be comfortable and content with living by herself in the aftermath of her divorce. This is juxtaposed by Pure Love, a song about finding strength in one’s vulnerability in order
Although quarantine put a stop to music performances and halted album recording, that did not stop Pentatonix members Kristin Maldonado (mezzo-soprano), Mitch Grassi (tenor), Scott Hoying (baritone), Kevin Olusola (vocal percussion) and Matt Sallee (bass). The entirety of the At Home EP was arranged, recorded and produced whilst they were apart from each other. Their covers of The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights and Clean Bandit’s Cologne
Source: Genius.com
Is Indie Music as Indie as it Thinks it is? OLIVIA ANDERSON
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ore so than with any other genre of music, ‘indie’ seems to bring with it a set of specifications – criteria for membership into an exclusive club of bucket-hat clad, messy haired renegades. Ironically, for a sub-culture that tends to pride itself on its originality and its tendency to subvert mainstream culture, people who self-identify as indie seem to be as cohesive and immediately identifiable group as any other. It’s almost as if there is a set of protocols and conventions governing this idiosyncratic group – a comprehensive ‘indie starter pack’. For the most part, there is a definite aesthetic that comes to mind when you think of the demographic who listen to, say, Oasis or Cage the Elephant.
The term ‘indie’ derives from independent labels, and brings with it the idea that bands signed to independent labels are smaller, less massproduced and maybe even more authentic because of that. It’s a purely descriptive term that has morphed into a kind of pseudo-ideology, a way of thinking and selfpresenting. A lot of the most famous alternative bands, Catfish and the Bottlemen for example, are indie in the sense that they are affiliated to an independent record label, but have undeniably reached the mainstream. To be mainstream and indie seems like a contradiction in terms, and it is difficult to think of a more perfect example of the tension between indie culture and prevailing culture than TikTok – I’ve lost count of the
number of times 505 has been used in some angsty POV post, or Brazil has punctuated an influencer’s GRWM video, and it’s probably only a matter of time before Addison Rae starts throwing it back to Give Yourself a Try.
Indie music is a crucial component of a wider ideology that incorporates a certain irreverence or sarcastic disregard for mainstream culture, and that encapsulates a certain mode of self-presentation. To be truly indie is to perform your indie-ness and manifest your alternative leanings – search the hashtag ‘indie’ on Instagram and this is apparent. But has indie lost its edge? Is it as alternative as
and ever-evolving and, just as sure as I will always sneer at my sister for not knowing who Cavetown is, it will always exist and find ways to If you listened to Favourite subvert prevailing culture. Worst Nightmare in 2007, you probably were a little bit Old-school indie artists cool in a transgressive kind of (think The Killers, the Arctic way. Now, if you announce Monkeys, the Kooks) might that Fluorescent Adolescent is have lost their edge – that your favourite song, you are ‘alternative’ categorisation simply late to the party. Maybe worn as a badge of honour – the strength of the genre is but there will always be a new what affords the hard-core up-and-coming generation alternatives a certain disdain of left-of-centre artists who for those who don’t fully aspire to take up their mantle. subscribe to the group, giving Maybe Catfish are no longer us a spectrum of indie-ness edgy in the way they once ranging from the boy who were, but bands like Vistas and asks you if you’ve listened Sea Girls are waiting in the to Hypersonic Missiles to the wings, as are countless other girl who only listens to covers artists hoping to be accepted of Blossoms songs made by by the indie collective, having Icelandic feminists. That said, consciously turned away from the indie scene is dynamic the mainstream. it claims to be? Has indie, as an ideology, come to negate itself through the growth of its own particular subculture?
22 ARTS: MUSIC Lianne la Havas: A Concert in Support of Black Lives Matter
JENNIFER ROSE
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n 15th July 2020, as the world held its breath waiting to see what the future would bring, South London artist Lianne la Havas graced the stage with flirtatious melodies to lift the spirits of all those who witnessed it. A successful solo musician, la Havas has toured various countries with her previous albums Is Your Love Big Enough? and Blood. Following global awareness of the Black Lives Matter campaign, la Havas set up a one-off online show in London’s Roundhouse, to raise money in support of the cause. A haven of calm amidst the storm, la Havas entered the retro-styled living room setup armed only with her guitar and microphone. The muted tones of her surroundings only added to the ambience
of this intimate concert, which celebrated songs from her past, as well as exploring songs from her recently released, self-titled work. Only in the dreamy reverb of her vocals were we reminded of the historic venue which she performed in: a statement echoing the abandonment of theatres around the country.
Debuting new music from her self-titled new album, unreleased at the time of the concert, Lianne swiftly introduced the audience to Frida Touray who co-wrote the song Green Papaya: a reflective and exploratory discussion of love, showing softness, longing, and security. Full of passionate crescendos and full, goosebump-inducing vocals. la Havas’ set bought to life the struggles and triumphs of relationships.
THE FOUNDER September 2020
La Havas’ performance of Unstoppable was perhaps the most notable. Whilst the whole concert was stripped back, this song was enticingly similar to the album version with a mesmerising vocal introduction, complicated guitar picking, and use of breaks to create lyrical emphasis. La Havas continually experiments with musical fusions, breaking conventional boundaries as she discussed in a casual interview with singer Denai Moore on Instagram Live back in May 2020. Shortly after announcing her album, she discussed the song Paper Thin, performed during this live streamed concert after the debut of Seven Times, saying that the song is a comment on the ‘complexities’ and ‘potential struggle’ that comes with romantic relationships. The album, la Havas said, was always intended to show her true style, having worked on it for the last five years.
Source: liannelehavas.com
She went on to note that she has finally been able to fulfil personal ideas of who she wants to be within the music world, especially as she produced the album herself. The final song, prior to the ‘intermission’, was Bittersweet, the first single to be released from the selftitled album. It brought a sense of a cycle completed within her career as a whole, with the lyrics ‘bittersweet summer rain/ I’m born again’ reinforcing the meaning behind the album. Ending on the emblematic Midnight from Blood, la Havas once again reinforced her prowess as a musician, showing the passion and dexterity that has pushed her forward over the last eight years as a musician. Whatever is next for Lianne la Havas, it’s certain that she has plenty more to say, and isn’t afraid to be heard.
Nothing is True and Everything is Possible [Review] SAM PALMER
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here is much to be said regarding Enter Shikari’s latest album - Nothing is True and Everything is Possible far too much for one article. Needless to say, the album is exceptionally well written and performed from start to finish, and it is strikingly relevant to current times, with COVID-19 and the BLM protests – something which cannot possibly have been considered in its conception. The album was released in April this year, approximately a month after lockdown in the UK began. Regardless of the artist’s intention, current events will always alter listeners’ perceptions of the music.
Despite the creative team’s obliviousness to what was coming, the album feels like it almost could have been written with knowledge of a pandemic in mind; there are juxtaposing themes of hope and hopelessness, combined with the repeated imagery of humanity blissfully existing while the world collapses around us – all of which feels almost painfully appropriate to COVID-19. This album also talks of revolution in Crossing the Rubicon and places itself and the band firmly alongside all marginalised minority groups, preaching equality for all. Once again this holds striking relevance to the recent BLM protests
and riots, especially certain lyrics pertaining to fighting back against the authority’s control and freeing ourselves no matter the cost to oneself. The band have supplemented this allyship by releasing limited edition merchandise with profits supporting BLM affiliated charities. This shows that despite the coincidental relevance to specific current events, the band are clearly in absolute agreement with what these groups stand for. These messages of revolution feel hopeful for the future, and this theme is repeated several times throughout the album. There are lyrics in tracks such as Modern Living that
cause an ominous overtone. These lyrics imply a futility to our existence, and that we are all living to be satisfied while the world ends around us. So, does this album give a positive outlook when considered in the context of COVID? Yes, it does. Despite messages of foreshadowing and disaster, with sounds of metal scraping and instruments which become more chaotic at the end of one orchestral track, it seems that the overall message of this album is that persistence and openness to change will see us through. This message is exemplified in the track The Pressure’s On, in which the band take us through a journey of near
defeat in every verse, but still the message of keeping on fighting comes through with the positive sound of the track and the repeated lyric “I throw myself into the day”. Nothing is True and Everything is Possible is exceedingly pertinent for the time it was released but gives a very mixed social message. While it aims to describe breakthroughs and shattering of beliefs, it also touches on the tragedy of complacency. Above all else, however, this album describes hope, persistence, and the belief that if we keep on going and keep on trying, we will make it through.
SPORTS 23
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Sport-Light: ELIOT K. RAMAN JONES | SPORTS EDITOR
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atalia GagliardiPettersson was elected as President of Royal Holloway Women’s Football Club in May 2020, after serving as Vice President over the last academic year. Sports Editor Eliot Raman Jones spoke to her about all things RHWFC, why she wanted to take the role, and what she hopes to achieve over the coming year. Could you tell me a bit about what made you run for President? Natalia GagliardiPettersson: I ran for President because I have played football since I was six, and I’ll be turning 23 this year, so that’s been a while. Although I really loved it at uni level, I thought there were some areas that needed improvement, so I ran for President, mainly because I believe the club missed that Student Life can be so complex. Not every student is just a football player, they have uni life, and depending on what course you do and who you are as a student you can either have a lot of work to do or a little less. Something wasn’t really working out in terms of managing all of these aspects last year, so I was hoping to bring a little bit more balance to the club so people could enjoy football in way that suits themselves. What are the reasons to join Women’s Football at Royal Holloway? If you’re a fresher or a returning
student and you want to get involved in sport, why should you choose RHWFC to join over the other teams out there? N G-P: I think you should choose Women’s Football because it’s a very inclusive group of people who just want to have fun. There are women who are from different socio-economic backgrounds, who have different sexualities, and are different ethnicities. It’s a place to just be who you are, and I think that’s very important. It’s also a great sport, because football is so…forgiving, which I say in the best way possible. It allows for you to make a lot of mistakes along the way in your journey to becoming a better player, which applies to all players at all levels. It’s a beautiful sport in that way. You’ll also meet some amazing people who will become some of your best friends at university. Team sports at Royal Holloway have gone under the microscope recently with criticism directed at fees and a perceived lack of diversity. What do you want your club to tackle in regards to diversity and inclusivity over the course of the coming year? N G-P: I think that there are several layers here, but regarding the financial aspect, I’d like to be able to offer bursaries, or scholarships that cover the entire cost, which could scale depending on what team you’re on. I think that the club finances can allow
Royal Holloway Women’s Football President Natalia Gagliardi-Pettersson
for that, and the question now is: 'How can we go about making these plans a reality with the SU?'. I’ve had members reach out to be about that and I certainly want to be able to give them an equal opportunity to pay. One good thing about Women’s Football is that we have no cap on membership and welcome everyone, which hopefully means nobody feels too intimidated to join. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, you will not get turned away. How have the team performed over the last year, and what are your sporting goals for the upcoming season?
N G-P: Over the last couple of years we’ve fluctuated, as it depends greatly on what league we find ourselves in, and also which players are available throughout the season. But last season was one of the most successful ones for our First Team. We placed second overall in BUCS, and that was quite a lot of fun. Next year will look so different as it all depends on the guidelines, but I hope to be able to offer two training sessions a week still. We’ve been offering fitness sessions online during lockdown, and we can continue that online if doing it in person is no longer an option. I think that an equally important aspect is to
continue socials throughout the year. Of course they will have to be socially distanced, but that’s something our Social Secretaries are well aware of. Our goal is to be able to bring a very balanced uni experience to all of our members. How would you sum up Women’s Football in a sentence? N G-P: Ooh, one sentence?! Join us to have a good time playing football with a bunch of friendly people, all women are welcome and we look forward to a new season with you as a part of the team!
24 SPORTS
THE FOUNDER September 2020
England Manager Gareth Southgate Announces 25-Man England Squad for Nations League Fixtures Against Iceland and Denmark. DOMINIC TAYLOR ith upcoming fixtures against Iceland and Denmark, England Manager Gareth Southgate has faced some criticism with the 25man squad he has selected.
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There was little surprise at the three goalkeeping options. Dean Henderson and Nick Pope have both had outstanding seasons in the 2019/20 Premier League season, managing to keep 13 and 15 clean sheets respectively. Jordan Pickford, despite poor recent performances, also features in the 25. Pickford was impressive throughout the 2018 Russia World Cup and continued his international form when he was a key figure in England’s 3rd place finish in the inaugural UEFA Nations League. Domestically, however, Pickford has continued to play poorly for Everton. Consequently, many England fans have called on
Southgate to show bravery and start a goalkeeper who is in better form for his club. Whether Southgate will do that in the upcoming fixtures is unknown, however the England manager is known for being loyal to players who perform for him, irrespective of their form in the league. Defensively, Southgate has come under a lot of pressure. Firstly, he selected Harry Maguire just days after being accused of several crimes in the Greek island of Mykonos. The Manchester United defender was found guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees and insult after arrest, prompting Southgate to make a U-turn and drop Maguire from the squad. After comments suggesting he would be happy to select Maguire in the October international fixtures, Southgate has been
NFL Season
DANIEL HORNER
O
ver seven months since the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Miami, Florida, to win the Lombardi Trophy, the NFL returns for the 2020 season. It has certainly been a turbulent offseason in the NFL world since February. The drive for social justice and community work has accelerated since the death of George Floyd and shooting of Jacob Blake. Patrick Mahomes now has a ten-year, $500 million contract and Jason Wright became the NFL’s first black team president of the rebranded Washington
Preview
Football Team. Rosters have now been cut down to fiftythree players as eyes turn to Thursday night when Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans in the traditional curtain raiser. As expected with Covid-19, changes are in place to accommodate the current environment. Teams can decide individually if they want fans to attend games, and Kansas are allowing a reduced capacity of 22% fans at Arrowhead Stadium for opening night. Players are being routinely tested for
criticised by pundits and fans who believe England players are role models and only those who behave as such should be selected. Another criticism Southgate has faced was the exemption of a first team left-back from his squad. Originally, he selected three right-backs and numerous centre-backs. However, Southgate, again made a U-turn and brought in Arsenal’s Ainsley MaitlandNiles to fill the void. Although not necessarily a left-back by trade, ‘AMN’ has excelled under new boss Mikel Arteta and has been praised for suppressing top rightwingers such as Mohammad Salah, Riyad Mahrez and Adama Traore in recent victories. Wolves’ Conor Coady was also rewarded for his consistency over the past couple of seasons after being called up following a string of injuries. Bukayo Saka, another versatile Gunners Covid-19, and furthermore have been given the option to opt out of the season because of the pandemic. The NFL and players’ association agreed that players opting out would earn a $150,000 salary. Furthermore, no international games will take place in London and Mexico City, ending twelve consecutive years of games abroad since 2007. The Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins were the designated London ‘home’ teams.
player, has also been told to continue his performances this season, with Southgate hinting he’s being closely considered for the next set of internationals. Elsewhere in the backline, Southgate hasn’t provided too many other surprises. Trent AlexanderArnold, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker have all been selected at right-back following fine individual seasons. However, there has been criticism directed at the inclusion of Michael Keane and Eric Dier, with some pundits questioning what they have done to warrant international callups. Although the Dier has performed well in the past few years for England, Lewis Dunk, James Tarkowski and Jack O’Connell will be disappointed not to get into the side ahead of Keane. Joe Gomez and Tyrone Mings should expect
Source: NFL
of twelve teams qualifying for the playoffs, but this has now increased to fourteen teams. Only the number one seed from each conference (AFC and NFC) will have a postseason bye. This changed format means that 43% of A major difference with the all NFL teams will make the format of this year’s competition postseason in January 2021. is the expansion of the playoffs. The greater parity in the The usual bracket would consist
starting places after the pair had exemplary seasons last year for Liverpool and Aston Villa. Midfielders, who have been putting pressure on the English set-up for years have finally been rewarded. Jack Grealish, James WardProwse, Kalvin Phillips and Phil Foden all come into the fold to compete with established stars like Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Harry Winks. The most exciting segment of the squad has to be the forwards. The inclusion of in-form Danny Ings and promising youngster Mason Greenwood supplement the world-class strike-force of Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane. With all this said, Southgate should have enough quality in this squad to navigate past the two Scandinavian countries and pick up 6 points.
NFL compared to other team sports means that there are more contenders, although there are still the usual suspects. Defending Super Bowl Champions Kansas City should face a more competitive AFC West with the Denver Broncos, L.A Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders (previously Oakland) vying for a wild card spot. The Baltimore
SPORTS 25
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Ravens, led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, are some bookmakers joint or outright favourites to win the Super Bowl, although Cleveland and Pittsburgh will provide stiff opposition in the AFC North. A changing of the guard in the AFC East seems as close as ever as the Buffalo Bills are primed to challenge the New England Patriots for the division crown. The AFC South seems the most wideopen division: the Tennessee Titans reached the AFC Championship last season and are expected to compete with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts for first place. For Jacksonville and Cincinnati, another season of struggle looks imminent. NFC Champions San Francisco will be challenged in one of the most competitive divisions (NFC West) by the Seattle Seahawks. Once again, the consistent New Orleans Saints are aiming for glory. Fellow NFC South competitors Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, are aiming to win a Super Bowl which is being hosted in their own stadium. Atlanta will look to compete for a wild card. The NFC East is set to be a two-horse race between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, as will the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Washington and Carolina are predicted to have tough seasons once again. Sky Sports recently launched a brand-new NFL channel in collaboration with the league, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of NFL on Sky. As with every NFL season; expect surprises, disappointments and lots of fun touchdown celebrations.
The Day American Sport Stopped BEN ROWE quality' was the word strewn across the jersey of last year’s MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as he recorded 28 points in 28 minutes against the Orlando Magic. The win on August 29 took the Milwaukee Bucks past the Orlando Magic and into the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Despite the game being played on August 29, it was originally scheduled for three days prior.
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Frustrated and hurt, Hill declared a desire not to take the floor against the Magic just twenty minutes before tip-off. Antetokounmpo recalled him looking physically shaken up, as he communicated that there was 'far too much going on,' for their game to be important. His teammates agreed, and the Bucks officially boycotted the match in protest of the shooting. The Orlando Magic followed suit, but this was just the start.
discussion…to further [their] collective efforts and actions in support of social justice.' Three commitments were pledged: the establishment of an NBA social justice coalition, the use of NBA playing arenas as voting locations for the presidential election in November and the inclusion of civic engagement promotion in adverts around the league.
While the efforts of the On August 26, news was league to promote social spreading across the USA that In solidarity with the justice have been prevalent a 29-year-old black man named Milwaukee Bucks, the NBA since the restart – with open Jacob Blake had been shot by announced that all three dialogues among teams, press police in Wisconsin. Word had games scheduled for the 26th conferences, and the option reached ‘The Bubble’ in Florida, would be postponed. This for players to print their own and broke into the Milwaukee led to boycotts from other message on the back of their Bucks dressing room prior to American Sports, with teams jersey – the three-day pause their game against Orlando. in the WNBA, MLS, NFL and gave time to severely ramp MLB all refusing to play their up efforts. America’s most The restart of the NBA had matches. Boiling point had watched league decided it been dominated by the Black been reached. With the nation needed to do more on the Lives Matter movement, with in its current state, sport in the road to racial equality. Now players, teams and coaches U.S. could not – and would not more than ever, just watching alike playing with the aim – continue. the coverage of a game gives of spreading awareness and a lesson in the continuous making a change. On August 26 After two further days struggle for equality. however, Bucks guard George with no basketball, the NBA Hill decided enough was issued a statement detailing With gruelling schedules, enough. the 'candid and productive the players’ bodies are
Source: Getty Images
fatigued, but with concerning events occurring in their country every day, their minds are exhausted. It is hard for many of the players to bring themselves to play, but the power of sport cannot be denied, and the messages that the NBA are projecting will serve to educate. 'Things like this cannot happen,' Antetokounmpo stated in his post-game press conference on August 29, and that “people are scared to walk in the street because of the colour of their skin.” He recalled the decision not to take the court on August 26 as 'one of the biggest things I’ve done as a basketball player.' It will be remembered as the day sport in the U.S. ground to a sudden halt in the name of social justice. Now, with the huge steps that the NBA and other leagues are taking, sport is helping society take the steps towards, as stressed on Antetokounmpo’s jersey, equality.
26 SPORTS
THE FOUNDER September 2020
Sport-Light: ELIOT K. RAMAN JONES | SPORTS EDITOR
J
ulia Jeker was elected President of RHUL Athletics and Cross-Country in May 2020, after serving as Captain the previous year. Sports Editor Eliot Raman Jones spoke to her about the new job, her goals for 2020 and the differences between President and Captain. Tell me a little bit about what attracted you to the role of President. Julia Jeker: As I was the Cross-Country Captain this past year, I’ve become massively attached to the club. I was impressed and inspired by the potential that all of our athletes were displaying. I then chose to run for President because I felt that I wanted to have a bigger voice in how things operated within the team. I want to help push our runners to be the best they can and also motivate others who may be new to the sport to come and join us. I’m excited to take on the role this year, as in my eyes, this club has immaculate potential and a bright future ahead It sounds like you’ve got a very clear idea of what you want to achieve in the next year. Can you tell me about the specific goals you want to have achieved by the end of your tenure? JJ: I think my highest priority this year, will be to maintain our club’s inclusive atmosphere. Now more than ever, we want to make our members feel at home, especially as it has been, and
will be, a difficult year due to COVID-19. I think we already have a very inclusive team that’s very open, diverse and international, so my main goal will be to increase our member numbers to grow even larger. Given that we are a sport that doesn’t involve as much contact as others, we can gain more members while still sticking to the government guidelines. In terms of racing, it is always our annual goal to improve ourselves as a team in both the XC and track ranking. However, at the moment, it is extremely hard to predict if we will even be allowed to race. Earlier this summer, the LUCA (London Universities and Colleges Athletics) Council was still deliberating on how racing would work. Currently, we are still waiting for an update. What makes Athletics and Cross-Country at Royal Holloway stand out? If you’re a fresher at our virtual Fresher’s Fair this year, why would you pick this over the other sports available? JJ: All students are very welcome to join our club. We are looking for runners with all types of ability levels. Whether you’ve been racing competitively for over five years or just want to stay fit and go on the occasional run - we are here to make you a better runner. I have heard that lots of people in the UK took up running during quarantine, which might attract more students to our club this year. We
also have an overall great balance between the sport and the social aspect, which definitely explains why we are such a close-knit club.
R H UL Ath l eti cs and Cross-Country President Julia Jeker
You’re making the switch from Captain to President this year. Will this be an opportunity to take a step back, or are you intending to be more hands-on as a president given your previous experience? JJ: I think as the CrossCountry Captain, I was very involved with the running aspect of the club and helping guide our members towards becoming better athletes. I was leading training sessions and was focused on the sport. Now, transitioning into the role of President, I’ll have to shift that focus to find a balance between the sport and the social aspect of the team. I am keen to ensure that all of our members and my committee colleagues are happy within the club. I will also be trying to keep our training to a high standard, while also offering sessions that are tailored to meet the ability levels of the less competitive/ beginner runners of the club. Has the club seen much success at competitive level over the last couple of years? JJ: Because we’re an individual sport, we’ve had a lot of individually outstanding members. Last year, for example, a 3rd Year member, Reuben Hoyte, was crowned the LUCA CrossCountry Champion. We are not only just an individual sport, though. When you
show up with our team to a competition, you’re representing The Bears and collecting points together with your teammates during your individual events. Our team spirit makes our club very special and we have been very proud of how we’ve represented ourselves at competitions. I’ll be hoping for motivated racers to join us, if competitions do go forward this year.
How would you sum up RHUL Athletics and CrossCountry in a sentence? JJ: The Athletics & Cross-Country Club is an internationally and culturally diverse sports club, that caters to all kinds of ability levels, while constantly maintaining an inclusive atmosphere throughout training sessions, competitions and socials.
SPORTS 27
THE FOUNDER September 2020
How much did the Premier League’s VAR experiment affect the league tables?
TASMIN FATODU ommentator Andy Townsend compared the ongoing debate regarding the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to Brexit, as many observers remain divided on whether VAR’s widespread usage has improved the quality of football since it’s inclusion in the 2018 World Cup.
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Many other sports have already been using something like VAR effectively, such as cricket’s use of DRS (Decision Review System) and Hawkeye. But as former footballer Don Hutchison argued in a debate with ESPN UK, in the first couple of years using these systems in cricket, they too had their downfalls before becoming as effective as they are today.
When the 2018 Champions League was approaching, Townsend and commentator Ian Wright stated that VAR had worked well in the 2018 World Cup, and Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini had at the time told reporters that VAR was 'the new revolution in football.'
César Azpilicueta. Oliver did not check the on-field monitors. Referees had been instructed to not check the on-field monitors too often, as this would ‘slow down,’ the game. Later on, the VAR officials admitted that Lo Celso should have been presented with a red card. Sky Sports host Geoff Shreeves raised the point that if the people behind VAR are missing key moments such as this one, then VAR is not helping the game.
came second. In the season that has just passed, Liverpool and Manchester City merely swapped places. According to ESPN, Manchester United was actually one of the teams that had lost a total of seven goals due to the VAR system. Despite this, Manchester United climbed third, compared to finishing sixth in the 2018 season. Furthermore, teams such as AFC Bournemouth and Watford, who have faced relegation, only had one goal that was disallowed by VAR.
Despite the praise, there are many examples of the VAR system creating controversial moments. At the Tottenham Chelsea game in February, referee Michael Oliver decided to go with VAR’s decision to not give Giovani Lo Celso a red card for stamping on
If VAR has the authority to disallow goals, how much is it impacting where teams sit on the table? Comparing the season before and after VAR was implemented, Manchester City won the Premier League and Liverpool
Although VAR is not having an immediate effect on where teams stand on the league tables, Midfielder James Milner argued in his interview with the Guardian that, 'there’s still too much debate around VAR. You score, there’s an explosion of noise and then it’s VAR. You wait. Is it a goal?'
Mike Riley (PGMO) confessed just before the start of the previous season, that VAR had a ‘long way to go,’ before it could earn the reputation of being fully efficient.
The waiting game of 'is it a goal or not?', is not going to go away. For the upcoming season, new measures have been introduced, which include more encouragement towards using the on-field monitor.
According to FIFA Referees Committee chairman, VAR accurately dealt with 99% out of 335 incidents. Yet this statistic is questionable, as many rules did not properly exist before VAR. For example, when a player’s armpit is a couple of millimetres offside, this was never a dominating factor in a referee’s decisions in declaring offside. Ultimately, VAR has a long way to go before being accepted as a flawless addition to making the game fair. Fans have waited months to get back into the stadiums. It is questionable if fans will appreciate having to potentially wait to celebrate goals. Huddersfield Town defender Tommy Smith, back in 2018 argued that VAR, 'slows down the tempo and emotion of the game.'
Source: Sky Sports
Witnessing a goal for the majority of fans, is arguably at heart of watching the game. With the uncertainty of how the next season will unfold due to Covid-19, we can assume that whatever makes football 'football,' has never been more important to fans and players.
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