The official newspaper of Leeds University
Military seizes power in Myanmar Coup
www.thegryphon.co.uk Twitter: @TheGryphonLeeds Instagram: @thegr yphon Issue 4 24/02/21
Carlos Martinez Rodriguez and Augusr Sesickait
Japan launches LGBT Equality Act Ahead of the 2021 Olympics, Japan introduces a long-awaited law aiming to protect and include LGBTQ+communties. Kerisa Carlin reports. (Page 6)
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
Myanmar’s
military, he fought against the Japanese
After twenty years of being in and
military staged a coup d’état and deposed
On
the
1st
February,
and helped Myanmar transition into
out of house arrest, Suu Kyi ran in the
members of the National League for
2012 elections. The NLD won again as
Democracy (the ruling party), including
happening in 1947. Although Aung San
she was barred from being president
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The
was murdered by political rivals just
because of her prior marriage to her
military also declared a one-year state
before the elections, the movement he
foreign husband; she instead became
of emergency.
created had too much momentum to be
Counsellor of Myanmar. Although having
the
stopped. His party, led by his close friend
nationwide approval and being hailed by
a
U Nu, became the government, making
some as a poster-child for democracy,
Although November
the
NLD
General
had
won
Election
by
landslide, the opposition, backed by
Suu Kyi’s administration has been just
the army, claimed that the election
minister in Myanmar, staying in power
as controversial as the previous one.
was fraudulent, despite the election
until he was ousted by the military in
She has been criticised by other heads
commission
stating
there
was
The
This tactic is thought to be inspired by
continuous
abuses
of
human
and
induced
Rohingya Muslim minority, and even
political
instability
that
subsequent the
genocide
praising
1988. In response, the government created
handling of the situation. On the other
past fortnight, people have taken to the
the State Law and Order Restoration
hand, she has attempted to undermine
streets, leading to the biggest protests
Council (SLORC), which imprisoned many as
authoritarian
political rivals, renamed the country,
ways,
people with both rubber and real bullets
and called new elections. Amongst the
agenda to progressively vanish the army
and the government has imposed new
political prisoners was Aung San Suu
from parliament, which has increased
restrictions on public gatherings and
Kyi, but that did not prevent her party,
tensions between them and the NLD,
curfews in various big cities, where the
the National League for Democracy, from
protests are currently happening.
pledging
a
ten-year
winning in a landslide in 1990. SLORC
coup.
Myanmar was part of the British
denied the legitimacy of the election
Empire for the second half of the 19th
results and stayed in power, keeping Suu
of Myanmar’s democracy and will likely
century, and of the Japanese Empire
Kyi under house arrest. After eighteen
have
since 1942. The man that eventually
years of rule, SLORC (then renamed as
country’s economy. As Western countries
liberated
an
SPDC), buckled to international pressure
announce
the country’s identity
and redrafted Myanmar’s constitution to
withdraw capital, Myanmar will have to
integral part of
(Page 12)
the
culminated in deadly riots in 1987 and
such
military’s
of
in the United States. Throughout the
became
Societies and LGBT History Month Martha Sanders speaks to LUU Women’s Rugby Union and Leeds Inclusive Christians about their programming for the month.
for turning a blind eye to the persecution
rights, combined with economic anxiety,
the 2020 presidential election results
and
Molly Rampton discusses the negligence of LGBTQ+ rights in Iran and calls for our activism to be intersectional. (Page 9)
no
evidence to support these claims.
Myanmar
Human rights abuses in Iran
was General Aung San, Aung San Suu Kyi’s father. With help from the British
negative
consequences
sanctions
and
on
the
investors
strengthen its already-close economic of the legislature.
ties with China even more.
Celebrating Alan Turing
Tharushi Wijisiri sheds light on the life and impressive legacy of the STEM and LGBTQ+ icon. (Page 19) In the Middle Music and Clubs, Fashion, Arts and Culture, Blogs and Lifestyle (Midway)
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Editor’s letter Credits Editor-In-Chief Newspaper Associates
Social Media Associate Web Developer Head of Marketing Head of Radio Head of Design Head of Photography Head of Advertising Treasurer Secretary News
Society Features
Views
Science
“
2
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Editor-in-Chief
Business
Sport
Equality and Diversity
Stay up to date... Twitter @ Facebook Instagram Website
Get involved!
Contents: 4-7 8-11 12 13-16 17-18 19-20 21-22
News Features Society Views Business Science Sport
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3
Student Exec columns: Izzy Walter
With Term 2 underway, our Student Exec team keep us up to date with what they’ve been working on
Laila Fletcher
o
C ar o l i n a HallRodriguez
Franks Feng (Jian)
n
Sophia Hartley
Lotti Morton H
i
Lucy Murphy
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Campus Watch
1
4
Universities in England have been Information on how to apply and eligibility details are available on the pressure due to the pandemic. The announcement was made by the Universities Minister Michelle Donelan and is in addition to £20 million given last December, bringing the total to £70 million for this The fund is being given directly to universities to support students impacted by the pandemic, including those facing additional costs for alternative accommodation, loss of employment, or extra costs to access online teaching. The University of Leeds has received £300k and will distribute it through a hardship fund programme. The maximum grant available to students
2
2
Leicester curriculum’
The University of Leicester is receiving backlash over changes to its English Literature modules in a bid to introduce a ‘decolonised curriculum’. The plans were announced due to the modules attracting “small and everdeclining numbers” with students reportedly wanting more inclusivity within the curriculum. However, academics and former students have criticised the proposals, claiming poorer education.” A former graduate of the University and fellow of the British Academy, Professor Isobel Armstrong, has returned her doctorate to the University of Leicester in protest of the plans. Professor Catherine Clarke, an external examiner, has resigned. The University has said that there were no plans to ban certain authors, nor were the plans linked to their ‘decolonised curriculum’ programme. Leicester Students’ Union claim the ‘decolonised curriculum’ campaign is “student-led” with key aims being “confronting the ways in which our curriculum reinforce structural racism and other forms of domination”.
3
urged to end Bahrain degree
4
Edinburgh as rector
The University of Edinburgh has named a former refugee as its new rector. urged to end its masters programme at Debora Kayembe is a human rights the Royal Academy of Policing in Bahrain lawyer who came to the UK from the amid reports of torture in the building Democratic Republic of Congo. Ms where teaching takes place. Kayembe has been living in Scotland SNP politician Ian Blackford lead the cross-party MPs in sending a letter of the Scottish Refugee Council. warning Vice Chancellor Bob Cryan that the University was in danger of “indirect implication in human rights abuse.” the third woman, to hold the position In a letter signed by forty MPs, the
testimonies collected by the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, thirteen individuals reported being tortured during interrogations. The University responded to the letter, stating: “The delivery of this course is in line with the mission advocated by the UK government’s Department of International Trade.” It also quoted Lord Ahmad, minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth, on his remarks on the commitment of the UK to supporting reform in Bahrain. Lord Ahmad previously said that “disengaging or criticising from the sidelines is less likely to deliver the positive reform that Bahrain and the international community seek.” Isabelle Thom News Editor
Ms Kayembe said: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to be elected as position of rector of the University of Edinburgh.” “We are facing so many challenges: battles for racial justice and the reckoning from the past in the wake of the the Black Lives Matter Movement. “Respect for the values of humanity and kindness lies at the heart of all my work and I look forward to workuniversity community, to ensure that everyone is valued.” Chloe Gronneberg
Donelan said: “This continues to be time for our students, and I am hugely grateful to all the university health, wellbeing and learning during this pandemic.” Larissa Kennedy, President of the National Union of Students, said: “Many students are currently under of the pandemic: they are falling behind on their rent and bills, and needing to access food banks. This will not be enough to tackle the scale of the issue.” Josh Elgin
5 £30,000 and had to be broken up by showed hoards of students pouring out of put in place. The party was located at the Ranmoor student village in the early hours of Thursday morning. Police were called when security struggled to disperse the
South Yorkshire police expressed anger over the incident, noting that the police more serious incidents. A spokesperson for the University of that students respect social distancing rules and all other restrictions to keep themselves and others safe and we strongly condemn any breaches of government regulations.” and South Yorkshire Police have been working very closely and we have been clear and consistent with our messaging around student conduct and behaviour, regularly stressing to students that it is their social responsibility to adhere to government guidance. Kerisa Carlin News Editor
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5
Former President Donald Trump faced a historic trial in the Senate this month,
to the Capitol rioters, Trump actually won the election, citing widespread fraud.
also claiming the rioters acted independently.
since election day.
impeached.
Image: Maariyah Fulat Image: Ed Unsplash. Image Credit: Barnes
Image: Getty Images Image: Unsplash
Emma Dodd The unprecedented growth in GameStop shares at
short position. They would, in a nutshell, enter into an on the action. Second year PPE student Joshua Maisey
shares and return them at an agreed later date. The funds then immediately sell these shares at a high price
of collusion.
and lie in wait for the price of the stock to drop. They
at a time when dissections into the demographics was more short demand for GME shares than there was
with eager-eyed trading enthusiasts pressuring one in many a mouth and soon there was an eager crowd Street a run for their money.
was simple: he had noted in July that GameStop was
“
with eager amateur traders all trying to work out what
“
Second year PPE student Joshua Maisey saw his shares reach a high of $260 after following the story on Reddit
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Japan introduces landmark LGBT Equality Act ahead of 2021 Olympics Executive Director at All Out, Matt Beard also stated:
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga recently
“In these trying times, the Olympic Games will be a
introduced a new law protecting residents against
welcome and much-needed celebration of humanity
discrimination on grounds of their sexual orientation
in all its beautiful diversity. By granting LGBT people
or gender identity. 116 human rights groups urged this
protection from discrimination, Japan can prove that
change in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister.
it truly supports the Olympic spirit of promoting
Olympic torch is set to be lit in Tokyo 2021.
“
The games, which would have been hosted in 2020,
were postponed due to COVID-19. The summer games
had formerly advertised “unity in diversity” yet failed
to protect the LGBTQ+ community on the grounds of discrimination.
The #EqualityActJapan campaign was started to prohibit discrimination on legal grounds. Japanese LGBTQ+ groups had been campaigning for six years for this act to be passed.
As a result, the #EqualityActJapan campaign was
started to prohibit discrimination on legal grounds;
tolerance and respect.”
“
“ “
The long awaited law comes just six months before the
Kanae Doi, Japan Director at Human Rights Watch, stated: “By passing landmark legislation to protect LGBT people including athletes, Japan not only can be a global LGBT rights leader, but it would also become part of Japan’s permanent Olympic legacy.
Kanae Doi, Japan Director at Human Rights Watch,
stated: “By passing landmark legislation to protect LGBT people including athletes, Japan not only can be a global LGBT rights leader, but it would also become part of Japan’s permanent Olympic legacy.”
Japanese LGBTQ+ groups had been campaigning for
Despite voting for landmark human rights councils
six years for this act to be passed. Following the new
in the United Nations, calling for the end of sexual
legislation, the groups commented: “This year all eyes
orientation and gender discrimination in both 2011
Image: Geert Vanden
Japanese citizens of the LGBTQ+ community still continue to face social pressures and had previously enjoyed fewer rights than their heterosexual counterparts.
will be on Japan.”
and 2014, Japanese citizens of the LGBTQ+ community still
continue
to
face
social
pressures
and
have
previously enjoyed fewer rights than their heterosexual counterparts.
The Japanese Prime Minister made the following
statement regarding the games: “I am determined to achieve the games as a proof
“
Ministers were urged to introduce the new act before the Olympics commenced.
“
“
Kerisa Carlin
of human victory against the pandemic, a symbol of global solidarity and to give hope and courage around
“ the world.”
The Japanese Prime Minister made the following statement regarding the games: “I am determined to achieve the games as a proof of human victory against the pandemic, a symbol of global solidarity and to give hope and courage around the world.”
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
News
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7
Image: ABC Image: Getty Images
© Geert Vanden Wijngaert/
Madeleine Williams Ever since the industrial revolution, the Earth’s
proportion of people with certain existing conditions,
temperature has been continually increasing, having
demographics, and the high rate of urbanisation and
risen by over 1°C globally between the 1850s and
low rate of air conditioning.”
evaporate, making rainfall more extreme. and in the last ten years, thirty-six Britons have died
today. As the world continues to economically develop,
as a result of this. But death, whilst terrifying, isn’t
climate change is becoming more and more of an issue,
UK has been on average 0.9°C warmer than the period
especially where human health is concerned.
1961-1990. This is a huge temperature increase for such
health. An investigation launched by BMC Public Health
that as the climate increases, heatwaves will become
British seasons should not be underestimated. During
UK Winter of 2013/14 were more vulnerable to long term
more frequent. Although this might be celebrated by
August last year, temperatures exceeding 34°C were
some and, for the average person, harmless, records
recorded in some areas of the UK for six consecutive
victims were found to be more vulnerable to depression
show that heatwaves can be extremely dangerous for
days, leading to an excess of 2,500 deaths between June
by 20.1%, anxiety by 28.3% and PTSD 36.2% whilst those
particular groups such as the over 65s and those with
and August.
Researchers at the Princeton University have found
“
As the world continues to economically develop, climate change is becoming more and more of an issue, especially where human health is concerned.
9.6%, anxiety by 10.7% and PTSD by 15.2%.
As the climate becomes warmer, so does the ocean, causing it to expand in volume, leading inland water, such as rivers and
“Climate change is becoming a tragic and avoidable
But it’s not just heat harming our health. In recent
Take the summer heatwave of 2003, for example.
That year across Europe, more than 70 000 excess
throughout the UK. As the climate becomes warmer, so
deaths were recorded, proving that a rise in global
does the ocean, causing it to expand in volume, leading
temperature is, and continues to be, a silent killer. Elizabeth
Robinson,
Professor
of
Environmental
On top of this, global warming also increases rainfall
Economics at Reading University, suggests that the UK is particularly vulnerable to extreme heat due to “the
the conditions, were more likely to have depression by
In recent years, global warming has led to
warmer climate encourages water from land and sea to
In the words of television doctor Hilary Jones,
“
“
organ disease.
“
“
certain illnesses, including type two diabetes and
health burden on families, support services, and will heap pressure on NHS services already pushed to the limit.”
“
In England, one in six properties are
years, thirty-six Britons have died as a result of this. But death, while terrifying, isn’t the only threat that UK
8
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Features
The maths of equality: An analysis of diversity quotas in the boardroom and beyond This month, the Netherlands introduced a quota system to ensure major businesses employ more women Emily Bell
improved overall governance and decision making.
The new law requires listed companies to have women make up at least a third of all their supervisory boards. Another 5,000 Dutch companies will have to demonstrate how they are putting “appropriate and ambitious” measures in place to increase female leadership. Sanctions will be imposed if these new obligations are not heeded.
However, for every proponent of diversity quotas, there are those with serious concerns about the consequences of such laws. Nobody wants to -
The conversation surrounding gender quotas and, more broadly, diversity quotas of all forms, has been taking place for some time. But to what extent are diversity quotas really posiality, or do they represent a serious hindrance? It would take North America thirty years to achieve 30% female representation on boards of directors at the current rate. Therefore, if we want to see more women entering the boardroom and being promoted to senior roles, a more direct approach may have to be taken. Those who advocate for quotas as a means of seeing this achieved argue that compulsory targets are the only way to ensure businesses stick to their promises; advisory goals are proving too slow, so new laws may be the best way to speed up the process. Many point towards countries where quotas are already in place. For example, surveys generally show that in the US and Europe, there is much less hostility toward quotas in countries that have them, compared to those that don’t. In other words, those who were unfamiliar with quotas were much more likely to think they were a bad thing. For example, directors in the Norwegian companies interviewed had strongly opposed quotas, but once imposed on them by the government, they eventually altered their views. According to these directors, their initial fears were unfounded. After a period of transition, they felt that the increased representation of women on boards actually
situation is wrong. So, why should it be acceptable to promote people based only on their gender, race, or sexuality? Most people would hate to think that they achieved their job because of a characteristic they cannot control. Moreover, why should a highly-skilled man lose out on a job to a slightly less-skilled woman simply because he is a man? One interesting caveat of the new law in the Netherlands is that just as certain companies must have women making up a third of all their boards, a minimum of a third of these boards must also be made up by men. Therefore, if a board has ten members, and the top ten candidates are all women, under the new law, four of those women will be refused a job in favour of a man. It will not matter whether the alone is the reason for their promotion. If you swap these genders in this scenario, the blatant sexism is still apparent, and therefore it is evident that diversity quotas themselves can be discriminatory. One demographic that is repeatedly excluded by diversity quotas is class. For example, the UK government has never been more diverse in terms of race, and there are increasing numbers of women entering parliament. However, the current cabinet is not a reclass divide. Two-thirds of cabinet members were privately educated, compared with just 7% of the general population, and almost half attended either Oxford or Cambridge. The fact that one of four Old Etonians in the cabinet, Kwasi Kwarteng, is Black,
might make it more ‘diverse’, but it is hardly promoting better access for those who really need it. If we are concerned about giving sections of society extra support, class would arguably be a better place to start. It has long been argued by certain feminists that boards made up entirely of women would be the ideal scenario. For example, Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank, ironically famed repeatedly stated that if it had been Lehman Siscrash would not have happened. But why? Is it because woman are more cautious, more intelligent, than men? Suppose that one therefore accepts that woman inherently possess certain qualities that set them apart from their male counterparts, it must also follow that the opposite is true, and that men are naturally more competent than women in other areas. As a result, one cannot argue at the same time that a system of quotas that ignores these inherent characteristics is the best thing for our society. You either argue for an approach based on gender or for one based on abilities; you cannot assert that some people are better at a certain job than others, whilst simultaneously introducing a quota that would see them fail to get that same job because of their gender. Martin Luther King spoke of a dream that his children “will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Diversity quotas appear to do the opposite; they judge people by the colour of their skin (or their gender or sexuality) before considering the content of their character. However, until we’re at a point where all members of society are on the same footing to begin with, Luther King’s ideal of a post-racial society continues to be just that. Before we get there, diversity quotas may Image: AnalyticsInsight.net
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Negligence of universal LGBTQ+ rights? UN report on human rights abuses in Iran
Image:AP
A UN report on human rights abuses in Iran, released on the 10th February, details “electric shocks and the administration of hormones and strong psychoactive medications” for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender children (Content warning: references to homophobia and transphobia) Molly Rampton -
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Features
Turkish students protest against Erdogan’s rulings Recently, Turkish President Recep Erdogan has been facing backlash after appointing a new rector from his political party for Bogazici University and later for making several anti-LGBTQ+ claims against protesting students
Image: Reuters
glorious past. [...] You are not the LGBT youth, not the youth who commit acts of vandalism. On the contrary, you are the ones who repair broken hearts.” Demonstrations at Istanbul’s Bogazici University erupted earlier this month after Erdogan overrode the school’s tradition of electing one of its own faculty members to the post, instead appointed Melih Bulu, a former politician, as rector. Students at a handful of other universities have been staging rare protests in solidarity with Bogazici and against their own state-appointed administrators, according to Politico. Students started protesting against the politically-driven decision to appoint Melih Bulu as rector and unveiled proof that he had plagiarized his 2003 PhD thesis. An article on Science Integrity Digest examined the whole PhD and found that “about 30-50% of the text of Chapter 3 is not original.” The new rector is thought by activists to have “close links to AK, an Islamist-rooted party,” says myGwork. Erdogan has been systematically replacing rectors all over the country in since a failed coup in 2016 have already eroded autonomy at the country’s 200 or so universities,” says Politico. Many activists are comparing Erdogan’s recent actions to the 1980s coup that brought about the dismissal of hundreds of intellectuals and academics in order for the government to take control of education. The president’s actions not only violate the universities’ academic autonomy and democracy, they also harm the quality of upper education in Turkey. At present, Turkey ranks at the bottom of the Academic Freedom Index. The report also states that Turkey is among the countries whose scores worsened
“
“
Homosexuality is legal in Turkey
community has grown in recent years. The Istanbul Pride march was banned for
prevented any attempt to hold it in 2020.
Students have been peacefully protesting for over a month against Erdogan’s attempts to control upper education. During one of these protests, four students were arrested in Istanbul over a piece of artwork that supposedly combined LGBTQ+ and Islamic symbols. “The artwork reportedly depicted LGBTQ+ rainbow symbols alongside the Kaaba, the building at the centre of the Masjid al-Haram - the Great Mosque - in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the most sacred site in Islam. There was also an image of the Shahmaran, a popular Middle Eastern mythical creature, half woman and half snake,” according to BBC. Ibrahim Kalin, chief advisor to the president, said “neither freedom of expression nor the right to protest” could defend the artwork, adding that the act would receive “the punishment it deserves before the law.”
The president’s homophobic remarks perpetuate the discrimination against opposition to the LGBT+ community has grown in recent years. The Istanbul Pride
the release of the peaceful protestors in a tweet, condemning the “homophobic LGBT people.” Political support of the LGBTQ+ community has always been controversial in Turkey.However, homosexuality was tolerated for the most part since it became legal in the 19th century. Turkey’s gay rights movement took shape in the 1990s, but gained energy as Erdogan expanded civil liberties during negotiations to join the European Union that began in 2005. Turkey has also become an important stop for LGBTQ refugees from across the Middle East and provides temporary haven for as many as 2,000 from Iran alone. Tens of thousands of participants made Istanbul Pride the largest LGBTQ+ rally in the Muslim world before it was banned in 2015, according to Politico. Erdogan even came on a program named “Young Vision” before the 2002 elections and appeared to be in support of the LGBT community: “It is a must that homosexuals are also legally guaranteed within the frame of their own rights and freedoms. Seeing the treatment that humane,” according to Bianet. All of this changed when Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted party, the AK Parti, came to power in 2002 and started turning the country more socially conservative. A report on human rights violations of LGBTQ+ people in Turkey states many problems with the current situation in the country including: “The government of Turkey limits the freedom of expression for LGBT-related materials - including artwork, novels, and magazines - by arguing that gay relationships are “obscene and against the morality.” The government is able to limit publications that discuss sexual orientation and gender identity because Turkey does not have a
During the recent drafting of Turkey’s new Constitution, the Justice and refuses to make any references to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in the Constitution. In 2010, Selma Aliye Kavaf, the Minister responsible for Woman and Family issues deemed homosexuality a “biological disorder” and a “sickness” and later refused to retract her comments after international criticism. Turkey’s laws, discrimination and speech against the community have put the country second to last on the advocacy group ILGA-Europe’s ranking of LGBTQ+ equality.
their rights and will hopefully continue to be backed by international support. After these statements, Erdogan slammed the LGBTQ+ community in a broadcast to his conservative AK party last week: “We will carry our young people to the future, not as the LGBT youth, but as the youth that existed in our nation’s
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11
Out of laughs? The future of comedy in a post-Covid society been
hit
industries hard
by
the
across
the
Coronavirus
UK
have
Image: designmynight.com
Predictably,
pandemic,
but it is the comedy industry that is seemingly beyond
the
scope
of
government
legislation Joshua Bate
is the impact that it will have on venues, particularly the smaller arts centres around the country. As with many things during the pandemic, it feels as though there has been a lot of support for the centrepieces, and a willingness to ignore the supporting structures” says Ahir Shah, a stand-up comedian based in the UK.
“
“
Whilst some comedians are receiving support, the industry itself is reliant on supporting structures such as management, production and venues, which have been ignored and left to collapse.
With
local
businesses
being
forced
to
shut
during
national
lockcial support of the state. Whilst some comedians are receiving support, the industry itself is reliant on supporting structures such as management, production and venues, which have been ignored and left to collapse. However, the question remains: what will comedy look like in a post-Covid society? A July 2020 survey conducted by the Live Comedy Association concluded that a third of comedy venues will be forced to close within the next six months whilst 77.8% are expected to close within the next year. Speaking to Ahir Shah about the future of comedy, he says “I think people are desperate to go out again and performers are desperate to get back to work - I just hope that the third part of the equation, the room where it happens, isn’t overlooked to the point of disappearing.” The venue, stage, microphone and audience are integral parts of the comestage represented the classic image of stand up. However, with recent lockdown news and an emphasis on online communication, there has been a shift from in-person venues to Zoom calls. Comedy Virgins, an open mic comedy club in London, has followed the norm and transformed into an online business during the lockdown period. In an interview they responded: “Creatively, it has presented some amazing opportunities that we would never have explored before - and we have had a lot of fun whilst making new friends in the industry. Financially it is a challenge as the income stream is extremely low and doesn’t pay the overheads we have for our venue.” Whilst the introduction of virtual comedy has opened up opportunities for new stand- up comedians to take the centre stand, does this equate to success? In the industry, pacing and timing are key elements of a successful set. However, without the audience, feedback and the late responses which cult to translate their lockdown comedy to the venues once they have reopened. Despite the many setbacks that the industry has faced, the spark that makes comedy so vital to our culture has remained in the hearts of many stand-up comedians around the world. Lockdown has forced comedians and the indusen up additional roles as “Twitch streamers” or writing television pieces as an alternative to stand-up. As said by industry professionals such as Comedy Virgins, “Things will evolve, things will change but comedy isn’t going anywhere.” country, many new ones will open up in their place. Comedians will soon take to the stage and a new age of comedy may be born. Whilst being stuck in what seems to be a never-ending lockdown, virtual comedy has been an important factor in keeping spirits high. For that reason, we must thank the comedians and the venues for working with very little revenue and experience in transforming the industry into a virtual one that has opened up many doors to aspiring comedians. So the question: Are we out of laughs? No. They have only just begun.
“
“
In July 2020, Rishi Sunak announced the Cultural Recovery Fund, consisting of a £1.57 billion grant to cultural organisations across the UK. In a speech to the House of Commons, Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, claimed to have saved 135 music venues from “imminent collapse.” Despite this, and live comedy’s £500 million investment into the economy, government assistance has fallen short. The Live Comedy Association (LCA), a network of individuals lobbying for government intervention, has called for a slice of government funding in smaller venues who are facing threats of imminent closures.
Things will evolve, things will change but comedy isn’t going anywhere - Comedy Virgins
12 | Society
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University of Leeds societies mark LGBTQ+ History Month LUU Women’s Rugby Union What is LUU Women’s Rugby Union and what do you do? LUU Women’s Rugby Union is a women’s sports club in Leeds. We have 2 BUCS teams and 1 development team, although this is ever expanding, as Women’s Rugby Union is growing in popularity massively every year! Whilst in previous years I’d be able to talk about the BUCS leagues games we have on Wednesdays and Development festivals on weekends, this year it’s been putting on non-contact games of rugby with our members every Wednesday, as well as weekly training sessions and online socials. You’ve been doing a month long fundraiser for Stonewall- could you tell us about that as well? Our fundraiser “FitFeb” is an idea we had to fundraise for LGBTQ+ History Month. Our club has strong ties to the LGBTQ+ community and we’re also always striving for more inclusivity in sport. The idea is that we would exercise for every day of February (28 days) to raise money for Stonewall, which is a brilliant LGBTQ+ charity. We thought being active is always something positive our club can encourage
Leeds Inclusive Christians What is Leeds Inclusive Christians and what do you do? The Inclusive Christian Movement (ICM for short) at Leeds is an all-welcoming, all-inclusive group which provides a safe space for people to come and discuss their faith, with a particular focus on social
during lockdown, and with the gyms being closed, it seemed natural to encourage donations of gym membership equivalents for February to such a great charity. Why do you think it’s important to do this? We chose Stonewall because of their history of work in LGBTQ+ rights and because of their current Inclusion in Sports initiative. Stonewall reports that 43% of LGBTQ+ people think public sporting events aren’t a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people, that 14% of LGB pupils & 29% of Trans pupils are bullied during sports lessons and that 11% of LGBTQ+ people have been discriminated against whilst exercising at
the banning of trans-women by world rugby in this last year, our club has felt a strong need to support charities like Stonewall in their work to improve inclusion in sport. It also doesn’t hurt to show our support through our social media campaign for the fundraiser as well.
us are also doing a fantastic job. It’s been really inspiring to see how people have managed to stay active in lockdown; of course, we’ve had a lot of at home workouts and long walks, which has become a staple for most people in lockdown, but we’ve also had some hilarious examples including yoga in the snow, and people attempting our rugby conditioning sessions made by our head coach. We’re also so pleased with the support from the local community-
walks I’m sure we all have planned). What has reaction been and how have been people getting involved? The reaction to the fundraiser has been absolutely brilliant, our members have taken it all in their stride, and the other Sports clubs from LUU that have joined
was really great to be reminded that at the heart of Christian faith is the conviction that all humanity in all of our diversity are made in the image of God and are loved by God. Whether our sexuality is opposite sex or same sex attracted, the values of faithfulness, love and commitment that underpin relationships are to be celebrated equally wherever they are expressed. For us at ICM, this is a really important message to be portrayed. Our guest speakers this month have the Open Table Network. This is a community that
wide organisation, The Student Christian Movement. Our four main values are to deepen our faiths, seek justice, celebrate diversity and commit to Christian unity. We meet on Zoom every Monday at 6pm and discuss a wide range of topics. In the past, we have looked at themes such as Race and the Church, Disability and the Church, and these themes cover a
Facebook: @LUUWRUFC Instagram: @LUUWRUFC
socio-economic background or belief. It’s essential to break down the stigmas surrounding Christianity, and provide a safe space for all, and celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month has been one way that we, as a society, have been able to do this. It’s always so great being with ICM and having conversations which remind me of the open and inclusive nature of so many students. What has the reaction been and how have people been getting involved? I’ve been so thrilled with how the members of ICM have engaged with the month and fought the Zoom fatigue that we all know about (!!) in order to come and speak out about the beauty and joy of the diversity of human kind. It was a real blessing as well to involve members of the same society at other universities with our guest speakers from Open Table. Having more people hearing about the community and their friends, family and allies was
we have a monthly guest speaker who is particularly knowledgeable about the monthly theme and have their own personal experiences to share.
allies and work with inclusive churches throughout the country to create a safe space.
You’ve been doing an LGBTQ+ month of activities, could you tell us about that? We have! It’s been really great. Following our normal monthly schedule, we watched a video which brought together some liberal Christians and some conservative Christians, and followed them having discussions about sexuality, and their takes on it. It
Why do you think it is important for you to do this? There is a lot of stigma around the topic of sexuality and the Church. I think it is so important to have a community present on campus here at Leeds who celebrate diversity, and provide the opportunity for all to be welcome, regardless of age, disability, denomination, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
was a great way for lots of people to get involved. For me, I have always loved and valued ICM for the ability to have such interesting conversations with people who I wouldn’t have necessarily crossed paths with other wise. LGBTQ+ Month has proved this even more so, having heard some really meaningful stories and discussions from our members.
Facebook: @SCMLeeds Instagram: @leedsinclusivechristians
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The Biden Era foreign policy: A change or continuity?
Image: NY Times
On the 4th February, President Biden delivered his
million people have been affected by hunger and
Bush on the Persian Gulf War and persuaded
malnutrition.
Obama to halve the number of troops that were to
“
Rayan Striebel
first speech detailing the foreign policy agenda of
The ending of U.S. support marks a huge step in
be deployed to Afghanistan. On the other hand, in
his administration. The speech marked the end of
ending the conflict that has devastated Yemen and
2002 he voted in favour of the use of force in Iraq,
Trump’s “America first” approach to diplomacy,
its people for nearly 7 years, as well as signalling a
and more damningly was the Vice President of an
characterised by four years of isolationist and
possible departure from the foreign policy approach
administration that carried out 542 drone strikes
protectionist
to
which characterised the Obama years. However, it
taking a prominent role in world affairs with the
is important to refrain from rejoicing prematurely
words “America is back… Diplomacy is back…”
over the prospects of a new dawn of progressively
policies,
and
America’s
return
“
The speech explained the different policy areas
inclined American diplomacy. Every piece of foreign
that the Biden administration would focus on,
policy has its limitations and must be scrutinised
including raising “the cost” on Russia over issues
so to ensure it truly serves to benefit the situation
from election interference to the treatment of its
it concerns.
citizens; re-joining the Paris Climate Agreement
For
example,
whilst
liberal
Americans
celebrating this perceived shift in foreign relations,
troops from Germany.
the decision is unlikely to significantly reduce
the
most
prominent
foreign
policy
the
damage
caused
agenda mentioned was the announcement that the
approximately hundreds of billions of dollars in
nearly 50-year political career. He understands the
Biden-Harris administration would cease the sale of
arms sales conducted by the United States each
need to adapt, especially now in a time of increased
U.S. arms and munitions to Saudi Arabia that were
year. Additionally, NGOs have highlighted the need
political
to be deployed to the conflict in Yemen. Until the
for the U.S. to lift the classification of Houthi rebels
Attitudes have changed and his ‘brand’ has changed
announcement, the United States had been providing
as a terrorist organisation in order to facilitate
with them, suggesting the possibility of a shift
military support to the Saudi-led coalition against
the
from the foreign policy of previous eras.
the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen since
humanitarian crisis.
and
access
to
information.
following
this
position of President of the United States has left
Trump administration despite increasing evidence
announcement is whether Biden’s foreign policy will
blood on the hands of its occupiers. Biden’s recent
that American munitions were being used to target
be defined by a progressive shift from the attitudes
announcement does inspire hope for the future of
civilians.
of the past, or if the passing of time and increased
U.S. diplomacy. However, this should be viewed with
scrutiny will reveal a continuation of Obama’s neo-
intense scrutiny as all policy has its limitations and
liberal approach to diplomacy.
old practices are likely to persist in some form.
According to the Yemen Data Project, nearly 18,000 civilians have been killed by military action
the
key
avoid
awareness
the
Therefore,
to
by
prolonging
2014. This Obama-era policy continued under the
aid
world
Biden is a seasoned politician and has consistently
demonstrated the ability to change his views over his
of
the
civilians.
the
provision
around
It is important to refrain form rejoicing prematurely over the prospects of a new dawn of American diplomacy
are
and stopping the planned withdrawal of American However,
over 8 years, killing 3,797 people, of which 324 were
However, question
since 2015, and the conflict has led to the World
What is for certain is that Biden has a chequered
Food Program describing it as the world’s worst
history in terms of foreign policy decisions. On
humanitarian
the one hand, he opposed President George H.W.
crisis.
Indeed,
an
estimated
20
it
must
be
remembered
that
the
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A problematic shortlist: The Golden Globes 2021 nominations Isobel Broadhurst When Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You - a
nomination
first
This represents a significant, if somewhat late,
groundbreaking
of
feature-length project Music was twice nominated
step in the right direction as, in the Golden Globes’
surviving sexual assault and a rejuvenated and
by the Golden Globes. The film follows a non-
78-year history, only five women have previously
authentic representation of Black British life- was
verbal girl on the autistic spectrum who is taken
been nominated for Best Director.
released back in June, it was heralded by critics and
in by her troubled sister, but Sia’s choice to cast
Despite this, the Golden Globe’s problematic
viewers alike and earmarked for awards. However,
neurotypical actress Maddie Ziegler in the role has
nominations range from offensive to dangerous,
when award season arrived and the Golden Globes
been labelled as ableism. Many have criticised the
leading to questions regarding the quality of the
became the first to release their nominations, the
use and seeming condonation of physical restraint
decision-making process. The Hollywood Foreign
show was glaringly absent.
in the film to subdue Ziegler’s character as the
Press Association, responsible for selecting the
This in itself felt like an insult. I May Destroy
use of physical restraint on autistic people can
nominations,
You was a revelation that felt perfectly timed in the
be incredibly dangerous. Sia has since apologised
to address inclusivity within their organization
wake of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests. As
and stated that a warning will be provided prior
despite the inclusivity efforts of other awards
a story of trauma but also heart and humour, I May
to screenings. For Music, a film with the potential
ceremonies such as the Academy Awards. If the
Destroy You was a trailblazing triumph for Coel
to increase the stigma faced by people with autism
Golden Globes’ selection of television and film no
who wrote, co-directed, executive produced and
while also threatening their physical safety, to be
longer reflects critical or public acclaim, what is
starred in the show. Yet it has not been recognized
rewarded with two nominations seems worryingly
by the powers that be. When considering other
counterintuitive. Three disability advocacy groups
nominations, the absence becomes less an insult
have penned an open letter expressing grave
and more an injustice as Emily in Paris, the
concern and calling for Music to be pulled from
widely-trashed Netflix comedy, was recognised for
release.
of
the
realities
Best Television Series: Musical or Comedy.
to
ignite
controversy.
Sia’s
James Cordon’s nomination for his role in The
Emily in Paris is a series which portrays enjoyable
Prom, a star-studded movie-musical centring on
escapism in the streets of pre-pandemic Paris. In
a girl who is banned from taking her girlfriend to
many ways, it was exactly what was needed when
the high school prom, has also ignited questions.
it was released in October as we faced a long winter
Cordon’s performance received backlash for its
in lockdown. However, when considering awards,
offensive and stereotypical representation of a
it was universally accepted that Emily in Paris
gay theatre star, noticeably played by a straight
would be left unacknowledged. For the show to be
actor. Cordon’s is another case of an inauthentic
graced by two nominations was a shock, even to
and problematic performance recognised with a
the show’s writers. Indeed, Emily in Paris writer
nomination.
Deborah Copaken expressed “rage” that Emily in Paris was nominated over I May Destroy You. The I May Destroy You snub was not the only Image: BBC
However, this year’s Golden Globe nominations do show some signs of progress, with three out of five nominations for Best Director going to women.
have
“
made
no
the relevance of the award?
significant
effort
“
depiction
The Golden Globes’ problematic dangerous.
After the events of 2020, society is beginning to
redefine what it deems important when considering justice, equality and representation and audiences are welcoming content which inspires meaningful conversation. If these nominations are anything to go on, the Golden Globes appear to be lost in prepandemic priorities.
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Return to form in Myanmar Thomas Whithon
forces arrested the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi alongside her cabinet, as military vehicles began a show of force throughout the shutdowns of the Internet and a night-time curfew, they were unable to prevent the type of mass protests that have taken place in the Why, however, did the coup happen in the acted out of necessity to “protect” democracy, after a November election that they allege was (Aung San Suu Kyi’s party) won that election with roughly 70% of the vote - numbers value, one might even believe that the military However, face value is where the military’s
“
If the world has, as Freedom House reports, experienced a “democratic backslide” in 2020,
would understandably arouse suspicion in any democratic society, international monitors reported seeing no evidence of widespread
representing the very kind of repressive dictatorship that Myanmar had just freed
“
The future of Myanmar will ultimately be decided by the resilience of its protesters.
Of course, one might also argue that Aung San Suu Kyi’s popularity ought to have been damaged by the events of her time in
fail at breaking the military’s grip over the political system, but she also, most notably, did nothing to prevent the military-led ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya Muslim minority,
likely in an attempt to appease the army making the recent coup taste all the more As shown by opinion polls before the election, however, this did not seem to damage whether due to lack of public interest, being viewed as the only alternative to the military, to present proof that the November election
water cannons and rubber bullets, as well as Internet shutdowns and threats of 20-year ultimately be decided by the resilience of its However, there is cause for cautious coup in 1962 was met with no major contrast with the current scenes on the street
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Groundbreaking drama It’s A Sin sparks conversations about sexual health Both humorous and heart-breaking, Channel Four drama It’s A Sin brings us into the midst of the AIDS crisis, taking viewers along a journey of laughter and tears with the characters on screen. The series follows a group of friends embracing their sexual freedoms during a time when contracting AIDS was still viewed by many as an urban myth. Honest, witty and moving, it is no wonder that the series is this month’s hot topic. Today, HIV is easily treated, and those who spot symptoms early can continue to live a healthy life, given they receive the correct medication. However, even in 2021, the cultural stigma surrounding STIs remains. During the 1981 to 1991 decade in which It’s A Sin is set, the UK government, the church, the police and the tabloids were largely homophobic. This attitude is evidenced through the passing of, and general support for, the Section 28 law, mentioned in the show, which forbid local authorities, such as schools and social care, to “promote” homosexuality. Whilst this legislation was scrapped in 2003, it is striking that less than declared unspeakable with Thatcher even claiming that “children being told they have an inalienable right to be gay are being cheated.” Yet, what makes matters worse is that Section 28 was passed in 1988, following the peak of the AIDS epidemic. Given that AIDS was initially rife Image: Channel 4
Image: Channel Four
across the gay community in the 1980s, the launch of Section 28 proved Thatcher’s disregard for the safety, health and wellbeing of those most at risk of contracting the disease. Thankfully, attitudes have generally taken leaps and bounds since the 1980s. But have attitudes about AIDS changed? In the show, character Ritchie refers to AIDS as a “death sentence”, and although this isn’t necessarily the case in 21st century Britain, an awkwardness still circulates around the topic. Anyone who engages in sexual activity is at risk of STIs. In 2019, it was estimated that 105, 200 people in the UK are living with HIV and around 50% of
“
“
Madeleine Williams
Whilst society is becoming increasingly open about previously considered “transgressive” topics, STIs are hardly spoken about in mainstream media.
sexually active people will experience an STI before their 25th birthday. Yet, whilst society is becoming increasingly open about previously considered are hardly spoken about in mainstream media. Jenelle Marie Pierce, Executive Director of the STI Project, suggests that the STI stigma is so
childhood, whether that be by “family, religion or sex education classes.”
Pierce’s theory might explain why there is even less of a conversation about the contraction of HIV/ AIDS in women, compared to men with the disease. According to a document published by Public Health England, approximately 44% of those seen for HIV care in 2019 were women, debunking the myth that HIV is exclusive to homosexual males. Acknowledging Pierce’s claim that the STI stigma is learnt, it is understandable that women are less vocal about STIs. Historically, sexual purity has British society is modernising, such Victorian ideals are still partly ingrained into British psychology today. Since It’s A Sin was uploaded on 4OD, viewers have taken to Twitter by storm with their feelings and experiences of HIV. One Twitter user posted the following: “I work at a Sexual Health Clinic and had on the increase in HIV testing is incredible! Thank you to the cast, crew and creatives for making something that’s so phenomenal, but also raises so much awareness.” With the overall response to It’s A Sin considered, it seems the show’s up-close-and-personal take on the 1980, s AIDS crisis has left a mark on thousands of viewers across the nation. It is plausible that the show’s popularity has triggered the dawn of a revolution within British society surrounding the stigmas associated with STIs.
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Business
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Vaccine distribution: How the pandemic heightened economic inequality
Image: Emerging Europe
With the emergence of a vaccine against COVID-19, the end of the pandemic is in sight for developed countries. Caoimhe O’Donohue
Business
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Why ESG investing needs to become ‘the new norm’
With the proliferation of phenomena such as climate change and inequality, Ben Harris explains why investors need to take into consideration the environmental, social and governance impact of their investments Ben Harris
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Science
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The LGBTQ+ nature of consciousness and how this
is a machine which, replicated via mathematics. Turing pursued this In
the
decades
after
his
death,
Turing’s
and modern computers. who had faced such atrocities started to grow. In
of motion, despite this information never having
attacks would occur.
and science, with Morcom introducing Turing to
his companion’s loss for the rest of his life, keeping Turing
was
forced
to
face
imprisonment
or
Picture the scene: the sun is rising over the tropical forests of north-eastern Madagascar. After a hard
Ecology like the perfect place. An oasis of cool air trapped
and Evolution of Madagascar’s most colourful residents.
within the Damnusastes
Science
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to hunt prey – basically the arachnid equivalent of getting a takeaway delivered. expected natural order of things (we normally expect vertebrates to prey upon invertebrates, not the other way around), they’re certainly not without precedent.
When COVID-19 struck, most governments around the world quickly imposed country-wide lockdowns. These lockdowns saw everyday movements stop, industrial activity shut down, and travel almost cease completely. This sudden halt in typical pursuits and occupations temporarily cut air pollution levels around the world, according to several sources. Air pollution is detrimental to human health and the environment. A mix of gases and particles; most air pollution is man-made, but other types of air occur naturally. In the past, human-induced air pollution occurred mostly via the emission of sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels: most notably coal. This practise was common in developed and account for a large proportion of pollutants. Petrol and diesel engines emit harmful compounds that include carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen. Man-made pollutants can be transported long distances via vehicles, while closely packed buildings can prevent pollutants from spreading; resulting in photochemical smog in the atmosphere as seen in cities such as Shanghai, Cario, and Los Angeles. In 2019, 91% of the world’s population were living in areas where the WHO (World Health Organisation) air quality guidelines were not met. Air pollution in urban and rural areas was thought to have caused some 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2016, with 91% of those fatalities occurring in lowand middle income countries - particularly in southSo, what can the COVID-19 pandemic teach us about reducing air pollution?
Several invertebrate predators are known to consume
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by a limited number of observations and so further there are other possible explanations as to why the
and even giant water bugs that can predate turtles. Similarly, several species of spider are known to hunt amphibians make ideal prey. several other huntsman species. Most spiders within the huntsman group do not capture their prey using a web; instead, they actively chase down their victims powerful fangs. The Damnusastes genus, to which this frog catching spider belongs, is however an exception, with most species choosing to employ a “sit-and-wait” approach to hunting. This, researchers claim, supports their theory that these spiders build their retreats as deliberate traps, in which they can then lie in wait for the arrival of their prey. However, the team behind the study are keen to point out that their hypothesis is supported only
In eastern and central China, and particularly Wuhan, a city of some 11 million people, lockdown restrictions led to reduced nitrogen dioxide levels by 10-30% in 2020 compared to the previous year. In parts of northern Italy, nitrogen dioxide levels fell some 40% after the country went into lockdown on March 9th. Researchers remained uncertain as to what caused this sudden dip in emissions but a factor.
“
“
the spiders use their silk to weave together two leaves - still attached to the tree - to create a hollow known as a retreat. In fact, the researchers observed spiders hiding in these homemade retreats on four separate occasions, with these arachnid architects seemingly able to construct their hideaways on several tree species. However, it was the observation of a spider feeding on one unlucky frog just outside its retreat that led researchers to conclude that rather than simply provide a habitat for the spiders, the retreat also played a key role in the arachnid’s predation strategy. They propose that the spiders construct their retreats to act as a deliberate trap for nocturnal prey, including tree frogs, seeking shelter during the
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In eastern and central China ... lockdown restriction led to reduced nitrogen dioxide levels of 10-30% in 2020 compared to the previous year
In India, 22 cities, including Delhi, featured on the 2019 Greenpeace and IQ AirVisual report of the world’s 30 most polluted cities. A recent study by the Indian government and the Central Pollution Control Board, into the impact of the nationwide Janta Curfew
retreats. For instance, the shelters may serve to protect the spiders from predators. Or, rather than acting as a trap to lure unwitting victims into the arms (or should that be legs?) of a hungry spider, they may simply act as a den from which the spiders ambush their prey. Even if the retreats do act as traps, it is not yet clear if they are engineered solely to catch tree frogs, or if they are also used to hunt other forms of prey. Clearly further studies need to be conducted, but if the team’s theory were to be proved right it No other spider is known to construct traps with
somewhere else to rest their head from now on.
the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There is already evidence to suggest the spread of viral and bacterial respiratory infections such as
cells that would control the immune response to foreign particles. Recent studies show long-term exposure to air pollution can increase the likelihood of dying from COVID-19. It is thought some 15% of COVID-related deaths worldwide could have been caused by direct long-term exposure to air pollutants. Reducing air pollution could therefore lessen the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, and decrease the mortality rate of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases associated with air pollution - such as asthma. Reducing air pollution can also help tackle climate amount of solar energy the Earth retains. According to the European Environment Agency, particulate
air quality across the country. The study in Delhi
particulate matter emitted from biomass combustion
(inhalable particulate matter 10 micrometres and smaller) levels between 22nd and 23rd March 2020, compared to the previous day. Particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels continued to fall more than 70% through March and into April 2020. Such a dramatic drop in emissions has not been witnessed since satellites began monitoring air quality in the 1990s. Jenny Stavrakou, an atmospheric scientist at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy in Brussels, said levels had not dropped
environment by absorbing solar energy and infrared radiation in the atmosphere. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided us with a glimpse of how the world could look with less air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but these improvements will likely terminate once lockdowns cease completely and society returns to normal. If we were to keep these lessons in mind, the future could be better and more secure for many.
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England win big over India Will Heaver England scored a dominant and unexpected victory over an incredibly strong Indian side in Chennai last great series victory in Australia, Joe Root won the toss and elected to bat with England needing to bat long on what looked to be a very good batting wicket. Root led from the front with a brilliant double hundred, his second in three tests after a brilliant series in Sri Lanka and was supported courageously by Dominic Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Ben Stokes joined Root on day two and batted in his typical aggressive
with James Anderson and Jack Leach helping mop up the tail. England had a huge lead wanting to attack further and did so with Root starring again with a
game and themselves a day and half a session to bowl India out. India came out to bat on the fourth evening played some stylish shots. However, just before the close, Leach was able to remove the other opener Rohit Sharma with a beautiful delivery that beat the bat and clipped the top of the stump with some
Arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem on the deep square leg going onto make 50, however, the key turning point with Jofra Archer removing both openers, with pace
at caught at short leg. India recovered through the dynamic Rishabh Pant and stoic Cheteshwar Pujara adding over a hundred for the 5th wicket. Pujara was eventually removed by Bess in a freak dismissal
the Indian batsman. After that, all the momentum was with England as Leach picked up 3 more wickets, with the rest of the wickets being shared around the rest of the bowling attack. The only real resistance
Ollie Pope’s shoulder at short leg. Pant aided by
Stonewall FC: Striving for equality Ollie Sanderson
football team. of gay men who wished to play football in a safe environment, away from the homophobia and bigotry which permeated British sport. They began as a Sunday League team, yet today, thirty years on from their inconspicuous creation, the ‘Stones’ are trailblazers in the quest for equality in football.
to provide inclusivity and opportunity for all who wish to play football, regardless of race, sexuality or gender. In this quest, they have helped champion the now widely recognised Rainbow Laces Campaign,
Yet, away from media hype and campaign rhetoric, the football community must endeavour to truly contemplate the reason for Stonewall’s formation in
football without receiving a torrent of homophobic abuse. Football fans today may often be content to sit back and forget this fact, proclaiming that the struggle of Stonewall’s founders existed in a Britain of yesteryear. This was a socially nervous Britain – a Britain in which gay marriage had not yet been legalised, transgender people could not legally change their not join the armed forces. Surely, then, the Britain of today fosters a football pyramid which is far more
Stonewall FC’s presence in the football pyramid goes beyond tokenism. The club currently plays in
Not entirely. Research by the Kick It Out campaign long way to go in reaching its optimum goal. Kick
incidents than in the previous football calendar. Fans
season has been produced by Adidas and is sponsored by EA Sports. Such achievements have pushed the club’s message of inclusivity onto a global audience. In December
style and message of this kit have proved popular with fans around the world, leading to record shirt sale
had witnessed homophobic comments at a football recall reading homophobic abuse towards footballers on social media. These statistics do not point to unwavering progress. Undoubtedly, we live in a society that is
highlight that football is still far from where it needs to be.
Fantastic progress from Stonewall FC must be commended, of course, just as campaigns such as Kick It Out and Rainbow Laces deserve funding and support. However, fans and players alike must now follow the path trodden by those at Stonewall and take a stronger stance in opening the game up greater commitment to calling out perpetrators of homophobia and discrimination. The sooner football, and sport in general, acts to engrain these attitudes into their social fabric, the sooner society can become more inclusive for all. .
Sports Sport
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COVID & the gender pay gap in sport empty stadium seats, the cancellation of the Olympics in sports participation from grassroots to elite levels. In particular, the economic crisis, caused by the outbreak, has had a profound impact on the already prevalent gender inequalities in sport, including the gender pay gap. This disparity can be traced back to stereotypes during the formation of contemporary sport, with women being deemed the ‘weaker sex’ and unable to cope with the demands of physical exercise. Most notably, the founder of the modern Olympiad, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, stated that an Olympics with the inclusion of female athletes would be “impractical, uninteresting, unaesthetic and incorrect.” The undertone of suppression of women in sport,
awarded a prize of £25,000 for winning the Women’s FA Cup whilst their male counterparts, representing Arsenal, received a substantially higher amount of £3,600,000 for claiming the championship title. Additionally, Forbes’ annually published list of ‘The World’s 100 Highest-Paid Athletes’ emphasises this discrepancy further as only two women, tennis icons Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, make an appearance on the list.
“
those of men. This concept is illustrated through the FA Cup distribution of prize money during the 2019/20 season. Manchester City Football Club was
“
“
As the clock struck 12 on New Year’s Eve and we transitioned into a new decade, little were we aware
The undertone of suppression of women in sport is illustrated through the FA Cup distribution of prize money during the 2019/20 season. Man City were awarded £25,000 for winning the Women’s FA Cup whereas Arsenal mens received £3,600,000
Although steps in the right direction have been made to improve this inequity, the years of progress aimed at improving gender parity for women and girls in sport is being jeopardised due to the emergence of COVID-19. The possibilities which contribute to widening of the gender pay gap include a reduction
“
Kate Hall
Although steps in the right direction have been made to improve inequity, the years of progress aimed at improving gender parity for women and girls in sport is being jeapordised due to COVID-19
in revenue across clubs, teams and organisations alongside the current underrepresentation of women in sporting roles. These factors threaten to cause a prioritisation of male sports due to its perceived cutbacks, releases from contracts, club closures, league terminations and an increased susceptibility Although the foreseeable future is uncertain, we can only hope that the sports sector can recover from
between men and women is continued.
‘Who’s Tom Brady?’: The monopoly of English football over the NFL Rishi Shah
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sit right, does it? The primary purpose of half-time has surely got to be the players’ physical recovery, an inspiring team talk, and perhaps a social pint and quick toilet break for the fans. It is truly a ridiculous
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View counts and media coverage are stronger than ever, and sports such as American football face an uphill battle to break the monopoly that football holds in England.
proposition that anything of the kind would happen in the world of English football. The fact that the Super Bowl places such heavy emphasis on its interval displays its ever-increasing commercialisation, and how the focus on the sport
instantly broken as over 5 million people tuned in for last season’s goalless Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool. Across the Atlantic, this year’s Super Bowl was the least-watched event since 2006. It should still be noted that American Football still
celebrities take centre stage. English football is very much a local as well as an international phenomenon, but the former always takes precedence – and it is that rawness and honesty at face value that connects so well with the pride and passion that so many English fans possess. Whilst some NFL games have
millions undoubtedly tuned in for the Super Bowl, it is clear to see some of the reasons why it is still some distance behind its English counterpart in terms of popularity and sporting identity, and to highlight the assets that have made football such a phenomenon in England.
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It is testament to the artistic brilliance of The Weeknd that everyone was raving about his halftime show at last week’s Super Bowl LV. Showtime has also recently announced a ninety-minute documentary that will go behind the scenes of the half-time spectacle that included so many of his global hits. However, it is another ninety-minute game that (controversially, for some) shares the same name that continues to dominate English sport. View counts and media coverage are stronger than ever, and sports such as American Football face an uphill battle to break the monopoly that football holds in England. In a parallel universe, Manchester United are 2-1 up against Chelsea in a thrilling FA Cup Final. Tensions are high, the fans are back in the stands and booing referee Mike Dean, who has just blown for halftime after awarding a contentious Bruno Fernandes penalty via VAR. Suddenly, the stage is being set for
The Super Bowl is demonstrating its ever-increasing commercialisation,
as adverts & celebs take centre stage.
been held in the UK to further its globalisation, the reverse could not be more unlikely due to the regional identity attached to English football. Additionally, the stop-start nature of American Football has come enjoy it, perhaps demonstration our impatience as
paced Premier League. The post-lockdown shift to staggered Premier can be televised, has been monumental in viewership. When Sky Sports announced some games would be broadcasted freely from June 2019, records were
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