October 29, 2021

The Huntington News October 29, 2021

The independent student newspaper of the Northeastern community

@HuntNewsNU

Graphic courtesy Cathleen Zhang and Max Daniels

‘SPOOKY 15TH UNDERWEAR RUN’ MARKS UNOFFICIAL RETURN OF BELOVED CAMPUS TRADITION

By Marta Hill Campus Editor The Underwear Run is a timehonored Northeastern tradition that’s exactly what it sounds like — students gather in late October and run through campus and the city in their underwear.

Things are different this year. Two students took it upon themselves to host an unofficial version of the event, looking to bring the fun back to campus. Organizers cancelled the official 2020 and 2021 Underwear

Runs due to COVID-19 concerns.

The Spooky 15th Underwear Run is set to start at 8 p.m. Oct. 31 in front of Speare Hall.

“Halloween is my favorite time of year. I love the fall; I like to do the costumes and the parties; it’s always been a super fun experience with my friends. And I feel like the Underwear Run was just part of that experience,” said Max Daniels, a fourth-year math and computer science combined major and co-organizer of this year’s mini Underwear Run.

October 2020 would have marked the 15th annual Underwear Run. “During midterm season — it also happened to be parents’ weekend — Halloween is coming up, everybody is stressed and somebody was like ‘I know the perfect way to relieve my stress. I am going to strip and run in the cold Boston weather,’” Daniels said. “Of course, hundreds of people on campus agreed and the [official] Underwear Run started.”

Cathleen Zhang is a fourth-year cybersecurity major and the other co-organizer of this year’s run. She

said she was inspired to organize the unofficial Underwear Run because she wanted one more chance to participate in the unique event with her friends before she graduates in the spring.

“A lot of my friends are graduating this year, and when I found out earlier in the month that the Underwear Run was canceled, I was a little sad,” Zhang said. “I just kind of felt upset and sad for my friends who are graduating this year if they have not been able to do it.”

Zhang asked around to gauge

interest in the event and heard from many friends that they would participate if there was a sizable crowd attending. At the time of publication, the Facebook event has 80 people marked as attending and 351 people marked as interested.

“I’m just excited to have a good time with my friends. Because in the previous years that we’ve been there, it’s just been fun to be in a giant group of people in their underwear and just run,” Zhang said. “It’s just such a college experience and also just such a HALLOWEEN, on Page 2

out separately wrapped goodie bags.

“We are thrilled that vaccination rates in Boston are high but remember that children under 12 still can’t be vaccinated against COVID-19 and some neighborhoods of Boston have much lower vaccination rates than the overall Boston rate,” said Dr. Jennifer Lo, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission.

Salem, one of Massachusetts’s most famous Halloween destinations for locals and visitors alike, has largely reopened after the city highly discouraged visitors in 2020.

“Since we know more about the virus now than we did last fall, and we obviously have vaccination levels up now where it wasn’t even available

last October, we’re hopeful that the measures taken this year can allow Haunting Happenings to take place in the manner in which people have come to enjoy it, with these safety precautions in place,” said Dominick Pangallo, chief of staff for Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, in a statement to The News.

Salem is deploying several COVID-19 safety measures including an indoor mask requirement and a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of attending gatherings of over 100 people. The city has also extended hours at two free rapid COVID-19 testing centers.

With safety measures in place, Salem hopes for a festive and profitable Halloween season.

“People definitely seem excited by this year’s celebrations,” Pangallo said. “Restaurants, attractions and shops are reporting record sales, even compared to pre-pandemic Octobers, all our hotels were booked up months ago, and our parking fills up quickly each morning.”

On campus, the Resident Student Association, or RSA, is preparing for the return of Halloween festivities.

“Last year, there were less Halloween activities, so people are excited to get back into it,” said Felix Moisand, RSA vice president for operations. “They’re looking for creative ways to enjoy the holiday.”

One event Moisand said he is looking forward to is a ghost tour, in which students walk through

downtown Boston’s center, listening to tales of ghosts and historical accounts of the city’s persecution of witches. Students can get more information about the tours from their hall councils, Moisand said.

For those on campus, the RSA is hosting its annual Pumpkin Palooza: a fall event with a variety of Halloween activities. Whatever festivities Bostonians decide to engage in, they’ll have plenty of options this year.

“It’s just a terrific time to take in all the sights and scenes in our community,” Driscoll said, in a Boston Public Radio interview.

Local mayors announce Halloween guidelines

By Erin Fine News Correspondent After Halloween festivities were largely put on hold in 2020, acting Mayor Kim Janey’s office encouraged Bostonians to “enjoy the fun tricks and treats of Halloween, while taking precautions to stay safe,” in a press release Oct. 21.

While Halloween parties and bar crawls were suspended last fall, Janey encouraged celebrations — with masks and social distancing. The mayor’s office promoted vaccinations for all event goers, including instructions on how to host a vaccine clinic at gatherings. For trick-ortreaters, the mayor’s office suggested going in small groups and handing

CAMPUS

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October 29, 2021

Students take NUPD initiative to run event CRIME LOG on Halloween THURSDAY, OCT. 14 Compiled by Alexis Santoro, News Staff

th

HALLOWEEN, from front

4:10am 12:17pm 3:34pm 6:17pm

A caller reported their bike stolen from Columbus Avenue.

A report was filed.

A caller reported an individual possibly urinating in bushes near Curry Student Center. A report was filed.

A caller reported an individual on the ground on Camden Street. BPD assumed jurisdiction.

A caller reported an individual on the roof of the Renaissance Parking Garage. Services rendered.

FRIDAY, OCT. 15th 2:41pm

A caller reported an individual asking others for food in the Curry Student Center. The individual was sent on their way.

5:54pm

A caller reported a religious item affixed to the door of the Northeastern Hillel House.

8:37pm

A caller reported observing two individuals attempting to steal a bicycle from outside West Village. Officers located and identified the subjects. The cut bike lock and bolt cutters were recovered. Both subjects are to be summonsed to court.

TUESDAY, OCT. 19th 2:16am 4:55am 5:00pm

10:21am 1:31pm 3:01pm 8:07pm 10:00pm

2:58am 3:27am 11:27am

Knower found out about the event through Daniels. He participated in Underwear Runs his first two years on campus. When he was a first year, he didn’t plan on attending, but ended up going and having a great time.

He encouraged people to give the Underwear Run a try.

“It’s just kind of like a crazy event,” Knower said. “It’s very college, just everyone running around half naked.”

Northeastern celebrates community resource dog’s first birthday

A caller reported a loud noise coming from the laundry room at 319 Huntington Ave. The area was checked.

A caller reported suspicious activity at the Sheraton Hotel.

A report was filed.

An individual known to have a warrant fled from officers on Columbus Avenue. Officers were able to apprehend and identify the subject. The individual was placed under arrest for an active warrant. Several baggies containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine as well as several pills were located on the subject.

A caller reported locating harassing messages on social media. A report was filed.

A caller reported an individual pulling on car door handles on Burke Street. BPD assumed jurisdiction.

A caller reported a call from someone claiming to be from the U.S. Marshals Service. A report was filed.

A caller reported something burning in the area near Dodge Hall. The area was checked.

A caller reported their bicycle was stolen from Huntington Avenue. A report was filed.

SATURDAY, OCT. 23rd 2:30am

one of the first Underwear Runs.”

This year’s course stays on campus — starting at Speare Hall and ending at Centennial Common.

“The course is normally longer, but we’re just trying to sort of keep it a little bit tame,” said fourth-year computer engineering and computer science combined major Ben Knower. “I’m just excited to get back to it because we missed it last year.

Hopefully there’ll be a lot of people.”

A caller reported an individual placing items on the fire escape of Edwards Hall. Services rendered.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 20th 9:31am

fun and freeing experience.”

Usually the Underwear Run draws thousands of students and requires coordination with the Boston Police Department.

“The biggest difference is that we put it together in a Facebook event on a Sunday and we have no affiliation to the people who planned it,” Daniels said. “I would call this a mini version. It’s a student run version, and it probably looks a lot more like

A caller reported a loud party on the fifth floor of 650 Columbus Ave. Services rendered.

A caller reported an intoxicated individual in Kennedy Hall. The individual was transported to the hospital.

A caller reported a loud party in Rubenstein Hall. Services rendered.

Individuals were observed inside a construction site on Columbus Avenue. A report was filed.

Photo by Kelly Garrity Northeastern celebrated its resident community resource dog’s first birthday Oct. 18. The dogs name is Cooper.

By Kelly Garrity News Staff It’s not every day that Northeastern celebrates a first birthday for a staff member, but Cooper is no ordinary husky. Technically, he’s an English Golden Retriever.

Cooper is Northeastern’s resident community resource dog, named for the school’s co-op program. To celebrate his first birthday, the university organized a party in the Rainbow Room tent outside of West Village F on Oct. 18, complete with treats (for both animals and humans) and a dog-friendly cake for the birthday pup. Dozens of students attended the celebration, some of whom had been looking forward to the event for days.

“I saw the digital flyer and I was so excited for this,” said first-year international affairs major Daniel Pasciuto. “I’ve been looking forward to it for like a week.”

Pasciuto, who had met Cooper on campus twice before, was facing three midterms and said the event was the perfect study break.

“It’s a really good stress relief and just a happy activity,” Pasciuto said.

Some students, like first-year behavioral neuroscience major Zoe Wernsing, had never met Cooper before but knew him from his Instagram page, @itsnucooper.

“We heard about it through

Cooper’s Instagram page, so I was like, ‘We have to go wish him a happy birthday,’” Wernsing said.

Cooper “absolutely” lives up to his Instagram expectations, Wernsing said. “He’s so soft and fluffy and he’s so good, oh my god. Such a good boy.”

Third-year business administration major Akosua Boateng didn’t know about the birthday celebration beforehand but stopped by when she heard a commotion at the tent.

“I was sitting on the quad, and I heard a really loud noise, and I decided to come look,” she said.

The noise was the crowd singing “Happy Birthday” to the pup as he waited — with understandably increasing impatience — for his secondary handler, Northeastern University Police Department Officer Rachel Joliffe, to set his cake down.

As with any well-executed first birthday, family was also in attendance. A number of Cooper’s distant siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles came to celebrate with their handlers from Golden Opportunities for Independence, a non-profit that breeds and raises service dogs and community resource dogs like Cooper.

Cooper’s four-month-old sister, Joy, was there with her trainer Kayla Zuis enjoying plenty of attention and feasting on the treats and cups of whipped cream, also known as “puppuccinos” by Starbucks fanatics.

However, Cooper’s aunt, sevenyear-old Bridget, stole the show by showing off her “driving” skills, which involved sitting in a toy police car as Golden Opportunities for Independence Executive Director Pauline Hoegler drove her around using a remote control. At one year old, Cooper is almost done with his training, and he recently moved in with his handler, NUPD Officer Joe Matthews. So far, he’s been exceeding expectations when it comes to training.

“Cooper is one of our better dogs in the program,” Hoegler said. “He’s just a year and his search and rescue skills are amazing.”

NUPD Staff Sergeant John Farrell also talked about Cooper’s progress during a short pre-cake speech.

“He has gone way above and beyond our expectations,” Farrell said.

“He starts conversations with you we normally wouldn’t have, and it’s during those conversations that we find out where you’re from and what you like to study. Many of you are saying that you’re stressed out, you’re anxious, you’re homesick, and that’s what Cooper is there for too.”

For students like Pasciuto, Cooper does exactly that, allowing him to set the stress of class aside when things start to get overwhelming.

“It feels like school is like a side-hustle to seeing the dogs,” he said.

CAMPUS

October 29, 2021

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Husky Haunt is coming: Here’s how NU students are preparing

By Kathryn Manning News Correspondent On Nov. 19 and 20, teams of 12 Northeastern students will participate in the Resident Student Association’s Husky Hunt, a 24-hour scavenger hunt around Boston.

In 2020, the Hunt was moved to the spring semester and teams competed virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the “Husky Haunt” returns to Northeastern in person with a Halloween theme and up to 50 teams competing to win prizes, such as iPads or Beats headphones.

For many teams, the Hunt is a time-honored tradition among friends. The News spoke with three members of the Spooky Scary Snellertons, who have been friends for the past four years, to understand what exactly the Hunt means to them.

James Zamartis, a fifth-year environmental engineering major, explained the Hunt was a natural progression from their previous extracurricular involvement. “[The team members] are all in the club ‘Survivor Northeastern,’ so we got a sense of how competitive we all are, and how we all love out-of-thebox problem solving. It helped us figure out what our strengths were,” Zamartis said.

The Hunt began with around 150 teams, who took part in a quiz on

Oct. 22 and 23 to narrow down the competition to 50 teams competing in the final scavenger hunt. Team members worked together to solve logic puzzles and riddles before the time ran out.

For Levi Kaplan, a fourth-year computer science major who is also a member of the Spooky Scary Snellertons, the first round is his favorite part of the Hunt.

“I really like the puzzles. It’s always really difficult and when you get a question right, it’s really satisfying.

There were many times during the quiz round where I yelled in triumph,” Kaplan said.

Others, like the members of the Dance Dance team, saw the quiz round as a way to develop as a team and test their strengths and weaknesses in real time. For Victoria Su, a second-year psychology major, taking the quiz with her teammates was eye-opening.

“It was really interesting to have people with different backgrounds work on the quiz and to see how we all thought about it differently,” Su said. “Sometimes when we were debating on the answers the correct answer would just pop out, and it was really cool to see.”

However, for some teams like NEUKFC, the quiz round was the end of their Husky Haunt experience. Team member Brant Barbera-Hwang, a second-year environmental engineering major, explained

his team’s difficulties while taking the quiz.

“Going into the quiz, you don’t know how many questions you’re going to be getting so you don’t really know how to manage your time.

You kind of have to go through all of them fast,” Barbera-Hwang said.

Next year, he hopes to study logic puzzles before the quiz to progress to the final round.

On the day of the event, teams will compete in a number of unique challenges around Boston. Vish Swami, a fourth-year bioengineering major and member of the planning committee for Husky Hunt, explained what the scavenger hunt might look like this year. Swami said teams will receive a notification for a challenge every 30 minutes throughout the 24 hours, and must run to an assigned location to compete.

Northeastern students can expect to see challenges around campus throughout the Hunt. Traditionally, competitors gather on Krentzman Quad at 7 a.m. for a halfway challenge, though this is not confirmed to occur this year.

“There are things in this year’s hunt that we’ve never done before, so I think the teams will have a pretty good time,” Swami said.

Teams have begun preparations for the event and said they are excited to take on the competition.

The Spooky Scary Snellertons are competing as the reigning champi-

Photo courtesy Husky Haunt Committee The 50 teams who qualified for the Hunt will compete Nov. 19 in the 24-hour event. ons from last year’s spring competition and are looking to become two-time winners.

No matter how fierce the competition, however, participants remain lighthearted. Andy Brady, a fifth-year health science major and member of the Spooky Scary Snellertons, said he is looking forward to the Hunt.

“I can’t wait to be biking through Dorchester at 3 a.m.,” Brady said.

“Last year, I had a moment where I was doing that exact thing and my teammate was yelling all these locations at me, and I just had a moment where I was like ‘What am I doing?’”

Dance Dance is creating a game plan in preparation for the big day.

Quynh-An Vo, a second-year busi-

ness administration and communications combined major, noted that her training consists of familiarizing herself with her bike and the MBTA system, the primary methods of transportation throughout the Hunt.

But second-year computer science major Maxwell Pirtle is preparing himself in different ways.

“I’m super excited for the real Husky Hunt and fully expect to not sleep that night,” Pirtle said. “My only preparation is mental: Am I ready to be running around Boston in freezing cold weather solving puzzles? Heck yeah.”

Wesley Lowery visits Northeastern, discusses journalists’ role in racial justice movements

By Sonel Cutler News Correspondent Wesley Lowery, a Pulitzer Prize– winning journalist, spoke to students and faculty in Northeastern’s Raytheon Amphitheater Oct. 18 about his career and experiences covering police shootings and racial justice protests around the nation. Attendees filled the event space at 5 p.m., leaving some students standing in the back or sitting on the floor.

“The fact that so many people are here when it wasn’t one of the university’s most widely publicized events is really impressive,” said second-year environmental and sustainability sciences major Alegra Germain. “I think it’s a testament to Northeastern students because we’re always very driven to learn and always want to hear multiple perspectives.”

Recalling his coverage for the Washington Post of the 2014 protests that followed the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, Lowery shared some of the lessons he learned from reporting on the ground.

“I used to think about our job as journalists as giving voice to the voiceless,” Lowery said. “I remember

one of the activists that I talked to correcting me one day and noting that there are no voiceless people, but there are people who are unheard.”

Lowery also explained to students his belief that it is okay to be passionate about issues and still remain an objective journalist.

“The best journalists are passionate about things,” Lowery said. “Too often, especially on issues of race,

Lowery spoke for about 40 minutes before taking several questions from students and professors. The event was followed by a reception, where students had the opportunity to interact with Lowery in smaller groups.

“After the talk, he came up to me and my friends, and he offered some advice on how to succeed as a journalist, how to get out there and get

Photo by Kayla Shiao Wesley Lowery spoke to Northeastern community members Oct. 18. we are governed by the appearance of objectivity. Factual objectivity is not about person, it’s about process.

No journalist is objective because no person is objective. We all have biases; we all have life experiences that color how we see the world we live in. We all bring who we are to everything we do.”

experience,” said first-year journalism and political science combined major Julia Yohe. “It was really cool that he was so willing to engage with us after he had given this speech. He was so open and ready to talk. He genuinely wanted to communicate with us.”

At 31 years old, Lowery is consid-

ered young in the field of journalism.

“In his decade as a journalist, [Lowery] has really blazed a trail across newsrooms,” said Jonathan Kaufman, director of the School of Journalism, while introducing Lowery. His age allowed some students to better relate to his perspectives.

“Part of the reason why I came is because so rarely do we hear from our peers. It’s really interesting to take a more modern approach on ‘here’s what he’s doing. Here’s how he’s doing it, and here’s kind of what the industry looks like right here, right now.,’” Germain said. “He’s a millennial, and he has the same social media platforms that we do and he has similar experiences, and he was in college not that long ago. [It’s] very humanizing, very refreshing. I think it was a very realistic perspective.”

The event was publicized to students through emails sent by the College of Arts, Media and Design, or CAMD, but students whose home college is not CAMD had to use other means to learn more about Lowery’s visit.

“Even though I have a registered minor in CAMD, I didn’t get any emails [about the event],” Germain said. “The only way I knew about

this is because [my professor] told us in class. I know friends who are not journalism majors who would have loved this kind of event, who would have been the first people standing at the door waiting to hear what he has to say.”

Several journalism majors attended after reading Lowery’s book “They Can’t Kill Us All” in class.

First-year journalism and political science combined major Dakota Castro-Jarett said Lowery’s speech and book reinforced the idea that journalism is needed now, in such unprecedented times.

“We’re entering a new period of American history and there’s always something that needs to be covered [and] needs to be talked about more in depth, which I’m excited about,” Castro-Jarett said.

Lowery told students that going forward, he hopes to see more diversity in newsrooms and less of a willingness to use objectivity in media to appease the biases of white readers.

“I think it’s important for us to be self-critical, to be introspective,” Lowery said. “I think it’s important for us to be willing and able to critique our journalism so that we can do better journalism the next day.”

CITY

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October 29, 2021

Here’s what happened at the first mayoral debate

By Avery Bleichfeld News Staff Voters in Boston will have the chance to elect who they want to serve as the city’s next mayor Nov. 2.

Ahead of the general election, mayoral candidates and City Councilors At-Large Annissa Essaibi George and Michelle Wu are facing off in a series of three debates that cover policy topics and the issues that matter most to Bostonians.

The first of the three debates tackled seven major topics, ranging from public health and safety to how the city interacts with large nonprofit institutions within it.

Here’s a recap of the Oct. 13 debate: Mass. and Cass: Boston’s opioid crisis The first major policy topic the moderator addressed was the city’s fight against homelessness and the opioid epidemic, commonly referred to as the situation at Mass. and Cass, or the area near the intersection at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, which is viewed as the epicenter of the issue.

The moderator, WBZ host Jon Keller, referenced two short-term plans currently in discussion. One was proposed by Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins to involuntarily commit the homeless in the Mass. and Cass. area to an empty facility on the South Bay Correctional Campus to receive treatment.

The other would aim to help the homeless at the Shattuck Hospital Public Healthcare facilities in Franklin Park, where staff would aim to address short-term detox, long-term recovery and housing needs.

Wu said she was open to conversations about both proposals, but as mayor would look first toward buildings owned by the city which could be used to address housing, what she said was the root cause of the issue.

During her first 100 days, Wu said she would put funding toward outreach and expand treatment with community health partners. She also committed to auditing all buildings and parcels owned by the city to identify locations that could provide housing in that same time.

Essaibi George put her support behind the plan to use space at Shattuck. She also said the

efforts shouldn’t be limited to Boston, but rather should look across Suffolk County. Essaibi George said that the city should work to rebuild the bridge to Long Island, an island in the Boston harbor which housed a number of social programs, including facilities to support people experiencing homelessness and treatment for individuals suffering from substance use disorders. The bridge was demolished in 2014 due to structural issues.

She emphasized haste in the matter, saying that, “We can’t wait until the first 100 days of any mayoral administration is through.” Wu pushed back, saying that efforts like rebuilding the bridge to Long Island could take a decade.

Since the debate, both candidates have voiced support for acting Mayor Kim Janey’s recent ban on tents and temporary shelters in Boston, which was coupled with the creation of a group to coordinate available beds in shelters.

Housing in Boston To address the issue of housing in Boston, the moderator asked about how each candidate would protect small landlords.

Essaibi George said Boston should be a home for everyone.

“Regardless of what their accent is, Boston should be a home for everyone who wants to be here,” Essaibi George said.

She proposed investing in the Boston Public Housing Authority, which manages affordable housing options owned by the city.

Essaibi George also challenged Wu on her proposals to reinstitute rent control.

Throughout the run-up to the preliminary elections in September, Wu was one of only two candidates who supported rent control.

Wu also was the most vocal supporter of the policy, which would limit when and how much landlords can increase rent with the goal of keeping housing more affordable for tenants.

“We can’t be afraid and listen to scare tactics about what our residents need right now,” Wu said about rent control. “… Everything should be on the table when it comes to addressing our housing crisis, especially when it comes to addressing our crisis of displacement.”

She described a plan for housing that would pair rent control with other policies for a more comprehensive approach.

Changing the city’s policy on rent control, which was prohibited under a 1994 ballot question, is not under the mayor’s purview. It would require action at the State House to allow municipalities across the commonwealth to reinstate rent control policies,

a fact that Essaibi George made sure to point out.

“The conversation about rent control has to happen at the State House,” she said.

The opportunity gap in Boston Public Schools In response to a question about the opportunity gap in Boston Public Schools, or BPS, Essaibi George made sure to reference her 13 years of experience as a teacher in BPS. Wu referenced her experience as a parent of two children in BPS as she described policies including offering universal pre-k for Boston students, starting a children’s cabinet to help connect families to services, working to rebuild BPS facilities and placing stronger emphasis on vocational education for BPS students.

Essaibi George said she would focus on priorities such as making sure more thought goes into how BPS funding is spent, fixing special education programs in the city and improving early literacy for Boston’s students.

Both stressed their experience as BPS parents in their ability to lead.

“Put a BPS mom in charge, and we’ll see some difference,” Wu said.

“I agree,” Essaibi George, a mother of four BPS students, said in response, “… and add a teacher to that resume and we’ve got a recipe for true success.”

Reform in the Boston Police Department Leading into the next section, Keller cited poll results that 71% of Black voters and 61% of Latinx voters said reforming police is a major priority, but 65% of Black voters and 63% of Latinx voters also said being tougher on crime was a major priority.

Keller asked how the candidates would meet both of those needs.

Essaibi George said she wanted to see the city work toward what she calls “community policing,” where communities, community-based organizations and residents are in partnership with the police department to make sure the city is both safe and just. She also challenged her opponent, saying Wu is seeking to defund the police.

Wu never directly voiced support for defunding the police. Instead, she said that it’s a matter of spending the city’s budget properly.

“We need to ensure our resources are being spent in the right way to get our residents what they need,” Wu said. She also claimed she had been leading the charge on this issue in the City Council.

Essaibi George challenged that statement, referencing her own track record of working with then-Councilor Ayanna Pressley to up the number of social workers who accompany police when responding to calls involving people with mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse and domestic violence from two to four and then later working to bring that number up again to 19 clinicians.

Wu said the city should push harder to raise that number higher, making

a plea to be bold in ideas to move the city forward, something she did several times throughout the debate.

Payments from tax-free nonprofit institutions Payment In Lieu Of Taxes, or PILOT, is a program of larger, taxfree nonprofit institutions in Boston.

Each institution is asked to make a voluntary payment of some portion of what they might otherwise pay in taxes, but results rarely measure up to expectations.

In fiscal year 2020, nonprofits only met 79% of PILOT requests. The PILOT requests met by educational institutions, including Northeastern University, were lower, at 73%.

Essaibi George said the response from PILOT partners is “not good enough,” and said that if elected she would reconvene the PILOT task force to reassess property values, which is the key factor in determining the requested payment.

“I want our nonprofit partners, our institutions in this city, our meds and eds and cultural institutions to do that work [of engaging with the community], that’s why I’ve committed in that first 100 days to do that,” Essaibi George said.

Wu took the opportunity to acknowledge the challenges of students moving to off-campus housing and the challenges that poses to residents in surrounding neighborhoods.

As mayor, Wu said she would work to partner with universities and nonprofits to ensure they’re engaged with their communities.

Essaibi George said universities should be hiring and accepting Boston residents, referencing her own experience as a Boston resident who went on to study at Boston University.

Pandemic safety and COVID-19 vaccinations At the end of the hour, Keller turned the conversation to a single quick question about COVID-19 and vaccination rates and how to get closer to the relative safety of herd immunity.

Wu said Boston must use community spaces and resources, such as community centers, public housing and public schools, especially as the nation prepares for a vaccine to be made available for children.

“Our Boston Public Schools must be that platform where we are reaching every single family, from all generations, using that bit of connection to the community everywhere we can find it,” Wu said.

Essaibi George agreed, stressing the importance of accessibility and education about the vaccine.

“We’ve got to make sure the informa-

tion and education is shared widely, in culturally competent ways, using the languages that our city’s residents speak, and that we, as a city, are establishing pipelines of trust, communication, knowledge, information with our city’s people, with our city’s workforce, to share how important this is if we are to keep our economy going,” Essaibi George said.

When asked if they were OK with the suspension without pay of city workers last week who failed to meet the deadline to get a vaccine under acting Mayor Kim Janey’s mandate for city employees, both candidates spoke about the importance of vaccinating city employees and leading by example, though neither voiced their explicit support.

Essaibi George took the opportunity to say she was grateful for city employees who have been working on the frontline throughout the pandemic.

To wrap up the debate, Keller asked the candidates if they thought former Mayor Martin J. Walsh was a good mayor and how their time in the city’s top executive offer would differ from his.

Essaibi George, a close ally of Walsh known for using Walsh-like talking points, said he was a good mayor, but noted her experience as a teacher, small-business owner and city councilor, made her different from the former Mayor.

“What I bring — that’s very different from Marty Walsh — to the table is my 13 years of experience in the classroom, my work building a business, my efforts as a member of the City Council, leading on issues like family homelessness,” Essaibi George said.

Wu also voiced her support for the former Mayor but drew a distinction in the scope of the policies she’d aim for in office.

“Over the last decade, Boston has seen tremendous pressures growing on our residents: the housing crisis, the pandemic, jobs, transportation system, our schools,” Wu said. “I will make sure that we’re not just continuing to take baby steps toward where we need to but lean into the power that city government has to bring everyone into the conversation and deliver on the scale of changes — the bold changes — that we need in this city for this generation, but for future generations as well.”

The general election will be held Nov. 2.

Photos by Avery Bleichfeld Left: Wu, accepting the endorsement of Wakanda II, a group of Black business owners and community leaders. Right: Essaibi George speaking at a Labor Day rally Sept. 6, 2021

LIFESTYLE

October 29, 2021

Page 5

Cast of ‘Dune’ brings modern take to timeless story

By Clara McCourt Lifestyle Editor “Dune” is a film of epic proportions. An accomplished cast, an action-packed plot and a rich source material creates a large-scale adventure that promises to be one of the most popular films of 2021.

The film marks the second adaptation of Frank Herbert’s beloved 1965 novel of the same name.

In a virtual roundtable with college publications, “Dune” stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya analyzed the film’s deeper impact beyond the blockbuster.

“Dune” centers around the story of Paul Atreides (Chalamet), a brilliant teenager with a birthright beyond his understanding.

Paul and his powerful family travel to Arrakis, a dangerous desert planet they have recently been given control over.

Arrakis holds the most precious resource in the galaxy spice. As forces begin to clash over spice supply, Paul must grapple with political and environmental conflicts to ensure the survival of his race.

While the film itself is a sci-fi spectacle, Chalamet joined by Zendaya, who plays Arrakis native Chani, focused instead on the emotional journey that their characters face.

Both Paul and Chani represent the youth of their people thrust into a conflict spanning generations.

“This is a coming of age story, a bigger metaphor for something that we’ve all kind of experienced, which is just what it’s like to grow up and feel all these pressures and these ideas of the things that you should be,” Zendaya said.

This vast undertaking was a welcome challenge for Chalamet, who is stepping into a franchise of this scale for the first time.

“The journey Paul’s on is much greater and more significant than any journey I’ve ever been on. But the ability to grow not only as a young man but also to face his prophecy was incredibly exciting as an actor,” Chalamet said.

Both actors praised the vision of their director, Denis Villeneuve.

Villeneuve’s previous work includes sci-fi epics “Arrival” (2016) and “Blade Runner 2049” (2017).

“Dune” is a passion project for Villeneuve, who has wanted to adapt the film since he was a teenager.

Zendaya noted that Villeneuve was

able to grow up with “Dune,” giving him a strong respect for the original source material.

“What’s so important is having that right director, that person who connects with the material in a different way. I think that is a greater emotional connection to the piece that he’s creating. I don’t think there’s anyone better for the job,” Zendaya said.

Chalamet said that Villeneuve’s guidance allowed him to find the humanity within this geopolitical epic, saying that he felt “lucky” to be able to work with the director.

“If you’ve seen [Villeneuve’s] earlier films, you know they’re behavioral.

They’re about the characters at the center of it. And I think he didn’t lose sight of that,” Chalamet said.

Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya joined college students from across the country for a roundtable Zoom.

“Dune” takes place on several otherworldly planets, taking the viewer from barren desert landscapes to bustling utopias.

To accurately portray these environments, Villeneuve forgoed the traditional green screen of modern science fiction films, insisting on shooting on location across the world.

Zendaya said this worldliness created reverence for the project throughout the cast and crew and said it “makes you feel very small in the best kind of way.”

Chalamet echoed this, saying that it added to his performance.

“Whether it was in Jordan or Abu Dhabi [or] Norway, it felt like a constant process of being inspired by everything that was happening around [me],” Chalamet said.

While the book was originally published in 1965, the themes of “Dune” remain all too relevant today: Colonialism, environmentalism and equality outlast the more unrealistic elements of the narrative. “​Its themes remain really relevant about fighting for what’s right socially, fighting for what’s right environmentally, standing up for groups that are easily oppressed or that don’t have the agency to fight back,” Chalamet said.

Chalamet and Zendaya, who both have young fanbases, hope that these audiences will connect with the material.

Zendaya said that she sees a commonality in youth across generations.

“I think a lot of people, especially young people such as ourselves, feel

Photo Courtesy Warner Bros.

Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya joined college students from across the country for a roundtable Zoom.

Calendar compiled by Lily Elwood & Katie Mogg Graphics by Marta Hill

Now - Oct. 29 Seaport Sweat Looking for an exciting outdoor workout before things start moving inside? Seaport Sweat is Boston’s largest free workout series. From Zumba to yoga to core bootcamps, Seaport Sweat is everything you’re looking for.

Seaport Common, Free

Saturday, Oct. 30 Basic “Witch” Brunch Kick off your Halloween weekend by attending a festive brunch at City Tap House Boston. This event will include complimentary psychic readings, live music, food, alcohol for those 21 and older and people dressed in their best costumes.

10 Boston Wharf Road, Free

Courtesy Warner Bros. via EPK.tv. All rights reserved. this impending doom. That’s a common feeling, and I think sometimes it feels a little bit helpless. It’s like, ‘How do I live and enjoy things and have fun but also care? How do I care and enjoy life because if I care too much it’s impossible to enjoy anything?’” Zendaya said.

While the characters of Paul and Chani are from two completely different upbringings, they both carry the weight of responsibility.

Chalamet said this is a universal feeling and hoped that it would resonate with a modern audience.

“If young people can relate to what Chani or Paul are going through at the center of it and can also intake the themes that sometimes fly above my head, then we really succeeded.

It would mean transposing a story from the sixties, and by way of Denis’ vision, have it be accessible to a generation that relates in many ways to the qualities of the story,” Chalamet said.

Both actors pointed out that “Dune” does not complete the story of Paul and Chani.

The film’s title screen conspicuously reads “Dune: Part One,” echoing Villeneuve’s statement to CNET that it is “just half a movie.”

A “Dune” sequel has not officially been announced, but Chalamet and Zendaya are hopeful that they will be able to complete their character’s arcs, doing justice to the first book in the original “Dune” series.

“This was a total dream come true, something I would do again in a heartbeat and [something] I hope we get another chance to do,” Chalamet said.

“Dune” was released on HBO Max Oct. 21 and in theatres Oct. 22.

Saturday, Oct. 30

If young people can relate to what Chani or Paul are going through at the center of it and can also intake the themes that sometimes fly above my head, then we really succeeded.

— Timothée Chalamet Actor

Rooftop Yoga Want to get in some exercise while basking in the view of Boston’s skyline? Try rooftop yoga at Bower Boston. This hour long event starting at 11:30 a.m. welcomes people of all different levels of experience with yoga. Remember to bring your own mat!

771 Beacon Street, $15

Now - Oct. 31 Road to Revolution walking tour Seize your last chance to immerse yourself in the deep history of Boston on the road to revolution walking tour. This tour walks along the freedom trail while stopping at Paul Revere’s house and the site of the Boston massacre.

Corner of Tremont Street and Beacon Street, $15

Now - Nov. 23 Copley Square Farmers Market Pick a Tuesday or Friday to check out one of the largest farmer’s markets in Massachusetts! Here you will find an array of local produce and many specialty food vendors from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Copley Square

LIFESTYLE

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Hallowee

‘Practical Ma er go out of st

Illustration by Michelle Wu

Two years later, ‘Midsommar’ still preys on empathy

October 29, 2021

By Lily Elwood Deputy Lifestyle Editor

Two long years have passed since the iconic release of A24’s “Midsommar” in 2019, but the film still remains equally as unsettling and chilling as ever. Ari Aster, the film’s director, managed to create a haunting depiction of cult indoctrination, grief and the cycle of life all entirely in broad daylight.

“Midsommar” does not hide itself in darkness and cheap jumpscares that can be accomplished under the cover of night; it shows every gruesome detail under the bright, almost 24-hour sun of rural Hälsingland, a small Swedish town.

The film follows Dani (Florence Pugh), a graduate student who has recently suffered an unimaginable tragedy. Devastated, she leans on her uninterested boyfriend Christian, who is embarking on a trip to a Swedish commune, the Hårga, with his friends from grad school. Much to the reluctance of the group, Dani is invited on the trip under the assumption that she won’t accept the invitation, but surprisingly, she does.

The group arrives at the commune during its nine-day mid-summer festival and quickly realizes that beneath the frivolity, flowers and traditional costumes, there is a much darker purpose to the rituals that ensue, leading to death, torture and the failure of Dani’s relationship.

Through symbolism and foreshadowing of events to come, “Midsommar” is not a film you can watch once and be done with.

Every viewing uncovers something new that the audience may have missed, which is one of the reasons why it is still so prevalent in horror circles.

“Midsommar” is not only rich with intense, careful storytelling; it is also aesthetically jarring. The film’s editing and camera work make you feel more connected to the storyline in every scene. It’s like a car crash — you want to look away, but you can’t take your eyes off it. It forces you to look at the blood and gore while juxtaposing it

with beautiful scenery and blindingly white costumes.

During all of the drug trips that the characters partake in, the screen before you adapts to show the way the characters perceive their surroundings as they begin to feel the effects of the psychedelics.

When Dani participates in a psychedelic trip for the first time, we see grass growing out of her body as characters converse about their feelings of connectivity to the earth. The trees move and breathe with her, and things are calm at first. But as her trip worsens, the soundtrack distorts, the people she interacts with are laughing at her, and as she looks in a mirror, her face morphs, and we can see an image flash of her dead sister behind her.

By far the most captivating thing about “Midsommar” — the thing that has kept audiences watching it again and again — is that viewers are faced with cult indoctrination alongside Dani. Pugh’s acting skills as Dani are phenomenal, and this element would not have been possible without her.

Her sobbing and screams, as she suffers through coming to terms with her trauma and witnessing the horrors of the Hårga, are often more devastating and unsettling to watch than the actual gore in the film.

As viewers, all we want is for Dani’s suffering to end. She has been painted as a character deserving of so much empathy, and we feel for her. As she is slowly adopted into the cult, many people on their first watch will be happy for her. Members of the Hårga welcome her into the family, and as she screams in emotional pain, so do they.

She finds a purpose, a home, a new life.

But as you think about it more deeply, you remember that this is a pagan cult — a cult that killed Dani’s friends, a cult with strong underlying hints at white supremacy. And you think about the fact that you, too, were tricked for a moment into believing that this was the right thing for Dani. “Midsommar” proves how easy it is to fall into cult-like thinking: preying on your empathy for a suffering woman whose pain the Hårga exploit.

That’s the scariest thing about it — under the bright sun of Hälsingland, the film itself is working to indoctrinate you, too.

By Emma Magioncalda News Correspondent

“Practical Magic” reminds us of the ancient and powerful magic of sisterhood, healing, love and ‘90s pop anthems. There’s nothing like a witchy cult classic to get a viewer into the fall spirit.

The film, which was released in 1998 and adapted from the 1995 novel by Alice Hoffman, opens with the infamous tale of Maria Owens, a witch from the colonial era who is accused of practicing witchcraft and is sentenced to death.

Banished to a deserted island off the Massachusetts coastline, she waits for her lover to come rescue her and their unborn child, but he never does. In the midst of her heartbreak, she unwittingly sentences any man who dares to love an Owens woman to an early grave.

Flashing forward to the modern age, Gillian “Gilly” (Nicole Kidman) and Sally Owens (Sandra Bullock) are orphaned after losing their father to the family curse and losing their mother to heartbreak. The girls grow up under the guardianship of their aunts, Frances (Stockard Channing) and Bridget Owens (Dianne Weist), learning how to use and control their magical gifts.

The Owens family is known around town for possessing strange and occult powers, and they’re ostracized because of it. However, Gilly and Sally find happiness, and everything seems to be going according to plan — until the death of Sally’s husband, credited to the notorious Owens family curse.

The two women battle through heartbreak

October 29, 2021

en rewind

agic’ will nevtyle

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Film accompanist breathes new life into an undead classic

Photo Courtesy Jeff Rapsis

By Hannah Rosman News Staff

Illustration by Avery Bleichfield

and grief to save each other, although they may have to kill and resurrect a couple of bad guys before they get their happily ever after. Throw in a missing persons investigation, a solstice celebration, a swanky detective who can flip a mean pancake and an exorcism, and you’ve got yourself the quintessential witchy rom-com.

But “Practical Magic” is no cog in the Hollywood machine. This genre-bending film masterfully tackles deep issues such as grief, abuse and love with lighthearted comedy and humor.

The story follows the lives of women who are the masters of their own destiny, women who are anything but one-dimensional.

But looking back at this magical tale in 2021, there is a huge lack of diverse representation on-screen. Historically, it’s been upheld that women of color faced disproportionate violence and death sentences during the witch trials in comparison with the white women who typically dominate media depictions today. Admittedly, “Practical Magic” is guilty of contributing to that one-sided narrative.

The film portrays universal truths about love and relationships. Sally is afraid to open up her heart to love again. She’s terrified of losing another man to the Owens’ family curse. Gilly, who prides herself on being an independent free-spirit, learns to ask her family for help and see her vulnerability as strength. Both women learn that there’s nothing more powerful than tapping into your inner strength and embracing who you were born to be — and this might just inspire the viewer to do the same.

So, sit back, relax, light your fall-scented candles, grab a midnight margarita, non-alcoholic if you’re under 21, and enjoy the magic of ‘90s girl power on film. And remember: “Always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck and fall in love whenever you can.”

To celebrate Halloween, the Somerville Theatre will be showing the 1931 horror classic “Dracula” for one night only at 7:30 p.m.

This one-night showing is even more special. Viewers will be treated to a performance from Jeff Rapsis, Somerville Theatre’s resident silent film accompanist and local composer, who will score the film live.

For Rapsis, it’s exciting to return to the theatre after being shuttered for so long. The 100-year-old theatre, located in Davis Square, recently reopened after a 17-month hiatus due to the pandemic.

“Something that gets lost nowadays is the value of seeing a movie, especially an old movie, in a theatre with an audience,” Rapsis said. “Older movies like ‘Dracula’ or all the silent films… don’t work very well when you watch them at home. But when you put them on the big screen and have an audience around and have music, that helps the film come to life.”

Rapsis doesn’t follow a particular guide when he scores films. Instead, his accompaniment is all improvised, a practice that has been passed down from film accompanists since the early days of film.

“I do my music right there in the theatre in the tradition of the great theatre organists. Back then, they would have a movie every other day, so they had no time to plan anything out, so [they] just developed the ability to kind of go with it and do the music in real-time. It’s kind of a lost art,” he said.

Rapsis takes this part of the job extremely seriously, making sure not to plan his accompaniment too much so as not to hinder his creativity in the moment.

“The thing is, I really don’t know

what is going to come out until I get there,” Rapsis said. “The analogy that I think is the most fitting is that I’m like a painter making some sort of abstract art. I’ll start with one thing and just start adding on to it and just whatever happens will create the final experience.”

Although “Dracula” is a talking picture, it was released with virtually no musical score, a common practice during the transitional period from silent to sound pictures. Rapsis wants to maintain the integrity of the original film, so he will only add music in certain places where he feels it will either enhance the mood, heighten tension or signify a change in the emotional line of the story.

“I need to be aware of where the areas are that I can add music to without overwhelming the film or doing something that distracts from it,” Rapsis said. “The music that I do is to support the film, to make it connect with audiences. I’m not trying to create music that draws attention to itself and says, ‘Hey, listen to me, don’t pay attention to the movie.’ I’m trying to kind of go with the movie and help it connect to a modern audience.”

Despite its use of dialogue, “Dracula” is closely linked to the silent-era tradition of films shown with live music. Its director, Tod Browning was a prolific director of silent films, including many thrillers that predate “Dracula.” “[‘Dracula’] still looks like what an old silent movie might’ve looked like.

It still has that sort of atmosphere and look because [Browning] had been working on that for more than a decade,” Rapsis said. “That kind of creepy, Gothic appearance, full of shadows and spider webs. That was what he liked to work in, so [his] work lends itself to the whole live music thing because that’s kind of what he was doing all along.”

Since his childhood, Rapsis has been fascinated by old movies as a window into the past.

“I had a music teacher in seventh

grade who was a movie collector… and this guy collected older movies and he’d bring them into study hall,” Rapsis said. “Most kids could care less, but I was fascinated by it. I’d go to the library and read all about that era, which was long gone by then. I was just one of those kids.”

It wasn’t until about 15 years ago that Rapsis started making music for silent films, uniting two of his childhood passions.

“I always loved music and when I was a kid I took piano lessons… It was only much later in life when I began doing music again when I had a chance to do music for films,” Rapsis said. “It was like chocolate and peanut butter. They were these two things that I really liked and then I put them together and they were even better.”

Although Rapsis’s work is very specific, he manages to stay incredibly busy. He does about 100 shows a year, mostly in New England, but he occasionally travels farther.

“It’s this odd corner of showbiz I work in. These films used to be pop culture, but now they’re just kind of like a special niche that there’s some interest in,” Rapsis said. “In fact, there’s a growing interest in it. You’d think that over time people would be less likely to look at these [films], but actually, it’s growing because the films are so old now that they have a fascination all their own.”

Rapsis hopes that his work can contribute to the growing appreciation of the films he loves by recreating them as they were meant to be seen.

“People who may not think that older movies have much to offer ...should give them a chance on a big screen in a theater with an audience because these films are almost like a different art form. They’re as different from today’s movies as sculpture is from painting,” Rapsis said.

Tickets for “Dracula” are $15 online at www.somervilletheatre.com or at the box office. Discounts for seniors or students are available.

SPORTS

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October 29, 2021

First ever Road of Rainbows race pairs inclusivity and athletics

By Cathy Ching News Correspondent

“Finding community is really important,” Frangieh said. “It’s important to remember that while a lot of times it is isolating and you may feel alone, no one’s alone within their feelings. There are quite literally millions and millions of

people who are in the same boat as anybody who feels that way.”

Road of Rainbows welcomes people of all backgrounds — queer or not. When creating this event, Frangieh aimed to break down many barriers that make many athletic events exclusive and discriminatory. To help ensure that Road of Rainbows is an inclusive event, there are five appointed counselors that oversee the decision making of the registration and location of the race.

For example, when filling out the form to register for a spot in Road of Rainbows, athletes do not have to specify their sex — the traditional “male” and “female” boxes are not found on the registration form. This invites all non-binary people who otherwise would not feel comfortable participating in a race that requires the athletes to specify their sex.

Frangieh chose Boston Common to be the location of the race because it is easily accessible by public transportation as well as accessible for athletes with disabilities who wish to participate in a quick race around the park.

Although the Road of Rainbows is an athletic event, Frangieh is using this opportunity to bring light to the injustices happening in and around the LGBTQ+ community and emphasize how the Boston Theater Company is using art to stay active in their social responsibility.

“With our art, we have an opportunity to tell those stories and shed light, highlight and showcase the struggles that a lot of queer folks go through, especially queer folks who weren’t born here or have parents who weren’t born here,” Frangieh said. “Spreading awareness for the arts in a unique way is more important than ever.”

A Boston native and a 2012 Northeastern University graduate, Frangieh has seen Boston grow into what it is today and could not think of a better place to hold this event other than the lively city itself.

“Boston is such an amazing city,” Frangieh said. “It’s a huge theatre and art scene, and it’s a huge athletic scene and we’re excited to melt the two industries together.”

Road of Rainbows is set to be an event to help the queer community in Boston feel included in athletic events, but it is also a day to have fun. The race is three laps around

Boston Common, but participants may walk or leave at any time if they wish. Athletes can dress up in Halloween costumes, which are not mandatory either.

The event will be hosted by Mizery McRae, a drag queen who goes by her stage name “Mizery,” and Kennedy Elsey, a comedian and co-host of Karson & Kennedy Podcast. There will be American Sign Language interpreters at the event.

“After a year and a half of not really being able to see people, it will be nice to feel included, to feel safe and just have a fun outdoor event,” Frangieh said.

Queer or not, runner or not, Road of Rainbows invites all people in the Greater Boston area to highlight the fun, unique and expressive group that is the LGBTQ+ community. Like everyone in the queer community, Road of Rainbows is a one-of-a-kind event.

“We are not a monolith. We are all different. We come from different places. We have different identities — different abilities,” Frangieh said. “That’s what makes us a really resilient community.”

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 28 to accurately reflect that Frangieh did not specify his own personal hardships.

“This season has been a little challenging for Rose; her performances and minutes have been up and down,” Phillips said. “She just has come alive in the last couple of games here, and it’s nice to see her come alive and get that reward by scoring the game-winner and having her teammates celebrate her is amazing. She’s one of the hardest workers, she’s super committed and super approachable, we absolutely love Rose.”

The love for Rose surely continued into the team’s matchup against the nation’s 12th-ranked team and CAA rival, Hofstra University.

The match against Hofstra was again the Friel and Kaefer show, with the forward coming up clutch with her second goal in as many games to help conquer the Pride.

Friel saved all seven of the shots that her opponents made on target and helped NU score its first win against Hofstra since 2018.

The win moved the Huskies to a record of 3-2 within the highly competitive CAA. Sophomore goalkeeper Bianca Resca acknowledged that with conference play comes a greater level of urgency and competition.

“It’s not exactly the same as playing in the playoffs but [the CAA] definitely feels like a whole new level of intensity and worry,” Resca said.

The season has presented new and old challenges for the Huskies.

While there was a spring season in 2021, the fall season in 2021 was essentially summer camp for two whole classes of players. The team’s current sophomores did not have a traditional preseason last year and were just as new to it as the freshmen this season.

After not having any sort of preseason experience or unified team housing last year, many members of the team moved into Northeastern’s Davenport apartments for their summer camp sessions. Those who have off-campus housing stayed there during the preseason, but those who elected to stay on campus roomed together.

Senior defender Grace Moore thought that this year’s preseason and housing situation helped to bring the team together. Moore roomed with freshmen Avery Levangie and Kat Marchessault and sophomores Kaefer and Gabby Scarlett.

“Living together this preseason helped a lot when it came to team building. It also was really helpful for integrating the freshmen, who would usually be more isolated,” Moore said. “For a few weeks, we spent every second of every day together. I know that may not sound like a long time, but sometimes one day would feel like weeks.”

Getting younger players like Marchessault integrated into the team has been crucial for the team’s success this year, especially on the defensive side of the pitch. NU returned its defensive stalwarts: graduate student Jane Kaull and sophomore Allie Vazquez, who started every match last year and earned CAA-Rookie Team honors. Marchessault and Rosenblatt joined the two this year to form a backline that has helped Friel shut out seven opponents so far.

As a transfer, Rosenblatt said that she has felt very comfortable with her new team and that the preseason work was beneficial to the cohesion of the team.

“While it was mentally draining going from each activity in the summer, I wouldn’t have the same connection to teammates without the work that we had to put in,” Rosenblatt said. “The team has been super welcoming so far, the chemistry is different here than at Wisconsin, but I don’t feel like I don’t belong.”

On Oct. 17 against Elon, Rosenblatt started her 14th straight match as NU looked to extend its winning and shutout streak to four games. The last time the Huskies took on the Phoenix was in the CAA tournament in 2019, where they were upset 2-1.

NU battled Elon, with senior forward Mikenna McManus tying the match at one goal apiece as the first half closed, but a goal in the

92nd minute for the Phoenix burnt up the Huskies’ hopes of an extended winning streak.

The loss at Parsons Field Oct. 17 put the Huskies at 3-3 in conference play, but they still are in a great position as they look down the road at the postseason. NU currently sits in third place in the CAA and would be one of the four teams to make it into the CAA tournament. The Huskies are set to play three teams with a losing record in the CAA including the bottom two teams in the conference, the Charleston Cougars Oct. 24 and the William & Mary Tribe Oct. 31. A win against two of those teams would secure a spot in the playoffs for NU. The CAA tournament is set to kick off Nov. 4, with Elon hosting.

Illustratio la Shiao

n by Kay

On Halloween, Boston Common will once again be swarmed with runners, supporters and performers — this time, dressed up in costumes. This is the first year of Road of Rainbows, Massachusetts’ first ever LGBTQ+ 5K road race, introduced by the Boston Theater Company and the Artistic Athletic Association, or AAA. Participants in Road of Rainbows will run three laps around Boston Common to raise awareness for injustices in the queer community and break down the barrier between the arts and sports world.

Although the arts and athletics industries may seem worlds apart, they are not all that different. The AAA strives to break down the stereotypes between these two industries because artists and athletes share the same core values: teamwork, dedication and commitment.

Joey Frangieh, the founding artistic director of the Boston Theater Company, launched the AAA after he ran the Boston Marathon in 2017. He realized that many athletic events are not inclusive of ability, gender and expression. Frangieh then came up with

the idea of Road of Rainbows for the same purpose of inclusivity but also aspired to focus on inclusivity between the LGBTQ+ community and athletic events.

Northeastern women’s soccer overcomes September struggles

By Peyton Doyle Deputy Sports Editor After a hot start to the season, the tale quickly turned for the Northeastern women’s soccer team. The Huskies did not win a single match in September and continued their winless streak into conference play. Their Oct. 3 loss to University of North Carolina Wilmington was their sixth match in a row without recording a win.

During the stretch, sophomore defender Faith Rosenblatt, who transferred from the University of Wisconsin-Madison this year, spoke about the team’s struggles.

“The results are getting frustrating.

We just need to get over the hump to really achieve our potential,” Rosenblatt said. “Grit and grind is a huge mentality for us. 90% of the time it’s just about the grit and grind.”

As the team proved last season, one tough stretch does not define them.

Following their loss to the Seahawks, the Huskies took a road trip down to Maryland. The Huskies battled Towson University in a war of attrition, topping the Tigers after 108 minutes with a goal from freshman forward Megan Putvinski, the lone scorer in the contest.

Following their battle with Towson, NU came back home to face James Madison University. Sophomore forward Rose Kaefer was the hero of the game. Her first-half goal along with 10 saves from junior goalkeeper Angie Friel helped secure another win over their fellow canines and their second winning streak of the season.

After the game, head coach Ashley Phillips spoke about Kaefer’s season and the goal she scored off of the freekick from Rosenblatt.

Photos by Carissa Mastrangelo Northeastern lost 2-0 at home to University of North Carolina Wilmington Oct. 3.

SPORTS

October 29, 2021

Page 9

In wake of virtual season, Northeastern Diving rethinks their approach

By Lauren Thomas News Staff As the 2021 swim and dive season ramps up, the Northeastern diving team takes a new approach to how they prepare for meets.

Last season, all events were held virtually, and COVID-19 guidelines forced teammates apart. Despite the toll these obstacles took on the

team, the Huskies had a renewed sense of camaraderie and purpose going into their second in-person meet of the season, held Oct. 23.

“The best part about this year so far is that our team dynamic is back,” junior diver Lauren O’Sullivan said.

“Everyone’s really supportive of each other. We’re able to see each other all the time and hang out outside of practice.”

At the first meet of the season, Oct. 8 and 9, the Northeastern Huskies beat out Central Connecticut State, 206-135, but lost to host UConn, 156-122.

“Most of us haven’t competed in about two years, so [the goal] wasn’t so much to go [to the first meet] and do well; it was kind of just to learn from it and learn what a competition setting is like,” sophomore diver Lizzie Meschisen said.

“I think it made us aware of what our strengths and weaknesses are, and kind of how to deal with the competition setting mentally.”

In an effort to combat the mental strain from the pandemic, head diving coach Lauren Colby implemented ‘Meditation Mondays’, along with other mindfulness techniques.

“Our coach Lauren is super big on how your mind has such a huge impact on how you perform in your sport,” O’Sullivan said. “We’ll sit there and allow ourselves to get in that headspace, ready for practice, ready to start the week. Usually, she’ll try to have us focus on one thing at a time.

Obviously, if you’re overanalyzing and have so many things going through your head, it’s going to be hard to perform your dive.”

Divers like Meschisen say they’ve noticed a difference in how they perform since beginning the mindfulness regimen.

“The adrenaline running through my body seems to move at a slower pace when I do the breathing before each dive and even during practice,” Meschisen said. “When I’m struggling and baulking my dives a lot or not doing something well, if I stop and do the breathing, even if I don’t consciously notice it, I notice it in my diving because I’m not as anxious.”

Another focal point of this diving season is increasing degrees of difficulty, in the hopes of scoring more points by competing harder dives.

“We’ve been really pushing our dives trying to boost up our degree of difficulty,” O’Sullivan said. “We’ve been putting a lot of extra hours into perfecting our entries. I think this buildup of the fundamentals is going to show at this meet, definitely.”

O’Sullivan’s prediction held true at

Photos by Mihiro Shimano The Huskies competed in an intrasquad meet Jan. 30. After a virtual season, Northeastern diving will return to in-person meets. the tri-meet against Boston University and Bryant University on Oct. 23.

The Huskies triumphed in eight events with freshman diver Erin Murphy leading the team to first

place with a career-best of 257.55.

The Huskies come home next weekend to host their first meet of the season against Boston College and Drexel University Nov. 5 and 6.

Column: A ‘Raid’ on accountability, how the NFL’s culture needs improvement

By Antonia Sousa News Correspondent Following the discovery of a series of misogynistic, racist and homophobic emails, Jon Gruden has resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. The emails were made public by the New York Times after being uncovered by officials from the National Football League, or NFL. Officials found them while investigating a workplace misconduct case against Washington Football Team president Bruce Allen.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Gruden apologized, saying he “never meant to hurt anyone.” Nevertheless, the fallout from this scandal has raised a string of questions regarding diversity and accountability within the NFL. For an organization that decorates its fields and uniforms with “Inspire Change” slogans, the room for growth is substantial. Gruden’s emails were laden with foul language, from homophobic insults toward other NFL officials to racist remarks regarding former President Barack

Obama. Some of the correspondence went as far as to attach explicit pictures of women, including some of the Washington Football Team cheerleaders.

As perplexing and upsetting as Gruden’s actions were, the issue at hand goes far beyond the finding of the emails. The former Raiders coach might no longer be part of the organization, but what about the individuals who enabled his behavior? Homophobic, racist and sexist mindframes still exist in the NFL. With an alleged 650,000 emails to comb through, league officials should use this opportunity to expose the rest of the recipients, promoting accountability across the NFL. Not only would this publicize the harsh realities of discriminatory attitudes within the league, but also it could bring a sense of clarity to past issues. This situation has reignited discussion about former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

An email written August 2016 reveals Gruden believed Kaepernick should have been cut due to his choice to kneel during the national anthem.

If these emails were sent to league officials or other powerful figures of the NFL, could this serve as an explanation as to why Kaepernick was blackballed by the League?

Furthermore, Gruden’s actions have put the NFL’s culture on display for the world to rightfully criticize.

As of 2020, 60% of the NFL’s players are Black, but 80% of coaches and staff remain white men according to the NFL’s report on occupational mobility and diversity and inclusion.

Gruden was able to get away with his behavior because the culture of the NFL continuously swept it under the rug. It seems the organization has remained too comfortable for too long, promoting the aforementioned “Inspire Change” campaign, despite not standing behind the message.

In order to even begin to inspire any change, the NFL needs to welcome more diverse perspectives into its core mix. The League must begin to focus on hiring minorities and women as head coaches, general managers and key officials. Without that, the toxic culture will remain, and problematic behaviors will

continue to be enabled.

While some may argue that hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, the NFL has consistently chosen less successful white candidates over their Black counterparts.

Even with certain hiring measures in place, such as a recent resolution that compensates draft picks for hiring Black coaches, teams are failing to meet expectations.

2021 has been labeled as “historic” in regards to women’s involvement within the league.

This year’s Super Bowl was the first to have women coaches on the sidelines — there were only two, and the 2021 season has a record number of 12 female coaches. How can something so long overdue be labeled as historic?

Out of those twelve female coaches, not one holds the position of head coach. The NFL fan base is now made up of 47% of women according to a CNBC report, but the sexist culture hidden within the sport bars a sense of representation on the field.

The NFL is arguably one of the

most influential organizations in the country, often setting a precedent for young adults, aspiring athletes and individuals who view the organization as an American staple.

Its lack of attention toward the bigotry unfolding behind closed doors has an impact on their audience, often promoting this unfortunate naivete.

Gruden’s case has opened these doors and allowed for dialogue regarding workplace conduct, opportunities for accountability and, of course, improvement within the NFL’s culture.

Bryan McCarthy, vice president of communications for the NFL, said that the league has not disclosed all details found in the 650,000 emails and does not plan on doing so.

Despite the evident lack of transparency, the NFL claims it condemns Gruden’s statements.

When discussing social justice efforts with NPR, McCarthy said, “Our commitment is unwavering, and the progress we have made only strengthens our resolve to continue to improve.” As the story unfolds, only time will determine whether the NFL stands by this sentiment.

OPINION

Page 10 The Huntington News EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief

Matt Yan

Op-ed: Pandemic protocols shouldn’t put limits on Halloween celebrations

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Rachel Erwin Mihiro Shimano Editor-at-Large

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Alexis Santoro

Photo by Harriet Rovniak Conflicts between public health and personal freedom began emerging prominently during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Halloween approaches, it’s important to consider whether certain gatherings are safe given the presence of the coronavirus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, trick-or-treating is allowed as long as participants take proper safety measures. However, going to parties, the organization says, isn’t advised.

With that being said, are we really supposed to go back to trick-or-treating as college students? As a disclaimer, I think that trick-or-treating is

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fantastic entertainment for children, but not for grown college students. So, what are college students left to do?

They can’t go trick-or-treating, but they could — and should — be able to party. Researchers claim that the pandemic has hit its peak, with cases dropping every day. Public health and safety should always be a priority, but if people are fully vaccinated and exhibit no illness-related symptoms, then they should be able to attend large gatherings on Halloween.

Parties have long been a facet of college culture in the United States.

As most colleges became co-educational starting in the 1920s, parties emerged as networking events, and college party culture has constantly been evolving ever since. In the late 1940s, after the Second World War, soldiers returning from the front lines to attend school increased the frequency of partying. Fast forward to the 1960s, the sexual revolution and increased class diversity of students helped partying become less shackled by school administrations.

Nowadays, group gatherings are not completely banned — after all, it’s inevitable that people gather for all

kinds of purposes. This leads to us discussing whether Halloween parties are advisable given the current state of the world. Given all the stress, college students need socializing activities to escape from reality, if only for a little bit. Inevitably, those who argue for continued social restrictions are bound to rally against parties during Halloween. But according to Talbott Recovery, partying is an effective way for students to beat stress. We can always find alternative drinks to alcohol, thus avoiding getting drunk at parties. And now, serving as the catalyst to people’s stereotypical subjectivity on partying, advice from the CDC against people going to parties will only bring more negativity toward party culture.

A positive example is the upcoming Halloween party held by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, or CSSA, at Brandeis University.

It’s a nonprofit party that is free for Northeastern University students to attend. According to the activity list, they have Casino Night game sets which come with prizes, free snacks, milk tea, individual custom shows and a dance show by G-Power Dance

Crew. This activity is held under the approval of the university, and sets a perfect example of a “healthy Halloween party.” Yes, some might still worry about students exposing themselves to COVID-19 at events like this and at functions involving alcohol. Again, if you are fully vaccinated and do not exhibit symptoms associated with sickness, then you should be able to have fun during Halloween.

Remember, wearing a mask is always an option for indoor activities. It’s the essential step to cut off the spread of virus physically, protecting both ourselves and those who we have fun with in the parties.

Social gatherings during holidays like Halloween are helpful and important for many students after they close their textbooks for the day. We should all be aware of the potential risk of going to these parties, but students’ college experience and their mental health should not be forgotten.

Tim Zhao is a first-year journalism and political science major. He can be reached at zhao.shengh@ northeastern.edu.

Op-ed: Trick-or-treating and Halloween parties are back, sort of

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Photo by Harriet Rovniak With the Centera for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, approving Halloween’s annual trick-or-treating event in the United States, children have a well-deserved chance to see their friends and have a good time. Along with the idea of outdoor college parties on this holiday, trustworthy experts all over the country have approved Halloween festivities. In fact, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s most reputable infectious disease expert, says children and students should “go out there and enjoy Halloween” because outdoor festivities are completely safe. Yet, there are still prevalent issues that many students and families are stressing over.

While children and adults should have fun, there are many precautionary measures that should be implemented to ensure public safety. There are still issues that prevent Halloween from being completely safe, even after specific guidelines are followed.

1. Large groups are inevitable.

When traveling to houses, especially in small neighborhoods, children tend to wait in long lines or talk

with each other and exchange candy.

This is not a practical idea, and even though Halloween takes place outside, social distancing is still vital to prevent anyone from getting sick.

Although the general tradition of trick-or-treating is deemed safe, it is important costume-wearers travel in small groups near a central location to avoid boxed-in candy counting/ trading scenarios.

Krystal Pollitt, the assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Yale’s School of Public Health, said Halloween can be handled safely, and it will not pose significant risks to COVID-19 outbreaks if social distancing precautions are taken seriously and children wear masks properly when around others. In addition, college parties usually occur around the holidays; however, it would be safer to do so in small capacities or outdoors. When doing so, masks should be worn properly, and students should be given access to wash their hands frequently to prevent spreading the virus.

“We don’t want a large group of children congregating at doorsteps,” Pollitt said in an interview with USA Today. “Smaller groups for very short durations at someone’s door is advised.”

2. Masks may be considered a hindrance, so children are less likely to follow mask mandates.

During Halloween, it’s very unlikely that children will keep their masks on for the entire night. While trick-or-treating, kids will get tired of wearing their mask, it can fall below their nose and mouth or they could simply want a break from wearing one. Ultimately, parents should

prepare their children and make sure they understand the risks that follow. At Northeastern, students are being required to wear masks when on campus and take COVID-19 tests weekly. While vaccines are slowly becoming mandatory.

To contribute to community safety regarding specific necessary guidelines, Northeastern students can encourage wearing masks properly and washing their hands before leaving home. Additionally, costume masks will not prevent the coronavirus from spreading, so it’s important to make sure children are well protected with a mask covering their nose and mouth.

3. Touching surfaces of candy can spread COVID-19.

The BBC reported that coronavirus transmission through food packaging is unlikely, but it is still possible. In order to prevent this, children should carry portable bottles of hand sanitizer and let their parents sanitize their candy wrappers after returning home. At college parties, hosts should provide hand sanitizing stations to ensure student safety, while making recent negative COVID-19 tests (within the past 10 days) required for admission.

Children should keep their hands clean at all times, and even wearing gloves can be a highly effective prevention strategy. According to Healthline, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children wash their hands when they return home from trick-or-treating.

Also, children should wear masks regardless of vaccination status — especially if they live with anyone that has preexisting health conditions.

4. Partying on Halloween may not be ethical.

College parties are especially active during the holidays, so college students should be given a chance to have fun, right? Yes, but only when certain safety precautions are acknowledged. Northeastern reports that 99.6% students are vaccinated, and while many people on other college campuses are vaccinated due to mandates, it may not be wise to attend any indoor events.

The Department of Public Health released a detailed list of Halloween precautionary measures, consistent with the Halloween activity guide released by the CDC, and experts recommend against attending indoor events — especially when masks are optional. So, if college students host any parties on Halloween night, it’s important to take certain precautions such as providing hand sanitizer for everyone, encouraging people to wash their hands and making sure masks are worn anytime indoors.

The Boston Police Department released a list of reminders Oct. 21 geared toward local college students.

While discouraging big crowds, the CDC does not recommend attending any “crowded” parties on Halloween night and suggests wearing masks at all times while indoors. Overall, trick-or-treating and most Halloween events are outdoor activities, so taking precautionary measures against the virus seriously will significantly decrease the chance of increases in COVID-19 cases after Halloween.

Haley Alphonse is a first-year journalism major. She can be reached at alphonse.h@northeastern.edu.

OPINION

October 29, 2021

Page 11

Op-ed: Cough, cough, don’t spread your sickness to everyone else

Photo by Harriet Rovniak Among the sounds of pencil on paper, clicking keys and my professor’s voice addressing the 200 students in my 8 a.m. general biology lecture, I can always hear repeated coughs, ranging from wet to dry, and strong sniffles coming from every direction. Even pre-pandemic, especially during the colder seasons, students disregarded direction from schools and advice from parents, opting to show up for classes instead of staying home for fear of falling behind in their academics. But in present times, we should be extra diligent in self-monitoring symptoms, adhering to university policies and being considerate of others by not spreading uncomfortable sickness to peers, especially those who may be immunocompromised.

While Northeastern’s Daily Wellness Check is beneficial in theory, it relies on accurate self-reporting and habitual commitment to completing it. Common cold

symptoms, such as a new or worsening cough, runny nose or sore throat, are all listed on the Daily Wellness Check. I have friends who were told to stay home because they had cold symptoms, even if they were fairly sure it was just allergies, until they tested negative for COVID-19 or were cleared by a medical professional.

Lying or simply not completing the form at the onset of feeling sick in order to avoid that is too easy.

So, most people who don’t reach symptoms as severe as having a fever end up going to class, dining halls or club meetings. It’s understandable: Missing class may put you behind on lecture notes and discussions, leaving you to make up more work in the future. Some professors record their lectures daily, allowing you to join class via Zoom or rewatch the class after it is uploaded, but others advise you to ask a peer for their notes, forcing students to decide between sitting sick in class or relying on someone else’s interpretation of the lecture.

Most students’ best bet is talking to their professor, as they were instructed to devise plans for potential absences. Professors should make clear that students have the option to stay isolated if they have symptoms to protect both themselves and the remaining students in class, even if they have not tested positive for COVID-19. The pandemic has opened our eyes to virtual platforms

Photo by Harriet Rovniak Weekly test scheduling and the Daily Wellness Check can be found on the MyNortheastern portal. and many forms of communication that should stay in place when necessary to protect public health.

Students who test negative but still experience symptoms in following weeks should take advantage of Northeastern’s robust testing system. While not required, you can schedule multiple tests in a week, which can give both sick students and the people around them greater security in their health. While those who are exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 are not required to quarantine, communicating with friends and people you are living with remains important for their wellness.

According to a 2005 study published by the National Library of Medicine, 91% of sampled college students had at least one upper respiratory tract illness from

October 2002 to April 2003, which caused 27.8% of them to do poorly on a test and 46.3% to do poorly on an assignment. Showing up to class and potentially infecting others, whether with a common cold or COVID-19, may inflict poor class performance along with stubborn coughs and sore throats.

As the weather gets colder and students spend more time inside, self-care becomes ever more important for the health of all university students. A decrease in sleep makes people more susceptible to illness after exposure to a virus and affects the immune system’s response time.

Those sleeping less than seven hours are 2.94 times more likely to develop a cold than those who sleep over eight hours. A study led by Carnegie Mellon University professor Sheldon Cohen found that increased stress

limits the body’s response to cortisol, which inhibits the ability to regulate inflammation. As a result, people are more likely to develop a cold when exposed to a virus.

We all want to get back to pre-pandemic learning, but potentially compromising the health and wellness of students to do so is not the way to go. For everyone’s peace of mind, if you have symptoms, stay home until you test negative. Cover your mouth when you cough. If you test negative for COVID-19 but have symptoms, wear your mask, over your nose and mouth, when you are around people — even outside.

Kayla Shiao is a first-year Doctor of Pharmacy student and a member of The News’ design team. She can be reached at shiao.k@northeastern.edu.

Op-ed: The diversity in the orchestral realm needs to be improved

Photo by Quillian Anderson When you think of amazing classical composers, who do you think of? Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Beethoven, Haydn… but hold on a second. While rightfully esteemed, all of these figures are not diverse in ethnicity and gender. This issue contributes to why many have the false perception that composition was a skill that interested only aged white men and that others were reluctant to join in on this industry. Thus, for so many years, composers of different backgrounds have been failing to make themselves popular within the classical music community.

The challenge presented itself when my high school orchestra teacher told my class, “I don’t think there are any black composers… are there?” His ignorance, unfortunately,

infects many Americans, and it’s not entirely their fault. Orchestras promote this incorrect idea because they rarely present compositions by those artists in the first place.

Black composer Dr. Anderson said, “You always are identified because of race — there’s a certain different expectation… you know that you’re not going to be commissioned by the major artistic institutions like the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera.”

Hence, it’s not so much about the scarcity of classical music created by people who aren’t white men. It’s about how orchestras, the leading advertisers of a composer’s work, scarcely feature works by individuals of other races.

Certainly, this exclusion also extends to women, as only 1.8 percent of music programmed by major U.S. orchestras was written by women.

However, women make up about half of the world’s population, so why aren’t their creative projects showcased more across the world? This gender-biased music programming shadows any hope for young women who aspire to join a career in composition. However, music by esteemed women does exist, such as Rebecca Clarke’s rich Viola Sonata and Cécile Chaminade’s gorgeous Concertino

for Flute and Piano. Evidently, the problem isn’t that women refuse to write classical music. The problem is that we default to showcasing music created by men to be featured across orchestras — we think that their works are what people want to hear, despite knowing that women have forged wonderful pieces too.

As for composers of other backgrounds, they are challenged by our refusal to accept the evolution of classical music as it merges with the traditions brought on by non-European cultures. Even though this phenomenon is inevitable with the United States as a growing melting pot, New York Times reporter William Robin outlines that Black composers have received backlash from both Black and white intellectual groups since the composers do not adapt to mainstream commercial trends. This initial outrage may be why orchestras are compelled to stick with white men’s repertoire in their programs: They just want to play it safe for the sake of an audience’s interest.

The dominance of white men in the classical world extends past the compositions themselves, for they affect other orchestral aspects such as the conducting industry. Tom Huizenga of NPR highlights that a study in 2014 by the League of

American Orchestras found only a small percentage of musicians in American orchestras — less than 2% — are Black, while white individuals still constitute the vast majority of the musician population. This statistic would make it seem that only white men hold the capacity to be creatively intelligent enough to lead an orchestra, which is ludicrous, but the notion is not going to deteriorate anytime soon if white men continue to dominate the classical atmosphere.

If we were to normalize people of diverse backgrounds holding classical positions, perhaps more individuals would feel less intimidated to engage in the same sort of work done by Mozart, Beethoven and all the other renowned composers of the past. I cannot deny white men have generated splendid works that instill me with intense euphoria, mentally transporting me to fields of soft flowers and warm sun rays shining on my face. But these vivid sentiments also exist in works such as Clarke’s and Chaminade’s, yet our insistence on keeping orchestras and their classical programs dominantly white impedes us from hearing masterpieces from people of diverse backgrounds If you are a woman or individual of color nervous about working in

the orchestral industry, remember that no social construct should stop you from chasing your dreams. As more women and people of diverse races generate work, the more we can pressure the dominance of white men in orchestras and the greater our chance to end the normalization of their prevalence. The United States is a country filled with talented people who are of different ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, genders and more. Orchestras, such as Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra, or NUSO, and their students should take charge and demonstrate that classical music is not just for the minds of white men. Suggest to your conductors that they should integrate music from people of various backgrounds into their programs, which would diversify the compositions that audiences will eventually hear.

Never tell a woman or a colored individual that they cannot pursue a career in music. Music is full of color, and the diversity of individuals behind the art should reflect music’s infinite assortments of creativity.

Jethro Ronald Lee is a first-year biochemistry major with minors in music and sociology. He can be reached at lee.jet@northeastern.edu.

Page 12

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