M THE MANEATER The student voice of MU since 1955
www.themaneater.com
Vol. 86 Issue 16
february 12, 2020
GREEK LIFE
Politics of sororities questioned amid former member’s viral Twitter thread
A former Phi Mu member went from a sister to an outcast. Here is her story. ELISE DIESFELD
Student Politics Staff Writer A stroll down Rollins Street past the student center and Strickland Hall will place you in the heart of Greektown, marked by its letter bearing and music blaring culture. The allure of social outings, life long friends and student-populated mansions attract 28% of MU undergraduates. These individuals proudly display their Greek involvement by promoting their philanthropic events and sporting their Greek letters. And like many incoming freshmen, nowjunior Melina Psihountas was compelled to rush a sorority with the prospect of finding like-minded girls outweighing the $250 registration fee. During her rush process, Psihountas and her roommate were consumed with excitement as they accessorized, straightened their hair and reminded themselves not to mention the five B’s — boys, ballot, bible, bids and booze. Aside from showcasing her financial status through her accessories, Psihountas was given an additional snippet of advice from another girl rushing: look as white as possible. As one of the few women of color rushing, Psihountas feared she would be reduced to her race and serve solely as a token of diversity. However, despite these thoughts, Psihountas longed to attain the movie portrayal of the college experience with
Melina Psihountas standing in Francis Quadrange. | PHOTO COURTESY OF MELINA PSIHOUNTAS
all her sisters living under the same roof. Countless encounters followed the same script. Psihountas was asked “Where are you from? What's your major?” with enthusiasm, so she was surprised when houses dropped her. “It gets down to how you look at yourself, and you’re like did I say something wrong? Did they not like the way my mascara looked that day?” Psihountas said. By the end of rush, Psihountas was dropped from each house except for Phi Mu. She had developed a connection with one of the girls, who later became her Big. Psihountas appreciated that while Phi Mu was considered lower on the social hierarchy of houses, it was the most diverse. But
MEDICAL
even then, Psihountas was still the only Black girl in her pledge class. “It made me feel a little different,” Psihountas said. “I have a very strong personality, and I come across as confident. It’s not a bad thing, but people automatically try to assume things about me.” This clash in personalities quickly became apparent after Psihountas pledged Phi Mu and was subjected to the chapter’s rules that she said were not equally enforced. Psihountas shared that Phi Mu’s social media rules prohibit posts with alcohol, drugs, the word “sylly” (commonly used to reference syllabus week), allusions to drinking and the location of a bar. “It’s a big game of pretending we’re not normal college students which I can understand because they frame it like they’re concerned about us getting a job,” Psihountas said. “But the problem is that social media monitoring is at the discretion of one girl with the username of sirfidelphimu.” Sirfidelphimu likes a member’s post to indicate that it violates a social media rule and needs to be removed. However, Psihountas explained that the sorority’s executive board acts like a dynasty in which the Littles of the executives become members of the executive board in the following years. And according to Psihountas, those girls typically weren’t held to the same strict social media standards as other Phi Mu members. While Psihountas was a member of Phi Mu, she was routinely told to alter or entirely delete
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INTERNATIONAL
Medical group protests MU use International Humans of of animals in medical program Mizzou Vol. 3
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine organized the event, calling for MU to use only simulators instead of live animals. BEN SCOTT
Student Politics Editor Thursday morning saw the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine organize in front of Memorial Student Union, protesting MU’s use of live animals in its emergency medical program. There were around 10 protesters
in total holding signs reading “modernize medical training” and “end animal use.” They stood for an hour total, from 11 a.m. to noon. PCRM is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for plantbased diets and “effective scientific research” to improve human and animal lives, according to its website. In addition to the protest, the organization had three mobile billboards circulate around campus. Dr. Kerry Foley, a retired emergency physician, participated in the protest and had previously contacted the UM System Board of Curators through
live |Page 4
The students explained the differences between college in their respective countries and where they went to study. ADELE DU
University News Senior Staff Writer Xuezhao “Roxanne” Wan Roxanne Wan went to Monash University in Melbourne, Australia in spring 2019. Originally from Dali, China, Wan is a senior studying digital storytelling. “Life here was so much harder than I imagined. I feel like if you are a foreigner in China, people treat you so much nicer. But when I came here, I was just one of the many international students. I had a hard time making friends outside the Chinese group. I am Chinese and that’s how people see me
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INSIDE THIS
ISSUE
THE MANEATER The Student Voice of MU since 1955
Vol. 86 Issue 16 2509 MU Student Center • Columbia, MO 65211 573.882.5500 editors@themaneater.com www.themaneater.com
Twitter: @themaneater Instagram: @themaneater Snapchat: @the.maneater facebook.com/themaneaterMU The Maneater is the official student publication of the University of Missouri and operates independently of the university, student government, the School of Journalism and any other campus entity. All text, photos, graphics and other content are property of The Maneater and may not be reproduced without permission. The views and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the University of Missouri or the MU Student Publications Board. “I have decided this is my first of three doughnuts tonight.”- My Editor in Chief
Reporters for The Maneater are required to offer verification of all quotes for each source. If you notice an inaccuracy in one of our stories, please contact us via phone or email.
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Editor-in-Chief Leah Glasser
One of the three mobile billboards that circulated around Columbia on Thursday Feb. 6, 2020
Managing Editor Maureen Dunne
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Online this week: Eco-friendly building research, university policies on religious holidays, a fossil fuel protest and more at themaneater.com
POLITICS
NEWS
Mizzou for Pete works to appeal to Democrat, Republican voters After a strong performance from Mayor Pete Buttigieg in the Iowa caucus, Mizzou for Pete looks to build off momentum in later primaries. CAITLIN DANBORN
Student Politics Staff Writer Mizzou for Pete is collaborating with other campus organizations across the country and using virtual phone and text banks to organize for Pete Buttigieg in Columbia. MU junior Julia Gilman is the student lead for Mizzou for Pete, as well as MU’s campus coordinator for Pete for America. Buttigieg, who announced his campaign in April 2019, is the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana as well as an Afghanistan veteran. Buttigieg is currently the first openly gay candidate to run for a major party’s nomination and if elected would be the first openly gay president of the U.S. He is also the youngest candidate in the field at age 38. “He is a pragmatic progressive which means that he has the same end goal as the rest of the progressives in the party but he has reasonable steps to get there,” Gilman said. One of Buttigieg’s policies that Gilman is particularly fond of is a policy to expand access to mental health care in K-12 schools. Growing up Gilman said her school missed a learning disability in her, something she attributes to the lack of adequate mental health care in schools. “If we had everybody screened, this wouldn’t have
pete |Page 5
Mayor Pete Buttigieg working at his desk. Buttigieg received 26.2% of votes in the Iowa caucus, the highest of any Democratic candidate. | PHOTO COURTESY OF PETE FOR AMERICA.
HEALTH
CAMPUS LIFE
Rise in vaping leads to calls for increased regulations
MU campus brand representative program stretches deeper than promotion for members
Analysts have linked the decrease in cigarette use to a shift towards vape products rather than a decrease in nicotine consumption. WICKER PERLIS
University News Senior Staff Writer Cigarette smoking rates are down in Missouri and nationwide, recent analysis shows, but the surge of vaping has presented an entirely new set of problems for those who seek to reduce nicotine use. Quote Wizard, an insurance analysis division of Lending Tree, examined CDC data on smoking and vaping in the United States from 2009 to 2018. They reported that there has been a nationwide 10% decrease in cigarette use over that time, but that vaping has increased by 8%. The data also showed that Missouri had seen a 16.02% reduction in smoking, but a 12% increase in vaping. Missouri ranks No. 13 in terms of largest difference between smoking decrease and vaping increase. This ranking is meant to show how much a state
has seen its nicotine users switch from cigarettes to vaping, according to Quote Wizard analyst Adam Johnson. New Jersey has seen the most dramatic transition from smokers to vapers, while Louisiana ranked last, having seen a decrease in both categories. While many of the companies that produce and sell vape products will tout this transition as a positive change, Jenna Wintemberg, professor at the MU School of Health Professions, sees this change as problematic, especially for young people. She sees the fast growth of vaping as undoing many of the gains that health professionals have made to decrease nicotine use. “Public health and medical professionals have spent decades educating young people about the harms of smoking and advocating for strong and comprehensive restrictions,” Wintemberg said. Wintemberg said that another major concern is that people who would otherwise never be exposed to nicotine will start vaping at a young age and may pick up cigarette smoking down the line.
VAPE |Page 5
Women empowerment and a unified student body define what it means to be a brand ambassador on campus for these two students. LUCY CAILE
University News Staff Writer A young girl sits with her mother in Atlanta, both with Coca-Cola bottles in their hands, smiles on their faces as they celebrate the child’s birthday. Today, Coke bottles define Alaina Vacante’s happiest memories as she sits in the Kappa Alpha Theta house at MU and recalls why she decided to become a campus representative for the brand. “I really like the company and what they do and there’s so much joy and happiness around it,” Vacante said. “It’s such a simple, everyday thing but it’s so much more than that because it’s [a part of] all the major events in your life.” Several years later, the young girl from Georgia represents the face of Coca-Cola at MU. She hands out samples of new
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PHI MU
her social media posts. Some of these incidents Continued from page 1 included her tagging the Heidelberg when she had only purchased a pretzel and a soda, a photo of her jokingly arresting her friend for underage drinking on Halloween and a post of her next to a car with the Playboy Bunny logo. Perhaps most frequently, Psihountas was told that her posts were too provocative. She attributes this criticism to executive members viewing her posts as more sexual due to her comparatively larger breasts. “That’s how the rumors started with other girls thinking like ‘oh she’s a party girl’, without ever even taking the chance to get to know me,” Psihountas said. In addition to these posts, executive board members held Psihountas responsible for comments on her social media that were “negatively directed towards Phi Mu” and was told to delete a viral Twitter thread of St. Louis high schools as Vines. “I had the most followers of anyone in the chapter,” Psihountas said. “I guess they were worried that I was representing the whole sorority with my posts.” Psihountas claimed she met all the terms of her disciplinary action, deleting inappropriate comments on her Instagram and writing an essay
LIVE
email. In that email, she asked Continued from page 1 the curators to use its authority to “replace [MU’s] live animal teaching exercise with human relevant methods.” According to Foley, the curators wouldn’t allow her to speak at their meeting since they don’t allow public comments. “We have surveyed all of the emergency medicine residency programs in North America and the numbers, as they stand, 269 programs exist and 259 of those programs have stopped using live animals,” Foley said. “So only 4% continue to use live animals.” Foley says MU is part of that 4% minority and that using live animals
INTL
about how much she loved Phi Mu. However, because Phi Mu thought Psihountas’ actions affected the entire chapter’s image, members were asked to vote on her membership status through a “pro-con” following her one minute speech. “Any girl in the chapter could raise their hand and say a pro or a con about me,” Psihountas said. “Everything that was said would stay in that room, so it’s like a free pass to talk s*** about me. I feel like that is a really dangerous behavior that is going unchecked.” The pro-con was held in an auditorium where Psihountas stated why she was in trouble and shared why she should be able to stay in Phi Mu. Then Psihountas had to anxiously await her sisters’ decision outside. Psihountas was ultimately not kicked out of Phi Mu. She later left voluntarily after her mental health began to suffer as girls would gossip about her outside her bedroom door while she ate meals alone in her room. And because Psihountas dropped Phi Mu on her terms, she was still required to pay the remaining $5,000 of her rent. Jackie Isaacson, Director of Communications at Phi Mu has responded to Psihountas’ story, maintaining that their staff has ensured that the chapter — officers and members — were, and still are, behaving appropriately. They attribute the events to have been a matter of a difference in personalities and are confident that there was not a discriminatory basis for any of the conflicts stated above.
makes training residents worse off for their skill area. “It’s not only ethically questionable, but it’s also not the standard of care,” she said. “It’s not the best way to train residents. It’s not educationally equal to what we have available through simulators. And actually, y’all have the Shelden Clinical Simulation Center here at MU that can do all of the same things they’re doing with pigs.” This isn’t the first time PCRM protested MU’s use of live animals. In 2018, it did much of the same, posting stationary billboards around Columbia and getting a mobile billboard to drive around campus, according to a Missourian article from last year. And according to previous Maneater reporting, Foley protested MU in 2017 with a demonstration outside the MU School of Medicine.
first. People don’t see me as Roxanne. People always say you are Continued from page 1 Chinese. That made me feel bad for a long time because I feel like they tried to isolate me and treated me differently. [Studying abroad in Australia] gave me a new perspective. I am from a little town in China and then I went to a bigger city for high school. In high school I didn’t really get to go out because it was a boarding school. “Then I came to Missouri and I realized I never really truly [lived] in a big city. So I was curious which life I would like more. So I went to Melbourne. It is not a huge city, because it is big enough and it is very diverse. When I went there, I realized I really like city life. When I was in the U.S., everything was taught from the American perspective. When I went to Australia, I started seeing things from the Australian perspective. I am also very interested in Sociology, so I took four Sociology classes. And funny enough, in many of those classes, they used American society as the
“We disagree with her accounts of how the events transpired,” Isaacson said. “We have wished her well in all other endeavors, we continue to wish that for her.” It is also worth noting that the student executive staff that dealt with Psihountas’ situation has since been replaced with the new year. Amid Psihountas’ viral Twitter thread, including screenshots of the events referenced in this article, other girls have reached out. They have added to the thread, sharing their similar experiences within their respective sororities, calling into question the politics of greek life. Since leaving Phi Mu, Psihoutas has made the Dean’s List and has become an active member of numerous clubs on campus including Relevant Youth and Executive Women International Collegiate. In doing so, Psihountas has reminded herself that she is still the same girl who was once named a National Merit Semifinalist, earned a 33 on her ACT and spoke at her high school commencement ceremony, proving that she is not the irresponsible party girl her former sisters perceived her to be. “I can enjoy wearing a bikini and enjoy wearing revealing clothes and still be smart, and still be a good person and still have hopes and dreams like any other girl,” Psihountas said. Edited by Izzy Colon icolon@themaneater.com
One of three mobile billboards that circulated around Columbia on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. | PHOTO BY STUDENT POLITICS EDITOR BEN SCOTT.
“There are five emergency medicine residency training programs in Missouri, [MU] is the only one that uses live animals,” she said. “So, it would be very simple for them to
sample model. I relearned America through the Australian perspective. It helped me to think and made me realize there are so many views you can get even if you are looking at the same thing. That made me realize that maybe in the future when people ask me should I go study abroad. I will tell them to think through it thoroughly. Because not everything is going to be perfect, in reality, there are way more drawbacks compared to opportunities. And you need to have the mentality to face these drawbacks.” Emily Rong Emily Rong has done three study abroad trips in Japan, Italy and Greece throughout her time at MU. Originally from Columbia, Missouri, she is a junior studying health science with an emphasis on health administration. “My first study abroad was in Japan. That was very interesting because my family owns a restaurant in town and one of our longterm customers actually led the Japan program. That’s how I got connected from there. I learned a lot through the program. But a lot of people [in Roxanne Wan, left, a senior studying digital storytelling, went to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, in spring 2019. Wan is originally from Dali, China. Emily Rong, right, is originally from Columbia, Missouri, and is a junior studying health science with an emphasis on health administration. She has done three study abroad trips in Japan, Italy and Greece throughout her time at MU. | PHOTOS COURTESY OF STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER TEDDY MAIORCA.
figure out what equipment they need, if they need anything anymore.” Edited by Leah Glasser lglasser@themaneater.com
Japan] have assumed that I was actually Japanese native. It was interesting to adopt into the language and try to understand what they were saying. My favorite study abroad experience probably is Greece. Although there was so much traveling involved. We would go to a lot of hotels. I really like the peaceful atmosphere and varieties of activities I got to experience during that study abroad. There were a lot of historical sites. It was cool to see a lot of unique architecture. When you study abroad in Europe, you also get a chance to travel to countries nearby. You can easily plan a weekend trip whether by train or plane. I am currently in the process of applying for my fourth study abroad trip to South Africa. It is a little different from my previous study abroad because it’s for internship credits. This is one of the popular health science internships. Get prepared for your study abroad in advance. Be culturally aware, you may not learn everything in advance. You might encounter things that you didn’t anticipate. So you need to learn how to roll with the punches.” Edited by Alex Fulton afulton@themaneater.com
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PETE
Continued from page 3
happened,” she said. Gilman also likes the way that Buttigieg lays out his policies in a manner that is easy to understand for all voters. “I feel like a lot of policy in the government is just this legal jargon that nobody gets,” Gilman said. “Pete explains it in a way that’s just so personable and easy to understand.” Gilman said Buttigieg’s pragmatic approach appeals to a lot of moderates as well as Republicans who don’t want to vote for Trump in 2020. She said while she was in Iowa volunteering over winter break, a number of lifelong Republicans came into the office looking to change their party affiliation to vote for Pete in the caucus. In the Iowa caucus on Feb. 3, Buttigieg led with around 27% of Iowa’s state delegates, followed closely by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, as of this writing. Nationally,
REP
Continued from page 3 products to students, posts on social media accounts about the brand and attends various on campus events. Representing the soda company on campus, Vacante hopes to foster more than just the consumption of the beverage, but strong relationships with students and the university. The students make up the targeted demographic, with hopes that the same joy the soda company brought Vacante will fill the students. “I really just hope it puts a smile on their face more than anything,” Vacante said. As a campus representative, Vacante also gets professional experience for her future job. As a strategic communication major, attending events such as the CocaCola ambassador training in the summer gives representatives the opportunity to learn more about the brand they’re promoting. Students made connections with other ambassadors and staff at the company and had plenty of opportunities to drink various coke beverages from vending machines scattered throughout the building. Vacante also has the opportunity to make more connections with people at the university and looks forward to interviewing UM System President Mun Choi in the future about Coke’s potential involvement with MU. Coca-Cola shares MU’s campus promotion with many other brands, though, live PINK Nation. As a senior in high school, Skylar Williams scrolled through Instagram and came across the application to become a PINK Campus Representative. It
Buttigieg is currently polling around a 7% average, putting him in fourth place behind former Vice President Joe Biden, Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., according to FiveThirtyEight. Although Gilman has no previous campaign experience, she said being in a group chat with campus coordinators across the country has eased that transition. She said the older students have served as mentors for her throughout the process. Gilman recognized that Buttigieg is not currently polling well among people of color, which she stated will make it harder for him to get elected. Buttigieg is currently polling around 2% with African American voters in South Carolina, another early primary state. “He doesn’t have a lot of the people of color vote which is really hard to get elected without that, so I think it’s just going to come down to turnout,” Gilman said. Students who are interested in joining Mizzou for Pete can follow @ mizzou_4_pete on Twitter. Edited by Ben Scott bscott@themaneater.com
sparked her interest but did not come up again until her sophomore year at MU when she knew she needed to apply. “Honestly, I just grew up just loving PINK’s brand and values and the message that they send to women,” Williams said. “PINK just really values girl power, being comfortable in your own skin and just chasing your dreams, and it’s overall encouraging women to support each other.” VS PINK appealed to Williams because of its values and the commitment to her own dreams. Since she wants to work at Victoria’s Secret one day in marketing, her strategic communication major led her to the campus representative program to further her skills. Marketing is at the core of her responsibilities as a representative as she hosts a plethora of events each semester to promote the brand on campus. Her work includes planning and hosting various events such as an upcoming “Galentine’s Day” event which will have snacks, a photo station and time for girls to meet new people. Williams also keeps all social media platforms up to date with announcements about events and various challenges with other universities like a competition to see who could best style a new pair of leggings. But Williams’s role on campus extends further than clothing promotion — a lot of the work aligns with empowering the women on MU’s campus. “PINK really is all about girl power,” Williams said. “Overall, I feel like my goal at the end of the day is to make girls on campus feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.” Edited by Alex Fulton afulton@themaneater.com
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VAPE
“There is already evidence that this is happening,” Wintemberg said. According to Wintemberg, a 2018 National Academy of Medicine report found evidence that Continued from page 3 e-cigarette use is correlated to the frequency and amount of cigarette smoking in the future. One hope for reducing nicotine use shared by Johnson and Wintemberg is through legislation. Johnson said that the Affordable Care Act allows insurance companies to charge people more if they are cigarette smokers, but that current FDA regulations have not pushed insurance companies to do the same for those who vape. “It's likely that if regulation and laws are passed at the federal level, insurance companies will follow suit,” Johnson said. “That could mean treating e-cigarette use similar to how traditional smokers are in terms of increased health insurance premiums.” Wintemberg is pushing for revisions to Missouri’s state tax laws, which currently do not allow for e-cigarettes to be taxed as tobacco items. “This needs to change,” Wintemberg said. Additionally, she would like to see further regulation on what vape products can be purchased and by whom. “There is compelling evidence that youth use flavored vapes and tobacco products,” Wintemberg said. “All flavors, including mint or menthol, should be banned to deter youth use.” Johnson and Wintemberg both said they hope, through incentives like taxes, insurance costs and increased government regulation, nicotine use can be reduced across the board, rather than just shifted to a different delivery method. Edited by Alex Fulton afulton@themaneater.com
| GRAPHIC BY HEERAL PATEL
6 VALENTINE’S DAY
Two attendees talk and mingle at the Galentine’s Day event hosted by the Feminist Student Union on Feb. 4. | PHOTO COURTESY OF STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER NATALIE RADT.
Feminist Student Union spreads female empowerment through Galentine’s Day celebration Those in attendance of the FSU’s Galentine’s Day gathering left the event with a new appreciation for the strong and supportive women in their lives. MADDIE SCHUCK MOVE Culture Staff Writer Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday, the
origin of which many attribute to “Parks and Recreation” character Leslie Knope. In the 2010 episode named for the holiday, Knope goes out
of her way to honor the gals in her life. Since then, women around the world have adopted the celebration, often on the day before Valentine’s Day,
as a way to equate platonic female relationships with romantic love.
The Feminist Student Union followed this trend,
hosting a Galentine’s Day celebration at 6 p.m. on Feb. 4 in the Women’s Center. Many members
of FSU, as well as a handful of guests, gathered for a night full of reflection and sweet treats. The holiday aligned well with the message FSU aims to promote on campus.
“The main goal, I’d say, would be basically to bring everyone together, not just feminists but other people as well,” FSU co-President Sarabjit Kaur said. “Once they’re here, our goal is to have a discussion about feminism and what’s good about feminism.” The group celebrating Galentine’s Day started off with an icebreaker, Two Truths and A Lie. After learning more about each other, guests were encouraged to write and decorate love letters either to themselves or to another strong woman in their lives. As they worked, the group engaged in casual conversation, finding common ground and making new friends. Once completed, guests shared the content of their letters and explained why they chose to write them. Some wrote to themselves and some wrote to roommates or best friends, but everyone was able to gain some appreciation for the impact female relationships have on their daily lives. “You don’t really think about who you have in your life and how grateful you are for them, and I’m guilty of that,” FSU Secretary Sophie Lamb said. “We’re bettering ourselves through each other.” The atmosphere in the Women’s Center embodied this environment of empowerment the
organization aims to create through all of their
events. For Social Media Chair Hannah France, finding a strong community that offered her that support was not always easy.
“Feminism is important to me because when I
was younger, I really did not feel empowered as a young girl,” France said. “When I was introduced
to ideas of feminism and feminist ideology, it really helped me become more confident.”
Each member of FSU in attendance had unique
reasons for valuing feminism in their personal
and academic lives. However, they all agreed that
Galentine’s Day has become relevant to that cause, however silly the holiday might seem to some.
“As a culture, we put a lot of pressure on women
to have a boyfriend for Valentine’s Day,” France said. “I think it’s important to know that if you don’t have a romantic partner, that doesn’t make you a loser or deficient in any way.”
Setting aside the focus on romantic love that
comes with Valentine’s Day, guests and FSU members were able to identify a more relevant
source of support and happiness they have in their lives: their gal pals.
Edited by Sophie Stephens
sstephens@themaneater.com
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T H E M A N E AT E R | M OV E M AG A Z I N E | F E B R UA RY 1 2, 2 0 2 0 VALENTINE’S DAY
Is modern-day love really that modern? Angles explores the origins of Valentine’s Day and the effects it has on the modern-day outlook on love. However, is that perspective healthy?
or perhaps a movie. The year I
commercial. Moreover, Valentine’s
it’s supposed to mean. Whereafter I
and glasses of water with my dinner
cultural and religious phenomenon.
I think, “What’s so harmful about
ANNA WATSON
against the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
knocked over the bouquet of roses date, we had exactly 30 minutes to eat
Day can also be seen as a coinciding As one legend goes, the Roman
make plans for Valentine’s Day, and a simple date and food over a few
because our table was fully booked
priest Saint Valentine was imprisoned
assured, none of that was romantic.
being behind bars, it’s believed Saint
glimpse crimson red and light pink
his jailor, Julia, from blindness just
on bulletins and flyers, or I spy
for the rest of the evening. Rest
That isn’t to say spending money is
MOVE Angles Columnist
Nowadays, most couples splurge by
Suppose the table linens are a fanciful white, the chairs are rickety and a cluster of red roses remains as a centerpiece for me to knock over with my elbows. Imagine this restaurant already has a set menu of lamb chops, lobster bisque and arugula salad, none of which I eat. At the top of the menu, in swirly letters, it reads: “Dinner For Two.” In 2019, the National Retail Federation reported a whopping $20.7 billion was spent on Valentine’s Day, with the average American spending $161.91. All this money seems to deflate any romanticism the modern-day idea of love represents. For some, it’s easy to idly refuse the modern-day idea of love because it’s painful to wonder who gets rich off the public’s attempt at romanticism. Most Valentine’s Day itineraries include a romantic, candle-lit dinner
When I was younger, my mom bought
exchanging gifts, cards or chocolates. my siblings and me silky pajamas, which I adored. Valentine’s Day is an
occasion to celebrate the people you
for persecuting Christians. While
Valentine healed the daughter of before he was executed. Then Saint
Valentine was sensationalized as a hero for performing this glorious
miracle on Feb. 14, the day of his decapitation.
Another story follows the Romans’
love. It’s just when love makes you
ancient parade on Valentine’s Day,
that there’s a problem.
matchmaking
feel so pressured that you overspend Recent traditions like Galentine’s
Day seek to trivialize such painstaking
celebrations for single folks like me.
which involved dog sacrifices, a lottery
and
brutal
beatings of women, as they believed it would enhance fertility.
It’s bewildering to learn about
Looking into this holiday more
the origins of this day because it’s a
that the origins of Valentine’s Day
do with celebrations today? Not only
and more proposes the jarring idea
white-light candles, anyway?” Like
clockwork,
I
begin
to
everywhere. I see hearts plastered
advertisements about special offers for Valentine’s Day hung around
MU campus. It’s all around me; it’s all anyone is talking about. I spend hours daydreaming about what outfit I’m going to wear, when I should, in
fact, be focusing on the test material
in this lecture. The class ends, and I’ve only jotted down a couple of sentences worth of notes, but hey, I’ve decided on a final sock choice for the evening.
In my mind, the day is never as
wonder what all this history has to
special as all the effort leading up
are perturbing and rather unpleasant. do Americans feel inclined to spend
Day, when I’m eye-to-eye with my
Valentine’s Day originated as a
Roman feast from Feb. 13 to 15 in
the festival of Lupercalia. Lupercalia honors the Roman fertility God
money on Valentine's Day, but they feel inclined to make this day mean something.
In my experience, it’s easy to
Lupercus and was said to begin after
get caught up in the spectacle
There are numerous folk legends
internally promise I’ll stop indulging
the sacrifice of a goat.
responsible for what is today a Western celebration of love, however
of Valentine’s Day. Every year, I
in the spirit of the day and stop
placing so much significance on what
to the actual moment of Valentine’s date at dinner. Regardless of the
historical influences of Valentine’s
Day, I still contemplate what this day means for the modern attempt
at love. And when Feb. 14 is over and gone, we simply move on and remember.
Edited by George Frey
gfrey@themaneater.com
VALENTINE’S DAY
St. Valentine-approved playlist for every situation With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’ve compiled music from past and present to heal your heart.
If you need a classic: I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys I Want To Know What Love Is by Foreigner Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
CHLOE KONRAD
MOVE Angles Columnist Valentine’s Day is coming up, and whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit that the Hallmark holiday produces some pretty good music. Some of us, however, might need some help when it comes to finding the right playlist to soothe a broken heart or for our significant others. I’ve broken up some of the best love songs from my childhood and today into a few different categories: If you want a bubbly pick-me-up: Beyond by Leon Bridges Haven’t Met You Yet by Michael Bublé Silly Love Songs by Paul McCartney and Wings Speechless by Dan + Shay If you want to be serenaded: Aren’t You Lovely by Evann McIntosh All of Me by John Legend Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
For a broken heart: When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars Someone Like You by Adele Stay by Rihanna Against All Odds by Phil Collins Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers Once you’re over it: If you want to dance in love: Best I Ever Had by Gavin DeGraw Let’s Hear It for the Boy by Deniece Williams Crazy In Love by Beyoncé Our Song by Taylor Swift Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey If you want to cry for no reason: My Funny Valentine by Frank Sinatra Your Song by Elton John Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran Something by The Beatles
Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson Gives You Hell by The All-American Rejects So What by Pink Forget You by CeeLo Green And finally, my all-time favorite love song ever: Make You Feel My Love by Adele If you’d like to listen to this playlist on Spotify, scan the QR code. Edited by George Frey gfrey@themaneater.com
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
MU students, staff celebrate Black History Month Members of the MU community learn about Black culture as Black History Month events take place on campus. ANGELINA EDWARDS
MOVE Culture Reporter
As Black History Month begins, MU students and staff celebrate the accomplishments of the Black community and learn about Black culture through events on campus. The theme of Black History Month in 2020 is “Black Vote. Black Liberation.” To raise awareness of Black liberation, MU will host multiple events regarding this topic throughout February. One of these events was a student forum on Feb. 5 featuring the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness. The prime minister educated students and faculty on Jamaica’s history as a predominantly Black country as well as his political journey and the issues he’s addressed during his time in office. As Black History Month begins at MU, Daive Dunkley, associate professor of Black Studies, encourages students to look at Black history from a more worldly perspective. “I think what Black History Month does is
remind us of the important challenges and accomplishments of the Black community around the world,” Dunkley said. “Black History Month may have started as an American thing, but it’s a global thing.” By inviting guests like the prime minister to campus, he hopes to show Black students that they can succeed despite the challenges they might face. “Your opportunities — what you can make of yourself in spite of your humble beginnings — [are] limitless,” Dunkley said. Though Black History Month is only a monthlong affair, sophomore Caleb Sewell invites students to learn about Black history outside of February. Sewell, a double major in Black studies and education, encourages all students at MU to take a Black studies class to broaden their perspective on history. “It’s important because we get to see the different parts of history,” Sewell said. “We get to see the importance that Black people play in society; and we also get to learn how to rectify social change and systems that exist. I feel that everybody should take it because you get a side of history that’s not often told in schools, but you're also getting to study something that's important to how society’s structured and shaped.” Senior Te’ Hopkins also believes that everyone
should learn about Black history, especially at a large university like MU. “Black history is American history,” Hopkins said. “As students and just as young learners, we should be working … to constantly grow and change and challenge our perspectives.” Along with the student forum, the Black Studies Department worked with the Department of English to plan a tribute to writer Toni Morrison which will celebrate her legacy on Feb. 13 from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Additionally, Ellis Library is hosting a monthlong exhibit examining 20th-century editorial cartoons about African-American voting rights. Joan Stack, curator of Art Collections at the State Historical Society of Missouri, will lecture about the exhibit on Feb. 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. MU’s Black History Month celebrations will culminate with the Student Center Takeover on Feb. 28 from 6 p.m. to midnight. The Legion of Black Collegians, along with other organizations on campus, will host games, entertainment, food and educational activities about Black culture. For more information on additional Black History Month events, visit the MU Inclusion, Diversity and Equity website. Edited by Sophie Stephens sstephens@themaneater.com
PSYCHOLOGY
What psychology can learn from film “Gaslighting” is a tactic used to manipulate one’s significant other in a way that alters their reality. The origins of the term, however, are much more nuanced. ANNA WATSON
MOVE Angles Columnist According to a Vox article, gaslighting was named by Oxford Dictionaries in 2018 as one of the most popular words. Today, the word is being employed as a phenomenon to call out several fabricating politicians although its definition was distinguished back in 1980 in an academic journal highlighting women’s socialization. So what does this word mean exactly, and what does this have to do with the art of film? To gaslight someone means to flood them with so much information to an extent that alters their reality. It’s a psychological behavior of forcibly altering or changing truth by manipulating somebody's thoughts, emotions and environment for a selfserving purpose. An example is how one partner in the relationship strives to underplay how their partner feels and this can mean simply denying the things one person has said. It can further progress to hiding objects, a manipulation tactic used to make someone feel unworthy as if they aren't the person they once were. Julie Elman, associate professor in the Women’s and Gender Studies department, said she believes gaslighting to be a common component of every emotionally and
physically abusive relationship. “Gaslighting is about power and control,” Elman said. “And in order to be able to challenge some of the rules and restrictions placed on you, you need to have a sense of reality.” Essentially, the partner who is being gaslit puts all their trust into their significant other and it degrades their self-esteem to the brink of depletion. Isolation is another key factor for abusers to easily engage in gaslighting tactics, which includes a remark such as ‘you’re being too sensitive,’ or another truth-bending statement. Gaslighting means lies, lies, lies. Or, it’s saying a lot of nonsense. But either way, it’s saying anything but the truth. The term is not gender-specific nor is it age-specific, and thus Elman believes it can happen to anybody. It’s never coming from a loving place to gaslight somebody, but she pointedly noted sometimes gaslighting isn’t as simple as being straight-up malicious. Instead, she clarifies, sometimes the gaslighter themselves have experienced this form of abuse in past relationships and that is why they utilize it in their present ones. In looking at the origins of the word, although, it appeared even before 1980. The word was born from the old American thriller Gaslight (1944), which was famously created by British dramatist Patrick Hamilton and starred well-known actress Ingrid Bergman. Bergman plays Paula, a beautiful opera singer whose fairly new husband isolates her socially and goes on many tangents to fully convince his wife that she’s gone mad. The husband, played by actor Charles Boyer, has a primary goal to get his wife sent to an institution by
the factors that are evident in unhealthy relationships even today. Trivializing someone's feelings is as relevant today as it was in 1944. Signs that you are being gaslight in a relationship aren’t always easily distinguishable. Look for indications such as feeling unlike yourself and isolated from friends and family. If you are apologizing often or making excuses for your significant other than this can be a good indicator something is wrong. Ways to avoid gaslighting include spending time with friends or staying busy (as isolation is a clear gaslighter tactic), building up individual selfconfidence is also huge and seeking therapy is a recommended way to express what is going on. Gaslighting is successful because power of attorney so he can seize the expensive jewels she has acquired the gaslighter uproots all mental after the unexplainable death of her clarity, and people tend to second guess themselves. A mental shift is aunt. The story draws many conclusions recommended to enhance coherence about Paula’s identity in the process and self-esteem and sift through of her husband constricting Paula’s all the transparent nonsense that is reality, confusing her on a regular being thrown at the mind. A prime example is how Paula basis about what’s real and what’s finally turns away from her husband fake. Household items go missing, because she meets a friend. He is an though Paula swore they were there. Paula receives a mysterious letter, inspector who confirms there is a though it’s actually just scribbles, flickering gaslight seen by Paula in from her husband’s other identity. the attic. If you or anyone you know is From there, Boyer's character enacts being gaslit, do not be afraid to seek his manipulation, spun from a web of lies and spells of aggressive help. You deserve it. MU campus has ways to professionally help blasphemy. Paula’s husband argues Paula against relationship violence and should not go outside, because she abuse at the Relationship and Sexual is so “unstable” and paranoid about Violence Prevention Center located life. He really defines what Paula can at G216 MU Student Center. It’s a and can’t do. He even claims that the completely confidential resource for flickering of the gaslight in the attic any MU-affiliate. Edited by George Frey is a figment of her wide imagination. This 1944 film relatably depicts gfrey@themaneater.com
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VALENTINE’S DAY
Local hotspots to visit for Galentine’s Day These local spots offer fun ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day this year. HALLE JACKSON
MOVE Culture Reporter February may be for lovers, but Feb. 13 is for the ladies. Galentine’s Day is an opportunity for women to celebrate their female friendships and reminds us that they’re just as important as romantic relationships. The holiday, popularized on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” is usually celebrated over brunch, in true Leslie Knope style. But if you and your Galentines are looking for a different way to celebrate, MOVE’s got you covered. Stressed out? If the semester’s already getting the best of you and your friends, a yoga class is perfect for your Galentine’s celebration. Whether it’s taking advantage of your TigerX membership or checking out a different studio, yoga is a great way to relax and celebrate the women in your life. Drop in at alleyCat Yoga or Yoga Sol downtown or get your sweat on at Sumits Hot Yoga, which offers a 20% student discount. In general, classes range from $10 to $15. Feeling fancy? Described on its website as “your artistic outlet even if you can’t draw a straight line,” The Canvas on Broadway is the place to go if you’re looking for a sophisticated and social celebration. Access your artsy side
as you’re guided through creating a painting, and maybe enjoy a glass of wine while you’re at it. You and your Galentines will love getting to catch up over this creative endeavor. Classes range from $20 to $35. Times and registration are listed online. You have nothing to do with a painting? Go to The Mud Room instead. Paint your own (pre-made) pottery while you chat and relax with your Galentines. Get creative with more than 80 glaze colors as well as stencils, stamps, writing bottles, texture tools and more. The selection of both decorative and functional pottery is always changing, so there’s always something new to find. According to The Mud Room’s website, a medium piece of pottery will cost $18 to $25 on average. Want a twist on getting coffee? If you and your ladies need a good coffee date, Papa’s Cat Cafe is the place to go to make it unique. The playroom, inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s home, is filled with more than 20 cats for you and your friends to love on. The cafe pairs with Boone County Animal Care to fill the room. All the cats are up for adoption, so prepare yourself to possibly leave with a new friend. The standard entry is $10 for an hour and includes a specialty drink. If you and your girls just wanna have fun ... Have a blast enjoying karaoke at Eastside Tavern! Karaoke is every Thursday through Saturday starting
| GRAPHIC BY JACOB LAGESSE
at 8 p.m. Celebrate Galentine’s by performing girl-power classics with your girls, or just enjoy watching others dancing and singing along to some of music’s greatest hits. Keep an eye out for Johnny Hurricane, a regular who’s become an icon of the Eastside Karaoke scene. There’s no cover fee, so this option can be a budget-friendly night out. Want to feel strong? Empower your friend group by celebrating Galentine’s Day at COMO Axe Attack. Feel badass as you throw axes and remember that you’re powerful and self-sufficient. Have a competition to see who has the best aim. In addition to axes, you can upgrade your experience to include throwing knives, ninja stars or cards. The experience lasts an hour and a
half. You can share a lane for $25 per person, or rent a private lane for $125 and up to 6 people. Always looking for new music? Go to a Sofar show. Sofar shows introduce you to new artists and genres by providing an evening of entertainment by three secret artists. That’s right, the performers aren’t revealed to ticket holders until the event starts. The shows are organized at varying locations, usually revealed 24 to 36 hours before the event starts. The mystery provides a unique concert experience and is a great way to discover new local artists. The next Sofar Show in Columbia is Feb. 15. Tickets are $20, available for purchase on the Sofar Sounds app. Edited by Sophie Stephens sstephens@themaneater.com
VALENTINE’S DAY
Spend Valentine’s Day with silver screen hits Roses are red, violets are blue … we hope you enjoy these movies too. ANNA KOCHMAN MOVE Angles Columnist Spending this Valentine’s Day in your dorm with a box of chocolates and
no one to share it with? Here are a few all-time favorite romantic movies to occupy your night.
The Gold Standard: “Love Actually,” a two-and-a-half-hour British romp
through nine intertwined stories of heartbreak, sex and (most importantly)
love will keep you busy for a while — mostly because you’ll want to rewatch it immediately after finishing. You’ve heard about it a million times for a reason. Bonus: Hugh Grant as the prime minister dancing to “Jump (For My Love)” is unbeatable.
Available On: YouTube Movies, Prime Video
The Contemporary Hit: Ali Wong and Randall Park star in their own
hilarious creation, “Always Be My Maybe” on Netflix, which is a story of
childhood best friends who get separated by adulthood and attempt to rekindle their connection. The most realistic story on this list, the movie addresses life’s tendency to separate people and the power of real love, through the eyes of two real-life comedians. Available On: Netflix
The Instant Teen Classic: “The Spectacular Now” stars Shailene
Woodley and Miles Teller as high schoolers who would never have fallen
in love if not for pure coincidence. Though it sometimes takes itself too seriously, you’ll fall for the lead actors and their fated love. Ah, high school. Available On: Netflix, Prime Video The Time Travel Twist: Poignant, unique and goofy at times, “About Time” is but one of Rachel McAdams’ many rom-com successes. Her co-star Domhnall Gleeson discovers he is able to time travel at age 21, and the movie explores their meet-cute, love and eventual family. My personal favorite on this list, “About Time” perfectly blends together sticky-sweet romance, heavier issues and a dash of humor. Available On: Netflix, Prime Video The Literary Spin-Off: “10 Things I Hate About You” is certainly a stereotypical high school romance. But the highlight is Heath Ledger’s brash performance as the school’s outcast, alongside Julia Stiles’ rebellious persona, which creates chemistry and keeps the film sharp and witty. It’s a spunky nod to Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” with references to the great playwright peppered throughout. Available On: YouTube Movies, Google Play The Dumpster Fire(s): I take no personal issue with Noah Centineo, but his Netflix originals (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “The Perfect Date” and “Swiped,” to name a few) are often hard to watch due to clichés and bad writing, but if you’re looking for something that requires little emotional investment and will still leave you feeling lovey-dovey, give any one of these a try. Available On: Netflix Edited by George Frey gfrey@themaneater.com
OPIN ION
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
We want to hear your voice.
Submit a letter to the editor by emailing editors@themaneater.com.
EDITORIALS REPRESENT THE MAJORITY OPINION OF THE MANEATER EDITORIAL BOARD.
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE MANEATER COLUMNISTS DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OF THE MANEATER EDITORIAL BOARD.
SOFI SAYS
COLUMN: Kansas City may have won, but so did American advertising The Super Bowl is often regarded as the largest sporting event of the year. While the big game attracts a lot of attention, it’s undeniable that its commercials have the very same effect on viewers. Sofi Zeman is a first year journalism major MU. She is an opinion columnist who writes about government and politics for The Maneater. Three
words
for
you:
in Columbia would have their eyes glued to the screen. The Super Bowl is one of the most widely celebrated annual sporting events in the U.S. today. For 54 years, it’s been a staple American tradition that is observed in the eyes of many as a national holiday. While the big game itself is highly anticipated, the commercials that run alongside it are highly praised as well. Viewers often claim to be just as excited to see the advertisements as they are to watch the actual game. In today’s media climate, these commercials
Puppy.
Monkey. Baby. Despite the fact that the Denver Broncos dominated the Carolina Panthers in 2016, all anyone remembers of Super Bowl 50 is the hilariously terrifying CGI creature that was used to sell Mountain Dew Kickstart. It was the topic of every discussion for weeks. Even today, the very mention of “Puppy Monkey Baby” brings a grimace to nearly each and every face. Yet at the end of the day, it got consumers talking about Mountain Dew Kickstart. This is the beauty of the modern Super Bowl advertisement. Feb. 2, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl 54 with a score of 31-20 over the San Francisco 49ers. Considering this was the team’s second time in NFL history to win a Super Bowl, this was undoubtedly a significant endeavor for Missouri. Chiefs fans everywhere gathered in homes and bars across the nation to
have even been regarded by some viewers as the primary attraction of watching the Super Bowl, according to a YouGov survey. In a world where every other day is spent hitting the fast forward button, why are these ads such a huge deal? It goes without saying that one of the biggest sporting events of the
year
makes
advertising.
When
for
prime-time
a
company’s
entire target audience is watching one program at the same exact time,
| GRAPHIC BY EMILY MANN
“1984” advertisement, which used
were watching from the couch on a
elements from George Orwell’s novel
plasma screen TV or in a crowded
of the same title, that truly set
bar, you likely laughed to or rolled
the standard for creativity in the
your eyes at the same commercial as
television marketing world. Since
the next person. Most importantly,
then, the Super Bowl has become
it makes the entire day a little more
an outlet for companies to not only
fun. In some weird way, it feels like
attract business, but also to outdo all
Super Bowl Sunday is more than just
other companies in the creative field. about the game and that everyone
it makes sense that it’d want to be
Aside from the advertising talents
has their own thing to celebrate and
seen in the process. Because this is
of marketing companies, there are
such a desired and limited time slot,
countless reasons why we love to
the average cost for a 30-second
watch these commercials. Because
commercials
commercial during the Super Bowl
this game is such a major phenomenon
strong presence in American media.
ran for around $5.6 million in 2020.
in the U.S., even non-football fans
As time goes on and advancements
For this reason, ads are typically
feel an obligation to tune in. Having
in technology are made, one can
funnier, odder and have a lot more
something amusing to see during the
only expect things to get increasingly
celebrity cameos than the everyday
breaks gives these viewers something
more creative from here. Despite
commercial. Companies spend a lot
that they can enjoy and be able to
any and all negative feelings against
of money to get their ads in, so they
talk about the next day at work with
these ads, it’s evident that they have
want to make sure their audience
virtually anyone around them.
some sort of impact on nearly every
get excited for. It’s
undeniable have
that an
these
extremely
Additionally, these commercials
viewer. It’s important to remember
provide some much needed comic
that people love something they can
While Super Bowl commercials
relief for the losing team’s fans who
hate, and advertisement companies
have been around for a long time,
need to take a break and laugh a
know that too.
MU. When Sunday came around, it
innovative ideas didn’t truly spark
little. There is also a sense of unity
Edited by Bryce Kolk
was guaranteed that nearly every eye
until the 1980s. It was Apple’s
that comes from it. Whether you
bkolk@themaneater.com
witness history in the making. With a campus that has a great deal of students from the Kansas City area, this was a massive occasion here at
enjoys and really pays attention to what is being said.
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THE MARK… NOT ON 5TH STREET
COLUMN: Gumby’s v. Shakespeare’s is battle for the ages Both are tasty, though.
sources (i.e. myself) claim Gumby’s boasts a thicker, doughier crust than
Mark Curtin is a senior Film Studies
Shakespeare’s. Shakespeare’s is also
and English major at MU. He is an
more generous with the toppings in
opinion columnist who writes about
my experience, though whether or
local issues for the Maneater.
not one likes these things is a matter of personal preference (though some
Scarcely a week goes by where I don’t eat Gumby’s Pizza. Unhealthy, certainly,
but
oh
so
delicious.
Shakespeare’s is the darling Columbia pizza locale that gets most of the attention, but it can’t hold a candle to the home of the Pokey Stix™. The free cups are really good, to
may beg to differ). Menu
diversity
is
another
important factor. Both locations offer a baseline of similar products: pizzas, garlic cheese bread and salad. This comprises Shakespeare’s entire menu – “It’s the pizza, stupid,” as the tagline proudly reads. There’s nothing wrong
| GRAPHIC BY EMILY MANN
Wait time is also crucial. I admit
competition. No offense to William
to this again being anecdotal (some
Shakespeare, but his legacy is spread
website
compile
pretty thin nowadays. You could
which also solicits hearty appetizers
such things), yet I have been to
see his face on a bar of soap and
such as wings, pepperoni rolls and
Shakespeare’s downtown location
not bat an eye. A green Claymation
mozzarella sticks. This is in addition
only to find its line out the door.
nightmare and his talking horse
Of course, knick-knacks are merely
to their calzones - folded pizzas with
This mostly occurs during Welcome
sponsoring pizza is a different story.
cheese on the crust for the considerate
a flair you can’t get just anywhere.
Week or a big football game, but it
I’ve
connoisseur. Most important is the
Gumby’s also boasts five sizes of
still normally takes upward of half
whether their usage of the character
taste. While this is impossible to
pizza compared to Shakespeare’s
an hour for my order to come in.
is legal, at which they shrug (it is,
scientifically
three.
Gumby’s, on the other hand, never
though it wasn’t at first.
be fair, but Gumby’s has too much going for it. Free magnets I can stick on my air conditioning unit? Yes, please. Really, who doesn’t need a tiny Gumby staring at them all night long?
compare,
informal
with doing a few things well, but varied palates may prefer Gumby’s,
should
really
often
asked
the
employees
Gumby
has a significant wait,
creator Art Clokey was invited to
and I don’t understand
the quasi-legal original Gumby’s in
how that’s possible.
Gainesville, Florida, with which he
Regardless, I’ve never
was so impressed he gave the owners
had to sit for more
access to his character for 100 years).
than 20 minutes for
Perhaps the best pizza in Columbia
my order … though
shouldn’t be a competition. Both
I
locales (and others, such as Pizza
sometimes
find
myself sitting longer,
Tree)
considering the booths
unique atmosphere, and diversity
are
more
in eateries is never a bad thing. I’m
than
eminently happy to visit either fine
hard,
establishment… though there’s no
infinitely
comfortable Shakespeare’s wooden seating. Finally,
branding.
This one isn’t even a
contribute
to
our
city’s
question which I go to more often. Edited by Bryce Kolk bkolk@themaneater.com
SPORTS
Online this week:
BASKETBALL
Tigers top Razorbacks in Rally for Rhyan game Missouri is now 5-0 in the annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer research. ELI HOFF
Assistant Sports Editor In a game filled with fouls, in an arena filled with the season’s biggest crowd, Missouri men’s basketball (11-12, 3-7 SEC) picked up an overtime victory over borderstate rivals Arkansas (16-7, 4-6 SEC), winning 83-79. The teams combined for 59 fouls and only six 3-pointers across 45 minutes of action on Saturday afternoon, playing in front of 11,439 fans at Mizzou Arena. It was Missouri’s fifth victory in its annual Rally for Rhyan game, a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research that was no doubt partially responsible for the large crowd. “It’s important,” coach Cuonzo Martin, a cancer survivor himself, said. “But I think that’s twofold. The fans jump on board because of the game … anytime you can support pediatric cancer [research], I think it’s very important.” Fans who came were treated to a back-and-forth spectacle. The Tigers stayed in front of the Razorbacks for almost the entire first half, trailing for less than a minute before entering the break with a sixpoint lead and 11 of their 36 points coming on a second opportunity to score. Senior forward Reed Nikko jumped out to a quick start, grabbing the first points of the game and four rebounds
– all offensive – in the first two minutes. He had seven points in as many minutes by halftime en route to picking up his first career doubledouble. Arkansas’ most productive offensive player, junior guard Mason Jones, struggled from the field in the first half, making only one shot, but quickly found his feet in the second. A string of seven consecutive missed shots for Missouri, four of them from beyond the arc, allowed the Razorbacks to tie the game. The Tigers re-built their lead, but Arkansas continually marched back to keep things close. In what could have been a momentum-killer, Nikko fouled out of the game with just over three minutes to go. But with the crowd engaged thanks to a tight game, momentum proved to be no issue. With a tie game and 21.4 seconds to play, the Tigers elected to play for the last shot. Sophomore guard Xavier Pinson had a lane to take the ball to the rim but held onto the ball for a moment too long. He kicked the ball out to freshman forward Tray Jackson, but the Tigers couldn’t get anything off before the shot clock expired, giving the Razorbacks the ball under their own basket with 3.5 seconds left. There wasn’t enough time for Arkansas to engineer more than a running floater, sending the game to overtime with both teams knotted up at 67 points apiece. It was a lackluster end to regulation, but not
rhyan |Page 14
Missouri's Reed Nikko dunks the ball in action against Arkansas on Feb. 8, 2020. | PHOTO BY PHOTO EDITOR ANDREW MOORE
GYMNASTICS
BASKETBALL
Tigers lose to No. 7 Alabama despite Blackwell’s career-high leads Missouri women’s season-best score Strong individual showings are not enough to defeat the Crimson Tide. CARA BROWN
Reporter
No. 21 Missouri posted its highest score of the season on Friday in a loss to No. 7 Alabama. The Tigers lost by a margin of 0.7 points. The loss comes just a week after the Tigers lost by less than a point (196.025-195.075) to No. 14 Arkansas. Both sophomore Hannah McCrary and freshman Helen Hu won event titles during the meet. McCrary achieved her career-best score in the vault to tie for the win. She posted a 9.925 to claim her first title of the season.
Hu captured her fourth beam title of the season with a 9.95, tying her career high. A 9.9 from Hu was also the highest score posted by Missouri in the bars rotation. As a team, the Tigers put up their secondbest marks of the season in the floor and beam rotations. Redshirt senior Morgan Porter, freshman Sienna Shreiber and McCrary all posted 9.9s in the floor event. Also in the floor event, sophomore Alisa Sheremeta tied her personal best and freshman Kambrie Brandt set her personal best with a 9.875 and 9.775 respectively. While this loss takes the team to 1-6 on the season, coach Shannon Welker remains optimistic about her team’s performance. “The one thing we've been talking about is that we don't have to be perfect to be a
welker |Page 14
basketball to upset win at Georgia The Tigers built and held onto a late lead to defeat the Bulldogs. BEN PFEIFER
Staff Writer
The Missouri Tigers (6-17. 3-7 SEC) went into Athens and left with their third conference victory, an upset win over the Georgia Bulldogs (12-11, 3-7 SEC) on the road, 73-65. Missouri kept the contest tight throughout the game and pulled away late to secure the road victory.
dogs |Page 14
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T H E M A N E AT E R | S P O RTS | F E B R UA RY 1 2, 2 0 2 0 WRESTLING
No. 24 Tigers focus on positives in tough loss to No. 5 Arizona State Dylan Wisman nearly
Dylan Wisman’s 14-10 loss to the
pulled off an upset over a
No. 1 wrestler in the country at 184
Koelling’s bout was a low-scoring
confident in all situations,” Smith
pounds, Zahid Valencia. While many
one in which Norfleet didn’t seem to
said. “Some of the situations he gets
wrestlers will only look to fend off
try many attacks against the junior.
in, I wish he wouldn’t. But I’d much
attacks when they face a top-ranked
The one time he took a shot, Koelling
rather have a kid wrestle like that,
opponent, Wisman took the opposite
sprawled and spun behind him,
with the confidence that ‘you can get
approach.
locking his hands around Norfleet’s
to my leg, but I’m not worried about
His aggressive gameplan nearly
waist and slamming him to the mat
it’ than a guy that’s not confident and
earned him the upset of the wrestlings
for two. That takedown was the
not doing anything.”
season, and it did earn him a standing
difference in the match.
No. 1 wrestler. JACK SOBLE Staff Writer No. 24 Missouri (10-7, 7-0 MidAmerican
Conference)
couldn’t
overcome an early deficit to No. 5 Arizona State (12-1, 3-0 Pac-12), losing each of its first three matches and falling 21-13 to the Sun Devils. The Tigers’ No. 23 Wyatt Koelling upset No. 11 Kordell Norfleet at 197 pounds, and No. 22 Allan Hart electrified the Hearnes Center crowd with a major decision at 133, but it wasn’t enough. Coach Brian Smith's group dropped three matches by
do the same thing.”
“He’s on a roll now where he’s very
In between Koelling and Hart’s
ovation from both his teammates and
“I knew that he had a really strong
wins, the Tigers lost two in a row.
a crowd that included a plethora of
double; he’s a really explosive kid,”
No. 6 Tanner Hall, Arizona State’s
Missouri wrestling alumni.
Koelling said. “Just making sure I
heavyweight, picked up his 100th
“That’s what we ask of the kids,
kept circling to his trail leg and
collegiate victory over Missouri’s
to go out there and get after it,
staying on his head. I knew I had a
Jake Bohlken, and then 125-pounder
compete at a high level,” Smith said.
better gas tank than him, so getting
Cameron Valdiviez dropped a major
“You’re gonna wrestle some high-
on his head and getting him really
to another top-10 wrestler, No. 7
level people, and find out if you can
tired was really important to us.”
Brandon Courtney.
wrestle with no fear. He definitely
Three matches later, Hart produced
In the end, the Sun Devils were
the other highlight of Missouri’s
too talented to beat without the help
the
night. He gave up a takedown early
of bonus points from No. 4 Brock
did.” Wisman’s
fight
energized
major decision and they even fell
Tigers,
who
but followed it with a flurry of moves
victim to an upset of their own when
Mauller and Jacques, which Missouri
defeated Norfleet 3-1 immediately
that produced 10 points – two for
No. 16 Jarrett Jacques lost the final
didn’t get. Mauller’s patented double-
afterward.
takedown and eight for near-fall – in
leg shot was largely defended well by
about 20 seconds.
senior Josh Maruca, leading to a win
bout of the day.
including
Koelling,
“I really felt that,” Koelling said.
“There were some good battles,
“The crowd was really rowdy, and
“In my head, it was like ‘it’s time
and I saw some good things, even in
but only by decision, and Jacques
Wisman kinda gave us that boost to
to get some points back,’” Hart said.
losses,” Smith said.
go out there and wrestle tough. You
“I think I got a slide-by first, then he
was defeated 10-7 by sophomore
No match was more emblematic of
see that from your teammate, and it
stood right up – boom – cradle for
that statement than redshirt senior
lifts you up and makes you want to
four, stood back up again, cradle, then I had a 10-point lead and from there I knew I’d be good.” Hart’s style is to wrestle like his hair is on fire, which makes sense for the redhead. He stands higher than his
coaches
like
in
his
would stance,
which can and does lead to takedowns for his
opponents,
but
he may be Missouri’s most aggressive and energetic
wrestler
when he shoots and goes for back points.
Jacori Teemer. The key moment in Jacques’ match was a reversal that he gave up at the end of the second period, which awarded a massive two points to Teemer in a very close bout. Smith lamented the reversal and Jacques loss but acknowledged that it could be a valuable learning experience for the young, uber-talented grappler. “There’s always things you can take away from wins and losses, but it’s finishing the second period, and you gotta finish takedowns,” Smith said. “He had opportunities a couple times where he was in deep and just didn’t finish. Kid’s a good kid, but he’s gotta finish takedowns to win big matches.” Edited by Eli Hoff ehoff@themaneater.com
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RHYAN
Continued from page 12
enough to rattle Pinson. “It’s basketball,” he said. “You’ve gotta be prepared for five [extra] minutes.”
Missouri proved to be the far more effective team in the extra period. A little over a minute into overtime and defending a one-point lead, redshirt junior forward Mitchell Smith drew an offensive foul to win the Tigers an extra possession. He found a speeding Pinson in stride on the ensuing play, and the guard picked up an and-one at the rim to put Missouri up by four. The lead – which was as big as seven points – would bend but not break through defensive stops and the Tigers’ well-established ability to take advantage of free throws. The Razorbacks brought the game within a single possession, but Jackson threw down a dunk – one of three on the day – and Pinson solidified the win at the charity stripe, finishing 12-13 on free throws. Junior forward Jeremiah Tilmon, who returned to limited action against Texas A&M, and junior guard Mark Smith, who was available but unused, both sat out. Martin said Smith wasn’t quite 100% healthy, but “was probably able to go.” Missouri faces No. 18 LSU (17-6, 8-2 SEC), fresh off an overtime loss to No. 11 Auburn, on the road on Tuesday. Edited by Wilson Moore
Tray Jackson goes up for a shot against Arkansas on Satuday. | PHOTO BY PHOTO EDITOR ANDREW MOORE
wmoore@themaneater.com
DOGS
Continued from page 12
Freshman Aijha Blackwell continued her monster conference stretch, posting 26 points and 11 rebounds, both career highs and good for her second double-double of the season. The score swung back and forth all night, and the game featured seven lead changes and six ties. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Tigers trailed by one point, the score 48-49. Missouri opened the period with back to back triples for Blackwell and senior Jordan Roundtree, extending the lead to five. The Tigers, who have struggled to finish games this season, closed out the Bulldogs immaculately, bouncing back from a crushing overtime loss against Arkansas, where they fumbled an 11 point fourth-quarter lead to the
Razorbacks. Missouri didn’t record one turnover in the fourth quarter — the Tigers turn the ball over 16.6 times a game and had 15 total through three quarters. It sunk 13-14 shots from the free throw line in the final period and outscored Georgia 25-16 en route to an upset win. Freshman Hayley Frank scored the final four points for the Tigers at the line, preserving the lead and improving her free throw percentage to 91.4%, third-best in the nation. After opening SEC play with a gauntlet of seven ranked teams in nine games, the Tigers don’t face another currently ranked opponent for the rest of the season. The Tigers will play for their first win streak of the season on Monday in Baton Rouge against the LSU Tigers (16-5. 6-3 SEC). Edited by Wilson Moore wmoore@themaneater.com
WELKER
good team,” Welker said. “Tonight proved that point. We had some obvious mistakes but we didn't let
Continued from page 12
it affect us. We had a mistake on bars and on floor but we stayed aggressive after those mistakes and didn't let it impact us. And we're going to walk away with a pretty good score, which will help us in the rankings.” Up next for the Tigers is the Mardi Gras Invitational on Friday in St. Charles, Missouri. Missouri will have to face more tough competition: No. 9 LSU, No. 18 Iowa State and Lindenwood. Edited by Wilson Moore wmoore@themaneater.com
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T H E M A N E AT E R | S P O RTS | F E B R UA RY 1 2, 2 0 2 0 BASKETBALL
Jackson drives Missouri with energy off bench The freshman provided
“I think I always play with the same type of
the expectation that he’ll be a more significant
several highlight-reel displays
confidence,” he said. “But my teammates were just
contributor down the road. Pinson, however,
of athleticism in the win over
telling me, ‘Tray, be ready. Be ready.’ [When I] see
thinks his teammate can be that contributor right
Reed get the fourth foul, I was mentally prepared.”
now, he just needs the opportunity.
Arkansas. WILSON MOORE Sports Editor Tray Jackson stood at the end of the court and took in the moment. One jaw-dropping display of athleticism had just led to another as the freshman rejected an Arkansas layup to jumpstart a fast break that ended with a highlight-reel dunk. The game continued so he couldn’t take too long, but the Detroit native let out one extended scream before running back on defense. “I couldn’t hold in my emotions,” he said. “It gave me a lot of intensity.” Jackson ended the overtime win with 9 points on 4-5 shooting and four rebounds. The stats aren’t anything that will pop off the page, but sequences like that are flashes of what could be for the springy 6-foot-8 forward. “The biggest thing I saw, I think is a glimpse into a lot more to come,” senior forward Reed Nikko said. “We’ve known since the day he stepped in campus, he’s a fantastic player. Tremendous
With 12 seconds left in the first half, Jackson got
“Tray is actually, in my eyes, a pro,” Pinson
the ball at the top of the key and the sea seemed to
said. “He’s one of the best 3’s or 4’s I’ve ever
part in front of him. He took two dribbles and two long strides down the middle of the court before unleashing an uncontested one-handed slam to give Missouri a 36-28 lead. Jackson had another throwdown with less than a minute remaining in overtime. Down by two, the Razorbacks came out in a full-court press. Point guard Xavier Pinson weaved through the Arkansas defenders, crossed the half-court line and locked eyes with Jackson. Jackson pointed upward, and Pinson knew what to do from there. He lobbed the ball towards the basket. Jackson lept and slammed home his third dunk to essentially seal the game. This time, it was Nikko who couldn’t control his emotions. “I think I just about passed out yelling after that,” he said. Jackson hasn’t had an ideal start to his freshman year. Saturday was the
athlete. He’s gotten a lot more comfortable in just
second time in SEC play that he had
understanding his role … even in the position he’s
played more than ten minutes. He’s
in, where he’s not getting consistent minutes, he
shooting just 42% from the field, and
can be a great source of instant energy, instant
that’s part of what makes the athletic
offense for us off the bench.”
plays he made against Arkansas so
Jackson didn’t start or even enter the game
important.
particularly quickly. After using a seven-man
“You gotta stand out in some way,”
rotation for most of the first half, coach Cuonzo
he said. “Stand out from the crowd, do
Martin dug deeper into his bench as starters got
something different, so that’s what I
into foul trouble. Jackson was pressed into action,
look to do every game.”
entering for the first time with 5:45 left in the period.
Jackson may have a specific role right now as an energy guy off the bench, with
played with. His opportunity will come … he’s just gotta stay patient.” Edited by Eli Hoff ehoff@themaneater.com
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