The Maneater Vol. 88 Issue 3 by The Maneater Student Newspaper

M The Maneater

The student voice of MU since 1955 | https://themaneater.com | Vol. 88 Issue 3 | November 3, 2021

FIJI SHUTDOWN

Protesters demand accountability outside Fiji Students protested the fraternity after an alleged hazing incident left a freshman in critical condition on Oct. 20.

CONTENT WARNING:

PHOTO BY HOLDEN GREEN

This story contains content that mentions sexual violence, alcohol abuse and hazing.

SAVANNAH SLEEVAR, KATIE TARANTO, EMMA FLANNERY, TADEO RUIZ

Reporters

n MU freshman was hospitalized for alcohol poisoning on Oct. 20 after attending a social event at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, also known as Fiji. MU withdrew recognition of Fiji Oct. 22, which means the fraternity is no longer an official organization on campus. The announcement came in a mass email from Bill Stackman, vice chancellor of Student Affairs after MU found the chapter responsible for multiple violations of MU’s Standard of Conduct. This comes after Stackman announced on the day of the hospitalization that Fiji would be temporarily suspended. MU also temporarily halted all fraternity activities. The suspension ended on Friday, Oct. 29, two days after the Interfraternity Council — one of the four councils within the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life — released a statement condemning hazing and sexual assault. The IFC said until Nov. 19, any fraternity chapter that wants to hold a social event must set up a meeting with the IFC president, advisor or vice president of risk management to discuss risk management policies. The statement also mentioned that should fraternity chapters fail to fol-

Students hold signs and chant during the protest outside the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the MU campus in Columbia. The protest sparked from an announcement earlier Wednesday that a freshman who attended a social event at the fraternity had been hospitalized due to suspected alcohol poisoning. low these new policies, they’ll be held accountable through IFC judicial proceedings. Prior to these developments, on the evening of Oct. 20, student protesters stood outside the Fiji house as their chants of “you are the problem” echoed in Greektown. Prior to MU’s withdrawal of recognition, students at the protest demanded harsher punishments for Fiji than the suspension, including Students One

PHOTO BY HOLDEN GREEN

The student holds a sign during a protest outside the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at the MU campus in Columbia. Roughly 200 students gathered outside the house during the protest, many with homemade signs.

and Two, who are both members of Greek Life. “Fiji should be made an example of,” Student One said. “They should be kicked out indefinitely and not allowed to come back.” Student Two thought the suspension failed to address a larger issue. “It feels like they’re putting a BandAid on a problem as big as a bullet wound,” Student Two said. University of Missouri Police were present at the protest with the Columbia Police Department assisting, MU spokesperson Christian Basi confirmed. Police escorted Student One away from the house after they tried to put up protest signs that read “these hands don’t haze” on Fiji’s front entryway, which was within private property lines. Stackman’s Oct. 22 email also cited a need to give MU “an opportunity to review [Greek Life’s] current culture … this review will inform new strategies for alcohol safety, hazing awareness and healthy relationships for all students on campus.” Following the hospitalization, Basi said MU launched two investigations: a policy investigation by the Office of Student Accountability and Support and a police investigation by MUPD. The Columbia Missourian reported that the freshman was in critical condition at University Hospital on Oct. 21. It also reported that the freshman was a pledge — a student seeking fraternity membership — and the incident stemmed from alleged hazing at the fraternity house. No updates on the condition of the freshman have been publicly released since. At the protest, Sophomore EJ Haas

said that the situation did not feel new. Haas said fraternities foster a culture of toxic masculinity. “[There seems to be] a mentality that hurting people is a way to bond with them,” Haas said. The IFC declined to comment on the incident and the pledge’s hospitalization. MU’s “review of the Greek system” has been a “joint effort” that includes members of Student Affairs and IFC, Basi said. “[Student Affairs and the IFC are] going to be looking at anything that covers the safety and security of events to make sure that students are safe when engaging with events that fraternities host or are involved with,” Basi said. “They will be reviewing those rules and regulations that enforce safety, and make sure that they are being complied with.” This is not the first time Fiji or MU’s Greek Life system has been scrutinized. In 2019, FSL published a 24-page report focusing on hazing prevention and topics like diversity and inclusion. The report made several recommendations to improve Greek Life, including strategies to decrease hazing incidents, such as capping the new member period of rushing to six to eight weeks and encouraging houses to self-report hazing. MU acknowledged the report in a press release, but has yet to implement some of these recommendations, such as placing restrictions on freshmen living in Greek Life houses. Since Jan. 18, 2017, MU’s Fiji chapter has been recorded for violating university policies on six occasions, according

to FSL. Five of these incidents were related to alcohol distribution; the most recent alcohol violation took place Aug. 24. The other hazing-related incident took place in April. Similar to MU, the University of Kentucky recently announced a suspension of all fraternity events following the death of a freshman FarmHouse fraternity member due to “presumed alcohol toxicity,” according to ABC News. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Fiji chapter is facing university sanctions similar to the ones at MU. On Oct. 12, UNL suspended its Fiji chapter through 2026 after a sexual assault was reported at its house in August, spurring multiple protests on and off campus. Another MU Greek Life member at the Oct. 20 protest, Student Three, who is also a member of Greek Life, said that they were concerned Fiji’s history of sexual assaults nationwide is also a problem in the MU chapter. “You could probably walk across campus and run into more than 20 girls that have stories,” Student Three said. “Change needs to happen.” On Oct. 25, Haas said in an email that Fiji should have lost recognition long before the pledge was hospitalized. “Most of my anger comes from the fact that [the hospitalization] was preventable,” Haas said. “The university ought to have taken previous allegations more seriously [and kicked] them off then.” Edited by Emmet Jamieson and Namratha Prasad, ejamieeson@themaneater.com and nprasad@themaneater.com

THE MANEATER | CONTENTS | N ovem b er 3, 2021

Fall Festivities

By Evy Lewis - Published on crosshare.org 1

8 12

in this

Issue

FENCING CLUB

Managing Editor Production Editor

Campbell Biemiller Assistant Production Editor

Primula Stonebraker Opinions Editors

Holden Green Meredith Downing Cara Penquite

Sarah Rubinstein Cayli Yanagida

Copy Chiefs

Elise Vahle

Mason Arneson News Editors

Business Manager Assistant Business Manager

Aisling Kerr MOVE Editors

Elise Mulligan Shannon Worley

Assistant News Editors

Assistant Multimedia Editor

Abby Stetina Assistant Fun and Games Editors

34 40

45 Text-speak someone's little too mu

SPANISH THEATER

45 46

BURDEN RECRUITING

15 48

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 American holiday with a turkey dinner

8 Gold, en Español 9 Blunt, clipped way of speaking

12 Free stuff 13 Versatile, as an athlete 16 Often-torn knee ligament 18 Night for trick-or-treating and costume parties

46 Polynesian nation that was the former namesake of a Girl Scout cookie

13 Armored assault tank, abbreviated

47 Multiscale Network System, or Mobile Network Solution

15 17 18 20 23

48 A November holiday in the UK, also called Guy Fawkes Day DOWN 2 "__ __ _ help you?" 3 Asian inland sea that has been shrinking for 60 years

14 Common classification for companies Double-helix molecule Ceremonial fire Casual greeting Just a little Racial justice and anti-police brutality movement

24 Groove worn into the dirt

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. 19 21 22 25

Delicious, yummy "And so forth" Close Mexican holiday commemorating the dead

31 "We ride __ ____!" 34 "That's neither here __ there" 36 Lesser of two ___ 38 Mid-October weekend break at some schools 43 You might use it to catch bugs or fish

44 A person who keeps records 45 Ending for celes- or poten-

4 Egg___ 5 "___ cost you!" 6 Emperor known for playing the violin as Rome burned

7 Get bigger 10 Famous canal where a boat got stuck earlier this year 11 Compass direction opposite WSW

12 Past tense of sit, or one of the most common standardized tests

26 Gospel writer 27 Biblical paradise 28 Toyota SUV with a number after its name 29 Interlacing 30 Many public parks require that dogs be this

32 Organization for farm kids

33 Forearm bone 34 '80s video game console that began the Zelda and Metroid franchises 35 Granola grain

Room 2509 MU Student Center, Columbia, MO 65211  Phone: (573) 882-6288 Email: editors@themaneater.com Website: https://themaneater.com

CONTENT WARNING Pages 3, 6 and 12 contain content concerning sexual violence.

Resources:

Please visit the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center, Counseling Center, Student Health Center or University Hospital for a confidential visit. To report an event, students may contact the Title IX office. For off-campus support, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-6564673.

Camila Fowler Lucy Valeski Multimedia Editor

Fun and Games Editor

Assistant MOVE Editors

Namratha Prasad Emmet Jamieson Emma Stefanutti Katie Taranto

Photo Editors

Assistant Sports Editor

Ellie Lin Anna Colletto Social Media Manager

Brea Williams Web Editor

Ashlynn Perez

Ever Cole Bri Davis

Olivia Gyapong

Graphics Editor

Adviser

Ava Horton

Becky Diehl

Data Editor

@THEMANEATER

39 Response t 40 Baby sheep 41 Imaginary f 2004 Carto show

42 Director Joh Knives Out One

Campbell Biemiller

Kyle Pinnell

11 15

Sophie Chappell

Sports Editor

EDITORIAL BOARD

Elizabeth Derner Lauren Hubbard Nicholas Chen

37 Three-letter for Missour second-larg

20 22

THE MANEATER

Assistant Photo Editors

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.

Lily Dozier Isabella Sorice Anna Griffin

waited four hours for a 4 for $4... also happy new year bc this is the last paper til feb lol

Editor-in-Chief

THE MANEATER | NEWS | N ovem ber 3, 2021 FENCING CLUB

‘Chess at the speed of sound’: MU Fencers discuss their love of the sport BY JAKE HIPSHER

PHOTO BY HOLDEN GREEN

Reporter

The fencing club practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-10 p.m. on the South Basketball Courts at MizzouRec.

U Fencing Club is one of many organizations students can get involved in at MU. Its members meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 8-10 p.m. on the South Basketball Courts at the Student Recreation Complex. At each practice, the team starts with stretches and then warms up together. From there, they break off into skill level-based groups to practice their fencing techniques. Freshman Harmon Colvett joined the club within his first few weeks at MU. After fencing in high school and competing in local, state and national-level tournaments, Colvett was excited to jump back into the rhythm of the sport. “Everyone is extremely friendly and approachable,” Colvett said. “I consider everyone in the club not only my teammate, but also my friend.” MU Fencing Club welcomes anybody regardless of skill level. “Practices have been extremely well tailored to everyone’s individual needs,”

An epee mask and sword sit on the ground as members of the fencing club get ready for practice on Thursday, Sept. 9 at the MizzouRec in Columbia. Epee is one of the three disciplines of fencing practiced in the club, along with Foil and Sabre. Colvett said. “Beginners receive individual instructions from coaches, while more experienced fencers are able

to practice and spar with whomever they want to get better.” Members are also given the

option to compete at fencing tournaments, which the season ultimately revolves around. Executive officers

plan the season.Sophomore Peter Kim, vice president, is hopeful for an active 20212022 season. “The season differs a lot by how proactive the executive officers are,” Kim said. “For me, I want to get as many tournaments in as possible.” The bonds formed within the club are a highlight for many members, especially senior Jackson Witt. Witt joined the club when he was a freshman; he first learned about the program at an activities fair and joined even though he had no experience. “I picked up a flyer and thought, ‘Well, I [have] nothing better to do tonight.’ So I showed up and I am still here,” Witt said. Witt is able to look back on all of the fun he has had participating in the club’s activities, especially time spent with teammates. “My favorite part is the people,” Witt said. “It’s such a fun group that gets to hang out regularly.” Alongside making friends, the club has benefits for physical health. Kim has fenced since the beginning of high school, and said he has reaped physical advantages ever since. “Fencing is a really good cardio exercise,” Kim said. “It is a whole body workout. Some say it’s more intense than running, as it has a bit of an adrenaline rush to it.” Colvett said active fencers pick up skills and routines through the sport that translate into their everyday lives. “After fencing for years, I’ve noticed my reaction times getting faster,” Col-

GREEK LIFE

Shedding light on Greek Life with numbers MU chapter scorecards find telling patterns about Greek Life. BY ALEX COX Reporter

very semester, MU publishes chapter scorecards, a public record of the numbers of Greek Life. These scorecards provide information such as average GPA and average service hours per member, per chapter. The data spans eight semesters, from fall 2017 to spring 2021, covering both sororities and fraternities. The numbers listed are mostly averages taken of averages. This means the data can be heavily affected by outliers and represent broader ideas. MU collects the data through self-reported statistics and its own data. Only chapters that have 10 or more members and are within the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council or Panhellenic Association are counted on the cards. When it comes to academics, the data shows that sororities tend to outperform fraternities. The average GPA since spring 2017 for all fraternities is 3.12, while the averages for sororities is 3.47. To put these numbers in context, the average GPA for men in the same time frame is 3.06 and for women is 3.34. So, while both fraternities and sororities outperform their average peers, sororities do so by a slightly higher margin than fraternities.

The data also shows that, in terms of community engagement, sororities log more service work hours, whereas fraternities surpass sororities in monetary donations. The fall 2017 semester doesn’t have philanthropy data, so the numbers start in spring 2018. For service work, the average member of a sorority spends 9.71 hours working, whereas an average member of a fraternity spends 7.47. When it comes to donations, sororities donate $77.5 for every member and fraternities donate $83 for every member on average. According to the data, sororities tend to report their philanthropic numbers more often than fraternities. From spring 2018 to spring 2021, there are 78 instances of fraternities opting out of submitting their service records, as opposed to 20 instances for sororities. For reporting philanthropic donations, fraternities have 63 instances of declining to report, as opposed to sororities opting to not report 18 times. The scorecards also track violations — actions that go against university policies — like sexual assault, alcohol-related incidents and hazing incidents. Fraternities have 79 violations and sororities have four violations on their cards, meaning that fraternities commit violations at a higher rate than sororities. The most common violations are those marked as “Other Violations,” such as recruitment and bylaw issues. Out of the total

83 violations, 45 were “Other Violations,” 29 were “Alcohol Violations” and nine were “Hazing Violations.” In one section titled “Sexual Assault,” there is not a single violation on the column. This category only counts sexual assault, this means instances of sexual harassment, drugging and any other form of sexual misconduct are not recorded on the scorecards. The Rape, Abuse & Incest Network reports in the U.S. that only 310 out of every 1,000 cases of sexual assault are reported to authorities. A total of 38 fraternities and 19 so-

vett said. “This improvement has helped everywhere. I’ve realized I’ve been able to take tests and quizzes easier. Being able to make decisions faster has improved my test-taking ability, which is something I was not expecting.” Another positive aspect that can come with fencing is improved mental stamina. Colvett said he has experienced that firsthand. “Fencing is chess at the speed of sound,” Colvett said. “There are a million ways to win and a billion ways to lose, and you have to pick one of these million ways in a fraction of a second.” Fencers are often put into stressful situations where they must respond immediately. This urgency often requires them to better fine-tune their mental endurance. “In fencing, you always have to think three moves ahead,” Kim said. “Or at least that’s what my coaches have told me. That kind of mindset can really help you in life.” Kim has made it his mission to teach what he knows to his fellow fencers. “I love teaching the new fencers how to fence,” Kim said. “The fact that I can introduce other people to it and see them improve from where they first started out is amazing. Overall, I think fencing is kind of a niche sport, and if you’re looking to add excitement in your life, I’d say it’s definitely something I would recommend.” Edited by Emmet Jamieson, ejamieson@themaneater.com

CONTENT WARNING:

This story contains content that mentions sexual violence. rorities are counted on MU’s Greek Life scorecards. Out of those chapters, 29 fraternities and two sororities have violations on their card. For fraternities that have violations, only seven chapters have just one strike against them. Between the two sororities with violations, Gamma Phi Beta has three and Delta Sigma Theta has one. To access the data featured in this article, visithttps://fsl.missouri.edu/scorecards/. New numbers are posted every semester. Edited by Namratha Prasad, nprasad@themaneater.com

GRAPHIC BY ALEX COX

THE MANEATER | NEWS | N ovem ber 3, 2021

ASUM

THRIFT STORE GRAPHIC BY AVA HORTON

Sustainability in fashion: Local businesses work to make second-hand shopping normal again The secondhand market is projected to double in the next five years, which will benefit multiple Columbia businesses like Maude Vintage and The Wardrobe. BY OLIVIA MIZELLE Reporter

ASUM pushes policy to help students ASUM looked into issues it attempts to solve in this upcoming year. BY ALEX COX Reporter

The Associated Students of the University of Missouri is the student-run lobbying group for the UM System. Claire Shipp, ASUM’s executive director, said the organization has two main focuses: civic engagement at the campus level and legislative lobbying for students’ interests. Shipp said their proposed legislative platform this year is three-pronged: address rising food insecurity rates among students, advocate for students’ mental health and support STEM students after the tuition policy change to differential tuition, which will make it more expensive for STEM students. On the campus level, ASUM has a policy focused on planning events and working with campus leadership. Matthew Bozeman, the ASUM MU chapter president, said the group’s campus-level team chooses a different topic to focus on every year. This year, they are working on communicating to MU students that political engagement is for more than just a big election year. ASUM hosted events such as Puppies and Politics on Sept. 28, where students could play with dogs and register to vote, with the goal of making civic engagement fun. Shipp said on a legisla-

tive level, ASUM compiles a list of issues every year and ways they intend on solving them to form a platform. The issues they pursue have a common theme of advocating for what they view is in the best interest of students in the UM System. Shipp said there are common themes from year to year in their platform; some needs never change. On the legislative level, ASUM focuses on student legislation by lobbying in Jefferson City. Brandon Fenton, ASUM co-legislative director, said ASUM is beholden to a board of directors who approve all policy decisions, so all discussions of platforms are proposals at the moment. A survey conducted by UMKC found that in 2019, 25.8% of its students reported they had been in a state of food insecurity within the past month. The Missouri Hunger Atlas shows that in 2019, 14.2% of all Missouri residents were as well. Shipp said ASUM sees this as a problem they intend to solve. Shipp cited an Oregon bill as the guide for how ASUM plans to lobby for this issue. House Bill 2835 is a $4.9 million policy that requires Oregon community colleges and public universities to hire a “benefits navigator” whose full-time job is to help students get aid they need from all levels of government.

Shipp said ASUM hopes to pilot a program similar to Oregon’s for the UM System. This would entail ASUM writing or supporting legislation that installs the policy, while also having a built-in measuring tool to monitor its success. ASUM also plans on highlighting the importance of mental health in its legislation. Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that in 2018, about 16.2% of Columbia residents aged 18 and older reported that their mental health had been “not good” over the past two weeks. ASUM has one main plan to expand the mental health resources available to students. Fenton said ASUM is currently looking into clearing logistical hurdles therapists and counselors face when they move between states. Currently, if a mental health professional wants to move across state lines to Missouri, they would have to be recertified or go through the process of transferring their old credentials. Fenton said removing that requirement would make it easier to get an influx of professionals to provide additional support to the counseling system. A Missouri state law amended on Aug. 28, lifted the tuition cap on public universities. ASUM plans to target the effects of this bill

by including it in their top three priorities for the year. A news release published on the UM System website on May 19, states that the UM System was reviewing a proposaled change to a differential tuition model. The UM System Board of Curators will choose whether or not to accept the proposal by spring 2022 at the latest. This means students will pay more for majors that cost more for the schools to fund, such as engineering. At the moment, Fenton said ASUM still sees it as a part of their platform. ASUM will focus on contributing financial help toward affected students to offset the increase in tuition. Besides these three points, Shipp said ASUM’s platform is constantly changing and has room for more issues throughout the year. Shipp said that ASUM remains flexible so that they can adapt to the needs of students in the UM System. To better understand current student needs, ASUM put out its annual student survey on Sept. 3, which remained open until Sept. 23. ASUM is currently examining the student responses. “We’re here to represent you and listen to you and advocate for you,” Bozeman said. Edited by Emmet Jamieson, ejamieson@themaneater.com

As people throw more clothes away each year, mainstream fashion is leading to high waste accumulation and polluting water sources. A more sustainable alternative — second-hand shopping — has skyrocketed in popularity among those looking for guilt-free ways to shop. Columbia has no shortage of secondhand stores available for conscious shoppers, including Maude Vintage, The Wardrobe and Leo’s Old Clothes — but thrifting is not entirely faultless. Low prices combined with the culture-driven need for new clothes can encourage overconsumption and overdonation. Large volumes of poor quality fast fashion items donated to thrift stores often have no resale value. Not all of the clothing donated to charitable thrift stores ends up on the shelves. Evette Nissen, board chair of The Wardrobe, said her store tries to put out as much of their clothing as possible. “The only stuff that doesn’t end up being sold is stuff that is stained or torn,” Nissen said. “At least 75% [of donated clothing] ends up on the floor.” The Wardrobe gives their unsellable clothing to Remains, Inc., a St. Louis-based company that sends the clothing overseas to clothing recycling centers. According to the Council for Textile Recycling, most clothing recycling centers reuse 45% of the clothing provided to them, recycle 30% into absorbents and 20% into fiber. This leaves only 5% as waste. A form of second-hand shopping that is often more expensive than traditional thrifting is vintage shopping. Vintage stores purchase their items from community members or vendors, meaning that all of the items will likely end up on the floor to be sold. Of course, some items may still not sell. Sabrina Garcia-Rubio, owner of Maude Vintage, donates her unsold items to charitable thrift stores. “When you have things that have been marked down and are one-to-two years old, they end up just taking up space and possibly negating other pieces getting to shine,” Garcia-Rubio said. That is when she donates to smaller thrift stores, like The Wardrobe, that sell a higher volume of their clothing, rather than send them to large chains like Goodwill. Both Nissen and Garcia-Rubio said their customer demographics cover a wide range of ages and income levels. Garcia-Rubio said that, while her largest demographic is around 20 to 30 years old, she also has multiple families that come in. “I had so many families this year that I recognize that come in yearly, and I just appreciate it,” Garcia-Rubio said. “They know they’re supporting a local business, their kids love the unique pieces … I just think that that’s super cool.” According to a 2021 resale report, 42% of people in Generation Z said they bought secondhand clothing in 2020. Even though more young people are shopping secondhand, Garcia-Rubio said there is still a stigma surrounding it.

See THRIFT STORE on 5

THE MANEATER | NEWS | N ovem ber 3, 2021 HILLEL SOCIAL

Hillel: A community that builds leadership opportunities

Hillel is a Jewish organization on campus that hosts events like Ice Cream Socials and Bagel Tuesdays with Holiday Service opportunities. BY PRAJUKTA GHOSH Reporter

U Hillel is a student-run organization that helps Jewish students celebrate their community by putting on events throughout the year. Ben Shostak, the president of Hillel, oversees all the protocols that go into running the board, which includes programming and engagement.

Every Tuesday at University Avenue, Hillel gives out free bagels to all interested students. “We are the Hillel on campus, so we have a place for Jewish students on campus to come and gather, so we put on events like this throughout the year,” Shostak said. The organization is designed with the students on campus in mind; however, there are opportunities for commu-

nity members to participate in as well. “It’s mostly geared towards students, but we do have holiday services, and that’s open to everyone,” Shostak said. Shostak also said that due to the pandemic, Hillel organized many events last year via online meetings and members had less engagement and collaboration in-person. Jordan Kodner, a 2019 graduate and director of

Jewish Student Life, said Hillel’s main purpose is to make sure people have fun and feel comfortable being a proud member of the Jewish community. Kodner said Hillel runs their own internal programs like the Ice Cream Social, Bagel Tuesdays and free ship-out dinners that take place every Friday night. “We are on track to have over 100 programs this semester alone,” Kodner said. “But our

two biggest ones are Bagel Tuesdays from 9-11 [a.m.], which are free bagels for students who are in between classes or before classes, and the other one is free shipout dinners.” Kodner also said he loves working to create a welcoming environment for students. Jennah Klein, a programming intern at Hillel, said her job is to plan all the events and be present at them to

make sure they function smoothly. Klein said having a strong community where people can feel a sense of belonging is important, and she said Hillel was the place that made her feel at home. “Even if you’re not religious at all, you’re always encouraged to come and hang out here because we all are friends,” Klein said. Edited by Namratha Prasad, nprasad@themaneater.com

PHOTO BY LIZ TITTRINGTON A group of MU students socializes at an Ice Cream Social on Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Hillel Foundation in Columbia.

Secondhand store workers promote sustainability From THRIFT STORE on 4 “There’s a lot of ideas that secondhand clothes are gross or unsanitary,” Garcia-Rubio said. “Coming into a well-curated vintage shop shifts some of these perspectives about what quality is and what value means, and that’s what I’m trying to do here.”

Both Garcia-Rubio and Nissen’s motivations for being in the secondhand clothing industry lie in sustainability. Nissen said she thinks there is too much waste in today’s society. Garcia-Rubio feels strongly about sustainability in fashion. “Sustainability should be implemented in everything we do … but here in my

slice of the pie, I do my part through secondhand clothing,” Garcia-Rubio said. “A vintage piece is usually such a quality-made garment that it’s not going to get thrown in the trash or be ready for the trash bin any time soon.” Edited by Emmet Jamieson, ejamieson@themaneater.com

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA GYAPONG

CONTENT WARNING: THE FOLLOWING STORY CONTAINS STORIES INVOLVING SEXUAL ASSAULT

The stories of Tabitha and Chloe PHOTO BY LILY DOZIER

PHOTO BY HANNAH ARZEN

KANYE REVIEW

Controversial Kanye: Is there a method to the madness? A deep-dive into whether or not “Kanye” is purposefully controversial, as well as a comprehensive history of Kanye’s turbulent public life. BY TREY WILLIAMS Reporter

BY CARRINGTON PEAVY AND JOY MAZUR As the fall semester comes to a close, students reconnect with their peers in classes, events and experiences. However, one theme has overshadowed all of this: sexual violence across campus. Students nationwide have experienced this issue and MU is not exempt. Tabitha, a sophomore, and Chloe, a junior, share their stories as reporters Carrington Peavy and Joy Mazur unpack Greek Life, the MU administration and how each plays a role in sexual violence on campus. For the full story, visit https://themaneater.com.

Chloe’s Story “[MU] needs to do better at being a safe place for survivors and students, and Greek Life needs to advocate for survivors and take a stance against [sexual violence],” Chloe said. “We need to have these conversations because consent is vital for every relationship you have with someone.”

Tabitha’s Story “All of these boys were saying things to me like, ‘Well, you said yes to him once — how was he supposed to know that it wasn’t okay this time?’” Tabitha said. “Well, the difference was I was unconscious.” Edited by Elise Mulligan and Shannon Worley, emulligan@themaneater.com and sworley@themaneater.com

MU INSTAGRAM

Student-run MU Instagram accounts provide comedy and good feelings to campus Take a look at the people behind anonymous, unofficial MU Instagram accounts. BY CATIE POLO Reporter

UPDATE: Since the publication of this article, the Instagram account @mizmissedconnections has changed ownership. The new owner is Maria Schneider. rguably one of the most interesting parts about MU are the unofficial Instagram accounts that pop up over time. Each has their own take on comedy and uses their platform to spread positivity, highlight issues on campus or bring lighthearted comedy onto students’ Instagram feeds. Camden Brazile started @themizzousnitch on Aug. 23 by posting a satire news story entitled “President Choi Worried Tightening Covid Restrictions Could Lead To Students

Surviving School Year.” Brazile described the account as MU’s version of The Onion, and formed the account as a way to reinvigorate the comedic aspect of the college experience. “One thing I’ve struggled with a lot is how much is too far, because I do want to make fun of topical, prevalent things that are going on, but I genuinely don’t want to offend anybody,” Brazile said. “The biggest challenge has definitely been walking that line. I have to send a lot of things to my friends and [ask] ‘Would people get mad about this? Will this get the account shut down?’” While some accounts choose to keep their identity anonymous, Brazile chooses not to have his name attached to his account, but will not shy away from anyone who asks.

GRAPHIC BY AVA HORTON

“It would be fun if it was [anonymous] because then I could make fun of anyone and anything with impunity, and no one would be able to just look at my name, and then find out where I live and come kill me,” Brazile said. “Which is always a good thing to have. But if anybody asks me, I’ll just tell them. I’m never going to use it for my own nefarious personal agenda. It is kind of fun to have been pulling the strings because a lot of people who I know, that maybe even don’t like me in

real life, follow the account.” @mizmissedconnections is run by Caroline Elik, who strives to keep the account a positive place for students to give shoutouts, compliments and to try to connect with one another. Elik takes suggestions through a Google Form in the account’s bio and sorts through them to find gems she wants to post on the account. “It can be overwhelming, but

See Instagram on 7

Kanye West has had a mind-boggling amount of scandals throughout his career. From interrupting Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMAs to running for president in 2020, West gains an outpour of publicity with each new scandal. This leads some to ask: What if West’s persona is all an act? Is he manufacturing his unpredictable personality to boost his longevity? Is West’s public persona performance art? The first “Kanye” moment was in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when he said “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people,” on live TV. This comment was the inception of West as a chaotic public villain. Later, the former president would call this one of the most disgusting moments of his presidency. Another one of Kanye’s most famous controversies took place at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where he interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech. This gained major traction on Twitter, and even prompted former President Barack Obama to call him a “jackass.” Kanye’s lyrics around this time had little to do with his public persona. West largely retreated from the public eye after the VMAs until the release of his magnum opus “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” Major themes of the album surround his growing negative reputation. The album explores what it means to be a celebrity, as well as his specific psychological cocktail of self-hatred and narcissism. West synthesized his manic personality with his music, making his legend a part of the art. The record received loads of critical acclaim, as well as making many “best of the decade” lists. West’s wacky persona provided many with an unusual and unique reason to pay attention to his music. This move, according to some West historians, was the transition from “Old Kanye” to “New Kanye.” From this point forward, West acting so “Kanye” became an essential part of his music. On his following solo album, “Yeezus,” he released the track “I Am a God.” It speaks for itself. “The Life of Pablo” rollout surrounded assertions of Bill Cosby’s innocence, numerous album name and tracklist changes, a claim that West was $53 million in debt and a cry for Mark Zuckerberg to invest $1 billion into his ideas. The biggest controversy from this period is the release of the track “Famous,” in which West asserts that he made Taylor Swift famous from his 2009 VMAs controversy. This album’s rollout featured more controversy than most artists experience in their entire career. West put himself back in the spotlight through his ability to get people talking. The next “Kanye” move took place in April 2018, when he released the track “Lift Yourself,” infamous for lyrics such as “poopy-di scoop.” The following month, West received scrutiny for claiming that slavery is a choice, as well

See Kanye on 8

THE MANEATER | MOVE

and

FUN AND GAMES | N ovember 3, 2021

MAD LIBS

Mad Libs: Intro to Horror 1050 BY J.B. Creator

It is a dreary, __________ (adjective) November night. Your stomach is still __________ (adjective) from eating all the __________ (noun) you got on Halloween. Earlier today, Professor __________ (name of) was __________ (verb ending in -ing) the __________ (noun) but, unfortunately, you were __________ (verb ending in -ing) instead of listening. After a long day of __________ (school activity), you are preparing to go to bed in your __________ (adjective) room, which you __________ (verb of emotion), but before you fall

Instructions: With a friend, fill in the blanks and then read the story you created. Tag @themaneater on Instagram, and your version could be featured on our story! Edited by Abby Stetina, astetina@themaneater.com

asleep, you __________ (adverb) check your computer one last time. __________ (exclamation)! There was an assignment you forgot to do! __________ (adverb), you realize that the __________ (type of assignment) is due at 11:59 p.m., and that it is now __________ (time). You work as __________ (adverb) as you can, but ultimately you __________ (verb) the assignment. It seems like __________ (evil Halloween creatures) not only __________ (verb of motion) the earth, but also __________ (verb) in your Canvas page.

THE AVIARY

The Aviary, Part 6: Red on White BY NAOMI KLEIN Creator

This is your host, Alouette! Ah, it seems Monsieur Jay and his group have found our murder weapon! What else will they find in Part 6 of “The Aviary?” Monsieur Jay pushed past Mrs. Ostrich and Mr. Cardinal and lifted the halberd off the ground. He examined it closely, running his gloved fingers over the steel weapon. “There are engravings in the metal,” he said, showing it to the others so they could get a closer look. “What language are they in? It doesn’t look like English,” Mrs. Ostrich said. “She’s right,” Mr. Cardinal piped up. “It looks like Latin or French.” “French, ‘oui,’” M. Jay said, nodding. “It makes sense, considering Alouette’s name is of French origin. The engravings speak of a passage that snakes through the mansion, and the entrances to the passages are bookshelves.” “There’s a bookshelf in here … I wonder if it’s one of the entrances.” Mr. Cardinal wandered over to the mahogany bookcase and examined it, looking for any triggers or hidden mechanisms that could open up the passage. Mrs. Ostrich looked at the bookcase with him, and she soon noticed something out of place. One of the books was facing the wrong way; all of the others had their spines facing outward, while this book did not. She took it — a red book

with gold lettering and detailing, from the shelf, and Mr. Cardinal stood beside her as she leafed through it. “Empty…” she murmured. “There’s nothing in here.” The floor then gave way under their feet. M. Jay grabbed Mr. Cardinal’s hand and pulled him up as he began to fall, but it was too late for Mrs. Ostrich. She screamed as she fell a good ten feet or so onto a dirt trail beneath the floor. Mr. Cardinal and M. Jay soon followed, their fingers still intertwined. “Are you all right, ‘madame?’” M. Jay asked, using his free hand to help her up. “Quite all right,” she muttered. “There’s something stuck to the back of your gown,” Mr. Cardinal said, slipping his fingers out of M. Jay’s to reach out and get a closer look. “A handkerchief,” M. Jay said. “Covered in blood … the killer must have used this passage.” “We’re one step closer then,” Mr. Cardinal said, cracking a small grin. “Let’s keep going.” Edited by Abby Stetina, astetina@themaneater.com

Unofficial Mizzou instagrams keep students up-to-date in a fun way From Instagram on 6 also I don’t post on a set schedule or anything. I don’t really feel any pressure to post, which is nice,” Elik said. “Obviously I want to make people happy. And I want to post everybody’s missed connections, but also one thing that’s really nice about everybody that follows the account is I feel like they really understand that we’re all students and we’re all busy, and that includes myself. So if I need a day and I just don’t feel like posting and I need to do my homework I’ll just do that.” The anonymous person that runs @mizzouchicks had the account passed down to them after they were encouraged to apply for the position by a friend. The individual has run this account, supported by Barstool Sports, since June 2021. “My favorite part has definitely been interacting with [followers], talking to them about what they want to [see] or having them just reach out to me,” Anonymous said. “I’ve had girls reach out to me and just vent about a boy that hurt their feelings or this Tinder date. ‘You wouldn’t believe what he said to me.’ Being able to form those interactions and be someone for the girls on campus who they know that they can rely on or get good advice from, that’s really been my favorite part of this.” Edited by Shannon Worley, sworley@themaneater.com

Books Are Magic! Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12-4pm

THE MANEATER | MOVE | N ovember 3, 2021

FALL MEDIA

SPANISH THEATER

The perfect fall playlist: films, music and books to maximize the season Grab some hot cocoa and settle in — these recommendations will help you optimize your fall vibes. BY JOY MAZUR Reporter

s we venture deeper into the fall season, it is only appropriate that we revive our playlists, to-watch lists and to-be-read piles. Here are some perfect songs, movies, television shows and books to feed your autumnal mood. Music For me, fall music is often slow, dark in tone and reflective. It is characterized by reverberant bass lines, deep chords and an indie vibe that leaves you with an ache in your heart. This one-hour playlist includes 17 songs. Here are some highlights and the reasons I included them: “Strange Magic” by Electric Light Orchestra This underrated ELO pick is my ultimate fall song. It incorporates a creepy undertone — perfect for a recently concluded Halloween — but is also just upbeat enough to keep you bopping along as you march across campus to your next class. With rich electric runs and a catchy lyrical refrain, you can’t help but feel like you may be in an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” “Is There a Place I Can Go” by Trudy and the Romance I first discovered Liverpool-based retro band Trudy and the Romance in March, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Their sound is full of emotion — nothing can compare to the deafening near-silence preceding the lyric “and I’m on my own again.” This is the last song on their astounding 2017 album “Junkyard Jazz,” and it’s both a powerful closer and the perfect background music to a long drive down Stadium Boulevard, surrounded by autumn trees. “Under The Weather” by Mac Miller This song, from Miller’s 2011 album “Blue Slide Park,” was a recent and random find for me. While I love his most recent albums, something about this odd, energetic and tinny pieces

of earlier work work really resonates with me. The use of triplet rhythms offset by a consistent and predictable background beat is simply addictive. “Albatross” by Fleetwood Mac You’ve heard “Black Magic Woman,” but you might not have heard this soothing instrumental from the same album. This piece is comforting and reminds me of coming home to a crackling fireplace and a warm hug from my parents. Its soothing, slow tempo is full of hope and provides a perfect backdrop for fall. Film/TV Fall movies tend to have a bit of a dark element to them. Whether they have supernatural elements or not, they are haunting to some degree. Here are some of my favorites. “Dead Poets Society” This is a super basic pick, but necessary for fall. The dark academia vibes of this movie are unmatched — you will absolutely be inspired to put on your favorite blazer and head to Ellis Library to read Walt Whitman. If the film’s poetry doesn’t make you want to go to a private school in New England, the cinematography and soundtrack will. Curl up to this movie with some apple cider, popcorn and, of course, a full packet of tissues. “Everwood” Before “Parks and Recreation,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Captain America,” some of your favorite film and TV actors starred in this early 2000s show about a sleepy mountain town in Colorado. The show follows the family of famous New York-based neurologist Andy Brown after his wife dies in a car accident. In response, Brown moves his daughter and son to Everwood and becomes a family doctor. Both medical and family drama ensue over the show’s four seasons. I love this show because of its aesthetic and fearlessness in approaching important issues such as abortion, death, faith and trauma. I find it realistic and moving, and perfect to watch on a rainy autumn evening. You can currently stream it on HBOMax. “The Fear Street Trilogy”

Kanye West: A publicity mastermind or a scandalous fool? From Kanye on 6 claiming that slavery is a choice, as well as for his support for former-president Donald Trump. Surrounding these controversies, five albums with West’s mark, called the “Wyoming sessions,” dropped over the course of five weeks. For some albums he is a lead vocalist and for others he is the producer. Regardless, these sessions make this the most prolific period of his career. Kanye’s following solo album, “Jesus Is King,” had a tumultuous rollout just like “The Life of Pablo.” Months before its release, hype accumulated for a different album he claimed would be released entitled “Yandhi.” Then, following a leak online of “Yandhi,” West scrapped the project, pivoting to “Jesus Is King.” The release turned heads because of the absurdity of West becoming a “born-again” Christian and making a gospel album. The following summer, West made two announcements: his next album, “Donda,” would be coming soon, and he would be entering the 2020 presidential race. The week of his announcements

GRAPHIC BY GABRIELLA LACEY

Breaking barriers: How a new club at MU hopes to move Spanish beyond the classroom

The Spanish Theatre Club is preparing to produce their first play written almost entirely in Spanish in Studio 4 in McKee Gym. BY GEHAZI WHITEHURST If you’re looking for a horror pick, Netflix’s new “Fear Street” series is perfect for you. This geniusly crafted series tells the story of a young couple as they fight against a supernatural power possessing teenagers in their town. Besides being brilliantly told and an excellent example of an interwoven, generational narrative, the series uses heavy symbolism to make social commentary on issues of classism, race and privilege. It also centers around a lesbian couple in a realistic manner without making their romance overtly sexual. Be warned, however — this trilogy can get pretty gory. “The Twilight Zone” In a simpler time, when I was far too young, I used to stay up late every night with my parents to watch “The Twilight Zone” on MeTV. To this day, we say “This is just like that episode of The Twilight Zone…” This classic TV show is referenced often in pop culture, and rightfully so. As one of the earliest blueprints of psychological horror on television, these episodes will twist your perspective and expectations. One of my favorites to watch in the fall is Season 1, Episode 22, “The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street.” You can stream the show on Hulu. Books “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott “Little Women” features every season of the year, but the overall aura feels like autumn. Although some of its outlooks on domesticity and feminism are now a bit

yielded the second-most searches for his name on Google in the last five years, only topped by the period of his “The Life of Pablo” rollout. Over a year elasped between the announcement and release of “Donda.” Kanye’s most recent record experienced multiple changed tracklists and listening events of different, incomplete versions. This ignited a weekly Twitter firestorm, with West fans expecting the album to drop after each listening party, creating a period of a few weeks where Kanye maintained higher-than-average

outdated, many of the book’s life lessons regarding happiness, love and loneliness are still reassuring and applicable. This is the type of book you completely lose yourself in on a rainy day while ignoring all of life’s other responsibilities. “The Shining” by Stephen King Another classic, this King novel is one of his best by far. In contrast to others (like “It”), this novel is short and compelling. The indescribable supernatural elements and monsters will have you turning the pages eagerly, praying that all of your favorite characters survive the depths of the Overlook Hotel, where Jack Torrance and his family spend the winter isolated from civilization. “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs This young adult series is perfect for anyone who doesn’t like horror but still wants a supernatural element. This fantasy novel follows Jacob Portman as he discovers a whole other world and friends with both captivating and horrific powers. I love this series because of its Victorian setting and deeply original concepts. Hopefully these suggestions bring you your desired fall aesthetic. For the maximum autumnal experience, I suggest enjoying these forms of media with a pumpkin cream cold brew in hand and a warm cardigan around your shoulders. Edited by Shannon Worley, sworley@themaneater.com

Google searches. With such evidence, it certainly seems true that West’s wild publicity stunts have contributed to his success. The real question is whether or not he knows what he is doing, and whether or not he could stop if he wanted. Regardless of whether he is or is not, he would probably say yes. That would be so “Kanye.” Edited by Shannon Worley, sworley@themaneater.com

and defends Bill

GRAPHIC BY GABRIELLA LACEY

Reporter

he Spanish Theatre Club is bringing new life to the Romance language at MU. The idea began at a dinner with the Department of Romance Languages and Literature at the beginning of the fall semester. Ericka Herbias Ruiz, faculty member in the department and co-creator of the Spanish Theatre Club, asked if anyone in attendance liked theater. After expressing interest, José-Luis Muñoz-Muela, a teaching assistant for the department and the other creator of the club, proposed his ideas for this new group. Herbias Ruiz previously taught theater at Villanova University, but hoped to create a space at MU where her native language and theater intersected. “I really want this department of Spanish to have a theater club and we can, at the end, accomplish a play,” Herbias Ruiz said. “I hope that performances like this become a tradition each semester. That’s the only thing I want, and I’m going to try to do my best to fulfill this.” Muñoz-Muela’s inspiration for a club started when he was studying theater at the University of Castilla in Spain. Muñoz-Muela said that he wanted to continue doing theater in Spanish even while in the U.S. “We kind of met with the same idea, and so Erica suggested: ‘Oh, we could do a play of the Spanish Civil War with [texts from the poet Octavio Paz],’” Muñoz-Muela said. With this plan in mind, Muñoz-Muela started creating the script. Inspired by a compilation of texts from various writers about the Spanish Civil War, which ended with Francisco Franco’s fascists overthrowing the Republican government, the script features an ensemble of characters fighting to keep the heart of Spain alive. Written almost entirely in Spanish, the creators of the club hope to use visual elements, like Spanish and English subtitles, to present the story to an audience of Spanish speaking and non-Spanish speaking people. The amount of movement and globally understood body language embedded in the play makes Muñoz-Muela believe that the performance will speak to the audience “beyond language.” To recruit new members, the creators got other teaching assistants from the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures to join. Muñoz-Muela welcomed people with varied backgrounds in Spanish, from those with no experience to fluent speakers. Kasey Lynch, member and graduate student in the Department of Theatre, said she is grateful to practice her Spanish again after spending a number of years learning the language and studying in Spain. “It’s just important to know

See Spanish Theater on 9

THE MANEATER | MOVE | N ovember 3, 2021 MU BOTANICAL GARDENS

PHOTO BY EVAN HOLDEN

Yellow flowers bask under a clear sky on Wednesday, Sept. 1 in front of Jesse Hall in Columbia.

Mizzou Botanic Garden highlights campus biodiversity The garden stretches across MU’s entire campus and has an impressive ecological history. BY GRACE BURWELL

Reporter

panning 735 acres, the Mizzou Botanic Garden boasts an incredible array of florals, ranging from septuagenarian pin oaks lining Francis Quadrangle to leafy elephant ears and verdant flowers outside Jesse Hall. While some universities have designated garden spaces, MU’s entire campus is classified as a botanic garden. Since its founding in 1999, MUBG has planted over 6,000 trees, and countless staff and students have been changed by its ecological impact. Pete Millier, director of MUBG, has worked at MU since 2005. Millier is passionate about his work and strives to ensure that students interested in conservation have the opportunity to get involved with the garden. “It’s great to see a young person really catch the plant fever,” Millier said. Millier is inspired in part by former MU Chancellor Barbara Uehling Charlton’s mission to unify and beautify campus. Uehling Charlton, who campaigned for a campus botanical garden in the 1980s, was the first woman to lead a land-grant

university in the U.S., as well as the only permanent female chancellor of MU. “She was really a trailblazing person,” Millier said. Since the 1980s, there have been many changes to the campus environment. Today, Millier and members of MUBG are working on the Legacy Oaks of the Francis Quadrangle project to replace the 70-to 90-year-old pin oaks on the Quad with younger, healthier trees. Currently, new oak species are growing on MU’s South Farm until the saplings are mature enough to replace the older trees. Walking across campus, it is not rare to see a plaque adorning a plant bed. The plaques, which Millier describes as “passive education,” allow students the opportunity to learn more about native Missouri plants when walking to and from classes. Due to an increasing virtual demand, MUBG is moving toward an online format of environmental education, including an app students can use to identify plants on campus. “More and more people want something that they can access via their smartphone, because they don’t want to see a sign out there,” Millier said. In addition to virtual initiatives, MUBG plans to increase the amount

of native plants on campus by working with organizations like the Missouri Prairie Foundation. “We’re trying to put a bigger emphasis on native plants to grow out there on the campus because they’re well adapted to our soils and our climate,” Millier said. Not only would planting more native species benefit MU’s ecosystem, it would also diversify the campus environment. Junior Danielle Gafford, who is studying biological sciences, works on prairie ecology-related projects through a research lab on campus. “I think it would be cool if Mizzou had a small prairie restoration or integrated native prairie species into campus gardens,” Gafford said. “They are important species that are built around established systems.” Gafford also participates in student organizations like Climate Leaders at Mizzou and Sustain Mizzou. Previously, MUBG has collaborated with Sustain Mizzou on environmental efforts including beekeeping, composting and cleaning the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail. “It’s a really good way to meet other people from other majors who are interested in the same things, and it’s nice to feel like you’re not the only one who cares about sustainability,” Gafford said.

PHOTO BY EVAN HOLDEN

A botanical garden marker identifies a Hoptree on Monday, Aug. 30 at Peace Park in Columbia. There are a variety of markers around MU to label plants. Through collaboration with local organizations and student groups, MUBG has made headway on projects to keep the campus environment clean and healthy. However, many may be unaware that they are living on a campus with such an established ecosystem. Gafford thinks more students would be interested in the garden

if they learned more about plants. Because of landscape services and MUBG’s hard work and dedication to environmental awareness, students have an entire garden in their backyard to explore. Edited by Elise Mulligan, emulligan@themaneater.com

New club brings Spanish to the stage From SPANISH THEATER on 8 histories beyond our own histories and beyond United States history. [It’s important] to be well-rounded people in general, so I really appreciated that there was so much history involved in the play itself,” Lynch said after reading the script. Since the club’s creation, members have met for rehearsal in the Arts and Science Building on a weekly basis. As a new club, the creators are still trying to critique the process for producing their first play. Members of the Department of Theatre are also offering their exper-

tise, like assistant professor Marc Vital, who agreed to help with costumes. “We’re going to try to make connections with the theater department... so we can have that guidance towards a successful project,” Muñoz-Muela said. As creators of the play, Muñoz-Muela and Herbias Ruiz hope the club and audience will enjoy the experience. “What I want personally is … to involve other students, like undergraduates,” Herbias Ruiz said. “That would be excellent for our department in order to create a feeling of Spanish as a space for artistic experiences.”

The Spanish Theatre Club expects to put on at least one performance for a live audience per semester. This semester, the club plans to perform their first play Dec. 2 in Studio 4 in McKee Gymnasium, and the creators can’t wait to see the growth of what they’ve established. Anyone interested in joining the Spanish Theatre Club can contact Muñoz-Muela at jmmpc@missouri.edu or Herbias Ruiz at edhrcv@missouri.edu. Edited by Shannon Worley, sworley@themaneater.com

GRAPHIC BY JACK COPELAND

Maneater

Opinions

WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR VOICE Submit a letter to the editor at letters@themaneater.com

Opinions expressed By The Maneater columnists do not represent the opinions of The Maneater Editorial Board.

MU MASK POLICY

CAMPUS TRASH

The new MU mask policy lacks proper campus safety

Party culture is trashing our local environment

BY TIA LAURY

GRAPHIC BY ELIANA KINZER

Columnist

BY MARA DUMITRU

MU’s mask mandate transitions from cautious to seemingly invincible against the coronavirus.

Columnist

he coronavirus has forced our world into lockdown since spring 2o21. At MU, students and faculty have learned how to adapt to wearing masks in educational and social settings. However, due to a reduction in COVID-19 cases, MU Incident Command allowed the requirement of masks on campus to expire. This news not only affects individuals at MU, but also the university’s image since the pandemic is still ongoing. The UM System Board of Curators met on Sept. 13 to discuss what mask requirements to implement for MU students and faculty, until a follow-up meeting in October. Previously, the guidelines required masks indoors when social distancing was not applicable. However, in a meeting on Sept. 30, board members decided that wearing masks is now optional. An email sent to faculty and students on Oct. 14 encouraged everyone to wear masks indoors, despite them not being required. There are suggestions for wearing masks, such as signs on classroom doors implemented across campus. However, many said they didn’t understand why masks are now optional. According to MU Health Care, the majority of their COVID-19 patients are not vaccinated. Moreso, the carelessness of not requiring masks can increase cases as the year goes on. Every day we are surrounded by thousands of people who could carry a life-threatening virus, which can inflict more health problems in the community. The World Health

Red Solo Cups are starting to become part of our botanical garden.

Organization shows that from Jan. 20, 2020, to Oct. 18, 2021, there have been 92,247,781 confirmed cases of the virus in the Americas. These case numbers fluctuate daily and still impact the lives of many. The pandemic put the classic college experience on hold for many students. At the beginning of the fall 2020 semester, MU students were deprived of in-person learning because of the drastic rise in cases from 228 in August 2020, to nearly triple the amount one month later. Students had to learn remotely, while still trying to achieve academically and socialize. Without much direct engagement, many students fell short of their goals. The current mask policy has the potential to revive remote learning because safety precautions against the coronavirus are now optional. If the case count worsens and the university goes remote, students will have to relearn how to make do with no face-

to face-interactions, which will hamper their success in college. Many people are eager to partake in public events, such as sporting games, festivals and concerts. The lack of safety measures, now that masks aren’t required, suggests the possibility of returning to virtual living: canceled sports seasons and watching events online without the enjoyment from others in close proximity. Toward the middle of 2021, in-person events and educational circumstances were functioning closer to normal. MU allowed students and faculty to return on campus in August, yet required every person to wear a mask and follow a 6-foot distance from one another indoors. Data from MU shows a decrease in cases from the peak of 683 on Sep. 5, 2020, to 23 as of Oct. 25, 2021. The help of masks and the vaccine helped mitigate the number of people affected at MU. Now, many students are worried about a rise

in cases because, even though there are fewer cases, there will be insufficient protection due to the new mask policy. This could make it easier to catch the virus. Some individuals are not fully vaccinated, and while wearing masks does not completely prevent the chances of getting COVID-19, it does help reduce the spread of the disease because of less direct interactions amongst people. Now that there is no mask policy, it shows MU’s lack of care for the health and safety of individuals on campus. Studies from MedRxiv indicate that simply wearing a mask can reduce the spread of the coronavirus by 40%. MU officials are taking away that chance of reduction that has kept COVID-19 cases minimized within the course of almost two years. As an individual who had the coronavirus previously, I prioritize my health and the people around me as my main concern, because facing this life-chang-

ing sickness can be detrimental. Friends and peers have been quarantined because of close contact with someone who had the virus. Some students had to spend their college experience at home because of common virus symptoms, such as lack of taste or smell. However, requiring masks allowed many students to enjoy their time on campus as of August 2021. The university would reduce current health concerns by simply extending the mandate for everyone to wear masks. This virus is not only impacting college students, but also immunocompromised individuals, their families and communities. Although wearing a mask at MU is now optional, students and faculty should remember that the pandemic has not ended just because the university is returning back to pre-pandemic life. Edited by Sarah Rubinstein, srubinstein@themaneater.

t is impossible to walk around MU’s campus without seeing remnants of Friday night fun lying around. Broken beer bottles, red Solo Cups and alcohol miniatures litter every green space MU has to offer. We call ourselves a botanical garden, yet the most our campus has to show for it is plastic trash around every corner. MU truly has a fairytale campus. Red brick buildings, large gothic windows and plenty of squirrels, birds and rabbits. Just like how Hansel and Gretel had a trail of breadcrumbs leading them back home, we have trails of red Solo Cups and broken glass leading us to Greektown. Society tries to teach children from a young age that littering is unacceptable. More often than not, when children grow up, they retain all of that information, including the harmful effects littering has on our earth, oceans and animals. This goes for MU students as well. Bringing awareness to this issue isn’t the concern — getting students to care is. No amount of infographics or PSAs about recycling will help either. As long as students don’t think about the impact they have on the environment, we won’t see any change on campus. Friday night party practices are starting to leave a permanent mark on campus. So much litter is generated every week that sweepers don’t make a difference anymore. Students adopt an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality when it comes to littering. As soon as the trash is out of their hands, it becomes someone else’s problem. Football season poses new challenges. With so many tailgates to get to before the game starts, finding a trash can is the last thing on students’ minds. Who has time to toss an empty can in the recycling bin when there are already 30 others in a pile on the ground? Additionally, when we put the same people who don’t care about littering in charge of the cleanup, it’s no surprise when front lawns are still littered with plastic trash. Alumni and students alike come together every weekend to support their school and football team. They wear MIZ shirts and wave around black and gold pompoms to show their school spirit. By the end of the game, those same pompoms end up forgotten somewhere on a lawn. Why doesn’t our campus get the same courtesy as our football team? How can they support one and harm the other? “The presence of existing litter was strongly predictive of littering behavior,” social psychologist Wesley Schultz said in an interview with The Allegheny Front. “So if you’re in a place that’s already highly littered, you’re much more likely to litter than if you’re in a place that’s clean of

See Campus Trash on 11

THE MANEATER | OPINIONS | N ovember 3, 2021

Our campus, the dump site From Dumitru Column on 10 students (see: East Campus, Greektown, downtown area). This would incentivize students to hold onto their bottles for a few steps longer instead of dropping them

the second they’re empty. Disposing trash responsibly has to be as easy and painfree as littering. After all, we’re all college students with the attention spans of kindergartners. While well-disposed-of trash is better than litter, in the end, it still ends up in a landfill. It’s hard to ask students to give up their red Solo Cups and aluminum cans for more environmentally friendly options. There are plenty of options out there, ranging from dollar store cups to YETI mugs. As college students seem to be unable to

hold onto a cup until the next trash bin, the expectations would be a little too high if we asked them to hold onto a tumbler for an entire evening. We can’t blame this one on MU — it’s our responsibility as students to keep our campus as beautiful as we can. There could be trash cans and recycling bins on every street corner, but as long as students don’t care about littering, we’re not going to see a difference. Edited by Sarah Rubinstein, srubinstein@themaneater.com

GRAPHIC BY RACHEL TAYLOR

MANSPLAINING

PSA: Women do not need men to mansplain misogyny (or any other subject)

After men on my dorm floor mansplained to me for the first five weeks of college, I had enough. It is time arrogant men treat women as intellectual equals.

BY ABIGAIL RAMIREZ

Columnist

o whom it may concern,

While it is the 21st century and many assume misogyny and gender inequality occur on a less frequent basis among our generation, that assumption is, quite frankly, wrong. Women on and off campus, in the U.S. and in countries all over the world, continue to face sexism in their everyday lives. What sparked this public service announcement? A boy on my floor began mansplaining — the act of a man explaining a subject to a woman ar-

GRAPHIC BY CJ CHRISTY

rogantly as if they are clueless — to the girls on my floor about different subjects: psychology to a girl planning to minor in the subject, Chicago to a girl from Illinois and the word “bimbo” to us all. This was not a onetime occurrence. Since our first week, he has continuously mansplained sports, school and even math. We all agreed we had had enough; we had to confront him. After conveying our feelings to him, he apologized. However, after explaining that he had not meant to be sexist, he continued explaining what misogyny is to me and my friend. I was appalled. How could a man not know he was blatantly mansplaining

to the women around him? Then, it hit me. Some men are simply unaware of some of the sexist actions they commit against the women around them. It’s a sad reality, but that’s why I decided to write this. This is dedicated to all the girls who have to experience this kind of disrespect every day. To the men reading this article, good job at taking the first step. The first question you should ask yourself should always be, “Did they ask me to explain this topic?” If the answer is “no,” then you are probably mansplaining. If they did not ask, and you continue to talk about the subject, ask yourself

these follow-up questions: First, does the woman you are talking to have a background in the field? Does she know more than you? Second, would most women in this field know about this topic? Is it common knowledge? If any of the answers to these questions are “yes,” then you are possibly mansplaining. A good rule of thumb would be to try not to explain anything if you are unsure about her credentials in the field, or if she simply did not ask for you to say anything more. Usually, the “saying anything more” is where you go wrong. However, if you possibly know more than she does, and she explicitly asks you to go into more depth, then you are not mansplaining. This is the harsh reality most women face on a day-to-day basis. In a meta-analysis of 43 gender studies, researchers Kristin J. Anderson and Campbell Leaper found that men are more likely than women to interrupt others during conversations, especially when such conversation involves a more “masculine” subject, such as task-oriented activities. As an example, at the first football game of the season, I sat next to a boy I knew and told him I did not know many of the play-by-play rules of football. After the first touchdown, he proceeded to explain to me what a touchdown is and what it means in a very condescending way. Now, I do not know a lot about football, but a touchdown is common knowledge to anyone who follows sports. I know what a touchdown is, and he knew that. While it may have been sarcastic and he did apologize soon after realizing what he said, the example still stands. To some, those sort of interactions may seem harmless — something women need to learn to move on from or let roll off their shoulders. But when it’s your reality every day, and when you know women across the world have dealt with it for centuries, it’s unbearable. The worst part of it all is when we speak out about it, we are seen as radical feminists with anti-men agendas or overly emotional women with hormonal issues. Women are stuck in a horrible paradox of unjust treatment and being too scared or cynical to speak out about it. Please, think about the way you treat the women around you. All we want is to be treated as equals. Sincerely, Abby Ramirez Edited by Cayli Yanagida, cyanagida@themaneater.com

THE MANEATER | OPINIONS | N ovem ber 3, 2021

GUEST COLUMN

Sister Cindy screamed that I was going to hell for being Jewish, yet everybody cheered Content Warning: This column contains content relating to sexual violence

BY EDEN HARRIS Guest Columnist

Cindy Smock, or Sister Cindy, and her husband Jed Smock, or Brother Jed, made harmful and demeaning claims during a preaching show in Speakers Circle on Oct. 15.

indy Smock, better known as Sister Cindy, is an American evangelist who preaches on college campuses and has emassed a TikTok following of nearly 364,000 followers. She and her husband Jed Smock, or Brother Jed, unfortunately welcomed MU students to their “slut-shaming show” in Speakers Circle on Oct. 15. Although many students at MU disagree with their viewpoints, the couple was met with roars of applause. I attended the “slut-shaming show.” While Smock’s preaching slowly became a broken record of invalidating women and condemning people to hell, Smock told me that “everybody who isn’t Christian is going to hell.” I explained to her that I am Jewish, while some of my family is Buddhist. Smock told me, “You are going to hell with them.” I left shortly after that.

Many people claim to support those who are discriminated against, whether it’s because of race, sex or religion. Some even go as far as cutting ties with those who don’t agree with their views. So what makes this evangelist couple so different? What exempts them from intolerance? Most students see them as mere entertainment, even when their so-called “preaching” is nicknamed a “slut-shaming show,” claiming that “If you aren’t Christian, you’re going to hell.” Sister Cindy and Brother Jed have been preaching since the 1980s, and the message tends to surround topics such as Christian morality, sinful behavior and slogans such as “Hoe No Mo.” But when does entertainment cross the line? When is Cindy Smock not seen as a joke? When going into detail about how thankful she is for men, Sister Cindy was met with roars of questions surrounding rape on campus. In response, she asked, “There’s a rape problem on campus?” “Men have self-control,” Smock said. “Men, be careful. These women can be very aggressive. Real men stay away from the hoes. If you have been raped, yes, you are a victim, but playing the victim will get you nowhere in life. And some of you will go on and call yourselves ‘survivors,’ but survivors go nowhere in life either.” After that, the line was crossed. In response to the uproar of negative comments from the crowd, Smock only seemed to be

worried about her page on TikTok, sarcastically claiming she was disappointed that she might lose 10,000 followers. The crowd cheered, “Real men don’t rape,” while Smock jumped with laughter. “Most people are here to make fun of her,” freshman Sydney Ritter said. “The rate for [rape cases] here is so high, it’s higher than the national average at this point, and she’s literally making it as a joke for her TikTok. It’s a real thing that people are struggling with right now, and she said that survivors don’t get anywhere in life. That is not true; survivors are just at strong as anyone else.” Sister Cindy, not even minutes after those horrific claims, went right back to being a laughing stock. Many students seemed to disregard what she said, some to the point where they believed she was only on MU’s campus to provide entertainment. The crowd was so stunned with her anti-sex, pro-Christian rallying that it almost didn’t seem real. “We’re all here because we know she’s pretty wrong,” sophomore Thao Thach said. “I think she knew that we were stressed out by midterms and she came to entertain us. I feel like she knows in some way that there are a lot of people here just because they think she’s funny.” Sister Cindy and Brother Jed are unfortunately not a joke. They may seem like entertainment, but they are serious in what they preach. Some students who attended the “slut-shaming show” left with come-

Use this QR code to watch a video created by our multimedia section interviewing Eden Harris about her guest column. dic relief. But some left feeling invalidated on a campus that is supposed to protect their students. I was one of those who felt invalidated. The crowd cheered for Sister Cindy and Brother Jed, even when they told students they are sluts, going to hell and going nowhere in life. It almost felt like a fever dream: Those who promoted civil rights and activism were cheering for the couple whose entire lives have been devoted to spreading hate speech. Hearing Sister Cindy and Brother Jed was sickening, invalidating and perplexing to me as to why people see them as different. What makes them the exception to chastising hate? If you are one of those who felt invalidated, use your resources. Talk to friends and even family members. Some resources at MU are MU’s Counseling Center, the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center, the Women’s Center or the LGBTQ Center. Edited by Cayli Yanagida, cyanagida@themaneater.com

THE AMERICAN DREAM

The American Dream: hopelessly outdated

BY TANNER SMITH Columnist

The American Dream allows for false hope that exploits the lower class. The sad truth: a person’s economic situation is not going to improve due to the lack of social mobility in America. The good news: Due to the way capitalism is set up, a person’s finances are not going to be much worse either. In fact, 20 years from now, a person’s economic system will most likely look exactly the same. One can argue that with hard work they have the ability to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and succeed, thus feeding into the basic nature of the traditional American Dream. And for a small number of people, they will be able to come from nothing and improve their lives in

GRAPHIC BY CJ CHRISTY

a meaningful way. That’s the allure of capitalism. That’s the idea the American Dream propagates. The problem is, this is by no means the reality. It is past time we start acknowledging these false expectations and abandon the outdated idea of the American Dream. The American mixed economy over recent decades created an economy that has allowed for a rise in income inequality, and allows those who aren’t rich to be routinely exploited as a way to extract as much profit as possible. This is something I have not had to worry about for the vast majority of my life, because I came from a middle-class family. Food was always on the table, there was always enough money for a vacation or two and there was never any trouble making ends meet. When I was a kid, it was easy enough to assume that everyone was doing ok and that the system gives everyone the opportunity to succeed. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen how blatant of a lie that really

is. I’ve been told about the validity of the American Dream since birth, and that if I work hard enough, I can be anything that I want to be. While this may be true for me and other middle- and upper-class families, the people who live from paycheck to paycheck are systemically oppressed by the constant need for cheap and exploitable labor. The American Dream, when it was popularized in 1931 by James Truslow Adams, refers to the materialistic idea of hard work allowing people to increase their social and economic status. Since then, this idea has become so ingrained in American society that it has become commonplace to hear that a person can be whatever they want if they just work hard enough, creating the modern idea of social mobility. So how accurate is the idea of the American Dream? For starters, the basic idea the American Dream presents is deeply flawed. According to a study from UCLA, Arizona State University and the London School of Economics and Political Science, while people want to believe that America is based around the idea that anyone climb through the social ladder, “race and place of birth” are huge factors that contribute to whether a person is able to climb through the social ladder. In fact, it goes even deeper. The same article notes that “children in the US are less likely to earn more than their parents as adults if they are Black or grow up in Southern states,” casting doubt on the idea that anyone can increase their economic situation. Another example is former president Donald Trump and his claim of being a self-made billionaire. Trump’s “small” million dollar loan, and other advantages he was given because of his family’s large wealth, help to better explain how he became wealthy other than his “hard work.” But why is this the case? It’s all about opportunity. According to the World Economic Forum, “richer parents can afford to send their children to better schools” which in turn gives their children better education — and subsequently a higher level of educational prestige — which leads to “better opportunities and more wealth later in life.” This creates cycles of in-

equality that reward those at the top of the economic structure, while making it nearly impossible to increase the social position of those less well-off. Coupled with “median wages [that] have stagnated” and the modern generation “expected to be poorer than their parents,” the socioeconomic status a person is born into “can account for up to two thirds of the wealth an individual generates.” That doesn’t sound like the American Dream to me. But the examples don’t stop here. The examples of the failure of the American Dream are numerous. The New York Times in “Obituaries for the American Dream” gives even more stories about the inequalities in society — whether those be social, economic or political — that keep people from achieving social mobility. So if the American Dream is so broken, why is it still so prevalent? For people to have large amounts of wealth, they need someone at the bottom to profit off of. Look at Amazon: The way they treat their employees in a way to maximize profit, restricting things such as their bathroom use and break times — allowing for “18 minutes per shift” in a shift that “was 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m” — is sickening. That’s why there is no real social mobility. There is no incentive for the system to change because it is working exactly as intended. The rich get richer and the poor stay poor. This simply must change. Continuing to promote the idea of the American Dream allows systems of oppression to continue to feed off of the “hope” that life could improve, when for the vast majority of people it most likely won’t. Although it won’t be easy, it is vital that we adopt a new mindset, one based around solving the problems of rampant exploitation and a lack of social media. Whether that is expanding social programs or working to create mechanisms to make the economic system more based around hard work, instead of generational wealth, something needs to change. It’s time to abandon the American Dream. Edited by Cayli Yanagida, cyanagida@themaneater.com

THE MANEATER | SPORTS | N ovemb er 3, 2021 RECRUITING

Missouri football lands Luther Burden, the nation’s top-ranked wide receiver prospect BY JACK TAYLOR Reporter

The soon-to-be Tiger out of East St. Louis, Illinois, is the No. 2-ranked offensive player in the nation.

uther Burden, one of the top high school football prospects in the 2022 recruiting class, committed to Missouri football on Oct. 19. Burden, who initially committed to Oklahoma in October 2020, decommitted from OU on Aug. 17. Exactly one month later, he named Missouri, Georgia and Alabama as his new finalists, and ultimately chose Missouri over the other SEC powerhouses. Burden, who plays football for East St. Louis Senior High School in Illinois, is currently the nation’s No. 2-ranked offensive player (No. 8 overall) in the class of 2022, according to ESPN. He’s the top-ranked wide receiver, as well as the top-ranked player from the state of Illinois. “Big recruits in St. Louis — they all go to places like the Georgias, the Alabamas,” Burden said during his announcement at the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club. “I just want to start a trend here in St. Louis for the younger people with talent under me to stay home and take our talents to Missouri.” Burden’s commitment gives Missouri a big boost to its already-strong 2022 recruiting class. He becomes the first five-star recruit of head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s tenure, who has already inked eight four-star recruits from the 2022 class. After starting 2021 with a 3-4 record, including an 0-3 in-conference record, Burden’s commitment gives Missouri football fans a bright outlook on the future of the program. Edited by Kyle Pinnell, kpinnell@themaneater.com

GRAPHIC BY HAYES FAWCETT

VOLLEYBALL

Anna Dixon proves strong leadership in Missouri volleyball Dixon embraced the leadership role she fell into after eight members of last year’s NCAA tournament squad left. BY BRANDON HAYNES

Reporter

midst a 4-19 season, Missouri volleyball junior outside hitter Anna Dixon isn’t phased. On a young Missouri team, Dixon understands her role as a leader and mentor for a squad featuring more first-year players than returning members. This season, offensive inconsistency and late-game struggles are main contributors to the Tigers’ hardships, but Dixon knows the foundation for potential is there. “Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s going to take time, so baby steps for sure,” Dixon said. The transition from last year foreshadows Dixon’s vision for the team. After losing eight members of Missouri’s 2020 NCAA tournament team, including All-SEC senior outside hitter Kylie Deberg and sophomore middle blocker Claudia Dillon, the Tigers used the offseason to restructure the team and fill the holes left from those who moved on. A season later, Missouri has a team full of new faces and emerging talent, but also features one of the youngest teams in the SEC. Throughout the transition, Dixon has been instrumental in helping the team succeed through her leadership, which continues to grow game by game.

PHOTO BY HOLDEN GREEN Anna Dixon jumps for the ball on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Hearnes Center in Columbia. Dixon always had a feeling she would make an impact on the

court, but her first love didn’t stem from volleyball; it came

from basketball. Dixon grew up playing a variety of sports, trying to find the one that suited her game. Eventually, she chose volleyball, a sport that runs deep in her family. Her mother played at Wichita State, while her aunt represented Kansas State. With two older sisters and a cousin in the sport as well, Dixon naturally fell in love. “My parents never really forced it on me,” Dixon said. “They basically told me, ‘You could go play if you want. Whatever you decide to do is up to you,’ and so I still kept playing, fell in love with it [and] wanted to keep playing.” Dixon began playing volleyball competitively at age 12, which eventually led her to join the KC Power, a USA Volleyball-sanctioned club. Dixon also attended Louisburg High School in her hometown of Louisburg, Kansas, where she continued to excel. Dixon tallied more than 2,000 kills, was named a two-time Class 4A Kansas Player of the Year and a finalist for the 2018 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year in high school. In 2019, Dixon earned a spot on the 2019 USA Volleyball’s Women’s Junior National Team, where she helped Team USA to a No. 8 finish among 16 teams in the 2019 FIVB U20 World Championship. After her time with Team USA, Dixon began her collegiate career at Kansas State. She continued to grow and met one of her most impactful role models: redshirt senior setter Sarah

Dixon. “[Sarah] was so patient and positive,” Dixon said. “[She was] such a good mentor for me, just teaching me about the game — teaching me about changing my mentality.” Sarah Dixon, who began her final season during Anna’s inaugural one, shared similar admiration for Anna and immediately realized the impact she would have on the Wildcats. “Our first workout, you always want to see how the freshmen will do,” Sarah Dixon said. “Anna, she was coming in the top three of every competitive drill we were doing.” Sarah Dixon’s intuition proved correct. Anna Dixon burst onto the scene and captured Big-12 All-Rookie team honors with a team-leading 2.89 kills per set, which ranked first among all Big-12 freshmen. Anna Dixon began to blossom as a leader that season, too. “She really wanted to lead, even then,” Sarah Dixon said. “She wanted to be the leader of the freshmen class.” Anna Dixon’s leadership stems from her volleyball IQ and skill set, while the addition of her selfless style of play showcases why she has the intangible qualities of a leader. For Sarah Dixon, one key takeaway from the year she spent with Anna was the mindset she played with. “It’s really rare where you have someone that can

See Volleyball on 14

THE MANEATER | SPORTS | N ovem ber 3, 2021

Anna Dixon: The face of Missouri volleyball From Volleyball on 13 have so much fun and bring this joy and light-hearted spirit, but also can be so focused and have that killer mindset,” Sarah Dixon said. “I just think that is super special about her.” Following Anna Dixon’s accomplished freshman year at Kansas State, she decided to transfer to Missouri and join head coach Joshua Taylor’s team to work toward an SEC title. Dixon chose Missouri because of the overseas connections that Taylor and assistant coach Molly Taylor have, and MU offers the nursing major she desired. Once volleyball season began, Dixon felt like the perfect fit for the Tigers, too. She earned 2020 All-SEC honors, while recording 273 kills and averaging 3.00 kills per set as a sophomore. Missouri finished 16-8 in 2020 and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Following the season, however, eight members of the NCAA tournament team either transferred or graduated, which introduced Missouri to an influx of youth players. In a matter of months, Dixon went from one of the youngest Tigers to one of six upperclassmen on the roster. Meanwhile, the addition of eight new freshmen meant that over half of the roster had never experienced a collegiate game. Suddenly, Dixon’s emergent leadership skills were put to the test.

“Being one of the older girls [consistently] on the court that has more experience, [my role] is to keep the group calm in pressure situations,” Dixon said. For freshman middle blocker Kayla Burbage, Dixon’s leadership has helped her improve on the court. “[Dixon is] definitely very supportive both on and off the court,” Burbage said. “Anything that you need, she’ll reach out and help. From the leadership aspect, she’s somebody everyone needs to look up to, whether you play the position or not.” Similar to how Sarah Dixon aided her growth, Anna Dixon wants to be a positive mentor for her teammates. Throughout this season, Anna Dixon is the first person to console a teammate after a mistake, but also the first to give encouragement when a play is executed. Her wisdom and experience from the 2020 season has allowed her to impact her teammates on the court. When the young Missouri squad needs it most, Anna Dixon is always there to help. After losing seven consecutive matches, Missouri entered an Oct. 17 match against the Auburn Tigers, looking for its first victory over a Power Five conference opponent. However, this game marked Missouri’s third within five days and came amidst a stretch where Missouri had been swept in four of its past six matches. Dixon’s veteran impact and presence helped Missouri upset Auburn in five sets. She tallied a career-high 27 kills in the victory, with seven kills coming in the fifth set alone. Her poise and will to win gave Missouri an edge over an 11-7 Auburn squad. However, her guidance and encouragement provided the spark that Missouri needed to succeed. Knotted at 23 late in the first set, freshman outside

hitter Kaylee Cox dove to corral an Auburn kill but couldn’t reach it in time. Dixon responded by helping Cox off the ground and voicing advice in the huddle. In the moments that followed, Missouri overturned the point and Cox delivered a kill that pushed Auburn to the brink of a first set loss. When Missouri led 24-22 in the third set, sophomore defensive specialist Emily Brown couldn’t dig an Auburn kill. Right away, Dixon huddled the team up and gave Brown an encouraging high-five. On a similar play in the fourth set, Brown anticipated the attack and provided a dig, which led to a kill by freshman right side hitter Jordan Iliff, bringing Missouri within two points, 12-10. And in the fifth set, Dixon combined her All-SEC play and leadership mentality to give the Tigers a much-needed victory. With Missouri holding an 8-6 advantage, Auburn called a timeout, which sent Missouri into another huddle near its bench. Dixon used this opportunity to strategize with her teammates before Taylor joined them. The Tigers ended the game on a 7-5 run, securing their first SEC victory of the season and snapping a seven-game losing streak in the process. With Dixon’s on-court impact, the Tigers overcame moments of weakness and worked through mistakes that had limited them earlier in the season. This improvement is something that could determine Missouri’s success going forward. If the freshmen continue to give their all and stay positive alongside Dixon, the Tigers hope it will lead to a fruitful second half of the season.

Edited by Kyle Pinnell, kpinnell@themaneater.com

TENNIS

Bronte Murgett and Marta Oliveira’s differences strengthen their abilities as doubles teammates BY IZABELLE COOL Reporter

Murgett and Oliveira have become a great doubles pair since teaming up for the first time in 2020, but that was not without hard work and figuring out each other’s playing styles.

he chemistry between Missouri tennis stars senior Bronte Murgett, from West Yorkshire, Great Britain, and graduate student Marta Oliveira, from Lisbon, Portugal, on and off the court has created a championship-contending doubles team in the 2021-22 season. The duo formed organically when both players realized they played their best when together. “[Oliveira and I] kind of merged into a single player,” Murgett said. “I do all the skills in the back well, and she does all the skills in the front well. We understand each other, [and] I had never really played with someone like that.” Murgett joined the Tigers before the 2020-21 season after transferring from New Mexico. During her three seasons at New Mexico, she had a 95-43 record and held both the No. 1 and 2 singles spots. “[Missouri] made it welcoming and easy for me to fit in and be able to play my tennis and do what I do,” Murgett said. “I am thankful for them for making it feel welcoming and a good motivational environment to play tennis in.” Oliveira’s experiences with doubles at Missouri did not always create a secure pairing. She was 9-15 overall in 2017-18, 15-12 in 2018-19 and 9-8 in 2019-20. During the 2020-21 season, she played with five different doubles teammates until she and Bronte were paired. “It has been very up and down playing with a lot of different people.” Oliveira said. “I think Bronte is the first person that I have played with consistently, and [we’ve] been able to grow in our game and grow in our doubles knowledge.” Since Murgett joined the team and Chris Wootton became head coach, Oliveira said she feels she can restart her journey and finish it this year. She said she feels a dynamic with Murgett that she lacked with other partners, and after a year of playing together, they feel confident in their ability to improve in Year 2. The two are close on and off the court and hang out frequently when not in match play. Oliveira said that while their personalities are different, “what makes [them] special is complementing each other” in game styles. Murgett mentioned that since the two are together so often, they also need to have time apart. “Something that we definitely learned last year was to have our separation, so that we can perform at the highest level,” Murgett said. “But we definitely hang out with each other a lot outside of the tennis facility.” However, the pair realized in-match play how hard it was to play without each other. During the 2020-21 SEC season, Murgett and Oliveira didn’t play as a doubles team for three weeks: March 18, 2021 to April 4, 2021. During those weeks, Murgett won her matches with then-freshman Valentina Vazquez and Romary Cardenas Rifka, but lost

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIZZOU ATHLETICS Missouri tennis graduate student Marta Oliveira prepares to hit a tennis ball back across the net. four matches with then-senior Ellie Wright. Oliveira was paired with then-junior Gabrielle Goldin and then-senior Serena Nash. Oliveira was able to win or end the matches unfinished with both players. “When [Murgett and I] were put back together is when we realized how different it is when we play together,” Oliveira said. Murgett remembers when the pair played against LSU during the 2020-21 season, where they defeated then-sophomores Safiya Carrington and Maggie Cubitt 6-2 in doubles play. This was the moment Murgett realized Oliveira was the doubles teammate she needed to compete at her highest level. “That was cool for me to see and feel like I had the confidence,” Murgett said. “We know that we’re better and that we‘re going to win this match. It’s a cool feeling to have, especially during a high-level SEC match. It can’t get much more confident than that.” Both players’ tennis careers at Missouri are coming to an end, and they have their eyes set on becoming All-Americans and placing in the ITA Division I Regional Championships in Iowa City, Iowa, Oct. 21-25. Oliveira said the pair have been putting in a lot of work over this past season and while it is a process, they have seen themselves getting better.

When looking back at their collegiate seasons, they found they had become better players but had also and found a home away from their home countries. “You can come home at the end of the day and have people around you that support you and love you and want the best for you,” Murgett said. “And that is the Mizzou kind of [structure], and it is really cool to be a part of.” Oliveira is focusing on herself and how she has grown as a person with the people around her at Missouri. “The main thing I’m going to take away from here is how I grew as a person, and how I have developed with the people around me,” Oliveira said. Oliveira and Murgett are the first Missouri doubles pair in Tiger history to receive a bid to the ITA Women’s All-American Championships. The team was ranked No. 7 during the national preseason rankings after finishing 9-5 during the 2020-21 season. Murgett qualified for a singles bid and will make an appearance in singles play during the championships. “We know how well we can do — we know the work we’ve been putting in since June and July,” Oliveira said. “It’s a process and we’re getting better and better.” Edited by Mason Arnseon, marneson@themaneater.com

THE MANEATER | FUN AND GAMES | N ovember 3, 2021 NOV HOROSCOPES

The Maneater’s November horoscope BY EVER COLE Creator

The universe has a lot in store for you this November. Read your monthly horoscope now! Aries (March 21-April 19)

Creativity will flow from your fingertips this month, Aries! Use this time of heightened artistry to let out your inner Picasso. Try a creative endeavor you have never indulged in: Write a haiku, create a collage of fall leaves or pick up a new instrument you have been wanting to try out. Utilizing this creativity will lead to an overall sense of achievement. November will bring good vibrations your way, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of opportunities that show up.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

November will be an important month for you, Taurus. Not only will this time bring good luck, but you will experience significant advances in places you may have felt stuck in for some time now. This could manifest in your education, love life, friendships or other areas. However, do not turn to old habits and hope that all will work out. Your success depends on your effort — the stars believe in you!

folders and books on your desk. Journaling might be a helpful outlet to sort through your thoughts as well. Do not fret — seek out comfort from positive friends who will help you navigate through November.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This month might feel like a rollercoaster, Cancer. You may experience unexpected turbulence in the first half of November; conflicts might arise, leading to unsettled nerves and general anxiety. It’s okay to sit and wait this one out. Resort to binging your favorite Netflix show or hanging out in your room for a day — we won’t judge! However, the last half of the month will prove more enjoyable. Although the weather is cooling, everyday pressures will feel like they are simply melting away.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

I won’t sugarcoat it: this month may be a little difficult for you, Gemini. Your workload might pile a little too high, or life’s responsibilities may catch up to you quicker than expected. Take this as a sign to declutter your life — both physically and mentally. Organize the stack of

Balance is on the horizon, Leo — you have a lot to look forward to this month! Not only will there be significant advances in your goals, but you may finally see your hard work pay off. Don’t be surprised if you receive a good grade on a test after a long night of studying, or if you get an unexpected call with fantastic news. Stay determined this month and you will likely cross the finish line.

Fall Festivities Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

As the leaves continue to change in November, so will you. Unlike the leaves, you will continue to grow throughout the month. You planted your roots in October, and now you must branch out. Perhaps you will try out a new hairstyle or raise your hand more often in your discussion class. This is the perfect time to trust yourself and take risks. It may seem unnerving, but it will benefit you in the future! The universe is truly on your side this month.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

An unexpected event that will change your behavior is in the near future, Libra. Do not panic; instead, use this energy to buckle down and prepare. It is important, now more than ever, to be steadfast in your beliefs and desires in life. Focus on your passions and revisit old hobbies you have forgotten about; Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to focus on these arising difficulties. If you keep all of this in mind, difficulties that arise during November will be a breeze.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The universe is bringing you clarity in November, Scorpio. Stop for a moment, stand tall and take a deep breath — everything is going to work out. You may find yourself having a new outlook on your studies,

relationships or life in general. This new mindset will push you to go on many exciting adventures. Now is the time to go on a spontaneous road trip with your friends, or perhaps strike up a conversation with a stranger at a coffee shop. Whatever it is, remember to stay in the moment and have fun.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

November is the month to finally slow down, Sagittarius. Until now, you may have found yourself always on the run with no time to breathe. It has felt like your extroversion has taken over and your need for fun has guided your decisions — you have been one busy bee! This is all going to change soon. Take this as a sign to sleep in for once, decline the invitation to that party or try meditation. The free time will be unfamiliar at first, but you will benefit from it greatly.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Make sure to keep the boat afloat, Capricorn. November may create waves in your ocean, but you have the power to coast steadily. You may find yourself in unfamiliar situations or with new responsibilities. Consult your wise loved ones to help navigate them. The unknown may be a blessing in disguise. By the end of the month, success will come your way in expected areas.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Is it time for a break, Aquarius? You have been bogged down with a heavy workload, and it’s finally starting to catch up with you. As your energy declines, use November as a rest period. Reflect on your recent habits and accept change into your daily routine. Perhaps invest in a planner to break down your daily responsibilities. Make time for self-care during the week. This could be as small as using a face mask or going for a walk around campus. Finding a way to ease stress will make the last bit of 2021 pleasant.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

For Pisces, November will be anything but fishy — a stark contrast to how you have been feeling lately. The clouds will roll away, revealing a bright sun to accompany you on these cold autumn days. You will start gaining some of that missing confidence back. This calls for celebration! Gather those closest to you and have some fun. Finding a campus activity to do or simply spending quality time together will benefit your mood greatly.

Edited by Abby Stetina, astetina@themaneater.com

By Evy Lewis - Published on crosshare.org 1

37 Three-letter nickname for Missouri's second-largest city

November Crossword

7 10

31 32 38

33 39

34 40

43 45

39 Response to a ques. BY EVY LEWIS 40 Baby sheep Creator 41 Imaginary friend from a 2004 Cartoon Network show ACROSS 34 “That’s neither here __ 1 American holiday with a there” 42 Director Johnson of turkey 36 Lesser of two ___ Knives Outdinner and Rogue 38 Mid-October weekend break One8 Gold, en Español 9 Blunt, clipped way of at some schools 45 Text-speak for when speaking 43 You might use it to catch someone's told you a 12 Free stuff bugs or fish little too much 13 Versatile, as an athlete 44 A person who keeps/writes 16 Often-torn knee ligarecords ment 45 Ending for celes- or poten18 Night for trick-or46 Polynesian nation that was treating and costume the former namesake of a Girl parties Scout cookie 19 Delicious, yummy 47 Multiscale Network Sys21 “And so forth” tem, or Mobile Network Solu22 Close tion 25 Mexican holiday com48 A November holiday in the memorating the dead UK, also called Guy Fawkes Day 31 “We ride __ ____!”

13 Armored assault tank,32 Organization for farm kids 46 Polynesian nation that ACROSS 14 Common classification for companies was former 2 “__ __ _1 help you?”holiday 15the Double-helix molecule abbreviated 33 Forearm bone American of a Girlfire 3 Asian inlandwith sea athat hasdinner been shrink- namesake 17 Ceremonial 34 ‘80s video game console that began turkey 14 Common classification Scout cookie greeting ing for 60 years 18 Casual the Zelda and Metroid franchises for companies 8 Gold, en Español 4 Egg___ 20 Just a little 35 Granola grain 15 Double-helix molecule 47 Multiscale Network 9 Blunt, clipped way of 5 “___ cost you!” 23 Racial justice and anti-police brutality 37 Three-letter nickname for Missouri’s System, or Mobile speaking 17 Ceremonial fire 6 Emperor known for playing the violin Network movement second-largest city Solution 18 dirt Casual greeting 12 Free stuff as Rome burned 24 Groove worn into the 39 Response to a ques. 20 Just a little 48 A November 13 Versatile, as an athlete 7 Get bigger 26 Gospelholiday writerin 40 Baby sheep UK, also called Guy 23 Racial justice and 41 Imaginary friend from a 2004 Cartoon Often-torn 10 Famous 16 canal where knee a boat got stuck the27 Biblical paradise Fawkes Day SUV with a number anti-police ligament earlier this year 28 Toyota after brutality its Network show movement 11 Compass18 direction opposite WSW name 42 Director Johnson of Knives Out and Night for 12 Past tense of sit, or one ofand the mostDOWN 29 Interlacing trick-or-treating 24 Groove worn into theRogue One common standardized tests 30 Many public parks require 45 Text-speak for when someone’s told costume parties dirt that dogs 2 "__ __ _ help you?" 13 Armored assault tank, abbreviated be this you a little too much 26 Gospel writer 3 Asian inland sea that 19 Delicious, yummy has been shrinking for 27 Biblical paradise 21 "And so forth" 60 years 28 Toyota SUV with a 22 Close

DOWN

Edited by Abby Stetina, astetina@themaneater.com

Check out our website (http:// themaneater. com) and our Instagram (@themaneater) for answers!

The Maneater Vol. 88 Issue 3

Articles inside

Asian inland sea that has been shrinking for

Blunt, clipped way of speaking

Emperor known for playing the violin as Rome burned

"___ cost you!"

Get bigger