Feb 5, 2020

THE MEREDITH

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February 5, 2020

Inside This Issue Meredith Announces New Creative Writing Minor

NEWS

Bee Houses Go Global with Meredith State of the Union A&E Knives Out Review Frozen II Review Flora fem Fauna Dad Jokes OPINION #NoFilter #NoFacetune Video Game Escapism

By Molly Perry, Contributing Writer

On Jan. 14, 2020, Meredith announced a new creative writing minor. Students can enroll in the new courses for the minor starting in Fall 2020. Any student who wishes to express their creativity, improve their craft or gain new skills for the workplace can minor in Creative Writing.

English professor Dr. Rebecca Duncan attributes student interest to be the main motivation for developing the creative writing minor. Combined with the success of the Professional Writing and Presentation Media minor, she and other English professors thought, “why

not have creative writing as well?”

Dr. Duncan explains that “students sometimes bring whole novels or fanfictions” when they first come to a creative writing class, “so we know that we have talent.” Classes that are part of the program of study for the Creative Writing Minor include Introduction to Creative Writing, Writing Poetry, Writing Fiction and Playwriting and Publishing and Editing, among others.

In addition to the new minor, the English department continues to evolve by revamping long-existing classes. The popular Chaucer

course has been renamed “Errant Knights and Powerful Ladies.” This course provides a different experience for students each year, because the School of Arts and Humanities’ theme changes annually. This year’s theme is “Activism Through Literature.” According to Dr. Duncan, updating these literature classes over time is essential because “the way we read [books] changes,” and these new perspectives allow us to “value the old as well as the new.”

More information about the Creative Writing minor can be found at https://www.meredith.edu/english/ creative-writing-minor.

Alice’s Memorable Return to Wonderland

By Rachel Van Horne, Staff Writer

dents. Sara Davis of the class of 2023 spoke of her excitement before the performance: “the wait was definitely worth it; the seats were great, and the energy while waiting was unlike anything I've ever experienced. I definitely will be coming back to see it as an alumna, not only so I can see what it feels like knowing more professors but also to celebrate 100 years;” the next performance, in 2024, will be 100 years after 1924’s first show. Attendance at the performance was anticipated by all class years. Kelly Fox and Erin Jordan of the class of 2020 discussed their excitement in finally being able to experience this tradition after a four-year wait. “It seems like it means a little more when you have experienced almost your whole ride at Meredith.” The excitement for the performance extended beyond students; Kayla Quinn, the residence director of Vann and Stringfield Halls, compared the Alice in Wonderland production to Cornhuskin’, stating that it is the equivalent of Cornhuskin’ for the faculty and staff.

With all of the late-night rehearsals, pop-culture references and timehonored traditions within the show, this effort spoke volumes to students.

Dean Gleason, in her fifth Alice in Wonderland production, discussed being a seasoned veteran of the performance, describing how certain character choices are made and how much thought is put into the performance.

“A lot of those [style choices] are different every year depending on what the popular songs are or what The Tea Party Scene: Dr. Robin Colby, Dr. Shannon Grimes, Prof. Sarah Bean and Prof. Steven Roten. Photo by Mimi Mays is going on

Meredith College has once again fallen down the rabbit hole for the 25th time in the college’s history.

Directed by Meredith’s own Vice President, Jean Jackson, the tradition was enjoyed by Meredith students of all class affiliations. For the first time in performance history, vouchers were distributed for Friday nights performance to students on a first come, first served basis, starting at 10 a.m. After that, the line at Jones Auditorium to get seats stretched past Johnson Hall. The anticipation of the once-in-a-college-generation event could be felt by every student standing in line. The play featured jokes on “Megxit,” satire of recent political events and numerous pop culture references. When talking with students in classes following the performance, many were astounded by the talent of their professors. Karen Flores of the class of 2023 enjoyed seeing our college’s own President Jo Allen participate in the fun; “I wasn't expecting to see her in the the role that she was in, but I loved all the jokes being made surrounding people losing their jobs if they beheaded her.” President Allen played the Cook.

Several students agreed that having faculty and staff who are willing to put on such an engaging and lighthearted performance really displays a labor of love to the stu-

Curtain call with all Alice cast and crew. Photo by Mimi Mays

with current news.” She also discussed the centennial celebration that is set to occur in 2024: according to Gleason, the “Dodo director” is already planning a big event to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Amber Sheely of the class of 1989 discussed some of the differences between her Alice in Wonderland play in 1988 and the one held on campus this January. For her, the most exciting part of Alice in Wonderland was seeing her professors in a different setting.

The stories of Meredith women past and present hold true to this exceptional time-honored tradition. Being able to see our beloved faculty perform in rhyme, speak utter nonsense and bust out to our favorite Lizzo self-love anthem reminded us all of the true magic of our Meredith College Wonderland.

Off With Their Heads

Dissent was not contained to inside Jones Auditorium either.

By Mimi Mays, Editor in Chief A Meredith College Facebook post

This year’s Alice perforabout Alice had to be deleted because mance included satirical portrayals community members were having of President Donald Trump and personal arguments in the comments comments by other characters at his section about the appropriateness of and his family's expense. Though Trump's portrayal. "We're fine with they were meant to be comedic, not people having criticisms or concerns all audience members approved of about things the College does," says the remarks. At the Saturday show, Melyssa Allen, Meredith News Direca Meredith student stood up durtor, "but not when people start to ing the trial scene and said, “that’s fight each other." "Our Facebook page very disrespectful” before walking isn't the place for that," says Kristi out of the performance. The student Eaves-McLennan, Meredith VP for has asked to remain anonymous but Marketing and Communications. stated to reporters that she found the She also reports that Meredith has show "very offensive." In her opinion, received "a few emails and calls from "if someone doesn't like the president individuals expressing opinions." The then they can keep their views and College's goal for now is to "listen to opinions to theirselves" [sic]. Accordconcerns and assuade misconceping to Professor Cathy Rodgers, who tions," says Eaves-McLennan. played a character responsible for

Video footage of the incident many of the remarks against Trump, at the Saturday show can be found on "theatre is meant to offend." our website: meredithherald.com.

News

Solitary Bee Houses and their Ecological Benefit

By Emma Fry, News Editor

As spring appears on the horizon, pollinators begin to emerge and search for new shelter. What are they searching for after their long winter hibernation? A new place to build colonies and a place to return after scouring for food. Humans are aware of and concerned about the conservation and education surrounding many social bee species, such as honeybees and bumblebees; however, bees that do not live in social hives often go overlooked.

Unlike social bees, solitary bee species include individuals such as mason bees, miner bees, digger bees, carpenter and leafcutter species. These individual bees are actually up to two or three times as effective at pollination than the most well-known social bee species and many native species are also polylectic, meaning they are able to pollinate a wider range of plant species. They are also non-aggressive and rarely sting, making them safer around children and people with allergies.

One of the biggest ways that solitary bee populations can be encouraged is by providing a variety of nearby native plants to ensure that the bees get the nectar and pollen they rely on for food. Yet another useful method for preserving and promoting these bees is by installing a solitary bee house.

On the perennial border of the J.C. Raulston Arboretum grounds here in Raleigh, the staff has created an “Air Bee & Bee” that serves as the Arboretum’s solitary bee house.

Unveiled on the night of the Arboretum’s Moonlight in the Garden event, Arboretum Director Mark Weathington had this to say about the new bee structure: the “Air Bee & Bee has different sized holes to house a wide range of wild bees...it will serve as a discussion piece about the vital role of pollinators to help create and maintain a healthy environment.”

The Arboretum’s bee house was built mostly by volunteers. A structure of any size similar to the Air Bee & Bee has the potential to be built by both

professional and beginning gardeners alike.

Both Professor Amanda Powell and Dr. Janice Swab of the Biology Department have been advocating for a solitary bee house on Meredith’s campus recently, but its implementation may actually be possible with some creative thinking and further advocacy from both students and staff at Meredith.

Dr. Swab and Professor Powell are both very passionate about plant life, the environment and the intersectionality of those topics in relation to ecosystem conservation.

This passion has led them to understand the importance of pollinators and the preservation of their local ecosystems, not just at Meredith, but also at N.C. State, where there is already a solitary bee house similar to the one at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum.

In the small town of Svalbard, Norway, there is a global seed vault. According to Dr. Swab, it is vital

for these dormant seeds to exist and be protected in case anything catastrophic happens to the global biodiversity of plants or the crop industry, especially while the threat of climate change is so real and pertinent. Without pollinators, these foil-packaged seeds, quietly waiting for their moment in the sun, would never be able to grow outside their isolated metal vaults.

However, it doesn’t have to be so bleak for the future of plants and their pollinators this spring. These bee houses can be a wide variety of sizes and shapes and can be constructed with recycled materials like wood or PVC pipes. They can also be filled with any of the easily accessible organic material that solitary bees use to construct their nests.

Going forward, could Meredith soon have its own structure specifically designed for native solitary bee species? Dr. Swab and Professor Powell certainly believe so, but only time will tell.

where in the world, by far.”

THE FACTS: Trump is taking credit for a U.S. oil and gas production boom that started under Obama. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says the U.S. has been the world’s top natural gas producer since 2009, top petroleum hydrocarbon producer since 2013, and top crude oil producer

since 2018.

That’s owing to a U.S. shale boom that has driven production up since 2011, not to deregulation or any other new effort by the Trump administration.

AP writers Ellen Knickmeyer, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Cal Woodward contributed to this report.

Go Global with Meredith Abroad

By Olivia Slack, Online Editor

Studying abroad can offer opportunities to explore new countries and get hands-on experience in a foreign language while still earning college credit. Meredith’s Office of International Programs is currently accepting applications for study abroad programs in the summer and fall. For the Meredith in Italy fall semester program, all Meredith Abroad summer programs and all summer and fall affiliate programs, the deadline to

apply is Feb. 14. This is also the date by which applications for summer and fall scholarships must be turned in.

At Meredith, nearly a third of undergraduate students study abroad during their four years in college. If studying abroad sounds intriguing to you, visit meredith.edu/study-abroad or stop by the Office of International Programs in Joyner 124.

State of the Union: Fact Check The Associated Press

President Donald Trump’s Tuesday State of the Union address drew on falsehoods about American energy supremacy and the economy as well as distortions about his predecessor’s record.

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JOBS and ECONOMY TRUMP: “From the instant I took office, I moved rapidly to revive the U.S. economy — slashing a record number of job killing-regulations, enacting historic and record-setting tax cuts, and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements.

THE FACTS: The U.S. economy indeed is healthy, but it’s had plenty of hiccups during the Trump administration.

Trump never quite managed to achieve the liftoff he promised during the 2016 election. Instead, gains have largely followed along the same lines of an expansion that started more than a decade ago under Obama.

Total economic growth last

year was 2.3%. That is roughly in line with the average gains achieved after the Great Recession—and a far cry from growth of as much 3%, 4% or more that Trump told voters he could deliver.

The tax cuts did temporarily boost growth in 2018 as deficit spending increased. But the administration claimed its tax plan would increase business investment in a way that could fuel lasting growth. For the past three quarters, business investment has instead declined.

It’s too soon to judge the impact of the updated trade agreement with Mexico and Canada as well as the pact with China. But Trump premised his economic policy on wiping out the trade gap. Instead, the trade deficit has worsened under Trump.

OIL AND GAS TRUMP: “Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign, the United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas, any-

Arts & Entertainment

Knives (and Popcorn) Out: Movie Review

By Savi Swiggard, Associate Editor

Amongst all the hype for Frozen II and Star Wars Episode IX, Knives Out stood out as a successful original film that wasn’t under Disney’s large film monopoly. A take on the forgotten genre of campy whodunits, Knives Out invites viewers into a witty and wacky, yet surprisingly mature, adventure through the death and investigation of Harlan Thrombey.

Thrombey, the mystery writer and eccentric millionaire whose death starts

the entire affair, hosts a family that is more or less straight from his own novels, which allows for the story to go in multiple hysterical and fascinating directions.

Even when you truly think you figured it out, Knives Out challenges you to think again and again before making your final decision.

Following Daniel Craig as Private Detective Benoit Blanc and Ana de Armas as the late Thrombey’s nurse

Marta Cabrera, the story twists and turns through a quick-witted critique of modern issues and human selfishness. Although the film is well shot, well scripted and wonderfully cast, one small critique was the overuse of Miss Cabrera’s propensity to vomit any time she attempted to lie. While the gag served as a great lie detector and a clue into what the family of Harlan Thrombey was really like, it was more than unpleasant to see the

chunks spewed on screen so many times. There was one vomit scene that was rewarding to witness, but just like the truth behind Harlan Thrombey’s death, that is for you to discover when you check out Knives Out for yourself.

Frozen II: Into the Unknown

By Ell Shelp-Peck, Staff Writer, and Erin Wendorf, Contributing Writer

Despite skepticism from the general public, Frozen II is more than a mere “cash grab” involving a sixyear-old franchise. This highly anticipated sequel is a great way to spend your time. The five main characters, older and wiser than before, make their epic return to the big screen to charm audiences young and old with a story of courage, acceptance, loyalty and love. It has funny moments, sad moments and empowering moments.

Frozen II expands upon the back-

story of Elsa, the main character, by building a new setting beyond the kingdom of Arendelle. Audiences are introduced to the Northuldra tribe and are shown the origins of Elsa’s ice powers. The stunning visuals paint an expanded world for the characters to explore, accompanied by a whole new soundtrack including three dualcovered songs (“Lost in the Woods,” “All is Found” and “Into the Unknown”). Not only are there new and catchy songs, but the jokes and plot

appeal to both younger and older audiences. Elsa's character manages to defy the “Disney Princess” stereotypes. She listens to her heart but is not motivated to do so for romantic reasons. Anna has a visible anxiety attack on screen in relation to a key plot point, which validates the idea that even princesses can have mental health issues. In the past, princesses have had dramatic breakdowns, but this is the first time that this form of vulnerability has been depicted

in Disney’s animation. The icing on the cake is when Anna’s love interest, Kristoff, sings a ‘90s boy band-style solo, reindeer back-up singers and all.

The movie is not a disappointment and is a great example of how sequels to large box office movies should be produced. Frozen II will have you hooked from the beginning flashback scene all the way to Brendon Urie’s soaring vocals in his cover of “Into the Unknown.”

Femininity on Display at Meredith

By Olivia Slack, Online Editor

From Jan. 30 to Feb. 25, Meredith College’s Weems Art Gallery is home to the Flora fem Fauna art exhibition. There will be a panel discussion with the four artists on Feb. 6 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium, followed by a reception in the Weems Gallery from 5:30 to 7 p.m. According to Meredith’s website, the exhibit features work that “celebrates femininity while challenging gender stereotypes.” The artists use natural imagery to represent gender

neutrality and fluidity, but they also highlight the feminine body in its many forms.

The four artists who are featured in the exhibit are all women and two of them are Meredith faculty, Holly Fischer and Kiki Farish. To see their work, as well as the work of fellow artists Jenny Eggleston and Stacy Bloom Rexrode, visit the Weems Art Gallery in Gaddy-Hamrick from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays or from 2 to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Dad Jokes

By Ell Shelp-Peck, Staff Writer

Did you know the first french fries weren't cooked in France?

They were cooked in Greece!

Want more laughs? This new regular column will give you more dad-joke content than you could ever wish for, courtesy of a college-aged female with no children.

How do you make holy water?

You boil the hell out of it!

Why should you always be kind to a person named De-nice?

Otherwise she will be De-mean!

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Opinion

#NoFilter #NoFactune

By Katelyn Wiszowaty, Staff Writer

If you ask Instagram users how often they post photos without filters or some kind of retouching, they would probably say “very rarely” or “never.” Instagram filters can make photos look brighter and clearer, and photoshopping applications like Facetune allow users to smooth and adjust their facial features. Instagram filters and Facetune are so popular today that we rarely see real and raw photos posted on social media, which has led to the use of #nofilter or #nofacetune being considered brave or praiseworthy.

People love Facetune so much that it was the top paid app for Apple in 2017. While people’s motivations behind editing their photos can include trying to gain a greater following, having more professional looking photos or just trying to feel better about their appearance, they often do not think of the negative

impact unrealistic photos can have.

Editing photos with the intention of simply trying to post a high-quality photo is not negative or shameful, but it becomes a problem when we are altering our bodies and faces in an effort to please others and fit society’s idea of “attractive.”

Today, people recognize that photoshop and retouching of photos have contributed to body shaming and low self-esteem, yet the same people who claim to hold this belief still post photos on social media with heavy filters and Facetune. According to IGI Global, the unreachable standards that photos on social media have created contribute to low self-esteem and can even lead to eating disorders. Seeing my generation so affected by social media and ideal body standards makes me wonder what it will be like for the next generation who has been exposed at

a much younger age. If we know that excessive use of filters, Facetune and photoshop are harmful, then why do we continue to do it?

Pressure to keep up with social media trends and find self-reassurance are two factors that contribute to people’s continued photo editing. Even though filtering and Facetuning our photos may be self-reassuring and make us feel better about ourselves when we post, they are not good habits. A reporter from the Washington Square News who wrote about this topic confessed to how Facetuning affects her, saying, “the longer I spend editing my cheeks to be slimmer, the bigger they look to me in the mirror... in the long term, it destroys selfesteem.” Once we fall in love with the versions of ourselves we post on social media, we love ourselves less in real life.

When I see someone receive

praise for posting a selfie on social media with #nofilter or #nofacetune, I think about how many selfies have been altered to create a use for those hashtags. There’s nothing wrong with posting a selfie with #nofilter or #nofacetune; it is positive to post genuine selfies that have not been altered. However, I can’t help but think about what led to #nofilter and #nofacetune becoming popular.

Filtering, Facetuning and photoshopping can have huge negative impacts on self-esteem which can lead to more problems. When you see someone post a selfie with #nofilter or #nofacetune, think about how many unrealistic photos have been posted that have created a reason for those hashtags to exist, and think about the negative impact they’ve had; you just may be compelled to never use Facetune again.

Escapism: Taking Vacations and Destressing At Home Through Video Games

By Savi Swiggard, Associate Editor

In today’s busy and bustling world, finding time for yourself or for new adventures can often be incredibly difficult, time consuming, and expensive. Discovering new ways to escape from day-to-day life into something new helps many people , including myself, cope with stress, so here are my top 5 cheap video games that help you do just that!

Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Professor Layton and the Curious Village is the first in a 9 game series. Alongside it is a movie, a crossover game, and a spinoff, is the first on our list of affordable and enjoyable games to help those seeking a new adventure. The story followed our hero, Professor Hershel Layton, as he examines the village of St. Mystere, the Baron Reinhold’s missing fortune, and the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of several townsfolk. The game itself centers on brain teasers and puzzles, challenging the player to think critically and deduce the answers. The game is easy to be absorbed in, and for $10 in most retail stores, it’s a great and affordable way to try something new!

Fe

Fe is a beautiful and entrancing dive into nature, and a wonderful escape from a stressful day at work. Without a word of dialogue or instruction, the world of Fe invites you to explore and experiment as

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the little fox creature known as Fe, as you attempt to save the forest from a mysterious and sinister force which threatens its magic. Often on sale for only $5, the price is worth it just for the entrancing soundtrack and visuals, and the adventure takes you to a dreamlike world of beauty and nature, far away from your bad day.

Minecraft

Those who play games to destress are likely familiar with the age-old classic, Minecraft. A staple game for those who seek escape from reality, Minecraft offers players the opportunity to create their own mystical and wonderfully complex buildings, landscape, creatures, or just to farm your land and ride your horse.

With seemingly endless possibilities, Minecrafts cost of only $30 offers individuals an easy and everlasting way to relax and destress.

Journey

Easily one of the most beautiful games of its time, Journey offers its players a gorgeous and wordless adventure through sandy dunes and ruins of a lost civilization. It’s breathtaking soundtrack and story give the player the feeling that it truly is your journey. At $15, Journey offers an incredible vacation from the stress of your day.

Animal Crossing : New Leaf

If simple life is your dream, the Animal Crossing series is a cute and sweet game series that lets you life in and decorate your perfect

house as you live in a town of adorable and goofy animal characters. New Leaf gives an extra level to the game by letting you play as the mayor and provider for the town, giving you the ability to add new fun spots to your town, visit a tropical getaway from home, and to enjoy dozens of town games and events. New Leaf is about to be overshadowed by a new Animal Crossing game to be released soon, and now only costs about $20 in most shops!

That’s it for this list, but you can always find other games that suit your needs and desires if you look hard enough.

Sometimes you may find the best way to relax is to find what makes you happy, whether it be a puzzle, an adventure, or a story.

STAFF

Fe. Photo courtesy of PlayStation

Journey. Photo courtesy of Sony

Animal Crossing. Photo courtesy of Nintendo

Mimi Mays, Editor in Chief. Savi Swiggard, Associate Editor.

Lilly R. Wood, A&E Editor. Emma Fry, News Editor. Olivia Slack, Online Editor.

Copy Editors: Amelia Bryant, Sofia Mazzola.

Staff Writers: Ell Shelp-Peck, Rachel Van Horne, Katelyn Wiszowaty.

Contributing Writers: Molly Perry, Milin Santizo-Escobar, Erin Wendorf.