The Oberlin Review
DECEMBER 6, 2013 VOLUME 142, NUMBER 11
Outside the Bubble News highlights from the past week First Woman Appointed to Twitter’s Board of Directors: In an effort to shed its male-centric reputation, Twitter appointed the first female member to its board of directors on Thursday. The company announced that Marjorie M. Scardino, former chief executive officer of Pearson Media, will join the eight-member board, which has endured criticism for its male-only composition. Before her appointment, Scardino had yet to tweet publicly using her own name. Amsterdam Makes New Deal for Alcoholics: The new governmentfunded program for alcoholics in Amsterdam does not restrict consumption, but instead tops off its participants. Sponsored by the Rainbow Foundation, the program pays the homeless, drug addicts and alcoholics a salary of alcohol for their cleaning services. The cleaning teams are not permitted to drink in the streets, but consume their compensation at lunchtime and during breaks. Individuals are also compensated with a packet of rolling tobacco, free lunch and 10 euros a day. Scientists Find Oldest Human DNA : Scientists announced Wednesday that ancient human DNA has been extracted from a fossil in Spain. The fossil dates back 400,000 years, which far surpasses the previous record of 100,000-year-old evidence. The DNA bears a resemblance to a line of humans known as the Denisovans. In past years, the Denisovans were traced to 80,000-year-old DNA located in Siberia. Scientists anticipate discovering more DNA and insight with the newfound Spanish fossil. Sources: The New York Times, Nature
Recital Hall Boasts Form at Expense of Function Kristopher Fraser The newly constructed David H. Stull Recital Hall in the Conservatory received the Honor Award this November, the highest accolade of Cleveland-area chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Interior Designers. But despite its aesthetic accolades, the space might not serve its intended purpose. Many Conservatory students have complained about the acoustics, which have proved an inconvenience for both the students rehearsing and performing in the space, and those below, on the second floor of Bibbins Hall. “The things I’ve heard are [that the sound] bleeds into the second floor; you can hear it depending on what instrument is playing, [and] it bleeds into the rooms right next to it,” said Conservatory senior Ethan Updike. Officially completed on Oct.1, the hall was named in honor of former Dean of the Conservatory David H. Stull, OC ’89, who served at Oberlin for nine years. Sitting atop Bibbins hall and
financed as part of the $2 million renovations slated for the entire wing of the Conservatory, the recital space was expected to boast exceptional acoustics. The Bibbins renovations are a part of a larger campus plan to upgrade aging campus facilities.
The Conservatory’s main buildings are almost 50 years old and have some deferred maintenance issues as a result. In response, the administration began a multi-year process to address these problems and update the primary teaching facilities.
The administration decided to combine two classrooms on the third floor in order to create the new performance space, which is utilized for studio classes, recitals, chamber music coachings See New, page 4
College junior Karlyn Gehring enjoys both the acoustics and the architecture of the Conservatory’s newest addition, the David H. Stull Hall. While many see the space as a qualified expenditure, some are still uncertain regarding the space’s true musical value. Rachel Grossman
Proposed Tobacco Ban Would Only Apply to Student Smokers Willa Rubin Staff Writer The prospect of a tobacco-free campus, which has polarized the student body since its proposal in November, is under intense deliberation. For the ban to take effect in 2016, Student Senate must vote in favor of the proposal this March, and it must gain approval by the administration in the fall of 2014. Student Senate has conceded the complexity of the issue; several senators even ran on platforms in support of such a ban. Although the Senate is heavily involved in the proposal, a newly created student task force will draft the legislation. Inclusion of the word “student” in the task force’s title, however, is somewhat deceptive. Unlike working groups, the task force
is not exclusive; students, senators, faculty, other members of the administration and community members are all permitted to participate. Task forces, College sophomore and Senator Ziya Smallens explains, “are kind of like working groups, but are formed in the wake of certain pertinent issues. For example, there were a couple of task forces formed after the incidents of bias on March 4.” The task force is currently in the midst of drafting the proposal. The task force enjoys a great deal of independence, as Senate neither regulates the drafting process, nor does it necessarily endorse the task force’s recommendations. According to Dean Eric Estes, it is imperative that Oberlin addresses the issue of smoking in some manner. “Oberlin College has become an environ-
ment that actively encourages smoking. A troubling number of students report starting smoking or smoking more at Oberlin at statistically higher rates.” The purpose of this policy, then, would be to “create an environment that encourages and provides resources for healthy alternatives to tobacco use,” he said. Even terming this policy “tobacco-free,” as opposed to a “ban,” indicates a lack of accord in the intentions of this policy. According to Dean Estes, “the idea of a tobacco-free campus is to focus on education, outreach and supportive resources for cessation efforts.” President Krislov adds that this policy would not just be “regulation, but it’s education as well, and because we’re an educational institution, I think that’s something we focus on.”
In its current draft, the dure most often results in policy specifies repercus- students either receiving sions for students caught a citation from Safety and smoking cigarettes or Security or paying a small other tobacco products fine. that would be more lenient Perhaps the most nothan if a student were table aspect of the policaught drinking. College cy’s apparent leniency is sophomore and Senator that no punitive action Machmud Makhmudov will be taken toward nonelaborates on this point. students. If the ban is in“For the first few infrac- stated, there will be no tions, there’s no punitive repercussions for faculty, action taken. Instead, you administration, staff or sit down with a counselor, other community memtalk about it and what kind bers who are caught smokof options are available ... ing on College property. basically telling people it’s Some concern has been not bad, but we as a cam- expressed over how Oberpus are making a commit- lin College chooses to dement to further x, y and z fine campus boundaries. priorities, and so if you’d Oberlin’s campus extends like to quit, we have these approximately from Johnresources available.” son House to Philips gymAfter approximately nasium. However, Oberlin five infractions, the stu- College owns around 47 dent undergoes a judicial percent of land used by process similar to the one the Oberlin community, typically reserved for stu- including Tappan Square, dents who violate the alcohol policy. Such a proce- See Enforcement, page 4
Wet ’n‘ Wild
Conservatory Dean Finalist Acting Dean Andrea Kalyn is the sole finalist to for the position of Conservatory Dean. See page 2
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ONLINE & IN PRINT
Band of Brothers Bluegrass band Punch Brothers began their residency with a series of events in the Conservatory. See page 11
INDEX:
Opinions 5
This Week in Oberlin 8
Swimmers muse about eating presidents, singing and staying dry in the offseason. See page 15
Arts 10
Sports 16
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The Oberlin Review, December 6, 2013
Arms Activists Hold City at Legal Gunpoint Rachel Weinstein Staff Writer
Tension surrounding the town’s policy on guns and other weapons prevails as the Ohio nonprofit Ohioans for Concealed Carry brings the city of Oberlin to court. At a City Council meeting in September, OFCC threatened to sue the town if they did not abide by the Ohio state gun laws. Despite the City Council’s efforts to comply, OFCC proceeded with legal measures. “It’s hard to believe [that] they did not appear at September’s City Council meeting without the intent to sue,” says City Councilman Bryan Burgess. “Just days later, they had an entire case prepared against us. It seems they
had this in mind before the meeting.” OFCC is a grassroots organization whose initial goal was to obtain the right to “concealed carry,” or the ability to hide weaponry on your person in public places. Since legislation has already passed enforcing such a right, the organization now works to preserve the rights of gun owners in Ohio. OFCC works with state legislators to preserve and expand gun laws in the state and to counter unfounded claims. In a September interview with OFCC founder Jeff Vargas, Vargas claimed that the organization was simply looking for cooperation from the town. “Obviously we are not looking to pursue a lawsuit and take the city to court. We are looking
to be assured of our rights that are promised by the state and hope that the city can comply with them,” Vargas said. OFCC officially filed the lawsuit on Oct. 1 and demanded that the town remove five ordinances — 549.02, 549.07, 549.10, 549.12 and 927.07. Council voted to strike four of the five ordinances, but in a close vote of 4–3 preserved ordinance 927.07, which prohibits illegal possession of firearms and other weapons in city parks. “We are still complying with Ohio state law,” affirms Burgess. “We have amended the ordinance so that it reads verbatim to the state’s law.” Whereas ordinance 927.07 prohibited the possession of weapons and firearms in city
parks before September’s City Council meeting, the amendment only restricts the illegal possession of weaponry. Burgess affirmed that illegal possession involves the ownership of such weaponry by convicted felons and other individuals restricted from possessing firearms and other lethal artillery. The statute now allows for the possession of firearms and weapons in parks so long as it is not deemed “illegal.” According to Vice President of Council Sharon FairchildSoucy, city officials are unsure of when they will be summoned to appear in court. “As far as I know, this could take weeks, or even months,” said Fairchild-Soucy. “Since we are complying entirely with state law, advisors
and the town’s lawyers have informed us that it is likely we will win this case,” affirmed Fairchild-Soucy. “It is also likely that if [OFCC] does not win this lawsuit, the organization will appeal the case, and we will have to handle this issue at higher courts, next being the Court of Appeals, and possibly even the State Supreme Court.” The city of Oberlin’s fight to restrict gun use in the town has extended beyond OFCC’s lawsuit against them. Weeks ago, Fairchild-Soucy, Burgess and other individuals and organizations from Oberlin traveled to Columbus to testify against House Bill 203, legislation similar to Florida’s infamous “Stand Your Ground” law. HB 203 was recently
passed by the Ohio House of Representatives and will likely be introduced to the state’s Senate in the coming months. In addition to repealing four of the five ordinances, City Council passed a resolution that publicly decried the legislation. In addition to the problems that the implementation of HB 203 could present, the bill could cost the city precious municipal funds. According to Burgess, the bill will cost the city $100 for every day they are out of compliance with state gun laws. “We have been fighting endlessly for home rule,” says Fairchild-Soucy. “This is our town, and we want the right to be able to regulate guns and weapons in our parks as we wish as a community.”
Sole Conservatory Dean Finalist Makes Her Case Louis Krauss It was recently announced that Andrea Kalyn, who served as the Conservatory’s acting dean since former Dean David H. Stull’s departure at the end of last year, has recently been chosen as a finalist to become the next full-time dean of the Conservatory. Kalyn, who is also a professor of Musicology, has been the associate dean since 2005. This Thursday was the first of a series of presentations by Kalyn, who said that she looks forward to the opportunity to be dean and wants to make sure the Conservatory continues to develop and prepare musicians for the professional world. “In this kind of environment, I think it’s vital we have a clear view of what we’re trying to achieve. From my perspective, undergraduate education is exciting. We get to set the foundation for everything that will transpire in the students’ professional lives. Our goal is for students to [expand their knowledge for] the rest of their lives. We have to take them beyond where they start and move them on a path to real artistry, from a creative point of view. I see us as a giant incubator of artistry,” Kalyn said. Although she was not originally planning on applying for the job, Kalyn expressed excitement toward her upcoming position of leadership. “It was kind of amazing, because I stayed out of the search until the search committee asked me to come into it. And I did that because as an acting dean you have a particular role in the transition, and it’s really important that the faculty knows you’re really into it. But eventually it seemed OK to enter. It was deeply humbling,” said Kalyn.
Kalyn addressed a number of issues throughout the presentation, such as connecting the Conservatory and the College, and how last March’s racial hate incidents changed the Conservatory’s methods. “It was a difficult semester and particularly hard for us. We felt disenfranchised. We stepped back and looked hard at it. The first thing I saw was that I counted on the power of music a little too much. It brings us together despite our differences, but it didn’t take us as far as we assumed.” Kalyn also mused on how the Conservatory might bridge the divide between interrelated departments. “As far as building bridges, there are a lot of places that are already more involved, such as TIMARA. I’m really interested in making film production more connected between the divisions. Also I think conversation between the divisions is really important, which is why I think talking with the College deans is more important,” Kalyn said. One other aspect that was discussed during the presentation was the issue of finding new faculty upon the retirement of current staff members. Chair of the Piano department Robert Shannon inquired about Kalyn’s ideas on how to recruit new professors. “Vision is one thing; another thing that’s more immediate is [that] in many departments we have an aging faculty. And I’d love to think we can go on forever, but at some point there’s going to be a lot of change. Many big appointments will be made. One of my concerns is: You have to appoint three new piano faculty members, but your only power
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is to persuade. Who are you going to call? What is your ideal piano faculty? I want to be reassured that we have some kind of moxie in the dean who will pick the right faculty,” Shannon said. In her response, Kalyn described the efficiency of the faculty as a top priority. “In terms of how you convince people, I think people are compelled by opportunity to be with other great faculty. In terms of building a faculty, there are times where you need stars, and there [are] times when you need creative risks. I think with some of our young faculty, we’ve done a great job with that. We cannot let the bar
down on getting great faculty. There’s no value if the faculty aren’t here,” Kalyn said. According to Kalyn, some areas that need improvement include connecting the College and Conservatory through the Cinema Studies department and the involvement of College students with the TIMARA program. Some students, however, wonder whether or not hiring a dean from the community could have its drawbacks. Double-degree fifth-year David Leach wonders whether old problems will persist. “Mostly I wonder about hiring from within, and if the Conservatory wouldn’t benefit from a fresh per-
spective within the administration. It may be quite possible that Andrea Kalyn can see current failings within the Conservatory and has a vision for what needs to be done — but that kind of critical perspective is often most clear to outsiders coming into an institution with fresh eyes,” Leach said. The details of the search process which led to the selection of Kalyn as the only recommended candidate have not been disclosed. There will be several more presentations in the coming days before break, the times of which were emailed to all Conservatory students and can be found on the Oberlin Events Calendar.
Acting Dean Andrea Kalyn addressed students and faculty members at her presentation on Thursday. Kalyn, who has several ideas regarding the Conservatory’s future, is the only finalist for the permanent position of Dean of the Conservatory. Effie Kline-Salamon
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Off the Cuff: Paul Thompson, Ph.D. candidate and lecturer in Danforth-Lewis Speaker of Economics Series Paul Thompson, a Michigan State University Ph.D. candidate, gave a talk this Monday as part of the Economics department Danforth-Lewis Speakers Series. Thompson sat down with the Review to further discuss his presentation titled “School District and Housing Price Responses to Fiscal Stress Labels: Evidence from Ohio.” I was wondering if you could just briefly describe what fiscal stress labels are? [They] are applied to school districts and local governments that are identified by the state as having projected deficits in their general fund for any of the next three years. And so then the Ohio Department of Education for school districts will flag districts that have these deficits and give them a chance to kind of offset these [shortages], either through [a] reduction in expenditures [or an] increase in local tax revenues. Districts that are unable to avoid these deficits are then placed into these special stress labels, and so they can be placed into one of three categories: fiscal caution, fiscal watch or fiscal emergency, kind of based off of different criteria depending on how large the budget deficit is. And so districts that are between 2 and 8 percent of revenue are in fiscal caution, between 8 and 15 percent in fiscal watch and above 15 percent of revenue place into fiscal emergency. So districts that are placed into one of these labels are then required to implement a financial recovery plan that achieves balanced budgets in the future, and so the state and the Ohio auditor will come in and give recommendations to these districts, how best toconduct these and where to
Friday, Nov. 29 8:08 a.m. Officers and members of the Oberlin Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at the Wright Laboratory Of Physics. An electrician and HVAC personnel responded for repairs, and the alarm was reset. 4:27 p.m. An officer on routine patrol observed some metal fencing lying on the ground
nomics, if it can be applied, could be applied to educational or social issues? Economics is becoming more involved in these social policies, educational policy issues and bringing some of the economic models to various education and social policy questions. What we’ve really seen is a lot of very interesting educational policies are going into effect. And really, until recently, many economics researchers have left this just to education researchers, and so there’s been kind of a big push to bring economic modeling techniques, kind of adapting them to social policy and educational policy questions. Why has there been a push recently for that? [U.S. Secretary of Educattion] Arne Duncan has really pushed to bring more funding for education research. There [have] been programs that work to create training programs that [prepare] Paul Thompson, who delivered a lecture on financially troubled school economists [ for] education districts and the reflection in surrounding housing prices on Monday in research. And so there’s been a King Hall. creation of a cohort that [has started looking] at this type of looking for other data sources. research. make expenditure cuts. And So I was doing a project on lothen under fiscal caution and cal elections in Ohio, and so How does your research apfiscal watch, the districts will I was collecting data on that, ply in the more social sphere? operate these by themselves and then happened to come My research in general tackand implement them. across data on these fiscal les these issues in local public Districts that fail to adopt stress labels while conduct- finance and so really asking: these plans are then down- ing that other research. And How best can we finance graded into fiscal emergency so I got interested in that. It school districts? Are we doing where we see the state com- seemed like an interesting it efficiently? Are there ways in ing in and taking over the economic question. Some- which we can create outcomes district’s finances, largely like thing that would be [of ] gen- for students more cheaply [or] we’ve seen going on in Michi- eral interest, especially with in a more efficient manner? gan where they’ve taken over what we’ve seen going on with Can we rely less on taxes Detroit. So the state will come the financial crisis. We’ve seen and things like that? And can over and take over the finances property values declining, tax we get superintendents and and are then placed in charge bases eroding. school boards to be better able of conducting these recovery It seemed like a very poli- to use the resources they have plans. cy-relevant question for what more efficiently to create betwe’ve seen going on in the cur- ter educational services? How did you get interested in rent financial climate. Do we see financial mismanfiscal stress labels? agement especially in these fiIt just happened as I was How do you feel that eco- nancially troubled school dis-
behind a North Main Street address. Upon further investigation, the officer saw that the fence posts were pushed down. A work order was filed for repair.
Sunday, Dec. 1 5:13 p.m. A student reported the loss of his laptop, a silver HP Envy14 in a black HP sleeve. The student thought that he might have left the laptop, which is valued at approximately $1,400, on the airport shuttle during his return to Oberlin.
Monday, Dec. 2 2:43 p.m. Officers and members of the Oberlin Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at Daub House, which was caused by burnt microwave popcorn. The area was cleared of smoke, and the alarm was reset.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 1:24 p.m. A male not affiliated with the College reported that his wallet had gone missing while he was at Philips gym. The
wallet, a brown leather tri-fold, was concealed in an article of clothing and placed against the wall of the gym. The wallet contained an ID, healthcare cards, a debit card and other miscellaneous items. 4:41 p.m. Officers, along with an electrician, responded to assist two individuals who were trapped in an elevator in the King Building. The elevator was repaired, and the individuals were able to exit safely. A work order was placed for the elevator’s inspection. 10:55 p.m. Officers respond-
tricts? Are there social policies in place that could counteract that? And can we train these local officials to be better at managing money? Is there anything else you would like to add? I would say that in addition to school districts, [this research is] also applied to local governments — so there’s future work. I’m going to be working on the labels applied to local governments that may have more policy relevance … The average resident is more likely to use public services from fire and police and EMS than school services. Do you feel that this is an effective way of handling school districts? It seems to be more effective than what we’ve seen in other states. So in Michigan we see the state only coming in in the most severe cases, and so it’s led to these large financial calamities that we’ve seen, especially in the case of Detroit. Whereas in Ohio, the state will come in and give technical assistance and these recommendations to districts at all levels of fiscal stress. And so they’re able to target the financial problems before they become too severe. Since 2005 we’ve seen a [relatively large] reduction in the number of these labels, especially in the number of fiscal watch and fiscal emergency labels. So it seems that this early intervention has been able to at least limit the amount of time that these districts are in financial trouble, and, [if that continues,] we [can] eliminate the districts ever being placed on these labels. Interview by Elizabeth Dobbins, staff writer Photo courtesy of Paul Thompson
ed to assist a student with an allergic reaction to nuts at Dascomb Hall. The student was transported to Mercy Allen Hospital for treatment.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 2:05 a.m. Security officers, members of the Oberlin Police Department and an ambulance were requested to assist an intoxicated disorderly student at Union Street apartments. Paramedics evaluated the student and cleared her to stay in her residence for the night.
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The Oberlin Review, December 6, 2013
New Hall Alleviates Recital Space Congestion Continued from page 1 and performances, master classes and guest lectures. Before Stull Hall was erected, the primary rehearsal and recital spaces for students were Kulas Recital Hall and Warner Concert Hall. With only two rehearsal and recital spaces, Conservatory students often found it difficult to secure enough time in each desired space. The new Stull Recital Hall has mitigated this problem somewhat and serves as a venue for visiting artists. “A lot of people
have been having rehearsals up there, a lot of people have been having recitals there, and the Punch Brothers were up there performing this Monday,” Updike noted. Certain students have wondered if the new recital hall would have been better placed elsewhere, but others saw the top of Bibbins as the best option. Double-degree senior Daniel Pappalardo spoke to its advantages, remarking, “It’s useful to have it in the same space as the rest of the Conservatory. I would say if they were go-
ing to build a recital hall, this was the one to build.” Pappalardo also considered the space beneficial for the Conservatory at large. “Just a few weeks ago, there was a big jam in all of the halls as you saw people trying to get their stuff together for their recitals. I can’t imagine how bad it would’ve been if they didn’t have [this new space.] The Conservatory is growing; they need more performance spaces.” Pappalardo also praised the hall for its architecture, remarking, “I’ve taken advantage of it pretty
directly; what I use it for is just writing some music. Most halls or recording studios you’d ever be in have this element of being closed off from the outside world, but the recital hall is really gorgeous — it’s all windows, it looks over Tappan.” While certain Conservatory students have taken advantage of the space, students in both the College and Conservatory have questioned the resources involved, and whether this should have been a priority, or if the Conservatory should have
used these finances elsewhere to create more safe spaces. Despite the criticism, Interim Dean of the Conservatory Andrea Kalyn insisted that the hall does more good than harm. “Maintaining our teaching facilities is critical to providing a great education for our students, and so is a vital capital priority. Some of the construction decisions that made sense in the ’60s when Bibbins was built are not standing the test of time, and we will have serious structural issues if we
don’t deal with those in a timely manner. As we do that, it is our responsibility to think creatively and intelligently to ensure that we are investing our capital resources in ways that strengthen the core work of the institution and ensure superlative educational experiences for our students.” Kalyn added that “Stull Hall certainly will emerge as an important space as we enter student recital season, not just in its specific use, but also in relieving some of the pressure on the other halls.”
Enforcement of Tobacco Ban Educative, Not Punitive Continued from page 1 off-campus residential housing and the property surrounding Keep Cottage, Tank Hall and Firelands Apartments. According to Makhmudov, “those are not properties where this will be heavily endorsed.” The exact borders of campus are currently under discussion in the task force and City Council, but, given the relative leniency of this policy, it is unlikely to affect the controversy surrounding the No Trespass policy. “Since there are punitive actions taken, there is no way this would affect the No Trespass list, because it’s not something that someone would get punished for,” said Makhmudov.
If this new policy were to be implemented, there would be little reallocation of funds. Student Senator and College sophomore Aaron Appel said that the policy is designed to be educational and to give students who want to quit smoking access to the appropriate resources. Cessation products are, Appel added, “an important part of what’s moving forward. There are some cessation products that are made readily available that are subsidized more, so people know about them,” and those would likely be available through Student Health Services or the Office of Student Wellness. Funds for purchasing such products may come from a donor; it also “might come from a por-
tion of last year’s $200 increase in Student Health fees,” said Makhmudov, or from the Student Activity Fund included in annual tuition. “The problem right now is estimating how many people are going to need that because once the culture changes, there aren’t going to be that many smokers, and if there are, how many are going to quit. We will need to know that before we know how much money we need to pull.” The number of cessation products to be purchased is still unclear, rendering it difficult to accurately predict the necessary expenditure. Major concerns with smoking on campus pertain to issues of public health as well as issues of accessibility to cessation prod-
ucts. Because smoking is an addictive behavior, some predict that it might also tie into financial allocation dedicated to improvement of access to mental health services — another platform on which a considerable number of students ran for Senate this year. However, the extent to which these may or may not be related remains unclear. There has been a significant amount of support from the Oberlin community for this proposal. Makhmudov said that many of the task force’s meetings have been with community members, as this policy will ultimately affect the town of Oberlin as well as the current student body. “A lot of the businesses on Main Street have endorsed this be-
cause they’re tired of people smoking right outside their stores,” said Makhmudov. Despite the policy’s educational intentions, there is no doubt that the debate has its skeptics and detractors. Smallens noted, “The tobacco ban is one thing that would really affect the day-to-day life of each student at Oberlin. It addresses how we live our lives, what we have the ability to do. It is something that is inherently limiting, but to only think of it in that context is short-sighted.” “We’re at the point where since it’s still in formative stages, what students say can inform the actual policy, so it is imperative that students give their input now to create a policy that students, like the administration, will favor.”
Environmental Advocate Hosts Workshops Paul Buser Mestiza Environmental Justice Advocate Lilian Molina will arrive at Oberlin this weekend to run two workshops focusing on environmental racism, classism and anti-oppression. The workshops will be held in room 122 of the Adam Joseph Lewis Centeron Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 1–5 p.m. Molina, who was born in Honduras and raised in Chicago, has been an active community organizer for over 13 years. She has served as Environmental Justice Director for the Energy Action Coalition and as Youth Coordinator for the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. A strong advocate for intersectionality, she brings an acute awareness of social justice and anti-racism to her environmental work. The Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental
justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.” College sophomore Zia Kandler says that now more than ever, environmental justice should be at the forefront of the social justice work of Oberlin students. Kandler has met Molina twice, once over the summer at Sprog, an environmental grassroots leadership training program and again earlier this semester while attending Power Shift, an environmental leadership conference in Pittsburgh. After talking with Molina and receiving her aid in organizing a workshop of her own, Kandler invited her to come speak at Oberlin. Molina’s experience in organizing youth for environmental justice, prior community orga-
nizing work and unique perspective will make both her workshops worthwhile for Oberlin students, said Kandler. She expressed the belief that Molina will be a good addition to voices on campus who have already been calling for environmental justice. “There are amazing workshops that happen here [run] by Oberlin people, but I think sometimes it’s good just to get in some new blood.” Kandler also said that she hopes to highlight the intersectionality of Molina’s work. In recognition of this, she organized the workshops in collaboration with many other student groups, including the Student Labor Action Coalition, Oberlin Anti-Frack and the Environmental Studies and Comparative American Studies departments. “All of our fights are interconnected,” said Kandler. “This is a really relevant conversation that needs to be had and constantly reworked.”
December 6, 2013
Opinions The Oberlin Review
Letters to the Editors
The Importance of Safe Spaces Cannot Be Ignored To the Editor:
Privilege. If you can’t, you could check out the MRC’s Privilege and Allyship Pamphlet. Just Google it. So, now let’s go back. We’ve got these two spaces: the world and safe spaces. Like I said, what Oberlin really needs is space between. We need space to come together, safely and as real, whole people; people who want to fight and build resistance against those systems of
and aware. No one wants the MRC to turn into just another part of the rest of the world. We can’t afford it. Finally, that means be patient. Just showing up at the MRC one day isn’t going to solve the world’s problems. It’s going to take a long time. But showing up to the MRC one day is a great start.
I’m just looking to get something straight. This won’t be long, because it’s not complicated. By the way, in case you See you at the MRC, don’t know me, most people call me Ike. –Isaac Hollander McCreery ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Last March, there was so much commotion in me. I didn’t [Safe spaces are] reknow what was going on, I ally important because didn’t know how to feel, and I didn’t know what to do. I’m still folks who see oppresthere: I don’t know what’s going sion and experience on, and I don’t know how to feel. it and are constantly The Oberlin Bike Co-op is But I have one more piece of the an open shop which provides a under its palm … need puzzle of what to do. space for everyone in the OberI was thinking to myself, last some space to breathe, lin area to work together on reMarch and April, “What Oberlin to be real, to be whole pairing bikes. We also offer free really needs is space between.” people outside of that help and advice, some low-cost Let me explain. replacement parts and a fleet Let’s consider the world. constant assault of the of bicycle rentals. We work very Oppression exists. And oppres- oppressive systems in hard to maintain a welcoming, sion’s everywhere, and it’s some- which we all live. knowledgeable and inclusive times hard for people who enjoy space. We are all volunteers, privilege — such as yours truly ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– and it is our primary goal to — to see. But I promise you, it’s oppression I’ve been talking make the space the best posthere. And it’s exhausting for about here. Straight white men sible place for everyone to learn those who see it and experience like me — all aspiring allies — and work together. it and are constantly under its need to be fighting and building We regret to say that this palm. that resistance just as much as community space has been Then there are safe spaces. anyone else, probably more, and egregiously violated. All of They’re important. They’re rewe need to be sharing stories our cash, totaling upwards of ally important. They’re really and building collective power, $1,000, was stolen from the important because folks who together, as a diverse group. Bike Co -op a few weeks ago see oppression and experience And here’s where it gets during one of our open shop it and are constantly under its awesome. That space between? times. Most of this money was palm are people, too — duh — It already exists. I didn’t real- not the Bike Co -op’s “profits” and they need some space to ize because I was too confused from selling less than or at- cost breathe, to be real, to be whole and tired to poke around or parts, but was the deposits of people outside of that constant ask someone. Until a few days those folks who have rented assault of the oppressive sysago when I finally sat down bikes from the co op (which tems in which we all live. and talked with some folks at they will need back when they I don’t belong in a safe space the MRC. The Multicultural return their bikes). While we for people of color because it’s Resource Center — Wilder 208 are working our hardest to find not my space, and my very pres— is for everyone who is com- a way to make back that money, ence there would bring a lot of mitted to working together to we are devastated by this loss that nasty oppression stuff into build a stronger and more so- and the sad reality that this that space. A place to breathe, cially just community at Ober- could happen to a space like remember? lin College. the co-op. We hope that if you If, at this point, you’re conWhat does that mean? Come have any information you will fused — I was three years ago hang out at the MRC sometime. provide it to us, the Oberlin when I first started learning I don’t care what body you have. Police Department or the Colabout this stuff — I suggest Just be a person, a person trying lege’s Safety and Security. Adheading over to one of the Multo do some good in the world ditionally, any information, or ticultural Resource Center’s and make sure that those om- the cash that was taken, can trainings that are happening nipotent systems of oppression be returned to us anonymously in the next few weeks, particustart getting less powerful. That larly Part 1: Developing Identity also means, though, be present Narratives and Understanding See Letters, page 6
College Bike Coop Grieves for Stolen Money
SUBMISSIONS POLICY The Oberlin Review appreciates and welcomes letters to the editors and column submissions. All submissions are printed at the discretion of the editorial board. All submissions must be received by Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at opinions@oberlinreview.org or Wilder Box 90 for inclusion in the following Friday’s Review. Letters may not exceed 600 words and columns may not exceed 800 words, except with the consent of the editorial board. All submissions must include contact information, with full names, for all signers. All electronic submissions from multiple writers should be carbon-copied to all signers to confirm authorship. The Review reserves the right to edit all submissions for content, space, spelling, grammar and libel. Editors will work with columnists and contributors to edit pieces and will clear major edits with the authors prior to publication. Editors will contact authors of letters to the editors in the event of edits for anything other than style and grammar. In no case will editors change the opinions expressed in any submission. The Opinions section strives to serve as a forum for debate. Review staff will occasionally engage in this debate within the pages of the Review. In these cases, the Review will either seek to create dialogue between the columnist and staff member prior to publication or will wait until the next issue to publish the staff member’s response. The Review will not print advertisements on its Opinions pages. The Review defines an advertisement as any submission that has the main intent of bringing direct monetary gain to the author of a letter to the editors. Opinions expressed in letters, columns, essays, cartoons or other Opinions pieces do not necessarily reflect those of the staff of the Review.
Page 5
The Oberlin Review Publication of Record for Oberlin College — Established 1874 —
Editors-in-Chief Rosemary Boeglin Julia Herbst Managing Editor Taylor Field Opinions Editor Sophia Ottoni-Wilhelm
Take Control of Virtual First Impressions The Obama administration is experiencing some technical difficulties. After its launch in October, the website designed to ease registration for the federal healthcare program proved successful for a mere 40 percent of users. Though considerably improved, the website that was plagued by glitches and slow-to-load forms is now experiencing a new set of “back-end” issues. Despite Obama’s proclamation this week that the site is at 90 percent functionality, as many as a third of registrants might discover come Jan. 1 that their forms weren’t correctly logged by the system. But they who are without sin can cast the first stone. The notorious Obamacare website pales in comparison to the Review’s online dysfunctionality. This paper’s site, which has trudged on in its uselessness since last spring, is indeed “under construction” as the homepage has indicated for the last several months. But despite the considerable behind-the-scenes work the Review staff has dedicated to revamping its online presence — and what we can assume is a much greater amount of time and energy dedicated by the Obama administration to fix their own online bugs — it is a fact, sad yet true, that online users are uninterested in excuses. Web surfers are accustomed to a high degree of sophistication and instant gratification in their online experience. Where just over a decade ago users waited through the unsettling gurgling of a DSL modem, today the average web surfer is accustomed to aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly sites. Communication is increasingly 2-D in our digital age. Even interpersonal contact is often conducted online, and these virtual interactions frequently predate real-world acquaintance. As this burgeoning mode of communication quickly surpasses the more familiar face-to-face form of interaction, online users are slowly learning the implications of this shift. We know first impressions are important, but when this impression is the amalgamation of an online presence rather than a face-to-face meeting, it can be more difficult to tailor your self-presentation to the occasion. In the real world, self-presentation varies according to activity. Getting ready for a job interview, a blind date or a workout all entail specific preparation. But Google doesn’t render distinct results for different searchers. Although privacy settings on Facebook might seem like a foolproof safeguard against future employers accessing unflattering photos, online presence extends much further than profile pages. If you don’t believe us, Google yourself. That Xanga or LiveJournal you bared your soul to in the fragile years after puberty might still contain your full name. The poorly formulated opinions piece you wrote for your high school newspaper or your NC-17 Twitter account might be the first Google hit. Awareness of these links is the first step to mitigating their influence. Delete personal information from any accounts you no longer feel represent you. Request the removal of any published photos that won’t serve you well as a virtual first impression. But it’s not all bad news. Your online presence doesn’t need to represent a weakness in your self-presentation. In fact, displaying an adroit understanding of the potentiality of the internet can render your virtual presence a positive. Creating personal websites to supplant traditional résumés or publishing portfolios of creative or professional work can demonstrate to future employers or contacts that as a young aspiring professional, you’re not subject to the possibly devastating effects of the internet, but rather have mastered its capabilities and used them to your advantage.
Editorials are the responsibility of the Review editorial board — the Editors-in-Chief, managing editor and Opinions editor — and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of the Review.
Opinions
Page 6
The Oberlin Review, December 6, 2013
Letters to the Editors, Cont. Finances Shouldn’t Deter Students Continued from page 5 through the mail and sent to OCMR 1701, 135 W. Lorain St., Oberlin, OH 44074. –Bike Co-op mechanics
Re: Solarity’s Next Generation Sheds Rave Image Dear Editors, The Student Finance Committee submits this letter to The Oberlin Review in the hopes that it will facilitate fully informed dialogue about Solarity and its Student Activity Fee allocation. In the Review’s most recent front page article (“Solarity’s Next Generation Sheds Rave Image,” The Oberlin Review, Nov. 22, 2013), several quotes indicated that some students believe Solarity receives “the most funding on campus.” In addition, there was a $20,000 estimate of the group’s SFC allocation. These quotes are not based in fact, and we feel it is important to provide the student body with the accurate financial figures.
For the fiscal year 2014, Solarity received a total budget of $27,063.60, $16,063.60 of which was allocated to their fall semester event. Their initial spring budget allocation for the fall was $9,000. Solarity received an extra $7,063.60 through the ad hoc process. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the College administration enforced new regulations on lighting and security, in accordance with federal law (see the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act of 2003). In addition, here is a list of all the student groups who have received an FY14 allocation larger than Solarity: Student Union Programming Committee, $63,750; The Oberlin Review, $43,605.94; WOBC Radio, $30,268.09; the Cat in the Cream, $39,881.28; Hip Hop 101, $31,130; Concert Board; $30,000 and SFC/ OST, $27,819.76. All itemized SFC spring budgets, ad hocs and meeting minutes (including Solarity’s) can be found on our website if you’d like to find out more information. In addition, all our meetings are open to the public and every
committee member is available to meet during office hours or can communicate via our email account. We have also sent out a referendum to poll students on SFC policies and operations. Last–––––––––––––––––––––––
These quotes are not based in fact and we [at the SFC] feel it is important to provide the student body with the accurate financial figures. ––––––––––––––––––––––– ly, we plan to have an open forum in the near future if students would like to further discuss the allocation and spending of the SAF. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to represent your interests in addition to providing transparent reporting. Sincerely, –The Student Finance Committee
Emerging Geopolitical Trends Necessitate U.S. Policy Changes Sean Para Columnist The world is a very different place today than it was 10 years ago. The threat of radical Islamists continues, but in a more widespread and different form. A new paradigm of foreign policy is necessary to deal with these changes and is consequently emerging in American diplomacy. The threat of militant Islamic groups in Syria is a strong example of the new challenges we face as a nation. Furthermore, the recent accord with Iran, while only the beginning of a permanent deal on Iran’s nuclear power, provides a strong illustration of this changing course of policy. However, this new diplomatic agenda has much broader causes and goals. The Bush-era strategy of rabid military interventionism was a total failure. Not only did the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq fail to destroy extremist strongholds, but in Iraq, they actually led to a resurgence in terrorist activity by al-Qaida and affiliated groups. Afghanistan remains a quagmire more than 12 years after the American invasion: corrupt, lacking any effective government and still a center of extremist activity. And although, admittedly, the Taliban was dealt a serious blow and alQaida was largely destroyed, the Taliban remains a constant threat to the Afghan government and American troops and has consolidated control over Pakistan’s frontier regions. Evidently, it is impossible to root out terrorists from their safe havens using military force alone or to create states and civil societies out of thin air, as our attempts to do so in Afghanistan have
taught us. Terrorism will only end on a large scale when the social and economic conditions that allow so many to take up asymmetrical warfare against the United States and its regional allies in the conflict-ridden zones around the globe are improved. If economic conditions were better, if governments were less corrupt and if the United States stopped its imperialism, we would certainly see a reduction in violent extremism around the world. A policy of moderation and the creation of lasting and effective allies is the most pragmatic and effective course for the United States to pursue. The recent pact with Iran is a step in the right direction, moderating our enemies’ ambitions and seeking an end to conflict through mediation instead of war. The American policy in Syria, on the other hand, lacks obvious direction or a clear end goal. As extremists gain ground, the authoritarian but ultimately secular and nonideological Bashar alAssad regime looks increasingly appealing. Given the choice between a Syria controlled by radical Islamists or the Assad regime, Washington would undoubtedly chose the latter. Our failure to adequately support the secular rebels early on was a serious mistake, leaving room for Islamists to take lead in the opposition. The Syrian Civil War provides an obvious testing ground for America’s new direction on the international stage. Hopefully, we will be able to find a middle ground between the Assad family and the extremists, but whatever course is taken, it must focus on soft-power, moderation and a pragmatic and intelligent balance of our interests.
From Study Abroad Experiences Chloe Peebles Contributing Writer Studying abroad in the Republic of Ireland for the fall semester of my junior year was the best decision I ever made. Not only did it change my perspective on the world as a whole, it also completely changed the way I view the United States and our relationship with other countries. I have to admit, prior to going abroad I was terrified. Terrified of the cost. Terrified of not knowing anyone. Terrified of being away from my friends and family for a semester. Terrified of pretty much everything. I almost didn’t go and I’m so glad that I did push myself out of my comfort zone and the Oberlin bubble. I realized that there was never going to be a more perfect time to drop everything and move to a new country for three to four months. There were no job responsibilities holding me back or familial obligations. So I went. That’s not to say there weren’t obstacles. Of course I felt homesick at times and there was the culture shock that I wasn’t exactly expecting, since I hadn’t viewed the Republic of Ireland as extremely different from the United States. Well, it is very different, but in all the best ways. I have never met so many friendly people in my life, from shop owners asking me how my day was going and legitimately caring about my answer, to having an older man walk my friends and I to the hostel we were looking for without being shady or making it an uncomfortable experience. He really just wanted to make sure we got to where we were trying to go. Part of the reason my experience was so amazing was the fact that I went with a fantastic program, IFSAButler. They made the application and preparation process so easy. They prepared me through pre-departure e-newsletters and gave advice on everything from packing to Irish lingo. It didn’t stop once I got there, either. I could text any of my in-country program advisors at any time with any question, and they were always happy to help. Plus, we took some amazing program trips — one to Northern Ireland and the other to Galway for an adventure weekend, where I kayaked in Ireland’s only fjord. Let me just debunk some common study abroad myths right now while I still have your attention. First, it’s mad expensive. Response: Well, it’s not cheap to fly across the world. But the costs of attending a university in most other
countries is much less expensive than what we pay in the United States, so you might actually save money by going abroad. It’s definitely a conversation worth having with the financial office, and the Study Away Office is more than willing to help you figure out your finances. Also, it’s very important to create a budget of expenses for while you’re abroad. Second, science majors don’t even have time for that. Response: It can and should be done. Everyone should study abroad if they want to. I had several science majors on my program, two of whom were pre-med. There are science classes that are available and transferable in other countries, I promise promise promise. Check it out; ask some questions. If you want to study abroad, there’s no reason why you can’t make it happen. Third, people with mental health issues won’t do well in such an unstable environment. Response: Mental health is tricky, and everyone has a unique struggle and experience, so I don’t want to make –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Not only did [study abroad] change my perspective on the world as a whole, it also completely changed the way I view the United States and our relationship with other countries. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– a blanket statement about this one. All I can say from my own personal experience and the experiences of friends I know who have studied abroad is that it’s possible and extremely rewarding. Making sure you have any medications you need is essential, and knowing how to ask for help and support is important too. I know with IFSA-Butler I always had plenty of support and people to turn to if I was having issues. Having a plan helps, and again, I would say that if it’s something you want to do, there’s no reason why a mental health condition should stand in your way. To conclude, GO, see the world. Live it up. You’re only an undergrad once, so make it count. Get a new perspective and meet some of the coolest people ever. I know that I did both, and to risk sounding super cheesy, my life has been made infinitely better. If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to email me or make an appointment in the Study Away Office. We’re here to help!
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Opinions
The Oberlin Review, December 6, 2013
Page 7
Misconceptions About Drug Use Mask Broader Societal Issues Sam White Contributing Writer Poverty, homelessness and drug addiction are issues common to most every major city in the U.S., but they are not, as common perceptions would have it, synonymous. For many people, it’s easy to notice a panhandler on a busy sidewalk, silently dismiss them as an addict, refuse to spare any change for fear of fueling their drug habit and keep walking. Several tragic misconceptions justify these actions: Among them, that all panhandlers are homeless; that all homeless people use drugs; that all drug addicts are indifferent, lazy and poor. Addiction is not solely a disease of the poor. It is, however, a disease, and a more complex and commonplace disease than those in more privileged circumstances tend to
acknowledge. In the words of Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street trader turned photographer, the disease of addiction is “a chemical imbalance that creates an unquenchable need” — but this chemical imbalance does not crop up out of the blue. In his photo series titled Faces of Addiction, many of Arnade’s subjects, addicts living on the streets of Hunts Point in the Bronx, turned to heroin in search of an escape from traumas in their lives. The majority are women, and many are trans*; discrimination, abandonment and sexual abuse by male members of dysfunctional families are common narratives. Their first and unsurpassable high that temporarily frees them from their pain and alienation is soon replaced by an unbearable physical withdrawal, and the desire to ameliorate
these symptoms — to “get straight” — can quickly lead to a $100-per-day habit, funded, more often than not, by selling oral sex to any man who will pay. Life as an addict in Hunts Point, Arnade frequently says in his social media posts, is “hard work,” an immensely dangerous and all-consuming lifestyle that his moneyed excolleagues on Wall Street fail to comprehend. His subjects, who form a tight community and many of whom consider Arnade a close friend, are not lazy; detox, he writes of their experiences, is “hell,” all too easily escaped with just one more hit. A prominent theme in his posts is the idea that addiction and the stressors that so often precede it afflict far more people than just those he photographs in Hunts Point. Those living in poverty, he argues, are disproportionately hurt
by drugs and addiction, for they do not enjoy the same resources as those with extra cash on hand: counseling, therapy, quality healthcare, education and employment. There is, of course, the infamous case of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who in ––––––––––––––––––––––
The fact that addiction affects some more than others is no excuse to deny that it can affect anyone and in more forms than just alcoholism. –––––––––––––––––––––– May was allegedly caught on camera smoking crack cocaine. Claiming that the incident in question may have happened while he was in a “drunken stupor,”
Ford has resolutely remained in office throughout further allegations of drunk driving, drinking at work and erratic and obscene behavior including sexual harassment of employees. Even after passively mentioning that he was seeking professional help, he has consistently refused to admit he has an addiction. His denial, as Toronto’s City Council has found painfully obvious, is helping nobody. It is, however, unsurprising: Addiction, Ford likely believes, is a disease of the poor — not an elected official. He is not alone. Cocaine use is not uncommon among the high-ranking Wall Street executives charged with making decisions that affect the world economy. In October, Florida Congressman Henry “Trey” Radel was charged with buying cocaine from an undercover police of-
ficer. Others in a variety of fields have admitted to the abuse of prescription medications, including the relatively common use of Adderall to boost performance in the workplace, as recently highlighted in a report by Al Jazeera America. Frequently, these individuals in prestigious positions admit to their drug use only as Ford did: by blaming alcohol. Why? Alcohol, says Arnade in a piece in The Guardian, is the “socially acceptable drug.” The stigmas that surround drug use and addiction are not issues to be overlooked. The fact that addiction affects some more than others is no excuse to deny that it can affect anyone and in more forms than just alcoholism. By failing to take in the full picture of addictive drug use, we neglect to do what is best not just for those living on the streets of Hunts Point, but for everyone.
Multicultural Cuisine, Crowd Something to be Thankful For Ruby Saha Contributing Writer At my aunt’s Thanksgiving dinners, you’ll often find mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts nestled between chicken biryani and rice pilaf. The pumpkin soup is doctored with a tablespoon of gochujang — a sweet-spicy red pepper paste — and the turkey has been seasoned with fragrant tandoori spices. My aunt’s house is always open to stragglers and orphans, so the crowd changes every year. There are my aunt’s Bengali family, my uncle’s Tamil cousins, the American neighbors down the road and my cousins’ Canadian and Israeli friends. The food and company complement each other perfectly; I’ve never attended Thanksgiving anywhere else, so it didn’t occur to me until much later that it might be a little odd for cheese fondue to rub shoulders with butternut squash hummus and baba ghanoush. I’ve heard that Thanksgiving is supposed to be a staid affair filled with the requisite family photo, cousins you’re thankful not to see until next year and awkward drunk grandmother moments. I would often invite my friends to come to Thanksgiving in New York with me, which they would turn down regretfully, explaining that they had their own obligatory family dinners to attend. But for so many of our regular guests, who hail from all corners of the globe, my aunt’s cluttered old house by the bay has become a safe harbor where anyone can expect to be stuffed to the gills and treated like family. It’s no surprise that when
we go around the room saying what we’re thankful for, everyone invariably gives thanks to my aunt and uncle for offering them a home away from home. Being nearly 10,000 miles away from my own home, I’m –––––––––––––––––––––––
I’ve never attended Thanksgiving anywhere else, so it didn’t occur to me until much later that it might be a little odd for cheese fondue to rub shoulders with butternut squash hummus and baba ghanoush. ––––––––––––––––––––––– more thankful every year that a home-cooked meal and a latenight chat over a pot of warm mint tea is only a two-hour flight away. Growing up on separate continents, I had a vague and hazy image of my two cousins, who have turned out to be incredibly inspiring and supportive figures in my life (one of them almost named his restaurant after me — ask me about it sometime). My uncle is a repository of unintentional hilarity, and my aunt is always brimming with crazy family stories, culinary wisdom and philosophical treatises. Even her friends have co-opted me unconditionally, keeping up to date on my adventures and supporting me in everything that I do. Nontraditional or otherwise, I’ll take my aunt’s Thanksgiving any day, tandoori turkey included.
Aaron Appel Chartering Liaison of Student Senate As the Senate’s chartering liaison, I wanted to update the student body on the chartering process that has taken place so far this semester. Before I do this, I feel that a quick overview of the chartering process would be beneficial for those out there with great ideas for organizations but an unclear picture of how to charter them. Charters must be formatted in a specific way in order to be submitted to the Student Union. Information on this format can be found in the Student Union office or by emailing me. New charters are submitted to the Student Union, which forwards them to me. After a period of liaising with the cofounders and strengthening the wording of the charter as needed, I organize a hearing of the Joint Chartering Subcommittee, which is made up of Student Senate and Student Life Committee members. The JCSC reads through the charters and, if it approves, passes them on to the Senate and the SLC. Both bodies then separately evaluate the charters and decide whether or not to approve them. The approved charters become official after a vote by the General Faculty. On Monday, Nov. 18, the JCSC met to read over the five currently pending charters: the East Asian Game Club,
the Oberlin Flute Association, Oberlin College 3-D Printing and Research, the Oberlin College Emergency Medical Team and Solidarity, Work and Power: the Oberlin Book Co-op. The OC3D charter passed without modification by a vote of 4 (in favor) – 0 (opposed) – 0 (abstaining). The EAGC and SWAP charters passed with stylistic modification to clarify language by a vote of 4–0–0. Concerns were raised in discussing the OFA charter over the problem of students not being able to secure funds from their own studios and having to resort to Student Activity Fund money (paid for by students and distributed by the Student Finance Committee) for additional master classes and equipment. The charter passed the JCSC by a vote of 3–1–0. Finally, the OCEMT charter was not voted on, as the meeting was nearing its end, and there were several concerns present. We passed OCEMT on for consideration by Senate and SLC without an official endorsement. On Sunday, Nov. 24, the Senate met in our regular plenary session (7–9:30 p.m. in Wilder 215) and discussed the charters. EAGC, OC3D, and SWAP were all passed by Senate and now await a vote from the SLC and GF. The Senate voted 7–1– 3 not to pass the OFA charter based on the raised concerns. This is because of the concern over the inefficient use of student activity fee funds, as well
as the concern that the group would not be accessible to students in the College, who might feel uncomfortable playing and learning alongside Conservatory students. Finally, OCEMT was once more brought up nearing the close of our meeting, and no vote was taken in recognition of the debate that arose between senators. On the one hand, the students that would be EMTs would be fully certified and able to supplement Safety and Security, who have no such emergency training. Furthermore, the concept received majority support in the Spring 2013 Senate referendum. On the other hand, the OCEMT charter, as it currently stands, does not address the issue of student responders interacting with peers of different bodies (i.e. trans students) and in different situations (i.e. sexual assault as opposed to the conventional idea of a student sick off of excessive alcohol consumption). Student input would be valuable in the case of chartering OCEMT. I plan to provide another update in the future as these charters are fully decided upon and as we receive more charters pending. In the meantime, I am here as a resource for students interested in chartering their organizations, and I would be more than happy to talk at my office hours (Wednesdays from 3–4 p.m. in DeCafé), over email or by appointment.
This  Week Â
Winter  Is  Coming
Stay Focused Whether you are working on an individual project or interning for the month, you may find yourself having problems focusing on a given task. Almost 50 percent of American employees say they work productively for 15 minutes before getting distracted. In order to keep on track with your work there are steps you can take to hone your focus.
Face the facts: It’s a hectic time of year. Classes are coming to a close, finals are just around the corner and Winter Term forms are in. First-years are busy making arrangements for their first January off, while seniors are scrambling to plan for the rest of their lives.
‡ Eat a Healthy Breakfast. A filling morning meal will improve attention and concentration. According to Time magazine, health experts recommend a vegetable omelet with berries, toast with almond butter, oatmeal with cottage cheese or a fruit and vegetable smoothie.
Winter Term gives students the opportunity to follow their dreams, explore a field of interest or bolster job connections. Projects run the gamut: Students can spend a month abroad, direct a horror film, work as an intern or photograph clouds. But a month of unstructured free time can be daunting when you have a project to work on. That’s why it’s important to properly plan and maintain a productive mindset to ensure your Winter Term runs smoothly. Otherwise you could spend the weeks after New Year’s doing nothing but watching Netflix and eating Cheetos.
If you start to feel overwhelmed by your project, take a break to perform some basic meditation techniques. Meditation can help decrease stress and improve concentration. Construct timeline and gather supplies
Recover from New Year’s
Review materials
Research
Review and organize materials
Start writing
Additional Research
Add content
Add content
Complete first draft
Review and do last minute research
Let Loose and
Research
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Polish project
Get in the Spirit
CALENDAR
‡ Caffeinate. Drinking coffee or tea can help you feel more alert and heighten your concentration. As an added plus, drinking coffee also decreases the risk of developing diabetes, dementia or prostate cancer.
Take a Deep Breath and Relax
Create a mock-up or outline
All work and no play will make Winter Term very dull. You need to take breaks from your project and enjoy January because you’ll be back to the college grind in no time. Here are a few festive winter activities you can do throughout January to get in the seasonal spirit.
‡ Stay on Task. Allocate yourself a certain amount of time to work on a particular feature of your project. Stop when the time is over, rather than the task, and take a break. This will help you to focus all of your attention on the task.
‡ Power Off. If the internet isn’t necessary for your project, ‡ Treat Yo’ Self. Once you complete a task, give yourself a little put away your computer and take out a notebook. Writing reward. ideas down can get the wheels turning when you’re in the brainstorming stage. Dedicating a notebook to your Winter Term project can also help you keep your ideas organized. If you are interning, keep a notebook to write down daily tasks, passwords, phone numbers and any information given to you.
Make  a  Calendar Before you begin, map out your project. Print out or make a calendar to assign yourself tasks for each day. Once January commences, put a cross through each day you completed the tasks you laid out for yourself. It will help to make it part of your daily routine and motivate you to continue your work.
‡ Clean Up. A clutter-free desk can help you stay focused and feel more positive about working.
‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡
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A Black Tie Affair: And What!?
J Street U Coffee Talk Part 2
Soundfarm No. 3: Usonian Solos
Asian Night Market
The Artist as Geographer
Oberlin Sinfonietta
An Evening with Eli and Friends
OSteel!
Dec. 6–7 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 9 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12 at 10 p.m.
Oberlin’s hip-hop dance group And What!? will be holding their fall showcase in Warner Main with new choreography and talented guest artists.
The second J Street U coffee talk, held in Mudd 202, will focus on issues and concerns of security in a two-state solution.
Soundfarm, an Oberlin-based concert series focused on improvised music, will be hosting its third event in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Weltzheimer-Johnson House.
Come to the Science Center for this year’s Asian Night Market to enjoy food, drinks, performances and games from all over Asia. Seven cultural organizations will be providing food, so bring your own bowl for extra servings.
Attend the final talk of the African Art Series, “Fragments, Pathways, and New Geographies,� at the Allen Memorial Art building.
The Oberlin Sinfonietta, with conductor Timothy Weiss, will be holding a concert in Warner Concert Hall. The performance will feature guest soloist George Sakakeeny, Conservatory professor of bassoon.
The Cat in the Cream will be hosting double-degree first-year Elijah Fox-Peck, Conservatory first-year Michael Ode and Conservatory first-year Noe Mina for a night of R&B and soul arrangements.
Take a break from studying for finals and head down to the Cat in the Cream for the OSteel ExCo and OSteel band’s semester show.
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Arts The Oberlin Review
December 6, 2013
Chance The Rapper Riles Crowd on Acid Rap Tour Matthew Sprung Staff Writer
Twenty-year-old Chancelor Bennett, aka Chance The Rapper, crouches low for a verse during his show at the ’Sco Tuesday night. Chance relished the audience’s intimate knowledge of his rhymes, at points letting the crowd fill in lines for him. Effie Kline-Salamon
to lift and maintain the crowd’s excitement, playing crowdpleasers like Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.” However, after over an hour of a playlist that was at times cringingly loud, the crowd began to talk amongst themselves, looking to the back door for signs of the main attraction. Finally, College junior Sam Brown came onstage to introduce Chance, warning the crowd that the show could not go on if pushing and shoving knocked over the barricades set up in front of the stage. It felt as if JayZ himself was about to walk in.
Still a few months shy of being able to enjoy a beer at the ’Sco, 20-year-old Chicago native and rising hip-hop artist Chancelor Bennett, aka Chance The Rapper, brought enough buoyancy to intoxicate a packed and pulsating audience this Tuesday. Oberlin was one of the last stops for Chance as he traveled across the country as part of his first headlining tour, performing almost every night starting from late October until the tour’s end in Florida on Dec. 7. Anticipation could not have ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– been higher for the yet-to-be signed rapper. Hordes of dedi- At midnight, Chance cated students trudged to Wild- took the stage amid er Hall on an early Saturday such an emphatic roar morning at the beginning of Noof applause that it felt vember, causing tickets to sell like a gladiator had just out at an alarming rate. The hype drew a massive entered the Colosseum. crowd to the ’Sco — the room was packed even for the opening ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– acts. Oberlin’s own Van ’Go, another Chicago native, performed The audience responded with a a terrific set full of passion and cheer, making it unclear if they enthusiasm. His introspective were agreeing with or challengand motivating lyrics were a fit- ing Brown. ting introduction to Chance’s At midnight, Chance took the music. During his closing song, stage amid such an emphatic students even held up lighters roar of applause that it felt like in tribute though he was only a gladiator had just entered the warm-up act number one, and it Colosseum. He got right down was only 10:30 p.m. to business, keenly focusing his The following opener, DJs Ra- stage persona and exuding conshad and Spinn, did their best fidence that hovered on the cusp
of brashness. Chance made his way through several songs from his initial mixtape, 10 Days, while also sneaking in tracks from his more popular 2013 mixtape, Acid Rap. Released in April, Acid Rap spread like wildfire among college students. Throughout his set, Chance repeatedly lowered his microphone, allowing the crowd to recite by heart long segments of verses throughout the show. The live band, which consisted of a trumpet, drums and keyboards, lifted the songs to a new level of musical dynamism, harmoniously contrasting Chance’s nasally vocals and shrill delivery. The group even pushed him to attempt smoother sung vocals. A surprise for those who did not read earlier reviews of the tour was a sincere cover of Coldplay’s melancholy ballad, “Fix You,” which turned the ’Sco into the closest thing Oberlin will get to an actual Coldplay concert. “I want to try an experiment,” Chance said, “but I need everyone to be real quiet for it to work.” As the room grew silent and dark, Chance let out three calculated yet harrowing and synthesized cries, which erupted the room back into sound and light. At regular inSee Chance, page 13
Yo-Yo Ma Delivers Emotion, Intensity in Finney Jarrett Hoffman
For the second, and perhaps most anticipated, event in Oberlin’s 2013–14 Artist Recital Series, world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, joined by pianist Kathryn Stott, played a brilliant concert on Nov. 20. The concert not only sold out Finney Chapel hours after it went on sale, but also nearly filled Warner Concert Hall, where a simulcast was streamed for those — including myself — who missed out on Finney tickets. All evening, Ma played with incredible emotion, throwing himself into the music. He was particularly stunning on Astor Piazzolla’s Oblivion, originally for bandoneon but arranged for cello and piano by Kyoko Yamamoto. With his trademark vivacity, Ma made his cello cry out in an-guish. It felt as if by performing the piece, he was pouring out something deeply vital — something he must say. It was storytelling in its most artful form. Oblivion was performed as part of a seamless suite of pieces by South American composers that included Heitor Villa-Lobos’s Alma Brasileira and Camargo Guarnieri’s Dansa Negra, both arranged Yo-Yo Ma hits a high note as Kathryn Stott accompanies him. Ma and Stott’s sold-out concert in Finney Chapel drew so many fans that overflow by Jorge Calandrell. seating for a video live stream had to be made available in Warner Concert Hall — unprecedented for a classical concert at Oberlin. Roger Mastroianni Ma was likewise totally absorbing on Igor Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne. He Spanish flair; the last movement, “Polo,” ous. They were unfailingly in sync without Conversely, in the melancholy second moveplayed with grace and vigor in the Intro- showcased Ma’s astounding virtuosity even having to look at each other. ment of de Falla’s piece, titled “Seguidilla Murduzione, and in the lively parts of the Aria with his bow and fingers. Stott was excelAlways energetic in his playing, Ma didn’t ciana,” his playing was a bit dry. he dug into the strings with spirit. lent on the piece as well, by turns play- quite capture simple beauty in some moments Olivier Messiaen’s “Louange à l’Éternité de Manuel de Falla’s 7 Canciones Popula- ful, intense and deftly precise. The two of the concert. In the Brahms Sonata No. 3 in Jésus,” the fifth movement — scored for res Españolas was stellar. The first move- performers have collaborated for nearly D Minor for violin, his interpretation felt overment, “El Paño Moruno,” brimmed with 30 years, and their chemistry was obvi- bearing, especially in the Adagio movement. See Chemistry, page 13
The Oberlin Review, December 6, 2013
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Punch Brothers Dish Wisdom, Jam with Students During Residency Daniel Hautzinger Staff Writer Punch Brothers are a unique ensemble, one perfectly situated to be Oberlin’s first artists-in-residence under the American Roots Residency Fund, established by comedian Ed Helms, OC ’96. In addition to being a bluegrass band that has covered Radiohead and was featured on The Hunger Games soundtrack, they write involved compositions within a rootsy vein and are fans of classical music. According to Acting Dean of the Conservatory Andrea Kalyn, who introduced the band before a Q&A session, they “reflect everything we want to instill in [students].” From Dec. 2–4, Punch Brothers lurked in the halls of the Conservatory dressed in their customarily folksy garb of thick wools, plaids, patterned socks, jeans and tousled hair, their speech peppered with y’all’s. They began their residency with a master class on Monday in the David H. Stull Recital Hall, coaching Mozart’s String Quartet in G major, K. 387. What does a bluegrass band have to say to a string quartet? The band actually has a significant background in classical Punch Brothers singer and mandolin player Chris Thile jams out on the mandolin as students join in. The band held an informal jam session in the music: Guitarist Chris Eldridge, OC ’04, Conservatory lounge Tuesday evening, covering classics by The Band and Randy Newman, as well as folk and bluegrass standards. Effie Kline-Salamon graduated from the Conservatory, singer and mandolin player Chris Thile has musicians while managing to reference lounge Tuesday night. While people spilled percussion, flute, slide whistle and even recorded an album of Bach works, bass- reclusive pianist Glenn Gould, twelve- into adjoining hallways, craning to see over harp. The good-natured, welcoming Punch ist Paul Kowert attended the prestigious tone composer Milton Babbitt and indie the heads of others, Thile called out songs Brothers seemed to relish creating music Curtis Institute of Music, and the group’s band Grizzly Bear. with so many people, as Thile pointed at ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– pieces are often as complexly structured Banjoist Noam Pikelny cautioned that students to take solos and lead sing-alongs. as classical music. “you can’t make a career doing just one A more genuine, warm-hearted experience “You can’t make a career doing In their master class, they emphasized thing anymore,” while Thile suggested couldn’t have been asked for. just one thing anymore.” ensemble communication and connecting that musicians “fanatically adhere to the The band treated observers to a glimpse to an audience. The class was followed by construction of [their] vision, what [they] of its creative process on Wednesday in a Noam Pikelny a presentation on “Developing and Execut- would like to be.” The band also discussed “Collaborative Composition Workshop,” Punch Brothers Banjoist ing Artistic Vision” and an informal Q&A their origins (“The idea was to fall down again in Stull Hall. They explained that, session. The day ended with the members the rabbit hole of fiddle tunes”), their phiwhen composing as a group, one member ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– of the band coaching student Performance losophies on music (“The really important brings in an unfinished, open-ended idea and Improvisation ensembles. music that gets made is genreless”) and and key changes, allowing anyone with that is then developed as a group. DemThe bandmembers’ thoughtful minds the importance of live performance. an instrument to join in. And there were onstrating this with a simple riff, the band were on display during Tuesday’s Q&A After more coachings, the band led a lot of instruments: accordion, bass, viosession as they offered advice to young an open jam session in the Conservatory lin, keyboard, trombone, trumpet, guitar, See Masterclass, page 13
Collaboration and “Crazy Chords”: Punch Brothers Talk Artistic Vision Nora Kipnis Staff Writer What is artistic vision? How can we access it in our music, in our lives? Punch Brothers may have a few answers.
On Monday afternoon, the five-piece bluegrass band gathered in Stull Hall to talk creativity, composition and ambition, but they didn’t neglect to play a few of their wildly creative, intricately composed and intellectually ambitious songs
for the audience of musicians and fans. Based out of Brooklyn, Punch Brothers are here at Oberlin for a performance and improvisation residency during which they plan to compose plenty of new music. The group has come out with four records
since forming in 2006, each showcasing a different aspect of their divergent style. Beyond technical skill, the group has an artistic vision that blends the distinct tastes of singer and mandolin player Chris Thile, violinist Gabe Witcher, bassist Paul Kowert, banjo player Noam Pikelny and guitarist Chris Eldridge, OC ’04. “The reason for being in a band is that you love what you get from those five combinations,” Thile said. During their presentation at the Conservatory titled “Developing and Execut–––––––––––––––––––––––––––
“Surprise and satisfaction coexist perfectly in instances of great music.” Chris Thile Punch Brothers Singer and Mandolinist ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ing Artistic Vision,” the group stressed the importance of communication in creating art collectively. According to Witcher, the members all have similar musical backgrounds, and that similarity was essential for formulating a cohesive band. But just as important as their commonalities was the individual perspective each member introduced to the band; these differing approaches allowed them to stretch their Thile speaks during a panel session Tuesday afternoon. His band answered questions about creative process and offered advice to young musicians. Rachel Grossman
See Artists, page 12
Arts
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The Oberlin Review, December 6, 2013
Poetry Reading Showcases Collaboration Between College, Middle School Students Logan Buckley Staff Writer “I believe this is what they call a capacity crowd,” said Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing Lynn Powell to a packed house at the Cat in the Cream on Monday night. The crowd, which was composed of all ages and left little room even to stand, had gathered to hear poems written by Langston Middle School students. The poems were written during residencies with College students — both Creative Writing majors and non-majors with strong interests in writing — in Powell’s Teaching Imaginative Writing course. During the first half of the semester, students in the course studied pedagogy and practiced
designing lessons and writing exercises. In the second half of the semester, they worked in pairs with classes at Langston Middle School, sharing favorite poems with students and then having students write their own poems. Powell noted at the beginning of the evening that most of the poems had been written in around 15 minutes as writing exercises, making them all the more impressive. Before each class read its poems, the Oberlin students who worked with the middle schoolers described the poems that would be shared, and the writing exercises that had inspired them. Several middle school students shared “famous” poems in which they explored the metaphor of fame, often beginning
with the line, “The pencil is famous to the paper,” and crafting their own poems from there. Other students shared “Quiet World” poems, in which they followed the example of poet Jeffrey McDaniel in imagining what it would be like if the government decided to restrict everyone to a certain number of words per day. McDaniel’s poem uses 167; the students chose their own numbers. The middle schoolers took the stage one by one, often with varying degrees of nervousness, gaining confidence as they read. By the time they had finished, many were beaming. As might be expected, the students’ poems traversed a wide range of subjects and tones, from humor and laughter to more se-
rious topics of breakups or relationships with loved ones and family members. Many of the poems were quite heartfelt and drew enthusiastic responses from the crowds. One student received a particularly warm response for a poem about her brother, who has autism, as he accompanied her on the guitar. After students had finished sharing their poems, Oberlin students from the Apollo Outreach Initiative premiered a stopmotion film created with the 16 middle school students in Mrs. Hickerson’s sixth grade language arts class. In the film, the children read their poems and found creative ways to visualize them using paper, chalkboards and even film, in which they would act out their poems.
Following the film, the students and audience members were treated to a large table full of cookies baked by the Cat in the Cream –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The students’ poemstraversed a wide range of subjects and tones, from humor and laughter to more serious topics of breakups or relationships. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– staffers. Middle schoolers swarmed the refreshments as smiling parents and community members marveled at the children’s talent, providing a warm and charming conclusion to a remarkable evening.
Bikini Kill Frontwoman Re-enters Artists Teach Essentials of Creative Process Spotlight in The Punk Singer Aria Dean To many, the band Bikini Kill embodies the essence of riot grrrl, the early ’90s punk feminist movement. Moreover, Kathleen Hanna, the band’s lead singer, has long been regarded as the face and voice of the scene. The Punk Singer, directed by Sini Anderson, looks back on Hanna’s long career as a musician, activist and icon, taking viewers on a deeply personal and fascinating tour of an important moment in music and feminist history. The film’s narration of Hanna’s life and career is riveting in a way that many biographical documentaries fail to match. Those familiar with Hanna’s work likely know her as the kick-ass, unapologetic punk heroine and frontwoman of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. But in the film, for every moment of praise for Hanna’s fearlessness in the face of hatred and criticism, we are reminded of the intense toll it took on her. In 2005, Hanna mysteriously ended her music career. Her fans wondered why she, as someone with so much to say, would ever stop speaking out. Through intimate interviews with friends, colleagues, admirers and Hanna herself, Anderson sheds light on the abrupt end of Hanna’s career. Her reasons for withdrawing from the spotlight cast an interesting shadow over the rest of her career, and we are forced to consider the great burden of being a cultural and political icon. The film’s many interviews also aid Anderson in fleshing out a vivid account of the riot grrrl scene and the resurgence of the feminist movement in the early ’90s. Riot grrrl has, in recent years, found its way back into pop culture by way of teenage girls rediscovering its aesthetic — you can look at Tumblr or zine culture for proof. But The Punk Singer reminds us that there was so much more to the movement than DIY publications and miniskirts. The women of the riot grrrl movement and their male-bodied allies are refreshing to watch in their earnest dedication to their cause. It feels particularly important right now as things like safe spaces and subverting traditional gender politics have become such frequently discussed topics.
Continued from page 11
Hanna, her friends, band members and colleagues were true activists in the way that they performed and lived their lives. For instance, Hanna made a point to invite all the women and girls at her shows to the front of the crowd, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The Punk Singer reminds us that there was so much more to the movement than DIY publications and miniskirts. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– pushing the men to the back and creating a legitimately safe environment for the performers and their female fans. Simple but controversial actions such as this are exemplary of Hanna’s strength as a musician and an icon. See the film at the Apollo Theatre Dec. 10.
creative vision, and is perhaps why the band has such eclectic influences that range from classical to bluegrass. Thile said their inspiration comes from the process of discussing musical likes and dislikes. Eldridge (his bandmates fondly call him “Critter”) suggested that each member contributes ideas that play to their own strengths. “It’s essential,” Thile said, “To determine which aspects of your favorite pieces you would do differently and apply that thinking to the piece being created.” Life lessons came into play, too; Thile warned that creative people have a tendency to apply this type of artistic revision to their loved ones. For best results, he advised, stick to the music. An audience member asked if they planned to do something as ambitious as 2007’s “The Blind Leaving the Blind” — a song NPR described as “part modern chamber music and part song cycle” — in the future. Thile affirmed that much of that
“reckless ambition” will appear in their next project, but he wants to strike a better balance between ambition and comfort. “Surprise and satisfaction coexist perfectly in instances of great music,” he explained before launching into a full-on music history lesson for the uninitiated. Concerning the new trend of atonal, complicated music, Thile said that it is essential for artists to try to engage listeners’ emotions and bodies as well as their minds. The band then launched into a demonstration of this concept by playing a new, as yet untitled song of theirs. After Witcher played a long, slow note on the fiddle with Thile singing, Eldridge began hammering chords and then transitioned into uplifting, shimmering picking of the strings. Then, as Thile put it, they introduced the “crazy chords” that made the song surprising as well as moving. To wrap up the session, Punch Brothers played “New York City” off of their most recent album, Who’s Feeling Young Now?
The Oberlin Review, December 6, 2013
Masterclass, Jam Session Pack Punch Continued from page 11 tainly gave the impression that they more than know played it a few times while what they’re doing. improvising around it. Later on was “ImSoon they began offering prov Boot Camp,” where suggestions of places to students could bring an go with the lick, then try- instrument and learn to ing them out. “We throw improvise. The residency spaghetti at the wall and ended with a reception in see what sticks,” Thile the Conservatory lounge, said. Interrupting their where the Punch Brothers noodling periodically to displayed their laid-back explicate their thought friendliness as they conprocess, they referenced versed with students. Haydn, Jimi Hendrix and Thus far, the Punch R&B while attempting to Brothers’ residency has capture what they look for been a fantastic tool and in a composition. experience for young muTheir playing was in- sicians — where else but terspersed with bursts Oberlin could one observe of childish excitement, a a phenomenally talented great illustration of the band’s creative process, band’s delight in music. receive advice from them, Metaphors comparing absorb their fascinating the composition process thoughts on music and to a riddle, a hypothesis, jam with them? logic and philosophy were The Brothers return in thrown around, but in the March for a continuation end they admitted, “We of their residency and a don’t know what works.” performance in Finney Yet watching them take Chapel. Don’t miss it. student feedback, trot out ideas and explore the possibilities of their lick cer-
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Chance Show Proves Genuine Crowd-Pleaser Continued from page 10 tervals, Chance engaged the crowd in a howling call and response which sounded like a pack of wolves. While the audience made the most noise during the catchier “Juice” — which momentarily produced the world’s shortest crowdsurf — and “Favorite Song,” their singing was most pronounced during the more sentimental and optimistic songs “Interlude (That’s Love)” and “Everybody’s Something.” These songs exemplified Chance’s honest and uplifting themes of fulfilling one’s potential, never giving up and staying positive. Even though the show felt a bit cookie-cutterish, the genuineness of Chance’s youthful enthusiasm made even the planned moments of spontaneity — breakouts into dancing, stripping layers off until shirtless and spraying water at the crowd with strobe lights — memorable not just for students but for a rapper on his way up. “Thank you all so much,” Chance said before coming back on to perform a four-song encore, one of which was his new unreleased song, “Paradise.” The dancing didn’t stop until the moment the young performer had left the building.
Chemistry Between Ma, Stott Evident in Eclectic Program Continued from page 10 cello and piano — from his famous Quatuor pour la fin du temps, left a little to be desired as well. The
long, flowing melody was a bit disjointed at times, but there was no denying the passion Ma put into each note of this solemn yet intense work. A long pause
followed as the performers remained still. Finally the applause came, a bit toned down compared to the rest of the evening — not for lack of appreciation, but in
humble recognition of the power of Ma’s playing. Three lovely encores followed: the charming Salut D’Amour by Edward Elgar; the fun, jamming Cristal
by contemporary Brazilian composer Cesar Camargo Mariano; and the beautiful “Swan” movement from Camille Saint-Saëns’s The Carnival of the Animals. Lighter
Feature Photo: Girls in Motion 10th Anniversary
in mood, pieces like these would have been appreciated earlier in the evening as well, but were nonetheless perfect as an ending. Being at the simulcast in Warner rather than the live concert in Finney was a little disappointing but also interesting. The camera was zoomed in very close on ––––––––––––––––––––––
It felt as if by performing the piece, he was pouring out something deeply vital — something he must say. ––––––––––––––––––––––
Members of Girls in Motion, an after-school dance program for girls at Langston Middle School, perform their own choreography at the Cat in the Cream Wednesday night. The event celebrated the program’s 10th anniversary with a showcase of student-choreographed routines. Courtesy of John Seyfried
Ma. One could see his closed eyes intently, see the quivering of his cello during moments of intense vibrato, see veins popping out in his hand, see his fingers moving with total conviction, each like its own being. One could also see him check a string for pitch before playing, hear a page turn very loudly and, in one camera-work mishap, get a very awkward, upclose view of the page-turner’s butt. Applause was also a bit half-hearted, as the Warner audience realized that any show of appreciation would go unnoticed by Ma. Not that he would care, probably; he was deep in the moment in Finney with the live audience, whose wild clapping and stomping could be heard booming through the simulcast.
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IN THE LOCKER ROOM
The Oberlin Review, December 6 , 2013
Jack Redell and Luke Harrison
This week, the Review sat down with junior Jack Redell and senior Luke Harrison, members of the men’s swimming and diving team, to discuss the new head coach, offseason routines and U.S. presidents.
sprinter. The breaststroke is a lot of fun: You get to spend a lot of time underwater just gliding. Being a part of a relay is a lot of fun because everyone gets real excited. The team yells a lot. LH: I like the 200 freestyle relay.
How is your season going so far? Jack Redell: It’s a lot of fun. It’s a very enjoyable team to be on. We’re also doing very well in our meets. The guys’ team is 3–1, and the women’s team is 4–0, undefeated. That’s pretty great. I think we’re a real scrappy team. Luke Harrison: The new coaching staff has definitely revitalized and rejuvenated the team’s energy.
Does the swim team have any pre- or post-game rituals? JR: We have our men’s team cheer, which is top secret. We also do a song called “Riff Raff Ram.” LH: Our old coach, Mark Fino, wouldn’t let us sing that song. Do you know any good jokes? JR: What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef. How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? Ten tickles.
What are your expectations for the rest of the season? JR: Pain and suffering [Laughs.] No, I think our in-season meets are going to continue to go pretty well. It’s been going well, and that begets more success. LH: I think we’re going to take fourth place at conference. It’s possible. Because we’re not tapering mid-season, I think everyone is going to drop a lot of time at conference.
When did you start swimming? JR: I was a junior in high school. I’m still pretty fresh to the sport, but Luke has been worn down by years of abuse. LH: I started swimming when I was nine years old. I’m jaded at this point. [I think] ‘curmudgeonly’ describes my approach to swimming.
What’s it like having Andrew Brabson as the new coach of the team? JR: He’s excellent. On a scale of zero to one, he’s a one. LH: We operate exclusively in binary.
Do you swim a lot in the offseason? JR: Not one bit. We get our fair share during the season. I love it, otherwise I wouldn’t play the sport, but in the offseason I really enjoy the break. It does my body well to
Senior Luke Harrison (left) and junior Jack Redell, members of the swimming and diving team not be breathing in chlorine all the time. LH: No. I try to stay as dry as possible. No showers. What are the best and worst parts about being on the swim team? LH: Best part: free Applebee’s [at road meets]. Worst part: the 200 fly. Talk about the team’s chemistry. LH: [Sophomore] Marshall Waller is the heart and soul of the team. JR: It’s a very widely spread group of guys, but we get along re-
ally well. Everybody is there to have a good time and work really hard. What is unique about the attitude of a swimmer? JR: We just abuse ourselves, and you get addicted to putting in a lot of work all the time. LH: Masochism. You also have to be really self-motivated to get up in the morning and go swim. What is your favorite race to swim? JR: For me, it’s the 200 medley relay. I swim the breaststroke leg of that. It’s my type of race. I’m a
If you could be one U.S. president, who would it be? JR: I heard Washington had wooden teeth, so I kind of relate to that, because I have my own dental implants. I’d also really enjoy being the father of a nation. LH: Be or eat? If I could eat one, it would definitely be Taft, because he was the fattest. I’d go with the familial thing and be William Henry Harrison. He was president for nine weeks, and that’s about as much time as I’d like to be president. Interview by Nate Levinson, Sports editor Photo by Jodi Helsel
Editorial: Athletes at Risk for Mental Health Issues as Stigma Looms Large Continued from page 16 the constant pressure to live up to the very high expectations of fans, coaches, teammates and oneself can be mentally taxing. Injured athletes barred from playing their sport are consequently forbidden from doing something they love for extended periods of time. This can entail a greater risk of depression. Eating disorders also plague many athletes. Athletes who partake in endurance sports or sports that emphasize body image, such as gymnastics or wrestling, are particularly susceptible to anorexia and bulimia. Many female athletes are at risk for what is called the “female athlete triad,” the combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods) and osteoporosis. Eating disorders are a particularly troubling case of mental illness in athletes because they emphasize the intrinsic link between an athlete’s mental health and their body. The pressure to perform, to make your body as efficient and “perfect” as possible, even at the expense of your health, is of paramount importance to many athletes. Many studies have indicated that athletes, particularly female athletes, are at greater risk for developing eating disorders than non-athletes. Whether the pressure to be thin comes from athletics or whether those who choose to compete in competitive sports are somehow predisposed to developing eating disorders is unclear. Nevertheless, eating disorders and other mental illnesses are prevalent issues in athletics, deserving of the same, if not more attention, as broken bones. Perhaps most troublesome is that the stigma surrounding mental health issues is amplified in
athletics. Athletes are perceived to be strong and resilient. Asking for help is seen as a sign of weakness. Athletes play through physical pain and serious injuries when they know they shouldn’t because they are stubborn; they don’t want to admit defeat. Asking for help with mental health issues is hard for anyone; asking for help with mental health issues when you are a part of a community that places such a high premium on strength is even harder. I can’t help but think about my own experiences when writing this editorial. Though it’s far from perfect, the Oberlin athletics community has certainly done work to remove the stigma of mental health. The new athletics complex, which houses both physical and wellness facilities, gives me hope that the Oberlin community understands the connection between physical and mental health. But Oberlin, like so many colleges, is still lacking in its mental health resources. With regard to eating disorders in particular, the Oberlin cross country team, of which I am a member, is the most body-positive environment I have ever been a part of. Running is a sport in which eating disorders are particularly common. At the beginning of the season we addressed this issue and established the team as a space free of unwanted comments about body image. My hope is that the shifting discourse around mental health will inspire other teams to have similar discussions. The health of our bodies, the centerpiece of athletics, is linked to the health of our minds. Sports and exercise can be the source of our happiness and can improve mental health. Unmonitored, however, our athleticism can make us even more susceptible to the mental health issues that plague college students.
Sports
The Oberlin Review, December 6, 2013
Page 15
— Women’s Basketball —
Basketball Heads to Conference with Mixed Record Emma Lehmann
The weekend ended with mixed results for the women’s basketball team. Playing two games within 19 hours, the Yeowomen fell to the Olivet College Comets but managed to defeat the Kalamazoo College Hornets. The second game of the week-
end was a well-fought win and confidence boost before the team heads into their North Coast Athletic Conference games. The women came out strong against the Hornets and led 12–0 and finished the game with a 72–57 win. “The Kalamazoo game was a good game for us. We executed
our offense well and pushed through to the end to earn a victory,” said sophomore Lindsey Bernhardt. The team will play its first NCAC game against the Denison University Big Red on Dec. 4, and the players have high hopes for the rest of the season. Their record throughout pre-NCAC play
Feature Photo: OC Cheer
The OC Cheer squad held an open practice this Wednesday on the Philips gym squash courts. The Cheerleading Club implored Obies to “Jump, Stunt, and Yell [with them].” Despite having few members, the squad has cheered at football and basketball games and participated in other spirit-building events on the Oberlin campus since returning from a five-year hiatus in 2011. Rachel Grossman
has been split favorably, and they will enter the NCAC competition with five wins and three losses. This record, however, is not necessarily indicative of future success in conference play. “What we’ve done the last two and a half weeks is meaningless at this point,” said Head Coach Kerry Jenkins. He is instead focused on the games to come. Every conference game contributes to the team’s standing, and each win will give the Yeowomen a more favorable spot heading into the tournament. The transition between nonconference and NCAC play can be difficult. Games at the NCAC level are more emotionally and physically grueling than early season games. “These players know each other, and they play each other twice a year. There’s a certain hierarchy in the conference, and Oberlin is not supposed to challenge certain teams,” said Jenkins. One of the team’s key players, senior forward Allison Gannon, suffered an ACL injury that has impacted the team’s play. The team has rebounded well from her injury, and the squad of dedicated athletes is determined to work harder despite the setback. The team boasts talented players, and both Jenkins and junior Christina Marquette cited the chemistry of the group as a source of support and success. “We finally put all the pieces together,” said Marquette. The competition at the NCAC level lends itself to a more demanding game — the difference between teams can often come
down to the amount of communication between players. Oberlin’s squad defeated Denison at the end of last season and hopes to replicate that result in its upcoming game. “Denison has always been a great team and will push for the full 40 minutes of the game. I believe we can definitely beat them. We have the capability and talent to beat them; we just need to execute and stay focused,” noted Bernhardt. The Denison game is the last game before the Yeowomen take a brief hiatus. One of the unfortunate realities of a winter sport is the two-week break that can sometimes set the team back. “It stops any momentum you have as a team. It’s almost as if we’re starting over after the break,” said Jenkins. The women train over the winter recess, but it can be difficult to maintain fitness while traveling and not having a team to train with. After their break, the team will travel to Vermont to play Middlebury College. Soon after, the women will return to the Midwest for important NCAC games. The team’s biggest upcoming goal is to get a home playoff game for the NCAC tournament, which will require a strong conference ranking. “Other coaches have come up to me and said, ‘It’s obvious that you guys get along, and that’s reflected in your play,’ ” said Jenkins. He hopes that the players’ dedication and the team’s positive dynamic will help the Yeowomen defeat some of their more formidable conference opponents.
— Men’s Football —
Yeomen Hope New Facilities Revive Weak Program Tyler Sloan Staff Writer After graduating 16 players last season, the Oberlin football team faced adversity this year with a young roster. The team went 0–5 on the road and 3–2 at home, wrapping up this season with a 2–7 conference record, and a 3–7 overall record. Comparatively, last year’s squad tallied four wins, including a significant win over the highly ranked Wabash College Little Giants. “We only won four games in 2013, but it seemed like we were more competitive. We lost a lot of talent and a lot of starters in key positions. We had some big holes to fill and our returners had some big shoes to fill,” Head Coach Jeff Ramsey said. However, with a less than ideal record, players and coaches alike found the strength in one another to stay positive during rough patches. “It’s our job to always do our best. Our team motto is ‘Always compete and win forever.’ If we were to give up, we wouldn’t be practicing what we’re preaching,” said Ramsey. The Yeomen certainly did not give up as they concluded their final season playing in Savage Stadium. The team defeated Hiram College in a 47–13 victory and said goodbye to the grass field that will be replaced by next season.
Savage Stadium is slated for a complete renovation, including a turf field and stadium lights. Though there is anticipation about the new facilities, some players expressed concern about the transition from grass to turf. –––––––––––––––––––––––––
“It’s our job to always do our best. ... If we were to give up, we wouldn’t be practicing what we’re preaching.” Jeff Ramsey Head Coach –––––––––––––––––––––––– “It’s less of an advantage for us because no other teams have grass fields. But the turf surface is more desirable than anything else because Senior defensive lineman Kirby Livingston assumes a three-point stance. Despite lackluster results this season, the Courtesy of Oberlin Athletics of weather,” said Erickson Andrews, football team remained positive. a junior kicker for the Yeomen. Looking forward, the new surface some to see more people coming out school history in his last season. “Zach Kisley and Kyle Kessler will not be the only challenge facing to the games. I’m looking forward to Senior Zach Kisley was selected stepped up and really helped lead our the team next season. The Yeomen everything about the new season,” for the All-NCAC first-team. Join- young guys,” said Ramsey. will look to bring in 25 to 30 new re- said junior offensive lineman Josh ing him in earning conference With a new batch of incoming firstcruits, according to Ramsey. He also Guisler. recognition was fellow senior years and an already young roster, the shared that there are more early deThough the 2013 season did not Kirby Livingston on the All-NCAC Yeomen have room for improvement cision candidates than the team has result in much success statistical- second-team; sophomores Nick next season. Coaches and players ever seen. ly, a few players stood out from the Blaszak and C.J. Ihle and senior have expressed high hopes for the up“With a new stadium and facili- crowd. Senior Moses Richardson Kyle Kessler were named Honor- coming year and will look to come out ties in the works, it would be awe- broke into the top five rushers in able Mention All-NCAC. with a strong start in 2014.
Sports The Oberlin Review
Page 16
December 6, 2013
—Men’s Basketball—
Yeomen Dominate Franciscan University Barons Ellie Huizenga Staff Writer
Rose Stoloff Sports Editor
According to Walker, the Yeomen have a newfound intensity this season. “This year we have a very important thing that you need in basketball, and that’s talent. Also, our guys truly want to win and get better day in and day out, which is something that teams definitely did not have previous years,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how each individual grows as the season progresses. I think I’m also gonna be interested in the leadership roles of our team.”
Neugarten agreed that the team is more focused this season than in previous ones. “We have some good practices and then some where not everyone is completely focused. If we want to put together some win streaks, we need to bring it in practice every day. Everyone is working really hard, and I think it’ll show in the next couple weeks,” he said. The basketball team will attempt to continue its success in their next home game this Saturday at 1 p.m. against Wabash College.
— Women’s Cross Country —
Nationally Ranked Runners Break School Record Erickson Andrews
ored for their performances by earning the All-American accolade. Rounding out the top five for Oberlin were junior Sarah Jane Kerwin, 2012 All-American Lyons and senior Lauren Taylor. They took 85th, 157th and 167th respectively. The atmosphere at Nationals was different than any other meet the Yeowomen had participated in this season. The crowd was much larger, and the runners numerous. “You have to be more focused, or the largeness of it will get to you,” said Neal. “It was a lot of fun, but significantly more pressure.” Recalling the fans, Lehmann remarked, “They were all running around with body paint and making lots of noise. Their energy was contagious.” In such an individual sport, it is tough to make predictions this early on, but the excitement is ever-present around one of Oberlin’s most honored sports teams. With four of their top five finishers returning next year, the future is bright for the Yeowomen. “One perfect day with no injuries, we could have four All-Americans,” said Lehmann.
See Editorial, page 14
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The Oberlin women’s cross country team made its fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Championship meet last month. The Yeowomen finished eighth overall, the best result in the team’s history. Going into the meet in Hanover, IN, the Yeowomen were ranked 15th in the country. Judging by a season with four first-place results and no finishes outside the top ten, one would hardly know that injuries plagued the Yeowomen this year. “There were times we had up to four of our girls out with injuries at a time,” recalled junior Kyle Neal. “We started the season with really high goals and, despite the injuries, we met them.” Junior Carey Lyons, a crucial component of the team’s success in past seasons, was notably absent from the Yeowomen’s lineup for much of the season. Despite multiple injuries and missing nearly half the season, Lyons was able to come back and participate in the team’s final two, most crucial meets.
Having earned ninth place the previous year, the Yeowomen knew the bar was set high, and yet they managed to improve this year by finishing eighth. Led by two juniors, Emma Lehmann and Kyle Neal, Oberlin tallied 331 points. In cross country meets, points are assigned to runners based on the place in which they finish. The top five runners from each team add their scores together to make the team score. Like in golf, the lower the score, the better. Lehmann finished in 21:35.3, earning her an impressive 11th-place finish. Her time was a mere 25 seconds behind the first-place finisher from the College of St. Scholastica, indicating just how competitive the race was. At last year’s national championship meet, Lehmann finished 42nd. “Compared to last year’s race, this one is much less stressful,” commented Lehmann. “In the front you’re surrounded by fewer people, and you have space to move around and focus on the girls directly in front of you.” Neal came in at 21:55.8, a time good enough for 28th place. Lehmann and Neal were hon-
t this new t pu sp o a n
selves in a good position in league standings,” said Neugarten. Walker is particularly anticipating the game against Wittenberg University. “I’m excited to play Wittenberg at home. I hate them. They are worse than a rock in your shoe. Worse than someone spitting on your birthday cake. Worse than someone punching your little sister in the face. I think you get the idea.” Oberlin battles Wittenberg at home after winter break on Saturday, Feb. 8.
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of dribbling all the time, we will look much better,” said sophomore Matt Walker. Other members of the team echoed Walker’s sentiments. With the first win of the season behind it, the team is ready to tackle its next couple of games before winter break. “This last stretch of games before winter break is going to be very important for the team moving onto the second half of the season. We need to make sure we really improve over the next week or so and put our-
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Senior Emmanuel Lewis drives to the hoop in the game last weekend. The men’s basketball team won its first game of the season, defeating Franciscan University by 10 points. Yvette Chen
As athletes, we constantly think about the strength and health of our bodies. I for one am acutely aware of what I put in my body, how my muscles feel, what hurts and what is tight. I massage my calves, roll out my hips and stretch and ice at the onset of even the slightest pain. Trainers rush to the side of a fallen athlete and know exactly how to treat a sprained ankle or a strained tendon. For an athlete, the body is of the utmost importance. When we talk about the health of athletes, however, we only talk about their physical health. With the increasing scrutiny of mental health resources in colleges and universities nationwide, one would hope that the discourse would shift to include athletics as well. But it hasn’t. The NCAA has issued a publication called “Managing Student-Athletes’ Mental Health Issues,” which acknowledges the emphasis athletes place on their physical health, often at the expense of their mental health. In September, the National Athletic Trainers Association said it wants colleges to start caring as much about their athletes’ mental health as they do about their physical health. Numerous mental illnesses plague college and professional athletes. Suicide and depression have perhaps received the most attention recently after the acknowledgment that numerous NFL players became seriously depressed once they retired. Although in the case of retired NFL players the athletes’ depression was linked to repeated head trauma, there are many other reasons to be wary of mental health issues in athletes. The inherent pressures of competition associated with upper level athletics is often hard to handle. Though many athletes thrive on competition,
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The men’s basketball team won its first game of the season last weekend against the Franciscan University Barons. With a consistent lead throughout the game, the Yeomen ultimately won by a score of 90–80. The Yeomen came out strong and led their opponents for the entire first half. First-years Jack Poyle and Nathan Cohen helped lead the squad and contributed 20 points and 15 points respectively. The team ended the half with an impressive 59–33 lead. “We played great the entire first half, but we got complacent in the second half as our intensity died down a bit. We just need to continue to improve and stay focused throughout the entire 40 minutes of the game,” said junior Jesse Neugarten. The Barons chipped away at the Yeomen’s lead but could not pull ahead. Though the Yeomen were thrilled to get their first win of the young season and improve their record to 1–5, the team knows it still has plenty of room to get better. “In the next game, I think we need to do better being there for each other defensively. Also, offensively, the ball moves faster than we can dribble, so I think if we move the ball instead
Athletes Care for Bodies, Neglect Minds