The Oxford Student - Week 7 Michaelmas 2022

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Michaelmas Term, Week 7 | Friday 25 November 2022

OXFORD STUDENT The

The University of Oxford’s Student Newspaper, Est. 1991

Andrew Wang

News Correspondant

A

hmad Nawaz has been forced to resign from the Oxford Union Presidency following a Thursday evening vote by the Union-wide House.

Union members voted on a Special Adjournment Motion proposing

the rejection of a previous decision by the Union’s Access Committee to force Nawaz to resign. 421 ballots were cast, with 164 voting for the rejection of Nawaz’ resignation, 251 voting to uphold Nawaz’ resignation, and 6 spoilt ballots.

While this forced resignation follows a period of discontent over Nawaz’s

behavior towards other members of committee, the President was removed on a technicality: Union members voted against excusing Nawaz’s failures to attend four out of six of the Union’s Access Committee meetings. Nawaz had attempted to pass his absences due to ‘illness’, but the committee voted against excusing his absences.

Read more on page 3 Nawaz served this term as President of the Oxford Union and is the second President of Pakistani descent.

His resignation follows prolonged dissatisfaction with his presidency from some members in the Union, with one member previously branding him as ‘authoritarian and impulsive.’

Tim Green, Chair of the Access Com-

Exclusive: How Oxford SU lost £400K in last 5 years Oxford SU has consistently made a loss in the last five financial years, from 2016-17 to 2020-21, The Oxford Student can exclusively reveal.

Since 2014, Oxford SU has made over £1m in income on an annual basis, including a record high year of £1,196,822 in 2019. This income is primarily made up of ‘Donations’ which includes a grant from the University and the Conference of Colleges. Over the past 10 years, this accounts for an average of 73%

Anvee Bhutani

of the SU’s annual income.

The second biggest income source is the SU’s commercial activity, which makes up an average of 24% of the SU’s income over the past 10 years. This includes sponsorship deals, partnerships, advertisements and more. The other fraction of income includes ‘infrastructure support in kind’, ‘welfare’ and ‘other income’.

Read more on page 4

“

If it was infectious, the president was knowingly putting members, staff and guests at risk. If it was debilitating, then God himself must have miraculously intervened.

“

Union President Forced to Resign, Mass Resignation Follows

mittee, gave a speech in opposition to Nawaz: “Already this week, two other members have been automatically resigned,” claimed Green, referring to the same process by which Nawaz was forced to resign. “The question at hand, really, is: is the President more special than the rest of the Committee?” Tim further alleged that “In the third week meeting of the Access committee,… the president was seen playing [computer] games by other members of the committee.” All of this, Green said, indicated that “the President believes other things are more important than the accessibility of the Oxford Union.”

Green further alleged that Nawaz and his Chief of Staff Israr Khan attempted to engage in ‘abuse of power’ and ‘subvert democracy’ to prevent the vote on his resignation from proceeding normally. According to Green, during a crucial Senior Disciplinary Committee meeting to decide whether the vote should proceed, “security informed my team that the President had ordered our removal from the building” but later changed his mind. Green also claimed that Khan objected to a secret ballot vote and that he was informed of “a queue specially for [Nawaz’] supporters outside” the Union.

The Oxford Student has not been able to verify these claims. Both the Union’s security personnel and members close to Nawaz refused to comment on these claims.

Following this speech, I do not feel safe enough to continue working on this committee if the president does not resign.” Green added.

Read more on page 5

-Senior Access officer, Tim Green

2 | Editorial

Friday 25 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

MICHAELMAS TERM 2022 EDITORIAL TEAM EDITORS IN CHIEF Jason Chau and Dominic Enright ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anna Davidson and Blane Aitchison CREATIVE DIRECTORS Yii-Jen Deng, Andrew Wang and Elias Formaggia

DEPUTY EDITORS Ayomilekan Adegunwa Adi Kesaia Toganivalu, Chris Collins, Anmol Kejriwal, Ciaron Tobin, Dani Kovacs, Emily Hudson, Joe Sharp, Jonah Poulard, Matt Holland, Milo Dennison, Susie Barrows, Anvee Bhutani NEWS Ayomilekan Adegunwa Adi Kesaia Toganivalu, Chris Collins, Adi Kesaia Toganivalu, Anna Lee, Anvee Bhutani, Blaise McNestry, Charlie Aslet, Ciaron Tobin, Matt Holland, Rose Henderson, Sam Kenny, Samuel King, Sarah Raza, Tim Green COMMENT Anna Lee, Ali Khosravi Ciaron Tobin, Harrison Gates, Samuel Kenny, Matt Holland, Rose Henderson PROFILE Anmol Kejriwal, Ayomilekan Adegunwa, Charlie Aslet, Lay Mohan, Samuel King.

FEATURES Anna Lee, Anvee Bhutani, Charlie Aslet, Ciaron Tobin, Dani Kovacs IDENTITY Anmol Kejriwal, Ebrahim Osman, Emily Hudson, Siddiq Islam ENTERTAINMENT Carla Messinger, Coral Kim, Duoya Li, Jonah Poulard, Susie Barrows FOOD & DRINK Duoya Li, Jonah Poulard, Nina Holguin GREEN Katie Hulett, Milo Dennison, Siddiq Islam SCITECH Emily Hudson, Nicole Hasler SPORT Dani Kovacs, Joe Sharp, Matt Holland OXYOU Milo Dennison, Susie Barrows, Alex Foster COLUMNISTS Joe Wald, Blane Aitchison, Dania Kamal Aryf, Coral Kim Joe Sharp, Nina Holguin

@theoxfordstudent

issuu.com/theoxfordstudent

In the Oxford bubble, conflict of interest is a perpetual issue.

An editor of the student paper might be an officer in the Union, a student rep in their college, a member of a political society and more, all at the same time. It does not help that occasionally, the people we report on may be our coursemates, friends, partners.

Hence, student papers might sometimes experience a bigger challenge than real-world media in terms of maintaining neutrality. This is why adhering to the principle of balanced and fair but also hard-hitting jour-

nalism has been key for Dom and I this term, especially with the onslaught of political news in the past two weeks. Some might see a paper as a way to air out their grievances, but journalism, ultimately, is to report on facts and use facts to ensure accountability. Being EiC has made that principle even clearer to me.

And before my departure, some words I’d like to leave behind to my successor: don’t back down to threats or intimidation. The odds of getting a story out can seem insurmountable, but the truth is always worth pursuing. Collusion is collusion. A cover up is a cover up. Sexual harassment is sexual harassment. If a story needs to be told, don’t hesitate to tell it, when the time is right.

Jason Chau,

St Antony’s College.

What a long term it has been, from cockroaches to the Union to the general strikes. I hope you have enjoyed the hard-hitting journalism that me and the team have tried to bring to you all. However, I also hope you have enjoyed the writing from all the section - Features, Profile, Comment , and even Sport.

From meeting journalists and asking tough questions to late night pizza and pub trips, hopefully, we have balanced well the fun and the serious sides of student journalism. I hope that both the readership and team have enjoyed working with the editorial

OxYou Students study in libraries fueled by “warm glow of knowledge” to save on heating costs

28

Profile

Profile “I wish we were appreciated more” – Vice Chancellor Dame Louise Richardson on Leaving Oxford

15

An Interview with Daniel Dipper

Profile An Interview with Matthew Dick

17 18

From the Editors team this term. Thank you to the Student Union for allowing us to use your space as well.

Hey all,

Editor’s Picks

@theoxstu

While it has been a pleasure to be Editor in Chief, I know the job couldn’t have been done without all the various deputy editors and section editors at the paper. I have given some angry phone calls late on a Wednesday evening, but hopefully they have been kept to a minimum. Obvious thanks go to Yii Jen, Anna, Blane and Jason who have been doing brilliant work.

For my successor, always remember to be fair and balanced, always give everyone a fair listen and always ask whether people are on the record or not.

Dominic Enright

St. John’s College

I

t’s already the end of Week 7, which means that term is almost over and that this is the last edition of the Oxford Student of Michaelmas 2022, and the last edition of the year!

It really has been a crazy term, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

As always, I want to give a massive thanks to all of the superb section editors, the brilliant deputy editors, the hardworking strategy team, my amazing fellow Associate Editor Anna, and Dom and Jason, the Editors in Chief who miraculously manage to pull everything together week after week to create the finished paper.

Yours, stylistically early but fashionably late,

Blane Aitchison,

The Queen’s College

E

arlier this week, we heard from BBC Correspondant Ed Thomas, who said being a journalist as the most rewarding job in the world. Clearly, he’s never laid in for the OxStu. Jason has described our last session as an ‘InDesign themed party’, which has fooled nobody, and I can’t help wondering if Ed Thomas spends many of his most rewarding hours editing articles on the history of the calendar.

That being said, this term has been brilliant. Many thanks to the inspiring Dom and Jason for their endless effort, to Blane, who has shown me what an Associate Editor should be, to Andrew, who has never slept through the night.

Special thanks to the whole team, I’m hugely grateful to everyone for everything over the past 7 weeks. So I hope you enjoy this final issue. Perhaps it’ll inspire you to sign up for the team next term - it is, after all, the best job in the world.

Anna Davidson,

Wadham College

The Oxford Student | Friday 25 November 2022

oxstu.editor@gmail.com

Contents

Comment - p. 7

Profile - p. 15

Entertainment - p. 22

Scitech- p. 26 OxYou - p. 28

Identity - p. 31

I

n a reversal of criticisms published in the Times, the BSB (Bar Standards Board) has apologised to the Magdalen College Principal over suggesting she was not obligated to act as defense counsel for the Cayman Island’s Government in a case regarding the legality of same sex marriage. This board is the chief body that regulates barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest.

In March, 2019, same-sex marriage was legalised with immediate effect in the Cayman Islands following a lawsuit by a lesbian couple.

However in November of 2019 the Government won a counter case in the Court of Appeal.

This was then brought before the the London-based appeal court where it was decided whether the Bill of Rights in the Cayman constitution requires the islands’ marriage law to be interpreted as meaning that “marriage” includes the union of same-sex couples. Ms Rose took on the defence brief for the Cayman Island.

Ms Rose was criticized by Colours Carribean (a LGBTQ+ charity based in the Cayman Islands) for

News - p. 3

Columns - p. 12

News | 3

NEWS

@TheOxStu

The Oxford Student

oxfordstudent.com

Bar Watchdog ‘Apologises’ to Magdalen College President

Dominic Enright Editor-in-Chief

Features - p. 19

Food & Drink - p. 25

Green - p. 27 Gen Z - p. 29 Sport - p. 30

her taking the brief on behalf of the Cayman Islands, given their efforts to recriminalise gay marriage.

Indeed in a public statement, they said “She accepted the brief out of her own volition, and not because she was forced to by a rule.”

In response to criticism and pressure to drop the case, Ms Rose had said, “As a barrister, I am subject to professional obligations enforced by the Bar Standards Board. These include a duty to accept briefs without regard to the acceptability of the views or positions of my clients, and to represent clients without regard to external pressure. I also have a duty not to withdraw from cases that I have already accepted, and always to put the best interests of my clients first.”

In a Times article, recently removed, they claimed that the BSB ruled that Ms Rose KC was “reckless” in taking the case.

The BSB has clarified their position in a public statement: “The Bar Standards Board has taken no regulatory action against

Dinah Rose KC, and has made ruling against her. We apologise to Ms Rose if this has not been made sufficiently clear.”

They also reaffirmed their position that: “Ms Rose was correct to act in accordance with her obligations under rC28 when deciding whether to accept the instructions.”

The Bar council, which is the approved Regulator for barristers and delegate its regulatory functions to to the BSB, also made a statement on the actions of the BSB: “The Bar Council welcomes this apology, however we are deeply concerned by what has happened.

“It is central to the professional standards of barristers that they represent clients whether or not they approve of the client’s position, and that barristers are not to be associated with their clients’ causes merely by virtue of having represented them.

The BSB’s handling of the complaint against Dinah Rose was unacceptable and inexcusable.”

While it is clear that regulatory

bodies have come out in favour of Ms Dinah Rose’s position, LGBTQ+ campaign groups in Oxford have come out against both the conflict of interest that a Principal of the College could act in an anti-lgbtq+ case, and that she was not forced to take the case. While the second of these complaints seems to have been ruled on by the BSB, the oxford Lgbtq+ have argued that it still remains the case that: “The original critiques of Ms.Rose’s actions were based upon her duties to LGBTQ+ and other minority students at Magdalen not her alleged duties as barrister. Irrespective of a barrister’s personal views and intentions, it is a simple fact that legal representation requires the pursuit of their clients interests first, rather than their students personal interest or the College’s reputation.”

They reiterate that the campaign “stands in solidarity with colours caribbean and their call for an apology from Dinah Rose QC.” “In addition to this, we once again, implore Ms Rose to donate her legal fee to LGBTQ+ advocacy or-

ganisations in the Cayman Islands.

These groups work tirelessly to support vulnerable LGBTQ+ people in the country, and since the Privy Council ruling that re-criminalised same-sex marriage, this work has never been more crucial or in need of financial support.”

They also add the recommendations from their report on the Pastoral Duties of College Heads at the University of Oxford that “colleges formally commit to a duty to properly consider, in the appointment process, the impact of any continuing professional obligations on the welfare of the student body” Although Ms Rose stopped taking on new work when she became its head, Magdalen agreed that she could complete two outstanding cases.

We reached out to Magdalen and Ms Rose for comment, with the College telling us that “I can confirm that Magdalen has a conflict of interest policy, how ever

we currently have no plans to implement it as part of our recruitment policy.”

4 | News

Friday 25 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

Exclusive: How Oxford SU lost £400K in last 5 years Anvee Bhutani

Cont. from page 1

(Cont) From July 2012 to July 2019, Oxford SU saw an increase in income on an annual basis with a 79% increase as a whole. This slightly dipped in 2020 and 2021, with a sharp fall in commercial income. The SU budget income as a whole over the last 10 years can be seen below.

With this additional money, the SU has significantly increased the number of staff it has hired, from having just 5 office staff in 2012 to, at its peak, 18 office staff in both 2019 and 2020. From July 2012 to July 2019, Oxford SU saw an increase in staff costs of 163%. Staff costs reached

a record high of £831K+ in 2020.

There has also been an increase in spending on welfare and advice, though less than that on staff costs. In the last 10 years, welfare and advice spending has gone up by 81%.

Furthermore, commercial activity at the SU tends to be near break even on a yearly basis. When subtracting commercial expenditure from commercial income, the average net profit over the last 10 years is 17k per year.

In certain years, such as 2015 and 2021, commercial activity in fact made a loss of £13k and £27k respectively.

There were also record highs in commercial income made during COVID-19, such as the £40k generated in 2020.

On the whole, students have in the past been generally critical of SU spending. Peter Denton, a finalist at Corpus Christi college, wrote in The Oxford Student last year, “Oxford SU spends most of its time (and so money paying people for their time) on staff-intensive work, like activism, meeting with University staff, and providing informational resources, rather than running social events, funding societies and sports clubs, and providing cheap booze…This means much effort may be devoted to causes without results.”

Additionally, when Oxford SU spent £17k+ for its rebrand in 2017 after previously being referred to as OUSU, students were also critical of the spending here, calling it an “absolutely obscene” “vanity exercise”.

In fact one student told Cherwell, “I understand the need to modernise and remain accessible, but is this really the wisest use of such a large sum of money? I can’t believe that an amount

equivalent to two years worth of one student’s fees couldn’t have been better spent on, say, mental health care provision, or outreach work to underrepresented communities.”

Reforming finances also tends to be something that students running for trusteeship of the organisation tend to pledge in their manifestos, highlighting it as a problem and priority for change. In this year’s cohort of Student Trustees, two out of three made this an emphasis, pledging to ‘review union finances’ and ‘use money in

student-centred ways’.

Generally as well, SU satisfaction also remains low in line with statistics across the country. In the 2016 National Student Survey, only 34% of Oxford students said they were satisfied with their Student Union.

Oxford SU and the Chairs of Trustee Board who signed the aforementioned accounts from 2011/12 to 2020/21 have been contacted for comment.

JCR presidents, the SU communications team and Sabbs were contacted for comment .

divest from fossil fuels in 2020, after sustained student campaigning, according to Oxford SU research only around 6 colleges have all their investments with OUem. Out of the remaining colleges, only a handful (e.g. Baliol, Sommerville, Trinity, St Anne’s) have publicly committed to fossil fuel divestment. This means the huge total of college endowments at £5.06bn (much higher than the central university’s £1.3bn) continues to invest in the industry most responsible for driving the climate emergency.

While the SU recognises that the resources of Oxford University colleges does vary, and thus some colleges are better resourced to take on bold sustainability action. However, the Oxford SU cite the college contributions fund as a mechanism which can get more resources to those colleges who need it, and so an expansion of this work specifically on sustainability could

ensure that all colleges can meet ambitious targets.

Oxford SU is pursuing these demands internally via college committees, through supporting college common room Environment and Ethics student representatives (who were consulted on these demands), and through supporting individual students passionate about making change.

Any student can get involved by looking at what information is publicly available on their college’s website, and then asking that their college makes the above-mentioned commitments.

The SU is also running a fossil fuel divestment workshop on Monday the 28th of November with free pizza, for any students interested in campaigning for college divestment.

Anna-Tina Jashapara, Vice President for Charities and Community at Oxford University Student Union speaking on the demands, told The Oxford Student: “These demands are a call for climate justice. At a time when climate impacts are already being felt severely around the world.”

Oxford SU makes sustainability demands to Oxford Colleges Dominic Enright

A

t the closing of COP27, the Oxford Student Union (SU) have released demands to Oxford colleges on sustainability.

The overall aim is that colleges be transparent in their progress on sustainability, by asking that they publicly commit to targets, a strategy and the appropriate enablers to ensure their strategy is actualised.

The Oxford SU have publicised their demands that every college by the end of March 2023: Adopts a target for net zero cabon and biodiversity net gain by the University’s 2035 date, Publishes a strategy as to how they will achieve this target, with annual reporting, implements the appropriate governance and enablers to enact this strategy.

This date marks two years on from when the central University approve its strategy for 2035

net zero and biodiversity net gain, and nearly 3 years since the central University committed to fossil fuel divestment.

However, given the nature of the Oxford University system, sustainability targets will need to be carried out by the colleges separately from the central university.

The picture of sustainability policies are mixed across colleges. For example, Mansfield and Hertford colleges have publicly committed to 2030 net zero targets, and St Edmund Hall released a sustainability strategy earlier this year. However, the majority of colleges are yet to publicly release a target and strategy, and to commit to the appropriate governance and enablers.

Similarly, fossil fuel divestment policies are mixed across the colleges . Although the central university investment fund, known as OUem, committed to

The Oxford Student | Friday 25 November 2022

Oxford Union President Forced to Resign AndrewWang, Sam Kenny and Jason

(cont)However, other Union members also consider Nawaz’ forced resignation an unfair political attack. Nawaz himself claims that he faced ‘threats, targeting & blackmail’ in a post he made to Facebook on Monday. He went on, writing, “as a non-white person, I have to do a lot more than anyone else to prove that I belong here.”

Khan furthered this point in a proposition speech made before Tim Green, telling the House, “It is not often that this society sees a president that brings diversity to the Union.”

In that same speech, Khan further defended Nawaz, saying, “just because someone does not look sick, does not mean they are not sick.” adding, “I have seen presidents missing multiple meetings for good reasons, and their absences were passed.”

Khan further claimed that “This objection was nothing but a political ploy to remove the president on small technicalities” and that “this house is better than the Access Committee,” the latter of which drew loud exclamations from the audience.

Following Israr Khan and Tim Green’s speeches, the House voted to move forward with the vote without hearing any other speeches.

Prior to the vote on the Special Adjournment Motion, Ahmad provided some final remarks, telling the House: “At every point, I have given it my best. I am eternally grateful to have had this opportunity as President.”

With Nawaz’s removal, President-elect Charlie Mackintosh has replaced Ahmad Nawaz as Acting President.

Following Nawaz’s forced resignation last Thursday, eleven elected and appointed members of the Oxford Union have resigned. These resignations include current Treasurer Joshua Chima, members of the Senior

Appointed Team, members of the Secretary’s Committee, and members of the Access Committee.

The Oxford Student has obtained the resignation letters of some of these individuals. In his letter, Ex-Treasurer Joshua Chima wrote, “My issue is not with the auto-resignation [forced resignation] itself, and I don’t wish to discuss that here, but the furore surrounding it. I was extremely saddened to see the harassment by the press and the ad hominem attacks made by various members of committee without any regard for each other’s welfare…Quite frankly, I think it’s disgraceful that a selection of DROs and Access Committee members were whooping, cheering, and hi-fiving the press as the results were read out.”

Israr Khan, Nawaz’ now ExChief of Staff, criticised what he called the ‘dirty politics’ of Nawaz’s removal in his letter, writing, “The Senior Access Officer this term ensured that Access is the beating stone for bringing a President down. …

They all also colluded with the student press [and] weaponized it against Ahmad.”

Members of the Access Committee, which voted on rejecting Ahmad’s motion to pass his absences, also resigned. Laura Smith, Ex-Senior Access Officer and current Graduate Officer on the Access Committee, wrote, “I abhor the politicisation of Access Committee that became apparent in TT 2022 and has persisted this term…To remove a president for a technicality, never before enforced in my experience, creates a dangerous precedent. I want presidents to attend Access not just because they have to but because they truly care about accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. “ The Oxford Student has reached out to the Oxford Union and the aforementioned individuals for comment.

News | 5

Human Sciences Degree Celebrates 50th Anniversary Anvee Bhutani News correspondant

H

uman Sciences, Oxford’s flagship interdisciplinary course of study, celebrated its 50th anniversary this term. An undergraduate degree, it is the only course to pull from all four divisions in Oxford – Humanities, Social Sciences, MPLS (Maths, Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences), and Medicine.

Human Sciences was set up in the early 1960s by a group of academics from zoology, sociology and anthropology as an attempt to bridge the divide between social and natural sciences. It hoped to offer an integrated approach to problems faced today. Its first cohort began in 1969 and graduated in 1972 and since then it has been picked up by several colleges around the University.

Human Sciences’ 50th Anniversary alumni celebration featured a lecture by Simon Baron-Cohen, a former Human Scientist and now clinical psychologist and fellow at Trinity College Cambridge.

Other noteworthy guests included Guardian writer Giles Tremlett and anthropologist Eben Kirksey.

There was a formal dinner held at Wadham College where the Univer-

sity Chancellor, The Rt Hon the Lord Patten of Barnes, made a keynote speech. Lord Barnes was supportive of the efforts of the Human Sciences degree and made a toast to the next 50 years of the degree being taught at Oxford.

In modern times, Human Sciences has struggled to get support from colleges and from other departments and the wider university which is necessary to keep its interdisciplinary nature due to administrative and financial burdens as a result of the course being very decentralised. For instance, Mansfield has recently said they no longer plan to continue offering the course.

However, students, both past and present, seem to be overwhelmingly in support.

Molayo Ogunde, a current Human Sciences finalist at St Hugh’s said, “Growing up, I would have never have imagined going to Oxford and studying a degree called ‘Human Sciences’. But studying Human Sciences has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not falling into the pigeon holes of either STEM or Humanities, Human Sciences has been a wonderful way to explore my

interests across a range of fields in a way that I find practical for everyday life.”

The degree also opens up diverse opportunities after graduation in fields ranging from public health to the Civil Service to law.

Emily Morbey, a recent Human Sciences student who graduated from Keble College in 2022 told The Oxford Student, “I always say that if I could have designed my dream degree then it would look just like Human Sciences. It really inspired my interest in health inequalities through its interdisciplinary approach which encouraged me to study my master’s in population health sciences at Cambridge. I think my time on the course, especially the frequent interactions with approachable tutors, really developed my confidence in asking critical questions, which now I am learning how to answer.”

Ultimately, the future of Human Sciences rests on the support it can gather around the University and the next few years will be crucial in seeing if it can withstand the test of time.

Oluyitan, 19, of Waynflete Road, Bradley Morton, 18, of Cumberlege Close, and Keyarno Allen, 18, of Furlong Close. McGregory Muinami, aged 18, of Cranham Street, Oxford, was also charged on Thursday.

Alex Innes, 25, was an electrician from Kidlington. In a statement released via Thames Valley Police, Innes’ family described him as “an individual who went out of his way to help others in any way possible.” They further wrote, “Alex will always be remembered by so many for his smile, charming manner and dry-witted sense of humour. For those who did not have the pleasure of knowing Alex, he was a caring and affec-

tionate person who always maintained his famous confident and fiercely loyal character.”

In total, ten people have been arrested in relation to the stabbing: seven people arrested on suspicion of murder remain in police custody, and three people arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail.

Superintended Bruce Riddell, LPA Commander for Oxford, said, “I am aware that this incident will cause concern within the community and as a result there will be extra officers in the Jericho and Oxford areas for the next couple of weeks in order to provide reassurance to the public.”

Suspect charged in relation to Walton street murder murder

Chris Collins and Andrew

P

olice have charged a fourth suspect in their investigation of the murder of Alex Innes. Innes, 25, was stabbed on Walton Street, between Great Clarendon Street and Little Clarendon Street, in the early hours of Sunday, 13 November. Emergency services were called at around 12:50 AM, and pronounced Innes dead at the scene.

Four teenagers have been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article. All four are residents of Oxford, and appeared at a plea hearing before Oxford Crown Court last Friday.

The Thames Valley Police have released the names of Michael

Friday 25 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

6 | News

Oxford Thinks Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far

Anvee Bhutani News Reporter

In the last several years, Universities have become a hotbed for debates over free speech with concerns over censorship and stifling of open discourse.

The Oxford Union has been a focal point of this, with controversy over invitations of speakers such as Sex Researcher Debra Soh or Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely. But despite this, the Union voted last night 89-60 in favour of the motion “This House believes woke culture has gone too far.”

Speaking on proposition was Founder of the Free Speech Union (FSU) and Associate Editor of the Spectator Toby Young.

Young argued that “Wanting to reduce prejudice and discrimination and improve outcomes for historically disadvanged groups is an admirable goal…the objection to woke

Dominic Enright Editor in Chief

Work will take place at The Plain junction in Oxford later this month to improve safety for cyclists following the death of Dr Ling Felce.

Dr Felce was killed on the 1st of March by an uninsured, unlicensed lorry driver, Robert Whitling, on the roundabout.

Mr Whitling pleaded guilty

culture is not the end but the means used to achieve it.”

In his speech Young cited examples of legitimate free speech crises around the world from the Uyghurs in China to women in Iran to Kathleen Stock who in his eyes “was essentially hounded off the Sussex University campus”.

Students who spoke in favour also argued that woke culture “prioritises performative display over real social justice” and “allows little room for nuance” On the opposition, Yasmin Benoit, a model and asexual activist, reflected on how the term had evolved in recent years. “Woke has gone from something aspirational for Black people to a pejorative that is used to beat communities down for trying to be informed and helpful,” Benoit remarked. She argued that cultural evolution can only take place when we are accepting of ideas around social justice.

to causing death by dangerous driving, and was sentenced to 8 years in jail on the 9th of September. Mr Whitling was also banned from driving for nine years and said he must take an extended retest before he is legally allowed to drive.

This, among several other tragedies, prompted the council, in June, to adopt the Vision Zero strategy – an ambition to elimi-

Cultural critic James Lindsay extended this argument, saying, “It’s not just that wokeness has not gone too far…it cannot go too far.”

However, Young refuted these points and ultimately ended, “These tactics are self-defeating. The woke don’t succeed in persuading people of the rightness of their point of view any more than their totalitarian methods of communist party states during the Cold War persuaded their popula-

nate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

Roadworks have been planned at The Plain roundabout, Cowley Road, Iffley Road, Cowley Place and St Clement’s Street will begin on 21 November and are expected to finish by 25 November.

Work will be carried out through the night (8pm to 5am) to minimise disruption.

tions to embrace Marxist-Leninism…I’d go as far as saying the tyrant tactics of the woke movement actively harm the disadvantaged groups they’re seeking to help.”

Prior to the debate, Union President Ahmad Nawaz had already received internal criticism that this ‘motion pandered to a right-wing ideology’. Nonetheless, the debating chamber was entirely packed with 400+ people attending and hundreds turned away at the door, making it one of the

most successful debates of the term.

A similar motion at Cambridge Union, “This house believes in the right to offend”, was also carried this week with an even larger margin of 247 in favour to 72 against.

Roadwork Scheduled to Improve Safety at Deadly Roundabout The changes to The Plain include: amendments to road markings and traffic signs installation of road studs, bollards and cycle stands installing light cycle lane segregation units vegetation clearance.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: “We have spent a considerable amount of time investigating ways of improving safety at The Plain roundabout.

These changes were drawn up in collaboration with cycling groups and we are grateful for their help in this process.

“Our commitment to Vision Zero means we will continue to work with local cycling groups to help ensure new cycling infrastructure is designed and delivered to maximise safety. We want people to feel safe and secure when travelling around the city and county by bike and it’s clear that we need to continue to improve.”

The work will involve tem-

porary traffic lights on The Plain with the Cowley Road arm closed to vehicles. Vehicles greater than 7.5 tonnes and buses will be diverted down Iffley Road and Between Towns Road.

Vehicles under 7.5 tonnes travelling towards Cowley will be diverted along Iffley Road then Temple Street. Vehicles travelling towards the city centre will be diverted to Stockmore Street then Iffley Road.

For the duration of the closure, each night, both Temple Street and Stockmore Street will operate one way systems and the low traffic neighbourhood bollards will be removed.

The Plain roundabout has the highest cycle flow of any roundabout in Oxfordshire – and one of the highest in the UK – with around 12,000 bike journeys per day during university term times. It is also a critical junction for many of the city’s bus services.

7 | Comment

The Oxford Student | Friday 25th November 2022

Editors: Matt Holland, Anna Lee (Deputy), Rose Henderson (Deputy) comment@oxfordstudent.com

Comment

Why you should befriend your political opponents

by Ali Khosravi

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e live in politically polarised times. And there is no shortage of literature attempting to diagnose or prescribe for our supposed ‘present malaise’.

Much has recently been written on the rise of populism, tribalism or even dare I say a supposed ‘culture war’. So, anybody wanting to write about these topics must first think ‘what more can be said?’ to find the things that need saying but haven’t already been said.

It has become almost a cliche to argue or point out that our polarised political culture is partly fuelled by our algorithmic based exposure to online content, news and views which feed on and perpetuate our biases. But this makes it more important than ever before to actively try to break out of our bubbles and see the world differently. To see the bigger picture, we will have to leave the echo chambers which inevitably form around us. The social media platforms we use have become the gatekeepers of our access. And they have a material interest in keeping us hooked, validated and even sometimes outraged by exposing us to the most extreme and almost caricatured form of the views we dislike. In an attention economy, the arduously detailed, nuanced and well-researched ‘long reads’ don’t seem to sell much.

Yet one of the easiest ways to break out of echo chambers is through in

person friendships. Friendships become an important part of our lives particularly in residential universities when thousands of us live away from families for parts of the year.

‘Friends are the family we choose for ourselves’, a famous saying claims.

Some even have gone as far as suggesting that we become the average of the five people we spend most of our time with, and at university those will be our friends. Either way, it is undeniable that the company we keep matters enormously.

Yet even in friendships we are likely to associate with people we already have things in common. Rarely do people actively seek out difference, as much as we’d like to think of ourselves as good pluralists and committed supporters of diversity.

People tend to feel at ease with those who reflect parts of themselves and validate their ways. It might not be terribly generalising to assume that people don’t like the company of their critics. But I aim to argue that we must become friends with people we politically disagree with not despite our differences but sometimes because of them.

There is an argument on the supposed morality of ‘friendships’ with the ‘other side’, whichever that side may be. Some may argue that a person’s politics is a deep reflection of who they are as a person. That politics is about morality and a clear

vision of right and wrong. I would argue that those arguments neglect the fact that people arrive at different political conclusions through the inevitable differences in life experience. And that sometimes a clear vision of right and wrong neglects the moral dilemmas, the trade-offs that have to be made in politics and the fundamental problem of resource allocation within societies. We can (and indeed we must) disagree with one another on issues of public policy and how best we think resources should be allocated and societies organised. But I think we can only do that effectively in a tolerant, liberal society if we all operate on the assumption that we all want the best for each other but only disagree on the means. What we need is more empathy and benefit of the doubt.

I appreciate that the argument above may sound naive or overly optimistic. But I am prepared to die on the hill (only metaphorically of course) of defending the assumption that most people are fundamentally decent. I’d defend the view that most people want the best for not only themselves, but their families and their communities. It is only, at least in my view, the difference in our life experiences that lead us to different assumptions of what is wrong and what needs doing. It is not, or at least I don’t think, a matter of some people not having read the

right books, or worse having read the wrong ones, and that they have consequently arrived at the wrong conclusions. We may not always find friends and allies by providing people with a reading list of canonical texts and telling them ‘educate yourself’. That would assume that people can only reach the same conclusions, our conclusions, after having read the same stuff. We may, however, learn a few things by listening to others. Even if we still remain convinced that they are wrong and we are right. But we would have at least got a better understanding of why people think what they think and where they may come from.

We may even be reminded of the most important and often neglected insight of all, that our political opponents are in the end human beings…

In practical politics, there is a clear example of how cross-party friendships can be more beneficial than blind tribalism. There is even a whisper in the corridors of Westminster. It was a whisper loud enough even for me to hear it on my one afternoon visit to Portcullis House. I heard from a researcher that a backbench MP who develops personal and working relationships with ministers is more likely to receive better support for their constituency than one who unfailingly attacks the government on tribal grounds. One may even argue that to do opposition for

opposition’s sake leads to defensive tit for tat, squandering any potential for cross party collaboration.

This brings us back to the subject of friendship. Since social media companies only seem to show us ‘more of what we want’ and since our friend circles seem to organically form around similarities in taste, background, and personalities, then our only hope seems to be to try to make new friends. To break out of these well-padded echo chambers we seem to find ourselves in is to try to make new friends, and specifically those slightly different to us.

We can only nurture and strengthen our instincts for empathy through embracing difference and by renewing our commitment to pluralism and diversity. And the universities we are lucky enough to attend are the perfect opportunities. They are perhaps the once of a lifetime opportunity to interact with people from as many different backgrounds and walks of life as possible from not only around the country but all around the world. It’d be a huge pity, or at least I think, if these few years flew past us without us exposing ourselves to this wonderfully magical diversity and stayed insulated in our bubbles which only validated who we’ve already become.

And to escape that tragedy, we would need more friendships, more diversity and more empathy, not less.

Comment | 8

The Oxford Student | Friday 25th November 2022

Opport unism and Falseness at Oxford Matthew Holland

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good friend recently said to ing it like everyone else there has, You may also say that I knew what me that anger is a good mo- you gush forth a flurry of vaguely I was getting myself into as well. To tivator and that often it can profound words until you can finally both of these I counter that unlike help fuel interesting discussion on tell them all that you’re running for many private school kids, I had no a topic. Recently, I have become standing committee of the Oxford one to tell me what this place would increasingly jaded and frustrated Union. You also are the founder of be like before I applied. In addition, with my experience at this Uni and a society created for the exclusive I can truly say that I applied out of living in this city. I am slowly be- purpose of hacking whilst also try- a genuine love for my subject, hiscoming a caricature of someone who ing to uphold the act of being hu- tory. While others pretend, I have a moves to a wealthier town and finds man, lets say its called something genuine passion for the history of themselves idealising a home which like OxPret, and you have socials this place and it’s the exact reason I they used to treat as a prison. So as I in a different Pret each time, dur- chose to study at Exeter College; 700 enter my rebel phase, or my Repu- ing which you casually slip to those years old and once populated by a tation era as some poor unsuspecting fascinating list of alumni, with many may say, and as But to give you a bet- people that you’re buildings designed by Gilbert Scott our glorious Unter understanding actually in the Un- and used as set pieces in films and ion enters another ion and running tv shows. However, I am not on trial hacking season, the of what I mean, I’ll for standing com- here and while I accept some flaws target of my anger paint a picture, and mittee, quipping in my decision-making, especially in and frustration is if it sounds like I’m that you’re doing the past when I was even more of a opportunism and talking about you it so that you don’t gullible imbecile, I can still claim a falseness. then I probably am. have to sit down moral high ground.

I couldn’t think any more.

As I wrap up my argument and of a word that summed up what I was What depresses me more than begin to calm down, I realise now trying to describe any more aptly; the anything is that while I’m obviously more than ever that this University English language lets me down once caricaturing a type of person, I know is both an amazing and a terrible again by not letting me voice the of many people to which this kind place. Whilst it often does come with anger and charged emotions I wish of description could easily be ap- the warning sign about academic to. But to give you a better under- plied to. For the most part, it’s all commitment, the warning sign that standing of what I mean, I’ll paint a in the hope that is missing should picture, and if it sounds like I’m talk- these people can ... I realise now more be pinned onto the ing about you then I probably am. finally make it to chest of many of You study a humanity with a very the top of the only than ever that this its inhabitants; the limited workload, let’s say history as institution they re- University is both an ruthless opportunit’s my own subject. Despite its lim- ally care about, and amazing and a terri- ists. The ones who ited workload you still find yourself that’s the Union. do things without ble place. struggling to meet deadlines or at- They’ll tell you that any passion or tend tutorials. It’s probably because they have a passion desire other than the night your essay was due in, not for debating and love the history of self-promotion; lifeless zombies only had you not done any of the the institution, but in reality they’re constantly striving for their goal. reading, but you were otherwise en- hoping they can get their safe seat In a literary analogy, I will liken gaged. After all, someone has to take out of it when it comes time to ap- these people to Robert Walton from the minutes in a Union Emergency ply to the party central office. For Frankenstein, himself a loose likeDebate. When you’re not at the many people at this University, a CV ness of the Ancient Mariner from Union drinking, is all they really care Coleridge’s magnum opus. Walton hacking, or pre- ... and they’ll do any- about, and they’ll do sets out on a voyage to discover the tending to care anything, even be- North Pole by boat, a task which thing, even betraying traying a close friend isolates him from those who love and about whatever debate you’re at, a close friend or ly- or lying about their care for him. As he surrounds himyou’re probably ing about their sup- support for a candi- self with strangers whose company with one of your port for a candidate, date, just to achieve he increasingly despises and his ship other societies. just to achieve some- something notable is caught by ice, he finally begins to You’re part of for their CV. realise his own foolishness. He lets thing notable for something like You may say over ambition and opportunism dictate their CV. the Oxford Unibated breath at me his decisions and soon begins to reversity Nietsche calling you out, that gret everything. While he achieves Appreciation Society (doesn’t exist I chose this Uni for the same reason salvation, he can never reverse his but it easily could) and having never as them and that everyone chooses decision and has to live with the read Thus Spoke Zarathustra, or even to study here for the clout and in the knowledge of having failed. watched a YouTube video explain- hope of getting a good job out of it.

A poison chalice for Labour, the Tory’s autumn statement in perspective

Sam Kenny

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eeing a Tory government in- was ”extremely relaxed about people crease taxes on nearly everyone getting filthy rich”. But his critics is incredible. Have the Tories, at often omit the end of that sentence, last, realised that, to have a civilised namely, “As long as they pay their society, we need well-funded public taxes”. We are always told that those institutions providing the services with the broadest shoulders should needed to make it work for all. Or bear the biggest burden and quite do they? All the Tories have done is rightly so. However, the tendency of push Austerity back until after the successive governments to load this next election amid evidence of higher “burden” onto indirect taxes such energy bills and a as VAT in order protracted recession, to prevent a rise Despite this, we which indicates the in the basic rate Tories hope this is know why we are in of income tax, a temporary meas- this deep mess; the let alone increase ure. Despite this, we the highest rate last decade of severe of taxation, has know why we are in this deep mess; the funding cuts to all helped fuel the public services is fool’s paradise in last decade of severe funding cuts to clearly the fault of which many of all public services is previous Tory gov- us now live. We clearly the fault of on these islands ernment policies. have in recent previous Tory government policies. decades come to expect Scandinavian levels of public Peter Mandelson once said that he service on North American levels

9 | Comment

of taxation, and been severely disappointed.

The Tory’s autumn statement aims to achieve two purposes: first of all to limit their inevitable defeat in 2024 to ensure a realistic chance of victory in 2029 and prevent a Labour majority of the scale of 1997. The second aim is to give Labour a horrid set of circumstances, a “poison chalice” one could call it, to blight any government which Labour may form in the future. The Tories could still win the next election, but the likelihood is that we have now reached a “sea change” in British politics, the pendulum is swinging back to Labour as it did in 1997. A consistent poll lead of 20+ points puts Labour on a trajectory of a firm win in 2024 and the Tories know this.

Sunak and Hunt are there for one reason, to steady the ship and make sure it doesn’t sink.

The winter budget contained a number of measures designed to ensure the ship doesn’t sink. To cover the £50 billion deficit laid out by the Office for Budget Responsibility, Sunak and Hunt have enacted numerous spending cuts (all to happen after 2024) in addition to tax rises. The top rate of income tax (45%) threshold has been lowered from £150k to £125k, the windfall tax on oil and gas companies has been raised by an extra 10%, and corporation tax will continue to increase from 19% to 25% in 2024. A number of other measures have been enacted to help the Health and Education sectors, with £3 billion pound increases in the budget of both, but inflation and rising costs generally will mean a net loss or continuity for sectors which are finding themselves increas-

Fundamentally, the Autumn statement represents Tory’s scorched earth policy for the next two years... A poison chalice of a statement and a sense of what is to come in British politics the next two years. ingly strapped for cash.

Fundamentally, the Autumn statement represents Tory’s scorched earth policy for the next two years. They have to leave Britain in 2024 with the economy not in too much of a bad shape as to lose as catastrophically in 2024 as they did in 1997, which allowed for the possibility of a three-term Labour government. In addition, they can’t leave the economy in too good a shape as to allow Labour to have much more favourable economic circumstances than they themselves had in 2010. A poison chalice of a statement and a sense of what is to come in British politics the next two years.

The Oxford Student | Friday 25th November 2022

The Role of Sports in Iran’s Protests Anna Lee

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ince the murder of Mahsa Amini on That being said, the team surprised many the 13th of September, 2022, there have spectators when they refused to sing the been nonstop protests and demonstra- national anthem in its game against Engtions across Iran. For protesters against the land on Monday. According to Aljazeera, Iranian regime, the consequences have been football players from England joined their extreme: concerns over the death penalty, hu- opponents by kneeling in “protest of racman rights abuses, and harassment from po- ism and inequality.” Such an act of solidarlice have all been contentious issues in global ity is a step in the right direction - while discussions. With the regime’s severe internet there is undoubtedly a lot to be done, their surveillance and threats to journalists, it’s been refusal to sing caught international media extremely difficult to amplify these issues on attention and inspired dozens of articles a global scale. However, by utilising global within hours of the screening. This sort of participation and media coverage in sports media attention is how to use the global culture, Iranian athletes stage for good, but it will have been reinforcing the take continued and susneed for reform in their With the regime’s se- tained efforts to make it country. Their positions on vere internet surveil- truly impactful. the global stage are integral Other teams, such as lance and threats to for international support Iran’s beach football, journalists, it’s been water polo, and volleyand attention - but they can just as easily misuse extremely difficult to ball teams, have also rethis coverage, or worse, re- amplify these issues on fused to sing the nationdirect it in support of the al anthem. In a match a global scale.

Iranian regime. Who these against the United Arab athletes express their solidarity with will have Emirates, Iran’s beach football team remajor consequences on the global stage, given fused to sing the national anthem, and the enormous coverage and participation that didn’t celebrate after winning the chamsports culture brings. pionship. Additionally, Saeed Piramoon,

Iran’s participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been extremely controversial. Especially with the protests in Iran, alleged military assistance to Russia, and a photo of the team “smiling and goofing around in a pre-tournament photoshoot,” many campaigners have found issue with the Iranian Team’s participation. The team also met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi before leaving for the World Cup, which understandably drew criticism from protesters. Though some players have shown forms of resistance, such as covering up their national team emblem on their jerseys during their game against Senegal, their allegiance has been up for debate.

Other members of affiliates of the Iranian football team have expressed more explicit forms of resistance, whether that be through boycotting the World Cup, or using social media to show solidarity.

Some of the greatest football players in Iran, such as Ali Daei and Ali Karimi, declined to attend the World Cup in Qatar. Sardar Azmoun, one of the star players of the team, refused to celebrate after scoring against Senegal, and stated on his Instagram story, “This is worth sacrificing for one strand of Iranian women’s hair. Shame on you who kill people so easily. Long live Iranian women.” Despite his disapproval of the regime, Azmoun did ultimately represent Iran in the game against Senegal. Of course, anything that these players say puts their lives at stake - but hopefully, these players will show continued solidarity with Iranian women.

Utilising the global stage at a time like this could be one way of resisting the regime.

Ambiguity around their loyalties - with some actions in favour of the Iranian regime and others against it - may end up harming the Iranian people.

quences” of not suppressing anti-regime dissidence. The significance of singing (or not singing) the national anthem is not just targeted at the Iranian regime, but the culture, standards, and abuses they stand for. These actions have been rightfully interpreted as resistance against the regime, but also create solidarity on the basis of sports culture. For any athlete or fan, the common notions of loyalty, teamwork, and dedication, ground the beauty of sports. To violate any of these principles - whether that be on or off the field - could be an offence to anyone watching.

Iranian women athletes deserve special recognition for what they’ve been doing and how much they’re putting at stake.

Parmida Ghasemi, an Iranian archer, took off her hijab for the awards ceremony.

Although Ghasemi later corrected interpretations in an Instagram post, it did spark a lot of controversy regarding the significance of the mandatory hijab, considering it was the grounds for Mahsa Amini’s murder. Another woman athlete, climber Elnaz Rekabi, competed in the Asian Sport Climbing Championships in Seoul without her hijab on. Her decision one of the beach football to do so has resulted team members, pretendin her absence from Since the protests ed to cut his hair after social media, and conscoring a goal, alluding around Mahsa Amini cerns over her safety. clearly derive from to the demonstrations of When she returns to women cutting their hair gender-based harass- Iran, she also risks imin solidarity with Mahsa ment and subordina- prisonment, fines, and Amini. While it’s been re- tion, female athletes extreme punishment. ported that Piramoon will The unfortunate but face punishment from the do not have to do much important difference Republic of Iran’s Beach to seem rebellious and between men and Football Committee (FFI- incur extreme punish- women athletes’ acRI), it is not yet clear what tions of resistance puts ment. that will entail. As a male them at different risks. athlete with global recognition, Piramoon Since the protests around Mahsa Amini is not exempt from punishments from the clearly derive from gender-based harassregime, but has privileges that many citi- ment and subordination, female athletes zens do not have. These sorts of gestures do not have to do much to seem rebellious are integral when the world is watching. and incur extreme punishment. Whether A week after the beach soccer team re- that be an improper uniform, or a purfused to sing the national anthem, Iran’s poseful or accidental removal of the hijab, water polo team did the same at the Asian Iranian women athletes risk their lives for their profession, whether they intend to or not. The privilege of competing alone is This sort of media atsomething afforded to only a few people. tention is how to use As the protests continue on in Iran, the the global stage for bravery and solidarity of these athletes good, but it will take should be commended and taken seriously. Whether that be for the players involved continued and susor fans from home, sports are a great way tained efforts to make it to build community, compassion, and truly impactful. character. Sports culture attracts people from all areas of the world, with varying Water Polo Championships in Vietnam. levels of knowledge on international poliThe Iranian volleyball team also joined in tics or the situation in Iran. While there the movement before and after winning have always been debates over the incortheir championship game in Sarajevo. poration of politics in sports, this should With the players’ gestures of silence, the not even be up to contention when lives Iranian regime has repeatedly threatened are at stake. The global stage is as much a to punish athletes who bring politics onto political tool as an educational one, and the field. According to Iran International, Iranian athletes deserve to use it as such. the government-backed paper Iran Daily threatened the UAE (the hosts of the beach football competition) with “the conse-

The Oxford Student | Friday 25th November 2022

Brewdog with the perfect brew at Qatar 2022: How Brewdog are setting the example for corporate responsibility

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Comment | 10

Matthew Holland

hat attracted me to buying my first sales of special World Cup-themed drinks Manchester United fan I remember Aquero’s and fairness have been ignored consistentever Brewdog beer (a pint of Punk cans in the run-up, as well as all sales of its Lost last minute goal against QPR in 2012 as a ter- ly for corruption, unspeakable crimes, and IPA), was the fact that their beer Lager, to human rights charities working in rible memory generally, it was also a symbol inequalities of a truly staggering size. I ask is carbon neutral. I must admit ignorance, I Qatar. They have named themselves as “Proud that football was up myself at what point have no idea if this is the norm among beer Anti Sponsor(s) Of The World F*CUP”, in for sale, and the highwill finally say that producers or if this is a special achievement this aim to raise awareness for widespread est bidder could find How many times do we have enough is enough and which makes them an outlier. It wasn’t until corruption and commercialisation of football success and glory for to ignore the politicisation truly fight back against after I took my first sip that I understood why at the highest levels. One doesn’t need to have themselves. of our sport until we under- these developments. they have become such heard of Sheikh Mansour stand that we have to take a How many migrant a dominant brand in reor Roman Abramovich to Qatar and the conworkers have to be excent years. It was actu- Brewdog is also a com- understand that football troversy surrounding side, and that side must be ploited and killed until the side of right? ally good. For those not in pany that takes its so- is a sport that has become it cannot be ignored we stand? How many the know, IPA is a style of cial responsibility in- dominated by some of the as the culmination of smaller clubs have to beer that is renowned for world’s richest and most a big shift. First the acquisition of Manchester fall into bankruptcy? How many times do credibly seriously, its bitter taste and I procorrupt individuals, lead- City, PSG and others. This was followed by a small elite of teams owned by the world’s fess to have tried many ing to decisions and actions the successful bid of both Russia 2018 and wealthiest have to dominate domestic and different IPAs in my life. While theirs is by which run counter to the experience of the Qatar 2022. Most notably, it was met with continental competitions? How many times no means the best I’ve ever tasted, indeed I fans who make the sport what it is. resistance with the European Super League do we have to ignore politicisation of our sport proclaim the supremacy of Jaipur IPA, it is and the sudden questioning of many football until we understand that we have to take a certainly among the best and most consistent, My first introduction to football was through club owners in the aftermath. We all remember side, and that side must be the side of right? and their vast range of different flavours and playing in the park with my dad. I grew up scenes of protest at Old Trafford or Stambrew types makes Brewdog beers an obvious in the early days of the ford Bride or anywhere I end by saying that unlike most things, I choice anytime I’m drinking beer. insurrection which has else where football fans don’t feel optimistic about the future of footoccurred in the sport, One doesn’t need to have stood up and made their ball. Whilst we can vote out those who would Brewdog is also a company that takes its so- when everything heard of Sheikh Mansour voices heard as against uphold a status quo in politics, I have no say cial responsibility incredibly seriously, which seemed still to be about or Roman Abramovich to the merciless decisions unfortunately who runs Fifa or who owns is part of why it advertises so clearly its car- the beautiful game. It is understand that football of billionaires aiming to Manchester United. Decisions will continue bon neutral status. With the recognition that a truly pure memory make even more money to be made for profit, and fans will continue many football fans drink beer at matches or and experience I have is a sport that has become at the expense of every- to try and ignore the politics and just focus watch matches in the pub over a pint of the of football, a sport dominated by some of the thing else. on what they love. They love the drama and stuff, Brewdog has extended this responsibil- which has given me world’s richest and most passion. There is truly nothing which seems ity to the realms of football. In the run-up to some of the best and Football seems exso special and exhilarating to a football fan corrupt individuals, the Qatar World Cup, Brewdog announced most exhilarating exemplary of the general than the World Cup. I’ll still be singing ‘Its a campaign against corruption and human periences of my life. direction of the world Coming Home’ but every now and then I’ll rights abuse in this tournament and beautiful Sheikh Mansour’s acquisition of Manchester over the past few decades and the future remember the guilt of knowing how few have game more generally.

City and their sudden rise as a global power- which seems inevitable. Greed has trumped my luxury and privilege to ignore and love the house in the sport was a symbol that some- experience and passion and enjoyment. Basic beautiful game. Or as Brewdog have called it This campaign includes donating 100% of thing was changing in the sport. While as a principles like the rule of law, human rights, “The Beautiful Shame”.

The Oxford Student | Friday 25 November 2022

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Friday 25th November 2022 | The Oxford Student

ssnnm muullooC C

I am the Queen’s College bugler. It is not an official title, but it is one I have claimed for myself and refuse to give up.

My principal job is to play the same 4 second fanfare three times every evening at ten past seven to announce that the second dinner sitting is being served. I consider my role an extremely important one, having taken on the huge and largely thankless responsibility to ensure that everybody in college doesn’t go hungry. Lord knows what would happen if I stopped.

Last year, I did this six nights a week despite the fact that the second sitting happens at the same time every night, and 90 percent of college has already eaten at the first sitting. Most people at Queen’s probably don’t know that there is a bugler, and the sound of a trumpet fanfare ringing around the crumbling quads probably blends into all the other daily occurrences which Oxford makes you forget aren’t normal. While I am immensely proud to be a bugler, the pointlessness of the job makes me selfconscious and I tend to do my bugling quite surreptitiously.

Tradition is strange. It is a one-size-fits-all justification for doing weird things and a widely accepted opportunity to suspend common sense.

People in Oxford do this more than most. At 6am on the morning of 1st May, thousands gather on Magdalen Bridge to hear the Magdalen College choir sing from

Driftenschriften 3: Tradition

the tower, a once profound event where now people who have been drinking for twelve straight hours throw up on each other’s feet. At Christmas time, members of Queen’s sing Latin songs at a boar’s head, and when the clocks go back, those at Merton College walk around backwards for an hour in the middle of the night to maintain the space-time continuum. ‘Squidge in the pidge’, a rite of passage at the Queen’s Football Club ‘Santa Dinner’, sees 60-80 people, all dressed as Father Christmas, fit inside the 4x3x3m post room, a Houdini-esque feat of which the daredevil himself would have been proud.

Unsurprisingly, it seems that this practice may not survive the pandemic, though it will be fondly remembered.

These things celebrate what was and still is, and, forever at risk of being swallowed up by the passing of time, they are lovingly, nay, viciously protected. Increasingly in Oxford, the conversations are being had about why we support the continued existence of relics, the origins of which we know very little, and many of which represent values that should not be perpetuated.

Oxford traditions have the oppressive capacity to make one feel like a tiny part of something huge, identical to the part next to you, stretching out in space and time, and those who would like to ask the question feel not only the modern day majority urging them to be silent, but also

the weight of hundreds of history-laden years pressing down on them. Vector-like, we unquestioningly pass things on and exist to serve tradition far more than it us.

So when I arrived at the Stiftung Maximilianeum, a foundation for gifted Bavarian students where I was welcomed as an exchange student two months ago, I expected more of the same.

Founded in 1852 and housed in the Maximilianeum, a pale stone leviathan standing bullishly atop raised ground on the banks of the River Isar, the ‘Stiftung’ (foundation) states in its constitution that scholars should receive free accommodation for the duration of their degree, three free meals per day (including a semi-formal lunch hosted by the Vorstand, the head of the Stiftung), and a litre of beer to go with it all. It shares the building with the state parliament and accepts applicants from all over Bavaria, not using today’s state boundaries but those from the 19th century. An institution typified by academic excellence, run not on careful thought, but on the senseless rituals of long-dead, dubious men. Sound familiar?

Or that’s what I thought I was heading for. I settled back into the same rhythms as when I was an Oxford fresher and quietly watched and listened, trying to make sense of the madness around me without going against the grain, all the while sheepish about my ovine involvement.

But traditions are different everywhere, and so too is their importance. One evening, all of the seven exchange students at the Stiftung were invited to the Vorstand’s apartment for an event aptly named ‘Wine and Talking about the Stiftung’. On reflection, I find that I am a big fan of social occasions where the topic of conversation is specified multiple weeks in advance, and besides, I was looking forward to getting an explanation of the singularity of this undeniably strange institution.

In truth, the Stiftung has been under existential threat since before it was established. It was initially funded out of the pocket of its founder, King Maximilian II, after it was refused state funding, and after the abolition of the monarchy in the early 20th century, its link with kingship caused the public to question its right to exist. The Nazis vowed to shut it down, naming it as one of the tasks it would carry out after the ‘final victory’, and today, it is viewed by many with condemnation due to its ostensibly exclusionary and elitist raison d’être. It has remained alive through financial independence from the state, as well as by staying quiet and staying together.

Every year, the current and past members of the Stiftung get together to eat, drink and catch up with one another.

The event, also aptly named,

is called the ‘Beer Evening’.

The tables were decked with steins and pretzels and covered with blue-and-white tablecloths; it looked like the easiest ‘Geo-Guesser’ attempt imaginable, and I geared up for the most Bavarian evening of my life. But the tablecloths could have been any colour and we could have been eating crepes or drinking English breakfast tea. What was important was the evidence that the community was still populated, still breathing, and as it happened, still thriving.

For this reason, there has to be an element of the nonsensical or pointless in tradition.

Why do we stand on Magdalen Bridge at 6am or squeeze 60 Santas into a tiny room?

Why does my trumpet remain a convoluted alternative to a watch? These questions are crucial, and traditions are not worthwhile if they are not asked. In the words of Gustav Mahler, ‘tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire’; the answer to the question of why must always be that we are preserving a fire that deserves preservation.

Writing this, and my previous columns, has made me realise that I know very little about anything, but I have had fun. A suitably abrupt ending to a suitably random project; tschüss, meine Schätze, auf Wiedersehen.

Joe Wald

The Oxford Student | Friday 25th November 2022

Columns Columns

Columns | 13

Feeding your Flat with Nina Holguin Chorizo and Potato Quesadillas (GF, low lactose) Serves 3-4

I came up with this recipe by chance last year over lunch time when I had some leftover chorizo, not realising it would become one of my most requested dishes. They can be great for both lunches and dinners, and are surprisingly filling, with the chorizo, potatoes and of course, cheese. One of the problems is that you make them one at a time, but that means you could make it a communal activity for all of your house, or you can adapt the quesadilla to preferences!

Equipment:

Two frying pans, one with a lid Grater (or some dedication to chop cheddar fine) Hob

Ingredients:

12 medium sized GF tortillas (corn ones are the best!)

200g cheddar Quesadilla filling: 1 ring of spicy chorizo 1 onion 3 cloves of garlic (diced) 2 peppers 2 tsp smoked paprika 5 medium sized potatoes 1 tbsp tomato puree Lots of oil!

Method:

Chop the chorizo, onion, peppers, and potatoes into cubes, with the max length of 1cm.

Add the chorizo in a cold pan, and slowly increase the temperature, so the oil releases.

Add oil, onion and garlic to the pan and fry on a medium heat.

Add the peppers and fry until they start to go soft, then add the paprika and tomato puree. Season to taste.

Add the potatoes, and more oil if it doesn’t look oily anymore. Mix the pan contents so everything is covered in the oil and then put on the lid.

Every couple of minutes, stir the pan and replace the lid until the potatoes are fully cooked and have a nice colour to them. Then remove from the hob.

Grate the cheddar and put the other pan on the hob and turn it on to hot.

Place a tortilla into the pan (don’t oil it!)

Flip the tortilla to the otherside, then quickly put some filling onto the tortilla, then cover this with cheese.

Put a tortilla on top of this, and once there’s some smoke coming from the quesadilla, using a plate, flip the quesadilla onto the otherside. (If you are confused by this follow my tutorial below!)

Once the quesadilla is slightly smoking on the otherside as well, take it off the heat. The cheese should be nicely melted now.

Repeat to make all of the quesadillas!

Flipping how-to guide!

Place a plate on top of the quesadilla.

While holding the plate and the pan, twist so the plate is on the bottom.

Take the pan away and voila! You have flipped the quesadilla. Now you can slide it back into the pan.

The Oxford Student | Friday 25th November 2022

Columns Columns

Columns | 14

Student Rooms: Vacation Home

By Coral Kim

Another term draws to an end, and people are thinking of going home. I am not going. I am staying here, first in my college room till my 10th week coursework deadline, then in the countryside in Northern England for a short break.

But I did go back to my family in Korea, for the last weeks of last summer. I had a room in their new house, which had been tidied, decorated and cleaned in preparation for my arrival. And so I arrived one evening, homesick, jet-lagged and expectant, at a bus stop somewhere in the city, frantically trying to connect to public wi-fi after discovering my Korean phone plan had been cancelled. Somehow, my dad eventually managed to pick me up, then ordered some fried chicken for me on a food delivery app once we got to the house. Thus ended my twenty-hour journey, at the end of which I was finally in my new room.

This was a good room. I’d been in college rooms, airbnbs, hotels and other people’s rooms – I believed I would settle in quickly and comfortably here, the first room in a year that had been set up just for me. There were the textbooks and YA novels from my childhood, carefully preserved in their original position in my shelves by my parents even while moving house; there was a mini fridge just for me outside the door, stocked with San Pellegrinos and a can of beer, so I would rarely have to be present downstairs; there was even a projector and screen, which once used to act as our family television but were now retired into my room. A few days and a couple jetlag-fuelled, 12-hour sleeps in, I decided to take advantage of this potential home cinema, worked out the HDMI and speaker settings, opened the can of beer and put on Barton Fink, a 1991 Coen brothers film about a playwright moving to Hollywood – or a man in his hotel room. The fictional hotel’s ominous slogan: “A Day or a Lifetime”.

Do I draw parallels? My room wasn’t a damp, threadbare hotel room, unlike the dreadful one in the film with its mosquito infestation and incessantly peeling walls. Nor was I a tortured artist, unlike John Turturro’s wide-eyed eponymous protagonist – I was just someone trying to live in their room in their home. But I did apply to write this column during my time there, if that says anything, and I did find it the most difficult room to live in.

I could never sleep. I almost always stayed up till dawn, all sweaty and itchy from mosquito bites, despairing to find myself unable to let go of those childhood books, which, betraying me, turned out to contain things I didn’t want to remember or things I was terrified to not be able to remember; my shelves turned from a collection of memories to a nightmarish maze. My giant stuffed giraffe displaced me on the bed, and often I found myself curled up at the edge of it, unable to find another place to put the giraffe. The room was rejecting me as much as I was rejecting it, as if in a terrible allergic reaction, both of us squirming in horror to find the other not at all like what we were expecting. And not even once after Barton Fink did I use my home cinema setup again during that summer; I was too occupied, too exhausted and too fevered, doing nothing in that room.

It could be better. Each term and year I am away, I change, I grow – maybe the post-MT 2022, Christmas vacation version of me might fare better. But I am not going home this time, and I do not even know what that – ‘going home’ – would mean for me. I am glad, though, that I have come to realise this not knowing. This means, if I do go back to that room another vacation, I can go back with recalibrated expectations and treat it as what it really is to me: a room. As for home, perhaps I am lucky, even, to be able to say that I am always going home, in the truest present participle sense, in that I can look for and find myself one in the future. And, in the meantime, I am luckier even to have Christmas vacation plans at places I like, in several rooms I might even find glimpses of home in.

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Deputy Editors: Ayomilekan Adegunwa, Anmol Kejriwal Section Editors: Charlie Aslet, Lay Mohan, Samuel King oxstu.profile@gmail.com

of the week

“I wish we were appreciated more”:

P

Vice Chancellor Dame Louise Richardson on Leaving Oxford

rior to her departure from the Vice-Chancellorship, Prof. Dame Louise Richardson, the first female vice-chancellor of the University, sat down with The Oxford Student to reflect on her 6 years in office, from her proudest achievements and her greatest challenges, to her views on free speech, admissions, donations, and the Rhodes controversy.

What are you most proud of from your time at Oxford?

I think what this university did in the pandemic is something we can be proud of. The fact that we produced this vaccine and distributed it at cost. By the end of 2021, 6.3 million lives have been saved by the vaccine. That is enormous. We’re the only university on the planet who’s done that. And to do it at cost, is just extraordinary. Also, I think internally we managed the pandemic very well. I think students had a much better experience than they would have in other institutions.

What have been some of the greatest challenges during your time in Oxford?

There’s just been the challenge of dealing with a very unstable political environment.

In my seven years we’ve had five Prime Ministers and nine Secretaries of State for Education. Ordinarily somebody in my role would invest some time and energy into developing those relationships, but, [that] hasn’t been possible.

I’ve gotten myself into trouble for saying this before, but I’ll say it again. I do think politicians sometimes play politics with universities, and I wish they wouldn’t. We are really too

important for that. This country has two of the best universities in the world, in fact several of the best universities in the world. There are not many other facets of British life that you can point to that have, universally acknowledged, several of the best in the world. [Politicians] [ don’t quite appreciate the significance of universities and the important role that we play in British life and driving the economy.

I wouldn’t generalize and say politicians are hostile. Individual politicians are, but certainly not all of them. Many are indifferent and not as many as I would like are seriously engaged in [being] advocates for universities. I wish we were appreciated more.

How do you view the relationship between free speech and academia?

I have a pretty robust view on freedom of speech, which is that it shouldn’t be the preserve of [the] left or [the] right and all legal speech should be permitted at a university. And I mean that: I mean all legal speech. I don’t think anyone should be canceled from coming here irrespective of what their views are. We’re so fortunate to have freedom of speech but we shouldn’t take it for granted.

When push comes to shove, I would defend any legal speech here however objectionable I find it; I wish everyone was prepared to do that.

I think there’s a deliberate effort to use free speech to beat universities by some of the right wing press. When I was an undergraduate, you know, the student union used to chant ‘no free speech for fascists’. So, it’s

long been an issue. But it gets far more coverage in the press than I think it deserves. And I’m certainly not a fan of the bill going through parliament at the moment. I think it’s just playing politics.

How did your experience at Harvard and St Andrews compare to your time at Oxford?

For most of my time at Harvard I was an academic – it was the last seven years that I was Executive Dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. I have changed every job after seven years, it is just a pattern. Harvard is a very wealthy institution and has a particular role in American society, seen as the best or one of the best universities. It is also very decentralized but, as I tell my friends there, they think they are decentralized but they haven’t seen anything until they come to Oxford. They have a philosophy of what they call, ‘Every Tub on Its Own Bottom’, meaning each of the schools is financially independent. Radcliffe was actually one of the smallest and least well-endowed because it was historically the women’s college.

Being at Harvard prepares you for an important institution with a major place in national life.

Going to St Andrews, I was exposed first to the British system which I wasn’t altogether familiar with but also to a very traditional ancient university, the oldest university in Scotland, a place where tradition is important.

So, I think the combination of the very traditional or respect for the long history of the place in St Andrews plus being part of just a big major research uni-

versity that was very powerful, both of those gave me exposure that helped prepare me for this one.

What are your views about the Rhodes statue and how should a modern university navigate and consider the colonial aspects of our history and legacy?

To me, the issue is how do we judge people in the past and their actions? Do we judge them by the values of the time, or do we judge them by our values now? I often wonder, a hundred years from now, what would people say about us? I suspect if we haven’t destroyed the planet in the next hundred years, they will say we should be erased because we sat on our hands when the evidence of climate change was overwhelming. We sat on our hands in the face of growing inequality, of obscene wealth in some parts of the world, and people dying of starvation, or even in this community saying [we] ate animals a hundred years ago, [so] they should be erased.

I keep coming back to this, it is relative.

The conditions of the mines owned by Cecil Rhodes were absolutely appalling. And the conditions of the people working in the mines in Wales at the same time were absolutely appalling. Death rates were comparable. This isn’t to justify anything, but it’s to say that these [judgments] are not black and white. It’s easy to be [a] purist, whereas in fact, I think most of these judgments are much more complicated.

Because it’s a fine judgment call, are you slightly wary of

“If a man is successful in a role or not, his gender is irrelevant. If a woman is not successful in a role, [it’d] be attributed to her gender and the odds of being succeeded by a woman are much, much lower. “

removing [the] statue?

Well, I’m not going to be drawn into it. [Oriel College] have said they wanted it to come down, but they know the government isn’t going to take it down. So it remains.

Could you talk about the fundraising element of the ViceChancellor’s job, particularly in reference to something like the Sackler Library considering that the Sackler name has been removed recently from places like the V&A? Alumni are, as it were, owned by their college. I can’t fundraise from an alumnus without the say so of the college to which they belong. I decided to turn that into a plus rather than a minus by pursuing people who weren’t alumni, but who had an interest in some of the things that we were doing. I think that has been fairly successful.

It was always the case that whenever you get a donation, you have to question where it comes from. We have a pretty robust process with this committee [made up of academics from around the university and externals] to review donations. We do a considerable degree of due diligence before accepting a gift because we’re concerned about the potential of reputational damage. Gifts from somebody like Cecil Rhodes were controversial, even in his day. Gifts from the Sacklers were completely uncontroversial until relatively recently. We make judgment calls all the time. To me, the main issue is what are we going to do with the money, are we going to do something good?

The Oxford Student | Friday 25th November 2022

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by Jason Chau and Samuel King

I do think it’s legitimate to have restrictions on what money are we going to do something good?

I do think it’s legitimate to have restrictions on what money we will accept. This committee makes judgment calls and they are tough calls, putting a huge amount of effort in every decision. It is a judgment call every time.

I don’t doubt that some people will disagree with [the decisions of our committee], but I think we have a far more robust process than any other institution I know [of].

How have you felt that diversity and inclusion has changed over your time here?

Change has not come quickly enough. We’ve made strides on women, but even still, we’re at 20% of Statutory Professors are female [but] they’re 50% of the population. That’s not good enough at all. Although it is changing, we’ve seen a dramatic change in the number of female heads of house, which is enormously positive: close to 50%.

When it comes to non-white members of staff, the numbers have increased. The trajectory is clear, the pace is much slower than we would like. There’s a whole raft of reasons for that. It’s not lack of will on our part. One of the ways we’re trying to address this is by taking a long term perspective and creating these black academic futures scholarships so that we can provide fully funded scholarships for black British students to get PhDs so that we can enlarge the pipeline.

We have made some terrific appointments and I think somebody like Brenda Stevenson, for example, as the new Hilary Rodham Clinton Chair in Women’s History is a fantastic appoint-

ment. But we need to pick up the pace. And the pace hasn’t been as fast as I would like.

Do you think Oxford is a particular case where [change is] slow?

If you look back at the last seven years, I think you’ve seen a lot of very significant changes, not least, of the changes to the socioeconomic condition makeup of the undergraduate student body. We’ve gone from 10% of our students from the most deprived backgrounds to 23%. We’ve seen a real change in the gender makeup of heads of house. We’ve seen a real step change in philanthropy. We’ve seen changes in earnings with industry. And thanks to the amazing work people [did] on the vaccine, we’ve seen a real change in attitude to what research universities like ours can contribute to society.

In a role like this, you always have to be both looking backwards and forwards. We have all these medieval rituals, which so many people love and are part of the fabric of life here. So constantly looking back with respect to them, but also looking forward as to how the world is changing and how we can adapt those traditions to the future so that we are changing quickly enough to stay at the top, which we have to, if we want to maintain our global position.

In terms of admissions, do you think the decline of incoming undergraduates from fee-paying schools is a positive change and where do you see that trajectory going?

56% of our students came from the state sector seven years ago.

Now it’s 68%. There has been a significant change.

I’ve never liked the dichotomy between private and state

“I do think politicians sometimes play politics with universities, and I wish they wouldn’t.

We are really too important for that.”

educated [students]. I speak as somebody who’s entirely state educated. There’s huge inequalities in the state system and there is a raft of reasons why some families who are not spectacularly wealthy may choose that their kids go to private schools. To me, what matters is the calibre of the students we attract.

We are getting more and more applications every year and the size of the class hasn’t changed.

So we’re turning down more and more people. There are more disappointed people every year.

If I felt we weren’t getting the best students with the greatest potential, then I’d be very concerned. If you compare us to any other university, with the possible exception of Cambridge, the amount of care and attention that’s taken with every single kid who’s admitted [is] really impressive.

I have observed a real sea change. We were constantly being criticized on a daily basis in the press for not taking enough poor kids. Now we’re being criticized for not taking enough kids from private schools. What you have to do is listen to the criticism, try to be dispassionate and think about how reasonable it is. But ultimately, you’ve got to be guided by your values and do what you think is the right thing, which I think is identifying the kids with the greatest potential and bringing them here.

What is your opinion on potential competition from American universities?

As to who is going to America, it operates at both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum. So you can have wealthy families who can afford to pay the much higher tuition in the US on the one hand, who maybe haven’t gotten

in here and want to try that. On the other hand, I’m on the board of the Sutton Trust. The Sutton Trust has this amazing program every year where they bring over kids from very deprived backgrounds and expose them to US universities, helping them to apply. By and large [they] qualify for a completely free ride. American universities are attracting [students] at both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum.

I don’t really see much competition for undergraduates with American universities. We have a lot of competition with post-grads and there we don’t do so well because we’re not as wealthy.

I myself didn’t come to Britain for graduate school because I didn’t have the money. It was much easier for me to go to Harvard, which costs many times more. But I knew I could count on getting scholarships in America that I couldn’t count on here. Sometimes we lose some of the very best graduate students because we can’t afford to fund them. That’s where the competition takes place.

What did you think the potential ramifications of Brexit could be for Oxford?

I was very much opposed to Brexit. I thought it was an affront to the values of an international institution like ours. But if I have to be perfectly honest, at this juncture, the damage hasn’t been as bad as I feared.

We haven’t lost vast numbers of staff, which I was afraid we might do.

We have certainly lost large numbers of undergraduate students. The number of EU applicants for undergraduate study here has dropped to about 3% of the incoming class instead

of 8%. That’s a loss to the fabric and richness of the undergraduate community. [For] research funding, it’s still unsettled and this is enormously significant for us, whether or not we can participate in HORIZON [Europe].

I worry that there will be a slow erosion of the power of our research base and our ability to recruit and retain people.

The immediate impact or the impact over the past five years hasn’t been as great as I thought it would be. I still think it is negative for us. And I think in 20 years time we might look back and say, oh, how did we get here? And you’ll see a gradual erosion of the research base because of Brexit.

How do you feel about being the first female Vice Chancellor at Oxford?

I’d be disingenuous to deny the symbolic significance of the appointment. One of my goals has always been to be succeeded by a woman. So I’m very chuffed to be succeeded by a woman here as I was in St. Andrews. I do think that when it comes to finding successors, the gender of the incumbent matters. If a man is successful in a role or not, his gender is irrelevant. If a woman is not successful in a role, [it’d] be attributed to her gender and the odds of being succeeded by a woman are much, much lower.

I’ve contributed, as many other women have, to a normalization of women in positions of leadership and authority. And I’m delighted about that.

Would you recommend the job?

Yes, of course. There is only one answer I could possibly give to that.

The Oxford Student | Friday 25 November 2022

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Deputy Editors: Ayomilekan Adegunwa, Anmol Kejriwal

TT22 Union Elections:

Ayomilekan Adegunwa Interviews Candidates

Daniel Dipper and Matthew Dick Daniel Dipper is running with his #IMAGINE slate, along with Rosalie Chapman (Librarian), Lukas Seifert (Treasurer), and Ciaron Tobin (Secretary).

Matthew Dick is running with his #FULFIL slate, along with Hannah Edwards (Librarian), Rosie Jacobs (Treasurer), and Tom Elliot (Secretary).

7

th week in the Oxford Union means election week.

The last couple of weeks have been turbulent times in the Union, to say the least. A myriad of resignations and news stories have led to a society which feels deeply divided in many ways. Amidst this background of uncertainty, I sat down with the two presidential candidates to chat about their campaigns.

AA: What is your biggest contribution to the Union?

DD: My biggest contribution in my current position is to manage the speaker events for the term. For instance, I got AJ Tracey to come along this term for a speaker event, which I think a lot of members enjoyed.

I also played a leading role on the Union’s equality and diversity review this year. I introduced special support systems for the disabled members of the Union committee, because under the Equality Act they’re

entitled to reasonable adjustments. Given that I’m disabled myself and I don’t think there are many disabled individuals on the committee, it’s important to [provide] a platform to all perspectives.

MD: I think probably my biggest contribution is the ball this term. That was something that, whatever happens on Friday, I can be very proud of. I think generally in terms of broader [things], my biggest contribution is being someone who really cares about creating an environment where we can have really good debates and where people are being challenged rather than just platforming people. The biggest singular thing I can point to is [a] culture of caring for everyone on the committee.

AA: What would make you a good president?

DD: I think ultimately it’s the experience that I’ve had having

served in the Union now for six terms in a range of roles, including having been Disabilities Officer. I’ve also done lots of other things outside of my role in the Union. For instance, in Magdalen, I actually reformed their non-academic disciplinary procedure, including cases of sexual violence, to try and provide judgments within 28 days.The biggest change I’d like to enact in my term is to actually launch a Union outreach program. At the moment we facilitate some state school visits, but I’d be really, really keen to launch a program of outreach events to use [the] Union’s resources for the social good. I was on UNIQ in 2019, [and] I actually attended the Union.

The Union was one of the reasons why I came to Oxford. I found it to be really, really profound and transformative.

MD: I think it’s the clarity of the vision I have for the presidency, [which] I’m very confident in.

The main thing I pledge is how

we can make union events more engaging again. My biggest idea about this is to have the dispatch boxes, which we have in debates, also there at speaker events to allow [people who have questions] to come down like a metre apart from the speaker, ask them the question, and then get an instant right to reply, which I think would create something far more exciting for every member.

I’m pretty confident that that system will allow these speakers to be properly challenged, which will then also mean that the Union can move away from scandals into positive press and into doing something good for society by getting the brightest students in Oxford to debunk the views of, or just challenge, politicians and hold them to account. I think that’s kind of what the Union’s for. And so I think the biggest reason that people should vote for me on Friday is because they want to see that kind of Union. I’ve fulfilled more pledges than

any other candidate. I have a track record of doing what I say I’m going to do rather than just promising big, airy, fluffy things. I think that if you’re voting for me, you can be confident that I’ve got a clear idea of how to make the place better.

AA: What sets you apart from your opponent?

DD: That’s quite a cheeky question! I mean ultimately in my opinion, I have served on the Union committee for far longer.

I’ve done far more for the days of work for the Union. I’ve got more speakers to come to the Union. I’ve served on Access for more terms. I’ve been involved in more membership drives and fundraising as well.

So obviously I think what sets me apart is partly my range of experiences, having served initially as a disabilities officer, and then working my way right up to now being the Librarian.

I’ve [also] got stronger experience outside of the Union,

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Friday 25 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

Section Editors: Charlie Aslet, Lay Mohan, Samuel King

are good and that you’ll do a good thing for the job. I think that the way I’ve campaigned this term has been reflective of that - I haven’t involved myself in a clash of personalities in any candidate, but rather kept very factual to what I’m bringing to the table. People get membership not to get hacked, but they get membership to catch great events.

AA: If you make a serious mistake as President, would you resign?

[which] I think is really crucial, because it means that I have, in my opinion, a broad range of experiences that would set me up.

MD: I think what sets me apart is the vision that I’ve just told you about. I think the other thing which sets me apart from Daniel is just that the Union’s the only thing I’ve done since being in Oxford. I have a lot of respect for all of the many brilliant things he’s done. But I think I have a hundred percent commitment to the Union.

The sheer involvement the Union has had in my life has meant that I think about it so much that I’m able to come up with really innovative solutions to problems. The other thing I’d say is, I’m really proud of pledging to create Access membership scholarships, channelling alumni donations into paying for Access memberships. The costs of running the union will never be able to make it truly accessible to everyone unless we do something about access membership scholarships.

AA: What is your approach to student press? What would you do to commit to transparency and accountability as President?

DD: I think it’s legitimate. Ultimately they are providing a function for students in Oxford and that is how I always approach them - I try to engage with them as much as possible.

It’s certainly not appropriate for me to provide a running commentary in the press. My

first responsibility is to the members and they should be coming to meetings, holding me to account. My principle [is] acknowledging the legitimacy of the student press [and] acknowledging the fact that being President of the Oxford Union is a position of responsibility.

MD: I think that student press are an integral part of the fabric of Oxford. I think that the Union deserves to be and should be scrutinised by the student press. I have made comments in the student press about decisions made in the Union and leadership, which I entirely stand by, because I think that when people spend the money to buy membership, they deserve to know what’s going on.

I think that also it’s important that no student press outlet is given priority over another.

I would welcome all student press to come to debates [and] speaker events.

AA: What comment would you make about the claim that the Union prioritises politics and personal electoral success over debating and speaker events?

DD: I believe certainly at the moment, the Union is generally populated by those who are politically minded. My focus is ultimately always on the members. I’ve tried to focus on issues that I feel are really important every term that I’ve been on committee - some of the things like introducing specialist support, assistant board members of the committee, trying to make vacation

work more flexible for committee members. These are things that are really important to me, I want to make the Union safe and accessible and obviously [these things] are my priorities over politics. I’ve tried to stay out of the politics as best as possible and honestly again, my focus should always be serving the members, rather than anything else.

MD: I think that for me, my priority is very much to do the most for the members. The members joined the society, not because they really want a lot of electoral drama and to facilitate people climbing up a greasy pole, but because they want to see good events. I think that if the Union has fallen short on these things, that it’s a culture in the Union that I definitely seek to change. Elections should be something you have to do to prove that your ideas

DD: I think it depends on what the mistake is. Ultimately, you know, if I made a mistake, the first thing I’m going to be doing is consulting my team. Obviously I need to hold the confidence of my team to be able to serve in my office. Also, I’d be speaking to the staff, to try and get different perspectives on what the most appropriate way forward is. Ultimately, I want to try and solve issues and to take responsibility. But I do listen to members’ feedback and take it incredibly seriously. Honestly, if it was an incredibly serious mistake and that confidence was not present and I was not able to rebuild trust, I’d certainly consider resignation, if that is the most appropriate step.

MD: Yeah. If I did something that I believe goes against the mandate for why I got elected, I would absolutely resign. I think that that’s the right thing for any President to do. I think when a President has lost the confidence of the members and their committee, people will start talking about trying to impeach people or hold vote of no confidence - that’s what

makes the Union a really toxic place, where people who feel that they are no longer able to serve under someone because of a serious mistake they’ve made. So if I did something which went against the values that I’ve stood by in my election and against the kind of culture I was trying to promote, I would absolutely resign.

AA: Any closing comments?

DD: I suppose from a personal perspective, I would just say that I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I know it will sound insincere, but genuinely - I am the first in my immediate family to go to university. I have a disability. I went to a state comprehensive school. All of those things made my journey to Oxford more difficult and it genuinely is surreal at points.

Whatever happens, I hope I’ll learn from this experience. Ultimately, if you have confidence in me, please go and vote.

MD: I think the passing words I’d say to anyone who feels inclined to go and vote, is just to think what do you care about in the union and which candidate has put forward a plan that you most agree with and has a track record of getting things done. I think depending on your views, that’s a rationale which either myself or Dan could get votes on, but I think that’s just the way elections should be conducted.

The Oxford Union election is on Friday of 7th Week (November 25th) Members will be able to vote in the Union from 8.30am to 9pm. Answers have been edited for clarity.

19 | Features

Section Editors: Charlie Aslet, Anna Lee Deputy Editors: Daniel Kovacs, Ciaron Tobin, Anvee Bhutani features@oxfordstudent.com

By Sean White

I

t is often asked, usually as a rhetorical or philosophical (or most accurately tautological) question - what is it that makes humans human? Obviously, the answer is the ability to pick, out of a four by four grid, squares which contain traffic lights or boats or some such thing. Bizarre, but perhaps this is a symptom of the human desire and ability to categorise. And I would argue that an interesting, though often overlooked facet of this, is the categorisation of time across the year: the calendar.

Originating in ancient times, probably as a tool to measure the agricultural cycle and to aid in farming - although rapidly developing religious significance - calendars have existed since the stone age. Many of the megaliths, such as Stonehenge, left to us from that time essentially function as calendars, although they almost certainly had ritual significance. Examples of such feats of stone age civil engineering aligning with the heavens are to be found across the world.

Calendars have since then been intimately connected to religion, with much astronomical progress motivated by the need to predict

The Year Through the Years:

A History of the Calendar and successful examples of a calendar reform was the switch from the Julian to Gregorian calendar in 1582, a necessary change to keep the calendar in line with the seasons, although being promulgated by the Catholic church, it was not adopted in Britain until 1752. It is an example of the modern utopian and universalist impulse that is documented by the more recent history of calendar reform.

It is essentially arbitrary how one sorts time, and there is no mathematically ‘nice’ way to do it, since the year contains 365.2422 days.

Indeed, Oxford itself has its own sort of separate calendar, with numbered weeks and an ignorance of Bank Holidays, although I am informed that in the other place they engage in such weird rituals as starting a week on a Thursday. Anyway, here are some of my favourite (in the sense of finding them the most interesting, rather than endorsement) reforms: The French Republican Calendar One of the aims of the French revolution was to rationalise and secularise France. The same impulse that created the metric system, that is still with us today, also metricised time, creating a day of 10hrs, divided into 100 minutes subdivided into 100 seconds. Weeks, called décades, were also made of ten days, with one and a half days rest per décade, as opposed to Sundays. Unfortunately the French peasantry were unable to realise that 3/20 > 1/7, and, in a tradition the French farmers continue to this day, protested. This element was removed, and the calendar as a whole was abandoned after year 14, with 1792 as year 1.

The Calendar also had twelve months of thirty days interspersed

“the history of calendar reform gives a portal into the urge to universalism and the desire to rationalise, both good and bad” the occurrences of various religious festivals. One of the most famous,

Features

Friday 25 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

with five or six festivals. These called poetically, Vendémiaire, Brumaire, Frimaire, Nivôse, Pluviôse, Ventôse, Germinal, Floréal, Prairial, Messidor, Thermidor and Fructidor. Like a meteorological variant of Snow White’s dwarves, they semi-translate into English, as Wheezy, Sneezy, Freezy, Slippy, Drippy Nippy, Showery, Flowery, Bowery, Hoppy, Croppy and Poppy. Thermidor is perhaps the best known of these months, being the first, although not the last, entity to connect reactionaries with lobsters. Part of the purpose of the calendar was to secularise France, and therefore Saints Days were all replaced with the names of agricultural produce: today is the day of the [editors please look this up for when you publish this].

The Soviet Calendar A similar desire to revolutionise, rationalise and secularise was found in the Soviet Union. Russia switched from the Gregorian to Julian calendar in February 1918. However in 1929, in an effort to diminish religion and increase productive output, the Soviets embarked on the continuous week of five days, with different groups of workers getting different days off. These were randomly assigned, without any attention to family, and were no more productive, being quickly abandoned in favour of six day non-continuous work weeks in two years’ time. Indeed, the idea of a calendric clean slate has been common to communist regimes, with the Khmer Rouge and North Korea adopting a year 0, inspired by the French Republican Calendar.

The World Calendar The final example of utopian and universalist, though decidedly less revolutionary, impulses was the creation of the League of Nations in 1920 and its successor, the United Nations, in 1945. One of the many things the League sought to reform was the calendar, discussing in 1930 a proposal by an American, Elisabeth Achelis, to regularise the months of the year by creating four with 31 days and eight with 30. This

would have greatly aided in accounting, as the four quarters would have had the same length. After the war, it received interest from the United Nations in 1955. Its fate however is telling – it was essentially vetoed by the US, as it contained fixed weeks within a year, and therefore had days outside of the weeks, which the American government felt to burden religions that celebrated a day of rest every seven days, to which its people adhered.

In the end, we are left with the Gregorian calendar. It is a testament to the power of religion to propagate norms and stifle reform, and the attempts, both intentional and not, of reforms to stifle religion. However, the history of calendar reform gives a portal into the urge to universalism and the desire to rationalise, both good and bad. All these calendars have been attempts to chop up the earth year – perhaps, I will write a sequel to this column about calendar proposals in space.

The Oxford Student | Friday 25 November 2022

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23 | Entertainment

Ghosts, Giggles and a Drag Queen: Review of Blithe Spirit (9-12 Nov) Susie Barrows

”Charles and Ruth Condomine are married and in love. No skeletons in the closet, no siree. But when they invite kooky medium Madame Arcati to their house to watch a séance, Arcati *accidentally* brings Charles’s husband, Evelyn, back from the dead. That is, objectively, not a good vibe; Theresa Caputo would never. So Charles is stuck in a house with his dead husband and his all-too-alive wife – what could POSSIBLY go wrong?!”

Enter tainment

Editors: Susie Barrows, Jonah Poulard, Duoys Li, Charlie Bowden, Martin Alfonsin Larsen, Carla Messinger

Friday 11 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

And most importantly, without this adaptation, we would not have the nearly show-stealing performance from Daniel McNamee in the role of Evelyn. Swaggering onto the stage in a classic representation of the jealous ex-lover (albeit separated by death, not divorce, adding a layer of surrealism and originality to this commonly used

completely inspired move, A² Productions cast in the role of Madame Acarti the fabulous Alfred Dry, otherwise known as Miss Take. And the show was undeniably stolen as soon as she strutted on stage in a platinum blonde wig the size of which would make Tracy Turnblad weep from envy,

“A witty, lively sendup of married life and human relationships with a dash of eccentric paranormal formance from Madame Arcati ultimately presents us with the most sensible character in the whole play – except, perhaps, the poor servant, Edith (Grace Gordon), who really just wanted to go to bed.

So says the Facebook event which encourages you to go and see director Alex Foster of A² Productions’ latest, and last, student play, Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit. To answer the last question, after watching the opening night: a lot in terms of the plot, but nothing in terms of performance.

Blithe Spirit was shown at the Keble O’Reilly Theatre from 9th-12th November 2022.

“A portrayal of queer relationships where the queerness is not used as a plot point but merely accepted as a given was refreshing to watch.”

Adapting Coward’s original play to rewrite Charles as bisexual, with former wife Elvira now former husband Evelyn, removes an unsavoury aspect of the play – the latent misogyny behind the portrayal of two bickering women, bickering specifically over the affections of a man. Both spouses, in this production, are as equally silly as each other by the end: their respective gender is a moot point. It also, of course, offers ever-important representation of bisexuality, something not contested at all within the play. A portrayal of queer relationships where the queerness is not used as a plot point but merely accepted as a given was refreshing to watch.

A witty, lively send-up of married life and human relationships with a dash of eccentric paranormal activity, A² Productions’ Blithe Spirit is a must-see this term. It leaves us with the ironic twist, reflecting on the differences between appearance and reality of human nature, that the exquisitely absurd per-

CAST:

trope), every expression and movement seemed natural and yet calculated for the role. And how could I forget his scene partner Sian Lawrence in the role of Ruth Condomine, whose dry humour bounced off both Evelyn and Charles to offer satirical and sharp exchanges which were highly amusing to watch.

“Like going to see a play and getting a free drag show thrown in for the price” I say nearly show-stealing, however, because in a

skyscraping heels and skin-tight clothing. In full drag (both appearance and character-wise), Dry offered the exact level of absurdity needed for Madame Acarti, the so-called ‘kooky medium’, to the point where you begin to wonder how it was ever performed by someone who was not a drag queen. Like going to see a play and getting a free drag show thrown in for the price, Dry’s performance alone makes it worth the ticket fee. But alongside an incredible cast of talented actors, each bringing their own beautifully executed comedic flair, it’s a play that will leave you giggling throughout.

Michael Freeman as Charles Condomine Sian Lawrence as Ruth Condomine Daniel McNamee as Evelyn Condomine Ethan Bareham as Dr Bradman Florence Purcell as Mrs Bradman Grace Gordon as Edith Miss Take (Alfred Dry) as Madame Acarti Director: Alex Foster Assistant Director: Lucas Angeli Associate Director: Alex HopkinsMcquillan Producer: Bella Simpson Costume: Mia Beechey Set: Teegan Riches and Jigyasa Anand Lighting: Evie Cakebread Sound: Cyrus Gilmartin Welfare: Emily Jones Illustration credits: Yii-Jen Deng

Entertainment | 24

The Oxford Student | Friday 11 November 2022

UK Hun?

The Rundown on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 4 Charlie Bowden

E

verybody has different ways of getting through the intense Oxford term. Some might treat themselves to an ice cream after finishing an essay, others might disappear into a nightclub until the early hours of the morning. My weekly pick-me-up has been tuning into BBC Three on a Thursday evening for some high-quality and high camp entertainment.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is the BAFTA-nominated British version of the Emmy-winning American reality competition series which sees drag queens battling it out to make it to the top and win the crown. In America they also win a substantial cash prize but BBC

rules mean that the Brit winners receive a paltry web show as a reward. Them’s the breaks when you’re publicly funded.

“The magic of Drag Race UK has always been its casting.”

The show is judged by its namesake, drag icon RuPaul, alongside Michelle Visage (best known in the UK for appearing on Strictly and Celebrity Big Brother) and UK icons Graham Norton and Alan Carr. Since Drag Race UK’s fourth series is rapidly approaching its conclusion, it felt like high time for a retrospective on an actionpacked instalment of the beloved

franchise.

The magic of Drag Race UK has always been its casting. Producers are able to pick the shining stars of the British drag scene and fashion them into even bigger stars, complete with memorable catch phrases and iconic outfits. This year’s series has been no different. The show’s finalists are Black Peppa, a Birmingham queen originally from the Caribbean and the drag daughter of Drag Race royalty Mo Heart; Cheddar Gorgeous, a drag icon from Manchester who is the first Drag Race contestant to hold a doctoral degree; Danny Beard, a Liverpool legend who recently performed to a packed crowd at the Jolly Farmers in Oxford; and Jonbers Blonde from Belfast who has performed with the likes of Sam Smith, Nadine Coyle, and Melanie C. Other notable queens on this series include Baby from South London, who quit the competition to focus on her own mental health; Sussex’s Dakota Schiffer, the first trans woman to compete on Drag Race UK; and Starlet, originally from South Africa, who had one of her outfits dubbed one of the best the show has ever seen by RuPaul herself.

The on-screen icons don’t stop there. Drag Race UK has previously seen the likes of Andrew Garfield, Dawn French and Matt Lucas join the panel, but series 4 might take the cake in terms of guest judges. This Morning presenter and all-around icon

Alison Hammond, Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and Dame Joanna Lumley are just a few of the big names who have graced the Drag Race stage this year.

Individual moments of television mastery are what make Drag Race memorable, and this series has certainly not lacked in that department. Whether it’s Black Peppa and Danny Beard’s rival Mr. Blobbys for the BBC centenary runway, Manchester mannequin Sminty Drop forgetting the words to her own song verse, Brighton curse breaker Pixie Polite’s hauntingly accurate Kim Woodburn impression or first boot Just May’s final words on the runway (“get f*cked”), the magic of the show always comes when you least expect it.

“But that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Some fans have derided the fourth series for feeling more predictable than previous years...”

UK drag is not as renowned for fashion as its American counterpart but that didn’t stop the queens of series 4 from strutting their stuff in supremely stunning looks. Black Peppa took the win in the first challenge for her delectable Cadburys-inspired gown, complete with a sculpted chocolate headpiece. The next week, Cheddar Gorgeous dazzled the judges with her neon fungi fashion before Baby and Dakota snatched the third challenge win with their complementary self-made outfits.

Sminty made a statement with her elegant moth-inspired outfit before sashaying away, and the next week Danny Beard tore the roof off the runway with an extravagant and camp homage to Little Shop of Horrors. Le Fil’s high fashion for the tickled pink category made her elimination in the same episode all the more heartbreaking, but Cheddar’s tender message on the runway about HIV helped her snatch the win for Snatch Game.

There have been many other im-

portant statements made through fashion this series, ranging from Jonbers’ artistic take on the importance of drag to Copper Topp’s runway reclamation of slurs used against her in the past. Seeing these queens translate their artistry into the high standard of fashion the show calls for is very rewarding.

But that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Some fans have derided the fourth series for feeling more predictable than previous years and the poor quality of its challenges. Finalists Cheddar and Danny are so far ahead of everybody else that it’s almost impossible to root for anyone to realistically win beyond them, and fans have branded the recent Big Brother-inspired acting challenge the worst of the entire franchise. There was also some confusion on the panel in one episode where RuPaul was absent for unexplained reasons and Michelle Visage stepped in to host the show. Some have also derided the judges’ supposed favouritism of Jonbers Blonde, who is the only finalist in this series not to have won any challenges. Even the contestants themselves have said that Jonbers should have been up for elimination in one episode.

However, these small criticisms do not take away from the overall experience of the show. There is something special about Drag Race UK, with its runaway success having been credited with bringing BBC Three back on the air as a full channel. Queens clamour to be cast on the show, celebrities delight in making guest appearances, and fans like me will never get tired of watching. Drag Race UK crowns its fourth winner this week in the presence of previous victors The Vivienne, Lawrence Chaney and Krystal Versace. With its future assured in the form of a fifth series confirmed to be airing next year, you can’t help but think back to its fairly humble 2019 beginnings. All they had was RuPaul, ten queens and a dream. It’s become a reality.

Image Credits: Loren Javier via Flickr, Alexander Grey via Pexels

FOOD&DRINK

Food od & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink Food & Drink

The Oxford Student | Friday 25 November

Editors: Jonah Poulard, Nina Holguin, Duoya Li oxstu.food@gmail.com

Food and Drink | 25

Cocktail Time

The Joys of Campari

Jonah Poulard

T

his week’s Cocktail Time focuses on the definitive summer classic cocktail, the Negroni. It’s to be sipped gently under the shade of a parasol in a quaint Italian town. Light, fresh and bitter enough to keep you aware of how much you’re drinking, the Negroni has it all.

The key ingredient to a Negroni, the one that affirms its Negroniness is Campari. Campari is one of the oldest amari, hailing from Piedmont and made since the mid19th century. You may not have heard of Campari, but you likely will have of Aperol, Campari’s sweeter cousin. Both are characterised by a bright red/orange colour and notes of citrus zest.

Ap and Cam stand slightly alone in the amaro family, which just is Italian for ‘bitter’, in their powerful bright colours. Until comparatively recently, 2006 that is, Campari used to dye its product with that weird bright red cochineal paste, you know, the one in ketchup.

The bulk of amari are consumed as digestifs, in place of something like limoncello to end a classic four-hour Mediterranean dinner out, but Aperol and Campari are more commonly used in spritzes or other light cocktails as aperitifs.

Although Aperol and Campari are by far the most famous amari internationally, some others in the family should not be overlooked.

A personal favourite of mine is Amaro del Capo, a sweeter, thicker liqueur with distinct herbal notes that serves as a dessert in and of itself.

Fernet-Branca is another classic, with a sizable reputation for being quite horrible, but I would give it a shot (unintended). Its sister drink Branca-Menta is more palatable to most due to the addition of mint, although the signature Fernet taste is still very present. Averna and Montenegro are popular too, widely used in cocktails and drunk neat alike. A bar called Amaro recently opened on Kensington High St and is well worth a visit if you’re a fan.

“There’s really no end to what you can do with a Negroni...”

Anyway, amaro digression finished, back to the cocktail of the hour, or of the time, rather. The Negroni has its roots in the helpfully named Count de Negroni, who decided to spice up his Americano with gin, instead of the traditional soda water. Must have been a tough day. He quite liked it, and clearly so did quite a few other people, so here we are.

The recipe for a Negroni is deceptively basic: stir (of course) 1 oz (30ml) each of Campari, gin and sweet vermouth. Pour into a rocks glass with a good amount of ice, the bigger the better. Orange zest garnish. If you’re low on ice or in a rush, simply building in the glass is just as good.

A Boulevardier with a superfluously grand twist.

A bottle of Amaro del Capo purchased by the author in Florence.

But, of course, it doesn’t end there. Since the template is so simple, the Negroni is ripe for variations. My personal favourite is the Boulevardier, mainly because of how fun it is to say. Just switch the gin for whisky (usually rye) and enjoy. Some people like to increase the spirit measure and decrease

the Campari and vermouth to keep the drink balanced.

The riff you may have in mind is the Negroni Sbagliato (literally just a ‘wrong’, ‘mistaken’ or personal favourite ‘erroneous’ Negroni). For some reason, it’s gone viral as a TikTok soundtrack. These things do tend to be random. The drink simply substitutes the gin with prosecco, and there you are, some sort of Negroni spritz. A thank you to Emma d’Arcy for getting the Negroni’s fine name further out there.

A good-looking but incorrectly garnished Negroni.

Bastardising a classic cocktail by messing with the measures, accepting vodka over gin, shaking a spirit only drink, serving up with a wedge (?!) not a twist does not make you suave, buddy. Untuck that polo shirt now! Oops, did it anyway.

Hopefully this edition of Cocktail Time has shed some light on the wonderful world of amari and Negroni, so go on, brave the Campari and fall in love with it.

Cheers!

A poorly-photographed Negroni and The Goat (goat not pictured).

Another class variation is the Negroni and the Goat, a modern twist on the classic by a bar named The Girl and The Goat, thus the name.

Instead of Campari, the cocktail calls for Aperol and Averna, resulting in a deeper, but less bitter flavour profile. Originally served straight up, the dark, silky look of the drink makes it a classy Halloween drink, especially if you want to lean into the cabbalistic associations of the goat part.

There’s really no end to what you can do with a Negroni: switch up the base spirit, switch up the amaro, experiment with infusions.

I came across a bar in Riga’s delightful Art Nouveau quarter that listed no fewer than 24 different Negroni-i. I went for the Green Negroni (number 15), which was very green, and also delicious with the unmistakable gentian taste of (big) Suze. Eisenstein’s architectural masterworks became a mere sideshow for the five minutes I took to drink it.

Oh dear, I’ve rambled on for so long that I don’t have space to slam Stanley Tucci for his genuinely abhorrent Negroni recipe.

Image credits: Isabella Mendes on pexels.com, Jonah Poulard Illustration credits: Yii-Jen Deng

Mandingo Bitters, a popular Ghanaian spirit that closely resembles Campari.

Unrelated but interesting.

A famous bit of Riga Art Nouveau, as previously mentioned.

SciTech

Friday 25 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

26 | SciTech

Editors: Emily Hudson, Nicole Hasler oxstu.science@gmail.com

A bird in the hand is worth $44 billion:

Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover and what it means

by Nicole HASLER

A

fter months of negotiations, Elon Musk is finally the new owner of Twitter.

The engineer of Tesla and SpaceX fame is hailed as a visionary by his fans, but has come under fire for some of the changes he’s made at the social media company. There are also concerns about Twitter’s future: Musk is notoriously unpredictable, and users of the platform worry that Twitter in its current form may have no place in his utopian, sci-fi version of the future.

Even the deal to buy Twitter was chaotic.

After purchasing 9 percent of the company’s shares in early April, Musk made a $44 billion offer to buy Twitter outright, and the board accepted his offer later that month. This is the deal most people will have heard about, many, like me, probably assumed this would be the end of the story.

But Musk suddenly lost interest in buying the social media platform, and attempted to walk away from the deal, accusing Twitter of making misleading statements about user numbers and the number of spam accounts. As soon as Musk announced his intention to withdraw from the deal, the company’s stock value plummeted, and Twitter, now devalued by the bust of a deal they hadn’t initiated, sued Musk for breaching the terms of the binding acquisition agreement he’d signed earlier in the year. Faced with legal action, Musk eventually backtracked and agreed to buy the company for the originally agreed $44 billion.

The billionaire attempted to gloss over the fact that he’d essentially been forced to buy Twitter, posting photos of himself carrying a bathroom sink into the company’s headquarters with the caption: “Entering Twitter HQ – let that sink in,” and by briefly changing his Twitter bio to “Chief Twit”, but the damage was already done: Twitter’s brand had been damaged, and, more crucially, Musk’s reputation for erratic behaviour had been solidified.

Following the closing of the deal, it was clear to most inside the industry that big changes were coming. Elon Musk is well-known for his profit-maximising approach

to the companies he runs. Nonetheless, the scale of the changes was unprecedented. He decided to lay off almost half of Twitter’s existing staff, with employees being informed of their job status by email after their access to offices and internal systems was cut off overnight. This large-scale firing

Twitter must not be allowed to become a “dystopian hellscape” affected the top levels of Twitter’s management as well, with the chief executive, chief financial officer, general council, and head of legal policy, trust and safety all being fired. Musk also laid off 75 percent of the content moderation team, which attempt to reduce misinformation on the platform, and fired all of the human rights team, actions which have been criticised by many as reckless.

The job cuts Musk has initiated seem harsh (and even potentially illegal – several class-action lawsuits for unlawful termination are in the works) but are perhaps more understandable in the context of the difficulties the social media industry is facing. Slowing global economic growth has led many firms to cut their advertising budgets, and as most of the tech sector relies on advertising as its main source of income, the industry is struggling.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has recently announced plans to lay off over 10 percent of its workforce, and others in Silicon Valley are likely to follow suit.

It seems Musk is acutely aware of the problems with relying on advertising for the majority of Twitter’s income. He has announced that he intends to reduce the contribution of ads to Twitter’s revenue, which is currently 90 percent, to below 50 percent. His plan is to compensate for this by increasing revenue from subscriptions to Twitter’s premium “Twitter Blue” service, and by charging users for verification of their accounts (although this is currently on hold after parody accounts,

including one for Jesus, were given a blue tick of verification).

These plans seem sensible given the difficulties the industry is facing, but some of Musk’s other intentions for the platform have faced more scrutiny. Musk has stated that he is strongly in favour of free speech being allowed to prevail on the platform, and that he “wants to fix Twitter’s strongly left-wing bias”. These statements, coupled with his drastic staff cuts in the content moderation sector, have led platform users to worry that hateful and abusive content will be allowed to proliferate. This concern is shared by the European Parliament. Some members of the Parliament have stated

that Twitter must not be allowed to become a “dystopian hellscape” and that they won’t tolerate breaches of EU law in the name of free speech. Some members are pushing for Musk to be called in front of the European Parliament for a hearing to ensure he is aware of his legal obligations.

The controversy around Musk’s intention to promote free speech is perhaps driven by the uncertainty surrounding his definition of free speech, and his slightly dodgy track record when it comes to tolerating free speech directed against him.

In 2018, British caver Vernon Unsworth was involved in the rescue of 12 boys trapped in a mine in Thailand. The plight of the boys was heavily featured in the media, and Musk himself got wind of it and suggested building a small submarine to assist in the rescue. After Unsworth dismissed the idea and accused Musk of using the issue as a PR stunt, Musk

retaliated by calling him a “pedo guy” on Twitter. When the caver brought a defamation case against him, Musk hired a famous lawyer and won the case.

This incident may have been forgotten in the whirlwind around the Twitter deal, but it does seem to suggest that the Tesla CEO is not open to free speech when it involves criticism of his actions.

Musk is also known to be openly against trade union activities, and has fired Tesla employees for attempting to organise with unions online.

More concerningly, he has used Twitter itself to mislead investors and manipulate Tesla’s share price. Considering all these incidents, it seems that the new owner of Twitter is keenly aware of the power of free speech, and that he has no qualms about suppressing it when it benefits him. He also has a tendency to lash out against causes he personally disagrees with: in his tweets, he has criticised pretty much everything under the sun, including both the Democratic and Republican parties, trade unions, Covid restrictions, and “pronouns”. Musk himself thus has a history of inflaming the type of vicious debate that can make Twitter such a difficult platform to use, which may not bode well for its future content moderation.

“Musk himself thus has a history of inflaming the type of vicious debate that can make Twitter such a difficult platform to use” The uncertainty surrounding Musk’s definition of free speech and his intentions with Twitter have already had financial consequences. Twitter has experienced a drop in ad revenue since Musk took over, which he claims is due to activist groups pressuring advertisers to stop working with the company. Several companies have refuted his claims,

stating that their withdrawal has more to do with Musk’s own actions and their concerns over content moderation on the site.

Musk, however, does not seem too bothered by the criticism of his actions. Rather, his immense wealth has allowed him to tune out most critics and push forward with his own plans, whatever the cost.

The second-richest man in the world (or sometimes the richest, depending on whether Jeff Bezos is having a good week or not) has so far able to shake off defamation lawsuits, breaches of contracts, and federal regulators without too much bother. Harvard historian Jill Lepore describes this phenomenon as a form of “extreme capitalism”, in that it is quite feudalist: there is a sense that there is a class of people like Musk that are educated and rich, and therefore can do whatever they want; and that the rest of humanity is subject to different laws. She sees extreme capitalism as the cause of a much bigger problem, which is that Musk and Bezos, the two wealthiest people in the world, seem to have decided on their own that human beings should colonise space. The question of whether human beings should build colonies on Mars or the moon is something that all of us have a stake in, and it seems bizarre that these two individuals get to decide our extra-terrestrial future.

Analysing Musk’s beliefs and behaviour thus raises questions not only about the future of Twitter and free speech, but also about what the role of wealthy individuals in making decisions that affect the whole of humanity should be.

How much power do we want them to have? Do they have a right to decide what free speech is?

It seems that with Twitter, Elon Musk may decide he has that right.

But it is here where Musk’s beloved free market capitalism may serve to reign him in: with advertisers withdrawing their funds and other social media companies competing with Twitter for users, he may be forced to make some compromises after all.

Illustration credits: Harriet Ho

The Oxford Student | Friday 11 November 2022

Editors: Milo Dennison (senior); Katie Hulett, Siddiq Islam (section). oxstu.green@gmail.com

Green

Green | 27

Is ‘Nature’ an Acceptable Moral Standard?

by Oliver Fletcher

H

uman history could be characterised as one giant attempt to escape the ravages of the natural world. We have built houses to shelter from the elements, tamed the bounties of the earth with agriculture, and through medicine our ingenuity has allowed our lives to be extended far beyond what was imaginable in prehistoric times.

We have even revolted against the ‘natural’ function of the market mechanism, providing security and shelter to those otherwise in danger of going without.

Given the striking absence of ‘nature’ in the moral structure of human society, I find the traction gathered by the extreme organicist ‘rewilding’ movement presents an interesting juxtaposition.

Sparked by Isabella Tree’s Wilding, a book documenting the rewilding experiment on the Knepp estate, farms all over England are now being taken completely out of production and left to become unmanaged wildlands, supposedly for the benefit of the climate and the wildlife living on them.

The National Trust, for example, is ending tenancy agreements on its property, while carbon-offsetting initiatives see companies buying up land for the same purposes.

Interestingly, vegan activists have also endorsed this, with Earthling Ed saying we should ‘pay farmers to restore, reforest and rewild their farmland’ where consumable crops can’t be grown. Even where human management is deemed unconscionable, ‘nature’ is championed as a preferable alternative. The idea that land be taken completely out of production is to return it to a state of non-management not seen since before the Iron Age in the UK, which at first glance is concerning given we have many millions more mouths to feed than before the Romans first visited the island.

Tree’s Wilding is a deeply triumphalist work (the only apparent mistakes made during the experimental wilding of Knepp were either a product of government intervention or a lack of

public funding), but does offer some insights into the condition of animals existing outside human management. The wild cattle, integral to the ecosystem, and subject to Tree’s ‘non-interventionist ethos’ meaning ‘heifers [young female cows] sometimes as young as six or seven months old were being covered by bulls. There was a risk that a heifer might gestate a comparatively large calf and her immaturity could lead to problems giving birth’.

Understandably, Tree uses careful language here. ‘Covered’ is a delicate way of describing an immature female being impregnated by a grown male and then being ripped apart from the inside by her calf. This is invariably fatal for the calf, and often the mother

too. But Tree reassures the reader: ‘we had two such calving problems in a herd of 50 cows and heifers over eight years – very little in the scheme of things.’ To anyone with shred of empathy, the fact this happened at all, never mind twice, is unconscionable.

Animals, like people, deserve to be protected from unnecessary harm when possible. Fortunately, management of herds on conventional farms makes events like this virtually unheard of.

Thankfully, DEFRA intervened, separating the bulls and heifers

at Knepp. But the condition of the animals more broadly is still cause for concern. The first spring, Tree observed ‘the cows had lost a little weight – to be expected over

winter – but browsing heavily on twigs and vegetation they were robust and healthy… [they had] no calving problems, other than one accident – a calf born beside the river, had fallen in and drowned.’

This preventable death of

Like humans, cows are fond of shelter. In wind and rain, they shelter by hedges and under trees.

In winter, they like to be tucked away in their warm sheds with their friends, with food brought to them. There is a video on the Tom Pemberton’s YouTube channel that demonstrates this, entitled ‘Can this be the future of dairy farming?’ The cows featured are able to graze outside 18 hours a day, perusing the fields for grass to eat. But as soon as food is put in their shed, the cows eagerly rush inside, much preferring grass to be dumped in front of them. You can see how keen they are, all lining up within a

a new-born serves to illustrate my previous point.

minute.

While proponents of rewilding might consider it proper that animals be kept freezing and underfed outside during the worst months of the year, it is clear the cows would rather be in the comfort of a shed.

Cows do not eat twigs by choice.

They are ruminant animals (‘primarily grazers’ as Tree herself states), meaning they eat grass.

Resorting to eating twigs implies a state of desperation, as does the fact they lost weight. If a human was made to stay outside in the elements all winter and lost weight, surviving only by eating tree bark it would clearly be a case of neglect. These cows were starved – losing weight through scarcity of food is not a pleasant experience.

I write this as I fear people do not realise just how extreme the organicist philosophy behind rewilding is. At their most moderate, organicist principles undermine our food supply. With the help of artificial fertilisers, our population has swollen far beyond what organic agriculture can support.

The recent Sri Lankan fertiliser ban and subsequent catastrophe attest to this. But at this extreme, all pretence of agriculture is lost entirely. The condition of the soil (which scientific agriculture

“I write this as I fear people do not realise just how extreme the organicist philosophy behind rewilding is.”

necessarily protects, to maintain yields) and trees is championed not only over the human need for food but also above the wellbeing of the animals that reside upon it.

That our government is criticised for failing to keep people warm and fed during the cost-of-living crisis indicates a widely-held belief that people deserve shelter.

Why, then, should we not provide other empathetic animals, like cows, with similar protections?

The ’natural’ is not an adequate answer. Beyond the fact that ‘natural’ management essentially amounts to turning a blind eye to neglect, as the previous examples demonstrate, it is also impossible to recreate natural habitats for grazing animals where human civilisation exists. Grazing animals can only survive winters unsupported if they can browse over huge areas, which isn’t possible in the UK due to settlements and roads. The Oostvaardersplassen park in the Netherlands (an inspiration for Tree) has a perimeter fence preventing starving animals migrating elsewhere.

After a particularly harsh winter in 2005, public outcry over the mass starvation led to a culling. In the winter of 2017-18, 3,300 large grazing animals were saved from starvation … with bullets.

This is wasteful. Animals with economic value, as these culled grazers once had, can be afforded a reasonable standard of living.

We can provide them shelter, food, warmth, freedom to socialise and veterinary treatment, much as we do for people. But to subject them to a spartan existence in the name of ‘nature’ before shooting them is barbaric.

Is it ethical to use the slaughter value of animals to guarantee them a standard of living? This too raises prickly implications. But it remains, ‘nature’ should not be considered a justification for the neglect of animals, as it invariably leads to preventable suffering. I mean, would you forego all comfort and medical care to be ‘wild’?

Illustration credits: Yii-Jen Deng

28 | OxYou

Editors: Milo Dennison, Susie Barrows

OXYOU

Friday 25 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

A Guide to Returning Home for the Vac Susie BARROWS It’s almost that sad, sad time of term again – the end of it. Work is nearly done, but unfortunately, so is the fun and independence you have at uni, and before you know it you’re back in your childhood bedroom begging the one home friend who’s actually still in your hometown to hang out every day so that you don’t lose your mind entirely before the rest of them return from other unis/jobs. Luckily for you, I have some tips on how to make the most of returning home from Oxford.

1. ENTER HIBERNATION FOR A WEEK Everyone jokes about this, but it’s actually a necessary part of any Oxford degree.

Think of it as putting yourself on charge.

And make sure you mention to everyone you meet in your few waking hours of this week that you’re so tired, because, did they know, you just got back from Oxford (yes, you go to Oxford, did they know?) and the only thing getting you through the workload is the superiority complex you have about it.

2. EXCLUSIVELY WEAR STASH Once you’ve left your hibernation period and you resemble something more like a normal human than a 12-year-old who listens to My Chemical Romance and has just discovered black kohl eyeliner (read: the dark circles under your eyes have started to at least fade a little), now is the most important phase of returning from Oxford: reminding everyone that you go to Oxford.

The easiest way to do this is to wear stash around your hometown – think college puffers, sweatshirts from the Varsity Shop,

tote bags you got on the open day in 2019 (even if they’re the wrong college – no one’s going to know that), and essentially anything with the word Oxford slapped across the front. Even if no one in your hometown ever goes to Oxford and therefore thinks Merton is a London borough rather than an Oxford college, the feeling of smug superiority will override any of this ridiculous “logic”.

3. WAIT FOR YOUR HOME FRIENDS TO RETURN The hardest period of the vac – other unis don’t care about your silly eight-week terms and the fact you have to move back home at the end of every one of them. Your friends who go to other unis will not return for another two weeks at least. You spend every day doing very little and complaining about the fact they haven’t come home yet until they do.

clines by an extra 0.5% every day you’re at home, spend every waking hour reminding everyone that, not only do you go to Oxford (see step 2) but you desperately want to be back there and, although you have some cultural pride about your hometown, the 1960s brutalist office blocks just don’t quite compare to the glowing golden limestone of your Oxford college (unless you go to Catz, in which case you can skip this step altogether – just walk past your local comprehensive secondary school instead and you’ll feel right at home!).

6. COME BACK TO OXFORD Finally, the day you have circled dramatically on your calendar has arrived – the day you return to Oxford. As you drive through the golden streets, you feel your mental health being restored, the birds are singing, the sun is shining – until you get set your first essay, and you’re desperate for term to end again. The grass is always greener…

4. CAVE AND GO VISIT YOUR OXFORD FRIENDS INSTEAD It’s hard being separated from the people you trauma bond with see everyday for so long, especially when you’re still on step 3 and there’s no one at home to remind you that your social life does exist outside of this tiny historic city. This is achievable enough though – make one trip to London and you’ll be able to cover at least half of the people from your college.

5. SPEND THE WHOLE VAC COMPLAINING ABOUT HOW BADLY YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO OXFORD This one’s easy. As your mental health de-

S

TUDENTS STUDY IN LIBRARIES FUELED BY “WARM GLOW OF KNOWLEDGE TO SAVE ON HEATING COSTS

RADCLIFFE CAMERA – Several Oxford colleges have come under fire for requesting that students study in libraries to save on heating, amidst rising living costs.

Citing the greater efficiency of gathering students in one building, Vice Chancellor Richard Dickson defended the policy by explaining that Oxford libraries uniquely provided the “warm glow of knowledge”.

“Being surrounded by imposing tomes and dusty bookshelves gives you an added appreciation for the academic vigour of the university,” said Dickson, adding that he hoped sharing study spaces would spark “heated debates” amongst students about the subject material. Dickson also argued this would help unlock the “burning passion” espoused in many a personal statement.

It would also have the additional benefit of saving on heating costs, crucial to a university with an endowment well over £1 billion.

This decision has disappointed many students, who see this as failing to adequately address the impact of inflation.

One particular student organisation, the Advocates for Remote Studying – Oxford Network (ARSON) reportedly drafted several proposals that they planned to submit to university leadership. If colleges failed to take action, the group was prepared to “take matters into [their] own hands”.

In response to this statement, the Vice Chancellor was unavailable for comment. Reliable eyewitnesses allege that he was enjoying the comforting warmth of scholarly pursuits from his office at 22 degrees Celsius, unaware of the simmering tensions.

Soon MINH

BEST OF THE ROAST Rordon Gamsay

Sunday Roast is satirical and should not be taken as defamatory, nor does it reflect any political stance of the Oxford Student.

BREAKING: UNION SETS GOOD EXAMPLE The Union has this week set a perfect example to a large group of schoolchildren about the wonders of politics. After inviting them along on Thursday to witness a debate full of brilliant speeches and interesting discussions, the Union decided that rather than pretend British politics is nice and well-structured and mimic that, they’d give the students a real flavour of what politics is like.

To that end, they organised an impeachment motion for someone who’d not shown up for their job, let the person actually trying to make change

within the institution argue their case and then painted said person as the villain. Rordon thinks this was a brilliant example of modern British politics and commends the Union for their fine representation of Oxford. Rordon only hopes that the students involved won’t be discouraged from applying.

NO WAY: RORDON HAS A DEGREE You made it through sixth week. Congratulations! So did Rordon, just about. It was, however, one of the worst weeks of his life. It all started when his tutor demanded that he hand his essay in on the actual deadline – a shock the likes of which Rordon had never before experienced. Everyone knows the ‘deadline’ is really just the time you should have thought about starting to maybe have a glance over the pages-long reading list by.

But, alas, apparently his tutor did not share his sentiments because he’s “third year now” and

“needs to actually do work for his degree”, and Rordon was left pulling an all-nighter in the library and doing the most work he’d done in weeks (6 hours). It was horrible. Then, just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, he was told that there was, in fact, another essay due, five days after the first deadline. Rordon couldn’t even go out to Park End more than five nights that week – a truly terrible time.

And then, Rordon got the worst news of all.

Apparently in Trinity he has exams, that determine the grade of his entire degree and THEN he has to go and get a real job and work for the rest of his life and(Ed. Rordon did not get any further with the Sunday Roast before I found him rocking back and forth in a dark corner of the library where he was writing this. We hope his existential shock wears off soon. Mainly because we can’t find another columnist at this short notice.)

WOW: CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY Oxford has been full of surprises for Rordon this week. On Thursday, after a heavy night at Park End, he woke up to find, in his hungover state, that Broad Street was covered in little market stalls blasting Mariah Carey at maximum volume. If Mariah Carey was playing, this could mean only one thing… no way… had Rordon… slept until December? In shock, Rordon checked his phone. Oh. It was just the next day. Apparently Oxford just has no respect for Mariah Carey’s singular month of relevance. Merry Oxmas, he supposes?

The Oxford Student | Friday 25 November 2022

Gen Z | 29

Blane’s Style Files

GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE Blane AITCHISON EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z eing heavily featured in the GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN latest series of Netflix’s ‘The Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE Crown’, and with her ex-husEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z band recently becoming the King N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z of England, the public has once GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN again become enamoured with Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE Lady Diana Spencer – perhaps to the point of her mytholoEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z even gisation.

N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Even 25 years after her death, Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE one of the most enduring images EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z of Lady Diana is the dress she wore N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z to the Serpentine Gallery’s annual dinner party in 1994. AlGEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN summer though simple on paper, the black Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE cocktail dress and statement neckEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z lace combination is perhaps the N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z first example of ’revenge dressGEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN ing’ and has inspired numerous Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE headlines, countless fast-fashion and has been referenced in EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z copies, film and television on a myriad of N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z occasions, but what makes Diana’s GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN so-called ‘Revenge Dress/ such a Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE powerful image, and why did it EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z work so well?

N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z Firstly, the dress itself was deGEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN signed

by Christina Stambolian, Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE and it was in Princess Diana’s EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z wardrobe for 3 years before the N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z perfect opportunity to wear it reGEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN vealed itself. The designer herself Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE described the dress as being remiof the Black Swan Odile EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z niscent from Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z BLANEGEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEAITCHISONGEN Z EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE EN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z N Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GEN Z GE

Why it Worked: Princess Diana’s Revenge Dress

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Lake, and said it showed that Diana was no longer willing to be like the innocent White Swan Odette, as she was putting her full anger on display.

Then, the necklace, which was comprised of seven rows of pearls, and a fastener which was hidden behind a central sapphire and diamond cluster. This cluster of jewels had itself been a brooch originally, and it was given to Diana as a wedding present from the Queen Mother. This impressive statement choker had been worn by Diana several times before her outing to the Serpentine Gallery, most notably to the White House in 1985, where she danced with John Travolta. With this in mind, perhaps Diana was trying to re-capture the more playful and less serious aspects of herself following the stress of her husband’s ongoing infidelity, while also reminding the public of the marriage itself and how much its breakdown at her husband’s hands had affected her.

It could be said that one of most important parts of the ensemble wasn’t the outfit itself, but rather Diana’s confidence. Although the footage of her grand entrance lasts only a minute or so, Diana seems to know exactly what she’s doing

as she walks with purpose over to the host of the party, greets him and then continues into the venue. Any lack of confidence, or sheepish shuffling here would’ve destroyed the impact of the outfit, but instead, her assertive strides only magnify her message of “I’m over Charles, and I’m ready to have fun!”

The importance of Diana’s attitude in the outfit is obvious when compared to the pictures of Camilla wearing a poor imitation of the revenge outfit to The Ritz in London in 1995. In comparison, Camilla comes across as completely out of her depth, and the outfit is not only wearing her, but is making her look like a fool.

Finally, Diana managed to send her message without speaking a single word to the press. Even though her appearance at the event was broadcast just hours after her husband admitted to having an affair in the ITV documentary ‘Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role’ (which she declined to appear in or comment on), Diana managed to usurp him from the front page of many newspapers, with the press choosing the narrative that Charles was thoughtless for cheating on Diana, and that the outfit was proof that she was al-

ways the better-looking one in the marriage. In fact, the ever-astute newspaper The Sun decided to title their article “The Thrilla He Left to Woo Camilla.”

The papers called the dress itself all sorts of names, including the “I’ll Show You dress”, the “Serpentine Cocktail”, the “Vengeance Dress” and, most famously, the “Revenge Dress”, while fashion editors and reporters supposedly dubbed the dress the “Fuck You Dress”.

Overall, it seems that the success of the Revenge Dress can be attributed not only to Diana’s confidence, but also her ability to wear something that truly embodied the best version of herself. By combining her royal jewellery and a dress that wholly tore up the royal protocol, she showed the world that she was ready to be herself again, and not be defined by or constrained to her husband or the rest of the Royal Family.

Image Credit: The United States Federal Government via Wikimedia Commons

30 | Identity

Deputy Editor: Anmol Kejriwal Deputy Editor: Siddiq Islam identity@oxfordstudent.com

Identity

The Oxford Student | Friday 25th November 2022

“Black Elegance is a thing.”: Lavender Languages Maximillian Davis and the REDEFINITION of Classic Tailoring

David Akanji Maximilian Davis is a Manchester-born fashion designer that creates a look that pushes the use of textiles, tailoring, and referencing. Most recently, Davis’ appointment as Creative Director (CD) of Ferragamo was news that excited me not only because of the desperate need to revive the declining brand, but also because Davis’ work in Fashion East showcased breath-taking looks and delicate craftsmanship worthy of mainstream attention – something I hope he gains as CD.

In his AW21 collection, Davis continues to take inspiration from his Caribbean heritage, using festivals and his grandmother as a muse. Look 17 depicts references to Caribbean festivals and carnivals, with the ostrich-feathered headdress – a reference that can be seen in all his collections from

SS21. The ‘wild’ silhouette of the headdress paired with the sleek couture of the bodysuit creates an interesting relationship between the elegance of tailoring and the exploration of Trinidadian carnivals, sex and music. Davis uses the prestige of tailoring and couture to relay a message about the black experience, wanting to show that ‘black elegance is a thing’ (Davis, 2021). While tailoring has been a practice that shaped the western fashion scene, Davis has cleverly embedded it into his own culture, ‘coining’ its connotations to change the narrative and accentuate black beauty. Davis makes clever references to the works of Cristobal Balenciaga and by extension his proteges Givenchy and de la Renta in their use of shaping and enhancing the female silhouette, along with their use of prints and patterning. His use of

melton wool to create sharp boxy but elegant silhouettes speaks to his beautiful tailoring skills and understanding of the ‘elegant form’. Davis goes the extra mile with the concealment of seams in his tailored garments, heightening the refined sculptural feel of his work. Balenciaga is poignantly channelled in this collection, the house’s reign in the 60s put forward sophisticated cuts along with audacious textiles and proportions (for the time) characterised by the iconic baby doll dress, sack dress and my personal favourite – the cocoon coat.

Davis taps into Cristobal’s 60s mind in the use of high waisted skirts, reminiscent of the evening elegance of ‘empire dress’.

Davis maintains a daring appeal through his deconstruction, separating the skirt, exposing the midriff with a beautiful crop

popped-lapel, sleeveless blazer/ jacket. The male looks are also tremendously praiseworthy, presenting classic… while remaining audacious with the deep scapular cut outs in Look 7 along with the large satin lapels, strategically scooping into the navel to allude a puckered waist – wonderfully subverting gendered garment cuts.

Additionally, Davis mixes the use of structured jackets with stretched fabrics like lycra, taking a more modern approach, that can only just remind me of Cadwallader for Mugler. Mugler’s focus on female empowerment and daring, strong silhouettes is something Cadwallader has continued as CD, using lycra bodysuits, extreme cut-outs and intimidating militaristic jackets (here referencing FW21 collection). These are ele-

“While tailoring has been a practice that shaped the western fashion scene, Davis has cleverly embedded it into his own culture, ‘coining’ its connotations to change the narrative and accentuate black beauty.”

ments (intentional or not) seen in Davis’ work; there is also an emphasis on movement in both designers works. Davis took some inspiration from his sisters clubbing outfits and it is evident in this collection. The skin-tight lycra creates a sultry, hugging silhouette, while the fabrics stretch provides practicality and action further drawing parallels to the carnival culture and its love for dance and music. Check out Davis’ work for Fashion East here: https://www.fashioneast.co.uk/ designers/maximilian/

image attribution: Sailko via Wikimedia Commons and Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. via Wikimedia Commons

Sport

Sport | 31

The Oxford Student | Friday 25 November 2022

Dani Kovacs, Deputy Editor

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Deputy Editors: Dani Kovacs, Joe Sharp Section Editor: Matt Holland email: oxstu.sport@gmail.com

New era, same champion: a subjective F1 season review

ormula One entered a new era in 2022.

Having waved goodbye to the turbohybrid years, this season saw significant regulation changes that led to a whole new look and design for the cars. It was Red Bull and Max Verstappen who adapted best, with the Dutchman comfortably claiming his second drivers’ title. After a marathon 22 race season, here are the assessments, team-by-team.

Red Bull gives you wings?

It was a brilliant season for the Austrian outfit, as they claimed their first constructors’ title since 2013. It was the perfect start to the new era, and echoed the dominance of the 2011 and 2013 seasons. Their main man Verstappen stormed to the drivers’ title, with a record-breaking 15 wins.

Sergio Perez will be disappointed to miss out on 2nd place in the championship, but nevertheless had a decent season with 2 wins, including the all-important Monaco GP. All in all this meant Red Bull took 17 out of the 22 races this season, including five 1-2s. Will anyone be able to catch them in 2023 or is this the start of a longer period of utter dominance?

The Prancing Horse gallops back to the front

Ferrari had a great start to the season, but quickly fell back and all in all likely were expecting to challenge Verstappen a lot more than they did. Their season was highlighted by continued questionable decision making from the pit wall; many strategy blunders that ultimately cost the team a lot of points.

Nevertheless, there were a lot of positive takeaways from 2022, the team bounced back from the previous two midfield years, took a few wins (including Sainz’s first one) and had very good one lap pace, taking pole position at over half of the races! If their race pace improves next year and the strategy team gets its act together, they will be very optimistic about a title challenge in 2023 - like Leclerc hopes.

Struggles for the Silver Arrows

The kings of the turbo-hybrid era found themselves in an unfamiliar position as they lacked the pace behind the top two teams for the majority of the year. While they knew a serious challenge was coming as the new regulations kicked in, Hamilton himself admitted that their initial deficit to RB and Ferrari was much bigger than they expected. While fears set in that throughout the year even the best of the midfield runners might catch up to Mercedes, in the end it was Toto’s boys who quickly climbed back towards the top spots and were once again challenging for the win - their efforts finally paid off with a tidy 1-2 in Brazil. Hamilton will feel disappointed to have failed to win a race in a season for the first time in his career, but numerous valiant podium efforts must be commanded and the car’s late season pace will give the Brit hope that next year he can try and achieve that magical 8th drivers’ title. Then again, teammate and now fresh race-winner George Russel did beat him this year and will be looking towards a title challenge as well.

The divorce at Enstone

Despite finishing a strong fourth in the championship, most of the talk about the Alpine this year had been about the drama.

Fernando Alonso was often frustrated with his unreliable machinery and rotten luck, but perhaps even more frustrated about what he perceived as a lack of team discipline. Him and Ocon repeatedly found one another on track and their battles, while entertaining for the crowd, caused a lot of headaches for Otmar Szafnauer. The biggest clown show came in the summer break though, as the Spaniard, unhappy with being offered only a single year of contract extension, announced a move to Aston Martin at the end of the season. He did however leave with a final dig, having waited just long enough so that Alpine’s choice of replacement, Oscar Piastri, was no longer contractually obliged to join, eventually choosing McLaren instead for 2023. The ensuing twitter battles and legal case (!) was incredible comedy-entertainment for all except the thoroughly embarrassed team, who licked their wounds by acquiring Gasly to create an all-French lineup for next season. It shouldn’t be forgotten that despite all the craziness overshadowing it, Alpine did have flashes of strength in 2022. The gap to the top 3 teams is still clearly there, but they have emerged to be the best of the rest and that could be a solid foundation to build on for the future, now

with two drivers who are here to stay for the long-term project.

Goodbye to the shoey

With a strong 2021 behind them, including their first win in 9 years, McLaren were expecting to make good use of the new regulations to climb firmly towards the top of the pack. This season has instead been a major let-down; not only has the Woking outfit not made a step forward, they have been caught by Alpine and were often struggling against the rest of the midfield too… The only flash of light has been Lando Norris, who drove brilliantly in 2022, finishing best of the rest in the championship and being the only non-top team podium finisher. He was extracting everything and more from a car that was barely above much of the lower midfield. Teammate Ricciardo had an absolute shocker and it is no wonder he has lost his seat. The move to McLaren that promised so much for the Aussie ended up being a nightmare and it is possible we may not see him in F1 again… a real shame if this has been the last season of the funniest driver in the paddock.

A porridge-powered step forward

Alfa Romeo had a very strong start to the season, especially Bottas, who appeared rejuvenated having to no longer be the #2 driver. The second half went less well (only scoring points 3 times in 11 races) and thus they had to settle for sixth in the championship. Nevertheless, it was a clear step forward from last year, Frédéric Vasseur has found himself a solid leading driver, and new man Zhou had a reasonable, if unremarkable, season. All in all, not much to complain about at Alfa.

Legend out, other legend in… will the code to success finally be Kracked?

For Aston Martin, the major stories came from off the track, like the appointment of former Sauber chief engineer (and man with a funny name) Mike Krack as the new team principal, and of course, Sebastian Vettel’s retirement. The 4-time world champion German didn’t find major potential at AM and so he hung up his helmet, leaving us to say goodbye to an all-time legend; the most likeable man in recent F1. In terms of season performance, owner Lawrence Stroll does not yet seem to be receiving great return on his investments, it was yet another dull midfield affair, both Lance Stroll and Vettel had decent performances but there was only so far this car could take them. It’s one multi-world champion out, another one in for 2023; the arrival of Alonso has immense potential for major inter-team drama if a step forward cannot be taken, but if the massive money put into the team finally

brings a breakthrough Fernando could be an inspired signing to lead the team closer to the top of the field.

The return of the Viking

Putin’s war in Ukraine gave Gunther Steiner a unique opportunity to get rid of Nikita Mazepin during pre-season, and what a blessing it was. The hastily arranged return of Kevin Magnussen proved triumphant, the Dane taking an incredible 5th place at the season opener, and later an unlikely pole position in Brazil. While Haas did fail to consistently score in 2022, the year was still a marked improvement from the horrors of 2021 and proved that maybe it was the right decision to let last season go - Haas are now once again solid midfield contenders, and the potential is there. Mick Schumacher finally earned his first F1 points, but only scoring at 2 races cost him his seat for 2023.

Instead, we will be getting the spicy Hulkenberg - Magnussen pairing, and hopefully some brilliant scenes for Drive to Survive.

Season to forget for the fashion brand

It has been a very forgettable season for the Red Bull sister team. Pierre Gasly deserves better and will have been delighted to get the call from Alpine. Considering the stellar season Red Bull had, it seems strange for AlphaTauri to have struggled so much, but they got completely stuck in the lower midfield and had no memorable performances or moments at any point. They have secured Nyck de Vries for next season though, it remains to be seen whether a return to consistent point-scoring can be found for 2023,

Backmarkers - the Latifi special

With Haas improving, Williams returned to their familiar backmarker position in 2022, and there is not much that gives their fans hope for the future. Albon did well on his F1 return but in this aerodynamically challenged car, anything more would’ve been a miracle. Nicholas Latifi was hilariously bad, often finishing half a lap behind even second-last, and his overdue exit from the sport has finally arrived, to the chagrin of only the ‘Goatifi’ meme enthusiasts. Super sub Nyck de Vries had a great race at Monza, but was snapped up by AlphaTauri, so the new man will be American Logan Sargeant, but with this current Williams team, Lewis Hamilton himself would struggle to get results…

Image credits: PRAT clement via Pexels

Sport

32 | Sport

Friday 25 November 2022 | The Oxford Student

Ronaldo United?

Sports Editor Matt Holland gives his take on the explosive CR7 - Piers Morgan interview

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ristiano Ronaldo was a childhood icon of mine. The first football matches I remember watching were in those glory years of Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney, and Berbatov at Manchester United in the mid to late 2000s. Growing up as a Manchester United fan in Portsmouth, I remember vividly the free kick which he scored against Portsmouth at Old Trafford in 2008; what seemed like wizardry to a 5 year old me and what still remains one of the greatest goals I’ve ever seen. When Ronaldo left United for Real Madrid, not only did I think that the amount they paid would never be beaten, I thought I would never see him come back.

Fast forward to the summer of 2021 after I had just finished my A-levels and United’s signing of Jadon Sancho made me believe we almost had the complete package to challenge for the title. How naive I was. I remained and still remain one of the few supporters of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure as Manchester United manager. That summer, Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he was leaving Juventus after 3 years, and rumours abound that Manchester City, rivals of United, were in talks to sign him.

Ronaldo himself has confirmed that he was close to signing for City before United legend and Ronaldo’s former manager who gave me my glory years of youth, Sir Alex Ferguson, convinced him instead to sign for United. What seemed like an absolute swoop, has become a nightmare in the long and dire saga of Manchester United’s decline.

Ronaldo’s recent interview with Piers Morgan was nothing but an insult and an act of destabilisation for the club, who were clawing back some semblance of stability and order under new coach Erik Ten Hag. One cannot fathom the mind of someone, irrespective of their history or stature in the game, who would complain about being given over £25 million a year to do basically nothing.

If however, I give him the benefit of the doubt and suggest that he is truly motivated by football, it seems difficult to understand how this interview

“Ronaldo’s recent

interview with Piers Morgan was nothing but an insult and an act of destabilisation for the club, who were clawing back some semblance of stability and order under new coach Erik Ten Hag.”

would either help him or the club which he pretends to care about.

This case seems to me to be exacting

proof of the obscene egos which modern football produces, a legacy some may say stems back to an era of commercialisation of players fostered in part by Ronaldo himself. What seems one of the most depressing realities of modern football is that even if football players get into the sport motivated by a love and passion for the game, in most cases that is soon replaced by the desire to make more money and gain even more fame. Ronaldo is forever talking about how young players are brought up now with a lack of humility and drive, and whilst I agree with him, I lay blame on his doorstep; no doubt covered by a gold plated doormat.

“I hope for all our sakes that people see the repulsive egos of the likes of Ronaldo as something to avoid, and that the next generation can be motivated by what really matters; football.”

The ultimate example of what

Ronaldo is talking about can be found in the story of Jude Bellingham, a player I admire for his playing style and hope can be a force for good in this England squad.

Whilst I don’t pretend that Jude Bellingham’s story is entirely his own fault, with his former club playing a big part in feeding an ego, one cannot ignore the way in which the modern game must influence mentalities.

At the age of 17, after 44 appearances for his boyhood club Birmingham City, Jude Bellingham signed for Borussia Dortmund in a highly lucrative deal with a salary of around €3.5 million a year. Following his departure, his old shirt number of 22 was retired at his former club, meaning no one else will be able to use that number, under the guise that this would encourage more youth talent and foster an appreciation for Birmingham’s academy. The money and prestige that a player at 17 can gain is truly insane and indicative of much that is wrong with the modern game.

Back to Ronaldo, and the example

which his childishness will foster.

Refusing to accept punishments, refusing to follow the orders of his manager, refusing to accept when he may be wrong or his own behaviour may be at fault; yet he still doesn’t realise his own culpability in younger players having an ego problem. Manchester United’s academy famously has a large picture of Lionel Messi cleaning his own boots in its changing rooms, as a symbol that no matter how famous or renowned you may be, humility should still be a virtue which you practise. Ronaldo’s presence at the club runs entirely counter to that for all the reasons which I’ve listed. I truly hope this situation can help foster some kind of change in football. I hope for all our sakes that people see the repulsive egos of the likes of Ronaldo as something to avoid, and that the next generation can be motivated by what really matters; football.

A letter from Qatar v2:

Correspondant Sharp offers FIFA president Gianni Infantino advice on where the next world cup could be hosted

T

his week self proclaimed Swiss-Italian, Qatari, homosexual, African, disabled, migrant worker, and current president of Fifa Giovanni Infantino highlighted, in defence of Qatar’s hosting of this year’s World Cup, the ability of the tournament to ‘unite the world’. He cited both Iran and North Korea as potential hosts in the future who could receive the World Cup treatment.

Giovanni is a visionary. Never has the world needed the liberated utopias of Iran and North Korea to host the global game.

Yet, I believe the innovative FIFA president is thinking on too small a scale. Thus, I present a few recommendations for other potential hosts whom I believe perfectly suite Giovanni’s vision.

1. Gotham City From the Joker to Two-Face, Gotham holds arguably the greatest villains in comic-book history.

Many directors have given us their interpretation of the iconic city, and without fail, they have all presented us with a dreary, dull, lifeless city. The perfect subject of the unifying forces Infantino believes the World Cup brings about.

Christopher Nolan’s Gotham was a modern, soulless metropolitan city, much like the hosts of the 2022 edition of the tournament.

Instead, what would further exhibit the evangelising forces of Giovanni’s FIFA would be Tim Burton’s Gotham - a dystopian hellscape.

However, the sporting body must account for the threat of the vigilante Batman. The Dark Knight offers a worrying threat to FIFA’s 0 tolerance policy on free speech, or protest. They must be sure to stamp out this troublesome propensity to speak-out, in order to ensure the best tournament possible.

2. Overlook Hotel: This would be an historic host for the World’s greatest sporting tournament. The hotel has a long running history crystallised in popular culture (of suicides and murders).

Moreover discovering the evil that lurks behind the seemingly normal hotel provides an excellent past time for travelling fans.

In addition, FIFA will remain at the forefront of every fan’s mind (lest they forget who is so generous to provide them with such a wonderful opportunity!) as all residents of the hotel are slowly corrupted by its evil and are driving to perform heinous crimes.

3. Derry, Maine Stephen King’s idillic town offers a wonderful setting for a World Cup. Not only would the sport be once again breaking into the American market, but the child devouring shape-shifter that lurks in the sewers of Derry feeding on fear will undoubtedly make all members of FIFA’s executive board feel right at home. Moreover, the adults of the town’s propensity to ignore the killer clowns that lurk, will not feel like a far cry from the behaviour of the pundits and experts of the footballing world.

Granted it’s probably a little safer to travel to Derry as an adult, but who cares! The World Cup was never about growing the game!

4. Mordor There is nothing about this place that would seem friendly. A black volcanic ash plain located at a place which is almost inaccessible. There is fire ash and dust everywhere. A winter World Cup might be necessary.

It is said that the very air you breathe here is a poisonous fume.

There is hardly a place in the entire Lord of the Rings universe which as terrifying and evil as this one.

Where else would you want to host a World Cup! Never has somewhere been more in need of the unifying forces of Giovanni’s utopian FIFA than Mordor.

Additionally, in Sauron - Mordor’s ruler- the FIFA executive once again have a oppressive ruler whose boots they can lick.