FEBRUARY 1

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February 1, 2012

Volume 63 | Issue 12

THE PACE PRESS SERVING PACE UNIVERSITY’S MANHATTAN CAMPUS SINCE 1948

The Secrets To Accomplishing

Your New Year’s Resolutions University professors featured in Spry magazine on the topic SARAH AIRES News Intern

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wo University professors featured in Spry Meditation and keeping a journal are both magazine’s article, “A New You for the great ways to de-stress and enter the year on a New Year,” provide their point of views whole new foot. The magazine also suggests Feng on how to choose realistic and positive Shui, the Chinese practice of positioning objects to resolutions and how to stick to them. create positive energy and giving back, as a perfect On the topic of emotional health, Director of way to ring in the New Year with positivity. the Counseling Center and Psychology Adjunct Senior Fellow for Environmental Affairs Associate Professor, Dr. Richard Shadick, stated and Professor John Cronin stated in Spry that that the most effective way to guarantee New everyone should “resolve to help the planet” in Year’s success is to stick to measurable, attainable 2012. Resolutions can be as simple as spreading goals rather than the broad and vague according to interesting environmental facts. “Share a Spry magazine. fascinating fact, “Instead of telling and your friends yourself,’ I am going Make your goals specific will spring the to lose weight and be information too— healthy next year,’ and narrow and you will feel so how much of it is better to say, ‘I accomplished. drinking water on our will lose five pounds planet is available for before Feb. 15,’ Dr. drinking? (Answer: Shadick stated.

-Dr. Richard Shadick, Less than 1 percent) “I have a workout Director of the Counseling Center I promise they will buddy, I write down and Psychology Adjunct be amazed, educated everything I do and and eager to tell Associate Professor I’m just being a lot someone else,” Prof. more conscious,” Cronin said. sophomore Sam Scadron said. “I’ve stuck to One thing someone can do is resolve to do it for the most part. Obviously it’s not easy to something to better the life of someone else or at completely change overnight but I think I’m doing least do something out of your own comfort zone. much better than I’ve ever done before,” Scadron “I plan on taking an acting class to learn how said. to just let loose sometimes and be comfortable in Fad diets, gym memberships and health food front of a crowd,” sophomore Amanda Pena said. kicks are always New Year’s resolution favorites, “With a major that relies on selling yourself, but sometimes it can be something so simple to this class will definitely help me and I hope to commit to for one’s health. “Well, my New Year’s further develop my personality through this,” Pena resolution is to not drink soda a lot, so really I will added. just drink it now on special occasions,” sophomore Although January is almost over—everyday is Bobby Marvin said. a new reason to do something different. Make lists Though working out and diets may be the most and as Dr. Shadick said in the magazine, “Make common resolution for 2012, Spry magazine also your goals specific and narrow and you will feel gives several great suggestions for other ways to so accomplished.” better you life and health for this year.

eTextbooks take colleges by storm NICOLE MORALES Features Intern

The beginning of a new semester is undoubtedly a hectic time for students, especially with textbook costs ranging from $200 to $500. Until recently, there was really no way to escape these costs. Along with the increase in popularity of tablets, the interest in eTextbooks has risen as a cheaper alternative to printed textbooks. Companies that have produced mobile devices such as Apple, Amazon and Barnes & Noble have created programs targeted towards students and schools that can be of benefit to all involved.

The University has been looking to make the leap into this interactive software as more and more students integrate eTextbooks into their studies.

Not only are eTextbooks significantly cheaper, but they are more interactive. Students can directly highlight passages and take notes as they normally would with the added luxury that a small tablet can fit thousands of books and corresponding notes.

Barnes & Noble lets students download eTextbooks to their Nook tablet brand through the free downloadable software NookStudy. With NookStudy, students have the ability to download eTextbooks through the software at significantly cheaper prices than hardcopy textbooks. In addition, the NookStudy is Blackboard friendly, meaning that professors can post links to eTextbooks for students to buy as well as syllabi and course documents directly through Blackboard.

Students have the ability to access eTextbooks on any PC, Mac, iPad or Android. However eTextbooks downloaded through NookStudy are not accessible through an actual Nook tablet. This seems to be one of the major problems holding NookStudy back from reaching mainstream likability. There seems no need to download NookStudy if it is not compatible with actual Nook products. The main lure of eTextbooks was the ability to download many textbooks at discounted prices with the convenience of storing them in one portable device.

However, if the Nook is not compatible, the purpose is defeated since there are cheaper and more efficient tablet alternatives offering the same service with more convenience like the Amazon Kindle Fire and the iPad. While a Nook tablet can go for $250 without the ability to download eTextbooks, a Kindle Fire is just $199 with Kindle eTextbook compatibility.

Similarly, Apple has joined the eTextbook market as well, introducing the revamping of

eTextbooks continued on PAGE 10

INSIDE FOLLOW US ONLINE !

NEWS The Internet Strikes Back!

SOPA and PIPA Acts are dead PAGE 3 Tweet us @thepacepress

ARTS From movies to music, see what’s new in 2012 PAGE 6-7

FEATURES Paula Deen hits PR snag with diabetes revelation PAGE 11

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NEWS

February 1, 2012

Media and the reality of the Republican Presidential Race Candidates use “Super PACs” to ensure that they can obtain victory in the primaries LAUREN DRAKE Contributor On Nov. 6, Americans will vote in the 2012 General Election for the 45th President of the United States. While President Barack Obama is the only Democratic nominee and will be the candidate for the Democratic Party, the Republican Party candidate is still up in the air.

Currently, there are four possibilities for the Republican nomination: former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney, U.S. Texas Representative Ron Paul, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum.

Although the nominees began debating in May 2011, the primary elections began on Jan. 6 in Iowa. The first few primaries and caucuses determined the primary race for some of the candidates. Texas Governor Rick Perry, U.S. Representative from Minnesota Michele Bachmann and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman ended their campaigns race after disappointing results.

It’s apparent that anything can happen in this primary race. Candidates have rocketed to the top of the polls and have fallen just as quickly. We witnessed this through Gov. Perry, who at one point in Sept. 2011 was considered the front runner and won the Maryland straw poll at 25.8 percent. He stayed near the top as the number

two candidate throughout September but after a series of disappointing debates, his support declined.

Recently, there’s been a surprising increase in support for Santorum. During the many months leading up to the Jan. 6 Iowa Caucus, Santorum had an increasingly low approval rating, gaining only 1.7 percent of the votes in the South Carolina straw poll in October. His voter approval rating has commonly been below five percent, straying towards 10 percent and above a few times. In the few weeks leading up to the Iowa caucus, Santorum’s support grew, leading him to a small yet surprising, victory at 24.6 percent approval—only .1 percent above Romney, the common frontrunner throughout the primary race.

Romney, who throughout the months leading up to the primaries, has been consistently near the top of the straw polls, has not done as well as expected. Although he won the primary in New Hampshire by a large margin compared to the other candidates, increasing attacks from Gingrich and the other candidates, on Romney’s, “selfdeportation,” stance and his flip-flopping on issues, made a win in South Carolina easier for Gingrich.

Since December support for Gingrich has increased.

On Jan. 21, Gingrich won the primary in South Carolina by almost 13 percent over Romney.

Romney has managed to sustain his stance in the polls, as number one or number two throughout most of the months leading up to and during the first three primaries. Although Romney has incurred his share of criticism on his stance on issues such as health care and the auto-bailout, he has managed to stay near the top.

Almost all of the candidates have at one point or another maintained a frontrunner status for a period of time. The common theme for each candidate is to become frontrunner, in turn gaining attacks from the media and the other candidates and in the end losing their popularity.

Some say this presidential primary race is more confrontational than previous elections. Even certain conservative Republican groups have attempted to persuade other Republicans to run, such as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Alaska Governor and 2008 Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

Sophomore Agatha Mavropoulos believes “the media feels they have to up the ante” of the coverage they show to make it enjoyable for regular people to watch. “All the Republicans think similarly. The media and the candidates have to expand the personal attacks,” Mavropoulos stated.

University Professor Dr. Robert Cuervo stated that this primary race is not any worse than previous races.

However, previous primary battles, “were not so much personal battles, as ideological and philosophical,” Dr. Cuervo stated.

“The 2008 presidential race was definitely much more policy oriented,” Mavropoulos said. “We should be focusing on the economy and jobs more than the personal life of Newt Gingrich and his previous wives,” Mavropoulos said.

The personal attacks by the others candidates and in some cases the media, such as the case of the interview with Gingrich’s pervious wife and Herman Cain’s alleged mistresses, prove to be possibly detrimental to not only a candidates possibilities of winning, but also to the perception of this presidential election.

When asked what came to mind when thinking about this presidential election, sophomore Melissa McDonald said, “The Republicans have seemed to turn American policy and debating into a mockery.” Although she said she mostly follows what the news and Twitter puts out and doesn’t sit down to watch the debates in their entirety.

“There are very few people, political junkies like myself, that actually bother to watch the full programming, whether it be actual on primary nights or full debates,” Mavropoulos said. Instead, some people only gain their knowledge from newspapers, television news and social media websites like Twitter and Facebook, which only show small parts of the whole picture.

Junior Devan Briggs, who claims to follow the race and the news similarly to McDonald, said the first word that came to mind when thinking about the presidential race was “chaos.”

In “television you have to squeeze everything into little bits,” Dr. Cuervo said. Whether the media intends to skew their position on a candidate is not always the case.

“You are going to get all the big quotes and the zingers [from the candidates]. More detailed aspects of their answer may be skipped over,” Dr. Cuervo said.

As of now, with only three primaries down and many to take place before the Republican National Convention, anything can happen as it has been shown throughout the race so far.

Looking back on the 2008 election, Arizona Senator John McCain was seen as a long shot and in the end won the Republican nomination over former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and Romney who placed higher in polls early in the race. Whether Romney will continue to stay near the top and gain the nomination, as many predict he will, can only be seen in time.

“Many were ready to declare Romney the winner,” Dr. Cuervo said. “Since [the primary in] South Carolina happened, at least for a time being, that makes it a race.

We will just have to see,” Dr. Cuervo added.

NEWS

February 1, 2012

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Controversial SOPA and PIPA Acts stir up backlash in cyber space

Prominent websites and search engines led Internet “black out” for an effective message SHANNON MCMAHON Contributor

Congress has ended the pursuit of passing two bills called the Protect IP Act (PIPA) drafted on May 12, 2011 and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) which was drafted on Oct. 26, 2011.

These Acts, created by Republican Texas Representative Lamar Smith, pursue censorship of the Internet in an effort to reduce online piracy and have not gained much attention until recently.

SOPA and PIPA would require the Internet to be monitored and censored more closely, similar to the way the Internet is regulated in countries such as China. The Acts would also call for aggressive repercussions against

anyone who violates copyright law via the web.

“PIPA and SOPA are Acts attempting to enforce regulation in Congress that is an attempt to push officials to control private information on the web,” graduate student Sean Le said.

Other students however, are more vocal about not only the Acts, but their feelings regarding them. “PIPA and SOPA are essentially two different acts trying to censor the Internet because the government thinks we’re committing piracy, but we’re not, we’re just having fun,” freshman Fanny Siow said.

A large portion of the regulations in the proposed SOPA and PIPA Acts seem unfathomable. For example, if someone uploaded their rendition of a popular Michael Jackson song, they risk going to jail for four years.

The bills gained momentum in late December. Once noted by the public, protests broke out by way of the Internet. Popular sites such as Wikipedia, Reddit, 9gag, Tumblr, Google, Twitpic, Word Press, Mozzila, MoveOn, Imgur and Cheezburger Network blacked out on Jan.19 in protest against the act.

“Reddit was down and I was very annoyed,” sophomore Nick Torkos said.

Prior to the blackout on Jan. 18, there were 80 members of Congress who supported the legislation, and 31 opponents. After the blackout, only 63 Congress members supported the SOPA and PIPA Acts, with the opposition increasing to 122.

The FBI finally launched the execution of MegaUpload, which has been approaching for several

months.

“Hacktavist” group Anonymous struck back by taking down websites for Department of Justice, the RIAA, Universal Music Group, the FBI, the U.S. Copyright

I’m not even sure he [Rep. Smith] uses the Internet.

His own website violates the regulation of the SOPA Act;the background isn’t his.

-Fanny Siow, Freshman

Office and many others.

“The FBI has been going after MegaUpload for years, it just happened during SOPA. They were making profit off of the piracy. People were more aware because of SOPA,” Siow said.

With regards to Rep. Smith proposing the SOPA Act, “I am aware. To be honest, I’m not even sure he uses the Internet. His own website violates the regulations of the SOPA Act; the background isn’t his. When people don’t understand things, they try to outlaw them. If you don’t understand things, go learn more about it instead of just assuming the worst,” Siow said.

President Barack Obama signs the National Defense Authorization Act PATRICK DEHAHN Staff Writer

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President Barack Obama signed the United States National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2012 fiscal year on Dec. 31 after a month of debate. Although the NDAA is passed by Congress each year to monitor the Department of Defense’s budget, this year the bill has some activists angry. According to the act, the U. S. military has the right to spy on American citizens and indefinitely detain them without a right to trial.

Section 1021 of the NDAA declares that Pres. Obama has the right to detain, with the U.S. Armed Forces, anyone who was involved with the events of Sept. 11 attacks, was or is a part of al-Qaeda, the Taliban or any group that is against the U. S. It also states that they have the right to detain these individuals indefinitely and without the chance to a trial.

Section 1022 of the NDAA extends the indefinite detainment clause from Section 1021 as it focuses on military custody of al-Qaeda terrorists, but it also includes the fact that they have the right to also detain U. S. citizens and lawful resident aliens in military custody.

These two sections were deemed “unconstitutional” by politicians such as (U. S. Representative from Texas) and current Republican Presidential Candidate Ron Paul and political groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Anonymous.

Rep. Paul has spoken out against the bill during the past few months and released legislation that could repeal and overturn Section 1021 of the NDAA on Jan.18.

David Seaman, contributor at Businessinsider.com, states that this bill, “Invalidates much of [the United States’] Bill of Rights and allow[s] the Obama administration [or future presidential administration] to use military force to capture and imprison–for life– American citizens on U.S. soil, without right to a trial, or attorney, and without bringing formal charges against the victim.”

“After doing some research, I do not agree with the passing of this bill at all. This bill leaves the protection and freedom of U. S. citizens at risk. It’s simply unconstitutional and is a hazard to our liberty. I understand Obama’s venture to better maintain our security, but this bill goes way too far,” sophomore Dana Cavalieri said.

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NEWS

February 1, 2012

Occupy Wall Street movement fails to maintain support Lack of message may potentially cause future momentum to fall in the upcoming months PATRICK DEHAHN Staff Writer Two months after NYC’s Occupy Wall Street (OWS) encampment eviction at Zuccotti Park on Nov.15, there is debate over the movement’s future.

A November poll conducted by Seattle PostIntelligencer, shows that OWS’s support has dropped to a low 33 percent. The movement’s decrease in support has also led to fewer donations. No matter what kind of support OWS has, they have charged on to continue their actions. “[I] Personally emailed the PR team of Occupy Wall Street and they told [me] that they are no longer occupying Zuccotti Park, but are holding events,” sophomore Escarlen Bauue said.

After NYC’s OWS Dec.17 failed attempt to take and occupy Duarte Park on Canal Street and 6th Ave., the movement has come out with a new motto of an “Occupy

2.0” where they are more focused on direct actions, rather than focusing their effort into managing an occupation.

In December, protesters occupied foreclosed homes in the outer boroughs. This tactic was inspired by other occupations in the U. S. On New Year’s Eve, OWS participants went to Liberty Square, took the barricades which used to line the park and piled them up in the center of the square.

In January, there was a mass human microphone announcement discussing Grand Central commuters on the National Defense Authorization Act. The human microphone is a tactic that OWS has used in place of microphones and speakers where a speaker says something and the crowd repeats it. Occupy D.C. also held an event, “Occupy Congress” on Jan. 17, where hundreds of occupiers nationwide traveled to gather and protest on the first day that Congress reconvened in 2012.

“I think people have the right to express their opinions.

I think I support them, but sometimes I don’t. People are always going to strive for equality and try to achieve national goals,” junior Kyle Okane said.

On the other hand, there is opposition and disagreement with the OWS movement. “I do not agree with Occupy Wall Street at all. I think that the protesters could have gone about arguing their position in a much more effective way, however how they went about everything served no purpose at all. All they did was cause trouble and inconveniences throughout the city,” sophomore Samantha Scadron said.

The future of OWS has been up for debate after numerous occupation evictions and diminished media coverage. “I definitely do not think it has a future because they didn’t have a clear message, and they didn’t create a future for themselves,” Scadron said.

HAVE ANY UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS? EMAIL DIGITAL@PACEPRESS.ORG FOR A CHANCE TO HAVE THEM LISTED IN OUR CAMPUS CALENDAR!

February 1, 2012

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THE PACE PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD Kim Bui Editor-in-Chief

NEW YORK GRADUATES!

Student Commencement Speaker and Singer

A student speaker will be chosen from among the candidates for undergraduate and graduate degrees who apply for this honor. Speeches are to be approximately three minutes in length (about 400 to 750 words depending on rate).

If you are interested in applying to be the commencement speaker, please contact Ms. Mary Stambaugh in the Communications Department (212) 346-1510, 41 Park Row, 5th floor, by March 7, 2012.

If you are interested in auditioning to sing the National Anthem for commencement 2012, please contact the Dean for Students Office, (212) 346-1306, located at 41 Park Row, 9th floor, to arrange an appointment.

Auditions will begin in early March. Look for postings with details or contact the Dean’s office.

COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION

All January, June and September 2012 graduate and undergraduate candidates for graduation on the New York Campus.

Commencement exercises for the Undergraduate Class of 2012 will take place on Wednesday, May 16th, 10:30 a.m. at Radio City Music Hall.

Kaitlynn Blyth Associate Editor Ivonna Thompson Managing Editor Hilda Adeniji Creative Director Fotini Sachpatzidis News Editor Stephanie Hansen Arts Editor Craig Held Features Editor Kate Hamzik Copy Editor Leucepe Martinez Advertising Manager Nazary Nebeluk Web Editor Kathryn Bosch Circulation Manager Michael Oricchio Faculty Consultant

EDITORIAL INTERNS Sarah Aires Olivia Beteta Erick Mancebo Nicole Morales Damien Morgan

STAFF Amanda Baker Patrick deHahn Betty Fermin Joanna Gonzalez Anthony Mastroianni Ruveena Rossitto Julia Yeung

Commencement exercises for the Graduate Class of 2012 will take place on Wednesday, May 16th, 4:00 p.m. at Radio City Music Hall.

If you have not already filed a credential card with the Registrar’s office, you must do so before any commencement material can be forwarded to you. Commencement material was mailed out to those candidates who filed credential cards on time.

IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR COMMENCEMENT PACKET OF INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR COMMENCEMENT COORDINATOR: Ms. Jonelle Waldropt Campus Activities Office 8th Floor – 41 Park Row (212) 346-1590 graduation@pace.edu

The Pace Press is the student newspaper of Pace University’s New York City Campus. It is managed and operated entirely by members of the student body as it appears above.

The Pace Press welcomes guest editorials and letters from students, faculty, administration and staff.

The Pace Press reserves the right to not publish any submitted material, both solicited and unsolicited.

All submissions must include the author’s full name and contact information.

The Pace Press 41 Park Row, Rm. 902 New York, NY 10038 www.pacepress.org editor@pacepress.org

Copyright 2012

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February 1, 2012

ARTS

Classic Disney Movie 3-D Remakes Go To TheatersEveryone’s favorite childhood movies from Disney are getting a new makeover and hitting the big screen again in 3D. After the successful re-launch of The Lion King in 3D last fall, Disney is currently showing Beauty and the Beast in theaters, and is scheduled to re-release Finding Nemo in September. - KAITLYNN

I’m definitely looking forward to the new Baz Luhrman Great Gatsby remake, supposedly coming out this Christmas. Baz Luhrman plus Great Gatsby will be definitely be as dramatic and full of whimsy as the book was. - NICOLE

I look forward to seeing is The Dark Knight Rises because director Christopher Nolan never fails to deliver on making great films.

- IVONNA

I’m looking very much forward to The Avengers! - SARAH

The Avengers/The Dark Knight Rises - It’s good to see these established superhero franchises being taken seriously and having studios give us the kind of jaw dropping action and suspense only comics can provide - NAZARY

“The Real Housewives of Orange County” Season 7 Premiere - Tuesday February 7 at 9 p.m. on Bravo. The original “Real Housewives” series is back for its seventh season, which is sure to include the drama that the housewives have been known for in seasons past. - KATE

February 1, 2012

MDNA by Madonna. The undisputed Queen of Pop is ready to slay all of your faves. You can bet this album will be anything but reductive. - CRAIG

ARTS

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Sky Ferreira’s long-awaited debut album, Wild at Heart. The buzz around Sky has been going on for years but for 2012 she is sure to deliver. - HILDA

Animal Collective - While the date for the new album hasn’t been released yet it’s still exciting that after three long years Animal Collective will finally release another album. - OLIVIA

Bamboozle (May 18-20) - The lineup this year is crazy good, I mean it is absolutely insane. Some of the big name bands that are going include: Blink 182, Foo Fighters, and BON JOVI. There will also be some big name DJs like DJ Pauly D and Skrillex, not really my taste but people seem to be excited about them. - OLIVIA

I don’t know if they will have a new album out in 2012, but I know Unknown Mortal Orchestra is working on one now. I’m super excited for that, even if it’s just a single before 2012 is over - NICOLE

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ARTS

February 1, 2012

Girl With The Dragon Tattoo continues to captivate

After a month at the box office, this thriller keeps on thrilling audiences DAMIEN MORGAN Arts Intern The dramatic tale derived from the Swedish trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, exploded onto the American big screen leaving not a single person unmoved.

Punk hacker, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), is a dark and mysterious young woman that’s had an unknown yet dangerous past life. Pale and emaciated, she covers herself with numerous piercings and tattoos while appearing to her coworkers as a harsh mute. Working for Milton Security as one of the top investigators, Salander proves that her photographic memory and illegal hacking skills are exactly what is needed to help solve a string of murders that span over 40 years.

Months after assigned to do a background check on a journalist, Salander is shockingly woken up to the very same man asking for her assistance. Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), a once proud journalist, finds himself at a dead end in life after writing a blistering exposé on a corporate leader that wants revenge.

Trying to run away from the media light and the corporate leader’s grasp, Blomkvist takes a strange job offer from a retired billionaire, Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer). Blomkvist travels out to what seems like the middle of an icy nowhere to stay at Vanger’s summer home where the murder of his grandniece took place and the only clues left are peculiar photos, an old journal and a set of presents that could only have been sent by the killer.

Running out of leads and reaching a point of despair, Blomkvist calls for the help of the contradicting Salander.

With her assistance and unorthodox ways, they soon discover that the murdered grandniece had a secret mission of her own. As Blomkvist and Salander realize this, they too find themselves in a situation where the killer seems to be alive, and are coming after the new detectives that are trying to solve the murders of the past.

This American interpretation of the Swedish trilogy has swept the nation by displaying the story in a more dominating light. Craig brings strong character development to the film in his role of Blomkvist by

showing what happens when a true man is brought down to his knees. Through determination by accomplishing another fulfilling task, he redefines himself and grows into someone that can take on the world.

Playing alongside with the masculine character of Blomkvist, Mara displays the part of Salander in a deep and powerful way. During a couple of the scenes the character of Salander was forced to participate in sexual acts to avoid being sent to an insane asylum.

For most actors this would’ve been a difficult task, but Mara brings every emotion to it. All wrapped up in audio tracks that correspond with each dramatic moment in a way that enhances the influence that the audience feels.

From a novel written by Stieg Larsson to the movie trilogy made in Sweden, this story about a troubled girl with an amazing talent continues to generate interest

imdb.com Lisbeth (Mara) helps journalist Mikael (Craig) by cleaning a bullet wound in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

NYC artists fighting to keep annual festivals alive OLIVIA BETETA Arts Intern NYC is home to an array of musicians, dancers, artists and its countless museums and exhibits that display the works of these industries.

Just as well known are the artists and merchants that populate city streets and public parks. From the top of Central Park, all the way down to Union Square, artists can be found selling and displaying their work to eager onlookers.

The city is so saturated with an abundance of artists that it is hard to imagine the parks without them. However, people might have to start getting used to a lack of artists selling their work in parks because in July, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation’s new rules are going to prevent a lot of artists from showcasing their works in some parks.

The regulations have fallen over heavy scrutiny because they directly limit the sale of “expressive matters,” e.g. music, paintings and photography. The outlook doesn’t look good for the artists, as the Parks Department has already won a case in favor of the new rules.

The Parks Department will permit only one vendor per site, which is decided solely on a first-come first-serve basis. This will eliminate income for a vast majority of the vendors who make their living by selling their work.

The court felt the new protocols were the Parks Department’s way of restoring the scenic beauty of many of New York’s most iconic parks. The rules were first adopted in July 2010, but up until recently they were

not enforced. These new rules haven’t been met with too much enthusiasm and many artists feel that the rules are a personal attack. The regulations did not limit the rights of musicians or food vendors, but are instead targeted specifically at artists.

These restrictions would wipe out a lot of the craft festivals, including the holiday market in Union Square.

The Parks Department put the rules in place as an attempt to limit congestion.

The only reason the Union Square holiday market was allowed to operate during the holidays was due to an injunction filed in August 2011, delaying enforcement of the rules and pending a trial.

However, this did not stop police from penalizing artists in Washington Square Park, where numerous tickets and summons were given to street performers and artists in the city’s attempt to clear the parks. The residents of the area surrounding Washington Square Park were less than thrilled at the decision and on Dec. 19, they held a public speak out.

The speak out consisted of local residents and the parks artists. All who attended the rally, with the exception of Manhattan’s Parks Department Borough Commissioner William Castro, did not agree with the rules and the actions being taken against the artists.

Everyone was granted an opportunity to speak, which in a room full of artists, led to some interesting testimonies including an opera aria, some original poetry and a standup comedy routine based on the parks rules.

“People come here [to New York] to show off their talents and see if they get recognize[d], that’s the whole

experience. It would be sad, I know I’m used to seeing people [at the parks] entraining other people and its kinda fun,” sophomore Sandy Guerrero said.

The new rules set in place by the Parks Department were meant to reduce the number of street artists, pedestrian congestion and commercialism. All that reduction was thought to improve the parks aesthetics, but for many, imagining the parks without all the vendors and performers would be a degradation of the space.

New York State Assembly member Deborah Glick sent an email to be read at the meeting. According to Sohojournal.com, Glick wrote, “…these restrictions impede upon the cultural tradition of street performances that has helped define New York City, and in particular Greenwich Village for many years…Therefore, it seems that the City is hurting performers and tourists by ticketing these popular attractions and diminishing the ambiance that has long characterized Washington Square Park.”

“I think it will really help clean up the parks and make some more room for people to really enjoy them.,” sophomore Angelica Rodriguez said. “It’s practically impossible to just get across Union Square with all the people blocking your path with all the stuff they’re trying to sell you.”

This view is held by many who think the parks are losing the purpose and simply becoming a platform for people to showcase their work. However, the courts rule in the upcoming trial will have a great impact on the future of NYC parks.

February 1, 2012

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NBC’s “Smash” brings musical theater to the mainstream CRAIG HELD Features Editor With the success of “Glee,” it’s no surprise that musical theater, a medium far out of favor with the majority, is riding a wave of resurgence onto American television screens.

The combination of musical theater and television isn’t a new revelation, but it is a risky one. 1990’s “Cop Rock” on ABC and more recently 2007’s “Viva Laughlin” on CBS both proved to be massive flops with the latter being cancelled after just two episodes.

NBC’s last foray into the Broadway realm was the 2007 reality show, “Grease: You’re the One that I Want!” a competition to find the roles of Danny and Sandy for the Broadway revival of “Grease” opening that summer. The series, which was an American adaptation of the popular UK show format to find new talent for musical revivals, found itself lacking in ratings and did not return for another season.

Yet, NBC seems ready to move past its recent struggles and bet all of its chips on “Smash,” the brainchild of Steven Spielberg and chairman of NBC Entertainment, Robert Greenblatt. The show follows the creation of a new Marilyn Monroe musical as well as the trials and tribulations that come from mounting a musical today. It’s the classic “let’s put on a show” with a delightful modern twist.

“Smash” is interesting in that it appeals to the entire spectrum of the theatre going community. Die-hards will appreciate the inside jokes from the acknowledgement of the previously failed attempt to produce a Monroe musical from the ’80s to the fear of the New York Post’s acerbic theater columnist, Michael Riedel. Newcomers will enjoy the lively song and dance portions of the show.

That being said, the music and lyrics of the original songs for the show within “Smash,” which are written by “Hairspray’s” Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, are incredibly enjoyable.

“The National Pastime” which acts as the viewers’ first glimpse into the musical is

“Smash” debuts on Monday February 6th on NBC but the pilot is viewable on nbc.com currently. a classic Broadway song and dance number that explores Joe Dimaggio’s courtship of Monroe. The episode ends with “Let Me Be Your Star” sung by Megan Hilty and Katharine McPhee, which is powerful but unapologetically cliché for the conclusion of an episode.

It’s hard to say who is the star of the show. Promotional materials for the show seem dead set on making former “American Idol” runner-up McPhee the breakout personality of this project, however after viewing the first episode, McPhee is the weakest link in an ensemble of heavy hitters from stage and screen.

Debra Messing, who hasn’t quite found a hit since “Will and Grace” and Christian Borle, a transplant from the stage, make up the song writing duo for the musical.

Messing and Borle play wonderfully off each other as long time friends and work colleagues.

Anjelica Huston as the powerhouse

producer that seeks to make musical happen is divine, as Huston always is.

Brian d’Arcy James, another Broadway name, is underutilized as Messing’s somewhat neglected husband but hopefully that changes as the series continues.

Yet, the surprise here is definitely Hilty who found fame in “Wicked” and “9 to 5,” is perfect for the role of Ivy Lynn—the chorus girl that yearns to be center stage who must conquer her own demons like an ignorant family and the stereotypical bulimia. Surely, Hilty is channeling her own past in her rise to the top which is why she seems so comfortable in the role.

On the other hand, McPhee who plays Karen Cartwright, the novice that clearly isn’t right for the role of Monroe, is awkward and stiff. McPhee has had minor roles on television and film since the end of her “American Idol” days, but the charm that brought her to second place is lost.

nbc.com

While the need for her character is apparent, the choices the writers have made don’t make any sense. Obviously, believability is a wavering factor in a television show that takes place in a universe where a producer opts to fund a show before it is even written, but the fact that McPhee’s character is even given a callback after singing Christina Aguilera at an audition for a show like this is incredulous. She would be laughed right out of the audition.

Besides that glaring misstep, “Smash” has all the makings of a great television show wide viewer appeal, great crosspromotional potential, song sales, eventual staging of the Monroe musical and excellent writing.

Hopefully, this musical series will go down easier than those that have flopped before it, but if any television show was going to rejuvenate the genre, it is definitely “Smash.”

Craft markets provide affordable handmade wares to city consumers DAMIEN MORGAN Arts Intern Stationed in multiple parks and landmarks throughout NYC, holiday craft markets spring up so vendors can sell unique gift items. Many people have probably seen these strangely placed tents or stations and walked through it, only glancing at some of the sellers and their items.

Next time, when traveling with friends through parks such as Bryant Park or Union Square Park, stop by and look at the one-of-a-kind jewelry, hand knit sweaters and hats, ornaments, toys, food and artwork. One might be surprised to find that most of this stuff is 100 percent handmade.

The Bryant Park ice rink that many people go to all the time to enjoy themselves has transformed into an oldfashioned holiday market style of European tradition. The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park were decorated from top to bottom with an assortment of displays from crafted jewelry to decorations for the house. With more than 120 artisans and merchants from around the world, this holiday market was sure to spark an interest for any art enthusiast. Once the shopping is done, any person can hop on over to the free ice rink and relax from a day of shopping.

Every person living in NYC has heard of or been to Union Square on 14th St. During the holiday season, this well-known area becomes a sort of winter wonderland full of vendors further than the eye can see. Offering fair deals on goodies such as jewelry, candles, pottery and food, anyone will be happy with their handmade gifts for everyone to enjoy.

Organized by the same people that brought the Holiday Market at Union Square, the Holiday Market at Columbus Circle also has the same kind of bazaar but with a completely different atmosphere. Whereas in Union Square people feel the nice NYC weather as they walk through the decorated tents and displays outside, at Columbus Circle the market is stationed inside the luxurious mall under the enormous holiday stars that continuously change colors.

One can go visit a train station during the holiday fair that is right beyond the terminals at Grand Central Terminal. Walking in and out of Vanderbilt Hall, one will surprisingly see 76 handpicked vendors displaying their unusual, gorgeous and exotic pieces that cannot be found anywhere else in the city.

While shopping through this extravagant fair, shoppers will be astounded by the art work and feel relaxed when walking under the infamous light show

displayed on the Grand Central Terminal ceiling.

Since almost everything sold at these craft fairs and markets are handmade, one can’t help and feel the time and hard work that went into every single piece and knick-knack. Certain objects such as pottery and ceramics can really make one’s boutique or small business stand out from the rest. Many of the well-crafted clothes and personal apparel items, such as purses, jewelry and hats, can really give a person a new unique and distinguished looked from their fellow people.

Many famous artists are also stationed in these fairs to display their new pieces for purchase as well. This might be some of the few times to actually see a favorite artist in person, get some tips and actually be able to hang one of their new pieces up in one’s own house. Even though this all might seem expensive, these vendors are surprisingly cheap. Without burning a hole through anyone’s wallet and bank account, most of these hand crafted items are within anyone’s personal budget.

The fairs are yearly, but there is still much to look forward to. Placed all throughout NYC, are more markets and fairs. Whether in Brooklyn or Manhattan, anyone is sure to find one of these amazingly artistic arcades to have a casual day and to observe the art community.

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FEATURES

February 1, 2012

University students resolve to change in 2012

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Healthier lifestyle and better eating habits top most students’ lists A

SHANNON MCMAHON Contributor

s the second month of the new year begins, it’s time to take a look at which resolutions have stood the test of time. Though resolution themes that seem to be common every year, such as eating healthier and working out are still present, University students are either taking on quite ambitious resolutions or choosing not to commit to any at all.

Many students created resolutions regarding their health this year. University life can have huge ramifications on any student’s health, especially in NYC where there are many options to grab a quick bite of fast food to eat, so healthy eating is a goal that is very common amongst students. In some cases, students may want to be more health conscious, but find themselves with little time to cook due to commitments like school and extracurricular activities.

Senior Joseph Kiwanuka said his hectic schedule was to blame for his poor eating habits last year.

Kiwanuka said his resolution was to, “Cook more and not get take-out as much.”

Other students made resolutions to be healthier by attempting more physical activity, like senior Lindsey Diffley, who wants to “run three miles a week.” Some students however, wanted to stick with the convenience of a gym. “I want to go to the gym and lose weight,” freshman Lauren Price said.

Some students resolved to tackle all aspects of their health: mental, physical and nutritional. Freshman Alexandra Leal said, “My resolution is to eat healthier, go to the gym and get a 4.0 [GPA].” Meanwhile sophomore Jess Owens said that she wants to take control of factors responsible for harming her physical health saying, “I’d like to stop smoking cigarettes.”

While many students are excited to declare resolutions, others are aware that there is a chance that they may forget about their resolutions as soon as they have made them.

Some individuals simply don’t believe in health related resolutions. Graduate student Lauren Seifert said, “The most common resolution is to get in shape, but people don’t usually follow through. The gym is usually empty by February.”

Outside of the general resolutions regarding health, a handful of students had some ambitious and noteworthy resolutions to fulfill. “I’d like to get an internship in San Francisco” graduate student Sean

Le said. Freshman Trea McElhone made a resolution to “get a job.” While sophomore Autumn Fox’s resolution is to “be more outgoing,” Freshman Lindsay Hildebrandt’s resolution is to “take more advantage of the city.”

Some resolutions focused on education, with students wanting to earn better grades and miss fewer classes. Sophomore Bryan Fein wants to, “keep my GPA up and work out more,” tying health and school together. Freshman Nisha Chaudhauri resolution takes on many goals regarding health and school. “My resolution was to get good grades and not procrastinate and work out,” Chaudhauri said, who has been actively going to the gym and keeping up with homework since 2012 began. Sophomore Doug Kandle is keeping his resolution simple. “My resolution is to just do well in school,” Kandle said.

Many students though simply didn’t make resolutions. When asked why, students gave a variety of answers. “Different cultures celebrate the New Year on different dates, due to the fact that they have different calendars,” sophomore Nelson Schoenbrot said. While this may be true, other students said that they abstained from making resolutions simply due to the fact that they are not usually committed to them throughout the entire year. “I didn’t make one because I never stick to it. People can stick with it for a while but at the end they don’t follow through,” University Information Technology Services (ITS) Desktop Specialist Joe De Leo said.

Some students simply want to achieve goals without the title of “New Year’s resolution.” “I didn’t have a New Year’s resolution because I feel like the ‘new year’ isn’t a good reason to change something. It would be more genuine and successful if it happened naturally,” freshman Mariann Guadagnino said.

Graduate student Matilda Kiwanuka agrees with Guadagnino. “I think people should make changes all throughout the year,” Kiwanuka said.

Others don’t see a need to complicate things, like senior Ryan Schissler. “I didn’t make a resolution because I’m happy where I’m at,” Schissler said.

While many resolutions are either being continued or abandoned, students seem to be onto something here.

Perhaps the key is not in setting just one resolution to actively concentrate on for an entire year, but to allow yourself to pursue many different goals and selfimprovements at all times throughout the year.

The academic text world goes digital continued from PAGE 1 iTunes U as well as the introduction of iBooks 2 and iBooks Author.

The three part project now allows teachers to post supplementary course documents, materials, quizzes and tests through iTunes U as one might on Blackboard; while students can download eTextbooks for just $15 with iBooks 2 and Mac users are able to create their own books on iBooks Author, which can be published through the iBookstore.

Apple’s partnership with the three major textbook publishers, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw Hill, and Pearson gives the advantage of ultra-low prices and more interactive learning through the eTextbook.

Students will be able to zoom in on models and open them as interactive pieces, something other tablets have yet to offer.

It seems that the one perk of the NookStudy when compared to the other tablets is the ability to link Blackboard directly with the eTextbook. University students could certainly benefit from that as most

professors use Blackboard to relay course documents and supplements. With a growing number of University students opting for online courses, which operate through Blackboard, the NookStudy may work well with students to complete readings and note taking online as well. It would add another dimension to the Blackboard learning experience where the textbook would now be available for questions and to review online to students and professors as well.

However, it is difficult to imagine University students being inclined toward the NookStudy software when the eTextbooks available through NookStudy are not as cheap as they are for the iPad. “I would prefer books for $15 on [an] iPad; however the problem is that not everybody has access to an iPad,” sophomore Jaklina Lumaj said.

Although University students are always looking for the best deal on textbooks, only a limited amount of students have iPads, while it is safe to say that every student does have some sort of computer access. So, perhaps the NookStudy can be the resource for nontablet users to purchase and review eTextbooks with ease and accessibility to Blackboard.

We asked students,

”

What’s Your Resolution?

“My resolution is to eat healthier, go to the gym, and get a 4.0” -Alexandra Leal

“Cook more and not get take-out as much.”

-Joseph Kiwanuka “I want to go to the gym and lose weight.”

-Lauren Price “I’d like to stop smoking cigarettes.”

-Jess Owens

“The most common resolution is to get in shape but people don’t usually follow through. The gym is usually empty

by February.”

-Lauren Seifert “I’d like to get an internship in San Francisco.”

-Sean Le “[To] take more advantage of the city.”

-Lindsey Hildebrandt “Keep my GPA up and work out more.”

-Bryan Fein “My resolution was to get good grades and not procrastinate and work out.”

-Nisha Chaudhauri “My resolution is to just do well in school.”

-Doug Kandle “I didn’t make one because I never stick to it. People can stick with it for a while but at the end they don’t follow through” -Joe De Leo “I didn’t have a New Year’s resolution because I feel like the “new year” isn’t a good reason to change something. It would be more genuine and successful if it happened naturally.”

-Mariann Guadagnino “I think people should make changes all throughout the year.”

-Matilda Kiwanuka “I didn’t make a resolution because I’m happy where I’m at.”

-Ryan Schissler

FEATURES

February 1, 2012

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Celebrity chef Paula Deen delays announcing her diabetes diagnosis to the public ERICK MANCEBO Features Intern Famed celebrity chef Paula Deen stunned fans when she recently announced on NBC’s “Today Show” that she had previously been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. The Food Network star, best known for her unapologetically butter rich southern recipes, found out about the disease three years ago during a routine physical examination.

Speaking alongside her two sons on the “Today Show,” Deen said she waited until she had something of value to bring to the discussion and treatment of the disease before announcing it publicly.

She’s a woman of affluence now.

She can affect how people live.

-Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC Chief Medical Editor “I wanted to bring something to the table when I came forward and I’ve always been one to think I bring hope because I’ve had lots of obstacles in my life, y’all,” Deen said on the “Today Show” with her usual southern charm.

The something of value she had been holding out for is a treatment program. Deen is now the paid spokesperson for—“Diabetes in a New Light,” a program being pushed by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

Deen’s announcement drew a surprising amount of criticism and outrage and was one of the featured hot topics on many talk shows within the few days following the announcement. Much of the outrage circulated around Deen’s refusal to announce the disease for three years, and for choosing to do so only after she was a paid spokesperson for a drug company.

Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC’s Chief Medical Editor, blasted Deen publicly on the “Today Show,” stating, “Paula Deen had the chance to do the right thing, and she blew it… [she] had an extraordinary opportunity to say, ‘I’m a Southern woman. I cook Southern, but guess what?

I now have Type 2 Diabetes. I’m going to change my ways and I want you to come with me on this journey.’ That’s what leaders do…She’s a woman of affluence now. She can affect how people live.” In response to the criticisms, Deen later announced that a part of her profits for the deal with Novo Nordisk would go to the American Diabetes Association.

When sophomore Jennifer Simon first heard about Deen’s announcement, she was outraged at Deen’s selfishness in concealing her disease. “If she’s going to espouse this greasy, sugar-filled diet, [and] is not going to tell anybody that she’s contracted diabetes, which

moodyeyeview.com Paula Deen posing next to butter, a common ingredient in her recipes. when you contract it that late in life it usually has to do with weight and diet and exercise levels and things like that…and that she has only come public with this after the lifestyle she has endorsed after she’s gotten a deal with a pharmaceutical company, I think is despicable,” Simon said.

The question of how much celebrities are required to share about themselves with the general public isn’t a new one, but Deen’s supporters say it wasn’t her responsibility to let the world know about a disease she had developed, saying that she, alongside other celebrities, have the right to keep some parts of their lives private.

Others, meanwhile, argue that as a high-profile chef, Deen had a responsibility to educate the masses about the dangers of the disease, particularly when they appear to be a result of a high-calorie and famously butter-heavy diet.

Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern, who has previously spoken out against Deen’s recipes, took aim at her during an interview with Anderson Cooper on his talk show “Anderson.” When asked how he would react to finding out he had diabetes, Zimmern replied, “I have a tremendous platform and responsibility to talk to people about these issues about sustainability and about health and wellness when it comes to food.” Zimmern, alongside critics, believed Deen ignored her responsibility to change what she cooks on her shows and in her books.

Zimmern went on to further discuss the situation with Cooper, stating, “I think it became a much more personal thing when she found out she had diabetes. It’s such a serious issue right now…Personally, I change my diet every single time that I find something new. I famously tasted shark fin soup many, many years ago before we understood exactly what was going on with the harvesting of sharks. I’ve consequently come out against it. I make personal choices in my life and stand behind them. I am very much a person who likes to change with the times.

Education is what it is all about.”

Junior Abraham Tomo agrees with Zimmern, but understands Deen’s need for privacy in dealing with personal issues. “As a celebrity, I mean, you can have a personal life, but seeing as her job does deal with [what] you eat and talking about your health she kind of has somewhat of…[a] purpose or a position to voice that, ‘Yes I do have diabetes’ instead of keeping it hidden and [having] all this butter and carbohydrates and sugar [in her food],” Tomo said.

For her part, Deen says she never implied that her meals and recipes were a part of an everyday lifestyle.

Saying that she doesn’t always cook the foods on her shows and doesn’t advise others to do so, Deen stated on the “Today Show,” “I’ve always encouraged moderation.”

Starbucks forcing coffee lovers to lower their standards in quality ERICK MANCEBO Features Intern

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RUVEENA ROSSITTO Staff Writer

It’s impossible to walk a few blocks in New York City without spotting at least five separate Starbucks coffee shops. As the company expands, it’s becoming increasingly hard to resist the seductive green mermaid’s beckoning as she welcomes customers into the warm and cozy shop. With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, hardwood floors, comfy tables and lounge chairs littered with well-dressed people typing furiously into their laptops, it may seem that Starbucks is the ultimate coffee lover’s dream café. However, while the specialty drinks may well be worth the exaggerated price, a significant number of coffee drinkers have turned against the company, going as far as attacking the quality of their roast and nicknaming it “Charbucks.”

Starbucks, for their part, boast that they have the finest quality and variety in coffee.

A regular cup of coffee will cost anywhere from $1.40 - 1.70, depending on the size.

In addition to selecting the appropriate size of their drink, however, customers can also choose from any number of flavorings or shots to add to their coffees. Customers also have the option of asking for an iced version of the coffee, allowing them to sip their favorite flavors on the coldest winter day as well as during a summertime heat wave. Similarly, roasts are creatively nicknamed. Even with all of the options as well as a “finest quality” tag to boot, it’s simple for Starbucks dissenters to explain their dislike for the coffee. “It is way too strong, too overpriced, and overrated,” complained University sophomore Jamie Rose Bukowski.

NYC coffee connoisseurs have long harbored a dislike for the popular Starbucks. The substandard brand hit New York and has since become a resounding success, allowing the

company to expand their locations to all corners of the city—leaving other coffee shops forgotten, facing closure or bankruptcy. Amy Longfellow, also a sophomore, chimed in on the Starbucks debate, declaring, “You don’t go to Starbucks to drink coffee; you go there to look cool.” According to Longfellow and her fellow dissenters, holding a green-logoed Starbucks cup is the coffee equivalent of carrying around a designer purse. They argue that looking chic has trumped flavor, forcing other coffee shops to struggle to compete with the heavily marketed image of the Starbucks lifestyle.

Some students, on the other hand, argue that Starbucks shops are convenient, especially because they offer many amenities that students and customers would otherwise not have—namely free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets to plug in to and charge any number of mobile devices. Junior Christina Kornrich agrees that the environment is the biggest draw factor. “I’m a big coffee drinker and I do like Starbucks coffee…not straight up though. I think that is what makes Starbucks so popular because there are a lot of specialty drinks, something for everyone, even non-coffee drinkers. I enjoy the environment because I like the relaxing music and how [I] can bring a book or laptop.” Other coffee shops can’t compete with the draw Starbucks has, especially because Starbucks was one of the first companies to offer free Wi-Fi in their shops in the early 2000’s, something other, smaller shops could not afford to do. They didn’t have the capital Starbucks had at its disposal.

NYC coffee drinkers choose the comforts of Starbucks over the superior flavor of other coffee shops. “I think people just go to Starbucks because it seems classier, but the coffee isn’t good,” agreed sophomore Danielle Camacho. Starbucks has successfully expanded like a virus throughout the city, cementing its brand as the one stop location for coffee, Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, public bathrooms, and comfort. As a result, however, locally-owned coffee shops with better coffee lost their footing and now face grim futures.

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February 1, 2012

FEATURES

Make-up industry hits new low with “white is right”

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NICOLE MORALES Features Intern

he make-up industry constantly develops new ideas of beauty that they in turn attempt to market to the masses. Using celebrities, models and “real life” people, they aim to make audiences associate their particular brand with beauty.

However, in recent times make-up companies seem more inclined towards whiter skin in their marketing campaigns. From skin whitening creams to Photoshopped complexions, it seems major make-up companies are trying to sell an idea that whiter skin is idealized in beauty.

Whether positively or negatively, every major company is guilty of marketing race in one way or another. Make-up commercials seek to make consumers believe that using their product will make them more beautiful. The make-up industry, much like the fashion industry, is the model for the latest trends and beauty ideas. However, the make-up industry notoriously uses race as a marketing tool to help sell the latest idea of beauty to the public.

Communication Studies Assistant Professor Dr. Emilie Zaslow agrees, stating, “I do think that race informs the ways in which cosmetic companies market their products.

Often they perpetuate racial stereotypes in their ad campaigns as well as in the actual products they produce for different ethnic and racial markets.”

Such products produced with different skin colors in mind are seamlessly natural foundations like L’Oreal’s True Match. The foundation’s latest campaign features Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Aimee Mullins listing their ethnic backgrounds and how True Match works for them. “In this case there is a pragmatic basis for bringing race into the ad campaign. The suggestion is that the product will be a ‘true match’ for all skin colors,” Dr. Zaslow said.

In a country as diverse as the U.S., it is not uncommon to find people of multi-ethnic backgrounds. “Of course there is a capitalist imperative to all ads; their intent is to sell a product. In this case they will be most likely to sell their product to the largest audience

Major cosmetic brands and their popular skin whitening products.

if they can convince their consumers that the product will match all skin tones [i.e. skin tones of all racial and ethnic identities],” Dr. Zaslow said.

While this may be an example of racial marketing where the intent is to attract consumers relating to a particular product, the make-up industry markets other products that are not so agreeable. A growing obsession throughout Asia is the use of skin whitening products and as highlighted a few years ago on “The Tyra Banks Show,” skin whitening is also becoming more popular in the U.S. as well. Every major make-up company has their own brand of skin whitening cream, which makes one feel as though these companies are propagating the idea that whiter skin is preferred.

Even selling skin whitening creams are a way of marketing the ideology that whiter skin is ideal in beauty. If foundations and eye shadows are marketed to consumers as a product that will make one beautiful, the same marketing strategy behind the sale of skin whitening creams must have the same motive.

“Skin whitening creams perpetuate the racist ideology that ‘white is right.’ Some people say that if a market did not exist, if consumers did not want the whitening cream, that the cosmetic companies would not manufacture it. They absolve the companies by blaming consumers. I feel that this is a simplification. There is demand but the demand does not mean that a company must choose to embrace and develop the market,” Dr. Zaslow said.

With all of the attention on racial marketing both negative and positive, it’s fair to say that the make-up industry is responsible for marketing the idea of beauty. Skin commercials targeting multi-ethnic audiences may prove to have audiences feel more comfortable with their skin; selling the idea that everything you are is beautiful. It sells the idea that one is accepted, but the contradiction is in their skin whitening products.

When companies sell a product, they are endorsing its use. If major companies stopped selling skin whiteners, perhaps the craze would subside a bit. The irony is in the marketing of multi-ethnicity in one campaign and the exact opposite in another, but as with any business the idea is to sell, sell, sell.