The Pace Press Volume 67, Issue 1

September 24, 2015

Est. 1948

Volume 67 | Issue 1

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Dear Fat People: An Inappropriate and Misinformed Conversation on Weight

TRACI THOMAS

Social Media Manager The body image conversation has begun to fluctuate as “thick chicks” and “dad bods” are finding a little mainstream sex appeal, those who have a little less meat on their bones than most are fighting for their right to be thin. Although both sides are right we live in a time where the middle ground is the figures shown in the media: shapely thighs with toned cheeks, built frame with strong but not too “jacked” arms, or the curvaceous midriff with an ample chest...just enough to be ogled and envied by any individual.

A CONVERSATION ON WEIGHT ontinued on PAGE 6

INSIDE @thepacepress

NEWS

ARTS

FEATURES

Hillary v. Bern, the race for the young vote.

Late show debutes as host transitions to new night spot.

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South Park delves into the true meaning of politically correct.

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NEWS

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Sep 24, 2012

Hillary Clinton “Feels the Bern” Sanders gains momentum in the Democratic race NIVETHA NAGARAJAN Contributer

It is known by now that there are only two names in contention for the Democratic nomination for the 2016 presidency. Longtime favorite, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders are the ones to watch for the political left. While Clinton has approximately 91% national name recognition according to Gallup polls and Sanders has only around 44%, those numbers are changing fast. Since April 2015, Clinton’s favorability rating has fallen from 48 to 43%, while Sanders’ favorability rating has doubled from 12 to 24%.

Sanders’ main draw for voters everywhere is his willingness to be upfront about the problems affecting the average American today. Whether makers.com it be wealth inequality, America’s diminishing middle class, the rising costs of higher education or climate change:, Sanders has a clear, defined stance, most prominantly on the issue of higher education. In May 2015, Sanders introduced a bill to make all four-year public colleges and state universities tuition-free. His plan for financing this is to raise billions of dollars through taxation on big Wall Street firm transactions. He argues that this would help solve both the rampant income inequality and the crushing student loan debt (currently in the range of about one trillion dollars collectively) that plague America today.

In contrast, Hillary Clinton offers a more conservative plan, one which does not promise to make colleges entirely free, but increases taxation on wealthier families to fund more federal college grants, in conjunction with putting pressure on state universities to keep their costs of attending low. However, student and family contributions would still be required.

On the social issues front, both candidates are fairly liberal when it comes to women’s rights, LGBT rights, and race issues. Clinton and Sanders both support reproductive rights, equal pay for equal work, paid family

leave, same-sex marriage, and have pledged to fight structural and institutional racism. This is in stark contrast to most of the Republican candidates, most of whom do not support abortion rights, same-sex marriage, nor recognize that institutional racism is a problem. But even within Clinton’s and Sanders’ forward-thinking social sensibilities, there are differences: Clinton did not support same-sex marriage until 2013, whereas Sanders has supported it since 1996, when he voted against the Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as only a union between a man and a woman.

However, the primary differences between Sanders and Clinton are their political backgrounds, campaign practices, and economic policies. Dr. Emily Bent, a professor in the Women’s and Gender Studies department at the University, commented, “Clinton is highly-experienced (more so than any other candidate) – she understands how politics work and can get things done, but it is also her experience that seems to be her downfall. It leaves her vulnerable to attack and the GOP has been relentless in their attacks on her personal character. Sanders on the other hand appears less poised and polished; his appearance is often muddled and when he speaks, he does not appear practiced. He is very strong on economic issues, particularly the wealth gap that exists in this country and I think this focus on economics (combined with his less polished look) makes him relatable.”

It is true that Clinton has come under fire lately for the recent email scandal that came to light – the FBI is still conducting an investigation on her after evidence surfaced that she was sending classified government information on her personal email server during her appointment as Secretary of State. This, coupled with her relative inconsistency on major policy issues over the years as compared to Sanders, could be the reason for the fall in her favorability ratings.

However, it is still very early on in the presidential race. When asked if she thought that Clinton was too popular and well-known for Sanders to ever overtake, senior Lubin student Chabeli Alegria said, “I don’t think anyone is too big to overtake, it’s anyone’s game in the end. Sanders seems to be very straightforward.”

The showdown between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders will happen at the Democratic primaries in early 2016, when Democrats all over the country will vote to decide their candidate for President of the United States. If you are 18 years of age and want to vote in the primaries, register your party affiliation with your New York county board of elections now.

TIME.com

NEWS

Sep 24, 2012

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Defunding Parenthood MAXIMILLIANO ONOFRE Executive Editor

On Sept. 18, The House of Representatives voted to freeze federal funding for the non-profit organization, Planned Parenthood after weeks of debate.

Two Democrats and almost all Republicans approved of the legislation in a 241 to 187 vote. This vote would block the federal funding for the organization, which would give Congress the time to investigate to the full extent any claims that have been made of wrongdoings by the provider.

However, this was not the only vote that happened at this time.

There was also a vote of 248 to 177 that would tighten restrictions on abortion doctors who violate infant protections, also dividing mainly along party lines.

The votes were not taken lightly by the Planned Parenthood action fund, as an official stated that the vote was a “callous attempt to insert politics into women’s health”.

Planned Parenthood’s main goal is not abortions but instead to work with women and children for preventative care, such as birth control and cancer screenings. Without the funding, Congress would save $235 million over a decade, but this would be at the cost of 600,000 patients, which could result in “several thousand” unplanned births.

Eric Ferrero, the action fund’s Vice President of Communications stated, “Nothing that politicians in Congress did today will change the fact that our doors remain open to everyone, in every part of this country, who needs high quality, compassionate reproductive health care.”

Obama took the time to make a statement at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s awards dinner on Sept. 19, 2015 after Congress stated that they’d shut down the government if they can’t shut down women’s access to Planned Parenthood. He described the move as a “self-inflicted wound that we’ve seen before on our economy.”

Prior to this, Obama had stated that he would veto the bill if it arrived at his desk, instigating Congress’ threat.

Nevertheless, Republicans have pushed for the defunding after anti-abortion activists released a secretly recorded video which allegedly shows Planned Parenthood officials discussing the sales of fetal tissues for research. The organization had already taken the time to make clarify this before the videos, and further explained that while they do this, they only do it with the consent of the patient.

Currently, federal funds do not financially support the abortion services at the clinics but do help in other aspects. Republicans argued that in light of these videotapes, the organization should be ineligible for any funding.

Lion’s Death Causes Uproar NOMAN SCHULDENREIN Contributer

On July 1, 2015, Dr. Walter James Palmer killed Cecil the lion at the Hwange Game Reserve in Zimbabwe. Cecil was a very well known male lion living at the Hwange Game Reserve in Zimbabwe.

Dr. Walter James Palmer is a dentist in Minneapolis, Minnesota who was identified by conservation groups as the hunter who poached and killed Cecil the Lion. Apparently, Cecil was lured by the hunters to get away from the main animal sanctuary of the park and was then killed by an illegal group of big game hunters.

Dr. Palmer readily confessed that he had indeed killed Cecil. Additionally, he stated that he did believe that all the proper hunting permits were obtained and that he did not know that the lion was a “local favorite” in that area of Africa. Dr. Palmer also claimed that he was not specifically targeting Cecil. He apparently only knew how well known Cecil was after he had already killed him. This is also not the first time that Dr. Palmer has gotten in legal trouble for poaching. He also faced charges for poaching in 2008 when he pleaded guilty to a license violation after

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he had shot a black bear in Wisconsin.

After quite a bit of investigation on the story, it was concluded that Cecil was shot with a bow and arrow and was then followed and pursued for over 40 hours before being killed with a rifle. After obtaining that information, it did not take long for the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force and the Safari Operators Association to uncover that the killer was definitely Dr. Walter James Palmer. Cecil was also the father of six cubs. Considering what usually happens among prides of lions, those six cubs will probably be killed by a male lion from another pride of lions.

“The thing that I find most interesting is how people reacted. I think it says a lot about a person’s reaction to the news based on if they were quick to get outraged about it, quick to try to defend it, or quick to complain that the story got more attention than something that they think deserved the attention more,” said University sophomore Rosemary Leo, “I haven’t heard people talk much about it lately, and I think it was just another one of those stories that people are outraged about for a few weeks, don’t do anything about, and then stop talking about because they have already proven to their friends

on social media that they are a good person because they condemned the hunter.”

Not surprisingly, this story has indeed raised a lot of controversy and anger among many people around the world. Although a fair amount of people have already moved on from this story to other world issues, there are still a lot of people who are rallying and protesting the killing of Cecil. In fact, there were a lot of young children standing outside of Dr. Palmer’s dental clinic back in Minnesota with signs that protest the killing of Cecil. Additionally, a collection of stuffed animals were placed at the doorway of Dr. Palmer’s clinic also to protest the killing of Cecil.

Dr. Palmer will be faced with poaching charges.

Additionally, professional local hunter Theo Bronkhorst and local landowner Honest Ndlovu were charged with failing to prevent an American from unlawfully killing Cecil. They were each granted $1,000 bail on July 29.

University freshman Matthew Liebmanagrees wit the law, saying that, “The hunter had no right to do that and it probably said that you can not shoot the animals. People going against the rules like that is inexcusable.”

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NEWS

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Sep 24, 2012

Kim Davis valiently leaves jail, with Mike Huckabee and friend in hand.

cnn.com

Kim Davis is Free for the Time Being

CHASE BALLAS News Editor

On June 26, the Supreme Court of the United States made a landmark decision that changed the fundamental landscape of American social position. Despite its legalization and overwhelming support from the public, same sex marriage still remains a controversial topic in politics.

The religious right has tried many loopholes to prevent same sex marriages, and over the month, it has found its unlikely leader in county clerk Kim Davis. In Rowan, Kentucky, she is hailed as a hero for refusing to sign same sex marriage licenses out of her right to freedom of religion.

However, after court appeal and appeal, and decision from the Supreme Court, Davis was found, not practicing religion, but in contempt of court for not following orders to give same sex marriage licenses.

Through her imprisonment, Davis became hero, gaining devote followers, most notably Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Huckabee called Davis’s arrest, “the criminalization of Christianity.

She had strong conviction. This violated her basic conviction.” Due to her arrest, the Rowan County office began to sign same

sex marriage licenses, which ultimately led to Davis being no longer found in contempt of court and was released on September 8 after a five day stint, with the order to comply to the Supreme Court ruling. With a larger than life presence, Davis left the jail, with Huckabee at her side, to Survivor’s 1982 hit “Eye of the Tiger” to greet her supporters. There is currently a discussion about the band suing both Davis and Huckabee for the illegal use of their song.

Davis’s arrest has led to a heated debate on what is and is not considered religious liberty. Both Democratic front runners, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, have denounced Davis, both agreeing that public servants are not above the law. Davis has seemingly divided the Republican candidates, and her story had a prominent feature during the second Republican debate on September 16. Rick Santorum compared Davis’s imprisonment to that of Martin Luther King, saying that, “Martin Luther King wrote a letter from a Birmingham jail, and he said in that letter that there are just laws and there are unjust laws, and we have no obligation to condone and accept unjust laws. He then followed up and said, ‘What’s an unjust law?’ An

unjust law is a law that goes against the moral codes or God’s law or the natural law.

I would argue that what the Supreme Court did is against God’s law. It’s against natural law, and we have every obligation to stand in opposition to it.” On the other hand, Jeb Bush opposed Davis, siding that she must uphold the law, and George Pataki when as far as to say he would have fired her.

Despite her freedom and court order not to interfere with same sex marriage, Davis

With a larger than life presence, Davis left the jail, with Huckabee at her side, to Survivor’s 1982 hit “Eye of the Tiger” to greet her supporters. is once again in jeopardy. It was reported that Davis made substantial changes to the marriage licenses in her office. to undermin their value The new license has no mention of Davis, Rowan County or any deputy clerk, only having a place for the deputy county clerk to initial. To sum it up, the Kim Davis story is far from over.

NEWS

Sep 27, 2012

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New Human Discovered ASHLEY YANDA Contributor

On Sept. 10, 2015, the world became aware of the fossils that may be the newest piece to humankind’s greatest puzzle.

Two years ago, a group of recreational explorers discovered the fossils of Homo naledi in the Rising Star Cave, located in a South African province. Since the original discovery, scientists have recovered 1,550 fossil remains, which is the largest hominin find in a single location thus far. South Africa has been called the “Cradle of Humankind” due to the discovery of numerous fossils belonging to a primitive species in the Homo genus. Scientists believe that the fossils found in the cave are a new species of human ancestry, adding another branch to our family tree.

Homo naledi appears to be one of the most primitive species in the genus Homo, with characteristics of having a rather small brain, no larger than the size of an orange, and shoulder bones that resemble apes. Homo naledi’s hands show similarities to the human hand, with curved finger bones, suggesting that Homo naledi had climbing and tool using capabilities. They are believed to have stood at about 5 feet tall and have had the capacity to walk long distances. The genus Homo was given to the fossils because of the human like characteristics and the species name, naledi, was given because the word naledi means “star” in the Sotho language. It was chosen because of the location of the Dinaledi Chamber within Rising Star cave system where the fossils were found. Another fascinating similarity between Homo naledi and humans is that they appear to have buried their dead, which is a ritual people believed only existed among modern humans. The Rising Star Cave is believed to be a burial ground for Homo

Homo nadeli is believed to look something like this

naledi. Burying of the dead was previously believed to be one of the defining characteristics of being human, which makes us question what characteristics really makes us human.

Thoughts and opinions of different scientists are that Homo naledi may not even belong to the genus Homo due to the fact that the fossils also demonstrate characteristics similar to those of the genus Australopithecus mixed with traits that are generally classified to the genus Homo, as well as traits not known in other hominin species. Dr. Erika Crispo believes that Homo naledi, “is just another branch on the tree... We say ‘Oh we found this missing link’ but in reality, the chances that we will ever find our ancestors are so incredibly slim. You can’t say its a missing link, it’s a transition.” The next challenge that scientists face regarding the fossils will be to determine their age in order to learn more about the early evolution of humans and other species found in the Homo genus. Some scientists believe that there is no way of properly determining the genus of Homo naledi until the specimens have been dated, therefore diminishing the importance of this discovery.

Whether or not you believe that Homo naledi is a piece in the puzzle or the missing link, there is no arguing that this is an extraordinary discovery. Incoming freshman Kimmy Petrey thinks that “it could be a part of the missing puzzle piece but [she] also think[s] there is so much we still don't know and still have to discover.” New information on Homo naledi is being produced daily and it will be fascinating to see what discoveries are made on our genus based on this incredible find. Discovering the answer of the long asked question, the origin of our species and the genus Homo, may be on the way. The next step in the journey of new discovery will be dating the fossils and seeing where it fits on our timeline.

cnn.com

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THE PACE PRESS

Sep 24, 2012

OPINION AND EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL BOARD Christian Gomez Editor Maximilliano Onofre Executive Editor Ashley Spencer Advertising Manager Chase Balles News Editor Sarah Hartzell Arts Editor Natalie Carolina Condrillo Features Editor Deniah Cagara Graphic Design Traci Thomas Social Media Dr. Stephanie Hsu Faculty Consultant

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 2014

continued from PAGE 1 Growing up, and even today, it was hard looking at images of what TV, movies, and the internet saw as the ideal body type. My stomach and arms and legs became much bigger than 9 out of 10 doctors recommend by age of 7. I’ve always been a big girl with not-so-thick skin; struggling to get to that “healthy” weight and always coming up short. Many times, I just gave up on trying. Even though it is my first true love, it hurt to convince myself that I was too fat to continue acting once I came to New York. Worse, I convinced myself I wasn’t allowed to be with anyone because of how big I was. I convinced myself I was destined to be fat and single the rest of my life. It took up until about two months after my 21st birthday to look at my entire body in the mirror for the first time and actually say, “This is OK.” After a couple of doctor’s appointments during the summer, I created my own regimen and gave up soda and candy. Now I have had a better perspective on my body, what its limits are, and how I can improve it for my own happiness instead of others. Recently that healthy thought process took a temporary backseat...

Earlier this month, Canadian comedian and blogger Nicole Arbour released a video: “Dear Fat People”.

Previously, I’d only watched one of her videos; criticizing young women who label themselves as “Instagram models”. I did not enjoy it, so I knew I would especially not enjoy “Dear Fat People”.

The moment I saw it shared by my friends on Facebook, I ignored it. I fought my urge to read an article or two until a couple of hours later. Almost every source covering the video that labeled her as a bully, citing her dismissal of the term “fat shaming” and how being overweight shouldn’t qualify as a disability because it is a self-inflicted choice. Funny enough, the more I read these things, the less angry I got. Arbour is no different than the boys, girls and teachers in middle and high school who barely knew me and who’s nasty words about my body were thinly veiled by the excuse that they were looking out for me. Though I placed this woman who I know nothing about in the same circle

as the people from my past who fearlessly pointed out my weight. I feared my self-esteem would hit the rock bottom that I felt trapped in a cycle of loathing myself because of my weight. And it did trigger these emotion in me in the time after watching the video. But I finally decided to work on bouncing back, getting back to my good habits, and actually watch the video that made so many heads spin.

What made “Dear Fat People” hard to watch was not just Arbour’s comments on overweight individuals, but her commentary on every other group as well. Between her quick edits and filters were jokes including the homosexual and the Middle Eastern community that added nothing to her already broken argument. The quips just added fuel to several already dangerous fires, which she justified due to her placement in the entertainment industry.

During her visit to “The View”, Arbour brings up that she can only be seen as a “bar chick” stereotype in movies and TV due to her gender and body image. She goes on to say that if she were a man, her videos would have been applauded and respected for her honesty.

YouTube personality and TV host Grace Helbig said it best in her Oops We’re All Humans video: “I’m all for [Arbour] being a contrarian and wanting to start an alternative conversation...[but] it looks like [she’s] using a controversial, personal subject to leverage subscribers and attention in a negative way.” A rarely emotional Helbig wasn’t lying; immediately after Arbour’s video and YouTube page were shut down, she boasted in crying “censorship” and gaining followers on her Twitter and Facebook page. But every action has more than one reaction; Arbour’s name is still being dragged in the dirt by mainstream media and other popular YouTubers.

“Dear Fat People” represents the ongoing dark side of the body image conversation. But the progression of body size acceptance has had a bigger spotlight shined upon it. As I walk my huge, strong thighs down the street, I cannot help but to keep my head held high: in confidence of myself and the countless others supporting anyone who fear looking in the mirror.

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are expressed by contributors (students, faculty, administration and staff) to The Pace Press. These opinions are solely those of the individual writers and do not reflect the opinions of The Pace Press, the members of The Pace Press staff or Pace University. The Pace Press is not responsible and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind of arising out of use or relevance to any information contained in this section.

Sep 24, 2012

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ARTS

Fashion week takes over New York JACKIE KOSKY Contributor

It is no surprise that the most prominent week for all of fashion and beauty culture for New York is the renowned New York Fashion Week. In the past, fashion week was a event held solely for the fashion industry that gives designers and brands a chance to showcase their latest collections to buyers and the press. Celebrities, bloggers, and makeup artists alike all flock to New York to experience this huge and still growing event. Another huge aspect of NYFW is the styles seen throughout the streets of New York. One of the University’s fashion fanatics says, “My favorite thing about fashion week is not even the shows but the street styles all around New York.” A huge amount of these coveted styles come from the celebrities, from Kanye West to Selena Gomez, that flock to the city.

For this year’s fashion week it’s much more than just fashions that are different.

In December of 2014, The Supreme Court of the State of New York ruled that Lincoln Center could no longer be used for NYFW on the ground that it violates public park regulations. Since then IMG, the company that runs NYFW, has been searching for new venues around the city to host their shows. However, this is not new for fashion week. Many fashion labels have held off-site shows through the years.

The official sites of NYFW from IMG include Skylight at Moynihan Station at 360 West 33rd Street in

Midtown, and Skylight Clarkson Square at 550 Washington Street in SoHo. These two venues were decided upon with the help of many designers, show producers, and journalists, and secured with the help of Mayor Bill De Blasio.

More changes have been made this year to make fashion week more accessible to fashion fans around the world. Ariel Emanuel, chief executive of IMG, says that “fashion is just another form of entertainment.” She believes that the fashion world shouldn’t keep this entertainment just to the industry.

Continually, IMG has brought fashion week to the world of the Internet. This year NYFW is being streamed live on NYFW.com and on their newly released app available on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Now one does not need the exclusive pass to see the season’s hottest new styles. One University student says, “I really enjoy the live stream, it gives everyone access to the shows.” Another added aspect to the website includes a behind the scenes tab. Featured on this page includes a gallery of trendy runway, beauty looks, and street styles.

IMG has created various accounts on social media platforms to promote and give the public looks into fashion week. These include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,

Pinterest, Tumblr, and Snapchat. Snapchat included it’s own “live story” dedicated to specific days of NYFW. Multiple behind the scenes and mid-show pictures have been posted on both of the most popular one: Twitter and Instagram. The NYFW Twitter now holds a following of 67.5 thousand followers while their instagram has 29 thousand followers. Now, millions of people can view backstage snaps of makeup artists, designers, and show attendees. Fashion week has made great strides this year to give the public an inside look into the week.

However, not everybody is on board with these new changes. High profile designers Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenburg decided to not show at IMG’s fashion week and instead decided to hold their shows independently of the organization. Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger elected to be “direct associates” with the company. This means their shows were live streamed and scheduled on the NYFW app and website, but they held their shows at independent venues.

Overall, the changes that were made have been received well by the public and will help New York Fashion Week grow as a fashion center for not only the fashion industry but for the public as well.

Rask Travel

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ARTS

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Sep 24, 2012

VMAs deliver on drama

Nicki Minaj questions her Video of the Year snub SARAH HARTZELL Arts Editor

MTV’s Video Music Awards are never short on drama, but this year’s took a turn for the sociopolitical. Race, gender, and body image took a front row seat in the debate over which videos deserved to be nominated.

The nominees for Video of the Year included Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood”—the eventual winner of the top prize— but did not include Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda.” Both videos became instantly iconic and broke YouTube records, but Minaj was passed over for the nomination. Minaj took to Twitter to express her disappointment.

“If I was a different ‘kind’ of artist, Anaconda would be nominated for best choreo and vid of the year as well… U couldn’t go on social media w/o seeing ppl doing the cover art, choreo, outfits for Halloween...an impact like that & no VOTY nomination?... When the ‘other’ girls drop a video that breaks records and impacts culture they get that nomination... If your video celebrates women with very slim bodies, you will be nominated for vid of the year. I’m not always confident. Just tired. Black women influence pop culture so much, but are rarely rewarded for it,” Minaj wrote in a series of tweets.

Minaj used social media to put her snub in a larger context of race and body image; she argued that she was not nominated because her video featured women of color and women with curvier figures. The other videos nominated, including Swift’s, were overwhelmingly white and thin.

Swift seemed to take Minaj’s complaints as a personal attack, tweeting, “@NICKIMINAJ I’ve done nothing but love & support you.

It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..”

Despite her self-proclaimed feminism, Swift clearly did not catch on to the point Minaj was trying to make, and instead made a budding conversation about social issues into a feud between herself and Minaj. Media coverage focused solely on what was deemed a cat fight, rather than the original argument that Minaj put forward, or even a debate on the issue. Swift has been criticized before for practicing so-called “white feminism,” meaning a lack of sympathy for the range of issues that women of color face in a predominately white society, and her failure to understand Minaj’s point of view further illustrates her rather narrow understanding of intersectional feminist issues.

To further complicate things, VMA’s host Miley Cyrus criticized Minaj’s approach in an interview with The New York Times: “If you do things with an open heart and you come at things with love, you would be heard and I would respect your statement.

But I don’t respect your statement because of the anger that came with it… What I read sounded very

Nicki Minaj, which, if you know Nicki Minaj is not too kind. It’s not very polite,” Cyrus said. “I think there’s a way you speak to people with openness and love. You don’t have to start this pop star against pop star war. It became Nicki Minaj and Taylor in a fight, so now the story isn’t even on what you wanted it to be about…”

Cyrus, like Swift, has been called out in the past for being a “white feminist” and touting equality while participating in cultural appropriation and stereotyping. Her characterization of Minaj as being too angry and “not very polite” is all too reminiscent of the “Angry Black Woman” trope that is often used to minimize the legitimate complaints of black women about race, gender, and body image. Additionally, her blaming of Minaj for the perceived feud with Taylor Swift ignores Swift’s role in the misunderstanding and wrongfully places the burden on Minaj instead.

Cyrus’s role as a conventionally attractive, slim, white woman likely makes her less sensitive to these issues, but Minaj felt the affront. At the VMA’s, Minaj had the last word when she introduced Cyrus by saying, “And now...back to this bitch that had a lot to say about me in the press. Miley, what’s good?”

After all was said and done, Minaj’s attempt to start a conversation about the role of black women in music and pop culture was undermined by a series of misunderstandings and devolved into another bout of VMA’s drama and celebrity feuds. Whether the hatchet was buried or not between the pop stars, any productive conversation about important social isues that may have arisen was certainly buried far beyond re c o g n it i on .

International Business Times Minaj at the VMAs

ARTS

Sep 24, 2012

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FOX receives ‘Excellent’ GLAAD rating TANNER JOHNSON Contributor

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation’s ninth annual, and final, issue of their Network Responsibility Index, FOX’s representation of the LGBT community in its shows Glee and Empire have earned the network its first ever “Excellent” rating.

GLAAD has been recognized worldwide for its extensive efforts in promoting acceptance of the LGBT community while also serving as a support system for anyone seeking advice concerning personal matters.

GLAAD’s annual release of the Network Responsibility Index serves as a rating system for television networks, giving ratings ranging from a ‘failing’ grade to their highest award, an ‘excellent’ rating, based on how accurately and frequently networks depicted the LGBT community in their programming throughout the past year.

The most interesting aspect of FOX’s recent achievement, despite the fact that this is the first time that GLAAD has ever given an ‘excellent’ to a major TV network, is that the network received a ‘failing’ grade in 2006. Primarily known for its conservative views and outtakes, it is only natural for

there to be a certain level of shock that FOX, of all major networks, would be the first to obtain such a high rating from GLAAD. “I definitely think it’s interesting that with all of the media representing the LGBT community, that FOX would be the one to surpass them all, but with shows like Glee, which represent the community in such a positive light, FOX is certainly taking a step onto the right side of history,” Film and Screen Studies student Michelle Stoll said.

According to CNN, 45.4% of FOX’s programming hours included LGBT representation and content. This is deemed a monumental step for the network and for all television production alike. Though it is not considered a major television network, this will be the third year in a row that ABC Family has received an ‘excellent’ rating for LGBT representation in shows such as Pretty Little Liars and The Fosters.

With channels like ABC Family and major networks, such as FOX, leading the way for LGBT representation in the media, it is only a matter of time before the community being portrayed on television is less of a news story and more of an accepted storyline for any production.

GLAAD Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Kate Ellis, recently announced that this year’s Network Responsibility Index would be its last in order to focus on LGBT diversity in the media. With this statement, FOX will be the only major network to have ever scored an ‘excellent’ rating in this study.

FOX’s Glee, which finished production earlier this year, included several homosexual and transgender storylines involving main characters and FOX’s Empire, which just recently began airing its second season, features a heavy representation of the LGBT community, including a main gay character who also is African-American.

Despite the fact that FOX is heavily criticized in its news department for their right-wing commentary, its television network has certainly embraced the diversity that society is working toward, furthering GLAAD’s decision to bestow an ‘excellent’ rating upon the network.

With such remarkable progress being made in one of the world’s most influential industries, time will only tell how much longer it will be until all major networks are producing shows worthy of GLAAD’s ‘excellent’ rating.

Colbert debuts new “Late Show”

ANDREW SCIALLO Contributor

After nine years of reporting political news in a comedic fashion, Stephen Colbert ended his reign as host of “The Colbert Report” in December and now makes his return to television as host of “The Late Show.” To kick off his premiere week, Colbert featured some impressive guest including Vice President Joe Biden, George Clooney and U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic.

Along with hosting, Colbert is also featured as executive producer and writer.

The Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York had gone through a serious period of reconstruction in between the time of David Letterman’s exit and Stephen Colbert’s debut to “The Late Show.” Colbert decided to make several differences in the style and construction of the physical stage. Stained glass windows that David Letterman had decided to be put in storage had been reinstalled by request of Colbert. He even had the host’s desk moved to the opposite side of the theatre.

Many University students who have

been keeping up on their late-night talk shows are excited for the show’s change in host. Freshman Gillian Pietrowski stated ecstatically, “Steven Colbert is hilarious and knows what it means to be a great host. I will miss David Letterman but Colbert will be just as great!”

It was not until recent years that a blend of politics and pop culture began to appear. Colbert, along with Jon Stewart, had been one of the first comedians to shine a comedic light on some of the country’s political issues. From Colbert’s history of political style in “The Colbert Report,” audiences are looking forward to a new sort of comedy that had yet to be explored on “The Late Show”.

Media and comedy have impacted the upcoming election more than ever before.

From Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton, Stephen Colbert can find enough material to last him an entire season. With a fresh outlook on politics, Colbert will be able to express his views on the upcoming election, with a broader audience than “The Colbert Report.” This will be something new that had not been seen

from David Letterman. Colbert’s delivery of the news along with his humor will be refreshing for late-night audiences. All too often Americans can find politics and national news to be boring or even somber.

With funnyman Colbert’s tough and crude humor, viewers will be able to experience political news from the upcoming election in a new and exciting way.

But Colbert will have to do more than impress audiences if he is to win the hearts of late-night viewers. For over twenty years, Letterman had won over viewers with his charm and dry humor.

The pressure will be on Colbert in these next couple weeks as he makes his debut to “The Late Show.” To fill the shoes of one of the greatest late-night comedians of our time, audiences will most definitely be putting an enormous pressure on the Comedy Central comedian.

Within these upcoming weeks, critics and audience members alike will be able to form opinions of Colbert and decide if he will be able to survive in the network late-night community.

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Sep. 24, 2012

A taste of Seaport

KATRINA ALONSO Staff Writer

The Smorgasburg at South Street Seaport has been open since May 21st, but it didn’t take long for it to steal the hearts of New Yorkers. This year, NYC’s favorite food fest has a lot to offer its faithful customers.

Returning vendors include: Cemitas El Tigre, known for authentic Mexican cemitas, Red Hook Lobster Pound, famous for their lobster rolls, and Milk Truck, the best stall for a gourmet grilled cheese.

Other stalls including Lumpia Shack, which sells Filipino rolls and rice bowls, Lonestar Empire, offering slow-smoked Texas style brisket sandwiches, Schnitz, with their classic breaded-chicken sandwiches, and The Ramen Burger will be offering their innovative sandwiches to Seaport dwellers.

The gorgeous open-air, cobblestoned space makes for an excellent backdrop to any meal you decide to pick up from one of the uniquely designed stalls. Luckily, you won’t find yourself paying too much for the ambiance: most of the meals offered at Seaport Smorgasburg will only cost you between $10 to $15, in some cases even less. Even better, while customers have an incredibly diverse choice of food— between the German schnitzel, the Filipino lumpia, and the Mexican cemitas, they’ve

got most of the globe covered—those with dietary restrictions can also have a taste of the cultural cuisine offered here. Almost every stall offers a vegetarian option for our meatless friends and some even have gluten-free choices as well.

The accessibility and diversity of Seaport also endears the local hotspot to the university’s students, since it’s so close to campus. Sophomore Savannah Apple says of the local food fest, “I love it! I always have a good time and get to try some really good food.” Apple recommends the Instagramfamous Ramen Burger for first-timers because of how well known and reliable it is in terms of quality. “The ramen burger is so good!” she raves. “Add cheese and get a half green tea half lemonade. It’s delish. If you’re willing to wait to eat your food, walk down to the water. You’ll get a spectacular view and a good meal.”

What’s great about Seaport Smorgasburg is that after your meal, you can still find dozens of other spots in the area to meander around. There are art projects, museums, clothing stores, and restaurants you can visit without even having to wander very far. In fact, Seaport boasts its very own cultural district just steps away from Smorgasburg

where eight of New York’s biggest cultural institutions have been setting up art installations and events for the public that will be going on until December. If you’re of age, you will appreciate SmorgasBar, which is right in the middle of Seaport. You can sit back, have some drinks with your friends, and watch the sun set on the water on your night out.

Whether you’re on the docks or on a date, it’s always worth it to stop by Seaport Smorgasburg. It’s Manhattan’s answer to the Brooklyn Flea where the original Smorgasburg was born and it’s a great place to relax and eat good food. Though it won’t be around for too much longer since it only runs until mid-October, you can still head on down to 19 Fulton Street and snag some ramen burgers, lumpia and cemitas before they run out. You can also follow South Street Seaport on Twitter @TheSeaport and on Instagram @SouthStreetSeaport for insiders on cool events they’ll be hosting throughout the year and a first look at new shops and restaurants opening. Don’t forget to keep track of what’s happening with Seaport Smorgasburg and its other locations in Brooklyn and Queens at Smorgasburg. com to keep those food cravings alive.

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Sep 24, 2012

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Beekman recieved mixed reviews from students ASIA LETLOW Staff Writer

University sophomore, junior, and senior students have moved into the 33 Beekman Street dorm at the end of August. Construction of the building began in May 2013, and culminated prior to the start of the fall semester.

The new residence hall comprises of 34 floors; the second of which is dedicated to amenities such as lounges, a kitchen, and a workout room. The dorm houses 761 students in total.

Located across from the Gehry Building, and just a block away from One Pace Plaza and 41 Park Row, this provides an ideal, fast commute for its residents.

“I love it. It’s convenient,” sophomore Lena Davidson said. “Park Row’s literally around the corner. You’re an equal distance from the Brooklyn Bridge and Fulton Street subways, too,” Davidson concluded.

There are some notable differences between the proposed layout and the finished product.

SL Green, who also constructed 182 Broadway (opened in 2013) proposed in mid2013 that the building would dedicate three floors for recreational and administrative use, but there are only two: the first and second floors.

Dorm rooms are situated on the third. SL Green also ran into trouble before construction beganthe number of stories first posed an issue. According to the Tribeca Trib, the University had to obtain a variance to pursue its plan of a 34-story building, against the standard 28 that the Board of Standards and Appeals allows. As per the need to present an issue for an appeal to pass, SL Green concluded that the peculiar site of the lot, with its subway underground, posed as a challenge for construction.

Each room includes a micro fridge and microwave, and a private bathroom, which is a common shared space between suitemates.

Though televisions are not included, there is one located in the multipurpose room on the second floor. There are four elevators in total for the dorm. Two are designated for the lower floors (2-16) and two for the upper floors (17-34). For the first week, access to floors

1-34 was granted to all students. In the second week, the elevators started operating for their respective floors. Due to the multitude of floors in the building, RAs only reside on the even numbered floors.

Students find that this setup allows for more freedom without the constant advisement, in part because they are no longer freshmen.

Unlike 182 Broadway or Maria’s Tower, Beekman is not exclusive to one class: juniors and seniors share space with sophomores. Given this age range, upperclassmen are permitted to possess alcohol in limited quantities, as per dorm policies. These policies were expressed to students in their first floor meetings; those who are of age are the only ones allowed to possess it; it must not be kept in a common area, and those who are twenty one and above cannot drink in the presence of their underclassmen room- or suitemates.

Though the building is new, it is not exempt from fault. As many would concur, new does not always equate to pace.edu perfect. Since the start of the school year, residents have experienced a myriad of issues. For instance, the dorm has yet to obtain its own WiFi network; thus, it feeds off of the main building’s networks, Pace Open, and Pace Wireless.

Distance makes the WiFi spotty, some rooms were ‘dead zones’, where Wi-Fi was not accessible at all.

“They rushed to finish it, and that’s why they’re having problems,” sophomore pace.edu Kimia Zehtab said. For the first day, Zehtab did not have electricity. “It seems like this dorm, ironically enough, may be the newest, but it was the least thought-out,” Davidson concurred.

Among other issues, ventilation within rooms and bathroom size pose as concerns for the inhabitants. Issues have also arisen with access to amenities. Some find that there are not enough floors dedicated to lounges; others concur that upper floors are at a disadvantage for reaching the lower level to access them. “We really can’t use the amenities because it’s just so hard to get to them,” Zehtab later noted. The building has had its fair share of difficulty and has received mixed reviews. However, its benefits outweigh the drawbacks as the university seeks to house more individuals to provide an ideal college experience for all, in the busy scene of New York.

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Sep. 24, 2012

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The Politically Incorrect South Park that is PC

NATALIE CAROLINA CONDRILLO Features Editor

Comedy Central’s controversial adult cartoon that’s been aired on television since 1997 kicked off its nineteenth season last week with a plethora of jokes about current news and gossip, as it’s famously known for. The episode features the friends of South Park, Colorado and features a new fiercely aggressive human rights activist, PC Principal. He comes into South Park Elementary to take over the job as school principal.

PC Principal is specifically bothered

by Kyle, who stated he didn’t think Caitlyn Jenner was a hero. This is not due to her transition, but because Kyle disliked him as Bruce, and still dislikes her as Caitlyn. PC Principal and his fraternity of PC brothers take everything extremely seriously, finding something offensive with every comment or joke made. This determines the boys and their friends to take down the PC brothers

the best way possible: channel their inner Tom Brady.

Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny then make plenty of hysterical references about Tom Brady and his disputable history with the NFL commissioner and the player’s association. After a failed attempt at stopping PC Principal’s radical and ironically, harmful, viewpoints, Cartman is beaten senseless and later hospitalized and disoriented. All the while, Stan’s father was going through hazing in order to join the PC brotherhood. The hazing of the pledges required to “checking someone’s privilege”.

This included numerous pranks, one of which included pranking his own son by waking him up obnoxiously during the night, in his room filled with pigs, whose stomach’s were painted with incorrectly spelled, “biggit”.

The boys later ambush the PC frat house

with many controversial news figures – including Syrian refugee children, pregnant Mexican women, convicted child molester Jared Fogle, and drivers from China to run over and kill pedestrians. This overwhelms the PC frat South Park always looks on the brighter side of things, by pushing the boundaries to the absolute furthest they can go. To some, South Park is an immature cartoon, but in reality is very thought provoking and purposely uncomfortable. The satire in South Park makes its audience question current affairs, and understand how the media influences society. Although a lot of the jokes are meant to test the limits, it’s important to laugh at our society and how many different reactions it has to controversial world news and popular culture.