10-28-2016

The Pitt News

The independent student newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | October 28, 2016 | Volume 107 | Issue 66

Oakland robberies continue

THROWDOWN THURSDAY: PITT FALLS TO VT, 39-36

Alexa Bakalarski

Assistant News Editor An unknown person broke into a home on Dimling Way Wednesday night in the most recent of at least seven burglaries in Central Oakland this month.

Pitt and city police responded to the break in, which took place between 9:20 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

The victim said the unknown person forced entry into his house through a side door while he was not home. The victim didn’t see anyone in the house or nearby, but found several items missing.

The string of burglaries began Oct. 9 with two burglaries took place on Semple Street and Meyran Avenue within an hour of each other. On Oct. 14, Pitt and city police responded to another burglary on the 300 block of Semple Street. The following day, Oct. 15, another home was burglarized on the 3600 block of Bates Street around 2 a.m. A fifth burglary occurred four days later, Oct. 19, on the 3700 block of Dawson Street.

Early Thursday morning, a burglary took place at a home on the intersection of Semple and Ward streets. Between 5:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m.

Tuesday night, another burglary took place on the 3300 block of Ward Street.

The police have not upped their usual patrol of Oakland and are investigating all of these robberies separately, according to Pittsburgh Police spokesperson Emily Schaffer.

The police departments are asking that anyone with information regarding the incidents call the Pittsburgh Police Department at 412-4226520 or Pitt police at 412-624-2121.

James Conner (34) led the Panthers’ offense with three touchdowns at home. Theo Schwarz SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Dan Sostek

nationally televised matchup, 39-36.

“What can you say, [we] fought,” said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. “We left too many Pitt’s chances at an ACC Coastal Diviplays out on the field.” sion title were likely shattered during a rare VT did what other offenses have done Thursday night game at Heinz Field. against Pitt all season — utilized its passIn a high-scoring affair typical of this seaing attack on the opening drive of the game. son, the Panthers (5-3, 2-2 ACC) lost their Two throws from quarterback Jerod Evans first home game of the year, falling to the No. to wide receiver Isaiah Ford netted 51 yards, 25 Virginia Tech Hokies (6-2, 4-1 ACC) in a Senior Staff Writer

taking the Hokies deep into Pitt territory.

Pitt held VT to a field goal, but Quadree Henderson fumbled on the ensuing kickoff, giving the ball back to the Hokies at the Panthers’ 19-yard line. Pitt’s defense again limited VT to a Joey Slye field goal to give the Hokies a 6-0 lead.

The Panthers committed another turnSee Football on page 8

News

Social justice film series hits on tough topics in ‘safe space,’ Janine Faust Staff Writer

Heather Arnet, CEO of the Women and Girls Foundation, realized earlier this year just how many email requests her organization was getting for films that delved into sensitive subjects — immigration, abortion, race and sexuality.

Inspired by Pittsburghers’ apparent yearning to learn more about issues that affect women worldwide, she joined with leaders from three similar groups in the area to kick off a 10-month film series focusing on these issues.

“The goal was to put together a series of films that would be compelling ... to watch, that tell important stories and that inspire people to learn more and take action on the social justice issues touched on in each film,” Arnet said.

The program consists of screenings of 10 films over 10 months — each movie was requested by filmmakers and social activists via email and phone calls throughout 2015. The Women’s Law Project, the Chatham University Women’s Institute, New Voices Pittsburgh and the Women and Girls Foundation are collaboratively hosting the series.

The first film in the series, “Don’t Tell Anyone,” focused on sexual assault and immigration and screened in September.

“We thought this was an especially important story to be told this month, prior to the presidential election, as there has been so much toxic language in the media regarding immigrants and their families,” Arnet said.

A screening of October’s featured film, “Yemanjá: Wisdom from the African Heart of Brazil,” began at 6:30 p.m. at Chatham’s Campbell Memorial Chapel on Thursday evening.

The film focused on the Candomblé spiritual culture in Bahia, Brazil. Candomblé is a religion that evolved from the beliefs of enslaved Africans brought to the country by the slave trade centuries earlier. Female com-

munity leaders explain the traditions in the film.

Author Alice Walker — who is best known for writing “The Color Purple” — narrates the 53-minute film. She attended the screening and was a guest on the panel held afterward.

During the panel, Walker talked about the film and the importance of humans connecting with nature — a focal point of the religion featured in the movie.

Feyi Alabi — an international student

considered in everyday life — such as immigration, abortion, paid leave, human trafficking and trans families.

“Many of these films were made by women, and most will be showing in Pittsburgh for the first time,” Frietsche said. “Through these films, we hope to bring attention to the issues that [women] all face.”

Mark Wahl, a graduate student studying psychology at Chatham, said he was drawn to the screenings by a desire to learn about experiences that differ vastly from his. ”Whether it’s Pittsburgh or somewhere in California or Minnesota, people need to care more about fighting sexism and racism and other social stigmas in society,” Wahl said. “These are human beings being hurt. They deserve happiness.”

Wahl also attended the opening screening for “Don’t Tell Anyone” and said his understanding of undocumented immigrants living in America shifted after watching.

“The problem’s way more complicated than I originally thought,” Wahl said. “After watching the film, I found out that a lot of undocumented immigrants contribute a lot and are part of local communities in the U.S. Many have histories here.”

That’s exactly what writer Sheila CarterJones, a retired adjunct professor at Chatham who’s currently working on a memoir, said she was hoping to hear from viewers.

She said “Yemanjá” should inspire people to share what they’ve learned about social issues worldwide with their communities.

“I want writers — writers and whoever else has the heart for it — to carry away the seeds of knowledge they receive from films offering new perspectives, like ‘Yemanjá,’ and plant it in their families’ and neighbors’ hearts to help grow change,” she said.

People need to care more about fighting... social stigmas in society.

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-Mark Wahl, viewer

from Nigeria working toward her master’s degree in sustainability at Chatham –– came to the event in part to see Walker. When Alabi first came to the United States, she read Walker’s book “The Color Purple,” which focuses on the lives of Southern black women in the 1930s. “[The book] scared me since I couldn’t understand it, being from Nigeria and not knowing the effects of American slavery on my race,” Alabi said. “However, I still appreciate and respect the impact her book had and the issues it brought to light in American culture.”

Susan Frietsche, a senior staff attorney in the western Pennsylvania office of the Women’s Law Project, said the films highlight issues relevant to today’s world but not often

October 28, 2016

cwo discusses mental health

Nikita Karulkar Staff Writer

Sitting in a circle holding cups of coffee and powdered donuts on napkins in their hands, students from different cultural, racial and gender identities shared their struggles with mental illness.

The group of about 20 was gathered in a conference room on the fifth floor of the William Pitt Union Thursday afternoon to talk about their personal experiences with mental illness. The Campus Women’s Organization hosted the Mental Health and Oppression discussion, an informal talk geared toward Pitt students struggling with mental illness in the context of minority groups and the LGBTQ+ community.

Members wanted to keep their discussion confidential but generally shared their experiences dealing with mental health and illness, family, race, seeking treatment on campus and learning to be better advocates for mental health.

After seeing minority students and CWO members face the trauma of sexual assault, major depressive disorder and anxiety, CWO President Abigail Meinen and other members saw a need for thoughtful conversation in a safe space.

“We wanted to take care of our own, take care of the people in our organization,” Meinen, a senior English major, said. “We wanted to know what we could be doing to better support our members and students [at Pitt].”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 77.1 percent of adults with mental illnesses identify as something other than white.

Find the full story online at

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bon jovi jams for clinton Jon Bon Jovi rocked out at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum as part of a campaign for Hillary Clinton. John Hamilton STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Preena Patel Staff Writer

Between banners that read “Stronger” and “Together,” musician Jon Bon Jovi took to the stage in Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Thursday.

Bon Jovi — lead singer of the American rock band by the same name, best known for songs “I’ll Be There For You” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” — visited Pitt’s campus Thursday evening. Bon Jovi played a free concert starting at 7 p.m. for Get Out the Vote, a part of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

“There’s a lot at stake in the upcoming election,” Bon Jovi said. “But, as a wise president once said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with America that can’t be fixed with what is right with America.’”

Bon Jovi was referencing a speech former President Bill Clinton made when he took office more than 20 years ago, and just one song later, Bill himself made a surprise appearance.

In his speech, Bill Clinton asked people — especially young people — to carefully consider who they will vote for Nov. 8.

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“We’re not deciding between a Republican and a Democrat,” Bill Clinton said. “We’re deciding the future of America.”

Fatima Mardas, first-year planning to major in neuroscience and psychology, attended the concert and took a selfie with Bill Clinton afterwards. Mardas said she’s “definitely” voting for Clinton over Republican candidate Donald Trump, in part because she is Muslim.

“I am a minority, and [Trump] would literally do nothing for my people,” Mordos said.

“Actually, he would do the opposite and try to get us to assimilate into society.”

In front of a massive American flag, to a mostly older crowd that filled about three quarters of the auditorium, Bon Jovi played some of his greatest hits and concluded with a cover of The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” He is one of several musicians to play a concert for the Clinton campaign this election season. Jay-Z will headline a show in Cleveland on Nov. 4, followed by Katy Perry, who is set to perform in Philadelphia on Nov. 5.

“So go out and vote, because love does trump over hate,” Bon Jovi said, finishing the night.

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Opinions

column

from the TPN editorial board and Pitt Tonight

Top ten lastminute costumes

Give slashers a chance

ters, or you could pay Daniel Day-Lewis to portray you at the Halloween party.

1. Ken Bone All you have to do is buy a red sweater and some glasses — but to really sell it, make sure everyone finds your creepy Reddit posts two weeks from now.

2. The Verizon guy that switched to Sprint This costume should be pretty simple, but most of the work is in the performance.

Start practicing your “Can you hear me now?” pitch, and then work on perfecting that traitorous gleam in your eye.

3. Hillary Clinton’s emails Mark a capital “C” on your clothing and then, just when the party gets good, disappear into the dark shadows of the night.

Gone forever.

4. A never-nude Rip off the top layer of your clothes unexpectedly and, just as someone is preparing to dial 911, you’ll catch the whole crew off guard by revealing a nice pair of denim cutoffs.

5. Daniel Day-Lewis You could go as any one of his charac-

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6. The back half of a horse costume Your costume will offer an element of mystery, and it’ll make it look like you’ve got a really good friend hanging around somewhere. Nothing’s spookier than the unknown!

7. My dad Like every father-of-the-party, talk about how great Halloween is, and then leave to get more napkins and don’t come back for 15 years.

8. The ghost of South O Don’t even wash your bed sheet for this one. Cut some holes in the front, hold a PBR in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other, and you’re set.

9. The hole between Qdoba and Bruegger’s The gaping space where emergency crews drilled out a student caught for four hours earlier this year is gone now, but you can keep its spirit alive.

10. Your bank account Clearly the most terrifying costume on this list.

In the classic 1978 film, “Halloween,” Michael Myers wreaks villanious violence in the suburbs. TNS

Henry Glitz Columnist

It was 1 a.m., and my living room looked eerie and unfamiliar, lit only by the light from the television screen.

Everyone else in the house was asleep, and after what felt like hours of tossing and turning, I had bleakly ventured downstairs to see if the tube could cure my insomnia.

What I found on AMC’s late-night, mid-October scheduling nearly six years ago didn’t so much soothe my nerves as amplify them.

From the very first frame, I was wholly captivated by the network’s showing of “Halloween,” a low-budget horror movie classic from 1978. The subtly ominous wide shots of what looked like calm suburban streets turned disturbing, and it was more than just superficially shocking to me as a first-year student in high school.

It’s a long-standing and time-honored tradition among most movie critics to dismiss or even ignore movies like “Halloween” — messy, unprocessed slashers — from

October 28, 2016

the realm of artistically acceptable media consumption. Vincent Canby, film critic for the New York Times, likened watching the slasher classic “Maniac” to “watching someone else throw up.” But movies in this horror tradition do much more for the viewer than what most critics believe and should hardly be dismissed.

The way these movies can address fundamental anxieties and concerns is worthy at least of recognition, if not respect.

That late October night, it had only been a few months since I graduated from my parish’s grade school, which I had attended since I was 3 years old. Many of my classmates at my new school — the Catholic high school five blocks away from my house — were the same people I had known since kindergarten, and the rest were from the next neighborhood over.

My cultural and social experiences at the time were narrow, to put it shortly. The concept of violence had little meaning beyond See Glitz on page 10

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Sports

overtime.

The Panthers (2-15-1, 1-9-0 ACC) came into Raleigh, North Carolina, afIn the last act of a troubled season for ter getting edged out 2-0 at home against the Pitt women’s soccer team, the PanDuke last Sunday, where Pitt’s stagnant thers’ hopes for an end-of-season revival offense produced only one shot on goal. were dashed by North Carolina State in NC State (10-7-1, 4-5-1 ACC) was also

coming off a four-game losing streak.

Despite the team’s similar records, both had different motivations at the start of Thursday’s game. Pitt hoped to end its season on a high note by getting its second conference win of the season while NC State looked to secure an NCAA Tournament berth with a victory.

The Panthers started promisingly as they strung passes together deep into the Wolfpack’s territory, pushing NC State onto the back heel.

Senior left back Emily Pietrangelo shone from the onset in her last appearance for the Panthers. Perfectly taking down a complicated high clearance on the chest in the 37th minute, she beat two defenders before dishing out to teammate, first-year forward Christiana Davey. She was also aggressive on defense, producing some key tackles.

Pitt goalkeeper Taylor Francis, another senior from nearby Cary, North Carolina, provided some impressive saves early on but was powerless on a carefully constructed Wolfpack corner. In

the ninth minute, a short corner found Ricarda Walkling at the top of the box wide open. Walkling picked out a cross to Kia Rankin, who headed it home from six yards out to bring the score to 1-0 NC State.

Following the goal, the Panthers looked dangerous in the 16th minute with two consecutive free kicks in the span of 45 seconds. Yet, junior midfielder Hanna Hannesdottir found the wall both times.

With just under 10 minutes of play left in the first half, Sarah Krause took advantage of a defensive mishap and scored a fantastic goal, her first of the season. After receiving a high cross from right back Arielle Fernandez inside the box, which bounced over the center backs, Krause turned and blasted the ball into the top left corner, tying the game, 1-1, for the Panthers.

Another defensive mistake, this time on the Pitt side, could have cost the Panthers dearly with two minutes left in the half. Sophomore defender Seyla Perez tripped before clearing a ball on the edge of the box, allowing Daria Draovitch to See Soccer on page 9

throughout the night.

“You can’t deny [penalties] are frustrating,” Caprara said. “But when you put it in perspective, personally, I only control the things I can control. That’s all the you can do. Move on.”

VT made its way into the red zone once again on a circus catch by Ford in which the ball careened between him and defensive back Phillipie Motley before he snatched it away. Once again, Pitt’s defense held strong, stopping Evans on a third down. The Hokies settled for another chip-shot field goal, leading 9-0 with 13:08 left in the first half.

After more than 20 minutes of ineptitude, Pitt’s offense gathered itself. Two big first down conversions from Peterman to wide receiver Jester Weah and a 37-yard completion to Henderson set the Panthers up near the goal line, where Pitt offensive coordinator Matt Canada pulled out some trickery.

Peterman handed the ball off to wide receiver Tre Tipton, who then waited and lobbed it back to Peterman. Pitt’s quarterback caught the pass and absorbed a huge hit for an 11-yard gain, setting up a sixyard touchdown run by James Conner to get the Panthers on the board at 9-7 with 4:14 remaining in the half.

On the Hokies’ next drive, Evans threw for 47 yards and ran for 10 more, capping it off with an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Cunningham.

But Pitt grabbed the momentum right back as Peterman connected with tight end Scott Orndoff for a 71-yard gain.

Conner scored his second touchdown of the game from one yard out, leaving the score at 16-14 heading into halftime.

The Panthers continued to surge on offense as they opened the second half with a long drive as Conner scored his third touchdown of the evening three plays later to give Pitt its first lead, 21-16.

Conner finished the contest with 19 rushes for 141 yards and three scores but still felt he could have done more.

“I’ve got to get faster,” Conner said. “I need to make people miss in open space.

I’ve got to get a lot better.”

VT drove down the field and again entered Pitt’s red zone. The Panthers’ defense recorded another big stop on Evans, who appeared to be in serious pain as trainers helped him off the field after a Wirginis tackle.

Slye then nailed a pair of field goals on the Hokies’ next two drives to give VT a 22-21 lead with 2:44 left in the third quarter.

After another Pitt three-and-out, Evans completed three straight passes before VT scored on a two-yard run by Marshawn Williams, giving the Hokies a 29-21 lead with seven seconds remaining

Pitt Finishes season in OT loss at NC state, 2-1 Taylor Francis (00) defended Pitt’s goal against N.C. State Thursday night.

Courtesy of Taylor Francis

Alessandro Conway Staff Writer

Football, pg. 8 over on their next possession. Nathan Peterman found Henderson over the middle for a big gain, but a penalty on guard Dorian Johnson wiped it out. Peterman then fired a third-down pass right into the hands of VT safety Mook Reynolds for an interception.

Pitt’s defense came up with another big stop, forcing the Hokies to forego points with a big third down sack by Quintin Wirginis and Shakir Soto.

After a three-and-out by Pitt, the Panthers appeared to swing the momentum in their favor as Wirginis picked off a pass on a third-down throw by Evans. But an offside call on safety Dennis Briggs negated it.

Linebacker Mike Caprara, who returned after a four-game absence, said he had to shake off defensive penalties

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October 28, 2016

See Football on page 9

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Soccer, pg. 8

Football, pg. 8 in the third quarter.

Conner broke loose for two huge rushes on Pitt’s next drive before Peterman handed the ball off to offensive lineman Brian O’Neill, who dove past the goal line for his second touchdown of the season.

A shovel pass to Conner for the two-point conversion evened the game up at 29-29 with 13:25 remaining in regulation.

VT drove down the field on its next possession, picking on the Panthers’ true freshman cornerback Damar Hamlin. Evans complete two passes to 6-foot-7 wide receiver Bucky Hodges for 47 yards, but the Hokies settled for Slye’s school-record sixth field goal to take a 32-29 lead with 9:39 remaining in the game.

Narduzzi said Hamlin, who made his Pitt debut Thursday, will continue to see action.

“He’s going to continue to get reps, and he’s going to play,” Narduzzi said. “With our corner situation, we need him out there.”

The Hokies took advantage of Pitt’s stalling offense and a bad punt, needing

just three plays and 57 yards to find the end zone on Evans’ 16-yard touchdown pass to Ford. Panthers safety Terrish Webb dropped an interception on the second play of the drive that would have given Pitt the ball back, but instead VT led by 10 with 7:20 left.

Even with fans heading for the exits, the Panthers continued to put up a fight.

Peterman led a seven-play, 90-yard drive, finding Weah in the end zone for a touchdown and narrowing the deficit to 39-36 with 2:31 left in the game.

But Narduzzi decided not to onside kick, betting on his defense to make a stop.

“We thought we could get a three-andout,” Narduzzi said. “I don’t regret it at all.”

The gamble didn’t pay off. Jordan Whitehead missed a tackle on Cam Phillips on a critical third-and-1, allowing a first down that effectively ended the game.

Pitt falls to 5-3 on the season and 2-2 in ACC play. The Panthers will return to the field next Saturday in Miami against the Miami Hurricanes. The ACC has not yet announced a time for the game.

The Pitt news crossword 10/28/16

dribble in. Just as she was about to shoot, Pietrangelo darted across the box and stopped the Wolfpack attacker in a massive defensive play. The first half ended shortly after with the score at 1-1.

The Wolfpack, looking shaky after Krause’s impressive strike, returned from the locker rooms determined to score. On the first play of the half, NC State won a corner which forced Francis to produce a save off a close header from Cailyn Boch.

In the 56th minute, NC State’s Rankin powered her way through Pitt’s defense and went through on goal, yet Perez flew in with an impressive slide tackle in the box and cleanly got the ball, making up for her earlier slip.

With only 20 minutes left in regulation time, the Wolfpack began committing offensively, piling on the shots. The pressure was palpable as the fans on the sideline were audibly nervous.

Pitt resolutely held on as senior defender Siobhan McDonough thwarted the increasingly desperate NC State’s play. Likewise, Fernandez produced sev-

eral timely interceptions and expertly contained the Wolfpack’s top scorer, first-year midfielder Tziarra King.

With extra time looming and the Panthers firmly on the defensive, Krause was instrumental in relieving pressure for her team by using deft skills to hold up play on offense. Regulation time ended with the teams still tied at 1-1.

Overtime started just as the second half ended with NC State driving forward. Two minutes after the whistle, King found Rankin free in the Panthers’ box and shot. Francis was there, however, with a game-saving parry, a staggering 101st for the season.

But there was nothing Francis could do in the fifth minute of overtime. An NC State corner from Hannah Keogh flew into the box and was met by Boch, who headed it into the roof of the net, keeping her team’s season alive but ending the Panthers’.

The Panthers finished their season with a 2-15-1 overall record and said goodbye to seniors Francis, McDonough, Fernandez, Niki Hopkins and Pietrangelo.

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Glitz, pg. 6 the occasional recess scuffle and news stories from other neighborhoods that sometimes flashed across the T.V. screen.

“Halloween” begins right off the bat with an 8-year-old stabbing his sister to death in the heart of their tranquil suburban home on Halloween night. As the film continues, it offers no mercy to the numerous victims, regardless of race or community. The movie’s main plot follows the young boy — Michael Myers — who spent 15 years in a high-security asylum. He escapes and stalks a group of teenage friends in a nearby Illinois suburb on Halloween night. It’s a story that’s simple almost to the point of banality, but its stark plainness is among its greatest strengths.

A number of film critics, including Pat Gill, professor of communications at the University of Illinois, interpret “Halloween” as attempting to “mock white flight to gated communities” and parents’ attempts “to shield their children from the dangerous influences represented by the city.” In the context of the United States

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in the ‘70s, with overall crime and violent crime reaching then-historic highs — and even today — the interpretation makes sense.

But the movie’s theoretical interpretation mattered less to my 14-year-old self than the unsettling connections it made with something even more influential in my life than suburban culture: religion.

The antagonist targets his victims with a hyper-moral motivation. He murders his sister after he witnesses her intimate encounter with a boy in the living room, and the teenagers he tracks after his escape hotbox their cars, party like they’re 21 and can’t seem to keep it in their pants.

The masked killer uses terrifying, psychotic strategies to punish what he sees as immorality. The moral code he tries to enforce was chillingly familiar to me as I embarked on my 10th year of religious education that October. I had never experienced an alternative to my own worldview and I began to wonder why I was so attached to the idea of Christian morality.

Clearly, countless experiences between then and now have shaped my feelings toward and practice of religion. But what I saw as the movie’s shocking and confusing

novelty forced me to look at the world and its people in a way that fundamentally differed from everything I had experienced before then.

For the first time, I had to empathize and identify with the characters who were sinning and to dislike the character who was enforcing what he thought were Christian values.

A good movie is one that grabs and keeps the viewer’s attention — a great movie does so while simultaneously forcing the audience to look at and think about something in their own lives from a different perspective. “Halloween,” as the quintessential slasher movie, isn’t the first to come to critics’ minds when thinking of great films of the past century. Yet, my experience with the low-budget thriller was meaningful.

To say horror movies like “Halloween” are my guilty pleasure would be inaccurate. Screw the critics, I don’t think anyone should feel guilty about taking enjoyment from a form or genre of art that matters to them.

Horror movies matter to the collective catharsis of social angst — and, they matter to me.

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