The Plant May 2024 issue vol.60 no.4

Letter from the Editor

People often wonder, “why is all the news bad?” The explanation is usually given that “bad news makes more profit” or that “it gets more people watching,” and perhaps that is true. But personally within us Journalists (or at very least, myself) there is a third reason. Journalism informs, but it does not create. It does not give, it does not invent, it does not mobilise, and it does not forgive. The part I’ve grown to find the most difficult from this work is the work it avoids. To journal is to distance. By writing about something in this medium, one is separating themselves from it. I, the writer, and it are different. It does, and I tell. The nature of the work requires that I do not participate in what is covered. “You must always remain impartial,” say the Institutions that have power over us. If reporting on protests, we musn’t protest, if reporting on a business, we musn’t do the business ourselves, if reporting on fighters, we cannot fight, if reporting on lovers, I cannot love. The Plant is a student paper; we must report on topics relevant to students. And yet, ironically, we are expected to not act as part of them. How is this possible?

It is not possible. Within every journalist is a human. As humans, we cannot separate ourselves from our shared pain, joy, excitement, naiveté, intuition or persuadability; our nature. We can be a little closer, a little farther, but never separate. Humans want to be a force against bad. And yet Journalists are not supposed to be any force, just a documenter of them.

So the third reason is this: It’s a fear that to report on Good News, we’ll have to accept that we’re not a part of it. Or, really, a part of anything. The field of journalism is built on a paradox that says that it is good to report, but requires that when the Goodness is reported on, we do not become it. Is it even possible to do so?

It is not. Because as humans we cannot separate ourselves from our forces of good, of bad, of change that make Humanity. It is an impossibility for a living Journalist to separate themselves from life. Are we ready to accept that? Are we able to accept that? What are we believing in when we choose to repent the intertwinedness of our hearts and souls? I believe it’s The Plant’s duty to continue to ask that question…

And now for some credits.

Sanad. Thank you. I do not know the right words to describe the ways grateful I am for you. As the other Editor-in-Chief, as a friend, and as a teacher. The Plant wouldn’t be what it is without you. You have taught me so much. You have helped me change so much; I would not be the right person for this role if it wasn’t for you. You have sacrificed so much for all of us, and never have you not been there for us. Never have you shown fear. You have shown me what it looks like when someone truly pours their soul into what they believe. I look up to you every time we work together.

…What choices do we make when people are dying? What do we write when their stories are ignored? What do we say when it’s easier to be silent? What do we fight for when it feels like we’ll lose? Who do we talk to when we know they won’t listen? How do we make joy when we feel sorrow? How do we make peace when we feel violence? How do we make energy when we are so drained? How do we face our fear of life when death seems so certain? How do we face a fear of Revolution when the comfort status quo is wrapped around us like a blanket, nay, a straightjacket, nay a noose?

Being able to blind myself from the fear of posing myself these questions is a privilege that poisons those around me. It rusts the heart of those brave enough to dismantle the machine that seeks to replace life. I have learned that it is my duty to start living answers.

Thank you to all of the wonderful staff here. You are all stunning, and have brought so much to this school. And thank you to you: the incredible readers, and to the beautiful everyone for taking the past year to teach us all we have learned. I hope to keep learning when I see you all next semester.

The Plant thanks you for your love, and wishes you your summer brings change for the good

MIRREN BODANIS Editor-in-Chief

The Mohawk Mothers and the Disturbing History of the Old Royal Vic

CLARA FREY Staff Writer

On October 27, 2023, a group of Indigenous Elders, called the Mohawk Mothers (Kahnistensera in Mohawk), became the first ever self-represented Indigenous Peoples to be granted an injunction in a Canadian Court .

The Gazette reported that, after facing McGill University and the Societé D’Infrastructures du Québec (SQI), Justice Gregory Moore granted the Mohawk Mothers a safeguard order, which halted excavation and construction work on the grounds of Montreal’s former Royal Victoria teaching Hospital (affiliated with McGill University).

The Royal Victoria Hospital, which closed its doors to patients in April 2015, is now the site of McGill University’s New Vic Project. According to McGill’s website, “The New Vic Project is a revitalization of the site of the former Royal-Victoria Hospital,” which aims to transform the former hospital into “a state-of-the-art research, teaching, and learning hub.”

The Mohawk Mothers are concerned that the site of the former hospital, which is located on unceded ancestral Iroquois land, contains the remains of Indigenous children used as test subjects in MKULTRA experiments at the Royal Vic’s psychiatric ward - the Allan Memorial Institute - also according to The Gazette. The Allen Memorial is housed in the Ravenscrag, former mansion of Sir Hugh Allan, a 19thcentury shipping magnate.

Disguised as a project conducting research into schizophrenia, MKULTRA was a covert CIA program. During the Cold War era, the CIA took an interest in ScottishAmerican psychiatrist Donald Ewen Cameron, Director of the Allan Memorial Institute, for his research into the treatment of schizophrenia. Cameron’s research was characterized by its experimental and unethical methods.

His approach involved “depatterning” patients by erasing their memories and reducing them to a child-like state, followed by a reconstruction of their personalities through “psychic driving.” Patients were subjected to repetitive taped messages while immobilized and sedated, sometimes for up to 16 hours a day. Patients also underwent other experimental treatments such as drug-induced comas, the administration of psychotropic drugs like LSD, and electroshock therapy at intensities

far beyond normal practice - often simultaneously. Some patients were also placed in sensory deprivation environments and subjected to extreme levels of sedation and deprivation of basic needs. The result was often severe retrograde amnesia, leaving patients unable to recall their past memories and needing to relearn basic skills.

Given the nature of the treatments at the Allan and its affiliated institutions, there is … a high possibility that Indigenous patients could have died from them

The revelation of buried human remains surfaced through a convergence of archival records and the firsthand account of Lana Ponting, an 81-year-old survivor of the MKULTRA mind control experiments. “I was a typical, rebellious teenager,” said Ponting in her defence. “I ran away from home numerous times and finally, one day [...], I got picked up by the police downtown. [...] Next thing I knew, I was in the Allan.”

Sent to Allan in 1958, Ponting says she was electroshocked, given LSD and other drugs, sexually assaulted, and made to listen to recordings telling her she was a “good girl” and a “bad girl” for hours at a time. She also describes seeing hospital staff digging graves with red shovels, and the sudden vanishing of her Indigenous friend and fellow patient, Morningstar.

“Morningstar was also given shock treatments. [..] I went looking for her one day, and I could not find her. [...] And people said ‘Oh, she’s gone.’ Where did she go? I don’t know. She was just gone.”

The Mohawk Mothers’ case also relied on the research of Philippe Blouin, a McGill PhD candidate in anthropology, who investigated Cameron’s secretive medical procedures.

In his affidavit, Blouin wrote: “Given the nature of the treatments at the Allan and its affiliated institutions, there is … a high possibility that Indigenous patients could have died from them, whether from lobotomies, coma shock therapy, electroshock, massive doses of

experimental drugs or other potentially lethal treatments.”

“There is sadly a high possibility that test subjects having died from experiments would have been buried on site, as was done in residential schools across Canada.”

The issue of unmarked Indigenous graves entered the national spotlight in 2021 following ground-penetrating radar discoveries at a former British Columbia residential school, with subsequent findings further amplifying the need for accountability and transparency.

After securing the injunction on October 27, 2022, the Mohawk Mothers engaged in discussions with McGill University and the SQI to collaborate on devising an archaeological strategy for the former Royal Victoria Hospital site. As part of the agreement, the Mohawk Mothers have the authority to designate “cultural monitors,’’ who will oversee excavations and perform ceremonial duties.

On June 29, 2023, cadaver dogs detected evidence of human remains on the premises of the former hospital site. All three dogs signalled on approaching the same area of the wall near the Hersey Pavilion, which served as the hospital’s nurses’ residence.

Despite the absence of further concrete evidence, the Mohawk Mothers Case has the potential to establish a new precedent for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Amidst their ongoing reckoning with colonial legacies and systemic injustices, the Mohawk Mothers say that “the need for Indigenous-led investigations into past wrongs is more critical than ever.” While the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report marked a pivotal moment, the recent uncovering of unmarked graves and burial sites of Indigenous children across Canada highlights the necessity to extend our inquiries beyond Residential Schools to encompass other institutions where Indigenous children were placed, such as hospitals, correctional homes, reformatories, and psychiatric wards.

Indigenous communities rightfully demand closure, truth, and the opportunity to honour and mourn their lost loved ones properly. Excavation work will resume this summer.

The Plight of Palestinian Political Prisoners

SANAD HAMDOUNA Cover Artist & Co-E.i.C.

Since 1967, Israel has imprisoned almost a million Palestinians, largely on political grounds. These Palestinians are often imprisoned inside Israel’s 1967 borders — a violation of article 76 of the Fourth Geneva Convention — and subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment.

According to Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem, by the end of September 2023, Israel had around 5696 Palestinians imprisoned, including 1310 without charge or trial. A UN report supplements these figures, detailing that — as of July 2023 — at least 160 out of 5000 prisoners were children. These figures shot up dramatically after October 7th. By April 2024, the number of Palestinian prisoners had surpassed 9500, according to Addameer, a Palestinian Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association. This figure includes 200 children and 3660 prisoners being held under Administrative Detention.

Administrative Detention consists of arresting and imprisoning someone who has not committed any crime under the pretence that they may commit one in the future. In other words: “just in case.” Palestinians imprisoned in this way can be held indefinitely and are not informed of the reason for their arrest, which Israel claims to be “secret evidence,” that is never presented in court as these detainees are denied any form of trial. Considering the infinitely renewable nature of their imprisonment, these prisoners, including children, can be detained for periods ranging from days to several years without ever being charged with any crime.

Palestinian prisoners who are afforded the dignity of a trial are tried under military law, unlike Israelis, who are tried under civilian law. Palestinian children are no exception to this, making Israel the only country in the world to systematically prosecute children in military courts. Yet these military court trials hardly present hope for a fair trial as they have a conviction rate of 99.74% according to Haaretz. B’Tselem — amongst other human rights organizations — attributes part of this high conviction rate to the large number of plea deals taken by Palestinian detainees. These plea deals are often seen as the better alternative to Israel’s policy of remand proceedings, which consists of imprisoning the accused persons for the

entirety of their lengthy trial, even if they have not been found guilty. In other words: Palestinians are always presumed guilty when they should be presumed innocent. Palestinians may also opt to accept a plea deal even when they are innocent, as the time spent behind bars awaiting their trial will be longer than the prison sentence they would receive from a plea bargain.

According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, another factor contributing to this high conviction rate is Israel’s criminalization of various peaceful activities such as participating in outdoor gatherings of over 10 people,

these prisoners, including children, can be detained for periods ranging from days to several years without ever being charged with any crime

waving a Palestinian flag, or being part of organizations criminalized under Israeli law. These organizations include Palestinian political parties; NGOs; and human rights groups such as Defence for Children International; an internationally recognized human rights organization protecting children’s rights; Al Haq, a human rights and international law organization that is active and recognized at the UN; and The Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, which provides programs to empower women and promote gender equality.

Regardless of their crime — or lack thereof — Palestinian prisoners are kept in squalid conditions and subjected to endless abuse, amounting to torture. Endless reports and condemnations of Israel’s torture of Palestinian prisoners have been published by human rights groups such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the UN, and B’Tselem.

Additionally, numerous instances of sickening photos and videos depicting Israeli soldiers abusing and torturing Palestinians have been circulated online in the last few months. Many were posted by the soldiers themselves, signalling a culture of complete impunity within Israel and on the international stage. One of these videos, reported on by The Times of Israel,

depicts IDF soldiers filming themselves abusing 7 Palestinian detainees screaming in pain, whom they had stripped, blindfolded, and handcuffed. One of the Palestinian men is being dragged on the ground while another is kicked in the head.

One of many images analysed by Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence lab depicted three Palestinian men who were stripped to their underwear, severely beaten, and later urinated on. One of the men in the image was identified and gave this testimony to Amnesty International: “One of the Israeli officers who came, approached me and kicked me on my left side, then jumped on my head with his two legs pushing my face further into the dirt and then continued kicking me as I was head down, into the dirt, with my hands tied behind my back. He then got a knife and tore all of my clothes off except for my underwear and used part of my torn clothes to blindfold me. The beating to the rest of my body did not stop, at one point he started jumping on my back — three or four times — while yelling ‘die, die you trash’ … in the end, before this finally stopped, another officer urinated on my face and body while also yelling at us ‘to die.’”

Amnesty International also spoke to a recently released Palestinian detainee from occupied East Jerusalem who — along with other inmates — was severely beaten by Israeli interrogators who broke 3 of his ribs. He described how Israeli interrogators would continually hit them on the head while yelling at them to keep their heads down. They would also order the Palestinian prisoners to praise Israel and curse Hamas, but even if they complied, “the beatings and humiliation did not stop.”

Imprisoned Palestinian women are not spared from abuse and humiliation. Additionally, they face gender-specific challenges including poor hygiene for menstruating women, medical neglect for pregnant women, humiliation, sexually explicit harassment, and threats of sexual assault.

Anhar Al Deek was a pregnant Palestinian woman from the West Bank who spent five months in an Israeli prison and was subjected to solitary confinement, cruel treatment, and interrogation despite being pregnant. She was slated to become the ninth documented Palestinian woman to give birth inside a prison since 1972 until her case went viral and international

pressure forced Israel to allow her to give birth under house arrest instead. She spoke to local reporters about her experience, saying: “I was battered severely, even though I said that I was pregnant. They hit me on my head, back, and belly. They didn’t care. It was very cold. Even though I stated that I was pregnant and wanted a bed and blanket, they did not give me anything.”

collected hundreds of affidavits from Palestinian child detainees between 2016 and 2022 (inclusive) and found that: 59% of the children were arrested at night; 86% were not informed of the reason for their arrest; 75% were subjected to physical violence; 55% were asked or made to sign a paper in Hebrew, which they do not understand; 23% were placed in solitary confinement for interrogation purposes

I was battered severely, even though I said that I was pregnant. They hit me on my head, back, and belly. They didn’t care

Ibrahim Shaheen, a Palestinian man from Gaza who was released after 50 days of captivity where he was kept in a group that included 4 captive Palestinian women, shared his testimony about the treatment of Palestinian women in Israeli prisons with a journalist from Middle East Eye: “They brought two female prisoners into our division, or inside the detention tents we were in, naked. They only had underwear on. I was one of the men who took off my pants to throw to the girls so they could cover themselves. I was punished for three days consecutively [with] beating.” He also describes seeing one of the women enter interrogation with long hair and exit with it having been completely cut off.

Zeina Abdo, an 18-year-old recently released Palestinian Prisoner who was arrested at 16 for posting a Palestinian flag online, spoke to AJ+ about her experience in Israel’s prisons: “They beat, cursed at and assaulted me. I spent six days with no sleep, no food, no water, in a room with four [soldiers] torturing me. They threatened to torture me with electricity and to kill me.”

Zeina is far from the only Palestinian child to be imprisoned and tortured in Israeli prisons — she’s also far from the youngest.

According to UNICEF, approximately 700 Palestinian children per year, some as young as 12, are arrested, interrogated, and detained by the Israeli military. UNICEF also identified “widespread, systematic, and institutionalized” practices in these arrests “that amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture.”

Defence for Children International

for two or more days; and nearly all of them were interrogated without a family member present.

The case of Ahmad Mansara presents some of the most horrifying examples of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian children they imprison. Ahmad is a Palestinian from the West Bank who was arrested at 13 years old for being with his 15-year-old cousin, who allegedly stabbed two illegal Israeli settlers and was almost immediately shot dead by another Israeli. Ahmad was then run over by an Israeli driver and severely beaten by an Israeli mob, who fractured his skull and left him with severe internal bleeding. A video of Ahmed gasping for help was widely circulated online in which he was on the ground as the Israeli mob encircling him swore at him, yelling,“Die, son of a whore, die!” among other pejoratives. He was then arrested and eventually admitted to a hospital.

A second horrific video of Ahmad was later released, depicting parts of his interrogation by an Israeli officer. The officer aggressively yells at him and

points to something on a monitor while Ahmad, with a pained expression and curved shoulders, replies softly before he’s interrupted by the officer’s yelling again. The interrogation goes on like this with Ahmad progressively breaking down under the officer’s verbal assault. Ahmad cries and hits his head in frustration or holds it in his hands,saying, “I don’t remember, I don’t remember, wallah, wallah, I don’t remember anything.” The officer yells at him about moving and tells him to sit properly, Ahmad complies and grips the seat of the chair for support, still crying. “I told you, I told you correctly, everything you said. Stop. What else do you want? Stop.”

This treatment is only one example of how Israel tortures and coerces Palestinian children into giving false confessions—a relatively common occurrence according to Defence for Children International.

Ahmad was charged and convicted with attempted murder, despite the court acknowledging that he did not participate in the attack. The torture continued in prison, where he was placed in solitary confinement for almost two consecutive years, “in brazen violation of international law” according to Amnesty International. He now suffers from a range of mental and physical health issues including schizophrenia and severe depression.

Not only are these Palestinians unfairly imprisoned, they’re also tortured, and their lives are forever changed. They exemplify typical Palestinian Political Prisoner stories, and freeing Palestine must also mean freeing Palestinian Prisoners, both present and future ones. Break the chains—free them all.

ILLUSTRATION BY SANAD HAMDOUNA

Everything to know about the Encampments

DEFNE ALIEFENDIOGLU Managing Editor

Due to the security and privacy of the individuals interviewed for this article, both interviewees will remain anonymous.

On Wednesday, April 27, as Columbia University President Minouche Shafik was ready to address Congress at a hearing on antisemitism on Columbia’s campus, hundreds of Columbia students set up tents on the South Lawn of the university, starting the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” a movement that would soon echoworldwide.

Shafik gave the New York Police Department (NYPD) permission to carry out a large-scale arrest the next day. Officials from the NYPD declare that 108 students were taken into custody, making this the largest on-campus arrest at the university since 1968. At that time, 86 students were taken into custody for protesting against the university’s discriminatory behaviour towards Black and Brown students as well as its affiliation with the Institute for Defence Analyses, which was conducting weapon research for the Vietnam War.

On April 29th, as students begin to demand that Columbia University separate itself from businesses that support Israel’s operations in Gaza, Columbia University began suspending students who were active during Wednesday’s encampment.

Over the next 13 days, the University witnessed rallies, counterprotests, faculty walkouts, and a shift to hybrid and remote learning for classes and final exams.

On April 29th, Shaifk gave the encampment a midnight deadline for negotiations dispersal. As the negotiations failed to reach an agreement, the university announced its decision not to divest from Israel and continued to suspend students who took part in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. In response to this, the encampments expanded to other parts of the university’s campus, notably outside of Hamilton Hall, Lewisohn Lawn, and Hartley Hall.

On April 30th, hundreds of NYPD officers raided the campus, arresting the students and dismantling the encampment. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reported that 282 demonstrators were taken into custody that day. This figure includes those who were at the campground as well as those who had marched from the university to the City University of New York.

During these two weeks, students from

around the world carried the Gaza Solidarity Encampment to their own universities that were complicit in the ongoing genocide. Some of these universities include Harvard, Yale, UCLA, MIT, Oxford, George Washington University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Amsterdam, Sorbonne University, Bologna University, University of Copenhagen, and, among many others, McGill University.

On April 27th, the McGill encampment began. Students demanded that the university sever its ties and investments with companies that support the genocide of the Palestinian people and demanded full transparency of McGill’s investments. According to McGill’s “Listed Equity Mandates | As at March 31st, 2024,” a publicly available document that lists McGill’s holdings that are above 500,000$, the university invests in nine of the top 100 largest arms-producing and military services companies in the world. Among these companies, the most notable ones that McGill University invests in are Airbus ($2,231,359), Safran ($2,043,634), Thales ($1,258,905), Dassault Aviation Group ($1,965,977), and Lockheed Martin Corp. ($535,531).

Since 2018, the aerospace manufacturer Airbus has engaged in a partnership with Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) to develop Heron TP drones, which are utilized in operations targeting Gaza. As per the official website of IAI, this agreement, valued at $600 million, spans nine years and remains active.

Next, according to Safran’s 2022 annual report, the French company has an agreement with the Israeli government to support the development of its Arrow 3 hypersonic anti-ballistic missile system. Additionally, Safran has provided surveillance technologies that monitor Palestinians and restrict their freedom in the West Bank, such as fingerprint scanners, facial recognition systems, and mounted camera systems.

Thales, a UK-based company, worked with the Israeli company Elbit Systems to develop the “Watchkeeper” drone. Back in 2005, Thales partnered with Israeli firm Elbit Systems and established a joint venture company called UAV Tactical Systems. The Watchkeeper, which was modeled after Elbit’s Hermes 450 drones, is a “high-performance, tactical unmanned aircraft system,” as outlined on Elbit’s website, is the result of the partnership

between Thales and Elbit.

In 1962, the Dassault Aviation Group designed a ballistic missile on behalf of the state of Israel called the MD 620, Jericho, as stated on the company’s official website. The company was additionally supporting Israel during the Six-Day War, which resulted in Israel taking control of the Gaza Strip.

Finally, Lockheed Martin, the largest arms producer globally, openly acknowledges its provision of “superior support” to the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) on its website. The company provides the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) with both air and ground weaponry, including the Hellfire 9X Missile, the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, and F-35 fighter planes.

With the mission to challenge these investments, what began with 20 tents rapidly expanded into the largest encampment across Canada, drawing the attention of news outlets such as RadioCanada, CNN, CTV News, and, among many others, CBC News

“It’s grown a lot. I would say there are roughly 75 to maybe 100 tents now,” said a Dawson College camper.

According to the United Nations, more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed by the IDF since October, and, within the first three months of the genocide, Gaza was declared “unlivable.” There are no fully functioning hospitals and universities left standing. On May 6th, Gaza’s last safe zone, Rafah, became the target of heavy attacks after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu refused Hamas’ ceasefire offer.

In a collaborated post that was published by Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) McGill, SPHR Concordia, National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) McGill, and IJV Concordia, the demands of the protestors of the encampment consisted of the following:

DISCLOSE all investments in companies complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people. DEFEND students. No repercussions or disciplinary charges for any actions taken by students of McGill and Concordia in support of Palestine [...] DIVEST from all complicit companies and cut all academic ties with Israeli institutions. DECLARE a statement condemning the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people and calling on the Canadian government to immediately cease

all military contracts with the zionist state.

On the fourth day of the encampment, two McGill students filed an injunction request to prohibit protests near McGill buildings, which was taken to the Quebec Superior Court. The following day, Labeau sent another message stating that “the number of individuals who have set up tents has tripled.” In the same message, Labeau claimed: “Last night we saw video evidence of some people using unequivocally antisemitic language and intimidating behavior [...]”

27 videos were included in the injunction that the students sent. One of these videos showed individuals chanting “All the Zionists are racist, all the Zionists are the terrorists” and saying “Go back to Europe.” However, protestors at the encampment have stated that the people featured in the video are not part of the campers.

On April 30th, Justice Chantal Masse heard the arguments presented by Neil Oberman, the lawyer representing the two McGill students. Oberman asserted that Jewish students expressed feeling unsafe on campus. However, Sibel Ataoğul, representing the Association of McGill Professors of Law (AMPL) and the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSM), countered Oberman’s claims, highlighting that Jewish people in the encampment have claimed it to be peaceful. With the injunction, the two McGill students were asking for a 10-day prohibition of protesting in any way within a 100-meter radius of all 154 universityowned buildings.

According to an article that was published by The Gazette, Ataoğul informed reporters that the AMPL and the SSM deemed the request to be “abusive.”

“Basically, what it is asking for is to block out a big part of downtown [...] to all

protests. We’re talking about protests of any kind. For us, that’s an egregious violation of the fundamental freedoms we enjoy in Canada, Quebec, and Montreal,” the lawyer said.

On Wednesday, the judge rejected the injunction request, reasoning that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated unredeemable harm caused by the protests and that it was “abusive and sought to silence all discussion that doesn’t fit within a frame that is pro-Israeli.” Additionally, she stated that the approval of this injunction to forcibly remove the protestors would affect their freedom of expression and peaceful gatherings.

On May 1st, images of Palestinian children in Gaza acknowledging the encampments and holding signs thanking the students for their solidarity started circulating on social media.

“Somebody at the camp announced that those photos were up and showed everybody and I started crying,” the IJV organizer expressed. “We’re here because we’re so enraged that our tuition, you know, our physical money, is being used to fund this genocide — to fund the bombs, and all those kinds of things, and that’s so disturbing.” “The people in Gaza,” she continued, “they don’t have a lot of service to know that people are still fighting for them and that we are trying to do everything we can. So, seeing those pictures, knowing that they hear us, was very moving.”

On May 2nd, there was a counterprotest led by 10 organizations, including StartUp Nation, Chabad, and Hillel. In the post announcing the protest, it said, “They call for our death so we will celebrate life,” encouraging Montreal to join the counter-protest. The Zionist protestors later gathered outside of McGill’s Roddick Gates, which were blocked by Montreal

police on bicycles and horseback. The protest began at around 12:30 p.m. and lasted until 3:00 p.m. Outside of the gates, Zionist protestors waved Israeli flags and held signs that read “Bring them home” and “Release the hostages”. Inside the gates, a line of protestors, many of whom were members of IJV Concordia and IJV McGill chanted “Jews against genocide,” and “In our lifetime, we will see Palestinians living free.”

In response to this, the IJV organizer stated: “It felt very powerful to have everybody show up and support the camp.”

“There is a lot of help and love, there is no type of hatred, and whenever we come across that we just kick them out of the camp. We don’t tolerate any kind of abuse of discrimination like Islamaphobia, antisemitism, misogyny, racism, none of it,” expressed the Dawson camper. “We were always taught from the beginning to not engage and to de-escalate. We had people from the encampment working as security and making sure that nothing would escalate or lead to violence. The police did a really good job at separating everyone.”

Christopher Marsicano, an assistant professor of educational studies at Davidson College in North Carolina, affirmed that divestments may likely have a greater political impact than an economic one.

He said, “Israeli Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu has already mentioned student protests at American universities publicly. It is clear that these protests have captured the attention of the Israeli government and are putting some pressure on stakeholders to support a ceasefire.”

“I really want divestment from our administration,” stated the IJV member. “And try to put pressure on Concordia as well. It’s just so unfathomable how much money and investments our universities have in weapon manufacturing. I didn’t know the extent of these portfolios before this year and seeing everything that is happening around the world is so upsetting because all of these major universities are so steeped in projects of imperialism.”

PHOTO VIA @RAMABDU ON X

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BY MIA GUELI

Editor

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MIA GUELI @thegreatmimosa

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The DSU Should Spend More Money

WINIE COULANGES Contributor

Since the implementation of the new healthcare plan, the curiosity we feel towards our student union’s finances is not only natural, but it’s also justified. In the past twenty years, several Canadian student unions have been accused of financial mismanagement and fraud. In 2019, Global News reported that Toronto Metropolitan University’s union suspended some of its executives after credit card statements revealed fiscal mismanagement. Four years later, CP24 reported that union executives embezzled 250,000$ to spend on business class flights, Toronto Raptors tickets, virtual reality headsets, and to make payments to third party vendors. In 2011, CBC broke the news that the head of McMaster University’s part-time student association was not only getting paid a salary of 126,151$ but also received a 12,000$ bonus and 101,116$ in retroactive pay. University of Toronto’s student newspaper, The Varsity, covered Dawson Student Union’s 2008 embezzlement scandal wherein an executive stole 29,000$ and the union couldn’t account for the 840,000$ it spent since 2005.

Last year’s budget left over an astonishing 221,027.50$ that was then funnelled into this current year’s budget, totaling 677,900.75$.

The absence of bookkeeping, executives having personal access to the union’s credit cards, and the withholding of financial statements from the public for three years were aggravating factors. Since then, all those things have been rectified, thanks to the Union taking accountability for its indiscretions and students expressing their concerns at general assemblies.

However, looking over the DSU budget for the 2023-2024 school year, I was shocked by how much money our union had at their disposal and how much of it remained dormant year to year. Last year’s budget left over an astonishing 221,027.50$ that was then funnelled into this current

year’s budget, totaling 677,900.75$.

The more research I did, the more inconsistencies were revealed to me. For example, the 2021 referendum proposed a 3$ increase in student union dues to keep up with inflation.

“The DSU will essentially continue to grow poorer over the years with its current fee. Over time, the union will be able to do less with its budget since costs associated to employment, accounting, legal and of goods will continue to increase. This could result in the union having to offer less to its membership and student groups”.

Yet, the audits from 2017 to 2022 reveal that there are always several thousands of dollars in surplus. More specifically, 192,615$ for 2017, 180,093$ for 2018, 75,001$ for 2019, 23,781$ for 2020, 236,789$ for 2021 and 151,950$ for 2022. How can you grow poorer over the years with money like that?

Continuing to dig deeper, there seems to be huge gaps in the proposed spending and the actuals from the previous year. For example, 555.49$ was spent for team building last year, yet this year’s budget for that category comes out to 2,000$. Another example is found in the meetings category, which saw 733.50$ being used last year and upgraded to 4,000$ this year.

How can these gaps and constant large surpluses be justified?

With this information, I emailed the President of the DSU, Isabelo Beli-En David, on March 25th with a list of all the questions stated above, asking for an in-person meeting to clarify the concerns I had. He emailed back on April 4th with written responses to each question instead and ignored my wish for a meeting.

Prompted with my questioning on the validity of the fee increase, he responded:

“The increase in dues was necessary for the student insurance plan (DSU Health & Dental Plan) which was also voted on in the same year. After pushback from the College, we were finally able to implement the insurance beginning in Fall 2024. The change in the constitution increased the DSU membership fee from $19 to $22 and added a clause for the membership fee to automatically increase in accordance with CPI every two years. The change was instituted because the Dawson Student Union had and continues to have some of the lowest student fees among the CEGEP student associations, which makes it difficult to use our funds in a way that the around 10,000 students of Dawson can benefit. “

This answer offers completely different reasoning than what is stated in the official document detailing the questions and objectives of the 2021 referendum. With conflicting information, it’s hard to decipher what exactly is the truth. If this 6$

Considering that last year with a budget of 10,000$ for contingencies, they only spent 238.50$, it’s not very clear why they feel a need to overinflate their expected spending.

PHOTO VIA MARKETWATCH

supposedly helped pay or paid entirely for the healthcare plan, why doesn’t the union absorb that cost themself when they have so much surplus, instead of passing that cost onto students?

When I asked why some categories are overinflated when their actual spending was low the previous year, he answered with this :

“Budgets are not necessarily representative of the amount of money which will be spent. If you look at this year’s budget, you will see from last year’s revenue projections compared to their expected spending, they planned to spend around 95% of their projected revenue ((564,800.00/594,091.22) * 100 = 95.07). Their actual spending ended up being around 57% of their actual revenue ((323,942.57/567,602.22)*100%= 57.07%). There are many reasons teams allocate money in certain areas where the money won’t necessarily be spent. The legal entry, for example, has a lot of money set in case legal threats or proceedings occur. Travel expenses are not usually completely used because the need for them varies greatly from year to year based on many external factors. Same for hiring fees, staff training, etc. Large surpluses aren’t planned for, but they mean more available funds for the next team. Financial responsibility requires responsible accounting and keeping money for next year’s team is often a preferable alternative to spending it on needless things or on overpriced products/ services we don’t have time to research or properly account. We are students like you after all.”

This “save for a rainy day” attitude held towards this huge budget is frankly uninspired. The evidence shows that the “future” team of DSU executives rarely spends the surplus they have and thus the cycle continues. I’m left wondering why Dawson students are forced to scramble for money to fund initiatives that benefit us, while our money sits idly in a giant piggy bank. Is it absolutely necessary to leave the succeeding team enough money for a down payment every year?

I find it interesting how the Union anticipates going over budget so often that they end up not only allocating way more money than needed, but neglect the fact that they have a dedicated category for contingencies if all these emergencies were to happen. Considering that last year with a budget of 10,000$ for contingencies, they only spent 238.50$, it’s not very clear

The use of the word “needless” is very interesting here as it implies that the DSU has met every need a Dawson student could possibly have and that there’s no room for improvement.

why they feel a need to over-inflate their expected spending.

Regarding his statement on not wanting to spend money on “needless things,” and not having the time to properly research or account for overpriced things - the use of the word “needless” is very interesting here, as it implies that the DSU has met every need a Dawson student could possibly have, and that there’s no room for improvement. It’s a weird opinion to hold when there’s a fundraiser every day in the upper atrium. In rebuttal, I would like to offer the following suggestions of things the surplus could be used for, that would greatly benefit students: grants for those doing unpaid internships, a bi-monthly edition of the Plant, daily free breakfast, daily Dawson Dinin’ and free one-time STM passes available to students in case of emergencies.

Student unions are accountable to their constituents and they have a duty to work in their best interest. Therefore, I don’t believe paid executive members should be able to hide behind excuses when it comes to using the resources they were given. I understand that we are all students, but if the Union has bitten off more than they can chew, it’s worth reconsidering if this budget is being used to its fullest potential and adjust the following year’s fees accordingly. In the meantime, I can only encourage us to read the fine print and to stay informed on what our elected representatives do with the power they hold.

The Economic Threat of Protecting the French Language

SARAH BENSETITI Secretary

On Saturday April 20th, organisations such as the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and the Conseil du Patronat du Québec (CPQ) expressed their concerns through an open letter to the Montreal Daily regarding the new regulations introduced by Bill 96. In this letter, they called upon the Legault government to reassess its stance on linguistic matters, emphasising the potential economic repercussions of these new regulatory measures.

This decrease in diversity obviously causes the emergence of monopolistic tendencies, thereby exacerbating consumer vulnerability in an environment characterised by already soaring market prices.

Despite being active since June 2022, several aspects of Bill 96 remained undisclosed until January of this year. Enterprises are now compelled to adapt to the prescribed changes before June 1st 2024 if they desire to maintain operational status within the province. However, the clear oversight of the adverse economic ramifications entailed by these new regulations raises extreme concern for the Quebec economy, especially considering that it is still suffering from the lingering repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating inflationary pressures. Hence, what do these new regulations entail, and what precisely is their impact?

One of the newly introduced regulations bans the use of certain terms, such as “on/ off” and “play”, which were, up until now, unaffected by the adopted bill. Given the widespread integration of these terms across various electronic devices, this prohibition poses a significant challenge to businesses that are presently operating in Quebec. Indeed, devising alternative solutions to such terms implies the establishment of industries that produce some goods using only french terms. Thus, the logistical

implications simply do not make any sense: the associated costs and complexities may dissuade businesses from pursuing compliance, potentially culminating in their cessation of operations within the province altogether.

This discourse finds itself to echo that of select and widely known businesses, such as Hot Topic and Chick-Fil-A. These businesses, having failed to secure exemptions for their exclusively English signage and products, abandoned establishing a presence in Quebec in favour of pursuing profit-maximising opportunities elsewhere in the country.

So, due to these new regulations, fewer and fewer businesses will remain active in Quebec. This decrease in diversity obviously causes the emergence of monopolistic tendencies, thereby exacerbating consumer vulnerability in an environment characterised by already soaring market prices. In a desperate time for cheaper alternatives, these regulations would only deplete the market of viable competition, causing greater economic losses for the citizens of Quebec, who are already struggling to pay their day-to-day expenses.

The ramifications of the new regulations extend beyond mere signage and adaptability concerns, affecting outdoor advertising practices as well. These practices are particularly vital for medium and small-scale enterprises who will bear the brunt of the newer regulatory mandates. The bill posits that all outdoor publicity must be presented in French exclusively, thus forcing businesses to redesign all their signage within a compressed time frame. This poses significant logistical and financial challenges.

Indeed, the upcoming deadline may push the creation of signage that lacks the visual appeal and attractiveness necessary to captivate potential customers. Consequently, businesses risk experiencing a decline in customer engagement due to the perceived lack of effectiveness of their

advertising efforts. And this would simply be because they were required to comply with the newer regulations…

Moreover, adherence to the bill may compromise the essence and message conveyed by original signage.The translation may undermine its communicative efficacy and further exacerbate the potential loss of clientele. The resultant decline in revenue streams could precipitate the closure of affected businesses, thereby engendering a deleterious cycle characterised by diminished market options and an escalation in monopolistic tendencies, just as would the banished use of certain exclusively English terms...

Even more threatening, these constraints exacerbate the inclination of consumers towards online purchases, thereby marginalising physical establishments and precipitating a cascading effect marked by a dwindling customer base and diminished revenue streams. Indeed, as businesses begin to stop their sales in Quebec, some citizens may see their required goods pulled out of their nearby stores. This will lead them to begin online purchases. Consequently, an increasing number of businesses may find themselves compelled to shut down operations. These shutdowns exacerbate unemployment rates and compound socioeconomic challenges within communities that are already struggling to make enough money for basic necessities.

In essence, adhering to the new stipulations outlined in Bill 96 could result in significant economic setbacks. While the legislation’s regulatory structure prioritises the preservation of the French language, it appears to disregard any other potential ramifications it might pose for the populace who unanimously support its protection. Unintended outcomes, such as economic challenges and the surge in online trade, underscore the need for a nuanced strategy that considers both linguistic conservation and economic sustainability.

South Asian Film Festival of Montreal

When: 24 May to 2 June

Where: Cinémathèque québécoise and DeSève Cinema (Concordia)

Price: Tickets: Free to $12, depending on the film

Celebrating its 13th edition, the SAFFMontreal is the only festival of its kind in Quebec. It offers an eclectic mix of thoughtprovoking films aiming to entertain, inform and empower filmmakers and audiences of the South Asian diaspora. This year’s festival will offer short and feature-length documentaries and fiction films in theatres and online. The opening film is the world premiere of the Indo-Canadian heist comedy Stealing Vows.

Pariah Concert

When: 24 May 8 p.m.

Where: L’Exode at Cégep du Vieux-Montréal

Price: 10$

Pariah is an up-and-coming five-piece metal band formed at Cégep du Vieux-Montréal. Drawing inspiration from Knocked Loose and Title Fight, their first performance in their native cégep promises to be a unique addition to Montréal’s vibrant underground music scene.

Shylock Project presents: Edgar in the Red Room

When: 8 June to 16 June

Where: Théâtre d’Aujourd’hui

Price: 15$

The Shylock Project is a multidisciplinary group of artists from Syracuse, New York that return after a several-year absence to the St. Ambroise-Montreal Fringe Festival with a new “Macabre Cabaret” about the mysterious life and death of gothic poet and author Edgar Allan Poe. Through music, drama, and shadowplay, this theatrical experiment confronts Poe in the catacombs of his final nightmare, where he encounters various of his most infamous characters.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

When: 31 May 8 p.m.

Where: The National Theater Price: 53$

Three-time Grammy winner Kingfish is revered as one of the most accomplished guitar blues revivalists of the 21st century. Born in Mississippi, his virtuosity was unveiled in his teenage years in his amazing gospel music performances. His talent caught the eye of blues veteran Buddy Guy, who financed and mentored his Grammy-nominated debut album, Kingfish, in 2020.

PHOTO VIA FILMFREEWAY

PHOTO VIA @PARIAH.MTL

PHOTO VIA FRINGEMTL

PHOTO VIA BERKELEY COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Zombies: More than a Fictional Fear

EMMA CASPI

Voices Editor

Zombies have become typical horror-movie tropes and Halloween costumes, but I bet you that you do not know the true or accurate meaning of the word zombie. The definition We have coined the term zombie with the living dead who have risen from their graves, seeking the taste of human flesh or brains. The picture we paint of them resembles Hollywood’s heavily CGI-ed or prosthetic-covered characters, played by famous actors and actresses. But what if I told you this portrayal is not exactly accurate? Only a few rare films, such as Victor Halperini’s White Zombie (1932), which portrays a Vodou priest in Haiti who ‘zombifies’ a young woman, accurately depict the origins and facets of zombies.

George A. Romero’s movie Dawn of the Dead (1978), and subsequent films such as World War Z, Zombieland and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies created and perpetuated this now-traditional idea of what zombies represent. The world has ignored and whitewashed a crucial piece of history to make lucrative profits in theatres and costumes. Since the zombie myth is rooted more deeply in history than in American pop culture, it is time you know the even darker side of zombies.

In reality, zombies symbolize the inhumanity of slavery and the misery endured by African slaves from 1625 to 1800. The idea of a zombie is a mixture of old African religious beliefs and the pain of slavery in French-dominated Saint-Domingue (modern Haiti). Zombie concepts were imported to Haiti from Africa through the slave trade. Slaves in SaintDomingue in the 17th and 18th centuries were under French rule and worked to death on sugar plantations. Slaves were abased

and abused: hunger, exhaustion from constant exploitation and intense discipline. They pined for solace.

They believed that suicide was one of the only means to escape the sugar plantations. When they died, the slaves hoped to be transported back to Africa, or Ian guinée — this literally translates to Guinea or Africa in general, and figuratively means heaven or freedom). Only through Baron Samedi, the lord of the cemetery, could one navigate their way to this leafy green paradise. It was the only way to become remotely autonomous over their bodies. This way, there would be no more sugarcane to cut, and no orders to heed. Slave owners dispised when their slaves would commit suicide, believing it was thieving them of their proper service and property.

However, the fear of becoming a zombie dissuaded slaves from committing suicide and their hoping for an escape. There was a good chance that those who took their lives would not reach Ian guinée but would be trapped in the Hispaniola plantations forever. Thwarting or offending the God Baron could prevent the voyage. They believed that once Baron rejected their souls, they would be trapped and given to mortals. Their souls would be toiled and ruled beyond death forever, being denied peace and tranquillity within death. They would, therefore, become zombies. Consuming salt was the only way to ensure that one’s soul would return to Ian guinée Slaveowners, aware of this condition, would serve bland foods to their slaves.

This zombie myth gave rise to many aspects of the Vodou religion where shamans or Vodou priests reanimated corpses after the Haitian Revolution in 1804. Vodou was a mixture of West African religion and catholic rituals of the local population. There were multiple spiritual

In reality, zombies symbolize the inhumanity of slavery and the misery endured by African slaves from 1625 to 1800.

systems across different ethnic groups on the continent. Vodou was practised in Haiti, but also in the Caribbean, Brazil, the American South and other places with an African heritage. According to Haitian folklore and some parts of Vodou, sorcerers called Bokor held the power to create and manipulate zombies. Vodou was a unifying religion among African slaves that has been misinterpreted as sinister and harmful by modern-day popular culture. Haitian Americans are trying to combat stereotypes by clarifying that modern Vodou respects nature, remembers ancestors, and focuses on energy, vibrations and rhythm.

Most of us have been inadvertently ignorant about zombies, as we had no choice but to believe what we grew up seeing. It seems appropriate to say that the modern-day zombie has been severely misconstrued, appearing as a costume you wear or a fictional character. However, the history of zombies is anything but fiction and serves as a constant reminder of the perpetual suffering the Haitian slaves endured. Eternal unrest can mean simply living forever in a decayed body, but it represents more precisely the horrors of slavery and the fear of its return. Zombies may be our imaginary fear, but they caused truly crippling horror among Haitian slaves.

PHOTO VIA THE ATLANTIC

Award Shows: Parading money disguised as talent

EZRA BUCUR Creative Writing Editor

Every year, from around January to March, millions of people tap into what is colloquially known as “Award Season.” This term is used to represent the myriad of different award shows meant to highlight culture’s biggest accomplishments in film, music, literature, and even science. However, amongst these award shows, the most popular ones gravitate towards easily accessible pop culture, such as The Grammys or The Oscars.

Despite this popularity, there are many who spend their time critiquing this phenomenon, especially on social media. One of the most common jabs thrown, although often not meant to be serious, is that a specific nominee was “robbed” of their award. A recent example of this was at the 96th Oscars Ceremony, where Emma Stone won the award for Best Actress over Lily Gladstone. The competition was incredibly tight for this category, and it was only presented at the very end, following many tedious breaks in the show. There is a clear reason for this decision: profits and clicks. As any press is good press, the more the show goes on, the more the spectacle is displayed, the more money and free advertising come from those eager to watch their favorite actor finally get recognized. However, this recognition is manufactured, played up for the sake of constantly grabbing the attention of viewers.

The Oscars are a perfect example of this. The ceremony balances both prestige and glamor, creating a sense of excitement that transcends talent being recognized. From the celebrity guest hosts, to the months of anticipation with the nominations, to the

extravagant outfits worn on the red carpet, it is all a ploy to garner as much attention as possible. Society is now driven by entertainment, and this entertainment now has a new outlet: the online space. As tweets go viral, as posts get uploaded, and as texts between friends are exchanged, award shows now have to tap into the online market to stay relevant.

Notably, the Oscars have declined in viewership over the years, only amassing 18.7 million viewers. However, the Grammys have increased in viewership, getting 16.9 million viewers since the pandemic. Emma Coulter, who writes for the Dartmouth University newspaper, theorizes that this is due to the lack of free time that many younger audiences have. It is therefore easier for them to keep up with music than TV shows or movies, as music can be listened to almost anywhere. Coulter points out that this could also be a factor as to why the average viewership age is 50, adding onto the fact most younger generations lean towards streaming platforms. This explains the need for the glamor, and for the constant presence of famous celebrities: very few people would tune in to an award show featuring unknowns. As a result, those underground artists, actors, and performers are unable to get a breakthrough. If they do, they already had ties to the industry or become viral on social media — a recent example of this being South African singer Tyla with her song Water. Ultimately, award shows are swept in the vicious cycle of virality: to conquer the world, the online world, specifically the American one, has to lift you up.

Award shows are also notorious for rarely including works that exist outside

of the American cultural zeitgeist. Additionally, even within American popular culture, it is mainly White people who get their work noticed. In the year 2015-2016, all the nominees for Best Actor for the Oscars were white, giving rise to the viral #Oscarssowhite tag. Since then, the Academy has attempted to correct this oversight, yet many feel as though this is done either disingenuously, or not far enough. In 2023, Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian Actress to win best actress, despite the Oscar’s 90-year history. Prior to her win, Halle Berry was the last actress of color to have received the Best Actress award, all the way back in 2002. This year, Emma Stone won, to the dismay of people online. Mant from the general public had hoped for Lily Gladstone, the first Indigenous actress to be nominated for the Oscars. This loss subsequently raised the issue of nominations: what good was it to nominate people of color if White actors were still winning? Additionally, if White actors were still cast as leads, then what good would the awards even serve?

However, no matter how disappointing a loss or a victory might be, people will still talk about the Oscars, the Grammys, or any other award show. The parasocial relationships between actors and fans, especially when the latter see themselves in the former. This was exacerbated by the illusion of access that one has to these celebrities. Despite the distance in material wealth, one cannot help but identify themselves with the image they are being fed, which is simply a calculated profit margin.

COURTESY OF DEADLINE

Playlist by MIA GUELI Visual Arts Editor

MIRREN BODANIS Editor-in-Chief

In the past weeks, we have seen the consistent multiplication of student encampments on campuses in protest of Universities’ investment and complicity with the genocide in Palestine. On social media, and even mainstream media outlets, images of the waves of violent counter-protest violence and police brutality have been made known. At UCLA, we saw violent counter protestors carrying Israeli flags who, according to the New York Times, “attacked pro-Palestinian encampment for several hours, including beating them with sticks, using chemical sprays and launching fireworks as weapons” before police intervened. We’ve seen the NYPD conduct multiple raids and 100s of arrests on the Palestinian Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University, marking the first time the university allowed police to suppress student protests since those against the Vietnam war in 1968.

Despite all this, so far, the sister encampment in the lower fields of McGill has remained unharmed and persevering. Referred to as a “tiny city” in an article by CBC, the encampment has now grown to include many dozens of tents, multiple social services, and hosts a constant rotation of demonstrations and educational seminars with the goal of forcing McGill to divest it’s $73 million invested in companies funding Israeli Genocide and Apartheid.

The Plant is one of the very few publications that has been able to get overnight access to the encampment, and present to you these unseen and overlooked scenes from the camp, along with our observations during time spent within its walls.

1 The Leila Khaled People’s Library for Palestine is one of two libraries inside the encampment. Campers are free to take, return, and contribute books as they wish. It is one of many services that have led to the camp being dubbed the “Popular University.” With the passing days, it has grown beyond being just a protest, but also a centre for education. Programming over the past week has included talks from McGill professors, film screenings, collective readings, and workshops with Indigenous leaders, and more.

2 The camp’s democracy centres around twice-daily general assemblies, held in a large makeshift tent constructed from tarps and repurposed metal frames. Campers present, discuss, and vote their way through sometimes multi-hour long agendas discussing the organisation of the camp, policies, and activism strategies. Multiple committees run different aspects of the camp, from media, to negotiations, the kitchen, security, events, and more.

3 The campers have built infrastructure to share many vital services. Medical tents offer basic healthcare, and a kitchen prepares a full day’s meals free for all campers every day, thanks to donations, all at no cost.

4 The camp has welcomed many diverse groups, both in and around its borders— Jewish, Anarchists, Queer, Labour activist groups to name a few — who have hung up posters on the barricades of the camp in solidarity.

Academia: Circle-Jerking or Intellectual Progress?

THOMAS FRENETTE Arts & Culture Editor

“Tiger got to hunt, Bird got to fly, Man got to sit and wonder ‘why? why? why?’, Tiger got to sleep, Bird got to land, Man got to tell himself he understand” - Kurt Vonnegut

Perhaps the most comprehensive attempt to collect knowledge in the West is academia. Academia is the scholarly environment of universities and colleges dedicated to engaging with the truths of the world through written and oral discourses. Intellectual societies have indeed helped enlighten the educated public in philosophy, politics, economics, sociology and various other disciplines.

Western culture has indeed taken an absurd trajectory that gives more authority to self-gratifying and indirect accounts of a phenomenon rather than lived experience.

The essence of all academic pursuits is to argue about other sources in the format of studies, dissertations, and essays. Another scholar engages with the first individual’s material, and so begins a continuous debate over the truth. Everyone cites everyone else; theories on theories, papers about papers, and thinking about thinking to transform them into “new” material.

Academics and scholars dedicate their lives to this endless spiral of reasoning and logic to debate, articulate, and refine ad nauseam how knowledge ought to be framed. Inasmuch as these works are mere echoes of each other, they are only applicable in their own closed-circuit system. The knowledge they offer is unfit to be applied to life as much as it can be applied to other knowledge. They are not engaging with reality as it is; they are engaging with a reality contained within the rules that are constantly being redefined by academic works.

But such knowledge is largely untested by real-life applications and it alienates us

from the material it is supposed to elucidate. Of what use is all of this knowledge if the only relevant context in which it can be applied is other knowledge? In other words, for what use is academia produced other than for the sake of academia? There is a belief in academia that the intellectual progress of its works is engaging with a conclusion on life itself, while its only pride is the consistent inauguration of conclusions upon conclusions.

This is what Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th-century American essayist, naturalist and philosopher, signaled as the spiraling of knowledge. In 1837, he cautioned academics of nurturing a “degenerate state” of society where one may “tend to become a mere thinker, or, still worse, the parrot of other men’s thinking.”

Western culture has indeed taken an absurd trajectory that gives more authority to self-gratifying and indirect accounts of a phenomenon rather than lived experience. By participating in academia, other sources of knowledge that have not been or cannot be recorded by academic endeavors are being dismissed. The compulsive search for intelligence through a mechanical and systematic lens results in the rejection of a huge segment of the wisdom of the world. Any form of knowledge which cannot be subjected to revision and republication is discredited as informal and unacademic.

Emerson aimed to inaugurate a new perspective on intelligence that is not limited to a lazy exchange of theories, but built upon a duty to raise one another’s quality of life and ability to gain knowledge via trade of observations, experiences and ideas rooted in facts that are active and present in the living world, beyond the appearances and conjectures drawn up by academia.

The world is full of pretense; so much is told about reality that it can be tempting to take all of this pretense as truth. Intelligence should not be categorically stored and accessed in written works; the raw material, or the source of the knowledge that academics toil to copy, makes written works pale in comparison. Academic study can only simulate the synthesis of this raw material that substantiates one’s experience of the world. To illustrate this, Emerson likens the absurd attempt of translating academic knowledge to life to “transplanting an oak into a flower-pot.”

He suggests that an understanding of the real world must begin with real-life experiences. Doing so teaches not what

the world appears to be or what academics proclaim it to be, but of the world as it truly is. Through this exposure of the world may be found endless beauty; Emerson says that “the artist may lose inspiration to paint having seen every piece of art that he can, but the man who lives will lose nothing at all.” Looking outward toward nature and inward without consulting external information teaches an individual to become a student of the world, alert to the beauty of the world and less to the unhealthy and excessive faith placed in academia.

All in all, this is not to say that academia is inherently futile and misguided. Critical insight regarding a wide variety of disciplines has indeed been provided by academic works. However, the domination of conversations regarding knowledge by academia excludes too many paths to access and share knowledge. Exploring nature for oneself and not for the sake of academia is healthy for the body and for the mind by encouraging a genuine understanding of the world. Go touch grass, nerds!

PHOTO VIA OPEN CULTURE

Challengers: Beyond Tennis

GLORIA BADIBANGA Staff Writer

I remember when I first sat down at the movie theatre on the release date of Challengers on Friday, April 26th - one of the first things my sister and her friend jokingly said was: “What if this movie is only about tennis? ”

Let me tell you, this movie was a lot more than just tennis.

I was completely ignorant about tennis,” he said. Perhaps that’s why he was able to envision unique shots, like one that is below the net, or another where the camera is the ball, giving a spinning view as it hurtles across the court

Challengers is a sports and romance movie directed by Luca Guadagino, set between 2006 and 2019. The story follows the three main characters of the movies; Tashi Duncan, played by Zendaya, Patrick Zweig, by Josh O’Connor, and, finally, Art Donaldson, played by Mike Faist. Tashi, who was once an outstanding tennis player that everyone had their eyes on, who turned coach due to an injury, has transformed her husband, Art, from an average tennis player into a worldwide known grand slam champion. She forces him to compete in a challenger event, which is akin to the lowest tier of competition on the pro tour, in an attempt to shake him out of his current losing run. When he finds himself across the net from his former best buddy and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick—who was once promising but is now burned out— tensions quickly rise.

The director does a great job at using flashbacks and flash-forwards to connect all three main characters and to explain how the two best friends came to be well acquainted with Tashi Duncan (it was obviously because of their love for tennis and perhaps both of them finding the young Tashi incredibly attractive).

At the very beginning of the story back in 2006, it’s just the two high school childhood best friends Patrick and Art, but the dynamic between them soon comes to a shift as a result of meeting Tashi. The star tennis player, well aware that both Art and Patrick are infatuated with her, makes a promise to offer her phone number to the winner of Patrick and Art’s junior singles match. Patrick ends up winning and dating Tashi, but it’s very short-lived due to her and Art eventually blaming him for Tashi’s injury that would later end her tennis career. Between this event in 2006, and 2019, Art and Tashi come together to go on and live their life, build a family and completely lose touch with Patrick.

The plot of the movie isn’t the only wellexecuted element of this sports romance. A few other aspects of this film that make it a phenomenal masterpiece are the score, acting, and, most importantly, the cinematography. The way certain scenes of the tennis competitions were filmed invoked an immense feeling of anticipation and anxious suspense, and made you feel entranced. Not only did it make you feel like you were witnessing a tennis match in real life, but it made you feel like you were a part of the competition.

A New York Times article explains how the director, Luca Guadadingo, was a neophyte when the production of Challengers first started: “I was completely ignorant about tennis,” he said. Perhaps that’s why he was able to envision unique shots, like one that is below the net, or another where the camera is the ball, giving a spinning view as it hurtles across the court.

I personally believe that Guadadingo’s initial lack of knowledge he had when he went into creating this movie made it so that it was enjoyable for both viewers who have no prior knowledge of tennis and viewers who are tennis fanatics.

At the very end of the movie, the longlasting feud between the childhood friends ends with Art scoring the winning point, an embrace between the two players, and a scream from Tashi - just like she once did after winning a tennis match in her adolescence.

Not only does Tashi’s scream being the last audible sound in the movie tie everything together from the beginning, but it also puts heavy emphasis on the fact that ever since her injury, she has been vicariously living her tennis dreams of being the best through Art.

It raises the question to the audience of whether or not Tashi ever truly loved Art for who he was, or if she was just with him to play him like a puppet so she could fulfil her tennis dreams, which had fallen short.

Even though the ending doesn’t give a clear idea of what’s to happen next, I don’t personally think an explicit explanation was needed. It’s not like other movies with unclear endings that lead the viewers to go on an extensive Google search about the possible meanings of the ending, but the director still leaves room for interpretation.

Who knows; maybe the love triangle lasting over a decade between the characters comes to an end, and Tashi, Art, and Patrick go on to become a throuple?

PHOTO VIA ROTTEN TOMATOES

Quiet on Set: Uncovering the Unsettling Cycle of Abuse

SABINA BELLISARIO-GIGLIO News Editor

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV is a docu-series directed by Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz detailing the hostile, and often abusive environment on the set of Dan Schneider’s popular television series’ on Nickelodeon from 1990’s to 2000’s. I sat down with Marie-Pierre Gosselin, the profile coordinator for the Psychology program at Dawson, to talk about the way abuse has effects on the development of a child as well as how abuse at a young age could trigger a cycle of abuse to form.

has been around since the Golden Age of Hollywood. Actors from different cinematic spheres, from Macaulay Culkin to Amanda Bynes have dealt with drug addictions. Paul Petersen told the Toronto Star, “Fame is a hard drug and when you are removed from the things that make you famous, you begin to seek alternatives. You’re looking for that high and drugs are a cheap and illconsidered means to gain that high.”

Child actors are often susceptible to these harmful coping mechanisms due to their unstable family environments. Shauna Springer, a licensed psychologist, told Complex that parents of child actors who

“I think [Brian Peck’s abuse] led to a lot of selfdestruction and a lot of self-loathing. I would try and just escape with alcohol abuse, substance abuse, really just anything to escape.”

The docu-series focuses on the pattern of profiles for these abusers, producers, vocal coaches, trusted people on set, something that Gosselin agrees is not uncommon when dealing with child abuse. “You’re always likely to be abused by the people who are closest to you… somebody that has some kind of power over you,” she commented, noting the lack of regulation or safeguarding rules regarding the presence of adults on set. Former child actor Alison Sweeney also commented on the documentary in an interview with Fox News, explaining that “parents are really intimidated by production schedules and directors.”

Gosselin reiterated how, unfortunately, this intimidation that keeps parents compliant and children unprotected leads to harsh problems cognitively. “We see lower IQ… attention problems… all the structures that are involved in memory,” she explains, highlighting the way executive functioning and self-control are severely affected. However, she points out that every abuser, as well as every victim, are different. While Amanda Bynes’ story is told by those who were surrounded by her at the time, Drake Bell relays the emotions and aftereffects of his abuse directly in the series, stating, “I think [Brian Peck’s abuse] led to a lot of self-destruction and a lot of self-loathing. I would try and just escape with alcohol abuse, substance abuse, really just anything to escape.”

The depiction, or rather trope, of former child actors with substance abuse issues

rely on their child’s income for financial stability can cause these issues to arise. She explains, “exploitation by a legal guardian — financially or emotionally — can lead to mental health or substance abuse challenges in a child star. The worst kind of abuse would be for a guardian to then take these challenges as evidence that the child needs to be managed by the very person who betrayed their trust in the first place.”

The issues that arise when looking into abuse, especially in children, is the idea of comorbidity. Gosselin noted the globalization of research pertaining to abuse makes it difficult to pinpoint symptoms, whether they manifested at the time of the abuse or afterwards, are due to their experience or other factors. Therefore, the abuse that these child actors face could either mimic, or enhance, symptoms that they may have already been experiencing prior.

Despite the individuality of these situations, childhood trauma, especially abuse, could have an impact on relationships formed into adulthood. Psych Central reported different ways this could manifest, whether it be “attachment styles, trust issues, communication styles,” or mostly notably, “trauma reenactment.”

Gosselin provided an interesting perspective into the cycle of abuse when discussing the situation of Drake Bell. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to child endangerment after a fan allegedly claimed he groomed her from ages 12 to 15. Regardless of pleading guilty, he still denies these claims, however it provides an interesting point of view into how these abusive tendencies sometimes manifest into those who were previously victims. In a study with The National Library of Medicine, it was concluded, while understanding that every situation is different, “having been a victim [of childhood maltreatment] was a strong predictor of becoming a perpetrator, as was an index of parental loss in childhood.” These distressing traumas, as seen in the docuseries, are life-altering and could unfortunately manifest in self-destructive behaviours for the victim and sometimes those around them as well.

While Robertson and Schwartz highlight as many voices as they can, detailing stories from inappropriate jokes, sexism, racism, and abuse, the docu-series still begs the question of whose story this is to tell. Amanda Bynes reportedly denied appearing on the documentary, yet a focal point of the series are her peers talking about her experience on set. It’s imperative to speak out in order to break the cycle of abuse, but is it our place to go out of our way to speak on behalf of someone else’s story?

PHOTO VIA INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY

Ageism and Ableism Leads to Maltreatment of Residents in Quebec’s Long-term Care Institutions

AMAYA LEDUC VEGA Contributor

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the government to look at a crisis that had been left in the shadows for a long time in Quebec: the maltreatment of residents in long-term care facilities, known as CHSLDs (“Centre d’Hébergement et de Soins de Longue Durée” in French). In fact, in the first wave of the pandemic, Quebec witnessed the highest COVID-19 mortality rate in Canada, with a staggering 91.9% of deaths occurring among people over 70 years old, 66.3% of which occurred in CHSLDs. This high mortality occurring in CHSLDs highlights the dehumanizing conditions of life seen in those institutions, such as outdated facilities, insufficient ventilation, and insufficient staffing.

This gap between the elderly and the rest of the population is due to ageism. Former Quebec Health Minister, Réjean Hebert, mentions that during the pandemic, CHSLDs ultimately became blind spots and people forgot about them. Hospitals were prioritized for resources such as masks and COVID-19 tests. Ultimately, the elderly were uncared for compared to the rest of the population. What struck Hébert most during the pandemic was the way that everyone seemed indifferent to how the elderly were treated in specialised centres. He remembers even hearing people mention during the pandemic that “the elderly should isolate themselves,” since they were the ones at risk. Others asked, “Why should the rest of the population suffer?” Not only did the government’s complete disregard

for the elderly in CHSLDs exemplify an ageist political decision, but also the lack of concern from the rest of the population reinforces ageist attitudes.

Hébert, who is now a professor of Health Policy Analysis at Université de Montréal, points out that, even before the pandemic, “there was a re-allocation toward other priorities,” which was created by an exodus of doctors and nurses outside of CHSLDs. These faculties stopped becoming the priority, and hospital care was prioritized. This ageist government decision in a time of crisis favored funding for the care of the younger population and left the elderly in understaffed residences, with caregivers unable to meet residents’ basic needs adequately.

during the pandemic, CHSLDs ultimately became blind spots and people forgot about them

Even now, in the post-pandemic period, maltreatment in CHSLDs remains an issue. A living example of someone who is suffering from this injustice is Daniel Pilote, a 56-year-old man with muscular dystrophy. He lives in a long-term care institution in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and he reported that he’s “been rough-handled by staff that has about 10 minutes to wash and dress him each day.” Pilote also expressed

fear that “no one [would] get to him in time should his breathing machine fail.” His fear highlights the grave consequences of understaffed CHSLDs created by insufficient government resource allotment, causing the possible death of patients.

Another case is Brigitte Lavoie, the sister of a resident from Residence Floralies LaSalle in Montreal, further exposing the reality of CHSLD residents. She says that whenever she would visit her sister, who has been staying in Residence Floralies since 2020, it was like “living a nightmare.” Her sister, who is intellectually disabled and incontinent, would have clothes on that weren’t hers, feces stains would be on her bed, her feet were extremely dirty, and her diaper was often unchanged. As we can see, not only have ageist government policies contributed to this poor quality of care, but caregivers are also at fault for ableism and discrimination in favor of ablebodied individuals. Since Lavoie’s sister is intellectually disabled, busy caregivers took advantage to provide her with less than the bare minimum of care.

Despite Brigitte Lavoie’s complaint in February 2022 concerning ageism and ableism to the Regional Health Board’s Complaints and Service Quality Commissioner, nothing was done to improve the situation. Two months later, still nothing had changed. This reflects the systemic failure to prioritize the wellbeing of residents, and how neglected they are compared to the rest of the population. Despite complaints, no authority figures took any significant action to improve the quality of care of CHSLD residents.

The crisis that is happening in CHSLDs requires a concerted effort to address ageism and ableism in society. CHSLD residents are as worthy of adequate care as any hospitalized patient. It is imperative that, as the younger generation, we value CHSLD residents and recognize that they have the same rights of care as anybody else. Even if they are older, or physically or intellectually disabled, it is unjust to provide care that is any different or any less than anyone else because, after all, “Old Age Matters” too.

PHOTO VIA FADOQ

Slavic Melancholy: Harvesting Hope After the Fall of Yugoslavia

SOPHIE DUGAS Contributor

In an interview with a psychoanalyst, famous performance artist Marina Abramović described the notion of “Slavic melancholy,” this supposed intergenerational and built-in struggle shared amongst those living in former Yugoslavia, and their descendants.

Yugoslavia was a single state combining Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina that fragmented after Croatia and Slovenia’s fights for national liberty. Historically, tensions between the previously united countries have always been high. Some leaders demanded the maintenance and success of the unique state, while others’ ethnic nationalism preached to form an independent nation. However, this is far from the only driving force separating these nations: ethno-religious wars, disputes in political ideology, and the reclamation of certain territories contributed to the fall of Yugoslavia and to the sentiments of hope amongst separated communities.

As a third-generation Croatian immigrant, questions about Slavic identities and Yugoslavian values have been a part of my vocabulary for as long as I can remember. I can recall books entitled “The Truth Behind Yugoslavia,” “Yugoslavian Inferno,” and “The True History of Croatians in Yugoslavia” filling my grandparents’ bookshelves when I was a kid. My grandmother narrated stories about how Yugoslavia was the true evil, and anything reminiscent of the Communist era could only evoke struggle and warfare.

My grandma’s disdain for these events was unsurprising; she grew up poor in a small Croatian village that was prone to constant bomb threats and attacks. When entering early adulthood, she fought hard for her place in university and her right to a religious marriage. While state-mandated laws repressed religion and spirituality, my grandparents secretly hosted a midnight wedding at church to avoid attention from suspicious soldiers. Yet, her main concern remained her right to live.

Shortly after WWII, prejudice spread like wildfire amongst the Slavic nations. Slovenia and Croatia condemned the Serbs’ one-state wishes, and Serbia criticized the smaller countries for refusing to ally their forces for “the greater good.” Multi-ethnic marriages in Yugoslavia were then nearly impossible; families even abandoned their

When I returned to Croatia as a child, I walked under the sun in the nostalgic Croatian heat and, after exiting the fast-paced tram, passed by all the places my mom described with beauty that seemed out of a fairytale

children over differences in political views.

The Yugoslavian separation war in the 90s is an example of a two-sided conflict; Slavics acknowledge each other’s pain, yet fail to define themselves. One could describe this as a thorny “love and hate” relationship in which communities wished the best for one another while simultaneously bombing their ethnic counterparts. Harming those once so close to their own became the price of creating a national identity.

Decades later, after immigrating to Canada for my grandpa’s engineering job, my grandparents realized this conflict was far from over. Mass violence erupted during the Croatian War for Independence in the early 90s. Balkan tensions reached an all-time high when the Croatian resistance opposed Yugoslavian forces controlled by the Serbian government. My grandmother and grandfather spared a tear for the daily calls from home informing them that a loved one had been incarcerated, injured, or killed. The remaining relatives they had in Croatia huddled in a small apartment in Zagreb, drinking Rakija and praying they would live to see the morning. My family members who were lucky enough to leave the country rushed to Canada to wait until Croatia recovered from the looming threat of violence and insecurity. Others impulsively sought shelter in Hungary via a car that held young kids and all their belongings. Everything was scary: “Remember Sophie, we fought to be here. They fought to get away.”

Naturally, this supposed return was not a realistic goal. My great aunts and uncles mainly stayed while their kids left looking for a more stable home. They all thought they could return to a post-Yugoslavian territory that did not inspire dread and despair. However, the beginning of Croatian independence meant the start of a Croatian governmental structure which the country needed to be more mature to undertake. Logistical processes in the country’s birth

seemed endless, while life in Canada did not seem so terrible. It became a home away from home. Luckily, visits were frequent and long, meaning relatives could finally reconnect and remember the rebuildings of the past they both lost. Yugoslavian struggle endures, but so does national strength, which lives in our blood as fiercely as ever.

Ethnonationalism tendencies are difficult to break for civilians who sought the longawaited foundation of a homeland. In taking Croatian courses and traditional folklore dancing lessons at Montreal’s local Croatian Church, I saw what it meant to be a proud community of people who previously thought they would never see their country thrive again. I could begin to sympathize with the struggles of those who remained in the bloody streets of Yugoslavia with a firm belief in a free nation. The melancholy of Slavic efforts is omnipresent, yet this is no excuse to fear our future.

When I returned to Croatia as a child, I walked under the sun in the nostalgic Croatian heat and, after exiting the fastpaced tram, passed by all the places my mom described with beauty that seemed out of a fairytale. Croatia is a home far away from home; it is my escape back to reality, my cultural center, and the first place I knew I would love forever. Slavic melancholy may exist, but so does Slavic hope, and this is the cause we should promote today.

PHOTO VIA FADOQ

Mind Over Matter: The Rise of AI and the Decline of Human Cognition

RALUCA-MARA MARE Staff Writer

Imagine a world where our thoughts are no longer our own, one where our cognitive processes have been corrupted by artificial intelligence. Imagine a world beyond the mind’s capacity for understanding, a world where there is no necessity for introspection or reflection.

The technological revolution reached mind-blowing peaks since ChatGPT’s release in November 2022. This seemingly innocent and simple-minded chatbot can quickly and succinctly write hundreds of words on any topic. In addition, it can answer and explain any question, respond to endless prompts, and propose useful information at any given time.

In times like these, the term existential threat is often employed in society to describe the fear of the future, particularly the one in which artificial intelligence is slowly setting in. The terrifying risks of science gone mad might include cyberattacks, deepfake disinformation campaigns, and autonomous weapons that can shoot without human supervision — terrifying threats that would make modern weapons seem archaic. Furthermore, as Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, warns, AI systems make it “relatively simple to construct” deadly biological diseases.

My take on it is far from surprising. As much as I love the practicality of chatbots and the efficacy of the fast answers generated, I cannot help but be disappointed in myself whenever I turn to these tools for guidance. Developing an overreliance on these sophisticated chatbots could result in a loss of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities as people grow accustomed to machines offering instant answers. Also, it can lead to skill loss, such as relying on spatial memory when

navigating using traditional maps instead of navigation apps or knowing how to target important information when reading a book.

AI reliance might also cause problems in human cognition through constant stimulation and instant gratification, causing shorter attention spans and a significant decrease in the ability to keep focus for an extended period. This cognitive decline can particularly affect memory retention as the nervous pathways won’t work towards committing facts and knowledge to memory and the world but rely instead on fast-powered engines at their fingertips instead of internal cognitive processes for recall.

As for Chat GPT’s place within education, it can represent a big subject of conversation, particularly in cheating. Artificial intelligence has two sides when it comes to it. On the one hand, AI-powered technologies can facilitate cheating by giving students instant access to answers or even by handling assignments for them. This can promote shortcuts over real comprehension, undermining academic integrity and devaluing learning processes. However, AI can also be used to successfully identify and stop cheating.

Artificial intelligence systems can identify possible cases of academic dishonesty by examining trends in student behaviour, such as abrupt increases in performance or resemblances between turns in work. AI-powered proctoring systems can spot suspect behaviour by analysing a student’s eye movements, browser activity, and motions throughout a test; AI seems like a double-edged sword. Rather than depending solely on technology to stop cheating, educators should address the underlying factors that lead to cheating, such as lack of interest or academic pressure.

The next generations will be shocked when you say that you were born before AI the same way some of us were shocked when we first learned that the Internet was not a thing back when our parents were young. The times are changing, perhaps for the better or the worse. It is primordial to keep an eye out for the traps of depending on these tools and losing full access to your cognition capacities. To think for the self and others makes us human and provides us with what the well known philosopher Kant defines as good will, through our rationality and free thinking. In accordance with his philosophical ideas, the dependence on AI at the expense of human cognition results in a loss of rationality as we turn to machines to do the thinking in our place. As much as we should embrace technological advancement, we should never let it dim the light of human intellect. After all, in the battle of silicon versus synapse, the mind is what truly matters.

As much as we should embrace technological advancement, we should never let it dim the light of human intellect.

PHOTO VIA META

The Fig Tree Dichotomy: Pursuing Passion or Pragmatism

VICTORIA ORMISTON Contributor

Recently, I came across a trend on TikTok. No, it wasn’t anything self-deprecating or cringy. It was an actual trend that made me think. To give you some context, around 56,000 people have posted videos to the sound of a woman narrating an analogy about a fig tree, from Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” (1963). Each video starts the same. The first slide is usually a picture of the person who posted the video, and the second slide is a generic picture of a fig tree. However, each fig in the picture is embellished with text that represents a different career aspiration or life goal the individual has. Furthermore, the interconnection between fig trees and career aspirations may seem out of the ordinary for those who are not familiar with the analogy being referred to. So, to explain it briefly, in Sylvia Plath’s novel, the main character, Esther, expresses her vision of a metaphorical fig tree that represents her life and the different aspirations she has. In essence, this analogy refers to the dichotomy of having to pick between what you love and what is realistic. It animates the feeling of longing for things that are simply unattainable and unsustainable. That being said, the online TikTok trend rips this analogy out of the book and transcends the barriers of literature by using it to reflect on our possible paths.

While I enjoyed going through the rabbit hole of posts and watching each individual discuss their aspirations for the future, I started to notice something. Each fig tree was decorated with goals of becoming artistic directors, models, poets, authors, writers, musicians, and dancers, whilst also having more conventional careers like lawyers, teachers, scientists, paediatricians, and psychologists. Each caption was fabricated with the similar sentiment of really wanting to pursue one career, while simultaneously fearing the financial consequences of those actions - wishing that we could have many lifetimes to pursue and achieve as many things as possible. That being said, this trend also reveals the desires of the human species. It exemplifies our willingness to pursue dynamic careers that entertain our curiosity and push us to be creative, instead of having to work nine to five jobs, seven days a week, in plain grey office buildings. As a species, we yearn to have our minds fed and freed from the shackles of capitalism and the corporate economy. Yet, our institutions make it

increasingly difficult to save ourselves from capitalism by divesting from the art programs and career sectors. In turn, this discourages children, students, and even adults, from following their desires because they are repeatedly shunned from ever thinking about it, being told it would ruin their life. So, instead, we put up constraints and pick careers that we think will make us happy, while also making us money. But don’t be fooled; the path to making these rational, yet heartbreaking decisions is monumentous.

As a species we yearn to have our minds fed and freed from the shackles of capitalism and the corporate economy

Though those decisions are infuriatingly difficult, they are also necessary. As described by Esther in the last lines of the analogy, “She saw herself sitting in the crotch of this fig tree, starving to death, just because she couldn’t make up her mind which of the figs she would choose. She wanted each and every one of them, but choosing one meant losing all the rest, and, as she sat there, unable to decide, the figs began to wrinkle and go black, and, one by one, they plopped to the ground at her feet” (Plath 73). The closing remarks of this analogy marks an important realisation: that, yes, this decision is hard, but it must be done. It is not just something we can hit the snooze button on or pretend to forget about. Life does not wait for us.

My interest for this topic sparked while I was reflecting on my own fig tree. Moreover, as I carefully picked what each fig would represent, I found myself re-discovering career options I had once suppressed. One could say my fig tree is a copy-pasted version of the other fig trees growing in TikTok’s forest. Though, I would say it is quite complicated. One branch leads to a life on the stage, choreographing different numbers relating to social justice movements. Another one leads me to constantly travelling and speaking on different human rights issues. The other gives me the chance to fight for immigrant rights. Another branch gives me the opportunity to change the system on a

federal level. So many beautifully unique branches that lead equally lead to fruitful figs. Yet, I cannot bring myself to pick one. Though I am in my second semester at Dawson, this is something I dedicate a lot of brain space to, often barging into my teachers’ offices seeking a spark of inspiration. Yet, everytime I talk to them or to university students, my fig tree only seems to blossom. Although I have yet to choose my fig, many graduating from dawson this semester will soon have to. So, my best advice is to follow your intuition and choose a fig that makes you feel like life is worth living.

Redefining Friendship One “Girl’s Girl” at a Time

SAIMA MAZUMDER Contributor

After an eventful night of gossiping and getting tipsy, 18-year-old Tasnia Alam and her girlfriends wandered, hand in hand, through the streets of Montreal. As they ate ice cream and comforted each other through their breakups, Tasnia watched her friends yell excitedly about how they would always be there for each other. She realized that that is the true essence of friendship; supporting one another. That is what being a “Girl’s Girl” means. “It’s femininity at its peak,” she says.

The “Girl’s Girl” trend is rising in popularity across various social media platforms. However, it gains most of its popularity through TikTok. It is a trend that encourages girls and women to have each other’s backs and uplift each other. In a society where women are often pitted against each other, this trend is one that truly changes the course of female relationships. Many women have indeed noticed the impact this trend has had on them. “Before, I was very toxic,” said Tasnia. “I would be jealous of [other girls], I would compare myself to them. It was always a competition. Whether it was grades or looks, there was always something.” Tasnia also says “Now, in my “Girl’s Girl” era, there’s no competition. My friends and I support each other and we’ll hype up each other.”

However, it is crucial to note that the idea of being a “Girl’s Girl” has changed a lot over time. 19-year-old Zuljinnah Syed attests that, “When we were younger, there was no such thing as a ‘Girl’s Girl’. However, there was the term ‘Girly Girl,’ which is someone who embraces her femininity. But it was really looked down on, back in the day. Girls were encouraged to be more masculine and tomboy”.

The term ‘Tomboy’ is frequently used disparagingly to refer to girls who exhibit masculine traits. Hence, it unknowingly diminishes the power of girls. It is referring to a girl who likes “boy things,” as if it is better than “girl things.”

The “Girl’s Girl” trend challenges traditional gender norms, especially in the context of feminism. The trend serves as a framework for fostering a community of empowered women who acknowledge and advocate for each other’s rights and wellbeing. The true context of feminism does not imply that women are better than men. It simply gives a space for women to set aside petty differences and come together as one.

“Women, for a very long time, have been conditioned to serve men, to do things for them, to present themselves for them,” explains the 19-year-old Dawson Feminist Union Executive, Grace Shone. “The ‘Girl’s Girl’ trend is really perpetuating that you should be doing these things for yourself and for women around you, instead

of putting that energy into men.”

Despite the fact that, from the surface, this trend seems strictly positive, Grace raises some concerns regarding the trend, “Feminism is not only towards women… Everyone can be a feminist and should be a feminist. When you’re using the term ‘Girl’s Girl,’ it feels like you’re putting that whole responsibility of feminism on women… But what about everyone else?”.

According to a survey conducted by The Survey Center on American Life, only 43% of Generation Z men consider themselves feminists. This demonstrates the long journey awaiting gender equality. Improving the place for all women can more likely be achieved if men support and encourage women. Changes as drastic as gender equality is nearly impossible if only one side is fighting for these rights.

Although it is undeniable that the“Girl’s Girl” trend has helped take a large step in the right direction, it is crucial to remember that the fight for equality is not over. “We should not be congratulating, when this is something we should already be doing,” finalises Grace Shone, regarding the “Girl’s Girl” trend.

Boxed Identity: The Relevance of Personality Tests

KHADIJA FATIMA Copy Editor

The last one stares back at me from the screen, Question 54: Does this statement apply to you: I’m happy to follow the group with whatever they decide to do. I disagreed. The screen loads for a little too long — it’s Dawson Wi-Fi after all. Your Enneagram is 9w8, The Advisor

The options are endless and accessible: the Myers-Briggs Test, the Big Five, the Color Test, Enneagrams, you name it. Test-takers hope “that they will reveal previously unknown information about ourselves,” explains personality psychologist Simine Vazire. The Big Five, for instance, is a personality test that places people on a spectrum of five common dimensions. Truity lists these on their

To understand and to be understood — this dilemma can be distilled into a handful of letters with personality tests with just a few taps on our phones

That’s another one to the list: INFJ, Ravenclaw, and now 9w8, The Advisor. I promptly share my newfound insight with friends, eager to compare results. As one of my friends delves into the associated description of my Enneagram type, I am met with a familiar refrain: “That’s so INFJ of you.” It is as though these boxes are all that define me, yet, within them, I find visibility.

It’s human nature to seek understanding through defined borders: we want neat boxes to instill clarity in a world that can often seem chaotic. To define something means to make it clear, and you can quote your Humanities 101 teacher on that one. In a way, as we seek to define the world around us, we also seek to define the people in our lives. To understand and to be understood — this dilemma can be distilled into a handful of letters with personality tests with just a few taps on our phones.

website as “Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.” Typically, users respond to inquiries about themselves and their behaviour given different social situations. They are then categorized accordingly based on the answers.

For many, these tests offer a sense of belonging and validation. When asked about the meaning of belonging in the context of Personality types, a Dawson student, opting to stay anonymous, added: I think we’re all obsessed with these tests because we struggle to be part of communities as Gen Z — I mean, we want a sense of identity without that identity being problematic for once. And, to have that be a little more scientific than traditional astrology.

Yet, PhD psychologist Jaime Lane Derringer notes that there is allure in reducing complex individuals to simple labels as “it would save a lot of time.”

It is a promise of efficiency, a way to understand and to be understood, without a need for genuine connection. After all, it’s comforting to know that other people think and act similarly — you are an individual grouped into a community. Even so, our society has evolved beyond using these metrics for individual introspection, and since encompasses societal needs in the workplace for efficiency.

Christian Much Svendsen, a change management consultant, highlights that recruiters argue that considering one’s personality is a more holistic approach to the application process, while also reducing time spent reviewing every candidacy as these tests can be eliminatory. A team knows what they need, therefore HR costs can also be reduced by hiring candidates that would inherently fit into the workforce. However, as society increasingly relies on these metrics, we must confront their limitations.

The MBTI, for instance, known as a popular tool in recruitment agencies, has been criticized in professional fields as it does not guarantee consistency of results over time. Studies reveal that 50% of retesters obtain different results in the second iteration of the test. As test-retest is one of many ways to verify the validity of a personality test, the MBTI test fails to be recognized within the field of psychology.

The problem, it seems, lies in our cognitive bandwidth, a term encapsulating the human ability to reason, focus, and resist impulses. As our attention is limited and divided among stressors, external factors can render results inconsistent and unreliable. A lack of sleep or a family emergency can impact your results and thus give you a different result than your calm, reassured self. Hence, Svendsen argues that recruitment should not be based on personality tests alone.

While the pursuit of self-understanding through psychology means categorizing with labels, it holds evolutionary value in navigating social dynamics. Individuality, however, must transcend standardized tests given specific contexts. How do we benefit from putting people into boxes, and where do we need to see them for who they are?

PHOTO VIA HUBSPOT

At long last, the semester has finally come to an end! The seemingly endless drag has gone over, and, with that, we have one last issue of the Plant for you all, before we delve into our summer jobs, late nights out, or just sitting at home doing absolutely nothing. Personally, I will try to keep a healthy balance between all three of these things, and take this summer as an opportunity to write more than I have (this will definitely age well). Being editor for this section has taught me a lot, from how emails are truly not that scary, to writing these openings that have to simultaneously be broad and narrow. While I have not personally contributed with creative writing in every single issue, the whirlwind of emotions that has carried itself with me throughout the semester was definitely a source of inspiration. Despite it all, I could not do it without you lovely students and contributors, who all bring a breath of fresh air into every single edition of the Plant, one that reminds me of the new beginnings of spring despite the biting cold weather.

With love,

EZRA BUCUR Creative Writing Editor

WHEN THE FLOWERS START TO BLOOM

EMILY SILVA Contributor

As the days grow longer, Mother Nature begins to grow anew. She replenishes from the winter that has wronged her And greenery comes into view. We bloom along her. Our spirits raise, it’s true.

With every tulip some kids go out to play. Each primrose has lovers dancing from night to day. Each marigold brings a sunny beach outing, And every violet brings a night full of peaceful sleeping. Forget-me-nots bloom alongside an elderly couple Walking through the park where they had their proposal. With every cluster of yarrow, a painter paints a portrait of beauty, And with each sunflower, friends gather to watch their favourite movie.

And though with each weed an exam is failed, With each dandelion someone’s true passion is unveiled.

You might be asking why I care so much. Let me help you comprehend. If you look closely - just tryThe world is wonderful, my friend. Oh, how happy am I That the flowers are blooming once again!

DAYS LIKE THESE

TOKA SIYAM Contributor

For Maxime

Every bad thing that’s happened to me

Hangs above me like a cloud on a rainy day

And so the storm starts and everyone’s a victim. Every scowl, every frown. Every joke I scoff at.

Every terrible thing I say in retort, Knots added to the noose around my neck.

The storm howls and the coast is unclear.

Do I want to be alone or do I wanna swim in a sea of people ? I love you but I still think I’m unworthy of your love some times. It kills me to think I’d hurt you in any way,

But the storm is unwavering and I’ve been lost in its turbulent seas before.

The waves are strong and the rain is pelting.

Every word you don’t say is a sword to be used against you.

Every sad song, every poem written, Indents made in my mind.

Reasons to leave, reasons to separate. Give myself distance to break my own heart.

The shipwrecked soul, lost in a storm of her own making, must leave her ghosts behind.

Abandon all the ancient voices that followed her all the way down, That sank her to the depths of despair.

Hexed and damned as she is,

She must fight for release.

To move on she must fight herself.

Make room for all the love she doesn’t think she deserves. Because love is unconditional. It is pure and forgiving. You will stay.

You have stayed.

Through the turbulent times and the endless mistakes. I will find my way to you.

I’ll turn all my stormy days into blue skies just for you.

Soft sunshine and yellow flowers.

WITH AND AGAINST

ELIOT FLEMING

Contributor

I’ll paint you with my lips

Blood red and midnight black

You paint me with your teeth

Artwork stains across my back

I’ll paint you with my nails

I’ll listen to you scream

You paint me with your words

Colour flashes into my cheeks

I’ll paint you with my lips

Cover your soft neck

You paint me with your teeth

I hope the others won’t come back

I’ll paint you with my nails

I’ll stay with you forever

You paint me with your words

We will always be together

Paint me a pretty sunset sky

I’ll paint you a pretty skylit drive

You paint me such a pretty lie

I’ll paint you for the rest of time

Paint me a bleak and rainy sky

White clouds in the corner of my eye

I’ll paint you such a pretty lie

They won’t find us not this time

I’ll paint you with my lips

Cover your soft neck

You paint me with your teeth

I hope the others don’t come back

I’ll paint you with my nails

I’ll stay with you forever

You paint me with your words

We will always be together

WARM LIPS

HILMI OLGUN

Contributor

For by the lake, i’ve glimpsed your grace, Where winds freeze, in tranquil space, We sit in awe, the view in sight, Yet only your gaze, holds my light,

Before you, I pose this plea, Is our love as deep as the sea? Only your lips hold the clue, Shall we unite, just us two?

A kiss from you, a flame ignite, Warm as love’s embrace, so bright, Your touch, a catalyst, I see, My desire burns for your kiss, free,

I crave your presence, upon me near, To hold my body, dispel all fear, In love’s embrace, everywhere we roam, Filled with butterflies, our hearts find home,

Your smile, a balm that eases pain, Radiant with pure joy, a refrain, In your happiness, my solace lies, For you’ve made of me a lover, wise.

9:12 PM

FARAH HAMAMI

Contributor

the heart yearns for a sand its never seen, and the eyes burn for an earth its never been near. do i get a chance to dream? of a land whose scent i cannot hear and a mother tongue i cannot smell. i inhale how i exhale and the images begin to appear. one after the other number one was never again seen, number two couldn’t handle the truth, and, oh dear number three was stripped, beaten, and slaughtered midday. i cannot for a day escape the burden of thought, yet my eyes seem to say all that is not, that which is not lost between the rumbles and stars, and just because the battles last longer than the stars doesn’t mean i can’t trip nor fall, but that our breath lasts longer than the war.

FORGERY

JULIA AZZOUZ Contributor

Forget who I said I was, Propped up on the pavement, A concrete statue Erected from memory, Chiseled by eyes. Forget who I said I was

Floating up from the canopy, A hazy dream Hung from loose thread recollected from sighs. Forget who I said I was Drifting down the water a shapeless bubble blown from my own wide mouth into your firmly crooked teeth But remember who I am in the cushioned nape of your neck and the reflection in the metro glass, the hardened soles of your feet.

REFLECTIONS WATCHING TENT CITY

ANONYMOUS

im reading Minor Detail by Adania Shibil as the mik’maqi territory unwinds itself twelve going on nineteen i prefer the Atlantic the Song of The Year is one of ambient genocide droning comfort lesioning us from within as our failure to act

bleaches our rivers militarizes the schools fogs the sky as a red smoke and pollutes the streets with private capital

a white noise drone digitized and commodified white and blue collared. it was a salesman’s instinct to swindle me out of a voice. a cheesecake pocketed lobbyist.

im talking to a guy i met off Hinge he tells me to focus on what we can do he tells me the options are simple: go into academia, (theory informs praxis) go to law school (like Suits! or alternatively the capital O-bamas) work for the capital S, State Join McGill Communists and if not Fightback! let the disabled parts of you catch up and run it up on the welfare state become a poet and attend dwindling meetings start a podcast and cosplay as an attractive white girl with ADHD

my daily routine: i wake up and check my social media feeds i hear stories of Hind Rajal and Shireen Abu Akleh of the National Guard, of chemical warfare of limbs carried in bags by family members

the mik’maqi territory unwinds itself eighteen going on twenty-five i drove to oka from Longueuil on Canada Day to graffiti a cop car and watch the fireworks i drove to Verdun from Oka and trade Paulo Freire books with my uncle to pray for Rafah

i hear ease in the voices of IJV campers cracking unleavened bread talking shit about injunctions and laughing about accusations of antisemitism as my mind went to Kent State and Columbia trying to lull myself into sleep

Welcome to the Olympics!

JADE GAGNÉ Sports Editor

From boxing to basketball and surfing to football, we have all seen the unique dance moves behind the “Official Olympic Dance of 2024” somewhere. The dance was created by the choreographer Mourad Merzouki and is not the only thing being discussed when the 2024 Summer Olympics are mentioned.

The last time France welcomed the Olympics was in 1924. This year, the infamous French country is trying to set the bar high by hosting the Olympics again, which will begin on July 26th and end on August 11. Anticipation mounts as it is touted as the greenest Olympics, starting with a four-hour opening ceremony on the Seine.

“What’s the Seine?” For those unfamiliar, It’s a 777-kilometre-long (483-mile) river in northern France that flows through Paris. The same river will welcome the Triathlon and distance swimming events— well, that’s assuming the events do not get delayed because of health issues. Last year, the Olympics’ organising committee cancelled the marathon swimming test and any swimming test events in August due to high water pollution levels. This year, 14 tests were completed on water samples taken from two spots in the Seine by the Surfrider Foundation Europe charity. In April, the same foundation warned that the samples showed harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis, a bacteria found in human feces.

“We know what the Pont AlexandreIII and the Eiffel Tower represent, but I

We know what the Pont Alexandre-III and the Eiffel Tower represent, but I think that the health of the athletes must come first [...] The organisers must accept that perhaps it will, unfortunately, not be possible to hold the events where they want to.

think that the health of the athletes must come first [...] The organisers must accept that perhaps it will, unfortunately, not be possible to hold the events where they want to.”, said the swimmer Ana Marcela Cunha to ADP on the sidelines of a competition on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach.

Nonetheless, officials of the events are confident that the river will be clean by the time of the Olympics, considering that they do not have a plan B. I mean, who wouldn’t want to swim in human feces, right? It is safe to say that the event will bring light into those dark waters!

As athletes voice concerns over health risks, visitors planning trips to Paris during the Olympics may also face challenges. If your summer plans include a trip to Paris, consider the economic changes the event will bring. From July 20 to September 8, the metro prices will double. A standard ticket (2 euros today) will cost 4 euros. For the whole day, it will be 16 euros instead of 8, and for an entire week, it’ll cost 70 euros instead of 35. This translates to $5 for one ticket, $23 for a day, and $103 for an entire week. The journal New York Times reported that the average cost of a one-night stay in the Île-De-France region that rings Paris is about 700 euros during the Olympics, compared to 169 euros last summer.

Many Parisians are unhappy and do not recommend visiting France for the summer unless you’re ready to lose lots of money.

France’s government is striving for perfection for their star city— Paris. “The first step?” The social cleansing of the whole town. The government evicted hundreds of migrants and homeless people from a building in Vitry-Sur-Seine. As they left the building, they were encouraged to board buses that would take them to other parts of France. Over 50% held a refugee status, with many being employed. They were forced to leave, and in exchange, they participated in the “beautiful refining” of the capital of France.

Another drama surrounding the Olympics involved French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura, who has the potential to perform at the Paris Olympics. However, her performance wouldn’t be of her songs but a remake of a song by the famous French singer Edith Piaf, which caused lots of backlash from far-right groups in France.

The Olympics are no longer about sport but about social justice, economic challenges, health issues, and political views.

Can’t sport just be about sport?

PHOTO VIA @GETTYIMAGES

Sustainable Summer 101

AMANDA AJENEZA BANA Science & Environment Editor

FARAH HAMAMI Contributor

Sustainable summer? You’ve heard of sustainable energy practices and electric cars, but what do you know about a summer that’s harmless to your entourage? In the heart of Westmount, Dawson fosters over 890 species on its grounds, soon to be a thousand as Dawson College has joined the 1,000 species in 1,000 days initiative started by the Campus Biodiversity Network. From eagles to beetles, many organisms coexist just in the Peace Garden at Dawson College. Take a look for yourself this summer! When the gloomy clouds of finals and winter finally disappear, the Peace Garden is your best bet for a calming break between classes.

Humans are intrinsically followers, so setting a good image for our neighbour might just be enough to get a domino effect going for years on end

As college students and the leaders of tomorrow, we should all practise sustainability even when we are outside of a school that promotes it. With summer approaching, it is especially important to practise sustainability to help combat climate change. Knowing that we should act is great, but it is even better to know how, where and when to make a difference. With that said, let’s take it one step at a time and explore sustainable practices together. One must first know what sustainability is. Sustainability is generally seen as the ability to support and maintain a process, activity or project over time. When talking of climate sustainability, however, the definition is much more complex. Being sustainable would mean changing our energy consumption so as not to contribute to the changing climate. The goal is to not only reduce our greenhouse emissions but to adopt new habits that promote ecofriendliness. If the 1.4 million Canadian undergrads all decided to start biking, walking or commuting in an eco-friendly manner to school, the impact would

be astronomical. Imagine the influence these newly adopted habits would have on not only future generations but older generations too. Humans are intrinsically followers, so setting a good image for our neighbour might just be enough to get a domino effect going for years on end.

We interviewed sustainability specialist, Chris J. Adam, for advice on how to be sustainable this summer. He has been head of the Sustainability/Living Campus Office here at Dawson College since 2008. Mr Adam is an inspirational and involved member of the faculty with awards such as the “Teaching Excellence Award” from Dawson College (2004),” Governor General of Canada Meritorious Service Award” (2022) just to name a few. Through Chris’ concept of Living Campus, not only has Dawson College taken the initiative to be carbon-neutral forever, but it has also become a model of sustainability and wellbeing according to The Governor General of Canada’s website.

He helped us better understand how the importance of sustainable living is crucial to combating climate change. Emphasising the personal responsibility that we all have in taking initiatives, as small as they can be, Mr. Adam affirmed the need for mindful decision-making when choosing transportation methods, energy usage, consumption habits and waste management. He also encouraged educating ourselves on what practices we could do in groups, like cooking old family recipes. In an interview, he also shared some scoops with us. Chris revealed that the college had successfully reached its goal of officially being scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon neutral. He assured us that the school had met the UN climate crisis action goals of 2030, given in 2021-2022! He said that it was only achieved thanks to the student’s and staff’s involvement

through the management of every single item that was bought and used on campus.

In another interview, this time with CBC Radio Canada, he said: “We’re trying to show that nature is a catalyst to stimulate reading, writing, and memory development because it reduces stress.” His brilliance had been called upon in April to demonstrate the progress attained by some of the sustainable programs and projects of the school. So, what can Chris tell us about sustainability, tips, and practices for the summer?

Here is a list of practices you can incorporate into your life for a more sustainable summer:

Be mindful of your travel choices during the summer. Opt for eco-friendly transportation methods like biking, walking or public transport. Stay-cations are also an option. For instance, you could take a road trip to St. John’s and go snorkelling with the whales. It could be a memorable experience to share with your closest friends.

We’re trying to show that nature is a catalyst to stimulate reading, writing, and memory development because it reduces stress.

Save energy by adjusting your thermostat, and turning off the lights and electronics when you are not using them. Lowering your energy consumption only reduces your gas emission level. Avoid single-use plastic containers and unnecessary packaging. Use the Tupperware, the utensils and the water bottle that you already own. When shopping, choose products with minimal

happiness that contributes to individual, community or global well-being and does not exploit other people, the environment, or future generations

packaging, like the whole melon and share it if you can, rather than the small pre-cut boxed options.

Buy from local businesses, like farmer’s markets, restaurants and shops to lessen the carbon footprint of transportation and support the local economy. Also, look for products labelled as locally sourced or produced.

There are also many sustainable activities to be part of during summer. Like community gardens, volunteering at the local second-hand store or sustainability projects in your area. These activities could help you get a sense of community and connection that is slowly declining among Millenials and Gen Z.

As an educator for over 40 years, Chris acknowledges students’ persisting desire to give back to the community and emphasizes the obstacles that could arise like the lack of time or a lack of guiding resources. This is why the Sustainability Office at Dawson has launched journaling programs like that of “Sustainable Happiness”, a workshop that aims to bridge the gap between our living practices and connectedness to our surroundings through mindfulness and

community-building initiatives. Sustainable Happiness is “happiness that contributes to individual, community or global wellbeing and does not exploit other people, the environment, or future generations,” an all-encompassing definition of the aspects of sustainable happiness coined by Dr. Catherine O’Brien.

In addition to that, there are Living Campus tours offered where you can witness firsthand, the hardworking bees on our college’s rooftop that produce flavourful honey, the monarch butterfly nursery project where we grow habitats for, raise, name, and release endangered monarch butterflies on our grounds, view the insect resort, the forest floor and even the decomposition area on campus!. You can also discover Dawson’s fruits and vegetable gardens where you can pick and freshen up your mouth with some peppermint and while you’re at it help feed the compost bins throughout the college. Living Campus tours, led by Jennifer De Vera, are highly stimulating and engage all one’s senses. Get involved with only 20 hours and you too can add a Sustainable Happiness certificate to your college

portfolio. Or grab your personal Sustainable Happiness journal at 4B.3 and use prompts as well as informative descriptions to dive into your personal world of mindfulness and connectedness!

Another influential member of the Sustainability Office is Jenn De Vera, an administrative officer with a BA in Community Studies and a Masters in Sustainability, Creativity, and Innovation. She overviews student volunteers and envisions, and plans engaging and sustainable events for students. Leading by example, Jenn is very vocal about her sustainable commuting choices in hopes of inspiring those around her by biking to the college or taking the train in areas inaccessible by bike. You’ll either find Jenn in her office situated at 4B.3A-3 sifting and sorting through new native seeds to plant or with her hands deep in Kanien’kehá:ka’s rich soil taking care of one of Dawson’s many fruitful gardens.

Now, we’ll leave you with the first prompt from the Sustainable Happiness journal to reflect on, what is your personal definition of happiness?

PHOTOS CREDIT: CELEBRATION OF 1,000 SPECIES AT DAWSON PHOTO COLLAGE BY DOUG SMYTH, 2024.

Jane Goodall and the Ethics of Conservation

XAVIER MACLAREN Contributor

The domain of ecology, a field of study largely based on the work of twentieth-century scientists, such as Jane Goodall, investigates the relationships between different species of living organisms and their environment. The work done by ecologists, less chemical and experimental and more often statistical, political, and ethical, involves making decisions as to which species are most important to protect in a threatened ecosystem, which natural ecosystems and

One of the most important ethical dilemmas faced by ecologists is balancing the necessity of conserving endangered species with the external pressures of deforestation, the trade of wildlife, and biomedical research for the sake of economic development

bioregions should be protected at what cost, and finding the most effective ways to protect targeted species while minimizing harm done to them. These wide-ranging challenges often come into conflict with social values, human development, and industry, and one of the first researchers to face an issue of this magnitude in the field was Jane Goodall. Born in 1934, this English primatologist and anthropologist conducted extensive research in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, examining the social and family life of chimpanzees and their interactions with their food chain.

One of the most important ethical dilemmas faced by ecologists is balancing the necessity of conserving endangered species with the external pressures of deforestation, the trade of wildlife, and biomedical research for the sake of economic development. Often, the strategy employed by ecologists to counter the extreme pressure placed on whole ecosystems by agriculture-related deforestation, wildlife trade, timber production, and the innumerable other causes of habitat loss, is to protect a single species at a time. These species are often keystone species, meaning that their numbers are relatively low in a given environment, proportionally to the ecological impact they have: this can apply to seed-dispersing primates and birds, apex predator fish, and insect pollinators, and the benefits of conserving

compromises must be made to conserve any amount of intact ecosystems

these species are often not only much more significant than protecting other species, but are more effective and realistic ways to preserve ecosystems in the face of human development in sensitive areas than an allor-nothing blanket conservation approach. Gorillas and chimpanzees are often described as falling under this category, being indispensable seed dispersers, and the conservation work of Jane Goodall in Tanzania, alongside her peers Dian Fossey and Biruté Galdikas, has been essential to protecting not only these Great Apes, but also their environments, in ways that the local communities around them are able to develop within certain boundaries.

The work of Jane Goodall, one of the eminent ethologists and wildlife biologists of the twentieth century, in chimpanzee conservation in Tanzania, was confronted by multiple ethical quandaries during the thirty years that she conducted research in Gombe National Park. The sale of primates for biomedical testing, the importance of the bushmeat trade to the region’s economy and nutrition, and the formerly unstoppable expansion of agricultural areas into rainforest, all raised important questions about the role of a British scientist becoming implicated in local politics and land use of a formerly colonized African people undergoing rapid economic development. However, the utility of the TACARE program’s education, cooperative landuse planning, and development of forestfriendly economic opportunities, alongside the duty that humanity has always had, but feels now more than ever due to Goodall’s description of chimpanzees as “kin,” to protect our primate neighbours, arguably outweigh the negative consequences of ecosystem conservation in Tanzania. As we look elsewhere in the world, all the way to Quebec with its threatened caribou herds and disappearing chorus frogs (the rainette faux-grillon), compromises must be made to conserve any amount of intact ecosystems. Goodall reminds us wisely that “Lasting change is a series of compromises. And compromise is all right, as long as your values don’t change.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY HUGO VAN LAWICK/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE

by TAMARA GALINATO Curiosities Editor

ANSWER TO LAST MONTH’S CROSSWORD

COMIC BY SAYA HIDAKA-MASSICOTTE @4A4K4A

Curiosities

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Do you know the name (mine) of the person who has been making the crosswords and horoscopes?

2. I love the … that I made for this issue: a crossword, a word search, and even a sudoku!

3. Singer of Bécane (side note but love colors show).

5. 2C.12 is The Plant’s.

9. I’m so excited for Polin in season 3 (out during issue release).

10. The Onion Router.

11. Literally “me.”

12. Short for robot.

13. The game where you look for a word.

14. Temu or Wish, it’s one of them. Pick wisely.

15. The name of this section.

18. Second floor … that still haven’t been repaired (singular).

19. Réseau Express Métropolitain.

20. Emergency Room.

21. What is The Plant?

22. Incorporated.

23. I always considered this word the fancier term for a movie.

24. The way I imagine these bodies of water are with frogs and water lilies.

27. Our job as … is to edit our sections (you can take my job as that of an … if you want).

28. Coloured centre in your eye, a flower, and a goddess in mythology.

29. Say … to the dress.

33. Repetition of sound, cursed nymph, and the device used to interact with Alexa.

34. The name of the CEGEP we attend.

35. Extended Play.

38. To grow vigorously, to gain in wealth or possessions, to progress toward or realise a goal despite or because of circumstances.

39. Signoff I used for my little letter (situated above the horoscopes).

40. Gossip girl sign-off.

43. Short for advertisements.

46. Lana Del Rey.

Down

4. Cars go fast but make it a sport of the highest level.

6. Being in financial debt is to ... money.

7. WOMEN.

8. To have on clothes is to … them.

10. There are many … zones around the world, ours currently being EDT.

15. Just like Riley from Inside out, one of my … memories is being part of The Plant.

16. Those who submit their work to us are called … but spelled backwards.

17. Finding things when you’re not looking for them, or according to Wikipedia, “unplanned fortunate discovery.”

25. What you should do if you want to be part of The Plant’s team (I know you want to, … for the curiosities position!)

26. Form of potato that’s brown.

27. Very very very very very very very long time (like a billion years).

31. Shorthand for Daniel Ricciardo or …k rolling someone.

32. Thinking really hard about something.

36. Game with numbers included in this issue.

37. I love the … that I made for this issue: a crossword, a word search, and even a sudoku! (yes, it’s the same from 2-across)

41. Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, Indian.

42. Name of the card that we use to access public transportation.

44. 2-year program in CEGEP is called a …

45. Literally go read your … that I wrote, and also the letter above. It took me time, so go!

46. Background information about a person, also a book by Alexandra Bracken.

47. This should be the final clue, so, once you’ve finished everything, then you are … with the crossword just like I’m basically … with CEGEP. (hint: similar to finish) I hope you enjoyed this crossword <3

COME BACK NEXT ISSUE FOR THE ANSWERS!

HOROSCOPES

Hello my dear readers,

My time at The Plant has come to an end. For the past two semesters, I have been pushed creatively and intellectually to produce crosswords that are apparently hard (of course I’m going to say they’re easy, I made them) and horoscopes that made less sense as time went on. I even pushed myself beyond the boundaries of my section and wrote my first article (go read it, it’s on our website, and it’s about women in motorsport. Yes, I am shamelessly promoting it because I am proud of it). When applying for the position, I didn’t expect much from it, and I was most definitely not ready for the rollercoaster ahead. But, this ride has brought me more than I could ever imagine. It has allowed me to have an outlet to express my creativity through a medium that perfectly encapsulates the way that I think. I’ll be honest, before being curiosities editor, I never did crosswords but I did like puzzles. That’s what pushed me to apply and this is what kept me going. To the next curiosities editor, I offer these words to you. There’s no need to worry about making the crosswords or the horoscopes perfect: make them a reflection of yourself and your interests. Perhaps you have noticed a recurring theme or references that seem familiar in my section — it’s all done on purpose, it’s all part of my plan (yes, I’m a mastermind). An example of such would be me signing off “I love you” in the last issue to mirror Mirren’s sign off in their letter which is situated at the beginning of the issue. Their letter is what starts this issue and I have to come to consider my message to you all as the closing remark, concluding our issue with possibilities of the future. Moreover, I want to thank The Plant’s team for everything <3 I want to thank Saya for blessing the curiosities section with her art! Most importantly, I want to thank every single one of you readers for grabbing a copy and taking the time to read my wonderful section (and the whole issue obviously). Knowing that people actually take the time to play the games I make and have made it a tradition to do it with their friends warms my heart. The curiosities section will always have a dear place in my heart.

P.S. A little game of Connections is hidden amongst the horoscopes. Three horoscopes constitute one category relating to music.

TAMARA GALINATO Curiosities Editor

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR.19)

Dance the summer away, Aries. From clubs to the safety of your bedroom, all you want is to have some good music to dance and jive. You’re going to have the time of your life by simply following the rhythm of your heart. When given the chance to demonstrate your skills, you’re going to shine like a star!

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

Let me guess your goal for the summer. Achieving inner peace or attending a random workshop? Perhaps attending an inner peace workshop in the middle of nowhere? There’s no need to be up all night going crazy — an angel can’t save you. Go reconnect with nature or read a book, just get away from the screens :)

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)

Money, money, money. You’re surely trying to live in a rich man’s world but it won’t work without a summer job (or a rich partner, both work (that was a joke)). Unless you’re being paid $50 an hour for a part-time job (if that exists, please hire me), don’t work all day and night — it’s called a PART-time job.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)

For you, summer means living a crazy life full of superstitions, premonitions, and sensations. Up from rise ‘til dawn, the vibes never stop. You’re determined to make this summer summer like no summer has summered. Just remember to not drain yourself, and that summer is the time to recharge.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)

Watching cityscapes turn to dust, the world simply blurring around you — summer bike rides are perhaps one of the best feelings ever. This activity is the epitome of summer. Bonus points if you have a speaker blasting music (but not obnoxiously loud either and with a good playlist).

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22)

Whenever, wherever. People just have to tell you the time and place and you’ll be there. This summer, you’re playing it by ear. Although having a plan is nice, you’re trying to be spontaneous and going out of your comfort zone. You’re going to have a good time, I can feel it.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22)

Fit check! That’s the way everyday goes. Summer is the season to showcase the outfits that have been hibernating in your closet, waiting for their time to shine. Now is the time! Dust out that top, it’s calling your name!

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Take advantage of Montreal and all of its green spaces. Parks are going to be your best friends this summer. What isn’t there to love? From people watching to hanging out with friends, the park is the perfect place to be. Fair warning: hot summer nights in mid-July are perhaps peak park season!

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Keep your mind (and eyes) on the road. As the designated driver for the summer, you’re in charge of planning anything related to a car. In this life, there’s nothing like a night drive with your friends: windows down, blasting music, feeling like you’re in another dimension.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

You may feel like at the end of every tether waiting for what once was. Worry not! It’s time to bring out your art supplies and create that summer bucket list! Over the months, you’ll be able to tick off that list of yours ;) Take this opportunity to add something new and refreshing to the list.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

It’ll be just like the movies. Isn’t that wonderful? That picture perfect, coming of age movie is finally yours. But, it won’t happen on its own. Say yes to all of the amazing opportunities being offered to you. Despite the feeling of time slipping through your fingers, live in the moment :)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20):

You thought that you were dreaming when you thought it was summer. Good news, it’s not a dream! Do something to forget about your phone (hang out with Taurus?), like in the good old days. Plan as many things as you can to make sure this summer is like a dream come true.

THE PLANT IS HIRING!

OPEN POSITIONS

MANAGING EDITOR

The Managing Editor is a main member of the Executive team, and works alongside the Editor-in-Chief(s). They are responsible for organisation and management of the Paper and production of issues, ensuring the proper coordination and completion of tasks. They keep track of articles, plan meetings, develop ideas for each issue and communicate with our printers, as well as write articles!

COPY EDITOR

The Copy Editors are crucial in ensuring the quality of all articles in The Plant. They are responsible for the 3rd edit pass, checking for grammar, spelling, fact checking, and compliance with editorial standards. They are also able to contribute articles to each issue.

SECTION EDITORS

Section Editors are responsible for leading each section of The Plant. They review and accept contributions, and edit all articles published in their section. They also, like Staff Writers, write an article for every issue. The sections we are hiring for are:

→ News

→ Arts & Culture

→ Science & Environment

→ Curiosities

STAFF WRITERS

Staff Writers are responsible for writing an article for every issue of The Plant, for any section. They are responsible for contributing ideas/pitches for articles, and conducting the research for their own articles. This all includes interviews, pitching ideas, and developing specific angles.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The Graphic Designer is responsible for completing the Graphic Design of each issue. They are the ones who take the master doc of all of the content, and make it into the final PDF that we send to the printer. They must be proficient in InDesign or an equivalent platform.

COVER ARTIST

The Cover Artist is responsible for creating the cover of every issue of The Plant. We are looking for someone with a consistent artistic style, who is able to produce a full artwork every month, while taking into account current realities.

DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR

The Digital Content Editor leads the Digital Content Team, managing our social media and other online video/print content. They are responsible for reviewing pitches and assigning topics for Video Content Writers, reviewing content posted to our Instagram & TikTok, and managing our website! They also come with and execute marketing strategies to help promote The Plant, and grow our online presence.

DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR

The Digital Content Creator creates the “still” content for our instagram, including article highlights, and posting Visual Arts, Creative Writing Content, and the playlist. They’re responsible for the graphic design (using tools like Canva and Photoshop) and choosing which content to highlight in order to maximise reach.

VIDEO CONTENT WRITER

The Video Content Writer will be responsible for executing the journalistic production of a short-from video (TikTok/Reel) once every 2 weeks, for the entire length of the semester. They must research and write scripts, conduct interviews, and appear on camera. Each of their videos will be filmed/ edited in collaboration with a Video Content Producer.

VIDEO CONTENT PRODUCER

The Video Content Producer will be responsible for executing the technical production of short-from video (TikTok/Reel) once every 2 weeks, for the entire length of the semester. They will work in collaboration with a Video Content Writer, handling the filming and editing of video content. They must have knowledge of operating video/audio recording equipment, including DSLRs, cell phones, and sound recorders, as well as editing software like Premiere Pro/ DaVinci Resolve. They will work in collaboration with the Video Content Writer to create interesting cinematic languages for The Plant’s video content.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO APPLY AND FOR MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS!

MASTHEAD

Mirren Bodanis Editor-in-Chief

Sanad Hamdouna

Cover Artist/Editor-in-Chief

Defne Aliefendioglu Managing Editor

Soraya Djia Social Media Manager

Sarah Bensetiti Secretary

Sabina Bellisario-Giglio News Editor

Mia Gueli Visual Arts Editor

Thomas Frenette Arts & Culture Editor

Emma Caspi

Voices Editor

Ezra Bucur

Creative Writing Editor

Jade Gagné

Sports Editor

Amanda Ajeneza Bana Science & Environment Editor

Tamara Galinato Curiosities Editor

Khadija Fatima Copy Editor

Juhaina Rauph Copy Editor

Clara Frey Staff Writer

Raluca-Mara Mare Staff Writer

Marc Pham Staff Writer

Gloria Badibanga Staff Writer

Noah Alec Mina Graphic Designer

Saya Hidaka-Massicotte Cartoonist

CONTRIBUTORS

Winie Coulanges

Amaya Leduc Vega

Sophie Dugas

Victoria Ormiston

Saima Mazumder

Toka Siyam

Emily Silva

Eliot Fleming

Julia Azzouz

Hilmi Olgun

Farah Hamami

Xavier MacLaren

Kerven-Laurent Casimir

Taiyaba Kazi

Sarah Melnyczok

Mia Gueli

Maisam Alwahb

CONTACT

The Plant Newspaper Dawson College 3040 Rue Sherbrooke O Montréal, QC H3Z 1A4 2C.12

theplantnews.com theplantnewspaper@gmail.com @theplantdawson