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2 THE PLANT
Letter from the Editor This quarantine has ruined sleep schedules and taken away people’s motivation to work, but we are giving our planet a much-needed pause. We no longer need to make time for ourselves or our family. Many people are now realizing that their wish of not doing anything all day is far from what they want when the choice isn’t theirs to make. Personally, one thing that is making this quarantine bearable is that I’m not missing out on anything happening outside, since there’s nothing happening. I’ve now reached a weird point where my quarantine routine is the new normal and I can’t see myself going back to my old schedule. I’ve been taking “breaks” from doing nothing and spending a little too much time with my thoughts. I’ve seen many groups of friends, including my own, with nothing to catch up on, so Zoom PowerPoint parties have become the new thing. Lots of people are worried “Summer 2020” is “cancelled” since there will be no events, but they should be grateful they have the privilege to go back to their regular routine after all this chaos. The coronavirus may be putting our lives on pause but it hasn’t put a stop to political conflicts. There are people who don’t have the privilege to have a home to quarantine in. We also shouldn’t forget about those in abusive homes who have nowhere else to go. When this is all over for us, these people will still be fighting for their lives and many of us will go back to not caring. It’s easy to not pay attention to a life-threatening situation when you’re not the one in danger. Finally, applications for new Plant staff members for the 2020-2021 school year will be coming out soon. The link will be made available on our website and the release of the application will be announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages. For the ultimate Plant News experience, play our “April Playlist” during your read and remember to stay home for those who can’t. EVA RIZK Editor-in-Chief
Index NEWS 3 ARTS & CULTURE 6 VOICES 10 PLAYLIST 12 VISUAL ARTS 13 CREATIVE WRITING 17 SPORTS 18 SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT 21
CURIOSITIES 22
The Plant is an editorially autonomous student paper. All opinions expressed in The Plant do not necessarily belong to The Plant, but are those of individuals. All content submitted to The Plant or its staff belongs to the paper. We reserve the right to reject or edit all submissions for brevity, taste and legality. The Plant welcomes typed and signed letters to the editor under 400 words. Copyright 2020
NEWS 3
On the Other Side of a Crisis: Life After COVID-19 JULIE JACQUES Staff Writer As quarantine continues in Québec and most of North America, life in Wuhan, China, the original epicenter of COVID-19, is slowly starting to resume. Healthy citizens are now allowed to leave their homes after eleven weeks of strict restrictions on movement throughout the province. Residents have a mandatory app from the government on their phone that tracks them in order to confirm they are healthy and have not been in recent contact with anyone who has the virus. Still, health officials warn that they may not yet be out of the woods, stating that citizens should still be careful not to “go out unless it’s necessary.” Citizens are also advised to wear face masks if they do leave their homes in order to prevent further spreading the virus. This begs the question of what life will be like at the end of all this. Will the world return to its preCOVID state? This scenario is implausible. Legault has announced that despite nearing the presumed peak of the epidemic, social distancing rules will still be in place for months.
Wuhan in Early April VIA ASIAN INSIDER
Travel restrictions will likely be in place for longer than currently predicted, as well as remote schooling and work. Large-scale gatherings like concerts, festivals and sport’s events have been officially stalled until August 31st. The economy will struggle to get back on its feet, even with governmental intervention. Stir-crazy citizens will welcome the grand reopening of a city, province, or even country, but it will not necessarily run smoothly. A ‘second-wave’ of the virus may take place and potentially cause a reinforcement of quarantine policies. Non-essential services will become overwhelmed, as many will rush to make up for several months’ of lack of business. It will not be easy for small businesses to recover. There could be an influx of funeral proceedings, and an increase in wait time for elective surgeries
A ‘second-wave’ of the virus may take place and potentially cause a reinforcement of quarantine policies.
and procedures. Many may even have trouble finding appointment times at a hair salon to fix self-inflicted bangs. However, the aftermath won’t be all negative. Schools may find that, after some trial and error, many classes can easily be taught online if necessary. The sudden outbreak may potentially allow companies to reconsider how many employees are capable of effectively working from home– helping disabled people, parents, and others who are more suitable for remote working. In regard to emissions, cities like Beijing and Shanghai have once again been graced with blue skies after mass restrictions on travel and suspensions of factory work. The newly clear air has given many awareness of their impact on their environment. While many speculate what life will be like on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, the truth is, there is no way to accurately predict how the world will bounce back from these events. The public can only hope that this outbreak serves as a lesson learned and will help spell out pandemic policies for years to come, preventing delayed responses to life-threatening diseases. p p
4 THE PLANT
Is Dawson In A Squeeze? How the Institution is Dealing With its Growing Student Population between attendances in CEGEPs, while others are greatly opposed to it. One of those people would be Mr. Filion. He is against this as it would “promote a linguistic divide.” He believes that this would infringe on people’s right to study in the language of their choice. He encourages Francophones to attend English CEGEPs in order to improve their English. He also encourages English students to maintain their ability to speak French.
Students in the Forum VIA CTV MONTREAL
JAY MURPHY Contributor On my first day at Dawson this semester, I wove through the bustling crowd of people heading to their classes from the lower atrium. My view was limited to the person in front of me. What I couldn’t see was an impasse ahead: people were clogging the escalator. The long line behind me started to push, physically propelling me forward in their urgency to continue on their way. It was not their fault; there was no place to go. It’s no surprise Dawson is a popular CEGEP choice. It offers many high-quality programs and is also one of the few public English colleges in Montreal. Its downtown location with metro accessibility also adds to its appeal. Law 101 enforces the majority of Quebec students to study in French throughout primary and secondary school. Julia Smith, Administrative Secretary of the Academic Systems Office, suggests the surge in the popularity of English CEGEPs is mainly due to the increase in Francophone and Allophone applicants. She says,
“The issue that Anglophone CEGEPs have is that everybody wants to come to them, including Francophone students, because many people want to continue in English later.” Mr. Richard Filion, Director General, says that the CEGEP has reached its maximum capacity, which is causing the deficit of space. Despite Dawson being at capacity, he isn’t worried. He explains that there is a system in place to make sure that the school follows safety measures, and in doing so, does not exceed the number of people that would make the environment a dangerous one. The demand for Dawson increased around 2010. Patricia Murphy, Social Service professor, explains that “there was a demographic blip; the second baby boom generation hit the CEGEP age at that time, so the numbers went up. We’re always getting projections that they will go down but they are not going down!” While Dawson is at its capacity, many Francophone CEGEPs are under-attended. In 2011, the Parti Quebecois proposed extending Law 101 to the CEGEP level. Some speculate that would restore the balance
This drastic increase in applicants has left many on the outside, looking in. As the number of applicants increases, the amount of competition is inevitably growing with it. Applicants who are being admitted are those with the best grades, causing others who may qualify, but who have moderate results, to be turned away. The individuals that are affected most by the overcrowding situation at Dawson are not so much the current students, but the invisible applicants who were rejected. Carmela Gumelli, Dean of Academic Systems, says that in 2010 when Dawson experienced a considerable surplus of applicants, opening an external wing in the Pepsi Forum allowed them to accept an additional 300 students. It seems that expansion is the most plausible and feasible option for Dawson. Smith says the ability to better serve students and to make sure there is enough room for people who are qualified is a priority. Mr. Filion admits that the Quebec Ministry of Education has acknowledged the request to expand. For now, the location is still classified information, but Mr. Filion says that the extension will not be on the Dawson grounds nor will there be another underground floor. In the meantime, I’ll be taking the stairs! p p
NEWS 5 5
A Guide to Giving During the Pandemic ROMY SHOAM Staff Writer While staying home is the ultimate way of taking action right now to ensure the well-being of others, there are additional ways to help. Donations are incredibly crucial; community organizations around Dawson like Chez Doris are asking for financial donations to be able to continue offering services while enforcing proper hygienic measures, and Resilience Montreal is asking for food and clothing. Volunteer efforts are also tremendously helpful at this time, given that the volunteering takes into account social distancing measures and offers hygienic precautions (masks, gloves, etc.). No matter how you’re spending your time during the self-isolation period, as long as you’re staying inside and staying safe, you’re doing your part for the community. Depending on your level of comfort, take some time to check out these opportunities to help out around Montreal:
Volunteer efforts are also tremendously helpful at this time, given that the volunteering takes into account social distancing measures and offers hygienic precautions (masks, gloves, etc.).
Neighbourhood Facebook groups (a virtual “lend a cup of sugar to your neighbor” arrangement): Here, you can post updates particular to your community (like grocery store stocks), offer advice to your neighbours, find volunteer opportunities, share resources, and coordinate drop-offs to those unable to go out and buy necessities. In the NDG group, a member put together a guide to growing food in the city, and another collected food from many NDG-ers to drop off at Resilience Montreal! Équiterre made a helpful list of most groups around Montreal. Volunteer through government website: www.jebenevole.ca You can offer your services, such as making deliveries or kitchen help. Sew a face mask: Sew masks or donate fabric to those who need it through the Canada Sews QC Facebook page, or contact Lakeshore General Hospital, who is asking for homemade masks to prevent the transmission of the virus. Email Lakeshore General at clothmasksLGH@gmail.com Shop for and deliver food, meals, and pharmacy items: Federation CJA is mobilizing volunteers who want to help others in their community. Check out this form [listed below]. Write and email a letter to a senior citizen: Kirkland resident Alana Edwards has started the Brighten Their Day initiative in an attempt to reach out to those in senior residences! For hygienic purposes, instead of actual letters, participants can write emails to santatoaseniormtl@gmail.com.
Links to organizations mentioned in this article: Chez Doris: https://bit.ly/34xGe5X Resilience Montreal: https://bit.ly/34wffrq Équiterre: https://bit.ly/2VtVfBF Je Benevole: https://www.jebenevole.ca/ Canada Sews: https://bit.ly/3biW9I1 Lakeshore General Hospital: https://bit.ly/2Xx8sfy Federation CJA: https://bit.ly/2K3Zkao Brighten Their Day: https://bit.ly/2xuO1p1 v
6 THE PLANT
Quarantine Comfort Food: Akira Kurosawa ANTHONY VICENTE-PEREIRA Contributor As Canadians attempt to make sense of the current pandemic, Contagion is currently one of the most popular films on Netflix in the country. The 2011 thriller is a film about a deadly worldwide pandemic and the race against time to defeat it, but you probably already knew that. In an uncertain time where distractions (and proper social distancing practices!) are needed more than ever, we’re falling prey to the self-destructive desire to consume media that reflects the world’s current problems. Here is a less anxiety-inducing alternative for jaded couch surfers who are tired of rewatching Harry Potter or The Office for the umpteenth time: the classic films of Akira Kurosawa. Kurosawa is a Japanese director whose films have received acclaim both from critics and audiences around the world. Having directed 30 films in his lifetime, Kurosawa left behind a film for every type of audience member, from Samurai epics to meditative character studies to everything in between. His influence can be seen all across the cinematic landscape; upon watching Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress, George Lucas decided he wanted to adapt that story in a space setting, and Star Wars was born. A Bug’s Life and The Magnificent Seven are a complete retelling of Seven Samurai, Kurosawa’s most acclaimed masterpiece. Sure, influence isn’t everything, and the movies themselves need to be good for you to dedicate time to watching them. Despite their age most of his films being made in the 50s and 60s - none of them feel dated. The storylines are fresh and engaging, largely thanks to characters that are so well developed that you can’t help but get invested. The actual filmmaking is filled with beautifully
Akira Kurosawa VIA PRNEWSFOTO/ANAHEIM UNIVERSITY/AP IMAGES
It feels like we’re pulling you into our world for an hour and fifteen minutes, but it’s just as much your world as it is ours. composed shots and sound design that immerses you in different worlds. There is a Kurosawa film for everyone; if you’re in the mood for an exciting film noir, there’s Drunken Angel, the story of a gangster with tuberculosis who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a doctor who hates the world of crime. Fans of police procedurals and mysteries can feel at home with High and Low, in which a wealthy shoe company executive is faced with tough decisions after his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped and held for ransom. The aforementioned The Hidden Fortress will appeal to those looking for a fun action romp and Star Wars fans. Even those looking for a film to make them cry can with Ikiru, the story of a middle-aged bureaucrat who begins looking for the meaning of his life after being diagnosed with cancer.
No Kurosawa recommendation is complete without the countless samurai epics and period pieces that made him famous around the world. Rashomon, Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, Ran, and the list goes on. These tales of heroism, obsession, power and war have stood the test of time as films that continue to be watched and enjoyed. There’s a perfect mix of action, intrigue and drama that would appeal to any film lover, and this mix is grounded in characters and plots that stick with you long after the credits have rolled. At the core of the countless themes Kurosawa explores in all his films is a simple but fundamental question: why can’t human beings be better to one another? Underneath all the blood, katanas, warfare and crime lies a reflection on how conflict between humans can arise from the most mundane places. As contradictory as it may sound, his films are lessons in being kinder to each other. You can find the majority of Kurosawa’s films on the Criterion Channel. p p
ARTS & CULTURE 7 7
Stick & Poke in Montreal: An Interview with Del Stock FRED GUILLETTE Contributor
So you were never really interested in using a machine?
Stick and Poke is a centuries old way to give tattoos that consists of an artist using a needle and ink, as opposed to a machine, to manually poke every dot on someone's skin. They can be more convenient and enjoyable as people often have them done in the comforts of their homes. Del Stock is a Montreal based tattoo artist who specializes in Stick and Poke. His minimalistic cartoonish style immediately caught my eye and after getting 7 pieces done by him, needless to say, I have taken a liking to it. I was curious about his career so I asked him a couple of questions after getting inked.
I tried it but it’s two different worlds. That’s something you need to understand about tattoos. as well. Poke isn’t the beginner way, they’re just two different things. So yeah, I chose poke, or rather, poke chose me.
First things first, when and why did you start tattooing? I was 15 when I did my first tattoo and it was really just for fun. My friends and I were hanging out in my dad’s basement and we tattooed each other with whatever was laying around. With what? A sewing needle? My first tattoo was done with a guitar string, more specifically the MI string, the big one, you know? And we made the ink ourselves with ashes, water, and baby oil. But that’s not good. Don’t do that, I don’t approve. Why did you choose to do poke instead of opting for a machine? Well, like I said, I started by poking and I found it original. I thought it was a more ghetto way of doing things and the more I did it, the better and faster I got. Now, most of my clients only want poke.
What does it take to be a tattoo artist? You just have to do it. It doesn’t take that much especially in Québec. You mostly just need to be good at drawing and to practice. One thing I can recommend is a hygiene course but even that’s not required here. Describe your style in three words. Ignorant. Cartoon. Street. What inspires you when you’re drawing your flashes? It all happens in the morning. A cup of coffee, a joint, and then I get out everything I have. Very rarely do I draw at night or during the afternoon. What inspires me is often rap. Sometimes a bar will inspire a drawing. I don’t know man... Animals. Speaking of animals, Tell me about your mascot, the rat. That comes from way back. I’ve had pet rats ever since I was young so I often drew them. I had a lot of clients who asked me for some and by doing it, I developed a more repetitive way of drawing them. If you start reading about rats, it’s a pretty cool animal. They hang out in gangs, they treat each other’s wounds, and they survive through everything. You gotta check that out.
What does ACAB mean? And why do so many of your tattoos refer to it? It means All Cats Are Beautiful because I’m an animal lover. If you know, you know. What do you think about the Montréal tattoo scene? I love it. There’s a beautiful scene in Montréal. We all talk. Everyone is close. We’re very lucky here. If you want to start tattooing, Montréal is the place. Compared to the rest of Québec and Canada, the scene in Montréal is big. How is it different in comparison to the tattoo scene in Europe for example? It’s different in style but also in the way that people perceive tattoos. In Montréal, you can have face tattoos and you’ll get weird looks but not nearly as many as you would somewhere else in the world. Tattoos are accepted in Europe, but still, not as much. Finally, other than your Instagram (@del.stock), is there anything that you’d like to shout out? Other than my Instagram, go check out my boy @metal.hurlant. He’s been here from the start. If you need jewelry, to repair jewelry, grills, anything, you go see that guy. p p
8 THE PLANT
Celebrities, Chefs and Musicians Take on Instagram CHELSEA MOORE Arts & Culture Editor Celebrities, chefs and artists are broadcasting their lives and art more than ever before. Here are some entertaining accounts to check out! Verified #1 Charlie Puth The pause button has been pressed on normal life and we are all collectively searching for new and interesting content to busy our minds. Charlie Puth is an American songwriter and singer, known for his hits “Attention” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore”. He has latched onto the hearts of many with his sweet ‘boy next door’ look. Charlie responded to this pause with his new song “I can’t wait for this to be over” which comically debuted on Instagram on April 8th. Despite festivals, concerts and, in some cases, album launches being delayed, nothing will stop Charlie from making music and sharing it with his eager fan base. He has been teasing his followers with 30 second videos of “practicing high notes” and his instrumental “quarantine blues” segments. You can count on both hilarity and sweet music from his account. Follow him on Instagram @ charlieputh #2 Leslie Jordan Leslie Jordan is an American actor and playwright, known for his role on NBC’s Will and Grace. However, he is quickly becoming one of Instagram's most beloved accounts for comedic relief ! This 64 year old actor is grappling with the challenges many have been facing in this time of confinement such as overthinking, loneliness and pressures to rebrand yourself on social media. Leslie records his several failed attempts at meditation, himself practicing the downward dog and himself telling stories over unidentifiable snacks. Leslie Jordan is stepping out of the
shadows and welcoming the world into his life through the internet. You can count on weekly comedic posts. Follow him on Instagram @ thelesliejordan #3 Massimo Bottura Massimo Bottura is an Italian restaurateur and chef of Osteria Francescana, a three-Michelin-star restaurant. He has gone from cooking for some of our favourite hollywood stars to launching his “Quarantine Kitchen” and connecting to his followers on a more personal level. This quarantine has allowed him to teach the world how to bring fine dining to their kitchens. He has tutorials on how to make Pizza, Tiramisu and Almond Gelato. Massimo will show you the intricacies of the culinary world at a safe distance. His instagram account is useful for all of you cooped up cooks! Follow him on Instagram @massimobottura Local #1 Station Music Station Montreal is a small music festival based in Montreal that supports local artists and donates all of its profit to The Transition Project, a local charity. Dawson student Noah Abecassis and Marianopolis student Josh Ptack started this project with the intent of creating a new way to celebrate music in Montreal. Since Station Music had to be postponed, they have decided to use Instagram Live to bring concerts to the comfort of your home. By simply tuning onto Station Live each Saturday night at 8pm, you can have a front row seat to Montreal artists like Chloe Florence and Neomi. Despite the physical festival being pushed until 2021, Noah and Josh are turning Instagram into a virtual festival to grow their connections, build a relationship with their followers and continue to bring music to the world! If you miss the passion of concerts then tune into Station Montreal this Saturday at
8pm to hear Montreal artist Neomi! Follow them on Instagram @ Sationmusicmtl #2 Pluto The Dog Watch the life of Montreal dog Pluto as she takes on the challenges of being a dog in confinement. This hilarious 13-year-old Schnauzer rants through issues such as body image, living with a cat, and having a moody owner all on Instagram TV. Her owner, Nancy Wight, is a wildlife photographer with a history in stand up comedy, which would explain the hilarious content. Pluto gives tips on how to deal without toilet paper or how to social distance without giving people the hairy eyeball. This account is a great pick-meup each week and a friendly reminder from our favourite internet dog that despite trying times, we are all in this together! Follow this cutie on Instagram @Pluto.Living p p
ARTS & CULTURE 9 9
The Boombox Outside my Window How Watching Rom-Coms Helped me Find Myself
Photo VIA GLAMOUR (PINTEREST)
MARIANA CHAJON Visual Arts Editor In the past week, I’ve been watching an excessive amount of rom-coms, coming of age, and romance movies. This was my favorite activity when I was a pre-teen and had all the time in the world to sit in my living room after school and watch Netflix. Unsurprisingly, I have felt very nostalgic diving back into this activity. These movies transport me into an alternate reality where boys knock at my window late at night and I wear beautiful, stylish clothes every day (rather than my boyfriend’s hoodie and gray sweatpants). For an hour and forty minutes, I can escape the COVID-19 angst and enter a world where people can walk close to friends without endangering anyone. Now, I know some of these movies can be very sexist and often make it seem like teenage girls absolutely need a man’s validation to grow. In some cases, they even suggest that the characters undergo changes to get validation. As much as it can definitely affect young girls in a negative way, re-watching these movies has made me realize how badass some of these characters are before meeting their dream guy. Some examples
However, the most interesting thing I noticed when re-discovering my love for these movies is that as I watched two teens fall in love, I fell in love with myself. include Kat Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You and Laney Boggs from She’s All That. While rewatching these movies, I caught onto things I didn’t as a pre-teen, like Kat and Laney’s political activism and cultural capital. They are amazing characters even before a boy falls in love with them. Honestly, as much as the romance aspect is a plus for entertainment, I now realize that it was never the reason I watched these movies. Instead, I know Clueless by heart because I love the way Cher dresses, causing me to go back to it for outfit inspiration. I own The Breakfast Club on DVD because I love the dance scenes and the themes it discusses. I watched Footloose after school to dance my heart out with the characters.
However, the most interesting thing I noticed when re-discovering my love for these movies is that as I watched two teens fall in love, I fell in love with myself. When Dave from The First Time looks around Aubrey’s room, I raise my eyes to look at my own and contemplate how much I love everything in it. I look at the corsage I’ve kept since my prom and the CD collection I started at 13. As Chase and Nicole from Drive me Crazy sing along to “Keep on Loving You”, I sing along as well. When Simon from Love Simon comes out, I feel confident in my own sexuality. I had never realized how much of myself I put into these movies. For this reason, during quarantine, I encourage you to indulge in the activities you loved when you were younger since it is a great opportunity to explore the love that you have for yourself. p p
10 THE PLANT
Disposable Diapers Should We Trade Environmental Consciousness and Health for Convenience? AMAMI MONESSON Contributor An estimated 500 000 people marched through the streets of Montreal to protest a lack of global action in the struggle to stop climate change. This growing social movement has led me to consider my own habits and figure out ways that I can produce less waste. As a new parent, I have recently become aware of the impact of the disposable diaper industry on our environment. Disposable diapers were invented in the 1950s, and today, most parents in first world countries use them. The average newborn child will soil 3 800 disposable diapers per year. When you multiply this number by the 3 years that the average (first world) child takes to kick the diaper habit, you end up with a colossal mountain of 11 400 soiled diapers per child! Now, let’s try to imagine the size of that mountain multiplied by the 382 533 children born in Canada in just 2019 alone. When we take into consideration that it takes between an estimated 250-500 years for these disposable diapers to decompose, and that new babies are born every day, it becomes evident that this practice has an undeniably negative impact on our environment. However, the disadvantages of disposable diapers are not only limited to the colossal amount of waste they produce. There have been reports of negative health effects resulting from the use of disposable diapers; the super gel (called sodium polyacrylate) that makes disposable diapers so absorbent has been associated with toxic shock syndrome, allergies and skin irritation. Due to less frequent diaper changes when using disposables, children may become more accustomed to dirty diapers which can make potty training
more difficult. Lastly, there are the financial factors. On average, a child’s disposable diapers will cost a minimum of $550 per year depending on the brand. Nevertheless, we continue to use disposable diapers because of perceived conveniences, and a lack of knowledge of the alternatives.
In 2018, some boroughs in Montreal began encouraging parents to use cloth diapers by offering to subsidize the purchase and maintenance costs. Most of us living in the modern world don’t know much about cloth diapers. Cloth diapers offer a variety of benefits beyond just reducing our impact on the environment. Not only are they reusable, but they are adjustable so they will continue to fit for the full three years. It reduces the waste introduced into our environment and it reduces the wasted cash flowing out of our wallets! My family shopped around and was able to get a complete, really cool selection of 25 modern cloth diapers for under $250. These will last us until our child is potty trained and are considerably less expensive than the average minimum cost of $550 per year for disposables. Furthermore, in 2018, some boroughs in Montreal began encouraging parents to use cloth diapers by offering to subsidize the purchase and maintenance costs. Some additional health benefits of using cloth diapers are a reduced exposure to synthetic materials and chemical absorbents, which are commonly used in disposable diapers. Also, when using cloth diapers, your child’s waste is properly disposed of in the toilet, which poses fewer health risks than having it sit in your waste bin until garbage day.
Unfortunately, some daycares do not currently accept cloth diapers and force parents to buy disposable diapers. 4 out of 6 daycares say “NO”, because of the need to change the babies more often. However, according to Ms. Melanie Boucher, a specialist in infant care at the CLSC, when used properly and changed periodically, cloth diapers should not leak and provide a healthier environment for children, since leaving children in wet or soiled diapers causes increased health risks. At large daycares, it may not be easy to accept cloth diapers, however, the health and environmental benefits are huge. I hope that in the future, caregivers will be given the knowledge and resources necessary to create a system that accepts this alternative. In the meantime, there are biodegradable disposable diapers that contain less chemicals on the market. We can try to use cloth diapers at home, and when we must use disposable ones, we should choose the best of the worst! p p
VOICES 11
As Seen on Zoom: Noah Abecassis, Social Science said, “If you don’t do it, I’m going to.” And she told me to go for it.
Photo VIA NOAH ABECASSIS
TALIA KLIOT Voices Editor While we haven’t been able to see anyone in the hallways for the last little bit, I took to Zoom to talk to Noah Abecassis, the founder of Station Music Festival. When Dawson students see you in the hallways (or on Zoom, in this case), what do they see?
Classy. If peanut butter wasn’t called peanut butter, what would you call it? Um. This is boring, but peanut jam, maybe? Come on, you can do better than that. Okay wait. Nut reduction, or nut pulp? I’m allergic to peanuts, so I don’t think about that very often.
In the hallways, they would see a tall guy. I hope I’m smiling, but other than that, I’m not super sure.
I totally forgot. That was an insensitive question on my part.
Do you have any hobbies?
So insensitive of you.
Yeah, well since we’ve been in quarantine, hobbies have sort of become everything. I’m actually sitting right here and building a vegetable garden. It’s been a cool learning experience to build something from scratch like that. I’ve also been painting… And cooking, I love cooking.
Oh my god. They’re going to fire me from The Plant. [Editor’s note: I still have my job.] Let me change the subject. Tell me a bit about Station Music Festival.
What’s your favourite recipe? This sounds really simple, but I really like mushroom pasta. With a good glass of red wine, of course. It sounds like a mom thing, but it works.
It’s an annual nonprofit music festival that raises money for local charities by promoting local musicians and local businesses. The idea came about two and a half years ago, when a friend of mine mentioned it en passant. It blew my mind. I told her she had to do it, but she said that there was no way she’d find enough time. I
From that point, I spent a year and a half on and off working on it. I was getting a bit discouraged because of how much there was to figure out since I’m not someone who was ever part of the music industry or part of the charity circuit. So, the first bit consisted of finding experts who could tell me how to proceed. After that, I finally decided that I couldn’t keep doing it alone, so I spoke to a friend of mine, Josh Ptack. He was the only person I hadn’t worked with before, that I could trust to hold me accountable and not let me get discouraged. And so from that point, it became really serious; we were both set on making it happen. About a month and a half ago, we posted our first Instagram post and launched officially. Everything was working out. We had our venue picked out, we were working on bringing artists, and getting sponsors was going super well. Then, when Coronavirus hit, we had to reevaluate everything. At first, we were very hopeful that things would fix themselves. But then, we realized that we really needed to call it off. That was a tough moment, but since then, we’ve seen it as a rebirth type thing. We still want the event to happen, hopefully next summer. We’re working on finding the best date, but we’re waiting to see how things roll out with the Coronavirus and the economy and everything. We’ve seen it as more of an opportunity to become more public and gain more of a following. So even though we’re not going to have a live version this summer, in the long run, it’s going to make for a better festival. To keep up to date with Station, check out their Instagram account @stationmusicmtl where they are live-streaming concerts every Saturday night at 8 pm! p p
12 THE PLANT
VISUAL ARTS 13
Photo by IBRAHIM MAHMOUD @ IBRABOOM.FILM
Photo by ROMY SURPRENANT @_CRINGE_MACHINE_
Photo by MAIJA BARONI @MAIJABARONI.ART
14 THE PLANT
Ask The Plant BRIAHNA MCTIGUE Managing Editor
Dear Plant, How do I stop feeling like I’m wasting my youth during this quarantine? Love, A Fellow Quaranteen Dear Quaranteen, I suppose that my first piece of advice to you would be to determine your definition of ‘wasting’ and where it comes from. It is no secret that we live in an environment fuelled by productivity and consumption — a reality that younger demographics are never spared from. We are bred to meet the expectations of those that come before us, always being encouraged to create and work towards the possibility of what could be. And frankly, what has this virus done if not eradicate our sense of ever being able to predict what could be? As a global community, we are being taught that time beyond the present is never a certainty. And so for that, I will reiterate my question. What does it mean to “waste”? Does it mean lacking in productivity? Does it mean taking time for yourself ? Does it mean prioritizing family, friends and breathing? And perhaps this answer feels wishy-washy. I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that. After growing up alongside you in this climate, how could I? I am not fully free from this conditioning, and there are definitely pockets of doubt written in between these lines. We are so heavily taxed by our rates of production, that without its weight, we begin to feel aimless and untethered — as though we are merely floating around without purpose. Even as we try to grasp at this purpose by creating at home, we are still left with the thought that our work lacks value if it is simply for ourselves. Before Covid-19, our efficiency was measured by our ability to compete with those around us and produce material for other institutions… Being taught that to invest in ourselves was a luxury reserved for those that have already finished their work… As though investing in oneself isn’t an immeasurable amount of work. We have been raised in a space where “self-care” is an afterthought, always placing last in the race of what is worth our attention. And by “self-care” I don’t just mean facemasks and bath bombs. I’m talking about something that ranges from personal projects, to solely thinking for ourselves. In its place, however, we are taught to share and inspire, always aiming to extend the corners of our little world. How ironic it is then, to be confined to the walls of our homes and bedrooms. While I have nothing against growth and expansion, I do have an issue with the other message that it fosters. We all know the old saying “If a tree falls in a forest, and no one’s around to hear it, does it even make
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a sound?” And while this may seem like an arbitrary example, I can assure you that it’s not. After all, what are we if not one tree in a forest surrounded by countless others? Aren’t we all desperate for sound? For recognition? The majority of us have grown to think that if we have nothing to show for our thoughts and experiences, they might as well not exist. And while we humans spend time arguing about this philosophy of the tree… Somewhere, another tree falls... And it doesn’t care if we hear it. It didn’t fall for us. I believe that we all have inherent value, and thus nothing we do can ever be a waste. Whether we are heard or not, our projections do not create us or our value. But if you find yourself disagreeing, I understand. It is no wonder that many of us are struggling to find our value when our ability to express it has become limited. Rather than being encouraged to expand and ‘get out there’, we are being urged to stay home and go inwards… A pretty radical act considering what we’re used to. This time in quarantine is forcing us to slow down and do things for ourselves. This time — while extremely painful for many — is a time of reinvention and deconditioning, and so for that I say ‘rinse, lather, repeat!’ (and not just because you should be washing your hands a lot). I’m saying this because if anything, let this be a time for you to determine who you want to be and who you already are. Is there anything you want to change? Is there anything you’re longing to feel? So I suppose my final answer to your question, dear Quaranteen, would be to use this time to determine what it is that you’re wasting… and then waste some more. And lastly, breathe… Take the time to really breathe, both for yourself and for those who no longer can. Love, The Plant
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The Plant Recommends If online classes aren’t enough to keep you occupied during quarantine, our team has put together a list of our favourite books, shows, movies, songs, recipes and podcasts to keep you entertained! Books • The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon • House Of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski • The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon • The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien • Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld • Motherhood by Sheila Heti • Just Kids by Patti Smith • The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion TV Shows • Bojack Horseman • Barry • Parks and Recreation • Chef’s Table • Community • Buffy the Vampire Slayer • The West Wing • Veep • 30 Rock • Derry Girls • The Good Place • Shrill • Broad City • Please Like Me • Girls • Lovesick
Movies • The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement • Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis • Dazed and Confused • Ponyo • The Princess Bride • Good Will Hunting • Someone Great • James Acaster: Repertoire • Monty Python and the Holy Grail • Jenny Slate: Stage Fright • Mistress America • Forgetting Sarah Marshall Songs • Nobody by Mitski • Some Night (Intro) by Fun • Best Interest by Tyler the Creator • Unsatisfied by The Franklin Electric • That’s Exactly How I Feel by Lizzo • Rocky Raccoon by the Beatles • Are You in Love? by Basia Bulat • Kyoto by Phoebe Bridgers • Like Water, Like Earth by Christa Couture • Forgiveness by Mandy Moore • Levitating by Dua Lipa Recipes • (Vegan) Red Curry Noodle Soup https://feelgoodfoodie.net/ recipe/red-curry-noodle-soup/ • Broccoli, cheese, and bacon soup : https://www.melskitchencafe.com/ broccoli-cheese-bacon-soup/
Podcasts • Oh, Hello: the P’dcast • The Guilty Feminist • This American Life • S-Town • Reply All • The Daily • Invisibilia • Office Ladies • Armchair Expert • Red Scare • The Moth • Hidden Brain
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14 Rules to Help You Through COVID-19 BENJAMIN WEXLER Contributor 1. Wash your hands. Scrub them raw. 2. Don’t touch your face, that acne-fucked mess. Who would want to touch it anyway? 3. Don’t wear a mask. Or do. We all have something to hide. 4. Don’t be stupid. Seriously. That stupid thing that you were planning on posting on Instagram, or putting on your story? Don’t say it. The last thing we need is another viral thing. Disease, tweet, what’s the difference? Both can ruin your life. 5. Don’t participate in unnecessary gatherings. Unnecessary gatherings include: superhero-themed weddings, Thanksgiving meals in mid-March, Tame Impala at the Bell Centre. Necessary gatherings include: regular dungeons and dragons, your professor’s choral show that you bought a ticket to, outdoor shinny, Perfume Genius opening for Tame Impala at the Bell Centre. 6. Don’t shake hands. Who likes shaking hands anyway? Who likes that guy that shakes your hand and then insists on a firmer handshake because his father did not love him? 7. You know what, just don’t don’t touch without consent. I cannot believe we are still having this conversation.
Photo VIA GETTY IMAGES
8. Don’t show symptoms. According to World Health Organization officials, it is no longer funny to say “Don’t worry, I don’t have Corona!” after coughing. It is not any more funny to say “Whoops, guess I just gave you all Corona!” after coughing. Shame is a virtue. If you must, cough discreetly into your elbow. Should this happen, repeat instructions in rule #1 with your elbow. 9. Don’t overthink. 10. Do something productive. Isaac Newton came up with universal gravitation while under quarantine. He also died a virgin, so make of that what you will. 11. Don’t lose sight of the little things. Every second of this grey and gloomy Friday was leading up to the moment the radio in the car played Never Gonna Give You Up.
12. Don’t hate the young, as easy as it is. We walk around like happy loaded guns. We joke. We are invincible. You can’t expect much of kids that quote The Stand. Expect less of kids who quote La Peste or The Decameron. But don’t hate the young for books they didn’t write. 13. Don’t bury the old. They’re not dead yet. 14. Don’t panic.
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CREATIVE WRITING 18
Human Nature Love, BRONWYN FARKAS Creative Writing Editor
Candlelight MELYNA GILBERT Contributor candlelight is how i like to see you say my name tumbling through the dark to find the light whispered past the burning smoke and caressing listening ears
Skipping Stones DARCY BURNETT Contributor Finger curled around a paper thin stone, Place bets on this rock. At the valley of rippled reflections, My rigid arm is a revolver’s hammer, I’ve seen the flickers in the vacuous night. What was shot out severs and Makes trembling bashful kisses to the water beneath. I start to wipe the sand and seaweed from my hands. Rogue waves still erupt from below, Lips break on broken glass. The stone drowns in a stoic free fall, I sift for another rock.
candlelight is how i like to see you say my name the way your lips wrap around it and dance with its momentum the way your eyes carry it and spill its secrets into scorching heat candlelight is how i like to see you say my name caught by the glow and engulfed by the darkness following your eyes towards mine it sounds like sin and prayer
Old Friends MARIANA CHAJON Visual Arts Editor Season visit, I see you standing in place. It’s implicit, I can’t keep up the pace. Yearly limit, And my space grows into less. I want to see you but I can’t keep up the pace. I count the minutes Of my every day And in the end They always run away. I try catch My old friends In between takes, In between breaks. Yearly visit Won’t come today It’s implicit You’ve turned the page.
SPORTS 19
Taking The Team Out Of Teamwork: Rowing During Quarantine BRIDGET GRIFFIN Head Staff Writer ELEANOR SHERRY Sports Editor With Dawson’s student population stuck in quarantine, team sports have taken a major hit. Many, if not all teams have had difficulties adapting to these new circumstances. As a result, members of the Dawson rowing team have spoken up about the struggle that comes with paddling through a pandemic. “The day seems slower and it doesn’t feel as motivating as before,” says Dawson rower Raphael Kaiser about the quarantine. The team’s intense training schedule makes the change especially difficult, according to rower Malcolm. “Rowing is choosing to wake up at 4 a.m. everyday to go out into the cold for at least a two hour practice,” says Malcolm. “The transition between that and sitting at home is super jarring at best.” Routine is especially difficult to maintain in quarantine, as rower Emilie Shoubridge explains, “I would train every morning and that would keep my schedule pretty stable,” she says, “but I’m not training every day anymore so my schedule is really all over the place.” Despite the circumstances, Dawson’s rowing team still makes an effort to stay in touch. “My team does virtual workouts together and we have weekly chats,” says Shoubridge. In addition to online meet-ups, rowers also get weekly updates from the Montreal Rowing Club’s newsletter. However, maintaining pre-quarantine levels of motivation isn’t easy. Malcolm still tries to exercise, but working out proves to be more of a challenge in quarantine.
Photo VIA THE NEW YORK TIMES
“It's a lot harder to keep the same pace without your teammates,” they say. Kaiser, Malcolm, and Shoubridge all agree that the number one thing they miss from rowing is the people. “I miss starting my day with the team,” Shoubridge explains. “Doing those tough workouts together first thing in the morning and going to get breakfast afterwards is usually my favourite part of the day.” “You spend 20 hours a week training with the same people and they become a kind of family,” Kaiser adds. According to Malcolm, this family dynamic is a large part of the reason why rowing is what it is. “Even though we can be competing against each other,” they explain, “there’s still the want for the person next to you to do well too.” Malcolm also describes how important Coach Joe Rochon is to the team. “The coach is incredible,” Malcolm says. “Getting a “congratulations” from Joe? Absolutely priceless, makes my whole day. Especially since he only says what he really thinks.”
Even though the process of becoming a rower was tough, Kaiser describes the experience as being ultimately worth it. “I think it’s one of the most interesting and exciting sports,” Kaiser explains. “It’s hard at the beginning because the learning curve is quite steep, but after that you get better and you’re part of an awesome community with really awesome people.” And even though the current pandemic has changed various aspects of that community, it doesn’t change how great the past was. For Dawson’s rowing team, rowing has created memories its members will never forget. “I’ve had so many great moments with the friends I’ve made on my team,” Shoubridge says. “I think my favourite feeling in the world is gliding on the water watching a sunrise, and I’m so grateful I got to do that almost every morning for the past two years.” p
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SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT 20
Coronavirus vs Climate Change Our society is unable to prepare for crisis SOLMAZ SALEHI Science & Environment Editor According to research published by Columbia University, New York City’s carbon monoxide emissions have been reduced more than 50 percent below the typical levels during the past few weeks of quarantine. In Venice, canal water has been clear since there is no boat traffic. China’s air pollution has gone down drastically. Deers and monkeys are wandering on the streets of Thailand. The lockdowns have had major benefits for the environment. However, these changes should not be celebrated since experts say that these changes are only temporary. Something that needs to be highlighted is the fact that the pandemic happening now is very close to climate change. It gives us a better idea of how countries and corporations are unprepared. Climate change has been all over the news for years and scientists keep warning everyone that a crisis is imminent. It is moving slower than Coronavirus but it will have drastic negative effects. “The pandemic is fast, shining a spotlight on our ability or inability to respond to urgent threats. But like pandemics, climate change can be planned for in advance, if politicians pay attention to the warnings of scientists who are sounding the alarm,” said Peter Gleick, a climate scientist and founder of the Pacific Institute in Berkeley. Even when the world was warned about the Coronavirus outbreak, many countries such as the United States did not take the issue seriously. The president of the United States spent much of January and February “downplaying the crisis, comparing the pathogen with common flu, suggesting it would fade away in warm weather,” reported the Guardian. During a white house force briefing, he said “one day - it’s like a miracle- it will disappear.”
Kate Glavan, NYU political student and climate activist, said that even though a lot of the preventative measures are helping to reduce climate change, there is a decrease in pollution only because there is less transportation. “It’s a very short term and unsustainable way to reduce air pollution,” Glavan said. She then continued to explain how Coronavirus is revealing that we are not prepared for crises and only begin to adapt once it is too late. Eco-fascism is a term that could be used in this situation. In simple words, eco-fascism is a theory that leaders will create a status quo that only holds up a small proportion of the population and the rest will suffer. This example is seen with climate refugees. When a natural disaster happens due to climate change, many countries don’t want to take care of those who have lost their jobs or houses and need to migrate. It’s a similar situation with the behaviors of many countries for Coronavirus. A health care system for all is missing in The United States. “The trend that we are seeing between climate change and coronavirus is the depiction of the class divide in this country between the rich and the poor, the haves and have nots. The rich are hoarding resources like emptying supermarkets, have access to testing and so on,” Glavan explained. “I think there is a misnomer with climate science that once everyone knows that climate change is real, has read all the data and believes in the science, that suddenly society's going to change and that's not true. We knew that slavery was bad but people did not seem to change that,” she says. Once we are out of this recession that the virus has caused, Glavan says that that is going to be the moment for policymakers to make changes about fossil fuels.
The trend that we are seeing between climate change and coronavirus is the depiction of the class divide in this country between the rich and the poor The question that will remain is: Will the effort to rescue the global economy after this pandemic accelerate the emissions of planet-warming gases, rather than prevent climate change? The answer depends on the world’s big economies such as China and the United States and whether they use this time to enforce laws that will put an end to fossil fuel industries or not. p p
CURIOSITIES 21
HOROSCOPES As we approach the end of Aries season, let these horoscopes and the -bangers- that accompany them keep you sane and bring us together during this crazy time.
CANCER (june 21- july 22): Set reachable goals this month. “Nobody’s Perfect”, and we know this is true because Hannah Montana said it.
BIRTHDAY: If you were born on April 16th, then today is your birthday! Listen to “Birthday” by the Beatles on repeat until you feel older.
LEO (july 23- aug. 22): Not everything has a “Happy Ending”, take it from MIKA. But with every unhappy ending comes an opportunity for a new joyful beginning.
ARIES (mar. 20-apr. 18): It may feel like you’re “Falling” this month. Hold on to certainties to ground yourself, like how Harry Styles can’t write a bad song. TAURUS (apr. 19- may 20): Any T-Swizzle bop can get you through Quarantine, but let yourself grow and “Change” this month, and know that our situation will too. GEMINI (may 21-june 20): It may feel like nothing’s in your control, but remind yourself that this is “My Life”! Listen to Billy Joel and take charge this month in the ways you can.
COMIC
VIRGO (aug. 23-sept. 22): Get to know yourself this month. Tell your family or your phone that “i need to be alone” sometimes, or that you need to be alone and listen to girl in red. Either works. LIBRA (sept.23-oct. 22): Take time to be grateful, and sing that “I’m Alive” (Aaron Tveit sounds pretty good doing it)! Celebrate what you have this month. SCORPIO (oct. 23-nov. 21): Sometimes you feel “Totally Fucked”, and that’s okay! Work through things that don’t go your way with the help of
Spring Awakening this month. SAGITTARIUS (nov. 22-dec. 21) : George Ezra has the voice of an angel, but he’s “Only a Human”, and so are you. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself this month, not everything has to be extraordinary. CAPRICORN (dec.22-jan. 19): “I want to Break Free”. We get it! But no matter how much Queen inspires you, be strong! Find ways to go outside of the box while staying inside your house. AQUARIUS (jan. 20-feb. 18): Life seems to be extra “Ironic” this month. Try to laugh at the weirdness, and if that doesn’t work you can laugh at Bo Burnham. PISCES (feb. 19-mar. 19) : No matter how “Perdus” you feel, let a new show, a friend to facetime, or yourself be your guardian Angèle this month.
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CROSSWORD
Curiosities by
MIRIAM SOSSIN Curiosities Editor
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MASTHEAD
CONTRIBUTORS
Eva Rizk Editor-in-Chief
Marina Epshtein Cover Artist
Esme Bale Copy Editor
Bridget Griffin Head Staff Writer
Briahna McTigue Managing Editor
Romy Shoam Staff Writer
Daylen Conserve Graphic Designer
Julie Jacques Staff Writer
Julia Bifulco News Editor
Beatriz Neves Staff Writer
Jay Murphy Anthony Vicente-Pereira Fred Guillette Amami Monesson Ibrahim Mahmoud Romy Surprenant Maija Baron Benjamin Wexler Darcy Burnett Melyna Gilbert
Chelsea Moore Arts & Culture Editor Mariana Chajon Visual Arts Editor Solmaz Salehi Sciences Editor Eleanor Sherry Sports Editor Bronwyn Farkas Creative Writing Editor Talia Kliot Voices Editor Miriam Sossin Curiosities Editor
CONTACT The Plant Newspaper Dawson College 3040 Rue Sherbrooke O MontrĂŠal, QC H3Z 1A4 2C.15 theplantnews.com theplantnewspaper@gmail.com @theplantnews