Thursday, April 2, 2015
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Follow-up Winter report cards all-stars
Women in gaming
We’ve taken a second look at the Board of Directors’ progress since our last evaluation. Have they improved?
Female gamers don’t have the easiest time breaking into the field. What is a McMaster club doing to change this?
A roundup of Mac’s award-winning athletes from the winter season varsity sports. SPORTS
NEWS
INSIDE THE
HAMILTON SPECULATOR presents
ANDY
The Silhouette thesil.ca | twitter.com/theSilhouette facebook.com/TheMcMasterSilhouette
s r e e d t u t
a e u r o a h l i UoNM IVERSISTY GBUCKET
FINAL ISSUE OF
VOLUME 85
McMASTER LIF E
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With another year on the books, have you taken full advantage of your university experience? PAGE 25
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Looking Back
The Silhouette
Volume 85, Issue 27 Thursday, April 2, 2015 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper
Editorial Board executive editor | thesil@thesil.ca Andrew Terefenko @andrewterefenko managing editor | managing@thesil.ca Julia Redmond @juliaeredmond production editor | production@thesil.ca Amanda Watkins @whatthekins section editors
Krista Schwab @kschwabi assistant news editor Patrick Kim @patrickmkim features editor Christina Vietinghoff @cvietinghoff opinions editor Ana Qarri @anaqarri sports editor Scott Hastie @scott1hastie assistant sports editor Laura Sinclair @Lsinkky lifestyle editor Jason Woo @jayjai223 assistant lifestyle editor Tobi Abdul @toe_bee andy editor Tomi Milos @tomimilos assistant andy editor Michael Gallagher @mikeygalgz news editor
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Jonathan White photo reporter Eliza Pope @eliza_pope multimedia editor Catherine Chambers @catherineEBC video editor Colin Haskin @colinhaskin photo editor
staff reporters
Carolyn Zeppieri Sofia Mohamed Daniella Porano
Rachel Katz Daniel Arauz
Alex Florescu Michelle Yeung
NOVEMBER 11, 1960
Mac Chemist discourages shelters “This is the age of fear. The wordy warfare of the United Nations General Assembly rages about our defenceless heads and the threat of nuclear war hangs like a mushroom cloud of destruction over the world. A mother’s prayer for her child is not “May he grow up wise and strong and beautiful,” but just “May he grow up.” We are subjected on all sides to an almost continual barrage of information and advice, some of it useful, but much of it misleading and destructive.” Mac Chemistry professor Richard H. Tomlinson urged students and community members to not try and build private shelters, as Cold War tensions grew thicker than ever, as they would only further foster fear and would likely not adequately prepare for a nuclear blast.
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News: PAGE 3 Feature: PAGE 6 Editorial: PAGE 10 Around Campus: PAGE 12 Opinions: PAGE 15 Games: PAGE 20 Sports: PAGE 21 Lifestyle: PAGE 25 Andy: PAGE 30 Speculator: PAGE 37
Thanks for reading The Silhouette this year, and stick around for volume 86 when it returns with issue #1 this June!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
News CANADIAN CAMPUS NEWS
Daniel Arauz News Reporter Winnipeg, Manitoba
UWinnipeg mandates indigenous courses The University of Winnipeg’s student union has approved a motion that will require all students to take an indigenous studies course in order to graduate. The motion developed as a step in addressing racism in Winnipeg and creating a more welcoming environment in the university. The requirement will apply to all students as of fall 2016 and follows a similar mandate introduced recently at Lakehead University. London, Ontario
Western President returns half of $967,000 salary amid protests Western University President Amit Chakma is returning $440,000 he received for passing on a year of administrative leave. Chakma faced heavy criticism from students, faculty, and politicians after the school doubled his pay package to $967,000. The 2015 sunshine list of the highest paid public sector employees revealed that Chakma’s pay increase was because he worked through a scheduled one-year leave. 5,500 people, including Western’s faculty members have signed an online petition calling for university senators to bring a non-confidence motion against Chakma.
Quebec
Student strikes in Quebec continue The second week of striking by about 60,000 college and university students throughout Quebec continues to call for the province, protesting against the austerity of the provincial government. The Liberal budget outlined significant cuts to health care, education and public services. On April 2, a scheduled national protest is set to have over 102,000 students confirmed on strike.
The Silhouette
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THIS WEEK Report card revisited The Silhouette takes a look at what the Board of Directors have been working on this semester PAGE 4
MSAF changes The McMaster Student Absence Form will be seeing changes beginning May 4, 2015
GSA votes down fee increase The Graduate Students Association voted down a fee increase for athletics and wellness services PAGE 5
PAGE 8
Leaving her legacy Saying goodbye to McMaster’s Dean of Social Science Rachel Katz News Reporter
After 30 years at McMaster, Dean of Social Sciences Charlotte Yates is ready to turn a new page. Following a lengthy series of interviews, Yates was recently offered the position of Provost and Vice-President of Academics at the University of Guelph. The decision to accept the post as the University of Guelph’s highest academic officer was a difficult one for Yates. “I have a deep commitment to McMaster and in particular to the Faculty of Social Sciences. I have many close colleagues who I will miss seeing day-today,” she said. “I will [also] miss the Social Sciences students who I think are doing wonderful work, and are set to change the world in which we live. There are so many times during the year when I connect with the students and am inspired by their tenacity, integrity and intelligence.” In particular, Yates said she would miss the Department of Labour Studies, a department she was instrumental in starting. Yates also said she would miss her meetings with graduate students at the Westdale café My Dog Joe. Looking back on her three decades at McMaster, Yates identified three accomplishments of which she is especially proud. Throughout her time at McMaster, she has worked with members of the greater Hamilton community and helped groups typically not engaged by a university environment find a place at the university. She has also been an instrumental force in the planning of the new L. R. Wilson Hall, and while she is somewhat disappointed that it will not be complete until after she has left McMaster, she plans to visit when the building opens. As evidenced by her support of Wilson Hall, Yates has always stressed the relevance of the Social Sciences. “I believe that I have built
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I have a deep commitment to McMaster and in particular to the Faculty of Social Sciences. I have many close colleagues who I will miss seeing day to day. Charlotte Yates McMaster Dean of Social Sciences
recognition of the incredibly important research, teaching and citizenship contributions made to McMaster University by the Faculty of Social Sciences,” she said. Yates’ contributions to her faculty are numerous. One of her more notable publications was a 2014 report on the equitability of McMaster’s treatment and inclusion of female faculty members. While Yates will miss many parts of Hamilton and the McMaster community, she is also looking forward to taking on her new role. “I knew I was ready for a new challenge, and the position of Provost at U of G offers me that opportunity at a university whose values and mission are consonant with my own,” she said. “At Guelph, I will be working with an amazing group of faculty and staff, many of whom are accomplished women. This is an exciting opportunity for me.” She is also excited to work with the U of G community on current issues of importance to faculty, staff, and students. Yates has ties to McMaster that no job change can sever. However, her desire to work through the challenges that come with her new position as the University of Guelph
Charlotte Yates is the Dean of Social Sciences and a professor in labour studies and political science. C/O CHARLOTTE YATES
Provost prove she is the right person for the job. “My impression of the University of Guelph is that it has a certain kind of magic that revolves around a deep commitment to community and a sense of belonging amongst students,” she said. “I want to understand and contribute to that magic.”
@RachAlbertaKatz
Charlotte Yates
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Yates has taught at McMaster since 1987 in both labour studies and political science
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Yates is the author of a 2014 report on equitability of female faculty members at McMaster
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She is the principal investigator at McMaster’s Automotive Policy Research Centre
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www.thesil.ca
News
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Report card revisited
A look at the what Board of Directors accomplished in second term
MSU President Teddy Saull has had a rollercoaster of a year. Of Saull’s 14 projects, among the most awaited is the Peer Tutoring Network, which will be
ready for a soft launch in May. Off-campus safety was a platform point that Saull campaigned on in the 2013 election. In an attempt to improve the security of the areas around McMaster, Saull conducted a safety audit and is working with the City of Hamilton to make student well-being a priority. Saull has also been working on several projects behind the scenes. One important example is the committee reviewing the university’s discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment policy.
And of course, Saull is still working on his most famous project: the year-end celebration. “[It] was a lot of work leading up to it to get us to a place where we…felt comfortable and our staff on the back-end felt like it was something they could and wanted to pull off,” said Saull. “I try to keep the vision alive, but really the planning and all of the hard work is happening with our full-time staff and our campus partners.” Though he has creative ideas, Saull was rated lowest
on communication abilities in the November report card. Since then he has made modest strides; he continues to spend time with a whiteboard in the student centre to solicit students’ opinions, but has yet to re-activate his Facebook page. “Overall I think year-end celebration has, as a whole, every piece of it from start to finish, has elevated the status of the MSU in people’s lives,” said Saull. “I think that has been an immense success with just getting people to think about what the MSU is doing.”
he’s improved. “I have been very transparent in all discussions related to projects of student interest and actively worked to invite student feedback by holding office hours, online engagement, etc.” However, even after The Silhouette highlighted Brodka’s failure to facilitate year plans for part-time managers, it has still not been done. Similarily, a sustainability audit that had been delayed when The Silhouette checked in November is currently in progress but has yet to be completed.
Overall, while Brodka has certainly improved in taking initiative since first term, he has room to improve in fulfilling his responsibilities before the end of his term.
Jacob Brodka, MSU VP Administration, faced the most criticism in the November report card. Since then, he has been working to fulfill his platform points and turn
things around. A success this term is the ratification of the Women and Gender Equity Network. However, Brodka has still not managed to find a permanent space for WGEN. Brodka has also instituted a new element of the Peer Support Line: text-based peer support. He has also begun the sustainability audit, although it has yet to be completed. One criticism of Brodka from part-time managers in the last report card was his lack of communication. Second term, Brodka says cused his energy on changing the Welcome Week levy and creating an operating reserve to help the MSU survive future crises. “We finalized the Welcome Week levy and faculty societies are getting an extra five percent. That’s a huge – that’s a 50 percent increase over what they got last year,” said Mallon. “That came out of SWAG from Welcome Week.” Students will now receive only the two t-shirts for welcome week, and will no longer get a laundry bag, umbrella, or pen. Another addition to Wel-
come Week is new programming that addresses several issues relevant to students including substance abuse, gender violence, and mental health. Mallon has also been working on setting up an operating fund for the MSU. “[The reserve is] to make sure that if we ever fall on financial troubles we have money in there to make sure that services don’t get cut,” said Mallon. The fund can also be used to make a large purchase or expand programming. When Mallon was asked about student engagement, he
cited his active social media presence and open door policy as ways he increases communication with students. “I always have the door open – I interact a lot more with part-time managers and people that are involved,” he said, “But there is the odd student that reaches out and wants to talk about where their dollars go,” he said. Scott Mallon flies under the radar with many of his financial responsibilities being behind the scenes, but students will feel the effects of his work in the future.
pal lobbying, improving the learning portfolio, and working with the university to develop the mental health strategy. He also completed a report on the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and recommended that the MSU leave CASA, which ultimately passed at the Student Representative Assembly. One project is only partially completed, a database of courses called the “Course Wiki”. The wiki is active on the MSU’s website, but does not contain any comments.
Another project Narro Perez worked on this semester is improving support for teaching assistants, starting with the Faculty of Science. “The Dean [of Science] is actually creating a culture shift – professors need to be a little bit more accountable to their TAs,” he said. Narro Perez has continued to communicate clearly and engage the student body. Several initiatives include hosting the Ontario University Student Association General Assembly, creating a new part-time
community engagement coordinator position, and running the Change Camp event with Brodka. “We were second trending in Hamilton [on Twitter] that night.” Even into the second term, Narro Perez continues to fulfill the VP Education role through advocacy, events, and community engagement.
In The Silhouette’s November report card, Mallon scored well on fulfilling his role, but low on keeping on time with his platform point projects. Second term, Mallon fo-
Rodrigo Narro Perez, MSU VP Education scored highest on The Silhouette’s report card. In second term he has continued this effort through munici-
Christina Vietinghoff Features Editor Krista Schwab News Editor
Saull’s projects:
- Peer Tutor Network - Review of the university’s discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment policy - Increased Frost Week funds - LINK conference - Exam upgrades - MUSC upgrades - Off-campus safety audit - SLEF promotion - Perspectives on peace - Year-end celebration
Brodka’s projects:
- State of the Union - Text-based Peer Support - McMaster Student Leadership Conference - Re-allocation of Welcome Week levy - Hired 2015-2016 part-time managers - Review and ratification of Spark and WGEN - Supported investigation of need for an Abilities Service - Change Camp Hamilton
Mallon’s projects:
- Re-allocation of Welcome Week levy - New programming for Welcome Week including topics such as gender violence and mental health - Creating operating reserve for MSU - Negotiating with university to make Mac Farmstand sustainable
Narro Perez’s projects:
- Assistance with launch of mental health strategy - CASA report and recommendation - Course Wiki - Change Champ Hamilton - Increased TA support - Hosted OUSA General Assembly - Municipal lobbying - New part-time position called Community Engagement Coordinator
News
Thursday, April 2, 2015
www.thesil.ca
5
Rejecting the fee increase Proposal to increase ancillary fees turned down by Graduate Students Association Patrick Kim Asst. News Editor
A proposal that included an increase to the graduate fee structure was turned down at the recent general assembly for the Graduate Students Association. Developed in part by the Student Services Committee and the MSU Board of Directors, the proposal aimed to adjust the Compulsory Ancillary Fee structure through which all students pay for services such as the Student Wellness Centre and Athletics and Recreation. The changes proposed were to reflect both the growing costs of various student services, as well as to readjust the fee structures towards a more equitable fee distribution between graduate and undergraduate students. Sean Van Koughnett, Associate Vice-President (Students and Learning) and Dean of Students, played a key role in the proposal and explained his disappointment in the decision. “I completely acknowledge that there are financial challenges that many students have, and I hear that from students. At the same time, the services we were speaking about and the fees we were speaking about, they’re essential, they help support academic success,” he said. “What we were proposing was to get the fees at a level where we could sustain the services and at a level that is comparable to what undergraduates have paid for a long time for the same services.” For the current academic year, undergraduate students each paid $440 to cover for student services in comparison to the $117 that graduate students paid. Although graduate students account for 11 percent of the student population, they cover only 6 percent of current fees. The proposal included an increase in the graduate student ancillary fees to $228 per year for the 2016/17 academic year, and to $340 the following year. Since 2004, accounting for inflation, there has been no real increase in fees, despite university services running at a deficit of $1.6 million each year. The proposal was overwhelmingly turned down at a general assembly that had the highest turnout in recent memory, according to Talena
Rambarran, President of the GSA. Quorum requires only one percent of the graduate students population, or about 38 students, which the GSA has struggled to reach in the past. This year, over 160 students were present at their assembly. “It was a difficult conversation, because I think graduate students recognize that there’s value to the services that are provided, but the issue is that a lot of graduate students don’t make enough to support themselves,” said Rambarran. “They see an increase of $200 a year as substantially taking away from what they’re able to support themselves with.” Ashley Ravenscroft, Director of Operations with the GSA, commented that although students voted against the proposal, there appeared to be support for open dialogue to continue on the matter. “They’d definitely like to work with administration on a potential alternative…students would like to at least have another avenue to discuss it, and have it not come down to a simple yes, no question,” she said. According to Van Koughnett, graduate students use the Student Wellness Centre 40 percent more than undergraduates, while Athletics and Recreation are used about 40 percent less than undergraduate students. The no vote will reflect several changes, including a new, definite priority given to undergraduate students at the Student Wellness Centre and with Athletics and Recreation. However, Van Koughnett was unclear on what the future of the proposed ancillary fee structure was. MSU President Teddy Saull commented on the proposed ancillary fee changes. “A lot of those things benefit everybody,” he said. “We want them to happen when the university increases their fees and when the graduate students do it, whereas if we just agree to sign off on all those things, then there’s less of a reason for everyone else to try to kick up a little bit more.” While at quorum, the GSA also voted in favour of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement at the assembly, following a similar binding vote at the MSU’s most recent general assembly on March 23.
Reduced priority will be given to graduate students for services like the Student Wellness Centre in order SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO to better reflect the distribution of fees paid by students.
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Feature
www.thesil.ca
Thursday, April 2, 2015
TIME TO Research shows a systemic bias in
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For course evaluations, student participation rates have been extremely low since McMaster switched from paper to online evaluations.
JON WHITE/ PHOTO EDITOR
Christina Vietinghoff Features Editor
It’s the time of year when the tables are turned and students are asked to evaluate professors. But what many students don’t know is just how important course evaluations are at McMaster. The Silhouette investigated the complex world of course evaluations, including the research showing systemic gender bias by students in general and some of the big changes coming including the publication of course evaluations results on the student portal in Mosaic. McMaster is unique in many ways that don’t make university rankings. Our faculty is non-unionized, meaning faculty are represented through the McMaster University Faculty Association. Our institution also prides itself on its investment in teaching and learning. McMaster’s commitment to teaching has been reinforced with the Strategic Mandate Agreement and Patrick Deane’s
letter to the community, Forward with Integrity. “I think [the SMA and FWI highlighting the importance of teaching] is sending a message to the community, which I think Patrick probably intended to do, to students that teaching is important to us and that they’re important and we take them seriously. It’s also a message to professors that the university takes teaching seriously,” said Rafael Kleiman, president of MUFA. One way this commitment to teaching manifests is in the weight accorded to teaching evaluation. Teaching evaluation is comprised of peer evaluation and student evaluation. As the policy on assessment of teaching outlines, factors range from teaching awards given to answers to feedback surveys. One example of these is the teaching awards by the McMaster Student Union. “The way teaching awards work is that you nominate your professor and once we receive an ‘x’ number of nominations it triggers an evaluation in that class, and that’s the score we use to consider who gets the award,”
Feature
Thursday, April 2, 2015
www.thesil.ca
7
RE-EVALUATE
course evaluations. Are we doing enough to address this? said Mina Karabit, coordinator of the MSU Teaching Awards Committee 2014-2015. Both the Teaching Awards Committee and the student evaluation of professors face the same problem: participation rates. For course evaluations, student participation rates have been extremely low since McMaster switched from paper to online evaluations. The Teaching Awards Committee experienced a similar problem when they piloted an online only model for evaluations of teaching assistants. When they go to classes with paper forms, they usually receive a 100 percent response rate. However, when they tried doing this online, one tutorial only had a 22.5 percent response rate. However, Karabit acknowledges the many advantages of online evaluations. “There’s so many advantages to putting it online, it takes less time and you can do a lot more analytic stuff with the data a lot faster.” Given the weight of teaching evaluations in tenure, promotion, and salary, the low response rate is concerning.
“One of the biggest concerns that faculty see is the low response rate,” said Kleiman. “If the response rate is low, it’s hard to know if it’s representative.” Karabit says if reviews were done midterm, like some professors currently do, students might be more engaged. “I’ve had a couple of courses where profs are now introducing their own version of online evaluations halfway through the term, as a means to gauge how the first half went and then changing it up for the second half if need be, or if the evals say everything is great then keep going. That’s just a professor-driven incentive, but it was really cool because at that point I think the class was more engaged because we felt we could actually make a possible change for the second half and the professor actually cares.” Given the low response rate, it is unsurprising that the Provost has struck a teaching evaluation committee, led by the AVP Faculty Susan Searls-Giroux. MSU VP Education Rodrigo Narro Perez represents students on this committee, and the incoming VP Education will replace him in the spring.
Among many questions, the committee is examining the gendered bias that has been documented in the literature. Studies have shown that female professors are ranked more harshly by students than their male counterparts. Lilian MacNell is one of the researchers of a study from the University of North Carolina that showed when male and female profs lied about their gender in a course they taught online, students would mark them lower when they presented themselves as female. “I think really the most important thing to take away from [my research] is that if you are considering these evaluations at your university, as you mentioned at your university they are really important, I think keeping that in mind from the administrative perspective is more important than for the instructors. I think if you ask female professors, if they ask themselves ‘what can I do to solve this?’ or ‘what can I do to overcome this?’ I think that’s… putting the solution on them when they aren’t the cause of the problem,” said MacNell. Another study of RateMy-
Professor.com also showed that female professors tend to be marked on more superficial criteria than their male colleagues. “There are lots of variables that influence evaluations—the kind of course it is. Students favour lab experiences over lecture, for example. But yes, the literature does suggest that there is a ‘tax’ if you will for those faculty who deviate—in physical appearance—from dominant representations of cultural authority, which is still white and male,” said Susan Searls-Giroux, AVP Faculty, who chairs the committee examining evaluation of teaching. This data leads some to ask whether course evaluations are given too much weight or whether the data should be adjusted. Regardless of how this problem is addressed, there will be more transparency with the move to Mosaic as some answers to course evaluation questions will be published through the student portal. “Typically the overall question that is asked to each student, that we are mandated by Senate policy to ask each student, is ‘overall what is your
opinion of the effectiveness of this instructor’, and I believe the statistical data that comes from this question will be available to students,” explained John Bell, IT director in the Faculty of Humanities. “We were involved in updating and upgrading that policy, mostly that was just to have it posted on the Internet instead of the library, so it would be much more accessible,” said Kleiman. “We’ve heard though that as much as that happens, previously they weren’t accessed very much—we’d actually like them to be, I think there’d be a lot more conversation if they were accessed more and there’d be a lot more conversation about how they are being used and we could participate in that.” Overall, students should realize how seriously course evaluations are taken. “We take those evaluations seriously, they’re used throughout all of our processes, and the students have more influence than they might think. But they can only have that influence if they exercise it through these mechanisms,” said Kleiman. @cvietinghoff
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News
www.thesil.ca
Thursday, April 2, 2015
MSAF modifications Mosaic off to Changes to the MSAF’s number of days, weight, and reason rough start Nasreen Mody Contributor
The McMaster Student Absence Form will see changes that aim to better reflect its purpose and actual use beginning on May 4, 2015. These changes include a shortening of the timeframe from five days to three days in which students can submit MSAF forms and a lessening of the assignment grade percentage limit from 30 percent to 25 percent of course work that can be excused. One aspect that will not change is the limit of one MSAF submission per term. “There was a lot of discussion around the timeframe of the MSAF. Mental illness and other longer lasting illnesses also came up in discussion,” said Sean Van Koughnett, the Associate Vice-President (Students and Learning) and Dean of Students. The goal of clarifying the requirements and use of the MSAF and its reclassification as a tool for short-term ailments
is to encourage students to seek extended help if the concern is more serious. “There are still the same long term options in place if required, and we want to encourage students to seek these options if needed,” said Van Koughnett. For illnesses that require long-term absences from work, students should submit medical and supporting documents and visit to their Faculty Office. The initial intended purpose of the MSAF was to provide aid and support for students suffering from short-term illnesses or because of minor incidences. “We want to clarify that it can be used for both non-medical personal and medical reasons,” said Van Koughnnett. The decision for changes to the MSAF passed through three stages of committee review, which included representation from students, staff, and faculty. “There was strong evidence that the tool was being used more for time management purposes than for illness or
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We want to clarify that it can be used for both non-medical personal and medical reasons. Sean Van Koughnett Dean of Students
personal, short-term crises and this led to strong opinions from the faculty and instructors who wanted to guide the MSAF back to what it was intended for,” said Van Koughnett.
Alexandra Florescu ANDY Reporter
After three years of an intensive set-up process, the new registration system Mosaic replaced MUGSI and SOLAR on March 23. The system had many initial problems, crashing within an hour of its launch. Since then the team behind Mosaic has been working to fix the kinks in the system. “[We] spent a lot of time doing load and performance testing [before the launch], trying to simulate a load on the system and figure out where the bottlenecks would be,” said Kevin de Kock, Technology Lead on Mosaic. “But you can only simulate so much in a lab environment. [On Monday] we saw more people trying to get onto the system than we have ever seen before.” Looking forward, the central IT team will continue to conduct performance testing on Mosaic. “Every change [we] make, [we] have to make sure it doesn’t disturb the system again – which is what we have been doing and seeing incremental improvements,” said de Kock. “The important thing for people to understand that there is no one small bug that will be fixed and make it work better… Performance standing is an ongoing thing. We are very aware of the frustration that people feel and the things they struggle with. We want to know what those issues are because we want to be able to respond.” Students will also see a change in the enrollment process come June. As with SOLAR, class enrollment will open to students based on year or lev-
el. However, each level will be randomly subdivided into small groups, with each group given a different window of time to enroll during the day. This staggered enrollment will limit the number of students trying to log on at once, decreasing stress and preventing the system from crashing. Enrollment will open during the day, instead of at midnight as with SOLAR. Mosaic also has a greater capacity for the number of students it can handle in comparison to SOLAR. Mosaic is based on virtualized servers, meaning that extra servers can be added during times when load is expected to increase. Since the launch of Mosaic, students have also experienced problems with course registration in classes that required prerequisites taken in high school. This problem has since been fixed, and students have been able to enroll in summer courses successfully. “It is the nature of this project that we will continue to find scenarios and we will continue to deal with them as they come,” said Melissa Pool, University Registrar. “It was a conscious decision to launch this term to prepare us for [enrollment in June]. We wanted to go through this so that we could get some experience, understand what the pressure points would be so that we can be better prepared for the next time,” recounted John Kearney, Chief Information Officer. PR Manager Sheldon Smart noted that issues are to be expected at the start. “A large project like this, there is always some transition friction, and we are working to address that as quickly as possible.” @alexxflorescu
News
Thursday, April 2, 2015
www.thesil.ca
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Pick-up From Mary Keyes Residence At The Cootes Dr. Entrance
Look For The Big Yellow School Bus
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www.thesil.ca
Editorial
The Silhouette
Thursday, April 2, 2015
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Saying goodbye doesn’t mean anything. It’s the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it.”
Trey Parker American Actor, Writer, Director, “South Park”
to J.R. for keeping me so grounded, we all know I needed it to A.W., you can only do better than I have, and I know you will to K.S. for making news seem way more fun than it is, and being everybody’s favourite person to P. K., I don’t think anyone has seen the limits of your enthusiasm just yet to C.V., you were the watchdog we needed on staff, and by the end I think people were scared to be interviewed. That is the mark of a great features editor
So long, McMaster Thank you McMaster. Thank you for all the endless drama, the fervent political involvement, the sports teams that keep on giving. You, the Letter to the Editor
General Assembly is always a tense affair. The issues brought to the floor bring out opinions of varying intensity in students from all backgrounds. The direct democratic forum allows for students to express themselves and, within the rules outlined, have any conversation about the direction of their student union. The rules that govern General Assembly allow for new business to be brought to the floor. This is entirely
readers and students alike, have made this such a wonderful school to write about for the past year, and as the editors of volume 85 walk out
appropriate within the confines of parliamentary procedure. Admonishing a representative with a strong enough command of those procedures to effectively launch a conversation about democratic reform in the MSU is the height of cynical conservatism. Though I am of a different political mind, I can understand a desire to keep things the same. Principled conservatives have long advocated for this and can do so without resorting to baseless attacks on those advocating
the door, we are certain you will give volume 86 a run for its money. Always remember it is you we write for.
for change. The representative in question is hardly a rogue maverick. A dedicated progressive with an impressive resume of involvement in the MSU, this representative was well within their rights to bring up the unfair appointment of the organization's Vice Presidents. I only wish someone had the audacity to pursue this issue when I was a member of the MSU. -Chris Erl, former SRA Humanities
to A.Q., for putting up with just the most frustrating volunteers the other sections could never understand to S.H. for being the social glue that held this damn thing together when things got too hot for television to L.S. for being our trivia saviour, if only we did it more often to C.H. for your mad gains game, bruh! to S.G. for taking care of us so well that I never even imagined a Sil without your involvement
to J.W. and T.A. both, it seems like a cop-out but you two were just the coolest editing duo and ran a badass section. We should rename it to the Science section because of your amazing chemistry to T.M. who grew more as an editor than anyone else here, and by the end really did become andy to M.G. for bringing some long-overdue gaming content to this dinosaur. It only took us until 2015 to W.L. for introducing me to my favourite show of all time and understanding the value of karaoke to S.M. for not only expanding our online presence but pretty much creating it to J.W. for being the most reasonable, patient staffer ever, which came in handy with endless photo shoots to E.P. for your uncanny ability to get everyone to open up their souls to C.C. for making the rest of us seem uncultured in the face of your accent and talent to the Reporters. I wish I had more space to individually gush all over you but you made me regret not paying every single day since I hired you. You have more than earned your places here next year, so good luck!
Notice In the March 12 article “More than just a medal,” we interviewed a figure skater and discussed her sister’s battle with cancer. Carley Allison, the sister, passed away on March 31. Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family and friends.
Elizabeth Arden (neé Florence Nightingale Graham), 1939 (b/w photo) / Creator(s): Fisher, Alan, photographer / [Public domain], via Library of Congress
“Our only limitations are those which we set up in our own minds, or permit others to establish for us.” › Elizabeth Arden: Self-Made Maven In a time when women dare not wear make-up or run their own businesses, Elizabeth daringly did both. She was not a trained chemist, yet she pioneered the concept of scientifically formulating cosmetics. She was not a business graduate, yet she created a global empire. Curiosity and drive were her teachers; the world, her classroom. We think Elizabeth would have simply adored AU, giving people all over the world the chance to make their mark, on their terms, in their time. Beautiful.
open. online. everywhere. Learn more at business.athabascau.ca
Thursday, April 2. 2015
www.thesil.ca
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www.thesil.ca
The McMaster Students Union
PRESIDENT’S PAGE WE LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
As you come and go from most conservation areas, including the one that straddles the McMaster campus, you will often find wooden signs that read: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”
I suppose the reminder is necessitated by our almost reflexive need to give and take as much as we can from any one of our experiences, including that of university. We hope to take lessons that will inform our future success, skills that will make us marketable, and networks that will guide our pursuits. In the same stroke, we want to leave having made an impact, having changed things for the better, and feeling like our participation has tilted the direction of the sails, even modestly. The reality for the vast majority of us though, is that our time spent at McMaster will bear stark resemblance to our travels through protected green spaces. There are so many of us striving to do the same things that any one individual will struggle to make history. Instead, we leave footprints - visible to those who immediately follow, but otherwise integrated back into the whole, perhaps lost forever. Our most
realistic hope is that our prints survive long enough to encourage the next crop to step in similar directions, places that would otherwise look like the unknown. Along with the rest of the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors, I have tried to leave prints on two elements of student life at McMaster. Together, these elements highlight both the importance and the nuances of community building. The first has been to elevate the voices of those who identify with marginalized and minority groups. The MSU must not fail to recognize individuals on campus who cannot or do not feel welcome accessing elements of the McMaster experience. If we do, then we are kidding ourselves into accepting a nepotistic definition of community, one that is passed from one generation of student leaders to the next. The second thing I have tried to
do, which is no less important than the first, is to stay true to the disengaged student that I once was. The MSU cannot underestimate, or forget, the impact of drawing students together for a common purpose, even when that purpose is as simple as having fun. Thank you for trusting us with the opportunity to leave prints on your behalf, and for your benefit. Thank you to the members of staff, both of the MSU and the University, who work every day to allow every member of the McMaster community to press our heels in with some weight. For those moving on (like me), take comfort in knowing that McMaster will always be home, and the ground here will always be soft. As long as we continue to take steps forward, as students and proud alumni, our combined footprints stand a chance of marking a path for those to come.
HERE’S TO MARN: GOODBYE & FAREWELL On June 1, 2015, after 37 years of service with the MSU, we regretfully must say goodbye to Marn Lawton as she retires. Marn has mentored countless student leaders, managers, staff, and volunteers. As a result of her nearly four decades within the Accounting Department, Marn will leave the organization as the longest serving staff member in MSU history. On behalf of 37 Boards of Directors, 37 generations of student leaders, and the last 37 years of students and staff that comprise the MSU, I thank Marn very much for the tremendous contributions she has made to the organization. I speak for everyone who knows Marn when I say we wish her nothing but the best and we will miss her deeply.
The President’s Page is a space sponsored and used by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors (BoD) to communicate with the student body. It functions to highlight the Board’s projects, goals, and agenda for the year, as well as the general happenings of the MSU.
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www.thesil.ca
Around Campus
Around Campus
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Eliza Pope Photo Reporter
“What’s been your biggest growth this year?” “It’s been actually doing everything on my own — I’m an international student, so I had to figure out how to do everything and get over emotions by myself. I was homesick, and I’d never been homesick before. Sometimes I think I’m depressed too. But I think a lot of people feel this way when they’re far from home — I think I get away with it pretty okay.”
“What got you through this past year?” “Shawarma.”
“What’s the worst part about goodbyes?” “Just knowing that you’ll probably never see it again. You’ll never have same experiences or opportunities that you had — I think that’s the scariest part about it. That’s why I just take things day by day.”
“What are you going to miss most over the summer?” “Willy Dog.”
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Around Campus
www.thesil.ca
13
“What’s been your best memory of the year?” “The students. The energy that they give me, to help me get through the day, and the smiles on their faces. And the appreciation that I get from them.” “And do you have a piece of advice for all the students leaving?” “Sad to see them go! But good luck in the future — there’s lots out there, so keep smiling and keep going. There’s tough times, but you’ll get through them.”
“What will you miss about this year?” “I’ll really miss living on res.” “Any memories in particular?” “Three residences had a coffee house, and we got the chance to show our talent. In high school, I was always really shy, so this was the first time that I got to break out of my shell. I feel like Mac gave me an opportunity to do what I really wanted to do — which is sing.”
“If you could describe the past year in one word, what would it be?” “Intimidating. Switching from high school to university was a huge transition — everything changed. First semester was really bad, but luckily I pulled myself together for the second.” “So is it still intimidating?” “A little bit, yeah.”
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR! EMAIL PHOTO@THESIL.CA FOR COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS!
Thursday, APril 2, 2015
Opinions
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Thursday, April 2, 2015
The Silhouette
Opinion
www.thesil.ca
15
THIS WEEK MSU Vice President elections At-large VP elections are not the solution to current flaws.
Re-evaluating our services Does the MSU have too many overlapping and redundant services?
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Things that used to be Ana Qarri Opinions Editor
The first day on the job with The Silhouette, I broke my phone, got all but nine of my business cards wet during a violent fall downpour, and mentally and emotionally abandoned a fourmonth long project. It was an awful start to what I had thought would be a wonderful year. Little did I know back then that Zayn Malik would leave One Direction, Parks and Rec would end on such an unsatisfying note, and Ted would end up with Robin (can I have the last nine years of my life back please?). The point is, after three years of starting school with high hopes, I’ve faced the unfortunate reality of being disappointed. Nothing ever goes as planned, and every attempt to keep things constant, to minimize the effort of everyday affairs, is ultimately unsuccessful. I know this isn’t news for anyone—it wasn’t really a new revelation for me either—but I still fall into the same train of thought year after year, surprised when things don’t go as I had written down in my Google calendar. University terms feel short when work keeps piling up and no one has time for anything, but a lot can happen in these eight months. Amidst the work and busyness and Big Thing That Happened This Week, we can lose things and people, because, well, that’s just how life works. And we have to keep going regardless, even though we feel numb or like we would rather lie down in the middle
of campus on a slushy February day. We keep going because we’ve learned to forget. Faces and things you used to know begin to fade further into blurry oblivion. The harder you blink, the faster they fade. And since you’re in bed, trying to keep what’s left in your head, you can’t chase after them. A wave of calm will rush over you as you watch familiar things turn into nothing but silhouettes of the past. This is how we forget. This is how we become okay with forgetting. We don’t just do this alone in our rooms; we do it collectively, too. Being this year’s Opinions editor has given me the pleasure of trying to understand the landscape of student thought on campus every week. I have papers on papers of reminders of what we were talking about this week and that week. I’ve had conversations with students who vehemently disagree with each other, with students who are afraid of even having the discussion in the first place, and with students who, above all, just want us to remember that That Thing happened. It was important and it happened. So why don’t you care? I’ve also learned that we have the same discussions every year, and we reach the same conclusion, every year. We decide that sometimes we just can’t agree on everything. Sometimes it’s okay to have different moral foundations and ideological starting points. And sometimes it’s really not okay. You’re a horrible person and how dare you settle on a different version of truth than me? Don’t get me wrong; it’s a legitimate question. Truth
is power, or power is truth, or something like that. I’ve learned that people will always hurt each other. They will always get in each other’s way, and we find that public places of conversation, like this section, for example, are an arena of constant struggle between dissenting voices and attempts to find solutions for problems that feel permanent. Some feel hurt because things have been taken from them. Others feel hurt because nothing was ever given to them. And others, still, feel hurt because even when they write angry words and shout through headlines, they are not heard. No matter where we fall, we have one thing in common: we want to be heard and we want people to remember that That Thing happened. But week after week, many of us close our eyes and forget— we let lessons we learned last month turn into blurry outlines. We refuse to feel what we felt then and next time they come around, we’re still trying to forget. We’re good at it. And it’s easy. Just blink a little harder. But those who have lost someone important in their life or felt the pain of a broken heart know that the silhouettes of Things That Used To Be never truly go away. After a few months, or years, you learn to ignore them, you become indifferent to their blurred outlines and their indecisive nature. You have no patience for them anymore. But they’re still here. They’re not here to serve some higher purpose. They’re here because they used to be. It’s simple and meaningless and gross. It makes you sick to your stomach because they feel empty and so do you. But whatever happens, you can always look back at them
“
Faces and things you used to know begin to fade further into blurry oblivion. The harder you blink, the faster they fade. and remember that it happened. It was important and it happened. And you care. At times, we engage in public discourse unwilling to look back at silhouettes of the past. We refuse to acknowledge what’s already been said, written, and fought over. We see our words as individual creations, singular articles on some page that maybe no one will read. But nothing can ever stand by itself. To say, to write, to create, we need context, we need to remember. And trust me, after 24 weeks of trying to create some sort of blurry mess out of our collective memories and pain, out of our collective disagreements and outrages, I’ve learned they’re not that scary. Let the silhouettes sit at the edge of your memory, and don’t be afraid to look back. They’re probably just sitting around, indifferent of your existence, unaware of your gaze, and more frightened than you will ever be. So look back and remember, and most importantly, remember how easily we forget. @anaqarri
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Opinion
www.thesil.ca
Thursday, April 2, 2015
A closer look at VP elections The case against electing MSU Vice Presidents at-large Mike Gill Contributor
Following the General Assembly, there’s been a tangible stir around Vice-Presidential elections within the MSU. Currently the VPs are elected by the incoming Student Representative Assembly members and outgoing Board of Directors. Many have voiced concern, saying that students should have a greater say in this process; however, there are a number of positives for students within the way we currently elect Vice Presidents. VP candidates typically begin the process by consulting a huge number of individuals, something that is not always done by presidential candidates, who run at-large. Typically, the first person they meet with is the President-elect. This interaction ensures that each VP is bringing forward a vision and set of priorities that aligns with those of the larger student body. If a VP candidate fails to acknowledge and support the President-elect’s platform, which all students voted for, the candidate will seriously struggle during their campaign. The President-elect’s questions and concerns carry huge weight during the election. This meeting is often followed by consultation with the outgoing VPs and President, to ensure the candidate’s ideas are realistic. Next, each candidate will
FEEDBACK
hold individual meetings with has a responsibility to read the 31 incoming SRA members. through the entire platform, These discussions are incredibly which cannot be expected of valuable for a number of reathe broader student population. sons. First, they allow feedback By putting greater preliminary from each voice on the SRA to thought into their plan, VPs will shape each candidate’s ideas. hopefully be able to accomplish This ensures that a broad range more for students during their of perspectives are heard and term. accounted for in every candiAnother point worth noting date’s platform. Second, these is that candidates are now remeetings help SRA members quired to submit these packages understand how candidates four business days prior to the communicate election. and interact These will in a one-onbe made one setting. publicly At-large elecavailable I would love to see tions simply via the don’t provide MSU the MSU facilitate a venue to website, public VP debates evaluate the allowing candidates students and platform in this way, to relay nor do they concerns presentations, to provide a their engage students and to meaningful SRA opportunity members encourage greater to collect and prior to input. implement the elecstudent feedtion. back. Now, The result having of these meetings is usually the spent at least 35 hours collectcreation of a package, between ing feedback in meetings and 15 and 20 pages long, outlining forging a clear set of priorities, a final set of goals. When comcandidates are ready to stand pared with the platforms most up in front of the SRA. The elecPresidential candidates release, tion itself involves three parts: VP hopefuls are clearly expecta 20-minute presentation from ed to provide much more depth each candidate, 15 minutes of and clarity. questions per candidate that This expectation only exists will be addressed by all candibecause every SRA member dates, and another ten minutes
“
of individual questions. This means that, in an election with four candidates, we’ll see an hour and forty minutes of questions. There is huge value in this question period. Unlike presidential elections, where candidates will often talk around debate questions or consult their teams to craft a written response, the immediate nature of VP elections ensures that questions are an honest gauge of the individual. Furthermore, this time gives an opportunity to assess role-specific competency. There is a unique set of skills and background knowledge that is necessary to be a successful VP. For the VP Administration, managerial skills and a knowledge of the MSU’s services are essential. A rigorous knowledge of our advocacy structure and the policy process is critical for the VP Education. The VP Finance must understand the financial landscape within the MSU, as well as across the university. These are not items that can be well communicated through a class talk or poster. Looking to other student unions, there is good reason to be wary of at-large elections. Most organizations who take this approach use a slate system, where a presidential candidate runs with a set of VP candidates. Western’s student paper, The Gazette, recently published an article describing how the slate system they implemented
two years ago has led to less diverse elections, as well as lower voter turnout. Queen’s uses the same system, and this year their president ran unopposed. If we avoid slates, then we run a high risk of voter fatigue. After Presidential and SRA elections, VP elections might become be a dull, tired affair. Of course, these examples don’t change the principle that students should have more say in determining their VPs. Changes to our current system could also effectively address this issue. I would love to see the MSU facilitate public VP debates and platform presentations, to engage students and encourage greater input. I would also love to see SRA members more actively consult with students regarding candidates. Further, the meeting to elect VPs typically runs for 12 hours or more. It is completely unrealistic for most students to attend a meeting of this length. If we spread the elections out over multiple days, we might increase student interest while making the process more accessible. Our current elections ask a lot of candidates, during the busiest time of the year. To this year’s candidates, thank you for all your hard work thus far. We appreciate you.
If you had a cut an MSU service, which service would it be?
Mackenzie Mondsire
Shawna Laverdiere
“If any service was going to be cut from MSU services I would say the Maroons. They’re a pretty general service and don’t really do much besides promote and support sport events.”
“I don’t think any services should be cut. I think that all the services are beneficial to at least someone out there.”
Commmerce II
PNB II
Michael Tim DalyHewlett
Arts Political & Science Science Graduate II
“I would probably cut MSU Spark because since it is the most recent service people will be reliant on it the least, so hopefully that will affect the least amount of people.”
Effie Lin
Arts & Science III
“I would cut the Yearbook service, Marmor. It seems like all these services benefit students in some way.”
Opinion
Thursday, April 2, 2015
www.thesil.ca
17
The Well’s run dry
Lack of funding for The Well hurts Hamilton’s marginalized LGBTQ+ community Julia Martin Contributor
LGBTQ+ communities face a diverse range of obstacles, barriers, and discrimination. The university environment is an overwhelmingly liberal one that, at times, can shelter us from this reality. When an incident of discrimination or harassment occurs, there are many resources available such as Human Rights & Equity Services, the Queer Student Community Centre, the Student
Code of Conduct, the Student Wellness Centre, and more. But what happens when someone is discriminated outside of the university environment, and has no association to McMaster? Where do they go? Hamilton is unique for its racial, sexual, cultural, and socio-economic diversity. A lot of marginalization of individuals is worsened through the economic disparity within the city. Yet, there is only one LGBTQ+ organization in Hamilton outside of McMaster University.
It comes as no surprise to hear that this single, volunteer run, organization is experiencing severe strains on its resources. Consider the recent incident where a trans woman was barred from using the women’s restroom at the MacNab bus terminal. Her rights were blatantly violated, and The Well, the LGBTQ+ organization in Hamilton, was the only group that could provide her with a safe space and counselling. The Well and its volunteers
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approached the HSR, the city, and the media with grace and discretion to prevent this kind of incident from happening again. Clearly, The Well is a vital and impactful resource in this diverse city—but think of the impact they could have if they had individuals with legal and financial expertise working for them. The Well has recognized a need in the city for LGBTQ+ counselling, a service that the university does not even provide. But, after speaking to a representative from The Well, I learned that the organization simply does not have the funding to support counselling and other staff-led initiatives. Of course The Well is not alone in its struggle to attain adequate city funding. Many services catering marginalized groups struggle in this way. It is important to recognize that services of this nature would benefit the mental health and physical safety of LGBTQ+ students and the broader Hamilton communities. Additionally, a greater variety of services and more community-oriented initiatives would help to build bridges and increase visibility within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Currently, an initiative called Fruitbox, funded through SPICES and which offers
“
It is important to recognize that services of this nature would benefit the mental health and physical safety of LGBTQ+ students and the broader Hamilton communities.
supports to projects led by McMaster graduate students, is attempting to raise more money in support of The Well’s efforts to provide LGBTQ+ counseling. But this is only a start to further building the bridges we need to develop within Hamilton in order for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole flourish within the city. There is much more that we can do to support marginalized communities in Hamilton and advocate for increasing funding for their services.
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www.thesil.ca
Opinion
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Re-evaluating MSU services Due to redundancy in service provision, the MSU might be wasting resources
Christina Vietinghoff Features Editor
It’s never popular to suggest cutting services that anyone is invested in. So it’s unsurprising that the McMaster Student Union tends to add services rather than reduce them. However, although we have a growing student body with diverse needs, because of politics, we also have a redundant service situation. The distinction between which issues receive an entire service and which ones are bunched together is haphazard. Why are aboriginal students, racialized students, and students with disabilities all lumped together under the one umbrella of Diversity Services? By contrast, three different leadership-oriented services (CLAY, Horizons, and Spark) each have their own unit and own part-time manager. I’m not saying either perspective is right or wrong, it just seems like the distinction is completely arbitrary.
Similarly, why do Shinerama and Terry Fox have entire services dedicated to their fundraising, when a plethora of other diseases and charitable causes are relegated to club status? Some services should obviously fall under the mandate of the university. For example, the Teaching Awards Committee must be comprised of neutral, objective representatives of the MSU and oversight by the VP Admin and Services Commissioner makes sense. However, the reason why some services exist as services and not clubs is less clear. Another question that should be asked is why we have so many more services than other universities of a comparable size. This problem of historical institutionalism is studied in political science—it’s not new. This is epitomized by the yearly ritual of the token question asked to prospective VPs Administration during Vice-Presidential elections: “which service would you cut?” Candidates have to answer strategically without isolating
potential voters. Each year, one or two candidates actually suggest a specific service to cut, which generates drama, while others skirt around the question. The candidates have to ask themselves: which SRA members are tied to which services? Which answer would upset the fewest people? Notably, the questions asked are not which services benefit students, or if not provided by the student union, which services would otherwise not exist? The solution isn’t to necessarily cut excess services, but some services could be amalgamated and other services should be broken up into multiple services. For example, both the Peer Support Line and SHEC offer peer support—there must be a way to reduce the redundancy of this overlap. Other services like Marmor, the yearbook, which many students haven’t even heard of, should probably be abandoned. Rarely do we ask tough questions about the services we’ve institutionalized a long time ago. By contrast, adding new ser-
vices as long as it’s on a trendy topic is a breeze. When an issue becomes politically popular, a service is quickly conjured up by an eager leader. Sexual assault and gender-based discrimination have been around on campuses forever, and yet only now that it has become an issue popularized by the media did the SRA vote to create the Women and Gender Equity Network with almost no discussion prior to the final vote. So I encourage the incoming Board of Directors to ask some tough questions. Why are certain services not clubs? Do we need to make a new service every time we have a new issue? What is the opportunity cost of an MSU so focused on student services? At the same time, why are certain causes lumped together when they cover very different issues? We need to look at the big picture and take a long-term approach. Otherwise we risk continuing the status quo of a lack of critical thinking around why certain services exist.
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When an issue becomes politically popular, a service is quickly conjured up by an eager leader.
@cvientinghoff
Moore’s law in education Christine Wang Contributor
Gordon E. Moore, the founder of Intel, proposed a law that the computing power behind modern technology would double every two years. For the past 50 years, his law has more or less held true. If it continues to do so, nano-bots will overtake current medical technology in ten years. Five years after that we will be able link our neocortex to a synthetic neocortex in the cloud. The cumulative advances of the past century are building momentum, and will soon begin to tip. It is more crucial than ever to turn attention towards the future’s most essential pillar: the education system. We are obligated to ask whether the globe’s learning population will be ready. Unfortunately, for a world that is moving forward at an exponential rate, the education system has barely budged. In an age of innovation, the
archaic multiple-choice test remains widely used. A little paper slip is fed into a machine and spat back out with a number indicating how many points the student falls short of perfection. It does not matter whether you are a dancer, a leader, or heaven forbid, an innovator. Nearly all the doors to the future slam shut if you cannot agree with the little dots on those multiple choice cards. The rigid, quantified nature of today’s education continues to give students the impression that the world, like a GPA scale, is a ladder to be climbed. Time after time we have been shown that those who make history are the very people who break boundaries and redefine standards. Claude Monet and Martin Luther King did not read and recite the status quo; they created it. The quality of one’s contributions and the height of one’s success will depend on anything but an ability to adhere to someone
else’s criteria, standards, and restrictions, yet these are the very tasks we emphasize in our education. Our system is inadequate and counterintuitive to society’s needs. How should we be preparing the minds of our future instead? The answer lies in big thinking. Big thinking is comprised of two components. The first is to approach problems originally and unconventionally. The second is to consider our actions as part of an inter-connected whole with ripple effects that impact not only other people but also other generations. Imagine a recent graduate is assigned the task of coordinating resources to ensure that all children in a given school district are properly immunized. A graduate of the current education system will complete the task the way he thinks his predecessors did it, and pack up his bag at 5 p.m. If something goes wrong in the future,
it won’t be his fault because he isn’t responsible for every last piece of the project. A big thinker, however, will do all of this and much more. He will be the person who understands that traditional protocols are outdated and inefficient. He will move the immunization records online and build software that plots the amount of vaccines, nurses, and bandages required at each location. This would lend extra time to do things like compile data about the flaws of the system to identify and fix their root causes. A big thinker’s ultimate goal is not simply to complete the project but to solve larger issues and to leave behind a legacy. The difference comes from perspective. If you wake up in the morning and think of nothing but your life and your assets, then nothing else will ever matter. If you wake up and think about the future of your community, your country, and the world as a whole, then
something like whether the correct vaccines get into every last child will matter very deeply to you. A bigger perspective gives students reason to care about causes that are greater than themselves. This way of thinking also has personal benefits. Someone who sees the entire picture will be less emotionally afflicted by personal pities and hardships. A big thinker will seldom feel bored or lonely because she is too busy being an interested observer and enthusiastic participant of the world around her. To grow up in a world that moves forward exponentially means that the only permanence we can truly count on is ourselves, our creativity, and our drive to make positive contributions. It is time that education, too, falls into step with the accelerating pace of our changing world.
Booze Before Books When: April 02, 2015 at 09:30PM until April 03, 2015 at 02:00AM Where: TwelvEighty Bar & Grill •
Maroon and Grey Night + Booze Before Books
Charity Ball Cheque Presentation to YWCA Hamilton When: March 31, 2015 from 05:00PM until 06:30PM Where: YWCA Hamilton
OPIRG Election Date and Annual General Meeting When: April 01, 2015 from 06:00PM until 08:30PM Where: MUSC 318 Balloting for the election will take place
2015 Grads don’t miss out on your last
Each year McMaster Students Union
at the OPIRG office (MUSC 229) on April
chance to party at TwelvEighty
(MSU) hosts a gala event known as the
1st from 10 am until 5 pm and at the AGM
McMaster Charity Ball. In the last 15 years,
(MUSC 318) from 6 pm until 7 pm. All are
the event has raised over $240,000 for
welcome, but only OPIRG members are
When: April 05, 2015 from 06:30PM until
local Hamilton and area charities.
allowed to vote.
11:00PM
This year marked the 16th anniversary
Join us for good company and good food.
Where: Gilmour Hall 111
of the event with over 2000 students
•
SRA Meeting
Interested in finding out what your student government does? Stop by and view the goings-on at the next meeting of the Student Representative Assembly! Email speaker@msu.mcmaster.ca for more
attending. Proceeds, in the amount of $20,000 will be presented to YWCA Hamilton, the official charity this year, this Tuesday March 31 at 5:00 p.m. at YWCA Hamilton.
information.
Body, Mind, Spirit Circle
What’s In a Word: Insult or Inclusion?
When: March 31, 2015 from 02:30PM until
When: April 01, 2015 from 01:30PM until
03:20PM
03:30PM
Where: MUSC 215e
Where: MUSC 224
A supportive space for sharing about
How do we describe a colleague, class-
our journeys, questions, and ideas about
mate or roommate who is different from
spirituality and authentic healthy living.
us? When is it even relevant to do so?
Whether you are looking to explore your
Enhance your ability to build inclusion
spirituality or following a specific spiritual
through the everyday use of words and
path we can learn from each other in an
phrases that focus on diversity.
atmosphere of respect and openness. Try out practices for wholistic living such as meditation, creative expression, journaling, hiking.
All workshops are held in room 224 in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) and are facilitated by staff from the Office of Human Rights & Equity Services.
For more info: opirg@mcmaster.ca / ext. 27289 / MUSC 229
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Games
Thursday, April 2, 2015
GIANT
Crossword
ACROSS 1. Mattock 6. Ethiopia’s Addis _____ 10. Blowy 14. Pasta Meal 18. Explorer ____ Polo 19. Beautify 20. Hurried 21. Snapshot machines 22. Warble 23. Join up 24. Mosquito-borne fever 25. Good judgment, common ______ 26. Records 27. Extreme malice 28. Printed 30. Got by 32. Specimen 35. Helps 39. Serville flatterer (3,3) 42. Mortar & _______ 46. Naval flag 48. Straggled 49. Wheel spindles 50. Actress Nicole ______ 51. Negative votes 53. Auld Lang ____ 55. Certainty 57. Perfect world 58. Fastener 60. Climb down rope 61. For ____ & every 63. Put off 64. This 24 hours 65. Charlotte, Anne & ____ Bronte 66. Simpler 70. Visitors 73. Flavouring 74. Brutal 75. Tiny island 76. Metal links 77. Against 78. Bullfight cry 79. Be informed 80. Grey 81. Telling falsehood 83. Illustrious 85. How do you do? 86. Native of Nairobi 88. Worked well, _____ one’s keep 91. Diminish 93. Sacred song 95. Less frequent 97. Large Australian birds 98. Tarts oneself up 99. Sample (food) 100. Unpleasantly moist 101. Whip 103. Steak or chop 107. Week divisions 109. Skin cream 110. Gives go-ahead to 111. Sustained mortar attacks 112. Capital of Bahamas 114. Uses blackboard marker 116. Blood vessel 118. Car frame
121. Slowed down 123. Rugby pack 127. Lettuce side dish 129. Stuffs 131. Monastery head 133. Pig’s grunts 136. Reject (4,3) 137. Church passage 138. Of the pope 139. Pollutes with rubbish 140. Nazi regime, ____ Reich 141. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ______ 142. Craftier 143. Biblical disease 144. Leaven 145. Satirical Sketches 146. Anti-riot vapour (4,3)
DOWN 2. Tuscany is there 3. Most enthusiastic 4. Yuletide 5. Abate (4,2) 6. Deeds 7. Uninterested
8. Hairless 9. Improvises (2-4) 10. Destroys 11. Taverns 12. Propelled 13. Connecticut university 14. Sour fruit 15. First man 16. Female warriors 17. Gullible 28. Warm (3,3) 29. Loiter 30. Shrewd 31. From Denmark 33. Yardstick 34. Coastal lakes 36. Char 37. Decorated with set-in design 38. Chore 40. Ceaseless 41. Childhood ailment 43. From the time that 44. Counsellor 45. Azure (3,4) 47. Model 52. Documents carrier (7,4) 54. Friendly to locals 56. Repeatedly (2,7)
58. Animal expert 59. Tolerantly 62. Straight tubes 67. Sharpshooter, ____ Oakley 68. Frostily 69. Argument (3-2) 70. World 71. Anasthetic 72. Locate 82. Yelping 84. Riotous 86. Excluded (4,3) 87. Louder 89. More agile 90. Ship repair bay (3,4) 92. Jolts 94. Assortments 96. Painting stand 97. Occasions 102. Made sibilant sound 104. Burglar deterrent 105. Upper-class 106. _____ spumante 108. Fire remains 113. Stroll 115. Plug converter 117. Bawdy 119. Scientist, _____ Einstein 120. Hillsides
122. Lower leg bracelet 124. Wooden carton 125. Incidental comment 126. Ocean fringe 128. Main artery 129. Shortens (film) 130. Actress ____ Tyler Moore 131. Sadly 132. Petrol container 134. Misfortunes 135. Father (children)
Twitter Winner Congratulations to twitter users @srkng and @ ferdeeber for completing last week’s crossword and tweeting us a picture! If you manage to complete this entire giant crossword before Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m., we’ll retweet your submission and put you in the crossword hall of fame!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Sports
The Silhouette
www.thesil.ca
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THIS WEEK National team dreams Six members of the Mac women's rugby team are invited to Rugby Canada's 15s selection camp. PAGE 24
I'VE MADE A HUGE MISTAKE Last week, on page 17, we said the men's soccer team won CIS bronze. They won CIS Silver and we are idiots. I am sorry - S.H.
McMaster baseball takes next step Under the leadership of Adam Strongman, Mac's baseball team looks to contend in the OUA John Bauer Contributor
It was a foggy October night at Volunteer Field in Dundas. McMaster’s baseball team was finishing off practice with a game of tee-ball. The team had suffered a doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Toronto Varsity Blues the night before and is mired in a losing streak, but the mood of the practice gave no indication of the team’s struggles. Nor was there any indication that one of the fielders is not a player at all, but new head coach Adam Strongman, joining in on the fun. McMaster’s baseball program went 1-19 in the 2014 season. It was the first year under Strongman, but their record was a regression from the previous years. The losses and frustration should be temporary. Strongman has aligned McMaster’s baseball program with a local Hamilton club to strengthen the team’s training, and this summer will be key in the growth of the men’s baseball program. By all accounts, the team enjoys playing under the former NCAA athlete. “He certainly keeps us upbeat,” said veteran left-fielder Travis Flint of his new skipper. “He gets along with us, so he tries to make up ways to lighten the mood.” Strongman’s baseball career was launched when his father was coaching an Ancaster Little League tee-ball team, and signed his son up to play at the age of four. From there, his career included a stint on the Canadian Thunderbirds team, where he spent time with likes of MLBers Joey Votto and John Axford. Strongman then accepted a full ride scholarship to USC-Aiken in South Carolina, where he was the university’s starting catcher. He transferred an hour north to Lander University the next year, where he also caught, and spent some time as the designated hitter. He kept his Thunderbirds ties, playing on the junior and then senior team during the summers. When asked about his career, Strongman related it back
In an effort to bolster the program, Strongman paired Mac baseball with the Hamilton Cardinals. C/O MCMASTER ATHLETICS
Flint echoed the sentiment. to coaching. “[There’s] a lot more hustle. “My playing career has Adam does a great job of conditaken me many different places tioning us. He does a great job in both Canada and throughout of getting us the States, and to do what every event, game, we need to and practice that I do.” have participated My playing career Infielder in has allowed me Eric Telford to coach this team has taken me noticed to the best of my many different something a abilities.” little differHis players places ... every would certainly event, game, and ent. agree. “Adam “You can tell practice that I takes lot that baseball’s his have participated more ahands passion. He’s defiin has allowed on approach nitely rubbed that than has off on the players me to coach this been hapso far,” said team to the best pening in the outfielder Mike past. He’s a Campagnolo. of my abilities really knowlThe coach edgeable guy. Strongman took Adam Strongman He knows a over from, Wayne Head coach lot about the Gowan, is not Men's baseball game. He’s easily replaced. A played the McMaster alumgame at a high level. He knows nus, Gowan guided the team to what it takes to win. He’s been an OUA championship back in trying to shape our team so we 2008. Strongman served under can do the same,” said Telford. Gowan for four years prior to Strongman considers his taking the reins, working his coaching style to be straightforway from hitting and catching ward. coach to third base coach. “If you continue to learn “Adam brings a lot more every game and practice, work energy, it seems,” said Camhard at each game and practice pagnolo, when asked about the and become a more skilled coaching change.
“
player throughout the course of a season, then we [will be] successful,” explained the coach. Outside of McMaster, Strongman is also a high school teacher and coach of the Hamilton Cardinals junior team, the modern iteration of the Canadian Thunderbirds for which he played, and owner of a baseball academy in Ancaster. He sees many similarities between his numerous roles. “In teaching high school, you need to be patient, understand every single student and know how to get everyone to be engaged in what is being taught in the class. The same can be said for coaching baseball,” said Strongman. McMaster made the move this past summer to align its baseball program with the Cardinals. Despite access the Cardinals’ clubhouse and the opportunity to play with the team during the summer, some players say the best part of the move is being around Strongman all the time. Though the wins did not come for the team in the first season of Strongman’s tenure, he remains optimistic. “In baseball, along with many other sports, there are many different things to learn and understand about the game, but winning cannot occur until
all those little things are put into place.” Alhough those little things are not yet in place, the players know they are in good hands. “The dynamic of the entire team is different,” said catcher Brandon da Silva. “A lot more positive. A lot more hype with the team this year.” With coach Strongman at the helm and the continued development of the team’s young core of players, it will not be long before some of that hype that da Silva is talking about translates into something much more special. Strong pedigree Before Mac, Strongman made a number of stops in his baseball career Canadian Thunderbirds
USC-Aiken Pacers
Lander University Bearcats
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Sports
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Thursday, April 2, 2015
THE PROVINCE’S Finest Photos courtesy of Yoseif Haddad, Fraser Caldwell, Jon White and Alistair Boulby
r all-sta am bois e t e t rs Bris Fi st lor
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Building off her OUA West allrookie team accolades last year, Sorensen was incredibly efficient in limited action, picking up the league’s fourth-best hitting percentage en route to her second second-team all-star award. Her late season play with a broken finger makes her season that much more impressive.
Long-time women’s volleyball coach Tim Louks collected OUA West Coach of the Year honours for the sixth time of his career after leading the Maruaders to a 15-4 record, good for first in the west and third overall. Louks’s teams have not missed the playoffs since 2004.
Lau t Firs re t te n M
Women’s Volleyball By: John Bauer
Team captain Brisebois may not put up the gaudy offensive totals of Jedrezjewska, though her 205 points are still impressive. The fourthyear contributed in other ways; she finished fifth in the league in both block solos and block assists. Brisebois’s allaround play earned her a spot on the OUA first team.
ar isi -st all rolu t m a as
West Coach of the year: Tim Louks
31 aces
Jedrezjewska took a huge step forward in her second year with the team, becoming the Marauders’ primary offensive threat. Her 235 kills placed her third in the league and her 268 points were good for fourth, 49.5 more than the next highest-scoring Marauder.
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ar st
Mastroluisi was McMaster’s primary threat from the service area, ravishing opposition defences with both overpowering strength and pinpoint accuracy. Her 31 service aces was the sixth-best mark in the league, and she finished behind only Jedrezjewska on the team in both kills and points.
West F i
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205 points
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Men’s Volleyball By: Laura Sinclair
All-rook i
Peter Ke hod ke vy ch
Danny the Ye De ar ma ny
One of the five captains of the team was named as a first team OUA All-star for the second year in a row. After a season of leading the conference in assists per set with 10.1, and being fourth overall in the league in assists with 606, CampionSmith capped off his final season as a Marauder in an impressive fashion.
268 points
First team all-star
32 blocks
Coach Dave Preston has led his team to three consecutive CIS Championship medals, and three consecutive OUA titles. Three of his players were named to the CIS All-Canadian and all-rookie teams. After being named the CIS Coach of the year two times in the last three seasons, his outstanding contribution to Marauders volleyball has been recognized yet again.
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606 assists He had an exceptional season, leading the conference in hitting percentage at .567, and was ranked third overall for blocks per set with 1.11. His play earned him first-team allstar honours, as well as the OUA Player of the Year award.
The rookie middle hitter is ranked 10th overall for service aces per set, and 14th overall for blocks per set. His work in his first season as a Marauder will surely contribute to Mac’s success in future seasons.
Points
The first-year outside hitter had an impressive season, being ranked 23rd overall in the league for hitting percentage with .219, 31st overall in service aces per set, and 41st for digs per set. His achievements in his first season got him named to the OUA all-rookie team.
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Austin Campio n-S m it
Blocks/Assists Serves
.219 hitting percentage
Second team All-s ta
The all-stars of McMaster propelled their respective teams to OUA glory
Sports
Thursday, April 2, 2015 Points per Game
Men’s Basketball By: Jaycee Cruz
The fourth-year Marauder guard from Ajax, Ont. played in 19 games this year, starting 13. This year he earned his first OUA all-star berth as a member of the second-team after a season where he led the Marauders with a career-high 12.8 points per game. Redpath has been consistent in terms of his scoring output, averaging over 10 points per game in each of his four seasons playing for McMaster.
Rebounds per Game
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9.8 ppg
By: Sofia Mohamed
a ak n a
2.9 rpg
First-year guard Linnaea Harper has been named an OUA all-rookie. She averaged 6.8 rebounds per game. Injuries left Harper sitting out a few games, but her work while in uniform was noticed and awarded.
Lin
4.8 ppg
ie rook All- naea Harper
Leading the Marauders with 18.9 points per game, third-year guard Danielle Boiago was named as a first-team all-star. She finished second in the conference for points scored, having 360 points to her name at the end of the season. Boiago also placed fourth with 60 steals. Her leadership and talent made it easy for her to -star m all be rewarded for a e t a lle Boi go rst an impressive Fi nie Da season.
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Hil rooki ar e yH
11.5 ppg 6.8 rpg
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With a great debut season, guard Hilary Hanaka has proven her skill and made an immediate impact. She ranked ninth in the OUA averaging 32.7 minutes per game. The first-year guard also scored 11.5 points per game, third in the conference. Hanaka’s efforts on the court rewarded her a place on both the OUA second-team all-star and all-rookie team.
Cla t team re a Ke
Second team All-s t Rohan Bone ar
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McCulloch impressed in his freshman season, earning a spot on the OUA allrookie team. The Hamilton talent provided solid minutes off the bench and provided Marauder fans with a glimpse of the bright future at the point guard position. As a first-year McCulloch played in 17 games, averaging 12.9 minutes per game, providing defensive capabilities beyond his years.
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Field goal percentage
The swingman out of Oakville, Ont. received his first nod as an OUA all-star. Boney’s two-way play secured him a spot on the second-team alongside teammate Aaron Redpath. This season, Boney averaged 9.8 points per game to go with 6.9 rebounds per game and shot an impressive 54.6 percent from the field.
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8.2 rpg
56.4%
Despite the injuries, Clare Kenney ended the season with notable accomplishments that have placed her on the second-team all-star team. She was the second-leading scorer on the McMaster women’s basketball team and ninth in the OUA with 14.7 points per game. The third-year forward also took the third spot in the conference for field goal percentages and her dominating style of play ranked her sixth for rebounds per game.
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Sports
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Women’s rugby
Call or email for a FREE trial class suitable for any level of ability. 15% discount to students.
Mac draws interest from Rugby Canada Six players and the head coach attend a selection camp in preparation for the 2017 World Cup Scott Hastie Sports Editor
905.730.9107 | strength@crossfitodeon.com www.crossfitodeon.com
STUDIO PROCESS ADVANCEMENT POST-GRADUATE PROGRAM MAY–AUGUST 2015 Program graduate Fraser Radford expanded on his visual arts education and worked on several new pieces during the program.
SPEND THE SUMMER REINVIGORATING YOUR ART PRACTICE. This unique, 15-week studio program is designed for recent visual arts graduates to examine and further develop their art practice.
Program Highlights: – Develop and complete one or more considered bodies of work – Through individual and group critiques, guest lectures, exhibitions and gallery visits, you will be supported in the development of your work, portfolios, documents and submission processes for grants, exhibition preparation and artist talks – Learn from professional artists and diverse faculty in dedicated studio space
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for more information or contact Program Coordinator, Lisa Binnie lisa.binnie@flemingcollege.ca 1-866-353-6464 ext. 6707
Build on your degree or diploma with one of Fleming College’s post-graduate programs. Get the skills you need for the job you want. Program areas of study include the Environment, Arts and Heritage, Community Development and Health, Technology and Business. flemingcollege.ca
McMaster’s women’s rugby program continues to receive national recognition. On the heels of the team’s Rugby Canada University Sevens win, six Marauders have been chosen to attend the national organization’s Senior Women’s 15s selection camp. Cindy Nelles, Steph Black, Saffara Whiteley-Hoffelner, Sara Svoboda, Katie Svoboda and Maddy Seatle competed in the Rugby Canada selection camp in Kingston, Ont. from March 31 to April 3. Head coach Shaun Allen will join his players at the camp. After a successful rookie coaching campaign, where Mac won the OUA championship and a
CIS silver medal, Allen has been tapped for an assistant coaching position with the senior women’s national team. The Svoboda sisters have represented their country before, playing with the junior national team. Nelles is familiar with the senior international game, playing with Canada at the 2014 Women’s World Cup. Canada finished second at the international competition, falling in the final to England. After the impressive finish, Rugby Canada is looking forward. “We want to identify more players this year to increase our depth in preparations for the 2017 World Cup,” said Ratier in a press release. “These camps will allow players to show off their rugby talent, fitness and decision-making skills.”
Thursday, April 2, 2015
The Silhouette
Lifestyle The Skinny
Tobi Abdul Asst. Lifestyle Editor Trevor Noah is Jon Stewart’s replacement
Buzz around Trevor Noah, the new host of The Daily Show, went from excitement to scrutinty almost instantly after racist and sexist tweets were uncovered. Comedy Central is still standing behind the comedian. Here’s hoping he can fill Jon Stewart’s giant shoes. Ed Sheeran: wedding crasher
Ed Sheeran gave a newlywed couple the best wedding present ever. After hearing their story on a local radio station, Ed himself showed up to serenade the couple during their first dance. Sheeran sang “Thinking Out Loud” and advised the couple to “make lots of babies.” Lily-Rose’s debut
Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis’ 15-year-old daughter Lily-Rose Melody Depp just made her modelling debut at Chanel’s Metier d’Art show. As far as debuts go, walking the runway for Papa Karl Lagerfeld is a pretty great start. And the best selfie goes to...
The first ever Selfie Awards are coming to your television, thanks to none other than selfie queen herself Kim Kardashian. The show airs June 21 and Kim hopes to celebrate the fact that “taking selfies is an artistic endeavor.”
www.thesil.ca
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THIS WEEK Keep your friends close As the year draws to a close, take a moment to remember all the new connections you’ve made. PAGE 25
McMaster Bucket List Are you graduating? Make sure to cross these ten items off your to-do list before you do.
Tobi Abdul Asst. Lifestyle Editor
Goodbye is a hard thing to say. After five long but wonderful years at Mac, it’s time for me to leave. I looked back fondly on the things I have done, accomplished, and learned in my time here. But, of course, there are things that I still have yet to do. Before I say goodbye to the place that gave me the best years of my life, I plan on checking everything off my McMaster bucket list. Ten people were asked what one thing they would love to do before they left Mac. How many have you already crossed off?
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Lifestyle
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Thursday, April 2, 2015
Keep your friends closer Jason Woo Lifestyle Editor
The ten minutes after you click confirm to post a new profile picture on Facebook or a new Insta on the ‘gram is an emotional rollercoaster. How many people are liking it? Who’s commenting? How do you make sure it reached the biggest audience? If you don’t get enough likes you have to delete it, because otherwise it’s bad for your brand. In ten minutes, either each like is a shot of confidence or the lack of likes is causing you to sweat buckets. Obviously it’s not such a dramatic affair, but that sense of longing for recognition exists on some level for most of us. Just go on your popular friend’s profile and chances are someone made a comment about how many likes the picture got. I found myself in a similar situation recently when
Cathy Huang Contributor
I posted a new profile picture. At first I didn’t notice it, but I was returning to check my picture every 15 minutes to see how many new likes I got. By the time I realized the hold Facebook had on me I chose to stop getting notifications. The absurdity of how much our lives are controlled by social media is not a novel idea, but people tend to ignore how transient many of our friendships nowadays are. One of the best selling points of university is the friends that you meet during
your stay. You meet people through your residence, faculty, and extracurricular activities. This is undoubtedly true, and I have met a number of won-
derful people who I would otherwise not have met. As you become more involved, you’re more likely to net a profile picture with more than 100
likes. But how well do you know the 179 people who liked your picture? Can you recall three personal details about them? Your social sphere in university is a bubble, and when it inevitably pops you have to be prepared to come to terms with the sham that most of it was. There’s probably a good chunk of your “friends” on Facebook who you wouldn’t say more than “hi” to. If you weren’t resigned to that reality, the bubble bursting has a large toll on your mental health. You may realize that you haven’t
formed lifelong friendships – you were just sucked in by the likes and increasing friend count on your social media profiles. I’ve painted a sad picture here, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There’s nothing wrong with knowing half the people on campus. In fact, there’s a lot of positives that come along with a large network, and the skin deep friendships you make don’t discredit your experiences. You just have to understand that this is a reality. Rejoice in the 20 retweets you got, but don’t be deluded by them. So as this school year comes to a close and you leave your friends for the summer, think about all the people you met this past year. How well do you know them? More importantly, if you want to know them better, reach out. Take the first step to grow the relationship from acquaintance to homie. If there are people you want to keep in your life you have to fight for it.
The Depression Diaries
University is really depressing. Do you know what it’s like to have depression? I don’t. Or at least I thought I didn’t. But after feeling really stressed and unhappy for a few weeks, I decid ed I needed to go in to the Student Wellness Centre and talk to someone. I’d just gone through a painful breakup with some one I had a lot of history with, I was struggling to stay motiv ated in school and was worried about being kicked out, and a sexua l assault in January had actually cost me several good friends. A few months ago I took a break from dating in an attempt to make myself happier. It did for a while. I was doing things that I enjoyed and I liked being able to focus on myself without having to worry about anyone else. Then someone from my past recently came back into my life and I didn’t want to say no. I guess I can’t say for sure that the breakup this time was painful for him, but it definitely was for me. We’d tried once before and it hadn’t worked out then, but we still had feelings for each other and maybe it was worth attempting to make it work again. It didn’t. He got tired of trying to be with me because it was too stressful for him. It was the last thing I wanted. All of a sudden it occur red to me that my life wasn’t heading in the direction I wanted it to go and everything came crashing down on me. I had numerous breakdowns over the course of a few days and I spent a lot of time crying. Even though my friends had been incredibly supportive and wonderful, I still felt lost. It had felt like I’d run out of options and, tired of feeling helpless, I went to the drop-in hour s for counselling. I sat in the waiting room with two of my frien ds and filled out a bunch of forms. “What do you expect to gain from speaking to a counsellor? How will you know when things are better?” “I don’t know.” After talking to me for only a few minutes the coun sellor told me she thought I might have depression. It proba bly didn’t help that I cried throughout the entire consultatio n. She told me it seemed like I’d faced a lot of abandonment, from losing friends
who just didn’t understand what I was struggling with, to catastrophic relationships, to my parents telling me I just had to push through it. I’d brought up the idea of taking a year off to them before, and mentioned that maybe university just wasn’t for me. My mom told me that no one likes schoolwork and it wasn’t easy for anyone. She insisted that I just had to graduate and get a job, and then I could pursue hobbies in my spare time. But the thing is, if I took a year off I wouldn’t get to do all the things I wanted to do next year. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. The counsellor had me make several appointments. One to see a doctor about depression who ended up putting me on antidepressants, one for the stomach aches I’d started having too frequently in the last few weeks, and one with an intern counsellor who wouldn’t even be around after April. There were no other appointments available with any permanent counsellors until the end of April anyway, and I decided I couldn’t wait a month to talk to someone. But I wasn’t depressed. Sure, I had lost the motivation to go to class and do my assignments on time halfway through first year, but I didn’t feel sad all the time. I’d gone through several terrible relationships that had made me severely unhappy, and I’d had a few breakdowns because I had no idea what I was doing and nothing was making me happy. But I didn’t have depression. I was pursuing a degree in Psychology. I didn’t want to admit that something wasn’t right because I thought that it would make me unfit to be a psychologist. If I can’t even help myself how can I possibly expect to help other people? So I didn’t go in to see anyone. I didn’t want to be “broken,” despite the fact that most of my friends suffer from the same issues and I’d never thought that of them. I suppose you see yourself very differently than you see other people. It took me a long time to admit to myself that I wasn’t okay, and that I hadn’t been for a long time. It was hard to accept this about myself but I’m slowly starting to see that depression and anxiety aren’t things I need to be ashamed of.
Lifestyle
Thursday, April 2, 2015
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Best of World MasterCard Fashion Week Jenan Nasser Contributor
People piled in to David Pecaut Square on March 23 to kick off the Toronto World MasterCard Fashion Week. Industry and Designer guest lineups were out the door, and despite the discouraging weather, the week ran smoothly, with nearly a full house every evening. The entire week was filled with amazing collections, but five shows stuck out above the rest.
Dixon set the tone for pencil skirts during the fashion show, as his dresses were capped with sheer shoulder pieces, giving the looks an airy feel. Another noticeable trend was the statement belts used to accentuate the natural waistline.
Both short winter jackets and long coats were showcased as a part of Rudsak’s collection. The use of wool, leather detailing, and fur-trimmed hoods were impactful in his assembly, and visually complimented both male and female models. Raptors star player Kyle Lowry was front row at the oversold Rudask show.
Farley Chatto was the only show that was closed to the public audience at WMCFW due to the controversial use of animal fur. Animal rights activists have protested in recent years by walking across stages with signs or throwing red paint on the fur to show their disapproval. Despite the shows exclusivity, one grey fur coat worn by famous model Stacy Mackenzie has been circulating on Instagram and is nothing short of stunning.
Kale took to the stage with his famous pastel colors, blocking fabric, and geometric patterns. The mix of Kale’s signature transparent latex and beaded embellishments complimented the casual fun feeling of the spring season. A noticeable theme was the high-necked button-up dress shirts that were strategically placed under dresses and other pieces. Mikhael Kale’s staff, led by makeup artist Grace Lee, later won Best Makeup at the WMCFW award show.
Sid Neigum was the second designer showcased in the runway show. Neigum kept it classy and fashionable, while staying true to his previous collections with his black-and-white themed outfits. The waterfall neckline was an elegant reoccurring trend in the show.
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So you’ve been invited home for Easter…
Lifestyle
Thursday, April 2, 2015 RANTS
Dear father time, Rob Hardy Contributor
How to survive dinner with your significant other’s family Beth Barr SHEC
Your significant other has invited you to their home for Easter. But everyone knows that this is no simple dinner. This is a vetting process. Does their family like and approve of you? Do you like and get along with your significant other’s family and friends? Naturally, you wipe away the worry, smile, and tell your partner, “of course, I’d love to.” And you mean it, because you really do want them to like you and to like them. This may be a turning point in your relationship, and you refuse to mess it up. You have options. You could become anxious that their family won’t like you/you’ll say the wrong thing/they’ll have odd traditions and so on. Or you could talk to your partner. I can guarantee that they don’t intend for this to be
a stressful experience; they may even share some of your worries. Talking it out and clearing any questions before the pair of you begin the journey home is a good foundation to build. Perhaps make sure you have names and some facts about each family member down pat. Ask about what to wear, if gifts should be brought, and how to best say “no” to that weird dish you really don’t want to eat. Couples aren’t always on the same page, but this is a heavy and new situation for at least one half of your pairing. This, if no other occasion, is something to fully open the lines of communication for. Open lines of communication can result in a stronger bond between you and your beau (or belle). You each know what to expect, who to impress, and who to avoid. Nerves are normal for both parties, and sometimes knowing that your partner is also a tad worried can
put your own mind at ease. Discussing topics on which to present a united front (for example, your decision to move in together), and those that should be avoided (e.g. marriage, children) will be different for every couple, but will nevertheless always deserve frank discussion. Perhaps a secret signal between the two of you is in order – when cornered by that old aunt who only talks about cats wouldn’t you want a subtle signal to your partner that you need an immediate rescue? “So, shall we, um … go wash our hands before the meal *wink*?” “Of course, I’d love to.” Student Health Education Centre (SHEC) Peer support, resource, and referral service MUSC 202 905-525-9140 ext. 22041 M-TH 9:30-6:30, FR 9:30-4:30
Spring/Summer courses at Brock We’ve got what you need • Accelerated two-week “super” courses • Online and in-class courses • Wide range of Faculties and programs
Spring forward. brocku.ca/springsummer
Maybe it’s the time of year, or a buildup of stress, but I have to get something off my chest. Lately, I’ve been noticing a big, huge clock hanging over my head again, all day, as I rush from one thing to the next. I have to tell you that I’m trying my best. Even though some days feel like an obstacle course as I try to hit all my marks, I’ve gotten the hang of this time-management thing and coordinated my days to remember when everything closes, when the buses leave, and dozens of other things that exist within your linear time frame. But life is starting to feel like everything is scheduled from morning to night. There is no spontaneity, and no time to even go to the washroom without throwing everything off. There is no joy going about the day when you feel like time is literally whipping us to get from one place to the next in a maze of never-ending meetings and obligations. I know not all of this is your fault. After all, you aren’t spatially extended and your hourglass simply keeps track of our world. It’s your job to remind us that we can’t do everything we’d like. Stacks of books and endless YouTube videos are there for us to choose from, not to consume in its entirety. Then again, that works both ways. Sorry, but I haven’t learned how to juggle multiple things while balancing a rubber ball. It may look manageable but handling a full-time course load and job search leaves almost anyone spent. It also doesn’t help that daylight “saving” time is hitting us now. And I don’t really see what I’m saving when I lose an hour of sleep. Especially when we get up during cold mornings, which are now once again dark. Yes, it’s nice to have 25 hours in a day that one time in the fall, but it hardly seems worth it when you ask for it back in a few short months. With all this talk of mental stress, I have begun to feel that it’s not me, it’s actually you. Even as we do most things “on time” the people whom we inevitably disappoint only see failures, not attempts to bend space-time as we race against your clock. I know there’s nothing you can do, and you’d say it’s out of your hands, but just be glad we can’t switch places. As we calculate the years in our youth and maximum number of seconds in any given lifetime, please show us some respect. You’re a hard taskmaster, and when you’re finally done with us all that’s left is to meet the one in the big black cloak with the big scythe.
Lifestyle
Thursday, April 2, 2015
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TAKE THIS SUMMER BY THE HORNS Summer break is around the corner. With thoughts of warmer days and longer hours of sunshine, it’s easy to find yourself dreaming the days away. In the midst of your summer day dream, take the time to think about how you can use this summer to gain experiences that will offer you an opportunity to develop new skills, try something new, and maybe step outside of your comfort zone. Whether you are moving back home, staying close to campus, or starting a new summer job or volunteer placement, every opportunity will provide you with a chance to set goals and reflect on your experience. The Student Success Centre is open year-round. We offer programming and events throughout the year to keep you connected and the support to help you achieve your learning goals. The Learning Portfolio is a great tool for students interested in reflecting on and learning from their previous experiences. For more information on the Learning Portfolio or the other services available, visit the Student Success Centre in person or online.
Here are some ways you can make the most of your summer experience while gaining new skills and exploring your interests: Discover your city – whether you have moved back home or are staying in Hamilton for the summer, get out and explore your city. Be a tourist in your community and engage in activities that you otherwise might not have participated. You may discover a new appreciation for the community in which you live. Build your personal brand – you are likely already using social media for a variety of purposes, but this summer get savvy with your online presence to generate future employment opportunities. Enhance your LinkedIn profile, create an online portfolio, or start a blog. All of these activities will help build your personal brand and establish your professional online presence. Do some traveling – this does not have to be an elaborate 2 week vacation to another country (although it can be); traveling can simply be a weekend camping excursion with a few friends, a tent and the bare necessities. No matter where you decide to go, traveling will give you valuable life experience at the same time as having fun.
Organize a study group – if you’re not taking courses over the summer, it’s really easy to disconnect from your academics. Forming a book club or organizing some academic discussions or debates with friends will keep you current and your mind academically active, leaving you better prepared to jump back into the academic year when September rolls around. Find your passion – although hobbies are usually undertaken in order to provide a break from an otherwise busy schedule, they can also provide a break with purpose. Hobbies can teach skills and give you a chance to try something you otherwise wouldn’t have considered without a lot of commitment. This summer, use the time to relax and unwind (because yes, you need and deserve to do so after a long academic year), but also find ways to connect with your community and engage in opportunities that will leave you energized for the upcoming academic year.
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Thursday, April 2, 2015
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This week’s quick picks
MUSIC
THE CASBAH > The Human Orchestra > Risky Business 11 > Vic Ruggeiro > The Juliets
> Pucumber Family > Duane Butter > Cydewalk Cyphers > Open Mic
APR 3 APR 4 APR 8 APR 9
THIS AIN’T HOLLYWOOD > LeeReed > Mother Tareka > Emay > Terra Lightfoot
Disney doesn’t reinvent the wheel with Cinderella, but the slipper certainly fits better for modern viewers
APR 3 APR 4 APR 5 APR 6
HOMEGROWN
APR 10 APR 10 APR 10 APR 11
MOVIES
Westdale > Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter APR 3-9 APR 3-9 > White God NIGHTLIFE
Heist > Young Lions Music Club APR 9 Music by Lowell, Lazy Ray FREE BEER by Amsterdam
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Review: Cinderella
Keeping up with Coming up in Hamilton
www.thesil.ca
Waxahatchee
Ivy Tripp Good things come to those who wait. After fucking up everyone’s tear ducts in 2013 with Cerulean Salt, Katie Crutchfield is back as Waxahatchee with a brand new record. Ivy Tripp finds the former pop-punk band member continuing to pave a steady lane for her solo efforts. While laden with distorted keys and riddled with noises like dog barks that filtered into her makeshift studio, one thing always remains clear: Crutchfield’s voice. The result is a fiercely individual effort that is as soothing as it is empowering.
THE ANDY CHARTS
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ALBUM TITLE
1
Carrie & Lowell
2
Jenny Death
3
56 Nights
Drink More Water 5
4
Mr. Wonderful
5
Short Movie
6
Asunder, Sweet, and...
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The Past, The Present, The Future
8
Drink More Water 5
9
Fantasy Empire
10
Ben Howard, just because
As if everyone in the office didn’t hate me enough for my love of Makonnen, the young god dropped a new mixtape right in time for our last production night of the year. Oh, you bet it’s gonna be fucking lit. We out here in the club in 2015 very hydrated with it.
ILoveMakonnen
The Verdict
Rachel Harper Contributor
If I had to describe the recently released Cinderella in one word, it would undoubtedly have to be “magical.” I realize that seems cliché, but it sums up the entire experience perfectly. Sitting in the theatre and watching a story I’d memorized from my childhood unfold before me was wonderful. The story of Cinderella featured real people this time around, as opposed to cartoon characters, and was paired with stunning Hollywood special effects that took the whole tale to a new level. As expected, the movie was not an exact replica of the cartoon film released by Disney in 1950. There were a few minor changes to the plot, and some new characters were featured that didn’t appear in the original. These changes worked in favour of the film, giving it more
depth and complexity, though I won’t go into too much detail for fear of spoiling it. One thing I was a little worried about going into the theatre was the theme of the helpless female that previously governed the entire story of Cinderella, supporting the “every girl needs a prince” narrative. Thankfully, the movie had been given a needed update that appeased my feminist sensibilities. The prince is depicted as an enriching addition to Ella’s life, as opposed to being the sole purpose for it. She’s an independent character, and shows extraordinary strength and resilience while she endures her stepmother and stepsisters’ torments. Ella isn’t a girl who is in need of saving; she was more than comfortable with who she was as a person, and did not require a man to complete her. She falls in love with the prince because he accepts her just as she is, among other reasons.
Considering the fact that the prince is played by the lovely Richard Madden (who plays Robb Stark in Game of Thrones), you can’t really blame her. One thing that did bother me was the lack of diversity in the cast. And by that, I mean there were a lot of white people. I recognized many famous British actors and actresses, which was nice, but I was disappointed in Disney for not broadening their horizons. It’s especially vital for movies that children will grow up with that they see themselves represented, because representation does matter. Overall, this film was an absolute delight. I can still recall the childlike wonder that came over me while I was watching, all as if I were seeing it through the eyes of my six-year-old self. Coming out of that theatre, I had never wanted to glide about in a magnificent ball gown more in my entire life. Disney lovers, make it your mission to see it.
the
bigger
tickle
What song best summarizes your year at The Sil?
Michael
“Headlines” Drake
Will
Ana
“Dilemma” “Blank Space” Nelly Ft. Kelly Rowland Taylor Swift
Christina
“Toxic” Britney Spears
Liz
“Secrets” OneRepublic
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Thursday, April 2, 2015
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the bigger
tickle
What song best summarizes your year at The Sil?
Catherine
“Drunk In Love” Beyonce
Tobi
“Only Love” Ben Howard
Julia
“Crazy” Gnarls Barkley
Patrick
Michelle
“My Heart Will Go On” Celine Dion
Amanda
“Step” Vampire Weekend
“Mr. Brightside” The Killers
Tomi
Andrew
“It’s The End of the World” R.E.M.
Rachel
“Silhouettes” Of Monsters and Men
Alex
“Talking Backwards” Real Estate
Jason
“I’m A Slave 4 You” Britney Spears
“The Climb” Miley Cyrus
Shake it out
Keep studying, and we’ll do your taxes. For free. We know how hard it is to achieve a professional degree. So if you’re enrolled in a full-time medical or dental program, we’ll be happy to prepare your Canadian personal income tax return for free. To get started, visit GrantThornton.ca/freetaxreturn and complete the application form. One of our professionals will contact you shortly after and guide you through the process. But do it soon—the offer ends April 15, 2015. Conditions apply. See website for details.
GrantThornton.ca Audit • Tax • Advisory © Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd
Top 6 songs to shake to Tomi Milos ANDY Editor
I’m not one for sentimental year-end editorials so I’ll just give you a playlist of some good songs to shakeweight to. I’ve co-opted the office shakeweight (long story) as my own since I started working at The Silhouette, and it’s been my saving grace during stressful times. People may laugh at you for brandishing one, but they won’t be so quick to scoff when they glimpse your ripped forearms. @tomimilos
1
Shake It Metro Station
2
We Ready (Remix) Migos
3
Let’s Get It On Marvin Gaye
4
Throw Sum Mo Rae Sremmurd
5
All Day Kanye West
6
Only Nicki Minaj Shake away, readers
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Thursday, April 2, 2015
ALBUM REVIEWS Action Bronson - Mr Wonderful Chris Chiu Contributor
It’s hard to believe Action Bronson has become one of the definitive faces in rap in just a few years. Don’t let appearances fool you. Often referred to as a “White Rick Ross” because of his stature, the husky Albanian and former chef has become an unlikely hero for the genre, with his larger than life personality and his crisp, culinary-infused lyrics. While fans of his mixtapes might already be familiar with the vibrancy that Bronson brings to the booth, his major-label debut album, Mr. Wonderful, adds a new flavour to the rapper’s canon with its surprising reflectiveness and honesty. Similar to Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, Mr. Wonderful hits us with a sound that really has never been heard before in rap. With samples from Billy Joel, tracks that evoke evenings in a shady underground
jazz lounge, and 80’s rock-ballad influences on others, the album accentuates Bronson’s uniqueness and versatility in a scene that is now so frequently dominated by trap beats. The album features multiple producers including Party Supplies, Mr. Alchemist and Mark Ronson, which contributes to the diversity of Bronson’s work. Every track on this album is a home run both lyrically and production-wise, but there are definitely some grand slams here. “A Light in the Addict,” one of the more introspective numbers, brings our lovable hero back down to earth as he reveals his insecurities about life. With lyrics like “Starin’ out the window with a mind of a schizo/Thinkin’ if I jump, will I feel it when I hit the ground?” this is definitely a different dimension than the cavalier I’m-going-to-backflip-out-ofa-Lamborghini-naked-whileeating-a-rack-of-ribs attitude that made him so popular in the first place. “Baby Blue” features
Chance the Rapper, and is a palate-cleanser that washes out all the negativity and doubt with blaring trumpets at the end. To use another food metaphor, the album is a 13-course meal that delves into the life and mind of Bronson, and one that I wouldn’t mind savouring over and over again. This is one of the strongest rap albums I have heard in a long time, and I highly recommend that you give this a listen. Just make sure you’re not hungry when you do; Bronson raps about mango lassi and seasonal vegetables with absolutely no regard for your appetite.
Best Tracks: - “A Light in the Addict” - “Baby Blue”
The Verdict
- “Easy Rider”
Death Cab for Cutie - Kintsugi Rachel Katz News Reporter
Many people can trace their love for music back to a specific artist or group. For me, that group is Death Cab for Cutie. I was nine when Plans came out in 2005, and I immediately fell in love with the band’s distinct sorrowful sound, despite not understanding the gravity of their lyrics. For years, their music inspired me in countless ways, and it saw me through what is arguably the worst part of childhood: middle school. In the last decade, Death Cab has released two more albums, Narrow Stairs and Codes and Keys, and while each has its merits, neither comes close to the near perfection of Plans. But on March 31, the band released Kintsugi, and with its release, I was taken back to that
initial adoration I had for Death Cab for Cutie. When the first four songs from the album were released weeks before Kintsugi’s release, I was worried they had made the mistake of playing all their cards prematurely. This is not the case. Kintsugi is a return to the mournful ballads and catchy melancholia Narrow Stairs and Codes and Keys were criticized for deviating from. Gibbard’s engaging vocals blend effortlessly with the instrumentals on every track, and while each song is not necessarily a stand alone single, the weaker tracks link the stronger songs effortlessly. Unfortunately, the return of the more typical Death Cab for Cutie album does little to draw in new fans. Listeners who did not enjoy Plans will likely have the same reaction to Kintsugi. That said, the album isn’t a rip off of Plans. The band has added everything they did right with Narrow Stairs and
Codes and Keys without any of the problems those albums had. The songs have catchy drumbeats that balance the sadness detected in many of their lyrics and carry the listener from the opening lines of “No Room in Frame” to the final notes of “Binary Sea.” Upon having heard the album for the first time, a friend of mine noted that Death Cab for Cutie’s music can either blend into the background or be listened to intently. He’s absolutely right, but Kintsugi deserves your complete, undivided attention.
@RachAlbertaKatz
The Verdict
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Interview: Terra Lightfoot
Terra Lightfoot’s latest solo effort, Every Time My Mind Runs Wild, reaffirms the singer-songwriter as a de facto force on the local and national music scene. C/O DAVID YOUNG
Alexandra Florescu ANDY Reporter
From the moment that Terra Lightfoot, solo artist and member of Hamilton’s Dinner Belles, walked into Mulberry Coffeehouse with her guitar case slung over her shoulder, it was clear that she was easygoing and sociable. In a small coffee shop, you don’t expect to see people you know — unless you’re Terra, and you run into two before you even sit down. It quickly became apparent why people seem to gravitate towards her. Terra lists Etta James, Sharon Jones, Chet Baker and Lead Belly as her musical inspirations, has the kind of full voice that outstrips the confines of the room she is in. Her newest album, Every Time My Mind Runs Wild, comes out on April 14 and features her already released single “Never Will,” and my personal favourite, “Emerald Eyes.” When asked to describe her sound in one word, Terra laughed and scolded my line of questioning. “That’s a tough question, but roots. I hate descriptions, but roots has this earthy vibe to it.” And when I granted her
two words, “Roots rock. It would definitely have to be rock because my aunt came to hear us play and went ‘this is really loud.’” Every Time My Mind Runs Wild is a collection of songs with attitude, an album that I would put on while getting ready to go out on a Friday night. “My first album, on the cover, there is this sleeping fox — which is actually supposed to look like my dog Ella, but that’s not what happened — anyways, the sleeping fox kind of formed the entire album. It was sleepy, it was dreary. This album is more rock, more upbeat. There are a lot of party songs.” Terra spent pre-production for Every Time My Mind Runs Wild on Toronto Island, where she recorded her first album, with the beach a couple of feet from her recording equipment. Many of the songs on Every Time My Mind Runs Wild were recorded live, giving her free rein to go where the mood struck. In the end, it made for an album intimate enough that you wouldn’t know the difference if she was playing right beside you. For Terra, music is an extension of where she is in her life, and right now, it’s about having fun. “I’m writing things that are
more fun for me to play and are more engaging. Whereas [on the first album] it was almost a cathartic emotional process – emotional in a sad way – now I’m having fun with it. Honestly, it’s mostly about love. But what record isn’t?” When asked about her first dabble in music, Terra credited her mom with throwing her off the deep end. “My mom took me to Suzuki piano school when I was 5. I took those lessons until I was 10, and then she bought me a guitar at a garage sale. It’s actually the worst guitar ever. I didn’t start singing until I was 16, probably. I used to always sing in my bedroom and my mom would always think that I had a friend over. She would ask ‘who is your friend with the nice voice?’ and I would pretend not to know what she was talking about. I was trying to be really quiet because I was really embarrassed.” In the end, embarrassment turned out to be a phase. Not everyone can say that they became the very thing they dreamed of at ten years old, and Terra is doing an incredible job while she’s at it. Every amount dreamy as it is gritty, Every Time My Mind Runs Wild will renew your zest for life. @alexxflorescu
Title: Every Time My Mind Runs Wild Artist: Terra Lightfoot Album length: 11 tracks Release Date: April 12 Label: Sonic Unyon
The Verdict
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Interview: McMaster G.E.E.K. Squad ANDY talks with the members of the McMaster G.E.E.K. Squad to talk nerd culture, sexism, and building a new kind of community on campus
While women may not be predominant at regular events, Mac G.E.E.K. Squad hopes to make their space welcoming for all genders. JON WHITE / PHOTO EDITOR
Michael Gallagher Asst. ANDY Editor
Far from its once derogatory nature, identifying as a “geek” or a “nerd” has quickly grown into a cultural norm in society. Whether it’s superheroes dominating major motion pictures, leaders in technology becoming idolized celebrities, or conventions like Comic Con attracting over 150,000 people to one event, the growth of nerd culture is undeniable. However, the “nerd community” is still far from perfect. Yes, nerd culture is becoming less stigmatized, and yes, people are embracing various forms of media that would once be labeled “lame” or “uncool,” but the community still remains largely dominated by the male half of the population. Specifically, women in various “nerdy” fields have struggled to break into what has and continues to be, a male dominated scene. What’s worse, rather than fighting to fix this issue, some in the community seem more comfortable fighting against the inclusion of women in this scene, rather than embracing their interest with open arms. These challenges are present across various groups, online and in person. For example, a recent controversial video by Twitch streamer Sky Williams, which criticized the behavior
of female streamers on Twitch, to hide or be afraid to show erupted into a large discussion people. Instead it’s something of women’s place in the world of you can use to connect with gaming. people and make friends.” Filled with aggressive “Yeah, it used to be ‘you tweets and frustrated fans, this still do that? You still play video controversy is just one of many games? That’s so lame, you’re examples that reflects a culture a loser,’ but it’s not like that still fighting the discriminaanymore,” said Pullia. “It’s seen tion that women experience in a big twist away from somemale-dominated, “nerdy” fields. thing ‘lame people do’ towards Unsurprisingly, McMaster something that everyone can do is subject to these same forces. to have fun.” While nerd culture has grown, Still, Karpinski and Pullia many of the same challenges admitted that the club has not women face on a global scale been immune to sexism. In parare still experienced on campus. ticular, some female members Thankfully, some organizations in the club have often found are hoping to change that. Barbara Karpinski and Katrina Pullia are two of the founding members of the McMaster G.E.E.K. Squad, a club that’s worked to not only provide a hub for nerd culture at McMaster, but also helped break down the barriers that are Katrina Pullia holding back the commuMcMaster G.E.E.K. Squad Vice-President nity as a whole, including - Adminstration sexism. After starting a small Facebook group between some like-minded friends, the club quickly took off. In a themselves at times, subject to span of only two years, the club intense skepticism regarding has grown from 10 members whether they are a “real” fan. to over 600. This growth is “We’ve definitely have had something Pullia and Karpinski some issues for sure. I think the believe is due partially to the main issue is, if a guy doesn’t increasing presence of nerd know a move from a game, or a culture in society. character from a show, no one “It’s definitely becoming less calls them out on it,” said Pullia. stigmatized,” said Karpinski. “It’s “However, if a girl doesn’t know, no longer something you have you hear: ‘do you even do this?
“
We’re trying to remind people that gender is irrelevant in the world of gaming.
Are you here just for the boys? Do you even game?’ We get that a lot, the ‘are you a real gamer?’” “Right now our ratio [of members] is predominately boys. At some events we’ve had like eight or even ten boys to every girl,” said Pullia. “Because of that, we’re trying to work on bringing more women into the club, since it can definitely be intimidating for a girl to walk in a room with 30-40 boys, and have all the eyes turn … When a girl walks into a group like that, and they all stare at her and it goes silent, yeah, don’t do that. Girls tell us at times that [boys] just don’t know how to interact with them. Guys often come off as second guessing girls’ knowledge.” However, Pullia doesn’t believe these kinds of judgements come from a bad place. “I really don’t think it’s anything malicious at this point; it’s more just ignorance unfortunately.” For many women, however, these judgements can make these communities seem unwelcoming. When asked if she had any advice to give to women struggling with the challenges of being accepted in these various “nerdy” fields, Pullia said, “I like to remind people that their feelings are valid; you are who you say you are. If you’re a great gamer, you are a great gamer. There isn’t a quantitative scale that can tell you what you are, or what you enjoy. If you love anime, you love anime; nobody
can take that away from you. Everyone here is here for a reason, so it should be an equal space. It can be frustrating when a lot of our [male] members say they want more girls to come to our events, but they don’t realize that it’s that kind of behavior that’s scaring them off. We’re trying to remind people that gender is irrelevant in the world of gaming.” In spite of these challenges, Karpinski and Pullia believe the most important part of the G.E.E.K. Squad club is its ability to create a safe, judgment-free space. All of the challenges the club is facing right now are something that the founding members believe they can overcome in time. “I think G.E.E.K. Squad is definitely something good that’s happening on campus and we’re proud to be a part of that,” said Pullia. “People dismiss it as ‘the video game club on campus,’ but it’s so much more than that. It gives people a safe place to share their interests, and to just hang out and have fun. It drops the stigma, and a lot of people don’t realize how much that means to our members.” While the growth of nerd culture is still trying to iron out some of its kinks, it’s clear that groups like the McMaster G.E.E.K. Squad are trying to change that, one step at a time. @mikeygalgz
R O T A L U C E P S N O T IL M A H THE
en city k a s r fo d o g is th rviving in u s to e id u g l a ti n sse presents your e
Living in
n o t l i Ham
A Reference for the
Desperate! Tiberius Slick Author of It's All Your Fault 2nd edition and That Looks a Little Infected To Me
Gentrification won't be your first concern!
Chapter 1: The First Stage is Grief
Table of Contents
H
Introduction
1
Chapter 1: The First Stage is Grief
5
Changes from 1st edition Eye contact was your first mistake Nailing down your belongings Making the most of the the inevitable
Chapter 2: The "Ass" Ceiling
You, the lottery, and poor decision-making Taking the "e" out of heroine So you got shot in a Tim's parking lot Hey, you're in a needle stack
5 8 17 30
31
Chapter 3: Bay Caught You Sleeping
31 30 34 46
Chapter 4: Crossing the Crime Meridian
54 55 58 61 63 68
Coming to terms with the toxicology results You saw nothing, you'll say nothing Things are starting to look up Never mind, that was a fever dream Swimming as a last resort "Collecting" city winter salt for resale Know your limit, live within it Closing open wounds with molasses The Siren Song: Are they after you? Map: Shortest prison-to-bottle routes
5
51
75 75 78 80 83
amilton is still more or less the same seedy place since we put out the previous edition of this handy guide, but there are a few important changes that could mean the difference between life and death. We'll break them down for you.
Changes from 1st edition Stray dogs are no longer hunted for sport by Dundas socialites, but their pelts are still sought after by many downtown trading posts.
Former mayor Bob Bratina's reign of terror is over, and Mayor Fred Eisenberger's second reign of terror has begun. Citizens are advised to continue not giving a shit. The LRT has not yet been built, as our previous edition had suggested, and at this point we are convinced it will never become a reality. See Chapter 5: Transphobia & You, for the city's planned alternatives. We previously published that Hamilton's majority was literate, but that was an error, as we meant to say that Hamilton was majorly illiterate. Our sorries. Strip Club holiday hours have been updated.
The Arkells have since denied any origins in Hamilton, following in the footsteps of Rush. They are now purportedly native to Sarnia, Ontario.
83
Living in Hamilton for Dummies, 2nd ed.
Chapter 5: Transphobia & You
86
among other things, has become the acting impetus against the completion of the LRT. Instead of throwing more money at the problem, Hamilton's city planners have brainstormed a series of alternatives that will drastically improve city traffic.
Alternative #1: The Big Dirt Tunnel Figure 4-5: Hamilton is host to the world's shortest prison-to-liquor store route in the world. 20 metres if you count the parking lot, but many Hamiltonians end up making it a return trip, doubling that.
Surviving your two consecutive life terms At some point in your Hamilife, you will end up serving one or more prison sentences. Don't let it get you down, because there are a few simple ways to make it fun! Just make sure to keep the following things in mind:
Never Smile: It may sound obvious but baring your teeth is a sign of aggression, and not a good start. White Gold: Toilet paper is your greatest resource, and if you abstain from using it for a while, you can combine rolls to have one amazing 4-ply dump. Bliss. Avoid the Urge: You may feel an overwhelming need to rob the liquor store after your release. This is natural.
Figure 5-2: Hamilton hopes the big dirt tunnel will alleviate traffic concerns in the city, and will cost the city next to nothing.
Hamilton's top alternative at the moment is a simple, yet effective plan. The city wants to dig a winding, 5-metre-wide tunnel right through the escarpment, to give Hamiltonians easy access to whatever is on the other side. I hear there's a Burger Barn! Note: Do not follow the whispers you hear in the tunnels. They are lies.
people suffering from an as-of-yet undetermined brain illness. We wish you a speedy recovery. But still, those missing pages don't actually exist anywhere.
The following pages are excerpts from the full Living in Hamilton for Dummies book. For the missing pages, use your imagination. If you have lost the ability to form images and ideas in your head, you are likely one of the thousands of
Chapter 9: Running for Office
Chapter 7
98
You're Here Forever In This Chapter Residence is only the beginning
A Bachelor's Degree is not necessarily a ticket out Commuting is only an excuse
Applying was your first mistake
God forbid you do your post-grad here
S
o you have either already been accepted to McMaster, or are considering applying for an education there. If you are either of those categories, STOP. You have other options, and Hamilton should not have been one of them to begin with. I hear Thunder Bay is nice for the most part, and even for a frozen wasteland, your quality of life will not plummet nearly as far as here. At least there your drinks will always be nice and chilled.
Did you know?
Prior to the construction of the university, many Hamiltonians considered education to be a scam. Some still do.
117
Figure 9-2: Hamilton's longest-running mayor, James Set, ran by accident, and ended up serving twelve consecutive terms against his own wishes because voters thought it would be hilarious. It was.
To even begin to consider running for public office in Hamilton, there are several things you will need to ensure a strong presence in voters' minds:
Money: Hamiltonians like to steal political signs and build shanty towns with them, so have reserve funds to buy more.
Rabies Vaccination: You never think it will happen to you, but more often than not, local politicians have been bitten by raccoons, both wild and domesticated, at town halls or rallies.
Morals: Be prepared to promise endless favours to unions and Subway, or you don't stand a chance.
Living in Hamilton for Dummies, 2nd ed.
immediately consult your local physician, and if one isn't available or you are currently in a Purge, then consult Chapter 4, page 78, Closing open wounds with molasses.
Chapter 15: The Finish Line
144
There is only one way out of Hamilton for anyone over 30, and that is the sweet release of death. Planning a funeral is something most Hamiltonians do for themselves, as they eagerly await the best day of their fruitless lives.
The Best Last Day of Your Life
Y
Figure 11-4: The world's physicians are still stumped by what causes the "Steel Shitty" virus, but a common preventative measure is to not consume any food or liquids within city limits.
our tombstone says a lot about you. It shows passersby your personality, your preference of slab, and even your position in the cultural and social caste. You don't want people to think you accomplished nothing in your life, even is that is the likely case.
Make sure to set aside an afternoon to find "the one" which is what locals call the grave marker that really captures their life in totality.
A Second Opinion Hamster corpses are a common find in city trash cans, especially around the McMaster University campus, and many often ask if these cuddly carrion are fit for consumption. If nobody is watching, then go for it, you won't be judged. At least cook it or something first, you animal. See page 128, Hammer Meat Nail, for a quick and easy hamster kebab recipe.
Figure 15-3: A truly badass tomb. Figure 15-4: Artist's rendition of Aim for this or at least die trying. just how lame yours might look.
Expert advice for the pitfalls faced by a regular Hamiltonian
(literal)
Discover
Your one-stop guide to
Living in Hamilton
Now in its third edition, this guide explains in careful detail the many ways to enjoy life in Hamilton despite it being, well, Hamilton. It doesn't matter if you're new to the city (my condolences) or have been stuck here your entire life because you never made something of yourself and your skills and education could only take you so far, this guide will help all kinds! Living in Hamilton for Dummies will give you all the knowledge you need to eke out a meagre semblance of an existence in the Steel City, and will ultimately give you the perspective you need to move to greener pastures. Tiberius Slick has only lived in Hamilton for five years but has seen enough to know the value that this book will have for any soul unfortunate enough to have to stay here indefinitely. He has authored many other self-help books, but doesn't believe people actually have the willpower to help themselves.
Inside Living in
Hamilton
ter phrases Common Ancas alls Ten worst waterf anted lists How to stay off w ble losses Grieving inevita alers Map of heroin de fection Walking off an in
Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into that sort of thing. Then do what you want. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not your dad. Or am I? I miss you son.
$18.95 USD $18.96 CDN because fuck you
how to: Avoid paying taxes by living on the street Start a small business and watch it get robbed Fight off stray dogs Lose your job of thirty years at the local mill Rob small businesses Wander around a Shoppers Drug Mart for three hours and make the staff uncomfortable
More Online! @www.notspec.ca Walk through an interactive simulation of an active crime scene Sign up for disturbing chain letters delivered hourly Order other books in the Hamilton line of Dummies publications, such as Getting out of Hamilton and You're in Stoney Creek, Now What?