The Silhouette - November 8, 2018

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NEWS VIGIL McMaster Jewish community honours the memory of Pittsburg victims Page 3

ARTS & CULTURE PRIDE WEEK Finding yourself and building community through drag culture Page 18

SPORTS MAX TUREK Turek leads Mac crosscountry to first OUA championship in 54 years Page 24

The Silhouette Thursday, November 8, 2018

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CHANGE Tax-free tuesdays are here, as a part of the MSU’s efforts to improve food accessibility // PAGE 4

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Thursday, November 8, 2018 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

EDITORIAL BOARD

November 1, 1946

#TBT

editor-in-chief | thesil@thesil.ca Emily O’Rourke @emily_oro digital media specialist | dms@msu.mcmaster.ca Aaron de Jesus managing editor | managing@thesil.ca Sasha Dhesi @SashaDhesi production editor | production@thesil.ca Hamza Furmli online editor | online@thesil.ca Yvonne Lu sections

Cassidy Bereskin news reporter Ryan Forrest Tse news@thesil.ca news editor

features reporter

Hannah Walters Vida

features@thesil.ca opinion editor

Sabrina Macklai

opinion@thesil.ca

Justin Parker Jessica Carmichael sports@thesil.ca

sports editor sports reporter

arts arts

& culture editor Razan Samara & culture reporter Rya Buckley aandc@thesil.ca media

Kyle West Catherine Goce production coordinator Sukaina Imam production coordinator Sabrina Lin production@thesil.ca photo editor

photo reporter

Sasha Roshan Martin Burwell online@thesil.ca

video editor

social media coordinator

COVER PHOTO Kyle West Hamza Furmli

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We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters and opinion articles. Opinions and editorials expressed in the Silhouette are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the publishers, the McMaster Students Union or the University. The Silhouette is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the McMaster Students Union. The Silhouette Board of Publications acts as an intermediary between the editorial board, the McMaster community and the McMaster Students Union. Grievances regarding the Silhouette may be forwarded in writing to: McMaster Students Union, McMaster University Student Centre, Room 201, L8S 4S4, Attn: The Silhouette Board of Publications.

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Editor-in-Chief (905) 525-9140, ext 22052 Main Office (905) 525-9140, ext 27117 Advertising ccpc@mcmaster.ca 6,000 circulation published by the

The NEW McMaster In 1946, McMaster unveiled a blueprint drafted for our campus’ layout. The buildings in black were already built, outlined buildings were temporary and crosshatched buildings were projected to be built in the future.

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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

The Silhouette

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News Students hold vigil to mourn Pittsburgh victims The McMaster Jewish community reflects on the tragedy and prevalence of anti-Semitism

Last week, McMaster students, staff and community members organized and attended a vigil honouring the memory of the synogogue shooting victims.

Daniella Mikanovsky Contributor Daniella Mikanovsky Contributor

CW: mentions of violence, anti-Semitism On Oct. 30, McMaster students, faculty and staff gathered on the field near Burke Science Building to mourn the deaths of the 11 people who lost their lives during the Oct. 27 Tree of Life synagogue mass shooting, committed by a man espousing Nazi rhetoric.

The McMaster community was joined by rabbis and Hamilton community members as they addressed the tragedy that unfolded the previous weekend.

The vigil, organized by McMaster Hillel, the Jewish community organization on campus, sought to honour the victims, reflect on the pervasiveness of anti-Semitism and encourage hope and a united community.

At the memorial service, Max Librach, the president of McMaster Hillel, spoke about the victims and the relationship between the tragedy and his

C/O MCMASTER HILLEL

Anti-Semitism continues to manifest itself in Hamilton, both subtly and more overtly. own experiences.

“I myself was praying in a synagogue on that same day. I do not for a second forget that this could easily have happened right here, in my own community,” said Librach.

Fourth-year McMaster student Max Greenberg recited El Ma’aleh Rachamim, a prayer for the departed soul of the dead.

Greenberg’s prayer was followed by a poem about the Pittsburgh shooting. After the poem was recited, a few Psalms and the Mourner’s Kaddish, a prayer recited in memory of the victims, were said.

The mourners were joined by members of other faith groups who expressed their commitment to advocacy and combating anti-Semitism and

discrimination against marginalized communities.

Rabbi Hillel Lavery-Yisraëli of the Beth Jacob Synagogue in Hamilton praised the Jewish community’s sense of unity and solidarity.

“We must draw strength from our community, our peers, and the communities of friends and supporters we are fortunate to have, and forge on forward, actively fighting hate and bringing about a better tomorrow,” he said.

In the multi-faith vigil co-organized by Rabbi Hillel later that evening at Temple Anshe Sholom, several faith leaders joined mourners in addressing the importance of togetherness and solidarity.

Judith Moses Dworkin, the director of McMaster Hillel, encourages and appreciates the allyship during this difficult time.

“We know that we have many partners on campus who continue to show us their support. We urge our friends in other communities to join us in

speaking out and countering anti-Semitic hatred whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head.

Only together can we truly heal from events like these,” she said.

Anti-Semitism continues to manifest itself in Hamilton, both subtly and more overtly. According to the CBC, in 2017, Jewish people were the most targeted

The vigil, organized

by McMaster Hillel, a Jewish advocacy group on campus, sought to honour the victims, reflect on the pervasiveness of antiSemitism and encourage hope and a united community.

group in religious-based hate incidents in Hamilton.

In the recent Oct. 22 municipal election, Paul Fromm, a self-proclaimed white supremacist associated with the neo-Nazi movement, garnered 706 votes.

“We have experienced some anti-Semitism in Hamilton over the past few years, but nothing more than graffiti, threats, and publication of a hate newspaper,” said rabbi Hillel. “Nonetheless, after the attack we are all feeling afraid and vulnerable. When all is said and done, we are not that much different from Pittsburgh,” he said.

McMaster Hillel is hopeful that they can support the Jewish community in the wake of the tragedy and increase public awareness about anti-Semitism and hatred on campus and in the community.

@theSilhouette

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NEWS

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 | www.thesil.ca

MSU implements new tax-free Tuesdays pilot project The tax-free Tuesdays initiative comes as campus food prices continue to climb

The tax-free Tuesday project is part of Farah’s larger platform objective to improve the accessibility of campus food.

SILHOUETTE PHOTO ARCHIVES Donna Nadeem Contributor

The rising prices of campus food make it increasingly difficult for many students to find a financially sustainable source of nourishment. In an effort to improve food affordability on campus, Ikram Farah, McMaster Student Union president, worked to introduce the pilot project of an initiative called “Tax-free Tuesdays” earlier this month.

Farah is largely focused on increasing food accessibility.

Two of her year-plan objectives that centre around this are Farah’s “Tax-Free Tuesdays” plan, which has involved working with McMaster Hospitality Services and working with Bridges Café to offer healthier options at other restaurants on campus.

November will be the pilot month for Farah’s new “TaxFree Tuesdays” initiative. The project was one of her platform objectives during her presidential campaign and was launched to address the high food costs on campus. Food at La Piazza

will be tax-free on each Tuesday of November. Students can access this tax discount by using cash, credit or debit.

On each Tuesday in November, Hospitality Services will lower the sticker price of food items by 13 per cent, equivalent to HST, and the discount will apply to food sold from any of the vendors inside the La Piazza in the McMaster University Student Centre.

“The spirit behind Tax-Free Tuesdays is to address food

“Food insecurity is real. The MSU invests in the operations of the MSU Food Collective Centre to offer immediate food support to students,” Ikram Farah President McMaster Students Union

prices on campus through collaboration with the university,” said Farah.

McMaster University prides itself on prioritizing the needs of students and providing programs and resources that promote physical and mental health.

Nevertheless, the rising prices of campus food call into question this stated goal. Students are finding it increasingly difficult to find a financially sustainable source of food, especially with the climbing prices of healthier options.

East Meets West Bistro and Bridges have never been considered the cheapest place for on-campus dining, but such increases in food prices are making meal plans less attractive from a food security standpoint. Moreover, East Meets West Bistro and Bridges are not included in the “TaxFree Tuesdays” initiative.

To improve food security, the “food pantry,” along with the food collective centre in Bridges and the anonymous “lockers of love” program,

provide an ongoing resource to students who need food the most. The Nolunchmoney initiative team also uses their social media to constantly keep students updated on free food events.

In addition, the MSU operates three specific locations that sell food: TwelveEighty, The Grind and Union Market; all three venues price their food

McMaster University prides itself on prioritizing the needs of students and providing programs and resources that promote physical and mental health.

Nevertheless, the rising prices of campus food call into question this stated goal.

to yield maximum value to the students.

“Food insecurity is real.

The MSU invests in the operations of the MSU Food Collective Centre to offer immediate food support to students,” said Farah.

The tax-free Tuesdays pilot program will look at and draw on responses from staff and students and more logistical feedback.

“To me the pilot is not a test of ‘success’ or ‘need.’ To lower costs at all is a success unto itself as there is a need,” said Farah.

On top of juggling academic and extracurricular involvements and struggling with tuition and residence fees, many students worry about not having enough food to eat.

According to Farah, the MSU will continue to fulfill its commitment to providing students with affordable food options and advocate for McMaster to do the same. @theSilhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

The Silhouette

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#MeToo founder speaks near campus During her speech, Tarana Burke stressed the importance of harm-reduction and individual healing Drew Simpson Contributor

CW: This article contains discussion of sexual assault On Oct. 30, Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, spoke at the McIntyre Centre at an event organized by McMaster University, Mohawk College and the Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton).

Inside the event centre was a well-lit stage with fall-coloured flowers matching the red Mohawk College logo. Three cream chairs sat in the centre in front of the Mohawk-patterned backdrop. A podium with a microphone stood to the left of the stage. Many sat in silence as others chatted with those next to them, adding to the layer of slight tension hanging in the air as people piled into the sold-out auditorium.

The event was not about the need to bring perpetrators to justice. Rather, it aligned more neatly with the core goals of the #MeToo movement, focusing on

healing and survivor advocacy.

Burke addressed the backlash against the movement and urged the audience to look past it.

The event was not about the need to bring perpetrators to justice. Rather, it aligned more neatly with the core goals of the #MeToo movement, focusing on healing and survivor advocacy “Everything that would tell you that #MeToo is a witchhunt, that this is a gender war.

All of these terrible narratives that are out in the world are distractions from the reality that a year ago, millions and millions of people raised their hand to

say that their lives were affected by sexual violence. That is no hyperbole. Millions of people raised their hand a year ago.

And their hands are still up,” said Burke.

Burke also stressed the need for a restorative justice and harm-reduction approach in survivor advocacy.

“We need our hearts to pump and that doesn’t just come from food, clothes and shelter…

That is the core of this work, making sure survivors have individual resources for healing and making sure that they have community. Individual healing and community, that is how we will change the world. We start with ourselves and work out,” said Burke.

Burke also introduced the idea of a “joy bank,” which she defined as the accumulation of all the joyful moments in life.

She explained how she drew hope from the people who joined the march and protest proceeding Brett Kavanaugh’s hearing. That moment became part of Burke’s “joy bank.”

Burke explained that a movement has many stages and waves and she draws hope not just from the victories but the investment that people make.

She encouraged the audience to challenge opposers of the movement and survivors to do whatever they need to heal not for others, but for themselves as self-care is specific to the individual.

“Sometimes self-care for me looks like a “Law and Order” marathon and a pound cake,” said Burke.

Support is integral to a survivor’s individual healing.

According to Burke, while a survivor’s needs may change, it is important that they know that support is there in the first place. Nevertheless, Burke warns that well-intentioned people can insert themselves into situations where their help is not needed.

Overall, it is clear that Burke’s main message focused on the importance of individual healing and harm reduction. According to Burke, the incarceration of the perpetrator should

not always be thought of as the final answer as a restorative justice approach focused on healing needs to be taken.

“That is the core of this work, making sure survivors have individual resources for healing and making sure that they have community.

Individual healing and community, that is how we will change the world. We start with ourselves and work out,” Tarana Burke Founder of the #Metoo movement @theSilhouette

Tarana Burke spoke of the imporance of harm-reduction and individual healing at her speech at Mohawk college on Oct. 30.

DREW SIMPSON / CONTRIBUTOR

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NEWS

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 | www.thesil.ca

MSU pushing for fewer “high-risk” exams The university affairs committee aims to eliminate “high-risk” exams and re-evaluate MSAF policies Ryan Tse News Reporter

For students worrying about one 50 per cent weighted exam determining whether they pass or fail, there may be help coming in the future. The McMaster Students Union University Affairs committee has begun their advocacy efforts to push to eliminate “high-risk” exams worth 50 per cent or more of a student’s grade.

This goal was outlined in the 2017-2018 MSU academic success policy paper but has been actively taken up this year by the University Affairs committee, headed by associate vice president (University Affairs) Tasneem Warwani. It is part of a broader initiative to review “academic services.”

As it stands, there is no official McMaster policy capping the weight of an exam. The committee

is concerned that heavily-weighted assessments can be increasingly stressful for students and do not set students up for success.

“You can do phenomenally throughout the semester and then you can have something happen,” Warwani said. “If you do so well throughout the semester and then you are writing a 70 per cent exam and you just crash and burn during the exam, it does not make sense that you should fail entirely based on that.”

The Student Representative Assembly engineering caucus is also working to eliminate high-risk exams for engineering students. However, the University Affairs committee is aiming for a university-wide policy.

High-risk exams sometimes occur when students use their McMaster Student Absence Form for an assignment or midterm, and the re-weighting

makes the final exam “high-risk.” Under the accommodation section, the McMaster Undergraduate Course Management Policies recommends that an instructor should seek approval before re-weighting one assessment to 75 per cent or more.

The University Affairs committee ultimately wants to see a hard cap at 50 per cent, even in MSAF cases. Warwani suggested other alternatives to shifting weight to a final exam, such as rewriting an evaluation, should be more standardized.

Warwani acknowledges that professors often have legitimate reasons for being reluctant to reschedule missed tests.

“There are lots of things that might be a little bit more difficult to do but if it means that our students are succeeding from it, then I think that we should be moving towards those,” Warwani

said. “I am hopeful that we can find some sort of middle ground.”

Warwani said that one situation where a high-risk exam could be acceptable is in a structure with different weighing options where the professor weighs exams more heavily only if it results in a higher grade for a student.

The University Affairs committee ultimately wants to see a hard cap at 50 per cent, even in MSAF cases The University Affairs committee also aims to work towards having more specific standardized MSAF policies on course outlines. Warwani believes that if the outlines are clearer on how and when accommodations will be provided in the case of

MSAFs, students and professors will be better off, and students will not be uncertain about whether an MSAF now will mean writing a high-risk exam later.

Currently, the committee is still researching the issue to determine which faculties are most affected and to what extent. They plan to release an online “info pack” document on the issue for students in the next couple of months.

From there, they will begin formally consulting with university administration and faculty coordinators to move from advocacy to potential policy.

For any sort of policy to be considered, the issue must be discussed first in the university senate. The process of advocating for the elimination of highrisk exams is a big project for the committee and has only just begun. @tweetingryantse

KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

The Silhouette

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Did McMaster students vote in the October Hamilton election?

There was a small improvement in student turnout, but overall numbers remain weak Ryan Tse News Reporter

On Oct. 22, McMaster students headed to the polls, voting in their respective wards for councillor, mayoral and trustee candidates, respectively. Despite overall improvements for the city, the numbers suggest that student turnout continues to falter.

Overall turnout this year for the city was up from the 2014 municipal election turnout, with 38.6 per cent of eligible voters compared to 34.02 per cent casting a ballot.

Ward 1 also saw an increase in turnout with

The polling numbers seem to indicate that student turnout still remains low in student housing areas, with small to modest improvement from 2014 to 2018.

8,944 ballots cast, resulting in a 42.52 per cent turnout. This is an improvement from 2014 and 2010, when turnout was at 40.74 per cent and 40.70 per cent, respectively.

Age and McMaster-specific voting stats are not available, but city-wide and poll-by-poll results in Ward 1 offer a glimpse into how many McMaster students voted.

Binkley United Church, Dalewood Elementary School and Temple Anshe Sholom are three of the closest polling stations to campus. In 2014, these three stations counted 1,725 combined votes. This election, that number was at 1,784.

However, this year, a new polling station at the Church of God Hamilton also registered 312 ballots.

McMaster has around 31,000 students. Even if all the votes at the four closest stations were students, the combined 2,096 votes cast at those polls is under 10 per cent of the student population. If only 10,000

Mac students live on campus or in student housing, 2,096 votes would still fall well short of 30 per cent turnout.

Because many students live in other wards and may have voted there, it is hard to measure student turnout completely accurately. However, the polling numbers seem to indicate that student turnout still remains low in student housing areas, with small to modest improvement from 2014 to 2018.

Before the election, the McMaster Students Union ran a MacVotes campaign to encourage students to head to the polls. On the day of, MacVotes continued tabling and walked students to the polling stations.

MSU vice president (Education) Stephanie Bertolo said that candidate campaign staff told MacVotes that a large number of voters at Dalewood Recreation Centre and Binkley United Church registered on the day of the election.

Many of these were likely

students who had never voted in Hamilton at their current address.

“Overall, I believe we ran a very successful campaign,” said Bertolo.

“Many students engaged with the campaign both online and at our table, asking us questions about how to get out to vote.”

Nonetheless, the city-reported polling numbers suggest that the campaign was only somewhat successful in increasing student turnout, at least for this election. One way to potentially improve student turnout is to have more convenient polling stations for students.

During the 2006 municipal election, there was a polling station on campus. However, the station was pulled in 2010 and has not been reinstated since.

Newly elected Ward 1 Councillor Maureen Wilson said in a statement after the election that she supports a McMaster polling station.

“Not having a voting poll at McMaster Univer-

sity campus is not in the best interest of our city, our nation or our democracy,” Wilson said. “We must normalize voting and make it easier, not more difficult.”

“Not having a voting poll at McMaster University campus is not in the best interest of our city, our nation or our democracy,” Maureen Wilson Ward 1 Councillor City of Hamilton

Despite the MacVotes team’s increased push to promote voting, it appears many students still opted not to vote. While the underlying factors and reasons for not voting are unclear, is is fair to say there is a lot of work still to be done to motivate

@tweetingryantse

HAMILTON, THERE ARE SOME NEW HEROES IN TOWN

#OwnYourThrone

Learn more at hamilton.ca/OwnYourThrone C/O KYLE WEST / PHOTO REPORTER

PRESIDENT’S PAGE

STEPHANIE BERTOLO Vice President (Education) vped@msu.mcmaster.ca 905.525.9140 x24017

From the inception of priorities to their implementation, the month of November provides the perfect snapshot of the student provincial advocacy process.

Over the weekend, from November 2 - 4, the MSU hosted the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance’s General Assembly, where MSU delegates shaped the conversations around the organization’s stances on tuition and the government’s freedom of expression directive. Next week, both Ikram Farah, MSU President, and I will head to Queen’s Park to lobby on the issues that matter most to students.

The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) is a provincial lobbying organization that represents the interests of approximately 150,000 undergraduate students from eight student associations across the province. As the Vice-President (Education) of the MSU, I sit on OUSA’s Steering Committee, which oversees the operations of the organization. The General Assembly is the highest governing body of OUSA, directing the focus of the Al-

November 8, 2018 | thesil.ca

liance and passing the organization’s policies, which are documents that outline the organization’s advocacy stances. The General Assembly meets once a term at one of the respective campuses of the OUSA member schools, to discuss three policy papers. As an author on the tuition policy paper, I pushed for OUSA to adopt the stance for a tuition freeze this past weekend. Not only is this in the best interest of all students, who are faced with unaffordable and unpredictable tuition rates, but it is also an evidenced-based solution, based on a similar policy that was successfully adopted by the Alberta government.

“... it is important for students to advocate on the issues that matter to us as a society, regardless of the resistance we might face.”

Additionally, I advocated for OUSA to take a stance on the provincial government’s directive that every university campus must implement a ‘free speech’ policy or risk losing funding. While the SRA unanimously supported the decision to oppose the government’s directive, convincing OUSA’s General Assembly was a greater challenge. However, after a long debate, myself and those who also opposed the government’s directive were able to sway the majority of delegates to agree with us. While many were concerned with the impacts of taking a stance, it was eventually acknowledged that, fundamentally, none of us agreed with the directive. As an organization, the purpose of OUSA is to represent and serve students, not the political party currently in power.

This sentiment was echoed at the

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.

conference by Andrea Horwath, the Leader of the Ontario NDP and the Official Opposition, who provided us with her insight on the current political climate on Saturday night. The leader reminded delegates that it is important for students to advocate on the issues that matter to us as a society, regardless of the resistance we might face.

Next week, Ikram and I will join our OUSA counterparts from other student associations at Queen’s Park to advocate on two main priorities drawn from our policy papers. The first is preparing graduates for the workforce. When the government supports a high-quality and affordable university education, it is an investment in students who will use their knowledge and innovation to better society. This involves asking the government for adequate support of open educational resources and technology-enabled learning, renewing the tuition framework to freeze the cost of tuition, ongoing support for OSAP, and increasing experiential education opportunities.

The second priority is building safe

and heathy campuses. It is important to recognize that universities are more than just educational institutions, but rather large and complex communities.

For students to be able to succeed academically, they need adequate support for their physical and mental health.

We will be asking for the government to increase sexual violence prevention and response efforts, take a holistic approach to providing mental health support for students, and cover international students under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan.

As with all advocacy initiatives, the impacts of our advocacy week will not be immediately apparent. The recent improvements in the OSAP model, labelled “Free Tuition” by the previous government, was the result of student advocacy efforts over the span of ten years. This being the first time we are lobbying to the new government, we are excited to lay the foundations for both student advocacy priorities and relationships with our student union that student leaders will continue to build upon over the government’s term.

OUSA Steering Committee, left to right: Kathryn Kettle, Matthew Gerritts (above), Peter Henen (below), Stephanie Bertolo, Shannon Kelly, Julia Göllner, Beth Lindsay, Munro Watters, and Danny Chang, pictured with Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party. Photo C/O Deborah Lam / OUSA.

www.thesil.ca | Thursday Nov. 8, 2018

EDITORIAL

| 9

Editorial Transparency in a Brighter World The university needs to ensure the Board of Governors and senate meeting agendas and minutes are accessible amid the Brighter World campaign Cassidy Bereskin News Editor

Back in September, a Silhouette contributor signed up to write a story about a piece of information that was stuffed into an old board of governors meeting agenda. While the contributor was working on the story, the agenda curiously vanished from the McMaster website.

The agenda has since returned, being scrapped initially as a byproduct of the Brighter World redesign.

However, the university must maintain a higher standard of information transparency and when it restricts public access to meeting materials, even temporarily, be held accountable to properly notify the public.

After the agenda disappeared from the website, the university did not even feign interest in letting students know. No McMaster Daily News announcement was trotted out. In both failing to make meeting agendas available and

communicate about their lack of accessibility, the university made an implicit assumption: the removal of meeting materials was an unnoticeable and insignificant byproduct of the website redevelopment. This assumption is misguided.

It may be true that most students do zealously read through board of governors agendas. However, The Silhouette needs these documents.

Our job, in large part, is to hold the university accountable, and we cannot do that when we do not know what is on the university’s agenda. Our role is diminished when it takes us a month to receive a single document.

The university also assumed that the scrapping of these agendas was not important enough to warrant a public announcement. This assumption does a disservice to the university, delegitimizing the discussions held in board of governors meetings in the first place.

Moreover, while not an arm of the university, the Mc-

Master Students Union should not escape scrutiny either. The meeting schedule for this year’s Student Representative Assembly has yet to be updated on the MSU website. How can the MSU expect students to attend SRA meetings when this information is not accessible?

Even amid the Brighter World campaign, the university has virtually no excuse for not making its meeting materials publicly available. If doing so would have presented a logistical challenge, the university should have at least publicized its technical limitations and not destroyed any semblance of transparency.

It took me almost a month to access an agenda. How can the university convince students it is fostering a “Brighter World” when it obscures the most illuminating information about its own plans? @CassidyBereskin

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HUMANS

Catherine Goce Photo Reporter

How did you start Prep’d Fresh?

This was an idea I had been thinking about for a while now but I didn’t actually follow through with it until this past January. We started out real small just delivering meals to my housemates and seeing what they thought. I didn’t want to market it or spread the word too much as the goal was just to get feedback mostly and see if this business idea actually had potential.

Once the semester ended, I decided I was going to work all summer in order to provide the service to all McMaster students once September came.

So, I worked on it and figured out what price would be fair to students but also feasible for the business.

Once September came around, I had everything set up and ready to start advertising to

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 | www.thesil.ca

McMaster. So far, we have mostly been focusing on the sports teams here at Mac since it’s easy to reach out and spread the word from there but the goal is to have the word spread to all students, not just athletes.

“[...] with our schedules, midterms, and everything going on it's so hard to find time not only to cook but to make it quickly,” Juan Buitrag Prep'd Fresh Why did you decide to start this business catered to students?

You can’t get any food on campus under $10 and you can only order pizza so many times. In terms of cooking, with

Juan Buitrag Prep'd Fresh C/O CATHERINE GOCE / PHOTO REPORTER

our schedules, midterms and everything going on it’s so hard to find time not only to cook but to make it quickly.

A lot of times, people around me go a day with eating a granola bar. Some people don’t have cars so they have to take the bus to the grocery store, there’s so many different things that make that whole situation so hard. That’s why with this business I was hoping it would alleviate all of that and create a solution to the problem.

Every week there’s 3 new meals, students will go on the website, choose how many meals they want, order and pay online, and the meals come right to their doorstep. It makes everything so much easier because they have homemade meals made for them while being affordable, healthy and ready in 2 minutes.

we go do groceries for all the meals. Saturday is prepping for the cooking day and Sunday is the big day where we cook everything, prepare it, package it and put it in different bags for different orders. From there we go and deliver everything.

Tell me about your process.

What meal do you suggest students to try out?

Monday to Friday the orders come in and on Friday

Tell me about your team.

It is a family business and we cook as a family. It’s me, my mom, my dad and my brother and because the orders have gotten crazy over the past few weeks, we hired another cook as well. It’s been fun doing it with the family. The business was a couple years in the making where we have talked about it, especially with my mom. She loved the idea of being able to not only cook but being able to help all the kids here at McMaster with giving them good food.

Meals change every week

but one meal that everyone’s loved is the Mongolian beef.

It was a meal we just tried out a couple weeks ago, we found the recipe online so we wanted to try it out. People went crazy over it, we just had it back on the menu last week and they are already asking to put it on again.

From your own experience, is there anything you suggest students to participate in at McMaster?

Outside of classes, any extracurricular stuff. To be honest, looking back at my university experience, it’s not the classes i’ll remember. I’m on the soccer team here so the memories with my team, practices, games, playoffs, and just in general meeting people outside of class is for sure stuff that I will remember. facebook.com/ HumansOfMcMaster

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OPINION

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 | www.thesil.ca

Opinion What makes the perfect student?

Why using breadth requirements to assess the well-roundedness of students might work

KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR

Sabrina Macklai Opinion Editor

What does it mean to be a well-rounded student? According to the University of Toronto, a well-rounded student is one who has satisfied their breadth requirements.

Since 2010, in order to graduate with a University of Toronto degree, students must take at least one course from the arts, the natural sciences, history or philosophy or cultural studies, quantitative reasoning and social and behavioural sciences.

According to their website, the aim of breadth requirements is that it “enables [students] to develop insight, experience, and new ways of thinking areas distinct from their main fields of study.”

While this sounds reasonable enough on paper, this translates into art majors taking calculus classes and computer science students listening to lectures on historical wars.

There is no doubt that each of the breadth requirements are important disciplines that should be studied — but to force students to pay and work extra for these classes that do not contribute towards their major makes little sense.

There are alternate ways to show one’s well-roundedness despite the arbitrary fulfillment of breadth requirements.

Students can participate in activities outside of the classroom which are unrelated to their major or take elective classes that align with their other interests. These experiences hold actual meaning and should be valued more than taking a single random class to fill some requirement.

Many of the programs and courses McMaster University offers inherently encourages students to be well-rounded. Especially in advanced-level classes which involve project-based assessments, students often are taught to blend their technical skills with those acquired from

communication and arts studies. For example, in a class on climate change, we were taught how to create podcasts and write blog posts to communicate our ideas effectively. Thus, the development of a breadth of skills needs not be a result of taking a breadth of classes.

Despite any reservations, there might be some value in breadth requirements. As their purpose is to provide students with a balanced education, arguments in favour of breadth requirements often cite the development of transferable skills and scholarly tools that can be acquired from different disciplines. Taking a math course can cause students to develop greater problem-solving skills while a philosophy class can improve critical thinking and the ability to construct sound arguments.

Additionally, University of Toronto claims that there are many classes that fulfill the breadth requirements and so students are bound to take

To force students to pay and work extra for these classes that do not contribute towards their major makes little sense. a class that they enjoy. The breadth requirements may even provide the push some students need to take classes that they find interesting but would otherwise not take. Students may even learn that they like topics unrelated to their major and then decide to pursue those further.

The University of Toronto is constantly lauded as Canada’s most prestigious university and employers may give their graduates special considerations, especially if the idea that is pushed across is that University of Toronto graduates are well-rounded graduates.

To adopt some of University of Toronto’s policies, such as their breadth requirements, may then benefit McMaster University students.

Perhaps if McMaster were to adopt such a policy, it could be a degree add-on and thus optional for students to participate in. The question of if breadth requirements truly make a well-rounded student or simply a well-stressed student is still unclear. Nonetheless, the pursuit to be a well-rounded student should be encouraged by universities in whatever form they choose.

@_SabrinaWitch_

OPINION

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

| 13

Two worlds collide Bridging the gap between science and art Noel Kim Contributor

Six-year-old Noel dreamt of becoming an artist while her high-school self was fascinated by science. Which was the true Noel? As it turns out, both were.

I used to wrestle with my seemingly conflicting interests.

Science and art were the Romeo and Juliet of education, a forbidden match. I am not alone in my experience of this conflict.

I had the opportunity last year to work with Shira Weiss, the co-founder of the Visualizing Science Exhibition. She explained her motivation for

Science and art were the Romeo and Juliet of education, a forbidden match.

the exhibition: “There were no opportunities at McMaster for science students to engage in an art community and we wanted to create something that brought together both worlds,” Now in its fourth year, Visualizing Science is an annual exhibition that showcases students’ artwork inspired by research at the university. It’s an exciting step that McMaster students have taken in bridging the gap.

One of the biggest divides between science and art is the perception that the former is objective while the latter is subjective. It is a lie that science is unbiased, and I am not merely referring to the bureaucracy that permeates the research process.

In designing a scientific experiment, scientists choose the lenses through which they will observe the world. In presenting their results, scientists choose the frame that delineates how

their findings are applicable to the world. This is necessary, but it is still important that we acknowledge that science also carries bias.

Both science and art are predicated on the power of keen observation.

As a science student, I realize the importance of ensuring that research is accurate and honest, that rules are followed and subjects protected. It makes sense then that peer-reviewed science journals are not the appropriate place for emotion. This is exactly why scientists need to be more open to other avenues that can bring the humanity back into their fields.

Thankfully, there is a real

movement happening in science to value aesthetic visuals. The science community is beginning to realize that blending art and science is a powerful way to share ideas. Many scientific publications now require graphical abstracts. Researchers and artists are partnering to develop diagrams and figures. This is only a few of the many collaborations between scientists and artists.

Still, there remains a palpable divide between the realms of art and science. While there are individuals swimming across, what we need is a wide bridge that would become well-travelled, worn, and maintained. In building this bridge, we must begin with examining how science and art are unified.

Sometimes I look up at the night sky in awe and I wonder what makes the stars’ sparkle so brightly. Perhaps this is a view of an artist, searching for a way to depict the night sky on

a canvas. Or perhaps I look up from a scientific lens, pondering a way to understand how stars came to be. Scientists, in their purest form, are captivated by a phenomenon in the world. They seek to capture that phenomenon in some communicable way. Is this not also the quest of artists?

Both science and art are predicated on the power of keen observation. Both begin with curiosity and end with communication. Both have the power to include, reveal, equalize. Both are results of the creative mind.

When we begin to realize the connections between science and art, we allow ourselves to build those bridges and cross them.

@theSilhouette

C/O CONNOR MACLEAN

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OPINION

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 | www.thesil.ca

Credit for co-curricular activities A formal document that lists students’ co-curricular experiences can benefit both students and the post-secondary insitution involved Sabrina Macklai Opinion Editor

Students are frequently encouraged to get involved in activities outside of the classroom. We are told that participating in co-curricular activities not only provides us with an opportunity for personal growth and a social support network but also is looked upon favourably by employers and graduate and professional schools.

While this alone is an incentive to participate in outof-classroom experiences, some post-secondary institutions including University of Toronto, Brock University, Carleton University, Laurier University and York University have implemented the co-curricular record.

The CCR is essentially an official report that acknowledges students’ effort within co-curricular experiences and community involvements.

Co-curricular activities are those conducted outside the

classroom which complement a student’s academic learning.

For example, being involved with the Student Representative Assembly would be consider a co-curricular experience and would be included in the CCR. Different schools adopt different CCR verification techniques. For example, the University of Toronto uses Orbis Communications, a type of CCR vendor. Through this software, faculty submit CCR requests that give descriptions of the activity, the skills developed and the specific criteria students must meet to earn validation. A committee board then reviews and approves the applications for activities. At the end of a semester if a student fulfills the requirements, the activity is listed on their CCR. Studies have shown that implementation of a CCR program has a positive impact on students. When available, this document is taken into consideration by employers alongside academic transcripts and resumes. As activities on

the CCR are already verified by the university, this removes the burden of verification from the employer. Thus, the CCR can greatly improve a student’s ability to build their professional career.

McMaster University had a CCR program known as MacStar which ran from 2006 to 2009. Funded by the McMaster Students Union and the students’ affairs department, MacStar’s record included a list of activities the student was involved in as well as a personal reflection of the experience and skills acquired. Although students responded positively to MacStar, it was discontinued due to lack of funding and marketing.

Considering the increasing amount of schools which are introducing the CCR, McMaster should re-implement this program. The CCR benefits both students and the university.

Students are not only provided proof of involvement in activities, they also have the opportunity to reflect upon skills they

Thus, the CCR can greatly improve a student’s ability to build their professional career. developed as a result of their involvement. The university benefits from increased student awareness and engagement in activities on campus.

If McMaster chooses to re-implement the CCR program, they must learn from their past mistakes. The CCR has to be made available and accessible to all students.

Difficulties may arise when determining which activities are “worthy” of being verified, to what extent a student must be involved to have the activity listed in their report and keeping track of the hundreds of possible activities present on campus. The question of if a club must be MSU-ratified in

order to qualify for CCR is an example of what must be asked when recreating the CCR. There is also the fear that students will be discouraged from participating in non-CCR approved activities and that these activities will be considered inferior to others. This is a valid concern and must be taken into consideration if McMaster chooses to re-implement the program.

Despite the potential difficulties, McMaster should still implement a CCR program.

Our time spent at university cannot be merely summarized by an academic transcript. So many of the services and activities the university offers is the result of student work; it is only fair that students receive the recognition they undoubtedly deserve.

@theSilhouette

C/O MCMASTER STUDENTS UNION

OPINION

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

| 15

The reason students don’t vote Future municipal elections should incorporate an all-platforms resource

C/O GRANT HOLT Sam Marchetti Contributor

In the recent municipal election, McMaster University students living in Ward 1 were presented with quite the challenge: 15 candidates for mayor and 13 candidates for Ward 1 councillor. This sums to 28 candidates with 28 different platforms that could potentially affect student voters.

Students make up a substantial fraction of Ward 1 and yet the majority likely did not know all their options when they headed to the polls–that is, if they went to the polls at all.

The Oct. 22 election saw one of the worst voter turnouts in the city’s history.

Considering that there were just under 9,000 ballots cast in Ward 1, and McMaster has an undergraduate population of about 27,000, it is safe to say that the majority of students did not cast their ballot.

There must be a reason for low student turnout. A quick poll among classmates revealed that most students did not know enough about the election and the candidates to think it was

Students make up a substantial fraction of Ward 1 and yet the majority likely did not know all their options when they headed to the polls–that is, if they went to the polls at all. worth their time to cast a vote.

Even among my own housemates, I know they didn’t cast a ballot just because they had no idea who to vote for.

Our new Ward 1 councillor, Maureen Wilson, won by over a 20 per cent margin. It is also interesting to note that Maureen Wilson was one of the most active candidates on social media and out in the community, with a large committee campaigning for her, knocking on doors and putting up signs.

One of the key points she made that attracted lots of

attention and approval was her dedication to improving transit and completing the light rail transit system. However, I have serious doubts that most voters knew anything beyond this or even the platform of any other candidate.

It makes sense; who wants to research 28 different candidates? That takes a lot of time and effort that most students can’t afford. But if anyone who had voted for Wilson based solely on her transit platform done a little more research, they might have noticed another candidate, Jason Allen.

Allen was also committed to improving our public transit,

It makes sense; who wants to research 28 different candidates?

That takes a lot of time and effort that most students can’t afford.

but had the added benefit of a background working in transit management. This clearly appealed to many voters who did the necessary research, since he was able to secure a second-place spot in the election.

I am not any better. I may have researched four of those 28 candidates, at most. It is clear that with the sheer number of people running in Hamilton’s municipal elections, the municipal elections office has a responsibility to make every candidate’s platforms and publicized background easier to access.

It is true that newspapers like The Silhouette did offer summarized platforms of each of the 28 candidates. But this is not enough; the responsibility to provide an all-platform resource should not fall solely on external news outlets.

When we lack a system like this, we risk voters missing out on a candidate who may not have had the resources to run the most visible campaign, but could more accurately represent the feelings of our community.

The lack of a municipally created and promoted all-platform resource seriously discourages

a large number of people from making their voices heard.

It is clear that with the sheer number of people running in Hamilton’s municipal elections, the municipal elections office has a responsibility to make every candidate’s platforms and publicized background easier to access.

@theSilhouette

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A&C

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

| 17

Arts & Culture Cooking up connection North Hamilton Community Health Centre and Speqtrum Hamilton have created a LGBTQ2S+ intergenerational community cooking series Rya Buckley A&C Reporter

From sitcoms to home improvement shows to commercials, the kitchen is assumed as the central space of a family. It is shown as a spot where its members gather, whether they’re grabbing a quick breakfast or cooking a multi-course holiday dinner.

However, since family can define so much more than just blood, it is only fitting that kitchen spaces be found in the community as well. The North Hamilton Community Health Centre and Speqtrum Hamilton have teamed up to create the Intergenerational Kitchen, an all-ages cooking series for the LGBTQ2S+ communities. “[F]or myself there is definitely a period of time that I did not feel as comfortable maybe engaging my grandparents or aunts and uncles because I didn’t know what they thought about my identity or I wasn’t sure how accepting they’re going to be. So it’s a way that we can be our full selves in a space and also connect with other people that are different ages,” explained Jyssika Russell, the project co-ordinator for Speqtrum Hamilton.

The kitchen series has run every other Tuesday since Sept.

18 at the NHCHC’s community kitchen. The first series of events ends on Nov. 27 but there are plans to start up a second series of the program in the future.

Each event consists of making three or four dishes, usually consisting of a salad, main and dessert. Care is taken to try and make options for different dietary restrictions. Participants have also brought in their own familial and cultural recipes to share with others.

The NHCHC kitchen has been busting with turnouts of as much as 13 individuals. The program has also received a diverse age group with attendees as young as 16 and upwards

of 70 years old. The kitchen is typically set up with learning stations, allowing cooks of different skillsets to learn from one another. “[O]ne of the things that is the foundation of what Speqtrum does is [that] we try to create opportunities to do stuff together… I’ve always found doing activities, whether that be learning a new skill or doing something together, you’re able to connect and have those conversations about who you are or about the things that you like,” Russell explained.

For those who don’t want to cook, there is also a chill space with a LGBTQ2S+ -themed colouring station.

There are also other tasks such as dishwashing and table setting to do. People are also welcome to skip the preparation altogether and just come to eat.

lived experience. While there has been a variation in ages, Russell hopes that the kitchen will continue to bring in more generations.

The kitchen has also tapped into the way that food transcends differences. By providing a space outside of partying, it has engaged people with different tastes and ages within the LGBTQ2S+ community. In cooking and sharing a meal, the series has been crossing generational gaps and bringing

C/O SPEQTRUM HAMILTON

I’ve always found doing activities, whether that be learning a new skill or doing something together, you’re able to connect and have those conversations about who you are or about the things that you like,” Jyssika Russelll Project co-ordinator Speqtrum Hamilton The Intergenerational Kitchen has received a warm response. Having intergenerational events had been requested by the youth that Speqtrum serves and they have been participating, eager to meet and mingle with members of the community with different amounts of

C/O ROUSHAN TABASSUM

together those with completely different interests and knowledge, from reality television to sword-making. “[L]anguage and identities and ways of thinking about gender and sexuality are always evolving. [W]ith younger folks and the Internet… there’s a lot of conversation that happens in those spaces that maybe hasn’t trickled up to older generations so sometimes there’s a generational divide in how we think about gender and how we

conceptualize sexuality… I think this is really about recognizing all the similarities that we have across age and across identities,” said Russell.

Like any kitchen, the Intergenerational Kitchen is forging familial ties. It is providing a central space for LGBTQ2S+ individuals of different generations to connect and share in the healing power of a home cooked meal. @theSilhouette

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The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

We’re all

born naked & the rest is

drag

Andrew Mrozowski Contributor

Concluding McMaster’s Pride Week, the Pride Community Centre in conjunction with Queer Outta Hamilton, put on one of Hamilton’s only open stage drag show at downtown’s Sous Bas. With the turnout being so large that a line extended down the block, this was truly a night that people were going to be talking about for a while.

As I went down the stairs into the club, I was immediately met with the loud chatter of hundreds of people in a dimly lit room. The music played so loud that I could feel it vibrating up from the floor into my bones. Host Troy Boy Parks, a Guelph-based drag queen who knows how to control a crowd, stood on a single runway connected off the main stage.

Drag herstory begins in the mid 1900s during a time when homosexuality was prosecuted. Drag was used to escape the harsh realities of being an outcast of society. Only being practiced at clubs within the back corners of cities, queens would perform allowing the LGBTQ2S+ community to play with the concept of gender and sexuality in a time when they were not allowed to do so.

Drag was also the community’s reaction to freedom of speech during a time when it was hard to come by. Instead of picketing, they chose to stand up in an elegant way, a way that people would talk about for years to come.

As the LGBTQ2S+ community became more socially accepted within the world, so did the concept of drag. Present day drag has evolved much more than its predecessor.

Modern drag is very much an

Pride week has ended butwhat of the legacy it leaves behind?

C/O SUKAINA IMAM

entertainment-driven performance in which a person dresses extravagantly to amplify overexaggerated male or female characteristics. This along with the rise of drag in popular culture, through the reality TV show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, made drag culture mainstream.

“RuPaul’s Drag Race”, hosted by world-renowned queen RuPaul Charles, enables drag queens from around the United States to compete in various challenges to prove they have what it takes to be America’s Next Drag Superstar. Concluding it’s tenth season in 2018, along with four seasons of an all-star spin-off series, RuPaul has given queens, both amateur and professional, a platform to notoriety within not only the queer community, but society as well.

As a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, I know that it can be hard to find your own identity, especially in a society that is not always accepting of others. Some queens do drag because it is their way to express their feminine side in a society that prohibits showing that.

Queens also gain a lot of confidence being on stage performing in front of a crowd

with a group of people appreciating them and what they do.

This is in part thanks to the success of RuPaul’s Drag Race creating a positive look at drag culture. Confidence on stage can add to the person’s own confidence as they feel validated that others appreciate their craft.

Other queens look at it as creative medium. As a man who has only dressed up as a grandmother once for Halloween, I will be the first to tell you that make up is hard to do! Makeup takes a lot of artistic skill to achieve the look you have in your mind, and some queens find this self-expression to be a form of art in itself.

Every queen has a different take on how they want to deliver their drag extravaganza and what it should contribute to the LGBTQ2S+ community. Whether it be comedic relief to take the edge off or a rally to vote against a pumpkin president, drag will always be the first voice heard from the community and will always be ever-present.

Standing amongst hundreds of chattering people in a dimly lit room, my eyes flutter back and forth from the stage to the people surrounding me.

Watching queen after queen putting the bass in their walk down the runway, I ponder on how we got to where we are today. If you asked me a year ago what I thought about drag, I would have said I don’t care for it.

Enter all my friends, both gay and straight, who didn’t stop raving about drag, I decided to give it a chance. What I ended up seeing was members of a shared community who didn’t care how others looked at them.

Every queen has a different take on how they want to deliver their drag extravaganza and what it should contribute to the LGBTQ2S+ community.

I saw members of a shared community who have so much love for one another. RuPaul ends each of her shows by

asking contestants: “if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”

These are words that constantly flow through the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Drag creates a sense of belonging and safety because you are in an environment amongst people who feel the same way as you. At a drag show, I feel safe because I know that the people around me will always care and support me, as I would them.

Although Pride Week at McMaster must ‘sashay away’ for another year, the progress the community makes will stay and continue to be built upon.

To the future generations of queer youth coming to McMaster, I say this: do not be afraid to be who you are and share it with the rest of the world. Sometimes it seems unfair but be proud.

Stand up and fight for what you believe in, but also remember to have fun too.

Be it through drag or another medium that may rise in the years to come, there will always be an audience there for you. To close with the immortal words of Mama Ru, ‘Good luck and don’t fuck it up!’ @theSilhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

A&C

| 19

KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR

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The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

The power of story

[Nu]Links storytelling workshops culminate to community arts exhibition Kian Yousefi Kousha Contributor

As newcomers learn to make Hamilton their new home, Centre[3] for Print and Media Arts has been dedicated to providing free arts programming as part of the [Nu]Links community arts project by [Nu] Links Coordinator, Hitoko Okada, and funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Many of the workshops have explored narratives around migration and settlement through diverse mediums.

These newcomers arrived to Hamilton with suitcases filled with valuable experiences waiting to be told. However, there aren’t many spaces dedicated to newcomers having a platform to express their point of view and most importantly, share their stories. After all, the art of storytelling is cathartic and can ultimately ease the adaptation of newcomers to their new home.

“The purpose of the project

was to use the arts as a way for newcomers and refugees to access space in the Hamilton arts community and to decrease isolation. [I] directed programming to explore and facilitate collective and personal narratives instead of settlement integration into dominant white Canadian culture, which is often the approach around settlement programs,” explained Okada.

Okada also directed the program towards facilitating professional opportunities for emerging artists and art educators to develop their social practice. In the same manner, the [Nu]Links program were an opportunity to help newcomer art educators break down barriers towards practicing their work in Hamilton.

For Razan Samara, an undergraduate student at McMaster University, providing this platform and creating space for newcomer youths to explore storytelling was a crucial goal

while designing a photography and writing workshop series.

With an immense support from Hitoko Okada, and local artist, Sahra Soudi, the workshops took place throughout September and October and will culminate with a community arts exhibition on November Art Crawl.

The workshop attendees received the opportunity to attend photography, writing and editing presentations, go on a photo walk through downtown Hamilton and have a portrait studio session with professional photography equipment and do-it-yourself props.

Joan Carias, who took part in the [Nu]Links workshop believes that her photography skills had improved with the help of the feedback provided during the workshop. She’s excited to accept photography requests and start taking pictures of events. Carias found out about the [Nu]Links workshop by rummaging through piles of

pamphlets at the YMCA. “Perhaps there are more opportunities out there for newcomers but [they’re] not well posted…I think that [programs] should give attention [to] these opportunities and increase [accessibility to] applicants,” explained Carias.

In fact, there is a need in Hamilton for more accessible arts programming. Similar programs to [Nu]Links will make opportunities and resources accessible for everyone to push their creativity to the next level.

This will also provide them with an avenue to share their stories.

“Newcomer narratives are often told through the frameworks of social workers, case managers, healthcare professionals and other institutional lenses. This program gives the space, facilitation and support for their stories to be told from their own voices,” explained Okada.

Centre [3] will showcase the works of workshop attend-

ees through a community arts exhibit at 173 James Street North from Nov. 9 to Nov. 30.

The opening reception will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday Nov. 9 during Art Crawl. The exhibit is an opportunity for the [Nu] Links attendees to experience Art Crawl while sharing their own photography and written works with the Hamilton community.

“The [Nu]Links youth programs have been some of our most engaging programs.

The experience has brought the youths together to build creative community and belonging. In this exhibition, the youths share their world view and life as they see it and tell it. It is contemporary coming of age narratives in our current polarizing climate,” said Okada.

Note: Razan Samara, A & C Editor for the Sil, was involved with this project. @theSilhouette

Excerpts from the zine made for the exhibition.

C/O CENTRE[3] FOR PRINT AND MEDIA ARTS

McMaster Students Union’s

Events Calendar

Remembrance Day Service: Lest We Forget Sunday, November 11, 2018 Where: Convocation Hall (UH 213) Time: Starts 10:30am McMaster's annual Remembrance Day Service, organized by the McMaster Alumni Association, is open to all members of the McMaster community.

Join us for a fun night of food, drink and KARAOKE!!

Purchase a ticket for $15 from COMPASS starting this Friday November 9th. Each ticket includes choice of a personal pizza or gourmet pasta, side and pop/coffee/tea.

Smiling Over Sickness Shave For Cure

MSU Charity Ball: Dine For A Cause

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Tuesday November 20, 2018

Shave for Cure is one of our largest annual fundraisers of the year, and involves participants shaving their heads to raise money for one of our partner organizations, Camp Trillium. Camp Trillium is a local, non-profit organization that provides year-round recreational experiences for

Where: Boston Pizza Main St. West Time: 12:00am - 11:00pm The MSU Charity Ball and Boston Pizza present Dine For A Cause in support of Mission Services of Hamilton Willow's Place.

Stay Connected:

Where: MUSC Atrium Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

MSU_McMaster

pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Smiling Over Sickness is very proud to be supporting this organization and has made a significant impact through events like Shave for Cure. In 2017, the event raised over $13,000 for this great cause!

If you would like to learn more about how to participate in Shave for Cure 2018, please e-mail us at macsosfundraising@gmail.com.

Check out the full Events Calendar at: msumcmaster.ca/events munity, Connect to Com , Concerts, Events, Services bs.

Advocacy, & Clu

MSUMcMASTER.CA

22 |

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

SPORTS

Sports To the final whistle

Fourth-year rugby player Mitchell Richardson details his time on the McMaster men’s rugby team and how the program is set up to take over the province

Richardson played a key role in Mac’s national Bronze Medal win last season.

SILHOUETTE PHOTO ARCHIVES

Justin Parker Sports Editor

Rugby season at McMaster is officially over. As teams pack up their cleats, it’s time to assess their past season and plan for the challenges ahead. For the Marauders’ men’s rugby team, the 2018 season ends without a medal, despite coming off an Ontario University Athletics Bronze Medal last year.

However, that does not mean this season was a failure for the program, as there were several changes made to the team that have set up the team for success in the near future.

One big change for the men’s rugby team was how they approached their training camp and the implementation of their playbook, moving to a problem-based learning method.

“It was very high-intensity.

I think it’s what we needed,” fourth-year Mitchell Richardson said. “If you want to play in the OUA and you want your

team to do well, I think you have to practice like you play and play like you practice. I think [coach Dan Pletch]’s practices and training camp where exactly that, which helped us win a couple of games this season.”

Richardson has been a mainstay of the men’s rugby team over the last four seasons, anchoring the team at the flyhalf/centre role and a name you would regularly see in game reports. The veteran was one of four key players that made up the team’s leadership group this past season, along with Jack McRogers, Jamie McNaughton and Brett Sullivan.

“We’re there to provide a leadership role to the team, not just in a rugby sense, but in school and a mental state as well,” Richardson said. “We’re there both on and off the field.”

Taking on this leadership role in his second year, Richardson has found this position on the team to be an extremely

beneficial experience at a personal level.

“It’s really helped me as a person because I think it gave me a few things that I didn’t think I had,” Richardson said.

“Being a vocal leader, having guys look up to you… it’s a really cool thing to be a part of.”

The team hoped to collect some more hardware in 2018, and it looked like they had a chance after a 4-4 regular season. Unfortunately, the men lost to the Wilfred Laurier University Golden Hawks in the OUA quarter-finals. Despite the early exit, there is a lot to be positive about for the program.

“I think the season went well. I mean we are a very young team, mixed with a few older guys. So if anything, it’s more of a developing year,” Richardson said. “It’s really good to see new faces come in, and only gives you a better idea of a brighter future to come. I think in the next two to three years, Mac’s going to be a pow-

erhouse again.”

Richardson still counts the team’s quarter-final loss to be a highlight of his season, a game in which the team showed the grit and perseverance that characterized them throughout his tenure.

“I think the last game, when we were at Laurier and we are up at half, we kind of fell down but never gave up,” Richardson said. “I think that was kind of my highlight of the season, just playing to the final whistle, even in our last game.”

For Richardson, who had been eyeing the McMaster program since he was in high school in Stoney Creek, he will always remember his time at Mac fondly.

“It’s amazing. Couldn’t have pictured it any other way,” Richardson said about his time at Mac. “It was an amazing experience… I would say the best years of my life to this day. Getting to learn off Dan Pletch… and then making new

friends. I have best friends now on this team. And then getting to provide that leadership role for the younger guys that came in this year.”

Although his time on Back 10 Field is over, Richardson is far from done with the game of rugby. Richardson will be on the roster of the Toronto Arrows Rugby Club, Canada’s first professional rugby team to join Major League Rugby.

Although statistically this season may not have gone as the men’s rugby team had hoped, it is clear that the culture of the team has formed a strong foundation for what’s to come. With players like Richardson moving on, there will be holes to fill, but the impact he and other team leaders have made will surely remain.

@writingparker

SPORTS | 23

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

Can you dig it?

As the men’s and women’s volleyball teams kick off their 2018-2019 campaign, here’s what you need to know about each program as they dominate Canadian volleyball

Men’s Volleyball Justin Parker Sports Editor

This is the most exciting time of the year for sports fans; everything is happening all at once.

The one downside of having such a large concentration of sports is that it can be tough to keep up with everything going on. Just like the pros, action in Ontario University Athletics is very much underway.

Lost in the fervour of the stellar play of the women’s soccer team behind U Sports Athlete of the Month Stephanie Roberts, the provincial dominance of the cross-country team, the basketball teams’ hot starts, and the unfortunately early end to the football team’s season, is the beginning of volleyball season.

McMaster has consistently had nationally-ranked volleyball programs for both the men’s and women’s teams. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know for the upcoming season on the court.

Coming off a U Sports Bronze Medal in 2018 , The team opened the season at #4 in the country, now they sit alone at #1.

Coaching The team will be led once again by head coach Dave Preston, now in his 17th season with the team. The OUA West Coach of the Year in 2017-18 led the Marauders to nine OUA Championships during his tenure, with medals in the last six national championship tournaments.

Key Departures The men will be missing a key presence on the court this season, as outside hitter Brandon Koppers exceeded his eligibility last year. He is joining ZASKA Kedzierzyn-Kozle, one of the world’s top volleyball clubs, who play in Poland’s PlusLiga. The three-time OUA All-Star was a 2018 Second Team All-Canadian and U Sports Championship All-Star.

Koppers led the team in points

per set (4.5) and kills per set (3.8) in 2017-18.

Names to Know Despite losing Koppers, the Mac men have a rotation full of experienced and talented players, ready to dominate the league. Fans will remember fifth-year outside hitter Andrew Richards, who was named OUA West Player of the Year and First Team All-Canadian during Mac’s championship season last year. Richards is joined by fellow OUA First Team All-Star Matt Passalent, who finished in the province’s top five of hitting percentage in 2017-18.

Also in the rotation will be a stable of young stars who had breakout campaigns last season, including setter David Doty, who finished in the country’s top 20 in assists last year, and middle Bennett Swan, who was named to the 2017 OUA All-Rookie team. Outside hitter Nathan Delguidice also figures to have a solid season, already amassing 32 kills and 34 points in two games.

Women’s Volleyball The women’s volleyball team is coming off another strong season, losing only two regular season games on their way to capturing an OUA Silver Medal, losing to the eventual National Champion Ryerson Rams.

Although the women’s volleyball team was unable to crack the U Sports Top Ten entering the season, the women had a strong preseason, making the final in the annual McMaster Thanksgiving Classic.

SILHOUETTE PHOTO ARCHIVES

Coaching The main constant for McMaster volleyball is back once again, as head coach Tim Louks has speant 29 seasons as head coach for the Marauders, originally serving as the men’s coach for three seasons in the 1980s, and time as a varsity player before that. The Hamilton native led the women’s team to three OUA Championships and was named OUA Coach of the Year six times.

Key Departures Unfortunately for the Marauders, there are many key parts of their rotation who have moved on from Burridge Gym. This includes middle Maicee Sorensen (2017-18 OUA West Player of the Year, U Sports First Team All-Canadian, OUA West First Team All-Star), outside hitter Joanna Jedrzejewska (threetime OUA all-star), libero Carly Heath (2017-18 OUA Second Team All-Star), outside hitter Aleks Arsovic (2017-18 OUA West First Team All-Star), right side Jill Eisenhauer and setter Caitlin Genovy (OUA Second Team All-Star).

last season, right side Jessie Nairn, who has 25 kills and 31.5 points in the young season, and fourth-year libero Zoe Mackintosh, who contributed 28 digs in the season opener.

Names to Know Following the exodus of starters, the women’s team have several players who are already prepared to take over, impressing in the team’s young season.

They will be led by third-year middle Hailey Kranics, who held down the middle with Sorensen

vs.

Both teams will host the Queen’s University Gaels on Nov. 9 for their home openers in Burridge Gym for what promises to be another exciting season.

@writingparker

24 |

SPORTS

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

GOING FOR GOLD

SPORTS

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018

| 25

Max Turek’s individual gold helps lead the McMaster men’s cross-country team to break 54-year team title drought Jessica Carmichael Sports Reporter

After the McMaster men’s cross-country team placed second in the 2017 Ontario University Athletics finals, they knew it was only a matter of time until they knocked the defending OUA champions, the University of Guelph Gryphons, out of the top spot. One year later, they did exactly that. For the first time in 54 years, the men’s team took home the OUA team title.

“We knew we had to stay together and work with each other to win that title.”

Max Turek Second-year cross-country runner Leading them in this victory was second-year runner Max Turek. The Whitby, ON native came to McMaster last year to study at Mac’s prestigious engineering school, but also to run for head coach Paula Schnurr.

Turek first began running cross-country in the tenth grade, but after recognizing that he had not only the right physique, but the raw talent for running, he began to take it more seriously. His high school success gave him a number of schools to choose from when it was time to decide where he would continue his post-secondary career. Ultimately, it was Schnurr’s family-driven program that caught Turek’s attention.

“It was a tough decision to choose between a few schools,

but honestly it came down to the last details,” said Turek. “I really had a great relationship with Paula, and I really enjoyed her coaching style. She’s very conservative and focuses on recovery, which is a huge part of my training.”

After seeing this and the team’s really strong depth chart, he knew in the coming years with their number of young talented guys, that they could win an OUA title while he was at McMaster. He would prove to be right.

Although, even before this year’s title, Turek began to make a name for himself by taking home the 2017 OUA Rookie of the Year award.

“Even though in the first year I was getting used to the transition from high school to university, I still was able to run up with the top runners in the OUA,” said Turek on his previous year’s overall performance.

“I think finally, once I got the hang of it coming into the second year, I knew what my strengths and weaknesses were, and that helped me to come out on top.”

Turek winning individual gold not only brought them the 2018 banner, but it also made Marauder history too. He is now the third McMaster men’s runner to win the individual title, along with 1992 winner Dave Lorne and 1964 winner Dave Knox.

Heading into the 10K course, the nerves were there, but Turek knew he was well-rested and as prepared as he could be. During the race, the poor weather conditions ensured the runners take it nice and easy.

“Going into my first 5K, I was feeling pretty good. Even up until 7K,” said Turek. “I

could have taken the lead, but I knew that there were some strong kickers on the other teams, so I just sat back and let them do the work until the last hundred metres, when I pulled through at the line and was able to win within the last 5 metres.”

Although Turek may have been the first Marauder to cross the line, it was the team effort that secured the title. Sergio Raez Villanueva secured the seventh position, followed by Alex Drover, who was close behind in eighth and Josh McGillivray who came in 11th place.

“We knew we had to stay together and work with each other to win that title,” said Turek. “The depth on our team is just so incredible, especially with how young we are, and this is just the beginning.”

For Turek, winning the individual gold and dethroning a powerhouse program like Guelph has been an overall humbling experience.

“The depth on our team is just so incredible, especially with how young we are, and this is just the beginning.”

Max Turek Second-year cross-country runner “There’s obviously a little bit of doubt that crosses your mind,” said Turek. “But we never had the opportunity to race our strongest seven guys against their strongest seven guys, so we knew we had a very

“Going into this race, it’s not just about making the podium anymore,” said Turek “We’re here to win. We’re ready to win and we want it really bad.”

Max Turek Second-year cross-country runner good shot.”

Although he is still on a high, it does not end here. With his eyes on the upcoming U Sports national championships in Kingston on Saturday, Nov. 10, he and the Marauders are not willing to settle for anything less than gold.

“Going into this race, it’s not just about making the podium anymore,” said Turek “We’re here to win. We’re ready to win and we want it really bad.”

Last year, Turek and the men’s team finished just three points behind third-place Université Laval with an overall score of 90 points. The Gryphons took home the national title, so not only will they be looking for revenge against the Marauders, but also want to defend their title. This can be a lot of pressure for the Marauders as they head into their last race of the season, but for Turek, this is just story of the underdog ready to be written. @ JaayCarmichael

CATHERINE GOCE / PHOTO REPORTER

26 |

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018

GAMES

GAMES

ACROSS 1- “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” author; 5- Z ___ zebra; 9- Become less intense, die off; 14- To Live and Die ___; 15- Facts and figures; 16- Rudner and Moreno; 17- Farthest aft; 19- Examines closely; 20- Island in Western Samoa; 21- Omigosh!; 23- Starters; 25- Covered vehicle; 26- Spots on TV; 29- Singer Torme; 30- Taper holder;

DOWN 1- Supple; 2- Recorded; 3- British secondary school exam; 4- It’s a wrap; 5- Commander in chief of a fleet; 6- ___ Paulo, Brazil; 7- ___-bitsy; 8- Aboriginal; 9- Weapons supply; 10- Some pens; 11- Loss leader?; 12- Author Amy; 13- Pothook shape;

33- Martinique volcano; 34- Pacific weather phenomenon; 35- Gin flavoring; 38- Before, to Byron; 40- Shake ___ (hurry); 41- Moon of Jupiter; 44- 1985 Kate Nelligan film; 47- Careful; 49- The Altar; 52- Pull; 53- Cartoon frame; 54- Totter; 56- Caracole; 58- Frank; 59- Kate & ___;

62- Fundamental reason; 64- “Surprise Symphony” composer; 65- 1982 Disney film; 66- How sweet ___!; 67- Like Georgia Brown; 68- Ditto; 69- Penny;

18- Bridget Fonda, to Jane; 22- Cabbagelike plant; 24- Dagger; 26- Seed covering; 27- Sand hill; 28- Problem with L.A.; 31- Jeter of the Yankees; 32- ___ B’rith; 33- Unskilled laborer; 35- Equinox mo.; 36- Island feast; 37- Not a dup.; 39- Some Ivy Leaguers; 42- Crown of ancient Egypt; 43- Suit to ___; 45- Fold;

46- Marsh of mystery; 48- Tips off; 49- Related through males; 50- Land, as a fish; 51- Take into custody; 55- Photo finish?; 56- Broad; 57- Zhivago’s love; 59- Sighs of relief; 60- Actor Jude; 61- Cleaning agent; 63- Male turkey;

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Managers to $15.60/hour + bonuses Wrappers to $14.60/hour Full & Part Time available: December 1–24.

To apply, go to: WWW.TORONTOWRAPS.COM

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THE

HAMILTON SPECULATOR I’ VE HAD A HEADACHE SINCE 1934

NOVEMBER 8, 2018

NOTSPEC.COM

Application for Employment McMaster Unibersity is looking for a new President! Could you be our next Datrick Peane?

Date available for work:

Desired salary:

Personal Information First name:

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Initial:

Address: Are you a Canadian Citizen?

Yes

Will you eat Pizza Pizza for lunch daily?

No Yes

No

Will students know that you have an accent before their graduation?

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence?

Yes

Yes

No

No

If selected for employment, are you willing to comdemn hate speech on campus?

Yes

Will you force select groups to smoke off campus as a public relations stunt after allowing an alt-right spokesperson to speak on campus?

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References Name:

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Applicant’s signature: Date: Only successful applicants will be notified for an interview.

Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Do you really think someone would name their child Datrick Peane?

PER ISSUE: A PRESIDENT WHO TAKES A STANCE INCL. HST, PST & three of it.

No