Volume 23, Issue 5 — January 2024

The Sputnik,We Orbit Around You.

Volume 23, Issue 5 - January 11, 2024

News, pg. 3

Sports, pg. 6

Arts & Culture, pg. 7

Opinion, pg. 10-11

The Infinitum, pg. 18-20

STARBUCKS BOYCOTTS CONTINUE

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

A NEW YEAR, A NEW ME

BUILDING BRANTFORD BETTER

EVE’S PARABLE

STUDENTS CUT OFF BRANDS FOR GAZA

A QUICK LOOK AT THE TOURNAMENT

SETTING SUSTAINABLE RESOLUTIONS

A FEATURE ON HOW WE CAN CHANGE THE CITY

SUPERHEROES EXIST IN THIS WORLD NOT TOO FAR FROM OUR OWN

FRESH BEGINNINGS The New Year Issue

SERENA ANAGBE / PHOTO EDITOR

New Year celebrations.

02

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2024

WWW.THESPUTNIK.CA

THE SPUTNIK STAFF LEAD OPINION WRITER Jada Phillips

EDITORINCHIEF Umaymah Suhail eic@thesputnik.ca NEWS EDITOR VACANT

INFINITUM EDITOR Tusharika Tyagi infinitum@thesputnik.ca

LEAD NEWS WRITER VACANT

LEAD INFINITUM WRITER Thando Bhebhe

SPORTS EDITOR Celina Shamon sports@thesputnik.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Serena Anagbe photography@thesputnik.ca

LEAD SPORTS WRITER Mitchell Hartman

WEB MANAGER VACANT

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Alexa Ford arts@thesputnik.ca

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Sathyashini Suresh social@thesputnik.ca

LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER Sienna Bilancia

VIDEO EDITOR VACANT

OPINION EDITOR Mitchell Baldwin opinion@thesputnik.ca

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Victoria Blagdon copyeditor@thesputnik.ca

WLUSP ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Aaron Waitson ed@wlusp.com

BRANTFORD MANAGER OF OPERATIONS VACANT

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Serena Austin president@wlusp.com

HR MANAGER Lia McGinnis hr@wlusp.com

FINANCE MANAGER Randy Moore randy@rcmbrooks.com

WEB MANAGER Sam Nabi web@wlusp.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Kurtis Rideout ads@wlusp.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR Serena Austin

TREASURER Madalyn Mostascci

VICECHAIR Jacob Rice

COMMUNITY DIRECTOR Rosalind Horne

STUDENT DIRECTOR Jack Vrolyk

COMMUNITY DIRECTOR Shelby Blackley

SECRETARY Maryka Van Wyngaarden

CONTRIBUTORS Olga Steblyk Bachir Miloudi Niyati Pacholi Katie Bird

Piper Force Ayse Aras

ADVERTISING All advertising inquiries can be directed to Kurtis Rideout at kurtis.rideout@wlusp.com.

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SPUTNIK_NEWS

THE.SPUTNIK

THE.SPUTNIK

Editor’s Note: Journalism, a “dying” profession UMAYMAH SUHAIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When I first accepted my offer into the digital media and journalism program four years ago, my uncle asked me what kind of jobs I could get with this degree. I replied with my early dreams of reporting abroad, perhaps in Afghanistan or anywhere else journalists are needed.

He then asked me if I wanted to get myself killed.

I hoped he was exaggerating at first, but it didn’t take long to see there was a hint of reality in that blunt statement. As I continued to consume the news and learned more about journalism in my classes, I understood that the truth can drown in waves of caution and propaganda before it even reaches the public. The truth can also be perceived as a threat.

I always knew torture, incarceration and murder were some severe but very possible consequences for honest journalism, especially during times of political turmoil and war. But what I wasn’t prepared for is the deliberate, unpunished targeting of journalists we’re witnessing through our screens today.

Within the first week of the new year, Al Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh’s eldest son, Hamza, a 27-year-old journalist, was killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his vehicle, as confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces. Two

other people were in the vehicle, including journalist Mustafa Thuraya who was also killed and freelancer Hazem Rajab who suffers from serious injuCELINA SHAMON / SPORTS EDITOR ries.

A protest sign with a poem by Refaat Alareer The Al Jazeera Mecamp. He appeared live on dia Network said in a stateair to report the same day. ment that these deaths were Since Oct. 7, at least an “assassination” and the 79 journalists and media Israeli military has “systemiworkers have been killed, 72 cally targeted” Dahdouh and were Palestinian and four his family. Al Jazeera also were Israeli, according to the pushed for legal action to Committee to Protect Jourbe taken against Israel. The nalists. At least 21 journalists IDF said they were targeting were arrested, 16 injured a “terrorist” in the vehicle and three reported missing. allegedly identified by their Numerous assaults, threats, use of a drone, but the three cyberattacks and censorship passengers were headed against media workers conto an Israeli-designated tinue. “humanitarian zone” after “The Israeli army has filming the aftermath of an killed more journalists in 10 airstrike with a drone, which weeks than any other army was not in use during their or entity has in any single drive. year. And with every journalFour other Dahdouh ist killed, the war becomes family members were killed harder to document and to

by Israeli airstrikes on a refunderstand,” said the comugee camp in October. Still, mittee’s Middle East and Dahdouh said his reporting North Africa program coorcontinues. dinator, Sherif Mansour.

“We are going to From the moment I proceed as long as we are entered this program to the alive and breathing,” said the ongoing conversations I have bureau chief. He also said in with peers in my final year, an interview with filmmakprofessors and students alike er Bisan Owda that one of say journalism is a dying the hardest moments of the profession. But what young war for him, despite it all, is Palestinians, like Owda and “when a journalist becomes photojournalist Motaz Azaithe news instead of broadza, risk their lives every day casting for the news. And to show the public directly instead of getting the image from the ground should be and broadcast it, he becomes enough to prove that jourthe image and the news nalists are needed now more headlines.” than ever.

In December, Al Journalism is not “dyJazeera correspondent ing.” It’s actively being killed, Moamen Al Sharafi lost 22 one journalist at a time, family members in an Israeli while the world just watches. air attack on another refugee

THE SPUTNIK  NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2024

03

CAMPUS

Starbucks boycotts continue

Students keep cutting off brands that support Israel

UMAYMAH SUHAIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Wilfrid Laurier University students in Brantford have been boycotting Starbucks and other brands that support Israel to stand in solidarity with Palestine during the ongoing war.

In October, the union organizing the cafe’s workers, Starbucks Workers United, posted “Solidarity with Palestine!” on social media after the Hamas attack in Israel that killed around 1,200 people. Starbucks then published a statement that said the post was “reflecting [individual workers’] support for violence perpetrated by Hamas.”

“We unequivocally condemn these acts of terrorism, hate and violence, and disagree with the statements and views expressed by Workers United and its members,” the statement said.

Boycotts were already taking place due to Starbucks’ history of poor worker treatment, but calls to cut off the cafe erupted shortly after this. The company is now taking the union to court for using their logo, and Workers United is coun-

tersuing for defaming the union “by implying that it supports terrorism and violence.”

“For me, it was kind of a no-brainer,” said Maham Wyne, a fourthyear criminology student.

“Anything that supports genocide of the people of Gaza, I knew I would not support, especially something that is not of necessity... I won’t die if I don’t have a Starbucks drink.”

CEO Laxman Narasimhan said in a letter to shareholders, “Our stance is clear. We stand for humanity.”

Usfer Syed, a fourth-year criminology student and the president of Laurier Brantford’s Muslim Student Association said this statement shows Narasimhan is still not willing to address much about the crisis in Gaza. But Syed said this also means the CEO is now in a position where he cannot ignore it either.

In November, thousands of Starbucks workers walked out on a one-day strike during the cafe’s busiest day of the year, Red Cup Day, when anyone who orders a holiday beverage receives a free reusable cup. Since then, Starbucks’

Syed said he used to go to Tim Horton’s every day until he learned that a part of his daily routine was on the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement’s official list. This is a Palestinian-led movement that promotes boycotts, divestments and economic sanctions against Israel.

SERENA ANAGBE / PHOTO EDITOR Although Starbucks shares have gone A Starbucks location. is not on the BDS down by 8.96 per boycott list, people added the cafe cent with an $11 billion USD loss. to their personal tally of brands to Megan Jacobs, a fourth-year avoid. social work student, used to buy “This money itself is going Starbucks every day before she towards businesses who are started boycotting. She said this endorsing an illegal occupation. change is different, but not hard.

On top of that, they are endorsing “I don’t think that that’s right, the support of an army which is that they’re suing their workers objectively acknowledged to be board for something that they supcommitting war crimes, which port,” said Jacobs. “Now it just feels does make it very difficult for many wrong to go there.” people to then continue wanting to Jacobs said she makes her coffee put money into these businesses’ at home, careful not to use brands pockets,” said Syed. “It was defiaffiliated with Starbucks. nitely a challenge... but the more Other brands students are the conflict ensued, it kind of gave boycotting include Shoppers you some more reassurance that Drug Mart, Bath and Body Works, this boycott is necessary and it is Walmart, Disney, McDonald’s, working,” he said.

Papa John’s, Burger King and Tim Syed said he buys his coffee Hortons.

from other cafes that don’t support Israel, like Second Cup. “Second Cup is now becoming the spot for a lot of people to go to,” said Syed while sitting at one of their locations. “This cafe is packed. There’s a lineup, and it always used to be Tim Hortons with the lineup.”

Eugenia Garcia-Pena, a fourthyear social work student, said people in the West should acknowledge the power and privilege they hold. This includes making a difference even by boycotting your favourite brand.

“Regardless of whether I’m near or far, I still want to support folks and I still want to just make sure that I am holding myself accountable too,” she said.

Students said they won’t return to brands like Starbucks anytime soon, until serious rectification of their Israeli support happens.

Students use sources like bdnaash. com to learn about more companies who support Israel.

A student who would not like their name published due to fear of losing their position on campus said boycotts in countries like Malaysia have resulted in multiple empty Starbucks locations. They said “that type of awareness just doesn’t exist in Canada, unfortunately.”

HEALTHCARE

Action against the closure of public healthcare services

There have been over one thousand hospital closures in Ontario since November, report finds AYSE ARAS NEWS WRITER

A recent Ontario Health Coalition report says there have been 1,199 hospital service closures in the province alone last year up until November. The report was released in early December as emergency hospital services continue to close across Ontario.

Hospital services have been closing for the past three years due to staff shortages in nurses, health professionals and physicians, which has worsened post-pandemic. The multiple closures also raised concerns about access to public healthcare systems.

“In [northern Ontario], the distances between hospitals that are experiencing service closures are huge. Some hospitals have had services closed when they are an

hour to four hours away from the next open service,” said Natalie Mehra, the executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition.

“The hospitals to which patients must drive — or to which they must somehow find transportation when their local hospital services are closed — are already overburdened and understaffed.”

The report says there were closures in 867 temporary emergency departments, 316 urgent care centres, 11 obstetrics units, two outpatient laboratories, one ICU, one permanent emergency department and one labour and delivery unit.

Hospital funding in Ontario is increasing by 0.5 per cent, but public healthcare inflation increased by 5.65 per cent in 2023.

This leads hospitals to reduce their staff sizes and services.

Several hospitals across the province are at risk of permanently losing services.

Leader of the Official Opposition NDP Marit Stiles said the Ontario party “will keep fighting for a system that truly works for everyone – not just wealthy insiders.” Stiles said her goal is to put more focus on public healthcare.

Last spring, the Ontario Medical Association released a new solution to address the public healthcare crisis, adding to their Prescription for Ontario series.

The foundation of this plan is based on three goals, which are to make sure everyone has access to a family doctor, address “the growing burden of unnecessary administration” and increase community capacity to deal with hospital overcrowding. Currently, 2.2 million people in Ontario

do not have a family doctor.

This report also says the highest-priority solutions for the Ontario government should include expanding access to team-based primary care for all citizens when

and wherever they need it, along with building a northern and rural physician workforce strategy by licensing more internationally educated physicians.

SERENA ANAGBE/ PHOTO EDITOR

The emergency department at the Brantford General Hospital

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2023

THE SPUTNIK · NEWS

4

CAMPUS EVENTS

New culture club hosts Panel for Palestine Club aims to raise awareness about the Palestinian fight for liberation

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

For the last 12 weeks, there have been numerous demonstrations, vigils and charitable events in support of Palestinian civilians who are being targeted, murdered and forcefully disCELINA SHAMON placed from their homes in Gaza SPORTS EDITOR and the West Bank. This week, For the lastbrings 12 weeks, there South Africa genocide have been numerous demonallegations against Israel at the strations, vigils and of charitable International Court Justice. events in support of Palestinian In light of this, the newly civilians who are being targeted, emerging Palestinian Culture murdered forcefully disClub (PCC)and at Wilfrid Lauriplaced from their homes in Gaza er University hosted a panel and the West week, discussion as Bank. their fiTh rstisevent, South Panel Africafor brings genocide called Palestine.

The allegations against Israel4 at panel was held on Dec. in the International Court of Justice.

Science Teaching Complex at

This club serves as a constant reminder to people that we [Palestinians] are still here, we still exist and we will keep on fighting until Palestine is free.

-Omar Yousef, co-founder, PCC

light of this, the newlyUW’s theInUniversity of Waterloo. emergingArab Palestinian Waterloo StudentCulture AssoClub (PCC) at Wilfrid Lauriciation (WASA) and Laurier’s er University hosted a panel Middle Eastern Student Associadiscussion their fiorganize rst event,the tion (MESA)ashelped called Th Panel for is Palestine.

The panel. e PCC open to Laurier panel wasfrom heldboth on Dec. 4 in the students the Waterloo Science Teaching Complex at and Brantford campuses, and

the University of Waterloo. community members in theUW’s area Waterloo Student Assoare alwaysArab welcome at events. ciation (WASA)Canadian-Palesand Laurier’s Fourth-year Middlestudents EasternOmar Student Associtinian Yousef and ation (MESA) helped organize Yousef Abdo cofounded the new the panel. e PCC is open to is club in lateTh November.

Yousef students from both the aLaurier computer science student and Waterloo Brantford MESA viceand president of ficampusnances. es, and in Abdo is community a chemistry members student and the areasocial are always at MESA’s mediawelcome coordinator. events.

“This club serves as a conFourth-year stant reminder Canadian-Palesto people that tinian students Omar Yousef we [Palestinians] are still here,and Yousef cofounded the new we still Abdo exist and we will keep on in late Yousef ficlub ghting untilNovember.

Palestine is free,” is a computer said Yousef. science student and MESA vice president of fithe nances.

Yousef and Abdo said PCC Abdoto is educate a chemistry and aims theirstudent peers on MESA’s social mediapolitics coordinator.

Palestinian history, and “This club serves as a conliberation. stant to people that Thereminder panel consisted of presenwe [Palestinians] are stillspeakers here, tations from four expert we still exist we willand keep on with time forand questions open fighting until Palestine isefree,” discussion at the end. Th club said Yousef. served Middle Eastern cuisine Yousef Abdo said the PCC and tea forand everyone in attenaims to educate their peers on dance.

Palestinian history, politics and The speakers included Rabbi liberation.

David Mivasair with IndepenTheJewish panelVoices consisted of presendent Canada, Quill tations from four expert speakers Christie-Peters with the Indigewith time questionspolitical and open nous Youthfor Residency, discussion the end. Th club science PhDatcandidate ateMcserved Middle Eastern cuisine Master University Ghada Sasa, and tea for everyone instudent attenCanadian-Palestinian dance. at Toronto Metropolitan speaker The speakers Rabbi University Ayah included Elmasri and David Mivasair with IndepenShatha Mahmoud and Mohamdent William Jewish Voices Canada, Quill med with the Palestinian Christie-Peters with the IndigeYouth Movement. nous Youth Residency, political Each speaker shared diff erent science PhD of candidate at Mcperspectives the Palestinian Master University Ghada Sasa, struggle for liberation from Canadian-Palestinian student their respective communities,

speaker at Toronto Metropolitan showing the audience how PalUniversityhave Ayah Elmasri and estinians faced consistent Shatha Mahmoud and history Mohaminjustices both in their medtheir William withreality. the Palestinian and current Youth Movement.

During the Q&A period, there Each speaker shared different were many questions about perspectives of thefor Palestinian Canada’s support a two-state struggle for liberation solution between Israelfrom and their respective communities, Palestine. showing the audience Pal“It is really a thin veilhow to hide estinians have consistent what Israel hasfaced always been injustices in their doing evenboth before 1948,history which is and their current reality. of land to maximize the amount During the Q&A period, there that they control with minimum were many about numbers of questions Palestinians,” said Canada’s support for a two-state Mivasair. solution between Israelcomand To address Canada’s Palestine. plicity in this, the rabbi used is reallyof a thin veil to hide the“Itexample the reoccurring what Israel has always United Nations Generalbeen Assemdoing even 1948,to which is bly vote on abefore resolution return maximize the amount of land to the 1967 borders established that they Israel control with minimum between and Palestine. numbers of Palestinians,” said “This vote happens every Mivasair. year, and Canada is amongst address Canada’s theToeight countries whocomvoted plicity in this,the theUnited rabbi used no alongside States, the example of the reoccurring United Kingdom and Israel,” said United Nations General AssemMivasair. blyVincent vote onStrickland, a resolution to return a member to the audience, 1967 borders in saidestablished he is most between Israel and Palestine. concerned about “the narrative votewho happens every of “Th the is West, are just not year, and Canada is amongst completely understanding the the eightofcountries who voted context Israel being a colonial no alongside the United States, state.”

United Kingdom andthey Israel,” said “The belief system have Mivasair. is continuously going against Vincent Strickland, a member international law,” he said.

“The in the audience, is most government here,said myhe governconcerned “the narrative ment, is justabout as complicit as the of the West, who are just not for U.S. and their blanket support completely understanding the Israel.” context of Israel colonial Strickland is a being part ofathe

state.”

Kitchener-Waterloo community

...they deserve to have the life that they want to have on their land without the overarching fear of having their homes and jobs taken away.

-Vincent Strickland, KW Community member

“Th e belief system theyCollege have and attended Conestoga is continuously going against for biotechnology in Waterloo. international law,” “The “I am almost 40, he andsaid. it has government here, my governbeen the same narrative disment, isthat justI as complicit as the played witnessed from U.S. and their blanket support for when I was a teenager protesting Israel.” the Iraqi war, and it is crazy to is having a part ofthe thesame meStrickland that we are Kitchener-Waterloo community conversations 20 years later,” he and attended Conestoga College said. forStrickland biotechnology in attended Waterloo.the said he “I am almost 40, and it has event with the hope of becoming been the same narrative dismore educated on what he can played thatthe I witnessed from do to help Palestinian strugwhen was a teenager protesting gle forIliberation from Canada. theshared Iraqi war, is crazyistoof He thatand hisitpartner me that we are having the same Palestinian descent and said he conversations 20 years later,” will aways do whatever he canheto said. more about the topic. learn Strickland said he the “A free Palestine toattended me, means event with the hope of becoming that my partner can go home moresee educated on what he can and his family,” Strickland do towith helptears the Palestinian said in his eyes. strug“His gle forfamily liberation from Canada. entire is back there.

They He shared partner is of are people that whohis work hard and Palestinian he they deservedescent to haveand the said life that

will aways dohave whatever he land can to they want to on their learn more the topic. without theabout overarching fear free Palestine to me, of “A having their homes andmeans jobs that my partner can go home taken away.” and see his family,” Strickland Some individuals in the audisaid with tearsto inWaterloo his eyes. “His ence travelled from entire family is backto there. ey as far as Woodstock learnThand are people who work hard and hear more about the Palestinian they deserve to have the life that struggle for liberation. they to have on their land Thewant Israeli Defense Forces without the besieging overarching have begun thefear territoof of having homesdisplacing and jobs ry Gaza,their forcefully takenof away.” most the 2.3 million Palestinindividuals in the toll audiianSome population.

The death ence travelled to reached Waterloo21,672 from in Gaza has now as far as Woodstock to learnofand civilians, with the addition hear more about Palestinian thousands buriedthe under the struggle for liberation. rubble.

Israelitoll Defense Forces The death in Israel from haveOct. begun besieging the territothe 7 attack is at approxiry of Gaza, forcefully displacing mately 1,140.

Israeli president mostNetanyahu of the 2.3 million Ben said in Palestina news ian population.

The 31 death conference on Dec. thattoll “the in Gaza now reached war is athas its height” and it 21,672 will go civilians, with the addition of on for many months. thousands buried theover “If I can wake upunder to a roof rubble. my head with water and food in e death tolllike in Israel myTh fridge, I feel I owefrom it to the the Oct. 7 attack at approxikids in Gaza whoisremain smiling matelylosing 1,140.their Israeli president while homes and Ben Netanyahu in a news families to keep said spreading the conference on Dec. 31reminding that “the word of Palestine and warworld is at itsthat height” andexist,” it willsaid go the they do on for many months.

Yousef.

“If I can wake up to a roof over my head with water and food in my fridge, I feel like I owe it to the kids in Gaza who remain smiling while losing their homes and families to keep spreading the word of Palestine and reminding the world that they do exist,” said Yousef.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2023

THE SPUTNIK  NEWS

5

GLOBAL

Bethlehem churches cancelled Christmas All celebrations were off, but masses and prayers

UMAYMAH SUHAIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bethlehem in the Israel-occupied West Bank is considered Jesus’ birthplace, yet the city was empty with no holiday lights, decorations, tourists or Christmas trees last month.

Local churches cancelled all usual festivities and celebrations to show solidarity with Palestinians during the war, who have been under constant bombardment, continuous oppression and ongoing violence since Oct. 7. Only the masses and prayers continued.

“Some people in the West forget the existence of Palestinian Christians. This war affects everything Palestinian, whether Muslim or Christian,” said Bethlehem local Reverend Munther Isaac. “It is our responsibility now to raise our voices as a nation to stop this war.”

For Christmas, the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem displayed a nativity scene that reflected the realities of children in Gaza today with baby Jesus placed amid rubble. Artist Tarek Salsaa presented a public sculpture that depicts the traditional nativity scene but with

where there’s a genocide happencancelled, especially considering the Holy Family in a completely ing right now?” said Rios. “It also the significance of Christmas in bombed-out cave. helps bring awareness as well, Bethlehem, but this also shows “If Christ were to be born today, he would be born under the rubble where local Christians stand on the which is what we need. We need more awareness to go around and war and how strongly. and Israeli shelling,” said Isaac. people to under“This is a powerful stand what is hapmessage we send to pening and why it the world celebrating needs to stop.” the holidays.”

Kal Ing, a Students at Wilfrid third-year human Laurier University in rights and human Brantford heard about diversity student, Bethlehem cancelling said the war Christmas just before doesn’t stem from the holiday through an issue of religion, social media. Milena yet some wrongly Rios, a third-year social involve religious work student with a doctrine to justify minor in youth and the violence. When children studies, said churches take a the reverend’s statestand, it can help ment is “completely debunk these reliaccurate.” gious excuses.

“If [Jesus] was born “I feel like Bethtoday,” said Rios, “he’d lehem cancelling be experiencing everyChristmas is their thing that all the chilway of showing dren, the adults, the their humanity in teenagers, everyone in the situation and Gaza would be.” trying to appeal to Photos of the nativity the people who are scene spread quickly using religious jusonline and Melina CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / REVEREND MUNTHER ISAAC tifications for their Levesque, a second-year Baby Jesus amid rubble in Lutheran Church’s nativity scene. violence [against human rights student, Palestinians],” said Ing. “Why would [Bethlehem said “most people don’t expect to Just days before Christmas on churches] especially be celebrating see an image like that.” She said it’s Dec. 16, Nahida Khalil Anton and Christmas and all these festivities unfortunate that celebrations were

her daughter, Samar Kamal Anton, were shot and killed by Israeli snipers as they walked towards the Sisters’ Convent to seek refuge from the war in Gaza’s only Catholic Church, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Israel Defense Forces denies this happened.

“I continue to receive very grave and painful news from Gaza,” said Pope Francis in an announcement one day later. “Unarmed civilians are the objects of bombings and shootings. And this happened even inside the Holy Family parish complex, where there are no terrorists, but families, children, people who are sick or disabled, nuns.”

IDF tanks fired rockets and hit the convent on the same day the women were killed. This made it “inhabitable” for the more than 54 disabled persons it sheltered and who had to relocate afterwards, according to the Latin Patriarchate.

“Some are saying, ‘This is terrorism and war,’” the Pope said. “Yes, it is war. It is terrorism.”

Rios said she thinks churches should be supporting the Palestinian people and the continuous calls for a ceasefire.

“If you value life, you can see that what the Israeli military is doing is genocide,” said Rios. “How is killing all these people not a sin?”

LOCAL

Brantford’s new green bin program takes off The city’s introduction of the new bins will help divert waste from landfills PIPER FORCE NEWS WRITER

SERENA ANAGBE/PHOTO EDITOR

the city of brantford’s new green bins

Currently, 28 per cent of Brantford residents are participating in the city’s new Green Bin program to reduce its carbon footprint.

Around 200 tonnes of organic waste was collected in just the first month of its launch.

Brantford introduced this program in early November in partnership with Ontario’s Climate Change Action plan in efforts to shift the province to a circular economy. On average, Ontario wastes $31 billion worth of food a year. The project aims to divert and reuse materials rather than discard them in landfills to reduce this waste.

Ken Klunder is a local green bin waste collector and a member of the Green Team, a group dedicated to diverting waste at

festivals and events in the city.

He said that while residents are still learning, the participation and reaction to the program has been positive.

“I like seeing that there are a lot of people that buy into it,” said Klunder.

The city held a Green Bin to Win contest throughout November where residents participating in the program sent in photos of their green bins and wrote about their experience each week on the City of Brantford’s website.

Residents are intrigued to see how the program will continue and grow in the new year.

Klunder said the city’s efforts are evident and people are excited to do their part, while others are hoping to see the program

expand to ensure they’re diverting as much waste as possible.

Amber Dawn, a third-year forensic psychology student with a minor in criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University, is participating in the program and is already eager for more.

“They definitely have to expand to public high traffic spots,” said Dawn.

The Brantford Green Bin program focuses on directing food waste away from the Mohawk Street landfill, which is expected to reach its maximum capacity by 2064. Some Ontario municipalities with landfills already at full capacity ship their waste to Michigan in the United States.

Ontario restaurants, on average, generate 220,000 tonnes of

food waste a year. Expansion of the program would divert the mass amounts of waste to a facility where it would be processed into nutrient-rich soil.

Currently, Brantford only has green bin collection for residents in a small portion of the city, but community organizations hope more are included soon.

“A future I’m excited to see is making sure businesses are accepted in the program,” said Karleigh Csordas, another Green Team member.

If residents live in an area not eligible for the program, they can make drop-offs to the Mohawk Street landfill at 20 Morrison Rd. where the collection team will send their waste to a waste processing facility.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2024

THE SPUTNIK · SPORTS

06

HOCKEY

A look at this year’s World Junior Hockey Championships A preview of Team Canada at the 2023-24 World Junior Hockey Championships

MITCHELL HARTMAN LEAD SPORTS WRITER

The World Junior Ice Hockey Championships are an annual tradition every hockey fan can look forward to.

The games are action-packed and exciting every year. Not only this, but the tournament also gives fans a nice break from the NHL and a chance to cheer for their home country.

For the first time since 2014, this year’s edition of the World Juniors takes place in Sweden, more specifically in the city of Gothenburg.

Despite the tournament being played overseas, Team Canada hoped to win their third straight World Junior gold medal.

After capturing gold in 2022 and in January 2023, the Canadians attempted to be the first team since 2009 to win three gold medals in a row.

“I think this year is going to be a lot tighter, and [all] the teams look real good,” said Hadee Jehangeer, a third-year user experience design student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Brantford who said he’s excited for this year’s World Juniors.

Team Canada brought a strong roster to this year’s tournament and while some believe this team may not be on par with previous ones, they looked like gold medal contenders regardless.

“Some players to watch on Team Canada are Macklin Celebrini, Jordan Dumais and Easton Cowan.

Each of these players have been so impactful in their own respect and I believe they will continue to produce heavily for Team Canada this tournament,” said Jehangeer.

Outside of Canada, Team Finland rivals Team United States and this year’s hosts Team Sweden also look like contenders for the World Junior gold medal.

When asked about the other teams, Jehangeer noted Team United States as Canada’s biggest competition this year, as well as American forward Cutter Gauth-

ier, naming him as “someone to watch.”

Regardless of who wins, this year’s tournament is sure to be memorable.

When asked about previous tournaments, Jehangeer said his “best memory that comes to mind was the 2015 championship run.”

“I remember being so young and watching Team Canada play in the finals against Team Russia holding on for gold. It was really thrilling seeing such a stacked team with players such as McDavid, Point, Duclair and Morrissey playing in the World Juniors for Canada and winning gold,” said Jehangeer.

Team Canada will look to create another memorable experience for fans and to win another gold medal this year.

The World Juniors began on Dec. 26, 2023. Canada started the first two days off victorious against Finland and Latvia, but fell short 2-0 against Sweden on day three.

In the final match of the preliminary round, Canada took a 6-3 win over Germany on New Year’s Eve. Sadly for fans, Canada left the

tournament after a 3-2 loss to Czechia on Jan. 2, despite beating them in overtime during last year’s championships.

“If we thought we weren’t going to get challenged in this tournament and we weren’t going to face this adversity, we’d be pretty naive,” said Team Canada’s head

coach Alan Letang. “The belief hasn’t changed. It’s not wavering.”

With their tournament coming to an unfortunate early exit, Team Canada is now looking towards next year’s World Juniors, which start on Dec. 26, 2024 and are taking place in Ottawa, Ont.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

NHL

NHL insights of the 2023-24 season An overview of the NHL 1/3 of the way through the season

MITCHELL HARTMAN LEAD SPORTS WRITER

With the Christmas season now behind us, the NHL season has unofficially reached its one-third point of the 2023-24 season.

It’s been a thrilling season so far to say the least. Many teams have had rough starts and fell short of expectations, most notably the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers came into this season as Stanley Cup contenders and were picked by many to win the coveted trophy, but opened their year with just four wins in their first 18 games.

Though they have played much better as of late, sitting only a few points out of a play-off spot, their season has been disappointing so far.

OLGA STEBLYK/SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

Another team who has fallen short of their expectations has been the Seattle Kraken, who are currently near the bottom of the league’s standings despite making the play-offs last season.

“I feel as though [Seattle] could have performed a lot better this year given their roster,” said Maddox Runstedler, a fourth-year game

design student and fan of the Seattle Kraken. “I was surprised this year at how poorly we performed as opposed to our first two years.”

On the other hand, many teams are meeting, or even exceeding, their pre-season expectations.

One of these teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have overcame a shaky start to the year

to now placing second in their division. “[This year’s] been not bad, but definitely some room for improvement,” said Kaitlyn Heffern, a third-year social work student and fan of the Leafs.

In terms of teams exceeding expectations, many who failed to make the play-offs last year cur-

rently find themselves in a play-off position, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Arizona Coyotes and Vancouver Canucks.

“The Canucks have been pleasantly surprising this year,” said Heffern. “[They had] low expectations heading into this season but are now one of the league’s top teams.”

On top of every team’s bucket list is the Stanley Cup and a few teams look like early contenders for the trophy.

“The New York Rangers are my Stanley Cup pick,” said Runstedler.

Heffern added her own Stanley Cup choice, which is the Dallas Stars.

“The Stars are well-built team with lots of play-off experience,” she said.

The beginning third of the NHL season has been nothing short of entertaining and the great display of skill that has been shown so far is only going to get better as the season goes on.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2024

07

THE SPUTNIK · ARTS & CULTURE

LIFESTYLE

SIENNA BILANCIA LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

Out with the old and ringing in 2024, a new year and time again for New Year’s resolutions. While speaking with students and those who work with them, it has been said that students are in the majority of people who give up on their New Year’s resolutions the fastest or burn out trying to keep up with the resolutions they choose. Here are a few approaches you can take to help with choosing and keeping up with resolutions for 2024.

“I would suggest using SMART goals for any goal or resolution you may have. This stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound,” said Claire Howarth, Wilfrid Laurier University’s Wellness Education coordinator.

For example, a common resolution is working out or getting in shape. A way to make this fit into a busy student lifestyle might be to start with going to the YMCA once a week to join a workout class for two months before increasing the goal depending on how the two months went. It is important to make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself.

There are many ways people use to choose what their resolutions for the upcoming year will be. The most crucial part is choosing one

A new year, a new me: setting sustainable resolutions That special time of year when we all vow to be the best version of ourselves

that works for you.

“The minute I think of something that I would want to improve or bring me joy, I try to avoid waiting to start it in January,” said Mackenzie Lake, an off-campus first-year initiatives coordinator.

She said she instead focuses on the goal of continuing the new habit in January.

It’s important to understand that different approaches work for different people. There is not a

SERENA ANAGBE/PHOTO EDITOR

New years resolution typed on a laptop

one-size-fits-all approach to resolutions, they are deeply personal.

Resolutions are supposed to be for the whole year, not just January.

The goals you set for the new year do not have to be accomplished within the first month.

“You know the saying, ‘Don’t bite off more than you can chew’?

When I made my New Year’s resolutions before, I would be

overconfident that I would be able to do it all in one go on January 1st instead of easing myself into a routine,” said Milena Rios, a third-year social work student.

Some goals can be smaller ones that evolve and change as the year continues. People change all the time.

“I ended up changing and so my goal changed,” said Lake when

talking about why she hasn’t kept the same resolutions all year in the past. Many of us are not the same person that we were at the beginning of the year.

When choosing a New Year’s resolution for 2024, some of this advice might make you give it an extra thought and help make sure your goals will be helpful in the long run.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Laurier professor finishes horror novel trilogy The clock strikes on David Neil Lee’s “The Midnight Games” series

ALEXA FORD ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

David Neil Lee, a Wilfrid Laurier University creative writing professor on the Brantford campus and the author of The Midnight Games series, has finally finished his Hamilton Horror saga. This features the novels, The Midnight Games, The Medusa Deep and The Great Outer Dark.

“It’s like being cured of a minor ailment because it’s been bugging you for years. Finally, that’s done, thank God. It’s a big relief,” said the author jokingly when talking about this long writing journey.

The Midnight Games, initially released in 2015, follows the journey of main character Nate and his friends in post-industrial

Hamilton as they discover something suspicious happening in the local football stadium, known as the Midnight Games. Nate knows something is not right about these mysterious games happening in his hometown. As he discovers more about the games and the people behind them, his life is overtaken by ancient texts, curses and the rituals of the Resurrection Church of the ancient gods.

Throughout the series, the main characters are taken on both a physical and emotional journey with a bittersweet ending for the reader. For Lee, ending the series was an emotional experience that still moves him to this day.

“I get choked up even talking about it now. I wanted it to end beautifully and, on a note, not necessarily optimism, but a note that sort of pointed outwards to a bigger potential,” he said.

The essence of the city of Hamilton is heavily present in these

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ DAVID NEIL LEE

novels, perfectly capturing the grit and as Lee said, the nostalgia of the town.

“There’s not only an economic depression, but a kind of nostalgia among a lot of Hamiltonians.

Certainly, working-class people who are scuffling to make a living, feeling nostalgic for a time when you could just get up, go to work at the plant every day and go home at five, make a good living and all that,” said Lee. “And I really appreciate that.”

Lee had never anticipated that he would write a horror novel, but when owner and publisher of literary press Wolsak and Wynn Noelle Allen put out a call for one written about Hamilton, Lee wanted to push himself and see if he could.

“As so many major projects begin, it was kind of a dare to myself.

I thought, ‘Well, I’ve never written a horror novel before, but if Noelle wants one, damn it, I’ll give her one,’” said the author.

Seeing as this was Lee’s first deep dive into horror, he learned more about the genre.

“Horror is a little bit of a misunderstood genre. For me, it’s the story of young people who want to get out of the world and they want to find out what it offers,” said Lee. “And they find that it offers terrifying, scary and dangerous stuff. Of course, that’s what real life is like.”

These novels are a playful and raw journey about the nostalgia of steel town Hamilton and coping with changes all around, putting their faith in a higher power. But even further, these novels are perfect for the young adult age group because behind the curtain of horror and science fiction tropes, there is a bittersweet coming of age story. Readers see Nate through a journey of the supernatural, ancient curses and those crucial years of young adulthood when we are all finding our footing and figuring out what kind of person we want to be.

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THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2O24

THE SPUTNIK · ARTS & CULTURE

COMMUNITY

City of Brantford arts coordinator launches new Artist database Adrienne Briggs’ idea for a database to help artists connect with each other and the city becomes a reality

SIENNA BILANCIA LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

The City of Brantford has created a new way for local artists of all kinds to share who they are and the work they do, called the Artist Database.

What was once just an idea from Adrienne Briggs, the city’s arts and culture coordinator, is now a reality, taking shape in mid-November.

“We are looking for people who are actively looking to share their craft with other people,” said Briggs. The potentials of the database will only be uncovered as more people join and time goes on.

The database is online, so it is easier for people to access, join and apply to be a part of the platform. Joining the database does not cost anything either, as it is city funded.

If an artist wants to be a part of this database, they can fill out a

digital form on the City of Brantford website which requires their name, address, email and social media handles. There is a questionnaire that asks about the type of art the artist does, including options like craft, design, literary arts, media, performing and visual arts.

Artists are asked to select the type of specialization they are as well. Specialization options are actor, dancer, chef, choir, singer, writer, poet, ceramicist, comedian, conductor, glass artist, jeweller and woodworker, to name a few.

After selecting their style of art, an artist is also asked to rank their skill set in order from advanced to novice, along with provide a brief written answer to the questions, “Have you ever mentored an artist, programmer, or facilitator in the past?” and “Would you be interested in working with an artistic mentor on a local project?” A portfolio upload is another part of the database process and is entirely done online.

Briggs wanted to familiarise herself with who the artists of

Brantford are and what they do. As well as make herself - as the arts and culture coordinator - more accessible to local artists.

Katie Coward was the first to join the database in mid-November.

“Trying to connect with other artists is very difficult, you don’t see it a lot here,” said Coward.

So much of Brantford’s artist community is unknown to each other. The goal of the database is to help with this, especially with artists coming from all different backgrounds and exploring different mediums.

“It is hard to network as an artist,” said Coward, who hopes the database will fix this and eventually be a space to connect with artists to arrange training, host workshops, collaborative work and so much more. “It has got such potential to make a really nice community.”

Artists can range from a cook to a tattoo artist or from a painter to a graphic designer. Anyone who actively calls themselves an artist from Brantford, Brant County or Six Nations can join.

SERENA ANAGBE/PHOTO EDITOR

LITERATURE

Laurier Books it Up: New year, new books for your “to be read” list President, Katie Bird, dives into some of the clubs’ favourite tropes and the best books for them KATIE BIRD CLUB PRESIDENT

One of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford Books It Up’s favourite tropes to talk about is grumpy/sunshine, which means we have endless recommendations to share!

Grumpy/sunshine tropes are essentially when two characters with opposite personalities and outlooks on life meet. One is upbeat and positive while the other person is a grumpy, pessimistic person. In the trope, when these two characters meet, they eventually grow to love one another.

If we are talking about grumpy/ sunshine books, we must mention Mariana Zapata, as she is the queen of writing grumpy/sunshine slow burn romances. Her book All Rhodes Lead Here is one of

KATIE BIRD/ CLUB PRESIDENT

the most heartwarming and, of course, steamy reads out there.

The story follows Aurora De La Torre who needs to change things up after she gets out of a longterm relationship, and how better to do that than head back home

to your small town in Colorado?

Although it won’t be easy starting over, it might just be what Aurora needs, and when she finds the perfect ad online to rent a little studio apartment, she knows it’s the right choice. Tobias Rhodes has not had it easy, but he still knows he needs to work hard to be a good dad for his 16-year-old son, Amos. Tobias tends to stick to himself and focus on his son and his job as a game warden but that all starts to change when his new tenant, Aurora, moves in. Aurora might have moved looking for a fresh start and to focus on herself… but what’s the harm in checking out your new landlord? All Rhodes Lead Here will definitely give you all the grumpy/sunshine feels while you follow Aurora and Tobias navigate their relationship and build a family.

Already sick of winter and need a book to make you feel the summer heat? Then you must pick up It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, as it is one of the most fun grumpy/sunshine books out there.

This book follows Piper Bellinger, a Los Angeles fashionista and wild child who loves everything glamorous. The paparazzi can’t get enough of Piper and on the latest rooftop party, Piper couldn’t get enough of the champagne. Before she knows it, she’s spending her night in a cell. Her stepfather bails her out on the condition that she spends the summer learning what responsibility is in her hometown, Westport, a small fishery town, fixing up her late father’s dive bar. In this small town, it takes only minutes before Piper is running into Brendan, the gruff, bearded and smoking hot sea captain. Brendan

takes one look at Piper and knows she won’t last five more minutes in their small town, but Piper is determined to show that she is not just a pretty face. Everything starts to change when they start to work on the bar together, as they quickly begin to realize their completely opposite personalities have caused a spark between them that can’t be ignored. Piper has to decide; can she really leave her life in LA to live in a small town for a guy who’s gone at sea for weeks at a time? Can Brendan who has only ever loved the sea open his heart for Piper? This book is a must-read that will keep you on your toes, laughing the whole way and falling in love with the characters.

You can never go wrong with a good grumpy/sunshine read, so pick up either of these books and add them to that TBR (To Be Read)!

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10

THURSDAY, JAN. 11 2024,  11

THE SPUTNIK  FEATURES

COMMUNITY

If not you, then who?

Building Brantford Better A look into how we can collectively build a better community to live, learn and work in

MITCHELL BALDWIN OPINION EDITOR

A common denominator of any interaction I have had with any student on the Brantford campus is that the negative aspects of the city are always brought up. While some such concerns, like safety, urban decay and missed opportunities are valid, it’s time to start examining these topics with a perspective of how their underlying issues can be addressed.

However, it is important to note that these topics will never be appropriately addressed unless a significant movement of people organize themselves to advocate for change. As Wilfrid Laurier University professor James Cairns, who has expertise in the study of social and political theories and social movements, astutely pointed out in an interview that for any sort of progress to occur, whether it be in support of the community, students or even contracted professors, there must be a “critical mass” of motivated community to advocate for a common cause. Such a critical mass finds itself in our

very own student body. Once students become centrally engaged and motivated, both faculty and administrators will follow.

The simple fact is that larger organizations, such as the university itself, must be concerned with issues that are important to the student body, if for no other reason than it is good PR to listen and address. It’s because of this that dedicated efforts to organize ourselves — whether it be through petitions, public meetings or extra-organizational involvements dedicated to public service — present an ample opportunity to take the issues most important to ourselves as well as our community to the forefront of concern for organizations with large bodies of power.

It is because of this opportunity for influence that we, as students, faculty or even just as people, should begin organizing ourselves to create positive change, as the opportunity to facilitate positive change ultimately necessitates it.

With the drug usage within Brantford, no one will deny there is a level of discomfort that some may feel. For those who resonate with this sentiment, I would ask you to consider the level of discomfort that you would feel if you were ostracized, stigmatized and

OLGA STEBLYK / SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / BRANTMUSEUMS.CA

Historical map of brantford

looked down upon.

The truth is that many people struggle with addiction. People from all walks of life and backgrounds, even Mayor Kevin Davis said in an interview that he has family members who have struggled with substance abuse. So, what can we do to help those who

OLGA STEBLYK / SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

Brantford then and now

struggle?

Beatrice O’Connell, a first-year English student at Laurier and a lifelong resident of Brantford, has spent their years of secondary schooling in the city’s Catholic school boards and was able to give more insight into student drug use.

When asked about what could have been done to avoid overdoses for youth in Brantford, they suggested that an expanded educational approach on drug awareness as well as community initiatives to foster more welcoming spaces for youth be established — whether they are already using drugs or not. They also said the approaches that were historically utilized were not effective, as there were no significant community supports that had existed to fill the proverbial cracks that youth may have fallen through.

Furthermore, Davis said that the City of Brantford is hoping to implement a drug treatment court, wherein those facing drug-related charges can choose to enter a rehabilitation program instead of facing jail time. As the mayor said, the most significant challenge in establishing this court is the lack of suitable court spaces within the city. This is not a shortcoming of the city, but instead that of our provincial leaders who have failed to allocate significant resources in the expansion of court-related services, which Davis said are inadequate to address the city’s needs.

So, what can we do about this?

For starters, we can contact our provincial representatives, both from our hometowns and Brantford, to express interest in the ex-

pansion of drug court services in the city to address the drug usage.

If a significant amount of people, student or otherwise, were to indicate that this is a topic that will influence who they vote for in the next provincial election, we may just see steps being taken to expand court services in Brantford that would accurately reflect the demands of the city.

Additionally, regarding drug usage in local schools, students may also prove to be an important catalyst in advocating for positive change. Our campus is home to teaching, social work, sociology and liberal arts programs that are concerned with how societal conditions impact youth, after all.

If students heavily advocate for the implementation of mental health and drug services in Brantford schools as a form of official Laurier outreach, we may see both a reduction in drug usage and an increase in future Laurier student enrollment. As such, it is imperative that we, as students, organize ourselves to lead a charge on the expansion of social services within the city, as the establishment of our campus has displaced much of the land and peoples that could have found support where we study.

This would be a win-win opportunity for the university, as by supporting the Brantford community, they are able to both cultivate a positive reputation and increase their future enrollment. This will not be easy to accomplish, but with enough collective action by students, it is absolutely possible.

The issue of housing is one that affects us all. However, there is a

The Expositor building circa 1950

way we can combat this crisis within Brantford. The primary means for this is in the Mayors’ Housing Partnerships Task Force.

The task force seeks to expand access to housing by using publicly donated land for housing development. A prime example of this is in the sale of the Arrowdale Municipal Golf Course for $14 million dollars so the 32 acres of land can be used for social housing.

One of the ways we can contribute to the establishment of affordable housing, as was outlined

by Davis to support vulnerable members of our community, is to contact landowning organizations and ask if they would be interested in donating some of their land/resources to the development of affordable housing.

Some such organizations include churches and charities but can, through concentrated student effort, eventually include the university itself as an organization that could donate land.

the practical effects of social housing initiatives.

One last point of examination can be seen within the educational system in the city. While it is not a unique phenomenon that youth in elementary and secondary schools are struggling, we can do something about that in Brantford.

An underlying problem is that,

simply put, kids are struggling with the most basic concepts of reading and counting. As Sage Lopez, a third-year forensic psychology and criminology student at Laurier who works with BGC Canada (formerly known as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada), said children up to 16 years of age are struggling with fundamental aspects of literacy

and numeracy, with children up to grades 4 and 5 displaying the most significant problems.

One cause that Lopez was able to point out is the absence of phonics within the educational curriculum, as well as the curriculum being altered to match students’ skills rather than simply holding back students until their skills adequately develop.

While this may appear to be an issue out of the scope of many of us, there is a way to contribute to helping younger students catch up and develop their literacy skills. The answer finds itself in Laurier Students for Literacy, a student volunteer group that seeks to do exactly that, develop literacy in children.

In an interview with the group’s president, Hannah D’Agostino, a third-year youth and children’s studies student, they said despite having over 100 children signed up for the program, there were only 30 volunteers available in the Fall 2023 term. This meant that over 70 kids who wanted to catch up on their literacy skills did not have the chance to do so.

To speak from personal experience, it doesn’t take much to spend a single hour of your week reading a book with a kid who wants to get better. It doesn’t take much effort to make a world of difference for a kid who wants nothing more than to read better.

While I discussed topics of drug usage, education and housing, these are not the only ways we can contribute to building up our community. The specific points I presented aren’t even the only means to accomplish change.

However, change will only come if we work for it, if we build bridges, take risks, dare to be brave and dare to bring people together in common cause. Even a small effort, like signing a petition, may make a world of change.

Student engagement will make this idea a reality After all, Laurier talks a big game about respecting the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples and their lands.

Would it be an unreasonable ask to put some of the land to use in the service of social housing programs? Even if the university were to act with greed, they could use the establishment of Laurier-funded social housing to draw sociologists to the city to examine

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / BRANTMUSEUMS.CA

Downtown Brantford circa 1960

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2024

12

“You can’t stop until everyone is defeated.”

How far should you go in a snowball fight?

“Till blood is drawn or tears are shed.”

– Justin Debruyn, Brantford local

– Sierra Martin, fourth-year criminology student

“It’s kill or be killed.”

“It does not stop.”

– Katelyn Van Loon, fourth-year social work student

– Haylee Morahan, third-year criminology student

THE SPUTNIK · OPINION

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2024

13

EDUCATION

To know me is to speak my language On empathy, language revitalisation and including Indigenous languages in Canadian Curriculums

JADA PHILLIPS LEAD OPINION WRITER

Language is the most important form of communication. Languages help build relationships with others by sharing ideas, beliefs, knowledge and feelings about our life experiences. Languages encompass the rich backgrounds, history and culture of the people who speak it.

For Indigenous people across Canada, many of their traditional languages have been under threat of extinction.

According to the 2006 Canadian census, around 222,000 Indigenous people reported that they spoke an Indigenous language as their first language from childhood up until the time of the census. According to linguist Dale Kinkade, only a third of Indigenous languages in Canada have a chance to survive, with fewer than half of the remaining languages likely to survive the next 50 years.

Even the more prevalent and widely spoken languages can be deemed potentially vulnerable.

Residential schools had a major role in the loss of language for Indigenous communities across Canada.

Residential schools were used as a tool for the impositions of colonial notions of enlightenment and superiority, where the identities and cultures of Indigenous children were erased. Moreover, many children died due to neglect, illness and abuse, adding to the loss felt by generations. The children who did return home from residential schools either did not know how to speak their mother tongue or did not due to trauma. Modern challenges such as a lack of representation, dominance of European languages in public life, violence and climate disasters further contribute to the extinction of Indigenous languages across Canada.

The disappearance of languages will threaten communities for generations to come. Songs, prayers and ceremonies are traditionally

done in Indigenous languages and are essential for the transmission of traditional knowledge. Language is vital for the maintenance of the well-being of Indigenous people across Canada.

Many efforts have been made to revitalize endangered Indigenous languages across Canada, but much more work could be done if Canada is truly committed to reconciling past harm.

Linguists Leanne Hinton and Kenneth L. Hale define language revitalization as efforts designed to “cultivate new speakers of a language where intergenerational transmission has been severely disrupted and children are no longer acquiring their ancestral language as a first language.”

Schools could be a place to lay the foundations of language revitalization for not only Indigenous people, but all Canadians who reside on their traditional territory.

The Ministry of Education is responsible for creating the curriculum in consultation with many individuals and organizations. According to the Government of Ontario, the curriculum is designed to be “current, relevant and balanced.” This means the curriculum is supposed to reflect what is important to society at that time.

Indigenous languages should hold just as much space and reverence in the school curriculum as French or English. More importantly, Indigenous languages belong to the communities that speak to them and their involvement is vital for maintaining respect, more just power dynamics and to avoid misappropriating language, as Indigenous language encompasses lived experiences and world views rather than just words.

Empathy is a process where both parties are burdened by sadness, pain or loss, but also experience the highs of each other’s happiness, perseverance and success. Language revitalization should be every Canadian’s responsibility and contributes to a greater goal of empathizing with each other. Ultimately, to know each other is to speak each other’s language.

NIYATI PANCHOLI / SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

THE SPUTNIK · OPINION

14

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2024

SOCIETY

Why the superhero matters What we can learn from classic superhero tales

MITCHELL BALDWIN OPINION EDITOR

A society can be defined by how it shares stories of greatness, bravery and heroism. The stories we choose to champion as examples to aspire to, as a standard to live up to. These stories are the building blocks in shaping hearts and minds for not only future generations, but for every generation still breathing.

While it may be easy to dismiss tales of caped heroes leaping tall buildings in single bounds or radioactive bug bites as being children’s stories, I would ask that you look into the deeper meanings behind some of these narratives. You may be surprised by just how relevant stories of a

Kansas-raised immigrant are to our modern world.

On a basic level, having a fictional everyman character that stands up for the most universal of virtues and ideals is a good idea. Irrespective of their story, the mere presence of a largerthan-life character is an excellent means for younger audiences to internalize messages of compassion, responsibility and perseverance against challenges. For older audiences, being able to see that even those with superpowers struggle and fall can be a nice reminder that it’s OK to fail, so long as you get back up and keep marching forward.

However, these platitudes may not cut it when justifying the importance of the superhero in our contemporary struggle. After all, what could an investigative reporter from another planet tell us about how we should live?

The hope for truth, justice and

a better tomorrow is a sentiment frequently echoed in the Superman mythos. The running theme throughout all of his stories is that we are who we choose to be, that we can always choose to be better, to live with compassion, dignity and honesty in our day-to-day lives. It’s to believe that you can come from any background and still deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, simply because we are all more alike than we want to admit.

These are sentiments sorely lacking in many facets of our modern society. It has become acceptable to intentionally espouse false and harmful ideology even within our federal Parliament with Pierre Poilievre’s Progressive Conservative Party. It has become acceptable to wage digital campaigns of hate and bigotry on one another simply because they are different from

OLGA STEBLYK / SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

yourself, as is most evident in the Make America Great Again movement.

It may be easy to choose to be cruel, vindictive, maybe even hateful, but the time to act a certain way because it is easy is over. We owe each other — if for no other reason than that we are fallible people who make mistakes — the benefit of the doubt. It is because of this that the story of the superhero has become even more important. To have a reminder that we can do better, that we can grow past the hate and violence of those who came before is what solidifies the superhero as a hero. Not their

powers, but their character.

It is because of this that we should strive to be more like a superhero in our everyday lives.

To stop and think, “What would Superman do?” before casting judgement on those we don’t know. If we want to build a better society for all, we must be the change we wish to see. It doesn’t take much at all to exchange a kind word with a stranger, to try and empathize with those we don’t know, to show those who live with hate that there is a better way, a better tomorrow, on the horizon for us. All it takes is for us to lead by example.

ECONOMY

More buildings won’t fix the housing crisis Bill C-56 attempts to fill gaps in housing supply, but that’s only one part of the issue ELISHA FELICIAN SPUTNIK CONTRIBUTOR Last year, I paid $850 in rent per month for a basement apartment. It was a 30-minute bus ride away from campus. It was unfurnished, so there was an added cost for furniture. This was not easy for an international student who’s unemployed during the school year. For most students, the rental price is between $500 to $700. People were shocked by the price I paid.

What could I do? Landlords can decide whatever price they want.

There’s no stopping them.

This is one of the many realities of the housing crisis. It not only affects low-income people and families, but students as well. The average rent price per month in Brantford is $1,690, but in more densely populated areas like Toronto, it can rise to $2,750.

With people complaining and lamenting the prices, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau designed to address the issue. He introduced a policy for the construction of affordable housing, starting in London, Ont. In his

NIYATI PANCHOLI/SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

We all need secure housing

opinion, the best solution was to cut GST taxes for construction companies. This is Bill C-56, also known as the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act. Both Liberals and Conservatives glorified this bill, not before squabbling and pointing fingers at each other for not doing anything sooner, of course.

Bill C-56 aims to encourage construction companies to build affordable rental properties

faster. The properties include “apartment buildings, student housing, and senior residences built specifically for long-term rental accommodation.” The government wants to encourage construction companies to build below market value, and the market value of a house is $750,000. The bill wants to patch up housing. It aims to support the vulnerable and less financially stable groups in society.

That’s a start, but only just that.

Trudeau vowed to transform government spaces into housing. Trudeau told CBC it’s supposed to be “a real solution, not just a slogan or buzzwords.” But is this really the only solution for housing? No. The solution to affordable housing is not bigger tax cuts for construction companies. The solution is a better, more humane, economic system.

As of 2016, there were 66,000 abandoned buildings and homes in Toronto alone. They are running into disrepair. With the $74 million being given to build these new houses, why not revamp the old eyesores?

Trudeau also spoke about lowering food prices. Another plague facing the Canadian people. Another necessity that people are struggling to afford.

Somehow, this did not seem to be an issue of the economic structure. Somehow, there just weren’t enough buildings.

Didn’t we see this with CUPE? Rising inflation and high interest rates. The high cost of living outraces the minimal, almost

non-existent raise in wages and benefits. The gap keeps on growing and we are falling behind.

Housing is only one part of this. Grocery prices, expensive childcare, privatized healthcare, and food banks are drying up.

The list of unaffordable necessities goes on.

But this is what happens when the dominant economic system prides itself on individualism, ruthless competition and false promises of success. Capitalism and neoliberalism are running their course. The solution is bigger than construction, it’s built into the actual economic structure of the country. How long until these “affordable houses” are no longer affordable?

Is this the only way law and the economy can coincide?

Citizens have more power than we believe. Our shared beliefs and multicultural backgrounds have value, they have weight and purpose.

We can make a change with our similarities rather than our differences to benefit us all.

THE SPUTNIK  OPINION

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2024

15

ENVIRONMENT

#GreenSpaceSoWhite Diversity is lacking in our green spaces

JADA PHILLIPS LEAD OPINION WRITER

Imagine you are walking in a forest. The lush green leaves of a tree rustle as a gentle breeze blows. You can hear the animals off in the distance as you breathe in the fresh scent of the earth.

Except, this forest is just a tree in the middle of a sidewalk surrounded by concrete skyscrapers.

In actuality, the beautiful forest is many kilometres away in a place you can only reach if you are privileged enough to have the time or the means to get there.

Green space is not something most people typically think about daily. With Nature Canada reporting that 82 per cent of Canadians live in urban centres, most people don’t even interact with nature daily, except for the pigeons that dominate city sidewalks.

Inequitable access to green spaces has a major role in perpetuating social and economic inequalities within certain communities. This is especially

prevalent among racialized communities, where access to green space is either limited or the quality of the accessible green space is poor. Green spaces ensure a more healthy and resilient quality of life and influence many aspects of our well-being.

Green space is a tool that is used to address complex issues, such as climate change and poor economic and health outcomes.

According to a 2015 Toronto Public Health report, having access to green spaces can greatly reduce the severity and rates of chronic illnesses. They are especially important for mitigating symptoms of mental illness and obesity as more green spaces promote increased physical activity, lower levels of stress and increased access to healthy foods.

Besides the impacts on health, green spaces have consequences on social and economic outcomes in communities. Green spaces can be used to lessen the harm caused by climate change by reducing heat islands, improving air quality, protecting against floods and reducing noise pollution. Additionally, the more time spent with other members of the community within green spaces leads to higher social inclusion,

cohesion and security. More importantly, a study by Dominic J. Morales linked higher property values with a higher prevalence of greenery in neighborhoods.

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) communities, especially those from low-income backgrounds, stand to benefit the most from an increased access to green space but statistically have the least amount of access to quality green space. Even if people from racialized low-income backgrounds gain access to green spaces, their experiences in these spaces can be uncomfortable. The environmental justice movement is largely dominated by the white middle class that does not reflect the diverse communities that face the repercussions of environmental exclusion.

For example, a trip to the cottage in Muskoka to go fishing or hang out by the campfire is not an experience many people of colour can relate to. A 2020 study by Public Heath England states that certain groups report experiences of racism, fears of being bullied, feeling unwelcome or out of place and not having the cultural background of spending time in nature. The idea of a relaxing day in the park could be

a pleasant experience for some, but for others, it is a stressful and ostracizing experience. The experience of Christian Cooper is a prime example, as a white woman called the cops on him while he was birdwatching in New York City’s Central Park in 2020.

With increased population density in urban cities, positive action is needed more than ever to challenge the decreasing rates of access to green space. Groups like Diverse Nature Collective, Colour the Trails, Nurrait | Jeunes

SERENA ANAGBE / PHOTO EDITOR

Greenspace

Karibus and Brown Girl Outdoor World are all empowering BIPOC people to take up space in nature by building community.

Establishing normative practices and values of restorative environmental justice is essential for improving the relationship that racialized people have with the natural world. Green space should not be a luxury, but a necessity to ensure a legacy of resilience for the people affected

INFINITUM

16

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2023

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

SHORT STORY

Sour Oasis

A mother’s request

THANDO BHEBHE LEAD INFINITUM WRITER

“I saw the ad on a newspaper.”

“A newspaper?”

“Yep, right in print during my morning coffee.”

“Huh, she really did it.”

“Yes, she did it, all for you!”

“How about you, why did you do it?”

The act that was in question was a last supper, of sorts. During the Monday traffic of a new week, Stefanni North found herself seated on a park bench indulging in what little serenity she could find before her break would end and she’d find herself back on the grind.

She dreaded Mondays, she dreaded work and she deeply dreaded her life. Oh, her privileged life of working a six-figure job, her dreaded life of breaks in Central Park, her dreaded life of living in the Big Apple, her dreaded life of being a member of the coveted one per cent, her dreaded life of countless academic achievements, her dreaded life of thousands of how about coffee this afternoon or care to join me for dinner at this restaurant from desperate men that she’d no doubt ignore until late in the evening after a drinking binge with her friends as she desired another body to lie with in the cold night.

Stefanni was sick of it, absolutely tired! Tired of having everything she ever wanted at the very tip of her fingers and yet, finding that nothing, nothing sated nor satisfied.

She took a bite from the apple, and it was sour.

As she sipped her coffee searching for distraction in the New York Eye, a press she’d helped start up and yet another addition to her portfolio, she found an interesting curiosity, a sudden oasis in her supposed desert of dissatisfaction.

She found an ad.

The ad in question came about when Serena Veri found herself talking to her son, separated by thick glass. Her heart ached at his sight. This would be the last time she would ever see him. After this, he was, as he put it: “Going home now, going to see Papa.”

“No, nooooo.”

“Don’t cry Mama, please, this is a good thing.”

She hadn’t the energy to protest, she didn’t even have the strength to weep. All Serena could do was stare at her boy, tears flowing down her eyes, snapshotting his face, for this would be the only way to ever reach him again, in the castle of her mind.

“There’s nothing that can be done, so let’s not spoil what little moments we have, what little moments I have.”

She stared, blankly.

“I love you Mama and I’ll always love you and I’ll always be there, me and Papa both, forever.”

He reached out his hand, waiting for her to return, and she lingered. Maybe she wasn’t willing to accept, wasn’t willing to say goodbye. If she didn’t say goodbye, she wouldn’t have to leave him, she wouldn’t have to hear him say goodbye.

This couldn’t happen to her again, not again, and yet here it was, occurring right before her eyes.

It was strange, to be there, to be present, as it all crumbled. To realize that this truly was the last time she’d ever see him, that even in death, she would never truly have him again. He had said that he had repented, but that sin, that cannot be forgiven. She had forgiven him, but the Lord cast his own judgement, one she would never know until her own time came.

“Please Mama…”

That’s all he could say.

Serena stared again, giving him nothing, nothing but tears that flowed, yet there was no weeping.

“I guess that’s why she did this, huh, to say the goodbye that she never could.”

That was what stared back at Stefanni as the morning wind rustled her paper. She wondered if that was even allowed, if it was legal, how was it even printed, maybe she’d need to call up the board on this one, yet here it was.

After having left her son, Serena deeply regretted not having said goodbye to him, as Stefanni would recall after she’d followed up the ad.

“I just didn’t know what to do,” Serena said. “I couldn’t reach out my hand, I physically couldn’t. All I could do was just stare at him and, and just stare at him.”

Steffani took in the information, understanding, but did she really understand?

Upon reflection, Stefanni wondered what she would’ve done if she was in Serena’s position.

To be a mother having to see your son for the last time, knowing he would be killed, sentenced to death for a crime, one that you yourself could barely forgive.

“I forgive him, but how can I?” Serena said, now weeping.

What Serena had done was she had begged for her son to not dine alone during his last supper, she begged for him to have a guest, some friendly human company before facing the gallows.

Stefanni wondered how this was even legal. What she found was a weeping mother, who begged for

BACHIR MILOUDI / SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

one last chance to say goodbye to her son, she begged Stefanni to do it.

“So here I am,” said Stefanni, seated across from Serena Veri’s son.

He wasn’t like anything she’d anticipated.

When she thought of death row, she thought of hardened criminals, scary and brutish, monstrous and inhuman.

Yet here was Veri’s son, a timid-looking young man who always shied away from her eyes in a boyish awkwardness. Stefanni told herself she was seating across a monster, a literal danger to society.

He was not to be thought of as human.

But at the same time, Stefanni’s heart wondered otherwise.

Maybe it was the stories Serena had told her about the young man, how he used to cry all the time as a baby but whenever his mother held him, he would cease immediately, comforted by her presence. Maybe it was the first time he learned to walk, how without struggle nor fall, he simply stood up and, to this day, remained walking, causing great celebrations for his mother and father. Maybe it was the young teenager who would comfort his mother when they all found out his father had been gunned down by the police and how whenever they saw his face, it was mugshots of previous arrests, his eternal memory being that of a criminal, no backstory with no future, perpetual villainy, until death.

A legacy of sin.

This paradox stared back at Stefanni, and she didn’t know how

to engage.

“You’re probably wondering why I did it.”

Stefanni simply stared back at the young man’s prompt.

“I guess it doesn’t matter,” he said.

“What I’m wondering is…” Stefanni said. “Do you regret it?”

The man then stared at her, unwaveringly.

“Would you believe me if I said yes?” He then blinked, tears starting to swell. “Would you believe me if I said I’m deeply sorry, if I said I was a changed man, if I said I wanted redemption, a chance to make it all right?”

Stefanni blinked.

“I guess it doesn’t matter,” he said.

The rest of the supper was silent.

Stefanni had thought she’d say more, that he would say more, that there would be more to this.

I mean, this was insane, this isn’t something that happens every day. This was the inciting event, the very thing that would radically change her life. Instead, she merely watched him, her serving running cold, the silent room littered with the sounds of a scraping fork and chewing teeth.

He finished his meal, having cleaned out the plate.

He then turned to her.

“Thank you, thank you for allowing me to be human again, even if it was merely for a second. If you ever see my mother again, tell her I’ll spend eternity making things right, I promise.”

He then reached out his hand, and Stefanni stared at it. She then reached out for it, gracing him one

last touch, shaking his hand.

The young man shed a tear at this.

That was the last she would ever see him.

Stefanni found herself back at that park bench again, years after the event, and she let her paper down, reminiscing.

She’d picked the same paper up a few months after the event, reading a story of how it all unfolded, authored by herself. Her story would earn her national attention, particularly with progressive movements that were attempting to do away with the death penalty in the execution’s state. From this event, she became the spokesperson on this front invited to several important offices and events. There was even talk of turning it all into a film, and she’d already spoken to big producers and prospective directors.

I suppose she wanted to drink from the Oasis, to make it mean something.

The mother had become a hint famous too, starting a foundation against the death penalty, aiding families and friends who had been affected by their loved ones’ fatal sentences, Stefanni being her biggest donor.

A lot had come from it.

Yet, as Stefanni now sat on that same bench, she still felt that it was all a mirage.

She had taken a bite from the apple, and it was sour.

INFINITUM

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2023

17

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

SHORT STORY

NIYATI PANCHOLI / SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

Glitter and pompoms.

The beginning of our magical journey!

An adventure into a new world

TUSHARIKA TYAGI INFINITUM EDITOR

A woman with long, silver hair walked towards him holding a globe with an eye in it. It was peering straight at the young man. The eye was dark and wouldn’t blink. The woman got on her knees facing him and put the globe above her head. Light ran through the globe until it was too overwhelming. He was floating in a blinding white light, then the eyes began appearing, all staring at him. The world began to laugh. A soft, girlish laugh all around.

Roger Brown woke up with a jump! Looking all around himself, he sighed. Thank God, he thought, he was still in his room. Checking his phone, he noticed he woke up five minutes

before he needed to and silently cursed himself. The worst feeling that could ever happen was happening. Like many, he hated waking up before his alarm and only with so much time when he couldn’t go right back to sleep either.

Not healthy at all for a growing boy! And with this being the first day of his new job helping old man Miller with his bait shop, he was nervous enough as is.

Roger groggily made his way through the morning routine before he finally started rushing to his job. He had recently moved to live with his grandparents in a small town called Redirt Falls.

He honestly loved the place. It was peaceful and green. It felt so homely. He rushed through a small trail leading to his job, except on the way, he tripped over something. He looked down, clutching his knee, which he felt was bruised now. He gasped and fell backwards onto the floor, trying to rush to get away from

HAIKU

New Year Celebrate the new

what he saw.

It was the globe. It was the eye. It was just looking up at him when the sound of rusting took his attention away. He looked up to see the girl he had seen walking around from the bushes.

They both saw each other and screamed. Then, Roger passed out from shock.

When he woke, he was lying on the sofa of Mr. Miller. He got up to move and felt a pang of shooting pain in his head.

“Boy, you’re up?”

Old man Miller was in the room putting an ice pack onto his head. He came and sat in front of Roger, and before he could prepare himself, the girl also came out and sat down next to Mr. Miller. Roger had no idea what to do, so he just stared.

“It seems my niece saw you hit your head and when she came out, she scared you.”

Mr. Miller having a niece was news to Roger, as previously, he was sure the only relative he

SERENA ANAGBE / PHOTO EDITOR

The sky is so blue, Filled with message of hope The beginning of me TUSHARIKA TYAGI INFINITUM EDITOR

life as normal, but you will have to come help us when we need.”

“W-What? Wait, what am I supposed to do exactly?”

The girl laughed. Her laugh was very similar to the laugh he heard in his dream, but not exactly.

She showed him a watch on her wrist and she aggressively pressed the button. A gust of air filled the room and made Roger close his eyes due to the air pressure. When he opened his eyes again, there stood Aerene in a blue full body suit with a blue full face coverage helmet.

Right in front of Roger was probably impossible. Yet, he had never in his life been more excited. He immediately got up and hugged the girl. This was the beginning of his life. A new life. A new year for him.

A new beginning for a hero.

Just like you. Happy New Year, dear readers.

POEM

Codependent Toxic intertwinement ABBEY BARRETT INFINITUM CONTRIBUTOR

A person taking a picture of the sunrise.

had was a daughter in the city.

The girl just nodded. Mr. Miller made more random talk, excused Roger from doing anything today due to his injury and got up to handle his business, leaving the two alone.

Roger stayed quiet.

“I apologize for scaring you.

I’m sure you must be confused.

My name is Aerene and I have bent the memory of your friends here to talk to you,” the girl said.

Roger nodded.

“I am from a different land. A different planet. It seems you’re the one who has been chosen by our all-seeing eye for help,” she said, materializing the globe in front of them.

“Help?” Roger croaked out his question, extremely confused.

“Yes, well, we have a universal team working together to help us keep inter-global peace. The Eye sees who is worthy, and I came to recruit them. We can create human money to give you an incentive as well. You will live your

As I wake up, I look to my left and see the sight of beauty I stroke her hair tenderly, and the look in her eyes softens For when she looks at me with those eyes everything else disappears First thought in the morning, last thought at night, and everything in between I stroke her hair tenderly, and the look in her eyes softens I will love you forever, she speaks

aloud for no ears other than mine She doesn’t know all the things I would do for her; no mind holds those thoughts but mine She is my lifeline for which there is no adequate replacement She doesn’t know all the things I would do for her; no mind holds those thoughts but mine My life is codependent with hers, my feelings hold no value in comparison to hers She is the reason I continue to breathe, the reason for the circulating air within my body For without her, I find no reason

SERENA ANAGBE / PHOTO EDITOR

Two girls, one leaning on the other.

to continue the motions My life is codependent with hers, my feelings hold no value in comparison to hers For my love is the reason for my existence, my soul tethered to hers with an invisible string One so strong not even God himself could break, no matters the attempts or trials One so strong it will still exist in death, and death with my love is a death that does not scare me

INFINITUM

18

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2023

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

SHORT STORY

Eve’s Parable In the world of ‘heroes’

THANDO BHEBHE LEAD INFINITUM WRITER

I As Eve stared back at the computer, she saw the white spaces of the page, the world reflecting back, possibilities as infinite as the story she could tell, as the world she lived in.

When it came to the question of what change a single person could bring.

Eve’s world answered back with Infinity, Because her world was no ordinary world, It was a world where gods walked among men, A world where heroes wore capes.

A world of superheroes!

II War broke out, and Eve, like many survivors of time’s eternal arrow, knew exactly when and where she was when the world changed forever.

This was a world that had been riddled with terror and tragedy, a world that some of you might be able to recognize.

A world that had its heart ceased when a global pandemic struck chaos in every institution held sacred amongst men. This world was rocked by fires, floods and quaking earth as climate chaos stormed on every headline. This was a world where a single man’s death enveloped almost every capital in stampedes of riots, marches and protests as justice was demanded, for without justice, how could there ever be peace? This was a world that witnessed death in motion, as a dead empire annexed a former vassal, everyone holding their breath as the global war was teased, the third installment in the franchise of doom rocking upon a world theatre.

Yet in the face of evil…

Good won, or instead fought to win.

The world’s heartbeat was on, and people locked arms as they marched in multitudes. They raised fists and banners declaring justice, declaring action and declaring peace!

Good Fought, And for the most part…

We mostly knew who the good guys were.

We mostly knew who the enemy was.

But what happens when innocence is taken away?

What happens when war breaks out and calls for justice and peace seemingly come from both sides?

When there is no clear mon-

ster.

No real villain to defeat.

III For the most part, Eve and many in her world looked up to their heroes, Their supermen!

Many of these masks and capes personified their causes.

Unilateral support hailed from mankind as Eve’s world cheered them on.

The same is true for the Verlanders though; both sides are ready to fight for their home. So they fight.

There was always a hero.

And the villain was as bright as black.

Eve trusted in her heroes, but the nuances and complexities are inescapable.

Soon, these supermen began personifying more than just heroic causes. They started personifying their nations, becoming mascots and avatars of states and empires.

From saviours, they suddenly became weapons, the new age of proliferation.

Instead of nuclear deterrents, the world now had superpowered barriers.

Gods serve as political pawns.

Things became hazier, with patriotism and heroism mixing into an unholy cocktail whose taste constantly swayed from sweet to sour. Yet, Eve still had someone to believe in.

That ultimately took the form of the UNJPC. The United Nations’ Justice and Peace Council.

Formed from the member states of the UN’s Security Council, the UNJPC was a superhero equivalent, filled with gods instead of military machines.

There were the big five permanent members…

Madam Might of the United States of America.

Woman of Steel from Russia.

Union Star of Great Britain.

Dame Der Fer of France.

Then, the Golden Star, who hailed from China.

To complete the council was…

Black Star from Ghana.

The Redeemer from Brazil.

And lastly but not least, Femme Supreme of the United Queendom.

These were Eve’s heroes, her world’s guardians. They always stood for good, fighting for it, the world cheering them on, governments and citizens united in their peaceful and just cause.

But then…

War broke out.

IV When the sun rose, Eve was clutched in her partner, Trixie’s, arms. A new day bloomed, a new status quo settling into reality.

When she broke out of bed, Eve discovered it, her phone buzzing as notifications popped off. She graced her sight, and Pandora’s box broke open.

“Crisis in Africa Minor! Verland under attack from VENGE!” Eve blinked, and reality settled.

“This is the greatest attack on Verlanders since WWII genocides!”

“Verland caught off guard

by VENGE militants, civilians killed!”

“Innocent civilians caught in VENGE assault.”

“A new chapter in the seemingly endless tragedy of the Verland – Zurria conflict.”

“Rumors of escalation floating as Verland demands justice for killings.”

“Innocents kidnapped.”

“Held ransom in Z-Land.”

“Verland to attack Z-Land!”

Eve’s eyes rolled further, her mind melting back to childhood, when she was first introduced to this war, for despite what the headlines read, this war was nothing new. It had been brewing in the background of the world for decades; Eve first learned of it in her history teacher’s class as a teen.

V She saw the subcontinent of Africa Minor, located just off the coast of South-western Africa in the South Atlantic Ocean.

It was a relatively small place, with seven countries hailing it as home. Yet, despite its minor appearance, this small continent had been the subject of countless wars, massacres and genocides.

A theatre of would-be emperors, colonialist ambitions and almost limitless riches that cradled the greed of kings and pillagers there and away. A playground of superpowers and supermen, the stage for a deep conflict between two peoples who found themselves in the same land, all calling it their home!

Thinking back, Eve felt pity and now immense respect for her history teacher. How could he possibly surmise and articulate a history of this magnitude, with clarity and depth, to teenagers whose biggest concern was what they would do during their lunch break?

“I think the best place to start is right now, with the map in front of you.”

“The Verlanders are the current authority of this land and under their stewardship, it is called Verland. To them, it has always been their home

and with their state, they finally get to reclaim what they see as their birthright. On top of that, they also get to have a home, a place where they can be safe, a place where they can make a stand from the attacks of a world that has always persecuted them. The Verlanders have had a tough history, kids. They’ve been massacred and murdered, victims of evil empires. At least in Verland, they have a place to call their own and feel safe. Just like you guys when you get to go home, away from all the bullies in school.”

“But they aren’t the only ones who live in this land. There is also the Zurrian people. Like the Verlanders, the Zurrians see this place as their home. Still, with the establishment of the Verland state, the Zurrians have lost their home and they find themselves with nowhere else to go. They don’t get to go home like you guys; to them, the bullies are in their home, and they see the Verlanders as bullies. The Verlanders have moved many Zurrian people into Z–Land. Zurrians live there, crowded and guarded, with huge walls and soldiers with guns keeping them in. Despite it all though, they refuse to back down. They won’t stop calling this place their home and many are willing to fight for this and the freedom to be at home, in their home.”

“The same is true for the Verlanders though; both sides are ready to fight for their home. So they fight.”

A hand raised, the teacher acknowledging.

“So, whose right?”

The teacher stared blankly.

More hands then rose, more questions barking.

“Who was there first?”

“Why don’t they just share the land?”

“How can they fight when the Zurrians are locked and trapped in Z-Land?”

“Do the Zurrians have an army too?”

Soon, the kids ended up answering each other’s questions…

“They do have an army, an army of terrorists!”

“Yeah, they fire rockets and blow themselves up.”

“That’s some ISIS shit, bro.”

“That’s VENGE, right?”

“And the Verlanders, are they terrorists too then?”

“Yeah, they drop bombs and they even use chemical weapons and shit.”

“Yeah, white phosphorus, I think.”

“Damn, for real? I saw that shit in Spec Ops: The Line, bro, nasty shit. The game went hard though, no lie.”

“They must love the smell of napalm in the morning,” a stu-

dent laughed.

“They’re defending themselves.”

“And what about the Zurrians?

Who defends them, huh?”

VI Years ago, what ensued in that classroom resurfaced as Eve scrolled through headlines and comments. The fighting was everywhere, as the world seemed to shatter. Eve was a slave to the doom scroll. From interviews and newsrooms to internet videos and social media reels, all the personas, grand and small, famous and infamous, all had a say, and the once black and white world of heroes and villains crumbled grey.

Eve wondered what her sister, Irene, would say here, waiting for the next chance she’d get to meet her. Irene had always been so sure in herself, a hard line who saw life as either for or against.

Trixie woke up beside Eve, and Eve pounced at her with the news.

She’d gone from explaining the case to explaining her case.

“I don’t know what the hell VENGE was thinking doing this!

While everyone’s focused on Verland, the Zurrian people will be the ones to pay for this! They’ll be the ones to answer for VENGE’s vengeance.”

We will come from the sky, from the sea and from the land. There is nowhere for you to hide; we will destroy you, and we will win!

Eve had not been sure about many things in her life; she’d trained herself to keep a distance from things, yet as she spoke, as the Zurrian people cramped in Z-Land flooded into her mind, those massive jungles of concrete shattering at Verlander bombs, she could feel her heart pump, deep empathy flooding as she found herself picking a stand.

It wasn’t about vengeance or revenge. It was about who would pay the more fantastic price. Like she feared, the pride of Verland, their very superman, the personification of all Verland strength, marched forth, LIVE.

VI Part 2 He was called The Verlander and his president stood by him as he addressed the world.

“Verlanders have suffered greatly today. We have been maimed in cold blood,

INFINITUM

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2023

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

19

THANDO BHEBHE / LEAD INFINITUM WRITER

innocent blood! Women and children murdered by heartless monsters!

This is what today will be remembered for. Know this. However, today will also be the day that Verlanders fight for justice for humanity! Today is the day we face and end this evil once and for all. To all you animals listening, you cowards who kill children… you will face the wrath of the great people of Verland! We will come for you, we will destroy you and we will win!”

Verland declared war on VENGE, and death readied its scythe for the reaping.

The Verlander led head first, the very tip of the spear. His outstretched fist cut through the air, sharper than the armada of jets soaring behind him in triangle formation. The pen of history was at the Verlanders’ tip, the ink readying as the bombs dropped.

Zurrians wrote it in blood.

“What about Zurrian innocents?” asked Eve. Trixie stared back, merely offering her hand as she held Eve tightly.

The toll rose with each day, the bombs becoming as constant as the rising sun, hospitals burning, limbs emerging from the rubble, dusted and marked so the strangers would know whose child had passed and which name to put on the headstone.

While these images flooded Eve’s social media, the world’s newsrooms remained on that first day when VENGE took vengeance. Even as weeks and months passed, fresh Zurrian blood pouring into this rising ocean, the world remained at the very beginning, the entire conflict, past and present, forgotten. All that mattered was that first day, the foundation of everything, why even the UNJPC broke into a dead lock.

Madam Might, Union Star and Dame Der Fer repeated The Verlander’s speech.

“We stand with Verland; they have every right to defend themselves.”

Woman of Steel and The Golden Star tried to find a middle ground, but from Eve’s Western world, it was the usual suspects going against Western righteousness. When Woman of Steel’s would-be empire annexed its former vassal, she took a stand against it, which shocked and emboldened

Eve’s trust in the UNJPC. She leveraged her superpowers with a superpower, refusing to participate in combat, her strength having promised an easy victory.

It may be just politics, however. If Woman of Steel’s lasers beamed, Madam Might would have to join the fray, as she would be empire-sided against Woman of Steels’. Deterrence prevailed, and the two gods stood together in the UNJPC while chaos ensued in their backyards. Yet Madam Might would not have her antonym’s comradery, even in the name of politics.

As for the rest of the council, The Redeemer and Black Star called for peace in Verland. Femme Supreme went so far as rebuking The Verlander’s actions.

At the same time, he blasted through Z-land, lasering down complexes and razing concrete into ash, jet screeches rocking in his wake with more death.

“I am saddened and ashamed at the world’s response, including my fellow ‘heroes’. Z-land is burning! The Verlander is murdering, maiming and destroying innocent people, innocent children! This is the beginning of a genocide and the displacement of millions of Zurrians! We can’t sit here and pretend that The Verlander’s war crimes are justified! These are innocent people like you and me who had no part in VENGE’s attacks! Their blood is now paying the price in the gallons!”

Femme Supreme represented the radicalness of her queendom, a spark of rage glittering in her eye as The Verlander’s lasers reflected back, blood pulsing.

Yet while Eve’s governments parroted the same rhetoric, this radicalness was felt everywhere, with countless citizens holding massive protests and calling for immediate peace!

No one deserved to die anymore.

Especially innocent Zurrians, Innocent Verlanders.

Peace was the only way, the only thing that should’ve been fought for.

Yet The Verlander’s strikes continued, an army amassing behind him as Z-Land was surrounded by the Verland war machine, a full-scale invasion reckoning.

“We will come from the sky, from the sea and from the land. There is nowhere for you to hide; we will destroy

you and we will win!” said The Verlander, his eyes glowing red with rage.

Madam Might would then grace the air as well, her cape flowing from the Atlantic drift, as she dared all outside players to try and stand in The Verlander’s way, her side chosen as she looked upon simmering Z-land.

VII Eve lost herself in a dream as night fell.

Scenes of a wild western landscape set into mind, and she saw a carriage on the run, military men firing revolvers as bandits in hoods followed on horseback. The outlaws fired back at the military men, bringing the carriage to a bloody stop. The outlaws joyed and jostled at the bodies, then further ahead in an unknown city… justice stormed in its outskirts.

An encampment of soldiers was presented, but these were no ordinary soldiers. Their faces were marked with white, their general, a great giant, taking the lead on a horse, a thousand hooves stomping behind his march.

Eve suddenly embodied a person in the city they marched upon. The town was ravaged, and she found herself in a building, as dream logic gave her no explanation.

All Eve could feel was dread, growing horror. Around her were others, and they were all crouched, stuck in a stairway, panicked, sweating and desperate to survive. All Eve knew was that war was outside and suddenly, a balcony presented itself from the stuffed stairway.

Eve crawled to it and saw them, the white-faced soldiers, the white paint blinding. They were everywhere, armed to the teeth, and somehow, Eve understood that if they saw her and any of her fellow refugees, they would be killed on sight. Eve also understood that this was retribution. The outlaws had damned her and her company in misery, and they would pay the price. As the whitefaced soldiers moved in, coming for Eve and her fellows, pure dread wreaked her spirit as she knew profoundly well that there was no escape.

Eve then awoke from her dream.

It was confusing, yet it was genuine.

The reality for many Zurrians.

The world watched them burn and they had no escape.

Each night, Eve would think about that… There was no escape. There was no one for the Zurrians to turn to.

VENGE would not save them; it may not have been the genesis of this war, but it would not be their salvation. It had damned them like those outlaws, and it gave Verland impunity to raise hell upon them, all in the name of justice.

The Verlander came into focus as Eve scrolled on, “The death of Zurrians is a tragedy, but that blood is on VENGE’s hands.

VENGE is their damnation! They use these innocent people as shields while they cower behind them. Yet if they think that’ll stop us, they’re wrong. We will come for them, we will destroy them and we will win, whatever the collateral!”

No one was coming to save them.

No one was coming to save them.

As this set in, this bleakness, this nihilism, Eve looked on toward her heroes, literal gods. Yet they sat there, their arms crossed, reading off scripts and prewritten speeches.

The same story over and over again, the rhetoric remaining…

Verland – VENGE war… What of the Zurrians?

Who was dying, who was bleeding?

Western journalists reported live from the barricaded cities and guarded spaces of the Southern Foot. Soldiers and police were present and at arms while they spoke of the victims of that first foundational day.

Then, in Z-land, while they spoke of yesterday, bombs dropped NOW! Children died, bleeding to death right before everyone’s eyes… LIVE! Where was their story?!

Eve simmered in frustration.

Trixie told her to let go, to stop feeding it, “You’re just hurting yourself more.”

The privilege to just walk away from it, to go home.

To have a home.

The arrow of time marched on, entropy emotionless, the clock ticking, blood dripping, everyone watching, a car crashing in slow motion.

“Why won’t anyone do anything?

Why won’t someone save them?!”

“Where are the heroes?!”

The world was doing something,

though. Despite Madam Might and her allies’ pressure, most nations now called for peace and an immediate ceasefire. Millions of dollars were to be sent to the Zurrians in aid, and talks of humanitarian corridors floated in the headlines. The Verlander shouted for the Zurrians to head north, straight for the Sehrinite border, promising safety despite his bombs dropping and his lasers scorching, the gates to salvation remaining closed as Sehrin refused entry.

“We will not let Verland rid their Zurrian problem to us!”

The clock still ticked while the world did something and blood dripped.

The white faces from the dream stared back, having seen Eve taking aim. The stairway overran from top to bottom as the white faces moved in, murder on their mind.

No one was coming to save her.

No one was coming to save them.

There were no heroes.

VIII Eve stared at the computer; the story was at an end, but how could she end it here and on such a sour note too? It needed a happy ending, a promise of better things and salvation. And yet, how could she make such a promise?

This was her reality today, and if it kept on, the white faces would soon reach her and everything would be over.

Many more Zurrians had to die and when they no longer posed a threat, they would finally receive their justice.

When the Indigenous no longer posed a threat, only then would they receive truth and reconciliation.

When the Black African had been imprisoned for 27 years, only then could he receive the world’s sympathy.

When the weapons of mass destruction were no longer found, only then could the Iraqis receive the world’s apologies.

When the Jews had been marked and defiled, concentrated in a camp of all forms of death, only then would the world march to their liberation.

When the Palestinians were dead and subdued, only then could the world regret and wish it had done more.

Eve looked at her story…

What difference would it make?

She ended it.

INFINITUM 20

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2023

THANDO BHEBHE / LEAD INFINITUM WRITER