Vol. 57 Issue1 by The Strand

the STRAND VICTORIA UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

VOL. 57 ISSUE 1 • SEPT. 1 2014 • WWW.THESTRAND.CA

back to school NEW THINGS 2

VIC THINGS 6

FREE THINGS 8

VIC NEWS AT A GLANCE GABRIEL ZOLTAN-JOHAN Even when students leave and classes are done, Victoria College and the University of Toronto as a whole are still in full swing, with student government and administration busy preparing for the challenges the new school year will bring. This summer has been particularly eventful, and knowing the changes and challenges that Victoria College and Uof T are facing can help to enrich student life and improve experiences outside of classes. One aspect of Victoria College student life that has been in the spotlight this summer is the state of Caffiends, a student-run coffee shop that caters to both students and faculty members. Over the summer, Victoria administration attempted to relocate Caffiends from its current home in Old Vic. The proposal was to move it to the Cat’s Eye, another student-run venue at Vic which operates as an event space. Victoria College administration were adamant about the move until a barrage of letters from alumni, staff, and current students who were opposed to it convinced them to keep Caffiends in its current location for the time being. This summer has also seen some proposed changes from the University of Toronto Students’ Union which threatened to reduce representation for colleges and faculties at Uof T. Recent legislation by the federal and provincial governments has required not-for-profit entities, such as the UTSU, to change their definition of ‘class memberships’. Class memberships allow certain groups to vote for specific things—for example, Victoria College students would be grouped into one class to vote for the Board of Directors member for Victoria College. This summer, the UTSU, through their articles of continuance, have removed colleges and faculties as classes, while inserting new directors for minority classes. College and faculty leaders have since raised concerns about losing their representation within the union. Many are pushing for a compromise that includes both their own representatives and the directors the UTSU seeks to add. The UTSU has been active in establishing this new set-up over the past several months, while college and faculty presidents have been attempting to maintain representation for their constituents. In addition to everything that has gone on at Uof T and at Vic during the summer, there are many social events and projects to get excited about during the upcoming school year. One example is the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, a new athletic centre located across from Varsity Stadium. This will give Victorians who wish to participate in sporting life at Uof T a closer alternative to the Athletic Centre on Spadina. Its construction is scheduled to be completed by early October of this year. Another upcoming event is the Toronto International Film Festival, in which Vic’s own Isabel Bader Theatre is a prominent venue. Bader is hosting a number of films this year, in addition to premium events involving many of the stars of those films, such as Denzel Washington. Featured films will include Gentlemen, Murder in Pacot, and Elephant Song.

Finally, one of the biggest events in which new students at Vic can get involved is Orientation Week. A great deal of planning has been done by Vic’s orientation executive team and Frosh leaders over the summer to ensure that the experience is as enjoyable

and welcoming as possible. O-Week exposes incoming students to a large variety of clubs and activities available at both Victoria College and the University of Toronto as a whole, and is a great starting point for anyone looking to be more involved in student life.

VICTORIA CHUEN

PERSPECTIVES ON FROSH WEEK BEN ATKINS NEWS EDITOR The planning process for Orientation Week starts in March, when orientation chairs are selected. This process continues throughout the summer, with the orientation executive holding weekly meetings. By the end of Prod Week, the last week of August, roles have been assigned, Frosh dances have been choreographed, and countless Frosh kits have been stuffed. It is an impressive feat for the 12-person executive team, tasked with coordinating a tightly-choreographed and exhaustivelydetailed series of events for hundreds of new Victorians. The process itself is daunting. Orientation Executive Sarah Leaper mentioned the growing toll of “long days and close quarters,” a sentiment shared by many executive members who spoke to The Strand. On the final two days of Prod Week, the 12 executive members are joined by roughly 120 Frosh leaders. These leaders then undergo two days of training to prepare for their roles. This entire five-month endeavour, which only truly begins on Sunday, August 31 when the Frosh move into residence, is, as Orientation Executive Kareem Jarrah states, “a huge time commitment” that comes with an inevitable “huge lack of sleep.” When you’ve spent all day stuffing literally thousands of condoms into Roman-themed knapsacks, it can be easy to lose sight of Frosh Week’s ultimate goal of welcoming new Victorians to university life. For upperyear students who have already adjusted to navigating Vic with relative ease, it can be easy to forget those first few days on campus, when the best one could do when confronted with a sea of new faces was to stay somewhat afloat. The fact remains that the level of commitment required from those planning it makes Orientation Week one of the most carefree, eye-opening, and enjoyable experiences one can have as a first-year university student. With this in mind, The Strand sought out some of the orientation executives responsible for this massive endeavour, as well as two upper-year students uninvolved with the process, to ask them a few questions. What makes one dedicate oneself so fully to these five days in September? Why is Orientation Week so important? ORIENTATION EXECUTIVE INTERVIEWEES: Sarah Leaper, Anushree Rai, Sabrina Bilotta, Kareem Jarrah What is your favourite part of being an executive? Sarah: I’m very excited for O-Week. For me, my favourite part of being an exec is getting to hang out with all of the other executives—and, of course, O-Week itself. Anushree: The early mornings are difficult, but this is the most fun I’ve had in university. I love being able to give back to Vic by making O-Week better this year than it was in my year—and it was amazing my year. Sabrina: I like knowing that, when I see how the Frosh react to meeting new people, exposing themselves to

new experiences and activities, I made a small impact on their transition into university. Kareem: Being the first to greet the Frosh. What part of Orientation Week are you most looking forward to?

Anushree: Take complete advantage of O-Week. Sabrina: Take your time. There’s no need to rush. Explore courses that interest you; you might be surprised by what you find. Kareem: Get involved, and get involved early.

Sarah: I’m looking forward to getting to know all the leaders. It’s also a great opportunity to be creative through my work on media. We’ll be putting out a video every day and making sure that we document the week with plenty of pictures.

UPPER-YEAR STUDENT INTERVIEWEES: Anthony Burton, Laurent-Philippe Veilleux

Sabrina: The new health and wellness event. It’s a new initiative to provide information on mental health resources, ways to stay active, and the resources that we have available. It’s important that we make incoming Frosh aware that we’re all here for each other. There are great resources to de-stress and to use to seek help, both at Vic and at Uof T. As part of the program, we’ll be offering massages and smoothies (resources that are offered throughout the year), as well as a talk by the Dean of Students and information about health resources at Vic in particular.

Anthony: I remember being incredibly nervous. After a while, you learn that everyone was just as anxious as you were that first week, and that softens the blow. When you’re nervous, it’s a great feeling knowing that you’re still managing to try as many new things as you can in Frosh Week.

What is your strongest memory of Orientation Week as a first-year student?

What have you learned as an upper-year student?

Sarah: Honestly, feeling like a fish out of water. At first, I felt very overwhelmed. Anushree: The surprise and joy when Gangnam Style played and the whole college spontaneously started dancing. Sabrina: I felt like I was an adult. I felt like it was my time to make my own choices, an opportunity to grow and to learn about myself. Kareem: I remember feeling relief. I was nervous that I wouldn’t meet anyone, or, if I did, that I would forget them, or vice versa. Obviously, this wasn’t the case! Why is Orientation Week important? Sarah: All Frosh are coming from such different paths and backgrounds, so it’s a great way to start everyone off on the same positive, welcoming foot. Sabrina: It allows you to make new friends, to learn about how to get involved, and it makes you see that you don’t need to be afraid, that you can rise to the challenge independently. And it’s fun! Some advice for the Frosh:

What is your strongest memory of Orientation Week as a first-year student?

Laurent-Philippe: The overall energy surrounding Frosh Week. Everyone was enthusiastic and made sure that it was packed full of action. There was never a dull moment. And, of course, Traditionals were amazing.

Anthony: We’re really lucky to go to university in a city that’s so much more than just this university. Laurent-Philippe: How to balance school with the various other facets of life. The key is in finding a balance between academics, social life, sleep, and other interests you want to pursue. Some advice for the Frosh: Anthony: Make sure you’re here because you want to be here, and make sure you’re studying what you want to be studying. University is a great time to try and figure out who you are, and you’ll never realize who you are if you aren’t listening to yourself. Laurent-Philippe: Don’t lose focus on why you’re at Uof T. It’s easy to get caught up in Frosh Week. You’re having a lot of fun, but you can’t forget that, when it all comes down to it, you are here to learn. Orientation Week will come and go in the blink of an eye. It’s frantic, overwhelming, and, if you give yourself completely over to it, immensely fun. Make the most of it! And remember: if you need directions, someone to talk to, or even just someone to play Frisbee with on the quad, your fellow Victorians are here for you.

Sarah: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable.

Editors-in-Chief

Amanda Aziz Emily Pollock Paula Razuri

News

news@thestrand.ca

Anthony Burton Ben Atkins

Opinions

Jonah Letovsky

Features

features@thestrand.ca

Geoff Baillie Chantal Duchesne

Arts & Culture

Holly McKenzie-Sutter

Film & Music

Dominique Béchard Claire Wilkins

Stranded

Emily Deibert Olesya Lyuzna

editor@thestrand.ca

opinions@thestrand.ca

artsandculture@thestrand.ca filmandmusic@thestrand.ca

stranded@thestrand.ca

Production

Vacant

Design

Vivian Che

Copy

Rhianna Jackson-Kelso

Photo

Victoria Chuen

production@thestrand.ca design@thestrand.ca

copy@thestrand.ca photo@thestrand.ca

Art

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Lynn Seolim Hong Wenting Li

Web

Thanasi Karachotzitis

Distribution

Vacant

Editorial Assistants

Vacant

VICTORIA CHUEN

OUR MASTHEAD

WELCOME TO THE STRAND

Contributors Tara Abrahams, Rosalind Deibert, Jennifer Gosnell, Neil MacIssac, Megan Tangney Illustrations Lynn Seolim Hong Photos Victoria Chuen, Anthony Burton Cover Photo Victoria Chuen

PAULA RAZURI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The Strand has been the newspaper of record for Victoria University since 1953. It is published 12 times a year with a circulation of 2000 and is distributed in Victoria University buildings and across the University of Toronto’s St. George campus. The Strand flagrantly enjoys its editorial autonomy and is committed to acting as an agent of constructive social change. As such, we will not publish material deemed to exhibit racism, sexism, homo/trans*phobia, ableism, or other oppressive language. The Strand is a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP). Our offices are located at 150 Charles St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S 1K9. Please direct enquiries by email to editor@thestrand.ca. Submissions are welcome and may be edited for taste, brevity, and legality.

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If some of the articles in this first issue of The Strand sound slightly jaded, then apologies to all incoming students—we aren’t trying to stifle your excitement, I promise. An underlying theme in our Frosh issue this year is, if you hadn’t spotted it yet, the importance of not taking oneself too seriously. Though you’ll have plenty of unsolicited advice thrown your way during your first weeks at Vic and Uof T, you will surely hear more than once about how to listen to yourself, and with good reason. In a new school, new city, surrounded by new people, there will be no shortage of voices telling you what to do, but finding your own voice and listening to it is the biggest favour you can do yourself. Many of us will stumble through varying combinations of majors and minors, expecting that among the course codes we will find certain happiness. Others will feel the need to be as social as possible, spreading themselves thin among too many clubs and social groups. There is, however, no detailed formula for your overall well-being. You’re at the point now where you get to explore and figure it out for yourself. If that sounds overwhelming, that’s because it is. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Take your time

to find the community that suits you. Pick orientation events that revolve around your personality, not the ones you believe will host the coolest people. Maybe you will have to go to a few clubs and sit awkwardly as you attempt to mingle with people who already know each other. Maybe you will force your way through one hour of conversation at a pub night with someone you will never talk to again. That’s okay. Forging a path and leaving some stones unturned is completely acceptable. Who knows, maybe you’ll even stumble upon your very own student paper. We at The Strand welcome students of varying levels of commitment and experience, and we’re always willing to teach. Many of the students working here came by some accident or another: whether it was the tantalizing promise of free pizza, getting tricked by a friend to write an article, or even tagging along to Room 153 in the Goldring Student Centre. So enjoy your orientation, dear frosh. Enjoy this paper, too. Over the past three years its been a welcoming source of community for myself and for others. I hope that you, too, find it to be a place of exploration and conversation on campus and beyond.

FOMO

Fear Of Missing Out

LET’S GET RID OF “FOMO”, “IRL”

AMANDA AZIZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Decades ago, summer was the perfect excuse for losing touch with the world and spending months absorbing the sun and the self. Of course, with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Vine, Snapchat, Reddit, and other social networks, hiding away is rather difficult, unless you choose to avoid social media at all costs. But how about when it comes to fulfilling more narcissistic endeavours? One might think that the radiation from an LED screen provides more Vitamin D than the sun. “To thine own selfie be true” is the new motto we repeat before we log on to our online accounts to relieve our ever-growing insecurities about who’s doing what on our newsfeeds. The constant need to be ‘in the know’ about what’s going viral around the world—or on campus—creates the fear of missing out, otherwise known as the ridiculous ‘FOMO’ we have all been talking about since about a year ago. Today, summer isn’t about losing touch: it’s about an endless game of trying not to lose touch. Incoming freshman, you will be yet another generation of students who will be attending university without ever knowing what life was like before the in-

ternet. You may have already gotten to know most of your peers through online groups before adding them to your friends list. As your Orientation Week commences, you might start to wonder which of them are busy having fun at events of which you are not a part. Do not let this fear of missing out, especially during Orientation Week, be the first impression of where you belong on campus, though. At the time, it might have seemed fun to chug watered-down beer at some dorm party, and, of course, the first few times your ‘social cred’ is validated online can be exhilarating. But it gets old. There’s far more substance to the experience of meeting new people and getting an education than just being concerned about being seen. Being here, on campus, is also about finding your niche and growing into your own. When you’re so busy trying to have the time of your life online, you may find yourself dormant—or, dare I say, offline—in real life. Having face-to-face conversations while texting, or constantly glancing at your cell phone to check for notifications, makes for a sad situation of someone fully

dependent on being validated online. As for people who define themselves by the things they document on social media, it’s (sadly) all they’ve got. Please don’t waste your precious time in that virtual void. Your online persona can only go so far in terms of vouching for how much of a multi-dimensional person you are right now, or will be in the future. Don’t let your life today be dictated by what seems like it will make for a cool post tomorrow. Instead of doing whatever the crowd you hang out with thinks is cool—such as rushing over to the next dorm to party— try getting out of that environment by joining a club or levy. Learn something new, fall off the radar from time to time, and get ahead in life. Take advantage of the fact that you are out of the adolescent cesspool of high school and transitioning into a more mature, postsecondary environment. Go on a detour. Do things not for the sake of getting likes or retweets. Do things for you, not for others or their opinions of you. To thine own self be true, and let this motto remind you: what you do in real life matters more than what you do online.

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VUSAC VUSAC, the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council, is the official student government of Victoria University. VUSAC represents student interests via four main branches: Arts & Culture, Commuter, Education & Equity, and Sustainability. The council presides over the organization of many student-run initiatives, including extra-curricular groups and social events, and is responsible for budgetary allocation. VUSAC offers a cohesive space for Victoria University students to have their voices heard and be part of the decision-making process surrounding student issues. If you would like to get involved in students’ council, consider joining a committee. VUSAC runs office hours from Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in Room 127 in the Goldring Centre.

GETTING INVOLVED AT VIC

Music for the Heart Music for the Heart is an organization that performs music at nursing homes and children’s hospitals in Toronto. All types of musicians are welcome, and past musicians have ranged in genre from classical to folk to pop. The club will be performing on a monthly basis, with their September performance scheduled to take place at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Performances are interactive, and audience participation is welcomed. Non-musicians are also encouraged to participate in the club to help out with audience participation, event promotion, and set-up and take-down for events.

CHANTAL DUCHESNE & GEOFF BAILLIE FEATURES EDITORS University students often hear about how important it is to ‘get involved’ by joining a student club, group, or society. The prospect can seem daunting once classes begin; as readings pile up, the thought of adding another commitment to your schedule can be overwhelming. However, engaging in campus culture can be extremely rewarding, especially at a large university like U of T. So whether it’s just for fun or because it complements your studies, consider engaging in some extra-curricular activities during your undergrad. Listed here are just some of the many options you’ll find at Vic.

VicXposure VicXposure is Victoria University’s photography club. The group offers students resources and guidance to help them explore digital and film photography, regardless of their level of experience. They allow all Victoria students access to any necessary equipment through their free rental program, as well as connecting students to subsidies for film, paper, and darkroom access. For more information, or to request an equipment rental, join their Facebook group. The club also posts photos by its members on their community Facebook page, VicXposure Photos.

Victoria College Drama Society The Victoria College Drama Society, or VCDS, offers students who are interested in theatre the opportunity to write, direct, act, and/or join a stage crew. The group features multiple performances produced, directed, and sometimes written by students throughout the year, allowing the public to experience the result of their dedication. In addition to staging various plays, student-written productions, and musicals, VCDS also contributes annually to the Hart House Drama Festival. Their 2014-2015 season includes well-known productions like The Garden Party, Nine, and Company, among others. VCDS encourages all students interested in drama to get involved, whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned thespian. Join their Facebook group, Victoria College Drama Society, for updates about upcoming productions.

Victoria College Fencing Club The Victoria College Fencing Club is devoted to the art of épée fencing. Open to members of all levels of expertise, the VCFC allows its members to nourish their love of fencing through friendly competitions and training exercises. All necessary equipment is provided by the club free of charge. While new members are welcome to drop in at any time, joining early allows members to gradually improve their skills over the course of the year along with their peers.

Victoria College Life Drawing Club The Victoria College Life Drawing Club facilitates weekly sketching sessions of a live model. Anyone with an interest in art is encouraged to show up, regardless of their artistic capabilities. Participants study the beauty of the human form while taking on the challenging task of artistically rendering human anatomy. The club allows like-minded artists to connect and collaborate in an open environment, and all materials are supplied by the club. The sessions are approximately one hour long and generally run in the evening.

Acta Victoriana Acta Victoriana is a literary journal at Victoria University, founded in 1878. It features poetry, prose, photography, and artwork by University of Toronto students, sharing a long tradition of inventive material with the wider Victoria College community. In addition to its historic roots, Acta Victoriana has come into prominence in the last century due to contributions from notable figures like former Canadian prime minister Lester B. Pearson and author Margaret Atwood. The publication provides a space for discussion in art and literature between students, faculty, and alumni by showcasing a variety of perspectives on a range of topics. Feel free to peruse the Acta Victoriana archives in the E.J. Pratt library, or pick up a recent issue for free at the front desk. Published bi-annually by a student editor and independent committee, Acta Victoriana welcomes submissions in the fall and winter semesters. Visit their website at actavictoriana.ca, or ‘friend’ them on Facebook for more information about guidelines and deadlines.

VISA The Victoria International Student Association, or VISA, aims to help international students integrate into campus life at Vic. By hosting a variety of social events and offering various academic resources, the group aids international students in overcoming any barriers they may come across, whether they be cultural or linguistic. Local students are also welcome to join VISA for an opportunity to reach out to the international community, and to educate themselves about a diverse range of cultures. This group highlights our school’s multiculturalism, which is one of the things that makes U of T so great.

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RHIANNA JACKSON-KELSO // AGO

Students who are new to post-secondary studies or the city of Toronto are likely experiencing the conflicting desires to educate and culturalize themselves while spending the smallest amount of money possible. To accommodate the needs of the poor college student yearning to expand his or her mind, listed below are some of the free attractions Toronto has to offer.

THE FROSH GUIDE TO

Free THINGS IN TORONTO

HOLLY MCKENZIE-SUTTER ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

nearby OCAD students milling about in their natural habitat is worth the trip in itself.

The ROM [Royal Ontario Museum] Free admission for students every Tuesday This museum is located conveniently across from Vic campus at Bloor and Avenue. Head across the street to the ROM on a Tuesday between classes to check out some ancient textiles, look at cool dinosaurs, or experience the classic crowd-pleaser that is the Bat Cave.

The Gardiner Museum Free admission for students every Tuesday At its convenient location on the east side of Bloor and Queen’s Park, this national museum of ceramics is too close to Victoria College to pass up visiting at least once.

The AGO [Art Gallery of Ontario] Free admission every Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM A short walk west from St. Patrick subway station, the Art Gallery of Ontario located at 317 Dundas Street West is worth a visit. The AGO boasts an impressive collection of classic and contemporary works, and observing the

VICTORIA CHUEN

CINSSU Friday Film Screenings Uof T’s Cinema Studies Department offers free film screenings on Friday nights, as well as advanced screenings for upcoming new releases. The MOCCA Free admission Located at Queen and Shaw on the westbound route of the 501 streetcar, the Museum

CHANTAL DUCHESNE// ROM

of Contemporary Canadian Art offers free admission every day. It’s a neat place to be exposed to new artists and explore the design district of Queen West. Yonge & Dundas Square Y&D is always free, and frequently offers live music and other performances, film screenings, and religious fanatics yelling at you through a microphone. Attend for the people-watching and the fun. Toronto City Parks The outdoors is free and underrated, and Toronto contains a surprising amount of green space. High Park and Trinity Bellwoods are two popular spots to sit among the trees with friends, have a picnic, read a book, or discreetly watch cute dogs going on their afternoon walks.

VICTORIA CHUEN

ASKING BIG QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CONVERSATIONS Reflections post-first encounter with the Ask Big Questions campus initiative TIFFANY NG versation altogether by doing this. We no longer listen for the sake of listening, for a better understanding of the person sitting across from us. Instead, we speak for a chance to prove ourselves, because this is what we have been taught higher-level conversation is supposed to be like. Instinctively, we look to theorists, essays, the news, et cetera, to pull together an argument, because this makes for ‘meaningful conversation’. Unsurprisingly, this was how the first half of our group’s conversation played out: “Well, responsibility, by definition…” “If you refer to the text you provided us…” Students tend to not to personalize intellectual conversations. We shy away from sharing personal stories, instead referring to theorists and readings. I mean, can you imagine sitting in your tutorial and suddenly realizing that someone is talking about their feelings? But then again, why don’t they? Is there some sort of taboo associated with citing personal stories, experiences, and emotions in intellectual conversation? “When I think of responsibility, I look to my wife. Going back to the scenario, this makes me feel…” “This reminds me of when I was travelling last summer and saw this happen. I can sympathize with a person who has responsibility to…” Those were snippets from the second half of the conversation. “Did you notice how people made the switch from facts and definitions to sharing personal stories and experiences?” the facilitator asked at the end of the conversation. “Why and how were we able to make that switch?” It’s because the right questions were posed by the facilitator throughout. ABQ is about, well, asking ‘Big Questions’. These are questions that bring people together rather than divide them, questions that anyone can answer. These are questions that have no right and wrong, and thus have the ability to create a space where people can openly share.

Because of that openness, by the end of the session, I felt like I could carry on an interesting conversation with any of the nine people sitting before me. Because of that openness, we students were able to discard the ‘prove the other person wrong’ mentality. It enabled us to access a much more important skill, one with which we are losing touch: listening, with the sole intent of understanding. Because of that openness, we suddenly wanted to share our (too-often devalued) personal experiences. Because of that openness, I felt like I had just had a meaningful conversation—one in which I connected with another person as a human being, one in which I was engaged and interested, and one which I left feeling good. Coming out of these conversations left me with the realization that there is a fundamental error in conversation culture on campus. We are forgetting how to listen simply for the sake of understanding. We are forgetting how to personalize our conversations by sharing our stories and backgrounds, neglecting the potential it has to enrich our conversations. Our conversation culture has made it difficult to create a space for students to openly share and get personal, and to truly engage and connect with our fellow peers. This disengagement, in my opinion, largely accounts for the lack of community the University of Toronto is notorious for. This takes away greatly from our experience as university students. Yet, some of these problems can be solved by simply asking the right questions, the ones ABQ calls ‘Big Questions’. ABQ has an ambitious mandate. It is not just trying to change the way people have conversations; it is trying to change conversation culture itself. And after my first engagement with an ABQ conversation, I believe it can. To participate in an ABQ conversation (hosted almost every month on campus with a new Big Question each meeting), go to: www.facebook.com/ABQUof T.

ANTHONY BURTON

“When’s the last time you had a meaningful conversation?” was the question I was asked upon arriving at a workshop for the relatively-new campus initiative, Ask Big Questions (ABQ). Sure, I thought. I had a meaningful conversation a few weeks ago in my class about environmental degradation. I had another meaningful conversation the other day about institutional discrimination following the unrest in St. Louis. As thought-provoking and current subject matter, these must be meaningful conversations. As conversation that our professors, TAs, and other intellectuals gear us towards, these conversations I was having were meaningful. Right? When the workshop began and a group of ten strangers—all of us foreign to ABQ programming— was asked to participate in an ‘ABQ conversation’ (by definition, a planned meet-up of strangers engaging in facilitated conversation), I was ready. I had participated tons of meaningful conversations in my tutorials before—conversations about important world issues, big ideas. And so the question was thrown out: For whom are we responsible? Well, shit. This wasn’t exactly a question my tutorials had prepared me for. As we began sharing, I found myself doing exactly what my professors and TAs had trained me so thoroughly to do: analyze. Identify the argument of the person speaking—is it right or wrong? Where are the weak and strong points? Will I reaffirm or disclaim the argument? Oh, and before I speak, I’d better have supporting arguments and a 12-page essay to back up what I’m saying. Here I was, a university student, conditioned to critically analyze everything, more often than not defaulting to the intent to show that the other person was wrong. As university students, our natural way of thinking is argumentative, making us feel like we have something to prove every time we engage in intellectual conversation. We’ve pretty much destroyed the basis of con-

F/M

DEATH-BYJOHNNY The harrowing tale of how Johnny Depp nearly cost me my life and taught me a lesson in celebrity idolization BY DINA GINZBURG SEOLIM HONG The justification behind why we find celebrities so enticing is not one that is always easy to make. They’re people with incredible jobs and they are inhumanly beautiful, certainly, but the attention they get from us lesser beings is wildly blown out of proportion. Now, this is not a blanket statement for all of humanity. Some of us are not particularly drawn to the well-light, soft focus glow of the Hollywood elite. I like to consider myself to be part of that number, but my kryptonite is Johnny Depp. The day that Johnny Depp unwittingly caused my near-demise started out fairly innocently. That morning, I had received a text from my friend Sam, proposing that we spend the weekend stalking the celebrities that had flocked to the city for the Toronto International Film Festival. Supposedly, Johnny “Practically Perfect in Every Role so Please Marry Me” Depp was walking a red carpet that very afternoon. It was settled — if he was there, we’d be too. It was unseasonably cold and I seem to remember there being rain, although that last bit could very well be my imagination injecting some pathetic fallacy into the situation in hindsight. At any premiere, the actors need to get from the red carpet to the theatre, so there is always an expanse of barricaded walkway where rabid fans can be in extreme proximity to the stars without the push and shove of journalists and their bulky camera equipment. As luck would have it, we found spots right in front of the metal gate, set up as a barrier. Soon, a cheery bunch of fans clutching Captain Jack Sparrow posters and Edward Scissorhands DVD cases swarmed

behind us, gabbing excitedly about seeing the legend up close. It was clear that nobody, including ourselves, had any idea nor really cared what film Depp was actually here for. At long last, an almighty collective shriek rose from the direction of the red carpet. He was here. In a few short minutes, Johnny Depp would be right in front of us. He would notice me in the crowd and be struck by my acting prowess, which he would sense the moment he laid eyes on me. He would cast me in his next film and fall in love. We would wed in the spring. That…or I would at least get to breathe the same air as him and get his autograph. As he rounded the corner, the civilized fans lost every shred of dignity and common sense. They surged towards the barrier in a tidal wave of obsessed idolatry, screaming and crying for Depp to sign things, to look at cameras, to bless their newborn babies. The very force of the crowd began to tip the barrier, and security began to push back, sandwiching Sam and me between the crowd and the sharp metal which threatened to slice us in half. Neither party would let up and I sincerely felt my ribs scraping back and forth along the bar. At long last, Johnny Depp swaggered into the cinema and the crowd receded, leaving Sam and I gasping for air and clutching our middles. I hadn’t even managed to get an autograph. This entire encounter is laced in shame, because not only was I exposed to the ridiculous extremes of human behaviour when faced with something sparkly and famous, I also realized that the promises of Hollywood have the power to eclipse all else. As it turns out, the film that Depp was promoting was called West of Memphis — a film that had abso-

lutely nothing to do with him. It was a documentary about the West Memphis Three, a group of teenagers who were wrongfully imprisoned for murdering three children. Two of the teenagers were given life in prison while the third was sentenced to death. Eighteen years later, they were finally released when evidence of their innocence was found. Johnny Depp was at TIFF to “show his support” for the West Memphis Three. He had not had a hand in producing, directing or writing the film. Depp is great, but he has never been through anything as harrowing as being on death row for his entire adult life. His only purpose was to generate hype and publicity for a film that is about as far from glitzy silver screen glamour as it gets. Nobody at that premiere had eyes for Damien Echols, the man who had been sentenced to death. He walked quietly behind Johnny Depp, wearing sunglasses to protect his eyes which had become unaccustomed to the sun after his 20 year incarceration. We the people are so entranced by the fame, fortune and perfection that the celebrity lifestyle exudes that we risk losing all empathy and interest in anything that does not conform to this image. Hollywood is the ultimate source of escapism, but it has come to a point where we need an escape from the escape. This is not to say that I won’t be going to any more premieres. You’ll find me screaming my lungs out at Benedict Cumberbatch at this year’s TIFF, but seeing Johnny Depp has taught me to first learn what I am screaming for.

STOP THINKING

SO MUCH ABOUT YOURSELVES,

FROSH

(AND I MEAN THAT IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY) JONAH LETOVSKY OPINIONS EDITOR Sorry to be rude. But, as first years, you’ve all likely fielded many opinions from friends and family over the past few weeks and months (most likely having something to do with seizing the day, getting involved, and making friends with as many people in res as possible). All, of course, with the goal of creating the best possible undergrad experience for yourself. Your friends and family are right—do all those things. Be gung-ho. But not just for that reason. Jumping into campus initiatives will have the best results when you’re motivated to give, not take. Join the rugby team—not just because you think you’ll get in shape, but because you think you can help create a healthy, competitive, and supportive environment (and, of course, win sometimes). Join the Environmental Students’ Union—not just because it will boost your résumé, but because you think you can help link together the passionate but disconnected students of a small program. Run for VUSAC because you think your organizational and personal skills will actually be beneficial to other Vic students in pushing back at constant budget cuts and rising fees. To paraphrase Kennedy (sorry, I’m a Poli Sci major), ask not what your university can do for you; ask what you can do for your university. In other words, stop thinking so much about yourself. Consider how lucky you are to be where you are,

A GUIDE TO WHAT TO HATE (AND LOVE) AT UOFT

studying at one of the best schools in the country, able to afford, one way or another, living in a city as amazing as Toronto. Now, take that consideration and try to improve your university. We all know—and you’ll soon learn—that both Uof T and Victoria College have many faults. Some of those are largely out of our control, like a lack of housing and residence space. Many of them are within our control, however. There is still oppression in many forms in our classes and residences. Students, particularly cross-town commuters, feel constantly isolated. Arts initiatives on campus are often seriously lacking. There is a culture of selfishness at this school, to which we are all a party. I encourage you, in your first year at Vic and Uof T (and as cliché as it sounds), to try to make a difference. Be selfless. I know it’s difficult, but it’s possible. Others are doing it. Queen’s, for example, has developed such a culture of contribution with many of its students. Recently, the school experienced a rash of suicides and alcohol-related deaths. Many of the victims were thought to be disconnected from campus life and, perhaps, unaware of the helpful resources around them. In response, a broad conversation about mental health began. Psychological services were improved. Perhaps more importantly, information about and accessibility to these resources improved. Mental health

DO YOU GO TO UOFT?

YES

became a major focus in many student election campaigns. A culture shift is clearly taking place, with illnesses such as depression and severe anxiety becoming destigmatized. People are taking more care to address isolation and create a more inclusive environment for students. This effort has been driven by and for students, and it is a fantastic example of selfless commitment to one’s university. ‘Mental health’ is not the sexiest topic, but many Queen’s students, including many friends of mine, have taken up the mantle—not to boost their résumés, but to contribute to the well-being of their fellow students. It took a tragic crisis for that shift to begin at Queen’s. Let’s not wait for the same to happen at Vic. Embrace your community for the sake of what you can give to it at this moment, not simply for what you’ll write on a slip of paper four years from now. Wouldn’t it be nice to free yourself from the heavy, broad obligation of ‘involvement’? It’s a spectre, isn’t it? Well, I say let it go. Just pick one issue you strongly care about—animal welfare, equity, or climate change, for example—and commit yourself to making some progress over the next four years. That’s all—just a single issue. The selflessness will flow from there. Now, that would be an undergraduate degree you could be proud of.

DO YOU GO TO VIC?

YOU SHOULD (AND PROBABLY ALREADY DO) HATE THE UTSU

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A DEBATE TEAM, LARGE STUDENT ASSOCIATION, OR EVEN JUST REMOTELY POLITICAL?

WHY ARE YOU READING THIS? YES

ARE YOU A CHRONIC PROCRASTINATOR? NO

YOU SHOULD LOVE ROBARTS’ 24-HOUR EXAM PERIODS (BUT ALSO, Y’KNOW, DIE A LITTLE BIT ON THE INSIDE WHENEVER YOU GO)

WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?

YES

DO YOU HATE DELICIOUS FOOD?

NO YES

YOU SHOULD LIVE AT NED’S CAFE’S SANDWICH BAR 11

WHERE DID YOU STUDY LAST NIGHT?

A GUIDE FOR NON-TORONTONIAN CANADIANS

NEIL MACISAAC STAFF WRITER Upon my arrival at Victoria College from that mysterious part of Canada called Not Toronto, I was struck by how many of my peers were from that part of Canada called Toronto. To avoid awkwardness as a NonTorontonian Canadian follow these tips, organized by province of origin, to both conform to Torontonian expectations and command respect/ fear/desire.

A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO FIRST-YEAR STUDY SPOTS

OLESYA LYUZNA Not more than a year ago, I was just like you: staring around in bewilderment, lanyard around my neck, a clueless freshman dropped in the midst of the beautiful and terrifying place that is Uof T. Although some may doubt my credibility–‘She’s just like us, except a year older, what does she know?’–I assure you fine folks that what I lack in years, I make up for in experience. I have spent many a sleepless night cramming for that stubborn test, or fiddling with lexical tools that would magically transform my weak, two-page essay into a stellar one. And I have the under-eye circles and the caffeine addiction to prove it!

Last year, I found myself stumbling from Burwash Study Space, to the library, and back to my dorm room in search of that universal, first-year Holy Grail: the perfect place to study. I suffered through gallons of crappy vending machine coffee, millions of decibels of noisy partygoers, and hours of trying to find a free desk–all so you wouldn’t have to. So read on, dear first year, and you just might learn some stuff they don’t teach you in school.

1. Your dorm room. Some days you’re just not up to changing out of your flannel pyjamas. And that’s okay, believe me. I’ve been there. To those of you living on res, your dorm room might seem the ideal study spot at first: convenient location and a door that locks are both positive factors here. However, despite the deceptive quiet at two in the morning before the start of exam season, you will also face the uproarious Thursday pub nights (which seem to consistently start in the kitchen next to your room), constant invitations to watch movies or go shopping, and the clashing schedules of your roommates. And of course, the ultimate distraction: Netflix. Thus, your room gets 10/10 for convenience, 4/10 for noise, 5/10 for atmosphere and 3/10 for distractions.

4. John W. Graham Library. If this is the library of your choosing, then chances are you’re no rookie when it comes to studying. Tucked away in the heart of Trinity College, Graham is a bit of a hidden gem. This is the perfect library for history majors, lazy studying with exams weeks away, and pretending to be a sophisticated scholar in the 19th century. This is probably not the best pick for frantic cram sessions or studying in groups, however. For its wooden paneling and serenity, Graham gets 5/10 for convenience, 8/10 for noise, 10/10 for atmosphere, and 7/10 for distractions.

WENTING LI

FIT IN OR DIE TRYING:

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR: In any social situation, ask yourself ‘What would the Sea Captain from The Simpsons do?’, and then do that. You probably do this already. NOVA SCOTIA: If you’re a Mainlander, delight your peers with anecdotes of the ‘East Coast Lifestyle’ and ‘living simpler’. If you’re a Cape Bretoner, please contact me so we can talk trash about those phony Mainlanders and their bullshit. PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: When asked if you grew up on a potato farm, the best response is to feed the person asking a salt and vinegar chip you pulled out from behind their ear. They will laugh and clap. NEW BRUNSWICK: Lie about where you’re from, loser. But not somewhere cool like Quebec; you don’t deserve it. QUEBEC: If you are from Montreal, you are probably cooler than most Torontonians. Screw up rolling your own cigarettes in front of them every once in a while so they know you’re human. ONTARIO: If you somehow come from beyond that mystical border of ‘about an hour outside Toronto’ that contains seemingly all Ontario towns, you’re probably a thickbearded woodsman/woodslady who prefers solitude, so interact with no one. MANITOBA: Maybe talk about Neil Young? Really scraping the barrel here. SASKATCHEWAN: Charm fellow Froshies with recollections of all the horses and/or siblings your stonefaced father made you put down. ALBERTA: Burn your Ralph Klein/ Nathan Fillion slash fiction, kid. You’re gonna have to build an identity from scratch to win the hearts of these city slicker pinkos. BRITISH COLUMBIA: If you’re from Vancouver you’re basically from Toronto, so just be yourself. If not, rave annoyingly about the scenery as if the rest of Canada looks like a dump.

2. Robarts. Ah, to be young and visiting Robarts for the first time. This giant stone peacock is regarded as a kind of rite of passage for first years not yet initiated into the cult of obsessive studying. Take the elevator to the 13th floor to find yourself at the very top of this daunting structure (and, quite possibly, the world). Go downstairs, and all of a sudden you’re surrounded by a variety of food from Starbucks to Subway. And even when tragedy strikes (read: your pen runs out of ink), have no fear, because multiple vending machines will supply you with substitutes. Robarts is perfect for a deeper level of desperation, all-nighters, and longer study arrangements. However, despite its many virtues, after a while the novelty will wear off, and the depressing atmosphere, spooky automatic lights, and constant crowds of students will start to get on your nerves. Therefore, I rate our famous library 7/10 for convenience, 8/10 for noise, 3/10 for atmosphere, and 7/10 for distractions. 3. E.J. Pratt Library. Oogie oogie! Show some Vic spirit, will you? Pratt is Vic’s very own library, complete with paintings on the walls, a breezy atmosphere, and lots of natural lighting. Oh, and books! Did I mention books? For most res students, this is the second-most convenient choice (after your beloved dorm room, obviously), located within steps of any given residence. Here, you can indulge in some (strictly) quiet studying in the Reading Room, join a friend in one of the study carrels, or chill out in one of the many plush armchairs and couches. Vending machines offer food and beverages (including Jones cherry soda, which I recommend). However, while it’s good for studying in the mornings and light reading, Pratt can get pretty crowded around exam time. You’re almost guaranteed to run into someone you know, which can be a major distraction from your work. Pratt gets a solid 8/10 for convenience, 7/10 for noise, 7/10 for atmosphere, and 5/10 for distractions.

5. Goldring Centre. At this point, you’ve probably already tried the heavenly goodness that is Ned’s Café coffee (I could probably survive on their Atwood blend), so I don’t have to do too much convincing for you to admit that the Goldring Centre is a great place to study. It boasts several study rooms in addition to the somewhat-crowded Ned’s café (try studying there in the morning to avoid lunch-hour rush). For those of you who need to snack on something every hour to avoid falling asleep, this is the place to be: you can spend your Vic Dollars on a variety of quality snacks and enjoy the natural lighting. However, although gastronomically ideal, Goldring can be a source of many distractions. Your chances of running into a crowd of friends on their way to get their afternoon coffee fix are very high. Thus, GC gets 9/10 for convenience, 6/10 for noise, 6/10 for atmosphere, and 5/10 for distractions. 6. Burwash Study Hall. Ah, Burwash. Love it or hate it, you know you can’t stay indifferent to our beloved dining hall. For those of you who haven’t repeatedly typed ‘uoft hogwarts’ into Google, I rush to inform you that Burwash was based on the grand dining hall of Christ Church College at Oxford, which was used in the filming of the Harry Potter saga. Every once in a while, students living both on and off residence get the chance to spend the night studying in what looks so much like the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Burwash Study Hall is an ongoing tradition, and in addition to some intense aesthetic pleasure you get unlimited coffee refills and cookies – perfect for the lazy res student and the Harry Potter fan alike. Burwash gets 9/10 for convenience, 7/10 for noise, 10/10 for atmosphere (call me biased), and 5/10 for distractions. So, there you have it–a not-so-complete list of Uof T study spaces, with an obvious focus on those nearest Victoria College, tried and tested by yours truly. And now it’s up to you, young freshman, to check out these locations yourself, or maybe find some of your own. Good luck trying to find that elusive combination of cheap coffee, no distractions, and comfortable seating.