University News No. 4 (Dec. 9, 2021) by University News

VOL. C No. 4 / December 9th, 2021

FEATURED ON PAGES 12 & 13

christmas on the quad photo by Abby Campbelll cover design by grace dunlavy

NEWS

saucy porka opens in old kaldi’s location january 2022 (Photo Courtesy of Amy Le)

By ULAA KUZIEZ Staff Writer s children, Amy and Phil Le spent most days after school at their mother’s Chinese restaurant. Greeting customers, helping out with the dishes and doing their homework in between, the siblings grew up immersed in this warm, local mom and pop food environment. Years after pursuing their own paths, the siblings will soon open a restaurant together in the very place where their love for food first began. Saucy Porka, the new restaurant coming to Midtown (3900 Laclede Ave) in the old Kaldi’s storefront in January 2022, is often misconceived as a pork-centered restaurant. The restau-

rant’s name, though, is a reflection of the cuisine and the chef’s unique personalities. Saucy refers to the marinated meats and specialty sauces, while porka is the Puerto Rican slang term for a fiery or sassy woman. Combined, these words encompass the restaurant’s essence: saucy food, created with love and so much attitude. Prior to developing the restaurant, Amy Le worked for the new start-up, GrubHub, as a social media content creator. As part of her job, she was constantly interacting with restaurant owners. On the side, she was also cooking for her friends’ birthdays and other events. That’s when she knew it was time for a change. “I just realized I missed this whole thing,” Amy said. “I missed the camaraderie, I missed the cooking, I missed the speed, the stress. I just missed it all.” Amy decided to join the food truck movement in Chicago and opened her own contemporary Vietnamese banh

mi truck, her entry point back into the food industry world. But her culinary career would soon take a dramatic turn when she met former executive chef Rafael Lopez. At the time, he was also operating a food truck near Amy, and after cooking together for events, they decided to develop something new: an Asian/Latin fusion menu. Amy and her husband, along with Lopez, opened the first Saucy Porka location in downtown Chicago in 2013, with a second location in Hyde Park in 2018. Now, after 20 years, the Le siblings will reunite in St. Louis for a third location. “It was always my dream and my passion,” Amy said. “Especially for my mom, because she wanted to see us come back together and work again. And I think everything was in the right moment at the right time for this to happen.” The Chicago location served many University of Chicago students, so Amy says she feels prepared to serve the

various needs of SLU students, as well. “No matter how much we grow, at the heart of it we’re a family restaurant, and I want to continue that,” Amy said. “I want to not only expand this growing ethnic cuisine in various communities, but also to be…[a restaurant] that has a local feel that understands the neighborhood and the people.” While Saucy Porka is a fast service restaurant, Amy deeply values the connection that food can create between people. She still cherishes how her mother interacted with her customers and tries to incorporate that care in her own restaurant model as well. “When we talk about fusion, people think you can throw kimchi on a taco, and suddenly, it’s fusion,” Amy said. “But we wanted to try to [create] something that incorporated the ingredients of both cultures in a way that’s authentic. I hope people enjoy it. It is unique and different, and I think St. Louis is definitely ready for it.”

News ST. LOUIS CITY WINS

NFL RAMS LAWSUIT

SIGNS POINT TO A MIDTOWN TOP GOLF LOCATION Photo Courtesy of Topgolf

By ABHINAV VAYYETI Staff Writer On Wednesday, Nov. 24, the National Football League reached a $790 million settlement with St. Louis officials, ending a four and a half year lawsuit filed after the Rams relocated from St. Louis to Los Angeles. This sum of money will be paid out by NFL owners, with Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke expected to be a key contributor. The Rams left St. Louis in 2016, playing their final game in the city on Dec. 17, 2015. The St. Louis city, county and Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority then sued the NFL and the Rams in 2017. The settlement compensates for damages that the relocation caused, including tax revenue that would have been generated from ticket sales, property and hotels which are alleged to be over $100 million. In addition, the settlement of $790 million encompasses $550 million which Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kreonke paid to other NFL owners in order to carry out the relocation process, which the county, city and RSC allege was something wrongfully paid and something they should have received. After taking into account $276.5 million for legal fees, the three suing parties will be paid $514.5 million by Christmastime. One of the three plaintiffs is the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority (RSA) which currently owns The Dome at America’s Center, the St. Louis stadium the Rams used to play in. It has not been decided how the money will be divided between these three plaintiffs, however, attorneys are currently working on it. Rita Days, a St. Louis County chairwoman, suggests that the money

(Grace Dunlavy/ The University News) should be put toward developing a North County recreation center. In addition, she feels that all three plaintiffs should work together to put their money toward one larger project. One possibility that St. Louis Post Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger suggested is Michigan’s Kalamazoo Promise. If St. Louis modeled its own version, the project would promise to pay for the in-state university tuition of graduates of a school district in the area. Money gained through other sources such as the Infrastructure Bill, Build Back Better Bill and the American Rescue Plan is already being put toward prominent issues in St. Louis, such as rebuilding downtown, investing in both northside and southside housing and rebuilding the Convention Center. As a result, Messenger feels that the money would be best spent on a larger project that affects the lives of many St. Louis residents for generations to come, along the lines of promising every St. Louisan downpayment on a house or money to go to college. Because the lawsuit sought more than $1 billion, some St. Louis residents are left unsatisfied, as they feel they could have gotten more money from the NFL. Others are content that the city received any money at all. What is clear is that St. Louis now has access to a large sum of money that can be put toward improving communities and neighborhoods, and discussions must be had regarding how to best utilize these funds.

By GABBY CHIODO News Editor n Dec. 1, 2021, the St. Louis Planning Commission voted in favor of rezoning land in the heart of Midtown for a potential Topgolf sports entertainment facility. In plans filed with the city, Saint Louis University stated the land would host an “outdoor recreation and golf entertainment center.” While no specific opertor is listed in the plans, Topgolf has been eyeing the area for a while. Founded in 2000, Topgolf sports entertainment company features a game they claim anyone can play. Massive complexes, averaging nearly two acres, host thousands of people as they hit a microchipped ball into a giant field with different targets. The game itself is not focused on skill, but rather the timeless question of golf: “Who hit it closer?” With the first location opening in the United Kingdom, the simplicity of the game is what first attracted attendees. Soon, the founders realized they had the opportunity to become an entertainment center for more than just people interested in golf. In 2012, Topgolf built a massive complex in Katy, Texas that featured not only golfing, but food and beverage options, as well. The Midtown Topgolf would be the region’s second location. A nearby Topgolf in Chesterfield Missouri, which opened in 2018, has garnered economic success and high praises from Missouri residents. Reviews left on the location’s website note that the fun atmosphere and food is family friendly and worth the price. However, the land that the rumored

Topgolf facility would be built on is in the center of Saint Louis’s Midtown rather than the city’s suburbs. Several forms were submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure there would be no obstruction to airplanes or other forms of air travel. The project’s rezoning approval comes after a long wait. SLU has been attempting to utilize the land since prior to the pandemic. However, with the City Foundry already in the works in 2020, the University’s proposal was put on hold. The design plan filed with the city states that the facility would be built near Chouteau Ave and South Compton Avenue. This land is owned by Saint Louis University and is currently home to parking lots and a practice field for the University’s student-athletes. Located near the University’s medical campus, the construction of the complex could start relatively soon. Other real estate plans are in the works for this area, including a new apartment building and a Target. SLU announced the plan for the $60 million Target development in late October of this year. With SLU being eligible for tax abatements and incentives, some wonder if they will be granted for this project. These elements would lower the cost of the building and potentially allow the construction to proceed faster than normal. Marelene Davis, Alderwoman for Ward 19, the district in which this land resides, states that no incentives have been asked for by SLU, nor are they expected. An official announcement has yet to be made by either SLU or Topgolf.

NEWS

NOW INDEPENDENT, STUDENT RUN SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE LOOKS TO EXPAND

By ALEX ROZAR Staff Writer

he student-run anonymous sexual assault hotline SAM, now in its second semester, has seen rapid growth in both volunteers and callers as pandemic restrictions ease. Now, SAM is looking to ramp up its efforts at SLU and add chapters to other colleges across the country. “It makes me happy to see that people are interested in SAM,” vice-chairman Mia Filipe said. “I think a lot of people are passionate about the cause.” The group, now a nonprofit, has networked with other established organizations, such as a similar group at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). SAM also met with the team behind the mobile app Unmasked, which is aimed at providing college students with mental health resources. Filipe said SAM, which was founded by SLU students, plans to expand to other universities in the next couple of years. “We wanted to focus on first making sure we were really established at SLU and that people knew about us and that everything was going smoothly until we started branching out, but that is something we’re in the process of right now,” Filipe said. SAM, which was officially founded

in 2015, began running the hotline in the spring 2021 semester. The group, at first, was not a chartered student organization (CSO), but affiliated themselves with the university last year after a run-in with administrators over whether they could post flyers on campus, Filipe said. Initially, SLU said only CSOs could advertise on campus, and SAM went through the process of being such a group to comply with this rule. Following further conflicts with SLU administrators, SAM retained the counsel of an attorney and SLU Law professor John Ammann, who offered to work for the group pro bono. Ammann helped the group register as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). “Just by SLU itself, we were definitely a lot more well-respected once he was on board,” Filipe said. SAM then signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SLU, allowing them to advertise the hotline on campus, Filipe said. Their funding comes from state and federal grants and tax-deductible donations and profit-sharing events from corporations. “It’s definitely been really rewarding, seeing how SAM has grown and seeing how we’ve grown to be respected,” Filipe said. Being a nonprofit group and having a lawyer on standby has allowed the

hotline greater freedom, Filipe said. “It’s a lot of sensitive work, and there’s a lot of legal things surrounding that because for liability purposes, people don’t want to get in trouble,” Filipe said. “That’s why we have our own insurance, we have our own everything.” Still, they have run into some snafus. Filipe recalled a recent incident where an officer of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) demanded SAM give them information the group had collected, seemingly unaware of the hotline’s independent status. “It was just nice to be able to say, ‘Talk to our lawyer about this, because you clearly do not know what you are talking about,’” Filipe said. According to mandatory disclosures made by the university under the Clery Act, there have been 18 incidents reported to SLU’s Title IX office this semester, including seven reported rapes. SAM has received far more calls than that, Filipe said, adding that SAM operators are trained to present all available options to callers without preference toward any option in particular. “We’re first here to listen to what that person is looking for,” Filipe said. “It’s really going to be dependent on what the survivor is looking for, and we kind of just go step-by-step

through there.” Given the nature of their work and concerns over the possibility of outside pressure from university or government officials, SAM does not collect personal information from callers, Filipe said. All callers remain anonymous, and when a person dials the hotline, their phone number is obscured from the other end. The call is then taken up by one of the multiple volunteers via the program Google Voice. Operators also remain anonymous by group policy, identifying themselves to callers as only “Sam”. The only information taken down by hotline operators relates to the case specifically, information such as whether the caller was planning to seek counseling, Filipe said. Operators are required to take 40 hours of training, completed through the video-conferencing application Zoom. In those sessions, operators are trained on identity-related factors, Filipe said, teaching them how specific issues may relate to people of color, members of the LGBT community, or male victims, for example. “A really core principle and value to SAM is empathy,” Filipe said. “That’s really trying to take yourself out of your shoes and put yourself in someone else’s, no matter what that person is going through. And a big part of that is recognizing, ‘I may not understand what you’re going through, but I hear you and I’m going to try to help you to the best of my ability.’” The hotline is active on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays beginning at 10 p.m. and going to 4 a.m. the next day, and is active from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

News

Student organizations fight homelessness and food insecurity By BRIAN GUERIN Staff Writer unior SLU student and Labre co-president Hannah Nodge remembers meeting Brian her freshman year. She was volunteering with St. Benedict Joseph Labre Ministry with the Homeless (Labre), an organization with a focus on developing friendships and extending compassion to the impoverished.While on an outreach trip, Nodge met Brian, a unhoused man who was living in downtown St. Louis. Nodge was carrying her Labre quote book, full of snippets of conversation that she wanted to remember from her time volunteering. Founded at SLU in 2010, Labre attempts to use food as a bridge to foster conversation and relationships with people experiencing homelessness. “We had this conversation where we were talking a lot about handwriting,” Nodge said. “We were talking about next week, how we’re gonna come back and we’re gonna have a cursive writing competition. And [Brian] said, ‘This right here, what you’re doing is ground zero...What you guys are doing is important.’” Nodge returned the next week as promised, but Brian was nowhere to be found. It would be over a year until Hannah saw him again. “I didn’t see him again until one day randomly last year at a different spot,” Nodge said. “And he was the one who recognized me and he remembered my name. I saw him continually the next few weeks after that, but that relationship I’ve shared with him is really special.” The issues of homelessness and food insecurity are of critical importance in the St. Louis region. A core part of SLU’s Jesuit identity involves compassionate service for others and the practice of good works. With these ideals in mind, a number of

student service organizations at SLU have made a significant difference in the fight against food insecurity and homelessness. Dr. Tim Huffman studies homelessness, nonprofit organizing and community collaboration, including the architectural, social and financial structures that contribute to urban poverty and homelessness. An associate professor in the Department of Communication, Huffman said that some of the national issues contributing to homelessness are often reflected at the local level in St. Louis. “St. Louis has a relatively inexpensive housing market, and part of that is because we have a shrinking population,” Huffman said. “Our homelessness isn’t shaped like New York or Los Angeles where nobody can afford to live even if they have a full time job. In St. Louis, the problem is that people are unlikely to find housing that’s affordable, but also safe and quality. It’s not just a housing affordability problem, it’s the intersection between safety, affordability and quality.” Several student organizations have taken initiative and developed outreach efforts to help those who are unhouse and food insecure. Founded in 2001, student volunteers in Campus Kitchen use kitchen space and donated food from their cafeterias, local grocery stores, food banks and restaurants to prepare and deliver meals to those in need. SLU senior Denise Gomez started volunteering at Campus Kitchen her freshman year. Serving as a shift leader and executive board member, Gomez eventually became president of Campus Kitchen this past year. “I always like to start off by telling people that 40 percent of food in the U.S. goes to waste every single year,” Gomez said. “And 40 million people in the U.S. are also food insecure across the country. We take that extra food and we repurpose it into about 400 meals every week and have that served out to our community partners throughout the local area.”

Gomez said she was drawn to the idea of connecting and forming relationships with individuals in need on delivery shifts, and that it was important for SLU students to reach out and witness firsthand the positive impact they can have. “I think it’s really important to understand the issues that face the people that permanently live here, not just people that spend four years here and then move on and graduate,” Gomez said. “ It’s a really gratifying experience, trying out every step of the volunteer process, from picking up the food, to cooking it, to packaging it to handing it to the people directly.” A similar organization, Billiken Bounty, is partnered with Campus Kitchen. Billiken Bounty is an on-campus food pantry that serves SLU students. The food pantry also looks to destigmatize food insecurity and educate SLU students on the issue. “We have a client exit survey, and reading people’s responses really emphasizes how important a resource [the food pantry] can be,” said Maxine Taylor, the junior co-chair of Billiken Bounty. “People have explained how, due to Billiken Bounty, they are able to devote more time to school, or devote finances to other resources that they need, whether that’s paying tuition or paying rent,” Taylor said. “It’s really nice to know that by having this service, we’re able to alleviate a lot of stress for those clients.” Taylor said that the food pantry is a valuable way to give back to the community while improving the lives of fellow SLU students. “Food insecurity is a really pervasive problem that can really affect anyone at any point in their lives,” Taylor said. “A lot of people do have to face the issue of food insecurity at one point or another, whether it’s themselves or someone they know.” Junior SLU student and Labre co-president Mia Filipe said the deeper mission of Labre initially drew her to start volunteering for the organiza-

tion, and that it was inspiring to see the gratitude that volunteers are met with when delivering simple assistance in the form of blankets and hot food on outreach trips. “I just love how relationship-focused the work here is, because it doesn’t seem like it is just service,” Filipe said. “I love how the focus is developing friendships and how the whole point is to step out of your comfort zone, meet some new people and then continually visit them to show that you care and to reaffirm their humanity.” Nodge said that her experiences in Labre shape the way she thinks about the role of the SLU community. “The second you walk off SLU’s campus, if you go one block in any direction, the immense poverty is clear,” Nodge said. “When you walk on this campus, you don’t recognize it anymore, because you’re at a billion-dollar institution,” Nodge said. “So I’ve just been thinking a lot about privilege and how we can change the narrative by focusing on the personhood of one another.” As part of Labre’s mission to help the homeless and food insecure, the organization is currently holding a winter supply drive. Donations of blankets, socks, gloves, hats, scarves and other winter items are welcomed, and students can find donation bins located in every residence hall. As a Jesuit institution, SLU has made encouraging progress at recognizing the issues of homelessness and food insecurity and translating it into action. From opening emergency winter shelters at Il Monastero and the Manresa Center to hosting the St. Louis Area Regional Commission on Homelessness (SLARCH), SLU has made this action a priority. “At the end of the day, I’m really proud of the institution that we are and the way that this is not something that just passes us by,” Huffman said. “We’re not this sort of blind institution that doesn’t care. It’s really inspiring, the work that this community puts forward.”

Arts and life

Where to Study This Finals Season Prepare yourself for finals week at these studious spots at SLU By MORGAN HAUSBACK Staff Writer s yet another season of finals dawns upon the students of Saint Louis University, it is important to plan ahead to ensure the best possible results. This means remembering to drink more water than you do caffeine, taking naps when your body needs them and maximizing your study time by doing so in the best possible environment. SLU has countless study hubs. From Pius XII Memorial Library to the Chaifetz School of Business, the options are endless. Where you choose to study determines how productive you will be, so it’s very important that the spot you decide on is a good one. Since some students work best in complete silence without any distractions and others find themselves more productive with chatter or even the presence of their friends, it is important to recognize the attributes of each SLU study spot and how it will best accommodate your personal academic habits.

Pius XII Memorial Library This is the classic pick. With five floors and a basement to choose from, every student is bound to find something beneficial from Pius. Floors 1 and 2 are more common chatty areas often used as social spaces, but for deep concentration and focus, Floors 4 and 5 are your best friend. Use a whiteboard to visualize what you are reviewing, and it’s perfectly convenient to pop over to Einstein’s for a caffeine recharge halfway through your study sesh!

Good luck this finals season, but remember to take care of yourself first.

(Paige Fann / The University News)

Center for Global Citizenship As the weather gets colder, spending time outside is far less appealing, so as a great substitute for the tables along West Pine, head into the Center for Global Citizenship! The natural lighting is bright and will give you a cheerful boost from the bitter temperatures. The CGC’s open environment is very welcoming and the bright lighting will certainly keep you from falling asleep while reviewing your flashcards for the tenth time. Chaifetz School of Business Contrary to common belief, Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is not just for Chaifetz students. This may not be the first study spot that comes to mind, but Chaifetz has an academic feel just like Pius that is bound to put you in the study mindset. Take a break from the cold brew and instead pick up a snack at the Ameren Cafe for energy!

(Photo Courtesy of Saint Louis University)

Empty classrooms For complete concentration, an unexpected solution comes in the form of an empty classroom. Sometimes it takes a bit of navigating to actually find an empty classroom and not be interrupted by an incoming class, but studying in a classroom could help you focus on your schoolwork as if you were actively in class. An empty classroom is also a great resource because you can talk out loud to yourself if you are an oral learner. As finals rapidly approach, get out of your bedroom and study elsewhere. While your bedroom may be of great comfort, it is also filled with distractions that pull you from your work. By separating your studying and relaxation in different locations, you are more likely to retain your review materials and be able to enjoy your breaks fully without anxiety about the work you still must accomplish.

(Abby Campbell / The University News)

Arts and life

Best Books of 2021 to Gift Struggling to come up with a gift for the book-lover in your life? Read below for some suggestions from Abigail Liszewski on what to grab. By ABIGAIL LISZEWSKI Staff Writer

he holidays are fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start thinking of what to gift to friends, family, or even yourself. Here are some of the best books of 2021 to give this holiday season.

“Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir From the author of “The Martian” comes a new journey in space. Stranded in space millions of miles from home with no memories to help, Ryland Grace is on a mission to save humanity. This is a tale of discovery and survival that begs the question, “how far would you go to save the world?” Even after finishing the book, there is more to look forward to; “Project Hail Mary” is being made into a movie starring Ryan Gosling! A wonderful mesh of witty humor and science, this book is a perfect gift for any sci-fi lover. “My Inner Sky” by Mari Andrew “My Inner Sky” by Mari Andrew is a collection of essays as a guide to surviving the craziness of life. Andrew’s essays are organized into four sections: golden hour, twilight, night and dawn. “My Inner Sky” at its core is a self-help book that teaches you to look for magic in the world. The pairing of the emotional essays with vivid watercolor

illustrations make for a wonderful read and an even better gift.

learn to appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of life.

“Under the Whispering Door” by TJ Klune If you are looking for a book to inject some magical whimsy into your holiday season, “Under the Whispering Door” is the book for you. TJ Klune, author of critically acclaimed “The House in the Cerulean Sea” (another amazing read) produces a new masterpiece with the same amount of quirk and charm. The book tells the story of a ghost who refuses to pass on and the ferryman he (spoiler alert) falls in love with. The warm and cozy writing makes “Under the Whispering Door” the ideal book to curl up next to a fire with this holiday season.

“Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood If you have no clue what gift to give to your biology major friends, “Love Hypothesis” is a great option. The book follows Olive Smith, a third-year PhD candidate, when she lands herself in a fake relationship with Adam Carlsen, a professor known for being a major jerk. This cheesy romance will have you rooting for the characters’ adorable relationship. Ali Hazelwood started out by writing fanfiction, and that definitely shows through in her writing. However, “Love Hypothesis” is a cute and fun read that will leave you wishing for more pages.

“The Comfort Book” by Matt Haig Similar to “My Inner Sky,” “The Comfort Book” is another selfhelp book written by the best selling author of “The Midnight Library.” Matt Haig began to write small notes to himself to help his future self on a bad day. Eventually, he turned these motivational notes into “The Comfort Book.” The book is comprised of short meditations that help provide a new perspective on life and its trials by incorporating others and his own experiences. This is a wonderful book that helps the reader

(Grace Dunlavy / The University News)

Arts and life

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TOP BOOKS Today Tonight Tomorrow By: Rachel Lynn Solomon

Under the Whispering Door By: TJ Klune

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Arts and life

How Stephen Sondheim Changed the Trajectory of Musical Theatre By MORGAN HAUSBACK Staff Writer

(Photo Courtesy of Saint Louis University) n November 26, 2021, American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim died at the age of 91. He leaves behind one of the most impactful legacies in the world of theatre and his theatrical soundtrack that will long outlive the brilliant man who wrote them. In New York City, Stephen Joshua Sondheim was born on March 22, 1930 to a dress manufacturer and designer. At the age of 10, Sondheim’s parents split, leading him to grow up near Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where a neighborly friendship would transform Sondheim’s life. Sondheim became friends with Jamie, the son of Oscar Hammerstein II, a famous Broadway lyricist and producer who is well-known for his work with Richard Rodgers, creator of beloved works such as “Carousel” and “The Sound of Music.” Mentored under Hammerstein, a 16-year old Sondheim was left inspired by the power of musical art. After attending Williams College and studying under the composer Milton Babbitt, Sondheim briefly worked in Hollywood before finding his calling back in New York City. His career was highlighted in his own productions, though surprisingly, he wasn’t always successful. His work with Leonard Bernstein started his career with the lyrics for “West Side Story” (1957), yet contrary to an artist’s idyllic dream, it wasn’t always uphill from there. Sondheim’s 1964 show “Anybody Can Whistle” failed after nine shows and “Merrily We

Roll Along” (1981) flopped after only 16 performances. Nevertheless, when Sondheim succeeded, he soared. His first hit was “Company,” (1970), which was nominated for 14 Tony Awards. Following its initial success, the show was revived countless times with the most recent version being a gender-swapped production on Broadway. In 1984, “Sunday in the Park with George” became just one of 10 musicals that won a Pulitzer Prize. Sondheim broke yet another record in 1994 when “Passion” became the shortest running show at 280 performances, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Sondheim stood out among other theatre geniuses for the complex and often dark themes he chose to indulge in. In 1995, Sondheim said that historically, people have turned to musicals for an escape from their troubles. Yet in his own work, he admitted, “I’m not interested in making people unhappy, but I’m not interested in not looking at life.” Sondheim’s existential lyrics are integral to this vision. While other composers were concerned with providing an outlet for audiences to linger in the sentiments of joy, Sondheim sought to make his work true to his own life’s trials and tribulations. In “Company,” Robert, the main character, struggles to find a suitable life partner among his married colleagues. In Sondheim’s lyrical masterpiece “Being Alive,” Robert dreams of, “Someone to make you come through / Who’ll always be there / As frightened as you of being

alive.” Despite wanting to change his lonely life, he is simultaneously terrified of the pursuit of an intimate relationship. What people often struggle to admit to themselves are tenderly captured by Stephen, who is gifted with the ability of saying so much yet so little. His shows always hint at maturity, even when it is disguised in the playful. “Into the Woods” twists traditional fairytales by spinning them into reality, as they explore the themes of choice and the true meaning of “happily ever after.” Sondheim writes about moral ambiguity and the conflict of the “would’s” of life: “I’m not good, I’m not nice / I’m just right.” After a dark and unexpected ending, Sondheim still fabricates an atmosphere of hope, showing that in spite of people’s mistakes, there is good to be found: “Hard to see the light now / Just don’t let it go / Things will come out right now / We can make it so.” In the world of Sondheim, people are not only united by their virtue but also in their worst vices. Sondheim let his authentic self be revealed through his musicals. In “Sunday in the Park with George,” it’s difficult to not connect Sondheim’s inner conflict as a writer to that of George, who laments, “I want to explore the light / I want to know how to get through / Through to something new / Something of my own.” Dot represents the light and sole motivator for George’s creativity, encouraging him to keep persisting despite his doubts; she believes there is bound to be a breakthrough: “Just

keep moving on / Anything you do / Let it come from you / Then it will be new / Give us more to see.” Though Sondheim’s shows are often melancholic and inherently nostalgic in nature, his lyrics reveal a profound wisdom and moral consciousness. With moving insight that dove into the human condition, Sondheim explored the fine line between untethered joy and crushing defeat humans simultaneously experience throughout life. In “Losing My Mind,” Sondheim writes, “I want you so / It’s like I’m losing my mind,” noting the emotional conflict of love, yet in “Do I Hear a Waltz,” he contrasts this very theme: “With love, we’re gonna be all right,” with the lyrics capturing the multidimensionality of people. Where many find themselves tongue-tied, Sondheim always has a poetic melody at the ready. Since his passing, Stephen Sondheim has been called the “Titan of Musical Theatre,” which is hauntingly telling of the man to whom we must say, “Thank you so much / For something between / Ridiculous and sublime / Thank you for such / A little but lovely time.”

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University News 12/9/21 Sudoku 1

15 14 1 Tournament favorites 18 17 6 Exchange 21 22 23 24 10 Word before heat 20 or meat 25 26 14 Come out of denial 27 28 29 30 31 15 Anthracite 36 35 16 Dry stream bed 17 Kind of ray 39 40 41 38 18 Creole vegetable 19 Carpet layer's 45 46 43 44 calculation 50 48 49 20 Health org. 21 Gangster’s gun 51 52 23 Enduring 25 Make a sweater 53 54 55 56 57 26 Palooka 62 63 64 61 27 Overseas 30 Life, for one 67 68 66 35 Thinking cap? 36 Kyrgyzstan 70 71 69 range Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com 37 Handout 38 Arctic bird 8 Bern’s river 64 Autocrats of old 36 39 Hot sauce 9 Passionless 66 Townshend of the 40 42 “___ the land of 10 Overshadowed Who 41 the free ...” 11 Merit 67 Regrets 44 43 No-win 12 Not in port 68 Small pastries 47 situations? 13 Pigeon pea 69 Baby blues 49 45 Tax 22 Assist 70 Proof word 50 46 Kenyan 24 Consume 71 Take up space 52 tribesman 25 Colorful carp 53 48 Corps de ballet 27 Die down Down 54 50 Unrufﬂed 28 UCLA player 55 51 Spanish aunt 29 Croupiers’ tools 1 Heroic tale 56 52 Unguent 30 Word hard 58 2 Dutch export 53 Send an email 31 Effortless 59 3 Austen heroine 57 Astonish 32 Hemp necktie 4 Slow-witted 60 58 Plant production 33 Fresh from the 63 5 Not moving 61 Slender reed shower 6 Sir Walter, for one 65 62 “My bad” 34 Bone-chilling 7 Stir-fry pan

Solutions on Page 19 of this issue

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

6 32

2 1 6

9 6

4 3 4

58 65

2 9

6 8 3

9 1 2

5 3 8 9 5

Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com University News 12/9/21 Word Search Eve’s son Tuna type One Name Entertainers Brunch order H H G G S E L E N A O I L O Sofas Coat part Z S U B I Q C U E D N A A L Actress Farrow E M A D O N N A O Z L F G J Adage L L N H I R M N N G O N N D Singing voice V L E R W USudoku O E L Solution R D B I X Make do I P P D Y V D X E U U J T Y Comply with S O H S A L S H W N L Q S K Musical mark 1 G 2 C3 C8 E9 W7 T5 U4 O6 S See the sights X S L N Y 9 P4 V6 M2 J1 C5 N3 F8 S7 B Delhi dress N I K Y D Liberal pursuits O R A Z F5 D7 I8 Z6 R3 I4 L9 I1 X2 E Cousin of “ahem” 3 N1 R5 F7 L8 I6 R4 X2 E9 C I C T Z G Dowel D A E O E7 C9 R4 A3 L5 R2 H8 P6 G1 W Woodwind 6 L2 O9 O4 E1 I7 A5 Z3 N O D I M Z8 Q instrument 6 5 1 4 7 9 2 3 8 T U G K C S A M N N A G N S 2 8 7 5 6 3 1 9 4 N L R I S Q E K K I G K H N 4 3 9 1 2 8 6 7 5 T Z E R Z F W A L K P E O Z J V F E G B K S L A R I K A J J B E Y O N C E Q J W G I

PuzzleJunction.com

O I F W E Z E J T E N S U O V A H H

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OZZY PINK PRINCE RIHANNA SEAL SELENA SHAKIRA SLASH STING USHER

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photography

SLU Men’s Basketball Looking for their 8th win By IAN HALL Staff Photographer he Saint Louis University’s Men’s basketball team is currently 7-3 for the 2021-2022 season. The team traveled to Cancún, Mexico over Thanksgiving break and took home the hardware. After coming back to the states, they took another win to add to the record-beating Boise State 86-82. Continuing a winning streak like that is hard!

The Billikens then played the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) on Saturday. With a close game and the Billikens leading a majority of the game by about 3-5 points, UAB battled back and beat the Bills in the fourth quarter on a nail-biter that ended 77-

72 for UAB. On Tuesday, the Bills returned to Chaifetz Arena to compete against the Belmont University Bruins. Returning on the court to start were Yuri Collins, Gibson Jimmerson, Jordan Nesbitt, Marten Linssen and powerhouse in the paint, Terrance Hargrove, Jr. The Billikens would start hard and end the first half of the game up 32-27. A tougher second half began, even with Jimmerson scoring a career-high, and a tie for season-high points, ending the game with 21 points. The Billikens put in the work for the second half but came up short losing just 64-59 to the Bruins. The men’s team will return to Chaifetz Arena this Saturday at 4 p.m. where they will play Boston College in hopes of bringing back the momentum of a winning streak.

(Ian Hall / The University News)

PHOTOGRAPHY

CHRISTMAS ON THE QUAD

(Abby Campbell / The University News)

By NORA ALRASHID Staff writer nown for its fun and festivities, Christmas on the Quad is an annual celebration that marks the beginning of the holidays. This free event is hosted by SLU Alumni Relations every year, and invites not only students but families and children as well. To ensure the safety of all attendees, SLU required that everyone who intends to show up to be registered at least two days in advance. It was also required that masks be worn by all of those who choose to stay indoors or when entering the tents, although the event itself was hosted outdoors. The tents were used for facepaint and craft stations. Some

even had private events that included a live performance and dinner for those invited. “It felt nice to see the sense of community regardless of whether or not these people celebrate Christmas. Seeing that people of all ages showed up also made it feel more inclusive,” said Rumi Matin who attended the event on the evening of December 4th. Children had the choice between two inflatables, a bouncy castle and a slide. They were also provided with face painting stations and a craft station. These options were also open for students or anyone who chose to partake in them although most of them were kids. The event also featured food trucks including Cheese Shack and Tom’s New York Foodtruck. Both food trucks offered mainly fried comfort food such as sandwiches, hot dogs and a variety of pastas. The Food Trucks pulled this event together in that they were convenient

spots for a quick snack or a festive drink. To make for the festive vibes, there was Christmas music playing along with the hanging lights. In front of the Christmas tree was the nativity scene that had also been featured across the street from the Busch Student Center as lights. The real show of the Christmas on the Quad event, however, was lighting the Christmas Tree. After a speech given by Fred Pestello, Ph.D, the president of Saint Louis University, highlighting the importance of unity and love during this time of year, a prayer was held by Fr. David Suwalsky, S.J. Finally, there was a countdown with SLU’s Billiken that ended with a lit Christmas tree that can be seen from Pius XII Memorial Library. Most importantly, this event encouraged support towards the Blue Santa Toy drive which spreads joy amongst unprivileged children during the holidays by gifting

them toys donated by the SLU community. The Blue Santa Toy drive first came to being when Blue Santa paid a visit to SLU in 2006 to collect donations. He then realized how giving the SLU community is and how much they can help those in need during such an important time of the year. Ever since then, the Blue Santa Toy drive has been included in the annual Christmas on the Quad event. Attendees were encouraged to donate when registering for this event. This toy drive stresses the importance of giving and remembering that not everyone is capable of affording even the simplest gifts. Saint Louis is a highly diverse area even when it comes to social status. Therefore, it is more than necessary to recognize the privilege we have to feel comfortable to celebrate this time while others struggle to give to their loved ones.

photography (Abby Campbell/ The University News)

14 (Andrea Porter / The University News)

Photography (Abby Campbell / The University News)

(Andrea Porter / The University News)

Hate has no place here: Students protest Matt Walsh talk at Coronado Place & Towers

(Abby Campbell / The University News)

(Andrea Porter / The University News)

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FOOD, FAMILY, AND FEARS DURING THE HOLIDAYS By JENNA KLAERS Staff Writer appy Holidays! While the holidays are the time for joy, relaxation and restoration, under the sheen of endearing expectations many difficulties may arise for people during the holiday season. One difficulty that people face surrounds food and family meals. This can manifest in food restricting, overexercising, and overeating. Food restriction occurs when one cuts certain foods or portion sizes from their diet. When exercising is used in the appropriate context, exercising is a form of stress relief and enjoyment. The health benefits abound, regardless of weight loss. Overexercising, however, can be dangerous as one may fall into a cycle of obsession of using exercise to burn away perceived “extra holiday calories.” Overeating can be triggered during the holidays due to the amount of treats and meals surrounding the occasion. Additionally, overeating may also tie back to coping with family stress which arises during holiday events. In today’s day and age there is a social media storm about exercise and food/diet culture. While the social media cues of health and wellness can emphasize a positive influence in the community, it can also be detrimental in the growth of a person’s own health journey. When shown rhetoric which only showcases the end success of a health journey, it can be easy for one to start comparing themselves to another success. Balancing what your body wants and needs is essential in a healthy relationship with food. When it comes to balance, there are many ways to think about food and eating that can make it less daunting. One example is the 8020 idea, where 80 percent of the food you eat is what you consider fueling foods, proteins, fats, and carbs. The other 20 percent consists of the treats or what one may try to cut out because they consider it unhealthy. Another example of balancing is in exercise, and finding what makes your body feel best and what makes you smile. Writing down the exercises and what joy it brings you after completion can be beneficial. A desire to reach fitness goals does not need to halt with your studies over break. In fact, for someone struggling with the stress of the holidays and family time, time alone at the gym could be exactly what one needs in order to reset and recharge. For many people exercise

is a form of de-stressing from the day or starting it off on a good note. However, exercising to “earn calories” for holiday meals is a major negative set back. This negative thought process can quickly erode into other setbacks that can be detrimental to one’s mental well-being. Avoid this thought process by working out with the intention of making your body feel good; internalizing that food is fuel can allow one to understand that they do not have to exercise to eat, especially during the holiday season. As we quickly approach the end of semester and start to wind down, remember all the hard work and challenges we overcame this semester. Balance is key in almost every aspect of life. Remember what works best for your own body and stick to your goals and standards this season. Write down your thoughts before heading back to family and hometown friends to help with stress relief. Eating and exercise do not have to be scary or restrictive. One can still set goals and balance meals while enjoying the time of break. Putting pressure on yourself to get to the gym everyday is not necessary or healthy. Enjoy the delicious foods of your culture and families without worrying about the number of calories consumed. Positive affirmations can be a great tool to use when stress and ideals about health come creeping into the back of one’s mind. With practicing gratitude and happiness this holiday season, we can let go of regret and restrictions.

Diana Jakovecvic / The University News

sports

THE OLYMPIC BOYCOTT By SYDNEY ALTEMOSE Sports Editor n Monday, Dec. 6, the White House announced that no diplomatic leaders will be present at the Beijing 2022 Olympic games. United States Olympic athletes, however, are still permitted and encouraged to attend and perform at the games. It is common for attending countries to send diplomatic convoys to the Olympics, as in some cases, diplomatic opportunities and international raport might be exactly what the world needs. Nevertheless, the political leaders of the United States have decided that silence will speak louder than any conversation that could be had at the Games. The United States’ decision is prompted by the current atmosphere in China, highlighted by the ongoing human rights crises in Xinjiang. Xinjiang has been the site of religious persecution for Uyghur Muslims. In order to silence concerns

about these practices, the government took steps in surveillancing and censoring those being persecuted. The decision of the United States was also propelled by the recent circumstances preceding the disappearance of tennis star Peng Shuai. Often seen as an opportunity for international unity, the Olympic Games have historically been one of the only fields with the greatest number of international participants aside from war. In a historical context, the Games have gone through some of the most prominent moments in global history. The political decision has yet to be criticized as it has been met with bipartisan support, a unique circumstance in modern American politics. In 1936, the United States attended the Olympic Games in Berlin, hosted by peak Nazi Germany. The U.S.’s attendance at the games came without contingency. In fact, it was clear that Germany’s

Diana Jakovcvic / The University News

goal in hosting the Olympics was to demonstrate their national pride and power. When Germany began preparation for the Olympics, they expelled all Jewish individuals from their national sports teams, which was a cause for concern for the United States and several other countries. Upon threatening to boycott the Games, Germany relented and reinstalled any Jews they had previously disgraced. Ultimately, the United States would send their best athletes which notoriously included Jesse Owens and John Woodhall. Much to Hitler’s dismay, both Black men would best their competitors. The athletes hosted by German. Despite the controversies, the 1936 Games installed the Olympic torch relay—a tradition that has bookended every Games since. The 1936 Games seem especially relevant with Monday morning’s White House press release. On Dec. 6, White House Speaker Jen Psaki expressed that the United States would be diplomatically boycotting due to, “...the PRC’s [People’s Republic of China] egregious human rights abuses and atrocities in Xinjiang,” which marks the very same basis on which many criticize the United States’ attendance of the 1936 Games. This boycott is not the United States’ first. In 1980, the Unit-

ed States instituted a proper boycott of the Moscow Olympic Games. President Carter called for the boycott in retaliation for the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. In a show of solidarity, 60 other countries boycotted the Olympics after the United States’ ruling, which resulted in the fewest represented countries since 1956. The United States threatened athletes who attempted to attend with possible passport revocation. In response to the boycott, Russia did not attend the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

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WHERE IS PENG SHUAI? By SYDNEY ALTEMOSE Sports Editor hinese tennis player Peng Shuai finally reappeared last week, letting fans know she is safe. Her disappearance from the public eye came after her sexual assault accusation against a government official, Zhang Gaoli. Upon releasing her statement on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, government officials removed her posts. Because such claims include the fact that the assault constituted an affair, an infidelity clause in the Chinese Communist Party’s regulations dictates that one can be expelled from their position if they are caught engaging in such nefarious activity. While some speculate that her post was removed in order to silence her, others emphasize that this step reflected typical protocol in order to investigate Shuai’s claims. Shuai, a doubles champion who has previously been ranked number one worldwide, detailed the abuse she had suffered at the hands of the previous Vice Premier which began 10 years ago. She was 25 when the abuse began, with Gaoli being 40 years her senior. Shuai revealed that Gaoli’s wife was also involved in the abuse when the pair invited her to play tennis at their home. Upon advancing on Shuai, Gaoli’s wife stood outside the room and guarded the door. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) responded to Shuai’s disappearance quickly, calling on the Chinese government to launch an investigation. To the Women’s Tennis Association and CEO Steve

Simon, it was essential that the accusations were taken seriously and analyzed rather than being ignored by the Chinese government as they have been in the past. While the nature of the accusations are in and of themselves alarming, concerns elevated upon the withdrawal of Shuai’s online presence. Suspicions for Simon arose even further upon noticing that despite the claims of the Chinese Tennis Organization successfully contacting her, nobody from the Women’s Tennis Association was able to get through to Shuai. Many individuals attempted to reach Shuai via several platforms and were unsuccessful. To add to speculation of the star’s safety, a Chinese media outlet posted an alleged email from Shuai wherein the author retracted the statements about sexual misconduct and reaffirmed the public of her safety. For many readers, the message further

that while she is safe in her home in Beijing, she wants her privacy to be respected during this time. She reassured those on the call that she will continue her career in tennis, but needs some time to evaluate her situation before stepping back into the public eye. With Beijing being the host of the Winter Olympics which will begin on Feb. 4, 2022, the blatant disregard for an athlete’s safety and well-being has started talk of protest. As the date draws near, conversations have begun to circulate regarding the ethics of attending the competition. As the most esteemed international competition, the Olympics are a difficult opportunity to turn down. However, in a time when social justice surrounds sports, it seems to be a choice that some athletes are willing to make. The WTA has already suspended all tournaments in China in order to show solidarity for Shuai while simultaneously punishing the country for their censorship. Thankfully, Shuai appears to be safe and relaxed for the time being. The entire situation has brought light to the treatment of women who bring forth allegations of sexual misconduct. While Shuai is a woman who has a bigger place in the public eye, it is important to remember those that might not be as prominent, especially when they make such allegations. Shuai demonstrated exemplary courage by bringing forth her abuse and calling on those in positions of power to be held accountable. It is doubtful that Shuai suspected such fallout would result from her testimony. However, her bravery has unlocked some doors that many fight to keep barricaded. Shuai’s story is a solemn reminder that the plight of women’s sexuality in sport is still weaponized and still a Courtesy of CBS Sports conversation that must be had.

fueled their suspicions. While the Women’s Tennis Association has been at the heart of demanding answers and justice for Shuai, the White House made their support for Peng Shuai clear via press secretary Jen Pskai. Pskai expressed that the United States fully supports women in their ability to make statements about sexual abuse while pushing to hold those who abused Shuai accountable. Aside from Pskai, many American tennis players who personally know Peng voiced their concerns regarding censorship in the Chinese media. Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Chris Evert were among the biggest names to demand justice and safety for Shuai. On Nov. 28, the International Olympic Committee made successful contact with Shuai. During the video call, she verified her health and safety with members of the group. Furthermore, she expressed

sports

THE MADNESS OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL By JONAH TOLBERT Staff Writer When the college football playoff bracket came out Sunday, madness ensued as the Cincinnati Bearcats, a non-power team, made the playoffs after Georgia’s loss to Alabama. Arguably, a crazier story brewed as many NCAA coaches left shortly after the regular season. A common trend seems to be that if a coach’s team does not make it to the playoffs, they quit the day after their season ends. With Oklahoma being ranked tenth and Oklahoma State ranked seventh, the winner was set to play in the Big 12 conference championship. The winner could play in the playoffs if Alabama lost or if any other underdogs came out on top. Knowing this, it raised the stakes for the teams involved in the face-off. With an amazing 56-yard run from Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams (who started the year as the backup), the run got the Sooners to eight seconds left and a fourth and 10 on the 24-yard line. Then, Williams got sacked. While a devastating loss, the real madness started in the morning, with head coach Lincoln Riley announcing he was leaving. He has been the head coach for t h e Sooners since 2 0 1 7, after B o b

Stoops retired. H i s offense has been amazing, demonstrated by the fact that from 2017 to 2018 he had two quarterbacks who won the Heisman and got drafted as the first

pick in the NFL draft. Then, Jalen Hurts, who is also a quarterback, got drafted in the first

round a f t e r also coming through Oklahoma’s program. During Riley’s four years, he has won the Big 12 championship once and made the playoffs the three other years. After Riley’s Sooners did not get into the Big 12 championship, Riley said he got a call on Saturday night from University of Southern California (USC). They offered him a job as the new head coach for the Spartans. The next morning, Riley took the gig, but the move left many with a question: why would Riley leave if there is still football to be played? Oklahoma will still play in a bowl with a 10-2 record, but put simply, Riley wanted more money. According to a tweet from Robert Hefner V., Riley gets $110 million and additionally, USC has agreed to buy both Riley’s homes at $500,000 over market value, and a $6 million home for him in USC. The most unique aspect includes 24/7 private plane access. Riley was not the only coach to

abandon his team on that very day, interestingly. Brian Kelly of Notre Dame called for a 7 a.m. meeting with his players to tell them the news that he would be leaving South Bend. Kelly holds the most wins in Irish history, but he left for the Louisiana State University (LSU) position after Ed Organ was disgracefully turned o u t earlier this year. Kelly is supposed to get a $100 million contract over 10 years. Kelly was forced to send his team a group text message after the move was released by various other news outlets. The 7 a.m. meeting, he claimed, was to give them the respect they deserved in owning his position face to face with his team. As a coach, it is expected that one is supposed to be a leader, to be e with the team t h r o u g h good or bad and set a good example to the players. A lot of coaches like to make their team a family, and trust is an important element. By facilitating a f a m i l i a l environment and encouraging honesty among teammates, coaches expect teams will play for each other, reducing mistakes on the football field and reducing tension off the field. With coaches leaving before the end of the season and

demonstrating a lack of accountability in terms of media discretion, this shows that coaches are not all about the family; they care more about money and the 24/7 private plane access. There are also problems outside of the coaches in the colleges and athletic departments. LSU made a shocking decision to part with Coach O after a 6-6 season only two years after a national championship. It has been argued that LSU’s talent (or lack thereof) is not because Coach O, but because all of their offensive starters went to the NFL. Why did LSU fire their coach after two bad seasons? Boosters expect the teams to go to the conference championship. College football is known as the Front Porch, where people see the college and look at their football record and not academics. This can affect the students attending the school and affects the profit a school can bring in.

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From Page 10 of this issue

UNIVERSITY NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD 2021-22 Conor Dorn, editor-in-chief eic@unewsonline.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEREDYTH Grace Dunlavy , managing STAUNCH editor eic@unewsonline.com managing@unewsonline.com Vacant, online design editor

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Kateryna Gehlhaar, social media editor

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Vacant, multimedia editor design@unewsonline.com

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Diana Jakovcevic, design editor @unewsonline.com

Zoe Butler, news editor

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Mark Burbridge, arts & life editor Tegan Altemose, sports editor sports@unewsonline.com

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DESIGN EDITOR Abby Campbell, photography editor REBECCA LIVIGNI Lexi Kayser, copy editor unews@unewsonline.com copy@unewsonline.com

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The University News was founded by Claude Heithaus, S.J. The Editorial Board of the University News recognizes Avis Meyer, PH.D., as the newspaper’s faculty mentor.

THE UNIVERSITY NEWS

Opinion

Why the united states should enact paid leave By LYDIA GOLDEN Contributor

he United States is the only industrialized country not guaranteeing paid family or medical leave, with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 granting workers twelve weeks of unpaid leave for childcare or medical emergencies. According to a 2017 New York Times article, “Paid Parental Leave, Except for Most Who Need It,” Americans often stock up on sick days to substitute paid leave, which is often inadequate. Paid leave is only offered by 14 percent of private businesses in the United States. However, research shows that paid leave would help solve many structural economic, social, and health issues in the United States. Some benefits include lower infant mortality rates, improved mental health, and increased lifespan. Unless a federal policy is enacted, systematic change is unlikely. A paid leave policy, however, would positively affect many people across the United States, including but not limited

(Grace Dunlavy / The University News)

to: caretakers, expecting parents, newborns, children who recently went through the adoption process and elders who need care from their family members. A 2021 study conducted by Kathleen Roming and Kathleen Bryant for the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that offering paid leave would increase participation in the labor force, as parents are more likely to remain with their employer following the birth or adoption of their child if they have access to paid leave. The National Partnership for Women and Families (NPWF) conducts health policy research, which includes paid leave. The NPWF reports that less than half of Americans qualify for the FMLA’s twelve-week unpaid policy. Factors preventing workers from receiving time off are the size of the organization and tenure. Originally introduced to Congress in 2019, The NPWF has supported the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act. Regardless of the company’s size, the passing of the FAMILY Act would allow workers up to twelve weeks of paid leave at a portion of their regular income. It would be funded through employee payroll contributions. To implement this policy, it would need to be passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. Sponsored by Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the FAMILY Act is the current foreseeable route helping establish paid family and medical leave in the United States. Economically, this act improves the playing field for businesses, especially small ones. Federal mandating of paid leave would create less turnover, and take pressure off businesses to set up and fund a paid leave program on their own. From a public health standpoint, having a paid leave program would allow for more diligent care of children or family members. The benefits

of a paid leave program would create an atmosphere which uplifts families, rather than adding to the preexisting stress and difficulties associated with raising young children. There are organizations and individuals that oppose implementing a paid leave program in the United States. One organization in opposition is the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). The NFIB states that small businesses rely on small quantities of employees to keep their organizations running, stating it would be hard for small businesses to remain flexible with their few employees taking paid leave. Popular arguments against offering paid leave often follow the notion that implementing paid leave will do more harm towards the economy than good, and that the pros do not outweigh the cons. In my opinion, the benefits of having a paid family and medical leave policy in the United States far outweigh the negatives. The overarching benefit would value workers and offer improved health outcomes, and lead to economic security for workers. Lastly, a system of paid leave that encapsulates all parents – not just mothers – can influence a culture of more equitable and inclusive ideas of parenting. While the FAMILY Act is a step in the right direction in terms of paid family and medical leave in the United States, the United States unsurprisingly ranks last in paid leave among all Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Countries offering paid leave for new parents include Estonia at 86 weeks, Korea at 40 weeks, Austria at about 55 weeks and Spain at 20 weeks. All in all, compared to these countries, twelve weeks of paid leave is far less than the bare minimum. The bottom line is that paid leave is necessary. It creates economic security and improves public health, among other benefits. It is long past time for the United States to start prioritizing its inhabitants so they can live the healthiest and fullest lives possible.

Opinion

Performative Activism for the Aesthetic Social Justice Instagram Posts Create Insincere Advocacy By CLAIRE LYONS Staff Writer old words, minimalistic graphics and pastel colored backgrounds are common themes in Instagram social justice activism posts. During the height of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in 2020, there was pressure from teenagers and young adults to repost these graphics on their Instagram stories. Today, these graphics are widely shared as an attempt by young adults to prove their dedication to issues of social justice. Whether these concerns are authentic is debatable, and conversations of performative activism and virtue signaling have become more relevant. In my view, although largely good-natured, most forms of Instagram activism provide virtually no useful information. As Stevie Cortez, senior opinion editor at Fordham University explains in her 2020 newspaper article, “There’s just a short, aesthetically pleasing message ironically juxtaposed against a grave and often life-or-death issue.” Reducing heavy issues that require in-depth conversation and analysis, such as the BLM movement, to a one-sentence graphic and a temporary repost on an Instagram story does not amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Instead, the goals of different social movements end up misrepresented by this type of broadcasting. Logical fallacies such as oversimplification and hasty generalizations occur in these eye-catching presentations of grave topics. Following Breonna Taylor’s death in June 2020, a comedian tweeted “drink plenty of water, wash your hands, and arrest the cops who killed Breaonna Taylor,” which later circulated Instagram in the aesthetic graphic format.

NPR host Mary Louise Kelly and pop culture critic Cate Young discussed the tweet, saying Taylor’s name “stopped being something that was a reminder for justice and was something more about finding the cleverest way to hide the message in a meme, colorful pictures, or bubbly fonts.” As pointed out in a 2016 study by researchers Yonghwan Kim and Hsuan-Ting Chen, social justice account followers typically don’t have vastly different perspectives than the account owner. Therefore, reposting the graphics is simply preaching what is already reinforced. That said, it is true that some friends and family members who view one’s stories are bound to have slightly different beliefs. In this case, graphics serve as a useful way to bring awareness to issues and can be further emphasized through active listening and responding accordingly. In some cases, such posts have reached a large enough audience to be influential in creating change. For example, in 2020, the Change. org petition “Justice for Breonna Taylor” received over 11.4 million signatures from circulation on Instagram. With the petition leading to the abolition of the “no-knock” warrants in cities nationwide, this highlights an example of how when issues are amplified correctly, Instagram activism posts can lead to beneficial change. However, a prominent example of performative activism was the trending hashtag, “#BlackoutTuesday.” On June 2, 2020, over 28 million people posted a black square on their Instagrams with the caption “#BlackoutTuesday” in an attempt to create solidarity towards the BLM movement. This notion backfired and muted conversations

surrounding the movement. With the rise of social media usage and political activism in younger generations, Instagram graphics are here to stay. In this case, it is important to provide a platform for marginalized voices by promoting their businesses, stories and ideas about social movements through linking podcasts, books, news articles and other reliable resources within the graphics. Although the onesentence infographics are not a great medium for talking about weighty issues in depth, they can be used as an accessible source for other more reliable resources.

(Grace Dunlavy / The University News)

Opinion

the importance of christmas joy By JULIETTE CALLAHAN Staff Writer s I walked through the Quad at SLU with Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” playing faintly in the background, I saw parents taking photos of their children with Santa Claus, SLU administrators handing out hot chocolate, red and green lights filling the sky above me, bubbles floating around my face and the Christmas tree lighting by President Pestello. It was the first feeling of joy that I experienced at the start of the Christmas season, and it was a joy that I had not felt in quite some time. As we complete our finals and depart for our homes, we must consider the importance of Christmas joy. I remember as a child setting up the Christmas tree with my parents, listening to Christmas music on the radio, driving around my hometown watching the twinkling lights all around me and burning my tongue while drinking hot chocolate. However, as I grew up, the adolescent joy of the Christmas season transformed into a season of rest and relaxation from the work of the previous semester. Throughout each break, I felt the constant reminder that in only a few short weeks I would have to return to school, and the Christmas spirit would be lost when the tree and decorations were taken down and stored away until the next holiday season. What had happened to the sugary delight of hot chocolate after school, the excitement of meeting Santa Claus at the local Christmas parade, the carolers spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear and the childlike forgetfulness of the approaching new school semester? To put it simply, I grew up. I found out Santa was not the one putting presents under my family’s tree, that I didn’t make cookies for a jolly old man and the carrots on

the plate by my chimney were not for the reindeer on the roof. School continued, I stopped looking at all the lights around me and I stopped caring for the carolers in my community. I had more to worry about than a holiday I had already experienced countless times. Christmas became a distant memory of naivety, but it

all of my fellow students to close your computer, put down your phone while you’re walking to and from class and see all that Christmas has to offer, as I saw on Saturday. As a student in St. Louis, you can experience Christmas joy in many different ways. You can attend Winterfest, which is a Christmas

gifts, but giving them as well. As a kid, it was a blessing to receive gifts, but every year I would always give back, as we all should during the holiday season, whether that be donating gifts to local charities or volunteering at shelters to prepare home cooked meals. In elementary school, my classmates and I would write holiday cards for children and their families. Something as simple as writing “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” brought the same feelings of Christmas joy that I felt to those who may not have felt it. It was a moment of thankfulness amongst my community as we shared joy, not only for ourselves, but for all. In our St. Louis, there are a number of ways you can share joy with others through giving back. Even in a time of COVID-19, the United Way of Greater St. Louis offers do-it-yourself volunteer opportunities for anyone to do at home. You can make seasons’ greetings cards for senior citizens, prepare dinners for families, fill backpacks with school supplies for kids in the foster care system, send jars of cookies to nonprofit organizations, distribute angel tree profits or knit blankets for the unhoused. I wish for all of our community to not only experience Christmas joy, but share it with those around them during the holiday season.

(Diana Jakovcevic / The University News) should not have and hopefully never will again. As I walked through the Quad this past Saturday, seeing fellow students laughing with their friends, singing Christmas songs and drinking hot chocolate, I was reminded that even though we are all adults, we are still so young. We all still have a youthful spirit that should be enjoyed during Christmas. So why should we not be enjoying Christmas like children again? Why should I be worrying about next semester’s troubles when the joy of Christmas is right before my eyes? It’s simple: I shouldn’t be. I urge

celebration under the Arch on Fridays from 4 p..m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. The celebration is held every weekend until January 2. Under the Arch, you can ice skate, sit in a heated igloo, make smores or have your face painted. You can visit the Winter Wonderland lights at Tilles Park, walk through the Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden, watch the production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, listen to the Muppet Christmas Carol at Powell Hall or take the Polar Express Train at the St. Louis Union Station. Christmas is not only about receiving

“As I walked through the Quad this past Saturday, seeing fellow students laughing with their friends, singing Christmas songs and drinking hot chocolate, I was reminded that even though we are all adults, we are still so young.”

Opinion

The Insidious Genius Behind Borat How Sacha Baron Cohen tells the story of humanity’s absurdity. By ANASTASIA HANONICK Staff Writer Known for his outrageous performances in “Borat” and “Borat 2,” “Brüno” and “Da Ali G Show,” Sacha Baron Cohen has been branded a comedic genius. His approach to expressing his narrative is unconventional as it is seldom presented through storylines, breathtaking plottwists or character arcs. Rather than following the traditional path of comedy, Sacha Baron Cohen secured his niche by producing “mockumentaries”—a genre of film which mimics documentaries but is satirical in nature. What makes Cohen’s mockumentaries stand out from the rest, however, is that they are unscripted. Using only a small team of himself, a sidekick, a cameraman and a lawyer, Cohen embarks on a worldwide mission to secure “interviews” from oblivious ordinary civilians and people of high recognition. In his mockumentaries, Cohen immerses himself in the personas of extremely provocative characters; arguably, his ability of making audiences laugh until they are gasping for breath is by portraying someone who is morally defective. This is reflected in his character’s embracement of unbelievable vulgarity, reckless sexual endeavors and open endorsement of social taboos. However, Cohen’s provocativeness does not end at the scenes of his fullfrontal nudity or a clip of him riding off on a motorcycle with an unstrapped baby sitting on the steering wheel. Rather, Cohen’s true genius lies in his remarkable ability to provoke the worst sides of people. This exact provocation is what allows him to expose the true colors and values of the individuals he interviews. If one pays close

enough attention to the themes of Cohen’s films, they will quickly find that they are built on the idea that there is something seriously wrong with humanity. While Cohen has received understandable backlash for portraying characters who are anti-Semitic, racist, and homophobic, the overlooked issue is not in the portrayal of his problematic characters, but in the people that he interviews. Only by immersing himself in these outrageous personas is Cohen able to siphon responses out of people that no else would be able to. Ironically, it is only by “becoming” a terrible person he is able to expose terrible people. In “Brüno,” Cohen exposes the dark reality of child beauty pageants and parental neglect by pretending to be a professional photographer. Upon creating a fabricated photoshoot, several people show up with their young children. Cohen proceeds to ask parents questions regarding if they’d be comfortable with their child being photographed on a crucifix, being surrounded by live wasps and hornets, being near dead or dying animals or untrained people conducting scientific experiments on the kids. To the viewers’ shock and dismay, the parents responded positively to each of these conditions. Throughout “Borat 2,” Cohen and his “daughter” Tutar wreak havoc in the American South. In a particular scene, Cohen and Tutar enter a plastic surgeon’s office as Cohen voices that he wants his 15-year-old daughter to attract “top level guys.” The surgeon begins giving his opinions on what procedures he wants to

do on the teenager, which included breast augmentation and a nose job. Upon Tutar asking if she looked like she had a “Jewish nose” the plastic surgeon proceeded to say “no” and give an exaggerated example of what “Jewish” noses look like. Responding to the comment of breast augmentation, Tutar said that she wants her breasts large enough that men want to have sex with her. Upon making the comment and asking if the surgeon would find her appealing after the procedure, the doctor responds with, “If your father was not here.” Cohen’s films give viewers a profound idea of what it means to be insidious. While his characters and personas are portrayed through openly bigoted individuals with questionable morals, they still manage to show an extraordinary degree of subtlety. This subtlety does not lie in the views or ideas of Cohen’s characters, but in the responses he is able to provoke from others. Because of this, it is easy to forget Borat is a madeup character; viewers are so infatuated by Cohen’s provocativeness that they forget that he is not the bad guy. The real evil, however, lies in the people he interviews. It is only by becoming the problem is Cohen able to find and surround himself with the real-life people who support and enable the deep-rooted problems of racism, antiSemitism and sexual abuse in the United States. This unique brilliance and niched approach teaches the important lesson that if one gives people the safety net of being able to express their views without repercussions, they will take full advantage of it and shamelessly reveal their true colors.