Vol. CII, No. 3 (Dec. 2023) by University News

300 Protesters Gather for Palestine Protest Story on Page 2 Photos on Page 3

AI Art is No Evil Boogeyman, But a Tool Full Story on Page 20

Some Jewish Students at SLU Feel Isolated

SLU’s Pet Portraits! Full Story on Page 13

Full Story on Page 4

Body Images: How Society Changes What’s in the Mirror Full Story on Page 22

Vol. CII No. 3 DEC. 2023

News

Hundreds Gather to Support Palestine Demanding University Action

OWEN HERDRICK, LAUREN HUTCHENS & ULAA KUZIEZ Senior Writer, News Editors Around 300 protestors gathered at the Saint Louis University Clock Tower in support of Palestine, demanding the university call for a ceasefire and cut ties with Boeing, a local manufacturer of weapons used by Israel against the Gaza Strip. Speakers’ comments on Wednesday ranged from the condemnation of Israel’s military campaign to criticism of SLU’s “complacency.” Ahead of the protest, seven student groups from SLU, WashU, SIUE and UMSL sent a joint letter to each university’s respective leader, urging them to publicly condemn Israel’s actions and calling on them to hold “students and employees accountable for Islamaphobic and racist actions.” “As institutions of higher education, our universities must act as a pillar of truth for the communities they serve, providing nuanced and informed perspectives,” their letter read. The protest was organized by Occupy SLU, a new student organization that reclaims the name and the legacy of the 2014 Occupy SLU movement, organizers said. “We’re gonna continue to protest, we’re gonna continue to fight this institution that claims to be pro-life,” said Mexican-American student Julian Garcia, one of the organization’s founders. With hate crimes on the rise across the country, junior Nadia Abusoud said the SLU administration should prioritize the safety of Palestinian students. She pointed to the shooting of three Palestinian college students in Vermont this month, saying neutral university stances do little to combat tense political climates. “We want more universities in the St. Louis region to take responsibility and release messages regarding their Palestinian and their Muslim students,” Abusoud said. Abusoud, who co-organized the protest, added that she welcomes a statement that condemns antisemitism while emphasizing that proPalestinian speech is not hateful. Two students who spoke with the University News said they have tried to directly reach SLU president Dr. Fred Pestello to urge him to take a “humanitarian stance.” Gabriel De Castilhos, a Brazilian graduate student, emailed Pestello about his “passive, problem-avoidant” stance. Castilhos did not receive a response.

“I urge SLU to take the humanitarian stance and avoid the easy way out of only ‘against Hamas.’ Take a true stance and stand WITH Palestine,” De Castilhos’ email read. Ahlam Jaber, a Lebanese Ph.D. student in the English department, attempted to meet with the president but instead had a conversation with his representative, Kasi Williamson. “I told the president’s office this, and I’ll say it again: while I understand the desire to be as politically and socially conscientious, and he’s in a certain position where he needs to think about various relationships that he has, that email, in particular, was essentially a nothing email,” Jaber said, referencing an email Pestello sent to the campus community on Oct. 13. Williamson encouraged Jaber to use campus resources as safe spaces, but Jaber said the university’s neutral public stance prevents students from feeling safe and supported. “How are students going to feel safe to even go to those spaces? Your Muslim students, your Jewish students or Arab students, how are they going to feel safe going into those spaces at the university that has not set the precedent of truth?” Jaber said. Jaber acknowledged how multiple buildings and pieces of land align with SLU’s historical tendency to be complacent and reside on the wrong side of history. She made references to the origin of Pius Library’s name and the enslaved people who built the campus. “How many times do we want to take a stance that doesn’t do right by the people that are oppressed, how many times?” said Jaber. Students marched on Laclede and West Pine, stopping briefly outside Pius Library for speeches that mentioned the University’s academic partnership with Boeing. Emma Hukeljic, a junior at the Richard A. Chaifetz Business School, told the University News that if SLU does not cut ties with Boeing, the students should. “It’s important for us to be educated on the topic and for those students to make a decision for themselves not to go for their internships, or work in the Boeing Institute in the school,” Hukeljic said. The joint student letter cited Boeing’s role in the rising death toll in Gaza. “While Boeing

manufactures instruments of genocide in our backyards, our universities hold Boeing recruitment events on our campuses, invest our endowments in Boeing, and encourage Boeing to take advantage of our students’ and faculty’s research,” the letter said. Controversy arose when a student, selfdescribing as Indian, took the podium during an open-mic period of the protest and falsely mistranslated verses from the Quran. He was kicked off the mic by organizers and promptly ushered away by DPS. Later, Palestinian students claimed he and others yelled “terrorist” at them, and was again guided away by DPS officers. While officers say counterprotests are lawful, agitation is not. Lieutenant Joshua Johnson said there is “likely no crime violation,” but the student will be reported to the Office of Student Responsibility and Community Standards. About a dozen officers were present Wednesday night, blocking entrances to buildings like Pius Library. Melinda Heikkinen, Assistant Vice President of the Department of Public Safety, told protest organizers she supports their right of free speech, but requested that they not enter and disrupt any buildings. Heikkinen also told organizers that anyone wearing “military-style” clothing and “head coverings” would be asked to change or leave. She said this is to ensure other students don’t feel “fearful.” Protest organizers like Abusoud said this is a “double standard.” “ROTC kids wear that, we’re not removing them. It’s so incredibly angering,” Abusoud said. Some passersby flipped off protesters as they marched down West Pine. DPS intervened immediately after the protesters returned it. Conversely, as protesters marched along Grand Ave., some cars honked in support. Student organizers like Garcia, said they hope to meet with the President’s office in the coming weeks. Students promised a week of action at college campuses in the St. Louis area starting Monday, Dec. 4. “We will keep fighting until every one of us is free,” students wrote in the letter.

news

(Sana’a Abouantoun/ The University News)

(Own Herdrick/ The University News) Sophomore Nader Badwan holds a Palestinian flag as he leads a group of protestors onto the sidewalk of Laclede Ave. on Nov. 29. (Shah Shamsipour/ The University News)

(Shah Shamsipour/ The University News) Ahmad Saleh, a student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, holds a sign as he marches in support of “We wanna end this occupation,” Saleh said. “We wanna end the genocide that is happening in Palestine.”

(Sana’a Abouantoun/ The University News)

News GRANT BELLCHAMBER Senior Writer

Following Hamas’ attack on Israel and the ensuing war on the Gaza Strip, Jewish and Palestinian students alike continue to mourn those they have lost. The war has devastated not only Gaza, but also the lives of many of those with ties to the region. On American college campuses, the conflict may feel far away, but the discourse has come home. Some SLU Jewish students report that they feel increasingly isolated from the community that is meant to support them. In interviews with the University News, Jewish students at SLU reported items being thrown at them as well as frequent exclamations about the war being directed at those who are visually identifiable as Jewish. All students who spoke to the University News called for a statement from the University that explicitly condemns antisemitism and acknowledges the fear that Jewish students have been feeling. An undergraduate student in the Doisy College of Health Sciences, who requested to remain anonymous citing safety concerns, reflected upon their experiences as a practicing and visually identifiable Jewish person on campus. They said that while their immediate community has been understanding and supportive, they felt as though the university has been failing, citing a lack of direct communication from faculty and staff. “I think that the school as a whole does not support us. I think that the people who actually interact with Jews do, but there are so few Jews here that it’s become diluted,” the student said. “The school does not care about us.” Anthony Chaboude, a Jewish SLU undergraduate student, said he feels those in his immediate community have largely abandoned him as a result of the war, explaining that many around him do not see discrimination against Jewish people as a serious problem. “If I’m being honest, personally, I feel very drained. I feel like people I thought I knew, my friends, don’t support me. They talk down to me, like I’m the ignorant one. Like the Jewish experiences, being discriminated against as a Jew, does not matter right now, because of the whole Israel-Palestine conflict,” Chaboude said. As hate crimes rise across the United States, including antisemitic threats at Cornell University and attacks at Tulane, as well as Islamophobic attacks in Vermont, some Jewish students are concerned about their safety As of Nov. 29, there have been no reported hate crimes reported on campus, according to Melinda Heikkinen, Assistant Vice President of the Department of Public Safety. “We have increased the visibility of DPS staff and are always on the lookout for anything that could be considered a bias incident or a hate crime,” Heikkinen said.

Some Jewish Students at SLU Feel Isolated, Unwelcome

“I also stay in close contact with local, state and federal officials to stay abreast of any activity that could impact our campus. All of us in DPS are very aware of the impact current world events having on our campus community and are always prepared to support those who may need us.” President Fred Pestello sent an email on Oct. 13 reflecting on the violence and extending sympathy to both Israeli and Palestinian students. Jewish students the University News spoke with said they felt this was not enough. A senior Jewish student in the Chaifetz Business School said that the delay between the attacks on Israel and the President’s comments left them feeling lost and ignored. They explained that, in the days following the attack, their peers felt betrayed by a faculty that was silent on the issue. “The timing is pretty questionable. I think students probably deserve an explanation as to why [President] Pestello waited some five or six days after the attack to make a comment,” the senior said. “Students, many of whom felt afraid for their own safety, probably would have really needed some more dialogue earlier.” In regards to these concerns, a university statement sent to the University News by SLU spokesman Clayton Berry referenced the explanation contained in the Oct. 13 email, which said that Pestello had “paused and reflected at length to discern what [he] might offer in a message to you.” The statement went on to condemn hate and prejudice on SLU’s campus and provide recommendations for resources that are available to students. “Antisemitism, Islamophobia or any form of religious bigotry have no place at SLU. The University strongly condemns discrimination or harassment that targets religious, ethnic or other identities. If a student has experienced or witnessed bias, discrimination or harassment, we urge them to immediately contact the University’s Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity. SLU has a clear and supportive process to investigate and respond to any incident that’s reported,” Berry wrote in the statement. The only group for Jewish students at SLU, the Jewish Student Association, has recently undergone a political schism that is primarily centered on political disagreements and differences on the appropriateness of dialogues about the war. A graduate student who is involved in JSA said that the schism has eclipsed a much-needed support system. A smaller, informal community within the JSA has formed to provide support for those mourning and encourage discussion. “[Students feel] isolated. Students feel really let down; students feel like they don’t have any access to support,” the graduate student said. In the midst of turmoil in the student group, some Jewish students also feel disconnected from the university avenues that they say are supposed to be available to support them.

Susanne Chawszczewski, Director of Campus Ministries, said that the Campus Ministry staff are available as resources to students who need support and are also there to direct students toward other university resources such as the Counseling Center. She said, “In times of crisis, both individual and global, we are always available to listen to, support and be available to students.” Chawszczewski also reports that Campus Ministries has met with “individual and small groups of Jewish students” to provide support in the past several weeks. They also provided logistical support for the prayer vigil that was held on Oct.18 to mourn the victims of the conflict, both Israeli and Palestinian. However, some Jewish students feel as though the university could, and should be doing more. Students say that subtle and blatant antisemitism and ignorance of Jewish students on campus did not begin with the war, but instead has constituted an ongoing experience. A Jewish graduate student in the College of Arts & Sciences explained that SLU Academic Calendar does not mark some Jewish holidays correctly and that this, in the past, has caused issues communicating with some of their professors about time off and extensions. Further, they explained that the lack of Kosher dining options on campus, which they noted are present at smaller schools like Maryville University, presents a large deterrent for Jewish students considering applying to SLU. The graduate student also remarked upon previous, more direct, antisemitism they said they faced before Oct. 7. They claimed that, during a conversation on the IsraelPalestine conflict that another student initiated, they were asked, “Why do you care about their lives? Are you a Jew?” As the war nears its third month and tensions continue to rise, Jewish students say the University as a whole must reflect upon its attitude toward its Jewish population. An undergraduate student in the Chaifetz Business School said that antisemitism should concern everyone, not just Jewish people. Citing an understanding of the history of prejudice against people of the Jewish diaspora, they explained that antisemitism is also the first step toward a larger swelling of hate. “The thing about antisemitism is that it starts with Jewish people, but it never ends with Jewish people. When Jewish people are the victims of hate or prejudice, it’s often the first step before other minorities and vulnerable populations are targeted themselves,” the Chaifetz student said. Students acknowledge that the university has a commitment to remaining impartial, and do not expect the university to align with their political beliefs. The Chaifetz student expressed a sentiment shared by their peers: “There should be nothing controversial or political about condemning anti-semitism or prejudice.” If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hate crime, reach out to DPS at 314-977-3000. The University also provides limited, complimentary counseling. To contact, call 314-977-8255.

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(Rachel Zilligen/ The University News)

Latine Community Members Claim they Feel Underrepresented Post Hispanic Heritage Month LAUREN HUTCHENS News Editor After Hispanic Heritage Month, which ran from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, many students have criticized Saint Louis University’s lack of recognition and effort. There were only two events celebrating the month, none of which the University or DICE directly organized. Latino students and faculty say the lack of schoolsponsored celebratory events is disappointing. Latinos make up 10% of the undergraduate student body. They stand as the second largest minority group at SLU according to the 2023 SLU profile, which is around 1,300 students. According to Katherine Knuckles from the Office of Institutional Research, if you remove the students from the Madrid campus from the percentage, it drops down to 8.7% for undergraduates. On Sept. 15, OASIS hosted the Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off event, with funding provided by the Cross Cultural Center, in the Center for Global Citizenship (CGC). The event had a variety of foods, a presentation discussing Hispanic and Latinx cultures and games. The event drew 54 attendees. The School of Medicine was the only other group to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. On Sept. 15, they hosted a brief event at the Learning Resource Center Auditorium with a few panelists and food sampling. Puerto Rican student Markos Wester-Rivera, a senior majoring in Political Science, vocalized his disappointment in the lack of acknowledgment by emailing the Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement (DICE). The email included four other students who felt similarly. In the email, Wester-Rivera wrote that “as a Latino student”, he “hoped with a new VP of DICE there would be more of an effort to acknowledge the presence and achievement of the Latino community.” He also said that he found it difficult to be a Latino on campus due to the lack of acknowledgment and efforts by staff. “I will note that the folks over at the CCC have done an amazing job on their part, however, that has been more of a background role supporting groups like Oasis or hosting events like ATLAS week,” Wester-River wrote in the email. To conclude his message, he pointed out how there wasn’t an email or event on SLU’s part regarding Hispanic Heritage Month as a whole. He has since received no response from DICE. Wester-Rivera said that the lack of recognition made him feel, “ignored, like SLU doesn’t care.” “It’s frustrating when any sort of community or sense

of belonging on campus has to be made by ourselves. Yet, that is DICE’s entire campaign and what they say they do,” Wester-Rivera said. Wester-Rivera is the Senior Advisor for OASIS and said that as a student group, they can only do so much. He said he would like to see at least an email and a SLU organized event acknowledging Hispanic Heritage Month that isn’t faculty or student-led. “There was one event MLK scholars put on last year, it was a panel of Latine leaders on campus, but guess who put that on? Me,” Wester-Rivera said. “You want us to thrive, but don’t even acknowledge our existence.” Senior Pedro Valadez, a Mexican-American, a Political Science major and Spanish minor, said he typically only sees discussions hosted by Spanish professors in the Spanish department. “I mean, it makes you feel invisible. There’s already not a lot of us on campus,” said Valadez. Valadez said he wishes SLU reached out to the Latino community more, checked in on them and made sure they are adjusting properly. He also said the Latino community would benefit more from more representation on campus, similar to how they put up signs for Black Jesuits for Black Catholic History Month. According to Valadez, there was only one instance that he remembered in which signs of famous Latinos were put up, which was in McGannon Hall. “No one goes in that building. It’s an old decrepit building and it’s literally in a random hallway. No one’s gonna see that,” said Valadez. “Maybe try to put it more out there where people can read it.” Valadez suggested West Pine as a good place to put up signs since many sororities, fraternities, and other informative messages sponsored by groups go along West Pine to allow for maximum viewing. “I feel like they try so hard to get you here and then after your first year, they’re like ‘oh, we’re here for you’, and then just disappear,” said Valadez. “I got no help. This is why I feel some people drop out, because you feel like you have your whole support system freshman year and then next thing you know, it’s gone.” A 2023 graduation and retention report found that SLU’s dropout rate is at 30%, or 802 students who did not complete their degree. Valadez said that he wants SLU to be a place for his younger siblings, but that he worries that if they came, they would have no support and nowhere to go where they feel accepted. “I want my siblings to be able to go here and not feel like they have no place to go,” said Valadez. According to the research provided by Knuckles, in 2023, only 3% of faculty members identified as Latino, or around 81 faculty members. SLU has lost four Latino faculty members since last year, but have held a steady 3%

for the past four years. This number includes, but is not limited to, instructional faculty, adjunct faculty, clinical faculty and both full-time and part-time faculty. As one of a handful of Latino faculty members at SLU, Dr. Onésimo (Ness) Sándoval, a Mexican-American and sociology professor, believes that Latino events should not only be led by student groups like Oasis. “It shouldn’t just be Oasis, right, it’s not their responsibility,” Sándoval said. “They should be invited to the table to have a say in setting the agenda, but the university should be intentional saying this is an important month for our students, many of our students.” Sándoval said he did not receive an email about any events happening or an invitation to speak at one. He said that he has done talks at other universities or organizations around the city and country during Hispanic Heritage Month. Some of the talks he did were at local organizations and community groups, the University of Missouri and was scheduled for a talk at Columbia University which got postponed. “It’s an educational moment for those who are coming from non-hispanic backgrounds to understand the contributions that this diverse body is making to the United States, the military and academic institutions throughout the country,” said Sándoval. “To be silent today is really bad in itself and is sending a message to the student body.” Efforts toward the Latino community should be under DICE, Sándoval said. “We’re definitely behind in where we need to be as a leading academic institution,” said Sándoval. “If the university feels that this is not important programming [Hispanic Heritage Month], they should stand by that.” Another student, Julian Garcia, a Mexican-American freshman majoring in psychology, said that before talking about Hispanic Heritage Month, people must acknowledge the historical context behind the term Hispanic. “You first have to recognize the word Hispanic itself, it doesn’t exist. Hispanic is a term coined by the Reagan administration to lump us in with the colonizing group and throws Spanish people in there and ignores Brazilians,” Garcia said.

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ARTS & LIFE

Notable Moments from SLIFF GRANT BELLCHAMBER & NATE MESHAU

Senior Writer & Staff Writer

The 32nd annual Whitaker Saint Louis International Film Festival closed in late November after bringing 278 different films from a staggering 32 countries to the audiences of St. Louis. Through popular films from the year like “The Taste of Things” and “All of Us Strangers” as well as films by talented creators active in the industry like writer/director Alexander Payne (“The Holdovers”) and St. Louis Native Reginald Hudlin (“House Party”), The Whitaker Foundation paid tribute to a great year of cinema and celebrated 50 years of Hip-Hop. Here are some of the highlights from the festival to keep an eye out for as the year comes to a close. “La Chimera” The newest effort from Italian director, Alice Rohrwacher (“Happy as Lazarro”, “Le Pupille”), is an invigorating and enticing addition to an already electric year for cinema. Starring Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”) and Carol Duarte (“Invisible Life”), this stunning work, which competed in Cannes with a glowing reception, was picked up by the esteemed company, Neon, for North American film distribution and is slated to release in theaters late this year. This tomb-robbing drama achieves wonders in every regard and manages not only to be the best film from SLIFF, but perhaps the best film of the year. The premise of a tomb-robbing period drama sounds like it has the potential to be somewhat of a wry and dry attempt at an introspective “Indiana Jones” figure, but with the power of an endlessly entertaining Italian chorus and the magical eye of Rohrwacher, this feature is able to excel both as a meditation on grief and an exploration of artifact. Consistently dynamic and imaginative camerawork imbues its 1980s Tuscan environment and the subjects residing in it with a sense of heightened realism that is somehow able to capture

Reviews of the good, the bad and the forgettable at the Saint Louis International Film Festival.

the magic of items and artifacts. It was effective in this attention to the details that the SLIFF audience was taken to gasping at the desecration of artifacts on screen. This careful curation of on-screen items (and the pursuit of them) allows the film to generate all of the expected effects of a typical adventure movie like wonder and terror while differing substantially in terms of its narrative structure. Despite the consistent whimsy and evocations of adventure, though, the aggressively human ensemble grounds the work in a level of deep relatability, culminating in an endlessly enjoyable and enchanting movie that is every bit of odd, enrapturing and moving that we’ve come to expect from Rohrwacher. “Freestyle” Positioning the unlikely friendship of depressed middle-aged nurse Louise Prunier (played by Marina Foïs) and misguided and awkward criminal Paul Faillard (played by Benjamin Voisin) into the internalized trappings of a buddy comedy, “Freestyle” includes both hilarious and heartwarming moments that knead themes of generational gaps, mental health and familial legacy into its narrative. Nearing her 45th birthday, Louise enters her car, hoping to go for a drive and release some of her mounting mental tension. Instead, every time she tries to exit the vehicle, she feels the beginnings of a panic attack, and, after running out of gas, her car is stolen and she is effectively kidnapped by Paul as he attempts to locate and murder the man who killed his brother in a car accident. As the characters slowly begin to understand each other and bond through their trauma, Voisin’s charisma truly sells these moments to the hearts of the audience, and a particularly comedic sequence comes when he pays a group of men to install a sunroof on Louise’s car (instead, they cut a square hole in the existing roof with a buzzsaw). While “Freestyle” doesn’t possess any necessarily innovative undertakings, its slow revelation of the softer sides of its characters, which gleam through Louise’s perfectly toned sarcasm and Paul’s violent youthful exuberance, provides the film with plenty of leeway to negotiate its imposed boundaries. WANT TO CONTINUE READING? SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW

(Rachel Zilligen / The University News)

ARTS & LIFE “Coyote vs. Acme” vs. Zaslav NATE MESHAU

Staff Writer

Good afternoon folks of the jury, we are gathered today to discuss the case of “Coyote vs. Acme” vs. Zaslav. This case is brought to us today amidst allegations of unethical and immoral business practices on the part of one David Zaslav, current CEO of media conglomerate Warner Bros. Discovery (WB), by many on behalf of the new American Comedy film, “Coyote vs. Acme.” We will begin today by explaining who the invested parties are in the case, then we will explore their history with each other and attempt to come to a conclusion as to the extent to which these allegations may or may not hold water. Hopefully the facts of this case will not only shed light on the allegations at hand, but also on the going-ons of the entertainment industry as a whole. The exciting new film “Coyote vs. Acme” is a mixture of animation and live-action with the spirit of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” that features Wile E. Coyote, the famous pursuant of Road Runner from Looney Toons. Coyote teams up with a human attorney (Will Forte) to sue Acme, the brand from which Mr. Coyote obtains his gadgets and gizmos, after their products continually fail him. Based on a series of cartoons from the 1990s, this film began production in 2018 with director Chris McKay (“The Lego Batman Movie”) signed on to produce. Through the next few years, the creative forces shuffled around ending with new writers Samy Burch (“May December”) and James Gunn (SLU alum), with John Cena cast as the main antagonist, the CEO of Acme. The filming wrapped in May 2022 and was slated to release July 21, 2023. If that is the case, then why have those of you in the jury likely never heard of the movie, let alone seen it? Well, Looney Tunes is under the ownership of Warner Bros Discovery, the aforementioned media conglomerate, which has recently been dedicated to frustrating film-goers as frequently as possible with continuously egregious decisions in the management of their tentpole streamer, Max (formerly HBO Max). So contentious have the decisions regarding their streamer been, that even in an era where criticizing streaming companies is the norm, David Zaslav somehow still manages to be potentially the most hated CEO with the New

Yorker calling him a “Hollywood Anti-Hero.” Taking up the mantle of CEO in 2021, Zaslav immediately began cutting costs and laying off workers. One example of his ‘strategic shift’ was the axing of two nearly completed projects, “Scoob!” and “Batgirl” for tax-purposes, essentially sending two featurelength films (“Batgirl” costing $90 million) and the collective efforts of hundreds of creatives to the graveyard in order to “reduce taxable income.” Zaslav has swung his scythe again at the fully finished product of “Coyote vs. Acme,” which was axed early November for a $30 million tax write-off (the project having cost around $72 million). We will call three witnesses to the stand in the discussion of the case: test audiences, Oscarwinning composer Steven Price, and director of the film, Dave Green. First we will call to the stand test audiences who will establish that this treatment of “Coyote vs. Acme” is not merely a continuation of WB’s already deplorable handling of previous projects, but instead an escalation as this project is both fully finished and has tested extremely positively with test audiences. While the narratives surrounding the previously axed projects centered around their not being ready for release or for an altogether falling short on promises, Warner Bros creating the facade of commitment to quality in light of the treatment of this new project indeed hints at something more nefarious. We will then call to the stand Steven Price, who regards this decision by Zaslav and WB as “bizarre anti-art studio financial shenanigans,” adding that the film was mixed and finished. The testimony of Price will help us understand that the axing of this project sends a clear message to creatives that, even if you manage to finish your product on time and on budget, have big names, like John Cena and James Gunn, involved and manage to be received well, then you still are not safe from predatory business tactics. This is a sobering message to send, especially after the recently concluded SAGAFTRA and WGA strikes. Lastly we will speak to director Dave Green himself, who remarked that he is “beyond proud of the final product, and beyond devastated at WB’s decision.” Through these various testimonies you will come to understand the public outcry that has resulted from this decision, from industry peers of Green to casual film-goers. Indeed many took to calling WB and Zaslav ‘anti-art,’ with several filmmakers going so far as to cancel slated meetings with WB regarding future projects. Not only will these testimonies communicate a frustration with the practices of WB, but they will also cast light on a sector of the entertainment industry that seems to regard itself as much more industry than entertainment. Though today’s trial will not be exclusively gloomy. The public outcry following this decision

seems to have been heard by Warner Bros. They announced nearly a week after the decision to shelve the project that they would now let Dave Green shop the film around for potential buyers like Netflix or Amazon. While it is not guaranteed that this film will be picked up, at least there is a new hope for what sounds like an exciting creative endeavor and, by all indications, appears to be a quality popcorn-flick. However, even if the film does come to find a happy ending it cannot be forgotten that this glimmer of hope is not an example of philanthropic or caring management of creative assets and works by Zaslav and WB, but instead an attempt to counteract negative press and potentially make a prettier penny than would have been had by the tax write-off. While some merely refer to these practices as the ruthlessness required in running a business, running a business doesn’t require wreaking havoc on the creativity, jobs, and livelihood of many of those involved, regardless of if streaming wars make it seem this way. Do not forget, members of the jury, that amidst the pandemic, when many were struggling financially, Zaslav received $13.1 million in stock awards, $22 million in other compensation, and a $4.4 million bonus. It seems fitting that a film about a powerless and voiceless consumer taking on a predatory company pushing faulty products is able to shine a light on the disingenuous practices that Zaslav and WB take part in. In conclusion, today’s case is, at its root, an exploration of the intentions of the forces at the wheel of today’s Hollywood, and the entertainment industry as a whole. It will bring several issues to the fore, such as the tax-incentives in place to incentivize such an act, the goals of the heads of these departments as ones that are both pro-profit and anti-art, and to what extent the suppliers actually do respond to a demand rather than attempting to generate it. The burden of proof in today’s case lies upon Zaslav, and even his peers Sarandos and Iger, to prove that they do in fact belong in charge of these media companies and conglomerates by running a business that emphasizes either the quality of its creative products or the freedom of the creatives behind those products. If, as the CEOs at the head of the entertainment industry, they are unable to do this then it is up to you as the jury to judge whether they belong there or not. For these reasons, after the presentation of this evidence, we will ask you to rule in favor of “Coyote vs. Acme” over Zaslav. If the court of public opinion proves once again to be an insufficient means of creating change in an industry that is supposed to answer to the demands of its consumers, perhaps we will have to reevaluate the ways in which we communicate our desires and come to understand that severity may be necessary. Thank you.

ARTS & LIFE

A Comprehensive Guide to Christmas in St. Louis KAIA MONACO Contributor With Christmas right around the corner, everyone is looking for a way to celebrate the season. From light displays to holiday menus and seasonal activities, the options can be overwhelming. In a lively city like St. Louis, there are more ways to enjoy the holiday fun than one could imagine. Here is a guide to the best Christmas activities around St. Louis. The Garden Glow Every Christmas season since 2012, the Missouri Botanical Garden transforms into a massive light display. Over one million lights illuminate a mile-long path through the garden. On this path, there are light tunnels, glowing trees, lanterns, Christmas trees and plentiful photo opportunities. Christmas music plays in the background for the entirety of the walk, making the event feel right out of a holiday movie. There are also multiple snack options, including s’mores, pies, candy canes and even cocktails for the older participants. Tickets for The Garden Glow are $24 and up through Dec. 14, with tickets on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays being only $22. The nighttime-only event will continue through Jan. 6. Christmas Pop-Ups One of the best parts about Christmas is the food, and St. Louis does not disappoint. With multiple pop-up bars and restaurants, there are interesting places you can make time for this season. Starting at historic Union Station in downtown St. Louis, the usual Train Shed restaurant was transformed into the Sleigh Shed, with extravagant decor, ornaments covering the ceiling and plenty of Christmas lights. The traditional menu is given a festive twist, offering themed cocktails and food options for all. Another pop-up to pay is Up On The Rooftop at the Three Sixty rooftop lounge downtown, next to the Gateway Arch. This event is only open to 21-year-olds. With extreme decor and eccentric cocktails, like the polar espresso martini or the seasick crocodile, this is the perfect place to have fun this holiday season.

Ice Skating in Forest Park Nestled within Forest Park is the Steinberg Skating Rink, beloved by many St. Louisans. Known as the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, there is plenty of space for all kinds of skaters, both young and old, beginner and advanced. The rink requires tickets to be purchased beforehand for $10, plus an additional charge of $6 to rent skates. Skaters reserve their tickets online for a certain date and time, but can stay as long as they like, or until closing time at 10 p.m. The rink reopened on Nov. 17 and will continue operating all the way through Mar. 3, 2024. As a classic holiday activity, ice skating is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, but be sure to wear layers. The Holiday Market at City Foundry As a hub for local vendors and restaurants, the City Foundry STL is the perfect place to shop locally this holiday season. Even better, the popular new spot will be hosting a holiday market multiple weekends throughout December. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3, Dec. 11 and Dec. 17, the holiday market will showcase collections from Joya, Golden Gems, May’s Place STL and over 100 other local businesses lined up on Foundry Way. Less than a ten-minute walk from SLU campus, this event is a

great way for students to indulge in some holiday shopping. The area will be decorated with lights, greenery, heaters and live music, as well as festive food and drinks, to make for a pleasant holiday shopping experience. Christmas on the Quad A well-known event to most SLU students is Christmas on the Quad, celebrated every year in early December. This year, the event is scheduled for Dec. 9 and will feature inflatables, fire pits and the annual tree-lighting ceremony led by SLU President Fred P. Pestello. There will also be multiple food trucks and a hot chocolate bar. Students are asked to register for the event no later than Dec. 7. The festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the tree lighting starting at 6:30 p.m. St. Charles Christmas Traditions About 30 minutes outside of St. Louis is the St. Charles Christmas Traditions celebration. Historic St. Charles is a brick-lined street with dozens of small businesses, bakeries and restaurants. Every year at Christmastime, the entire area is decorated for the season and hosts multiple attractions. There are storytellers and live actors recounting famous Christmas legends, as well as carolers, a tree lighting ceremony and festive treats. The little shops and homemade baked goods give the area the feel of a quaint town in the 1800s, which is only enhanced by the Christmas decorations. (Kaia Monaco / The University News)

ARTS & LIFE

The Grand Boulevard Community Art Exhibit JENOVA ROETTO Contributor

This year's Community Art Exhibit was held on Nov. 17 in the McNamee Gallery on the lower level of Saint Louis University’s Samuel Cupples House. The exhibit, “The Grand Boulevard Community Art Exhibit” features a collection of student art, mostly from SLU’s studio art program, and is the first ever juried community exhibit at SLU, meaning the pieces had to meet particular criteria that judges selected and evaluated. Walking into the exhibition, spectators are greeted by a large quilt hanging from the wall, a deep blue with red, yellow and white accents. Although the quilt may seem like a random collection of rectangles and squares, up close, it is a map of St. Louis. Around the perimeter of the rectangular gallery hang various student creations, ranging from charcoal drawings and oil paintings to collages and sculptures. During the event, the space filled with students, faculty and others gathered in the center of the room, conversing. A brief loop around the exhibition shows how many of the creations responded to Grand Boulevard, its place in the city and/or their lives as many pieces appear to be related to SLU or St. Louis in general. Grand Boulevard is a major north to south street spanding from Carondelet Park to the Mississippi River. Aside from the quilt, the entryway holds a portrait of a woman and a series of paintings centered around Grand Boulevard, most of which are street signs and the Fox Theatre sign. The gallery features Cole Davis’s “A Walk on Grand Blvd. To My Favorite Spot On Campus,” a collage centering around a map with red string outlining the route that Davis takes to their favorite spot on campus, a bench hidden between the Lewis Annex and Verhaegen Hall. Scattered around the map are images, little notes and sketches taken during their walk. This is not the only collage on display, but it is one of the most personal pieces, showcasing the thoughts and focuses of Davis as they made their way through the city and campus. No one else in the exhibit shares such a look into their habitual lives.

(Neha Patil)

(MC Pavlick)

(Jenova Roetto / The University News)

Another spectacular piece is “Grand Boulevard: A Journey Through the Heart of St. Louis,” a graphite drawing by Dasari Yaswanth of the St. Louis skyline. The drawing showcases a portion of the city’s downtown area from the perspective of the river towards Grand Boulevard. However, the drawing is not all high rises and cement streets; rather, the Mississippi River sits in the foreground of the image, creating a contrast between the old architecture of the city and the industrial buildings that tower in the background, showing the diversity of St. Louis’ architecture. The Arch sits in the focal point of the drawing as the identifying image of St. Louis, catching the observer’s eye and moving them into the piece. A painting by Neha Patil of the cobalt blue Metrolink bus emerged as a representation of St. Louis. The painting features five people standing in front of five blackened windows with neighborhood names scrawled across them. Each person represents a different neighborhood in St. Louis, such as JeffVander-Lou, Compton Heights, Tower Grove South, Midtown and Dutchtown. The diversity of the five people and their different aesthetics reflects the diversity of the city’s neighborhoods and their people. Another major part of the Grand Boulevard community is Tower Grove Park. “Aerial Map of Tower Grove Park,” created by MC Pavlick highlights the beautiful nature of St. Louis with visual identifiers of Tower Grove, such as the Fountain Pond and Ruins and the Turkish Pavilion. The importance and meaning of Saint Louis University’s location on Grand Boulevard and the community surrounding it is integral to students’ experiences at SLU. In this exhibit, each artist displays their experiences at SLU and the greater community in their own unique ways. This exhibition will be on display until Dec. 8, 2023, in the lower level of the Samuel Cupples House. In addition to the exhibition, McNamee Gallery offers a virtual exhibit for viewers to browse.

games

University News 11/29/23 Crossword

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University News 11/29/23 Word Search

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PHOTO

SLU DANCE MARATHON 2023

On Nov. 18, 2023, Saint Louis Dance Marathon hosted their main event. Dance Marathon is a student led philanthropic movement that raises awareness and collects monetary donations for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. During their main events, Dance Marathon teams around the country honor patients from local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. These patients are given a special title. They are known as Miracle Ambassadors. This year Saint Louis Dance Marathon honored six special patients as their Miracle Ambassadors. Their names are Jack, Easton, Ollie, Logan and Michael. During their main event, each of these Miracle Ambassadors and their families got on stage and shared their journey at our Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals here in Saint Louis. After several highlights of dance teams on campus and several fun fundraising activities, the Dance Marathon team revealed their fundraising grand total. As each member flipped their sign, the team announced that this year they raised $34,012.13 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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Celebrating Our Fall Sports EMMA DUMAN

Photography Editor

(SLU Athletics)

Sports

SLU Swim and Dive Earn Third at the Phoenix Fall Classic With Outstanding Performances form Various Senior Billiken Swimmers MARIN FINNERTY

Staff Writer

The SLU Swim and Dive team once again headed back to Chicago for the three day Phoenix Fall Classic meet on Nov. 17. Out of the seven teams, SLU Billikens earned third overall, just behind New York University (NYU) and University of Chicago. Despite the difficult competition SLU held their own against the other teams. NYU ended with a score of 1482 and 659.7 points, Chicago ended with a score of 1281 and 653.0 points, and SLU just fell behind at a score of 884 and 618.7 points. The Billiken swimmers left Chicago with 65% season bests and 29% personal bests, making the meet an overall success. The women’s senior class performed phenomenally well as they helped lead the team with top scores. Distance senior swimmer Emily Leonard contributed the most points. Not far behind, seniors Lettie Williams and Maragaret Mcpherson contributed to the complete tally. The SLU seniors contributed to an overall solid total score. (Emma Duman / The University News)

The Billiken men continued this momentum when competing in their events. Top point earners seemed to come from the sophomore class, with Ben Militti, Brae Sanchez and Logan Townsend all dominating in their respective events. Junior Franklin Liu and senior Jack Locke proved useful to the team as well with the points they contributed. Not only did the swimmers have a successful meet, but the few SLU divers did, as well. With a team of just four, freshman Ben Mears proves to be a promising addition to the squad. He earned first place overall in the one meter diving, with junior Jacob Wasserman earning third. Billikens will have to wait until Jan. 19 for their next meet against Omaha held at home, the Simon Rec Center. For more information on future meets and specific swimmers the Instagram. @slu_swimdive is always being updated.

Sports

Women’s Soccer Accomplishes Historic Season The Billikens Complete Season with a Loss Against The Nittany Lions in a Sweet Sixteen (Emma Duman / The University News)

NORA KOTNIK

Sports Editor

Katie Shields and the no. 6 Billiken Women’s Soccer team wrapped up their season earlier this month in a Sweet Sixteen matchup against the no. 5 Nittany Lions of Penn State. The competitive matchup ended up going into double overtime, with the Nittany Lions finishing on top with a 4-3 final score. Prior to entering the NCAA tournament for a shot at the National Title, the Billikens dominated the A10 tournament, winning against the LaSalle Explorers 3-0 to win the championship. Senior Caroline Kelley tallied two goals and one assist in the championship match, earning her the title of Tournament MVP. Junior Emily Gaebe also contributed, having one goal and one assist herself. After earning their sixth consecutive A10 title, the Billikens started their playoff run matching up against the Indiana University Hoosiers at home. The Billikens finished on top, executing a 2-0 win. Then, the Billikens were matched up against the Georgetown Hoyas. With goals from Sawyer and Larson, the Billikens earned a 2-1 win. This win allowed SLU to make history, being the only team to make it to the Sweet Sixteen in program history. In their highly anticipated matchup against The Nittany Lions, both teams started off the match strong, scoring back to back goals in the first half. While it took the Billikens some time to adjust to Penn State’s play, they caught up and with the help of a goal by Hannah Larson, assisted by Houck and Sawyer. The second goal was unassisted, and scored by Emily Gaebe. After equalizing the score and pushing the game into overtime, the Billikens started

off overtime getting ahead with an unassisted goal from Hannah Larson. Penn State answered back late, with two goals. While the Billikens did not achieve the result they were hoping for, they accomplished many feats in their historic playoff run. The Billikens played a school-record 24th game, also making them the first team in SLU women’s soccer history to make it to the Sweet Sixteen. SLU’s very own senior goalkeeper Emily Puricelli set a SLU career record for goalkeeper minutes played, 7,672. Emily Gaebe’s goal against Penn State moved her into sole possession of second place on SLU’s career goals list (32) and into third place on the Billikens’ career points list (82). In their final match, Gaebe had a legendary game-high six shots, while Hannah Larson recorded a career-high five. The Billikens finished their season accomplishing an overall record of 193-2 and a conference record of 9-0-1. With great season-long performances from several Billiken players, SLU Women’s Soccer have a lot to feel proud of this season, and a lot to look forward to in the offseason.

sports

A Shaky Start, or Marked Improvement? ISMAEL DOMIN Sports Editor

SLU’s Women’s basketball just got back from Laie, Hawaii where they posted a 1-2 record during the North Shore Showcase. The Billikens are currently sitting at 4-3 after a close win over the Illinois-Chicago Flames. A point of emphasis for the Billikens has been their hustle or as Coach Tillett calls them “unselfish” stats. These stats generally do not show up in the box score, but are imperative; not only to on-court success but contribute to building team chemistry. They offer an impressive look into the overall cohesion of the squad. The team keeps track of dives for possession, and-ones, charges drawn, deflections, double assists and screen as-sists. Over these seven games the Bills have averaged 10.29 dives, 1.43 and-ones, 2.29 charges drawn, 23.14 deflections, 1.86 double assists and 3.14 screen assists per game. Almost every name on the roster appears on each list at least once, a great sign that the players have bought in and are dedicated to Head Coach Rebecca Tillett’s program. Coach Tillett is in her second year heading the Billikens. When she came to SLU from Longwood, she knew that she was leading a rebuild, and some might even say she has already completed it. She led the Billikens to their first ever National Tournament appearance last season. Tillett can be described in many words but none of them would be complacent. Seven players have started for the Bills over their first seven games, with the only three constants being junior point guard Kennedy Calhoun, senior power forward Peyton Kennedy and graduate wing Kyla McMakin. In the five games she played Julia Martinez started at the 2guard but has not played since getting injured during her outing against Wake Forest. In that game, she totaled seven points, nine rebounds and two steals. Her impact last season was crucial for SLU’s conference championship, and it remains to be seen how long she will be out. Kennedy and McMakin currently lead the Atlantic 10’s highest scoring offense, which scores 79.7 points per contest and are first and fourth in the conference in scoring with 17.1 and 16.4 respectively. McMakin entered the season as the NCAA’s third active leading scorer, with 2,233 career points. She currently sits at 2,348 and will only add to that as the season continues. She is on pace to eclipse 2,740 by the end of the season which would put her into the top 25 all-time, just ahead of former WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike. The most notable position in flex is the center position. After four consecutive starts for junior transfer Marcavia Shavers, she started sophomore Brooklyn Gray, then Shavers again, and then junior Tierra Simon. All three were healthy over this three-game stretch and played significant minutes. In fact, Gray took McMakin’s place as the starting small forward when she slid to shooting guard following Martinez’s injury. They have been impressive contributors, and it remains to be seen who Tillett will start once the squad is back to full health. Coach Tillett is no stranger to slow starts. The Billikens entered conference play last year 4-11 before taking the conference by storm, going 10-6 and winning the conference tournament. Tillett proved most of the doubters wrong last season and is looking to show the few that remain that last

season was no fluke and is in fact the new standard for SLU’s women’s basketball program.

(The University News / Emma Duman)

sports

From Player, to Coach Erin Matson, Becomes the Youngest Collegiate Head Coach at the age of 23 to Win a National Title. NIA STEVENSON Staff Writer

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) field hockey won their 11th National Championship on Sunday, Nov. 19 and were led by their 23-year-old head coach, Erin Matson, who won the same championship last year with the team. Matson spent five years with UNC and won four national championships. Matson applied for the job in Dec. 2022 and was eventually hired in late January of this year. She replaced former head coach, Karen Shelton, who retired in 2022 and spent 42 years as head of the program. During her time as a player, Matson was a threetime National Player of the Year. She is the careerscoring leader in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and NCAA Tournament history. The move from player to coach was something Matson had always wanted. “It’s also been exactly what I want,” Matson said. “It’s not just like a normal new coaching position, getting acclimated to Carolina or whatever. I know how this place runs. But I’m learning all that it takes to run a program, to be a coach, as well as doing the actual work to be successful with it. It’s been a lot but I wouldn’t change anything about it.” Matson is now on the other side of the sport, being in charge of recruiting prospects and their families. She has to set practice schedules and discipline players whom she was teammates with just last year. Matson even bought a second

(Photo Courtesy of CNN)

cell phone so that her players could contact her officially as their coach, not as their former teammate. “There’s a maturity level to her personality that gives you a sense of confidence,” UNC athletics director, Bubba Cunningham said. “She has a sense of purpose. She’s obviously driven and focused. She is just a very thoughtful and very deliberate person that is always prepared.” Of course, there was some doubt about if Matson was truly ready to take on the job at such a young age. “The day I was hired, there was a guy on Twitter: ‘She’s not even old enough to rent a car right now.’

It’s like, ‘All right dude, if that’s the biggest worry you have, I think we’re in a good spot, Matson said. “There is Uber, and I will figure it out because I’m resourceful.” And on Sunday night in Chapel Hill, Matson proved herself to the doubters as the Tar Heels beat the Northwestern Wildcats 2-1 in a doubleovertime penalty shootout to win the national title. “I live by the quote: pressure is a privilege,” Matson said. “I think the ability to be in a situation like this, I’m grateful for that, and I appreciate that.”

opinion

CHARLIE PREISS

Senior Writer

(Charlie Preiss / The University News)

AI Art is No Evil Boogeyman, But a Tool Last year, images generated by artificial intelligence claim that AI art, “is genuinely an industrial scale While there is plenty of valid criticism about which (AI) started to gain widespread attention. Through violation of each and every one of our rights.” Not type of images should be used to train AI and how various programs such as MidJourney, Dalle-E, and only are the reactions of artists extreme, but their datasets should be more careful to make sure the now the newest image creator, BingAI, you too can claims about the unethical nature of AI and fears images they have are not sensitive material, there is make stunning images! And people have been. Last of the artist profession being replaced are likely nothing inherently wrong with using images to train year “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial” created by Jason overblown. The idea that AI art is theft stems from a AI without the consent of the artist. People learn Matthew Allen even won the Colorado State Fair fine misunderstanding of how the technology works. It is to draw from other people, either by using similar art competition, much to the chagrin of traditional commonly asserted that AI art learns how to create techniques, imitating or copying style and using artists who also competed. People have also been images by combining elements of preexisting images reference images. If an artist went to Google image using them to make memes as well. Such as a series of and mashing them together to make a new image. search and looked up pictures of trees and used a images of a man and a crocodile fighting over pizza, Even if this is how the technology works, that would copyrighted image of a tree as a reference for their or Trump getting arrested by police or the Taliban not necessarily be theft or a violation of an artist’s painting, did the artist do something wrong? If the watching Peppa Pig. And of course, people have been copyright. Artist Jeff Koons created a collage for the image had a creative commons license, the artist is using AI image generators to peddle hoaxes. Besides Guggenheim Museum that included a copyrighted legally in the clear, assuming that they drew a direct the potential for hoaxes, criticism has been levied picture taken by photographer Andrea Blanch. replica. But if they only take inspiration from the against AI image generators, and the art it creates on Blanch sued Koons for copyright infringement, image (i.e. the tree is altered in the painting, but philosophical and moral grounds. There have been but the Second Circuit court ruled that Koon’s similar) there is none. Artists regularly use several claims that AI steals from artists, violates copyright artwork did not violate Blanch’s copyright because references at once to gather inspiration. and will eliminate the artist profession. his artwork was transformative and fell within the When I first started using AI image generators purview of fair use. over a year ago, I was fascinated and enamored Stable diffusion, the technology behind AI image with technology. I have spent countless hours using generators, uses static to create images. It turns various generators to make stunning images. The images fed into it, with descriptions of the images idea that anyone could create stunning pictures attached, and turns the image into static. When using just words was amazing to me. The potential you type a prompt into Midjourny, the program democratization of art is something that excites me. takes a blank static image and turns your prompt But on a certain level, it spooked me. into an image. This is how AI images are drawn. If A robot being able to create paintings that resemble AI combined pre-existing images, it would make an the work of humans is remarkable, but the ability exact one-to-one image of The Starry Night if you to create images remarkably similar to humans asked it to. But it does not do that. It creates an is inherently uncanny despite my amazement. I image similar to Starry Night, but not THE Starry knew people were going to be scared about this Night. Much like a human would do if asked to draw new technology. Concerns that jobs are going to the Starry Night. be all automated away is not a new fear. I was at The core of the theft claim though comes from the least hoping most people would be excited about a fact that the images used to train the AI come from democratization of art, but I was shocked by the sheer the internet, without the consent of the owners of amount of vitriolic backlash against the technology. the images. These images come from image datasets When Ammaar Reshi announced he had written like LAION-5B which have been scraped from the a children’s book using Chat GPT and AI image internet. LAION-5B contains over 5 billion images generators, people called for him to be arrested and without the consent of the image owners or artists sent him death threats. Sam Yang, an artist with over whose work was used to train the AI. Admittedly, two million followers on his Instagram and over one problematic images have been found in these million on his YouTube channel, made the dramatic datasets, including private medical records.

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Is the Study of Humanities Obsolete?

CALLA TRUSCHEL JACOBS Senior Writer

“What’s your major?” is a question I have come to dread. I usually respond with “I’m majoring in History and English, and minoring in Philosophy and Latin, but only because I want to go to law school and they usually like diverse majors.” Sometimes I follow this marathon of a sentence with an uncomfortable laugh, as if asking people to forgive me for my choice of study. Why does this question make me uncomfortable? Why is there an underlying shame surrounding the incredibly interesting disciplines that I chose to study? Why do I feel the need to justify my choice by explaining to others what post-grad path I intend to follow? I recalled when I explained this to Dr. Ruth Evans, an English professor at SLU, she stated firmly how, “There has to be support across the university for students to feel safe. You should feel proud of your major.” This incredibly s i m p l e sentence was the first time that someone validated my choice of study. In fact, my experience explaining my major was usually less than validating. I still remember an old coworker’s (Siri Chevuru / The University News) reaction when I told him my majors. It feels like yesterday that the blood rushed to my face when he laughed and said: “What, are you trying to work at this coffee shop forever?” Though not everyone is as forward as my former co-worker in their disdain for the humanities, it was not the first nor the last time that a student like myself has been a victim of the negative stigma that surrounds the humanities. As I was doing research for this article, I found that humanities majors even at the most prestigious of academic institutions fall victim to untrue

stereotypes and stigma. Author Nathan Heller wrote an article for the New Yorker entitled “The End of The English Major,” in which he interviewed various students from Harvard to get their perspective on how humanities are studied at a school that shines as the beacon of intellectual achievement. Isabel Mehta, a Harvard junior stated, “I would never say this to any of my English friends, but I kind of thought those majors were a joke.” The understanding I personally hold of humanities courses repeatedly conflicts with the negative opinions held by many other students, and it made me once again wonder, Why? Why does this stigma exist? The study of English has given us our most influential authors, it has allowed for greater communication, and has allowed some of the most intelligent and creative thinkers to have a platform. English has given us everything from “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” by William Shakeaspeare in “As You Like It” to Ronald Regan’s Brandenburg Address, in which he stated, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Furthermore, the study of Philosophy teaches people to think critically, and gives us a different way to examine history. Why is the history we study today the way it is? Is the past random? A mixture of theology and philosophy can examine whether a God has set up history to happen in a certain cause-effect way, therefore leading students to tackle issues such as good vs. evil, and whether or not God exists as an omnipotent, omniscient being. As I grappled with my confusion, Hellar’s article pointed me towards one’s background and parental influence as potential causes for why students tend to stray away from the humanities and perpetuate negative, untrue stereotypes regarding these majors. Harvard graduate Justin Covach explained how her parents, being low-income immigrants, heavily influenced her choice not to study English, even though she loved it and was an avid reader: “My first issue as a first-gen student is: I have always viewed humanities as a passion project. You must be affluent in order to be able to take that on.” Another student, Rebecca Cadenhead, echoed Covach’s grievances. “People in the [humanities] group are from the Northeast, are usually upper middle class, are usually white.” Given that I checked each privileged box put forth by Cadenhead, I was unsettled. The idea that the humanities might not be as inclusive to people of color was not something that had occurred to me as a possible reason for the 17% decline in humanities enrollment over the past decade. Cadenhead further went on to explain how people of color at Harvard fear judgment on a magnified scale, when compared to their white counterparts. A concern that people of color feel is that they will be perceived as less

academic if they choose to study humanities, which is part of the reason that they are drawn more towards the sciences, as Heller observes, “They think they’ll be perceived as more intelligent if they do.” This was the first time I realized that stigma existed for my peers in a way that I couldn’t understand. Furthermore, since paying for an undergraduate degree is extremely difficult for low-income students, the fact that acquiring a higher-paying job with a humanities major commonly requires a doctorate degree becomes an impossible prospect to many. While humanities majors are likely to earn high salaries after graduate school, engineering majors are most likely to be earning that same, or higher, directly after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. In fact, according to a CNBC article published on Feb. 23, 2023 entitled “Highest-Paying College Majors, Five Years After Graduation,” eight of the majors listed were engineers, and the other two were also STEM. When faced with such bleak statistics, it is no wonder that students without access to unlimited financial opportunities are drawn towards STEM majors, often due to pressure from their families, or it is intermized with their identity as first-generation, or students of color. Similarly, another CNBC article went on to detail the ten worst paying college majors five years after graduating. I remember being disappointed but unsuprised as I examined the list that included majors such as Theology, Foreign Language, English and more. However, the situation may not be as bleak as these articles make it seem. On a sunny October afternoon, I was able to talk to Dr. Charles Parker, a history professor at SLU, and one thing he said really stuck out to me, “I think there has always been a sense that with an engineering degree you are going to make a lot more money than if you have a history degree. That’s a misperception. After about ten years, humanities majors make as much as students going into almost any other profession.” Though I was initially skeptical of this statement, I found that Dr. Parker was right. In the New York Times article “In The Salary Race, Engineers Sprint but English Majors Endure,” author David Demming pointed out, “By age 40 the earnings of people who majored in fields like social science or history have caught up (to STEM majors).” Demming goes on to point out how the average social science and history major will be earning around $131,154 at the age of 40, which is about $20,000 dollars ahead of the average salary of all college graduates. The skills that those majoring in humanities are incredibly employable, or as explained by Dr. Evans, “Humanities majors are highly in demand because of their writing skills, their argumentative skills, their researching skills, and their ability to recognize bullshit.”

For more satirical news articles, such as this one, follow @ slufakenews on Instagram.

opinion

Body Images: How Society Changes What’s in the Mirror (Kaia Monaco / The University News)

SOPHIE GLORIOD

Opinion Editor

Modern day society has opened the door for people around the world to be connected through various forms of communication, like social media platforms. Instagram, for example, allows people to see pictures posted from all over the world. Viewers can then not only see lives that are new and exciting but also see picture perfect models who have mastered the art of effortless cool girl chic. These models remind the viewer that they are not good enough, that self improvement is what you should always be striving towards, the way that you are right now is never good enough. Social media platforms almost encourage girls especially to start hating themselves from the youngest age possible. When was the first time you realized the girls sitting next to you in class thighs were not as big as yours? When was the first time someone pointed out the hair on your legs as a little girl, as if body hair is not a completely normal (and healthy) thing to have? To make these feelings worse, when scrolling through social media girls are attacked from every angle with perfect photos of perfect women with perfectly unattainable lives. Society attacks women and young girls for every aspect of themselves. You have to be thin, but not so thin you do not have an ass or feminine curves. God forbid though you have a tummy, and the grossest thing a woman can have is cellulite or stretch marks. And do not even get me started on body hair, if you are not hairless then do not even bother trying to be attractive. No matter what you do, you cannot win. Sadly this reality is something nearly every woman faces in her daily life. This issue has been going on for centuries, women throughout all of history have felt the pressures society places on them to be thinner, prettier, smile more, and take up less space. This unbelievable burden women are expected to carry with them every day of their lives causes what their bodies look like to take up more mental space than anything should. Girls are younger and younger the first time this toxic societal standard creeps into their minds, allowing the negativity regarding their bodies to grow along with them.

The amount of TikToks revolving around how to start a new diet and stick with it, or try a new workout fad to lose weight all over your body I have seen in the past week is nauseating. It is nearly impossible to be on any social media platform and not be hit in the face with an absurd amount of body shaming in some way shape or form. Not only that, but you cannot turn on the TV without seeing models and actresses with bodies that are nearly impossible for an everyday girl without a private chef and workout coach to achieve. Even the most supportive and empowering of women have made comments that make young girls second guess their worth. Take Taylor Swift for example. She is known for being a strong role model for young girls. She preaches body positivity, yet the scale in her music video for the track “Anti-Hero” says fat and Swift shakes her head. Regardless of her attempt to show her humanity in this clip, Swift is not fat nor anywhere near fat and this 10 seconds of video could destroy the work on loving yourself a teenager could have been working on for years. Despite all the pressure and pain girls face about their bodies, there is still hope. Body positivity movements are taking off on social media platforms, such as TikTok. Women are encouraging each other to wear the crop top and have a second scoop of ice cream after dinner because our bodies

deserve food to fuel us through the day. These influences are talking over the mean voice in little girls’ heads telling them they are not good enough by showing “real” bodies, showing the magic of posing and lighting when taking a body checking photo. More and more clothing stores are promoting the all bodies are beautiful mindset by hiring models with all sorts of different body types. Young girls are being encouraged to love themselves regardless of what society tells them their weight should be, reminding each other that if a pair of jeans does not fit that does not mean you do not get to eat. All it means is that you get to go on a shopping spree to buy a new pair of jeans. Young girls should be uplifted and empowered, not torn down and told they are not enough. Young girls deserve to be shown that they are worth so much more than just a pretty face and slim waistline. They should be encouraged to speak up against the body shaming and fatphobia that society seems to love. Give your body the love it deserves, it does so much for you. Could you imagine meeting your 10-year-old self and telling them that you grow up and hate your body, something created to allow your mind and soul to flourish? Why do we, as a society, allow young girls to waste their formative years thinking about how to shrink themselves down to nothing? We should instead teach little girls from the very beginning that they are worth more than the number on the scale. Or better yet, to throw out all scales and mirrors and teach them that they do not need society’s idea of beauty in order to be deserving of love. Social media was created with the best of intentions, but lately, it has strayed farther and farther from the original goal: to connect people across the world. Now, society needs to change the way they view women’s bodies and encourage each other to act out of love. Our 10-year-old selves deserve to trust they will continue to love themselves and be proud of the girl they see in the mirror.

opinion

Planes, Trains and the Need to Revamp Transportation JOHNNY PRUSAK

Opinion Editor

It is almost universally agreed upon that flying is a terrible experience. Long layovers, overpriced gadgets and the use of security theatre all lead to travelers’ frustration and overall discontentment with air travel. In addition to consumer uneasiness, flying has a significant impact on climate change, contributing to almost four percent of global emissions. Despite the hassle, many Americans still choose to fly as it is usually the fastest way to travel long distances and simply there is no better alternative. Considering these factors, it is important to look to other options for travel, namely high speed rail, to ensure that travelers reach their destination safely and in a timely manner. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is remarkably bad at their jobs. In an undercover operation performed by the Department of Homeland Security, ABC News reported that fake guns and bombs were smuggled onto planes nearly 95% of the time. Since the TSA’s whole point is to protect people while traveling, this announcement requires one to question what their purpose is. Taking off your shoes and removing all electronics bigger than your phone seems odd considering that they missed much more obvious security concerns. Now, I am not saying that security on airlines is not important, rather quite the opposite. I argue that TSA must be restructured in order to actually protect travelers while also not imposing a draconian set of rules when trying to board a plane. When you enter the concourse, your senses are bombarded with bright lights and sweet smells from Auntie Anne’s kiosk and Cinnabon. When you approach these stands though, you are greeted with ridiculously high prices. But what other option do you have? TSA confiscated your water bottle or dumped it out, and chances are you do not have the room or space to pack a hot meal. Emily Stewart, in an article with Vox News, notes that: “You essen-

Flying is one of America’s most popular forms of travel, then why are there so many problems?

tially get two choices: fork up and pay for that water or wine or set of headphones because you forgot yours at home, or wait it out and hope your flight doesn’t get delayed if you forgot to bring a snack.” While there are increased measures that goods need to go through in order to be sold inside of an airport, usually such increases should not be more than 10-15%. The monopolistic pricing that has become one of the standard airport experiences further contributes to the dissatisfaction of journeyers.

“You essentially get two choices: fork up and pay for that water or wine or set of headphones because you forgot yours at home, or wait it out and hope your flight doesn’t get delayed if you forgot to bring a snack.” Lastly, as if all of these issues were not enough, air travel is a major contributor to climate change. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (NOx) are spewed out by jet fuel, the latter being the main carcinogen produced by aircraft. While commercial airliners are the most prominent polluters in the industry, private jets are also incredibly damaging to the environment.

In a report from EuroNews, private jet emissions totalled to nearly 5.3 million tonnes of CO2 from 2019-2022, which is nearly the total emissions of Uganda for a year. There have been advancements in electric planes currently, though they are mainly limited to private jets which again are much less frequent. The best solution to this issue: high speed rail. Trains are a much cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to flying that many countries are experimenting with. However, this option is not available to American citizens since many roadblocks are in place from the auto and airline industries that would see a reduction in profits caused by this new technology. The only option that Americans have to cross the country other than buses, flying and driving is Amtrak which has numerous issues and in need of a serious revitalization. In order to pull this off, new infrastructure would need to be built which would provide jobs to many Americans, not to mention the need for engineers and other personnel. High speed rail provides the same benefits that allure people to domestic flights without the red tape and pollution. There will be little need for such bizarre and heavy-handed security measures that are a staple of air travel. While some of the issues regarding air travel will remain, offering a counter to the high prices and ineffective security measures will better both industries in the long run.

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