Vindicator Cleveland State University’s Arts and Culture Magazine
SPRING 2017
COMPLIMENTARY
SPRING 2 Letter from the Editor 3 Contributors 4 Online 5 Calendar ARTS 7 Film Moving Forward 9 N ational Endowement for the Arts 11 Long Live Rock & Roll CULTURE 13 The Road to Recovery 15 Diet Racism 17 R ight to Love 18 Warm Up 2017 19 T he Benefit and Cost of Higher Education FEATURE 21 Bridging the Gap 23 P romoting Awareness for Child Abuse 25 Autism from the Passenger Seat 29 We’re Screwed, and It’s Our Fault SOCIAL 35 Glaciers 37 T o Fight or Not to Fight: The Immunization Debate 39 The Truth Behind Animal Farming 41 On Taking Breaks & Being Human POETRY 43 Farewell 44 Old Cigarettes 45 Sistah 46 Choices
29 Save the Earth
If we kill our own home, we’re going down with it.
EDITOR’S LETTER
SPRING FORWARD
S
pring: a time to embrace change and renewal. For Clevelanders, the season signals a long-awaited end to winter. But endings are incredibly bittersweet. We say farewell to times past, and welcome what is to come. What you are holding in your hand, our final issue of the 2016-2017 school year, represents a transition, as does the spring.
for the Arts, especially in Cleveland. Alexis Rosen urges us all to prioritize self-care, regardless of how packed our schedules may be.
To celebrate the planet which sustains all life, this month’s cover story, written by Features Editor Alana Whelan, discusses environmental sustainability and advocates for an awareness of the impact human activity has on the Earth.
As I prepare to graduate with my fellow students, I want to take the time to thank you, wonderful reader, for your support. We value your readership of this magazine, as it is the culmination of the time, energy and creativity of our contributors, editorial staff and designers. It has been a pleasure and an honor serving the community of Cleveland State University.
In light of Alcohol Awareness Month, Tyisha Blade courageously uses her experience with alcohol abuse as a framework to advocate for the addicted. Arts Editor Ben Heacox discusses the importance of the National Endowment
For many of us, this time period in our collective history signals one of great change and uncertainty. The power that each of us wields is that of knowledge, of education, and of tolerance.
In Solidarity,
ELISABETH WEEMS
CULTURE EDITOR SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 2
Faculty Advisor Julie Burrell Media Specialist Daniel Lenhart
CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-Chief Arbela Capas Art Director Nicole Zollos Managing Editor Holly Bland Multimedia Manager Evan Prunty Culture Editor Elisabeth Weems Arts Editor Benjamin Heacox Feature Editor Alana Whelan Online Editor/Junior Designer Michella Dilworth Assistant Art Director Andriana Akrap Junior Designer Alyssa Miller Junior Designer Jessika Riane Poem Designer Mikayla Colston Contributing Writer Greg Elek Contributing Writer Charlotte Morgan Contributing Writer Caitlin Cole Contributing Writer Joe Schmittgen Contributing Writer Tyisha Blade Contributing Writer Chau Tang Contributing Writer Arbela Capas Contributing Writer Caitlin Barry Contributing Writer Alexis Rosen Contributing Writer KC Longley Contributing Writer Holly Bland Contributing Writer Elisabeth Weems Contributing Writer Dorothy Zhao Contributing Writer Alana Whelan Contributing Writer Benjamin Heacox Contributing Poets Chau Tang, Raquel Wilbon, Alyssia Miller, Tyisha Blade The content of the Vindicator does not necessarily represent all of the opinions of Cleveland State University, its students, faculty, or staff: nor does it represent all members of the Vindicator staff or our advisors unless otherwise stated. The editor reserves the right to comment on any issue that affects the student body in general as well as the multicultural community at large. Letters to the editors and other submissions are accepted, however they must have the authors name, address, major if applicable, and telephone number. All submissions become property of the Vindicator and the Vindicator reserves the right to edit submissions as deemed necessary.
3 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
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what’s happening in...
SPRING ‘17 1
APRIL A Fugitives Path: Escape on the Underground Railroad
23
6
Big Spring at Cleveland Botanical Garden
4 Miles 4 Water
April 1st-8th Explore events and issues leading up to the American Civil War and experience yourself the emotional trials of the Underground Railroad. With this event you’ll put yourself in the fugitive slaves on route to the North to achieve freedom’s shoes. Reservations are required, call 330-6663711 x 1720. Times vary and the program length is about 90 minutes. Students participate for $12!
2686 OAK HILL ROAD IN BATH, OH 44210 AT HALE FARM & VILLAGE
Community Spaces: Art in the Community Through April 15th SPACES is hosting its 2nd Annual CommunitySPACES– a series of art exhibitions emulating Northeast Ohio locals work of culture, education, and health institutions. Some of the participating organizations are Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, and Beck Center for the Arts. Times vary and admission is free. Call 216-621-2314 for more details.
2900 DETROIT AVE CLEVELAND OH 44112
Until April 23rd Big Spring, Cleveland Botanical Garden’s imaginative celebration of spring, is a family-friendly event welcoming the spring season with tons of indoor activities. A Mad Hatter tea party, indoor garden hedge maze, oversize chess/checkers games just to name a few. Times and dates vary and admission is $12 for adults! Held at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Center online.
11030 EAST BOULEVARD CLEVELAND, OH 44106
MAY
5
Tequila Fest Cleveland May 5th For Cinco de Mayo this year’s Tequila Fest will have it’s 6th run in Cleveland. Over 30 tequilas, taco, salsa, and guacamole bars too. The fun starts at Lagos Outside Veranda with a DJ and live performance TBA. 5-11pm! $45 admission. 50/50 raffle, margarita competition and more!
1091 WEST 10TH ST, CLEVELAND, OH 44113
March 17-19th In an innovative way to create awareness to preserve fresh water resources and have a positive impact on the global water crisis, 4 Miles 4 Water is a festival, run and walk hosted by the Greater Cleveland Aquarium and Jacobs Nautica Pavilion. Brunch themed food trucks, and a Bloody Mary bar will be present. Register online fo #4M4W2017! 8am-1pm at Jacobs Nautica Pavilion. at $35.
1 ST CLAIR AVENUE
13
Bob’s Burgers Talent Show at Side Quest May 13th With a Bob’s Burgers themed menu by Wok n Roll Kitchen, join Side Quest for the first ever Bob’s Burgers Talent Show! Performances are preferred to be under 5 minutes and you can submit artwork to be hung for the evening. Sign up through the Facebook event located on Side Quest’s Facebook page. Strictly 21+. 7pm-1am.
17900 DETROIT AVE, LAKEWOOD OH 44107 SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 6
FILM IN THE MODERN ERA A look at how the internet is shaping film for the viewer. // Greg Elek
A
film by Daniels. Seeing this
online film needs to be an experimental
into parts and uploaded onto YouTube as
phrase at the beginning of
masterpiece that shapes films to come,
a series, and maybe even uploaded as the
2016’s Swiss Army Man started
but it would be nice to see a few more, and
original 93 minute cut. No one could say for
making my mind go 100 miles
I sincerely think that time could be right
sure if more people would have more seen
a minute. Is Daniels a person?
around the corner due to more and more
it one way as opposed to another, but it is
Does he/she/them have a large filmogra-
filmmakers that seem content with putting
interesting to think about. They’re proba-
phy? A quick IMDB search search informed
their films on the internet as opposed to a
bly better off financially with a distribution
me that ‘Daniels’ consist of directors, Dan-
more traditional release.
deal from Hulu.
iel Kwan, and Daniel Scheinert. Their career
Making a film just for consumption on
Money is becoming harder, and harder
before Swiss Army Man was full of short
the internet use to be a very bizarre concept
to come by in the filmmaking world. It’s
films and music videos. I started watching.
to me. It always seemed insane to me that
much easier to stay at home and watch a
Everything was just as weird and wonderful
someone could spend so much time and
movie, than it is to go out and pay to see
as I hoped it would be. Then, I got to their
money on a film and not even have any
something in the theater. This is why we’re
2014 short, Possibilia, and I realized just
desire to submit it to any festivals, but I’ll
seeing so many reboots and remakes. It
how much potential the internet has the
admit that thinking might have been a little
isn’t because Hollywood is out of ideas,
change how films are made, and watched.
bit on the misguided side. The main goal
it’s because Hollywood needs to focus on
of filmmaking is for as many people to see
what’s more likely to make them money,
about a couple whose relationship seems to
your product as possible, so who cares if
and even when they aren’t reimagining
be coming to an end. It’s one of the coolest
they’re seeing it in the theater or watch-
an old property they seem to have a very
and maybe even is the best short I’ve ever
ing it on YouTube? It’s hard to say really
specific idea of what they want made. The
seen, and it definitely couldn’t have had
if one has an advantage over the other or
biggest market for watching movies is Chi-
any kind a traditional release. It would be
not. Obviously a film like The Avengers has
na, so this means the less dialogue you have
impossible to watch it on a TV or in the
been seen by more people than a short on
the better, which is why Hollywood loves
theater. It wouldn’t even work on more
YouTube with 500,000 views, but what if
action movies so much. Horror movies are
popular internet sites that you might find
we look at a smaller film like 2016’s indie
also big amongst studios, because they’re
something similar to it, such as Netflix or
comedy, Joshy, directed and written by Jeff
cheap (usually due to how contained they
YouTube. Instead you have to go to Hel-
Baena. With the exception of Sundance
are), and tend to bring in a lot of money.
loeko.com to watch it. Helloeko could play
Joshy wasn’t shown in any theaters, and
Even something like Robert Egger’s 2016
a more pivotal role in filmmaking in years
was picked up by Hulu for a distribution
hit, The Witch only cost a measly $3 million
to come. They’re a website dedicated to
deal. One might question if the film would
to make, and that film was a period piece,
the interactive online experience, and even
have gotten more exposure if it was split
which tends to cost much more than a film
Possibilia is an interactive short film
give out grants to a select group of lucky
set in modern time. So if you want a film to
filmmakers every now and again who have
be released in theaters that isn’t a Marvel
ideas for original interactive content. They aren’t really a household name yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that changed in the near future. It’s no secret that services like Netflix and Amazon Video make it very easy to watch some of our favorite TV shows and Movies with little to no effort from home, but when are we going to start pushing how films made for consumption at home are made? I’m not saying that I think every 7 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
INTERNET-ONLY FILMS TO CHECKOUT
movie, or a horror film, you might need to look elsewhere for funding, and the internet has that taken care of as well. Crowdfunding isn’t really that foreign of a concept these days. If you’re on social media you’ve probably seen a family
little strides here and there like vlogger
member post a link to their GoFundMe for
Grace Helbig getting a show on E! that got
next vacation or your musician friend post
canceled after one season, or some bigger
a link to their Kickstarter for their next
YouTubers like Smosh and Shane Dawson
album, but Crowdfunding has helped even
making smaller budget movies that never
some of Hollywood’s heavy hitters get
really end up making a lot of money or get-
movies made like Zach Braff, Duke Johnson,
ting good reviews. Another popular vlogger,
and Charlie Kaufman. Kaufman, and Braff
Casey Neistat, just signed a deal with CNN
are both filmmakers who would’ve had a
for an app, but it’s too soon to tell if that’s
very easy time getting money for movies
going to go anywhere. I don’t know how
ten years ago, but are being affected by the
many YouTuber’s actually want to make
current state of the film industry. The little
the jump. YouTube seems to be changing its
guy can definitely try to crowdfund for a
platform to hit better with the times. Not to
major project for a feature film, but I think
long ago they set up a subscription service
the most interesting and potentially helpful
called YouTube Red where you no longer get
website for the little guy to get funds is
any ad’s and get additional content from
Patreon. Patreon is a website that allows
creators, even feature films. YouTube just
fans of creators to support the creators
also announced plans for a cable service
financially usually for perks like behind
called YouTube TV. This is another devel-
the scenes, early access, google hangouts,
opment that’s really too early to judge, but
and so on. Patreon is unique from websites
could have a big impact on creators of the
like GoFundMe, Indiegogo, and Kickstart-
site moving forward. YouTube developing
er, because you aren’t giving a one-time
with the times is smart, because it’s making
donation for one project, but you’re taking
creators want to stay, we just recently lost
part in funding a creator for as long as
the video making app Vine due to lack of
you decide to keep up with your payment
communication with creators, and little
either per video or monthly. Obviously, you
to no chances for creators on the site to
aren’t going to get much out of this if you
make any money, which is what separates
aren’t consistently making good content
the men from the boys. Give your creators
that people are watching, but if you are
freedom, and the money to do so, and why
it could really help you grow your brand,
would they want to leave?
and improve your projects in the long run.
Director Daniels Watch on Helloeko
The Candidate (2010) Director David Karlak Watch on YouTube
It’s too early to tell if we’re all going
Patreon is allowing not only filmmakers,
to be sitting on our laptops ten years from
but anyone with a talent or hobby can turn
now watching interactive films and longing
that talent or hobby into a career if enough
for the days of old when we went to theater,
people enjoy it.
but the internet is shaping every aspect
Before we’re done here we have to talk
Possibilia (2014)
of our life, and there’s no debating that.
about the video giant, YouTube. We all know
This article might not have been entirely
what the site is, but what about the people
dedicated to what we traditionally think as
on the site? YouTube has all of the potential
films, 100 minutes of moving pictures with
in the world to groom young stars and give
sound that we see in a theater, but what we
them exposure. So has it? Well kind of, but
think of as films could easily be changing.
honestly, not really. There are two nota-
The definition of a film is simply a motion
ble cases of people getting exposure that
picture, and we have a lot of those in this
leads to a heavy involvement in film from
digital age. As someone who makes films
YouTube that come into my head. There’s
and is always looking for unique ways to
the stars of Comedy Central’s Workahol-
approach filmmaking I’m very excited, and
ics old channel called mailordercomedy,
grateful for the internet. If you can be suc-
and a YouTuber by the name of Daxflame
cessful with your craft and gain a follow-
getting roles in movies like 21 Jumpstreet,
ing through the internet you don’t have a
and Project X. Besides this, not many
studio to tell you what you can or can’t do.
people have made the jump off of YouTube
Everything is in the hands of the creator,
to the entertainment industry. We’ve seen
which is always a good thing.
Friend Like Me (2016) Director Sammy Paul Watch on YouTube
Let it Be (2016) Director Bertie Gilbert Watch on YouTube
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 8
THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS Established by Congress in 1965, benefits from the United State’s largest investment in the arts may disappear in 2017. // Benjamin Heacox
A
s a federal government agency, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) cannot engage in advocacy, either directly or indirectly. We will, however,
continue our practice of educating about the NEA’s vital role in serving our nation’s communities,” said Jane Chu, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, in a public statement March 17 responding to reports that President Trump’s budget plans would end the NEA. While the NEA cannot as an ethical Federal Organization advocate for its survival, our local programs are at risk of losing the support of the Federal Government. Cleveland is known nationwide for its strong, well rounded and well-funded arts institutions. Americans from Northeast Ohio benefit when institutions can educate and enrich their communities in the arts. In order to continue the recent CLE renaissance, our city needs the positive influence of the arts and yes, Cleveland needs the NEA. So far in 2017, Cleveland arts and education groups have been granted a total of $370,000 dollars from the NEA – that
Cleveland becomes more organized, more
By providing spaces to express, we create
is half of all NEA funding for the state of
institutions form and seek to enrich their
neighborhood-centric safe zones for young
Ohio. Several community arts organization
communities through arts and education.
people.”
receive money from this national grant, in-
“They make creativity normal,” said
Established Cleveland centres such as
cluding most of the arts organizations that
Robert Gatewood, a member of the Board of
University Circle and Playhouse Square have
have been featured in The Vindicator in my
Directors at Northeast Shores - a nonprofit
greatly benefited from large federal grants,
time as Arts Editor.
corporation that facilitates neighborhood
but the work of the NEA is not limited to
development here in Cleveland. “Exposure
large museums and playhouses. With a
sharing their work with their neighbors
increases the likelihood of youth learning
budding local scene, there’s a great need for
can quickly grow into a small playhouse or
about fields closer to interests, and that
funding in order to educate and enrich peo-
studio for lessons. As the local arts scene in
in turn strengthens the neighborhood.
ple’s lives. There are even some communi-
What starts as a small group of artists
9 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT CALL YOUR STATE SENATOR ROB PORTMAN 216.522.7095 portman.senate.gov
SHERROD BROWN 216.522.7272 brown.senate.gov
CALL CONGRESS 1-844-872-0234
SIGN THE PETITION petitions.whitehouse.gov “Preserve the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities”
ties across Ohio whose exposure to arts is solely funded through the Endowment. Lisa Wong, a professor of music at The College of Wooster and Assistant Director
acclaimed play “I Call My Brothers” to
spending. Even some conservative figures
for the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, shared
Gordon Square, employing local talent and
such as Mike Huckabee have argued in favor
from her experience as a former grant pan-
entertaining west-siders starting at only
of preserving the now endangered funds
elist for the NEA.
$12 dollars a seat compared to the $30 dol-
citing the immense benefits to impover-
lars starting price for nose-bleed balcony
ished communities for a low price tag.
“I was part of a committee that read and evaluated grant proposals in music,
seats at Playhouse Square for less inspiring
and it is safe to say that the NEA regularly
shows.
supports and funds numerous undertakings
fiscally responsible, the benefits are clearly
in the arts - in Ohio and nationwide,” said
would existing art be cut back, but poten-
seen in communities across the country,
Wong. “Projects come in every size and
tial community programs will not be given
and on a matter of principle, arts education
scope, and are aimed at children, adults,
an opportunity to flourish. NEA funded
preserves and enhances the world that we
seniors - everyone. I found it particularly
programs like the one in Cleveland Public
all live in.
inspiring to see the impact the NEA can
Theatre and others like it have already ben-
have on rural communities that might
efited the Cleveland community, why limit
Kennedy, “I look forward to an America
otherwise have limited access to large-scale
the potential benefits of future programs?
which will reward achievement in the arts
“There are significant discussions
as we reward achievement in business or
artistic events.”
To quote the late President John F.
about this, because a lot of our upward
statecraft. I look forward to an America
variety of communities that may not oth-
growth depended on nonprofit grant mon-
which will steadily raise the standards of
erwise have access, including some found
ey,” said Gatewood. “I’ve been working to
artistic accomplishment and which will
in Cleveland. Travel to Gordon Square just
open a business in Collinwood that stood to
steadily enlarge cultural opportunities for
west of downtown and you can find a prime
benefit and now is harmed by NEA deci-
all of our citizens. And I look forward to an
example of such a neighborhood. At the
sions. Personally, I think the elimination of
America which commands respect through-
center of Gordon Square is Cleveland Public
NEA funds could drag down progress coun-
out the world not only for its strength but
Theatre - an organization known for help-
trywide. The reality is if the pie shrinks and
for its civilization as well.”
ing both underprivileged Cleveland chil-
there are more people trying to get a slice,
dren and the homeless with after-school
it will be harder to grow.”
The NEA funds local programs in a
programs and job training.
With the future of the endowment
There is no good reason to stop the flow of federal funds to the arts. While the political world goes on arguing about
shrouded in uncertainty, there have been
national security, balanced budgets, human
ty, and has been recognized regionally and
no specific plans laid out to make up for
rights, and the greatness of our American
nationwide as a leader in the support and
the difference left in the wake of defunding.
society, it is so vital that we not forget what
development of new artists,” said Raymond
There’s no “recipe” to fix the problem of a
the purpose of the grand discourse. This
Bobgan, Cleveland Public Theatre’s Execu-
shrinking “pie.”
money belongs to the artists to preserve our
“CPT invests in innovation and diversiPHOTOS BY EVAN PRUNTY & ANDRIANA AKRAP
If the NEA were to disappear, not only
So why end the National Endowment for the Arts at all? Funding seems to be
tive Director.
Advocates for the continuation of NEA
culture and feed the imaginations of our
funding argue that there’s no real savings
youth right here in Cleveland and around
$20,000 dollars from the endowment.
in cutting it out of the federal budget. This
the country.
These funds helped bring the globally
makes sense as the total funding for the
In 2017 alone, CPT has received
arts is a mere 0.02% of total government SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 10
LONG LIVE FUNKADELIC The wonderment of Kidd Funkadelic, featuring lead-guitarist Michael Hampton. // Charlotte Morgan
D
uring the Rock and Roll Hall of
at an after party in the living room of a
in Norman Young had been telling me about
Fame rehearsals in the Cleveland
friends’ house at 3441 E. 119th off Kinsman.
this killer guitar player on the west side,
Renaissance Hotel ballroom that
When asked about that fateful night,
who was just blowing everybody away. And
Tuesday afternoon May 6, 1997
Hampton reminiscences, “My cousin (Lige
this killer guitar player was Mike Hampton.
Curry) played bass. I had showed him the
So I said, ‘Sure I’d love to meet this guy.
chords to ‘Maggot Brain’ and we played it
And my cousin went and picked Mike up
inducted, there stood legendary guitarist Michael Hampton. He had left Cleveland nearly 25 years earlier to join George Clinton’s group. But he was 40 years old now and back home; his eyes affixed on the stage as another Michael rehearsed. The astonishment and reverence on his face for Michael Jackson was clear. One can only wonder what else the legendary guitarist was thinking. Perhaps he thought about what he had gone through in order to earn his place in music history—all the touring, traveling, and recording. Well, it has been 20 years since Michael was inducted into the Hall of Fame this April — since a new class prepares to take their place in music history, — let us look back at one of Cleveland’s most famous guitar heroes. Once upon a time in Cleveland, WMMS 100.7 FM on-air jock Billy Bass would play Funkadelics’ “Maggot Brain” around 1:30 am Sunday morning—it was ritual. The band’s construct during the 1970s was strictly a sublime cosmic slop—meaning it was about the Black Power movement which emerged after the end of the Civil
“
and brought him to my house and basically, Mike and I started The Elektrik Sparks
The Kidd had returned home, and was now hanaging with other legends.
“
when Parliament Funkadelic was set to be
Rights era and the death of Martin Luther
Band. It was June 23, 1974, Sparks who had met George Clinton a few years earlier, invited the band back to his house to celebrate his birthday. However, in fact, it was the chance to for Clinton to hear Hampton shred “Maggot Brain.” According to Sparks, “When Eddie Hazel was arrested two weeks later, Gary Shider phoned Cleveland to see if the kid was available. Next, Michael found himself onstage in Maryland performing “Maggot Brain”—the tale of Kidd Funkadelic had begun.” Sparks broke it down as follows: “I did my first show in Landover, Maryland, at this place called the Capital Centre—now it’s a mall—but that was the first place that had closed-circuit TV sync. I looked up and I started off the set—it was sold out and I started off the show with ‘Maggot Brain’—that was all I used to play,” Michael said. Before long, his solo became the high point in a show that was at times like a rock opera that featured costumed musi-
King, Bobby Kennedy, and Malcolm X fea-
in the living room. The band was around
cians, singers, and props. I was a teenager
turing acid-stimulated lyrics that inspired
me. I didn’t know it was Eddie Hazel [gui-
attending a concert on an Easter Sunday
psychedelic wonderment and life beyond
tarist] and [drummer] Tiki Fulwood—it was
when I first saw Kidd Funkadelic perform at
the stars.
the whole band—Gary (Shider) and Boogie
the Allen Theater. With his head down most
(Cordell Mosson). They were all there and
of the time, he merged with his instrument
they heard me play.”
on hits like “Cosmic Slop” and “Mothership
Our story begins in 1974 when Michael Hampton, a baby-faced 17-year-old guitar prodigy from 12837 North Avenue on Cleve-
Another local musician, bass player Ed
land’s West Side, performed a note-for-
Sparks takes credit for the kismet which
note rendition of the psychedelic anthem
landed the teenager in the funk. “My cous-
11 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
Connection”—I realized I had never seen nor heard anything like this in Black music. When I began working at Scene Maga-
zine, Parliament-Funkadelic, a two-headed
Hampton recalls, “For the “[Not Just]
it up for the melody. I’m always listening
musical group with distinct personalities—
Knee Deep” solo, I think it was a Fend-
for that resolution. I might wander around
one pyschedelic rock, featuring Michael
er Twin cranked all the way up. They had
in some different modes or scales, but I’m
Hampton’s lead guitar and Parliament,
those microphones that stuck to the glass.
interested in trying to resolve it right on, at
featuring a wall of vocals and funky bass,
But in order to get that sound, they isolated
a time where people should understand it.
keyboards, and drums, accented by sassy
the amp. I was using my Alembic guitar, I
It could be a slow or fast lead, but whatever
horns. “The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein” was
forget what the model was, and there was a
it is should resolve. “Oh, here it comes right
a piece that earned the cover of the publi-
Morley wah and I think they had a Marshall
here. Okay.” And bring it back home.”
cation and starred a toy Kidd Funkadelic in
stack. I was basically right next to the stack
the grasp of Dr. Funkenstein (aka George
when I did that solo. I prefer to be right
place in the Rock Hall. His brother Wade
Clinton). I was scheduled for a feature with
next to it, for feedback and other effects.”
threw a party up the street at the Wynd-
the Kidd, but it never materialized. Instead,
When he was in high school, his teach-
He returned to Cleveland to take his
ham, so when I arrived to rehearsal, Mi-
his old bandmate, Ed Sparks threw a party
er took the whole class to see the sympho-
chael wasn’t there. But as Michael Jackson
and I got to hang out with Michael. As our
ny orchestra. “I was fortunate enough to
began running through his dance moves,
relationship grew, he had to learn to trust
check that out, and something about it just
the room quieted and I turned to see Kidd
me, I was afforded the opportunity to visit
set something off—when I hear certain
Funkadelic and Prince along the back wall
his family’s home on North Avenue to
songs and the way they use the modes. I’m
of the room staring. The Kidd had returned
watch him practice and create songs that I
looking for what it makes me feel like, you
home and was now hanging with other
would later hear on P-funk recordings.
know? Like wonderment. I’m trying to paint
legends. During the induction ceremony,
a feeling of whatever feeling I have,” he
dressed in a suit, took the stage with the
says.
P-Funk mob, his hair long hair braided—he
The walls going up to the second floor were lined with gold and platinum albums that Michael had earned. His guitar solo on
His unique style has often put him in
still had that youthful look I remembered.
“(Not Just) Knee Deep”, “One Nation Under
the same category as a Jimi Hendrix, but
When time for his speech came, he de-
A Groove” have become a part of the black
he still remains unknown to today’s music
clared, “I’m from here. From the west side
music lexicon.
fans. He’s good at incorporating solos, like
of Cleveland and if it wasn’t for “Maggot
how a drummer does a roll. George told him
Brain” I wouldn’t be here.” He looked
to play R&B, he plays a drum roll and sets
happy.
Tupac Shakur
Electric Light Orchestra
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME 2017 INDUCTEES
Performers
Nile Rodgers
Award for Musical Excellence
Performers
Yes
Pearl Jam
Performers
Performers
Journey
Joan Baez
Performers
Performers
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 12
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY A A call for conscious consumption of alcohol, framed by my struggle with abuse. // Tyisha Blade lcohol. What do people tend to
not accept the fact that I had a problem
United States. Thirty-eight percent of
think when they hear about
even though with education, evidence, and
college students ages 18–22 reported binge
cold hard facts, it was proven to be true.
drinking in a recent study.
A getaway from a long work week? For me, what started
out as an unfortunate coping mechanism transformed into a lifestyle, then mani-
fested itself into a full addiction. A bright smiling mask lost in a realm of uncertainty often led to night after night of binge drinking. Numbing pain at dangerous levels of intoxication, I learned to create a shield that protected me from abuse, battling severe depression, and relationships that involved disastrously controlling men. Alcohol, to my ears, rang relief. It wasn’t until I had a gut wrenching self-awakening moment that I had realized what a devastatingly vicious spiral I was heading down. To save myself, I needed to change. I needed to separate myself from the mindset that kept me submissive to depression and alcohol abuse. I needed to detach myself from environments and the rotation of intimate relationships that resulted in mental and physical abuse. I needed to save my life. I needed help.
Alcoholism According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 17 million adults in the U.S. suffer from “Alcohol Use Disorder,” also known as alcohol dependency. These individuals have an active addiction which includes
“
I do recall a particular event where
I almost got myself hurt, possibly even
A bright smiling mask lost in a realm of uncertainty often led to night after night of binge drinking.
“
it? A good time? Relaxation?
Death Rates & Impairments
killed. Mixing prescription anxiety medication and alcohol to cope with internal
triggers was a treacherous mistake. After deviating from my original plan of resting from the medication and Hennessey that I had just ingested, I got behind the wheel of my vehicle at one in the morning. I recall being awakened to the sound of a train headed in my direction. I had fallen asleep behind the wheel of my car halted on the train tracks. How I got there, I couldn’t remember. What I do recall is the sound of that train getting louder and louder before I opened my eyes. It was something like being awake in a dream knowing that someone is trying to wake you out of your slumber. I got back home safely and I simply sat in my driveway not knowing what caused me to leave the house in the first place. Furthermore, I remember the tears. I thought, “Why am I risking my life in such a terrible manner?” I needed answers.
Depression and Anxiety The National Institute of Mental Health defines Depression as a serious mood disorder affecting serotonin in the brain and mood regulation. According to the World Health Organization, depression impacts over 350 million people across the globe. It
an inability to control drinking due to
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
is a complex psychological state which has
physical, psychological and/or emotional
and Alcoholism also reports that estimat-
physiological effects and interferes with an
dependence.
ed 88,000 people die from alcohol-related
individual’s routine functioning. Anxiety
causes annually, making alcohol the fourth
disorder is an overwhelming feeling of
leading preventable cause of death in the
worry, along with obsessive thoughts and
I was in a state of denial when I was diagnosed with alcohol dependency. I could 13 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
feelings of panic. Some use self-medication, abusing alcohol to mask symptoms
THE STATISTICS
rebuild especially if a sexual encounter
of a mental health issues. Depression and
lead to alcohol abuse. In some situations,
anxiety may be the result of many dif-
the individual benefits from some type of
ferent factors, including an imbalance in
counseling as they may have underlying
brain chemistry, genetic contributors, high
issues that prevent them from developing
stress, trauma, and environmental factors.
satisfying intimate relationships. As the
Alcohol temporarily relieves some of the
counterpart of a person in active addic-
psychological symptoms making substance
tion or recovery, the need to be a support
abuse a popular form of self-medication for
system to help guide the addict through
these disorders.
their turbulence is of utmost impor-
I can remember my first suicide attempt. I was fourteen and I was unhappy. I felt drained and sick to my stomach. My mind was racing. I felt cold and alone. Not knowing what depression was then, I was confused. Vicious self-talk was occurring and I felt worthless. All I wanted to do was take all the medication in the medicine cabinet. So, I did. The rest was a blur. I woke up in my bed the next morning. I never remembered what triggered this and other attempts. I do recall the hallowed feeling of unforgettable emptiness. A weakness within me that grew louder until the only solution in my eyes was death. I grew up not knowing if I would be happy enough to function or sad enough to do the unthinkable. There were bouts of happiness and times shared with peers making teenage life bearable. At age 17, I once again attempted to take my life. Only, this time, I drank bleach. For the next week, nothing but pain and worry. Too scared to go to the hospital, but too ashamed to tell my parents, I lived a nightmare. At this point, I was old enough to know why people con-
tance.
88,000
were both drinkers. I wanted and needed
people die from alcohol-related causes annually in the US.
the want to stay even stronger. After the
F
1 in 4
college students report academic consequences from drinking, like missing class, doing poorly on exams and papers, and recieving lower grades overall
sumed alcohol. So, I did.
In my most recent relationship, we change, instead, we drank together; only making my battle with the need to quit and realization that I needed help, I confided in him. In the same hour he bought me a fifth of Hennessy and poured me a cup! With a dire cry for help, my significant other was no support. Even with depression, expressing my deepest most vulnerable details of life, I shared that I needed some support. What did he do? Told me that I was probably better off dead.
Recovery Recovery resources are available for individuals who are seeking sober life. Addiction Recovery Services at University Hospitals, Alcoholics Anonymous, and rehab centers are just a few options for treatment. Some employers offer counseling services for those suffering from alcohol dependency. For me, recovery started with an internal conflict and the realization that
I drank to cope, sneaking small sips
I was becoming someone I said I would
from mom’s liquor cabinet of what seemed
never be. Drinking to cope was not only
like fire going down my throat. After a
hurting myself but others around me. I
while, I noticed how relaxed I would feel,
decided to seek help. Now, I inspire and re-
retiring to my bedroom closing off the
late to people in similar situations offering
world and resting comfortably in my own
support and guidance. Recently, I became a
atmosphere. I continued this until gradu-
Peer Educator with H.Y.P.E. Team (Helping
ation which meant new beginnings and an
You through Peer Education). HYPE Team is
escape from the world that I suffered in.
a student organization at Cleveland State
Small shots here and there subsided and life began as a young adult. Going away to school was one of the best things that life could have ever bestowed upon PHOTO FROM GOOGLE IMAGES
Sexual relationships are most difficult to
me. Then, I made the mistake of returning home reopening healed wounds.�
38%
of college students reported binge drinking in the past month
Relationships Resources are available for family members aiding their loved ones through recovery.
University that educates in sexual health and violence, alcohol and other drugs, general wellness, and suicide prevention. I decided that I wanted to be a resource and help those in similar struggles. April is Alcohol Awareness Month, I am dedicated to the wellbeing of society and the strength of support.
*Stats from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 14
DIET RACISM The Subtle Racism Still Prevalent in Society
The racism behind casually ignorant words and actions of any community may have changed from what it was in the past, but “diet racism” today cannot be dismissed by those unaffected by it.. // Dorothy Zhao
D
o you say sorta racist stuff but
forms of racism are “difficult to detect
bites can also make more harmful impacts
stop short of saying the “n”
and...perceived and interpreted differently.”
on one’s life—examples the video mentions
word?” asks the commercial
To many, racial conflicts are simply due to
are advising a person of color to major in
spoof by CollegeHumor, a
causes other than racism.
something less challenging or unrelated
popular comedy site. “Enjoy
Covert expressions of racism may hurt
to sciences and claiming “self-defense” in
the refreshing taste of Diet Racism: the
more than you’d think. I recently watched
sweet ignorance of regular racism, but with
one of those never-ending Facebook videos
none of the guilt or self-awareness.” The
that discussed racial microaggressions.
microaggression or as ambiguous as
audience is taken aback by the following
This video by Fusion, a media network that
attraction to a specific race is often disre-
phrases:
helps the youth of today to “cut through the
garded and considered invalid. These two
rhetoric [and] divisiveness to the issues that
videos reminded me of instances where I
guy.” “...you’re afraid of blacks and Latinos, but you’ll never say that out loud.” Diet Racism is the perfect drink for those who “don’t directly contribute to oppression, but have strong opinions about how other cultures should handle it!” Stop and frisk, persecution of the Irish, and Affirmative Action are subsequent topics mentioned to legitimize enforcing the need for “Diet Racism” in the satirical commercial. CollegeHumor makes a valid point that today’s kind of racism is different than before. Viewers may take offense from certain remarks; some believe that not being physically attracted to someone else is no fault of theirs, but generalizing an entire race as
“
Regrettably, racism as subtle as a
experienced “diet racism” throughout my childhood to present day.
... the sweet ignorance of regular racism, but with none of the guilt or selfawareness.
“
“I’m not racist, but I would never date an Asian
shooting a person of color.
In the Eyes of an Asian American I felt for the longest time that I was never as close with certain friends than my other peers were. I couldn’t be as casual with them because I was a more serious, boring person. However, about a month after moving into my dorm, I discovered something. My three roommates consist of one Asian and two Caucasians. We get along fine, but I realized that both white roommates oftentimes talked more formally to me than they did with each other. It wasn’t until I realized that everyone behaved such a manner around me not because I was an “unfun” or unrelatable introvert. It was just because I was different. I am not white. I am
unattractive is as racist as it gets. And while
truly impact the day-to-day lives of this
it is true that the Irish were persecuted,
generation,” compares microaggressions to
that truth does not allow for whitewashing
mosquito bites. The apt metaphor conveys
herently wrong with being closer to one
history and forgetting other marginalized
the fact that if one is “bitten” rarely, then
roommate than another. I understand what
groups’ suffering of bigotry during the
it is no big deal—that is, if one is asked
it’s like to want to approach someone sim-
same time period.
“where are you really from?” every once
ilar to myself instead of someone differ-
in a blue moon, then it isn’t annoying to
ent; I joke more with the Asian roommate
State University assistant professor of
explain that one was born in the U.S. The
than the others. Because I’ve had similarly
counseling psychology Hsin-Ya Liao, et al.
problem is, some are bitten by mosquitos
distant friendships, I don’t see it as much of
in “Perception of Subtle Racism: The Role
more often than others. Another funda-
an issue. I simply have a different relation-
of Group Status and Legitimizing Ideolo-
mental aspect the video discusses is how a
ship with each person, and what is wrong
gies,” subtle racism is “cool, distant, and
reaction to said mosquito bites can be seen
with that? Unfortunately, what is wrong is
indirect.” Examples include racial profiling
as an overreaction to those who are not
what my roommates have said. When one
and negative customer reviews, but these
“bitten” as commonly. These constant bug
white roommate matter-of-factly declared
According to a study by Washington
15 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
not like them. I must add that there is nothing in-
all Chinese people should be killed because
my attached earlobes and gawked at my
there were too many people on this Earth, I
nearly non-existent nose bridge, I was
embracing the Chinese culture, but I wish
was floored. She was eating dinner with not
mystified. Was I really that different?
for her to know that she can stop “being”
one, but two Chinese people—her room-
A moment that was most frustrat-
This girl should, by all means, continue
Chinese anytime she wants. It’s certainly
mates! We were sitting right in front of her.
ing for me was when in high school, a girl
impressive she practically knows Chinese
How did she think that was okay to say?
in my graduating class decided to fully
better than I do, but I cannot convince
Months after the result of the November
embrace everything Chinese after taking
myself or anyone else that I am not Chinese.
election, the second roommate complained
Mandarin, despite being white. Everyone
I always will be. I can’t change that part of
about how dumb America was to elect Don-
else in turn adored her for doing so, because
me, like she can, and nor would I want to.
ald Trump, I was shocked. How could she
she embodied only the best parts of Asian
be so blind to her own privilege—to be able
culture yet while still appearing white. How
day are many forms of racism, from blatant
to marvel at someone else’s ignorance yet
ironic it was, that some of my classmates
to “diet.” As I have become more accepting
not was even registered to vote? The people
accepted her but only acknowledged me
of myself, I only want others to accept me
of color in her life could not feel as safe or
when they needed help with homework.
and all other minorities. Doing so appears
blissfully ignorant as she was, so I found it
I realize that cultural appropriation is a
to be an insurmountable obstacle, but the
baffling that she chose to be so politically
controversial topic, but is that not exactly
societal mindset is changing for the better. I
apathetic.
what this girl was doing? She wore a qipao
only hope for future generations that, after
It is a challenge to reconcile such
Ultimately, what remains in society to-
to school dances, captioned her Instagram
our activism, racism will fully, truly be part
seemingly minor racial tensions and our
selfies in Chinese, and even got her senior
of the past.
friendships; I’ve never been courageous
pictures taken at the Asian market. If I were
enough to confront any of my white and/or
to do the same, I would have been ridiculed
more privileged peers and ask for clarifi-
instantly.
cation on what they’ve said. I myself am privileged, so I must start with myself first. I put away my frustration about their lack of understanding of what I’ve gone through to maintain a peaceful friendship—not rocking the boat in any way—but at what cost? I was an innocent bystander who should have tried harder to help both sides when one roommate relentlessly teased the Asian roommate only because she had an accent. Multiple times, the native speaker (i.e., white roommate) told the non-native speaker to “speak English!” even though my Asian roommate already was, in fact, talking in English. Neither of the two white roommates genuinely took the time to try and understand their other roommate from a non-English-speaking country. I, on the other hand, had the patience to listen to the Asian roommate, but not the patience to teach the two white roommates, so I am not without fault. As an Asian American, I am proud of both my Chinese heritage and my American environment. After all, I survived the struggle of balancing both and not fully belonging to either side of myself. My food,
ILLUSTRATION BY NICOLE ZOLLOS
my clothes, my parents’ accents, my own hint of an accent, my upbringing: these aspects were not always accepted by those around me or even by myself. I was teased for bringing smelly home-cooked meals to school for lunch. I became subconscious of any mere trace of an accent I had while talking. When my classmates marveled at
DIET
RACISM
THE RIGHT TO LOVE Despite the progress made in granting LGBT+ citizens equal rights, the road to equality continues. // Chau Tang about heterosexual sex is not inclusive and
it’s a choice, but it’s biological. You can’t
forcement officers raided
can be dangerous.
help who you fall for. You can blame them
a well-known gay bar,
Some people may say it’s wrong to
and say that it’s wrong and that they should
Stonewall Inn, in Green-
be in a same-sex marriage, because many
wich Village in New York
believe a marriage should be between a man
City. This raid happened
and a woman. Yet, according to a 2015 poll
es shouldn’t be treated differently than
during an era in which homosexuality was
by the Pew Research Center, “72 [percent]
heterosexual couples. Although there are
illegal in all states but Illinois. The streets
of Americans – including half of those who
LGBT+ clubs in colleges, LGBT+ nightclubs,
were filled with protests and violence that
oppose gay marriage – said they saw even-
and many people accepting of the commu-
lasted for six days. The raid resulted in
tual legal recognition of same-sex marriag-
nity, they still face violence and hatred. The
100 men arrested per week because police
es as ‘inevitable.’” Some religious people
Orlando, FL. attack of a gay night club last
squads would raid gay bars and trap gays.
are against these unions, but there’s a way
June resulted in 49 innocent deaths. Society
The Stonewall riot was a turning point
to be religious, love God, and accept same-
doesn’t have to approve of their choices
in modern gay civil rights in the U.S. The
sex couples. With the increasing amount of
but they should be treated as humans and
largest gay population at the time was in
same-sex couples and the LGBT + commu-
with respect. The LGBT+ community has
New York City. This was a time in which the
nity being represented, it’s becoming more
always been among us. People shouldn’t kill
change but they can’t change who they are. Same sex couples and marriag-
American Psychiatric Association treated
others because they might not agree with
homosexuality as a mental disorder, and if
the LGBT+ community. People should be
people engaged in homosexual activities,
able to leave the house and walk into town
they would have to either pay a small fine or face 20 years or life in prison. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same sex marriages in all 50 states. In the U.S., there has been violence towards the LGBT+ community. In some other countries, legal consequences for homosexuality are harsh. For example, in Uganda, there is an anti-homosexuality bill, so homosexuals receive the death penalty. On May 8, 2012 in Armenia, unidentified people threw bombs at a Yerevan bar where LGBT+ and women’s rights activists visited. There was graffiti that targeted the LGBT+ community. In other countries, there are laws against being homosexual, and they have violent consequences, but the U.S. has laws protecting the LGBT+ citizens. However, this doesn’t stop all violence. According to glaad.org, in 2014, there was a 6.5 percent increase in FOX’s primetime lesbian, gay or bisexual characters. It had the highest percentage compared to
In other countries, there are laws against being homosexual, and they have violent consequences, but the US has laws protecting LGBT+ citizens.
other networks. Shows include,“Modern
with their loved ones without fearing people being hateful, violent, or making comments that leave them uncomfortable. There was a time in which the American Psychiatric Association treated homosexuality as a mental disorder, and if people engaged in homosexual activities, they would have to either pay a small fine, or face 20 years or life in prison. Since then, progress has been made. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same sex marriages in 50 states. Even though we have come far as a society to accept and love the LGBT+ community, there are still problems such as violence that are facing this community. The FBI reported that in 2015, 17.7 percent of all hate crime victims were targeted based on a sexual orientation bias. Over the years, activists have been fighting for equality in the LGBT+ community to be recognized and accepted, but there are people in society who don’t treat them as equals. We have made progress by
Family”, “Dr. Ken”, “The Fosters”, “Or-
representing the community in TV se-
ange is the New Black”, “Grey’s Anatomy”
normalized so society knows that people
ries and by legalizing same sex marriage.
and “Sense8” are a few TV series that
in the community are not going anywhere
The hatred toward the LGBT+ community
represents the LGBT+ community. In “The
because they have been here since the be-
should be replaced with love and support as
Fosters,” there is a character who asks why
ginning of time and people will continue to
you’d give anyone else – it shouldn’t be a
schools are not educating people about gay
fight for equality.
lot to ask.
sex since as it also has risks. Only teaching 17 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
When people are gay, society may think
WATERCOLOR BY ALYSSA MILLER
O
n June 28, 1969, law en-
cle
Designing Your Life – Burnett & Evans Wishful Drinking – Carrie Fischer The Revenant – Michael Punke The Hobbitt – J.R.R. Tolkien East of Eden – John Steinbeck
Hessler Street Fair University Circle June 3-4th Edgewater Live Edgewater Park June 9th Waterloo Arts Fest Collinwood, Ohio June 24th Lakewood Arts Fest Lakewood, Ohio August 5th
listen to these
Pride & Prejudice – Jane Austen
go here
read these
warm up 2017 Cigarette Daydreams – Cage the Elephant Little Ashtray in Sun – Cotton Jones Real Love Baby – Father John Misty Am I Wrong – Anderson .Paak Angels (ft. Saba) – Chance the Rapper Walkin’ – Thundercat
1984 – George Orwell
Feast of the Assumption Little Italy August 12-15th
Dark Places – Gillian Flynn
CLE Museum of Art University Circle
Won’t You Come Over – Devendra Banhart
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë
Whipps Ledges Hinckley, Ohio
Slow Walkin – The Babies
Brain on Fire – Susannah Cahalan
Mason’s Creamery Ohio City
May Seem Macabre – Peter Bjorn and John
It – Alexa Chung
The Cleveland Flea Cleveland
On a Neck, On a Spit – Grizzly Bear
The Moment – Tame Impala
Cleveland Metroparks SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 18
THE BENEFIT & COST OF HIGHER EDUCATION go to college? When
“
American students were asked this question, one might have expect
to hear them respond with reasons such as “To expand my knowledge of my chosen field of study,” or “To contribute positively to society.” We assume that as a society, students’ motivations for attaining higher education center around enhancing their abilities, growing their knowledge-base, and associating with others who hold learning to a high standard of importance.
However, in a 2014 study conducted by New America, a nonpartisan think tank, 91 percent of college-bound students and current freshman, indicated their ultimate deciding factor as “To improve my employment opportunities,” and 90 percent chose “To make more money,” respectively. There is truth in the assertion that those who earn college degrees earn higher incomes on average than their non-college educated counterparts. According to 2013 New York Times article, “Is College Worth it? Clearly, New Data Say,” students in the U.S. who attend four-year colleges and earn degrees earn 98 percent more per hour on average than people who do not have degrees. In addition, the Pew Research Center reported that the median annual income of Millennials with four-year degrees was $45,500 in 2012. That’s nearly double the average of $28,000 among high school graduates. That means that people who participate in the institution of academia have greater economic opportunities and a lower risk of facing poverty. However, the issue with associating 19 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
financial wealth with one’s completion
There is truth in the assertion that those who earn college degrees earn higher incomes on average than their non-college educated conterparts.
“
W
hy did you decide to
As the price tag on college increases, we must contemplate the value of pursuing higher-education. // Elisabeth Weems
of an academic degree is twofold: First, it results in the normalized commodification of higher learning and the reduction of years of educational experience to a secured salary. In effect, the value of an education is no longer about the tangible truths and insights we gain, nor the personal networks we create. Nor is it about the exploration of fields of study we find fascinating. Rather, it is about how much money one can obtain because of their elevated status, resulting from their degree. The universally accepted motivation for pursuing higher education has become hollow: people go to college to get jobs to make money. During high school, we are primed to believe that success equals money, and that we have exactly three options after we graduate to achieve said success: First, we can pursue at least 2 more years of schooling to secure our spot as middle class citizens. Second, we can pledge our allegiance to the flag and enlist in the military. Finally, we can enter the workforce immediately and earn our keep, working our way up the totem pole. There is simply no exception to pursuing other paths. No volunteering on organic farms, no traveling, no joining the Peace Corps, no “finding oneself.” It has become an expectation to know exactly what one plans to do with their life by the time they graduate high school, which is entirely unreasonable. According to USA Today, 80 percent of college students change their major during the time they’re attending university. We are inundated from a young age with the idea that we must go to college to get a job, and if we don’t, our lives with be full of great disappointment.
As a result, higher education is seen as only a means to an end and thus we take our experiences for granted. The second problem with the assump-
The flawed educational model According to Jacob Ruytenbeek, author of “The Problems (And Solutions) of Higher
tion that one’s primary motivation for
Education,” 4-year degree programs are
attending college should be purely finan-
too long and add to the already outrageous
cial is that material wealth does not equal
price tag of one’s degree. The first half
success. In fact, there is no guarantee that
of one’s college courses effectively be-
pursuing college will directly and uncondi-
come nothing but “an expensive and time
tionally lead to a stable job, as the demands
consuming extension of high school.” Most
of the economy can change within the span
of these general education requirement
of time that one is pursuing a degree.
courses entail taking multiple choice exams
If we focus on the end result of attend-
learned in a more creative or practical way.
eventually), we take for granted the myriad
By understanding and mastering the algo-
opportunities that we have access to while
rithm, students can graduate feeling little
attending college and following gradua-
to no challenge at all. The problem with
tion. Whether we take advantage of those
gen-ed courses is that they give students
opportunities is solely up to the individu-
the most cut-and-dry version of their field
al, but we tend to glaze over the worth of
of study so that they may learn as much as
the years that we actually spend studying.
possible in the shortest period of time. The
The purpose of higher learning should
end goal effectively becomes memorization,
be about spending years expanding one’s
not retention.
consciousness, focusing intent and energy
$
The Millennial generation currently
upon something specific and deliberate,
struggles from its collective anxiety about
and engaging in thoughtful and reflective
the $1.2 trillion dollar student debt we are
dialogue. It should be about challenging
burdened with. The cycle of going to school
oneself to constantly grow and learn. The
to find a job, accumulating insurmountable
personal growth that results from learning
debt and working for the rest of our lives
in an organized setting can lead to self-ac-
to pay off said debt is neither sustainable
tualization and a greater appreciation for
nor desired. People are forced to find work
art, science and human diversity. Unfortu-
immediately after graduation so that they
nately, what we perceive as the normative
DIPLOMA
function of a university—to foster learning and critical thinking—does not take place without flaw.
$
instead of demonstrating what one has
ing college (that is, hopefully getting rich
can earn a living, and too often must settle in an industry or workplace that does not follow suit with what they originally set
out to pursue. The exorbitant amount of
DIPLOMA
financial stress eventually extinguishes any modicum of passion for their chosen field of study within years of graduation. People settle for financial security instead. It is a tragic cycle that no one signed up for. We have lost the true value of higher education. Universities were initially created for a small percentage of the population who wanted to further their education in specific fields. Now, going to college has become a societal expectation. Money is a barrier for students who do not come from wealthy families to access higher education. If a student can secure financial aid and scholarships, it can be relatively easy to skate along through college, completing the minimum requirements for classes, retaining little information, and not becoming involved with the academic environment at all just to earn a piece of paper that proves your completion of an academic program. My intent is not to discourage intellectuals and curious minds from seeking out higher education. Rather, I argue that we must not glorify the current state of our learning institutions, where students are exploited by high tuition rates and cheated
ILLUSTRATIONS BY NICOLE ZOLLOS
out of adequate learning experiences. One can take advantage of the system and immerse themselves in the college experience by remaining active within their university, maintaining relationships with professors, engaging with their communities, and fully delving into their studies, reaching beyond the constraints of multiple choice exam answers.
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 20
BRIDGING THE GAP
It’s time to look in the mirror in order to learn how to communicate better with those who are different from us. // Joe Schmittgen
C
an’t we all just get along? We as
in a way where their true message would
the ideologies of different groups as they
humans deal with different con-
never be understood in the best way possi-
actually are on paper, you will find things
cepts underneath the influential
ble because it was corrupted with agitated
that you agree with and you will find
topic of conflict. How do we deal
emotion. What they take away from the
things you disagree with. In my opinion, it
with conflict and find compromises to our
conversation is only the negative per-
is the way these arguments are made and
issues? This whole idea of two sides coming
ception of the other person’s personality
outside influences that lead people astray
together and finding a new equilibrium
rather than a pure matured opinion of their
from arguing the ideologies that is most
at the end is something that has revealed
stance. We get so caught up with the per-
detrimental.
itself all throughout human culture. It all
sonality of others we disagree with to the
starts at a very young age. We witness our
point where we forget what we are arguing
The Loss of Civility in Discourse
parents, guardians or elders argue with
about. It’s important to remain focused on
To begin, I went to a lecture titled, “The
each other. We practice using new con-
the issues and to make sure our messages
Loss of Civility in Public Discourse” at the
flict-resolution abilities and styles when
are being communicated in the best way
Trinity Cathedral given by Harvard Polit-
arguing with siblings or early childhood
possible.
ical Philosophy professor Michael Sandel,
friends. How can we bring two sides together
The worst thing that can happen is
who focuses on the philosophy behind
when people resort to stereotyping and
debating. He asserted that the main reason
who seem to disagree on merely every topic
assigning implicit associations to others.
for our issues in public discourse are a
to collaborate and compromise effectively?
This can lead us to discriminate against
result of the emptiness in our arguments.
Perhaps we need to look at our faults first.
others before they even begin to speak. We
“We rarely debate the big moral ethical
must consider all of the different ways in
question,” Sandel said. “We must engage
been given examples of these instances
We are constantly exposed to and have
which we receive/respond to people with
more directly with morals.” He continues
of two sides that can’t seem to get along,
different viewpoints to form sound per-
to discuss this false sense of tolerance that
whether it was Israel and Palestine, China
ceptions of them (especially from what we
we’ve cultivated. Instead of truly accepting
and Taiwan, the U.S. and Russia, Michigan
learn from news media outlets). Personally
others’ views and taking them seriously,
and Ohio State, conservative and progres-
I’ve learned a lot from having lived around
we ignore them. Money has also played
sive, Republican and Democrat. It seems
both Democrats, Republicans, people far
such a role in society to where it has sep-
that these days, we are constantly asked to
left, far right and in the middle. What these
arated us in all facets of life like where we
take sides and to identify with these labels.
popular media sources reveal about these
live, where we work, who we hang around
We almost become part of a brand that
individuals do hold some truths, but there
and what we do. Sendel suggests that one
these sides represent and forget the core
are a lot of things that are left out. It is
of the best methods to create healthier
values upon which we decided to join.
because of this that I urge others not to
public interaction among those with differ-
fully place their beliefs with what the news
ent values is to consistently find opportu-
cycle I felt conflicted at moments but also
shows them, but to find balance through
nities to diversify their social circles. By
proud of my Cleveland State community.
personal social interaction, civil public
doing so, people will learn to coexist and to
From time to time, students would engage
discourse and engagement.
compromise more effectively.
During this past presidential election
each other in civil discourse and debate.
The goal of this article is to share
How did we get here?
I remember seeing students truly con-
different points of view without criticizing
nect with one another on the issues with
the arguments, beliefs or values of these
I then wanted to speak with people who
open minds, leaving the conversation with
groups. Instead, I intend to focus on how
weren’t necessarily far left nor far right to
something to take with forward in their
people of these groups make their argu-
get a fair critique of these parties. I spoke
lives. I also remember students interacting
ments and communicate. When you look at
with Will Gan, CSU graduate pre-medical
21 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
student and California transplant. Gan
said. “Ironically, it’s not the moral hill any
argument, but it stands to reason that we
expressed that as certain issues have come
Republican voters care about, so it’s com-
have progressed from that time. Since then
into the spotlight, huge grassroots move-
pletely ineffective.”
we can see that we’ve focused moreso on
ments have transitioned towards Populism
Nash asserted that many Democrats
these moral questions in our arguments,
in both right and left schools of belief and
are very elitist and pompous in their in-
and human society has grown as a whole.
are reaching more extremes. He claimed
teractions. Those who are of the contrary
Through examples like the Civil Rights Era
that what influences the way normal citi-
belief feel a sense of abandonment as a
(even though some individuals lost their
zens interact trickles down from our very
result of this. He said that these elites even
lives or experienced physical abuse) or
own government. Considering the way this
create a separation between themselves
homosexuals gaining the right to mar-
past election went, Gan chalked Democrat-
and typical Democrat voters.
ry. These were two huge conflicts solved,
ic nominee Hillary Clinton’s loss partially
“They use all the same techniques to
because we referred to using our words
to the fashion the Democrats attempted to
shut down conversation as Republicans
and focused on the big moral questions to
play it safe in nominating an establishment
do, and everyone, to be honest,” Nash said.
resolve these issues.
candidate. In conjunction, the Republicans
“But they use different words. Dress it up
were able to thrive off of the momentum
any which way. They’ll discredit people.
impossible for us to find resolution to
from the Populists and channel it into
‘You can’t speak on this [because you aren’t
our conflicts no matter how different our
now-President Donald Trump’s campaign
blank. Check your privilege,’ and they dis-
stances may be. Without a doubt, but with
to victory. Gan explained that now that
credit more conservative news sources.”
time and a pure intentions, progress can be
Trump has been elected, strong reactions
He explained that Democrats spin
We must be cognizant that it isn’t
made. Ultimately it starts with us to create
from the left have been manifested because
facts appealing to emotion, provoking,
the culture in which we can engage one an-
they are being more polarized and are
and then belittle to spark emotion. Nash
other. Tensions seem to rise every day, but
becoming increasingly partisan. It also
expressed that it is important to know that
we must find balance between what many
certainly doesn’t help knowing how one
all politics do this. This is not something
resources say and what we experience to
party controls the executive and legislative
exclusive to Democrats.
create just perceptions before engaging in
branches, hurting opposing parties’ chances to block or pass bills.
“This need to be right is bigger than
debate. Don’t let ego stop you from seeking
the need to be correct, or to be open-mind-
what is true. Be like Nash and embrace the
ed,” Nash said. Even though he stands
flaws in your arguments. Find ways to im-
sides do not try to understand each other
moreso on the conservative side of eco-
prove them. Even though the debates end,
at all,” Gan said. “Instead they end up
nomic ideology, he expressed that he en-
we never stop learning.
demonizing each other, and each side re-
joys debating with people on the complete
acts even more and pushes the other more
opposite side of the ideological spectrum
towards the opposite end.”
(Socialists, specifically). It is somewhat of a
“It’s really a vicious cycle because both
He went on to note how the media also
mutual symbiotic relationship where they
play a role in forming the public’s percep-
find flaws in his arguments and he finds
tion.
flaws in theirs. As a result, he is able to
“The foundation of this country was
refine is statements. He sees that this is a
built upon compromise between the many
certain thing that Democrats and Republi-
different groups of people in America,” Gan
cans have stopped doing.
said. “Compromise doesn’t seem to exist anymore. Each party is trying to rule with an iron fist when they are in power.”
Where do we go from here? We, American citizens aren’t necessarily declining completely when it comes to
A Third Party’s Opinion
our interactions. Like what Sandel said,
I also conversed with Cleveland Heights
we must channel the big moral questions
resident Andy Nash. Nash was a third-par-
through our arguments to make them full.
ty voter in this past election and his
The nature of our arguments over time
opinion of Democrats and Republicans is
have changed as our sense of philosophical
noteworthy because he doesn’t specifically
morals and ethics have changed. During
stand with either side. He asserted that he
the earlier days of American politics, it
was pushed to vote for Libertarian Party
was completely normal for fights or duels
candidate Gary Johnson for many reasons,
to break out in the middle of meetings. A
one being that he found both Clinton and
whole war broke out as a result of peo-
Trump to be equally unqualified.
ple not being able to argue the morality
“The Democratic Party to me, it is
that humans are inherently worth more
exactly corrupt as the Republican party,
than property regardless of the pigment
but they lie about it to their constituents so
of their skin. Perhaps there were other
they can claim a moral high ground,” Nash
contributing factors that interfered in this
TIPS FOR CIVIL DISCOURSE 1. Listen You can’t understand the other parties opinion if you don’t actively listen to them.
2. Stay on topic Straying off topic can turn a debate into a messy situation.
3. Be respectful Avoid loaded language and blaming the other party, treat people the way you want to be treated - no matter the issue.
4. Be open-minded You can learn from each other if you try to break away from your one way of thinking.
5. Remain calm Becoming emotional and angry can make it difficult for the conversation to move forward.
PROMOTING AWARENESS FOR CHILD ABUSE The steps America has taken and continues to take in order to prevent violence against children. // KC Longley
A
pril is the month for Child
child abuse in the US since the mid 1900’s.
of children who die from child abuse are
Abuse Awareness. In reality,
According to CWIG, the first piece of child
under one year and 80% of child fatalities
it is sad that we have a month
abuse prevention work was put into motion.
involve at least one parent. These are just
dedicated to awareness for
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treat-
some of the many statistics that have been
something that seems so sim-
ment Act (CAPTA) was signed in 1974 by
documented nationally in regards to child
ple - not to hurt children in any fashion, be
President Nixon, in response to the mass
abuse and neglect.
it mentally, physically or emotionally.
amount of nation response to violence
But because of the world we live in, it
against children at that time.
In 2015, out of the 74,382,502 children in the US, 3,358,347 were reported to have
is important to spread information about
In 1983, April was proclaimed the
received an investigation or response to
how to stop these acts of violence against
national month for Child Abuse Awareness,
a report of abuse or neglect. These num-
the children in this country.
and government agencies such as CWIG,
bers are from a national report on Child
the Children’s Bureau and the American
Maltreatment in 2015, which was released
formation Gateway (CWIG), “during the
Society for Positive Care of Children (ASP-
publically in 2017, presenting “national
month of April and throughout the year,
CC) have been making actions for decades
data about child abuse and neglect known
communities are encouraged to share child
in honor of the thousands of children in the
to child protective services agencies in the
abuse and neglect prevention awareness
country who are hurt each year.
United States during federal fiscal year
According to the Child Welfare In-
strategies and activities and promote prevention across the country.” It is assumed that most people know
Michael Petit, who was the president of Every Child Matters in 2011, showed
2015.” One act of prevention in place is
passion for the cause of his organization.
Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
any act of violence against anyone is
Every Child Matters is an activist group
(CBCAP), which was established in 1996
frowned upon, and even that is an un-
dedicated to improving the equality of
by Title II of the CAPTA Amendments. CB-
derstatement. It goes without saying that
children across the country and ensuring
CAP’s purpose, according to the Children’s
hurting children who may not have the
their safety.
Bureau, is to “support community-based
ability to defend themselves is one of the
“Over the past 10 years, more than
efforts to [develop and enhance] activities
worst actions one can take against a child.
20,000 American children are believed
to prevent child abuse and neglect,” as well
However, while we all may know this,
to have been killed in their own homes
as “support the coordination of resourc-
not everyone might know the background
by family members,” Petit said. “That is
es and activities to better strengthen and
of child welfare and the hard work groups
nearly four times the number of US soldiers
support families to reduce the likelihood of
and organizations have put in over the
killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
child abuse and neglect.” In addition, the
years to prevent child abuse in the US. Actions have been taken to prevent
23 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
According to ASPCC, 74.8% of child fatalities are under the age of 3, 49.4%
CBCAP’s purpose is “to foster understanding, appreciation and knowledge of diverse
populations in order to effectively prevent
a situation arises is smart. This way, as
it is that it is one anyone can take part in
and treat child abuse and neglect.”
individuals we can get used to the people
from wherever they are.
There are also many programs ded-
around us and keep a watchful eye on oth-
Volunteers can join the movement and
icated to parent education whose entire
ers. Strengthening the sense of community
start getting involved in various projects
purpose is to help parents learn appropri-
around you can only benefit the children,
that ASPCC shares with them. Through
ate behavior as they raise a child.
as they’ll have more people to go to if they
online work and social media, volunteers
P, which gives parents tactical strategies on how to build strong relationships with each other as well as with their children, understand how to aid a child in development and manage their children’s behavior confidently and safely. According to Triple P, they are helping “25 countries and have been shown to work across cultures, socio-economic groups and in many different kinds of family structures.” If anyone ever believes they have an act of child abuse or neglect to report to the authorities, there are a few options to choose from. One option is to contact their local child protective services office. The state number to call when in Ohio is (855) 642-4453. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is (800) 422-4453. The CWIG also has an option on their website to search manually as well as search the state guides to see what options are available in the state when it comes to prevention and awareness of child abuse. Indicators of abuse on children are not always visible. Yes, a majority of signs of neglect on children are physical. According to ASPCC, multiple bruises or welts, often in various forms of healing, are often signs of abuse. Fractures, burns and avoidance of adult contact are things to take notice of. These children may withdraw easily, be afraid to go home and sometimes act out in an aggressive manner. If a child is poorly dressed or shows
“
become the victim of child abuse.
awareness of child abuse and prevention.
It is assumed that most people know any act of violence against anyone is frowned upon. CWIG states that “everyone can get
involved and play a role in preventing child
signs of abandonment and hygiene issues
abuse and neglect and promoting child and
it may be because they have been neglected
family well-being.”
for long periods of time. Because of this,
take part in spreading the word of projects to get involved in, all geared toward the
“
One of these programs is called Triple
People can know the people in their
This program combines campaigning and activism and is an easy and efficient way for all individuals to do their part in preventing abuse and neglect of children one social media post at a time. Some other things to keep in mind are the vast options out there for individuals who are hesitant about taking on the roles of parents to a child. Maybe someone is having kids earlier than planned or doesn’t feel like they’re personally ready to take on being a parent full-time. Maybe they have their own personal reasons for feeling like they won’t be a fit parent. Whatever the reasoning, there are places to go to and people to talk to in order to find the next best option. Adoption and foster care are just a couple of the options out there for people to consider. AdoptUsKids is a group connected to the Children’s Bureau, who is dedicated to providing “tools and technical assistance to help child welfare systems connect children in foster care with families.” Specialists who can answer any questions about adoption are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time and can be reached at (888)-2004005. On their website, they have endless resources for prospective parents to look at when considering fostering, adoption or both. It’s not that doing any of these will be easy. Odds are a lot of research and deliberation will go into them. Reporting
they may stay at school for as long as pos-
neighborhood as well as their children’s
abuse or neglect of a child won’t always
sible, take food when they come across it or
school (whether they’re a parent or guard-
be the easiest thing either, but at the end
have trouble staying awake.
ian). Arrange for neighborhood events,
of the day, the well-being and happiness
make play dates for their children and help
of the child is the most important thing
Awareness Month is “Building Communi-
their community become aware of how ev-
to consider. That should always be the top
ty, Building Hope,” according to CWIG. On
eryone can build a safe and loving commu-
priority.
their website, they inform readers on how
nity for the children.
This year, the theme of Child Abuse
to get involved as much as possible. Most
Another way to get involved and help
of us know that an act of violence against a
spread awareness and solutions for child
child is horrible, but many might not know
abuse is through ASPCC’s program titled
exactly what to do in a situation if it comes
the Youth Ambassador Program. Students,
up.
teachers and youth leaders can all sign up So the idea of getting involved before
to be a part of this program. The beauty of
AUTISM
FROM THE PASSENGER
SEAT April is world Autism month, here I share my experience learning how my sister is different, and how families and peers can learn how to be more inclusive and understanding of those with autism. // Arbela Capas
25 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
M
y sister has autism. Or at least
My family realized soon that my sister was
that’s what we think it is. It’s
mentally and physically challenged. She
not something I talk about with
was very small for her age, wasn’t grow-
her. She would talk about about
ing enough and even had trouble focusing.
the Harry Potter series and her
After taking her to a massage therapist,
favorite movie scores. We’re still
we found out she needed physical therapy,
not sure of her diagnosis, be-
otherwise half her body would be paralyzed
cause throughout her 18 years of living,
because of some sort of growth defect.
we have been sent from doctor to doctor,
After this, for a long time in Lithuania
from pediatrician to pediatrician, with no
she was given hormonal shots to help her
clear answers. Granted, our family lived the
grow, (which I now am questioning were
first half of mine and my sister’s lives in
even the right thing to give her) and had
Lithuania, Europe, where the medical pro-
to go to regular physical therapy sessions.
fessionals in charge of physical and mental
Additionally to this, we noticed she got
disability were not as advanced at the time.
distracted easily, and had trouble speaking
cine— which my father firmly refused.
clearly for a while. She had, and still has, a crisp memory and wild imagination, but she also suffered from social awkwardness that affected her ability to make friends. For a while, we didn’t think anything of it, and went on with our lives, and nobody told us otherwise. At a certain point, we started to notice how she was still not catching up. I was in about 4th grade and she was in 1st. By the time I was in 1st grade, I was walking to schools with ease. We all realized that could not be the case with my sister. She had to be watched almost constantly because we knew she got distracted to a point where she could wander off. We
Common Myths About Autistic People Autistic people are on the same spectrum as people with down-syndrome. This is a common misconception that can lead to a lot of harm. Autism and Down Syndrome are two different things. Lumping in people with completely different disabilities is not the way to help either groups.
how to help her whilst also pushing her to be strong and self-sufficient. My mother took her to different doctors and looked up home remedies, but it seemed like nothing gave us sufficient information or results. On the other hand, my father loved my sister and I so fiercely, that he was simply in denial until she was about 16, that she needed more help. It’s very common for parents to not understand what their child needs, especially when there are mixed
Autistic people are completely intellectually disabled Autism can bring with it both mental limitations and exceptional skills. A lot of people have normal, or even higher IQ’s than non-autistic people. “People who are autistic have some great skills. And often they don’t realize it or they don’t identify them as skills,” Casalina says.
10 years old, a family friend of ours suggested she needed medication. When she was in kindergarten in Lithuania, the teachers purposely dumbed down activities to the point where she wasn’t learning anything and just wandering around the classroom. Throughout my sister’s life, it’s been hard to find a balance, between coddling her or being ignorant, and we, as her fam-
People with autism don’t feel emotions. Autistic individuals can, in fact, feel emotions like sadness, happiness and excitement, they just show it in different ways. Just like any unique individual, autistic folks have their own reasons to show emotions, and sometimes the way they express it isn’t the same as others.
was different; I knew she needed help, but I also knew she needed to be accepted and loved. But that’s the thing, my family and I never knew the correct way to raise her. I’m starting to realize now that there really isn’t. We had to just learn as we PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARBELA CAPAS
went along, and it’s a large part because the doctors (both American and Lithuanian) in her early years gave us vague and generalized information that didn’t help
People with autism don’t want friends. Autism doesn’t affect a person’s desire to have friends or not, they just have trouble socializing and getting comfortable with people in group situations. Since society teaches us that there is one certain way to be sociable, they’re assumed to not want to get close with people.
“slow”, or the opposite extreme, they said she needs to go on special medi-
This all tends to tie in with how our society is very ill-informed and ignorant when it comes to the wide spectrum of struggles that disabled people face. I never wanted to think about it like this. I just wanted to think of her as my little sister, who yes, was difficult to deal with at times, but my sister nonetheless. But after a while, I now realize this is a very real part of her that needs to be taken into consideration. The traits that she holds, need to be alone, are just things that make her who she is. The job of her family is to help her cope with the “default” version of society, which unfortunately doesn’t always fits the needs of people with disabilities. For the past 5 years of her life, we’ve been living in a small suburb of Cleveland and we’ve had more help and more opportunities. But it’s still confusing and unclear. We have now been hearing a possible “diagnosis” that she was never is on the autism spectrum, but we don’t know where. She also says my sister has latent cognitive development and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and has been officially given several counselors at her school who assist her and help plan her future after high school. And only recently did our social security office contact us and basically say “oh crap, you guys need disability benefits”. This led us to a psychiatrist who needed to “evaluate” my benefits. After this evaluation, my mother began to panic because the psychiatrist said my sister could have schizophrenia, of all things. 18 years later and we’re still getting mixed answers. For most of my sister’s life our family just wanted to know how to help her, and to do this, we wanted to define her--figure out what was different about her and what was the specific thing she had. We got so concerned with either convincing ourselves that’s she’s “normal” with just some “problems” or
us with the raising of my sister. Most of them brushed her off and said she’s just
bullying her because she acted differently.
sister’s condition to see if we deserved the
ily were never given a guidebook for this. Ever since I was young I knew my sister
tunities or had children her age who were
given before. Our pediatrician said she
signals and assumptions being made around them. When my sister was around
were either not giving her enough oppor-
whether it’s her short attention span or
started to figure out that my sister was limited in many ways, but we were lost at
Meanwhile, the schools we sent her to
*Facts from autismspeaks.org
“different” but not that different, that we almost missed who she really is. Luckily, we learned soon enough that it wasn’t a
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 26
18 VINDICATOR | MARCH 2016
tragedy that she wasn’t a social butterfly,
lot of people have. And finally, I know that
both school in college to make their learn-
or that the fact that she was struggling in
I will always defend her, when people act
ing experience better. “So much of what we
math wasn’t too far off to how I, myself did
like she is too much of a hassle or that she
do here is transitioning to college, helping
in middle school.
can’t handle certain things. Because I know
them with transition skills and aso advo-
We still don’t know everything for
she can and will do what she needs to do.
cacy,” Casalina emphasizes. It’s extremely
sure about her, but that’s okay. I’m still
The only difference is that she is not like
vital to have advocacy for disabled people,
learning to this day. I don’t know exactly
everyone else and she is a unique individual
no matter what their condition or situation.
what her diagnosis is, and what might be
with unique needs.
Additionally, having a support system at
the best medication or physical therapy
All I know is that she is my sister and
a school that people can go to is very im-
for her. I don’t know about all the prac-
she deserves better, and so does every per-
portant for academic development. Casalina
tices will specifically help her or not help
son like her. I’ve learned that this is a thing
says that the first thing that is important
her. But I am learning and I will continue
that is manifested in different ways, and
to address is how much the individual
to help her as best I can. I’ve realized now,
reflected in our society through the small-
knows about their condition and what their
looking back, that I’ve seen my little sister
est individual interactions, and through
options are. “We have to first learn what
go through bullying, verbal abuse, neglect,
the larger institutional structures — and
are their strengths, what are the areas they
and even discrimination from the system
whichever one it is, it has consequences on
want to improve,” Casalina says. There are
we are living in. Throughout her life, there
the humans it’s affecting.
always different ways in making a person
were always two extremes. There were either the people who ignored her condi-
People like my sister don’t deserve to be coddled or ignored. They deserve to sim-
with autism thrive in the classroom and school work. Things like group work and
It’s been hard to find a balance, between coddling her or being ignorant, and we, as her family, were never given a guidebook for this. tion and just thought “tough love” would
ply be understood and accepted. Especially
oral presentations can become stressful for
help her through. On the other hand there
when they’re choosing big decisions in
a person, so there can always be ways to
there were the people with good intentions
their life like going to college, or getting a
adjust it to their needs--such as professors
who were helping her in the wrong ways,
job. Along with misdiagnoses and miscon-
allowing them to do the presentation with
by coddling her or simply dumbing down
ceptions about autism, a lot of people don’t
less people, or allowing them to videotape
activities for her. To this day, we still don’t
even realize that there are services avail-
their speech.
know everything. We know she is on the
able for them at their Office of Disability
spectrum of autism and that’s about it.
Services at their school.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARBELA CAPAS
But here is what I do know. I know that
“They come with unique challenges,
Everyone should feel represented and included in this world, even if they learn and experience things differently.
she is probably the strongest person I know.
but then, so do all of our students. So what
The thing about disabilities is that there
I know that she is tougher than me in every
we’re looking at here is, how are we going
is a wide spectrum that even doctors and
way, and has a huge heart. I know she loves
to embrace them?” says, Cleveland State’s
psychiatrists can’t accurately define all the
movies and actors and can remember all of
Director of Disability Services, Linda Casa-
time. This is why we must keep education
their names with insane accuracy. I know
lina. She says it’s important to focus in on
and awareness going through conversation
now that her disability or diagnosis does
what people with autism thrive on, because
and acceptance of what is not “normal”.
not define her. I know that she lives in her
they are very gifted in a lot of skills, which
Ultimately, we must realize that there isn’t
own world, sometimes alone, and she is
a lot of people don’t realize. Some adjust-
just one way to be alive, there isn’t just one
totally fine with it--that’s a strength not a
ments in the classroom can be made, but in
way to survive and thrive in this world.
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 28
AND IT’S OUR FAULT The impact of our environmental footprint, how current government regulations need to be addressed and what we’re doing to make sure the Earth can sustain us in the future. // Alana Whelan
issue. It is a fact. No matter how many times we deny ourselves of this truth, the climate - and therefore, the environment will continue to change and be harmed due mostly to human
causes. With the slashing of government funding to the EPA, and the constant denying that our climate is changing due to human intervention - which scientists have proved countless times - the current political climate has not been proving to show our environment much respect. If it stays this way, the health of the environment may be at even more of a risk than it is at the moment. The environment is one of the most, if not, the most important part of what keeps us alive. Though it may sometimes seem like a minor issue compared to what we experience in our daily lives, the trees and plants - a major part of the environment - are what give us the oxygen simply to let us continue to breathe. Breathing isn’t something most of us
“
If it stays this way, the health of the environment may be at even more of a risk than it is at the moment.
“
C
limate change is not a political
mental protection into the state’s hands, making it the responsibility of local gov-
give much thought to on a daily basis. When
ernment throughout the US to clean up the
we wake up in the morning, we expect to
environment on a more community-based
be able to breathe because it’s merely what
scale. While it is very important for every
we do, and we have much more pressing
community to be keeping the environment
day-to-day issues to focus on. Howev-
clean as best as they can, many of these
er, our right to breathe clean air is being
communities and cities do not have the
threatened because of proposed legislation
funding to be able to start conversations
that will cut funding for the Environmental
and get the citizens involved in doing what
Protection Agency (EPA). This, along with
is best for the environment. Without the
other budget cuts, is being tucked between
federal funding from the US government,
all of the innumerable changes that have
many states will struggle to correctly
taken place since President Donald J. Trump
inform the people about what needs to be
has taken office. Many of us are skimming
done in order to maintain and improve the
over these changes, either because we don’t
environment in which they live.
believe it’s a big deal, or because we aren’t
President Trump originally vowed to
aware of how big a deal it actually is. While
get rid of the EPA in nearly every way pos-
the alleged interference from Russia into
sible. The recent decision to cut its funding
President Trump’s election are important to
would shear its total budget by about 31%,
pay attention to, we’re not seeing that other
putting it at a $5.7 billion budget instead of
measures being taken may be even more
it’s original $8.1 billion. The plan also pro-
important to focus on than something such
poses to reduce subsidies for over 50 of the
as that.
EPA’s programs, including the Chesapeake
Government Budget Cuts to the EPA The Trump administration proposed a plan to cut government funding for the EPA on Thursday, March 16. The plan behind this budget cut is to shift the power of environ-
Bay Cleanup Project and programs that aim to help the health of the Great Lakes. It would also leave 3,200 people jobless, halve the budget of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development and stop funding of Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which regu-
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 30
Reducing Waste Composting Food Waste Composting is a process in which organic waste decomposes naturally in oxygen-rich conditions.
Vermi Composting Vermi composting is a process of composting by using worms.
What Can Be Composted Fruit scraps, vegetables, egg shells, cardboard, flowers, weeds, hair, leaves.
Urban Gardening Taking unused land around cities and cultivating them to turn them into gardens.
Reusable Items Items such as water bottles or bags, use reusable options instead of disposable plastic ones .
4.3
pounds of waste are created per person per day
1,569 pounds of waste are created per person in a year
61.2
tons of waste is created in a person’s lifetime *Information from The Environment Protection Agency
lated emissions of Carbon Dioxide from
ing to climate change and environmental
amount, it certainly adds up throughout
power plants, therefore helping to fight
change on the Earth as a whole, it is more
our lives. According to a study done by the
climate change. With all of these restric-
important than ever to be aware of how we
Center for Sustainability and Commerce
tions, implementation of certain sustain-
are individually taking care of the planet. To
at Duke University, the average American
ability practices will not be allowed, and
spread awareness about this issue, people
produces 4.3 pounds of waste everyday, a
people will suffer within their communities.
are planning to come together all over the
1.6 pound increase from what the average
Whether affected directly by these budget
world on April 22nd for a Science March,
person produced in 1960. If the average life
cuts or not, future generations are going to
similar to the Women’s March on Wash-
expectancy in America is about 78 years
see the impacts on a much larger scale than
ington that happened in early February. On
old, and the amount of waste an individual
we currently do because these decisions are
that day, which also happens to be earth
produces stays consistent every day from
predominantly short-term. Though they
day, people will gather to demonstrate their
will reduce regulation and cut costs right
support of the scientific community.
now, they will do more harm than help in the long-run.
While there are various aspects that cause change in our environment, certain habits and processes we utilize in order
Fighting for the Planet’s Health Because these proposed budget cuts raise concerns for the health and safety of the environment and the people, many groups are advocating against them. When the cuts were first announced, a few national parks tweeted facts that contradicted the views of the Trump administration, who urged them to take the tweets down. However, these tweets were not specifically targeted at President Trump and the majority of them were based on factual research. Another person who is defying the idea that climate change is not real is William Sanford, better known as Bill Nye the Science Guy. Bill Nye has come out with various videos and talks lately that explain why all evidence points to the fact that climate change is real, and that any argument against it is most likely uninformed or simply not true. He has
to use the Earth’s resources cause the most damage to the air we breathe and the habitats in which we live. Emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere have some of the most detrimental effects on the climate. The factors that contribute in the largest ways to this include the burning of fossil fuels, animal agriculture and deforestation. According to NASA, as well as multiple other scientific studies, the Earth’s temperature is predicted to rise between two and six degrees Celsius within the next century. This is 20 times faster than it ever had before the twentieth century. Yet, the government already ordered the EPA to take down it’s web page that breaks down the information on and effects of climate change.
The Impact of Our Waste
highlighted that one of the biggest victims
Life has become so based around conve-
of climate change is our oceans, and we can
nience that so many of us give hardly any
see this because of the rapid rise in sea level
thought, or no thought whatsoever, to how
over the past few decades and the dying off
our daily actions are impacting the world
of large coral reefs.
around us. Even if it seems like the waste
Due to the many factors contribut-
we create as individuals is only a small
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 32
birth to death, that person will produce
toxic waste was a big problem. However, so
Municipal Solid Waste
122,421 pounds or 61.2 tons of waste during
much work still needs to be done to ensure
their entire lifespan. Multiply the number
that our waste is not harming the environ-
the common trash Americans throw away on a daily bases, including trash such as food waste, napkins, grass clippings, electronics and packaging.
of people in the United states by how many
ment more than it has to.
164.27
Million tons of MSW discarded in 2012.
pounds of waste are produced by each in-
Evidently, there is still so much work
dividual everyday, and the amount of waste
to do when it comes to keeping our envi-
Americans as a whole produce everyday is
ronment clean and safe to live in. Though
equal to the weight of over 12 cruise ships
some progress has been made, many of the
- around 700,480 tons. And this is only
ways we have begun to use resources within
for one day out of the 365 days in the year.
the last 100 years is just not sustainable for
These numbers are the reason the US has
our planet. With recent proposed regula-
over 3,000 functional landfills, and 10,000
tions and a presidential party that does not
disregarded ones. If these landfills continue
believe in climate change, it may be even
to grow at their current rate, we will run
more difficult to ensure that we are breath-
out of space where we are able to dump our
ing clean air, drinking clean water and sim-
waste on the land, and more waste will start
ply living in conditions that aren’t harmful
being pushed into the ocean.
to us and future generations. Small changes
The trash transport industry is re-
within our daily lives may seem tedious, but
sponsible for moving waste to landfills that
they are what will help to spark long-term
have the capacity to hold huge amounts of
change, and though it will be hard, it is not
it. Ohio is one of few states that benefits
impossible.
economically from this industry because it takes in trash from other states to fill up the many working landfills it is home to. There
Total MSW Generation
are currently 38 licensed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) facilities in Ohio and about 40% of waste in Ohio landfills comes from
2.5
out of state (Ohio Environmental Council). Luckily, because of the Resource Conser-
2.0
vation and Recovery Act in 1976, there are
Billions
regulations for landfills that make them less
1.5
harmful than they were in the past when
1.0
29%
Increase in recycling from 1960 to 2012.
0.5 0.0
Now
2025 Projections
36%
Decrease in waste sent to landfills from 1980 to 2012.
Jennifer McMillin
Director of Sustainability at CSU
The Vindicator had the opportunity to
“So many things need to happen - we
interview Jennifer McMillan, who was
need legislation that encourages a transition to
recently appointed the position of Director
renewable energy. There are so many subsidies
of Sustainability here at CSU in September of 2016. Being new to the position, McMillin is still working out the small details of her important role on campus, but as an expert
to the fossil fuel industry that make it hard for renewables to compete - but the fossil fuel industries are seriously powerful and hold a lot
in the field, she is very knowledgeable when
of political clout and so they’re not just going to
it comes to the environment and finding
roll over and let their assets be stranded in the
sustainable ways to live. We asked her
ground so that we can rely on wind and solar,”
questions relating to current government regulations, the EPA and ways to reduce waste. “I think we - unfortunately - are a consumer-driven society,” said McMillin, when posed the question of why the amount of waste we produce in the United States has gone up. McMillin explained that we are largely inclined to believe we need more and more stuff because marketing and advertising tells us so, but in truth, we probably don’t need as much as we think. She went on to describe how “planned obsolescence” is another reason we continue to buy buy buy products and services. Planned obsolescence means that products are specifically designed by manufacturers only to last a certain amount of time, so that when that object breaks, we have to buy a new one. This, the rise of disposable packaging, and convenience items are at most of the fault for why we’re throwing away so much trash everyday. Even though trash is a huge problem that is contributing so much damage to our environment, other problems with the way we burn our energy and use our resources are causing a vast amount of harm as well. McMillin pointed out that though we have conversations about what we can do to keep our environment healthy, we are often held back because we are in the constraints of our society, and changing our lifestyles or habits drastically are not an option for most of us.
While taking small steps and making people aware are important, big shifts are going to have to take place if we truly want to see a difference in the way the environment is being treated because of human-induced problems. However, it is still extremely critical to be aware of our individual impacts on the environment. “I think the small things are important because people need to know that they can take small actions and make a difference,” said McMillin. If every person in the U.S. adopted little practicable habits everyday, we can make progress toward a more sustainable future. McMillin referred to these little practices as “gateway activities,” which will pave the way for people to make progress with the environmentally-beneficial decisions they make. Making environmentally-beneficial decisions is not easy when societal factors are going against us, and because copious restrictions to the EPA are being proposed, it is becoming harder than ever to be green. McMillin agreed with this, and made some very good points about what we, as humans, should have a right to. She said, “I think that ensuring protections for our air and water should not be a partisan issue. I’m pretty sure [the EPA] was established by a republican, so to me this is an issue that everybody should be able to get behind - like regulations for clean water and clean air are in everyone’s best interest.”
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 34
G
I
A L C
magine being in a boat on an ocean by yourself—in one hand, you hold the chain to an anchor, on the other hand, you hold the string to a kite. Your job is to keep the kite from flying away and to
keep the anchor from bringing you all the way down to the bottom of the ocean,”— failing to succeed with these two tasks makes for a rough cruise—and often times, fatal. This is the closest I can describe what living with bipolar disorder is like for me— two sentences that I’ve had etched in my brain since I’ve read them. I wish I could send the author (whose name escapes me) a virtual hug. The first time I realized that my mental illness would create barriers in higher education was when I decided I needed to take
I
time off from school in the Spring of 2015. I couldn’t seem to make sense of what I was feeling at the time. It wasn’t until months later that I actually became diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder—ironically putting my mind to ease—allowing me to put the pieces of what’s been happening to me together. For years I think my family wrote me
Being in the bipolar boat, college is one of the biggest glaciers. // Holly Bland
18 VINDICATOR | MARCH 2016
R E
off as a moody adolescent to ignore the fact that I’d be facing a chronic mental illness for the rest of my life. But honestly, nothing made more sense than finally having an explanation to my behavior. Mental illnesses are unique—everyone experiences them and their symptoms differently. When I was younger, the most outstanding symptoms I experienced were (obviously mood swings)—but not the “changing moods ev-
S
ery five seconds” type of mood swings. For days to weeks, I’d fall into deep depressions after being high strung on manic episodes. When I was manic in high school, I actually got things accomplished. Looking back on
it, I was very high-functioning—could go
without even visiting or knowing the cam-
bipolar-typical issue. I also recognize that
days without sleeping, my productivity was
pus, or what I even wanted to major in for
I do not speak for everyone with bipolar
high; I was overwhelmingly social. When I
that matter (cue irrational and impulsive
disorder.
would plunge head first into depression, I
decision making.)
would fake sick to stay home from school
Since the fall of 2015, it’s been one hell
and sometimes I’d stay home for weeks. My
of a ride. A majority of my time here has
attainable deadlines and goals for myself
senior year I missed over 40 days and was
been filled with supportive friends, class-
that trying to keep up with them leaves
tardy at least 52 from what I can recall.
mates, and professors, but it has been the
me even more unorganized and anxious.
hardest part of my life to say the least (I
This leads to forgetting about due dates
sometimes wonder how I even managed
guess that’s college for everyone though,
and extreme procrastination to the point
to complete anything without knowing
right?) The problem here is that it’s not the
I wait up until the final moments before
my mental illness was the problem I kept
“college” part that’s hard. It’s the waking
something is due and can’t even manage
pretending I didn’t have—putting it on the
up, getting to class, looking presentable,
to complete it because I end up having a
backburner. To make a long story short, I
doing things in a timely manner, and stay-
mental breakdown—and no, not the kind
did awful at the first university I attended—
ing organized part.
of “mental breakdown” most people try to
I started college in high school and I
it was not telling of my educational abilities
In the most unconceited way, I know
describe their 5 minutes of distress over. It
in the slightest. I don’t think the late night
I’m intelligent; I just genuinely can not ap-
is painful, debilitating anxiety and helpless-
study binges and lack of routine did me any
ply myself (a majority of the time). I don’t
ness—which sounds extremely irrational
justice either.
experience full-on depression and mania
but is unfortunately my reality with most
“
deadlines. I can’t even count the times I’ve used
People are so much more forgiving about having food poisoning than being mentally ill.
“
Like many people, I decided to go
every excuse in the book on why I’m late or something is incomplete—people are so much more forgiving about having food poisoning than being mentally ill. Then comes the fun part of trying to explain to my professors that it was nearly physically impossible to finish an assignment I’ve known about since the beginning of the semester because I’m too stubborn to have accommodations with disability services or even actively seek a therapist for that matter. I have somehow managed to
all of the time, but I do seem to experience
maintain above a 3.5 GPA but I know a lot
straight to college immediately following
a little bit of both a lot of the time. I sleep
of folks dealing with what I do and worse
high school graduation. By this time I had
at most 4 hours a night—almost always
aren’t as lucky—and it’s unfortunately not
already changed my major three times in
waking up late and have a hard time getting
telling of our educational abilities.
the previous two years of taking classes
out of bed. Not the “ugh my bed is so comfy
while in high school. I soon discovered that
I can’t get up” type of way but a “wow—the
is my inability to flourish in my major. As
indecisiveness and inability to make deci-
world is grey and I just can’t even fathom
a journalism major I was excited to finally
sions (confidently I guess) was a large part
seeing other people today” kind of way.
declare something I enjoyed doing—writ-
of being bipolar for me. Fall 2014, on my fourth major, I failed
If I can finally convince myself to
For me though, the most upsetting part
ing. I could honestly go without the re-
get up, I don’t usually put an effort into
porting part but I love interviewing people
a class that I desperately needed to get
getting ready for the day. I usually don’t
because I like hearing people’s stories and
into the program I wanted to enter—twice.
eat breakfast. I have to give myself a 20
about their lives. I love writing from my
When the Spring approached, I decided
minute-minimum prep talk to get myself to
own perspective in more creative arenas.
that it just wasn’t the right time for me
take a shower, and I usually look to sweat-
But more times than not I can’t actually
and withdrew from all of the courses I was
pants and a bun for everyday attire (hope
produce anything I feel is decent unless I’m
enrolled in on the day the semester was
this is acceptable when I’m 40).
in a manic cycle and feel overly confident
to be paid in full. January to July of that PHOTO BY ALYSSA MILLER
Staying organized is one of the hardest parts. I always tend to set extremely un-
If by this time I’m not running so late
and enthusiastic about taking on a new
year was the worst spiral of cycles I have
that I’ll miss class entirely, I can’t even
project—most of which I never manage to
experienced—but to cut out all the boring
focus when I finally slip into my seat and
finish—like the blog I’ve tried to get up and
details it brought me here to Cleveland
attempt to take notes. I guess this emulates
running for about the 5th time now.
State. On my longest ride of mania to this
more of experiencing college with a mental
date, I woke up one morning and decid-
illness in general, because I know this is
productivity, motivation and creativity to
ed that I needed to be productive if I ever
typically a blanket symptom for a variety
get anything accomplished. Oh, how ex-
wanted to feel better. So, I applied to CSU
of different disorders, and not entirely a
hausting it is.
I always have to wait for the spark of
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 36
THE VACCINATION DEBATE An analysis from both sides of the argument. // Caitlin Cole
T
he quick expansion of science and medicine in the past few decades has saved many lives but it has also brought questions and concerns to light. One con-
troversy that parents are heavily debating is the use of vaccines and the possible side effects they may have. Due to the frightening reality of the way they may affects diseases and viruses, there is a fascination with finding new ways to heal and restore the human body, which is what stemmed the need and creation of the vaccine. The process of finding these methods can be almost as frightening as the disease itself
Myths that Cause People Not to Vaccinate 1. They think too many vaccines too soon will overwhelm a baby's immune system. 2. They believe their child's immune system is immature, so it's safer to delay some vaccines or just get the most important ones.
because of the trial and error process, mixed with the chance that it may not work. Making the decision to vaccinate or not can be stressful. The vaccine’s history in the 1800’s began with an interesting twist, the use of the cowpox disease to protect humans against the smallpox disease. This odd sounding development was the creation of Edward Jenner, an English physician and scientist. Since then, many vaccines have been created for many different frightening and deadly infectious diseases. The rabies vaccine, created by Louis Pasteur, was the next big development and vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, anthrax, cholera, the plague, typhoid and tuberculosis followed. These diseases are rarely mentioned today, unless within an educational setting. The creation of the vaccine and other medical developments are a cause
(FDA), American Medical Association (AMA) and Department of Health and Human 37 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
the well-respected medical organizations, which support the statement that vaccines are safe to use. Vaccines have eliminated smallpox altogether, with the last reported case being in 1977. Vaccines are highly monitored to keep an eye on the effectiveness and safety of it. The organizations that support the use of vaccines, the FDA and CDC are also the organizations that regulate the research on it. In 2012, when the whooping cough outbreak occurred, recommended percentage of the population that should be vaccinated for the disease was 92-94%. The U.S.’s percentage was much less. This
3. They believe vaccines contain toxins, such as mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde, and antifreeze.
resulted in the most prominent infectious
4. T hey don't believe vaccines really work.
makes an outbreak unlikely, thus protect-
5. They feel vaccines seem like a way for pharmaceutical companies and doctors to make a lot of money. 6. T hey consider the side effects of some vaccines seem worse than the actual disease.
for the depletion of these diseases. The Food and Drug Administration
Services (HHS) are only a few examples of
disease outbreak since the year 1955. When a certain percentage of the community is vaccinated against a disease, this is called protecting “the herd”. This is another main benefit of vaccines because it ing the community and those that cannot receive a vaccination. A case happened in 2014 when missionaries returned from the Philippines to Ohio and unknowingly infected the community with measles. The frightening reality is that some of these diseases can live within a person for a long period of time without symptoms, which means there is always a chance of being exposed. Those who travel outside the US can bring back diseases that may not seem relevant anymore and this creates an opportunity for a community to become infected, if it is under the recom-
7. They feel that forcing people to vaccinate is a violation of their rights.
mended vaccine percentage. When this percentage is met, it can help families and the economy save money
in the future. $1.38 trillion has been saved
that creates financial and emotional strain
by vaccinated children between the years
within a family.
1994 and 2014, according to the CDC. This
their backs to sleep. It does bring up the question of just
These potential outcomes tied to not
how many vaccines a child receives. The
is because of less cases of disability due to
vaccinating come with a set of fears of the
recommended list of vaccines includes at
disease and less early deaths that result in
potential outcomes that come with vacci-
least ten vaccines before the age of one
nation.
years old.
money from avoiding potential hospital visits, due to infectious diseases that are prevented by vaccines. $3,990 is the average dollar amount that parents spend as a result of flu related hospital trips. This is a devastating number for any family to manage, which could potentially be avoided by a vaccine that is most likely free to receive. The CDC is currently working on The Vaccine Study, which has the goal to “put a dollar figure on visits to doctor’s offices and emergency rooms for the treatment of flu-stricken children..” Cleveland State Student and senior music therapy major, Kat DiPiero is pro vaccine and feels strongly that those
“
Vaccines are not required by US law but it is required in all states that a child
... the possible link between autism and vaccines is not proven by any studies.
without an autoimmune issue should be vaccinated. She mentions that the possible link between autism and vaccines is not
“
the loss of productivity. Families also save
has certain vaccinations before attending public school. This creates a controversy for those who wish to have their children in public schools but disagree with giving their children vaccines. The supporting side for the vaccine debate sounds very appealing and it seems to be an easy choice, but this is unfortunately not the case. There are definitely risks and doubts attached to the use of vaccines, and they should not be ignored before making a final decision. For every vaccine, there is always the possibility of an allergic reaction that can lead to death. The CDC says that this happens one in every million children.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a
Brain damage, seizures, and comas are all
proved by any studies. “Even if there was a
frightening reality for parents and it is of-
possible side effects from vaccines. Though
correlation between the two, I’d rather have
ten wondered whether vaccines are a cause
it is not proven by research, The Nation-
a child with autism, than my child die of
of this. According to the CDC, there is no
al Vaccine Information Center states that
Polio,” DiPiero said.
link between SIDS and vaccines. The CDC
autism, diabetes and asthma are all possible
states that the SIDS rate went down after
connection to vaccines. The list of possible
research showed babies should be placed on
side effects go on and on.
Missing work can also be another potential factor from flu-ridden children
On October 19th, 2011, Ron Paul gave
CSU on Vaccinations
a detailed opinion about the government intervening with a person’s medical choices. “Freedom over one’s physical person is the most basic freedom of all, and people in a free society should be sovereign over their own bodies,” Paul said. “When we give the government the power to make medical decisions for us, we in essence accept that the state owns our bodies.” The government making vaccines mandatory goes against a person’s religious freedoms, which is outlined in the very First Amendment of the US Constitution. Some vaccines also contain animal products, which also violates some religious and personal beliefs. One of the greatest things about the United States is the freedom that we have,
Have been vaccinated
92% Believe vaccinations are effective
80% Are up to date on their vaccinations
*Sample size of 70 students
98%
when it comes to our bodies. The many sides of this debate can make the decision to vaccinate or not overwhelming but that’s the beauty of freedom. We can educate ourselves about these issues and it’s up to us to make the choice.
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 38
THE T R U T H B E H I N D
ANIMAL FARMING D How the mass-production of animals affects them, and the planet. // Caitlin Barry ue to the recent election of
animal should ever have to face the torture
2016, awareness has been
that mass produced animals are subjected
raised for environmental
to. Baby chicks are ground up alive in a
issues. Many of these issues
blender just soon after they are born, and
are overlooked or regarded as
baby cows are separated from their moth-
unimportant, especially the issue of mass
ers and shoved into a cage where they are
production of animals in factory farms.
unable to move. Rabbits are hung upside
Most people are aware of the cruelty that
down and skinned alive for their fur while
animals face in these conditions, however
they are bleeding to death and screaming
they choose to ignore it. The mass pro-
in pain. This animal slavery needs to end.
duction industry is truly horrific. While
The Earth is not for humans to take and
ethically wrong, it is also destroying the
destroy. Animals have just as much a right
environment. There are many reasons that
to life as humans do. It is time we stop liv-
the mass production industry should be put
ing above animals and instead start living
to an end, however, the demand for meat is
among them.
so high that it continues to thrive. Mass production of animals is ex-
39 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
The biggest problem regarding the environment is how oblivious most people are
tremely inhumane. The animals raised
to how badly mass production of animals
in factories are being treated as they are
affects the Earth. According to Kate Good,
products and not actual living beings with
writer for One Green Planet, 12,000 people
feelings. Society has desensitized people to
were asked what they think is biggest con-
think of animals such as cows and pigs as
tributor to climate change. Only 29 percent
food and not as living things. Dogs and cats
of these people considered meat and dairy
are no more deserving of life than pigs,
production as one of the biggest contrib-
cows and chickens. There is no logical rea-
utors to climate change. The reason so
soning behind the divide in people’s minds
many people are oblivious to this issue is
that cats and dogs are not food but cows
a combination of the meat industry trying
and chickens are. All animals are equally
as hard as they possibly can to keep it from
deserving of life. No living and breathing
the public, and consumers desire to avoid
the topic of where meat comes from. Most
contributor to climate change however, it is
people know how these animals are treat-
one of the biggest contributors to climate
ed, however they choose to avoid thinking
change and most people are not aware of
about it so they are able to enjoy their life
how awful it truly is. Things will only get
and eat meat without feeling the burden
worse unless everyone makes a change and
of how cruel eating meat is. Just because
stands against this genocide of animals
one makes the disconnect of a cow and
and assassin of the environment.
the burger they are eating in their mind,
It is extremely important that people
does not change the fact that their food
are aware of where their food comes from.
was once a living, breathing animal that
The meat produced in factory farms is
was just as deserving of life as every other
infested with animal illness. Hundreds of
animal on this earth. Every day, forests
animals are crammed together with hardly
are being destroyed in order to raise more
any room to move. With the amount of
livestock which is having a heinous effect
waste these animals are making, illness
on the environment.
spreads rapidly in these factories. This is
One pound of beef uses about 1840
the meat people are eating, this is where it
gallons of water. Meanwhile, thousands
is coming from. Companies try to disclose
of people in third world countries have
as much information from the public as
no access to clean water and exponential
possible but people deserve to know every
amounts of clean water are being given to
detail about where their food is coming
cows. Cows also consume extreme amounts
from. These animals are beaten unneces-
of corn which could be given to starving
sarily and are forced to live in these terrible
people around the world who are not fortu-
conditions causing them to get extremely
nate enough to have access to food as easily
ill. This has caused great problems re-
as people living in first world countries.
garding foodborne illness. Meat is hard for
Written in “Water Resources: Agricultur-
humans to digest, especially darker meat,
al and Environmental Issues” by David
it contains a lot of fat and slows down the
Pimental et. al, “Animal agriculture water
metabolism. Eating meat plays a big part
consumption ranges from 34-76 trillion
in weight gain. The human body is not de-
gallons annually.” Water is such a necessity
signed to digest such heavy foods. Unfor-
“
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tunately, we live in a culture that teaches people it is normal and correct that these
All animals are equally deserving of life.
certain animals are food for humans therefore they become slaves to human desire. The environment sustains life on Earth. If humans continue to take advantage of what we have, all the green of the earth will be destroyed. The world will become one mass factory and all the beauty
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of life will vanish. Eventually storms will rage that no living being will be able to overcome. The oceans will rise and eventually all land will be under water, the oceans are already beginning to rise. Instead of trying to live on other planets, it is time
“
to life and yet so many people lack access
we begin to care for the one in which we
to it. However, so much of our clean water
already live.
is going to animal agriculture. According to
Townhall 1909 W 25th St, Cleveland
It is so important to keep an open
Robert Goodland and Jeff Anhang, writers
mind and realize the horrific things that
for the World Watch Magazine, livestock
are happening in the world. We have the
are also accountable for about 32,000 tons
power to make a change, do not ever feel
of carbon dioxide being released into the
that your actions toward a cause do not
Earth’s atmosphere per year. The topic
matter. You vote with your dollar, by put-
is sadly ignored, but even though people
ting your money toward meat products,
don’t acknowledge it, the fact that cows
you are supporting an awful industry that
Tommy’s Restauraunt
produce over 150 billion gallons of methane
is destroying the earth. There are so many
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every single day is still an issue. Animal
reasons that eating meat is wrong. It is
agriculture is not often looked at is a major
time to make a change before it is too late.
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SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 40
Why Self-Care Matters // Alexis Rosen
T
hanks for taking time to stop
do you do all of that and make time for
and read this - I know you’re
yourself? I usually ask this at least once a
busy. In addition to being a stu-
day. The answer I’ve found? You don’t. And
described a common perception, explain-
dent, you may work, have family
if you do, that’s selfish. There’s already too
ing,“We view self-care as a reward - and
obligations, a partner, social
little time in a day. Chill out? Umm, yeah
self-care is not a reward. Self-care is some-
right.
thing that is necessary to sustain your day-
plans, and are simply learning and growing as a human.
For ages, I lived in a cycle of constant
In the midst of daily to-do lists, I often
go, crash, repeat. I believed I was stuck with
what self-care means. CSU’s Care Manager, Emily Grady,
to-day activities; your well-being. Self-care is essential”.
struggle to find time for myself. I’m not
the circumstances of being busy. It wasn’t
talking regularly going out for extravagant
until this year that I finally shook myself
entirely understands the overwhelming
meals or spending all day at a spa. I mean
and decided something’s gotta give. Cue:
feelings that come with college, which is
taking five minutes to stop and breathe.
dun dun na na... SELF-CARE.
why she is a total superhero at her job.
The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve
It started small, and little by little,
Having been a student herself, Grady
As a Care Manager, it is her role to assist
realized that America has created a culture
I learned how to remove the pressure I
students working through academic or per-
that worships work and glorifies go. How
thought was permanent. I let myself read a
sonal stressors and connect them with the
many times have you heard this automated
magazine, walk the dog for awhile, take a
best fitting networks on campus.
response?
relaxing bath or listen to music and just be “How’s it going?” “Good... busy!”
There’s a reason those jumbo sized coffee cups exist in America - to keep us all running full speed ahead. I was once told by an Australian entrepreneur that their company loves to hire Americans because it takes one Yank to do a job that would require three Aussies. There is no denying that America is obsessed with work. As college students, we are bombarded with the message that employers want overachieving, hard-working, driven, multitasking experts. So, how 41 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2017
- guilt free. These simple actions became trans-
“I think that we’ll often view it as ‘okay if I work for thirty more minutes on this assignment then I can go get lunch’.
formative because my mind was no longer
And it’s - ‘no, you really need to eat your
racing, mentally noting all the tasks that
lunch, to take time to sit down and take
demanded my attention. Before, I was in
a break’, she said. “Even things like ‘I’m
such a hurry to check boxes that I rarely
gonna go to the bathroom after I finish this
experienced the present moment. After,
assignment’. It gets so ridiculous that we’re
making time to take care of myself allowed
limiting ourselves and viewing self-care as
me to release anxiety, regain mental clarity
a praise for something, but it’s really just
and focus fully on one thing at a time.
something we should be doing on a day in,
It is more important now than ever
day out basis. I think that we really need to
to develop healthy habits of self-care,
learn to have it be a part of our routine and
especially with the often highly stressful
our everyday reality”.
lifestyles students maintain. Before rendering routines, it’s crucial to truly understand
Rewiring established habits like this is not easy, but it is possible. “I think the first
step is recognizing that you are important.
someone who takes care of themselves -
within. She made changes to care for her
That you are valuable. And that means that
both inside and outside of the classroom”.
whole self, not just her body or mind alone.
you are worth taking care of” Grady said.
Not only does self-care remove anxiety
The results? “It was revolutionary” Mc-
“Once we recognize that - even something
- it also strengthens your brain. Did you
Cormick said, beaming. “The ways in which
as small as eating breakfast - you’re worth
know high stress levels cause your mind
I took care of myself that I hadn’t been
doing that. If we have the mentality that
to function poorly, which literally lowers
doing before were the ways that I came into
we’re important enough to take care of
IQ. According to Psychology Today, the IQ
healing and I got back to 100%. It was an
ourselves, than we can start a process to
decreases 10 to 15 points when the mind
incredible gift. One that I wish I could give
positive change”.
is in overload. “The light goes out in the
to everyone in this room.”
The paths to practicing self-care are
prefrontal cortex, which is our executive
Self care isn’t about finding time for
infinite and look different for everyone. It
functioning and decision making region of
yourself. It’s about making time. There
may be an action that takes five minutes
the brain”.
are always tasks that can cram into every
or five hours. That is the beauty of it - you
It is easy to forget just how connected
corner of your calendar, so it is crucial to
decide based on what you need. Grady
our bodies and minds are. Megan Mc-
schedule yourself in as a priority. This may
suggested different ideas, such as preparing
Cormick, Denison University student and
seem simple to some, but takes practice for
lunches for the week or finally booking your
wellness activist, shared an abundance of
others. Whether you know it already or are
favorite workout class. “Even just telling
insight in a TED talk titled “A Self-Care
learning to believe it like me, YOU MATTER
ourselves to go to bed and know we don’t
Revolution”. She spoke about the experi-
and YOU DESERVE it. So take that break, eat
have to keep working. I think we have to re-
ence she had in her first semester of college
a cookie (or two) and do you how you need
mind ourselves to take breaks because that
when she suddenly became very sick and
to do you.
is self care, too” she said.
couldn’t determine the cause.
This is my personal permission slip to
“When I was hit with fatigue and
you to stop and be still. Hitting play from
exhaustion I thought that it was something
pause doesn’t have to mean picking up
with my body because that’s the way we are
pressure momentarily put down. “I see so
taught to think about health - right? That
many students wound so tightly because
it’s our bodies” McCormick explained. “Af-
they are so overwhelmed dealing with many
ter a few blood tests I realized that wasn’t
very real problems.” Grady explained “I
it - that is was a problem with my holistic
think the first thing you do when you’re
well-being. I struggled just to say that it
stressed out is stop taking care of yourself
was something with my mind because I
because you have so many other people and
think that silence is the connection that our
things to focus on in your life. What I want
minds and our bodies have. We are taught
our students to know is that they’re super
to think of them as separate.”
important to us and that their well-being
With Love, Your Fellow Figuring-It-Out Friend
She decided to take matters into her
is also incredibly important. In order to be
own hands and instead of seeking answers
a good student, part of that is also being
outwardly, she began to discover them
HANDWRITING BY ALEXIS ROSEN
WAYS CSU STUDENTS CAN PRACTICE SELF CARE
SPRING 2017 | VINDICATOR 42
Farewell Written by Chau Tang
An old photograph of you and I sitting on a bench, I found it when I rummaged through boxes I packed for my new house. It’s been what, 15 years since we last spoke? I wonder how you are now, I’ve been doing fine. If I said I haven’t thought of you at least once then that’s a lie. You’ve been on my mind for a while now. I’m halfway across the country with no form of communication to contact you. It’s like you never existed, no profile online when most of society is. It was hard to watch you leave, it was like watching the leaves turn green, waiting a lifetime. I know I probably won’t see you again and we didn’t say a proper goodbye. Last I saw you, I don’t believe I bid thee farewell at all. Maybe one day we will cross paths again. Or maybe I’ll see you in another dimension. Those conversations we’ve had in between before you left, you said, I don’t want forever, That’s what you said. You’d rather pass through my life than stay a while. How could I have been so foolish? Thinking this could be something real Like these scars on my arms Man, I take it seriously. You say you love me, but did you really mean it? I’ve been acting the same but then you go ahead and change the game, no rules, no decisions, no re-admission. You messed with my head, you’ve always liked playing mind games Toying with someone’s emotions is as much fun to you as throwing a ball. No matter where it landed, it’s not like you cared. I guess it is a good thing I no longer see you, for you were a lesson and a story to be told. That photograph I keep in a photo album and stashed it away.
Art by Mikayla Colston
Only time I want to see it is to see how far I’ve come as a human being.
SISTAH
Written By Raquel Wilbon
Am I my sistah’s keeper? Is she valuable? or, is she worthless? Is it easier to sweep her…under the rug? Consider her a drug like cocaine? Or is she like propane? Are you insane? Don’t you know she is sweeter than a candy cane? That can rain and wash away the pain?
Am I my sistah’s keeper? Being her guide to the pride Within the unity of the community of the sisterhood.
Am I my sistah’s keeper? Embracing her with love that fits like a glove? She is not to be shoved away…to stray…among those who prey But she is to be embodied like a dove That flies above…in peace.
Are you your sistah’s keeper?
Art by Mikayla Colston
I am my sister.
OLD CIGARETTES Written by Alyssa Miller
I like to watch the way the smoke curls in the air, much like your tongue inside of my mouth. Twisting, twirling, then it’s gone. As if it were never there. Though something, a smell, a feel, a taste,
Art by Mikayla Colston
l i n g e r s.
Choices Tyisha Blade
Do I choose death or drink? Do I choose to act or to think? Should I choose my death, I’d no longer feel the pain of the past. Choosing the drink, I’m feeling sensational, but how long will it last? Should I now act? Doing so, the ones I hold dearly will feel a pain like no other. A pain that no healing, treatment or drug could smother. Now? Toxic thinking… Thinking is what got me here in the first place. Thinking of the cruelty, the abuse, the attack. But, oh? The escape… Now thinking of the sorrow, the burial, the remorse. And now surely, I’m drunk… how about letting nature take its’s course. But wait… No. Don’t think. No more drink. Don’t act. Don’t die. Internally conflicted, praying for life. I’m hurting. So much fear. So tensed and uneased. I wake up. Finally, I choose to breath.
Do you love your There’s more to
? at
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