Vindicator Cleveland State University’s Arts and Culture Magazine
NOV 2017
CLEVELAND’S INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS + life in the US + DACA recipient interview + the american dream
NOV 2 Want More? 3 Staff
5 Letter from the Editor 6 Calendar ARTS 7 Film Going in Cleveland 9 I nspirarion in the City 11 The Pixies Return to CLE CULTURE 13 I Met God, She’s Black 15 Fashion on Campus 17 F *** the Police, or Maybe Not? 19 An Inward Treasure FEATURE 21 S aving Bees, One Hive at a Time 23 Why Aren’t We Helping? 25 V egan Activism: At the Table & In the Streets 29 We the People SOCIAL 37 The Beauty of Our Bodies 39 F eminism in Modern Judaism
POETRY 43 Thirsty 44 Herbal Messages 45 There Are People Praying for You Right Now 46 Playful Dance
29
AMERICAN DREAM CSU’s international students discuss what it’s like to enter the US in 2017.
PHOTO BY EVAN PRUNTY
41 U rban Playground
WANT TO SEE MORE? 2.6% AIT KUW
1.7% NIGERIA
#VindiAsks Top five countries of origin on CSU’s campus.
CHECK OUT MORE ARTICLES ON OUR BLOG AT THEVINDI.COM
5% 6. HINA C
34%
35% INDIA
SAUDI ARABIA EXTENDED INTERVIEWS AND EVENT ACCESS WITH OUR ONLINE VIDEOS
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FASHION ON CAMPUS
INTERVIEWS For the month of November, Imani and Samantha hit campus to interview students about their fashion style and what it means to them. Join us as we showcase fashion diversity across gender and race and find out how Cleveland Staters really feel about fashion! READ ABOUT CAMPUS FASHION ON PAGE 15, AND SEE MORE INTERVIEWS ON THE BLOG! NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 2
Faculty Advisor Julie Burrell
T
e heT am Web Specialist Daniel Lenhart
STAFF HEADS
Arbela Capas
Nicole Zollos
Andriana Akrap
Holly Bland
Michella Dilworth
Editor-in-Chief
Art Director
Asst. Art Director
Managing Editor
Online Content Editor
Evan Prunty
Alexis Rosen
Alana Whelan
Benjamin Heacox
Dorothy Zhao
Multimedia Manager
Features Editor
Arts Editor
Copy Editor
Junior Editor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JUNIOR DESIGNERS
Greg Elek
Logan Hammond
Grace Roberson
Jamia Richardson
Loren Shumaker-Chupp Michella Dilworth
Brenda CastaĂąeda
Alana Whelan
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Joe Ruzicka
TJ Hayes
Alexis Rosen
Samantha Sanker
Mikayla Colston Paige Bowers
Dorothy Zhao
Imani Stephens
Anna Powaski
Renee Betterson
Hannah Minton
Caitlin Cole
CONTRIBUTING POETS Joy Yayoie McKinney Bernadette M. Wielgus Nick Chmura Disclaimer
The content of the Vindicator does not necessarily represent the opinions of Cleveland State University, its students, faculty, or staff: nor does it represent the 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. 2121 Euclid Ave, MC 471, Cleveland, OH 44115 216 687 2118
3 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
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EDITOR’S LETTER
WE ARE UNDIVIDED
A
s we send this issue to print, we are experiencing a particularly difficult time for our campus, and the Cleveland community in general. The Vindicator staff wants to acknowledge the anti-LGBTQ flier that was posted on school grounds, and has caused extreme pain and offense to students, faculty, and staff. As members of the student media, we make a promise to reaffirm your voices are heard; this publication is dedicated to providing an outlet to uplift your stories and to help bring visibility to issues like this. As a journalistic organization, we are committed to finding the truth and to report the truth in a way that helps prevent these situations from happening, and to hold people and the powers-that-be accountable. Everyone deserves to feel safe on campus, no matter our background, gender or orientation. The Vindicator was created as a form of rebellion, and we continue
to help people stand up for what they believe by sharing the stories of those who are systemically marginalized and oppressed in our society. For the November issue, we wanted to highlight the international community here on campus, and bring to light some of the drawbacks of “the American Dream,”including how there is always room for improvement when it comes to immigration in our country. Brenda Castañeda gives us a revealing interview with a DACA recipient who has experienced the hardships of it firsthand. Alexis Rosen showcases interviews with international students on our campus, and their views of “the American Dream”– both good and bad. Altogether we wanted to convey that America is made stronger by its’ diversity, and we need to continue to celebrate that. However, we must also recognize the smaller ways we are not doing enough.
ARBELA CAPAS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
5 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
w h a t’s h a p p e n i n g i n
NOVEMBER 11.4 Panel
Points of View: Homelessness & Culture in Cleveland @ MOCA Hear Christopher Knestrick, Executive Director of Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, and other panelists speak about the role that art can play in bringing awareness and creating change for homeless people in Cleveland. 2PM, 11400 EUCLID AVE
11.12 Turnover Concert
Turnover w/ Elvis Depressedly Concert @ Agora Ballroom Rock out to some dreamy tunes when Turnover returns to Cleveland with their third album. You won’t want to miss this melodic indie rock quartet who has gained tons of momentum in the music scene since their first full-length release in 2013. Tickets are $17 ADV and $20 DOS.
11.17
Design Show
8PM, 5000 EUCLID AVE
11.21 Free Vegan Thanksgiving
Come support Cleveland State’s AIGA Design Exhibition as they host their second annual show. Titled Love Is... the event features work from students as a designed response to the recent hostility towards marginalized groups on campus. FREE EVENT, 1901 E 13TH STREET, FLOOR 2
11.19 Play
Satisfy your comfort food cravings and eat some delicious vegan food at S.A.V.E. at CSU’s annual vegan thanksgiving dinner. There will be music, information tables and a classic thanksgiving feast, all veganized of course. 5 PM, 2121 EUCLID AVE (STUDENT CENTER BALLROOM)
Watch the compelling story of Anne Frank unfold as it is adapted into a theater production in front of your eyes. Tickets are $25-$85 through Playhouse Square. TIMES TBA, 1407 EUCLID AVE
NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 6
A look into what makes going to the movies so great in Cleveland. // Gregory Elek
G
rowing up in a small suburb
room, and snacks are all great, but it’s the
documentaries, cult movie screenings,
of Cleveland, I spent a lot of
audience that really makes it. When The
animated films and anything else you can
my childhood and adult years
Force Awakens came out a few years ago I
think of. We shouldn’t take it for granted.
at the movies. It started as
saw it in theaters four times. The first time
Unless you live in LA or New York it’s not
the only option for killing
was easily the most enjoyable, not just
uncommon to wait for a lot of foreign
time and turned into a passion—nothing
because it was my first time being exposed
and independent movies to get a Blu-Ray
could beat it: Opening the doors and getting
to the film, but because of how into it the
release to watch them, but we don’t have
punched in the face with the smell of
crowd was. The excitement was contagious.
to do that here. Although there are multiple
popcorn, not being able to understand what
Alternatively, seeing how the strangers
theaters in the Cleveland Cinemas that show
the cashier is trying to say through the
around you react can be fascinating. Two
these more niche films, the one that seems
glass window, testing your resilience when
of my favorite movies this year were
to champion these films the most is the
you walk past the concessions, putting in
Mother!, and A Ghost Story. At my initial
Cedar Lee. “My boss, Jon Forman, bought
headphones to avoid the trailers (read our
screening for both of these movies someone
the Cedar Lee Theatre in the late 1970’s and
October issue to learn more about that),
walked out before it ended. I knew almost
started the Cleveland International Film
the feeling you get when the lights dim in
immediately that both movies would be
Festival because of his love of foreign and
the theater. For me, it’s an experience that
polarizing, but actually seeing people leave
independent films. The Cedar Lee is now
can’t be beat.
strengthened that. In 2012 when I saw Les
so identified with these types of films that
Misérables the people sitting around me
people around Cleveland frequently describe
the big screen with an audience. The
were crying at a part that struck me as sad,
them as “Cedar Lee movies.”” Huffman
communal experience of going out to the
but not necessarily tragic. This experience
told me, he also went on about what
movies just can’t be replicated at home,”
helped me reconceptualize this scene, and
makes the Cedar Lee unique saying, “It’s
Dave Huffman, Director of Marketing
still affects how I watch it today.
a part of history and the oldest continually
“Movies were made to be seen on
for Cleveland Cinemas told me when he
Everyone’s going to be looking for
operating movie theatre in Cleveland. We
talked about the film going experience. He
something different when they want to
also were the first theater in the state to
went on to say that “Comedies and horror
go to the movies. We’re exceptionally
serve beer and wine.” Based on my personal
movies are especially critical to see with
lucky to live in the Cleveland area, because
experience the Cedar Lee also seems to be
a crowd because we feed off of the energy
we have it all —Independent films,
the most communal of the bunch. I’ve had
of those around us.” The big screen, dark
blockbusters, horror movies, foreign films,
many in depth conversations with strangers
7 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
in the bathroom after our screening got out.
movies. The people you find there love the
It wouldn’t be uncommon for a stranger
craft, and want to appreciate what they’re
to approach me and start talking about
seeing. They also have a film projector,
another movie that was screened at the
which is unfortunately a rarity in Ohio.
theater if they overheard me talking about
With the culmination of Cleveland
it. It’s a community just as much as it is a
Cinemas, and the Cinematheque, the
movie theater.
Cleveland area is a prime location for
It would be impossible to talk about the
viewing cult movies. Films like The Room
film going experience in the Cleveland area
(2003) and The Rocky Horror Picture
without talking about the Cinematheque.
Show (1975) come to mind. If you’ve never
“
been to one, cult movie screenings are a wild experience. They tend to be very interactive, but it’s not a good way to see
We’re exceptionally lucky to live in the Cleveland area, because we have it all — Independent films, blockbusters, horror movies, foreign films, documentaries, cult movie screenings, animated films and anything else you can think of.
“
For those who don’t know, a Cinematheque is a theater that specializes in films that are historically important, experimental, avant-garde, and other films similar to that nature. Cinematheques aren’t common in cities like Cleveland, they’re something you’d typically find in cities much bigger. Think of Cinematheques as art museums for
a movie for the first time because they get pretty loud. At screenings of The Room, for example, people throw plastic spoons at the screen, throw rose petals in the air, toss around footballs and have an entire list of responses to scream out loud when the movie delivers some of its iconic bad dialogue. “We have always shown classic and cult films for special screenings and this used to be unique to us,” said Huffman “Now even the national chains are showing some of these films regularly.” If you’re a cinefile, or just a casual fan of going to the movies, Cleveland is the place for you. You’ll always have an option and nothing is excluded. We also host our fair share of film festivals, most notably CIFF (Cleveland International Film Festival, which is Oscar qualifying), so you can even get exposed to smaller and local talent through the Cleveland area as well. When talking to Huffman, he said something that perfectly sums up everything great about going to the movies, and it’s a perfect note to end on: “Years ago, before I worked for the company, I had gone to see a movie but was late so I picked a movie I didn’t know anything about called Kiss or Kill to watch instead. It was great to see something without knowing anything about the movie beforehand and it turned out to be great. I also have to say that our screening of the director’s own print of “Sleepaway Camp” as part of the Melt Bar & Grilled Late Shift was an amazing night. The audience had so much fun and it’s one of my favorite guilty pleasures.”
T
he art revival in Cleveland continues to flourish with a focus on musicians, writers, filmmakers, and visual artists. Brothers Garrett Komya-
ti (right) and Michael Witlicki (left) are among these creators. Garrett is the lead singer and manager of The Modern Electric, a “cinematic rock” band with a unique lyrical style that draws inspiration from motion pictures. The Modern Electric often accompany their music with short films, which are all conceptualized by Garett. Michael is a hairdresser at Salon Pizzo in Mentor, Ohio, and assists his brother in his many endeavors with the Modern Electric. In our conversation, they shed light on what it was like as artists through various stages in their lives. They also offer us a glimpse into the Cleveland’s art revival as artists themselves. The Brother’s Background
Vindi: We understand that you both had separate childhoods. Can you tell us a bit about your different childhoods and high school years? Michael: My childhood was simple. Single mom, welfare, and a little house in Eastlake. Garrett: You went to North (High School, Eastlake) right? M: I did, yeah. I went to North for awhile. And then I moved to Colorado for a few years. I mean, that’s about it. V: What group of friends were you in with in high school? M: It was kind of weird. My group transcended categories. G: Like Ferris Bueller and how everyone knew him?
INSPIRATION
IN THE CITY Garrett Komyati and Michael Witlicki offer their unique insight as brothers and artists working in the Cleveland art revival. // Anna Powaski and Hannah Minton
9 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
M: Yeah, we were all like Ferris Bueller, actually. But there were no categories. We were bad kids, but the parents loved us. G: [gloating] Me, on the other hand, I was an angel. No bad stuff ever. M: It’s not even a joke. G: It’s not. I was a good kid. I went to South (High School, Willoughby), though, so we are absolute rivals. I grew up in Willoughby and Eastlake. My friends were the kids in bands. I think a lot of the popular kids came to our shows so that was nice – I could pretend I was popular. V: Michael, what did you want to be in high school?
M: Honestly, I wanted to be a hairstylist. I didn’t know it was a real job. I thought it was a glorified waitress job or something.
V: Do you think living in Cleveland and basing your art careers in Cleveland has inspired your work or altered it in some way?
be put on an album. It’s just as physical, if not more because it has a different form of permanency.
V: Garrett, you were in a band in high school. Did you always want to continue with that?
G: You’ve got to be kind of scrappy in Cleveland. You don’t have all the resources at your fingertips like other cities. You have to do things yourself.
G: I thought [Michael’s] was more physical. You just completely switched my perspective on this.
M: It’s kind of where the underdog theme comes in for me because it makes you have to work hard. It’s an accomplishment unto itself. You can be some type of professional in New York, and you’re just one of many. Yet here you get to strive to make a name for yourself. V: Michael, do you consider yourself an artist?
What’s Next V: What is the Modern Electric up to currently?
V: Did your parents do anything to promote artistry? M: I think in both cases, in different ways, both of them do promote creativity. My mom was on a completely liberal arts side. G: Yeah, my dad was in bands so he helped me out with all the music. Our mom just loves anything we do. M: She turned us onto music that I don’t think we would have experienced otherwise. V: Were your parents ever concerned about you pursuing art careers? G: They’ve been pretty supportive of the music thing. They’ve never gone “why don’t you get a real job.” It’s always been, “When’s the next gig?” The Cleveland Art Revival V: What are your favorite aspects of the Cleveland art revival? G: I love it because it feels like an underdog art scene in comparison to LA and New York. Those cities are almost bloated and oversaturated with talent. Everyone is all trying to do the same thing. But Cleveland isn’t really influenced by all that stuff. We are separate from the trends.
PHOTO BY ANDRIANA AKRAP
M: Which is kind of a good thing I think. Maybe we’re not so commercialized and following the pack. We have so much culture here already. It’s like we are set up to be a miniature version of New York or LA with our orchestra and theaters and museums. There’s a nest here for whatever culture you want. V: It was almost like the revival was destined to be an art revival, versus a business revival. G: Yeah. Exactly. It’s like Cleveland is a city to root for. You don’t root for the people who are in the top and have been there for ever. We haven’t been on top. And now that we are finally getting there, it’s exciting.
M: I do. I think if you look at the technical side of art, I’m working with all the same concepts and doing the same thing. Sculpting, painting, color theory – it’s all there.
“
It’s almost like the revival was destined to be an art revival...
“
G: Yeah, absolutely. I always wanted to make music and as soon as I went to college I realized film is just as fun. It soon became my other passion. Where music and movies intersect is the most inspiring thing to me.
V: Would you consider your profession more physical than your brothers? Because although he does physical work with instruments– M: [sarcastically] Have you ever seen him play the piano? V: Yeah. He tends to smash the piano when he’s performing.
G: We’re finishing the new album and are working out the logistics of a possible tour next year. This next album is going to be more electric. Last time was acoustic centered so we’ll be fitting our name with this one. I’m excited. Anyway, I think a tour in 2018 is almost inevitable. We do have the Annual North Coast Christmas Concert coming up on December 23rd, at the Grog Shop. That’s always an extravaganza. V: Michael, what about you? M: It’s kind of top secret, but fuck it. I’m actually branching out and going on my own. I want to focus on the creative side of hair. I don’t want to have to worry about following the rules, or punching in on a time clock. I want to be able to completely explore the artistic side of my job. I need the freedom to come and go as I please, and do what I want with clients. V: It seems both of you are sort of moving on and branching out. G: Yeah we are really excited about the new songs, but songwriting for the Modern Electric are really slow. Everybody knows that about us, we are slow. M: That’s one thing that is similar about us. I do hair really slow too. G: Yeah there we go. We create slowly. Five hour hair dyes, and five year album releases. It seems the common ground between Garrett and Michael is the inspiration they get from Cleveland, their childhoods, and each other that manifests in their work. Both brothers have great insight on the evolving status of art in Cleveland, and take pride in being Cleveland artists. Garrett and Michael both seek to create something
G: With the Modern Electric, our final product is floating in the air. Micheal, yours is floating on someone’s shoulders.
unique; to collaborate, to move forward and
M: There’s thought behind it. Thoughts are always floating around. And yeah, you can see the end result, but your hair grows and color fades. Garrett’s end result can
tion with these two, and could not be more
keeping a positive perspective. We were absolutely delighted to have a conversaexcited for their upcoming work as they continue to grow as artists.
NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 10
THE PIXIES RETURN TO THE CLE A review of the Pixies show at The Agora and their opener, Sunflower Bean. // Joe Ruzicka
T
he Pixies have returned to Cleveland and have brought their signature performance, adding the band Sunflower Bean to incorporate a softer sound
to their set. Sunflower Bean rocked the crowd during their set with their soft pop songs and vibrant light production. With Sunflower Bean adding vibrant movements and guitar riffs to the show, an extra sense of life was added. Once the Pixies went on, the crowd roared as they saw their cult hit come on stage ready to rock the night away. They played songs from each of the six albums they’ve released with a focus on their 2016 album, “Head Carrier.” The show was at its peak throughout the night when they had odd moments throughout the set with evil chuckles and muddled guitar solos. Their signature mysterious lo-fi sound was accentuated by these weird accents and added to the atmosphere of the show. Although The Pixies were never record breaking album sales throughout their time as a band, they still serve as an icon within the rock industry and have influenced a plethora of artists with their style of music and approach to everything. The Pixies put on a fairly decent set and surprisingly still attracted a rather young crowd — not just people who were in their prime when The Pixies initially made it. However, there was still a slight disconnect. The disconnect was partially due to their growing age as musicians. Along with this there was definitely something missing with Kim Deal no longer being the co-bassist and vocalist because she left the band in 2013 and was replaced by Paz Lenchantin. As a tribute to Kim Deal, they played “All I Think About is Now,” one of the few songs that Black did not play and Lenchantin helped write. The
“
PHOTOS BY JOE RUZICKA
“
Once the Pixies went on, the crowd roared as they saw their cult hit come on stage ready to rock the night away.
song served as a thank you to Deal and also
tended to be more so on the direct and
sort of a way to reminisce on times when
tame side instead of a more lively experi-
her relationship with the band was better.
ence.
Although Lenchantin may not have been
Overall, The Pixies put on a fair-
an original member of the band, she still
ly decent show with a spectacular stage
proved to be more lively on stage then the
production, high quality sound, and their
other members, and entertained the crowd
signature mysterious aura that drew every-
throughout the night with occasional
one’s attention the whole night. Although
banter.
The Pixies had quality music with a fairly
The crowd that night was extremely
decent setlist, there was still something
laid back, resulting in the show being more
missing at the show. Their robotic move-
focused on nodding your head to the music
ments, and lack of engagement made it feel
and the occasional fist in the air. The laid
like they were just trying to get through
back crowd can most likely be attributed
their set and move on to the next city.
to The Pixies being more calm and mud-
Feeling less connected, and instead just
dled. This though did not seem to take
giving the bare minimum to their dedi-
away from the show for crowd, there was
cated fans. When one goes to a show, they
still extreme excitement throughout the
expect to feel a connection with the band.
set. There were a few times throughout
The Pixies did not do this, and in turn, I
their set that the songs were a bit more
felt that the show was missing something
bass heavy and rougher such as when
from every other good show that I have
they played “Boom Shagga Lagga” which
been. The Pixies have passed their prime,
featured Black yelling into the microphone
and have instead decided to tour as a cash
with a louder, more muddled effect that
grab instead of touring for the experience.
echoed throughout the venue.
I am hoping that this changes in future
Throughout the show, Black never
shows; however, I am not expecting much.
really spoke outside of his songs. Unfortunately, there was not the banter that bands use to engage with their fans throughout
SHOW RATING
the set. Instead The Pixies decided to get right to business, and fly through their set without any intervals. As a result, the show NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 12
I MET GOD, SHE’S BLACK Black women are becoming the new goddesses of music– whether it’s hip hop, soul, pop or alternative, these artists will give you a spiritual experience. // Samantha Sanker
I
want to begin this piece by stating that this is by no means an exhaustive histo-
Why These Women Are So Diverse And Important
ninity, especially black femininity. Artists like Solange, Shayna, and Santi present
ry of black women in the music industry.
These women present themselves to the
themselves to the world in nontraditional,
My intention is simply to showcase my
media as highly educated, well-rounded,
nonconformist ways. While people can be
favorite black women in the music scene
sensitive, artistic individuals. For example,
quick to confine these women into genres
today and spark further analysis and de-
Azealia Banks may be a New York City club
and labels to better understand them, this
bate. The six most compelling and exciting
chick, but can easily give a comprehensive
should be approached with caution as these
black femme musicians, in my opinion,
dissertation on the history of blackness in
women seem to never fit in any box.
are Santigold, SZA, Junglepussy, Solange,
The United States of America if asked. 25
Noname, and Azealia Banks. While these
year old East New Yorker, Shayna McHale
from a gritty, queenpin sound (Banks, Jun-
women sort of occupy the same space in
– aka Junglepussy, has rapped about her
glepussy), to plucky guitar ballads (SZA), to
the music industry, they are all radically
period and spoken at Yale and Columbia
more poetic spoken word jams (Noname).
different from one another. Their music is
University about living a nutritious lifestyle
If you expect a singular, one-dimension-
a constant in my life, regardless of what
and what that means for your body. Solána
al sound from these showstoppers, you
mood I may be in, and the influence these
Rowe, aka SZA, has made very openly sex-
expected wrong. The expanse of variety
women have on me is forceful. Despite
ual music, and at the same time admits she
in these six artists alone is enough for
people who may view blackness as a
has issues with anxiety and self-esteem
an entire music library. They write about
“profitable costume” like Danielle Bregoli
and rocks baggy clothes. These women
accepting and rejecting the male gaze as
who raps in a “blaccent” or Kylie Jenner
manage to be so impressive and powerful
well as the importance of friendship. Their
who frequently appropriates black style,
while breaking barriers left and right. The
voices definitely need to be heard because
these artists remain unapologetic beacons
complexities and sophistication of these
they have important messages, but the
of strength and energy. They are flawless
women are what I find so highly intrigu-
fact that there are loud, weird, artsy girls
examples of gifted women who persevere
ing. Both Solange Knowles and Santi White
making this amount of sound on stage and
in the face of all that seeks to erase them.
(Santigold) are wives and mothers and I
in studio is what is most important. SZA is
Whether their subject matter is lovers,
think their families influence their art in
bold and unafraid to be sensitive and hon-
money, weed, sex, fear, anger, joy, failures
such a beautiful way. I even saw Santi’s
est when she talks about the unfabulous
or triumph -- trust me, you’re going to
baby boy at the side of the stage at her
struggles of being young and insecure. Her
want to listen to these songs with open
“We Buy Gold” tour. These women never
latest album has themes of needing atten-
ears, a full heart and at maximum volume.
fail to challenge the construct of femi-
tion and validation from others, especially
13 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
I look to these artists for everything
men. This tends to be an unspoken struggle
are aware of it or not, the clothes in the
beyond amazing for young black girls to be
that women experience and she’s facing it
store and the music producers are more
a part of.
wholeheartedly while pairing it with beau-
often than not, inspired by black women.
tiful, ethereal beats. She makes art about
Artists like the aforementioned are always
politically charged music about blackness
her life experiences from many perspec-
uncredited trendsetters in music, fashion,
forms a cultural movement behind them.
tives. Her transparency about anxieties and
and culture in general. Just when every-
On “Tina taught me”, Solange records her
doubtfulness are relatable and reveal her
body begins to notice the influence of black
mother saying “What’s irritating is when
vulnerable side.
women, it’s too late, they’re on to setting
somebody says, you know, ‘They’re racist!’
the next trend.
‘That’s reverse racism!’ or ‘They have a
Alicia Keys, Missy Elliott, Erykah Badu and many other artists deserve to be honored for their accomplishments and achievements, but these up-and-coming young ladies are the future of music that we all so desperately need. The past is an invaluable educator and, let’s be honest, no other female hip hop artists would exist without the space that Nicki Minaj created for them. Though when it comes to these women, their beats and lyrics not only represent modern girlhood, but the recent
“
Black History Month, but we don’t have a
These women never fail to challenge the construct of femininity, especially black femininity.
resurgence of feminism. These women speak on issues that matter to them instead of being silent entertainers. SZA coming
White History Month!’ Well, all we’ve ever
forward about her mental health status can
The decision of whether or not to include
been taught is white history!” SZA also
inspire others to identify their issues and
politics in their discographies is what sets
has voice recordings of her mother on her
accept themselves. Solange croons about
each woman apart. Banks rejects the idea
latest record “CTRL.” Both of their moth-
her mental state on the dreamy hit “Cranes
of putting her social or political ideolo-
er’s words inspire similar emotions and
in the Sky.” Each line tells the tale about a
gies in her art because she asserts that
feelings about blackness in America. There
way she tried to remedy her mental health
she speaks of those things in her person-
is no doubt that these women make art that
with drinking, working, shopping, and
al life and on the internet (If you google
is informed by their black experience. In
relocating – effectively naming the un-
“Azealia Banks”, you’ll find hundreds of
many ways one could argue that the exis-
explainable way that so many women feel
Twitter beefs). Outside of her social media
tence of a women of color is inherently po-
about things like romantic relationships,
outbursts, I credit Azealia Banks for sin-
litical by default. These artists mix positive
children and success.
gle-handedly creating the dialogue about
messages of joy and hope with messages
cultural appropriation that we see today on
that call for the destruction of terrors like
women operate at such elevated levels is
social media and in real life. The legend-
white supremacy and misogyny. Whether
because of something the fictional char-
ary and iconic 47-minute video interview
they use rock, house or soul music to make
acter Rowan Pope from “Scandal” said to
with the radio show HOT 97 in December
their intentions known, they have a posi-
prove a point to his daughter; “You have
2014 saw Banks become emotional and
tive impact on all who listen.
to be twice as good as them to get half of
even teary-eyed when discussing a term
what they have!” – “they” being white
she coined called “cultural smudging.”
people and men. It’s simply not in their
Her words caught fire and black and white
nature to settle or do the bare minimum
media alike began following the seeming-
when it comes to lyricism and beat pro-
ly new phenomenon, but actually age-old
duction. It is hard for a women of color to
narrative that is cultural appropriation.
succeed when white mediocrity is applaud-
More and more artists were being called
ed the same way as black excellence. These
out for their work being appropriative be-
women possess massive artistic integrity
cause of her outspoken honesty. I see great
because their art is genuine, authentic and
intelligence and passion for music within
about the culture – not money or chart
Azealia Banks. While her behavior on her
positions. These women are not necessar-
social media accounts may not always be
Check out the playlist, “I MET GOD, SHE’S BLACK” on Spotify!
ily packing the arenas when they tour in
the best, her music and the discussion she
your city, but they draw sizable crowds of
opens around things like self-exploration
http://sptfy.com/Bri
deeply devoted admirers. Whether people
and the music industry are necessary and
I believe part of the reason these
COLLAGE BY ANDRIANA AKRAP
Politics In Music
“
Why Their New Influence Matters Lady Of Rage, Foxy Brown, Lauryn Hill,
Conversely, Solange’s and Noname’s
FASHION ON CAMPUS
Highlights from our video interviews, check out thevindi.com for more! // Imani Stephens & Samantha Sanker
AUNNA
Environmental Science WHO IS A FASHION INSPIRATION TO YOU? FAMILY, FRIENDS, CELEBRITIES? “None of that, None of that. I’m really inspired by Japanese fashion, so I like, like, really, really, really weird shit... just like whatever’s like, completely out of the ordinary is what I do.
WHERE DO MOST OF YOUR CLOTHES COME FROM? “I thrift everything. Everything, yeah. I’m a big thrifter because of environmental reasons, you know?”
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TELL THE WORLD WITH YOUR STYLE?
AUNNA Environmental Education
“I want to make it more based on ethics, I guess. Because like the reason why, I go to a thrift shop and I found one garment and I revamp the garment in like, five different ways, and I think by doing that, you’re showing that you can pay a dollar for a piece of clothing, whether it's a blazer or something and wear it 20 different ways. At the same time you're not exposing industries and you're not environmentally wasting 5,000 gallons on one garment.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE IN ONE WORD? “Shit... like LSD man, I don’t know! It’s a weird fusion”
18 VINDICATOR | MARCH 2017
NICK English
WHO IS A FASHION INSPIRATION TO YOU? “ASAP Rocky or Kanye West, any day I could look more rap influenced I could look more pop, It doesn't matter, I just kind of do my own thing I guess.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? “My personal style is all over the place. My friends put it best, kind of conceitedly, I can wear anything I want because I really do.”
HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON AN OUTFIT FOR TODAY? “My brother actually just gave me these shoes. He sells shoes. I've been seeing people kind of cuff their pants like this. I tried it myself.”
DEANNA Respiratory Therapy
HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON AN OUTFIT FOR TODAY? “I just woke up this morning, and I felt like being colorful. I know that with the weather in Cleveland, of course, you never what it's going to do, so I looked at the forecast.”
WHO IS A FASHION INSPIRATION TO YOU? “It’s funny, but my boyfriend. He's a fashion designer and we modeled together.”
PHOTOS BY EVAN PRUNTY
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TELL THE WORLD WITH YOUR STYLE? “Just be free, wear whatever you want to wear, be bright, not boring.”
HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER TIME? “My style, I kind of go with the trend. You know, fashion repeats itself, it's never really anything too much new.” MARCH 2017 | VINDICATOR 19
F*** THE POLICE O R M AY B E N OT ? Police departments are utilizing social media marketing to position themselves as innocent in the wake of police brutality while attempting to mend the relationship between themselves and citizens of the communities that they serve. // Jamia Richardson
O
n Nov. 4, 2014 a 12-year-old
mistrust that minorities have for police
Police Department. (“Law Enforcement
boy named Tamir Rice was
is not uncommon. Especially Blacks and
Management and Administrative Statistics”
shot in a park by a Cleveland
Hispanics who have suffered the most
(PDF). Bureau of Justice Statistics. Retrieved
Police officer. Tamir Rice
from police brutality, but for whites — this
June 19, 2012.) The LAPD is also infamous
was an unarmed African-
is news. Dating back to the Civil Rights
for police corruption, police brutality, and
American teenager playing in a park with a
Era, “Bloody Sunday” or even further to
racism. Bloody Christmas, racial profiling,
toy gun. Shot within two seconds of police
the 13th Amendment. “Neither slavery
the 1962 shooting of 7 unarmed members
arrival and in the wake of the Michael
nor involuntary servitude, except as a
of the Nation of Islam, the LAPD has a
Brown murder in Ferguson, Missouri it
punishment for crime whereof the party
deep rooted history of police brutality. In
was a public relations nightmare. The
shall have been duly convicted, shall exist
need of a public relations makeover how
public relations team for the Cleveland
within the United States, or any place
might they change their image or even get
Police Department quickly spun this into
subject to their jurisdiction.” One could
back to the roots of what a police officer
victim-blaming, aiming all fault to the
even argue that the beating of Rodney King
is supposed to do, “to serve and protect”.
young boy, his family and environment
exposed white America to the realities of
Well it’s no different than the queens of
growing up. “The gun looked too real”
being a minority in America. The reality
reality television the Kardashians do their
the City of Cleveland said. “Too real” to
that four police officers could beat a man
marketing, through social media. Social
follow protocol — not to mention how
senseless on camera and be acquitted of all
media marketing is the future of public
the officer, Timothy Loehmann, failed
charges sparked the thought that maybe
relations and police departments have
his Cuyahoga County written exam, or
we need to take a look at the relationship
hop aboard the train. Through Twitter and
his prior experience as an officer for the
between minorities and police officers.
sharing articles through Facebook police
Independence Police Department resulted in termination after six months because he could not follow simple directions, clearly communicate, and his handgun performance was poor. Nevertheless, the Cleveland Police Department needed to spin this so they wouldn’t be the “bad guys.” Police Brutality Police officers have been struggling with their relationship between citizens of all races for the past couple of years. This 17 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
“This is the LAPD. We’re the most hated cops in all the free world. My own mama’s ashamed of me. She tells everybody I’m a drug dealer.” - Chris Tucker, Rush Hour (1998)
Phase 1 The LA Police Department is the thirdlargest municipal police department in the United States, following the New York City Police Department and the Chicago
officers have silently began the stages of this new marketing technique. To put this in perspective let’s take a look into #BlackLivesMatter, a movement that formed after the killing of Mike Brown to combat police brutality. This hashtag went viral along with videos of white police officers playing sports with Black children. Videos of white police officers bringing Black children snacks as well as memes saying “not all cops are bad.” But why are these videos and memes only emerge when
a police officer does something wrong?
minority youth as opposed to youth in the
When someone does something terribly
suburbs? Why do these pictures only surface
wrong, we don’t take a look at all the good
when police officers commit a crime? Let’s
things they’ve done in the past, for your past
play devil’s advocate, maybe police officers
glory does not excuse your presence guilt.
are really trying to mend the relationship between communities of color and they
What is Social Media Marketing?
are starting with the youth. But the timing
By definition, “social media marketing”
of these pictures are suspect, it doesn’t
is the use of social media platforms and
come off as genuine and it appears to be a
websites to promote a product or service.
publicity stunt.
(Felix, R., Rauschnabel, P.A.; Hinsch,
Public relations and marketing is
C. (2016). “Elements of Strategic Social
an industry that will never die. Police
Media Marketing: A Holistic Framework”.
departments are in definite need of crisis
Journal of Business Research.) Now it’s
management but they are struggling
THREE WAYS
with how they go about it. Pictures of
For Law Enforcement To Improve Public Relations & Trust
relations have their differences. Google’s dictionary describes public relations as the professional maintenance of a favorable public image by a company or other organization or a famous person. Police departments are doing a combination of marketing and public relations. They are promoting their services and promoting their image as police officers. Let’s look at some examples. National Coming Out Day was Oct. 11. The Cleveland Police Department tweeted a picture of a handful of officers walking in a parade and carrying a Pride Flag and the caption was “#NationalComingOutDay: We support you.” Interesting, because on Sept. 10, the Cleveland Browns first game, the Cleveland police union refused to participate in the flag ceremony for the game because of the kneeling protest. It seems that the Cleveland Police Department can stand strong with the LGBTQ community. On the other hand, is against a protest that wants to not only raise awareness, but bring an end to police brutality — brutality that the police department has committed themselves. Comical, and a slap to the face at the same time. Now obviously they don’t have to pick one over the other, but as servants to both the LGBTQ community and
“
Pictures of smiling Black children don’t make up for the children that are affected by social injustices
“
important to note that marketing and public
Black community, they should aim to cater to both.
PHOTOS BY EVAN PRUNTY
The Cleveland Police Department
smiling Black children don’t make up for
has also been posting other pictures on
the children that are affected by social
their Twitter account. The majority of
injustices. Authenticity, organic apologies,
the pictures are of white police officers
and changed behavior goes a long way and
posing with Black inner city youth. The
is the ultimate way to fix and maintain
same generic pictures that are shared
reputation. As Warren Buffet once said, “It
on Facebook after a police officer kills
takes 20 years to build a great reputation
an unarmed African American. Why do
but it can take 5 minutes to ruin it.” In the
these white police officers tend to spend
Cleveland Police Department’s case, it took
the majority of their time with inner city
under two seconds.
CriminalJusticeDegree.com is a blog that was created to help students find and research criminal justice degree programs. The author of the blog is Kathryn Loving, a former “peace” officer with the Casper Police Department in Casper, Wyoming. In her blog she breaks down three ways for police officers to improve public relations and trust within the community: 1. Create community immersion. Immerse law enforcement officers into their communities. More than just mending tension that might have already begun to form, but Loving says police officer being involved with community leaders and programs can help. 2. Become more cognizant of background differences and cultural sensitivity. Persons may become culturally encapsulated with no intention of bias, but it comes from being so ingrained in one’s own norms and erudition. Diversity training should not just be taught in corporate America. Police need to cater to cultural differences and social cues. 3. U se more transactional model communication and active listening. Police officers often engage in linear communication due to the nature of their work by giving orders or commands. Being talked at and being talked to are two completely different things. And when you haven’t committed a crime being talked at is a double whammy. NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 18
AN INWARD
TREASURE
How a strange encounter led me to understanding identity // Renee Betterson
19 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
F
or what seemed like an eternity,
Without spoiling the plot, I can tell you
I’ve always been a bookworm. My mom
that as the story progresses, Jane is thrust
mind trying to create a narrative
always says that ever since I could read,
into a sea storm of obstacles. I read all of
I could make sense of. It was as if
pulling me away from my books has been a
it with bated breath and was struck by the
all she wanted in the whole world
monumental feat. Even now, you’ll find me
courage Jane possessed. Throughout the
was for me tell her that I was her mother,
curled in a blanket on rainy days, with a hot
book, everyone around Jane tries to squeeze
that she’d found me at last; that I loved her.
cup of caramel Macchiato, breathing in the
her into a different box; the social expecta-
But I couldn’t. If only I had known then,
delicious smell of the pages; savoring each
tions of women in her time, her school, and
what I know now. If only I could share with
word like a hearty meal. Reading will always
even her family. She refuses to compromise
her what Jane taught me.
be my favorite pastime. Over the years I’ve
herself to suit the whims of others. She
managed to get my hands on a bit of every-
says later in the book, “I need not sell my
of a challenge for her than it was for me.
thing; books that have both expanded and
soul to buy bliss. I have an inward treasure
It happened several years ago, but the
contracted my mind (a series of science fic-
born with me, which can keep me alive if
details are still fresh in my memory. A little
tion books about kids who could transform
all extraneous delights should be withheld,
into animals stands as proof of the latter).
or offered only at a price I cannot afford to
girl stopped me on my way down the hall. She was absolutely precious with caramel colored skin, and short curly hair that fell in wisps around her tiny face. She couldn’t have been more than 7. She looked up at me with big brown eyes and asked, “Are you my momma?” What did she say? My first thought was that she might have been joking; perhaps a reference to the children’s book of the same name. No, the intent look on her sweet little face told me that this was no joke. For what seemed like an eternity, I replayed her words over and over again in my mind trying to construct a narrative I could make some sense of. It was as if all she wanted in the whole world was for me tell her that I was her mother, that she’d
“
give.” We all look to the people around us
... never limit yourself to what other people think you should be.
“
In retrospect, I suppose it was more
as a guide for who we should be. All of us, like Jane, are constantly being pushed and pulled by forces beyond our control. We go on diets, to look like the women in magazines. We hide our tears because “real” men don’t cry. What if we just simply said no? What would happen if we refused to squeeze ourselves into the limits that society puts on our identity? Being confident in who we are, is one of the hardest things any of us will ever have to do. It takes courage to be yourself in world that praises people who fit the mold. We’re told to act this way, and wear that; to do everything in our
found me at last; that I loved her. I couldn’t.
Generally speaking, asking a booklover
power to buy bliss…But at what price? In
I clumsily admitted to the girl that I was
which book is their favorite is akin to asking
my opinion, it’s a price too high for anyone
not her mom and made a graceless attempt
a mother to choose her most favorite child;
to afford. At the risk of sounding like a
at small talk before excusing myself. Later
an impossible task that is almost certain
really cheesy bumper sticker, in the words
I learned that I already knew the girl’s
to result in the end of the friendship. For a
of Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself. Everyone else
family. They were a nice, middle-class,
long time, I was no exception to this rule.
is already taken!” To that darling girl with
white family who had adopted her when she
That was before I was introduced to Jane
the short curly hair that framed her face in
was very young; she never knew her birth
Eyre, a novel written by Charlotte Bronte. A
playful tendrils, I say, Look inside yourself.
parents. I quickly realized that I was likely
book assigned on my high school reading
Find that inward treasure, and never limit
the first person she’d met who looked like
list, I sat down preparing my mind to search
yourself to what other people think you
her. Not that I was the first Black person
for the information I’d need for the book
should be.
she’d ever seen, but she lived in a white
report and test that would come later. Little
neighborhood, went to a majority white
did I know that that book would have such
school, and church. Noone in her immediate
a profound effect on me; one that I believe
life resembled her, so she looked elsewhere.
will stay with me long after I graduate.
She saw herself in me, and in a way, I see
ILLUSTRATION BY PAIGE BOWERS
More precious than rubies
I replayed her words over in my
From the moment I began reading
myself in her. I also search outside my tiny
it, Jane Eyre was positively captivating. I
bubble of experience in movies, books, and
loved every little detail of her character and
even the faces of strangers to find a repre-
relished the brilliance of her wit. The story
sentation of myself; someone or something
starts with a young Jane whose mother and
that looks like me. I ask myself; what does
father have died (in the way that all rela-
a young Black woman in America look like?
tives in Victorian novels seem to) leaving
How does she behave? After 18 years of
her an orphan. She lives with her spiteful
searching, I can say definitively, that I’ve
aunt who is always finding excuses to pun-
had little success in finding the perfect
ish her, and reminds Jane constantly that
mold. Thanks to my friend Jane, I found
she doesn’t deserve to live there.
something more valuable, an inner treasure.
SAVING THE BEES
one hive at a time A company born out of one CSU student’s passion for saving the bees, Tyler Hobel hopes to educate people about the importance of honeybees in our ecosystem through his clothing line. // Alana Whelan
A
few days was all it took for CSU
Hobel was used to insects being every-
recent changes to the climate have been far
student Tyler Hobel to decide
where, but now when he goes back home,
too great for them to be able to adapt. This
he wanted to start a clothing
there aren’t nearly as many. “I used to
increase in global temperatures has had a
company for a good cause.
remember seeing bees everywhere and a
significant impact on bees when it comes to
After Hobel saw a van that said
bunch of different insects, and now you
diseases, stress, and normal bee behavior.
“save the bees,” he went home, did some
never see them anymore, which is a part of
However, one of the most common causes
research, and began delving into what it
the problem,” he said. The bee population
of CCD and the dying out of bees in general
would take to start a company that could
has been declining for decades, but it didn’t
is pesticides. Neonicotinoid is one class of
allow him to help bees. Three days after
become a large-scale problem until around
pesticides that is unintentionally killing off
seeing the van, he invested half his savings
2006, when Colony Collapse Disorder, or
honeybees. Though this insecticide is used
CCD, started to become more common. CCD
to kill off other bugs that will harm crops,
through which he donates a portion of the proceeds to the Honeybee Conservancy. After three months, the company is continuing to bloom. The Inspiration On top of long work weeks and piles of homework, Hobel is now running a company that basically sprang up from the ground. Though busy, he feels it has been worth it so far. “I was working 60 hours a week this summer and I was just dying and I was like, ‘I’m 20, I don’t want to do this again - just to be able to float,” he said. Drawing from his experience in high school
“
The Honeybee Conservancy – where Hobel donates portions of his proceeds – is working diligently to educate the public on why honeybees are an important part of our ecosystem.
helping with organizations like Charity Water – who provide water to people in need
“
into beginning Bloom Clothing Company
– Hobel took his love of insects and turned
occurs when more than half of the worker
it is toxic to any bug that interacts with
it into a sort of charity himself. “I wanted
bees in a colony disappear and leave the
it, and when widely used it can be harm-
to start something of mine where I can go
queen behind, and it has caused bee pop-
ful to entire colonies of bees. Yet another
where I want to with it and I can lead it,
ulations to dwindle rapidly. This is a major
threat to entire colonies is the Varroa Mite,
and then I thought, ‘I want to put a greater
problem because bees pollinate the flowers
a little bug that can spread disease from
cause with it.’ ” Not long after, Bloom was
of the food we eat, and therefore are an im-
hive to hive and can even impact beekeep-
born. “Literally, when I saw that sticker on
perative part of the earth’s rapidly changing
ers economically. All of these factors are
that van, three days later I dropped half my
ecosystem. Without them, humans and
happening on a wide scale, but despite the
savings into just buying whatever I needed
other animals will suffer.
enormity of them, people are constantly
to - licenses, website, you know, the actual,
Many factors exist that attempt to
looking for ways to combat these prob-
physical stock and stuff like that - so I just
explain why colonies of bees have been
lems. The Honeybee Conservancy – where
kept pouring myself into it,” he said. Now,
increasingly disappearing at such a fast
Hobel donates a portion of his proceeds – is
Hobel says he researches something new to
rate. Climate change, loss of habitat and
working diligently to educate the public
do with honeybees every day.
other human-induced environmental
on why honeybees are a vital part of our
changes have contributed to the dying out
ecosystem.
of wild bees. Though bees are usually great
Why Bees? Having grown up surrounded by woods, 21 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
at adapting to different environments,
The Honeybee Conservancy’s Work
all key pollinators for the variety of plants
caps, book bags, coats, water bottles, and
A major portion of the money Hobel donates
that we eat. To get the community involved,
even possibly charm necklaces or brace-
from his sales is used to sponsor hives.
the Conservancy does outreach by going
lets. These would all be in addition to the
These are hives that the Conservancy sets
to schools and other community events to
t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, baseball caps,
up as a safe place for bees to go where pes-
educate people about the work that they do.
and bath bombs he sells now. “You want to
ticides and other harmful practices aren’t Goals for the Future of the Company
don’t want to just do the cheap and easy
of every sale to the Conservancy. “Because
Though Hobel doesn’t currently do work to
thing,” said Hobel, “you have to set the
my company is so small, I’m almost break-
the same degree as the Honeybee Con-
attitude from the beginning — that’s what
ing even, but the contributions are very
servancy, he hopes that someday Bloom
I’m trying to do.”
small right now . . . I’m only two months
Clothing Company will expand into an ed-
developed and most companies don’t start
ucational community that brings informa-
bel’s biggest goals are to educate the public
turning a profit anywhere from six months
tion to people everywhere. “I would love to
and change the way bees are perceived.
to two and half years,” said Hobel. While
establish my own non-profit at some point
“People paint [bees] as these evil nasty
Hobel hopes to donate a larger percentage
that does research, and does the same work
hornets no matter what the bee is - but re-
in the future, right now he is leaving most
that [the Honeybee Conservancy] do, and
ally they’re just trying to survive and bring
of the work to the Conservancy.
hopefully on a bigger scale,” said Hobel.
food home to their family,” said Hobel, “I
The Honeybee Conservancy has a few
PHOTOS FROM BLOOMCLOTHINGCOMPANY.COM
build a brand solid from the beginning, you
used. Hobel currently donates around 15%
When it comes down to it, Tyler Ho-
Though the company is technically a sole
hope to change that.” With his clothing
main goals which have served as an inspi-
proprietorship now, Hobel eventually wants
line and his passion to advocate for a more
ration for Hobel’s interest in bees. These are
to add more paid employees to the team.
sustainable future, Hobel is doing what he
not limited solely to helping the bees, but
Until then, he has his friends to help market
knows how to do to help the bees. “[I’m]
also incorporate all of the issues and areas
for him and his brother to help promote on
trying to make everything with purpose,”
that bees affect. While bee conservation is
social media. “I would hope to have my own
said Hobel, “that people are going to like,
of course their main goal, others of notable
in-house designers, my own in-house web
they’re going to return for and they’re go-
importance include increasing access to
designers, my own administrative people
ing to get what I’m doing it for.”
sustainable food sources in less fortunate
actually on pay-roll, and then . . . someone
communities, focusing on local and organic
having to do with environmental health,
food options, and educating the public on
anything like that where I can further edu-
the vitality of bees in our world. All of this
cation,” said Hobel.
is done in hopes to reduce world hunger and
Along with educational ambitions,
to keep the variety of foods we are capable
Hobel has goals for the kind of products he
of growing and eating today. Along with
wants to sell and the message he hopes to
honeybees, the Conservancy focuses on
send to customers. A few of the products he
Mason bees and Leafcutter bees which are
wants to add in the future include winter
GET SOME GEAR www.bloomclothingcompany.com instagram: bloomclothingcompany facebook: bloom clothing company
WHY AREN’T WE HELPING? O How our response to Puerto Rico’s disaster reflects a bigger issue of the United States not providing help and relief equally. // Logan Hammond n September 20th, Hurricane
Federal Emergency Management Agen-
25 after days of complaining about the
Maria made landfall on the
cy (FEMA) searches buildings across the
NFL when he finally decided to address
small island of Puerto Rico.
island. The number of bodies will increase
the problem and did so poorly by tweeted
Category 4 with winds of 155
as more buildings are searched and rubble
“Texas and Florida doing great but Puerto
miles per hour moved over
cleared, making it all the more disturbing
Rico, which was already suffering from
the island. An island of 3.4 million Amer-
that America’s federal response has been
broken infrastructure & massive debt is in
ican citizens often forgotten and ignored
too weak.
deep trouble.” This shows a complete lack
finds itself facing a startling crisis. The government waited a whole week
of empathy and understanding from the The Federal Government’s Reaction
president – comparing natural disasters
to waive the Jones Act – summarized by
ABC news reports that the National Guard
and how much each one cost the govern-
the Bloomberg News as “a maritime law
has more than 2,500 personnel in Puerto
ment will help solve nothing.
requiring shipments of goods between
Rico and the Department of Defense has
two U.S. ports to be made with Amer-
sent in 5,600 personnel. FEMA director,
a fight with Carmen Yulin Cruz, Mayor of
ican-flagged vessels and manned by
Brock Long, reports that 281 generators
San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Twitter after she
American crews.” The U.S. Virgin Islands
have been brought in and 5% of power
used social media and interviews to ask
are exempt from this law. The Jones Act
has been restored. Politico reports that
for more help. She criticized the Trump
was immediately waived after Texas and
while the Puerto Rican Governor, Ricardo
administration’s weak response to May-
Florida were hit, but it took a week for that
Rossell, is happy with the response, Puerto
or Cruz later appeared on television with
to happen in Puerto Rico – and that waiver
Rico is still waiting on an aid bill from
shirts that read “Help us we are dying” and
lasted only a week, Republicans and Demo-
congress. FEMA reports that as of 9 a.m.
“Nasty” seeking attention for support from
crats have called for an end to the law. The
on October 4th, 92% of hospitals are open
America’s federal government. So far, this
death toll in Puerto Rico at the time this
but on emergency power. So things are
seems to be an on and off spat where any-
article was written was 48; that will rise as
rather bleak and the federal government is
time the mayor is on cable news and speaks
the island begins to rebuild and their gov-
moving slow and with less people sent in
negatively about the Federal response,
ernment has a chance to accurately count
than Texas and Florida – and it gets worse.
Trump reacts. On Oct. 12, Trump tweeted,
that statistic. An article published on Vox
There is another major problem: Twitter-
“we cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the
details numerous bodies being found as the
ing Trump. His first tweet came September
First Responders, who have been amazing
23 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
On Sept. 30, President Trump got into
“
So things are rather bleak and the federal government is moving slow and with less people sent in than Texas and Florida...
“
(under the most difficult circumstances) in P.R. forever!” even though it’s only been 3 weeks. This came after the mayor called him the “Hater in Chief” on Twitter. Moving off Twitter, President Trump managed to put down his phone and visit Puerto Rico on Oct 2. During an opening press conference, the President again began making comparisons between different national disasters instead of offering support. According to The Atlantic, Trump said, “every death is a horror, but if you look at a real catastrophe like Katrina, and you look at the tremendous hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people that died, and you look at what happened here and what is your death count? Sixteen people, versus in the thousands. You can be very
PHOTO BY ABC NEWS
proud. Sixteen versus literally thousands of people.” He then made an appearance at a local church and threw paper towels into the crowd like he was at a sports game and when a member of the church attempted
to explain to him how they were purifying
telethon to raise money for Puerto Rico
water, the President assumed the mem-
and worked with other Latino music artists
ber was trying to sell him something and
for the song “Almost Like Prayer” – a
seemed confused about the water purifi-
song created to benefit the of the people
cation process. Beyond the President’s silly
of Puerto Rico. The song’s lyrics are the
antics, FEMA removed from its website any
names of all 78 towns in Puerto Rico and
statistics that presented a negative picture
whenever somebody buys the song, money
of the situation in Puerto Rico and while
made will go to the Hispanic Federation’s
these numbers can be accessed through
hurricane relief efforts.
the Puerto Rican government website; it’s a mystery why FEMA removed it from their
Latinos Unidos
site. Overall, the crisis in Puerto Rico is one
On Oct. 12, I went to Rhodes Tower 1646 to
where the government has moved slowly
meet with Latinos Unidos (Latinos Unit-
and acted in a bizarre way. The situation is
ed) to get a local Latino perspective on
still unsure.
the government’s response. I spoke with Gesmy L. Diaz, Jenny Ramos, Klarissa
Media and Celebrity response
Zeno, and Brenda Castaneda who act as the
The media was also slow to pick up this
leaders of the group. The leaders are re-
story, likely because they couldn’t send
starting the group after a year off and they
weather reporters into life threatening
plan to have this semester be focused on
situations to attract viewers like with
fundraising for Puerto Rico and other Ca-
Florida and Texas. CNN, MSNBC, Fox and
ribbean islands that were hit. Their motto
the major networks ran small updates and
for the coming semester and year is “Unity
provide snippets of information at first,
and Community.”
but once the media knew it had an excit-
The leaders of Latinos Unidos collec-
ing and dramatic story, they sent as many
tively stated that, “the Government has
reporters as they could to the island to
abandoned the island and is providing
take pictures interview locals and cover
weak excuses.” They expressed shock at
Trump’s previously mentioned feud with
the lack of support from the President and
the mayor of San Juan. The media has
feel like, “he’s not taking this situation
started to bring a major issue to the atten-
seriously and making a mockery of Puerto
tion of millions of Americans, and this will
Rico.”
hopefully help Puerto Rico by encouraging
The group’s leaders also emphasized
people to donate to reputable charities. But,
that the national/global Latino community
of course, it’s not just the news media who
has united to help the people of Puerto Rico
have taken action – celebrities have joined
to recover.
in as well. CNN reports that rapper Pitbull sent his private plane to Puerto Rico to help evacuate cancer patients and take them to mainland hospitals. “Thank God we’re blessed to help. Just doing my part,” Pitbull told the New York Daily news. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban lent the team jet to Puerto Rico native J.J. Barea. Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose family comes from the island, has long been an advocate for Puerto Rico. His Twitter has been full of passion for this with Miranda tweeting out links to the Hispanic Federation. Miranda told President Trump that he was, “going straight to hell. Fastest golf cart you ever took.” Miranda said on Oct. 6 on CBS This Morning that, “what we need is a government response commensurate with the spirit of the American people.” He had a late night
HOW YOU CAN HELP PUERTO RICO: Contact these organizations for how you can directly help the relief effort.
Hispanic Federation hispanicfederation.org
Latinos Unidos Cleveland Foundation http://bit.ly/LatinosUnidosCSU
Unidos Por Puerto Rico
unidosporpuertorico.com/en/
Americares
americares.org & 1-203-658-9500
Heart to Heart International hearttoheart.org & 913-764-5200
NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 24
c
VEGAN
ACTIVISM AT THE TABLE & IN THE STREETS In the month of Thanksgiving, coupled with the recent political climate, being a vegan animal rights activist is no easy task. (No animals or their byproducts were used in the making of this Vindi meal!) // Dorothy Zhao
V
eganism, a movement that has
to protest the traditional holiday food of
deschell and other animal rights activists
grown ever more popular, is
turkey.
created a street blockade in front of the
both the philosophy of rejecting the current status of ani-
she and the activists were able to leave but
tice of abstaining from the use of animal
ber 22th to 25th, Houdeschell co-hosted an
the animals did not — and ultimately will
products. When Thanksgiving rolls around
animal rights event — the Midwest Animal
never leave the slaughterhouse.
in November, the popular and traditional
Liberation Convergence. Her nonprofit,
non-vegan foods present yet another ob-
Species Revolution, also had a table at the
created a nonprofit organization called
stacle for vegans. What alternatives could be
Chicago VeganMania celebration on Sat-
Species Revolution, which is dedicated to
presented for themselves and others around
urday of that same weekend. After tabling,
achieving total animal liberation through
them? Beyond simply altering one’s diet to
Houdeschell took subsequent action for
anti-speciesism education. Houdeschell
avoid meat and animal products, there is
nonhuman animals by attending vigils at
mentioned how speciesist our everyday
also the activism side of being a vegan. To
slaughterhouses with the Chicago Animal
language is and gave examples of calling
begin with, finding foods, clothes, makeup
Save organization, volunteering at a local
someone a “rat” or “pig” would mean
animal sanctuary called Wedrose Acres
implying a rat or pig is less than a human
or everyday materials that are vegan and cruelty-free while encouraging others to do so is a true lifestyle commitment. Co-founder of Species Revolution, Campus Representative of Peta, and Cleveland State Nonprofit Administration and Philosophy double major, Amanda Houdeschell is not your typical vegan. She is an extraordinarily dedicated animal rights activist, having been arrested three times in the name of civil disobedience to bring a voice to the voiceless. Houdeschell became a vegan three years ago when she, an intersectional feminist, learned about the “connections between veganism and feminism.” (For those unfamiliar with intersectionality, it is a feminist concept that recognizes sexism, racism, classism, and other kinds of oppression — such as speciesism — are interconnected.) After following prominent vegan feminists on social media, Houdeschell also decided she could not morally and ethically continue to consume or use animal products. In just three short years, Houdeschell has achieved many milestones and participated in animal liberation quite actively. She started the Species Revolution nonprofit, was an organizer for National Animal Rights Day, and participated in civil
PHOTOS BY LOREN SHUMAKER
vivor’s guilt, in which the reality was that
Over a weekend in Chicago, from Septem-
“
In March, Houdeschell and her partner
and can be exploited. To delve further into a language that, in an animal rights activist’s
When Thanksgiving rolls around in November, the popular and traditional non-vegan foods present yet another obstacle for vegans.
“
mals as products and the prac-
slaughterhouse. Houdeschell noted her surHoudeschell’s Current Activism
eyes, needs to be updated, Carol J Adams writes in “Why feminist-vegan now?” in the Feminism & Psychology journal several compelling points: “Animals are made absent through language that renames dead bodies [as]...‘meat’...so we do not conjure dead, butchered animals, but cuisine.” Essentially, language further contributes to animal absences when “one does not eat meat without the death of an animal.” By making language simply fairer to all animals, nonhuman and human, Species Revolution is doing their part in educating more people. For an example from a paper on nonspeciesist language by Dr. George Jacobs, “slaughterhouse” should be used in a sentence instead of “meat-packing plant” or “processing plant.” We should use the word “slaughterhouse,” because from a nonhuman animal’s perspective, that is exactly what the facility is and does. While encouraging others to be aware of their language results in some pushback and reluctance, it is a very possible, very doable change to implement in our lives. Houdeschell’s Future Goals In the near future, Houdeschell wants to
disobedience; she was arrested twice for
Animal Sanctuary, and giving a presenta-
form a more unified effort by working
protesting Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
tion on speciesist language with her partner
together with other various vegan organi-
in New York City and once at a Pennsylvania
Abhijit Em. Then, on Monday, Sept. 25,
zations around Cleveland. By meeting and
farm show. Additionally, two high profile
Houdeschell attended the “most powerful”
organizing into a united coalition of activ-
disruptions of Amanda and her activists
event, forming a “human chain inside a
ists, they will be able to work on specific
were when they disrupted former presiden-
slaughterhouse...blocking off cages of birds
campaigns in Ohio to pass new laws and
tial candidate Bernie Sanders at a campaign
to negotiate with the store-owners if they
to bring more awareness to animal rights.
rally, as it brings awareness to ask the most
would save a life and give us [activists] a
Houdeschell feels as though Cleveland is
progressive candidate about animal rights;
chicken [out of the cage].” Unfortunately,
the “most involved” thus far with animals
and when they stood in front of the turkey
no chicken left the slaughterhouse that day.
rights awareness and a vegan lifestyle. A
float at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade
After walking out of the facility, Hou-
notable example of Cleveland being the
NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 26
state’s center of veganism and activism
vegan substitutes. Besides attending CSU
I personally have a love of dogs and cats –
is the Cleveland VegFest 2017, which took
SAVE’s Vegan Thanksgiving, Houdeschell
particularly the latter, even if I am allergic
place in June and featured conscious living
also recommends Tofurkey and other
to them – then how are these beloved pets
and compassionate choices with speaker
plant-based meats. Beyond using vegan
or companions any different from the ani-
series, screenings, music, a “Zen Room,”
substitutes for milk and butter in stuffing,
mals raised to be consumed? I am certainly
and food demos.
the traditional holiday sides are more than
not comfortable with causing any kind of
enough, she says. Because Thanksgiving is
suffering of humans, everyday pets, or farm
for the future, she is involved in SAVE, or
such a quintessential tradition in Ameri-
animals, and I admit my own cognitive
“Student Advocates for a Veg Ethic.” SAVE
can history, many who are not vegan are
dissonance with my inconsistent actions
promotes a vegan lifestyle and advocates
only aware of non-vegan dishes. For those
and thoughts of seeing the sense behind
for animals used for food, clothing, enter-
who are intrigued in non-meat, non-dairy
veganism and animals rights activism but
tainment, testing, etc. Primarily focusing on
options during the holidays, such as myself,
ultimately not going vegan. Most helpful-
vegan outreach and lifestyle, the organiza-
consider the benefits: Because a vegan
ly for me and others in similar situations,
tion’s biggest event is the Vegan Thanks-
gains health benefits nutritionally, preven-
however, is a more recent benefit of becom-
giving, coming soon. SAVE has marketed
tion of diseases, such as heart attacks and
ing vegan: Thanks to the internet and its
their organization impressively this semes-
strokes and type 2 diabetes, and physical
vast resources, going vegan is made easy.
ter — from offering free vegan pumpkin
improvements come as subsequent results
With alternative dishes catered specifically
spice lattes in Sept. to cruelty-free makeup
of going vegan. Of course, this point only
to that community, vegan recipes on every
samples in October, they are oftentimes
benefits humans — what about the non-
food recipe website, a “vegan starter kit” on
seen in the Student Center Inner Link at
human animals? The bees, cows, chick-
vegankit.com, and always-willing-to-talk
their table. One aspect of what a multitude
ens, and other animals are either eaten or
activists like the amazing Amanda Hou-
of things Houdeschell has envisioned for
farmed to give humans common products
deschell, becoming a vegan is a very attain-
Cleveland State University is an all-vegan
like clothing, entertainment, milk, cheese,
able goal – even during the Thanksgiving
dining section and simply incorporating
eggs, and honey. Viral videos taken by
dinner! I encourage those hesitant about
more vegan options in Viking Marketplace.
activists around the country show how
veganism to go ahead and try to create and/
desolate factory farms are with animals’
or eat a non-meat, non-dairy dish for the
living conditions and cruel deaths. There-
upcoming holidays, because I will as well.
Persisting with the topic of food, with the
fore, Houdeschell provides the argument
After all, there’s nothing stopping me.
million of turkeys being consumed every
that it is not enough just to be vegan to be
Thanksgiving, it is no surprise that Hou-
healthy. One should be vegan and, in order
deschell disagrees with the practice and
not to have a guilty conscience acting so
tradition. Fortunately, there are several
immorally, one should also be an activist. If
Continuing with Houdeschell’s visions
Veganism and Thanksgiving
18 VINDICATOR | MARCH 2017
For inspiration, check out these simple recipes by The Minimalist Baker!
VEGAN STUFFING VEGAN MASHED Serves 8
POTATOES & GRAVY
PREP-TIME 15 MINUTES
PREP-TIME 5 MINUTES
COOK TIME 1.5 HOUR
COOK TIME 25 MINUTES
Ingredients
Ingredients
1 large loaf whole-grain bread or 2 small baguettes, cubed & set out to dry overnight (~9 cups loosely packed)
4 ounces (~3/4 one small container) white or cremini mushrooms
3/4 cup uncooked green lentils
2 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp vegan butter, separated
3 Tbsp olive oil or vegan butter (I used a mix of both)
optional: 1 Tbsp minced shallot
1/2 cup white onions, diced
1 cup veggie stock
3/4 cup celery, diced
2 heaping Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
Salt & pepper
a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried or fresh thyme, chopped
3 - 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth (+ more for cooking lentils) 1 flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 2 1/2 Tbsp water) 3/4 tsp dried sage, or 1 1/4 tsp fresh sage, chopped
Instructions The night before, cube your bread and set it in a large bowl to dry out - you want it to be the texture of day old bread - noticeably dry but not rock hard. The day of, if you haven’t already cooked your lentils, do so now by thoroughly rinsing 3/4 cup lentils in cold water, then adding to a small saucepan with 1 1/2 cups veggie broth or water. Cook over medium-high heat until a low boil is achieved, and then lower to a simmer and continue cooking uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line a 9x13 pan (or comparable sized dish) with foil or spray with nonstick spray. Also prepare flax egg and set aside. Sauté onion and celery in the olive oil or vegan butter and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant and translucent - about 5 minutes. Set aside. To the bowl of bread, pour most of the broth then add the remaining ingredients (sage, cooked veggies, flax egg, and lentils) and mix with a wooden spoon. The key is to make sure it is about the consistency of a meatloaf. If it’s too dry, add more broth and mix again. If it’s gotten too wet, add more bread. Transfer to the prepared pan and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the top layer of foil so the top can brown. Increase heat to 400 degrees F (204 C) and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the top is well browned and crisp.
5 red skin potatoes, washed and scrubbed 1/3 head cauliflower, chopped
Instructions Cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low boil and cook until a knife inserted slides off easily. In the meantime, add the cauliflower to a strainer or veggie steamer and place on top of the potatoes in the saucepan to cook at the same time. Cover with a lid to steam. Once both are soft and cooked through, transfer to a bowl and mash with a potato masher, adding salt and pepper and 1 Tbsp of vegan butter to season. Set aside and cover to keep warm. In skillet over medium to medium-high heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the shallot and mushroom and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and brown, and most of their liquid is evaporated. Stir in the flour with a whisk and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another minute or two. Slowly add veggie broth while whisking to reduce clumps. Then add in the thyme and whisk again. Reduce heat to simmer and continue to stir until it reaches desired thickness – about 5-10 minutes. If it appears too thin, add a touch more flour and whisk. If it’s too thick, add more broth.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven, though best when fresh.
MARCH 2017 | VINDICATOR 19
WE THE PEOPLE Interviews //Alexis Rosen, Dorothy Zhao, Breñda Castaneda Edited By //Arbela Capas
M
any symbols of patriotism in
generation immigrants. But “the Ameri-
are there various migratory and residen-
America represent the idea
can dream” has never been perfect and is
tial qualifications, but the DACA recipients
that this country is a place
getting less and less so, as it’s been year
are expected to be students or high school
of welcome. The first words
since the Trump Administration entered the
graduates, along with practically spot-
of the Constitution, or the
office and began to further push anti-im-
less criminal records. Although this may
poem engraved on the Statue of Liberty, the
migrant rhetoric. It started on the cam-
not seem like much to ask, especially in
United States prides itself in being inclu-
paign trail with Donald Trump stating that
exchange for a sense of migratory security,
sive of people from all backgrounds and
Mexican immigrants are bringing “crime”
it is important to understand that DACA
locations. The identity of this country often
and “drugs”, and ending with an official
was flawed from the start. Not only does it
is defined in relation to the multitude of
order to repeal DACA and begin building the
put applicants at risk for deportation if they
different ethnicities and cultures within our
border wall.
are rejected, but it may also put their entire
population. The power of diversity is some-
The truth is, not everyone is comfort-
thing that makes us stronger — that’s what
able with saying “We the People,” but that
rity for those who are not accepted into the
we try to instill in our values. Despite this,
doesn’t mean these people don’t’ exist, and
DACA program has always been an issue,
when we really look at our government,
don’t have real lives they’re trying to lead
and it continues to be currently with its fu-
the nature of our politics and the culture
in this country, despite the obstacles that
ture at risk. The major flaw with DACA that
behind the social attitudes when it comes
are being thrown at them.
most do not think about is that it is not,
to immigrants, there seems to be a much
family on the line. Confidentiality and secu-
and never was, a path to citizenship or legal
darker side to America that isn’t fulfilling
The Hypocrisy of the American Dream
it’s promise of “the melting pot.” Are we
While much of the population is now aware
were expected to keep renewing their DACA
all really being equally represented and
of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood
status every two years, and not have any
welcomed here? What do we mean when we
Arrivals), many might still not understand
benefits beyond a work permit and a pseudo
say “We the people”?
the complexity of it. Enacted in 2012 by the
peace of mind. All this uncertainty results in
Obama administration, the immigration
an emotionally and psychologically draining
try have been sold on the idea of the Ameri-
policy gave young undocumented people, or
limbo for all DREAMers, exacerbated by the
can Dream. The idea that if you come to this
“DREAMers,” hope. It offers a renewable,
decision of the current president to phase
country, work hard, be good to your fellow
two-year deportation action deferral and
out DACA completely. One of these immi-
patrons, you can be successful than you
work permit eligibility to those who entered
grants is Damara Garcia-Garcia, a student
ever were. We see this narrative in movies,
the United States as minors. However, this
at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte,
our history books, and some of us even
chance is not made available to all those
North Carolina.
hear it from our own parents who are first
meeting these basic criteria — not only
For years, people coming to this coun-
29 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
residency at all. These young immigrants
on DACA with
DAMARA
GARCIA-garcia Age 21 Senior Psychology Major
What was your reaction when DACA was first made available? I was 16 years old when DACA was first introduced in 2012. I remember being so excited and relieved that I would be able to legally work and drive. While most teens my age were excited about getting their licenses and new cars, I was just looking forward to having a document that validated my existence. I remember being so hopeful that this country was finally taking baby steps towards the right direction.
PHOTOS BY EVAN PRUNTY
As a DACAmented immigrant what are some things you would like those unfamiliar with immigrant experiences to know? As a DACAmented immigrant, I want people to know that the immigrant experience is a diverse experience. Undocumented folks come from all walks of life, and not everyone will fit into the “good immigrant” narrative society is obsessed with. I want people to know that immigration is complicated and we have to study our history to understand where we are today. I want people to know that labels can be very dangerous, so while I proudly claim to be “undocumented and unafraid,” I also know that when I call myself a DREAMer, I am excluding my parents or any other person who did not qualify for DACA. My advice to people unfamiliar with the immigrant experience would be to ignore what you see on mainstream media about immigrants, because you'll only get the good/bad immigrant narrative in which they praise DREAMers and criminalize parents. Instead, take time to research stories, attend local discussions, or attend events held
by local activist organizations to get a scope about the holistic immigrant experience. How did you feel/still feel about the recent policy changes that the Trump administration has made in regards to immigrants? I was not shocked by the decision the Trump administration made in regards to rescinding DACA. The moment he initiated his travel ban that clearly targeted Muslim immigrants, I knew that there was no way he would have mercy on undocumented children, despite the mixed messages he kept sending DACA folk. Naturally, as someone who still has to work, drive, and simply survive, there was a hint of me that was disappointed in his decision. However, I had to quickly remind myself that had he decided to keep DACA, perhaps we would be complacent and never truly challenge his administration. Ironically, the rescinding of DACA is a blessing in disguise, as it forces our community to have an open conversation about immigration reform and inclusivity. In fact, we quickly forget that DACA is a bandaid to a much bigger problem. How have these recent formal policy changes and “rise” of anti-immigrant sentiment affected you, your family, others you know? As someone who has experienced first-hand the pain of family separation by deportation, I am aware of the awful effects of dehumanization through criminalization of immigrants. One of the reasons why Trump was so successful in spewing anti-immigrant sentiments in white, low to middle class Americans was because he instilled fear and used immigrants as
scapegoats. This administration’s recent policy changes are rooted in unnecessary fear, hypocrisy, and hate. As a result, we have seen a more efficient and brutal deportation machine. Undocumented immigrants have no room to be flawed or make mistakes, because doing so will label them criminals, and once that occurs, there deportation will be “validated” and they’re deemed unworthy. I have witnessed the way my family hid in the shadows when my brother was deported because of his crime. I have witnessed the way my close friend shed tears when she told me about the deportation of her mom. I have witnessed the way an eighteen year old DACA student from my high school was deported in a matter of weeks, despite desperate calls from the community to give him a second chance. By convincing America that undocumented folks are inherently dangerous and do not deserve to be here, we have violated the human rights of these individuals. What is the best way those who have the privilege of documentation (including naturalized immigrants) can support, help, and spread awareness of immigrant struggles and rights? Folks who are documented have to be at the frontline fighting for us. Many undocumented people fear being arrested in acts of civil disobedience, because doing so will put them at high risk of deportation. Documented people must attend marches and be at the front, literally, and use their voices to advocate for us. If they cannot attend marches, they can donate to organizations that help undocumented people, or call their representatives urging them to pass legislation that protects ALL immigrants. It is not the job of undocumented folk to end the hate towards us because we did not create it. Our allies need to step up and fight the hate that is coming from their own communities, especially from white communities. This could mean checking family members for racist remarks, calling out problematic people in their social media/real life spaces instead of being passive bystanders, and sharing our stories in whatever platform they have available. Most importantly, our allies can learn to listen. Listening to the diverse, complicated, multidimensional community we are as undocumented people is a step forward to transformation and change.
palak
PATEL
Our International Students In January of 2017, president Trump issued an executive order banning travel from a number of countries in the hopes of protecting the US from terrorists. This order soon became widely known as the “travel ban” or “muslim ban.” This animosity against immigrants, especially those coming from muslim countries, is nothing
Where are you from? Gujarat, India
new in this country’s history– but the new
How long have you been in America?
leaders of America are finally making a
2 years
first, decisive step towards keeping immigrants out. Even though the order is yet to be enforced completely, the confusion and xenophobia that has stemmed from it is already just as harmful. One of the things that it is harming is the enrollment of international students at colleges across the country. “CSU has experienced similar drops, but luckily, we thought we were going to see a downturn in August 2017, and we really did better than we thought we were going to,” says Harlan Smith, director of the Center of International Services at Cleveland. The confusing up and down of the executive order doesn’t help the already complicated process that some international students have to go through in order to get to America just to study. Nevertheless,
What are you studying at CSU? Bachelor’s in Management & Labor Relations What were your hopes on coming to study in America? My hopes on coming to study in America is becoming successful by getting better education, dreaming to twist my family’s life from ordinary existence to something truly meaningful and accomplishing my ultimate dreams.
“We had a Townhall in February that was very well received, but we really haven’t done much for summer and fall semesters partially because the executive orders keep changing,” Smith says.
What do you like most about America? What do you dislike most? As Confucius said, "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." I strongly believe that to have a comprehensive understanding of one’s subject, action is important, and learning with practical application is imperative! America is the place where everything is just so practical. People who live in America, freedom to act free, can defend their our own political, cultural, religious, moral views and rights. And’s the thing I like most about America: Freedom. The thing I don’t like most is gun shooters.
Could you see yourself living here long term? Why?
What is your favorite thing about CLE?
I do see myself living here for long time, but I would like to go back to my country(India) with my family.
The favorite thing about Cleveland is Cleveland State University itself and Edgewater Park.
When you hear the term "American dream" what comes to mind? How do you see that in your own life/goals? When I hear the term “American dream”, what comes to my mind is freedom, equality, control
Do you think the United States is on a track to get better or worse?
Cleveland State is trying to bring awareness to this issue and help students coming in.
over one’s destiny and a never-ending pursuit of one’s dream. Also, I think of money, fame, success, love and all that stuff.
I would say totally unexpected looking at current situations.
JOhN KIM What is your name?
My full English name is John J Kim. The J stands for “JooAhn” which is my Korean first name. Where are you from? I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea but also spent 4 years in Vancouver, Canada as a child. How long have you been in America? This will be my 10th year in the states. What are you studying at CSU? I am studying Psychology and am taking the pre-med track. What were your hopes on coming to study in America? I didn’t have any hopes in particular since I was just following my parents initially. I did want to go to a prestigious university but wasn’t sure what my life would look like beyond that. Could you see yourself living here long term? Why? I can definitely see it happening. I speak and understand the language well, can relate to people living here, and am pursuing a career that can serve a great need in this country. Living in America is something that many South Koreans often dream about and I guess I am in some ways living the dream. That being said, I am not yet sure if I would want to live in America long term. When you hear the term "American dream" what comes to mind? How do you see that in your own life/goals? When I hear the term, I imagine a medium size house with a lawn and backyard, white picket fence, and a garage with a car. Oddly enough, I don’t think about any people in that image. I think this is why I don’t really want the
image of the American Dream that I have. It’s mostly all about what you have and possess and doesn’t describe much about what it looks like to live with the people here. Of course I would like to have a house, a family, and a stable income, but I want to make an impact on the lives of people around me and I doubt I can do that by staying inside my fenced house. What do you like most about America? What do you dislike most? For me, America is a foreign country where there’s a lot to see and do, and I like that it’s big and diverse enough so that there is always something new to experience and people to meet. There are less social barriers that I experience compared to Korea, allowing me to mingle with a stranger pretty easily. I will, however, forever be seen as a foreigner no matter how much I assimilate or contribute to this country. If I have kids that are born here, they will grow up with people perceiving and treating them as foreigner, even though they would be American citizens. For a country that is built on freedom and equality, as well as the labor force of minorities, America sure has a hard time celebrating differences, whether it be gender, race, political affiliation, or religion. As long as this continues, no minority will ever get to live the life that should rightfully be theirs in this country, and that is what I dislike most about America. What is your favorite thing about CLE? I think Cleveland is a great place to make memories. It’s not a bustling big city like LA or New York, and for someone who is more used to seeing tangible signs of busy life and entertainment, it can seem like the city doesn’t have much to offer. Going to one of those big cities is like being handed a painting that already comes with fancy illustrations of the city’s narrative and from there, one simply needs to insert his or her own story into the mold. When asked what it’s like to live in big cities, one simply has to hold up the fancy painting and point to where the individual story fits in. Living in Cleveland, on the other hand, is like
being handed a canvas with some illustrations but with more room and available colors for one to paint his or her own narrative. The various pockets and unique moments in the city allow one to create a story that is unique and relevant, as long as he or she is willing to start painting. I remember the excitement I felt when a friend and I discovered Hofbrauhaus, a German restaurant right off campus next to the police station. Our experience at the restaurant allowed us to sketch in a unique spot on our narratives, adding richness and individuality to our Cleveland canvas. Sure it may not be as fancy as one’s narrative in a big city, but I can confidently call it my own. Do you think the United States is on a track to get better or worse? This is a hard question because people in the states have different opinions about what makes a better America. For me personally, I feel like as long as we disagree on what it means to be great together, America will never progress for the benefit of all its people. Especially with the directions that president Trump is suggesting, America seems to be constantly fighting over what matters the most, and a Democratic country is never on the right track if it doesn’t exist to enhance and protect the lives of its average citizens. I do think that many problems rooted deeply in history have been brought up over the past couple of years. They’ve always been around, affecting the lives of many Americans, but now we are just seeing more of it. What’s sad is that instead of owning up to these issues, America seems to be in denial that there are ugly and uncomfortable parts of its history that still keep many Americans from being entitled to the life that the Constitution promises them : one of “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness”. I feel like the stories of every American matter, especially those of minorities whose narratives and voice are shut down so often and so easily. They are real, they are relevant, and unless America as a whole is willing to agree and act on that, I fear we will never be on track for the better.
NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 32
“
I consider that America is very rich in diversity and is a country where you have the chance to experience different cultures but at the same time maintain your own.
“
Where are you from? Ecuador
SOFIA MORENO
How long have you been in America? Two and a half year What are you studying at CSU? I am in my last semester of Communication Management What were your hopes on coming to study in America? My main hopes were getting my bachelor degree in Communication and create a life from myself in a country that was totally unknown for me. Could you see yourself living here long term? Why? I do see myself living in America for long term. Every year I like more and more of Cleveland,
33 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
85,000 refugees and asylum-seekers were admitted to the US IN 2016
5.2% Cuba
7,700,000
5.4% Philippines
6% India
7% China
15% Mexico 1,051,031 Million
2015 Green Card Immigrants
and I see having a life of my own here. Studying in the United States has helped me mature and be an independent person and I am used to living here now. When you hear the term "American dream" what comes to mind? When I hear the term “American dream” I think of all the opportunities that the U.S.A. offers to people from all over the world. Even though everything is more regulated by the government for foreigners I still believe that America is the land of opportunities and that living the American dream means having financial stability and opportunities where you can always grow as a human being. How do you see that in your own life/ goals? For me more than pursuing the American dream I am simply seeking a life in which nobody can stop me accomplishing my professional and personal goals. If the American
non-immigrants came in and out of the US in 2015
53% of international students come from China, India, or Saudi Arabia
dream involves taking opportunities to grow, then pursuing the American dream is indeed in my life goals. What do you like most about America? What do you dislike most? I really like the diversity in cultures that you find in America. I consider that America is very rich in diversity, and is a country where you have the chance to experience different cultures, but at the same time maintain your own. It’s a country that helps you grow as a human being. On the other side, what I dislike is how America’s culture is very individualistic, coming from a collectivistic culture it has been hard to connect with people that are in a competitive mindset where you only have to care about yourself. What do you dislike most? How America’s culture is very individualistic, coming from a collectivistic culture it has been hard to connect with people that are in a com-
petitive mindset where you only have to care about yourself. What is your favorite thing about CLE? My favorite thing about Cleveland is how small, affordable and trendy this city is becoming. I like the different neighborhoods with their own unique culture and there are great places to go for every type of interests. Do you think the United States is on a track to get better or worse? I honestly think that the people make America an awesome place to be but unfortunately, I don’t believe the government is seeking the people’s best interest and it feels that instead of moving forward, America is falling behind compared to other countries. What makes America so beautiful for me is its diversity but if multiculturalism is being oppressed I see America getting worse.
NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 34
Trump’s Temporary Ban Affects These Refugees
SYRIA SOMALIA IRAN SUDAN YEMEN LYBIA
13,000 9,000
CHIKA MORKAH
3.8k 1.5k 26 1
Where are you from?
.00003%
your chances of dying in an attack by a foreign-born terrorist
Nigeria, West Africa
where I find myself, my dream should be the same.
How long have you been in America? 21 months
How do you see that in your own life/ goals? What do you dislike most?
What are you studying at CSU? I'm just finishing up a Master of Arts in global interactions and starting another masters in psychology in diversity management.
My life goals have not really changed since I began to understand what it means. So it all lies in the way I follow the path I find myself on. What do you like most about America?
45%
Yes but not too long. I would like to travel to experience other cultures.
I see or discover something new everyday, there is no one thing I like. I like a lot of things because America is made up of different people that bring their uniqueness to everything. But one thing that will stand out for me is the structure. America has structure, things can function effectively even there is no one there to monitor it. [I dislike the] over consciousness and extremity. Sometimes over dependence. There are other things but these stand out for me.
33%
When you hear the term "American dream" what comes to mind?
What is your favorite thing about Cleveland?
I try not to think about it because it has different meanings for different people, for me there is no American dream. I don't think there's anything like an American dream. Our minds make something up just so we can have a structure to follow. It's just like relocating to another location to use the resources available for personal growth and development with the aim and goal of imparting and impacting people one at a time. I would feel the same if I had moved to Canada, for me a dream does not come with a particular location, no matter
The serenity, the chill vibe, the gentle pace, etc.
730,000 people became naturalized immigrants of the US in 2015
before 2010
2000-2009
22%
since 2010
21 Million
Naturalized Immigrants
35 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
What were your hopes on coming to study in America? A wholesome curriculum, interactive and practical learning experience. Could you see yourself living here long term? Why?
Do you think the United States is on a track to get better or worse? I cannot say, nobody can really say whether something will be bad, worse or better/good, nobody can predict tomorrow. We can only hope for good and prepare our minds and hearts for when the going gets tough. We can also work on ourselves because the change we really need or want starts from within.
Where are you from? I was born in Vadodara, India. How long have you been in America? I moved to US in 2008 and have been here for past 9 years. What are you studying at CSU? I am studying Health Sciences/Pre-Med What were your hopes on coming to study in America? Since I was young I didn’t have any serious hopes of coming to US at the time, However I did look forward to moving here as in India there is a societal image of US as a better place than India. Knowing I would be going to US made me feel special and unique at the time. Could you see yourself living here long term? Why? Yes, I do plan to stay here long term. This is where most of my friends are and most of the people I really know well. When you hear the term "American dream" what comes to mind? To me when I think about American Dream I think about the idea of having limitless opportunity to succeed and achieve your Dream. How do you see that in your own life/ goals? I think it’s sort of true for me that I am trying to achieve a dream in America but I don’t think the opportunities are limitless, It is still better than most countries however not limitless. I do see the opportunity to attend college and being in Honors program so having the opportunity at affordable price is important for me. I totally believe college is a great class equalizer, so I do appreciate the opportunities provided by the college, community members and alumni. What do you like most about America? One of the things I like about America is how clean it is compared to India and since it is not as densely packed as India it is nice to have more personal space. I also like how much this country cares about research and development, may that be public research or private. What do you dislike most? I do not like the imperial system of numbers, It make no sense to me. I also do not like how
RUSHABH
PATEL
poor are treated in this country, In a sense they are used as political tool yet neither of the party actually helps efficiently. Inability of the people to understand the effects racial segregation is having on this country and how much damage they are doing to themselves by not focusing on the problem and giving it more importance. The blatant theft by corporations, banks and rich. The income inequality is a problem I care deeply about and wished more people understood and cared about the problem. I also dislike the fact people don’t realize how the politicians have stopped representing the general individuals and representing lobbying groups or corporations which is basically a form of bribery.
What is your favorite thing about CLE?
I love how friendly the people are in Cleveland. I love the fact that Cleveland is a growing city and I can be part of that growth. Do you think the United States is on a track to get better or worse? I think a country being better or worst can be hard to define. To me, the U.S. is such a globally integrated country. The better question is, ‘is the WORLD on track to get better or worse’ and my answer would be better. Yes, there are parts that are getting worse, but as sum all the world is headed in the right directions - may that be health care, poverty or human rights . NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 36
THE BEAUTY OF OUR BODIES The truth behind the Body Positivity Movement. // Caitlin Cole
A
ll across the world, within
tions by saying it promotes obesity and tries
purpose. She has expressed her experience
every culture, there are dif-
to make people feel guilty if they are not
with online hatred targeting her for loving
ferent sets of standards that
attracted to a certain body type.
her body and standing up for the respect
are forced upon women and the way they see their bod-
The purpose is to teach women that
her body deserves. Trolls comment that she
they deserve respect regardless of their
needs to lose weight, stop eating and that
ies. Height, weight, skin color, hair color
appearance and to see that their individual-
she isn’t worthy of being loved because of
and everything in between is scrutinized
ism is beautiful. A woman’s body is not up
the way they perceive her body. These nasty
and picked apart. Trying to meet these
for discussion or a rating, but some feel as
comments come from people who have no
“standards” is exhausting and impossible
though they have the right to do that. Many
idea who she is or anything about her life.
because they are constantly changing and
cowards hide behind their computer screens
They assume she is lazy with no motivation
unrealistic. Unfortunately, this discrimina-
and make nasty comments. These cowards
just because she is plus sized.
tion affects every woman. The only way to
who body shame women have been given
change this unhealthy mindset is for wom-
the nickname “online trolls.”
en to band together and demand respect for
Plus sized internet influencers Tess
The internet has become a tool for these people to lash out over things they see and do not understand. Ultimately, it should
every body type. Thus, the Body Positivity
Holliday and Ashley Graham have experi-
be used to teach women to love their bodies
Movement was born. Some people who do
enced these awful online “trolls.” Holliday
and to show “trolls” their discretions.
not understand this movement have made it
has been a fundamental part of the world
Holliday took advantage of the internet’s
their goal to tarnish its purpose and inten-
understanding this movement and its
positive side and started #effyourbeauty-
37 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
FOLLOW BODY POSI INFLUENCERS @theashleygraham @bodyposipanda_ @Tess_Holliday @scarrednotscared standards. This hashtag is a way for women to take a stand against “trolls” and negative body images. Instagram and Twitter have exploded with women posting portraits that include Holliday’s hashtag in the caption, and it has helped create an online body positivity community. This victory for the movement has also come with backlash from “trolls,” saying it encourages an unhealthy lifestyle by saying being overweight is acceptable. The body positivity movement isn’t about promoting obesity or an unhealthy their worth is not defined by what other people say or think about them or whether strangers view them as healthy. The world seems to have an obsession with labeling and categorizing women. Body positivity is about bringing women together to celebrate these differences, instead of pitting them against one another. This movement is more than teaching others to respect a woman’s body. The most important part is to change a woman’s negative perceptions about her body so she sees her self worth. The battle isn’t about convincing others to find every woman attractive. Attractiveness and relationships have nothing to do with this movement. This movement was created to show women that whether others decide they fit society’s molds or not, their value and right for respect still remains. Ashley Graham is another leader for the body positivity movement who has worked hard to break barriers in the modeling industry. She is the first plus sized model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine, a publication that often only accepts slim fit models and uses an ample amount of photoshop. She has also
PHOTOS BY CAITLIN COLE
been featured on the cover of Vogue, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, SELF and Maxim which are all admirable accomplishments. Through all of these impressive life events, even Graham has experienced negative comments about her body. Her goals and aspirations have been overlooked and the
focus goes to what her weight is. To combat
standards also features women of varying
this, Graham is also using the internet to
disabilities, declaring love for their bodies.
openly express her struggles and fight back against “trolls”.
Michelle Elman, an online presence for the body positivity movement, speaks out
“When I post a photo from a ‘good
about the importance of showing women
angle,’ and I receive criticism for looking
with scars, disabilities and other unique
smaller and selling out. When I post photos
attributes that they deserve respect too. In
showing my cellulite, stretch marks, and
an interview with Revelist, an online pub-
“
lication for women, Elman discusses how becoming body positive is a slow journey.
Women are more than their physical appearance.
“
lifestyle. It’s about showing women that
“Body positivity is an action. You do it every single day. You do it when you stop yourself right before you are about to mention a diet. You do it when you intervene on body shaming. You do it when you look in the mirror and tell yourself how much you love you, even when you don’t want to,” said Elman. The internet is a great accessory to this movement but there is a lot more that has to be done for its success. As Elman said, it’s a daily battle and we have to help one another get through it. Women are more than their physical
rolls, I’m accused of promoting obesity.
appearance. No person has the right to
They cycle of body shaming needs to end.
make assumptions or degrade a woman for
I’m over it,” said Graham in response to
irrelevant standards. For those who see why
criticism on one of her Instagram photos.
this movement is necessary, it’s import-
Holliday and Graham have given wom-
ant to realize that any outspoken word in
en all around the world the encouragement
support of it makes a difference. As Holliday
to stand together and see the beauty in their
said, “All we can hope for is to try and talk
differences but there’s another import-
about our experiences and share them with
ant aspect to the movement’s importance.
other people and hope that in some way,
Women with physical disabilities also need
someone gets it and that changes some-
the encouragement to demand respect for
one.”
their bodies. Holliday’s #effyourbeautyNOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 38
FEMINISM IN MODERN JUDAISM An ancient faith, from a new perspective. ** Disclaimer: The responses here are of the opinions of the individuals interviewed, and do not necessarily reflect my own views, or the views of all practicing the Jewish faith. // TJ Hayes
J
udaism has been around for almost
women to serve in combat. The opportuni-
Judaism demands the full use of all of our
4,000 years, with a population of
ties are endless in contemporary Judaism.
gifts and talents in serving G-d and the
13-14 million people worldwide
A major example is women as Rabbis. Many
people.” My mom’s response was, “I think
out of the world’s population of
scholars believe the first female Rabbi was
Judaism is more inclusive of women in the
over 7 billion. It is a faith that has
a Kurdish woman named Asenath Barza-
Reform and Conservative movements and
only one country with religious majority.
ni (speculated to have lived from 1590 to
see this advancing with time. I do not see
Since its start with Abraham thousands of
1670). The second female Rabbi wouldn’t be
women being included as much in the Or-
recorded in history until 1935. With the long
thodox and Chabad movement’s.” Consid-
changes and has branched off into many sects. Some of these sects include Hasidic, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Humanistic - the list goes on. However, contemporary denominations of Judaism have brought the role of women in Judaism into more modern times. Feminist aspects in Conservative and Reform Judaism are very important in modern Judaism and the people I interviewed can attest to this. I interviewed members from many walks of life within CSU and Cleveland’s Jewish community. Susan Stone, a female Rabbi in Cleveland (19th in history), her son Charles who is also one of my best friends and making
“
ering the very conservative views of more traditional sects of Judaism, introducing
There is more choice and leeway within Judaism for women in the States...
quite an impact in the Jewish community in his own right, Elizabeth Oestreicher, a dear
“
years ago, Judaism has gone through many
new ideas can cause great controversy. I have had discussions with more traditional Jewish people on subjects such as interfaith marriage, and the conversation has almost turned into a heated debate more than once. While each Jewish person is connected, I have learned that some subjects are best left unsaid in certain conversations. How do you personally feel women are represented in Judaism today? Elizabeth Oestreicher: I feel that it depends on how you see women as being “represented” In traditional Jewish practice, women were represented as matriarchs and ties that bound the nation of Israel as a people together. How-
friend of mine who is doing very important
and scattered history of world religions, the
ever, in the 20th century notion of feminism
work in the Jewish community and just had
idea of a woman as a religious leader in the
and leadership. I feel that women are better
an internship in Israel, and my mother. The
U.S. was unheard of. That until Sally Prie-
represented in positions of power and authority
responses given by my interviewees were
sand came along, who practiced as a Rabbi
within the more liberal movements of Judaism.
quite eye-opening in how I view feminism
for over 30 years and is still alive today. She
In these movements we see women rabbis and
in Conservative and Reform Judaism.
revolutionized how people look at Judaism
women taking on central roles outside of the
in the America. Since her ordination in 1972,
traditional home role.
Having grown up in an interfaith home, Irish Catholic and Conservative Jewish
there have been approximately 36 female
(which I wrote about in The Vindicator last
Rabbis in the U.S. to follow. She has changed
December), I had many opportunities to
Judaism as we know it.
learn about my Jewish heritage through my
The first person I asked was Rabbi
mom, my grandparents, and other family
Susan Stone. A response that the Rabbi gave
members. My mom told me stories about
that particularly stood out to me was when
being raised to be a strong and indepen-
I asked her, “Do you feel that Judaism has
dent Jewish woman from her parents. While
become more inclusive?”” She responded,
on the Birthright trip to Israel, I learned
“Yes, Jewish life continues to grow more
that the Israel Defense Forces was the first
inclusive of women in public roles. It does
military force in the Middle East to allow
so because Jews are demanding it; because
39 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
Mrs. Hayes I feel that women are more respected in the Reform and Conservative branches, as they are cantors, rabbis, spiritual leaders more readily available, and willing to serve their congregations and their communities. I don’t think the Orthodox or Chabad branches are ready for this type of progression in women and would prefer to keep things the way they have always been as not to change traditional roles.
Do you think that new ideas in Jewish traditions are welcomed? Why, or why not? Mrs. Hayes: No, I do not think that new ideas are welcomed in ancient Jewish traditions, be they presented by men or women. That being said, I don’t think that older men would challenge the beliefs of their elders for fear of repercussions and possibly being disbarred from the congregation. I can’t see a woman’s point of view being acknowledged in ancient culture no matter how times are changing. Rabbi Susan Stone: We don’t necessarily love new ideas - but what we do is make them old and then we love them. Judaism is a textbased tradition. We search for justifications for the new ideas in the past and then we move forward.
neighborhoods without covering it with a hat.
don’t appear to deal with the negativity and
Otherwise people would stare, jeer, or even
harassment that American women do while in
have children throw rocks. But if you ask any
the service. I believe that the American military
number of young women if they had a bat
can learn from the Israelis in how to fight wars,
mitzvah any would say yes. If you attend a
protect their land and culture, and especially
Conservative shul on any given Saturday you
their women.”
will see women called for alyiahs and many shuls encourage the Jewish tradition of asking questions and having a differing opinion or viewpoint. Some say that this is the essence of Judaism itself. Do you feel that Jewish women are better represented in Israel or in the USA? Elizabeth Oestreicher: I would say women are better religiously represented in the States because they have more freedom and less of a dichotomy of “religious or secular.” There
Elizabeth Oestreicher: I would say it depends
is more choice and leeway within Judaism for
on who you ask. If you were to ask some women
women in the States, although Israel allows
of the Wall participants perhaps they would say
Jewish women to hold high positions in gov-
no. They are constantly berated and degraded
ernment, military life and the public sector.
for trying to practice their Judaism by those who hold more traditional views-men and women alike. When my girlfriend was in Israel she knew not to wear her kippah in certain
Rabbi Susan Stone: It is too varied a picture to make that comparison. We are too different as cultures and countries to have to decide. How do you feel your understanding of feminism in Judaism differs from others since your mother being a Rabbi? Charles Stone: I feel that my understanding of Judaism vastly differs from others. Having grown up with my mom as a Rabbi, a position she [is] so proud of, I know that she has fought a long established status-quo, inherently I know that there [are] so many other women that have suffered defeats in attempting to realize similar goals. I am happy she’s able to be the face in a religion where that has not always
Mrs. Hayes: I am not familiar with the role
been the case. She is the reason I believe that
of women in Israel. However, I do know that
everyone should be given equal opportunity to
women are required by Israeli law to enlist
shine as the person they are, Judaism and in all
in the IDF with their male counterparts and
aspects of life. NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 40
URBAN PLAYGROUND Cleveland State’s urban campus allows students to experience the city of Cleveland for themselves // Grace Roberson
I
t’s not uncommon to hear the bell of
washed over me — there were mountains
the RTA Healthline bus throughout the
everywhere. I’d never seen anything like
of exploring all the more enticing.
day on Euclid Avenue or the occasional
it before, and I couldn’t believe what I’d
growing up having direct access to a city,
cacophony of sirens and roaring engines,
gotten myself into, having self-identified
spending my first half of college in isolated
but it’s second nature to Cleveland State
Hailing from a suburb in Cleveland and
as a city girl for so many years. While I
areas was a big adjustment for me to make.
students. Every year, millions of students
was excited about starting a new chapter
I found it difficult to make friends, and
across the country commit to a universi-
of my life in a foreign place, I couldn’t help
navigating my surroundings with pub-
ty. It’s a momentous decision, and one of
but feel isolated, too. I found out later that
lic transportation required meticulous
the more important, influential factors is
Ithaca was four and a half hours away from
planning. After spending my first year of
location.
New York City by bus.
college in Ithaca, I returned home to Cleve-
In June 2015, I found myself on a Grey-
Ithaca College’s campus sits on top of
land and attended community college for a
hound bus en route to my college orien-
South Hill, with a view of Cayuga Lake and
year before transferring to Cleveland State
tation in a small New York town I’d never
Cornell University. During the icebreak-
to finish my Bachelor’s degree. And, admit-
heard of before. Ithaca. Only having seen
ers and campus tours, I was introduced to
tedly, it’s refreshing to be back in an urban
and experienced New York City, namely
the phrase “Ithaca is gorges!” — a slogan
environment — I feel right at home.
Manhattan, I was surprised to discover
that I would later find on touristy tye-dye
how rural New York State is in actuality.
t-shirts, magnets, water bottles, and hats.
tonio DeJesus, a sophomore Theatre major,
After transferring buses in Buffalo, the
I had no prior knowledge of the fact that
transferred to Cleveland State from Kent
last few hours of my journey were spent in
my college of choice was nestled with-
State University this fall, and commutes
the countryside as the bus rolled through
in the waterfall capital of the Northeast;
from Lakewood.
farming towns and villages. When I finally
one-hundred-fifty waterfalls within a ten-
arrived in Ithaca, a feeling of enchantment
square-mile radius. But this made the idea
41 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
Others share this sentiment, too. An-
“I enjoy it because I don’t necessarily feel alone,” DeJesus said, “Being in a city
“
The RTA is an integral part of Cleveland State – it allows students to explore the city and experience it in their own way...
Regional Transit Authority (RTA) created
is deep-rooted, just like its people. The
a second Bus Rapid Transit service, The
city itself has seen and endured so much
transition from a rural to urban environ-
Cleveland State Line. The RTA’s Cleveland
change since I was a child, and it’s exciting
ment. One of the more obvious benefits of
State Line, also known the 55, has four
to see how vibrant it has become in the
attending college in a city is accessibil-
designated routes — with service starting
past few years, especially after the Cava-
ity — students have more academic and
downtown and going as far as Westgate
liers’ 2016 Championship.
extracurricular opportunities compared to
Transit Center, Lakewood Park, Bay Village,
students in smaller college towns. Being a
and Crocker Park.
Like myself, DeJesus had to make the
Theatre major, DeJesus is able to take ad-
In a 2016 report from the RTA, it was
Since I’ve started college, the most important thing I’ve learned is that there is no right, wrong, or “normal” way to go
vantage of attending classes and perform-
reported that within the first two years of
to college. Anyone’s college experience
ing in Cleveland’s theater district. “The
operation, the Cleveland State Line has ac-
is malleable, and it’s important to make
Theatre department sits on top of the gold
quired a rider increase of 439 percent. The
the most of it while you can. Take me, for
mine that is Playhouse Square… you get to
RTA is an integral part of Cleveland State
example — I went from a private four-year
utilize that professional atmosphere.”
— it allows students to explore the city and
institution to community college, and now
Attending college, no matter how
experience it in their own way, not only for
I’m settled in a public, urban university. I
the sake of going to school.
couldn’t happier to be here, and I’m excited
many miles away from home you may PHOTO BY ANDRIANA AKRAP
“
forces you into social situations.”
be, is a leap of faith. It’s the chapter of
You can’t compare Cleveland to New
your life where you learn how to be more
York or Chicago because it falls into its
independent. One of the most appealing
own category; Cleveland doesn’t try to be
things about Cleveland State is their strong
like anyone, or rather, anywhere else. Like
emphasis on public transportation use.
any other city, Cleveland is full of sur-
At the end of 2014, the Greater Cleveland
prises and hidden gems, but the genuinity
to see what the city I’ve known for so long has instore for me and other students.
NOVEMBER 2017 | VINDICATOR 42
Thirsty
You're searching for some body, any body. I'm waiting to have some one. That's where we split our ways. Done with idiosyncratic fits of rage, Read my fists, turn the page. Not a body to fill my bed, but some one Out of my head. Fantasies woven into flesh and bone, The words of reassurance whispered with a beckoning tone. Come out from beneath, Beat me in hide-and-go-seek. The deeper the burrow, The colder the trench, The greater the fire Needed to surface self consciousness. Your patience has proven to be no consequence To further events. Time can only comply with the sweetness of this wine. Aged in darkness, Enjoyed in the moonlight. Sun dried grapes off the vine Laid before your feet to squander, squish, writhe and refine, Until the perfect glass is poured, Enjoyed by your side. A child, reaches for grape juice. Immature, unable to handle the bitterness, intoxication and sophistication. Quick, painless and quenching, No obligation. It takes a a gentleman of stature, Intelligence, wisdom and ambitiousness, To appreciate the grind, the work, the wait. Blood, blisters, bruises and battles. Nothing comes easy, And if it does? Nothing good shall come of it, As short, short lived as a juice box, Tossed in the trash.
43 VINDICATOR | NOVEMBER 2017
ILLUSTRATION BY ANGELA MERCEDES DONNA OTTO
By Bernadette M. Wielgus
Herbal Messages By Joy Yayoie McKiney
The one inspire herbal ways done by smelling or tasting. How people describe
ILLUSTRATION BY MIKAYLA COLSTON
such messages.
There Are People Praying For You Right Now By Nick Chmura
It may not seem like it, but there are people praying for you right now. They’re in dark basements, side chapels and alleys; a person prays for you right now whose name you can’t pronounce, in a country you’ve never heard of. On creaky knees, the hermit, in isolation, prays for you — Facing East 5 times a day, the Imam and his followers, pray for you — Cross-legged & fat-bellied, the Buddha prays for you. There are crook’d-neck Catholic widows, praying the rosary, over and over, for you. There’s a monk in Bavaria burning a candle, cleaning the wax and burning another candle for you. And millions “Om” they say, “Shanti” “Om” they pray to Krishna, Shiva, and Vishnu — for you. When you are strong, they pray for you. Mangy, down and damned, they pray for you. It may not seem like it, but there are people praying for you right now.
Playful Dance By Joy Yayoie McKiney
Having fun As many children do, Playing games Feeling free, But Impressive movements Are recognized By many people. Just being combined For stages Happen naturally As time goes
ILLUSTRATION BY MIKAYLA COLSTON
As fun moments go.
By Stephanie Rice, other CSU Students Design by Master Collective
MAY WE ALL CHOOSE EQUALITY OVER HATE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK, EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR, & EVERY YEAR OF OUR LIFETIMES.
Vindicator Cleveland State University’s Arts and Culture Magazine
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