The Vindicator - November 2018

Vindicator Cleveland State University’s Arts and Culture Magazine

NOV 2018

CLEVELAND SMALL BUSINESS

GIVING THANKS TO LOCAL BANDS PAGE 9

PAGE 23

VETERANS AT CLEVELAND STATE PAGE 19

ABUSE & SPORTS PAGE 15

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NOV

what’s in this issue?

3

Check Us Out Online

4

Calendar

5

Letter from the Editor

6

Meet Our Contributors

GET DOWN-TOWN TO BUSINESS

ARTS

23

BY DARLENE NICHOLE MOORMAN 7

Film School of the Future

by THYRA CHANEY

9

Giving Thanks to Your Local Bands

CULTURE

by TABITHA TIMMS 11

Daniel Sloss & Staying Single 13

by JOSCELYN ERVIN

My Amazing Experience Studying Abroad

by IMANI STEPHENS

15

Sexual Misconduct in Sports

by GREG ELEK

19

17

Do Not Conform

by RENEE BETTERSON

BEAUTY + WELLNESS 31

Plus Size in Beauty

by BRENDA CASTAÑEDA YUPANQUI

33

Stress Less, No Mess

by SHANNAH BYRNES

BY LIV WILSON 35

Choose Kind in the Classroom

by JILLIAN VANDYKE

POETRY SOCIAL 37

Finally, I Can Work in Peace

43

by V 44

Smart Healthcare Saves

by DOROTHY ZHAO

41

He Spoke

by TYISHA BLADE

by KIMBERLY STEELE 39

Deux. Point

45

Fight for Your Right

by INDYA POWELL

Girls on Tops

by SAMRA KARAMUSTAFIC

Check out our World Kindness Day poster on page 35!

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CHECK US OUT ONLINE

COVER STORY

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“I see a lot of growth. I see myself as still in this learning/adapting phase, although I am sure that will never completely leave. I see this studio space growing and providing services, products and education that the community wants and needs.” — SARA SYED

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Podcasts for Your Mental Health “In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, here are podcasts surrounding the topic that you should give a listen to!”

Walk Away, Do it for the Children. “Domestic violence is not only a domestic hardship, but a trickle–down effect that is damaging to every individual involved,

#VindiAsks: How important is shopping local to you?

most importantly the children.”

10% NOT AT ALL

27%

@vindi_csu

DOESN’T REALLY MATTER

63% VERY IMPORTANT

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Follow us on social media to participate in our next poll! @VINDI_CSU

w h a t’s h a p p e n i n g i n

NOVEMBER 11/9 Workshop

Attend a two–hour workshop to perfect your poetry skills with Kisha Nicole Foster, a Cleveland Arts Prize Nominee and poet who has represented Cleveland at multiple poetry competitions around the country. Bring 10–15 of your best poems and receive feedback on your work.

11/13 Cursive Concert @ the Grog Shop

Catch post–hardcore band, Cursive, at the Grog Shop for some melodies you can scream along with. Having just released their first album in six years, Vitriola, the band is back touring and ready to share this anxiety–rich, yet cathartic album.

11/20 Trivia

8:30PM, 2785 EUCLID HEIGHTS BLVD, $15

10:30AM, 325 SUPERIOR AVE, FREE

11/17 Causing a Catastrophe Benefit

Don’t miss the last night to show off your knowledge of the beloved comedy, the Office. Get one or more of your Office–obsessed friends and play for the chance to win a $25 gift card to Mad Mac’s.

8:30PM, 13601 DETROIT AVE, FREE FOR 21+

11/24 Flea Market

Help save some homeless cats by grooving out to two rock and roll bands, the Public Squares and Scoliosis Jones at the Winchester Music Tavern. All money raised from the tickets will be donated to the Waterloo Alley Cat Project, which aims to reduce the suffering of feral cats in the Waterloo business district.

8PM, 12112 MADISON AVE, $8–$10

Shop local at the last Westside Flea of the year and support some of the small businesses throughout Cleveland.

9AM, 30106 LORAIN RD

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 4

EDITOR’S LETTER

A

ON AGENCY

gency is something we can often take

returning writer Darlene Nichole Moorman and new

for granted. Writing that sentence out

photographer Antonio DeJesus. Another returning

makes it hard to believe, since free-will

writer, Thyra Chaney, shared her coverage on the

seems implicit and part of our nature. This

newly opened film school on campus; Culture Editor

reflection came to mind after learning that one of my

Renee Betterson wrote a striking piece on the theory

own friends refused to vote in this year’s elections,

of social proof. Contributing writer Kimberly Steele

because of their “personal beliefs.” To me this is still

informed us about the important new ordinance

baffling: the idea that one can choose inaction over

affecting the LGBTPQA+ community and shared her

action. And I believe that this comes from the dismissal

own experience in the workplace. Jillian VanDyke

of agency as something earned, more often than not,

wrote about the importance of being kind, especially

by those who are privileged. I hope that you, reader,

in the classroom.

exercised your right to vote—not only for yourself but for those without this specific form of agency.

As a publication, the Vindicator’s genesis was truly a struggle for agency by the Black student population on

Before you begin reading this month’s issue, I would

CSU’s campus. I cannot stress enough the importance

like to welcome our new Multimedia Manager Greg

of continuing this mission and using our privilege to

Elek, who has proudly written for every issue of the

afford marginalized students and communities a voice

magazine since he started at CSU. He filmed some

and a platform to exercise their agency.

amazing content for our cover story featuring some of the city’s small businesses, working closely with

BRENDA CASTAÑEDA YUPANQUI

5 | VINDICATOR

NOVEMBER 2018

Faculty Advisor Julie Burrell Web Specialist Daniel Lenhart

MEET OUR

CONTRIBUTORS STAFF HEADS Brenda Castañeda Yupanqui Editor–in–Chief

Tyisha Blade Managing Editor

Andriana Akrap Art Director

Alexia Carcelli Asst. Art Director

Greg Elek Multimedia Manager

Michella Dilworth Online Content Editor

Alana Whelan Arts Editor

Renee Betterson Culture Editor

Imani Stephens Beauty/Junior Editor

Dorothy Zhao Social/Junior Editor

Grace Roberson Copy Editor

WRITERS Thyra Chaney Joscelyn Ervin Tabitha Timms Imani Stephens Greg Elek Renee Betterson Liv Wilson

JUNIOR DESIGNERS Darlene Nichole Moorman Brenda Castañeda Yupanqui Shannah Byrnes Jillian VanDyke Kimberly Steele Dorothy Zhao

Michella Dilworth Gia Paulovich Jillian VanDyke

Austin DiLorenzo Anna Oprisch

ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Antonio DeJesus Zavier McLean

Mikayla Colston

POETS Tyisha Blade

Indya R. Powell

V

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. Magazine and newspaper theft is a crime; limit one per person.

2121 Euclid Ave, MC 471, Cleveland, OH 44115 216–687–2118 THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 6

SECTION

FILM SCHOOL OF THE FUTURE As changes are being made in the film industry as a whole, CSU’s new School of Film and Media Arts prepares students for the new frontier.

27 | VINDICATOR

WRITTEN BY

Thyra Chaney ILLUSTRATION BY

Alexia Carcelli

O

NOVEMBER 2018

with other students. The requirement for all first

n October 11th of this year, the Cleveland State University School of Film and

year film students to take Intro to Screen Acting

Media Arts was dedicated as the first

comes as a shock to many, but an understanding of

standalone film school in Ohio. The

performance, as illuminated by Lahey, is crucial to

room was abuzz with press, presidents,

directing, writing, cinematography, and editing. The

and tremendous potential energy. Frederick Lahey,

fact that this course is required in the first semester

the director of the FMA program, described the high

is no accident. Students in this course learn to make

ceilings of the school, located on the sixth floor of the

themselves vulnerable in front of their peers. “That’s

Idea Building at Playhouse square, as being “filled

how you make friendships and create bonds that can

with aspiration and goodwill.” In all the excitement

then last students through the four years of their

surrounding the new film school, one wonders what

education,“ Lahey explained.

a film school of the future should look like in a time

“Collaboration is by far the most important aspect

of rapid growth and change in the film industry. One

of film, period,” Najada Davis, senior and president

must look no further than the new Cleveland State

of the 7 th Art Film Club, asserted. “If you cannot work with people in this field, you might as well

University School of Film and Media Arts.

In a time when social media and technology allow

stay home.” Collaboration is encouraged within

for calls to action challenging unjust practices in

the film school in a number of ways, ranging from

television and film, consideration for diversity is

innovative database technology, which allows students

important, both in front of and behind the camera.

to select cast and crew objectively and without bias,

film aspirants are able to build community and learn collaborative skills, acts as a microcosm for the industry as a whole. In the new film program, matters of diversity and inclusion “are of paramount importance,” according to Lahey. “W hen we’re developing the next generation of filmmakers, gender and diversity have to be major considerations.” Lahey and the other people working behind the scenes of the new program understand that inclusion is an important ingredient when it comes to creating compelling stories.

Diversity in film is not so much a social issue as it is a business issue, in that the absence of diverse voices in the creation of film and television results in content lacking dimension, which is less likely to draw in audiences. Lahey stresses the importance of storytelling, describing filmmakers as “storytellers in service to the audience.” He also notes the importance of collaboration in the creation of stories that are honest and compelling. “We can only serve the audience if first we can create some collaboration

“

to incentivizing collaboration with other students through a virtual economy. Because this program was created with consideration for meaningful and

Diversity is important,

productive collaboration, there are many opportunities for students to take advantage of the fact that they are members of a community with a widely shared goal: the creation of films.

Lahey was driven to bring this program to Cleveland by the possibility of “creating an institution that

both in

has democratic access to the means of expression, because that’s where the new and interesting stories

front of the

are coming from, and that’s what we need to tap

camera and

understanding that comprehensive knowledge of the

behind it.

“

Film school, in its capacity as a place where young

into.” Students in the program are equipped with the history of film and the dominant structures of the industry allow for the greatest possible manipulation of these structures in pursuit of new and innovative techniques. As tax incentives draw larger productions to the area, development of a symbiotic relationship— in which productions can expect to work with welltrained students when filming in Cleveland and students can expect to work on high level productions

and get other viewpoints and create something that’s

when studying film in Cleveland—is inevitable. As

of interest and that can communicate to everyone.”

the burgeoning Cleveland film industry becomes a

“We have to pave the way for a better way to do

contender in the industry as a whole, these well-

things—one that recognizes inclusiveness is not

educated, highly trained, forward-thinking students

built into the system. Inclusiveness is external to

can serve as an answer to the recent call for an overhaul

the system as it currently exists,” said Dr. Evan

of the existing historically prohibitive structures of

Lieberman. “We have to make sure, no matter what

film and television production. “I definitely think

we’re teaching, to be aware of that.” The new film

there’s no reason why Cleveland can’t be a booming

program promises not to shy away from innovative

film industry,” Carmen Callahan, a transfer student

and forward thinking approaches to film education.

in the CSU FMA program, said. “I believe in myself,

Students in the program can expect a well–rounded

I believe in the stories that I have to tell.” Callahan

curriculum with training in all aspects of visual

continues: “It’s just the willingness to put in the work,

storytelling. Where some film programs focus on

and I think that’s what I bring to the table and my

technical training or analytical approach to film,

confidence that I have talent and I have something to

the CSU FMA program ensures that all students are

say, and so I think we just need more people that are

given opportunities to learn everything necessary to

confident in themselves and confident in Cleveland

work in film, from writing, to acting, to collaborating

being a place for that.”

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 8

ARTS

GIVE THANKS TO YOUR LOCAL BANDS

WRITTEN BY

Tabitha Timms PHOTOS BY

Andrew Wells, Alexa Eyler, & Cassie Blotzer

A

ll of your favorite bands or artists had

the style we were writing in,” she said.

to start off somewhere. Whether it’s in

The band spent months “lumped in with folksy/

Cleveland or somewhere like Chicago, they

bluesy acts,” Hawks explains. It wasn’t until the

put in the work to end up where they are

now and it’s not an easy thing to achieve.

Cleveland/Columbus booking company, Bravo Artist, gave the band the opportunity to play with bands and styles that they felt best represented.

The Sonder Bombs

TSB’s record, “MODERN FEM ALE ROCKSTAR,”

Take our own Cleveland based band, The Sonder

exudes a bouncy and fun energy. “Steve Perrino &

Bombs, for example. They spend a fun “exhausting

Maddie Finn were our producers/engineer for ‘MODERN

and exciting” time on the road, playing venues like

FEMALE ROCKSTAR,’” said Hawks. “They were able

their hometown favorite, the cozy and intimate

to see so clearly what we wanted, really helped.”

Mahall’s 20 Lanes, in Lakewood.

The band is currently taking the alternative music scene by storm as they have signed with independent

The Sonder Bombs (left page),

XXI Hours Along the roster of hard work ing local bands is

record label, Take This To Heart Records but it hasn’t

Cleveland’s XXI Hours, this pop-rock trio will make

been easy getting to where they are now.

your ears happy if you catch them playing at one of

Although the local “do-it-yourself” scene had

their favorite venues—Mahall’s 20 Lanes’ locker room.

been supportive of them, getting into the Cleveland

They like it because it has an “intimate nature” and

music scene had been a strenuous task. “Being taken

makes the band feel like they’re playing “with a room

seriously as a ukulele-based band was challenging,”

full of people as opposed to for them.”

said vocalist, Willow Hawks, who plays ukulele. “I’ve

The guys have a very diverse sound and each

and Elbow Room (right page

always felt the songs as punk, emo, whatever but we

member has a different musical background. Their

bottom) pictured

didn’t have the full band at the time to really actualize

influences can range from 30 Seconds To Mars to

XXI Hours (right page top),

9 | VINDICATOR

NOVEMBER 2018

R&B, All Time Low, Panic! At The Disco, and even Jungle and Stevie Wonder.

Despite differences in what inspires their sound, their music will “always reflect our personal growth,” a member of XXI Hours said, “both as individuals and as a unit.” The band is also unsigned, meaning they work extra hard to put out original content from their own studio within their apartment. Although this is difficult to manage, it produces a sense of “creative freedom” for them. “We’re an ‘independent’ band in just about every sense of the word,” a member of XXI Hours said, “We’ve always done all of our writing, recording, producing, mixing, mastering, and releasing ourselves.”

This hard work has not gone unnoticed. The band recently played shows with pop-punk bands, Makeout and Punchline, which “just means more people experiencing” their music and has only helped their

When it comes to touring the band has been blessed

fan base grow. “We’re forever grateful for the online

with minimal issues. “I do want to recall one time

following we have, and the traction that shows add “We hope people find something for themselves inside of the music we make.” XXI Hours said, “We want people to feel what we felt when we wrote these songs and go on that journey with us.”

Elbow Room Another band within the Cleveland alternative music scene that showcases a strong work ethic is pop-punk band Elbow Room. You can catch the band playing at their favorite venues, Mahall’s and The Foundry, both located in Lakewood. “He always gives us a lot of feedback and helps us grow as musicians,” said Scott Drazdik, drummer, regarding Leo, The Foundry’s sound guy. When it comes to Mahall’s, Drazdik said it’s always a blast just because of the atmosphere.

When it comes to playing shows, ER does some light traveling when they can. They have also shared the same stage with bands such as, The Spill Canvas, Punchline and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

when we were on the road in Pennsylvania and the

“

PA system literally blew up while we were playing,” said Spencer Fetcko, guitar and vocalist. “Like, you could smell it—microphones were out the whole set

Being in a band, is

and the power issues were causing guitar amps to turn off and on while we were playing.”

As for ER’s music, the band released two EP’s, “Constant Mistake” and “Skyrocket,” within a year of one another, but being unsigned and enduring

difficult

several lineup changes doesn’t make this task difficult

for many

for them. “We pushed ourselves to new levels as songwriters and the whole writing process of ‘Constant

different

Mistake’ felt natural with these guys,” said Fetcko.

reasons.

years, as Drazdik said.

“

to that,” a member of XXI Hours said.

The trio have been extremely active these past few When it comes to the production of “Constant Mistake,” ER had a little help getting it to the high quality that it is. “The EP was produced by Spencer and I, and mixed by Seth Henderson, who is most well-known for his work on Knuckle Puck, Real Friends, and Sleep On It records, as well as so many other great bands,” said Drazdik. “Seth really helped finish bringing these songs to life, and he fit us into a tight schedule. I also want to give the credit that is due to John Naclerio for mastering these songs and putting the last touch on these.”

Being in a band is difficult for many different reasons, from fitting into a daily schedule between school or just finding other dedicated members with musical chemistry, not to mention the strain it puts on their financial situations. Despite this, ER is very passionate and continues to put out great music. Be sure to check out their newly released EP, “Constant Mistake,” which embodies catchy punk melodies that you won’t be able to forget.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 10

ARTS

DANIEL STAYING SINGLE

SLOS S WRITTEN BY

Joscelyn Ervin

Daniel Sloss, a comedian with a grievance against relationships, is great at saying what so many young people need to hear.

I

how ridiculous certain subjects are and attempting to correct ideas about these topics. On Netflix, Sloss has

love finding new comedians. It’s always worthwhile

a collection of two of his most recent shows— “Dark”

to discover someone who discusses and makes

and “Jigsaw.”

jokes about topics that have been relevant in my

In his first special, “Dark,” he talks mostly about

life. Most of my favorite comedians and comedy

his opinions on religion and the death of his younger

specials came to me while I was on the hunt for new

sister. Sloss doesn’t lead with a discussion about death,

jokes and content on Netflix, or as recommendations

and because “Dark” is his first special, it’s shocking

from friends and family. The hilarity and comedy styles

when he gets to the punchline and the conclusion of

of Bo Burnham, John Mulaney, and a few others are

his story. It’s clear during this special that the topics

difficult to find with the vast work of popular comedians,

won’t get any easier to swallow. Although still funny,

and others who just aren’t that great. Without my

this is not the content that ultimately stands out.

determination to discover more great comedians who

“Jigsaw,” however, focuses on his hatred of veganism

have Netflix specials, I wouldn’t have stumbled across

and a discussion of societal expectations with romantic

this raunchy Scotsman who tells it like it is.

relationships. Veganism holds most of the attention

Daniel Sloss looks like any other basic, straight,

11 | VINDICATOR

Similar to Burnham, Sloss focuses on topics that are relatable to a younger generation, while emphasizing

throughout the show, but from the delivery and

white, male comedian, and he pretty much fits that

execution of the jigsaw metaphor and emphasis on

definition. But for some reason his specials stand

relationships near the end, it feels like this message

out to me more than most. Usually when I attempt

was Sloss’ real goal. In fact, at the beginning of his

to latch on to another comedian, I watch about 15 to

discussion about toxic and abusive relationships,

20 minutes of one or more of their shows, and if it

he reveals that his manipulative ex was a vegan.

doesn’t stick right away, I don’t force it. Sloss is one of

Even while he was making jokes about one topic, he

those rare picks that stuck pretty quick. His humor is

connected it to his main idea about being in a serious

dark and raw, the topics he chooses to address aren’t

relationship while you’re young. The second portion

stereotypical, and his honesty and energy remind

of “Jigsaw”—when Sloss gets real about dating and

me of one of my favorite comedians, Bo Burnham.

relationships—is the interesting part, and his purpose

NOVEMBER 2018

this special, I noticed a few major points that Sloss focuses on and why this particular comedy routine interests me so much.

“Dark” was okay. The topics felt dominated by his personal story of loss—which was just a huge build-up to a twisted joke. It felt like Sloss was dehumanizing his experience and exploiting pain and death, even though it might not feel the same for him. His sense of humor is pretty dark (hence the title), so it made me laugh quite a bit more than most generic comedians, but the second one resonated with me because of one particular thing that he said. During his bit about relationships and dating, he explained that society has taught us that in order to be happy, in order to feel whole and complete, we have to be in a relationship.

We have to find “the one.” Sloss totally trashes this idea and gives a lengthy explanation of why. He claims that in order to find someone who loves you completely, you have to love yourself first. Since so much, from the media to criticism from friends and family, repetitively tells us to rush into a relationship, we’re raised thinking that this is healthy and “normal.”

“

right after graduation, it reminds me of when Sloss says, “You have to learn to love yourself before you can expect someone else to.” This is exactly why more

You have

teens and young adults need to watch “Jigsaw”—to remind themselves that it’s okay to be alone for a while.

to learn

I learned this the hard way at the end of last year,

to love

cope with. After dealing with all the typical emotions,

yourself

when I went through a break-up that was difficult to I realized that it was all for the better. Without going through that break–up, and learning to be alone

before you

afterwards, I wouldn’t have experienced all of the

can expect

friends that I have now, if I were still dating the same

someone

pulling someone else into our mess.

else to.

topic suddenly popped up again, I felt kind of relieved

“

for the whole show. While watching and rewatching

— DANIEL SLOSS

things I did later on—and I doubt I would made the person. We all need to figure ourselves out before As I was watching this comedy special, and this and relaxed—like I had been waiting for someone to acknowledge this perspective. Nobody talks about the people who feel better being alone, or the people who don’t think they would ever feel satisfied settling down and starting a family. In fact, whenever I talk about it with friends and family, I usually get one of

I have run into this idea quite a bit within the past

two responses: “You’ll change your mind when you

year or so. Even just recently, I started coming across

get older” or “You just have to find the

a term that I’ve never heard before this year, “cuffing

right person.” That might be true,

season”—which basically means during the the end

but we need to acknowledge

of the year when perpetually single or promiscuous

how irrational it is to dive

people find themselves wanting to be in a serious

into a life-long relationship

relationship because of the holiday season. I also

in your teens or twenties.

came across this subject during a conversation at

Sloss perfectly describes

dinner with my family, when I mentioned that I didn’t

and explains everything

want to get married or have kids. My little brother

that I’ve been thinking

responded with, “You’re going to have a sad, lonely

about and struggling

life, then.” This shook me a little—not in the sense

w it h regarding

that it bothered me as in “Oh my God, I think he’s

relationships for a

right,” but more like, “It’s sad that he thinks I need

while now. I think I

another person to make myself happy.” Of course, during the actual conversation I tried to explain

just needed to hear it out loud.

exactly that, but I don’t think he really believed me.

I’ve seen this opinion pop up more than a few times with my family. Whether it came from my parents, siblings, or cousins, they usually have the same thing to say about my dating choices.

This societal expectation about relationships is scary—and it feels particularly relevant to teens and PHOTO CREDIT GOOGLE IMAGES

young adults, who are the main demographic for media and films that glamorize romance. I know more than a few people—some I’ve known a while and others not—who have been in a relationship for longer than they’ve been considered an adult. This is baffling and terrifying to me. When I see long-term relationships like these, or when I hear that another couple from high school is getting married

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 12

CULTURE

MY AMAZING

STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE 13 | VINDICATOR

NOVEMBER 2018 WRITTEN & PHOTOS BY

Imani Stephens

How the Gilman Scholarship helped me fund my dream.

T

he first steps to growth are allowing yourself to do things you have never done before and expanding your horizons.

Mark Twain, legendary author of “The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer,” once said,

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.

So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore.

Dream. Discover.” After having the opportunity to study abroad, I now know what this means. This summer, I got to experience one of the greatest journeys of my life by going to Italy. Staying there for over a month from the end of June to the beginning of August, I can personally say I was changed all for the better.

Dreaming Big Since International Study Education Week (IEW) is from November 12th to November 16th, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about my Gilman Scholarship and my adventures while studying abroad.

IEW is a collaboration from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to help further the progress for all to travel and study abroad.

I thought this was the best time to share my personal experience on how I funded my trip abroad, how it changed my life, and how everyone should seize the opportunity to try it.

Since my sophomore year at Cleveland State, I wanted to study abroad. I spent a year planning and applying myself to find ways to fund my trip. I was afraid to go out of the country at first, and kept telling myself that I was not ready. However, I was even more terrified of the cost, and if making such an expensive decision was worth the risk. Yet on the inside I yearned to know what else was out there and wanted to have a chance to explore the world, and I could not let that go. Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship, I was able to fund my first study abroad trip, otherwise I would not have been able to actualize

RESOURCES

that I would get the scholarship, tears filled my eyes.

At that moment, I was in shock that I was going to have the best experience of my life, something I could never afford on my own. Most importantly, I felt like they chose me because they related to my story. The way I wrote about my grandmother and our situation, I could feel myself opening up and believed they wanted to make a difference in my life.

Now just three months later, I sit back to reflect on the fact that without the Gilman, I would not have been able to see Michelangelo’s “David” or swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Honestly, if you would have asked me two years ago if I would ever spend a month in Italy, I would have told you that was impossible.

Taking Flight St udy i ng abroad ha s sh i f te d my p er sp e c t ive tremendously; it opened my eyes to much of what the world has to offer. I felt the first initial change of who I was before I even left the country. It began when I boarded the first flight I’ve taken in my life.

After a mini panic attack I sat down and squeezed my eyes so hard until we finally were cruising through the air. Exhilarated but frightened, I refused to look out the window, missing my very first experience of moving through the air at 30,000 feet.

I am a first-generation college student who never thought it was possible to go across the country, let alone study abroad. In my travels, I studied Italian art and took a documentary class where I got to film art all over Italy. Some of these places include Florence, Rome, and Naples. It was the most exhilarating experience of my life. From incredible architecture to ancient sculptures, suddenly the things I’d only experienced through movies and books were right in front of me. Seeing Italy come to life and experiencing its beauty firsthand was a game-changer. In of these courses, I learned to appreciate the beauty of what came before and the creators of what we call art.

That being said, studying abroad is important for many people, especially first-generation college students and those who are minorities. Sometimes we can be so confined to what we know and limit ourselves from the gigantic world that awaits us. I

my dream of traveling to Europe.

met so many different people and came back with

The Gilman Scholarship

Instagram timeline.

The Gilman Scholarship program, according to their website, is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate

Center for International

students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding

Services and Programs

at a two-year or four-year college or university to

Berkman Hall Suite 412

participate in study and intern abroad programs

216.687.3910

worldwide. I wrote an essay discussing the reasons

intlcenter@csuohio.edu

that I felt study abroad would help me grow and my

friends from all over the world that I still see on my It i s possible for st udent s, no mat ter what background they hold, to study abroad. I always say do not think about the cost; find a place that you love and that will be the most beneficial for you educationally. Once you have your dream locked in then find a way to pay for it, because it can happen to you—it happened to me.

dreams of becoming a magazine editor. I felt that the The Gilman Scholarship

Gilman Scholarship and my advisors were supportive

gilmanscholarship.org

of me from the very beginning. When I got the news THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 14

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN FOOTBALL CA

LE

BB

RA

NT

LE

Y

JAMEIS WINST ON

WRITTEN BY

Greg Elek GRAPHIC BY

Andriana Akrap

A look at the sad reality of abusers playing for our sports teams.

O

n September 9 , 2018, the Pittsburgh th

While in college, Jameis Winston was constantly compared to Pittsburgh Steelers superstar quarterback, Ben Rothlessburg. Both are bigger for their position, are quarterbacks, can be mobile when necessary, and

Steelers faced off against the Tampa Bay

have cannon arms. One comparison that I didn’t see

Buccaneers on one of the biggest stages

thrown around very often was how both have been

in the NFL—Monday night football.

accused of rape. Both of these men are still playing in

It was a great game for prime time;

the NFL today. If you’d think that these men are the

the Steelers got out to an early lead, and things

only two in the NFL with checkered pasts involving

looked like they were over at halftime, that is, until

sexual misconduct, abuse, or murder (yes, murder),

journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (or as

then you’d be dead wrong. I’d list all of the names

some deemed him with his stellar play early this

in this article, but we’d be here all day, and that’s

season, Ryan Fitzmagic) nearly lead the Bucs back,

just for the NFL.

scoring 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

The “Me Too” movement at its height was able

Unfortunately for Fitzmagic and the rest of Tampa

to bring dow n some of entertainment’s biggest

Bay, this wasn’t enough, and Pittsburgh won the

powerhouses. Guys like Harvey Weinstein, Louis C.K.,

game 30–27.

Kevin Spacey, and Bill O’Reilly were all taken out.

Keep in mind these aren’t some low level shmucks

A Rookie on the Field?

in entertainment, these are all very powerful figures

What’s even more impressive about Fitzmagic’s near

who could get projects made at the drop of a dime.

comeback is that he isn’t even the starting quarterback,

The reason athletes haven’t been affected by this is

he’s number two on the team’s depth chart. So why

a little more complex.

was he playing? Well, because the Buccaneers starting

15 | VINDICATOR

quarterback, Jameis Winston, groped an Uber driver

Me Too: Tackling Sexual Misconduct

back in 2016; Winston himself admitted to this and

One huge reason for this is the geography of sports—

apologized. This isn’t Winston’s first run-in with

especially when it comes to the NFL. For example,

sexual misconduct—when he attended Florida State

just take a look at the North Division of the American

University, fellow student, Erica Kinsman, accused

Football Conference (AFC North). There are the

him of rape and filed charges. These charges would

Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore

be settled out of court after Winston was already in

Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals. If you’re a fan of the

the NFL and under a contract worth over $30 million.

Cleveland Browns, you probably know most, if not all,

JOE BE

NR

OT

HL

ES

SB

UR

M IX

ON

G

of the players on the team; even the benchwarmers.

value in the draft. It’ll allow an early round talent to

That’s a lot of players, 53 to be exact. Even if you’re

be taken in later rounds—like when the Cleveland

a fan of the Browns, and see all of these AFC North

Browns drafted defensive lineman Caleb Brantley.

teams twice a year, there’s no way in hell you know

Two weeks before the NFL draft 6’2, 307-pound

best receivers, best defensive players, and some other stand-out players here and there, but most casual fans can’t name the third string linebacker for their rival team. This is how so many professional athletes with misconduct charges can fly under the radar. A player that may seem like a celebrity in Seattle could easily be a nobody in New England.

The reason t he “Me Too” movement was so impactful was because it was a huge eye-opener; suddenly the curtain was raised on a lot of people that we’ve idolized, and all of their secret lives were exposed to us all at once. That rarely happens in sports.

When general managers are looking into players, there are extreme vetting processes. They’ll talk to people that had no real relationships with the players.

They’ll often talk to students that had classes with them, owners of local bars and restaurants, students that lived in the same dorms, local Uber drivers, and anyone else that might be able to give them honest insight into the player’s character. Colleges do this too while recruiting high school players (just to a lesser extent—the colleges aren’t risking millions of dollars on them).

“

Brantley was accused of punching a 5’6, 120-pound woman at a bar. This allowed the Browns to get him in the sixth round of the draft. Brantley currently plays for the Washington Redskins. In the draft, that

I’d list all of

exact same year, the Cincinnati Bengals were able

the names

second round of the draft. Lucky catch? Not exactly;

to land superstar running back Joe Mixon in the the a video surfaced of Joe Mixon knocking a woman out.

in this article, but we’d be here all day, and

Where To Go From Here The sad truth is that there will always be abusive people in power. Things have gotten better recently, but there’s too much money involved for massive change. We can do everything possible as people to bring change; whether it’s movements on social media, boycotts, or marches. We shouldn’t idolize

that’s just

celebrities—we don’t know them, and they aren’t

“

all 53 players. You definitely know their quarterbacks,

for the NFL.

heroes. We should also be aware and educated when it comes to who we’re giving our money to, but don’t get mad at the factory worker from Tampa that makes $45,000 a year, and likes watching the Buccaneers on Sunday as an escape. Get mad at the system and the people in power who are more concerned with money than they are human decency.

When general managers discover that a player has been accused of sexual misconduct, it doesn’t get them banned from the league, it just lessens their THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 16

SECTION

DO NOT

CONFORM WRITTEN BY

Renee Betterson ILLUSTRATION BY

Andriana Akrap

When staying “woke” does more harm than good—what marketing strategies and hotel towels can teach us about influence and social change.

27 | VINDICATOR

H

NOVEMBER 2018

ave you ever wondered why publishing

social proof), theft nearly tripled. Visitors changed

companies go to the trouble of putting

their behavior to match what “many” others were

those little foil stickers on the front

doing, even when that behavior was the opposite of

cover of a new book? You know, the ones

the message being conveyed—“please don’t take the

that say “New York Times Bestseller,” or

wood.” This famous study is undeniable evidence of

“Over 10 million copies sold!” Well, it isn’t just because

the power of negative social proof. What this means

they’re obsessed with foil stickers. Those labels are

is that even our most noble efforts to raise awareness

an example of a marketing strategy called “social

may have the unintended effect of normalizing the

proof,” that revolves around the ideas of influence

very behavior we meant to protest. There have even

and conformity. When we are unsure of what to do

been studies which show that anti-littering posters

(or buy) in a particular situation, we look to see what

and bullying campaigns are only effective when they

others are doing. In other words, the behavior of those

don’t point to rising rates. Those that do, are often

around us—our peers, neighbors, and friends—sets

counterproductive, encouraging more people to act

the standard for how each person behaves. Together,

like “everyone else.”

all of those actions combine to form the social norms of what is acceptable; the common denominator, so

The Big Question

to speak. Whether we realize it or not, these “norms”

All of this raises an important question: in the age

go on to inform both our personal standards, and the

of “wokeness,” does staying informed about current

expectations that others have for us.

events actually hurt us in the end? We millennials pride

There is a famous experiment that demonstrates

encourage its guests to reduce waste by reusing their bath towels. Before experimenting, researchers divided several rooms into three groups each with different signs. While all of the signs had the same information about the campaign, the wording varied slightly from one group to another. In the first set of rooms, researchers instructed hotel management to place signs that simply asked guests to, “Please help us in our effort to reduce waste by reusing your towels.” In the next set of rooms, the signs added the claim that a majority of guests who’d previously stayed in that hotel reused their towels. The signs in the final set of rooms claimed the participation of a majority of guests who’d previously stayed in that particular room.

Towels, and Forests, and Orwell, Oh My! The results prove that, when presented with the choices of others, people seek to match their behavior

“

about everything—does bad news perpetuate the cycle of creating more bad news? Well, the numbers seem to suggest that the answer to all of these questions is yes. Headlines that warn about increases in mass

...we are more likely to conform to the behavior of people whom we perceive most like us...

“

the power of positive social proof. In this experiment, a hotel began a new environmental campaign to

ourselves on keeping up to date and being in the loop

shootings across the country, detailing the rising suicide rates, or the growing opioid crisis all send the same, unintentional message: this is the new normal.

Of course, we can’t just stop talking about the issues. We might refuse to hear bad news, or even petition to stop reporting on them. Imagine a world where news agencies only shared positive stories to encourage positive social proof; censored media designed to encourage the best in all of us. That sounds less like a utopia of goodwill and more like something taken right out of an Orwellian novel.

Knowledge, information, and awareness are crucial to independent thought and are the beginnings of social change. After all, when injustices occur, we can’t resolve the problem if we have no idea what’s going on around us.

How then, can we find the perfect balance that will

with that of the crowd. It also brings to light another

allow us to stay informed about what is happening

important aspect of social proof: we are more likely to

in the world around us, without being sold (pun

conform to the behavior of people whom we perceive

intended) on bad decisions? I’m not sure there is one,

as most like us (in this case, the guests who had

perfect answer. If influence and persuasion occur on a

stayed in the same room). However, there is another

subconscious level, perhaps they can be regulated by a

side of social proof. Just as we can be swayed by the

conscious dedication to our convictions. Understanding

crowd to help protect the environment, we can also

how much social proof influences our perceptions

be influenced by less noble instincts. And this is

of the world, and informs our opinions, is crucial

where things really get interesting.

to overcoming the external forces that drive us. In

In another famous experiment, researchers set up

other words, becoming aware of the invisible strings

three different study groups in Arizona’s Petrified

that tug at our emotions is the first step to cutting

Forest; one section had no signage, another had a

the cords. It all starts by realizing that maybe, evil

sign that asked patrons not to take the wood, and the

prevails not when good men do nothing, but when

final area contained a sign that read, “Many people

good men act like everyone else.

are stealing wood from the petrified forest. Please don’t take the wood.” What they found, was that in this last section (the one that employed negative THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 18

K Y OU N A H T FOR YOUR SERVICE

WRITTEN BY

Liv Wilson

Taking a closer look at the Veterans Student Success Program on Cleveland State’s campus and appreciating the sacrifices of our veterans.

F

NOVEMBER 2018

ive little words. “Thank you for your service.”

They should be so easy to say and yet, they’re not. A majority of people, myself oftentimes included, pass wordlessly by that man in line at the coffee shop with the word “VIETNAM”

embroidered across his hat and inwardly k ick themselves. He willingly risked his life so that I, a

complete stranger, could one day enjoy the freedom I take for granted every day. So why can’t I say those five words?

It might be fear, fear of talking to a stranger or that I’ll say the wrong thing, when in reality, I have nothing to be afraid of. Veterans daily overcome fear to a degree that I can’t even imagine. Those five words are only a portion of the gratitude I wish I could express.

At Cleveland State, a devoted group of individuals is helping to thank vets with their actions as well as their words.

Brittany Carbaugh Brittany Carbaugh is one of these individuals. As a

something new about military life. I make a mental

PhD student at Cleveland State as well as the graduate

note: I’ve got to be better about that.

assistant of the Veteran Student Success Program that she crams even fuller to make sure that vets on the CSU campus have a meaningful and well-rounded experience.

I sat down with Brittany in order to learn more about this program that I knew virtually nothing about.

“O u r p opu l at io n go e s t he extra mile to really understand the campus,” she tells me. “We understand the culture, and we love how diverse it is.” Carbaugh and the rest of the VSSP staff hope to show the CSU campus at large that the veterans among them are just as diverse as they are.

Wanting to k now more about Carbaugh’s passion and devotion to the cause of veterans, I ask her more about her past, and discover that she was a child of a veteran—I use the term “army brat,” but she prefers

Carbaugh views her upbringing,

“

which consisted of constantly moving base to base (from her birthplace in Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada, all

She loved every part of being MilFam, and it has instilled a lifelong desire to help people who help the country.

“MilFam” or “military family.” It seems a lot much nicer alternative to “brat,” although Carbaugh teaches

“

(VSSP), Carbaugh has a full schedule

the way to Hickam Base in Hawaii) as her father, a retired Air Force colonel, did, as “nothing but a strength.” She says she loved ever y part of being MilFam, and it has instilled a lifelong desire to help people who help the country, just like her dad.

She coordinates multiple events at the VSSP for veterans to take part in and to help them acclimate better to civilian life. She even teaches a Latin dance class that is very popular.

“People tend to lump vets together,” Carbaugh says. “And it’s very minimizing.”

She hopes that the campus at large will be able to acknowledge all the strengths that vets bring to CSU.

me that “B.R.A.T.” actually stood in military circles for “Born, Raised, And Transferred.” The interview has barely even begun and already I’m learning

Photo of Brittany Carbaugh courtesy of Brittany Carbaugh.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 20

Ahna Mullins Ahna Mullins completed basic training for the U.S. Army at age 18. The Elyria native said she joined the armed forces at 17 initially to move away from home and see more of the world, but walked away from the experience with a newfound respect of what army life is.

“It gave me a sense of service that I carry with me, even today,” Mullins says with confidence, although her voice lacks the same vigor as Carbaugh’s. The difference in tone is immediately noticeable, but aren’t vets only supposed to sing the army’s praises?

Mullins continues to tell of her basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in 2005, and how later she completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Huachuca, AZ. In 2007, she deployed to Iraq.

The air seemed to be sucked out of the room as she said the country’s name. In the past 15 years, a deployment to Iraq seemed almost synonymous with a death sentence. An estimated near 4,500 deaths of U.S. soldiers occurred from 2003 to 2010, with the total casualty count reaching 461,000, according to Public Library of Science (PLOS) Medicine magazine.

Yet, in front of me sits an exception. A strong, resilient woman who survived 15 months of constant fear; 15 months of looking over her shoulder and wondering if all of her friends would make it back to base at night. “It’s hard to describe.” Mullin’s voice cuts off in a choke as she says it and takes a deep breath.

This is where that completely self-centered fear of talking to a stranger in fatigues that I count as valid seems like nothing. How can I be so selfish or that this person has been to hell and back? I make another mental note: I’ve got to be better about that.

“You come back with scars,” says Mullins. Her eyes are downcast as she pushes forward, determined to share a story that clearly causes painful memories to resurface. “Being in the army, over there, it’s very eye–opening. You see a real struggle and you learn about people.”

Pushing the topic seems harsh, but necessary.

Expecting to hear a monologue about the horrors of humanity, I ask what she means by “learning about people.” Her answer is pleasantly and confusingly surprising.

“You learn that people aren’t so different,” she adds.

“It takes years to reflect on things I’m only noticing now, but you see and meet every kind of person.”

Mullins has been out of active duty since 2009, and out of the reserve forces since 2011. Ten years later, she says, she still contemplates her life in the army and how it changed her for the better... or worse.

I ask her a question that feels awkward but also important: Would you do it over again? If you could 21 | VINDICATOR

go back in time to being 17, would you still join the

“

army? Mullins briefly considers before answering.

“I don’t regret who I am because of it... but I don’t

In the past 15 years, a deployment to Iraq seemed almost synonymous with a death sentence.

“

afraid of saying the wrong thing that I totally forget

know if I’d do it again,” she said. Her answer is as surprising as the rest of the interview has been.

Mullins’ time in the army was not all the glowing portrait of comrader y that the civilian public generally accepts. She tells me she struggled with being accepted and treated fairly by her own company, some of which she credits to being a woman. The rest she feels comes from the harmful view of the army as one whole conglomerate. “When you’re in the military, you’re just a number,” she says. “You’re important when you’re working together.”

This feeling of crushing anonymity was worsened, Mullins added, by the army’s nonchalant attitude toward experimental treatments. Before deploying to Iraq, Mullins had to receive the vaccination for anthrax, which racked her body and left her very ill for a week. The vaccination was experimental and mandatory. “You want to believe the military is going to care for you,” she adds. “That wasn’t always my experience.”

NOVEMBER 2018

However, Mullins does not want to cast any negative

college campus. “Crowds are a big deal for vets,

light onto army life. She makes it clear that this was

especially ones with PTSD. To come down to a busy

her experience and hers alone, and others might

campus every day is really hard,” she says.

have fared very differently. At the end of the day, the

I had never considered how difficult it must be

army made her the woman she is today. It gave her a

for vets to daily be around that many people, and I

sense of resilience and perseverance that helps her

make yet another internal note, as I have been doing

deal with civilian life daily.

constantly during the interview: I’ve got to be better

“When things get tough, I’m like, ‘Girl, you were

about that.

in the Army! You can handle it!’” Mullins says with a

I’ve got to be better about a lot of things: about

laugh. “I think I handle things better than I think I do.”

saying thank you, about learning the proper terms

This powerful attitude is something Mullins hopes

to use, about considering the complicated feelings

to pass onto her four daughters, ages eight, seven,

of vets around campus. Those are no great feat, but

six, and two. I ask off–handedly if she would want

I know they will make a difference to the men and

her daughters to follow in her footsteps and join

women around me who risked their lives for me.

the armed forces and she immediately makes the answer clear.

The VSSP is doing good in leaps and bounds for dozens of veterans every day, but it’s not only open

“I wouldn’t want them to join,” she says. Mullins

to the vets on campus. CSU students are not only

continues to surprise me with her answers. Shouldn’t

welcome to attend the various activities, but are

a proud veteran want their family to continue the

encouraged to do so.

tradition? “It’s different being on the other side,” she

Ahna Mullins is grateful to the VSSP for making

goes on. Mullins explains that she would not want

her a part of their family and providing resources

to be in the dark wondering what was happening to

for her to re–adjust to civilian life. Brittany Carbaugh

her daughters. She contemplates the effects this had

is hopeful that CSU students as well as the veterans

on her family while she was overseas, and tells me

will use these resources to better understand how

that she knows it must have been tough on them to

important veterans are to us, and how we should

be constantly worried about her.

respect and appreciate them.

In spite of all the fear, anxiety, and horror that

The civilian population at Cleveland State could

Mullins saw and endured, she emerged stronger and

benefit from the examples exhibited by the brave men

with a desire to better herself academically. After

and women right on our campus. If they can fight and

attending Lorain County Community College to start

risk their lives for us, the least we can do is raise our

earning her degree in psychology, she transferred to

heads high and say, “Thank you for your service.”

CSU in spring of 2018.

The VSSP at CSU came as a wonderful surprise to Mullins. Her experiences at the LCCC veterans program, she says, had not been as inclusive as she Ahna Mullins, United States Army Veteran and Peer Mentor for Cleveland State University’s Veteran Student Success Program. Photo taken

by Andriana Akrap.

would have liked. CSU’s program welcomed her with open arms and instantly made her feel involved.

“It’s hard to explain what it’s like to step back into the civilian world,” she says. “At the VSSP, you don’t have to explain why you feel some way. We’ve all pretty much shared the same experiences.”

She was glad to find a place where she was accepted, especially through her struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mullins was originally a peer mentee of Brittany Carbaugh, and she quickly skyrocketed in her academics and personal love of

Veteran Student Services Program LOCATION

2254 Euclid Avenue Trinity Commons

going to school. Her growth, not only in schoolwork, but also in the leaps and bounds she has made throughout the rigorous journey of switching cultures, from civilian to army life and back again, has changed her for the better in many ways. Mullins and other veterans who are experiencing the same culture switching are a testament to how much they contribute

FACEBOOK

@vikingveteransstudentservices

EMAIL

vikingvets@csuohio.edu

to the community of CSU. Now, she is a peer mentor herself at the VSSP and loves every minute of it. She then brings up a valid point that I had never considered about vets on a

WEBSITE

csuohio.edu/vikingvets

GET DOWN— TOWN TO BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 2018

WRITTEN BY

Darlene Nichole Moorman

Starting a small business can be empowering. These business owners (and associated supportive resources) have left their comfort zones to pursue their interests as well as give back to the Cleveland community.

PHOTOS BY

Antonio DeJesus

T

his upcoming November 24th will be the ninth

2017 Distressed Communities Index, Cleveland holds

annual Small Business Saturday, celebrated

the highest rank for economic distress. On the other

nationwide. Although the idea for Small Busi-

hand, scrolling through city website Rethink Cleveland,

ness Saturday was ironically devised by a large

you will find very different information: “Entrepreneur

corporation, American Express, an emphasis

Magazine recently ranked Northeast Ohio as one of

on smaller companies and encouragement

the hottest entrepreneurial regions in the country”

to “shop small” has been considered to have

and “The Economist listed Cleveland as the 26th most

a positive effect on a community. Small busi-

livable city in the world.” So which is it—is Cleveland a

nesses offer more employment opportunities,

site of emerging entrepreneurship or of economic lag?

especially for people who typically struggle to

There is a tendency to want to simplify economic growth

find work in larger industries. The city of Cleveland,

as positive or negative. This is particularly dangerous in

as well as other local resources, have paid particular

a city like Cleveland where, even with overall economic

attention to promoting small business, especially for

improvement, spatial and income inequality are quite

women and minorities. Establishing their own business

stark. The National Urban League’s 2017 Equality

may allow an individual to avoid certain challenges or

Index for unemployment inequality notes Cleveland–

disadvantages they would otherwise face in other work

Elyria as the worst in the Hispanic–White report and

environments. Cleveland small businesses, such as

the fourth worst for the Black–White one. From 2016

Mindful CLE or Bloom Clothing Company, faced a few

to 2017, Cleveland rose up one rank for Black–White

of these challenges. Some helpful resources for small

inequality but fell six for Hispanic–White. Even if the

businesses include Northern Ohio’s Economic and

economy is improving, it does not seem to be improv-

Community Development Institute (ECDI) and CSU’s

ing for everyone equally.

own StartUp Vikes.

‘Economic Growth’ Traditionally Tends To Exclude Minorities & Women

In addition to racial minorities, women have also historically been excluded from economic prosperity.

According to Hive’s 2018 “State of the Workplace Report,”

When it comes to economic growth and development in

women complete and are assigned around 10% more

Cleveland, there are two clashing outlooks. In Business

work compared to men. Despite this, as described by

Insider’s “The Economies of the 40 biggest US cities,

the Harvard Business Review, women are less likely to

Ranked from Worst to Best” by Andy Kiersz, Cleve-

be promoted to higher positions, get raises, and gener-

land–Elyria is listed as number 40, citing Cleveland as

ally get recognition for their efforts. As an alternative to

having the highest unemployment at 5.7% in February

facing the typical burdens of females in the workforce,

2017. Joel Kotkin’s Forbes article seems to agree, plac-

some have therefore taken the initiative to start their

ing Cleveland at the bottom of 71 cities for “The Best

own business, as suggested by the National Women’s

Cities For Jobs 2018.” Among the 100 largest cities in

Business Council Report “Necessity as a Driver of

the US, according to the Economic Innovation Group’s

Women’s Entrepreneurship: Her Stories.”

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 24

RESOURCE

StartUp Vikes startupvikes.com

Pictured Above

25 | VINDICATOR

Once a year, Cleveland State’s Center for Entrepreneur-

19 percent completed some college, 9 percent had asso-

ship and Innovation plans this three–day event which

ciate’s degrees, 31 percent had Bachelor’s degrees, 22

will take place March 22th through 24th this upcoming

percent completed some graduate school, 16 percent

year. Special Programs Coordinator Meghan Salkin

had completed Master’s, and 3 percent had PhD or

and Senior Director of the Centers for Outreach and

medical degrees. Additionally, participants represent

Engagement Colette Hart are entering their sixth year

many different majors and fields beyond the business

of StartUp Vikes. The program offers a “full spectrum

college. Concerning obstacles for women or minori-

of services,” notes Hart, including after the weekend,

ties in the entrepreneurship realm, Hart points out

through the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

that “most of them are socioeconomic issues, often.”

or Small Business Development Center. She mentions,

Therefore, the program is “as inclusive as possible” and

“StartUp Vikes takes students through the entire entre-

“incorporate[s] additional support mechanisms,” such

preneurship process. They go from ideation to formation.”

as partnerships with nonprofits focusing on women and

Diversity and inclusivity are important goals for the

minorities. Even outside of business–building and kick-

program. According to Salkin, when StartUp Vikes started,

starting, problem–solving skills and critical–thinking

15 to 20 percent of participants were women—this has

methodologies are taught at StartUp Vikes, which can

risen to around 40 percent. Furthermore, in terms of

be proven useful in many other situations.

participants’ education level, there is great variation:

Small businesses are extremely important to Cleve-

NOVEMBER 2018

RESOURCE

Economic Community Development Institute

ecdi.org

The Economic Community Development Institute (ECDI) has existed for 14 years in Ohio, and six years in Cleveland. ECDI’s mission is to invest, educate, and innovate through direct collaboration with entrepreneurs. They have focused specific efforts to encourage women involvement with their Women’s Business Center.

Danielle Sydnor was appointed earlier this year as the Executive Director. She has had experience previously in ECDI, as the Chair of the Economic Development Committee for the Cleveland NAACP, and for banks such as Bank of America and Merrill Lynch.

ECDI fulfills the role of a support system, as well as a provider of capital through, for example, micro–lending of amounts between $500 and $350,000. “The resources we really focus on are investing in people and we do that through education, training, coaching, one–on– one technical assistance,” Syndor explains. Two of the major obstacles for women and minorities in business include access to capital and, “learning how to navigate systems in the world of business.” ECDI directly deals with both. Particularly, in this capitalist–based society, an inherently unequal distribution of resources means the “rising tide” has been far from level.

There are numerous reasons to support Cleveland small businesses. First of all, business ownership can be correlated positively to better economic rebound after a recession. Also, as Sydnor mentions, “small businesses hire people” and act as a “pathway for people into the workforce in multiple industries.” She also calls attention to Cleveland’s plethora of initiatives and additionally hopes for the application to be “with a land and CSU, Hart reveals: “92 percent of Northeast

lens of equity and inclusion.” In her own words: “When

Ohio’s business landscape or its economy is made up

you support women, you support economic growth.”

of small- to medium–sized companies.” Students have Vikes program, so they have sold out their events the last three years. Some particular success stories that Salkin and Hart shared included a wristband that measures hydration levels (InSpirit), a wearable physical therapy exoskeleton (ReCap), and a portable recording studio (Studio Stick). The Center looks forward to the upcoming Weston Ideation Lab, which offers business–starting resources such as mentors, programming and workshops. “It’s the place where StartUp Vikes will actually be alive year–round for all students,” says Hart.

“

When you support women, you support economic growth.

“

recognized the value and importance of the StartUp

The Studio thestudiocleveland.com

A short drive away from campus lies Studio Cleveland, a lovely holistic business that focuses on health and wellness. The company offers a diverse set of services such as yoga classes, meditation, aerial silks, massages, nutritional supplements and more. Building this company was no easy process for owner Sara Syed, who faced great risk and notable obstacles in cultivating the ambitious business. Maintaining the company meant struggling with credit scores, financial instability, and moments of discouragement. The path of business ownership has been both empowering and humbling for her. “Even as the ‘owner,’ I rely on the kindness of the staff at The Studio for its success.

Without them, this would be nearly impossible to do on my own,” she says. However, her own role cannot be understated.

Majoring in Education and Psychology, there was a lot of business–oriented information she needed to pick up. StartUp Vikes, a particularly helpful source, exposed Syed to the logistical aspects of business, including related jargon and team collaboration. Vipassana, a program involving a 10–day silent meditation, played a significant role in making the decision to pursue the business . Support from the previous studio owner, also a woman, as well as family and friends also encouraged Syed in her business endeavors.

In building MindfulCLE, Syed paid particular attention to creating a sense of community and doing other forms of outreach. One recent event’s proceeds will all be sent to Tibetan monks in India. Students can attend donation–based yoga classes. Syed notes, “this space is a community space where people can come and feel connected, safe, involved, relaxed and important.”

Syed is optimistic towards the future of MindfulCLE: “I see a lot of growth. I see myself as still in this learning/adapting phase, although I am sure that will never completely leave. I see this studio space growing and providing services, products and education that the community wants and needs. I see more involvement and partnerships. I see more awareness.” For potential business owners, Syed advises, “Don’t let anything stop you. Nothing!”

VISIT THE STUDIO CLEVELAND IN THE WAREHOUSE DISTRICT 1395 W. 10TH ST., STE. 120, CLEVELAND, OH 44113

27 | VINDICATOR

NOVEMBER 2018

OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES THAT YOU CAN SUPPORT Bloom Bakery Employs individuals with barriers to employment opportunities like the homeless or formerly incarcerated individuals.

200 PUBLIC SQUARE #129, CLEVELAND, OH 1938 EUCLID AVE #150, CLEVELAND, OH

Upcycles Bike Shop 50% woman & minority owned.

“

AFFORDABLEBIKES RECYCLERY.COM

This space is a community space where people can come and feel connected, safe, involved, relaxed, and important.

10001 LORAIN AVE, CLEVELAND, OH

Rose of Sharon Barber Salon LLC Woman–owned and an example of the Neighborhood Retail Assistance Program in action.

8231 CEDAR AVE, CLEVELAND, OH

AKA Team Construction Managment Inc. Woman and minority owned.

4711 HINCKLEY INDUSTRIAL PKWY, CLEVELAND, OH

“ THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 28

Bloom Clothing Company bloomclothingcompany.com As mentioned by Green Peace, 80 percent of pollination is carried out by the honey bee. Unfortunately, as reported by the U.S. National Agricultural Statistics, from 1947 to 2008 there was a 60 percent decline in honey bee hives. Local business Bloom Clothing Company has taken initiative to help combat the problem by donating 12 percent of its profits to the Honeybee Conservancy.

This small business was founded by Tyler Hobel, a student at Cleveland State University, and has been involved with StartUp Vikes. In addition to being able to buy textile products, bracelets, bath bombs, lotions and stickers, customers receive a complementary packet of seeds with each purchase. Their website has already received over 62,000 views. The company also involves college students in the company; the majority of their models are female students from CSU, with an emerging opportunity for “college ambassadors” (they have received application from New York to Texas). “All the models have been involved in my life in some way and have done something to help me out so I want to help them back and give them some recognition,” Hobel says.

For Hobel “learning everything” was the hardest part of business: taxes, actual staffing, networking, and, pretty much, “making it legal.” In building this business, Hobel had to do a lot of his own research, meaning being well–acquainted with the Google search engine. Hobel stressed the importance of adopting an attitude to embrace constructive criticism as well as an open–dialogue in this process. As for the company’s involvement in StartUp Vikes, Hobel says, “It really gave me energy and motivation more than anything.”

Beyond the StartUp Vikes program, Cleveland State University has been helpful: “CSU, as far as my involvement, has given me a lot of people to network with.”

VISIT THEIR STORE FRONT OPENING NOVEMBER 1ST IN THE SOUTHPARK MALL!

29 | VINDICATOR

Additional Resources & Businesses There are many more notable resources for small businesses. Cleveland’s Department of Economic Development invests in small businesses through the Neighborhood Retail Assistance Program, for example. The Office of Equal Opportunity hosts the monthly Minority–Owned, Female–Owned and Small Business Open House. StartMart, from Flashstarts, focuses on allowing business owners find working spaces. Finally, Aviatra Accelerators (previously Bad Girl Ventures) helps female entrepreneurs find funding, and boasts an 80 percent business success rate.

Why To Shop Small but Also Considering the Longer-Term Problem The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO)’s report “A Larger View of the Small Business Market,” calls small businesses in low–income communities a “critical but under–examined market.” Additionally, over 40 percent of small businesses are in low–income communities, 85 percent of which are in metropolitan areas (such as Cleveland). As reported by the U.S. Small Business Association, over half of net new private sector jobs are provided by small businesses, even though only 21.5 percent of small businesses are employers (2012). During the time of the recession, there was a net decrease in the survival of small businesses, but it appears to be improving. Shopping small means supporting small businesses, and can as a result, increase employment opportunities and associated community services.

Nonetheless, it is also important to note some of the ingrained, longer–term problems of U.S. capitalism and its effect on society. Wealth inequality is tightly knit with the accumulative tendencies of the country’s current dominating economic system. As affirmed by the 2018 report “Rewarding or Hoarding: An Examination of Pay Ratios Revealed by Dodd–Frank,” the CEO-worker pay ratio of larger corporations is unsettlingly and grossly weighted in favor for the CEO, especially in the United States. Although small businesses may function as a mechanism for better cross–nation wealth distribution

“

and more inclusive ownership of wealth, they should not distract from the bigger problem.

Starting a small business is a way for women and minorities to escape these and other certain challenges

It really gave me energy and motivation more than anything.

of the workplace, such as institutional discrimination and general bias. Additionally, many small businesses in Cleveland are involved in some form of community outreach. Workers can better represent themselves by starting and owning their own business—and they certainly have many resources to do so.

“ THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 30

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

PLUS–SIZE FASHION

OR JUST FASHION?

WRITTEN BY

Brenda Castañeda Yupanqui The continued fight for inclusion in fashion should also include size.

T

he fashion and beauty industry has, more often

than not, been exclusionary and slow-moving to accommodate different shapes, races

and ideologies. You could attribute this to the fact that these shapes, races and ideologies

are not perceived as the norm—but this is clearly not the case, especially when it comes to size. While often

regaled to small selections in online stores or small corners of retail stores, plus-size (or “curvy”) lines or sizes should be what we consider normal. Six years ago, it was reported by Bloomberg that approximately 67 percent of women in the U.S. fall under this plus-size measurement; that is, they wear sizes 14 or larger. In 2016, in a study published by the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, it was estimated that the average American woman’s clothing size was actually somewhere between sizes 16 and 18.

This same study called for a major update in sizing. But what good is this call to action if major fashion companies and retailers won’t heed the call?

31 | VINDICATOR

NOVEMBER 2018

ent brands in their stores. Some of these brands have an

Changing the Norm The fact that these sizes are only a small portion of what’s

equivalent within their Plus Size Clothing section, and

available to American women does not correspond to

others don’t—regardless, their straight sizing reaches up

the obvious need for it. It’s puzzling that, despite being

to size 18. These brands have different measurements of

the obvious majority of consumers, women in need of

these sizes 16 and 18, too: some at 35.25 to 36.5 inches and

plus-size clothing are not catered to. There is a clear

others at 36 to 38.5 inches. Old Navy cuts their straight

disconnect between the perception of these women and

sizing at women’s size 20, which would be considered

fashion itself. Because fat women are absurdly considered

more inclusive than most, if not for how confusing this

undesirable and unhealthy by society’s standards, they

measurement gets when you compare it to their plus-size

are also automatically discarded as consumers. There

selection. This company measures their “straight” sizes

has been a call to reflect on why “fat” and “beautiful”

16 and 18 between 34.5 to 37 inches, while the same plus

are often considered mutually exclusive terms. But why,

sizes measure between 36.5 to 38 inches. While all body

according to the fashion industry, are “fat” and “fash-

shapes are different, and creating a standard is certainly

ionable” also mutually exclusive? As has been proven

no easy feat, it is frankly ridiculous that the average Amer-

many times over, sizes that are considered plus-size

ican woman, is not only mislabeled out-of-the-norm,

plus-size clothing, many women in fashion chimed in. As influencer Ushshi Rahman put it, “When you say ‘plus’ in the sense of language or self-description, what you’re saying is there’s only one normal way to be and you’re plus of that.” If we want to celebrate all types of people, and by extension, bodies, the labeling of women themselves as “plus-sized” could be considered damaging. Another label that has also been criticized is “curvy.”

While championed by some, others consider it just a way of making fatness palatable. Writer Amanda Mull asks, “Why should I have to change to some sort of corporate marketing speak, like ‘curvy’ or whatever, in order to describe my own body, just because it makes everybody else uncomfortable to be reminded of the judgments they make about me because I’m fat?” So, not only should this be an effort from the fashion world, but a personal one as well—we must cast aside our own moral judgements of other body types in order to break from the pressures of an unattainable and exclusionary standard of beauty, and possibly create a new normal.

Sizing Inconsistencies In the past few years, there’s definitely been a number of fast–fashion companies that have seemingly been attempting to cater to their plus-size demand—among these, Forever 21, H&M, Target, and Old Navy. However, taking a close look at their sizing charts, it quickly becomes

If we want to celebrate all types of people, and by extension, bodies, the labeling of women themselves as “plus– sized” could be considered damaging.

Trading Taste for Affordability These companies and retailers are among the most affordable and accessible to the public, with hundreds if not thousands of stores in the U.S. alone. There has been an effort from many smaller companies to cater to other sizes, which even include high-end brands.

These expand the styles available in plus-sizes. Brands like Universal Standard, Premme, Rebelist and Torrid have been catering to a broader spectrum of sizing for a long time. And while they are extremely inclusive and conscious of their impact, making minimalist, black-tie and other styles available to this population, they aren’t exactly cheap. These brands and companies are far from affordable for the average American woman, especially the average fat American woman. Because appearance is still a major, albeit ridiculous, factor in the valorization of women in our world, their being perceived as fat or overweight—and therefore unhealthy and undesirable—also translates into the workplace. As Moneyish reported in 2017, in a survey of 500 hiring professionals, only 15.6 percent would hire a fat woman. Many of them also characterized them as “lazy” and “unprofessional.”

In 2016, BBC reported on what is known as an “obesity wage penalty,” which shows an evident trend in reduced earnings for fat women just based on their appearance.

evident how tricky it is for the average American woman

So when many argue that there are plenty of options

to find their true size at any of these companies. Just

for women in need of plus-sized clothing, it is neces-

comparing sizing for denim (only concentrating on waist

sary to consider that many women can’t afford these

measurements), can be dizzying. For example, Forever

options—sometimes just because of the discrimination

21 cuts off their “straight” sizing at a women’s size 10,

their size brings them.

with a 31-inch waist. If we consider sizes 16 to 18 to be PHOTO CREDIT GOOGLE IMAGES

“

but also cannot count with a consistent measurement for their body type.

“

are actually the norm. In a piece by Revolt discussing

While it may seem that the fashion industry is taking a

average for the American woman, this Forever 21 Plus +

turn for the better by employing a handful of fat models

Curve sets their measurement between 39 and 41 inches.

and championing a select few as role models, it is clear

However, H&M+ (this company’s section of plus-size

that this is not a true reflection of the population. In

clothing) measures their sizes 16 and 18 between 36 and

order for actual change to come about it is important to

38 inches. Additionally, this online retailer doesn’t have a

not leave this attitude change only in the hands of major

sizing chart beyond size 18, leaving their customers up to

labels, companies, or retailers—we must examine our

size 24 in the lurch when shopping online. Target’s case,

own attitudes about body types and work to break yet

however, is more complicated since they carry differ-

another set of stereotypes.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 32

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

STRESS LESS,

NO MESS WRITTEN BY

Shannah Byrnes ILLUSTRATION BY

Gia Paulovich

Feeling overwhelmed? Here some creative solutions to minimize your stress.

S

is likely to experience these stressors and more, but

tress is inevitable. Upon entrance into

how you manage it will determine how you thrive.

finals week and heightened course loads,

So, we here at The Vindicator want to provide students

it might even seem that stress can be

with stress–management tactics through relaxation.

all–consuming. However, stress can be

If you need a break from your dense course readings,

manageable. The mimicked adage “stress

check out The Artifice. Here, you can find thousands

is temporary, GPA is forever” is a disappointing

of articles written about any topic under the sun,

expression of how much our lives can be consumed

from novice writers and editors, written for the mere

by stress in our plight to finish school. The saving

sake of writing and enjoyment! Such articles include

grace here, however, is that there are wonderfully fun

“Phantom of the Opera and the Problem of ‘Shipping’”

ways to abate stress, and to take necessary breaks

33 | VINDICATOR

money, health, relationships, poor nutrition, media overload, and sleep deprivation. Any college student

and “The Truth About Cats and Artists.”

from schoolwork without feeling guilty. If you learn

Need some visual therapy from studying? Then,

how to take breaks, take care of yourself, and strive

check out the website “Liquid Particles,” an interactive

to succeed mentally, you will resultantly thrive in

site which moves colorful dots around your screen

your academic, work, and social lives.

as you move your cursor. Sometimes you just need

The American Institute of Stress cites the top seven

to get lost in mesmerization instead of memorization.

causes of stress in the United States as: job pressure,

Other options include putting down your highlighter,

NOVEMBER 2018

and picking up a colored pencil. Yes, adult coloring

“Cookie Clicker” website. It is just a website where

books are back in, and there is no shame in using

you click on a cookie as many times as you want

them during your study breaks (or wherever and

and the website then tells you how renowned your

whenever you want). Better yet, if you are majoring

computer cookies are. It is oddly satisfying, calming,

in the health sciences, you could pick up an anatomy

and helpful. When in doubt, just keep clicking those

coloring book and color while you learn.

cookies until the stress goes away (but try not to

Take a walk. Exercise and fresh air will do wonders for your health, and everyone needs to take some

break the mouse on your computer, you’ll still have assignments to do later).

time to clear their head. As a break from homework,

Keep a journal. Whether you’re writing down

take a walk around campus, search for a new study

conversations from a quick encounter with an old

location, or check out the Recreation Center with

friend you saw today, writing down what you ate for

friends. By giving your body the exercise and relaxation

dinner, or ranting about a professor, practice your

it deserves, you are helping to prevent yourself from

writing and solidify your memories by keeping a brief

becoming overstressed or becoming ill.

whatever you want without being graded, and there

are still allowed to take naps. If it is necessary for

are no due dates! Fun fact: even Leonardo da Vinci

your productivity and focus, a nap is always worth it.

kept a journal. Sure, his journal entries consisted of

The National Sleep Foundation especially endorses

scientific notes and illustrations, but he did reveal in

naps lasting 20 to 30

one such journal entry that he enjoys wearing pink

“

should not be forgotten amongst your Blackboard assignments projects...

“

and group

spielzeugz.de Interactive liquid particles

journal. There are no rules to journaling; you can say

Even though this article is promoting activity, you

Your health

FOR MORE VISIT THESE SOURCES

minutes. This power nap

tights. Like da Vinci, we cannot promise that people

will rejuvenate you, without

500 years later won’t be reading your journals, but

making you feel groggy or

we promise we will respect and revere your writings

significantly tired afterward.

when the time comes.

Whenever taking a nap,

Are you in need of a little reassurance that you are

make sure that you are

still doing an incredible job at everything? Tumblr

in a comfortable place, to

user “calmingmanatee” does just that, but this

make sure you are getting a

time it is with calming and inspirational pictures of

restful and successful nap. If

manatees. It is definitely not what the world thought

you wouldn’t sleep 8 hours

we needed, but it really is what we deserve.

on a couch, your body will

Finally, talk to someone! Be sure to take time

not enjoy sleeping there for

everyday to have a fun or meaningful conversation

even 20 minutes.

with someone. Is there no one nearby? Talk to a

Your health should not

plant! Seriously, the carbon dioxide you exhale while

be forgotten amongst your

speaking will help the plant grow. You cannot argue

Blackboard assignments

science here, but you can argue with a plant if it will

and group projects, so

make you feel better.

bake a cake! That is, take

Stress is inevitable, but it should not be allowed

a break from your studying to cook yourself dinner

to consume you. If you take control of your life and

or bake cookies for your friends. This will give you

practices, you will thrive in all areas.

the–artifice.com Online magazine featuring unique topics

sleepfoundation.org Helpful information about healthy sleep

stress.org Stress research & awareness

time to focus your attention on something outside of academia, and you get a tasty reward when you’re done.

Win–win, right? You can take break by concocting a well–rounded dinner or by preparing your lunch for tomorrow, but do not forget the dessert.

Don’t have the ingredients to make cookies or don’t have the stomach for them right now? Try the

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 34

SECTION

27 | VINDICATOR

OCTOBER 2018

CHOOSE KIND in the classroom

WRITTEN BY

Jillian VanDyke

ILLUSTRATION BY

Anna Oprisch

How little gestures affect students.

I

n a world where you can choose who you want to be, choose

a large impact on everyone involved. If something as little as a word could change how a person perceives humanity and their life, I say it’s worth a shot.

On the other side of the spectrum, being unkind can play such an ugly role in people’s lives. Students face many obstacles in their school day and sometimes can’t handle additional negativity that comes their way. “Knowing that I will one day be in a classroom full of high schoolers who are all fighting their own battles has definitely made me more aware and sympathetic,” said Bailey.

to be kind. Kindness will create a positive environment and

Some people genuinely struggle to be kind to others, for many

affect people’s overall experience in life. With World Kindness

reasons. However, just because you don’t constantly go out of your

Day coming up on November 13th, it is important to spread

way to be kind all day, every day, doesn’t mean you’re not doing

kind words to others and yourself, especially around campus.

your best. “For those that are struggling to be kind, don’t overthink

In a university environment where many are adapting to a new

it,” continued Bailey. “The truth is, all it takes is a smile, holding

life, adding kindness to the mix is ideal.

the door open for someone or complimenting their outfit. Start

No matter your age or circumstance, is it important to to pay attention to the words you use and how they may affect those

there and watch how easy it becomes.” Again, little gestures go a long way.

impacted. In a school setting, students and teachers need to be

Kindness in today’s society will make an impression how people

aware of how to be kind to others and why. I thought it would

treat others in the near and distant future. College students are

be important to ask someone who sees kindness as priority in

studying to become the next generations’ doctors, politicians, and

her daily routine. Not only is Lexi Bailey a university student,

educators. These people will form the generations to come. Being

but she is going to school to be a future educator. I interviewed

kind will make a long-lasting effect on people’s life and how they

her to get a better understanding of a viewpoint of someone

change others for years.

growing up in today’s educational climate and how she’ll use this to improve her classroom environment.

School is believed to be more desirable and enjoyable if positivity

Bailey believes how she treats others and the lessons she’s learned about being a good person will change her classroom. An educator plays a huge role in so many people’s lives. The approach

is involved. According to “Social Psychology: A General Reader,”

teachers take toward how they treat their students, and how they

those involved in positive group settings in high school are

avoid looking over unkind words used in the classroom is crucial

more likely to do the same on a college campus. This supports

to the students’ lives.

Bailey’s belief that the classroom and everyone involved will

Kindness is not fully taught in schools, as it is seen as common

be poorly affected without it. “It’s human nature to shut down

sense. Some people grow up in an environment where they do not

and feel uncomfortable and unwanted if people aren’t friendly

commonly see kindness being used; sometimes it is even non-

or don’t include you in conversation,” Bailey continued. “If

existent. This causes those in schools to struggle with being kind.

teachers, administrators, and students show kindness and are

Being non-toxic and loving to everyone in your life is important

welcoming, then the kids will feel like they belong there. You

so that they know how to act as well. Age shouldn’t be viewed as a

can’t effectively teach or learn in an environment where the

factor of how tough your skin is. While reading Psychology Today, I

students feel insecure and unappreciated.”

learned that if we teach parents, teachers, and any adult impacting

Classrooms are full of people from a wide range of backgrounds,

their life how to act in a nurturing environment, we may have an

home life situations, religions, families, and these all influence

impact on the long term well being of their heart and mind. This

how a person goes about their day. You should be kind to everyone,

takes a toll on one’s mental and physical state.

no matter how they treat you. Kindness isn’t situational, so be

If you’re unsure how to be kind, don’t be afraid to reach out to

kind to everyone without expecting it in return. Also, just because

someone about your concern. Do your best. “Some have the false

someone appears to be put together, this does not mean they

impression that you have to be overly outgoing or put yourself

deserve a fewer amount of kind words given to them. Unknowingly,

out there in order to be a nice person,” explained Bailey. Simple

they may need these words to brighten their day just as much

gestures, such as a smile or holding the door open for someone,

as anyone else. “Everyone, whether a young child, a teenager, or

is believed to be a great, impactful start to your kindness journey.

an adult, constantly needs encouragement and kindness. We’re all humans,” Bailey insisted. Kindness does not discriminate.

Lastly, to those who aren’t receiving kindness: remember that you deserve so much love. Reflect on who you should be receiving

Students are impacted greatly in and outside of the classroom.

kindness from and address your concerns for what isn’t happening.

A lot of times people aren’t necessarily happy to be in class, and

Remove yourself from toxic relationships, take your anxiety to your

this may affect their mood for the day. Bailey added her input by

school counselor, talk to your loved ones. “If you aren’t receiving

talking about the impact of kind words in the classroom, “You

kindness, know that it isn’t personal. Being kind is a choice, so if

have the power to make someone feel just a little bit better and

others choose not to be, that is 100 percent a reflection on them

even to completely change someone’s life by offering just one

and not you,” Bailey made clear. “If no one has told you this before,

kind word, so why wouldn’t you?” It is such a simple task with

I am right now. You are important and have so much greatness

TEAR–OUT POSTER & BE KIND

within you.”

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 28

SOCIAL

WRITTEN BY

Kimberly Steele

Cleveland’s new LGBTPQA+ community ordinance afforded me a large sigh of relief.

I

’ve never been one to be in the closet. I came out a year after I graduated high school and have never looked back. I was starry–eyed back then, and thought that my sexual orientation would not affect my life outside my family and friends. One

of the downsides to coming out is that one’s sexuality is at the forefront of the mind of everyone you meet.

There’s no way to put the genie back in the bottle.

37 | VINDICATOR

NOVEMBER 2018

When I first started working in childcare, the

community to work in peace means oppressing the

last thing on my mind was my sexual orientation.

Orthodox Christians? How exactly would that work?

I wanted kids of my own, but I didn’t know how to

Do they feel recruitment would happen while at work?

take care of them. Working with people’s children

That recruitment would happen in the bathrooms at

as someone who is LGBTPQA+ is a very tricky task.

work? That they will turn LGBTPQA+ just because

You never know what parent will recognize what your

one of us works with them?

rainbow bracelets mean, and who will continue to

Contrary to popular belief, we have bills to pay

ask about your personal life.

and need a job to do so. We need basic necessities

It’s sometimes unbearable to hear the snide

and a place to live just like straight people do. Being

comments and jokes about gay people. To never be

a member of the LGBTPQA+ community is not about

able to see other options on official forms besides

recruiting more members. We are who we are from

“single” or “married.” To never actually have sexual

birth, and as long as we live here in the United States,

orientation options on official forms. To go to training

we should be able to work to earn our keep.

that never includes examples of same–sex couples.

Cleveland Scene also reported how incredibly

Even though I still go every year, I’m always worried

determined the Christian Right is in their quest. They

I’ll see one of my bosses protesting at Gay Pride. Or

were preaching to LGBTPQA+ community members

that they’ll see me in the parade on the news. I am

in the hallways during the break. Determine to

lucky in that over my 18 years as a childcare worker,

recruit them into being Christian and denounce their

I’ve run into a few coworkers and parents who are

queerness. They also refused to share the bathrooms

also LGBTPQA+. However, it has never escaped my

with anyone LGBTPQA+ as well.

and working with children.

It has been perfectly legal to fire someone for being LGBTPQA+. Living in an at–will–employment state, one can leave and/or be fired from a job without being given a reason. However, if one discovers that they were fired for being LGBTPQA+, there would be no recourse. The national law only protects on the basis age, sex, physical handicap, religion, and race. If one was fired for one of those reasons, then it would be possible to sue a former employer and win.

W hat I didn’t k now was that there has been an effort to change the law to prevent my being fired for being LGBTPQA+. Reintroduced in June of this year, this legislation would create a special committee in Cuyahoga County to investigate claims of discrimination against the LGBTPQA+ communities in the workplace. On September 26th, the ordinance

However, despite all the voices of the impassioned

“

opposition, the ordinance was able to be passed, eight to three.

It has been

Now, not only have sexual orientation and gender expression been added as protected classes, but if

perfectly

one of us is fired for being LGBTPQA+, we can sue

legal to fire

committee will handle our case.

someone

were passed in Cleveland Heights and Lakewood, cities

for being

citizens. Yet the actual city of Cleveland did not

“

mind that they could fire me for being LGBTPQA+

LGBTPQA+.

our former employer, and a special three–person I remember years before when similar ordinances known to have a high concentration of LGBTPQA+ until now. The opposition during this process is an indication that there’s still a lot of work to be done in this city to convince straight people of our humanity.

But that’s a battle to be fought another day.

I personally don’t see what all the fuss is about keeping us from working. Or what the bathroom bill

adding sexual orientation and gender expression to

introduced states away from us has to do with us

the protected classes in Cuyahoga County was passed.

not getting fired from our jobs for being LGBTPQA+.

It was packed in Cuyahoga County Administrative

I consider myself to be a spiritual person, despite

Offices the evening the ordinance was passed, with

being a member of the LGBTPQA+ community. I don’t

speakers from both sides of the debate telling their

think it’s too much to ask for that I be able to keep

stories. The opposition was extremely cruel in trying

my job despite being a member of the LGBTPQA+

to stop this from happening, spewing large amounts

community. And that I should be free to use the

of discrimination specifically against the Trans

bathroom whenever I’m out and about or work without

community and bathroom usage.

worrying about the cops being called on me by some

Cleveland Scene reports that multiple people on the opposition talked about how this ordinance

random Orthodox Christian.

I never formally planned on coming out at work. If

would give permission for the Trans community to

my straight co–workers and bosses happen to figure

use bathrooms as “hunting grounds.” It was also

out what my bracelets mean or see me at Pride on

reported that there were complaints of comparing

television, I no longer fear that my employment will

Jewish persecution to Christian persecution, in terms

end. Now I can comfortably continue to be a positive

of not being able to deny the LGBTPQA+ communities

guiding presence in the lives of the families I serve.

safe places to work. The opposition became so heated that one individual had to be removed from the room.

Is it true that the freedom for the LGBTPQA+

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 38

SOCIAL

SMART HEALTHCARE

SAVES WRITTEN BY

Dorothy Zhao ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Austin DiLorenzo

Implementing smart healthcare modernizes medical environments to help fix the effects of poor living conditions.

H

ignorant ideas. Adequate education and explanations of taking care of oneself is the monumental task for healthcare professionals, like physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and counselors.

ealthcare, technology, and poverty—

Communication and outreach can be challenging,

these three vastly different areas all

with obstacles ranging from ensuring patients from

have something in common: they

poorer backgrounds have enough information to make

affect lives, for better or for worse. The

an informed consent to detailing clearly enough for

combination of the first two, healthcare

non–native English speakers to understand how to

and technological advancements, can mitigate the

take their medication. The struggles both the patient

long–term effects of poor living standards. Smart

and the caregiver have can, thankfully, be ameliorated

healthcare is a growing field that ranges from medical

by healthcare–focused technology.

Internet of Things, big data, smart homes and inpatient care to wearable medical devices and other e-health

39 | VINDICATOR

Potential of Different Technologies

tools for diseases, disorders, and patient-physician

For example, take a rural community in Appalachia that

interactions. It can advance in today’s hospital and

can stand to strongly benefit from the implementation

healthcare–based environments through an analysis

of smart healthcare in their local hospitals. Healthcare

of research, collection of information technology,

practitioners can offer an app that translates baffling

and implementation of beneficial, efficient processes

medical jargon into more common layman’s terms,

particularly in places of poverty. To better solve the

easily accessible through downloading on any patient’s

issues of disease prevention and improve wellness

phone. Other technologies that not only lower costs and

across all communities, technology can play a more

prices of primary care and chronic illness management

significant role alongside practitioners and hospital

include health indicator monitoring applications,

professionals than ever before.

automatic–administering therapy devices, and

The impoverished, the underprivileged, and the

real–time health data tracking. Wearables, like the

uneducated often lack proper access to healthcare.

smartwatches now common on almost every wrist,

These groups of individuals across the country come

and mobile apps offer options for fitness, symptom

from unique cultures and backgrounds that approach

tracking, health education, weight loss, and disease

the concept of health in sometimes detrimental or

management. An amalgamation of physical devices

NOVEMBER 2018

options. The possibilities are

known as the Internet of Things (IoT), can also play

endless—mental health

an important role in the medical field. Data collected

surveillance and diagnosis

by these applications can help with real-time decision

can be improved to treat

making of the healthcare world. With health data information that is protected securely, business

01

0 1 01

models have the potential to emerge and change work processes, improve productivity, contain costs, and enhance customer experiences with the aid of medical Internet of Things.

A technological adoption that has already created a beneficial impact is the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Moving past the arduous procedure of paper records management, electronic health records replace

related issues. Public health measures can be more readily applied to real–

90%

of all healthcare organizations have had security leaks via the internet.

world problems. Illiteracy, racial bias, unemployment, or other factors are neutralized as a direct result of implementing smart health, the new form of healthcare. With

and digitize all the information written in ink on

poverty being a major

papers piled in filing cabinets. Physically, it would be

factor in negative health

difficult to locate and legibly read paper records. By

outcomes and futures, as

having EHRs all in one place, the information is easily

well as health insurance

shareable—eliminating inefficiencies and saving lives.

becoming unaffordable

Concerned patients may consider the security and

for many, smart medical

privacy issues that may emerge from hospitals and

technology revolutionizes

companies cataloging their information electronically,

health care by allowing

but that is of utmost importance for businesses

patients and practitioners

to ensure their customers’ safety and wellbeing.

to look beyond the price

Communication between doctors and patients are secure and improved with the aid of tech in healthcare.

IoT devices mentioned previously can help to revamp various services, with patients managing their own health requirements. Appointment reminders, blood pressure change notifications, and calorie tracking are just a few possibilities, in addition to remote health monitoring systems.

54%

of all faxed referrals are lost, which is scary considering hospitals still exclusively use this method to send referrals.

“

The struggles both the patient and the caregiver have can, thankfully, be ameliorated by healthcare focused

“

embedded with software, sensors, and electronics,

technology.

tag. Health care systems

and the marketplace no longer need to worry about profit; instead, they can concentrate on quality of care provided to patients.

As hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic and University

Hospitals move to add recent, revolutionary technology, doctors and specialists of all kinds are able to focus on what really matters: the patient. A streamlined health care delivery system, forms of population

Creating Smart Healthcare

health management, asset tracking, or patient flow

The first steps of upgrading healthcare is examining

analysis can provide helpful, valuable information and

the social determinants of health and determining

data for practitioners and other professionals. Once

which solutions would be best for which situations.

smart health becomes a more significant movement,

Physical and mental health must be taken into account,

it won’t remain in just the emergency room. Nursing

as the many marginalized groups have experienced

homes, hospices, therapy rooms, and at–home care

and continue to experience abuse and poverty. A 2001

are next to be developed. Preventing unhealthy habits

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and

from forming, learning to live with chronic illnesses,

Kaiser Permanente study describe how “battered children become battered adults” due to abuse and violence in childhood resulting in increased “smoking, alcohol abuse, depression, and poorer health in adulthood.” Professionals in public health have the responsibility to prevent and relieve these negative impacts. They can do so with the implementation of smart healthcare with a multitude of technological

and improving patient–physician relationships are

60%

of healthcare organizations have added wearable smart sensors to their daily operations.

current–day common goals that can only be enhanced by medical IoT, e–Health tools, mobile applications, and a myriad of health–focused tech. The smart healthcare industry is ultimately a growing field that has potential to create unprecedented health improvements for the one who truly need it.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 40

SOCIAL

GIRLS ON TOPS

A BIG THANK YOU TO WOMEN IN FILM

WRITTEN BY

Samra Karamustafic

W

e are all familiar with the concept

like rock stars… if Greta Gerwig and Annette Bening

of t–shirts with famous names or

had their names on t–shirts too?’” Thus, Girls On

bands on them; just walk into any

Tops Tees was born.

Forever 21 store and you will be

At first, they were only looking to sell about thirty

bombarded with Nirvana t–shirts

shirts, with the vision being a mix of Jean Seberg’s New

right on the spot. But what about a Greta Gerwig

York Herald Tribune shirt and Katharine Hamnett’s

shirt? Or how about a Laura Dern one? If you have

80’s political tees. The result would come out as a

no idea who these people even are, no worries—that

“clean white tee with simple black type—pared-back

actually fulfills this business’ purpose!

41 | VINDICATOR

& bold.” They went ahead and printed them in the

Girls On Tops Tees, as you may have guessed, is a

back of a record shop to proceed with the plan of just

business based around putting various girls’ names

giving a few away to friends, and then taking some

on t–shirts, but not just any random girls’ names.

to sell at a film fest nearby. At the event, however,

Instead? The many wonderful ladies in the film

they did not end up selling as many as they had quite

industry are depicted; whether it is Oscar–nominated

hoped, feeling a bit disappointed as they packed the

director Greta Gerwig or scary–movie–queen Jamie

rest away. Thanks to social media, though, they were

Lee Curtis, they will have it, and their collection

able to get noticed. A photo had popped up online a

keeps growing! But how did this idea even begin?

few days after the film fest of someone wearing one

Well, according to the business’ website, one night

of their shirts, and this got people scrambling to

after Louisa Maycock, Jake Cunningham, and a few

find out where they could grab one. The friends set

of their friends watched Mike Millis’ “20th Century

up an Etsy shop in hopes of selling the rest they had

Women,” they all took notice of a bright pink and

printed up, but they were in for a surprise—the shirts

green Talking Heads shirt worn by a character in

became sold out and a demand for more was growing.

the film. After coming home, one of Louisa’s friends

Little did they know at the time that something even

went ahead and bought it and this got her wondering:

bigger was about to happen to their once small and

“‘Wouldn’t it be cool if women in film were treated

local start–up, leading them to international fame.

NOVEMBER 2018

A few months later, the renowned Toronto Film Festival was happening with a majority of the big names in Hollywood attending. Various cast members of 2017’s Oscar–contending movies attended, one being that of the highly acclaimed “Lady Bird” directed by Greta Gerwig. What stood out about this particular event, though, was the fact that Tracy Letts (the actor who plays Lady Bird’s father in the movie) was seen sporting a Greta Gerwig shirt from none other than Girls On Tops Tees during a photo shoot! It kept getting even better for the business when breakout actor (and another main cast member of “Lady Bird”) Timothée Chalamet joined Letts and wore the same shirt himself. Suddenly, something unbelievable happened for the business: the one and only Greta Gerwig was featured in a magazine spread wearing one of their Agnès Varda shirts to celebrate the fellow female director.

“

Wouldn’t it be cool if women in film were treated like rock stars...

Thanks to businesses like Girls On Tops Tees and

if Greta

with the help of social media, more and more attention

Gerwig and

is being brought to women in film. Although we still have a long way to go, such attention helps us progress

Annette Tops Tees. Thanks to all the attention and recognition their shirts had received from such famous movie stars, the demand for them grew more and more all

Bening had their names

over the world. They even had the opportunity to

on t–shirts

sell their shirts at this year’s Toronto Film Festival,

too?

which resulted in them selling out completely. With all of this sudden success, the gang felt that they should give back in some way. In March 2018, the

talents and faces, which is always a good thing. If you are interested in buying a t–shirt and supporting women in cinema (as well as looking pretty cool) visit their website at www.girlsontopstees.com. Trust me,

“

At this point, business was booming for Girls On

into a more inclusive film industry with a variety of

they make for some excellent conversation starters.

business tweeted out that as a thank–you for the success and support, they wanted to help fund as many female directed movies as they could—starting with Amanda Eliasson’s short film “Favourite Thing.”

They went on to collaborate with yet another female director; when Nia Child’s debuted her first short

PHOTO CREDIT GIRLS ON TOPS ETSY

“The Other End,” she gave people the opportunity to win free t–shirts from Girls On Tops Tees if they supported her short through Indiegogo. Then this September, GOTT went even further and decided to use their website as both a shop and as a platform for female film critics. But at the end of the day, the goal for Louisa, Jake, and friends stays the same; as Louisa told The Guardian: “‘If Rooney Mara is seen wearing a Lynne Ramsay T–shirt and that means one more person sits down to watch ‘Morvern Callar,’ we’re happy.’”

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 42

POETRY

Deux. Point WRITTEN BY

V

This piece kept me company for a while now, I hope it makes you feel a bit less lonely.

I don’t remember the first time I started living today like yesterday I don’t remember the first time I started living as a person who simply exists A person who is accidentally around.

I simply exist, I live my day in a way that no one would probably like.

I don’t understand the point.

I live my days waiting for something to happen waiting for something to change in me for me Because of me When I’m finally home and the day is over I run to my room I run to bed where in my head, everything is possible to exist I lay there motionless I relive my day from the start, I live it the way I wanted to live it the way I should’ve the way I could’ve but didn’t But couldn’t The point, where is it? it’s getting heavier, my brain my thoughts, are lingering It sometimes feels like my skull is cracking and my thoughts are escaping It’s not like I’m aching, I’m not in pain I’m just debating whether it’s worth it I’m reshaping my creation of thoughts in a way that doesn’t seem or even sound Like me.

But I mean, what’s the point in living when you are eventually going to die and yet again maybe it’s more of a how than a when.

NOVEMBER 2018

HE SPOKE He spoke to me.

He told me I was beautiful.

He told me there was nothing I couldn’t do.

He told me to stay by his side and I would see the unthinkable His name is God and only He could never let me down.

WRITTEN BY

ILLUSTRATION BY

Tyisha Blade

Zavier McLean

POETRY

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT WRITTEN BY

ILLUSTRATION BY

Indya R. Powell

Mikayla Colston

If you aren’t a minority stop rewriting our stories turning our history into something different suitable enough for your audiences While I’m forced to bear witness to tales sounding more and more like fiction Don’t tell me to behave as if you live enslaved can’t walk down the street wearing a hoodie for fear of onlookers being afraid But then again How can someone understand something they will never endure? never forced to witness or be victim to crimes because of their circumstances knowing any day they leave the house could be their last White America please understand, These feelings aren’t a thing of the past Standing on front line picket signs declaring why equality was never a privilege supposedly human right by design our forefathers vision the same vision which keeps me up at night alienated in plain sight My skin made my existence a crime Guilty as charged I’ll do the time Don’t be a fool Racism is alive thriving well It won’t discriminate on children, females or males

NOVEMBER 2018

Oppressed by the ones sworn to protect From the looks of where I come from all we see is neglect but if I speak my peace its seen as disrespect Not coming for the good ones Just the ones who shoot when victim is penned down defenseless weaponless on the ground That’s why this is a battle Stop ignoring the signs Figure out what’s worth fighting for neutrality is no longer an option in times of war Like Tupac said, “Better days, Better day.” in the mean time no more living enslaved Gotta fight to protect What’s rightfully ours Head in the stars knowing Malcom X, and Dr. MLK never imagined us taking a backseat after they set the stage These kings fought until they took their last breath regardless if freedom came in life or after death

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