Spring 2022

Vindicator Cleveland State University’s Arts and Culture Magazine

SPRING 2022

A Love Letter to Laziness (By Way of Hate Mail to Health) PAGE 19

NIGHTBIRDE: A TRIBUTE PAGE 21

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! PAGE 23

iters artists poets rtists poets writer oets writers artist iters artists poets rtists poets writer oets writers artist iters artists poets rtists poets writer THE VINDICATOR ARTS AND CULTURE MAGAZINE

Your voice. Your story. Your power.

The Cleveland State Vindicator

21

SPRING

NIGHTBIRDE: A TRIBUTE

what’s in this issue?

3

Check Us Out Online

4

Calendar

5

Letter from the Editor

6

Meet Our Contributors

Arts 7

Euphoria A Show Full of Drugs, Drama, and Plot Holes

by SOPHIE FARRAR

9

An Authoratative Ranking of All Star Wars Films

BY ANDREA BRAZIS

by ERIC SEITZ 11

The Problematic Nature of “Pam and Tommy“

by SHEILA KISS

Culture 13

19

Is Easter originally a Christian holiday?

by ASHLEY LUBECKY

15

Sunflowers in your Pocket: An Exploration of the Tales of Ukraine

by CARA ROBBINS

A LOVE LETTER TO LAZINESS

(BY WAY OF HATE MAIL TO HEALTH)

BY CAMERON MAYS

Fashion + Wellness 25

Recipes for Spring & Summer

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

by ABIGAIL JARVIS 27

Psychology of Spring Cleaning

by HALLE ELDER

29

Breathing Easy

by SAMRA KARAMUSTAFIC

31

Crash Course on the Immune System

by ABIGAIL PREISZIG

Social 33

35

“You’re Not Fooling Anyone”

BY LAUREN KOLESZAR

23

Poetry

by ANDREA BRAZIS

44 Breathe

by DIONDRE WARD

You’re Not a Girlboss, You’re a Trust Fund Baby

45 Find Me in the Clouds

by HANNAH MOSLEY

by KRISTINA MARKULIN 37

Coffee Shop Atmospherics

46 Seasonal Sadness

by LAINEY NOVAK

by JILLIAN VANDYKE 41

21st Century Pyramid Schemes

by MEGAN MULLALY

43

My Balto Blues

by CAMERON MAYS

25 THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 2

ONLINE CALENDER

CHECK US OUT ONLINE

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@vindi_csu stay up-to-date with all things Vindi on Instagram 3 | VINDICATOR

The Cleveland State Vindicator was founded as a Black student newspaper in January 1970. We are a student-run and contributor-based Arts & Culture magazine at Cleveland State University with the overarching themes of multiculturalism, social justice, and artistic expression.

We are open to diverse opinions and viewpoints and strive to achieve our mission to amplify the voices of the students, especially marginalized groups in society.

THEVINDI.COM

SPRING 2022

w h a t’s h a p p e n i n g i n

S P R I N G 5/4 Ashe Concert

5/8 Leon Bridges Concert

Ashe: The Fault Line Tour Ashe has partnered with PLUS1 so that a portion of proceeds from The Fault Line Tour goes to supporting Shatterproof and their work to end the devastation caused by the disease of addiction

JACOBS PAVILION AT NAUTICA $25-$60

5/21 Rock Hall

HOUSE OF BLUES CLEVELAND

5/20 Harry’s House Release Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland, OH The LIGHT Bus is on exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

Join us for an open house on Saturday, May 21, from 2-4 p.m.

Brief remarks at 2 followed by a Q&A around the bus with Dr. Bob Hieronimus and many of the LIGHT Bus crew.

Word of Harry’s House — which comes out May 20 and boasts 13 tracks — arrived March 25 when Styles announced via social media that his third studio album was finally on the way, something fans had been predicting. The 28-year-old singer-songwriter gave props to his fanbase, which expertly deduced that he was behind a mysterious website and Twitter account called You Are Home that hinted his highly anticipated new music was coming.

Featuring: • VIP VW restoration specialists Robert Skinner and Marlo Skinner, who rebuilt the Woodstock Bus • Musician Bob Grimm, the original owner of the Woodstock Bus • Singer Trudy Morgal from the original band “Light”

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 4

EDITOR’S LETTER

The Cleveland State Vindicator was founded as a Black student newspaper in January 1970.

College is a lot of things to a lot of people. It’s a way

In The Vindicator, I met innovative writers, designers,

to earn a degree, of course. An avenue of learning.

photographers, and editors from majors all around

To take it further, college is how people make ca-

the university, all driven to tell the stories that they

reer connections — how they learn to implement

wanted to hear.

practicable skills.

In this issue, social editor Cara Robbins explores For me, it was all those things, but also so much more.

and discovers war stories from Russia’s invasion of

In the Campus Activities Board, I found a group of

Ukraine on page XX. On page XX, graduating senior

people who shared an infectious passion for planning

and features editor Lauren Koleszar interviews seniors

events that bring the campus community together.

graduating from the film school. In our cover story for

In graphic design classes, I found professors who

contributor Cameron Mays delivers a satirical essay

cared about me as more than just a student learning

recounting his experience taking a workout class this

a curriculum, but as a human learning life skills.

semester on page XX.

Across campus, I met people from walks of life that

As I look forward to graduation, I reflect back on my

I had never been exposed to before. It wasn’t until

time at The Vindicator. To every single person who

this special April Fool’s Day-themed issue, longtime

late in my time at CSU that I realized what it truly

had a hand in getting our issues into the communi-

means to be a Viking: the Cleveland State community

ty’s hands, thank you so much. I sincerely appreciate

is a diverse, evolving, dynamic community. To call

every editor, writer, designer and photographer for

yourself a Viking is to be whatever you want to be,

all their hard work this year. And to everyone who

while supporting others in whatever kind of Viking

has read our issues this year, we couldn’t do this

they choose to be.

without you! I hope you enjoy this final issue of the year. It’s a good one — I promise.

Eric Seitz EDITOR–IN–CHIEF

5 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

MEET OUR

CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTORS STAFF HEADS Eric Seitz Editor–in–Chief

Jillian VanDyke Art Director

Megan Mullaly Managing Editor

Lauren Koleszar Features Editor

Sheila Kiss Arts Editor

Kristina Markulin Culture Editor

Lynn Nichols Copy Editor

Cara Robbins Social Editor

Samra Karamustafic Fashion + Wellness Editor

Abigail Preiszig Online Content Editor

WRITERS

JUNIOR DESIGNERS

Samra Karamustafic Megan Mullaly Cara Robbins Eric Seitz Jillian VanDyke Ashley Lubecky

Lauren Koleszar Abigail Preiszig Kristina Markulin Cameron Mays Sophie Farrar Sheila Kiss

Andrea Brazis Hannah Mosley

Abigail Jarvis Lainey Novak Halle Elder

Emma Splete Shannon Driscoll Hannah Mosley Brandon Breznai Jackie Branch

Faculty Advisor Julie Burrell Web Specialist Daniel Lenhart

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

ARTS

A SHOW FULL OF DRUGS, DRAMA, AND PLOT HOLES

WRITTEN BY

ARTWORK BY

Sophie Farrar

Shannon Driscoll

Do you remember these abandoned “Euphoria” plotlines?

H

BO’s original series “Euphoria” is a wildly popular show which has captured the attention of young people everywhere. The show has catalyzed wide-ranging conversations

online for its extravagant makeup looks, impressive acting performances and cinematography, but it has also been subject to much criticism among viewers.

Season two’s finale premiered Sunday, Feb. 27, and left viewers asking for more, as many plotlines were left unfinished and seemingly forgotten. How many of these “Euphoria” plot holes do you remember?

The Jacobs’ Third Son Many fans have pointed out the third son shown in the family photo in the Jacobs’ home.

Throughout the series, the only Jacobs sons mentioned are Nate and his older brother Aaron. Despite this, the family portrait hung on the wall shows parents Cal and Marsha with three young boys seated in front of them. The photo is featured in episodes from both seasons, yet the third son is never addressed. If there isn’t a third

7

son, then why feature this image repeatedly? Will we ever get an answer to the identity of the third Jacobs son?

Where did McKay go?

While the rest of the “Euphoria” main characters go to high school together, McKay is in college. Initially, this seems like a valid excuse for his literal disappearance following the first episode of season two, but that doesn’t necessarily make sense considering his role in season one. Season one established McKay as one of the main characters of the show, with him being the main focus of the series’ opening scene, but his storyline remains incomplete by the end of season two.

McKay and Cassie date throughout season one, until McKay gets Cassie pregnant following a brutal hazing from a fraternity brother. The couple breaks up, Cassie gets an abortion, and none of it is ever mentioned again. Cassie beginning to date Nate, her best friend Maddy’s ex-boyfriend, is a significant plotline in season two. McKay is supposedly Nate’s best friend, but his dating Cassie is never brought up as a plotline in that way. What happened to McKay? Will we hear from him again? What does he think about his “best friend” dating his ex-girlfriend?

SPRING 2022

Why did Samantha place a camera in her closet?

She does so by going behind Fez’s

Maddy begins season two enjoying her new job

back to his boss Laurie and propos-

babysitting Theo, the

ing a plan for herself and her friends

son of a wealthy couple. Maddy’s favorite part of her

to sell drugs for Laurie. Laurie takes

job is when she indulges in trying on the extravagant

advantage of Rue (knowing that she is

outfits owned by Samantha, Theo’s mom. In episode

a vulnerable addict) and gives her a $10k

six of season two, Maddy is shown in her typical rou-

case of drugs to sell. Two episodes later,

tine of trying on Samantha’s clothes. What is not so

the drugs are flushed when Rue’s friends

typical is the digital clock shown in the closet with a

Jules and Elliot tell Rue’s mom Leslie

hidden camera lens in it. Presumably, the clock was

that Rue is using again. Rue has a couple

featured to lead into some kind of other plotline. If

reasons to panic when she finds out the

anything, it reveals that Samantha most likely knows

drugs are flushed. For one, she has lost

of Maddy’s habit of going through her closet. And

her large supply of drugs from which

yet, the clock camera is never brought up. Following

she had been using. She is also concerned because

this scene Maddy and Samantha even have a heart-

Laurie threatened her while giving her the case, say-

to-heart in the family’s pool, and Maddy’s private

ing: “Rue, if you screw me, I’ll have you kidnapped

fashion shows are not the subject of conversation.

and sold to some real sick people. I always find a way

The only slight reference to the camera in the clos-

to make my money back. I’m serious.”

et is in the next episode, when the dress Maddy was

After the confrontation with her family, Jules, and

wearing in the scene was gifted to her by Samantha

Elliot, Rue flees her house and runs all over town,

as a parting gift. What were Samantha’s intentions

eventually ending up at Laurie’s. She has stolen some

in hiding the camera in the closet? Why was it there,

jewelry and money in an attempt to partially pay off

and why was it hidden so carefully?

the case, to no avail. Going through withdrawal, Rue ends up agreeing to be given morphine by Laurie,

Kat Hernandez: From Girlboss Cam Girl to Simple Side-

and wakes up the next morning locked in the dealer’s

kick

home. Miraculously, Rue escapes the home and the

During season one, Kat secretly starts making money

terrifying fate that probably awaited her, and Laurie

and gaining confidence by becoming a cam girl un-

and the flushed case are not mentioned again. The

der the alias “KittenKween.” Kat is pretty insecure

rest of the season focuses on a sober Rue on-track to

about her feelings and her body, and by delving into

recovery. Will Laurie make an appearance in season

this world she finds confidence and power. We see

three? Will Rue face actual consequences? Or will she

essentially none of this in the latest season of the

just continue to recover while this plotline remains

show, besides an oddly placed dance scene during

forgotten?

episode seven. We can assume that Kat quit her side hustle because she was in a relationship with Ethan,

On Feb. 4, it was announced via the “Euphoria”

but this is never confirmed. Kat is actually barely in

Instagram account that the show would return for

the second season at all. It is rumored that because

a third season. “Euphoria” is currently HBO’s most

of a behind-the-scenes disagreement with the show

popular show and garnered an average of 16.3 million

creator, Sam Levinson, and Kat’s actress, Barbie

viewers for its second season, almost 10 million more

Ferreira, many of Kat’s season two scenes were cut. Fans enjoyed Kat’s boldness and were sad to see her turn into Maddy’s sidekick this season.

than the 6.6 million that tuned in for season one.

At this rate, the show can be expected to draw in even more viewers for its next season. “Euphoria” fans hope that these plot lines are remembered

Rue Screwed Over a Drug Dealer and Faced No Consequences

and resolved in season three, which is projected to air as ear-

Perhaps the biggest plot hole

ly as 2023. Until then, fans will

of season two has to do with

continue to rewatch the prior

the main character herself.

seasons in anticipation.

The central plotline of season two deals with Rue’s drug relapse and recovery. Rue turns to desperate measures to get her

hands

on

drugs

once Fez refuses to deal them to her anymore.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 8

ARTS

WRITTEN BY

DESIGNED BY

Eric Seitz

Brandon Breznai

E

very giga-franchise has debate among fans

#9: Attack of the Clones

about the quality of their various subsidiary

Minus the bisection of one Darth Maul, “The Phantom

parts. Old Pixar ride-or-dies praise the Toy

Menace” could in theory be framed as a children’s

Story pantheon (except Forky — he can get

film, with baby Anakin and the spawn of Satan, Jar

wrecked), while fans of the newer content

Jar Binks. But Attack of the Clones is purely moving

exalt “Coco” or “Inside Out.” MCU fans debate rank-

pieces into place as set-up for Episode IV with no re-

ing the franchise’s upper echelons, while I’ve literal-

gard for entertainment value. I once watched a silent

ly never met a real human being who said they liked

three-hour YouTube video of a 215-round marble race,

“Thor: The Dark World.” But perhaps no franchise

and it was about equally as interesting as this film.

has as much debate, disagreement, and parking lot fist-fights about film ranking, than Star Wars. Worry not though, because I hold — in the Holy Grail of a brain inside my head — a conclusive ranking of every Star Wars film. Everyone else can go home after this because my opinion is right, and no other suggestions will be accepted at this time. #11: The Phantom Menace I did not bother to rewatch this for my ranking, on the grounds that I do not enjoy being tortured. I do recall a speeder race that lasted approximately 50% of the runtime and featured a young boy with an Amishcore aesthetic. Also, Darth Maul was introduced and promptly chopped in half, but as I remember, his upper half returned and had a better storyline in “The Clone Wars” TV show on Cartoon Network. #10: Return of the Jedi “Return of the Jedi” was the confirmation that the creative team had absolutely no idea what they were doing for the entirety of the first trilogy. They jammed plotlines in like when you’re so sure that puzzle piece goes there and so you lodge it in place like the barbarian that you are and you convince yourself that it really is in the correct spot, but deep down, you know that you’re wrong. And now you’re going to have to write an entire trilogy of prequels just to rectify your mistake.

9 | VINDICATOR

#8: Revenge of the Sith Cursed special effects and hammy acting joined forces and agreed to make the most obscene monstrosity out of an otherwise decent film. “Revenge of the Sith” has a plot that could make Christopher Nolan warm and fuzzy inside, but that scene of Mace Windu fighting Palpatine has been burned into the backs of both my eyelids, haunting me until the day I become one with the Force. #7: A New Hope You know when you have a line of dominoes and knocking one down will knock them all down? “A New Hope” was the first domino to fall, and maybe if it didn’t exist, we’d have a whole line of ten perfectly erect dominoes, untouched by the sins of their ancestor. Also, Han literally refers to Jabba “Slime Slug” the Hutt as a “human being.” Was this improvised? Was it in the script? Automatic -1000 points from “A New Hope.”

SPRING 2022

#6: The Rise of Skywalker

#3: Empire Strikes Back

I’m tempted to say I put this as high as I did just to

I watched this for the first time two weeks ago (and

rile up the haters, but I genuinely love this movie

now hold the authoritative opinion on Star Wars —

(which probably gets the haters more mad, so mis-

crazy how things work out like that), and I really

sion accomplished?). In the first eight films of the

didn’t expect much from a film that had to compete

Skywalker Saga, C-3PO was fluent in over 6 million

with the release of ABBA’s “Super Trouper” album

forms of being a pain in the ass to watch. But in this,

(also released in 1980). But I was genuinely surprised

he had me simping. Episodes 1-8 C-3PO walked so

at its setpieces (space worms! cities in the sky!) and

Episode 9 C-3PO could run. A force for light among

boldly bleak ending.

the darkness of the First Order (as well as the writers’ crimes against humanity in resurrecting Palpatine).

#2: Rogue One If you want to see me screaming, crying and throwing

#5: Solo

up, all you need to do is make a group of people come

I half-expected a musical going into this movie.

together for the greater good, and then YEET them

Granted, I never watched a trailer, and “The Force

into oblivion. Not really — I didn’t actually scream,

Awakens” was the only other Star War I’d seen (sue

cry, or throw up at the theater, but I do recall spilling

me), but a film titled “Solo” should have at least

the entirety of my popcorn onto a stranger’s lap, and

one musical number. Maybe the titular solo was all

the Lord really tested me with the temptation to just

of Chewbacca’s wailing (which I’ve always found

sweep the popcorn pieces off the guy’s lap and back

unnerving — Is he in distress? It sounds like it). My

into my bowl so I could resume eating them.

new headcanon that I came up with just now is that Chewbacca serenades Han every time he wails, and

#1: The Last Jedi

that’s why they became BFFs.

Have you ever had a new boss at a job, and you hate that it seems like they’re changing everything, but

#4: The Force Awakens

then some of the stuff they change is actually good,

The writing team really just said “What if ‘A New

and you hate yourself for it? People who hate “The

Hope,’ but we plan ahead?” Our noble liege C-3PO

Last Jedi” don’t hate “The Last Jedi” — they hate

also inexplicably has a red arm, and you only get

themselves for not thinking of “The Last Jedi” first.

the answer to why if you read a comic that came out

Please project the Battle of Crait on my tombstone.

with the film. (As if! Miss me with that reading shit.)

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 10

ARTS

THE PROBLEMATIC NATURE OF

“PAM AND TOMMY” WRITTEN BY

Sheila Kiss

A story retold without the consent of the victim herself.

T

he new Hulu series “Pam and Tommy” portrays the roller coaster love story that occurred between the real-life stars Pamela Anderson, most known for her role

in Baywatch, and Tommy Lee, the drummer of wellknown rock band, Mötley Crüe. The show also dives into the struggles this couple faced, most notably, the leaking of their infamous sex tape by Rand Gautier, who stole Lee’s safe after the musician did not pay him for electrician work he did on the couple’s house.

Occurring during the very beginning of the Internet in the mid-90s, the leak created a “perfect storm” for a sex tape being spread around the world. This was the first leaked celebrity sex tape, and arguably one of the first big cases of revenge porn.

Many, if not most, of the scenes portrayed in the series were inspired by Lee’s autobiography and the 2014 Rolling Stone article “Pam and Tommy: The Untold Story of the World’s Most Infamous Sex Tape,” written by Amanda Chicago Lewis. Using these sources, the show was as accurate to the real events as it could have been, according to director Robert Siegal, and although Lee has been involved in the series and has voiced his approval of it, Anderson clearly has not felt comfortable with the show. According to an insider source from Elle Magazine, she will “never watch the show,” not even the trailer, and it is obvious as to why she feels this way.

While there are many impressive attributes of the show, including Lily James and Sebastian Stan’s transformations into “Pam and Tommy,” and the nostalgic portrayal of 90s fame and fashion, a sense of discomfort and sorrow also surrounds the show, especially when it comes to James’ portrayal of An11 | VINDICATOR

derson. As the tape is first released, we see the panic and stress that Anderson begins to go through, as Lee seems to be in the mindset of “any publicity is good publicity.” She seems to be aware of the standard that she will be held to because of the tape compared to her husband. Lee being not only a world famous rockstar, but most importantly also being a man, allowed him to avoid most of the criticism, and arguably he was even praised for it more than anything. The series aims to shed light on this phenomenon and focuses mostly on the trauma that Anderson experienced.

From when Anderson catches the crew of Baywatch watching the tape on set, to her being questioned by the press and talk show host Jay Leno, to her being interrogated about her career choices by lawyers in her case against Penthouse Magazine, this series certainly emphasizes the relentless trauma that she had to go through. Although the series is meant to bring awareness to the situation, it seems hypocritical, since it is bringing the whole situation up once again and, most importantly, the victim herself did not approve.

What makes matters even worse is that Gautier aimed to get back at Lee alone by releasing the tape, while Anderson became the true victim. Anderson was highly sexualized in the media even before the tape came out, especially because of her performance as a “blonde bombshell” on Baywatch and most notably because of her appearances in Playboy Magazine.

Both of these facts were used against Anderson in the media and in her lawsuit against Penthouse Magazine, depicted in the series, who won their case and published photos from the tape. It seemed that the criticism that Anderson received was “fair game” by the media because of her career choices and her overall appearance. This creates a whole new phenomenon beside the fact that she is a woman, she

SPRING 2022

is also a conventionally beautiful woman who was

positive note, Anderson will finally get to tell her

already willingly “showing off” her body. This is a

story in a Netflix documentary. Although there is no

well-known standard that restricts many women

release date for the documentary yet, she shared a

in the entertainment industry and women overall.

post to her Instagram recently with a handwritten

While this standard is commonplace in society, it is

note about the documentary that read:

yet another way that women are treated differently and unfairly over expressing their sexuality in so-

My life/ A thousand imperfections/ A million misper-

ciety as compared to men. It also speaks volumes as

ceptions/ Wicked, wild and lost/ Nothing to live up to /I

to why Anderson was treated so unfairly.

can only surprise you /Not a victim, but a survivor /And

Another sickening detail of this story, according

alive to tell the real story.

to an inside source that spoke with Entertainment Weekly, is that Anderon’s body was deemed public

The documentary will be an exciting look into her

property by judges of the case. So, although it was

life that will hopefully allow her to share her true

considered stolen property, her body was not con-

version of the story, which, in reality, is the only

sidered to be private property. Keeping all of this

version that matters.

in mind, it almost seems like a no-brainer as to

“

and it is very telling how the situation affected Lee, considering his approval of the series. Arguably, Anderson experienced one of the most extreme and PHOTO CREDIT GOOGLE IMAGES

violating forms of “slut shaming,” considering that the whole world was watching. And unfortunately, many women continue to experience situations like this on a regular basis. What was once an intimate artifact of Anderson and Lee’s love story became a nightmare, and while this series was meant to have good intentions behind it, it seems to be overshadowed by the fact that once again, this very traumatic experience is being exploited for profit. On a more

Occurring during the very beginning of the Internet in the mid-90s, the leak created a “perfect storm” for a sex tape

“

why Anderson contested the series so adamantly,

being spread around the world.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 12

CULTURE

IS EASTER ORIGINALLY A CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY? WRITTEN BY

Ashley Lubecky ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Hannah Mosley

A look at the Pagan tales of Easter before its adoption into Christianity

of its own, and often closely linked to spirituality.

E

Nature and deities — both gods and goddesses. The

aster has long been known as a Christian holiday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his three days of death upon his crucifixion. However, there are

many adaptations of Pagan traditions in the celebration of Easter. Every year, Easter is celebrated in the Springtime, between March 25 and April 25th, always falling on a Sunday — due to the Sundays being considered holy days within Christianity. These dates vary based on the spring (or vernal) equinox and the moon. In Western traditions, Easter is set to be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox, otherwise known as The Paschal Full Moon. According to Christianity, Easter is aligned with the moon and the spring equinox to coincide with Passover — a Jewish holiday.

This is because the Resurrection took place after this holiday. However, Easter’s alignment with the moon and the spring equinox also brings into question its relation to Paganism.

So what exactly is Pagan or Paganism? Originally, Pagan was a term used to describe a person who practiced a religion other than Christianity, Islam or Judaism. Today, Paganism is recognized as a religion

13 | VINDICATOR

Paganism is a religion whose worship centers around various deities within Paganism represent the diversity of Nature. The spirit of Nature is recognized by the Pagan religion, and many see the Earth itself as a sacred being. Different emphases and practices are observed within Paganism to bring about growth and renewal with each season, usually marked by a festival and an offering to different deities. The rules and practices of Paganism are not strict, however, and many who identify with Paganism practice how they see fit, with Nature as their divinity.

Before Easter became a traditional Christian holiday, Pagan Anglo-Saxons brought about springtime with a feast during Eostur-moanth which is now translated to Paschal month — the month of the spring equinox.

This feast focused on the celebration of Ēostre (pronounced yow-str) — Germanic spring goddess and the goddess of dawn, who represents rebirth and renewal.

Jacob Grimm, an 18th and 19th-century linguist, writes “Ēostre seems to have been the divinity of the radiant dawn, of upspringing light, a spectacle that brings joy and blessing, whose meaning could be easily adapted by the resurrection-day of the Christian’s God.” The celebration and focus of Ēostre is just one popular belief of the Pagan origins of Easter.

SPRING 2022

Another belief of the Pagan origins of Easter begins

pagan cultures exchanged eggs as a celebration of the

with Ishtar (or Inanna) — the Pagan goddess of sum-

changing season into spring” (historic mysteries). The

mer, sex, fertility and war. The story of Ishtar goes a

symbolic meaning of the egg has since been adapted

little something like this: Ishtar journeyed into the

into Christianity to represent Jesus’ resurrection,

underworld, crossing seven gates, and was required

with the eggshell symbolizing his tomb cracking

to remove a layer of clothing at each gate, leaving her without her power. Ishtar then arrives naked in front of her sister, Ereshkigal — Queen of the Ancient Mesopotamian Underworld, Kur — and, without any power, is killed and hung on a stake. There are various reasons as to why Ishtar journeyed into the Underworld, from seeking to her deceased husband to a desire to increase her own power. Ishtar’s story relates to the Christian traditions of Easter because she was later resurrected and ascended back into the world — much like Jesus Christ. After Ishtar is missing for three days, help is sought from other gods to bring her back. One god gives Ishtar the power to return, but with a price: she is allowed to return to Earth for six months every year to pose as the light and the sun and must return

There are many adaptations of Pagan traditions in the celebration of Easter.

upon his emergence. Similarly to eggs, rabbits also symbolize life and fertility, and also serve as an image of springtime. In today’s celebration of the Christian holiday Easter, the Easter Bunny brings children gifts and leaves his eggs full of goodies for them to find. The diverse symbolism of fertility represented by these Easter traditions also highlights the myth of Pagan goddess Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, in the adoption of Pagan traditions into Easter. Lastly, hot cross buns, a Easter tradition that represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, are believed to have pagan origins. When the Pagan Anglo-Saxons celebrated the Pagan goddess Ēostre with a feast to bring about springtime, buns were marked with a cross — to represent the four seasons.

to the Underworld during winter months. The myth of

This springtime, whether people choose to celebrate

Ishtar was discovered on tablets dating to 7th century

Easter, the welcoming of a new season, or nothing

BC, in ancient northern Mesopotamian — which is

in particular, is entirely up to them. Painting and

now northern Iraq.

searching for eggs, eating lots of candy and hot cross

Additionally, many of the symbols and traditions of

buns, and gathering with others has become a wide

the Christian holiday Easter are believed to stem from

tradition within the Western culture around this time

Paganism. For example, the tradition of the Easter

of year, and a good way to celebrate whatever one

egg — often hard boiled colored eggs or plastic eggs

believes in, or to just have a little fun.

that are hidden and stored with candy or money — has been adapted from Paganism. Within the Pagan tradition, eggs symbolize new life and fertility, as with many other cultures. Further, “many ancient

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 14

CULTURE

SUNFLOWERS in your Pocket: An Exploration of the Tales of Ukraine WRITTEN BY

Cara Robbins ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Jillian VanDyke NOTICE:

How folk stories have found a new home on social media in the middle of world conflict

P

utin seems to like digging up the past. After all, his invasion of Ukraine feels uneasily familiar to Hitler’s annexation of Poland.

He has no hesitation in reviving Cold War

This article was written

tensions with a renewed fervor, and romanticizes the

in early March 2022 and

re-establishment of the Soviet Union. It’s almost as

published in April

if he’s following the playbook of every totalitarian before him word for word — his behavior is almost cartoonishly villainous.

Yet in the middle of the first European war between two formal state militaries* since World War II are the people of Ukraine, defending their country and their homes from one of the most powerful militaries in the world — using molotov cocktails and hit-andrun tactics. They have captured the attention of the international community, uniting most countries around the world in condemning the actions of Putin — an especially difficult task, considering the current political climate of contention and disagreement. It seems that Ukraine has also re-discovered a relic from conflicts of the past — the emotional impact of warzone folk stories. *rather than insurgencies, civil war, and ethnic conflicts

15 | VINDICATOR

What is a war story?

War is such an emotionally volatile thing. Often, public support or contempt for a war comes from a sentimental place — so, it only makes sense that war encourages storytelling. Stories have long been the favorite way to communicate emotional ideas between people, especially with the purpose of changing minds and rallying support. And war stories can capture the imagination like no other story can — whether they really happened or not.

Sometimes the most powerful stories come from the unfiltered and raw truth provided through nonfiction first-person accounts, such as in World War II memoirs like Elie Wiesel’s “Night” or “The Diary of Anne Frank.” These stories are haunting in their ability to provide eye-opening (sometimes even painfully unblinking) proof of the undeniable consequences of war.

Yet many great war stories also do not have to be historically or factually accurate to possess the deep and profound truth that all good war stories do. For example, many Vietnam-era works like Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” or Francis Ford Coppolla’s “Apocalypse Now” feature people that never existed doing things that never happened, yet their stories are still deeply moving and important representations of the Vietnam War. Sometimes, when people

SPRING 2022

are recounting the terrible things they did and saw in the name of war, it is easier and more effective to substitute fictional characters and events in place of facing the petrifying absolute truth.

THE STORIES OF UKRAINE The Ghost of Kyiv In the first days of the invasion, an awe-inspiring video began making rounds on social media. In it, a

And in some cases, war stories become a strange

shaky phone appears to capture a fighter pilot mak-

blend of truth and fiction, all rolled into one per-

ing daring and impressive evasive maneuvers while

son. Take, for example Harriet Tubman, who has a

single-handedly taking down a Russian plane. The

whirlwind of stories flying around about her exploits.

mysterious pilot, who has since gone viral on TikTok,

Some are undeniably true, such as her escape from

was supposedly able to take down 6 Russian planes

slavery, her rescue of many other enslaved people

in the first 36 hours of the invasion, which if true,

through the Underground Railroad, and her rank as

would make the Ghost of Kyiv the first European ace

the first woman in U.S. history to lead a major mil-

since World War II.

itary operation. Other tales are cloaked in mystery,

However, the footage that has become so famous

but ultimately, likely untrue: such as rumors that she

has since been debunked as a clip from a video game,

once shot out her own teeth with a pistol in order to

and other supposed evidence (including pictures of

relieve a toothache.

his face and other sightings) have been proven to be

War stories that are told during active conflict often

falsified or misleading.

serve the purpose of boosting morale and gaining

Therefore, since there is no other confirmation yet

sympathy from allies. Countless legends still live

that proves the existence of the Ghost of Kyiv, the

on from World War II — a cigarette-smoking bear

character is likely a made-up story to boost morale.

carrying ammo for Polish troops, an impromptu

But just because it’s made up doesn’t mean that the

armistice on Christmas Eve, and more.

story has no value. It points to the truth that despite

War stories are, for better or for worse, propaganda.

all expectations, Ukraine has held its own for more

They have a way of reframing an entire global conflict

than three weeks (as of this writing) against one of

and boiling it down to a person or a small group of

the largest militaries in the world. Though it may be

people. It creates an intimate and personal connec-

a strange romanticization of the situation, people do

tion between the audience and the storyteller. And

tend to love an underdog story — and especially when

it is through this medium that Ukraine succeeded in

so many civilians are caught in warzones, the idea

maintaining morale for so long while simultaneously

that there is a protector in the sky making a sizable

serving as a plea for international help.

dent in Russian forces is an invaluable boost to morale.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 16

CULTURE

The Ghost of Kyiv certainly invites questions as to whether or not it is moral to create entirely fictional

can become dehumanizing and problematic in a time where humanization is absolutely vital.

stories and claim they’re true — if the story’s intention is to provide hope to what can easily feel like a hopeless situation.

The Sunflower Woman Another video that has gone viral on TikTok features an older Ukrainian woman approaching a fully-armed

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Russian soldier and offering him sunflower seeds

In the span of a few weeks, President Volodymyr

— telling him to take them so at least when he lies

Zelenskyy of Ukraine became a household name, one

dead in Ukraine sunflowers will grow where he once

that many spoke about with respect, admiration, and

was. This story is the most strikingly similar to old

solidarity. This is a particularly strange turn of events,

folk-stories — it has the same allegorical imagery, the

seeing as many Americans only really recognized his

same essence of the macabre, and like all traditional

name before the invasion because of Trump’s phone

folk stories, seeks to teach a moral lesson.

call with him that led to the former U.S President’s first impeachment charges.

And just like Zelenskyy, her story has become so popular that it has turned her into a folk-hero of the

Yet the character that Zelesnkyy portrays feels

war, one who represents the average Ukrainian citi-

worlds different from the character of 2019 — he has

zen. If Zelenskyy has become a figure for bravery on

been praised for his military leadership, his resolve

the international stage, then the Sunflower Woman

to stay in Kyiv despite multiple countries (including

represents domestic bravery.

the U.S.) urging him to escape while he still can, and his overall bravery and successful leadership.

The White Victim Effect

In fact, his ability to effectively command a military

These days, Americans can’t agree on a single

is particularly surprising, considering that he has

issue. Yet within political structures of the country,

no political or military experience prior to serving

it seems that people have finally found something

as president. Before being elected to office, he was

they can all get behind — supporting Ukraine and

an actor and comedian — where he was most well

condemning Putin’s actions as cruel, unfounded and

known for his role on a comedy TV show in which his

power-hungry.

character, an average man with no political experi-

Even more shocking is the fact that most of the

ence, is propelled to the position of the President of

world agrees with America. Poland, in a display

Ukraine through popular vote.

of solidarity, has already taken in over 2 million

So, “character” might not be a bad word to de-

Ukrainian refugees — a particularly staggering

scribe Zelenskyy currently. He is an actor, and he’s

number, considering that they seemed so hesitant to

very likely playing the part of a fearless leader with

take in any refugees before Russia’s invasion.

far more military experience than he actually has —

In fact, many countries around the world have

and that is far from a bad thing. His past means that

found room for Ukrainian refugees, despite curiously

he has more respect and popularity than any of his

saying they were not willing or able to take in any

presidential predecessors, and is successfully using

refugees in the 10 years prior to the invasion — even

that leverage to maintain Ukrainian solidarity and

though plenty of refugee crises have surfaced in

morale — something that is absolutely necessary

Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, and other countries.

when defending critical civilian infrastructure and buildings from foreign invasion.

The difference is undeniably clear. The countries with the most power are led by white people, and these

But the respect he has earned on the global stage

countries show far more support to white victims

has, in some areas, begun drifting away from ad-

than to people of color. The hypocrisy is especially

miration and more into glorification. Rumors about

clear when considering that Western countries have

Zelenskyy fighting on the front lines with soldiers

had an active hand in creating these refugee crises,

have gone viral, despite the famous pictures of him

like America in Syria.

on the “front line” actually dating back to 2021. And

And this preference is clear through the stories told.

in some circles, people have begun to think of him

It is easy to find powerful war stories from Ukraine in

as romantic figure, with more and more social media

America today. They’re on social media, on the local

posts on Twitter and TikTok dedicated to describing

news, and written in countless online articles and

the sex appeal that his leadership and charisma has.

print newspapers. Yet it is rare to hear the powerful

It’s a bizarre and uncomfortable situation — on one

stories of refugees coming from non-white countries.

hand, it is certainly a blow to Putin, who has unapol-

That doesn’t mean the stories don’t exist. They

ogetically attempted to make himself a sex figure

certainly do — people will always have stories to

within Russia through propoganda, photo shoots,

tell. Western countries have simply turned a deaf

and songs, yet being largely unsuccessful globally

ear because they don’t sympathize with the stories

in this respect. On the other hand, Zelenskyy’s life

of non-white victims of war.

is undeniably in peril, and the fetishization of him 17 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

In wars before the popularity of social media, war stories took a long time to travel from country to country. Oftentimes, these stories would be told through word-of-mouth, though some would end up on national radio or TV broadcasts, or could sometimes be published in print journalism. Overall however, access to these stories took much longer and was much more limited in who had access to them.

Yet with the prevalence of social media in the modern world, stories from war can travel around the world in a blink of the eye. While this means that war stories can have a much grander impact on the outcome of a war, it also means that anyone at all has the ability to create narratives about a conflict. And if that narrative is false, it could end up in the imaginations of millions of people before it is fact-corrected or debunked.

When dealing with war stories on social media, it is important to remember that any story, whether moral or immoral, is propaganda. It is content that is meant to have a strong bias and is willing to manipulate or misrepresent the real world in order to

“

These stories are haunting in their ability to provide eye-opening (sometimes even painfully unblinking) proof of the undeniable

“

The Significance of Social Media

consequences of war.

make that bias more believable. The most effective way to detect when propaganda is being used in unethical and controversial ways is to be able to recognize and think critically about propaganda in all its forms — who benefits from you internalizing their story, and how?

So the next time that a story from Ukraine pops up on your For You page, make sure to lend them an ear — someone wants you to listen, and it is up to you to figure out what to do with the story that has been entrusted to you.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 18

FEATURE

A LOVE LETTER TO LAZINESS

(BY WAY OF HATE MAIL TO HEALTH) WRITTEN BY

ILLUSTRATION BY

Cameron Mays

Jillian VanDyke

My experience taking a weightlifting class at CSU

I

am not sure why I decided to start working out.

Perhaps I wanted to shed some pounds. Perhaps I wanted to build some more muscle. Perhaps I was hoping an Apollonian response might counter a Dionysian lifestyle and help me bask one last

time in the fleeting sunset of youth. Either way, the class called walking for aerobic exercise was not offered in the spring and the next easiest seemed to be weightlifting.

The first day of class set much of the standard for how the remainder of classes shall occur. I arrive at Cleveland State’s Physical Education Building at 8:30 AM. My class starts at 9:10. This gives me just enough time to generate the angst needed to fuel my day and not enough time to do anything about it. I wait in the Recreation Center. I am a heretic in this Cathedral of Cardio. The parishioners wear tunics made from nylon and spandex, I wear Levi’s and Dr. Martens. From the nave I listen to the ghostly echoes of the choir in a stirring chant known as “Hips Don’t Lie.” My class is in the catacombs of the Cathedral, sub-basement Room 17. Lit only by the torches of outdated fluorescents, I descend into my classroom.

The class is like any other classroom at Cleveland State. There are no windows, it is incredibly hot, and the ambience of unidentifiable machinations provide a soundtrack. My classmates are incredibly silent.

I decide to gain their mutual dislike by breaking the ice. I express to the professor my excitement to “pump some iron” this morning. It is at this moment I am informed we will not be “pumping some iron” this morning, instead, going over the parameters of the class.

The professor is a recent graduate of a name-brand college. He passes out a questionnaire to gauge our knowledge on working out and our weightlifting goals. The questionnaire is fairly predictable. Despite quitting CYO Cross Country in fourth grade, I decide to put my workout experience at zero. I figure this might prompt him to be easier on me. I was stumped with one question: why did you take the class? I want

19 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

to write down “to look like Jimmy Page without the

matching faux fur hat. I am inclined to believe this

costly habit of heroin.” I realize it is better to have

may be the first time she has ever engaged in such

one scholastic enemy and since I have already chosen

recreation, as the aforementioned hat stays on during

my classmates, it is best to keep my professor neutral.

the duration of the workout. Her preferred hydration

I write down “to learn more about weightlifting.”

is San Pellegrino.

One of the few freedoms we are granted in the

Class ends with the same joyless silence it began

class is the choice of music on the classroom speaker.

with. We are fortunate to be let out at the same time

I generally yield my democratic voice to my peers.

as the Men’s Lacrosse team. As I navigate a blond-

I don’t want to cross-contaminate the music I love

haired forest smelling of cheap cologne, I make

with the activity I hate, therefore, I would request Neil

my way to the terranean level. I am free from the

Diamond or Journey. Considering I am only interested

catacombs and back to a world where the general

in partial torture, I opt out of music suggestions.

annoyance is the weather

My contemporaries usually go contemporary; we

Very little has changed since that first day. My

cycle between rap, hip hop, and Spotify’s “Big Boo-

general aim in working out varies between doing

ty Mix.” Mrs. 60 is in complete opposition to such

the bare minimum possible and getting in the kind

music and regularly requests Bob Dylan. For reasons

of workout that makes you need a cigarette. I have

stated earlier, I am unable to support Mrs. 60 on this

learned several tricks and elements associated with

quest. Should her petitions go unanswered, Mrs. 60

the class and workout culture in general. For starters,

has found impromptu, a capella covers of doo-wop

the importance of a post-workout snack. Taking full

classics to be her next line of attack on the front to

advantage of the room’s mimicry of conventional

play music that appeals to her.

ovens, I generally bring with me a California Pizza

These tales might encourage one to take the class

Kitchen Signature Pepperoni Frozen Flatbread frozen

or perhaps even workout. I advise against this. Con-

pizza to eat later. The heat of the room fully cooks

sidering society has largely abandoned physical labor

the pizza by the time the workout is over.

as the preferred way to make a living, I propose we

I have also learned about the preferred modes

abandon physical activity as the preferred way to

of public address. The fragmented sentence reigns

measure one’s self worth. Should that proposal still

supreme. Names are replaced with “bro.” The fist

not dissuade you, I offer the following alternative

bump is used for two separate purposes: to indicate

paths I believe to be more useful in achieving the

social alliances and to acknowledge the triumph over

aims of a workout. I should mention that my medical

suffering. In a way, this new language embodies the

training is limited to learning about Thomas Eakins’

utopian ideals strived for generations and I am glad

“The Gross Clinic” in art history.

to be embraced by a language blind to differences.

GOAL: Being fit.

In another way, I feel like I am being lobotomized

ALTERNATIVE: Replace meals with coffee and

every time I compliment a fellow “bro.” I assume this is what Hegel was anticipating when he came up with contradictions.

The class seems to be 25% student athletes, 70%

cigarettes, the muddier the better.

GOAL: Feeling good.

ALTERNATIVE: Psychoactive drugs are becoming more widely available and mainstream.

regular joes, and 5% Project60 posse. By all virtues

GOAL: Build endurance.

except age, I should belong in this elderly crew. I have

ALTERNATIVE: Take the bus.

little interest in classroom success, I only listen to

GOAL: General health improvements.

music made before 2000, and I still call jeans Levi’s.

ALTERNATIVE: Smoke more cigarettes.

As this class has proven to me, I am more Kendall

I am afraid of working out. I have always

than Khloe. It can be difficult relating to classmates

found a strange disconnect between the people that

whose sense of mass extinction-related doom origi-

work out and the people who don’t. My fear is that

nates from Cold War paranoia as opposed to climate

if I continue working out, I will lose the essential

change catastrophe. I now consider skipping class

quality of myself: pessimism. If the worst part of my

not because I fear embarrassment or working out,

day is getting up early to spend an hour in the gym

but because I fear the interactions with the Project60

doing strenuous work, I am afraid of the broader

posse. I am sure this publication might be too “hippie

consequences to the minor things that make me

dippie” for such a crowd, nevertheless, I will do my

upset. Perhaps I will come around to the automobile.

best to cover my tracks lest I get beat up.

Perhaps I will want to have children. Perhaps I’ll take

Mrs. 60 generally comes in anywhere between twenty and thirty minutes later, assuming she comes

“

I feel like I am being lobotomized every time I compliment a fellow “bro.”

“

Easy. Simple. Harmless. A total lie.

those silly messages the Surgeon General puts on my pack of Camels seriously.

in at all. She partakes in one of two workouts: the abdominal crunch machine, or watching everyone else workout whilst wearing a maroon coat and THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 20

FEATURE

NIGHTBIRDE: A TRIBUTE WRITTEN BY

ILLUSTRATION BY

Andrea Brazis

Jillian VanDyke

her spine and liver. Moments after stepping on stage, she said, “It’s important that everyone knows I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.”

She didn’t accept pity; she used her weaknesses to

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before

everyone around her. In her AGT audition, Nightbirde

“

you decide to be happy.”

performed an original song she had written called

we’re all a little

her advantage. She became an advocate for people all over the world: the hopeful and the hopeless.

She put on a beautiful performance, one that inspired and captivated the audience; she tapped into every person’s emotions and connected her heart to

J

ane Marczewski was a contestant on season 16

“It’s OK.” She wrote “It’s OK” to reflect on the past

of the well-known reality TV show “America’s

year of her life, specifically her physical and mental

Got Talent.” Marczewski went by Nightbirde

struggles whilst battling cancer. The lyrics express

whenever she was on stage — this name quickly

her deepest emotions, painting a tragically realistic

filled headlines. From the moment Nightbirde stepped

image of what her life was like during that time.

on stage, there was magic, joy. She was a singer and a

One specific line of the song is repeated throughout:

songwriter, and a beautiful one at that; she won over

“If you’re lost, we’re all a little lost and it’s alright.”

the audience with a smile and a humility.

She strived to give assurance to those who felt alone,

One of the first things we learned about her, from

she was an advocate of love. Post-performance, she

the show, was that she was battling cancer. At the

received the Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell. Shortly

time the show aired, she had cancer spreading into

after this performance, she said, “I have 2% chance

21 | VINDICATOR

If you’re lost, lost and it’s alright.

“

A reflection on the legacy of “America’s Got Talent” star Nightbirde

SPRING 2022

of survival, but 2% is not 0%.” Not many people in the world embody her positivity, her courage, her strength. Although almost every odd was against her, she persisted in her journey, she embodied bravery.

Shortly after auditioning and performing, Nightbirde had to leave the show. Her health started deteriorating, and she needed to make her health the top priority. The overwhelming love and support she received from her fans was unmatched.

On February 19, 2022, at age 31, Jane Marczewski (Nightbirde) passed away after a 4-year battle with cancer.

Her family made a statement, regarding Nightbirde’s death, saying, “Those who knew her, enjoyed

life, it only makes sense that she attended a Christian

her larger-than-life personality and sense of humor.

college, Liberty University, which is located in Lynch-

She had a witty joke for every occasion — even if the

burg, Virginia. Throughout her college experience,

joke was on her. Her lasting legacy will be the gift

she developed and strengthened her love of music

of hope she gave to so many through her music and

and performing. She would perform in local venues

the strength she found in Jesus.”

around campus, in addition to leading the worship

Shortly after her performance of “It’s OK” aired

team at her own church.

to the public, it gained global popularity, reaching

In fall of 2015, Nightbirde married Jeremy Claudio,

2.1 million streams and 27 million views in no time,

whom she had a six-month engagement with. The

on YouTube alone.

marriage lasted about four years, until they divorced

Let’s take a journey to the past, dive into the roots of what spurred Jane to become Nightbirde.

towards the end of 2019.

In September of 2017, during her marriage and the

Nightbirde was born on Monday, December 13, 1990

start of her musical career, Marczewksi was diagnosed

in Zanesville, OH, which is a little over two hours

with stage 3 cancer. After the diagnosis, she had said,

away from Cleveland. She was born into a kind and

“There’s a lot of emotions that come with that — a

supportive family, consisting of her parents and six

cycle of grief. But going through that, being dangled

siblings. She was incredibly close to her entire family,

over a cliff in that way, gives you a lot of perspective

especially her brother Mitch. After Nightbirde was

on how important it is to do the thing that you love

diagnosed with cancer, her siblings also shaved their

and feel like you were made to do here on the planet.

heads in support of her.

It gives you a lot more courage to take risks.”

She was also a passionate Christian and found

She encouraged people to live in the moment — to

peace and joy in her faith. Through her trials and

make the most of life. The most important reminder

medical interventions, she still shared her faith

she gives is that our time is limited, saying, “I just

with those around her. She was always excited to tell

stopped caring as much about making something

those around her about Jesus. In an Instagram post,

perfect, and I just wanted to make something for

Nightbirde admitted that her circumstances were

the joy of making it.”

confusing and sometimes frustrating, but her trust

In March of 2019, Nightbirde dropped her first

in God and His plans never wavered. She noted that

single called “Girl in a Bubble.” This song reflected

she was never ashamed of her faith and she knew

how she viewed her abnormal life in comparison to

that God loved her no matter the circumstances she

how others viewed their normal lives. In a way, she

was in. She said, “Life is complicated and friendship

felt disconnected from the world; she felt present

with God does not make it less complicated. But as

yet missing at the same time. This is also around the

I get older, I am realizing that I would not have it

same time that Marczewski chose her stage name. For

any other way.” When life became too stressful or

a few nights, she had dreamt about birds singing in

overbearing, she would pray to seek peace.

the dark. On one of these nights, she woke up to see

In the same post, Nightbirde said, “Still, sometimes

birds singing outside; she felt peaceful and hopeful.

life is too much to bear. Occasionally an extreme

She said, “I want to be that way, even when I am in

circumstance interjects itself into your life and your

the middle of a dark time and there are no signs that

‘live, laugh, love’ sign proves to be even more absurd

it will end; I want to be the bird that sings in antic-

than it normally does,” she continued, “forgive me if

ipation of the good things that I trust are coming.”

this offends you but I have a better friendship with

Nightbirde was a beautiful soul inside and out.

God because I remain soft hearted and tender toward

She gave the world the greatest gift possible: hope.

Him in a life where sometimes nothing makes sense.”

Since faith played such an important role in her

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 22

FEATURE

WRITTEN BY

ARTWORK BY

Lauren Koleszar

UnitoneVector

The upcoming alumni of Cleveland State’s School of Film and Media Arts see promise in the future of filmmaking– and they have much to offer.

S

tudents at the School of Film and Me-

to join the spotlight.

dia Arts are as multi-talented and di-

Not many people are as determined as Valerie

verse as they come, and the class of 2022

Garrett, who started her own production business

is marked by their unabashed pursuit

at only eighteen, and has had enormous success

of the reasons they love filmmaking.

throughout her college career working as a freelance

Among budding directors, screenwriters, editors, and

videographer and lead cinematographer for Flex

cinematographers, there are too many accomplished

Media. She especially loves creating video content

and promising students to describe. Each upcoming

for local businesses, driven by her business motto,

graduate has spent the last two semesters working on

“Creating content with a passion.” When stepping

thesis projects, completing internships, and offer-

onto set, Valerie brings not only great skill and

ing their skills and projects to the world. As the film

experience, but incredible enthusiasm and positivity.

scene continues to brighten back to life in Cleveland,

She lends her time to both commercial and student

there are many names to keep an eye on that are sure

films, and the Cleveland film scene no doubt holds a

23 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

place for her upon graduation.

Fellow seniors Brian Lachoski, Patrick Grealis and Sarah Bene recently produced a short film with Valerie called “Man in the Box” that received the high honor of being selected for the Cleveland International Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying festival making its return to an in-person show for the 2022 season.

Patrick is a screenwriter with sharp intuition for

These students have taken a passionate hold of filmmaking and made it into something meaningful for each of them and their stories.

comedy,

and

brimming

his

with

script

potential

became a hilarious reality

school, Davis is finishing his degree with a minor in

when brought to life by

Graphic Design, which he has used in many of his

an

and

films, including more than a handful that have been

five-minute

consistently featured in the student showcase. He

short tells an entertaining

serves as the president of the American Institute of

story with a cynical twist

Graphic Arts (AIGA) at the arts school and has made

about an “aspiring mime

heartful efforts to build connections between the film

who struggles to entertain

and arts schools and their students at CSU.

all-student

crew.

The

cast

people in a world where

Speaking of the arts, Abby MacDowell and Carlie

everybody hates mimes.” Brian cast a team of CSU

Wotton have reopened a door to the past and begun

actors and expertly directed the film, which relies

creating and working with celluloid film. Both Abby

heavily on actor movement and mise-en-scene. The

and Carlie created experimental documentaries shot

film’s success with an audience starts and ends with

on film for their senior thesis projects, for a while

Sarah, whose gift at producing shines on every set

each not knowing the other was doing something so

put into her hands. Sarah’s ability to quickly and

similar. In her film, Abby tells the story of her late

efficiently organize tasks, bring warmth to any new

grandmother’s life in the 50s using a voice recording

environment, and manage all sorts of communication

of her grandmother narrating old photographs. She

makes her an invaluable strength to any project.

recreated the scenes on a 16mm Bolex camera with

The film was edited by Davis Chu, who is as talented

actors from the film school. The result is a stunningly

and ambitious a filmmaker you’ll ever meet. Davis

sentimental tribute to her grandmother that is sure to

has been reaching for the stars since his first year at

awe audiences once complete. Carlie’s thesis project

the film school, and his accomplishments have grown

is in a similar style to Abby’s, but has a groovy new

year after year. He specializes in acting and editing,

flavor as she tells the story of her uncle who grew

and his senior thesis project has taken the form of

up in the hippie culture of the 70s. Using interview

a half-hour comedy special, with intertwining skits

footage with her uncle and recreated footage on a

and bits about the existential terror of growing up,

vintage Super8 camera, Carlie’s film is a psychedelic

all parts played by Davis himself. Beyond the film

homage to her love for the 70s, fittingly titled “Far Out,” complete with a trippy dance sequence. Both Abby and Carlie are now completing internships with Robert Banks, a world-renowned experimental filmmaker based in Cleveland dedicated to working with physical film and preserving its legacy.

These students have taken a passionate hold of filmmaking and made it into something meaningful for each of them and their stories. After four years of classes and film projects, all of the graduating seniors at the film school have learned how to share their voices through film to entertain, provoke and inspire audiences. Before you know it, these names and many more from CSU will be in the spotlight for the Cleveland filmmaking industry — and beyond.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 24

FASHION & WELLNESS

recipes for spring & Here are some of my personal favorite recipes for spring and summer. All of these use few dishes while being both affordable on a college budget and easy to make!

WRITTEN BY

Abigail Jarvis

Syd's Simple Summer Pasta A hometown favorite of mine, my friend Sydney likes to make this for all of our friends.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Jillian VanDyke

Ingredients:

Angel Hair Pasta 1 Avocado Olive Oil (for cooking garlic) 3-4 Cloves of Garlic Basil, finely chopped 16 oz. of Cherry Tomatoes halved Salt & Pepper to taste Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta in water (follow box instructions).

2. While you’re making pasta, brown the garlic in olive oil on low to medium heat.

3. Once the garlic is browned turn the heat to a simmer, or off if you need more time to cook your pasta.

4. Put tomatoes and avocado in the garlic and olive oil mixture.

5. Finish by putting finely chopped basil in the tomato-avocado-garlic-olive oil mixture.

Put the pasta in your large bowl, and add the tomato-

avocado-garlic-olive oil mixture on top.

6. Salt & Pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Notes:

-The proportions of this are really easy to adjust. Read box instructions for pasta, adjust produce from there.

-For extra bougie cherry tomatoes, halve them. Then lightly fry them in some of your remaining olive oil on the stove.

-Parmesan, mozzarella, or any grated cheese of your choice would be awesome on top.

-Use leftover cheese and tomatoes in omelets.

-Would be a yummy side dish next to chicken or fish!

Sweet and Sour Tofu Recipe (Vegan)

By Jessica Hylton This recipe is from jessicainthekitchen.com with permission from Jessica Hylton. Jessica specializes in food blogging and vegan recipes. To learn how to press tofu, get more recipes, and to find nutrition information, visit Jessica’s website. I am looking forward to trying this vegan dish this summer!

Ingredients: Crispy Tofu

1 16 ounce block of firm or extra firm tofu pressed, and torn into 1 to 2 inch pieces* 1 tablespoon soy sauce gluten free if needed, or liquid aminos or tamari 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/3 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup oil for frying Sweet and Sour Sauce: 1/2 cup sugar I use cane sugar, you can use brown or any granulated

25 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

summer 1/4 cup ketchup

7. Remove from heat and top with sesame seeds and

1/4 cup vinegar preferably rice or white

chopped scallions. Serve and enjoy!

1/4 cup water 1 tablespoon soy sauce gluten free if needed, or liquid aminos or tamari 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Peach Lemonade I made this last summer and haven’t stopped thinking

1 medium bell pepper, chopped

about it since! You can make this drink just as is, make it

1/2 cup chopped/cubed pineapple

into homemade Arnold Palmer, or use it as a base

1/2 medium red onion chopped

for a cocktail.

1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish Ingredients:

-4 Cups of water (divided) Instructions

-2 Medium Peaches

“

1. In a medium-sized bowl, place the pressed and

- 1 Cup of Sugar

torn tofu pieces.

-¾ Cup of lemon juice (ideally fresh squeezed,

2. Add the soy sauce and toss to coat.

but bottled is fine!)

3. Add in the garlic powder, sea salt, ground black pepper and cornstarch and toss to thoroughly combine, ensuring all the tofu pieces are covered with the

Instructions:

1. Start by bringing 2 cups of water, the chopped

seasonings and the cornstarch.

peaches, and sugar to a boil.

4. Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat, and

2. Reduce the heat, cover pot with lid and simmer

add the oil.

for 5 to 8 minutes or until the peaches are tender.

5. When hot, add the tofu and toss to crisp up on all

3. Remove from heat when peaches are soft.

sides until the tofu is cooked and crisped on all sides,

Cool and strain the simple syrup you’ve created

about 5 to 8 minutes.

from the soft peaches.

6. Feel free to do this in batches if desired. Remove

4. In a large pitcher combine the peach simple

tofu pieces and set aside.

syrup, lemon juice and last 2 cups of water.

Sweet and Sour Sauce + Putting it All Together

5. Adjust lemon juice and sugar to personal

1. In the same pan, lower the heat to over medium-

preference. Ser ve over ice, or chill for two

high heat, and add in the onions, pineapples and

hours to enjoy.

I made this last summer and haven't stopped thinking

“

chopped scallion for garnish

abotu it since!

bell peppers.

2. Saute until the onions are translucent and the pineapples are slightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Notes:

-Mix with plain black tea, peach black tea, or peach-

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar,

ginger black tea to make your own peach Arnold

ketchup, vinegar, water, soy sauce, and garlic powder

Palmer. For every 8 oz of lemonade, use one black

for the sweet and sour sauce and stir together until

tea bag.

fully combined.

-For an extra strong lemonade, zest your lemons and

4. Pour in the sauce over the veggies.

stir into the mix.

5. Add back in the crisped up tofu, and stir to combine.

-Serve your sugary peach chunks over vanilla ice

6. Bring to a slight boil, then reduce to a simmer for

cream for an extra summer treat.

about 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened up. 7.

Taste test and add more sugar or soy sauce if you desire.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 26

FASHION & WELLNESS

WRITTEN BY

gas and electrical heating were utilized — created a

Halle Elder

lot of soot and grime that would coat surfaces in old homes. These families would scrub and wash their

ILLUSTRATIONS BY

homes as soon as the heating was no longer needed.

Hannah Mosley

This practice is by far the most pressing reason

T

he snow has begun to melt away, the trees are regaining their green hues, and the flowers are blooming. The world around us becomes full of life as the days grow longer

and we see more and more of the sun’s rays. These are all signs that spring has finally arrived. After a long winter full of cold temperatures, chilling winds and heavy snowfalls, many of us are ready to embrace Spring with open arms. As springtime approaches us here in Northeast Ohio, the common concept of spring cleaning begins to be heard time and time again. It is such a common practice in our society today that many of us don’t question its reasoning or origins. However, there is actually an abundance of history, culture, religion, and psychology involved in this simple idea of cleaning when spring arrives.

Practical History: Cleaning is not a practice particular to spring (if this is the case, I would strongly suggest realigning your practices). However, spring cleaning in particular is an idea that just about everyone I know either knows about, or actively takes part in. The origins of this term stem mostly from a time where cleaning in the spring was necessary for practical reasons. In the early 1800s, people would deep clean their homes once winter let up to rid their living spaces of the soot that came from the heating sources used during that time period. Kerosene lamps, coal or wood fireplaces, and various other heat sources — before

27 | VINDICATOR

behind the lasting practice of spring cleaning. It was passed down through generations, as it was a yearly practice that the entire family would partake in. While this practice is not as necessary as it was in the past, the idea of cleaning your household after the winter months is still a healthy practice; by removing the dust that accumulated throughout winter, you'll improve the air quality in your home.

The Cultural and Religious Implication Another reason behind the widespread participation of spring cleaning is the cultural and religious connections to springtime and renewal. In Jewish tradition, prior to Passover, which occurs in either March or April, it is common to partake in a general cleaning of the home to remove any trace of yeast from the area. Similarly, the Christian faith often indicates a cleaning of the home in preparation for Lent. Iranian culture has a connection to spring cleaning as well, as the Persian New Year occurs on the first day of spring. During this time, it is tradition to thoroughly clean one’s home in a practice termed khooneh takouni, which can be translated to “shaking of the house.” Another practice is rooted in Chinese culture, as Chinese people clean their homes on the day before their Spring Festival, with the goal of ridding their spaces of bad luck in order to allow more space for good fortune to come into their lives. These cultural practices come from all over the world, and yet they all fit the mold of spring cleaning, which goes to show that this practice is widespread.

SPRING 2022

our environment, mental health often is improved significantly. A clean, clutter-free environment

The Psychological and Biological Basis: Despite cleaning,

the

deep

not

history

everyone

surrounding who

spring

participates

in

leads to increased rates of productivity, better mood and self-esteem and a clearer mind.

this practice does so for the reasons previously

Spring cleaning has a deep and involved history and

discussed. The old historical reasoning is long

reaps many benefits. With that being said, I am now

past necessary, and there are many who are not

ready to begin my own spring cleaning and embrace

mewwmbers of cultural and religious groups

the new beginnings of spring, and I hope you are too!

with similar practices. However, there are some psychological connections between spring and a desire to clean. “Out with the old, in with the new”: This well-known quote is a great representation of the general idea surrounding spring cleaning. is coming alive again and the nicer weather comes with a feeling of refreshment. Many feel heightened levels of motivation that take hold in the spring, which makes cleaning easier, and cleaning, in turn, creates even more motivation. There is actual biological reasoning to the renewed feeling that arrives with spring. During the winter months, the cold weather and lack of sunlight make our bodies produce higher levels of melatonin, which makes us feel sleepy and unproductive. When spring arrives with more sun and longer days, the production of melatonin slows and gives us a burst of energy. This burst of energy can manifest as spring cleaning, which represents the desire to leave winter in the past and move into the new season with a fresh start and clean home.

The Benefits: Spring cleaning is by no means a fruitless effort.

There are endless benefits to this tradition. The action of cleaning itself gets us up and moving after the rest period that is often taken during the winter

“

A clean, clutterfree environment leads to increased rates of productivity, better mood and self-esteem and a

“

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal: the earth

clearer mind.

months. It motivates us to get our bodies moving which can be a catalyst for an increase in activity for the warmer months. Cleaning also often means a healthy living environment with heightened air quality and a more welcoming space. All of these are great benefits of spring cleaning, but one of the most significant benefits is the action of decluttering.

Decluttering is often one in the same as the tradition of spring cleaning in the modern notion. Physical clutter often has a direct connection to mental clutter; when we remove the physical clutter from

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 28

FASHION & WELLNESS

BREATHING EASY WRITTEN BY

Samra Karamustafic ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Hannah Mosley

Discover the stress-relieving power of your breath and how you can utilize it anytime, anywhere.

W

nervous system.

The amygdala, a walnut-shaped structure located behind both of our ears, handles our emotions and is responsible for triggering any signals of fear in the brain. The amygdala interacts with the

hen it comes to stress relief, your breath is

hippocampus (a structure that plays a major role in

regularly touted as an incredibly powerful,

memory and learning) and together they connect an

no-fail remedy to a raised heart rate,

emotion to an event, which then leads to the release

sweaty palms and overall tension.

Think about it: breathing is at the core of nearly all mindfulness practices, from yoga to meditation. In fact,

of stress hormones. As the brain pumps out these stress hormones, your sympathetic nervous system then triggers the fight-or-flight response.

it’s safe to say that if you were to go on Pinterest right

This response isn’t a bad thing — in fact, it’s

now and search up “mindfulness quotes,” there would

played a primary role in keeping our ancestors

be at least one or two quotes that have to do with the

alive whenever they stumbled across an apex

power of your breath.

predator while on their morning walk. The issue is

So is it overhyped, or is breathing just that effective?

that, as Foran specifies, sometimes our amygdala

By the title of this article, you probably already know

can become a bit overactive and think that you’re

the answer to this question (yes, it is!), but there are a

in danger when you’re actually not. Additionally,

few reasons why.

the amygdala can also trigger the release of stress

Let’s first begin with what happens in our brains when we experience anxiety.

hormones long after a stressful event occurred.

And because the amygdala is one of many

In her book “Own It: Make Your Anxiety Work For

memory systems in the brain, it can sometimes

You,” author Caroline Foran does a fantastic job of

even trigger negative feelings and memories when

explaining what happens in our brains when we feel

you encounter something in the present day that is

stressed or anxious. She notes that there are four key

in any way similar to a traumatic or stressful event

players when it comes to this process: the amygdala,

from your past.

the hippocampus, stress hormones and the sympathetic

This is where our breath comes in to help us alleviate these stress reactions.

Breathing has a much more significant effect on our body’s stress response than you may think. In fact, according to UW Medicine, you can induce a state of panic by taking in short and shallow breaths

29 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

from your chest (however, please don’t try that!).

Alternatively, breathing can calm you down if you’re feeling tense, stressed or anxious. This is

right nostril for three seconds.

Repeat this cycle 5-10 times, or as much as needed, with your eyes closed.

because breathing — primarily deep breathing —

“

can “help quiet your sympathetic nervous system,”

4-7-8 Breathing

as UW Medicine states. By quieting your sympathetic

Another highly touted breathing technique is “4-7-8

nervous system, you’re therefore reducing those

Breathing,” developed by Dr. Andrew Weil. Besides

feelings of stress and anxiety from the fight-or-

reducing stress and anxiety, Medical News Today

flight response.

notes that the 4-7-8 Breathing technique can also

Using your breath as relief is not only free, but you can do it anywhere — whether that’s in your car,

Belly

help you fall asleep, manage cravings, and even help control or reduce anger.

during a yoga class or at the supermarket. If you ever

breathing and the fightor-flight response cannot

find yourself going through a stressful situation,

HOW-TO:

or you feel as though you simply need to take a

As the name suggests, this technique consists of

(literal) breather, check out these effective breathing

breathwork falling alongside a count of four, seven,

techniques that you can try anywhere, anytime!

and eight.

First, relax in a comfortable position (either seated

Disclaimer: The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute

or laying down).

for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of

Inhale through your nose for a count of four.

your doctor or another health provider with any questions you may have

Hold your breath for a count of seven.

regarding mental health.

Exhale through your mouth (making a “whooshing” sound) for a count of eight.

Both Healthline and WebMD suggest practicing this

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

coexist,

known

technique for a total of four cycles when starting out,

as “alternate nostril breathing,” is a simple yet

while gradually working your way up to eight cycles.

Nadi

which is what makes it such a useful tool to quickly

Shodhana

Pranayama,

commonly

effective breathing technique that, according to the Chopra Center, can “restore balance and ease in the

Belly Breathing

mind and body.” A breathing technique commonly

The third breathing technique is belly breathing,

used to control rhythm in yogic practices, alternate

more formally known as diaphragmatic breathing.

nostril breathing can also quiet the mind, alleviate

This breathing technique is especially useful in

your body’s stress response and regulate the nervous

alleviating stress and anxiety due to, as PBS notes,

system.

its ability to reduce our heart rate and trigger a relaxation response. When breathing normally,

alleviate any

HOW-TO:

only your chest cavity expands. The breath gets

tension or

Sit in a comfortable seat, making sure that you’re

even shallower if your body enters fight-or-flight

sitting up tall and not slouching

mode due to a stressor. However, as Medical Today

Taking your right hand, place the pointer and middle

points out, belly breathing not only engages both the

fingers between your eyebrows. Keep in mind that

chest cavity and diaphragm (the large muscle in our

the ring finger and thumb will be used throughout

abdomen), but it increases our lungs’ efficacy. The

this exercise.

best part? Belly breathing and the fight-or-flight

Take a deep breath in and out through your nose

response cannot coexist, which is what makes it

Close your right nostril with your right thumb and

such a useful tool to quickly alleviate any tension or

inhale through the left nostril for three seconds.

anxiety.

anxiety.

Don’t exhale just yet; take your thumb off your right nostril then close the left nostril with your right ring finger Slowly exhale through the right nostril, pausing briefly at the end of the exhalation.

Keeping your left nostril closed, inhale through the

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 30

“

FASHION & WELLNESS

CRASH COURSE ON IMMUNITY & THE

VACCINE

WRITTEN BY

ILLUSTRATIONS BY

Abigail Preiszig

Emma Splete

came to this stuff.

“My niece — after we had our nice long conversation — she went the next day and got her vaccine.

A conversation with Dr. Shamone Gore Panter on the COVID-19 vaccine and why people are still hesitant to get it

That was huge to me.”

Others aren’t so amenable.

“I don’t feel I need it,” said Rachel Altman, 21, a student at Kent State. “I have some immunity from having COVID already. The vaccine is pretty new and

L

ast May, Dr. Shamone Gore Panter re-

it. Control as in controlling what people do and the

ceived a call from her niece who was be-

choices we make for ourselves.”

ing pressured to get the COVID-19 vac-

“I feel like if you have to be forced, pressured, rid-

cine by her husband’s father. She was a

iculed, bullied, mandated, etc. in order to gain your

new mom and felt fearful of the new-

compliance, the product being promoted is probably

ness of the vaccine and things she had read online “Will it go to the baby?” Dr. Gore Panter recalled

her asking.

not in your best interest,” Altman continued to clarify that she is not “anti-vax, just anti-COVID vaccine.”

“Personally, I don’t think I’ll ever get it. They

“I understand the fear because this was fast,” Dr.

would have to have significant peer-reviewed re-

Gore Panter said. “If you’re not in science at all this

search, it would have to be tested over many years,

was like, ‘Whoa, yesterday we had nothing, and today

and I would have to be in a health situation where

we got all of this stuff?’”

it was necessary.”

Dr. Gore Panter has been an assistant college

Despite assurances from the CDC and other med-

lecturer in the Department of Biological, Geologi-

ical professionals, public health campaigns and the

cal and Environmental Sciences at Cleveland State

free and accessible vaccine, Altman is one of many

University since 2014, the same year she received

Americans who don’t want to be vaccinated.

her Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from Case Western

The COVID-19 vaccine is a messenger RNA (or mRNA)

Reserve University. She has also been a research

vaccine, meaning that it does not contain any piece

scholar, focusing on cardiovascular genetics, at the

of the virus, but rather a code to allow your cells to

Cleveland Clinic since 2005.

replicate a “spike protein” found on the surface of

Her niece knew she could trust her aunt when it 31 | VINDICATOR

I don’t support the movements of control behind

the coronavirus. The mRNA eventually goes away,

SPRING 2022

Gore Panter said. “That wasn’t quite the case here. It

specific to the “spike protein” of the COVID-19 virus,

was a lot more working together. That was a really,

according to the CDC and Dr. Gore Panter.

really, REALLY good thing to see. So many of these

“mRNA is kinda like the middleman between what your DNA says and what your body makes,” Dr. Gore

companies were willing to work together to get this figured out.”

Panter said. “DNA and protein don’t talk to each

They needed to figure out what sequence of the

other. They need something like a translator, so the

virus to use, what liquid would carry the mRNA into

translator is someone who speaks both languages.

your arm, what temperature the vaccine needed to

The mRNA speaks both languages — it takes what

be kept or injected at, how to mass produce it and

the DNA wants to be made and sends it so that now

much more.

you can get a protein that makes it.”

“And it’s not like it stopped,” Dr. Gore Panter said.

The mRNA carries the message from the DNA out of

“Unfortunately, the virus is still here. The numbers

the nucleus of the cell and into the cytoplasm where

have gone down considerably, but all it takes is an-

it pairs up with ribosomes to make the protein. The

other variant that this [vaccine] doesn’t recognize.”

COVID-19 vaccine never needs to go into the nucleus

In a push to get people vaccinated, some employers,

of the cell and thus does not come in contact with

restaurants and public venues throughout the U.S.

the DNA.

have begun requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccines.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not the first mRNA vaccine to be produced, but it is the first FDA-approved mRNA

This has caused tension among those choosing not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

vaccine to be produced on such a large scale in the

As Altman stated, government control is a concern

United States. This mRNA technology was discovered

for those unwilling to get vaccinated, yet this control

in the early 60s and continued to be developed for

is nothing new. K-12 students in the state of Ohio are

years. It has even been used against the Ebola virus

required to get at least 6 different vaccines in order

and rabies, according to an article by John Hopkins

to attend public school.

Bloomberg School of Public Health.

23, 2022, the CDC reports that about 75% of adults 18 and older are fully

vaccinated.

But because the COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively

The COVID-19 vaccine was developed so quickly

new and the virus has become so highly politicized,

because the government provided a lot of funding,

some Americans are still understandably uncertain

allowing for better resources, more people and faster

about getting vaccinated. It seems that for now, ed-

turnaround time. The COVID vaccine development

ucation — not force — is the best route to take when

also saw a sharing of resources that is not typically

it comes to persuading people to get the COVID-19

seen between companies.

vaccine.

“Everybody wants to beat everybody out,” Dr.

“

As of March

“

but leaves the body knowing how to create antibodies

“That’s the bigger problem,” Dr. Gore Panter said.

“This was made political. Health is not political.

Science is not political. Viruses aren’t Democratic or Republican. They don’t care.”

When encouraging loved ones and peers to get the COVID-19 vaccine, it is best to approach the situation with care. Telling people what to do generates even more stubbornness; instead, give them the educational tools they need to make their own decision,s Dr. Gore Panter suggests.

“Just getting people education really helps a lot,” Dr. Gore Panter said ,“but they have to be willing to come to the table too.”

Even when having the conversation with her niece, Dr. Gore Panter never pressured her to get vaccinated.

“I answered her questions, and that was it,” Dr. Gore Panter said, “and she made the decision based off of what she learned.”

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 32

SOCIAL

“YOU’RE NOT FOOLING ANYONE” Pasta Grows on Trees

WRITTEN BY

Andrea Brazis

“Only pasta grows on trees, not money; this is no longer worth the read.”

This headline captured audiences from across the

Harlan Sands isn’t bald.

H

world and became known as the Number 1 April Fools’ Hoax of all time, according to CNN. This hoax took place in Switzerland, in the small town of Ticino. An

i there, Case Western students!

Everyone loves a good joke or prank from time to time. However, once a year, we Americans take pranking to another level.

April Fool’s Day is an annual holiday that takes

place on April 1st every year. This day is dedicated to carrying out practical jokes and hoaxes on people, typically friends or family. The execution of a joke is generally followed with the tag, “April Fools!” April Fools Day jokes can range from anything as simple as vinegar on a toothbrush to large-scale pranks like putting someone’s mattress in a pool (whether they’re on it or not).

The origin of April Fools Day dates 30 years back, to our Canadian-bordering neighbor, Alaska. At this time, the people in the city of Sitka believed their dormant volcano was going to erupt. Sitka went into a panic as black smoke filled the air; they even notified the National Coast Guard to assist them in evacuating the city. The Coast Guard did a quick flyby of the volcano, and instead of finding themselves atop a brimming, active volcano, they saw burning tires forming the words “April Fool.”

Something about these pranks creates a sense of excitement for the person playing the joke. Over the years we’ve tried every hoax in the book; some of these have been private in-house among friends and family, while others have been taken internationally and publicly. Today, let’s look at some of the best (and worst) April Fools Day jokes of all time.

article by CNN features a video of farmers removing pieces of spaghetti off trees. The video is presented in a nonfictional way, explaining the ideas of spaghetti plantations and harvesting pasta.

The video explains the process of spaghetti plant production, along with details on how pasta is dried and prepared. To us, the idea of spaghetti growing on trees is outrageous; we find it fantastical and unrealistic. Keep in mind, this hoax was pulled off in the 1950s.

The influence of the media has always been strong; outrageous news headlines have often flooded our media. However, many people believed this hoax simply because they trusted the media. This was a time when the media had been more accurate, more reliable. Sources around this time tended to be more credible than we might think.

Nowadays, in our skeptical world, we often distrust the media. Fake media has slowly become a more prominent part of our world. Except now we are able to search the web and seek out credible sources to back up information given to us. In the 1950s, technology was different, and most people relied on what the media told them because they had no way of citing the information.

Toilet Paper Shortage FYI: this hoax occurred in 1973, not 2020. Ironic though, right?

American TV host and comedian Johnny Carson created mass panic when he made a joke about an upcoming toilet paper shortage during his bit on

33 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

“The Tonight Show.” People were unaware that his

Psychologically Exploring

comment was comedic, and it resulted in a nation-

So why DO people make jokes? Why do they prank

wide toilet paper purchase spree. Unsurprisingly, the

people? Why is deceiving other people so enjoyable

chaotic buying of toilet paper only reinforced the

that we created a holiday for it?

legitimacy of the shortage. Additionally, a Republican

Believe it or not, there’s scientific and psychological

Congressman sent out a public press release, further

evidence that explains why we react this way to jokes.

legitimizing the shortage.

As the saying goes, “laughter is the best medicine.”

Although no one was directly harmed from this hoax,

When someone laughs, a certain level of happiness

our country couldn’t afford to experience shortages

is released in the body, increasing oxytocin levels

of any kind, as this was in the middle of an extreme

and endorphins. Laughter is something that con-

economic recession. Convincing the public of the

nects every single person in the world; it’s pure and

falsity of the hoax took time and evidence that was

innocent. It doesn’t require skill or work.

difficult to find (again, shortages were starting to

However, there’s a fine line between a joke and

emerge because of the scare, but this wasn’t initially

self-pleasured social aggression. A lot of people use

an actual threat).

jokes and humor as a coping or defense mechanism,

Let’s just say, after this incident, TV personalities

and sometimes this can be mentally destructive. Be

have learned to better phrase their public and co-

aware of your audience before expressing a joke or

medic comments.

playing a prank. Even jokes can have negative ele-

(This apparently doesn’t apply to Trump.)

ments, so make sure to think and act kindly.

Taco Liberty Bell

underrated holidays. It allows parties to let loose and

Taco Bell: every young person’s favorite 2 a.m. hotspot.

enjoy some good-old-fashioned jokes with minimal

On April 1, 1996, an article was published stating that

discomfort. The joy created by a joke is untouchable;

Taco Bell had bought the Liberty Bell. The published

it’s the warm fuzzy feeling in our heart that makes

article can be found on The Museum of Hoaxes. To

our day a little brighter, our week a little livelier and

summarize, the article stated that Taco Bell decided

our life a little happier.

April Fool’s Day is easily one of the best and most

to purchase the Liberty Bell and it would furthermore This press release shocked the public, stirring up frenzy and panic. Citizens were calling the Taco Bell Headquarters and the National Park Service in Philadelphia to confirm if the purchase was legitimate.

Following the announcement, the National Park Service in Philadelphia arranged a news conference to inform the public that the Liberty Bell had not been sold, nor was it up for sale.

By noon of April 1, Taco Bell formed a press release confessing the buying of Liberty Bell to be a hoax, calling it, “The Best Joke of the Day.” Following this hoax, the company announced their donation of $50,000 to assist in the upkeep of the bell.

While this hoax seemed harmless and comical to most, some critics and public figures were not amused. One individual said: “To appropriate one of the cherished symbols of our national heritage and use it as part of some cheap, thoughtless advertising ploy is totally disgusting.”

This hoax had no mal intent, according to sources; however, the usage of the Liberty Bell, to some, felt like a breach of American pride. A variety of conversations between the Taco Bell spokesman Jonathan Blum and other critics landed with no clear conclusion. Blum said that he believed the hoax to have no harmful intention and that it would likely generate more attention and popularity to the bell.

What do you think? Was this hoax a violation of American pride? Or was it simply a harmless gag?

“

The origin of April Fools Day dates 30 years back, to our Canadianbordering neighbor, Alaska

“

be called the “Taco Liberty Bell.”

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 34

SOCIAL

YOU’RE NOT A GIRLBOSS, YOU’RE A WRITTEN BY

DESIGNED BY

Kristina Markulin

Brandon Breznai

Selling a success story fantasy, one article at a time. their own grit and determination. But the heel-turn

whether it be on news sites, your Face-

comes with the inevitable reveal of an affluent family.

book feed, the Twitter trending page, or

And again, that’s great for them. However, the fact of

maybe even your TikTok For You page.

the matter is this is not the norm, but an exception.

Young 20-somethings living a life of in-

Some college students are lucky enough to have no

dependence and luxury, reaping the rewards of the

debt, but most aren’t. Very few people can become a

endless college grind and hustling on the side to save

homeowner. Some can rent an apartment, most

enough money to afford their now successful life-

can’t. College is so expensive and rent is so high

style. It’s meant to inspire you, to grab your boots

that for many people, full financial freedom is

and strap them tight, and work until you can afford it.

more of a pipe dream than a reality. For most

Then you read the fine print.

millennials, college meant taking on mountains

At some point, these articles, think pieces, blogs

and mountains of debt that keeps growing over

and vlogs, etc., confirm what is probably inferred.

time due to ridiculously high interest rates. It’s

These young 20-somethings can afford their own

working long hours at a minimum wage job to pay

home or a high-tech apartment with no college debt

for college while still living at home to save money

because their family helped them in some way —

on necessities, but sacrificing independence. But for

usually financially. It’s such a common occurrence

the lucky few whose families have enough saved

that memes even circulate on Twitter whenever one

up, they can avoid this entirely. It rings hollow

of these articles is dropped.=

when these articles preach hard work, but know

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with getting help from your family. If your parents or grandparents

that hard work alone didn’t get their subjects to financial independence.

are well-off or have something saved for your college

And for full disclosure, as of yet I don’t have any

fund, there is no shame in that, and you should ac-

college debt (although I probably won’t be living

cept their help. College is incredibly expensive, and

in The Lumen anytime soon). However, I still feel

in general, if there’s any assistance you could take

inclined to speak on this issue. Graduating debt-free

to help you graduate with as little debt as possible,

should not be determined by how much income your

then you should take it.

parents made, or how your grandparents invested,

However, what irks me about these articles the most

or knowing high-ranking people at high-ranking

isn’t necessarily the events told within the margins,

places. It should be a universal experience felt

but the tone and language used to describe them. If

by everyone, regardless of socioeconomic class.

you’re privileged enough to afford a home fresh out

The idea that “poor people just need to work harder

of college, then good for you — I’m glad you’re one of the lucky few who avoided debt and have ample savings. But these articles are written with a “by your bootstraps” mentality, ignoring the privilege of the people whose stories are being told in favor of a meritocracy fantasy.

So many times when these articles are written, it’s framed as if the subject of the piece got there by 35 | VINDICATOR

“

Graduating debt-free should not be determined by how much income your parents made, or how your grandparents invested, or knowing high-ranking people at high places.

“

Y

ou see them pop up from time to time,

SPRING 2022

to pay for everything” is asinine, not to mention

norm, and we’re all living in it.

classist. It assumes the barrier to higher education

However, it is irresponsible and possibly danger-

is fixed and cannot be changed, but that isn’t true.

ous for the rich, the well-off and the blue bloods to

There are real, tangible changes we as a society can

outright deny or ignore this issue and insist their

make to alleviate the stress of higher education on

lifestyle is achieved through the “sigma grindset” or

younger people.

whatever. Make your think pieces, write your blogs,

Loan forgiveness is floating around as a solution.

make your self-help TikToks. But the least you can

As of writing this article, student loan payments are

do for your audience is be honest with the source of

still frozen as a pandemic relief measure, and the

your wealth.

higher education infrastructure hasn’t collapsed. I’m

And remember, the next time you see one of those

nowhere near an economist or a politician, but there

articles, keep in mind that you’re not reading about

has to be something there that we can do as a nation.

a girlboss — you’re reading about a trust fund baby.

There is an entire generation crushed by the weight of college debt, living in a country where wages are low and the cost of housing keeps increasing. Forgiving student debt (or at least federal loans) would work in alleviating this financial burden and giving more people a higher quality of life.

However, this issue, like many, is systemic. To truly fix this, the country would need to make huge leaps to make college more affordable. Whether that be increasing wages, putting caps on college tuition, regulating college loans, making community colleges free, or something else entirely, something has to be done. It’s bad enough that one generation was financially neutered by college. To have this become standard for all generations would be downright cruel.

All this is to say, don’t feel ashamed for having student loans or for being financially dependent on your parents or caretakers. And don’t feel ashamed for not being financially independent at 23. Having no college debt isn’t a guaranteed road to freedom. Even some of us with no college debt are still financially dependent on our parents, and with how the cost of living is rising, we don’t know when we’ll be able to break away. And as sad as it is, this is the new societal

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 36

SOCIAL

coffee shop

atmospheric WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY

Sound: Whether it be the morning news, a coffee vibes

Jillian VanDyke

playlist, or even live acoustic music, every space is

The importance of coffee shop atmospheres and a few of my favorite ones in Cleveland

C

different. The irony is a lot of people end up wearing headphones in any way, but the ambience involves more than just music. The grinding of beans, clinking of cups, and every other detail all play a role in the sense of hearing in the space.

reating an ideal atmosphere for custom-

Scent: The louring scent of fresh espresso grounds

ers requires focusing on six key factors:

or a scone in the oven helps the customer to decide what tone they want to set for their visit. The differ-

“

The overall brightness of the space differentiated

Design: The overall layout of the space

ence between cold brew and a hot latte day is all the

allows whoever is wandering on through to feel a sense

difference and is often made by the whiff of what I

of comfort with how they navigate the space. Feeling

smell when I walk in the door.

from each

Human Interaction: Such an important staff that

other.

The shop’s brand identity must also be apparent.

is a part of our society is a barista. The interaction Layout and Fixtures: The placement and texture of

they are able to have with someone before they have

countertops affects the customers’ experience of

their coffee makes all the difference and truly sets

grabbing their drink, while the furniture provides

the tone for the rest of their experience.

comfort for customers who will be in the space for hours.

Lighting: The overall brightness of the space differentiates a lot of places from each other. Some depend on huge windows while others want a dim moody effect. There is no right or wrong especially when it comes to this rule, because different spaces have different goals.

37 | VINDICATOR

“

comfortable knowing what to expect is important.

a lot of place

SPRING 2022

Lekko Coffee - Hingetown An upscale taste of interior design with minimal features. Someone who loves neutral tones and the combat of light blues and pink is sure to find this spot appealing.

Rising Star - Hingetown Newly renovated made for a space more inviting for those who want to come and stay a while. The cushioned green chairs and high ceilings make a small space feel so much larger.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 38

SOCIAL

Rising Star - Tremont This new location had opened in October of 2021, filling a loft’s space entryway. The elegant tile on the countertops, as well as the hidden nooks and conference room, make for perfect spots for a variety

COFFEE SHOP HONORABLE MENTIONS

of occasions.

Brewella’s Six Shooter Coffee Milk + Honey Loop Brewnuts Caffeine Propaganda Coffee

Goodkind Coffee - Lakewood A classic design with earth tones and marble tables that you can place your glass or mug upon. The oak bar and film photos filling the walls make you feel like you are escaping Cleveland on your morning coffee trip.

39 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

A wonderful spot for any lover of eclectic style, cold brew and plants galore. This space is attentive to color and maximalism. Colorful books and chunks of mirror fill the walls next to you.

“

The grinding of beans, clinking of cups, and every other detail all play a role in the sense of hearing in the space.

“

Coffee Coffee Coffee - Old Brooklyn

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 40

SOCIAL

21ST CENTURY

PYRAMID SCHEMES WRITTEN BY

ILLUSTRATION BY

Megan Mullaly

Jackie Branch

How multi-level marketing companies, especially Herbalife Nutrition, continue to thrive in the modern world

H

ave you ever girlbossed so hard that you found yourself craving a mega-tea from your local nutrition shop? Yeah, the one owned by a Pinterest Mom you’ve definitely never seen around town. Have you

ever stopped in because you were feeling like a good Samaritan that supports small businesses, only for the amateur salesperson behind the counter to say, “If you upgrade to a tea and a shake, you’ll get a dollar off!” Well, if this eerily specific situation sounds familiar, you may have fallen for one of the most prolific “pyramid” schemes to date — Herbalife Nutrition.

While Herbalife is not technically a pyramid scheme (because they are illegal in the United States), it is a multi-level marketing business (MLM), which closely resembles the outdated — and illegal — pyramid scheme model. According to Forbes, multi-level marketing is “a method of selling products directly to consumers using independent sales representatives.”

MLMs claim to provide these representatives with independence and financial freedom, but a closer look reveals how these claims are more than a little shady.

MLMs often market themselves to young women and stay-at-home moms looking to “take control of their lives.” They advertise heavily discounted rates

41 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

independence and wealth may have been too good

atmosphere, even though there is no apparent con-

to be true. MLM products are often priced relatively

nection between them. They sell mega-teas with no

high, which makes them difficult to sell to people

nutritional value and tempt customers into purchasing

outside of the close friends and family who take pity

$8 shakes, all while customers are oblivious to the

on you. If a representative is lucky enough to clear

fact that they are made with Herbalife products. While

out their inventory, they soon discover that they

some of these nutrition shops, such as Cleveland State’s

have to pay in order to obtain more products to sell.

very own Downtown Nutrition, are ways for Herbalife

In most circumstances, representatives find them-

representatives to sell their products, others market

selves sinking more money into the startup and

themselves as “Nutrition Clubs” where the main goal

product costs than they are able to recuperate through

is to recruit new representatives. Herbalife even has

sales. After discovering that selling their MLM

a 30-page Nutrition Club Guide that details how to

products is not as lucrative as they had hoped it to

attract new customers and grow your club — ahem,

be, many representatives become desperate and veer

recruit new representatives.

towards the only other way to make money through the MLM business model — recruitment.

While my disdain for Herbalife Nutrition and other MLMs may be obvious, I do my best to separate the

Was your mom ever invited to a Mary Kay party

company from those representing it. Most of these

thrown by the stay-at-home mom up the street?

representatives were drawn by promises of indepen-

How about a Pampered Chef party put on by the

dence and financial freedom, but wound up trapped

secretary of your elementary school’s PTA? Did she

in the never-ending money pit that are MLMs. The

come home with a 3-inch introductory binder and

exact numbers are unknown, but it is estimated that

a box of samples? Unfortunately, it is likely that she

most Herbalife Nutrition Clubs bring in around $2,000

was swindled into starting a small business of her

a month. This total does not account for any expenses

own.

the club has to pay, such as rent. Unfortunately for

Before social media, MLM consultants often threw parties to sell products and convince their guests

Herbalife representatives, this $2,000 is often less than what it costs to run their businesses.

to get involved. However, these party guests were

If you genuinely enjoy their products and don’t mind

unaware that their recruitment was the only way

paying the absurd prices associated with them, then

for their friend to recuperate their money lost to the

Downtown Nutrition and other Herbalife Nutrition

MLM overlords. Following the rise of social media,

Clubs may be the place for you. However, I caution

MLM representatives have been able to reach a

my fellow girlbosses to be aware of the warning signs

wider audience, which is why you’ve been receiving

and do extensive research before getting involved

so many Instagram DMs from your old high school

with multi-level marketing businesses, as they are

classmates saying, “Hey girly — let’s catch up! I have

often too good to be true.

an amazing new business opportunity for you!” They shifted from MLM parties with the few friends that have yet to unfriend them on Facebook to building a social media empire, complete with heart emojis and motivational quotes they stole from Pinterest.

While social media provided MLM representatives

For more information, I recommend watching “Betting on Zero,” a documentary on Herbalife Nutrition and their unsavory business practices.

with the avenue they’d been craving, it didn’t take afraid to comment on the parallels between pyramid schemes and MLMs when they were protected behind an internet profile. These comparisons spread quickly, as things often do through social media, and MLM businesses became the target of widespread criticism.

Many social media users became familiar with MLM companies, such as Arbonne and Scentsy, and were well aware of the warning signs associated with an MLM representative’s social media.

This awareness and mass criticism led representatives from one MLM company — Herbalife Nutrition — to shift from social media selling to brick-and-mortar stores. These nutrition shops have similar names, such as My Town Nutrition, and a generic girlboss

“

In most circumstances, representatives find themselves sinking more money into the startup and product costs than they are able to recuperate through sales.

“

long to bring on its own downfall. Many users weren’t

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 42

MY BALTO BALTO BLUES BLUES MY WRITTEN BY

Cameron Mays A reflection on my disappointment towards the Dog that saved Nome.

Byline: Cameron Mays

I

have never had a good relationship with animals.

the credit for the entire race.

This is not to say I don’t try. I make a great effort

After the fateful Serum Run, Balto went the route

to incorporate fauna in my life to no success.

of Norma Desmond. Going from critical acclaim in

Pygmy goats and sheep run to the opposite side

New York to being a washed-up LA has-been, Balto

of the barnyard at petting zoos. The parakeets and

was found in a roadside zoo by Cleveland businessman

parrots at local pet stores screech like banshees when

George Kimble, who organized a massive campaign to

I enter the premises. Dogs and cats at the local pounds

buy Balto and company and move them to Cleveland.

request not to get adopted for fear of getting adopted

Balto lived in the zoo for many years before dying and

by me. A giraffe attempted suicide after seeing me

being mounted. Much like Balto, Cleveland stepped

at the Drive Thru African Safari. Moses parted the

in at the last second and benefited for generations

sea, I part the normal social behaviors of animals.

with the remains of the dog.

This is why I am drawn to taxidermy. It is much

When deciding if Balto belongs in Cleveland, we

easier to have an amicable relationship with animals

must consider not what Cleveland has done for Balto,

when they are behind glass and do not have muscles.

but what Balto has done for Cleveland. He robbed our

On my various trips to nature centers and the Natural

forebears $2,000 during the Great Depression. He

History Museum, I have discovered not all taxidermy

mooched off the zoo for years. My disapproval for

is created equal. Specifically one mounted subject,

Balto runs deeper than that, born out of childhood

Balto. I am not against the mounted Balto for craft

disappointment, and I have some ideas to rectify

reasons, I am against the mounted Balto because I

Balto’s status in Cleveland. Check out my video to

am against Balto. Balto only came in at the last and

find out the cause of my disapproval, the ideas I have,

easiest leg of the Serum Run, yet was given much of

and more!

43 | VINDICATOR

PHOTO CREDIT GOOGLE IMAGES

SOCIAL

POETRY

breathe WRITTEN BY

Diondre Ward She can’t breathe is it cause of her 12 Page essay isn’t even in 6 page depth -Or cause Of her fathers death instead of inheriting His assets -she inherits his stress -Chest congestion in the dorm room -Wheezing cause Her academic probation will not be up soon -Shallow breathing cause she can’t let it out -Arrested by guilt by the family thinking she’s good -Getting to close to the light with them a assuming -The doors won’t open And she’s closetphobic -Where’s her feet -On top of the key -Small and circular and did I mention it’s labeled oxy -Supposedly suppose to ease that pain, Ease that shame, -Numb the pain in the body -The highest elevation then made a amateur out of coffee -Now she could care less about a pop quiz -Or Charles Dickerson’s logic -Or that real estate class that teaches about how to make a profit -Checks from that part time job Ain’t making no more deposits -Hour wage doesn’t have a way to touch her pockets -Only to Purchase the feeling of touching the mega comet -After that 12 month Soberness hits -when she runs out of profit -Then steps in logic -She knows she has to stop this -She admits it was A mishap -But every act there’s a react -Now she dives back into relapse -But the drive to use that key has no more action -So she asks for prayer at the nearest church -It’s embarrassing but she takes a stab at it -You know them black churches say stuff like -We can’t help her she’s a addict and she’s gotta have it -Rather then say stuff like Pray for her -She’s gotta habit curse those who laughs at it lol -Family still doing the assuming let’s see in the future what happens

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 44

POETRY

Find me in the Clouds WRITTEN BY

Hannah Mosley

i rest my head back against the soft grass, feeling the prickling and spikes against my skin. as I close my lids and feel the sun rays blanket across my face, i wonder what it would be like to get close to her, i image resting on a cloud as big as a tree, floating above waters and towns below, waving to the birds and the planes that pass by, simply floating above the tiny buildings that now look like toys from my younger years, would they see me from up above? would my mama see me floating near the sun? as i close my eyes and feel the sun, i imagine what it would be like to float on those clouds, find me. find me in the clouds, feel her glow against your skin too, float.

45 | VINDICATOR

SPRING 2022

SEASONAL SADNESS WRITTEN BY

Lainey Novak I was trying for a time to keep the sadness out.

I barricaded all of the exits, tried to be strong.

But the sky got dark and it was all too much, so I swung the doors open and laid out the welcome mat.

THEVINDI.COM ­­ | 46

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