Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
Volume 121, Issue 5
VISTA The
Women’s soccer page 6
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022
“OUR WORDS, YOUR VOICE.”
Volume 119, Issue 19
National Hispanic Heritage Month brings Oklahomans together
Miss & Teen Fiestas de Las Américas and Folklorico Xochpili highlighted young Latinas in Oklahoma City on Sept. 30 at Fiestas de Las Americas main stage. (AINSLEY MARTINEZ/THE VISTA)
An old-style car featuring white-walled tires and the campaign logo for Grimaldo rolled along the festival streets. (AINSLEY MARTINEZ/THE VISTA)
Sam Wargin Grimaldo (left) walks in the Fiestas de Las Americas parade with his campaign team on Sept. 30. He is running for Oklahoma Senate District 46. (AINSLEY MARTINEZ/THE VISTA)
Mariachi Orgullo de América performs on the Main Fiestas de Las Américas stage while playing guitars and wearing traditional clothing at Fiestas de Las Americas on Sept. 30. (AINSLEY MARTINEZ/THE VISTA)
Ainsley Martinez Editor Emeritus
National Hispanic Heritage Month ends Oct. 15, but many Oklahoman Latinos said they want the state’s Latin communities to remain on the radar, culturally and politically. Last Saturday, around 20,000 people celebrated Latin heritage at Fiestas de Las Américas, the largest Latin American festival in Oklahoma. The streets of S.W. 25th and Harvey transformed into colorful pathways of culture, connecting multiple Latin countries through dance, food and music.
Community leaders came together to celebrate their cultures, and encourage more involvement in Southside Oklahoma City outside of Hispanic Heritage Month, and keep the momentum going. Sam Wargin Grimaldo, currently running for the Oklahoma Senate District 46 seat, walked in the parade with his campaign team. He said showing up at nonpolitical events helps educate new voters by meeting them where they already are. “Capitol Hill is through and through where I’m from and where I want to be,” Wargin Grimaldo said. He said more state leaders need
to focus on involving Oklahoman Latinos in decision-making, and building more avenues for success, including accessible information and infrastructure. Down the street from the festival, a local venue and bar hosted an intimate event for customers to practice Spanish through art. Cruz Pulido, an Oklahoma City Community College student and filmmaker, visited the venue, Resonant Head, to support Latino businesses while spending time with his friends. He said the simple act of supporting a Latino-owned business can make a large impact on an individual’s lives.
Pulido said he appreciates National Hispanic Heritage Month because it brings more recognition to the local communities and businesses, but he hopes the month inspires Oklahomans to educate themselves on different Latin countries and cultures. “It’s time for us to highlight those people in our community who are making a change,” Pulido said. Various organizations will continue hosting Hispanic heritage events throughout the month, and into November for the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos. For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month events, visit travelok.com.
Ryan Walters’ proposed budget seeks to take schools ‘back to basics’ Jake Ramsey Managing Editor
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters and members of the state Board of Education passed a $150 million budget plan on Thursday, which will see a competitive pay raise for teachers and tutors across the state. “We will be rolling out a ‘Back to Basics Academic Plan’ as a part of an immediate action,” said Walters.
The plan would focus on funding areas such as math, reading and civics, as well as feature a performance-based pay increase to teachers. Due to Walters’ new plan, $38 million would go into reading, $11.4 million would go into math, and around $800,000 would go into civics. “What I’ve seen in our schools is focus taken away from the basics,” said Walters. The plan’s competitive pay-raise would include an ad-
Supporters and protestors share words outside the Board of Education meeting. (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
Ryan Walters addresses the room with his new plan for education. (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
ditional $15 million for bonuses for teachers that showed student-proficiency in reading and $5 million for bonuses for teachers that showed student-proficiency in math. The program also features additional funding to programs to train teachers and tutors in those subjects, as well as other subjects such as civics. Walters’ budget requests for 2025 come in at $47 million less than the approved 2024 budget, which he says, “When
we see President Biden pushing his rampant inflation across the country and our state, I don’t believe it would be responsible of us to come in after a record investment from the legislature last year and ask for additional money on what they’ve already sent us.” The plan would still need to pass through the Legislature in order to go into effect.
2
The Vista
ENTERTAINMENT
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
Weekly Horoscope ARIES
TAURUS
March 21-April 19
This week is setting you up for success. Venusian and earthy energy swirls – riding this wave will come naturally. Your ruler, Venus, enters Virgo, which focuses your heart on the day-to-day. You may find it easier to recieve the health benefits of simple, gentle presence. Your song is “Julia” by Jungle.
LIBR A
VIRGO
June 21-July 22
July 23-August 22
Friendships continue to shift and hopefully blossom under the influence of last week’s Full Moon. Mercury is moving around this week, taking a trip through your career and creativity. A stroke of genius could change the way you do something this week! This is your song: “I Heard” by Young Fathers.
Tuesday and Wednesday speak volumes for your career. Coming out of the Full Moon, which was public-face focused, a fortunate aspect means that your best self is on display. When Mercury enters Libra it will be even easier to negotiate what seems to be a big step forward! Your song is “Someone Great” by LCD Soundsystem.
TThis week lands in the midst of a winding up stage. The Full Moon brought issues to a head. Now, the heat will increase until the eclipse next week. The connections you make now will come in handy later. Make time to destress if it becomes too much. This week, your song is “Lithium” by Labyrinth Ear.
SCORPIO
September 23-October 22
Multiple aspects with Mercury this week keep it interesting. Your ruler opposes Neptune and trines Pluto, bringing a balance between logic and creativity that could bring a boost to your ambitions. Venus also travels into your sign this week, settling pursuits related to love and money down into a practical sphere. Your song is “Trick or Treatz” by Metronomy.
Your connections are moving to their upgraded setup. Sometimes transition is the hardest part! Mercury enters your sign Wednesday, bringing negotiation power to an all-time high. Your sign is represented by the scales: watch for chances to provide a just, fair outlook if you can help. Your song is “Whatever Comes To Mind” by MorMor.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
October 23-November 21
November 22-December 21
December 21-January 20
Your ruler trines Mercury on Tuesday, allowing your best self to shine through. This is the perfect time to schedule an interview or important meeting! This week might feel heavy as Pluto prepares to go direct and we gear up for a solar eclipse. Extra intentionality could help you avoid bumps in the road. Your song this week is “Ghost Town” by The Vaccines.
When Venus moves into Virgo it could feel like a slowdown, but this time spent on practical matters allows you to integrate what you’ve learned so far. A heavy astrological week for the others means that you could get caught up in the fray. Rest assured that any overwhelm experienced this week will wash away soon. Your song is “Superstition” by The Kills.
Venus in Virgo allows a more natural flow in terms of balancing work and leisure. Your home and family structure continues to integrate and mesh with any insights found at the Full Moon. This week, your song is “This Is The Day” by The The.
2
August 23- September 22
LEO
CANCER
GEMINI
May 21-June 20
April 20-May 20
Are you already stepping into your Full-Moon makeover? That was a big one. Themes of justice prevail now: you help decide what comes next. Mercury in Libra means that your words will flow better and well-intentioned statements won’t come out as harsh. Use this time to set things right! Your song for this week is “It Is What It Is” by Blood Orange.
Sam Royka Editor-In-Chief
An annular eclipse-passes over Week ofsolar 10/2/23 10/8/23
AQUARIUS
PISCES
February 19-March 20
January 21-February 18
Insights are likely now. The pressure may start to stack as we get closer to an eclipse right after midterms. Mercury is working on your side at this time. See what energy you can put towards your goals this week: the results are coming soon! Your song is “Trouble” by Cage The Elephant.
You may have to make a leap of faith. Alternatively, you could already be in one. Rest assured that you have everything you need to make it work. Help is available: Mercury and Venus will help you balance asking for help and helping yourself. For this week, your song is “Got On My Skateboard” by Skegss.
Week of 10/2/23 - 10/8/23
SUDOKU
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Difficulty: Easy
9 3
8 7
5 1 2 9
6 6 2 7 2
6 9 8 6 7 9 2 5 3 6 1 3 8
Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate
HOW TO SOLVE:
Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Answer to Previous Sudoku:
3 7 4 1 8 2 5 9 6 9 6 1 5 3 7 2 4 8 5 8 2 6 4 9 3 7 1 4 1 7 9 5 6 8 2 3 2 5 9 3 1 8 4 6 7 8 3 6 2 7 4 9 1 5 6 4 3 7 9 5 1 8 2 1 2 8 4 6 3 7 5 9 7 9 5 8 2 1 6 3 4
the sky October 14. This is your reminder not to look directly at the sun!
The Weekly Crossword
by Margie E. Burke
10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Come to pass 14 15 16 6 Poor, as 18 19 17 excuses go 10 Clothing closure 22 20 21 14 Yours, in old 23 24 days 15 Last year's 25 26 27 28 senior 16 Fast feline 33 29 30 31 32 17 Buttermilk, to 34 35 36 Dale Evans 18 Now and then 38 39 40 41 37 20 Step up, as a 44 42 43 conflict 22 Gerbil or gopher 45 46 47 48 49 23 Library patrons 52 50 51 24 Flamingo, for one 55 53 54 25 Caesar's 700 57 58 56 26 Garden of the Gods state 60 61 59 29 Nuts and Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate berries, e.g. 33 File folder feature 61 Staff symbols 29 "___ you 43 Curies' find 34 Wheel shaft heard?" 46 Verse in olden 35 Mathis song DOWN 30 Way out days "Chances ___" 1 Catchall 31 Able to be 47 Vocal qualities 36 Extinct flightless category transferred 48 "___ we all?" bird 2 Selected 32 Like some acids 49 High homes 37 Seven, on some 3 Roughly, date36 Contemptuous 50 Caviar fish clocks wise 38 Atlas feature 51 Set the ___ 38 Stick here and 4 Strip a horse? 39 Fertilizer 52 Outfitted there 5 Keep in office 40 Motown music 54 Garden plot 42 1953 film, "From 6 Wears well 41 Cowboy's pal Here to _____" 7 Succulent plant Answers to Previous Crossword: 44 Sculler's need 8 It's the word, 45 Janet Jackson sometimes P O M P I D O L S L U R P hit of 1986 9 Oz's ____ City I B I S N O V A P E N A L 46 Plymouth 10 Itsy-bitsy thing P O L A R B E A R I N D I E colonist, e.g. 11 Part of a fraction S E L L E R G O N D O L A 50 "Boston Legal" 12 Mane anagram I M P E R S O N A L actor James 13 Yesteryear E E L E D I T S L E E P S 52 Lip affliction 19 Big deals S I D E A V O W D R I L L 53 Fit to live in 21 Rainbow shape D E P O T S A L E I N T O 55 Dressed to the 24 Serenader, T I E D E S P Y G E N I E H E R E O N L E G O G O T ____ maybe S U S T E N A N C E 56 Civil rights org. 26 Feldman of S K I T T E R Z E A L O T 57 Herbal brews "Stand by Me" A S S E R T I V E C A R O L 58 Pole vault, e.g. 27 Belonging to C L U B C Z A R A T O N E 59 Regard father T E N E T T Y P O H E L M 60 Whirling water 28 Orchestral reed 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
GOVERNANCE
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
The Vista
3
How would a government shutdown affect UCO? Jake Ramsey Managing Editor
While the threat of a government shutdown is no-longer present due to actions committed by President Biden Saturday, many are still left wondering just how impactful a shutdown would be on their community. “The government shutdown affects so many things, but the impact isn’t going to be immediately noticeable,” says UCO professor of political science Loren Gatch. Gatch would go on to note services that wouldn’t immediately shutdown, such as the military and social security. However, the people who work for those services wouldn’t get paid anymore. The work that they put in and the hours spent on the job would be accounted for and when the government reopened, they would receive compensation, but over the course of the shutdown they would not get paid. “The longer it goes on the more problematic the delivery of services would become, but
in the short run it’s not going to make much of a difference to anybody,” said Gatch. Another note made by Gatch was the impact of a government shutdown on foreign students, and the difficulties that would present in them getting Visas. “Could it affect student loans? I don’t know, maybe,” Gatch said. He was under the belief that student loans would not be a significant problem until further along in a possible shutdown. Gatch was of the opinion that a government shutdown would not have huge effects on UCO, nor would it impact the student body until further along in a shutdown. While the threat of a shutdown had been present for weeks, it was seemingly halted on Saturday due to an emergency funding bill passed by President Biden which would temporarily fund agencies to keep them open. Gatch would discuss the reasons behind the threat of a government shutdown, noting that this time it is, “due to a disagreement
within the Republican party.” With many right-wing members of Congress seeking to push a budget that meets their views on important spending, there was plenty of push-back from both Democrats and other Republicans. The primary issue being support for Ukraine. Over a year and a half has passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the U.S. continues to show support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy recently visited the U.S. for three days, seeking continued support from Washington. After a meeting with President Biden, both he and Zelenskyy seemed to agree that there would be continued support for Ukraine, but the United States Congress still sought to discuss the budget requirements for the U.S. support. This is what would cause the threat of a government shutdown.
New senators take an oath before they assume their new seats. (THE VISTA/MARIAH VANZANT)
UCOSA swears in 26 new student senators this fall Mariah Vanzant Contributing Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association swore in 26 new senators on Monday to fill vacant seats for the new term. Monday’s meeting started with all new senators standing up while they were asked to recite an oath to uphold the UCOSA constitution, statutes and congressional bylaws. They also promised to perform the responsibilities and duties required of them. The duties of a senator include attending each of the meetings, being involved in a committee and tabling twice a semester, said Chair of Congress Izzi Barry. Each committee deals with different issues. The committees are public relations, campus development, diversity, equity and inclusion and accountability, Barry said. At each meeting, senators have the opportunity to bring up any student concerns they have been hearing, said Barry. During the “items to be considered” section of the meeting, Senator Reda Errah-
mouni presented legislation to be voted on. This legislation asked for event sponsorship funding for the Muslim Student Association. He requested a total of $1200; $700 for food and $500 for programming. The funds are meant to be distributed one business day after the approval and passage of the legislation. The legislation was approved with 29 votes in favor and no votes against it, with two abstentions. During the “student concerns” portion of the meeting, Senator Alex Webb brought up an issue about parking. “Sometimes when I try to leave campus at around 11 a.m. and come back, I have no more parking spots, even though I live in housing. I have to park on the other side of the wellness center even though I live in Murdaugh,” Webb says. Senator Jasmine Cooper brought up a concern about the elevator across from the Will Rogers Room in the Nigh University Center. Cooper said the elevator is squeaking too much.
STAFF Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief Jake Ramsey Managing Editor Jaydon Sims Photo Editor Matilda Harvey Copy Editor Sam Kozlowski Reporter Zak Royka Reporter Britton Summers Reporter Phil Rodriguez Sports Reporter Ethan Brown Photographer Tess Peters Graphic Designer George Lang Adviser
VISTA 2022-23 layout design by Kevin Davis Advertise with us! The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions, contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
Concerns were also raised about the lack of feminine hygiene products in campus dispensers. Another concern was brought up about the safety of women on campus. It was brought up that there are no cameras in the hallways or laundry rooms of the Quad. Senator Sophie Wong said that there have been instances of a student’s personal items being stolen in the laundry room and there are no cameras to capture the incident. “I personally went and bought her new laundry detergent and replaced what was stolen,” Wong said. Secretary of Congress Ethan Noble told everyone that there are cameras in the lobby areas of dorms, but there cannot be cameras in the hallways for privacy, due to the cameras’ potential for seeing inside rooms. “There is definitely an initiative there to try to get cameras in places like laundry rooms,” Noble said. UCOSA meets at 4 p.m. Monday in the Will Rogers Room in the Nigh University Center.
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903
The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free.
be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only.
EDITORIALS Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communications, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.
LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must
ADDRESS LETTERS TO: Editor, The Vista 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209 Or, deliver in person to the editor in the Mass Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to sroyka@uco.edu.
4 The Vista
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
Actors resume negotiations amid concerns over body scanning Michael Clofer
Contributing Writer
The Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers resumed negotiations on Oct. 2 with hopes of ending the labor strike that started July 14. SAG-AFTRA joined the picket line in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America, which reached a new deal last week with AMPTP. Concerns over how artificial intelligence will be used going forward is at the forefront for both unions. The deal that the writers agreed to may not be a viable framework for actors as the problem A.I. imposes does not affect them in the same way. “We want fair residuals for our likeness.” said Taj Hollywood, who has been working as a background extra since 2015. Currently, background extras do not receive residual payments and are paid for the days they work on set. Hollywood recaled working on set for a Disney series where he was led into a room and given a full body scan. At the time he was not told what the scan was for, but now, he said, he knows. “They want to replace us with A.I.,” Hollywood said. “They have you come in and just record your likeness and then they are done with you. They pay you for a day and then they keep
Studios such as Disney are reportedly using 3D body scanning to capture the images of background actors for future use. (YOUTUBE/PROVIDED)
getting the residuals off your likeness. That’s your soul.” This is a unique problem for background actors and there currently aren’t any protections against it. The labor agreement the WGA signed put restrictions on how A.I. will be used. It does not address the issue of having likenesses scanned. “I’m hopeful,” Hollywood said when asked
if he felt SAG-AFTRA was fighting for background extras. There will be a Special Picket Event at Paramount Studios, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 6. Trader Joe’s is donating food to striking actors or anyone else who needs it. If the union has a new agreement, it will be a wrap party.
Commentary: developers are publishing games before they work CJ Craig Contributing Writer
Many gamers booted up their PCs on Sept. 21 in anticipation of playing Starbreeze’s Payday 3. However, many of those gamers would find themselves unable to play. Payday 3 was plagued with long multiplayer queue times and full servers, making playing the game almost impossible. Many gamers did not feel too strongly, since Payday 3 was released on the Xbox Game Pass, allowing users who pay for the service access to the game. The rest found that the game they paid $40 for was unplayable. Year after year, we’ve watched big time game developers release AAA titles that are nowhere near ready to be released, making gamers
irate as their hard-earned money sits in Starbreeze’s bank account for two weeks while the developers work on patching the game. This creates problems not only for the consumer, but the developers as well. Fans who see the unfinished game tend to form their opinion about the game then and there, rather than waiting for the issues to be resolved. The answer is a simple one: do not release the game if it is not ready. This is not always possible, especially for smaller studios being published by industry giants such as Activision or EA. These studios are on a tight deadline scheduled for about two to five years of development. Smaller studios like Starbreeze do not have the personnel to distribute tasks to multiple people. This can lead to major cuts in con-
Payday 3 reached the market before key gameplay issues were addressed. (STARBREEZE/PROVIDED)
tent as well as quality assurance as most developers are racing against the clock to reach the release date. Game developers are not going to take a financial hit when customers show that they are willing to buy games even when they’re not
finished. Companies make money even when the audience bashes the game after they already bought it. Consumers aren’t the main priority anymore when it comes to making games — it’s all about the money.
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023
The Vista
5
Gainful Employment rule to help students after graduation Madison Simon Contributing Writer
Cont. from page 1 “Students overwhelmingly say that they’re going to college to find a good job and build financial security, but too often their programs leave them no better off financially than those with no postsecondary education at all. These rules will stop taxpayer dollars from going to schools that continually saddle students with unaffordable debt. Separately, we’re ensuring all students have increased information to make good choices.” said Kvaal. The Department of Education estimates nearly 1,700 low-performing programs will be affected by these rules, impacting around 700,000 students who might otherwise enroll in these programs. When combined with the GE regulations, the FVT framework will result in acknowledgements for around 400 graduate programs enrolling about 120,000 students.
In a wider perspective, these regulations are an initiative of the Biden-Harris Administration aiming to maintain postsecondary education as a means for equal opportunity, upward movement, and international competitiveness. The administration has sanctioned over $117 billion in student loan relief for upwards of 3.4 million borrowers and advocates for enlarged Pell Grants and the concept of tuition-free community college. This decision follows a thorough review of over 7,500 public comments received during the summer. The rules will come into effect on July 1, with the first official financial outcome rates expected to be published in early 2025. Any programs failing the same GE standard in the first two years of these rates will face ineligibility in 2026. The new Gainful Employment rule modifications emphasize transparency, accountability, and financial security.
Joe Carter speaks to the power of journalism and truth Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief
Cont. from page 1 However, he said it may not all be in the reporters’ hands. “Some things are beyond journalism power. I find it disconcerting that 4684 documents related to the JFK assassination are being withheld in our nation’s archives,” he said. “Why? The reason why they’re withholding, the reason I’ve read, claimed a request court order and protection of personal privacy.”
Carter said that people have all kinds of conspiracy theories about the assassination of JFK. However, he remains “99.9 percent certain” that the lone gunman was Lee Harvey Oswald, though not all documents are available. To the heart of the matter, he stated that “ethical journalism must remain dedicated to nurture and feed an informed electorate.” The road ahead is not a walk in the park for journalists determined to protect democracy.
McCarthy ousted as Speaker; ‘very real effect’ to be seen Jake Ramsey Managing Editor
Cont. from page 1 “I think something that will have a very real effect,” said Morton in reference to the 2024 election, “Is the fact that they’ve ousted Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House and he was the Republican party’s greatest generator of donations.” According to The National Republican Congressional Committee McCarthy raised more than $40 million during last year’s mid-term. “I doubt that he’s going to be willing to fundraise for the Republican leadership,” said Morton. While McCarthy remained popular with many of the Republican
representatives, the eight that voted for his removal had previous disagreements with the former-speaker. One of the most recent disagreements with the Republican representatives was the issue of budget spending and U.S. support for Ukraine which almost led to a government shutdown before the Biden administration stepped in. The bill to keep the government open until November 17, was supported by McCarthy and ultimately landed on President Biden’s desk for signature. The stopgap bill was announced on Sept. 30 and met by pushback from a small group of conservatives in the House.
Becoming a media master: Decoding gossip, drama and digital influencers Samuel Kozlowski Reporter
As media shifted away from print and towards online publishing in the early 2000s, gossip and sensationalism spread faster than ever before. In this age of influencers, public opinion is now shaped more by people with large social media followings than it is shaped by traditional, credible sources. We now live in a world that is less inspired by personalities on TV, but more inspired by the source, or creator. The influencer that could be living next door is much more relatable than traditional celebrities due to immense fame, wealth and isolation. To figure out why this happens, we must dig into the psychology of human nature. According to a study conducted by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, gossip plays a pivotal role in society through three main forms: Spreading information, group security and control and social bonding. There is a stark contrast between socialization, the harmless spread of information and defamation, gas lighting or fear mongering, though all are forms of gossip. History often repeats itself as rumors have ruined lives since the dawn of civilization. In early America 330 years ago, a series of rumors caused by superstition led to the deaths of 20 people, consisting of men and young women. The Salem Witch Trials highlighted one of the first large-scale instances of conformity, panic and a mob mentality in the country, long before the United States were assembled. During the Cold War, former senator Joseph McCarthy headed an anti-communist campaign in the U.S., labeling many Americans as communist sympathizers. In fact, J. Robert Oppenheimer’s government career ended when his security clearance was revoked. Many more government officials, screenwriters, directors and musicians’ reputations were damaged at the hands of McCarthy. The echo chamber effect, amplifying like-minded individuals’ opinions on social media today, is the same echo chamber that influenced a nation scared of nuclear warfare and influenced a small community that teenage girls in Salem were witches. Although in 1692, it was less ‘cancel culture’ and more of a ‘kill culture’. “When we feel good and are in groups, we are more likely to survive. Because of how we have evolved, there are things that motivate us more than accuracy,” said Dr. Dannagal Young, a political scientist and professor at the University of Delaware. “We’re motivated to feel like we comprehend the world, we’re motivated to feel that we have control over our world and we’re motivated to feel that we’re connected to our community.” Not only are people who have similar hobbies or values as the creators they watch more likely to have a beneficial experience, but they are more likely to purchase products from them, according to a 2022 collaborative study by the Department of International Business in Tunghai University, Taiwan and the School of Business in Putian University, China. This new media consumption forces advertisers to evolve their busi-
Gossip has its place, but some people don’t have the best intentions.(TESS PETERS/THE VISTA)
ness model as well, effectively turning brands and products into their own personalities on social media platforms. More than one-third of the planet consumes YouTube videos and content creators know this, maximizing their reach with sensational titles, clickbait thumbnails and outrageous drama. Some of the most famous YouTube dramas in recent years include: beauty bloggers James Charles versus Tati, PewDiePie versus the giant Indian record label, T-Series, KSI versus Logan Paul, which led to a boxing match and iDubbbz versus LeafyIsHere. More recently, YouTuber Colleen Ballinger, known as ‘Miranda Sings’ was canceled for grooming a minor and attempted to apologize through a ukelele song, which caused further outrage. Whether it be anger, euphoria or shock, if you see something online that makes you feel strong emotions, take a step back and re-evaluate. Is it worth draining your energy to freak out over things that do not affect your life? Or arguing with someone, knowing you will not change their mind no matter how hard you try? How valuable is your energy? Unfortunately for the puritans, the Enlightenment had not started and many innocent people fell victim to mob rule. Fortunately for us, the Internet is currently a forum of open discussion where we may argue as much as we please, allowing the truth to grapple in our Enlightenment-based society.
6
The Vista
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
SPORTS
Le serves net gains as UCO volleyball fortunes spike Anne-Marie Hagen Contributing Writer
There’s a town south of Fort Worth, a town beat by the Texas sun called Mansfield. It is a town a lot like Edmond in its suburban sprawl and unlike Edmond in its eccentric Pickle Parade. That is where Katie Le was born and raised. “My parents wanted me to be well rounded,” Le said. She participated in many activities like dance, swimming, and volleyball. At 7, she was playing volleyball for fun, but around age 10 or 11, she focused on her net game. “I quit dancing as a whole, because that’s when volleyball got really serious,” Le said. Her club career started at age 9 and marked the beginning of a high level volleyball career for Le. In club, there was a possibility for nationals, and she was surrounded by people who were more serious when her own club career was just beginning. But as she recollected the mentors who helped throughout her life, the one that had the most impact on her was not in club at all but was in fact in high school. She said her high school coach had the faith in Katie that she needed, led her to dream big and told her “you can do this.”
Katie Le hits a spike on the court. (JAYDON SIMS/ THE VISTA)
Le now plays on the UCO volleyball team as the defensive specialist/libero. The defensive specialist has its own jersey color and place on the court but something people might not realize is
that the defensive specialist is usually small. “Normally, when you’re smaller you’re the defense specialist, because normally you’re quicker.” The defensive specialist often receives the ball after it is served or spiked, an important position that fits Le. As a junior, she is realizing those big dreams that her high school coach advised her to dream. “It was always a huge goal of mine to play college volleyball,” Le said. “Volleyball led me to UCO.” She is majoring in psychology and she wants to look into doing counseling rehabilitation, particularly for children. Volleyball has been her dream but her faith comes first. “Volleyball is not eternal,” she said. “I play to glorify Christ.” Le takes inspiration from Morgan Hence, who played on the USA women’s national team and proved to Le that libero or defensive specialist is an important role on the team. Katie also enjoys playing pickleball, reading the Bible, and participating in fellowship with her friends in and out of church. “Spending a day not doing volleyball,” she said.
Women’s soccer holds ground with ties for future goals
Amaya Grace slides into a scoop. (The Vista/Jaydon Sims) Ray Robinson Contributing Writer
The UCO women’s soccer team earned ties against two Missouri teams in home games over the weekend. The first tie was scoreless for both teams as the Bronchos took on Central Missouri at 6 p.m. Sept. 29. Central Missouri was ranked No. 10 in the MIAA going into the game. Central Missouri’s record was 6-2-1 going into the Friday matchup, which explains the high record placement. The best chance to put something on the board came from senior Amaya Grace. Grace’s shot was one of UCO’s few chances to put a score on the board, but the chance was from around 30 yards. The second tie came courtesy of Missouri Southern, who took on the Bronchos on Oct. 1 at Thompson Field Stadium. This tied game at least saw both teams place something on the board, with the final score 1-1. The only point scored in the game came from junior Kylee Wickersham, as the goal was kicked with only 51 seconds left in the game. The Bronchos now have three consecutive ties this season and five ties altogether. The ties do not seem to affect conference standing, as UCO remains in the Top 5. The team ranking above them is Missouri Western with a record of 3-3-4. Missouri Western is on a two-game tying streak. The Bronchos have yet to win or lose a game in conference play. Their record is 0-0-3 in the MIAA. The Bronchos’ next game will be on the road at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at Nebraska-Kearney.
Matilda Torres rocks the field. (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
Players dive for field position. (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
BANNED BOOKS
The Vista
7
Literary resistance continues in Banned Books Week’s 41st year Matilda Harvey Copy Editor One year after an Oklahoma teacher faced scrutiny due to a violation of HB 1775, attempts to ban books continue throughout the country. Summer Boismier made national headlines after sharing a QR code to the Brooklyn Public Library’s Books Unbanned program in response to Norman High School requiring teachers to either remove classroom libraries or justify books as “instructional materials.” After leaving Oklahoma, Boismier found a new job as Teen Initiatives Project Manager at the Brooklyn Public Library. Resistance to banned books, however, is bigger than any one person, especially in the current political climate. “Freedom of information, freedom to see things from both sides, that is guaranteed by the Constitution; that is what underlies an effective de-
mocracy,” said Fritzi Bodenheimer, press officer for the Brooklyn Public Librarian. The American Library Association (ALA) tracks book bans in the United States; in 2022, ALA tracked 1,269 attempts to ban books, the highest number in 20 years. BPL started the Books Unbanned program in April 2022; students from any state can apply for a digital library card to access books from the Brooklyn Public Library. Bodenheimer said, “over 7,000 young people from all 50 states” have registered for these e-cards. Additional libraries have joined the cause, including the Boston and LA County libraries. Banned Books Week, an annual observance to raise awareness around book bans, will take place October 1, 2023, through October 7, 2023. Banned Books Week was first observed in 1982 in response to the high number of books being challenged or banned. The Brooklyn Public Library is celebrating by holding a Day of Action where individuals are asked to take a
picture with their favorite book and post it with a hashtag. While many states have faced legislative pressure regarding books, New York has not, giving it the opportunity to help citizens whose access to books has been stifled. In states like Florida or Oklahoma, Bodenheimer says, “you might lose your job, you might lose your accreditation, you might be bullied, harassed, and threatened,” for defending or distributing banned books. According to PEN America, of the 3,362 book bans in 2022-2023, 30 percent feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes, while 30 percent either feature characters of color or discussions of race and racism. “I have to wonder, like, if you’re a young person and you think you might be LGBT and you see all those books are taken off the shelf. What does that say to you?” Bodenheimer said. “Like, ‘all the books about people like me are removed from the shelf because they’re dangerous’. That is, that is not good.”
Sam Royka Editor In Chief
Jake Ramsey Managing Editor
“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” written by Sherman Alexie, was named a top ten challenged book by the American Library Association. The main character is 14-year-old Arnold Spirit Jr., who goes by Junior. He is a cartoonist, so his cartoons pepper throughout the book. As a disabled Spokane teen he moves away from the reservation to a small white town. This book chronicles the changes he must navigate. “Part-Time Indian” addresses belonging, community, poverty, and identity while the perspective stays close to home for students in high school. It’s written exactly how a 14-year-old would explain a life of sudden changes and stereotypes: unflinching, darkly humorous, and a little sardonic where it fits. It’s ultimately a coming-of-age story about finding community, told in a raw and endearing way. By the end of the book, Junior is your friend too. The book has been challenged for sexually explicit references. But it’s worth it to take a critical look at how these topics are handled. This book is not a dystopian novel set in a fantasy world: it’s based in real life. The addition of these references adds depth to the world and voicing of a developing character. It’s an addition of reality, which makes characters more real and narratives more complex. This is an excellent read for a younger high school student dealing with big changes in a tough situation.
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury is a classic that only gets more important as time goes on. Released in 1953 and celebrating 70 years in publication, “Fahrenheit 451” is important for many reasons, but above all is that it forces the reader to analyze their consumption of media. The world that Bradbury molds is not too dis-similar to our own. Fake news is present in every faucet of existence, technology has harmed the human experience and the world just seems bleak. However, we’re told by Bradbury that it’s not the only way we have to live. We can choose another path, the path of humanity. Forgoing the flair and flash around him, “Fahrenheit 451”’s main character Guy Montag begins questioning his surroundings and exactly why he is told to do the things he is. “Fahrenheit 451” presents the importance of media literacy, and shows just how important it is to fully understand and comprehend what you’re reading, because if not you’ll end up making the same mistakes as Montag in the beginning of the book.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (PROVIDED)
To Kill A Mockingbird (PROVIDED)
Sam Kozlowski Reporter
You may have read “To Kill a Mockingbird” in high school just like me, but that’s for good reason as it’s one of the most influential books in America. Harper Lee’s classic tackles issues of racism, sexual assault, and the economic disparity between the rich and poor. Reading the book puts you into the mind of innocent children and their father Atticus. The relationship between Scout, Jem, Atticus, Calpurnia and their quirky, sometimes scary neighbors adds humor into the serious story. Edmond was an all-white city throughout the 1960s and it wasn’t until Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968 when African American students at Central State College (now UCO) began peacefully protesting in front of President Garland Godfrey’s office and at the flagpole in front of the administration building. Finally in 1970, Central State began recognizing African American students with its first “Black Heritage Week”. As a kid growing up in the historically racist Edmond, it was refreshing to see my freshman classmates actually read the book, learn, and appreciate it as much as I did. Reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” in class gave me hope for this city.
Fahrenheit 451 (PROVIDED)
‘Brave New World’ still relevant for a world in search of meaning Britton Summers Reporter
Stephen King once said that when people attempt to ban books, it is your duty to go to the nearest bookstore or library and find out what it is that you shouldn’t be reading. I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment. It was tough to find a book to pick for this assignment, as there are so many challenged books that I have enjoyed over the years such as “Lolita,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “Fahrenheit 451,” “Of Mice and Men,” “Looking for Alaska,” and so many more. But I finally decided on “Brave New World,” the dystopian novel from Aldous Huxley from 1932. But what about “1984” one might ask. It is a great novel for sure; one that should be discussed forever due to its timeless message about how totalitarian governments take power away from the people. But I’ve always felt that there was some-
thing far more disturbing about the hedonistic world of “Brave New World” than anything that Orwell dreamed up. Huxley isn’t interested in an evil bogeyman that watches everything you do and squashes any dissent with a boot, to paraphrase from “1984.” While there is an evil government who controls the populace, it doesn’t need any of the fear tactics of Big Brother, because we’re all too good at being distracted from noticing our oppression. What makes “Brave New World” so insidious is that it isn’t an evil government bogeyman who destroys us…but ourselves. We only have ourselves to blame for this. As Neil Postman wrote in his book “Amusing Ourselves to Death,” “in Huxley’s vision, no Big Brother is required to deprive people of their autonomy, maturity, and history. As he saw it, people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think.” But aside from being a chilling
dystopia, “Brave New World” is about attempting to live a meaningful life in a world that no longer has any interest in doing that. Like Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” people are completely apathetic to living lives where they can love, feel pain, and live an authentic experience. The unexamined life is not worth living. But what happens once the unexamined life is no longer considered necessary in our society? The soma, the orgy-porgys, and the feelies are intoxicating. They take your mind off such things such as thinking and dealing with why we’re on this planet and what will happen when we die. Every day I see more and more people fall into these traps, and it only makes “Brave New World” more prescient for me. Like The Savage, I think often about how to live an authentic life…and if others will be like The Savage in that regard and with that aim, I think this book will continue to be important. People are often worried about dictatorships and
Brave New World book cover (Provided)
having their freedoms taken away. But they always fail to consider how the people allow these governments and these systems to exist, and if this apathy and complacency exists, “Brave New World” will always hold relevance. It’s not too late to stop a “Brave New World.” It’s entirely up to you.
8
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
The Vista
POP CULTURE
Queens, Viagra Boys and Jehnny Beth blow the bricks out of Bricktown Loud, intense and melodic, the ‘In Times New Roman’ stop was a winning show for Criterion
Josh Homme led Queens of the Stone Age through a powerful set at The Criterion. (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
Zak Royka Reporter
Three rock legends of our time, Queens of the Stone Age, the Viagra Boys, and Jehnny Beth, all played their hearts out at the Criterion Wednesday night. Slipping into the yet-to-bemoving mosh pit, it got quieter as I approached the stage. There was no pushing or shoving, just a building
anticipation. Jehnny Beth started at 7 p.m. sharp, transporting the audience into a world of contrast; light and shadow, sound and silence. With tremendous talent from her touring duo and provocative stage work from Jehnny, the performance was alive with an irresistible pressure on the audience. Nearing the end of the modestly sized set, Jehnny hopped into the audience, microphone in hand, and
Oscar Carls of Viagra Boys. (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
kept the song rolling. With the track “More Adrenaline,” the audience screamed the title in time with the beat. Little did the audience know of the dramatic tone shift that was about to take place. The Viagra Boys are many things, but subtle is not one of them. With tracks like “ADD and “Ain’t Nice” propelling them forward with maximum velocity. The Tom-Waits-ish smooth-asgravel vocals of Sebastian Murphy followed by the dastardly saxophone work of Oscar Carls weave a tapestry of chaos as the six-piece works in more tones per second than I knew was possible. It’s a glorious sensory overload, and I love it. The crowd stood with bated breath as the opening ballad reminiscent of a Western played overhead while the Queens of the Stone Age filtered onto the stage for the main event. Following up a haunting and avantgarde performance by Jehnny Beth reminiscent of Trent Reznor (leather pants and all) and an infectiously hilarious and gripping show put on by the Swedish Viagra Boys, Josh Homme and Co. had their work cut out for them. They nailed it. The opening track, “No One Knows,” came in as loud as possible with a hint of glitz from the electrifying red lighting bathing the entire venue. Crashing in with a varied setlist comprised of songs from their new album “In Times New Roman... “ combined with a few cuts from 2013’s “Like Clockwork.. “ and sprinkled with tracks from their other albums, the band came ready to please. Surprisingly, some b-sides snuck into their performance with
“Into The Hollow” and “In The Fade,” leaving some audience members humming or scatting along rather than charmingly belting out the chorus ever so slightly off time. The Criterion was clean and friendly as always, with enough bass in the mosh pit to crush skulls. The sound system was prodigious, truly giving credence to the “Songs For The Deaf.” Troy Van Leeuwen’s aggressive and punchy rhythm guitar was transformed into a hurricane of hammers, smashing everything in sight. While the highs, lows, and drifting practiced drawl of Josh’s vocals blended into a bestial cacophony. The Queens have been on the move for quite a while at this point, but they had the energy of a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed college freshman (before midterms.) From start to finish, this is a show worth seeking out and the Criterion played it for all it’s worth.
Jehnny Beth of Savages opened the show with a charismatic performance. (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
LISTEN UP FOR LIVE MUSIC
Mac Sabbath performs at Oct. 10 at Beer City Music Hall (MAC SABBATH/PROVIDED)
OCTOBER The Happy Fits, Oct. 3, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Snarky Puppy, Oct. 3, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Fortunate Youth, Oct. 4, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Leonid and Friends, Oct. 4, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Amos Lee, Oct. 5, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Boris and Melvins, Oct. 5, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Leah Kate, Oct. 6, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall. com Magnolia Park, Oct. 7, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Scary Pockets, Oct. 8, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Dean Lewis, Oct. 8, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Eric Johnson, Oct. 9, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Mac Sabbath, Oct. 10, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Chris Renzema, Oct. 11, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Pony Bradshaw, Oct. 12, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com The Moss, Oct. 12, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Welcome to Night Vale, Oct. 12, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Helmet, Oct. 12, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall. com Christopher Cross, Oct. 13, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.
com Kody West, Oct. 14, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Langhorne Slim, Oct. 14, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com The Ivy, Oct. 14, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Noah Gundersen, Oct. 15, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Samia, Oct. 16, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall. com Jawny, Oct. 18, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall. com Mapache, Oct. 18, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc.com Sleeping Jesus, Oct. 18, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Johnnyswim, Oct. 19, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com Cameron Sacky Band, Oct. 20, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Ricky Skaggs, Oct. 20, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com Garth Brooks, A Tribute in Low Places, Oct. 20, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Amigo the Devil, Oct. 21, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Killer Muse, Oct. 21, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Bruce Hornsby, Oct. 22, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Roosevelt, Oct. 23, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Dax, Oct. 24, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Jonathan Bree, Oct. 24, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Jacquees and Nick Lavelle, Oct. 24, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Brian Jonetown Massacre, Oct. 25, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Born Without Bones, Oct. 25, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Drake White and William Clark Green, Oct. 26, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Amyl and the Sniffers, Oct. 26, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com David Rosales, Oct. 26, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Death From Above 1979, Oct. 27, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com The Odyssey’s Thriller Night, Oct. 27, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Crystal Methyd, Oct. 27, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Tanukichan, Oct. 28, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc.com Leah Senior, Oct. 28, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com