Trinity News Vol. 63, Issue 4 by Trinity News

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Volume 63, Issue 4

Features this issue

Interview with volunteer about Chios refugee camp; secular prolife movement; reflections on Trinity News’ archives

trinitynews.ie

tn2 this issue

Saying goodbye to 2016: 50 years of the Project Arts Centre; 100 years of Joyce’s “A Portrait”; and 10 years of Alfonso Cuaron’s “Children of Men”

TRINITY NEWS EST. 1953

Comment

p.15 Rory O’Neill argues that that the fawning over Trudeau is misplaced

Trinity Life p.11 What are the ten most Trinity Christmas presents?

InDepth

p.21 Peter O’Donovan asks should we adopt a 30 hour work week

Students from fee-paying secondary schools are four times more likely to get a place in Trinity Analysis of feeder school data illustrates Trinity’s place in the Irish educational divide Cathal Kavanagh Investigations Editor

Niamh Lynch News Editor

Conn de Barra DeputyInvestigations Editor

HE MOST RECENT DATA on ‘feeder’ schools to thirdlevel institutions has illustrated Trinity’s place within the Irish educational divide. Students who attend one of the country’s 51 fee-paying schools are more than four times more likely to attend Trinity than students at schools that do not charge fees. Furthermore, fee-paying students are nearly twice as likely (65%) to go to any of Ireland’s seven universities than their non fee-paying counterparts (34%).

In all, 2,344 students came to Trinity through the Central Applications Office (CAO) this year. 631 of that number, about 28.5%, were privately educated. The figures do not include ‘grind schools’ such as the Institute of Education, which sent 126 students to Trinity in 2015; the most recent year for which statistics are available. Only 7.5% of last year’s Leaving Cert class attended a fee-paying school. Using raw data provided by the Irish Times, Trinity News calculates that a student is more than four times more likely to attend Trinity if they have attended one of Ireland’s 51 fee-paying schools. These schools sent, on average, 13 students to Trinity from a class of 77, which amounts to 17%. In contrast, the state’s 628 non fee-paying schools send an average of 4 students from Leaving Certificate classes of the same size. The figures allow for a degree of insight into Ireland’s educational divide.

Of the 26 schools which sent over 50% of their sixth year students to either Trinity or University College Dublin (UCD), the highest-ranked universities in the country, 22 are fee-paying. Half of Trinity’s incoming first years come from just 68 schools. In addition, there are more students in Trinity from private schools in Dublin (563 pupils) than there are from all schools in the provinces of Munster, Connaught and Ulster (Donegal, Monaghan & Cavan) combined (395 pupils). The class divide persists when only including schools in Dublin. 20.9% of students in Dublin fee-paying schools went on to study in Trinity, compared to 6.9% from the county’s 132 non fee-paying schools. The school which sent the most students to Trinity was St. Andrew’s College in Blackrock, with 45. Gonzaga College sent 39, nearly half its Leaving Cert class, and sent

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Fee-paying students are nearly twice as likely (65%) to go to any of Ireland’s seven universities than their non fee-paying counterparts (34%).

Graduate Students’ Union runs €10,000 deficit for 2015-16 Increasing expenses are attributed to publications, salaries, and events. Cathal Kavanagh Investigations Editor

Niamh Lynch News Editor

R I N I T Y ’ S G R A D U A T E STUDENTS’ UNION (GSU) ran a deficit of over €10,000 in the 2015-16 academic year, according to annual accounts shared with Trinity News. The accounts, which were audited by Cregan Accountants and presented to a meeting of College’s capitated bodies on November 17th, show an increase in expenditures related to events, publications, officer expenses, and salaries. While the Union’s income rose by nearly 10%, to €99,486, expenses rose by more than 30% to €110,400. A major change yearon-year from the 2014-15 accounts is the reduction in accrued expenses, which have almost entirely been

paid. The annual report of the Union, which was presented alongside the accounts, points to the paying of accruals associated with sabbatical accommodation expenses from the last three years as a main reason behind last year’s deficit. Among the complaints outlined in the Report is the extent to which the GSU is relied upon by College to facilitate the Postgrad Orientation Week in September each year. Running the week cost the Union about €20,000 this year. The report states: “There is a clear deficiency in University funding to facilitate an official College week, one that is so crucial to their own recruitment, retention and strategic objectives. The Union is not in a position to incur costs of this magnitude in the future.” The Union recognises in its report the need for a third sabbatical officer to share the work currently divided between two such officers,

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A major change year-on-year from the 201415 accounts is the reduction in accrued expenses, which have almost entirely been paid.

which it is mandated to lobby for. “The needs of the postgraduate community surpass the time available of one person” the Report states. President of the GSU, Shane Collins, told Trinity News in September that “if you ask any body in the university if their current funding arrangements are sufficient, they will state no. We are no exception.” At that time, Collins stated that the Union were “pursuing other areas of generating revenue which will be identified in our AGM.” For the past three years, College’s Global Relations Strategy contained provision for €30,000 to be granted to the GSU in a deal to support the Union’s activities, owing to the increasing numbers of non-EU postgraduates studying in Trinity. The current academic year is the first without this funding.

SciTech

90% of its Leaving Cert class to either Trinity or UCD. 216 schools sent nobody to Trinity.

p.22 Discussions continue in the Dáil about medicial marijuana

Commenting on the release of the figures, President of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) Kieran McNulty, pointed to recently published recommendations from TCDSU regarding improvements in educational access: “funding and more of an attitude change from the government and schools is needed to get students into education.”

Sport

The data, collated from the State Examinations Commission and third level institutions themselves, was published by national newspapers last week.

p.24 Archie McCauley, Trinity student, lands first race win

The figures are broken down on a school-by-school basis, by which third-level institutions this year’s Leaving Certificate students went on to attend, and the rates at which they did so.

Trinity to be used as concert venue in deal with MCD The event promoter has reportedly been granted permission for 10 shows in summer 2017 Niamh Lynch News Editor

RINITY HAS REPORTEDLY ENTERED a deal with event promoters MCD for the college to become a venue for a series of live shows from next summer onwards. A spokesperson for College has confirmed that all revenue raised by the initiative would “fund the academic needs of the University.” According to the Irish Times, MCD have been granted permission to host a number of open air shows on campus with a capacity of up to 5,000 people. Alt-J, James Vincent McMorrow and Lorde are among the acts under consideration for up to 10 shows during the 2017 run. Speaking to Trinity News, a spokesperson for College said: “Trinity College Dublin has a

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MCD have been granted permission to host a number of open air shows on campus with a capacity of up to 5,000 people.

long history of running and hosting events on its campus in association and partnership with other organisations. The Trinity Ball has been run in association with MCD for many years. We are currently exploring other options in conjunction with MCD, including hosting a select number of concerts outside of term time. These plans are for consideration and nothing has been finalised at this point. Should they proceed, the revenue raised by the initiative would go to fund the academic needs of the University.” MCD, in collaboration with Trinity Ents, organise the annual Trinity Ball which is held on campus every April. Acts that have performed at Trinity Ball in recent years include the Kooks, Basement Jaxx, Walking on Cars, Years and Years, Example and Ellie Goulding.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

News

What They Said

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“Irish Water, with its sleekly arrogant executives, vast consultancy fees, explicit desire to turn citizens into customers and tendency to behave like the private corporation it so obviously wished to be, was an insult to people struggling with very hard times.”

News in brief

Fintan O Toole, Irish Times Column, December 6

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“I was writing for the Student Union newspaper, Aontas, not realizing that this was a very uncool thing to do; the following year, I would move to Trinity News and the pizzaencrusted offices of publications would become a second home”.

Belinda McKeon, Author of Tender, Trinity Tales

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“A true giant of Irish letters, John Montague possessed a voice and vision which was wholly unique and deeply needed, at once intensely relevant and local, while also embracing and celebrating the cosmopolitan.” Sheila Pratschke, chair of the Arts Council on the death of poet John Montague

Trinity scientists develop new option for targeted cancer therapy The research will help to reduce side effects as well as improving diagnosis Niamh Lynch

New student volunteer resource launched in third level institutions Studentvolunteer.ie is a volunteering portal which is the first of its kind in the world Niamh Lynch News Editor

HIS WEEK SAW THE NATIONAL launch of st u d e n t vo l u n t e e r. ie, an online resource designed to offer students easy access to volunteering opportunities. The new service will give over 100,000 third-level students access to around 8,000 registered civil society organisations, including Barnardos and Special Olympics Ireland. The resource was developed by the Campus Engage Network who are based in the Irish Universities Association

(IUA). There is widespread support for the initiative as 10 higher education institutions – University College Dublin, National University of Ireland Galway, Institute of Technology Tralee, University of Limerick, Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, Institute of Technology Tallaght, Dublin City University, University College Cork and Dublin Institute of Technology – are currently invested in the portal. However, the site is open to all higher education institutions. The website has been shortlisted for the 2016 THINKTECH awards. There are a number of features provided for on the portal: students can apply for both national and international positions, create and manage an

online profile, check their volunteering hours, and apply for volunteering awards in particular colleges. The website is the first student portal to offer these services. In addition to giving students greater access to volunteering opportunities, the IUA hopes that it will “enhance students’ awareness of their role and responsibility in solving challenges such as homelessness, social exclusion and our ageing population.”

News Editor

R I N I T Y SCIENTISTS HAVE DISCOVERED a new therapy that will target cancer cells with improved specificity than current options. The researchers have demonstrated that a class of naturally occurring enzymes, named glycosidases, are heavily overexpressed in tumour tissue and can be used to trigger the release of therapeutic payloads in the local tumour sites only. Currently, cancer treatment

is unable to target cancer cells only which limits the dose of the drug that can be safely administered, and can also cause severe side effects. It is hoped that the findings may result in developing improved cancer therapy to combat these problems, as well as being used for cancer imaging and diagnosis.

released by the enzymes that are naturally overexpressed at the tumour site. The active compound is then rapidly taken up by cancer cells.” He continued: “Our next steps will be to apply this technology to release specific anti-cancer drugs and to test it against a range of different cancer types.”

Associate Professor in Chemistry at Trinity, Eoin Scanlan, who led the multidisciplinary group, said: “This is a really exciting discovery because it brings us closer to more targeted treatment of cancer. Some current therapies are limited due to the toxicity of the compounds, but our compounds are completely inactive until they are

The research was carried out in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute by researcher Elena CalatravaPérez in collaboration with Professors Thorfinnur Gunnlaugsson, Mathias Senge, and Clive Williams and was recently published in the journal Chemical Communications.

In a wider context, the IUA stressed the importance of the resource as there is mounting pressure on thirdlevel institutions globally to show their value in society.

Trinity College graduate becomes first Irish recipient of Schwarzman Scholarship Colleges not addressing gender equality could lose out on research funds The measure hopes to incentivise public institutions to encourage gender balance Michael Foley Comment Editor

EW RULES ANNOUNCED BY the Irish Research Council (IRC), Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), and the Health Research Board mean that only colleges who are addressing academic gender inequality will be eligible for an annual €230m public research fund. The measure, which aims to encourage gender balance in research careers, will affect 20 public institutions from the end of 2019 onwards. Institutions which have

not achieved the minimum bronze accreditation under the Athena SWAN gender equality scheme will not be considered for research funding from funding agencies. The accreditation scheme involves selfassessment, peer review and data collection. In addition, from 2023 onwards, colleges will have to attain a silver accreditation in order to receive funds for a research project. These rules were recommended in last June’s national review of gender equality in public thirdlevel institutions, which was carried out by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

As Trinity has already achieved bronze accreditation, it will not be affected by the 2019 measures but will have to attain a silver accreditation before 2023 in order to avail of research funding for subsequent years. The Athena SWAN gender equity charter is an award scheme for positive action in regards to third-level gender equality issues. Established in 2005, the charter’s purpose is to advance gender equality in the areas of science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM). In 2015, the charter was expanded in order to cover gender equality in the arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law disciplines.

BESS graduate Lara Connaughton wins spot on masters programme in Tsinghua University, Beijing Conn de Barra

adjudicators are selected from a worldwide pool DeputyInvestigations Editor that includes journalists, university presidents, and former heads of state. A R A These adjudicators form C O N NAU G H T O N, international panels that A BUSINESS, interview semi-finalists in Economics and Social major cities around the world. Studies (BESS) graduate, This year, 300 semi-finalists has gained a place in the were invited for interviews in Schwarzman Scholarship Beijing, Bangkok, London or programme, making her New York. the first Irish applicant to Trinity Business School staff do so since the programme was founded in 2013. Lara praised Lara’s success. BESS specialised in Business and course director Dr Michael commented Economics in her final year, Wycherly and graduated this year with that Schwarzman Scholars provides an opportunity a first class honors degree. for students to develop The Schwarzman leadership skills, and wished Scholarship programme Lara: “every success for is designed to send an the future.” Dean of Trinity international selection of Business School, Professor students to study on a one- Andrew Burke, noted Lara’s year masters programme achievements which gained at Tsinghua University, her recognition from the programme. Beijing. This year saw 2,747 scholarship applicants from 119 countries These included her role as auditor of Dublin University competing for 125 places. Business and Economics Scholars are chosen based Society (DUBES) at Trinity on criteria such as academic and chairing a session of capability, leadership the Trinity Global Business skills and perception of Forum in May 2016. long-running trends. The

Professor Burke added that Lara’s appointment was an encouraging sign for female business students: “At a time when we need more female leaders in global business and society, we can take great heart to see somebody of Lara’s international calibre getting stellar acknowledgement and development through the Schwarzman Scholarship programme.” The Schwarzman Scholarship programme was founded by Stephen A. Schwarzman, chairman and CEO of the Blackstone Group. It was launched in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 21 April 2013. The programme aims to foster ties between Tsinghua University and other institutions within China and around the world. Scholarship appointments are concentrated on specific nations, with roughly 45% of scholars coming from the United States, 20% from China, and the remaining 35% from other states.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

News

Trinity announces plan to divest from fossil fuel companies as NUIG president also commits to divestment

The universities join a worldwide initiative to break financial ties with the fossil fuel industry Niamh Lynch News Editor

Conn de Barra DeputyInvestigations Editor

RINITY COLLEGE HAS ANNOUNCED its intention to sell off investments in fossil fuel companies, becoming the first Irish university to do so. The move comes in response to a 15 month student campaign, spearheaded in Trinity by Fossil Free TCD, to reduce the college’s dependence on the fossil fuel industry for income. Trinity currently has €6 million worth of investments in gas, coal and oil companies. In selling off these investments, College will join a global movement to divest of fossil fuels. The “DivestInvest” campaign will involve 678 institutions, including Trinity, and 58,399 individuals worldwide. Its members include governments, banks, insurance companies, and institutions in the health,

education, and religious sectors. In total, they represent 77 countries and €5 trillion in assets. The pledge was announced on December 12th in London. Provost of Trinity, Dr Patrick Prendergast said: “Trinity intends to play our part in delivering the Paris Agreement...We made this decision following the impressive campaign of our own students ‘Fossil Free TCD’.” Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) President Kieran McNulty said that it was student efforts which brought about this decision by administration: “This was a student-led campaign. I hope this spurs on other universities and companies in Ireland to divest. Never doubt the power of young people and students to make change.”

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Trinity currently has €6 million in investments in oil companies which the administration plans to sell off.

era is ending.” Duff went on to say that divestment would be in companies’ interests, as reliance on fossil fuels is financially unsustainable. “The industry has around five times more carbon in these reserves than can be burned if warming is to be limited to 2 degrees as agreed by the world’s governments.” Duff said that these reserves could become “stranded assets” forming a “carbon bubble,” and divestment therefore “makes good financial sense.” Meanwhile, the president of the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Dr. James Browne, has committed to fossil fuel divestment in the university. This follows a meeting last Wednesday of NUIG Students’ Union President, Jimmy McGovern, the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) Society in NUIG and Dr. Browne regarding the divestment of €3.4 million worth of fossil fuel shares held by NUIG.

Spokesperson for TCD Fossil Free, Deirdre Duff, also contributed: “By joining the international divestment movement, Trinity is sending a message that the fossil fuel

The agreement follows the submission of a petition with

over 1,000 signatures to NUIG in last month, and a report highlighting the case for divestment. Browne will table a motion for full divestment of fossil fuel shares as well as the implementation of an ethical investment policy in early 2017.

commitment to divestment, and implementation of an ethical investment policy in February. We are hopeful that successes here, and in Trinity College, are the beginning of a cascade effect among Irish universities.”

Following the meeting, Dr. Browne said: “It is important for students to consider their role as global citizens who will shape our planet’s future. By advocating for an ethical policy on institutional investment, the CCAFS society and the Students’ Union leadership are highlighting an important global issue which impacts on climate change, social equity and a range of important ethical issues today. I look forward to working with our students to promote a transparent and ethical investment policy at NUI Galway, including fossil fuel divestment.”

In September 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) calculated that climate change would cause approximately 250,000 deaths each year between 2030 and 2050, unless measures were taken by governments worldwide to curtail it. This September, a collaborative study found that global temperatures would rise beyond 2°C, the projected survivable limit of increase, if reliance on fossil fuels continues. The study was coordinated by 15 organisations, including Oil Change International, the Rainforest Action Network and the Indigenous Environmental Network.

Colm Duffy, Auditor of the CCAFS Society, said: “We are thrilled with the response so far from Dr Browne, and see today’s result as a significant step towards divestment. We are looking forward to announcing NUI Galway’s

According to the study, the oil reserves in operation fields alone would raise the global temperature beyond 1.5°C. The study recommended banning all new fossil fuel

extraction projects and the decommissioning of certain fields and mines where resources have not yet been completely removed. The study does not call for an immediate halt to all fossil fuel industries, but a “managed decline” and a “just transition for the workers and communities that depend on (the fossil fuel industry).” On 29 November 2015, hundreds of thousands took to the streets in cities in 175 countries across the world, calling for stronger and more direct action from their governments against climate change. These demonstrations took place while the COP21 summit in Paris took place, where 195 countries signed the first-ever universal, legallybinding agreement to combat climate change. In doing so, all signatories pledged to keep carbon emissions in their countries within 2°C of pre-industrial levels. TCD students were represented at the Dublin march by bodies such as TCDSU, Fossil Free TCD and the Environmental Society.

Trinity academic warns against complacency as cases of tuberculosis rise The warning comes as the Centre for Disease Control updates its international guidelines on TB today Niamh Lynch News Editor

R I N I T Y A C A D E M I C , P R O F E S S O R JOSEPH Keane, has warned against complacency towards tuberculosis (TB) as the number of multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases rise. The increasing number of MDR-TB cases reflects the European trend which is attributed to the movement of people from countries with higher prevalence of TB. His warning comes as the Center for Disease Control updates its international guidelines on TB diagnosis after 17

years.

elimination.”

Dr Anne Marie McLaughlin, consultant respiratory physician at St James’s Hospital, Dublin said: “In Ireland, we have 329 cases of TB per year. The complexity of these cases and the increase in the number of multi-drug resistant cases is pushing the limits of our services. TB patients often are marginalised members of society with addiction issues. It’s a big challenge to get these persons to take the antibiotics they need, because they need to be on TB medication for 6 - 48 months.”

Professor Keane said: “It is crucial that we do not become complacent about the spread of TB both globally and here at home in Ireland. These new guidelines, which took 8 years to produce, will help in detecting TB, MDR-TB and latent TB infection – which will support disease

Dr Finbarr O’Connell, also a consultant respiratory

Student representatives make case for third level funding at Oireachtas Representatives from TCDSU, USI and ISSU addressed the Committee. Sarah Meehan Senior Reporter

Niamh Lynch News Editor

DELEGATION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES including Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) President Kieran McNulty, the Union of Students’ in Ireland (USI) President Annie Hoey, and Jane Hayes Nally, President of the Irish Secondary Students’ Union (ISSU) made their case for improved education funding in front of the Joint Committee on Education and Skills in the Oireachtas on Thursday. The hearing comes after a nationwide mobilisation of students in support of protecting higher education as a public good and rejecting loan-and-fees arrangements. Over 12,000 students marched on the Oireachtas in October, a recent voter registration drive added over 7,000 first-time voters to the register of electors, and tens of thousands of signatures have been collected on a petition calling for government to publicly fund higher education. Annie Hoey, USI President, said before the committee hearing that “Ireland already has the second highest fees for third level education in Europe. Members of the Oireachtas will hear from second and third level

students concerned that the government might be tempted to saddle students with loans and debt, which will put the poorest students off and squander the promise of future generations. Our members have told us to do our best to protect the poorest students, students with disabilities, mature students and minority groups.” Hoey added that “the opportunity now exists for the state to invest in education, to stimulate growth and drive our national development.” Kieran McNulty spoke before the committee expressing students’ concerns about the proposals for financing higher education in the Cassells Report, which was released in July. The report is being examined by an Oireachtas committee with the aim of reaching an agreement on a sustainable funding model for higher education. In his speech to the committee, McNulty voiced the hardships felt by students that are trying to pay their fees by balancing two or three part time jobs while keeping up with their studies. He told the committee that, as president of TCDSU, he has students coming to his office every week “asking for help, financial support and in some cases food to get by.” McNulty told the committee that “the system is broken and needs a revamp,” highlighting problems such as staff-student ratios and cash reserves in universities coming to an end. He continued that as a result of

these problems, the rankings of Irish universities will continue to slide even further if a decision is not made. Kieran used Australia and England as examples of student loans having negative impacts on students. He asserted that as loans tend to rise, they scare students away from going to college and increasingly tend not to be paid back. McNulty also advocated for the SUSI grant to be maintained and enhanced. He pointed out however, that the state would hardly do this if they were borrowing for a loan scheme: “grants and supports would not remain safe under the loan scheme.” McNulty also asked the committee not to dismiss the arguments for a publicly funded education scheme that has already worked in Scandinavia. McNulty highlighted a suggestion in the Cassells Report to increase the National Training Fund Levy to fund higher education. The report states that each 0.1% increase in the levy could raise at least an additional €50 million per annum. McNulty stated: “There needs to be a balance, and employers are categorically not playing their part.” He claimed that huge benefits accrue from companies contributing to higher education, and that they need to do more to contribute. Instead of instituting a loan scheme, McNulty said to “increase the employer’s contribution only slightly, and ringfence it for higher education”.

physician at St James’s Hospital Dublin, said: “In 2004, funding for a national TB unit was promised, to be located at St. James’s Hospital. Our public health efforts to fight TB would be helped if this facility was delivered now. The appointment of a national TB controller has been sought by the Irish Thoracic Society, which would advance our

care of this epidemic that has not gone away.” The updated guidelines were published today by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. They recommend that doctors

should use newer tests in patients at risk of latent or active TB infection. They also recommend that doctors shouldn’t overlook active TB disease as a diagnosis, even though it is less of a problem in countries such as Ireland than in the developing world. TB spreads through the air and can be a challenging disease to diagnose and treat.

TB most often affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain. Those at higher risk of developing the disease include people with HIV and others with weakened immune systems including those with diabetes, smokers and others who are taking immune-suppressing medications called TNF blockers.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

News

Students launch new TEDx society

Six senior freshman students have been granted “auxiliary status” by the CSC for the society Michael Foley Comment Editor

Niamh Lynch News Editor

IX SENIOR F R E S H M A N STUDENTS have founded a new TEDx society. Pierre-Louis Boczmak, Richard Patrick Chui, Henri Delahaye, Ross Kelly, Connie Lillis and Francisco Onofre have been granted “auxiliary status” by the Central Societies Committee (CSC) to hold a weekend event in the latter half of Hilary Term. The idea for the society came from sociology lecturer, Professor Richard Layte, who mentioned he had partaken in a TEDx talk in one of the

group’s lectures. The “auxiliary status” granted by the CSC allows the society to hold a weekendlong event without the commitment of organising weekly events. Lillis, a European Studies student, said: “We are planning to do smaller scale events because we do really want to get the student involved.” The co-founders remarked upon the long process involved in setting up a society. Onofre, who studies History and Political Science, says: “This whole process took about a year because we were kind of in the midst of a bureaucratic gridlock where we had to get a licence from TED and then we had to go to the Trinity system to apply as a society.” Delahaye, a Business and Political Science student, added: “We decided together to work with the CSC instead of doing an

independent event in order to be closer to the student community and to ensure the longevity of the society.” The group approached the University of Brighton and the University of Glasgow to learn more about the process of setting the society up. Lillis points to the University of Glasgow as inspiration for where they’d like to take the society: “They’ve done it for four years. They started with a committee of seven people and now it’s huge; their committee is over 30 people and they have a fullon society as well.” A date has not been set for the annual conference but the organisers are planning for the end of Hilary term. The group are also in the process of finding sponsors. Delahaye, from Paris, remarked: “Dublin is actually booming and there’s new entrepreneurs with new

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The society appears to be popular already, with the Facebook page gathering 350 likes within 24 hours of going live.

students in a young city. So I think a new TEDx event at Trinity would bring new sponsors.” The theme of the annual weekend event will be “Place Your Bets.” Lillis, from Belgium, says: “It’s to do with decision making and so it’s a fairly broad theme that can be adapted to loads of different disciplines across campus. We were thinking of psychology and politics, business, science, physics, anything really...just to share their perspective on it.” Considering the need for a society like TEDx, Lillis says: “the idea of TED is promoting local ideas but we want to promote these ideas to the world. We think that it’s quite unique in that it aims to share ideas that haven’t been heard before. And rather than attracting guests just based on famous names, it’s really just centered around a theme

and that way we can even get students to share their perspective on things. I think it (is) a valuable addition to Trinity. It would provide opportunities for everybody to get involved really whether you’re a speaker or even a volunteer or guest. Like it’s not debating - some of the other societies focus on that. It’s not networking or career prospects.” Chui, a Business and Economics student from Mauritius, added: “Really the fact that DCU and UCD have it and Trinity just doesn’t, we’re left out basically.” The society appears to be popular already, with the Facebook page gathering 350 likes within 24 hours of going live. Five out of the six cofounders are EU students from outside of Ireland. Talking about how this affected the development of the society, Onofre, from

Portugal, said: “We actually all felt cut-off from the Trinity society environment. It’s harder for international students to access it.” Delahaye continued: “I felt the same thing. Like many students (from Ireland) came from the same high school and they know each other, they know the process of how to get involved in societies or they know people. I think it’s an issue for international students.” Lillis also continues, saying: “There is a thing in Trinity that Irish people (are) drawn to each other in general. And then the international (students) would draw to each other.” TED, which stands for Technology, Education and Design, began in 1984 and is a non-profit organisation with the aim of spreading ideas in the form of short talks of 18 minutes or less.

Trinity academic warns against complacency as tuberculosis cases rise Niamh Lynch News Editor

R I N I T Y AC A D E M I C, PROFESSOR JOSEPH Keane, has warned against complacency towards tuberculosis (TB) as the number of multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases rise. The increasing number of MDR-TB cases reflects the European trend which is attributed to the movement of people from countries with higher prevalence of TB. His warning comes as the Center for Disease Control updates its international guidelines on TB diagnosis after 17 years.

Trinity awards four new honorary doctorate degrees The degrees were awarded at a ceremony last Friday in the Exam Hall Fiachra McCann Contributing Writer

RINITY AWARDED FOUR NEW honorary degrees at a ceremony taking place in the Examinations Hall last Friday. Eric Kinsella, Peta Taaffe, David Puttnam and Louise Richardson received the degrees from the Provost, Dr. Patrick Prendergast, alongside 90 other graduates receiving doctorates. The ceremony, presided by the provost and the chancellor of the university, Mary Robinson, in Latin, was attended by over one hundred friends and family members of the recipients. Nominations are given to “individuals

of integrity, judgment and exceptional achievement.” The recipients include many leaders in a number of different fields such as engineering, broadcasting and education. Eric Kinsella is an electrical engineer and has an MSc from Trinity. He is a graduate member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, London and the founder of Jones Engineering Group Ltd. The company is valued at over €10 billion and has been providing electrical, mechanical and instrumental solutions to projects across Europe and the Middle East. Kinsella’s company has provided support for engineering scholarships in Trinity and the 24-hour library, Kinsella Hall. Kinsella was awarded a Doctor of Science.

David Puttnam is a British film maker and producer. His production company, Enigma Productions, has produced a number of films including Chariots of Fire. He was awarded a CBE in 1983, a knighthood in 1995, and was admitted into the House of Lords in 1997. He was chair and vicepresident of Trustees of BAFTA from 1994 until 2004, and deputy chair for Channel 4 between 2006 and 2012. Puttnam served as an adviser on the Trinity Access 21 programme which aims to promote inclusive and hightech learning. Upon being awarded his Doctor of Laws, Puttnam was praised as the “digital champion” of Ireland by public orator, Professor Anna

Chahoud. Louise Richardson completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and an Masters of Arts degree at Trinity before going on to complete a doctorate degree in Harvard. She spent twenty years in Harvard before going on to become the vicechancellor and chair of the University of St Andrews in Scotland. In January 2016, she became vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford. She specialises in international security, with a focus on terrorism and the motives of terrorists. Chahoud described Richardson as a “fearless woman” who “matches her powerful advocacy for the humanities with an indefatigable defence of human rights.” Richardson

was awarded a Doctor of Laws. Peta Taaffe is a Dame Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion of the Order of Malta and was the elected hospitaller until 2013. She is on the board of trustees of the Holy Family Hospital Bethlehem and her involvement led to the establishment of a direct entry degree in midwifery in Bethlehem University. She has been President of the Queen’s Institute of District Nursing in Ireland (QIDN) charity since its creation in 2003. Taaffe was described at the ceremony as an “Irish matron who has given invaluable aid to the local communities over four decades at the Holy Family Hospital Bethlehem,” where she was also awarded a Doctor of Laws.

The best practice global guidelines were co-authored by Professor Keane. In the guidelines, he underlined the need to be vigilant about the disease, which is found across the world. TB affects onethird of the global population and kills 1.5 million people every year - more than malaria and HIV. Professor Keane said: “It is crucial that we do not become complacent about the spread of TB both globally and here at home in Ireland. These new guidelines, which took 8 years to produce, will help in detecting TB, MDR-TB and latent TB infection – which will support disease elimination.” Dr Anne Marie McLaughlin, consultant respiratory physician at St James’s Hospital, Dublin said: “In Ireland, we have 329 cases of TB per year. The complexity of these cases and the increase in the number of multi-drug resistant cases is pushing the limits of our services. TB patients often are marginalised members of society with addiction issues. It’s a big challenge

to get these persons to take the antibiotics they need, because they need to be on TB medication for 6 - 48 months.” Dr Finbarr O’Connell, also a consultant respiratory physician at St James’s Hospital Dublin, said: “In 2004, funding for a national TB unit was promised, to be located at St. James’s Hospital. Our public health efforts to fight TB would be helped if this facility was delivered now. The appointment of a national TB controller has been sought by the Irish Thoracic Society, which would advance our care of this epidemic that has not gone away.” The updated guidelines were published today by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. They recommend that doctors should use newer tests in patients at risk of latent or active TB infection. They also recommend that doctors shouldn’t overlook active TB disease as a diagnosis, even though it is less of a problem in countries such as Ireland than in the developing world. TB spreads through the air and can be a challenging disease to diagnose and treat. TB most often affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain. Those at higher risk of developing the disease include people with HIV and others with weakened immune systems including those with diabetes, smokers and others who are taking immune-suppressing medications called TNF blockers.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Features

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Shauna Dillane on the brutal life in a refugee camp on Chios page 8

Former student activists look back on Garda brutality and USI neglect in wake of 2010 march Stacey Wrenn interviews two students about the student march in November 2010 in Dublin against the proposed increase in fees and cuts in state expenditure on third level education. Stacey Wrenn Deputy Features Editor

N THE 3RD N O V E M B E R 2010, up to 40,000 students marched in Dublin against the proposed increase in fees and cuts in state expenditure on third level education. By the 9th November, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman had received 28 complaints of police brutality. Media reports of the protest varied in detailing the event, with some accounts contradicting others -- particularly those of the occupation of the Department of Finance which was carried out by a breakaway group from the original passive protest. Then President of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), Gary Redmond, a known member of Ógra Fianna Fáil, publically condemned the actions of the protestors and claimed that they were not representative of the USI. During a time where Trinity College Student’s Union are attempting to be more involved in students grassroots movements, with an official mandate to oppose student loans and an increase in fees, it is important to question their role in the past and how students feel about the parent-union USI and their respective student unions. Trinity News spoke to two students involved in the protest, now student teachers, to give their accounts of the occupation and the resulting violence suffered by both them and those who remained on the march. ANONYMOUS, FORMER UCD (UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN) Anonymous was a part of the group who broke away and occupied the Department of Finance. In this interview they describe what happened that day from their perspective. You were one of the students involved in the occupation. Can you describe what happened? The occupation was a relatively spontaneous one. There was some talk prior to the march among FEE (Free Education for Everyone) as to what action could be taken on the day, but several ideas were floated and nothing was particularly decided upon. The FEE Block was made up of maybe 100 students on a march of 40,000, and some were skeptical of the impact it could have. Despite this, a plan was formed en route to break away from the main march on Nassau Street and congregate outside the Dáil (which the official march had intentionally avoided). Several hundred students followed suit and a militant atmosphere spread among the crowd. A few people had scouted ahead and noticed the Department of Finance was open, so it was decided to enter peacefully and begin a sit down protest. A few dozen managed to make their way in, while the hundreds outside were soon joined by hundreds more who became alerted to the news and broke away from the official march. The mood was positive and a general plan was drawn up on the spot. We were, as a group, going to draft demands and decide a time that afternoon to end the occupation. The mood and plan changed when after a half hour or so we saw Garda horses and the Public Order Unit dispersing much of the crowd outside by force. They then began extracting people forcefully, one by one, from the lobby of the department. I was at the back and saw many people handled with excessive force, with one woman being knocked unconscious. When it came to me, I was grabbed the neck and thrown on the ground. A Garda knelt on my chest and hit me across the side of the head, saying that he had wanted to do that since seeing us outside the Dáil previously. Once the occupation had cleared after a flurry of panic and confusion, students peacefully lined up in front of the Garda line. A cheerful atmosphere developed with chanting and drumming, this

was soon replaced however by a Garda charge which saw people chased down the length of Stephen's Green, many tripping or being assaulted by the Gardaí. A few dozen of us also lodged complaints with the Garda Ombudsman but, unsurprisingly, the complaints went nowhere.

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I was grabbed by the neck and thrown on the ground, a Garda knelt on my chest and hit me across the side of the head, saying that he had wanted to do that since seeing us outside the Dáil previously.

The USI condemned the actions of the students who clashed with the police at the protest. How did hearing your union say that make you feel? The USI's condemnation was not unsurprising. At the time it was very much a breeding ground for Fianna Fáil. Gary Redmond, its president at the time, was a well know Fianna Fáil man along with many of its executive. There was longstanding resentment between FEE and USI. Many of those involved with USI were the same who were involved when the UCDSU advised students to pass the picket placed on the University by lecturers in 2009. Do you think that student activism has changed since 2010? If so, how, and do you see that as a positive or a negative? Student as a whole have tended to become more politicised since 2010. Many of those in third level in 2010 have grown up with the Celtic Tiger and did not altogether appreciate the destructiveness of austerity. Students now have lived their teenage years in crisis and, as such, are forced to be more aware of their position in society. This manifests itself too in issues such as marriage equality and Repeal the Eighth Amendment. In terms of organised student activity, the USI has taken a shift away from Fianna Fáil, which is demonstrated in its retraction of condemnation of the 2010 action. Student activism generally has a short lifespan. The vast majority of those involved in 2010 are no longer students and the movements go up and down in sharp spikes. Fundamentally however, it has not changed significantly in terms of tactics or orientation by students on the radical left. Students Against Fees (SAF) supported the TUI (Teachers' Union of Ireland) strike in DIT (Dublin Institute of Technology) earlier this year. With the ASTI’s (Association

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Maintaining momentum is crucial to activism; to ensure that an issue is not kept to a single annual day of mass protest, but to keep the pressure consistent until changes are made.

of Secondary Teachers, Ireland) strike action still in people’s memories, do you think that a united front between students and teachers is the best way to save education in this country? There is often a disconnect between educators and students on matters arising like this. I think it’s vital that both stand in solidarity with each other against any form of attack. I'm a member of the ASTI and have made sure to explain to my secondary school students the reasons why the strikes were taking place. It seems simple but the vast majority had no idea of the details. In involving them in a discussion about it, it made them think and link their priorities with those of their teachers. MEGAN CONLON O’REILLY, FORMER NCAD (NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN) Megan had a somewhat different experience to Anonymous in that she was not part of the occupation, but she still faced the violent backlash from the riot Gardaí for being in the vicinity. Can you describe what your experience of the protest was that day? I marched with my college, NCAD. We spent some time preparing ourselves at college beforehand: we painted placards, drummers rehearsed and we ran through a few chants before setting off to join the other students on the march. The march concluded with a demonstration led by Gary Redmond, USI President. It felt hollow in comparison to the passion and energy we had felt on the streets. Towards the final moments of the demo, Redmond led the crowd with a message to the Irish government, an air-punching chant that left a sour taste in our mouths: “I AM A VOTE! I AM A VOTE! I AM A VOTE!” We looked skeptically at each other, in partial laughter, but a genuine discomfort struck me over being represented by someone who seemed to have such a careerist attitude. I was furious to be referred to as a “vote” and this fight for free education was NOT motivated by furthering any political career. We certainly did not feel represented by the USI in their placid approach to such an enormous issue, but this distrust deepened when

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We certainly did not feel represented by the USI in their placid approach to such an enormous issue, but this distrust deepened when they publicly abandoned us

they publicly abandoned us following situation which arose moments later. The demo dispersed and we (myself and four or so friends) found ourselves around the side of the Department of Finance. We moved through the crowd, and I saw a girl being dragged by two Gardaí, one holding her arms, the other her legs, and she was dropped hard the street. They left her with no supervision or aid, although she was clearly unresponsive. We witnessed students being hit with batons, completely unprovoked. A friend of mine rushed to [the girl's] assistance and then disappeared as riot Gardaí suddenly formed a line in front of us. Mounted Gardaí came at a canter at us from the right. The horses tightened us in threateningly, and a sudden hoof came down painfully on my boot. I looked up seeing a 16hh white horse chomping at the bit above my head, seeming frightened by the chaos. I kept my hands up to try protect my head from the hooves and enormous body of the horse. We were slowly being trampled and getting pushed back, although there was nowhere we could go. From the front, the riot Gardaí began another sudden hard push on us, forcing their shields up, compressing quickly into the crowds. I noticed students being whipped out by Gardaí from the space between the tarmac road and the shields. The students attempted to hold on to their friends for safety, but one by one they were aggressively torn from the crowd. When it came to me there was little to no space to move but I balled up my body as tight as I could, thinking it was less likely I’d get injured that way. Hands grabbed and pulled at my ankles, trying to take my legs from under me. Then, feeling what felt like a fist hitting hard to the side of my left knee, my legs gave way and my ankles were pulled sharply. I was dragged from underneath the shields, my head whacking the tough plastic on the way out. I was dragged out by the Gardaí, by my ankles and arms, and was dropped onto my knees and left on the side of the road. I was stunned but was told by a Garda to “move off.” He then ignored me and turned back to the crowd. Dizzy, it took me time to get my bearings. I had to find my friends. I had to move. The USI condemned the actions of the students who clashed with the police at the protest. How did hearing your union say that make you feel? We were furious. They should have supported us in what happened, but by washing their hands clean of us, we knew more than ever that they were not acting in our interests, or offering any kind of support. They did not represent us, but themselves as individuals. [Afterwards], we at NCAD took on new strategies, hosting later protests. Do you think that student activism has changed since 2010. If so, how, and do you see that as a positive or a negative? Since 2010, I have both observed and have been a part of a number of activist events/protests/educational strikes and I definitely think student activism is improving on a broad scale. That said, on a more local scale I hugely commend NCAD Student Action for their powerful activism against the corruption that went on in NCAD. Their creative protests truly brought in change to their college, as they could not be ignored. Maintaining momentum is crucial to activism; to ensure that an issue is not kept to a single annual day of mass protest, but to keep the pressure consistent until changes are made. Ireland is in a position of great social change at the moment, where transport workers, teachers, nurses, gardaí and students are refusing to be trampled. No issue stands alone. Supporting each other is crucial to the instigation of lasting change.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Features

Interview with Kelsey Hazzard, founder of Secular Ciara O’Rourke interviews the founder of Pro-Life the American advocacy group

Ciara O'Rourke Contributing writer

ECULAR PRO-LIFE IS an advocacy group based in the US. Their website makes a surprising claim: “Fact: There are over six million pro-lifers in the United States who aren't affiliated with a religion. According to the Pew Research Center, 19.6% of American adults have no religion. That's approximately 46 million people given the current population of the United States. And according to Gallup, somewhere between 15 and 19 percent of Americans with no religion are pro-life. Do the math, and it comes out to between 6.9 and 8.7 million. Out of an abundance of caution, Secular Pro-Life calls it 6 million.” I recently spoke to Kelsey Hazzard, the organisation’s president, over Skype. She started caring about the issue while still in the United Methodist church (a prochoice denomination of Christianity). “I never heard a sermon about abortion growing up. It was never a religious issue to me, and when I got involved in pro-life activism, it was in opposition to my church, which I realise is sort of a minority scenario to be in, but that’s how it came about for me. So the idea that I’m a secret Christian or something, or secretly motivated by religion, is rather funny to me. Because even when I was a Christian, my pro-life activism was secular.” Kelsey’s drift away from religion came afterwards, and was “pretty much unrelated”. Due to the fact that her activism had a strong secular basis beforehand, “it didn’t really make a difference. I was just a pro-life atheist. As far as religion and the question of why you would be pro-life go, for me, it would be a human rights issue.” Secular Pro-life was founded in 2009, around the time Kelsey graduated from the University of Miami, where she had run a pro-life group. She “saw a need for religiously neutral pamphlets and materials. You know so many of them: there would be a great summary on prenatal development, and then there would be a bible verse at the end that would just ruin it.” The

advocacy

group

started as a way of providing downloads and as a website that approached the issue in a secular way. But from there “[i] t was a really a ‘build and they will come’ kind of situation. I think a lot of people were looking for something like this, where people of every faith and no faith could come together under one umbrella.”

sometimes seen as religiously motivated. But Kelsey thinks “it’s just one of those areas where religion and science happen to come to the same conclusion.” Additionally, she highlights that she wants to avoid judging people based on their religion or upbringing. “The fact that someone comes to a conclusion and is religious doesn’t really tell you much. You need to know why they believe what they believe.”

Their support base is “mainly online” and predominantly young - mostly students and people in their twenties and thirties. “We’re a millennial group. Our leadership is millennials. Most of our support is millennials.” As for the gender balance, “we welcome men but women are the majority in secular pro life.” Being secular and pro-life Kelsey explained that while the group’s leadership is atheist and agnostic, “secular just means that it is religiously neutral. We do get a lot of religious minorities who would be uncomfortable as part of the religious right. So we get a lot of Muslims, Mormons, pagans.” The group also receives “liberal Christians who appreciate our secular approach.” Members are also politically diverse. “We have everything from diehard libertarians to basically socialists.” I asked Kelsey if it is common for college students to find the experience of being pro-life and non-religious isolating. She says that it depends on where you go to college, and who your friend group is. “I get emails all the time, not especially from students, but from pro-life atheists in particular, who say ‘Oh thank goodness you exist. I thought I was the only prolife atheist’.”

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We’re a millennial group. Our leadership is millennials. Most of our support is millennials.

However, Kelsey also points out that while she agrees that life begins at conception, she sometimes thinks “this point causes us to get off course and fail to appreciate how quickly prenatal development occurs.” The focus on conception creates a disconnect where people end up discussing the issue as if there is not a period of time before you can confirm you’re pregnant, or before the pregnancy has progressed to the point where an abortion is physically possible. In reality, she says, “when we talk about abortion, we’re not in the weeds of the moment of conception, we’re really talking about an embryo that is quite obviously alive.” Are human rights for all human beings? For Kelsey, the issue is ultimately about human rights. “We have to ask ourselves if human rights are for all human beings, or if they are for planned human beings, or able bodied human beings, or human beings who are independent enough, who are good enough. Essentially, all these various justifications that are put forward for abortion rest on the implicit assumption that human rights are earned, and I can’t get on board with that.” As for the idea that though a fetus of human parentage is biologically speaking a member of the human species, but may not be a person until it is conscious, Kelsey says, “I think that's a criterion that has been invented to justify abortion, and that is not applied across the board, and we see that in terms of how temporary unconsciousness is treated in every other situation. Someone who is comatose, even for nine months, is not thereby deprived of their legal rights. It’s an ad hoc rationalisation.

But Kelsey is keen to emphasise that “we have been seeing two trends that just happen to have arisen independently. One is that people are becoming less religious, and young people are the main drive toward that. We’re much less religious than the generations that came prior, and we are also the pro-life generation – we are more pro-life than our parents’ generation was. Those two trends are bound to overlap.” In other words, there are more pro-life atheists than there ever have been before, especially among young people.

The reason we don’t kill the person who’s in a coma is because they may wake up, they may obtain consciousness, and that is true of the unborn child as well.” She also argues that trying to define “person” in a

This might sound odd when opposition to abortion is often tied to the view that life begins at conception; a view

way that goes beyond being a member of the human species is suspect. This “new category called person” has historically meant “whatever people in power want it to mean.” Nor does Kelsey buy the idea that abortion is necessary for women’s equality. “As a woman, I do find it offensive to suggest that I need the ability to kill my children to be equal. That bothers me a great deal.” She adds that in the US “about half of women are pro-life. And the feminist movement just ignores us”. She objects to the framing of the pro-choice position as a neutral option. “Just to say, ‘it’s too difficult for me, so we’ll leave it up to the woman’ is a cop out, because if you’re wrong and the child is alive,

that child has been sentenced to death.” Unless you’re sure that the unborn child is not alive, abortion is not a victimless crime. If someone thinks that, “then we can have a real conversation about what is truly motivating the support for abortion.” Does she have any advice for students who would be on the fence regarding this issue or who would be hesitant to get involved? “I would implore you to not rely on stereotypes, and do your own investigation. I highly recommend a website called ehd.org which is the endowment on human development, which gives you a fantastic education on life in the womb and prenatal development from conception to birth.”

But equally, she emphasises that being pro-life is “more than just taking up a position.” It is about what you do as well as what you say. “You know, I myself have had a pregnant woman in crisis stay in my home, I have had friends who have gotten arrested at protests. It’s a commitment that involves making sacrifices.” Being pro-life starts at home - by being ready to support friends if they get pregnant, for example. “That is, I hope, a common ground for those who are pro-life, pro-choice and on the fence.” “I care less about what you think and more about what you do.”

Hygge: how the Danes bring warmth into O’Brien-Møller explores the ways the Danes cope with their long their winters Hannah winters, including their unique concept of hygge. Hannah O’BrienMøller Deputy Features Editor

INTERS IN DENMARK CAN be very long, lasting from early November to March, and are often snowy. The Danes cope with these harsh winters through their unique concept of hygge (pronounced “hueguh”). Thought to be the origin of the word “hug” in English, it is often translated as “cosiness”. This is neither adequate nor accurate. It is an abstract term denoting atmosphere, a feeling of warmth and contentment, not to do with material things but more a connection with the people around you. The Hygge Hype Readers are possibly already sick of the word hygge, which has been claimed by the hipsters of Ireland and the UK and used to sell countless books this year. Journalists of both the Guardian and the Irish Times have called it “bullshit” and “a conspiracy”, and many people are now sceptical of it being an essential part of Danish culture, and not just commercialism at its sneakiest. As a part-Dane, when I wandered into Hodges Figgis and saw an entire section of books on hygge, I was surprised and a little suspicious. How did a concept so unique to Danish culture find its way across the sea? I scanned the names of the authors and found

that very few of them looked Scandinavian. This aroused my suspicion even further because, as I said and any Dane will tell you, hygge does not translate into English. It is usually used to denote spending time with friends and family, sharing a laugh or watching TV together. I was once eating out with my family when the waiter came over, lit the tea lights on the table and said “Now that brings a bit more hygge, doesn’t it?” The adjective hyggelig (pronounced “hue-guh-ly”) is how you would describe a dinner party or a holiday at a friend’s house. I had a flick through some of these books, filled with tips for making a house hyggelig and recipes for ginger cake. Many of them seemed to have a bizarre fascination with scented candles. While I found this didn’t fit with the definition of it being a feeling and an atmosphere, I have to admit there is something about the way you create your environment that makes it hyggelig. Much of it is to do with light – whether it’s a string of fairy lights or tea lights on a table, any soft warm glow is perfect for winter nights when it’s cold outside. Things like having warm blankets or rugs made from natural materials, along with warm socks, just make you feel good. The Irish hygge The reason some publications are bitter about this hype over the word hygge is because, once again, the Scandinavians seem to

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Hygge does not translate into English. It is both an abstract noun and a verb, usually used to denote spending time with friends and family and having a laugh.

be portrayed as the perfect culture, when in fact Irish people have their own version of hygge and are pretty good at it too. Here it means copious amounts of tea (and biscuits), open fires while it’s raining outside, sitting in a warm pub with your friends while listening to live music, wearing ridiculous Christmas jumpers that not only keep you warm but make people smile as well, blasting Christmas FM while you’re making mince pies, and just in general having the craic. Sarah, an Irish student who went on Erasmus in Denmark last year, described the main difference between the ways the Irish and the Danes cope with the winter as the fact that “the weather (even though it was similar enough to Ireland) didn’t really influence people’s mood in Denmark […] People in Dublin in the rain or cold just look a bit miserable, don’t they? With their umbrellas and just a general sadness or grumpiness or something, like on the Dart in the winter there’s just a “down” atmosphere. But I didn’t find that in Denmark at all. I suppose people just get on with it! If it rains? Raincoat. If it snows? Snow boots […] I guess the attitude made the seasons different.” She summed up her own experience of hygge as follows: “I think part of the whole hygge thing is just the Danes’ happy-go-lucky atmosphere to be honest. We all just felt completely comfortable in each other’s company and just so happy to be in that

moment… It was just the comfort in your own skin and in other people’s company.” A cosy Christmas Right now millions of Danes are burning down their advent candles, drinking Gløgg (Danish mulled wine), putting cloves in oranges and hanging them around the house, making brunkager (spiced Christmas biscuits) and Christmas decorations, and counting down the days until Christmas. They are already a couple of months into the long, dark winter, and to battle the cold outside they have a very Danish way of spreading warmth in the home, and counting down the days until December 24. The countdown begins on the first although, like in Ireland, shops begin the commercial assault of an abundance of Christmas products in early November. Many Danish parents make their own advent calendars and individually wrap 24 small presents for their children. December 1 is also the day the aforementioned advent candle comes out. It has the numbers 1 to 24 going down the length of the candle, and is lit every day, so families can watch the days melt away. There is also an advent calendar on TV and each evening until Christmas Eve; the family sits down together and watches one episode. The narrative usually follows elves who are preparing for Christmas. All of this helps to make the cold and dark December days warm and full of hygge.

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Right now millions of Danes are burning down their advent candles, drinking Gløgg (Danish mulled wine), and counting down the days until Christmas.

Although December 25 is still referred to as Christmas Day in Danish, the real celebration takes place on Christmas Eve , as is common in many other European countries. There is also a ‘mini Christmas Eve’ on December 23. Even though throughout the entire runup to Christmas, people are constantly partying with colleagues and friends, the whole of the Christmas week is family time. On Christmas Eve, the real celebrations kick off with a huge family meal, including a goose, a pot of red cabbage, potatoes and rice pudding to finish. Then you dance around the Christmas tree, which some families still decorate with real burning candles and paper hearts (and a fire extinguisher nearby). Later that evening, the house is visited by the Juleman (the Christmas Man AKA Santa). Students can earn extra money by renting themselves out as a Juleman who will come to your house and surprise the children; their ads often read “sober Juleman for hire”. Once Santa has called, gifts are exchanged. The celebrations continue for the next couple of days, leaving barely enough time to recover before New Year’s Eve. Hygge is an essential part of Danish winters but it is relevant the whole yearround. It is deeply ingrained in each and every Dane. Irish people have the same instinct of wanting to be content and cosy in the wet winters. The Danes just found a word that sums that up: hygge.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Features

Brutality, abuse & neglect in a Greek refugee camp Shauna Dillane speaks to Niamh Keady-Tabbal about volunteering in a refugee camp on the Greek island of Chios. Shauna Dillane Contributing Writer

HE GREEK ISLAND OF Chios lies only 4.3 miles from Turkey. As the gateway to Europe, it has become an important route for refugee flows. At present, Chios is home to over 3,000 refugees, roughly 60% of whom are Syrians, 20% Iraqis, 10% North Africans and 10% from other countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Palestine, and Lebanon. There are two refugee camps on the island; Souda and Vial, both of which are filled with tents and containers that serve as homes for refugees and bases for the various NGOs, advocacy groups and food and medical services in the camp. These refugees have fled persecution in their home countries yet face constant and worsening difficulties upon reaching Europe. Niamh Keady-Tabbal, a Senior Sophister student of Middle Eastern Studies, volunteered twice with an emergency aid response group in Souda refugee camp. Niamh was struck by the extent of her responsibility in the camp which went beyond providing immediate support in the form of clothing and food parcels, as well as regular clothing distributions and English classes in Souda camp. Given that the emergency aid response group that

she worked with did not subscribe to the traditional bureaucratic formalities of NGOS, which would typically create a distance between aid workers and refugees, Niamh had the opportunity to spend time getting to know many refugees in the camp, developing strong and lasting friendships with them. Now that Niamh has returned to Ireland, she described how intertwined her life now is with the ongoing difficulties that the people in Chios are facing. She explained that she still receives numerous daily messages, calls and video calls from refugees in UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) containers in Souda, from the barred cells of detention centres, and from those who have successfully made it to Western Europe. Shocked by the lack of reaction towards recent attacks on the Souda camp by right-wing extremists, and outraged that someone could have the audacity to attack a human being in such a violent manner, Niamh came to Trinity News with the aim of shedding light on the reality of life for refugees in Chios. Golden Dawn Attacks On the night of 16 November, Souda refugee camp came under attack from the extreme right-wing party, Golden Dawn. Referred to as “the fascists” by refugees in the Greek camp, Golden Dawn had been attending a conference on the island called, “The

Solution to Refugees”. What started off as angry comments from Golden Dawn members descended into chaos when police and rioters stormed the camp later that night. Niamh, having returned to Ireland by this point, received alarmed messages about the ongoing attacks from the refugees and volunteers. The police descended on the camp, dragging people out of their containers, and arresting volunteers without reason. The police blocked off the exits to the camp, and chaos ensued as police and rioters wreaked havoc in the camp. Boulders were dropped from the castle walls at the perimeter of the camp, smashing through the thin roofs of the UNHCR containers. Niamh highlighted the negligence of the fire brigade who arrived over one and a half hours after they had been called by camp volunteers. The fires had been put out by refugees by that time. One man was struck in the head by a boulder and is now in a critical condition, his skull fractured. A young girl, pregnant with twins, had a miscarriage from the shock and stress of the attacks. Niamh explained that one volunteer was dragged from his group of friends by the police who asked him where he was from. When he replied that he was a foreign volunteer and a nurse, he was beaten, hauled from the camp and detained in the police station overnight. This case is but one of many. Both of the

camp nurse volunteers were arrested, beaten and strip searched, and were therefore unable to provide immediate medical assistance to injured refugees. The attacks erupted once again the following evening and Molotov cocktails destroyed tents and containers causing widespread fire throughout the camp. On this occasion, the fire brigade simply refused to come to the camp. Those who had been living in the camp are now too afraid to return to their destroyed tents and containers and have been forced to sleep in a carpark without any shelter. Only the tip of the iceberg The Golden Dawn attacks crystallise the malevolent attitude of Greek citizens, including members of the police and doctors, towards refugees. When asked about the Greek attitude towards volunteers on the island, Niamh explained that local hostility extends to the volunteers, many arguing that their presence on the island encourages refugees to make the journey to Europe. Niamh proceeded to highlight a number of incidents wherein the police deliberately interfered with the work of advocacy groups. She gave the example of a period of two days where six boats arrived on Chios, of which three were not reported to her emergency aid response group or the medical team. It is understood that there is

an increasing desire to keep medics away from new boat arrivals. They have been given false information, such as incorrect times of arrivals and false locations thus limiting their ability to provide food, water, dry clothing and medical assistance to boat arrivals. Niamh also witnessed a number of arbitrary police arrests while she was volunteering in Souda. In fact, an Algerian refugee that she befriended got arrested in October because he was in the queue for the ferry to go to mainland Greece. Niamh explained that normally, if people try to leave illegally and are doing so in an overt manner by queueing for the ferry without papers, they are simply told to leave. However, this time everyone in the queue got arrested. “They were kept for six days in the Chios police station, for the first day they didn’t get any food at all… the treatment was terrible”. Her friend was then transported to a detention centre in Korinthos where he is being kept in a room with thirteen other people, in which the lights are constantly on, he is constantly hungry and he has no access to additional clothing. “It is like a prison… they are only allowed to leave the room for two hours per day”. While her friend told her that he has not been beaten by police in the detention camp, he described being beaten a lot by the police in Chios.

“He didn’t know why he was there”. He has now hired a lawyer in an attempt to get out of the detention camp, yet the lawyer stated that there is only a 50/50 percent chance that he will be released within the next 6 to 18 months. Limited medical services in the camp no longer exist as the medical clinic was completely closed down. A fellow volunteer informed Niamh of a meeting that he attended with the UN and municipality in which a member of the UN stated, “They will have to get used to not having medical services”. When seeking medical assistance, refugees are now forced to go to the hospital on the island where they are blatantly ignored, jeered at and denied medical attention by doctors and nurses. Niamh explained that on one occasion she was in A&E with a sick woman seeking medical attention. Niamh described how doctors ignored them and would not even acknowledge the sick woman for over an hour. Finally when she was seen to, the woman was “treated like dirt” by a rude doctor who prodded and poked at her and shouted verbal abuse at both Niamh and the sick woman. Niamh witnessed this kind of hostility from Greek doctors each time she accompanied refugees to hospital. Niamh stressed the fact that the crisis is no longer simply humanitarian, but political.

She explained that on her second visit to the camp, one of the refugees asked her why she was there. He then added, “You know we don’t want your t-shirts or your clothes, we don’t want anything. We just want to leave. You know that you’re keeping us here by giving us things”. Upon further reflection Niamh realised the merit in his point. “It’s not simply a humanitarian problem anymore. It’s a political problem”. Of course, she highlighted the importance of frontline advocacy groups in providing immediate humanitarian aid however, she pointed out that, in this case, this aid may in some ways enable the stagnation of the entire refugee crisis, as refugees are left waiting for months in substandard camps, surviving on aid, yet not really living. For this reason, she found it very difficult to come to terms with this harsh reality for the first two weeks of her second visit. While she was able to help them in small ways, she came to understand that there is a fundamental need for change to make a difference. As a result, a media outreach group on Facebook called “Shoufu - Stories from Chios” was recently launched to raise awareness about the realities of life on Chios. People have begun to channel their efforts into educating the public about the treatment of refugees in the camp and to lobby politicians to bring about change.

Exploring Trinity News' Archives Lauren Boland searches through the archives of Trinity News to find some gems, some historically important, others simply amusing. Lauren Boland Contributing Writer

HROUGH ROCK, SWING, AND pop music; through putting man on the moon, the fall of the Berlin wall, and the first release of the iPhone; through JFK, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama - the pages of Ireland’s oldest student newspaper, established in 1953, have detailed many fascinating stories published throughout the decades. With everything from 1953 to 1970 available online on Trinity News Archives, I delved into these archives to discover the tales that constituted breaking news throughout the decades. Although it might be unimaginable in the mind of students today, there was no Lavazza lurking around every corner – the possibility of a new "student coffee bar" in the wake of a freshly elected council made front page news in November of 1955. Eleven years later, controversy was abound at the news of a potential coffee machine in the Science block. Surprisingly, it wasn't greeted entirely warmly. Since science students had previously needed to make the trek from East Campus to the Buttery for coffee, some people were worried that Science students would become completely isolated from the rest of campus if they no longer had to emerge from hibernation in

the Hamilton for sustenance. Others were simply appalled at the idea of drinking coffee out of a paper cup. The pages of TN have long reported on Trinity's tackling of the most crucial issues on campus, whether it be around examinations, timetables - or male students stripping during the summer, as was the case in 1959. Ireland was hit with a once-in-a-blue-moon heat wave and as a result, students began to take their shirts off while lounging on the grass and watching cricket. The article, leading with the line "Gentlemen, did you know you were not allowed to strip in College Park?", reported the Junior Dean's tendency to patrol the park with an eagle eye, reprimanding these miscreants. The students were advised by Trinity News to either move to a more private location or to simply keep their clothes on "however hot the sun or however manly your physique." In all universities, students often find themselves without a seat in the library, especially in the run up to exam season. However, the current seating situation seems far more palatable when contrasted with the dilemma detailed by TN in 1961. After a closure of Regent House, there remained only a single Reading Room for undergraduates. The room contained a paltry 250 seats to cater for 2,800 students - one seat for every 11.2 students. Each morning before the room opened the queue could be 100 strong, with

anyone arriving later than half an hour after opening highly unlikely to nab a seat. Students were forced to make a snap decision on whether to join the queue for books they needed or the queue for a seat – getting books first meant almost certainly losing their claim to a seat, while taking a seat without their required books somewhat defeated the purpose. TN thus encouraged undergrads to pair up in teams of two to nab both books and seats. TN also made several suggestions to College authorities. It urged that funds for a potential extension were put towards extending the Reading Room, rather than the library itself. It also recommended that the room should be equipped with fluorescent lighting and air conditioning and should open at 9am rather than 10am - suggestions which have for the most part been taken on board. One issue of 1966 provided a more humourous article when people were approached on the street and asked what they thought of Trinity College. The answers were brutally honest. Those who held positive views, despite being in the minority, were certainly generous in their praise, giving responses like: "a little bit of Heaven in Holy Ireland" and "Great, best in the world!". One reviewer even remarked that: "It doesn’t have enough influence in Ireland. We ought to have a bloody government from it, instead of that crew in

Leinster House." However, some views weren't quite so enthused about the university. Several were negative on political grounds: "You get an Irishman going there and coming out talking with an English accent. It’s still a symbol of British rule" and, more simply: ‘’I don’t like it. I’m a Socialist". Others were critical of the students themselves, commenting that: "It’s a breeding ground for affectation and social snobbery" and ""There’s a lot more ambition in there than ability." One person said regretfully that "Trinity’s getting tamer. Students don’t do the wild things they used to do. It’s a pity." In that same year however, TN discovered that only 10 out of 600 landladies on Trinity's list would provide board to students of colour, with 98% refusing to take in anyone who wasn't white. In response, College authorities set aside rooms in College specifically for students of colour in their Freshman year. Later in the year, a group of eight women stormed the Hist, which was rigid in its exclusive acceptance of male members. The women, led by June Rodgers, invaded the room in the middle of a debate after June secured a number of tickets to the event. They were assisted by a Hist member whom they identified only as "M". After a prearranged wave from M at the door of the GMB, the women sneaked into the building. Two of the

women placed themselves within the debating chamber and went unnoticed for some time. When their presence became known, the room descended into chaos, with shouts of "Out!" filling the air. At this, the remaining six women burst into the room. Their plan was to "fan out and seize seats or knees." Rodgers ran to the committee bench to speak, and although the women were promptly removed, they later stated proudly that "The plan went off excellently. There was not a hitch in organisation." Publishing hasn't always ran as smoothly in Trinity as it does today. In 1970, the publication of a May issue of the

magazine "TCD Miscellany" was prevented by a bomb attack in Trinity, which TN duly reported the following week once systems resumed as normal. Two incidents in a single week resulted in the offices used by "TCD Miscellany" being heavily damaged. On Wednesday, the premises housing Trinity's printers was burnt out. This was immediately followed on Thursday by a bomb in the basement of House 6, where the offices of various publications were located. An IBM electric typewriter of paramount importance to the publication of the newspaper was destroyed. No one was in the office at the time of the explosion – a stroke of

fortune considering that it was determined, judging by the pieces of copper lodged in the wooden beams of the office, that had anyone been in the office during the explosion they would likely have met their end. Gardaí were called in to investigate the conclusion but had not found a perpetrator at the time of publication. Recent campus history is both rich and exciting. In my short exploration, the wide range of stories that cropped up were varied and diverse. From coffee crazes to panicked libraries and Hist invasions to explosions, a unique history of Trinity lies within these archives.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Features

An uncivil war?

Sam Cox explores different perspectives on the nature of the debate on the 8th amendment.

Sam Cox Staff Writer

ONSTRUCTION ON PEARSE STREET recently presented a new outlet for voices to be heard. White, blank construction walls lined the busy road, serving as a canvas for any who might avail of it. Options were plenty, from simple graffiti to street art, or more recently, political messages. But what happens when these messages shift from political to violent? What happens to a movement when the desire for change sparks outbursts of anger, hatred, or violence? Is breaking the law a requisite of civil change, or does it just destabilise the whole foundation and justification of that cause? In an effort to find out what drives these types of messages, I went looking for the perspectives of two polar opposites of the movement. Cora Sherlock, speaking at the Trinity Laurentian Society, provided an in-depth perspective into the ProLife movement, while TCD lecturer Jo Murphy-Lawless, a feminist who has been fighting the 8th Amendment since its implementation in 1983, spoke in support of the Pro-choice movement. Both claim their ambition is to listen to women and to provide them with what they need. Both claim that they aim to establish basic human rights in Ireland. Both fervently fight for what they believe. But is either side listening to the other? Is abortion a conversation, or a shouting match? The History According to Sherlock, the years have degraded Irish society’s ability to talk about abortion. When she was in college, she says there were “debates where you had much more discussion of ideas”. She argues this was healthier than today’s political climate, where even the state is funding the

Pro-Choice message through organisations like the National Women’s Council. Murphy-Lawless argues that this sense of polarisation has been engrained in the Irish debate from the beginning. "There’s just such a disturbing background of how we got into the 8th Amendment in the first place.” In Ireland, there was little debate surrounding abortion. The Offences against the Person Act 1861 made it illegal to “procure her own miscarriage”, but there was no discussion as to what constituted life, and what did not. She explains the US had a much more extensive history surrounding the argument, with legislation restricting abortion introduced to protect the rights of the physician as far back as the 1890’s. As time went on, the moral rights of the foetus came into question, and a divide emerged. By the 1980’s, “Pro-Life” activists had begun to actively fight abortion, arguing that the life of the foetus equalled that of a person. This appealed to the Catholic rhetoric of many in Ireland, and was adopted in the form of the 8th Amendment in the 1980’s. By adopting this American perspective, we too adopted the clear divide between “ProLife” and “Pro-Choice”. Murphy empathises with the Pro-Life side, however, and attempts to explain what she thinks the Pro-Life mindset is: “[It’s a] very safe kind of a discourse. The thing around home and family and so on, and who wouldn’t want that. But there are thousands of women who don’t have that.” Particularly in an American context, the working class are increasingly forced to struggle for decreasing rewards. With little hope for improvement, Murphy-Lawless points that their children are their brightest hope for the future. “I can’t do much for myself, but I am going to put my energy into that foetus having a right for life. That makes that foetus a much more significant part of a political

feature. And it can tip over into violence.” The Women “I feel very strongly because I don’t know what women need,” says Murphy-Lawless, “We need to ask them what they need.” “I remember being in one very small town, not much bigger than a village and talking with a 22-year-old woman who had begun to have sex when she was 13. She was pregnant when she left school just under 15 and had no access to any forms of contraception or termination. The young lad who was involved with her couldn’t take that pressure, and walked off. We need to think a lot more about what we’re doing to women in that situation.” It is judgement placed on women in this situation that can be so harmful, she argues: “She should be studying for her Junior Cert [people think], but it doesn’t work like that. All things sexual are part and parcel of everydayness, part of this new Neocapitalism. People make a hell of a lot of money, but it hasn’t been made safe.” Listening too, is a central part of Sherlock’s philosophy. While feminists argue abortion is a form of liberation, Sherlock instead condemns it as another method of control. That if it were implemented family, partners and society would simply use it as a means of dictating what a woman should, or shouldn’t be. “This “choice” is being exercised by women who don’t have money or don’t have a supportive partner.” Sherlock explains. Her example of this is #ShoutYourAbortion. “There is a reluctance to listen to women who regret their abortion. You’re really only able to shout your abortion if it's about how great it is”. She claims that rather than support women and their children, it places all of the burden on the woman. Women who have publicly spoken out against abortion have been criticised and publicly attacked, according to Sherlock. Unwilling to

listen to their perspective, these women are instead the victims of Twitter and Facebook slander. To her, this is indicative of the state of the debate as a whole. “We gave you the right to choose, and you chose.”. The Debate Sherlock insists that the Pro-Choice movement is concerned only with unrestricted abortions up to full term. A major concern for her is the use of limitations surrounding abortions as a wedge to achieve such unregulated access. “People who say they want it up to 12 weeks, really want it up to birth.”. Another major criticism Sherlock has of the ProChoice campaign is the lack of acknowledgement of the male perspective. Pointing out the men grieve over abortions as well, she thinks it is necessary to bring both men and women into the debate and acknowledge both of their rights. “How do men take part in the debate? I think men are shut down.” Blue “Male” Pro-Life pins and frequent mentions in her talks of male mourners speak of the desire in the Pro Life campaign to include men. Far removed from the Rachel Green “No uterus, no opinion” rhetoric of some Pro Choice campaigners, it could have an interesting influence on a debate where men represent half the voting demographic, and Sherlock recognises this fact. While no referendum is in the immediate future, should it be put to the Irish people, and if so, what would be the result? Sherlock insists that it would be irresponsible and ridiculous to have a referendum. Praising the foresight of those who implemented the original 8th Amendment, she argues that there would be no referendum that endangers the right to life. Furthermore, she argues the political climate at the moment makes a fair referendum impossible, citing examples such as the

“Student Union taking a very unfortunate stance” when they should be “neutral on really controversial issues like this”. “If abortion is a human right, then a child who survives an abortion is a living violation of a human right” she half-jokes. Murphy-Lawless, however, feels that a referendum is necessary in a country with quickly shifting political views. “More and more polls indicate that more and more people are saying we have to let it go. I’ve seen that shift among midwifery students in the last 10 years, who would’ve been a lot more hesitant. They’re not hesitant about it now.” Having worked closely with people involved in high profile cases such as that of Savita Halappanavar (who died from sepsis in an Irish maternity hospital), MurphyLawless insists there has been a resurgence in emotion surrounding the topic. “I think it has galvanised people again.” Speaking of the X-case, she talks of the outrage and disgust felt by the country at the time as well. “She was raped, you can’t hold her prisoner, what are you doing?” were the thoughts going through the public consciousness, she explains. While the 1995 Divorce referendum passed by only a slim 9000 votes, MurphyLawless explains that this was due to the voting demographic in Ireland at the time. With emigration driving the majority of young people abroad, it was the conservative older generations that

remained, who showed reluctance to move away from the traditional Catholic values. This is no longer the case, however. “Formal restrictions for contraceptives were removed in 1992, and now there are ads on RTÉ.“ Ultimately however, both women would like to see increased state care for women in crisis pregnancies. Summarising the oversimplistic polarisation of ProLife and Pro choice, MurphyLawless claims: “Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, you’re making assumptions.” In the words of Sherlock “A lot of the debate has gotten so heated, that both sides are

in agreement 100%, but it’s so polarised they don’t recognise it” Hearing the passionate way that Murphy-Lawless speaks about women’s issues, her determination to secure happy, fulfilled lives for all women is undeniable. Equally, Sherlock thoroughly articulated as a woman who was determined about achieving options for women. Neither are AntiLife, nor Anti-Choice. And yet, this is what the debate so often implies. In outbursts of emotion like the graffiti above, what is achieved politically? At what stage should voices be lowered, and a discussion started?

A Russian response to the US elections Contributing writer Seana Davis looks at the United States’ relationship with Russia in the wake of Donald Trump’s election. Seana Davis Contributing Writer

N JUST A FEW short weeks, Donald Trump will transition from “President-elect” to the President of the United States of America. The citizens of (arguably) the world’s foremost su-perpower have chosen an uncertain future following an eight-year Obama administration. Only one thing is for sure: relations between two global giants Russia and America are likely to evolve dramatically under a Trump orchestration. Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2014, American-Russian interrelations dropped to freezing point. This could all change in the coming months with what may become a fruitful alliance between two of the most powerful men on the planet. The rift between the two nations is beginning to mend, which will have vast implications on geopolitics. There are thousands of miles between the Kremlin and the White House. However, Russian media were hugely focused on the election in the run up to the historic result. Following accusations from the Clinton campaign and US cyber security that Russian hackers had stolen emails from Clinton’s private server, relations grew as tense as ever. Throughout the course of Clinton’s campaign, her emails were leaked and her campaign made serious allegations that Moscow were to blame. President of Russia Vladimir Putin has vehemently denied any such involvement. The role of the media Russia Today (RT) is a news network funded by the Russian government. The EU parliament have recently claimed that RT “distorts truth” in a move to counter Russian “propaganda.” In 2012, Julian Assange was interviewed by John Pilger on RT. Assange denied that the leaked emails came from Russian sources. “The Clinton

camp has been able to project a neo-McCarthyist hysteria that Russia is responsible for everything. Hillary Clinton has stated multiple times, falsely, that 17 US intelligence agencies had assessed that Russia was the source of our publications. That’s false – we can say that the Russian government is not the source.” Trump has been consistently hostile toward the media, claiming that the Washington Post and New York Times are biased against him. During an interview with RT on the Larry King Show, he was asked “What surprised you most about running for office?” to which he replied the media’s “tremendous dishonesty.” Following his controversial RT interview, Obama openly criticised Trump at a Clinton rally in Philadelphia. “When the interviewer asks [Trump], ‘why do you support this guy [Putin]?’ he says, ‘He is a strong guy. Look, he’s got an 82% poll rating.’ Well, yes, Saddam Hussein had a 90% poll rating. If you control the media and you’ve taken away everybody's civil liberties, and you jail dissidents, that's what happens.” Russian media had an unusually high interest in the outcome of the US election. A popular Russian news platform, Rossiya-24, reported from polling stations across the United States on the final polling day. A small icon at the bottom of the screen counted down the time the first polling station would close. Strangely, the network did not count down the result of their own nationwide election two months previous. Russian media were largely sympathetic toward Trump and they were certainly antiClinton. RIA Novosti is a popular news outlet which the Moscow Times described as giving a “mostly objective and balanced coverage of the election.” However, one of their dispatches, which had almost 200,000 views, claimed that Clinton had “problems with her head.”

Following Trump's shock victory, Putin was certainly pleased. Pro-Putin far-right activists threw a celebratory party in Moscow following the “good news.” Not all Russians were happy, namely Garry Kasparov. The famous Russian chess master and writer of Winter Is Coming, a book criticising Putin, tweeted “Winter Is Here” when Trump announced his victory.

up their nuclear stock in exchange for the guarantee that they would be territorially stable and financially secure. It was signed by Russia with the United States as the main guarantor. In February 2014, Putin ordered an attack on Crimea as part of a plan to annex eight regions in Ukraine. He began referring these regions “New Russia” in his speeches. The seizure of Crimea can be called Putin’s most momentous decision to date.

Relations with Ukraine and the Middle East The two global powers have been at loggerheads since the invasion of Crimea and Russian involvement in Syria. This may change in the next number of weeks. In a delicate geopolitical world where politicians walk on eggshells, President-elect Trump has walked with steel heeled boots following his victory. Though he has given very few details with regard as to how he will “defeat the Islamic State,” Trump said during a rally in September that “any nation who shares in this goal will be our friend in this mission.” Trump has shown no intention of opposing Russia in Syria, something Obama has done through his presidency. Putin has staked his support on Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. Obama was unable to change this. “You’re not fighting Syria anymore, you’re fighting Syria, Russia and Iran, all right? Russia is a nuclear country.” Putin’s support for Assad is clearly a far more complex issue than simply Putin asserting his power. The political unrest in the Middle East is coming to a climax: the threat of Al Qaeda and ISIS is as real as ever, while Assad has not yet met the same fate as Libya’s Muammar al-Qaddafi or Egypt’s Honsi Muabarak (both dead). Though Russia have been fighting the Islamic State, they have also been criticised for air-strikes on groups that are simply opposing Assad. The President of Syria is Russia’s key ally in the Middle

Though the UN will never recognise Crimea as part of Russia, the annexation was certainly consequential. The Minsk Agreement was signed in February 2015 between Russia and Ukraine to cease the ongoing war in Ukraine. The incoming Trump administration certainly has a different view to the Obama regime. In July this year, the President-Elect was asked on whether he will view Crimea as Russian territory. He said “yes” and that he “would be looking into that.”

East; his fall could prove detrimental to Russia’s global influence. This is not the first time that Russia has intervened in the Middle East. Thirty years ago, Russia attempted to defeat jihadists in Afghanistan which ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. America's intervention in the Middle East, where they have had little success, remains a fresh wound and a blow to the idea of American military superiority. Fighting jihadists remains a huge gamble. The world will have to wait and see if Trump's own gamble of supporting Putin pays off.

A Trump presidency may also have serious implications for Russia's already unstable relations with Ukraine. These issues stretch back to 1954, when the Supreme Soviet of the USSR decided that Crimea would be transferred to Ukraine. Since 1991 however, when Ukraine declared independence, the annexation of Crimea has been a goal of Russian nationalists. In 1994, Russia signed several treaties which “guaranteed” the provincial integrity of Ukraine. The Budapest Memorandum of Security Assurances agreed that the Ukraine would give

The US as part of NATO Despite the election of Trump, Canada has not changed its position with regard to Crimea. The Canadian Defence Minister Hajit Sajjan said “My main focus is to have these discussions with the new [US] administration moving forward and be able to put our position there – bringing Russia back to a responsible role instead of aggressively taking territory. This is not how responsible nations function.” Canada currently has 200 troops in Ukraine alongside 300 US troops and troops from other NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) nations. If Trump decides to turn his back on Ukraine, he will consequentially undermine the credibility of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum of Security Assurances. NATO was founded on 4 April 1949 with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, to balance the Soviet Army’s

influence in Eastern Europe in the Cold War era. Article 5 of the Treaty outlines that “an armed attack against one or more [signatories] in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.” The countries will use “armed force” if necessary to “restore and maintain the security.” The first time Article 5 was invoked was in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks. Ukraine's application to join NATO in 2008 provoked a hostile response from Russia. Following the latter's military action in Crimea, public support for NATO in Ukraine has greatly risen and the current government has made joining the organization a priority. However, comments made by Trump during his campaign that NATO is “obsolete” will have sent shivers through NATOsupporters in Ukraine. Speaking at a town hall in Wisconsin in April, Trump said that “maybe NATO will dissolve and that’s OK.” He has said that if the United States are not reimbursed financially for acting as the world’s “policemen” then they will have to renegotiate the North Atlantic Treaty. This is music to Putin’s ears, as with an increased Russian maritime military, Russia’s power in Europe is building. If America steps back into the shadows as Trump strongly hints they might, the results could be colossal. Only the future will tell how the Putin-Trump relationship will unfold. During his election campaign, Trump demonstrated a profound lack of understanding of foreign affairs. As Obama said, Trump “has spent years meeting leaders from around the world: Miss Sweden, Miss Argentina, Miss Azerbaijan.” The American people have chosen an unpredictable and flippant man to lead their nation. Putin is a geopolitical gambler and Trump is well accustomed to rolling the dice.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Trinity Life

11 Bored in Bordeaux? Hannah Harman- Conlon describes her experiences page 14

The ten most Trinity Christmas presents From smoking pipes to croquet mallets, Hugh Whelan informs us about the ultimate Trinity Christmas gifts Hugh Whelan Staff writer

HE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS UPON us. One of the perks of this joyous time are the presents. A Trinity Christmas gift is extra-special, and here is the definitive list of what you can expect to receive as a Trinity student.

10. Trinity Jumper

Gift

Shop

Kicking things off, we have this unique item of attire reserved exclusively for tourists and the certain Trinity student who feels the need to remind us that they do, in fact, study at Trinity. This is a gift that both students within Trinity and those from outside can expect to receive – the logic of the latter being that even if you didn’t go to Trinity, at least you can wear one of these and pretend you were blessed enough to have done so. Edgy/Alt: 4/10 Usefulness: 6/10

9. Pipe

Unfortunately, smoking rollies doesn’t cut it anymore if you want to be cool these days. You can expect this avant-garde gift from your Trinity friend who has now become embarrassed

6. Vegan Cookbook

by your smoking habits and wants to help improve your look. This is a gift that is sure to impress in the smoking area in Workman’s, however impractical it is to use. Edgy/Alt: 8/10 Usefulness: 3/10

8. Tweed Jacket

You’ve seen your cool Trinity friend sport one of these, and now they’re going to bless you with one too. High fashion around campus, these jackets are multi-functional: they’re warm, and they give the impression that you know what you’re doing even when you don’t. Pair this with a pipe and you’re set to win the Nobel Prize for Alternativeness. Edgy/Alt: 7/10 Usefulness: 8/10

7. Croquet Mallet

A croquet mallet is the must-have Trinity gift this Christmas. Croquet in Trinity raises many questions: what are the rules, and what selfrespecting person actually plays this batty hammerbased game? The mystery surrounding croquet gives it a very edgy feel, and if you have any friends of “the right sort” in Trinity, you can expect this to come your way. Edgy/Alt: 9/10 Usefulness, 2/10

Edgy/Alt: 8/10 Usefulness: 7/10

If you’re n o t vegan

5. A random v i n y l from a band n o

“

Deck yourself out in a classic Adidas and return to campus a changed person. This gift epitomises the Trinity aesthetic.

one h a s heard of

and y o u Your Trinity don’t C h r i s t m a s h a v e Credit: Sarah Larragy wouldn’t be complete one of these without listening to a already, you can scratchy vinyl. Regardless of be damn sure that whether you have a record you’ll be getting one this Christmas. Veganism player or not, you’ll be getting is definitely in, and turkey one of these. Owning a vinyl for Christmas dinner most is about hanging it on your definitely out. There’s no wall, and the playing of them arguing with the fact that this is irrelevant. The key here is gift is both good for the planet that if you have heard of the band, the Trinity student has and fills the alt quota.

let you down – down with The XX and Alt-J vinyls, and herald the arrival of That Band You’ve Never Heard Of. Edgy/Alt: 9.5/10 Usefulness: 1/10

4. Vintage Windbreaker Jacket

You’ve seen them, you’ve wondered how to get them, but fear not – any selfrespecting Trinity student will be getting one of these this Christmas. The bright colours and ridiculous oversizing literally scream Trinity, and if you don’t smoke rollies wearing this snazzy item outside the Arts Block, frankly, you should drop out. Edgy/Alt: 10/10 6/10

Usefulness:

3. A framed photo of them in front of the Campanile

How else can your Trinity friend remind you that they go to Trinity, but with a photo of them in front of the mostoverused photo op on campus? For many Trinity students, giving this gift is a simple task of printing out and framing a

copy of their Facebook profile picture. Families of Trinity students be warned – if you don’t already have this framed photo on your mantelpiece, you soon will. Edgy/Alt: 1/10 Usefulness: 2/10

2. A voucher for Nine Crows

It’s simple: this is where the Arts Block uniform comes from, and this gift would be a classic to receive from any cool and hip Trinity student. Deck yourself out in a classic Adidas and return to campus a changed person. This gift epitomises the Trinity aesthetic. Edgy/Alt: 10/10 Usefulness: 9/10

1. Repeal jumper

Topping our list is the renowned Repeal project jumper. It’s rumoured that you’re not actually recognised as a Trinity student unless you have one. This is the number one Trinity gift you can expect this Christmas. Warm, comfy, in aid of a good cause, and also incredibly cool and alternative: if you’re looking for the definitive Trinity gift, you’ve found it. Edgy/Alt: 11/10 Usefulness: 10/10

Magnified Societies On target: Archery Soc Deputy Trinity Life editor, Alice Whelan talks to Archery Soc about their many perks and few drawbacks Alice Whelan Deputy Trinity Life editor

OR THOSE OF YOU that don’t know, Trinity has its very own Archery Society, conjuring up images of a Hunger Games-esque training camp. However Archery Soc doesn’t pit students against one another in life or death situations to make you quiver. With an active social side as well as coached classes and tournaments, Archery Soc are always on target. If you have never tried archery before, or want to take up a new sport, the Society offers coached beginners classes starting each term. Dáire, the founder and coach of the society, is in charge of teaching these courses which run for six weeks. If you wish to get involved post Christmas, he advises getting in touch early as places fill up very fast. Novices will learn the two primary disciplines of archery, Barebow and Olympic Recurve. Speaking to Trinity News, Dáire explained that “upon completion of the course all intermediate archers are now welcome to pursue any discipline of archery they choose, from the traditional longbow right up to the high tech compound. All the while I’ll be on hand to offer any advice I can from basic form right up to technical equipment issues.” As well as being welcoming to to all abilities, the society has a unique appeal due to its small size and friendly members. Choy-Ping, the Public Relations Officer of the society, advises that “because we’re a medium sized club, it’s good for people who may feel overwhelmed by the size and levels of larger clubs. Also there are a lot of people new to it, so people shouldn’t feel too daunted by having to be at a certain standard by college.” The Archers train along with the DIT society, and at the end of the year they are hoping to have their first ever “Archery Tag” competition against DIT. Dáire describes Archery Tag as “a bit of a mashup between dodgeball and paintball without the mess...It will see each of the competing teams launching foam tipped arrows at each other across an obstacle course with each hit

knocking the victim out of the running.” The society also organises many social events. Siobhán, the Ents Officer, says that the society has been conscious of creating a social atmosphere outside the training sessions. “We have been trying to organise more and more social events to get people involved outside the range. Thus far we've had a view movie nights, a pub crawl and equipment workshops.” Eve, the captain of the club, argues that “one of the best things about archery is how inclusive it is, and that applies both to the club and to the wider archery community.” A chance to make friends at other universities, ChoyPing referred to the tight-knit archery community evident at competitions. “Hanging out with fellow archers, who are some of the weirdest and funniest around is always wonderful. The archery community in Ireland is pretty small too, so you’ll see the same people at competitions and it’s always nice to catch up with friends from across the country every now and then.”

“

Sex, age, disability, they all mean nothing if you have the patience and determination to master it.

If you are tempted to take up a new sport, archery could be the one for you evident in its inclusivity as well as standing out from other competitive sports in this regard. ChoyPing explains this difference. “Archery’s a great sport because it’s all about being calm and perfecting repetition. It’s good if you’re someone like me who isn’t the best at aerobic exercise but still wants to keep fit and train with a group”. Dáire further adds to the understanding we should have of archery as a sport that's welcoming to all. “Sex, age, disability, they all mean nothing if you have the patience and determination to master it. The famous “Armless Archer” Matt Stutzman has an accuracy I can only dream of despite his disability. Whether you’re naturally sporty or leisurely geeky, there’s a spot on the shooting line for you. And we’ll help you to score big.” To find out more, head over to the DU Archery Facebook page and don’t forget to get in touch for a spot in the beginner course after Christmas.

A sign of the times: Sign Language Society Alice Forbes talks to the Sign Language Society’s Chair of the Committee, Kat Clinch, and other members about the society, from its place in campus life to the many opportunities they offer Alice Forbes Staff Writer

AST WEEK I PAID a visit to the hidden alcove of room six above the Atrium to get the scoop on one of Trinity’s smaller and less well-known societies, the Sign Language Society. Upon my arrival, I was assured by the Chair of the Committee, Kat Clinch, that I wasn’t alone in having little to no prior knowledge of the society. She admitted that many at Trinity are unaware of its existence in the first place, some even mistaking it for a “sign-making society”. Speaking there with several committee members, I discovered what makes this particular society one of the most interesting and most beneficial to get involved in. First of all, Clinch explained that many people tend to overlook or disregard the fact that sign language is itself a modern language, just like French or Spanish, with a unique culture behind it. Sign language is unique in that it’s all about expression. It’s extremely animated and there is an element of acting associated with it, making it very enjoyable to learn.

Credit: Sarah Larragy

As members of the society described, the language is incredibly interpersonal, and while holding a conversation through signing, a sharp focus on the individual you’re conversing with is essential. It has become all too common nowadays that while young people chat with friends, they’re partly absorbed in checking their Snapchat or scrolling through Facebook. Involvement in a society like Sign Soc reminds you

that while interacting with someone, it’s incredibly important to focus on them and give them your full attention. Sign Soc is not a society specifically for deaf people, but is fully inclusive, and involvement in the society gives you the opportunity to educate yourself about a new culture and learn a new language. Vocabulary seminars are held once a week on a range of different topics, with beginners being first taught the alphabet; on top of this, there are opportunities for members to sign up for weekly beginners’ and advanced classes taught by a qualified professional. “Signs of the Week” are also uploaded to Facebook and Instagram, constantly building the knowledge and vocabulary of members. I am told that a great number of Sign Soc’s members joined without any prior connection to the deaf community, and that they joined solely to gain an insight into a way of life that is different from their own. There is also a large social aspect attached to the Sign Language Society. Weekly Sip’n’Sign meetings are held on a Thursday, with members having the opportunity to practice their sign language together while indulging in free tea and biscuits. The society also held a finger painting workshop together with Trinity Arts Society, as well as a charades night through sign language. Clinch admits that one of the perks of being quite a small society is that it’s easier for new members to interact and make friends, with a tight knit community developing

as a result. I was also assured that the skills learnt through involvement in Sign Soc can often come in handy while trying to hold a conversation with friends in a noisy bar or club or on opposite sides of a window, not to mention when one is left without a voice due to a bout of Fresher’s Flu. Involvement in the Sign Language Society also has many practical benefits. As Clinch explained, learning about another language or culture is always a useful skill in the workplace, even if it’s just a few words. As well as this, a certificate is presented to members if they choose to partake in the optional weekly classes, which can act as a beneficial addition to any CV. Playing an active role in a society with a minority element can be incredibly helpful too, as it teaches how best to include a deaf person in a social situation, and furthermore makes you more aware of other kinds of disabilities or impairments that other people may have. In recent years, Sign Soc has been involved in the ISL recognition campaign, putting useful information out there for college students, as well as attending protest marches and information evenings outside of Trinity. Involvement in the society, at its most basic level, encourages members—and college in general—to be more inclusive and to promote the rights of minorities. Overall, whether you have a prior connection to the deaf community or whether you just want to learn about a new culture, the Sign Language Society is an incredibly enjoyable, educational and social addition to student life at Trinity.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Trinity Life

Trinity / Identity : Religion

In the second installment in the Trinity/Identity series, Trinity Life editor Úna Harty sits down with students and staff to discuss religion and faith on campus Úna Harty Trinity Life Editor

HAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ask a Catholic, a Muslim, a Jew, a Wiccan, a Methodist minister and an Agnostic the same five questions about religion? These six members of Trinity’s community value faith more significantly than I first expected, opening my eyes to the common misconception that students inherently dislike religion and are opposed to spirituality. Definition I began by asking the question - “what is religion to you?”. For Joel Coussins, last year’s President of the Jewish Society, he drew comparisons between life as a Jew while living with his parents, compared to now at college in Trinity. He spoke about how he associated religion with “routine” when he was back in London and how synagogues were more accessible to him there. He expressed how religion has changed immensely for him - “I am now leading sermons that I was once only a part of.” Joel found this new viewpoint “enriching” and went on to say that “it makes you think harder about what aspects you want to keep about your faith and what aspects you want to resolve.” Reverend Dr Julian Hamilton, the resident Methodist chaplain at the

college, accredited the original definition of the word religion, “to bind back”. He continued, “religion, at its best, binds us to who we are and also who we can be as humanity. It gives me purpose, dignity, meaning and love.” Rev Dr Hamiltonor Jools, as he is more fondly referred in House 27, the epicentre of social religious activities on campus - delved into the negative connotations of religion. He referred to it as a “dirty word” continuing on to say that “once a movement has become institutionalised, then it loses some of its meaning.” He went on to say that the history of the Christian Church and “it’s very dark moments” definitely does not reflect what the word religion means itself. Evidently these darks moments have lead to disillusionment from the younger generations.

education at second-level. The lack of secularism present in the curriculum has lead to Irish young people feeling bitter about the Catholic Church’s firm grip over education in Ireland. Being forced to go to mass and compelled to recite prayers is contrived to the average Irish 14-year old; who can probably barely remember why they chose their confirmation name two years previous.

Negative connotations Each of the representatives of the various religious bodies on campus independently brought up the negative connotations which are ingrained in religion and the history associated with it. Aisling Crabbe, a Senior Sophister Jewish and Islamic studies student- who identifies as Agnostic- spoke about the religious education which we receive at school. She mentioned that her study of religion at Leaving Certificate level was very “enriching” as it was taught from a secular point of view. However it can certainly be argued that most Irish teenagers do not feel this way about their religious

Hasnaa Rezk, a Muslim and Senior Freshman Science student spoke about the negative preconceptions that society holds towards Islam. “It is a peaceful religion and I believe that all religions are primarily peaceful.” She referred to hate crimes and discrimination towards Islam. Misunderstandings are seemingly what lead people to view religion negatively.

Ciara Gaffney, a Catholic theology student and nondistinct Christian balked at the idea of baptism, communion and confirmation all being made before the age of twelve in the Catholic system. She said that, upon reflection as a result of her studies, she finds this strange as the child has no understanding of the beliefs of the religion necessarily.

Meaning A sizeable portion of the questions brought the Trinity interviewees back to a similar viewpoint; how they see the world. Rev Dr Hamilton spoke at length about how religion can help you explore and

discover your own beliefs as a person, hence forming your own perception of the world. “The other side of religion is that you go into yourself. There is more to life than what you can see, taste and touch than scientific rationale.” In relation to its place in a college community, Jools expressed that “people change more with their college experiences than they will any other time in their life.” Fundamentally, he believes that deciding who you are is a religious question. Then again is this just a spiritual question? Are students just aware of their spiritual development in college? Looking to the future Eimear McGinty, who identifies as Wicca, felt like spiritual development can be embraced as the idea of fostering our own individualistic religion. “People are making up their own rules more and more which is a good thing.” She envisaged a future where borders disintegrate between denominations and where religion has the space to

grow creatively. She poised an analogy of the Irish state like an adolescent reflecting upon religion; “we’re in a reactionary phase, like when you read a Richard Dawkins’ book when you’re sixteen and you’re like “this is unreal!”.” Gaffney suggested that the Catholic church should modernize, believing it to be 200 years behind. Coussins’ understanding of the future of religion followed on from an increase in secularism generation to generation. “Hopefully it will go in a more liberal direction. There are aspects of religious practice that aren’t applicable anymore with modern day life.” Dr Rev Hamilton agreed with the other interviewees stating that “of course religion has to change.” He spoke about new ways in which we can update the teaching of religion. “Does that just mean we come up with funkier songs or do we do cool Irish services?” he questioned- but stressed that “that’s only a small part of it.”

Interaction All interviewees believed that interacting with religion was very important. They referred to the wealth of varying faiths to be discovered on campus and what we can gain from attending their events and getting to know their members. Coussins enthused about these religious societies, imploring that one should “take time to go and learn about them. Use Freshers’ Week to talk to all of them”. Gaffney agreed, saying that we should sample the cultures and religions that are readily available to us on campus. The four stages of faith Whilst discussing Trinity students’ exploration of faith, Dr Rev Hamilton explained American sociologist James Westerhoff’s ideas of ‘four stages of faith’. Stage one is ‘experienced faith’; one of being loved and cared for. Stage two is ‘affiliated faith’; when we are born into a religion and follow what is expected of us, such as making our communion. Stage three is ‘searching faith’ and perhaps

the most important of all the three stages. This is when we reach out for ourselves and explore our spirituality. Stage four is owned faith; when you know what you believe in and you accept it. Essentially these four stages are key to discovering our own spirituality. Some people remain in stage two, never migrating from what they’ve always known. We can only hope that everyone will reach stage three at some stage; sooner rather than later. All I can say is that I hope Trinity provides sufficient conditions for us as students to search for our faith, if any, so that we can reach stage three and if we are lucky enough, stage four. We need to realise that we can gain many positives from being spiritual and that religion isn’t necessarily something that drags us down in our outlook on life, but instead can shed some positive light on difficult times. As George Michael said himself, we all gotta have faith.

Diary of a Fresher: Revisited With Michaelmas term drawing to a close, we caught up with the not-so-fresh Freshers to see how they were faring a whole semester in.

N SEPTEMBER, A GROUP of fresh-faced first-years shared their first days as college students. They documented their experiences - everything from the infamous “Freshers’ flu”, those drawn-out introductory lectures, and spending way too much on societies that they were likely to never go near again. Aidan CarolanJunior Freshman Law and French Looking back over that week in mid-September, it doesn’t feel like it was part of college at all. S2S talks detailing where the toilets in the library were and paying to join the Botanical Society (what was going through my head with that one?), have been replaced by assignments and an excessive number of naps. I’ve gone from clinging desperately onto anyone unlucky enough to find themselves sitting next to me in orientation talks, to having a proper group of friends. That first week of free cotton candy and throwing money at sports clubs was fun but it took place in somewhere completely different from the college I know now. Then, I was another face among thousands of others, but now I’m beginning to truly feel like I’m part of something. Rory Codd- Junior Freshman English Studies It feels as though an age has passed since I wrote during Freshers’ Week. Since then, I've attended Student Council meetings, class rep training, written several pieces for Trinity News, attended events held by both the Literary Society and Q Soc, and just recently I attended Pink Training in Cork. I could never have anticipated how busy my extracurricular life would become. Since starting in Trinity, I have at least 180 new friends on Facebook; some, people I spoke to just once during Freshers’ Week, while others have gone on to become much closer friends. I now find myself trying to simultaneously finish novels and write essays on topics I'm only starting to understand. It may be more fast-paced and interesting, but I do miss those stress-free days of September. I can’t wait to see what Hilary Term has in store!

Alice ForbesJunior Freshman English and Spanish In my first few weeks I had little faith that Dublin city could ever feel like home to me. Saying that, ten weeks later, I’ve made some progress in settling into ‘the big shmoke’. I now know my way around both Trinity College and Dublin City quite a bit better. I no longer find myself wandering aimlessly around the wrong floor/building trying to locate my classes. College life has become less of a novelty and more of a reality. I’ve come to the realisation that going out five nights a week is not beneficial. My cooking and budgeting skills are improving also, and I’ve learned to sustain myself on student lunch deals, M&S markdowns and 4 euro Tesco wine. Cathal ByrneJunior Freshman English and History What’s changed since Freshers’ Week? Well, the college bus journey doesn’t seem so new and exciting anymore; and with essay deadlines looming, the whole college experience certainly seems a lot more real now. But it has really been a great couple of months, filled with new people and new experiences. Even now some aspects still feel new, fresh and sometimes daunting. And yet, I still feel there are many aspects of college life I have yet to experience. The decision to get involved in clubs and societies has definitely been very worthwhile. The initial six I signed up for has largely been narrowed down to two; DU Ultimate Frisbee Club and DU History. It has been a great couple of months and I am looking forward to many more. Maia MathieuJunior Freshman BESS (Mature Student) Classes are going well. Mostly. I won't lie, it's been stressful sometimes. But overall? It's a blast. I've surprised myself by coming to love a class I wasn't sure about, and finding my thoughts for the future going in a different direction than I expected all those weeks ago. Otherwise, I've been to a few talks and events. Saw Patti Smith - what a legend! - but missed Nicola Sturgeon, alas. I'm looking

forward to Pussy Riot, Kesha, Shonda Rhimes and a few others in Hilary Term. Most of my extracurricular time is spent over in House 6. I fell in love with Q-Soc pretty early on and found the beginnings of my on-campus family. Later, I was pleased to join the committee and give back a little something for all the lovely free tea I'm mooching at coffee hours. Connecting with community and likeminded people has been absolutely foundational in gaining a sense of home here in Trinity. It's a process, but I think I'm finding my feet. Geoffrey Keating- Junior Freshman Nanoscience I can now sail across campus without having to ask the nearest bystander where suchand-such building is, and I have developed into a morning person (something I thought would never happen!). Unlike the freedom of Freshers’ week, the serious aspect of having to organize myself and meet deadlines was soon realised. Unfortunately, I had to bring myself to reduce the number of clubs and societies I can attend, primarily focusing on badminton and I hope to also make regular appearances at the both the rifle and chess clubs. Finding self-motivation to meet deadlines has been tough, but I am getting there! Overall I believe I am fully settled in now. The community both in Trinity Hall and on campus is as friendly and as vibrant as ever. Étáin SweeneyJunior Freshman Law and Political Science There are many things they don't tell you about college. Freshers’ Flu will last 9 weeks; do not get Freshers’ Flu. You may tell yourself that you'll get the last Luas home tonight (you won't). College does not consist of days spent wearing polo-neck jumpers and berets, sitting in coffee shops, writing and reading beat poetry. Strangely enough, you actually have to work. Nonetheless, I've accomplished much in the last few weeks that I would never have, had I not been college-ing. I've been serenaded via an endearing rendition of 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' by Enda Kenny, danced on tables for eight consecutive Tuesdays in Conradh, I've played American Football at 3am in the Halls courtyard

and I've been lucky enough to meet the most eccentric but, wonderfully lovely people the world over.

began to intrude: “Admit it, you don’t like this course let alone love it. You’re bored, unstimulated. Don’t settle, strive for something else”. Happy, happy, happy. Was I happy? What even is happy? Maybe I should aim for just not being miserable rather than happy. At the heart of it all was happiness and eventually I had to confront my own self-denial. Beneath the layer of outward smiles and wisecracks, there was a girl who found herself crying in the arts block bathrooms from time to time, mourning the thought that her dreams had eluded her and she was stuck in academic apathy and mundanity for four years. The wondrous voice filtering through my first piece was so far removed from this person who felt on the verge of an existential meltdown.

Grainne Sexton- Former Junior Freshman BESS Freshers’ Week brought with it a flurry of new people, the compulsory Freshers’ flu and a few of the worst hangovers I’ve ever endured. Yet by the end of it I had formed friendships, navigated my way around Dublin City, and managed not to starve in the absence of home cooking. I thrived in the lively social scene. I found myself remembering the stress and strain of sixth year, reflecting on how it had been worth all the turbulence and emotional exhaustion to arrive at this contented point. Yet I soon began to feel plagued by a nagging sense that something was awry. Every facet of my life seemed in place - and then the explanation fell into my lap. I was unhappy in my course. After a month-long high of social events and newfound freedom, the veneer of joy disappeared to reveal a deeprooted dissatisfaction. So I jumped on the course transfer bandwagon with fresh hope that I would seamlessly move from BESS into English. Friends reassured me that: “it’s grand once you have the points. Sure everyone gets it”. Renewed by this thought, I sought out reading lists and began catching up. I tentatively attended a few English lectures and met with heads of departments, hoping they’d see my willingness to commit. A week after the transfer deadline I had heard nothing. Two weeks later, I was on edge. I bombarded my tutor with daily emails; “Have you heard anything?”, “Please let me know the outcome when you can”, “Any word from Academic Registry?” Nothing. When rejection came it was short and inconsiderate:“Your application has been denied”, it read. So I pulled up my socks and got on with it. I tried with every fibre of my being to channel some enthusiasm into BESS, attempting desperately to summon excitement about demand and supply curves or scientific management. My brain felt stale from the course content, however, and incessant thoughts

“

Every facet of my life seemed in place - and then the explanation fell into my lap. I was unhappy in my course. - Grainne Sexton

I am not here to rant about the unfairness of the transfer system. After an overall life evaluation I made the decision to drop out- which is hard to type. The words seem sullied by a societal pressure which every one of us is expected to

conform to. Throughout my entire school life things have always been so clearly marked out, with the ultimate goal of getting to college. I never could have expected there to be such a dramatic bump in the road. I never thought I would be waving goodbye to Trinity after a mere ten weeks. Academic ability is only one measure of success however and I remain confident that I shall turn this period of ‘time off’ into one of success. Travel, language learning, financial independence. Despite the enthusiasm I now write with, only a month ago I had deemed myself a definite “failure” for even daring to consider the option of leaving university. I feel angry that my original course choices were all influenced by societal expectations, the likelihood of getting a job, being rational and ignoring my intuition. Although this decision has been one of the most difficult I’ve ever had to make, I feel secure in the knowledge that following my heart always trumps trailing after the crowd. Always.

Credit: Sarah Morel

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Trinity Life

SU’s pro-decriminalisation of drugs stance: Talking to Students

Laura Grant discusses the Student Unions' recent decision to support drug decriminalisation

Laura Grant Contributing writer

N OCTOBER OF THIS year, the TCDSU Council voted for the adoption of a pro-decriminalisation of drugs stance by the Union. This motion originated from the SU Drugs Policy lobby group, who felt that this stance would encourage a more progressive approach to the policy on drugs in Ireland, perhaps similar to that of Portugal, where the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use has been decriminalised since 2001. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is also in favour of the decriminalisation of drugs. Many see the decriminalisation of drugs as a progressive way of tackling drug-related issues in Irish society. Proponents claim that decriminalisation measures can substantially reduce rates of substance abuse and addiction, as in Portugal, where these rates were cut by 50% following decriminalisation. Such measures would both help those with addiction and ease

pressure on the Gardaí and the courts.

decision in the hands of the Council.

The SU Council made its decision on behalf of the student community, which in turn exercised the democracy of the Union. The Union’s stance on this issue is clear – but how do individual members of the student population feel? This is an important consideration, especially for those in Council who vote on this and similar issues.

When asked what the prodecriminalisation stance meant to him, he highlighted that it shouldn’t be seen as a means of facilitating safer recreational drug use among students, but instead should remove the stigma from those with genuine substance abuse problems wanting to seek help without being immediately labelled as criminals.

Trinity News spoke with Eoghan, a Science student, who agreed with the motion, and felt that it was representative of the views of students in College. He accepted that the Council, comprised of Sabbatical Officers, Part-time Officers and Class Reps, could vote on this motion on behalf of all students, as their views are assumed to be representative of students within College. The complications of attempting to get the entire student community to vote in a referendum on this matter were also considered by Eoghan, who felt it that it “made sense” to leave the

Laura, an English and Film Studies student, feels that when the SU vote on an issue with a potentially controversial nature, there is a danger that students who don’t agree with their stance may feel uncomfortable voicing their opinions on campus. When the question of fair representation was discussed in UCD, the Students for Fair Representation group noted that during the on-campus referendum in support of Repeal the 8th, the vote was split and the motion was carried by less than 50% of participants. This, in their opinion, was unfair to pro-life students.

Laura thinks that “more could be done to get the opinion of the entire student body” – does this mean a referendum would have been a better method of decisionmaking in this case? Could this stance act as a catalyst for conversation about the democracy of the SU? It must be ensured that any student who felt strongly about this contentious issue would have been able to make their voice heard. This in turn raises the question of whether this motion is even relevant to the majority of students in Trinity. Laura offered the thought that students are an active voice for change in Irish society, as shown by the campus-wide support for the Repeal, Students Against Fees, and Marriage Referendum campaigns. “If some of our students feel passionate enough about a cause like this then they should be allowed fight for it,” she enthused. Philip, a student in MSISS, wasn’t aware that the SU Council were voting on this motion and felt that it was badly publicised. Is it

perhaps worrying that a large portion of the student body are ignorant about what our representatives are voting for on our behalf? Whilst he agreed with the motion, in terms of college students he didn't think that it would have a major effect, stating: “it may encourage people who feel like they're taking drugs too often

to go and talk to someone about it.” However, he also mentioned that he doesn’t feel like there are many students in College with a drug problem or dependency. Overall, it appears that this motion passed without much opposition from the student body, but it may well be that

this particular motion will rarely come to affect students on campus. Seemingly, it is more of a step towards the achievement of the Drug Policy lobby group’s aims on a platform that is wider than the College community alone, rather than a student-wide issue that will leave a lasting impact on campus.

Top picks of Christmas-themed society events Deputy Trinity Life editor Aoifé McColgan shows you how to procrastinate from finishing those essays with Christmas events this week on campus Aoife McColgan Deputy Trinity Life Editor

DU Film- A Very Throwback Christmas Celebrate the most wonderful time of the century as DU film honour the 80s. With mulled wine, cheesy films and a whole lotta tinsel this event looks set to be the most Christmassy of all. Light the fire and relax as you’re brought back to the days when leg warmers were the most exciting thing you could get from Santa. This nostalgic night out celebrates the cinematic masterpieces of its time. Where : Adelphi, Middle Abbey Street When : 8pm, Monday 12th Cost : €6 (Cheaplist on their Facebook page)

TCD Christian Union Festival of Joy With a major number of free mince pies and hot chocolate to be eaten, TCD Christian Union have organised two days full of food, fun and festivities. Spanning over two days, they are kicking of the event with a Reason for the Season talk in the Hamilton building at 1pm on Wednesday. Following this, the Globe Café is host to a full three-course Crimbo dinner for just 1 euro. On the Thursday, traditional carols will be sung in the glorious Chapel, followed by a reception in the GMB with mulled wine, mince pies and a range of other festive treats. This is truly an event not to be missed if you want to really get into the Christmas spirit!

Trinitones in Aid of VDP and Amnesty- A Tribute to Tinsel Our very own Trinitones will be returning to the College Chapel for their annual Charity Christmas ConcertA Tribute to Tinsel. Not only will you get the chance to listen to their velvety tones echo around our beautiful chapel, but with donations being collected for both Saint Vincent de Paul and Amnesty International, this is also an opportunity to give back during the season of goodwill. Where : College Chapel When : 7:30pm, Tuesday 13th Cost : Free

Trinity 3K Reindeer Run Organised by the Department of Sport, Trinity’s annual 3 kilometre run is a staple winter event. Beginning at Front Square and finishing at College Park, both staff and students are invited to participate in this fun run consisting of three laps around Campus, all in aid of VDP. Whether you want to race your lecturer or shuffle along contently, all are encouraged to attend this festive event! You can register for this run at tcd.ie/sport Where: Front Square When: 1.15pm, Wednesday 14th Cost: Student entry fee of €5 which includes a tshirt.

Where : Hamilton Building/ Global Café/ Trinity Chapel When : WednesdayThursday Cost : €1 for dinner and everything else free!

TAW Christmas Fair with VDP Our most creative society on campus are holding a Christmas fair in the GMB this Wednesday, with all proceeds going to St Vincent de Paul. Trinity Arts Workshop is home to some of Trinity’s most talented artists, so if you need to pick up some last minute pressies then this is the place to do it! Artwork by TAW members will be sold, a Christmas tree will be raffled and there will be free mince pies and mulled wine galore! And with all funds going to charity, you can feel good about doing your bit during the season of goodwill. Where: The GMB When: 3pm-7pm, Wednesday 14th Cost: €2 entry/€3 entry and raffle ticket

The Hist Debate in association with TCD Theological Society This week’s Hist debate is a Christmas-themed affair. The motion- “This House, as Pontius Pilate, would allow the execution of Christ”. Some of the society’s best debaters will be putting themselves in the place of Pontius Pilate and telling us why they would have or wouldn’t have crucified the Son of Man. Followed by an extravagant reception, this is a perfect place to start if you have never attended one of their debates before.

BioSoc’s Christmas Panto Cinderella In their annual Christmas Panto, this year BioSoc have opted to put on a show of their own version of the classic, Cinderella. Written and performed by fourth year medical students, this is sure to be a pantomime like no other! This is certain to be a great way to celebrate the end of the term. All proceeds go to Focus Ireland. Where : Biomedical Science’s Institute When : 7pm, Friday 16th Cost : €3

Where : The GMB When : 7.30pm, Wednesday 14th Cost : Free

Lights, Camera, Trinity!

Deputy Life Editor Megan Thompson explores the history of Trinity’s relations with the film industry in light of the recent filming of Mel Gibson’s The Professor and the Madman on campus.

Megan Thompson Deputy Trinity Life Editor

AST MONTH SAW TRINITY College buzzing with excitement as Mel Gibson began his three days of filming on campus for his upcoming movie, The Professor and the Madman. This big-screen adaptation stars Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer, Mystic River actor Sean Penn and Love/ Hate actor Kieran O'Reilly. It tells the tale of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, with Gibson portraying author Professor James Murray, and Penn playing mental asylum inmate William Chester Minor, who helped Professor Murray to pen the dictionary. The official synopsis states: “A professor begins work compiling words for the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in the mid-19th

century and receives over 10,000 entries from a doctor at an insane asylum.” The film is scheduled for worldwide release next year. The film crew was on campus from November 24 to November 26, creating their sets in the Dining Hall and the Old Library during this time. The Professor and the Madman is only one in a long list of diverse titles that have used Trinity as a set over the years. The first ever was Shake Hands with the Devil, filmed in 1959, and from there stems a long lists of acclaimed title such as Michael Collins, The First Great Train Robbery, and the screen adaptation of Maeve Binchy’s Circle of Friends. Some films sought to make use of the old-fashioned architectural layout of Front Square, which can be seen in the likes of Ek Tha Tiger, The First Great

Train Robbery and Circle of Friends. In Byzantium, the Old Library was used, and in the film Educating Rita, which starred Julie Walters and Michael Caine, filming took place both outdoors on campus and in locations such as the Exam Hall and the Graduates Memorial Building. It was even argued that one particularly notable location within Trinity, the Long Room, was replicated in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, with the room used as the Jedi Archives appearing almost identical to Trinity’s prized library.

Trinity’s extensive history as a set doesn’t stop with the silver screen. Tt has also been used for small screen productions, from the recent Inside Trinity documentary to episodes of Ripper Street, Penny Dreadful, The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Rebellion and Jeremy Iron’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? In the case of these TV shows, the main grounds served as the primary location of filming. This filming shows no signs of stopping anytime soon, with a commercial filmed on December 3 that made use of New Square and the Rugby

Pitch. It’s no surprise that Trinity is targeted as a prime filming location, with such stunning scenery as the cherry blossom trees, the cobblestones of Front Square, the antique design of the buildings and the astonishing view of the Old Library. But is there another reason why directors have chosen Trinity College as their set? On his visit to Trinity College in 2012, Bollywood film director Kabir Khan, who filmed Ek Tha Tiger on campus, stated: “The university's strong international reputation for

teaching and research, along with the unique and vibrant student experience on offer to students, were some of the reasons for using Trinity as a backdrop as it added a vibrancy to the film”. It seems that the benefits of Trinity’s internationally positive reputation are not confined to the field of academics. It’s difficult to deny that Trinity has played host to some commendable pieces in the cinematic and television canon, with Educating Rita winning Best Film at the 37th British Academy Film Awards, Ek Tha Tiger winning

Best Film at the People's Choice Awards India 2012, and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles nabbing six Emmy Awards. For those interested in using Trinity as a location for their film, a detailed written proposal must be sent to the Public Affairs and Communications Office no less than two weeks in advance of filming. For more information on Trinity’s filmography, visit the Shot at Trinity website.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Trinity Life

Far from bored in Bordeaux Hannah Harman-Conlon provides Trinity News with an insight into her la vie en rose on Erasmus in France.

Hannah HarmanConlan Staff Writer I must admit that at the end of August when Erasmus was looming I wasn’t looking forward to it. Frankly, I didn’t really want to go. The summer had been idyllic, spent moseying about Dublin and working in a bar. I was more than happy to stay in my bubble and return to Trinity for Michaelmas term. Erasmus is a fresh start, a blank page. It's the chance to relive Freshers’ Week in a completely different country; slightly older, possibly wiser. It is an unparallelled opportunity to meet people from the around the world and to make close friendships through another language. It is also a year in which you are plunged into an entirely new culture which will, however familiar it may seem, present you with, at the very least, more than a handful of stomach-churning awkward moments. I wasn’t that keen on a blank page when I was halfway through a book I was quite enjoying, if you’ll forgive the metaphor. There was, however, the s neaking feeling as I boarded the plane that I needed this. I needed this push out of my comfort zone, this lovely bubble I had created for myself. A part of me was craving the challenge of making jokes in an entirely

different language, wearing a beret and not looking like an eejit, saying “putain!” like a pro when I missed the bus. There were, of course, some lessons to learn when I arrived. The first, and most brutal, was that you should sort out accommodation before you go. The housing crisis currently unfolding in the Dublin housing market means that generally anywhere you pick in Europe will work out cheaper than our inflated capital (excluding the Scandinavian countries, of course). A quick glance at comparative sites such as Expatisan shows that Bordeaux is on average 47% cheaper to live in than our fair capital, with rent up to 52% cheaper. As well as that, the Caisse d’Allocation Familiale (CAF) is a government grant available for both French and international students. It reimburses students for rents paid depending on individual financial circumstances, the amount of rent and the type of apartment being rented. However, the recent influx of Parisians due to the shortened journey time on the TGV between Paris and Bordeaux combined with its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 has resulted in rocketing property prices, squeezing the renting sector. If Trinity students are thinking about bypassing the State-owned student accommodation service CROUS route and

looking in the private rental sector, it is highly advised to contact previous Trinity students who have spent the year there. The French property market is certainly not for the faint-hearted if you can’t tell the difference between a T1 and a T3 and have no clue what a ‘coloc’ is (it's a flatmate. You’re welcome). Secondly, be prepared for a huge change academically. The French academic system in Sciences Po and in general is archaic in many ways expect a lot of old, white males standing at the top of the room talking to you about what a lot of other even older, white males did, and philosophised about or theorised, frequently without a Powerpoint. However it can be satisfyingly challenging in terms of the sheer amount of information amassed and divulged during lectures taught by pretty fascinating lecturers. Try and let go of any academic ego you may have and get used to the fact that even if you have already studied some of the material being covered, which you probably will have, its a lot harder and will take longer to grasp even simple concepts in another language. If Erasmus counts for a percentage of your final degree (as opposed to passing a mere 45 ECTS), there will be weekly essays to write for seminars or TDs as they’re known (short for Travaux Dirigé) and oral examinations through

French. This can be quite overwhelming at first but can ultimately have the desired effect of pushing you to a level where you can write academically and express yourself concisely in French. Anything that pushes you to speak French (even academically) is one step closer to plucking up the courage to speak to your French classmates, probably in class. The starkest difference between student life in Trinity and French universities in general is the weaker presence of societies.

a non-profit organisation around since 1990, is present in every Erasmus location with committed staff who organise all the typical Erasmus nights out you could dream of; the obligatory flag parties, costume parties and even a moustache party for Movember. For all those who prefer to socialise sober, there are also days weekend trips and surf camps arranged.

home to a very decent bottle of red wine for €1.80 available in just about every off-licence and supermarket. Eating out is also cheaper here; coffees cost about €1.50 for an allongé (that’s an Americano to you) and God help you if you order a café au lait (no French person ever says that; it's a crème, if you please) because that will set you back a whopping €2. Following the French diet in general works out cheaper; glasses of wine at €4 in a nice brasserie, cigarettes for breakfast at a mere €6 euro (if you’re really committing to the French lifestyle), as well as crepes for €3.50 and baguettes for under a euro (you have been warned). Transport is cheaper too as the monthly student travelcard that works on all forms of public transport is just €30 (including trams that start at half four in the morning so there’s no need for costly taxis after a night out).

The activity of our Student body is quite exceptional. Although there are societies, or “assocs” as the cool kids call them, they are nowhere near as active as our own in Trinity and don’t seem to interest the majority of the student body. However, team sports are popular, if a little competitive, and offer another way to make friends. If you’re not so sporty, yoga or dance classes of various genres are a great alternative to meet people and keep fit while on Erasmus (because you’re coming to a place where fresh baguettes cost under a euro- you’re going to need all the exercise you can get).

Most host universities in France have their own Erasmus societies that aim to integrate Erasmus students into mainstream college life through mixers with French students. Expect Halloween parties (so thoroughly foreign given that Halloween doesn’t really exist in France), beer pong competitions and trips to Christmas markets, to name but a few. It is worth going along to these events because, given the lack of “assocs”, they really are the best way to meet local students who are interested in Erasmus students. French students go on Erasmus during their second year of university so it's easy to meet fellow third year students at these events who are eager to practise their newly improved English and who may even be willing to speak to you en francais.

Nonetheless, there really is no fear when it comes to socialising and nightlife on Erasmus. While societies don’t play a major role in university social life, nights out are a constant. The Erasmus Student Network,

In terms of living the student life, it’s a lot easier to live (and live well) in Bordeaux. The Gironde region is renowned worldwide for its calibre of wines, riddled with ancient châteaux on every hillside. It is also the

Beyond the practicalities and banalities of everyday life, Bordeaux is an incredible place to spend a year. Apart from the beautiful, perfectly preserved sixteenth-century buildings on the banks of the Garonne river, it's not surprising that all the snobby Parisians are flocking here in droves. It is France’s bestkept secret, a small city of 250,000 people that boasts multiple arts festival (at least one on each month on average - the Festival des Arts Internationaux à Bordeaux in October, the International Film Festival in November,

The Duke

777

the Student-centred Arts festival ‘Campulsations’ as well as a constant flow of fêtes celebrating wine), multiple bars playing hot jazz every night of the week (Le Chat Qui Pêche and CanCan are personal favourites) and very, very cool clubs (Darwin, iBoat and La Dame to name but a few). It's a student town that teeters on the brink of hipsterdom without being annoying, thoroughly French with an international outlook. Yet as great as Bordeaux is, where you go on Erasmus is of little importance compared to your mentality. You will have fun anywhere you go as long as you commit to this year. That means going to every party you’re invited to and getting lost a hundred times along the way because all the ruelles look the same, asking questions in class when you don’t understand something even though the lecturer said it fifty times and making chitchat on the tram (because every bordelais loves small talk). No matter how much red lipstick or berets you wear, you will still be the silly foreigner who can’t figure out how to validate her ticket on the tram and doesn’t quite get the banter with the vegetable sellers at the local marche. And then, one day, you’ll understand a joke in French your French friend just made, and you’ll laugh along and realise that it was all worth leaving the bubble for.

Five Places to Get a Carvery: Student-style Christmas dinner With Christmas around the corner, Mary Hartnett reviews the top five restaurants where students can get some beautiful Christmas carvery dinner to really get people into the Christmas spirit Mary Hartnett Staff Writer

HE DUBLIN FOOD SCENE has an evergrowing wide array of cuisines to choose from, from Mexican burrito joints and Italian pizza places to Chinese buffets and Greek cafés. However, as the evenings close in and the 25th of December becomes more of a reality than a daydream, sometimes all I find myself craving is a decent wholesome carvery that will fill me up for hours, reminding me of home. Whether it’s after a day out shopping with your family in the city, or even a dinner for a special occasion, there are plenty of options around to choose from. A carvery may not always be the cheapest option to go for but they often provide the best value, and are more than likely a reliable choice for an enjoyable meal. Here is my pick of the places you should check out when what you’re really craving is a good roast:

Dicey’s

Any list which aims to seek out the best carvery in the city cannot possibly leave out this infamous spot. Famous for its tunes after dark, cheap drinks and a guaranteed good night, Dicey’s also doubles up as a restaurant and beer garden during the day, serving two euro pints and five euro carvery lunches. Its location on Harcourt Street is slightly out of the way if you’re doing your Christmas shopping, but if you’re feeling particularly lazy you can always get the Luas one stop down from Stephen’s Green and hop off just outside. To avail of the five euro student carvery, arrive between 12 am and 2.30pm and just present your student ID. If you’re lucky, you’ll get in on a day when they are serving turkey, ham and all the trimmings, and if that’s not enough to get you in the Christmas mood then the Christmas tunes and decorations surely will be.

Le Bon Crubeen

This place is one of the spots you want to hit up when your parents are in town and feeling generous enough to treat you to a nice meal. Located on Talbot Street, between the Gate and Abbey theatres, this is the perfect spot if you’re planning on catching some pre-Christmas entertainment. They do a special Christmas Early Bird evening menu, with two courses for €21.95 and three for €24.95. While not cheap, the service is excellent and the food is tasty, and it is sure to put you in the Christmas mood with items such as “traditional turkey & ham, sausage meat with sage stuffing, roasties, root vegetables & cranberry jus” and “Christmas pudding, shortbread biscuit with brandy anglaise” on the menu.

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The Duke, located between Grafton Street and Dawson Street, is one of Dublin’s oldest pubs and has the Christmas charm down to a T. Its location makes it a perfect place to stop into after a long day at college or an even tougher day shopping. Stepping inside, you will instantly want to stay for hours. The open fires and Christmas decorations, as well as the Christmas tunes playing in the background, add to the cosiness of the pub. However, as well as being a popular spot for catch-ups and drinks, from Monday to Friday this place serves up a delicious carvery lunch. It’s a bit pricier than Dicey’s at €11.50, but is also quite good value for what you get: a great quality roast, homemade gravy and all the trimmings. The meat changes daily, but call ahead and see what day they will be serving up turkey and ham to ensure you get a taste of the most beloved dinner before the 25th.

This is the odd one out on the list as this restaurant on George’s Street does not serve up a carvery lunch, but does offer incredible value and fully embraces the Christmas spirit. If you are looking for a cool but cosy spot to meet up with friends in the run-up to the big day, look no further than 777 on a Sunday. All items on the menu come in at €7.77, and I can guarantee you that if you are a fan of Mexican cuisine, this is your place to hit up. The fairy lights inside, along with the staff wearing Christmas t-shirts, add to the ambience of the small restaurant, but be warned – it does fill up quickly, so you may need to wait for a table. If you find yourself wanting to come back for more, they also do Margarita Mondays with two cocktails coming in at €12! At these prices, 777 is definitely the place for an ultimate “student-style” Christmas meal.

Sinnott’s

Sinnott’s bar is located on King Street, directly under Stephen’s Green shopping centre. Its prime location means it is the perfect place to have a pre-theatre meal, or rest your arms after carrying shopping bags for the day. While traditionally known as a sports bar, this place has become well known for its carvery lunches. A special emphasis is given to the festive season inside, and while the carvery menu is changed daily, if you are lucky you can find yourself with a plate laden down with turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, roast potatoes and all the trimmings.

1 2 34 5 I find myself craving is a decent wholesome carvery that will fill me up for hours, reminding me of home.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Comment

15 Alice Whelan critiques the "Free the Nipple" campaign, and argues it needs more than nipples. page 18

Trudeau’s rise is a victory for style over substance Rory O Neill argues that the widespread fawning over Trudeau’s rhetoric is misplaced and unwarranted Rory O'Neill Staff Writer

USTIN TRUDEAU STRUCK QUITE a chord in May last year when he replaced the Conservative Stephen Harper as Prime Minister of Canada. Trudeau was welcomed as everything Harper was not — young, progressive, liberal, and an ally to LGTBQ people and women. It is not hard to see what Trudeau has to offer to European liberals who have been cursing their lot with the likes of Farage, Boris Johnson, Enda Kenny and so on. No doubt many wonder why we can’t have someone like that — a handsome arts graduate who at least has the decency to say the right things about women and LGTBQ people — even if he doesn’t mean them.

mould. The NDP arguably had a real chance of entering federal government for the first time in their history on a clearly left of centre platform, but bottled the opportunity and retreated into the centrist comfort zone of pledging to “balance the books”. This was a gross miscalculation of how frustrated Canadians were with Conservative austerity policies. Trudeau and the Liberals rushed to fill the vacuum, offering themselves as the ‘progressive’ alternative. After a year in government it is clear that this progressive facade was wafer thin. Canada remains one of the largest arms suppliers to Saudi Arabia, and despite claiming “Poverty is Sexist”, Trudeau’s economic agenda offers no departure from Harper’s neoliberalism.

It is hard to think of any world leader quite as skilful as Trudeau in this respect. As a posterboy for Progressive, Socially Responsible Capitalism ™, Trudeau could potentially outperform even Barack Obama. Obama spent many years weighing up the moral considerations on either side and profoundly contemplating the changing opinion poll trends before he was convinced by the argument for marriage equality. Awarding Ellen DeGeneres the Presidential Medal of Freedom was surely the coup de grace, the crowning achievement of heartlessly cynical liberal showmanship. Trudeau has at least another four years to conjure up his response.

Most significantly, for many young Canadians themselves, the mask is already beginning to slip. Trudeau was humiliated at the recent Young Workers’ Summit, at which he was drowned out by heckling and challenges from the floor. Much of the crowd turned their backs on him as he spoke. The concerns expressed by the workers did not speak to any narrow sectional interest but rather a profound disillusionment with Trudeau’s government. He was challenged on indigenous rights, environmentalism and the failure to secure well-paid work and stable contracts for young people. On all of these issues, Trudeau has fallen short of the mark.

The rise of Trudeau

Style over substance

Trudeau’s election was facilitated by a retreat to the centre by the New Democratic Party (NDP). The NDP, Canada’s instance of social democracy, had enjoyed a surge in recent years, particularly under the leadership of the late Jack Layton. His successor, Thomas Mulcair, however, was more of the Blairite

On the issue of Indigenous people in Canada, Trudeau was, as with everything, a master of appearances. He presented himself as a champion of the oppressed; the author of a new era of dialogue and cooperation between the state and Canada’s First Nations people. Trudeau’s government approved the Pacific

NorthWest LNG project, which will ship 19 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas a year from British Columbia to the Asian market. This will be among the largest fossil fuel developments in Canada, whose economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas. The project requires the construction of a major plant at the mouth of the Skeena river, located on First Nations land. In addition, Trudeau’s government has approved the construction of the ‘Site C’ dam on the Peace River in the same province. The Site C dam will flood 83 km of land which is home to First Nations people. West Moberly First Nations chief Roland Wilson asked: “If the relationship with Indigenous people is so important...why isn’t anyone listening to us?”. Anyone who supported the struggle of Native Americans to protect their land from corporate profiteering at Standing Rock should also recognise Trudeau’s failures on these issues. Any notions of Trudeau’s Canada being a tonic to an increasingly racist, white supremacist USA don’t seem to hold up to scrutiny when examined in light of both countries’ records on Indigenous people. The Liberal government will also leave the tax breaks afforded to the natural gas industry in British Columbia untouched. Canada’s environmentalist activists say they: “expected better”. The provincial Premier Christy Clark claimed Trudeau would improve Canada’s global image, arguing “For a long time we have had a black eye on environmental issues and not really deserved it”. Any interested observers abroad should note that on the Liberal government’s first major test of their election promises to seriously tackle climate change — they failed.

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As a posterboy for Progressive, Socially Responsible Capitalism™, Trudeau could potentially outperform even Barack Obama

The Liberals had also promised to overhaul Canada’s electoral system

and promised that last year’s federal election would be the last one conducted under the First Past the Post system, which awards parliamentary seats to whoever has the highest number of votes. This system, used in the UK, allows parties to form majority governments with vote shares falling far short of a majority. Trudeau’s Liberals won a majority in parliament last year with 39% of the vote. First Past the Post often shuts the door on smaller parties and has been crucial in the creation of an effective twoparty system in the United Kingdom. It seems, however, that the Liberals are backing away from their commitment. Trudeau recently argued, with impressive chutzpah, that the demand for electoral reform was “less compelling” because Canadians now had a government that they liked.

Backtracking on promises

Trudeau’s climb-downs and

backtracking are beginning to erode the trust and goodwill afforded to him by many of those NDP voters won by promises of progressive change. This effect shouldn’t be exaggerated. Trudeau’s approval ratings remain high. He has successfully pedalled his carefully curated media image while attempting to avoid any major policy confrontations so far. On those issues where he has been forced to been decisive, however, such as the LNG pipeline and the Site C dam, he has fallen short of expectations for anyone expecting a radical departure from centre-right politics.

any real surprise. The world has already lived through 8 years of this disappointment with Barack Obama. Centrist politicians, gifted with charisma and good looks, promising a departure from ‘establishment’ politics tend to amount to little. Trudeau, like Obama and the U.S. Democratic Party, is the media-savvy face of liberal capitalism. Trudeau’s liberalism, vacuous and hollow as it is, has bought him a significant honeymoon period. Yet over the next four years, his promises to reject austerity and deliver reforms for working people will be tested extensively.

The direction of travel is clear. Trudeau’s, like every other Liberal government, will be a government of the rich, acting in the interests of Canadian capitalism at the expense of workers, the oppressed, Indigenous people and the environment. None of this should come as

The Democrats have just discovered the bitter fruits of pledging change and delivering nothing. Time will tell whether Trudeau, and Canada, will meet the same fate.

vulnerable people in the country, and also the sanctions themselves work towards limiting human rights, especially the right to health. The Personal Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has, in fact, argued that the effect of the “embargo on the economic, social and cultural rights… [has been] ‘disastrous’”. This statement is supported by an Amnesty International report. I am certainly not the first person to say this, but the events of last week and the coverage that has followed has set the issue into sharp relief once again. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not trying to deny that, on the occasions where Western powers have taken action against countries on the basis of human rights, there been grave transgressions.

H u m a n rights are supposed to about giving every citizen of the world equal dignity and respect. Hopefully one day, denying these to the citizens of any country will be seen as a grave moral offence rather than something that can be swept under the carpet if it so suits the West. Currently, human rights are used as a way for Western powers to criticise countries that are not, or are no longer, useful to them. So while the West, and those of us in the West, should certainly condemn the violations that have taken place in Cuba, we should also take a long look at our actions and those of our allies, because, all the while, some countries are committing these abuses without respite simply because they are powerful or allied to the powerful, and this means other countries will continue to do the same.

The West has often stood against human rights abuses. However, over and over again, they have also thrown their weight behind similar or worse regimes.

I suspect, though, that Western powers will carry on acting the same way, because human rights weren’t ever the really the issue to begin with.

The hypocrisy of the west

Ines Sofia proposes that the ‘pragmatic’ approach of western foreign policy is a hypocritical one full of double standards Ines Sofia Photography Editor

AST WEEK FIDEL CASTRO DIED. Reaction from politicians has been mixed, from Donald Trump’s declaration that Castro was a “brutal dictator” to Justin Trudeau’s much maligned words about feeling “deep sorrow” at the Communist leader’s death. However, on the whole, most have condemned Casto’s human rights record. There is no denying that there have been grievous human rights abuses in Cuba, and certainly some reactions on the Left have been quick to gloss over this and point to Cuba’s great healthcare and education (which is certainly to Cuba’s credit). It is an important point to make, however, that good social services do not change that fact that people who live there are denied the basic rights that we take for granted in the West. But that’s not to say that all of this criticism is completely hypocritical. Donald Trump for example has voiced his support for waterboarding and other, unknown torture methods that are ‘a hell of a lot worse’. Indeed the US has supported many dictatorships all over the world, especially in Latin America, that have been particularly brutal, all the while strangling the Cuban economy, supposedly on human rights grounds. And perhaps it is ironic to note that Guantanamo Bay, a haven of abuse, in Cuba is

under US control.

Western Cherry-Picking

There is a broader point to make about the foreign policy of the West; so much foreign intervention have used human rights as justification. For example, the invasion in Iraq was never simply about weapons of mass destruction. A further rationale was given, removing another “brutal dictator” who had committed a litany of crimes, including the use of chemical weapons against the Kurds. There is no denying that Saddam Hussein was an evil man, but while this was going on, the West was throwing their full support behind other such dictators. In the same year as the invasion of Iraq, the USA began to normalise relations with Libya, lifting sanctions and reopening the US Interests Section. In 2005, two years later, Freedom House classified Libya as “Not Free”, and concerns were repeatedly raised about press freedom, enforced disappearances, and torture. So while the US and the UK were talking about saving the Iraqis from Hussein, Gaddafi’s crimes didn’t matter. The US (and much of the Western world) cut off relations again in 2011 arguing that Gaddafi had lost the mandate of his people, yet somehow this wasn’t the case in the eight years previous. The Western world condemns the Islamic State, rightly, for its horrific acts that have been all over the

news since the group rose to prominence in 2014. But one of the West’s biggest allies in the region, Saudi Arabia, also has a terrible human rights record. The litany of human rights abuses includes public execution, sometimes crucifixion (for a variety of offenses including witchcraft and atheism), extremely limited efforts to stop human trafficking, and censorship of the press. Israel, another major US ally, is accused of abuses towards those in the Occupied Territories, such as building settlements in the West Bank and severely restricting the movements of Palestinians. But time and time again, the US has blocked UN Security Council resolutions to put an end to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In recent times the story is the same for so many other Western-backed powers in the Middle East, such as in Yemen where the UK, France, and the USA have given their full support to the government-supporting Saudi-led coalition that has been accused of war crimes such as bombing civilians. In Egypt there has been accusations of torture in prisons, mass death sentences, and the outlawing of the main opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood. Despite this Egypt remains a military ally of the US, UK, and France, receiving aid and military equipment. So it seems quite obvious that human rights only really seem to matter if the country in question has

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There is a broader point to make about the foreign policy of the West; so much foreign intervention have used human rights as justification.

nothing to offer. One of the most nauseating examples of this was David Cameron proclaiming a “golden era” between China and the UK; despite China’s terrible record. Since China is the second largest economy in the world it would be obviously be (in a purely economic sense) unwise for Cameron to have attacked them in this manner. This doesn’t mean there aren’t double standards at play.

The West: ‘champion of freedom’?

How, then, can we have even the faintest dream that human rights will flourish all over the world when the West, supposedly the champion of “freedom”, puts out such mixed messages. That’s not even mentioning the abuses committed by members of the armed forces in Iraq by US and UK forces; the forced extradition and torture of suspected terrorists; and the so-called “snoopers charter” in the UK (which China referenced when setting up a similar law!) So when it comes to Cuba, post-1991 sanctions against the country, nominally in the name of building democracy, are completely insincere - although it must be mentioned that under Obama they have been eased. Trump’s posturing about re-instating them is just another event in a long line of injustices faced by the people of Cuba, especially because the sanctions don’t even have the intended effect. Firstly they harmfully affect the most

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Comment

The fees battleground: A stage for student radicalism Education is not a private commodity but a social good, Ó’Murchú and Reddy argue that the voice of the student in this debacle is not heard. Conor Reddy Staff Writer

Eoin O'Murchu Staff Writer

RGUMENTS FROM THE ESTABLISHED rubric of student unionism lack political tenor and feasibility. As is evidenced by the 15 year-long, relentless and unopposed increases on student fees, the USI and their respective unions have failed utterly to organise a united student body capable of fighting the predations of successive governments. We are accustomed to vacuous rhetoric from our paid representatives, as they polish their CVs and break bread in Leinster house. Fearing the appearance of militancy, the USI adopts a moderate voice when dealing with their future paymasters. Fetishisation of this respectability politics, however, translates our voices into a whisper in the corridors of power. Since the introduction of the student contribution charge in 2009, annual student fees have increased by 333% to €3,000. This pales in comparison to the meteoric increase witnessed since 2001, when fees stood at €396. The increasing cost to students and their families to attend university is alienating, but one which provides the seeds for potential resistance.

Undermining the naiveté of the students union and the USI

TCDSU narrowly defeated the motion to oppose student loans in November 2015, primarily citing fears that appearing too militant would make the government reluctant to negotiate with students, and that we didn’t know what the Cassells report would suggest. The inability to identify student loans as a Trojan Horse for fee hikes betrays the history of student debt introduction worldwide. This is brought home by recent revelations that students in the UK will no longer have their fees capped at £9,000; after they were trebled in 2011. The trend follows that once student fees are financed by banks it will be easier to raise them. Similarly to how mortgage markets were inflated — state funding is cut and incentives to financial institutions are provided. This calamity in student politics was countered by an upsurge

in anti-fees organisation. Uniting under the banner of Students Against Fees (SAF), the grassroots-organisation quickly organised itself and tabled the motion for another vote. At the next council vote, the motion to oppose student fees was near-unanimously passed. The Phoenix and other media outlets cited SAF as being extremely influential in shaping USI President Annie Hoey’s approach to the fees crisis this year. USI now campaigns explicitly for publicly funded higher education, having taken more moderate, reformist lines in the past. Their calls for a €500 decrease in the Student Contribution Charge at last year’s budget is an example of uninspiring moderacy. On a more local level, during this year’s sabbatical officer elections, current officers that had originally voted against the ‘No student loans’ motion at council, signed a commitment to support SAF and its principles.

What does this teach us about the politics of students’ unions and the USI?

These institutions will react to placate an angered constituency. Sparse bromides are not a hopeful indicator of leadership, it highlights the need for a student-led grassroots movement to push forward and organise for progressive goals. This is not to say that Annie Hoey, USI president, isn’t convincing or sincere in her opposition to student fees. Indeed, her speech was emotive and strong on the march in October of this year as she addressed a 10,000 strong crowd, declaring education a fundamental right. However, USI’s rhetoric requires follow-up action and a constant vigilance from the constituency they represent. It is easy to wax revolutionary rhetoric to a crowd of students, challenging the government face-to-face and facing the ire of the establishment is a different beast. This directed ire is best seen in the recent statement made by IUA, the body of Irish university presidents, supporting “a mixed funding system involving the exchequer, students and employers as the best way to deliver a high quality, sustainable higher education system”. As of this article going to print, there has been no USI response to IUA’s statement despite the fact student unions all have open lines of communication with their respective university presidents. This is a crisis situation for students and the USI is unforgivably

sitting on its hands, making us vulnerable when we need to be active, loud, and organised. In concrete terms, the USI, through its annual budgetary submissions has called only for a €500 reduction in the contribution charge along with demands for restoration of pre-austerity funding. These are inadequate demands and display a lack of political vision, echoing the classic union line of trying not to appear too militant. These developments are wholly uninspiring and ultimately disempowering for students. Paid union officials are divorced from the material nightmare that fee increases represent to many working class students who depend heavily on their SUSI grant to put them through college. An effectively militant student movement will approach the struggle against fees in the broader context of discrimination against young people. Students face a wide gamut of discriminatory practices by the government not only confined to the university campus. The dole for under 25 year olds is capped at €144 per week and unpaid internships prevent all but the most advantaged of graduates achieving work experience. Students need a movement that can congeal around broader ideas that are relevant to lived experiences of the most marginalised. Ours is the generation of ‘Repeal’ and the marriage equality referendum, a generation that will confront the deeply conservative and patriarchal mores that have been hegemonic on the island. Like the student revolts in the 60s across Europe and America, our demands for equality are racially, sexually, gender, and class-based. Such a movement can’t afford to tip-toe through bureaucratic channels long established by careerists in the USI to obfuscate and sanitise what is to the workingclass clear attacks from the state.

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An effectively militant student movement will approach the struggle against fees in the broader context of discrimination against young people.

dramatic decline in young people’s standards of living. The loan models we are being told to support fail to be costeffective (see Australia and the UK) but this evidence is ignored nonetheless. We are told that for cost reasons, it is not tenable for the state to foot the bill for us, we must take personal responsibility for our own education. This neoliberal ideology serves to alienate students and enforces the idea that we are individual customers in a market place. Education is not a private commodity but a social good. One which yields teachers, doctors, engineers, philosophers, and social workers. After completing a degree a person contributes to a society in a combination of cultural, social, and economic ways. This social good should be a fundamental right, and therefore paid for progressively by those most able to do so. In placing the responsibility on the individual to pay for their education, a false consciousness is created whereby we believe our education is a personal good that exists in isolation from the web of life we inhabit. The material deprivation created by increased fees and mountains of debt erodes a civic sense of shared destiny and adversely affects mental health. In tandem, these developments atomise an already demoralised demographic; continuing down this road will bring untold economic and social devastation. This devastation will manifest itself overwhelmingly in workingclass and rural areas, areas with long memories, areas from where every social revolution in history has emerged. Emigration will see the most tragic of Irish traditions continue to sap youth from our country’s veins. Ireland is very rich when it comes to picking up the tabs of multinational corporations and reckless gamblers, but positively impoverished when it comes to investing in the spiritual, educational, and cultural enrichment of its people.

Only struggle is rewarded. Austerity has been a harsh and sadistic act of fiscal bloodletting, especially for young people, especially for students.

Facts and figures: The whole picture?

Chronology of the fight against fees, Trinity and beyond

We have seen a move from a progressive, taxbased model where citizens and businesses paid for the education of young people to a regressive, neoliberal model where students are left heavily burdened by individual debts. This shift has been accompanied by a

On the 28th of September 2008, the largest per capita bank bailout in the history of the world took place behind closed doors in the Shelbourne. The costs of covering these onerous gambling debts measured €60 billion. There was no

accountability for what would lead to the economic devastation of the Irish nation. NAMA, a reservoir of toxic assets, the absolved sins of the Irish finance class, has been following the government’s lead in how it deals with its students’ futures and applying it to its own assets. Vast property portfolios are flogged off under private agreements to vulture funds, costing the exchequer untold millions in revenue. The state has no qualms with parting with valuable revenue, the question is simply for whom will they act. At the moment, with no history of a militant student movement, we will be told that publicly funded university is too expensive. The state is cumbersome and meddling when it’s providing healthcare, housing, and heating for people; but it is necessary and indeed innovative when it comes to managing the affairs of the capitalist class. Austerity has seen the vertical transfer of wealth in Irish society, the class responsible for the economic catastrophe being the main benefactors. Students, workers, and young people have borne the brunt of this austerity and the facts tell us the morality play behind this austerity is unjust. In the 6 counties too, fees are treble that of the South due to characteristically cruel Tory belt-tightening. The ideology fuelling this relentless barrage is not economically sound, it is spiritually bankrupt. Publicly funded education isn’t just possible it’s a necessary demand for young people on this Island

Will loans improve access?

The idea that loans will improve access to education is an oversimplified one. In the absence of proper funding, grants, and educational welfare benefits, loans can provide the material access to universities. However this has a multi-pronged effect insofar as it can affect the type of student that decides to take out a loan and what subject they will study. Despite promises of debt relief, the prospect of €20,000 waiting for you upon graduation is terrifying. These loans will not be provided by the state but by the government’s nearest and dearest constituents, the banking institutions. Loans companies from US and UK have also recently registered at Dublin castle. This pre-emptive move is to get a jump on the emerging market, formerly known

as university students. By failing to support students, the financial opportunity to exploit us emerges. This has been noted in US venture capitalist Mark Stevens’, whose fund Future Finance made a fortune in Google shares in the 90s, recent interest in the Irish student finance market. A darker, more nihilistic, side of global capitalism was exposed to us in the wake of the 2008 crash. Not only do Stevens and his ilk make money when loans perform, but with the aid of indulging insurance firms they can hedge bets against a loan performing well in the form of credit default swaps. This saw mortgages with terrible real credit ratings, NINJAs (no income no job no assets) being rated AAA and bet against by investment banks. This is also known as fraud and if you or I partook in this scale of criminality we would still be in jail for our actions. Fortunes were made, the economy crashed, and there was no accountability and no meaningful reforms. The entry of these financial bandits into the ‘student market’ should be treated with suspicion as their number one priority is making profits, not providing citizens with education. Large companies like this don’t make rash decisions, they are risk averse. This move has undoubtedly been calculated by risk analysts, and a cursory glance at the history of the Irish state would say they backed a favourite when it comes to being accommodated for financial debauchery. In sum, the threat presented by student loans is very real. The failings of the current system are also evident in the dissatisfaction felt by students country wide. USI and unions should tap into and enthuse its student base but ultimately the change must come from below. Students should make ambitious demands for free-fees, affordable accommodation, and robust investment. We need something worth fighting for. Looking at the protest movements in Quebec, Chile, and South Africa it is clear that a groundswell of activity can yield massive victories for students. The lack of history in the Irish student movement shouldn’t deter us from forging paths towards an equitable and radical goal. Crumbs from the table will no longer do, we want the whole damn pie.

What I'm really thinking:

Erasmus is a charade; you only see the highlights

Erasmus will always be a leap of faith, immersing yourself in the unknown, hoping that it will lead to adventure, rewards, and unique experiences. It won’t be for everyone. Louise Lawless Contributing Writer

ll the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players”: Erasmus. Show opening September 2016 and running until July 2017. A performance hyped up years in advance, but bereft of dress rehearsals or a script, starring me as both director and leading role.

Lights

“And one man in his time plays many parts” Disguised as German under the anonymity of silence, I revel in my success at fooling the masses. It’s only when I (attempt to) speak German fluidly that my identity is revealed, my “süßes” Irish accent betraying me, an imposter inhabiting their world. Breaking character is poor form, and an unfortunate side effect of not being native. An EnglishGerman legal dictionary constantly at hand, a telling but necessary prop to my stage membership. Fellow cast-mates strut around the stage (some friends, some foes, some passive aggressive roommates), everyone with background stories of which I am ignorant — a world away from my childhood home. Friends are initially made on the commonness of our outlier experience on the stage. We aim for walking reflections, characters that look and sound like

us, to feel at home while a thousand miles away. After finding a certain cast, we expand our network to other internationals with tales of eternal summers in Australia or the festival of the dead in Mexico. My main stage is located in the idyllic, Disney-esque town of Tübingen in the province of Baden-Württemberg, south of Germany. Scenes of typical tourist events add interest and an inclusivity to the performance: Oktoberfest and Christmas markets are accessible to all, and allow me to embody the “typisch” character I am playing for the next 10 months. The backdrop changes frequently and sometimes abruptly as we are mere bus rides from new lands. Last minute trips that play a minor role on someone else’s stage occur more often than my bank account would like, allowing me to explore the sets of Poland, France, Munich and Frankfurt.

Camera

The dialogue on stage varies from frequent panicked improvisations to automatic answers, prompted by predictable questions. Improv skills are challenged when you have to think on your feet: oblivious German students inquire about lectures and strangers ask for directions, assuming you’re a local. Whereas the prompt replies to “Would you like a receipt?”, “Are you ready to order?”, and the off-by-heart prose of your introduction (name, age, area of study, home country, how long have you been in Germany, do you

like it, planning to do any travelling?) are second nature after numerous incidents of being asked. Both constantly challenge the quality of your disguise on this international stage, demanding authenticity in a response that must be understood, timely, and appropriate. Pauses are loud, and telling. Body language can’t bely the dialogue. Facial expressions should be restrained so the audience is not witness to the wave of feelings that engulf the actor: panic, confusion and then, relief. Behind-the-scenes divulges the secrets we don’t want shared. Things are not as happy as they seem. This new life spent on stage hinders friendships and relationships. Too much time is spent performing. Time and distance can prove to be too much but whether you like it or not, the show must go on…

Action!

The audience is full: college lecturers, waiting expectantly for your demise. Close friends who have access to not only the performance but also the behind the scenes. The fake friends are privy to the glitz and glam but not the sacrifice or struggle. The spotlight glares brightly in your face, as if it’s a reminder that this year counts for your degree, forbidding you to forget that this is a test, not just for fun. With many shows under the same title across the world, each is inherently unique. No matter how prepared you (think you) are, or how many

“ When the curtain falls on my performing year, I hope to be able to look back, and not regret the chances I had or the time spent away from home.

people you talk to who have been on the same stage, you will still be surprised. Live shows have a way of encapsulating fear and excitement simultaneously, making magic out of the mundane and evoking both laughter and tears. They demand your full attention, participation, blood, sweat and tears for them to function, and then thrive. In the runup to the interval that is Christmas, I am looking forward to seeing what the new year brings on the stage, that has become a home away from home while hoping to expand my experience and wander into

unknown lands to continue living life as an Irish abroad. The intercession thankfully allows for home cooked meals, Christmas lights wishing you a “Nollaig Shona”, and of course, family and friends. When the curtain falls on my performing year, I hope to be able to look back, and not regret the chances I had or the time spent away from home. The final curtain call won’t be seen on a public stage, but in the privacy of academic results from the

year spent performing. But until then, I’ll just continue to enjoy myself, and endeavour to actually spend some time in the library; I guess things don’t change that much from being at home. Erasmus will always be a leap of faith, immersing yourself in the unknown, hoping that it will lead to adventure, rewards, and unique experiences. It won’t be for everyone. Putting yourself out of your comfort zone so starkly in foreign lands is no mean feat. But no matter what you’ll learn that adventure is out there, the world is vast and ready to be travelled whenever you are.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Comment

Islam: a misunderstood religion Coco Millar on why we must not allow the rightwing media to dictate our view of Islam Coco Millar Staff Writer

HE WORLD IS CHANGING and some may argue, ending. The blame for the rise of the alt-right and neo-nazism is almost always based upon a fear of ‘the other.’ Historically, ‘othering’ our fellow humans has been the easy solution for avoiding addressing real problems. Many different peoples have been vilified: Native Americans, Jews, people of colour, women — the list is endless. The most prominent case of ‘othering’ in our world today is of Muslims and the religion of Islam. As with previous victims, the perpetrators of ‘Islamaphobia’ know very little about those they demonise. Islam is, just as most religions, divided in its interpretation of the word of God, and so to make assumptions about ‘Islamic beliefs’ is ultimately futile. Hopefully by the end of this article you will be able to see the origin and the (not always positive) developments of a beautiful religion which is followed by nearly a third of our world.

History of Muhammad

Muhammad was a feminist who ran an egalitarian state. I got you there didn’t I? Of course, Muhammad lived in a time where feminism wasn’t a concept, so therefore, to say he was a feminist is hyperbole. But I stand with my view and if the Daily Mail and right wing media can spew hyperbolical lies about Islam I feel it is my right to counter it. Mohammed lived in a polygamous world where he had gained status as an honest merchant. He was for all intents and purposes ‘a catch’. He had many fathers trying to get him to marry their daughters but he refused. Eventually he worked for a widow named Khadijah many years his senior. She was a successful merchant in her own right and it’s said that her trade caravans equalled the caravans of all the other traders put together. Outside of her business empire she fed and clothed the poor and supported her family financially. After his honourable service on her caravans she asked her

cousin to propose marriage to Muhammad for her. He accepted. They were married monogamously for twenty five years and while they were married he allowed her to continue with her business. She was Miss Independent and he was, as previously stated, a feminist. Muhammad was remarkable in many ways, but his treatment of his wife and reliance on her guidance only highlights his belief in equality. After persecution Muhammad and his first followers moved to Medina where they successfully formed what many regard as the first ‘Islamic State’ — don’t worry, it’s nothing like its present day so-called counterparts. This egalitarian ‘City of the Prophet’ began with Muhammad’s role as a Hakam or neutral arbiter between the two tribes living there, the Aws and the Khazraj. In this role he asked his believers to look towards forgiveness, as the Qur’an states: “The retribution for an injury is an equal injury’, as was the norm, however it adds, ‘but those who forgive the injury and make reconciliation will be rewarded by God” (42:40). In Medina Muhammad also equalised the worth of all citizens so no life could be considered more valuable than another, evident in his abolishing of female infanticide which was commonplace in seventh century Arabia. Furthermore he gave women the right to own property and they obtained new inheritance and marital rights. He instituted a tithe (one tenth of one’s earnings) called zakat to be paid by all members of his tribe which would then be redistributed to the neediest members of the community. On this, the Qur’an tells believers that piety lies: “not in turning your face East or West in prayer…but in distributing your wealth out of love for God to your needy kin; to the orphans, to the vagrants, and to the mendicants; it lies in freeing the slaves, in observing your devotions, and in giving alms to the poor” (2:177). Muhammad urged his followers to free their slaves, perhaps because he was orphaned as a young boy and narrowly escaped a life of slavery himself. Interestingly, when he freed his slave

Zayd and his father came to retrieve him he chose to stay with The Prophet because he had been so kind to him. Muhammad then adopted him as a son; there is no question, Muhammad was a remarkable man. So how then has a religion which began with such egalitarian principles developed into a religion so feared and vilified?

Interpretations

Primarily, one must realise that the interpretations of the Qur’anic revelations and subsequent texts such as the Hadith have lead to many different strands of the Islamic faith, most notably Sunni and Shi’a. The Hadith began with Muhammad’s closest companions recording, after his death, what he had said or how he tackled certain issues. With each generation the isnad or ‘chain of transmission’ became harder and harder to trace infallibly back to The Prophet, like an unending game of Chinese whispers. Two centuries after Muhammad’s death there were over seven hundred thousand Hadith circulating, many of which were fabricated for the benefit of certain individuals. As those with wealth and influence would often want to retain their status, they could do so by referring to certain Hadith which helped their cause, for example their views on women’s role in society. The early commentators who interpreted the Qur’an and the Hadith were, of course, men. So they interpreted this line in the Qur’an to not, ‘pass on your wealth and property to the feebleminded (sufaha)’ to mean women and children, despite Muhammad’s own contrary actions. When, 25 years after Muhammad’s death, one of his companions claimed he heard him say: “Those who entrust their affairs to a woman will never know prosperity”, or when Abu Said al-Khudri said that he heard the Prophet tell a group of women: “I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you” they were not questioned despite the many reports of Muhammad’s wives joining him in political discussions and even helping in military preparations. The Qur’an itself has been interpreted differently purely due to the multifaceted nature of the

Arabic language, the verse 4:34 was translated by Ahmed Ali in the Princeton edition as “Men are the support of women…As for women you feel are averse, talk to them suasively, then leave them alone in bed (without molesting them) and go to bed with them (when they are willing)’. The same verse translated by Majid Fakhry published by NYU reads, ‘Men are in charge of women…And for those women that you fear might rebel, admonish them in their beds and beat them.” You may think these differences are impossible but the last word adribuhunna can be translated as “beat them”, “turn away from them” or “have consensual sex with them”. Despite the male dominance in translations, in recent years there have been many female Muslim scholars who have tried to counter this; one must note that there have now been more female presidents in the Islamic world (Senegal, Turkey, Kosovo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Bangladesh) than both Europe and North America.

Culture Clash

The most contentious issues between the West and Islam today are the female covering of the head with a veil and, of course, the “jihadist” actions of the socalled “Islamic state”. Despite the plethora of female leadership in the Islamic world, women are still afforded less opportunities than their male counterparts, but this can be said for all countries, even those we see as ‘liberal’. The main symbol in the Western world of the subjugation of muslim women is the veil, a simple item of clothing. In Europe, countries such as France have prohibited certain types

of the hijab in the belief that it opposes secularism and their principles of the Enlightenment. Former french president Nicolas Sarkozy said; “we cannot accept that women be prisoners behind a screen” implying that said women do not freely choose to wear such garments which arguably is a misogynistic take on their right to self expression. Furthermore, in Chad in 2015 sixty two women were arrested in line with new ‘anti terrorism’ laws because they were wearing the full veil. Some argue that the hijab is a symbol of empowerment in opposition to the Western image of womanhood (where tabloids make millions judging women on their appearance, followed by cosmetic companies feeding on the insecurities this creates). Malala Yousafzai, a victim of the Taliban’s regime and advocate of women’s right to education, told the Guardian, in regards to the burqa: ‘I don’t cover my face because I want to show my identity…I believe it’s a woman’s right to decide what she wants to wear and if a woman can go to the beach and wear nothing, then why can’t she also wear everything?” The debate about the veil is far too complex to give justice to in this article but there are a few facts I would like to highlight. Firstly, there are only two counties in which the hijab is mandatory, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Secondly, Muhammad did not encourage all women to wear the veil, he told men and women alike to dress modestly and told his wives to wear the veil in order for them to be treated as such, especially as their home was also the community mosque

and would often be very busy. Finally, women are told all too often what to wear, the important thing is if a women has chosen to wear something autonomously then we must respect that decision. The real problem that needs addressing is male reaction to muslim women veiled or unveiled, because no matter what choice she makes there will be a man somewhere who judges her for either dressing orthodoxly or ‘like a terrorist’ or immodestly ‘like a western woman’.

A Peaceful religion

Islam was created as a peaceful religion, but sadly it has gained a reputation as one of violence based on the actions of a small minority of believers. As previously stated the Qur’an and Hadith can be moulded to fit one’s personal disposition; if you are inclined to violence you will find tenuous links within Islamic works to support this. The doctrine of jihad or ‘holy war’ was only fully developed years after Muhammad’s death, at a time where religion meant more than nationality and was one’s whole identity. Therefore, religion was what everyone fought in the name of. Jihad actually means ‘a struggle’ and was more often used by Muhammad to refer to the soul’s inward struggle to overcome temptation and grow closer to God. He reportedly said after a battle, "This day we have returned from the minor jihad to the major jihad.” The extremists today who wage war against those who do not support Islam have no basis for such beliefs in Islamic scripture, in fact, the God of Islam, ‘Allah’ is the same god of Judaism and Christianity. Furthermore, the religious books of these faiths are believed by Muslims to have been derived from

The unfortunate rise of starbucks

Emma McCarthy argues that soulless efficiency of starbucks something worth fighting against. Emma McCarthy Deputy Trinity Life Editor

F THE TWELVE DAYS of Christmas was rewritten to suit modern day, it’s highly possible that your true love would give you a pumpkin spice latté at some point. Such is the commercial success of Starbucks’ seasonal menu. What’s not to love about frothy milk fat, a mountain of sugar, some salt, and a dash of espresso crammed into a paper cup with your misspelled name on it? Perhaps its actual taste. And yet this sickly sweet dessertdisguised-as-coffee has managed to establish itself as yet another commercial must-have for the season that’s in it.

What’s the hype?

I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone openly voice their love for Starbucks, or even the mildest of affection towards it, so why does it continue to plague us with seemingly exponential growth? I am not a coffee snob. I wouldn’t know the difference between an arabica and a robusta bean. I am, however, immediately skeptical of a coffee-chain whose menu is largely comprised of coffee drizzled with layers of unnecessary embellishment. If you have to dress up a product in order to sell it, it’s not much of a product to begin with. Who goes into Starbucks to buy an americano? Instead, it’s a venti caramel macchiato with soy milk, extra hot, and with a sprinkle of chocolate for a meager price of €5. You’ll have to skip lunch, but you’ll have your cool red cup.

The Starbucks Christmas Menu is kept top secret until its grand unveiling in early November — because that’s when Christmas does, in fact, begin. This year’s big seller may be called the Gingerbread latte, but I truly believe they all taste of the same thing: cinnamon and disappointment. I’m not a major fan of any coffeechain, but Starbucks takes first place purely because it also takes the most of my money. The siren song of the sea creature emblazoned on each festive cup is one of commercial greed. It’s one thing to serve beverages that barely constitute as coffee, but it’s another thing entirely to have the audacity to overcharge for it. I struggle to think of positive elements to the Starbucks experience. The staff look like they’d rather work in Insomnia, and whilst I myself am rarely ecstatic when at work, those behind the counter at Starbucks provide scope for an episode of The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horror in which the robotic green apron-clad workers spark an uprising. Do they really need to know my name? The feeble attempt at a friendly, personable experience is fooling no one.

in a coffee shop that hasn’t been replicated hundreds of times over. Authenticity shouldn’t be undermined, and Starbucks, like a nuisance that just doesn’t get the message, ignites a justifiable frustration with their everlooming presence.

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I am immediately skeptical of a coffee-chain whose menu is largely comprised of coffee drizzled with layers of unnecessary embellishment.

Nobody likes a poser, and Starbucks is the proverbial cool kid wannabe. I thought that if I scrolled back far enough on my Instagram, I’d find a dated picture of a colourfully designed cup of pumpkin spice. It seems I came to my senses and have since deleted it, but the point is that I didn’t quite evade their attempts to reel us in on the premise of seeming cooler than I really was when I was 17. Colourful cups and multi-syllabled frappuccinos are a thinly veiled effort to attract a younger crowd. One of these days, people will grow tired of paying a for a cup of syrup in turn for a much needed bathroom code, and Starbucks will, I hope, fall flat. Perhaps if it downsized, pumpkin spice lattés may regain their novelty.

gratification, Starbucks suffices. It’s a Mecca for business-professionals. But for a college student, it simply doesn’t make the cut. We may joke about those of us who prefer the likes of Clement & Pekoe or Dublin Barista School to chain brands, but there is something to be said about a good cup of joe

I will be the first to admit that there’s not exceptionally original about complaining about Starbucks. But to do nothing in the face of evil, or indeed a wholly unnecessary coffee-chain, quashing the smaller, independent shops with every extra shot of vanilla, is surely one way to pave the path to its triumph. Buying your morning coffee in Starbucks is like suffering a bout of amnesia. All it takes is one bitter sip to bring each equally dissatisfying experience rushing back, and I’m left wondering when I will ever learn.

Comfortable efficiency

And yet, there must be a reason that Starbucks can get away with having two branches within 50 feet of one another. I do venture in now and then, mostly for convenience. Wherever you go, Starbucks will be there for you. You know what you’ll get, and, along with the free wifi, you’ll get it fast. In a society dependent on efficiency and instant

Style over Substance

one single book called the “Mother of Books” (13:39). Finally, the Qur’an promises, “all those who believe — the Jews, the Sabians, the Christians — anyone who believes in God and the Last Days, and who does good deeds, will have nothing to fear or regret.” It must be noted that Muhammad did engage in battles but, as previously stated, that was the norm everywhere in the 7th Century. Those who preach Jihadism and violence today in the name of the Prophet go against everything he stood for, as the Qur’an states, alongside the epithet of Allah Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful, ‘If anyone slew a personunless it be for murder or corruption- it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.’ To those of you reading who have seen Islam through the lens of the right-wing media and videos posted by so-called followers of the Prophet Muhammad in the so-called Islamic State, I hope you can see that there is so much more than violence and female subjugation. The origins of this religion were very much egalitarian and the man to whom the Qur’an was revealed was both peaceful and, in my opinion — a feminist. It is a shame that Islam, like most religions has been interpreted by a select few and often to their benefit. I urge you to be open minded about the followers and practices of Islam and avoid seeing Muslims as ‘the other’. Most importantly, remember the oft repeated line from the Qur’an: “Let there be no compulsion in religion.”

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Comment

"Free The Nipple" is too narrow in its scope Alice Whelan argues that the #FreeTheNipple campaign needs more than just nipples. Alice Whelan Deputy Trinity Life Editor

HEN I SAW I M A G E S of Carina Fitzpatrick being forcibly removed by Gardai from Knockanstockan this summer, I was struck by the absurdity of the situation. People enjoy festivals precisely because they can be free, where certain social norms temporarily dissolve. Live music and camping by Blessington lakes makes Knockanstockan no exception to this rule. Festival goers would have had the pleasure of living mostly unshowered, most would have engaged in alcohol or drug use, and generally let loose and become uninhibited. Yet the revelation of Fitzpatrick's areolae and nipples were quickly deemed criminal and offensive. Carina’s arrest was the first at the festival and seemed to many to be contrary to the festivals alternative culture and freedom of expression. Though many other forms of expression have been condoned including male barechestedness, our societies obsession with sexualising the female body has pervaded even a festival such as this. There is no legislation in Ireland which stipulates that women cannot go topless. The issue is around what we deem to be modest a rather subjective concept. Inevitably this lends itself to further control over women’s bodies by people other than women themselves. It would appear once again that the rights of women over their bodies under the law are being treated differently to those of men. #FreeTheNipple came to prominence in 2012 following the release of a film detailing Lino Esco and others efforts to raise awareness of the issue. Fitzpatrick and other women, including an Icelandic MP, have used freeing the nipple as a way of challenging a whole myriad of equality issues. The Free the Nipple movement markets itself on its website as a: “global campaign of change, focus on the equality, empowerment, and freedom of all human beings”. Is fighting for gender equality really as simple as removing your top? Some argue so; Fitzpatrick herself writes in the Irish times

that: “I removed my top as a peaceful protest. I took it off to send a message that regardless of whether or not someone finds me sexual or attractive, I am first and foremost a human being. My right to freedom takes precedence over a culturally ingrained breast fetish”.

are influenced by the pop culture they consume. White working-class women weren’t going to vote for Clinton just because Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Lena Dunham, and Sheryl Sandberg were.”

An exclusive campaign

The Free The Nipple movement has been problematised by many including feminists. Indeed exposing the breast in a bid to mitigate the patriarchy may seem counterintuitive. Furthermore, the fact that the proponents of the movement tend to be white, cis (straight) western women is a visual problem with the movement. It has been supported by celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Cara Delevingne, both coming from the type of white, privileged feminism that many women with different backgrounds find impossible to engage with. The hashtag #FreetheNipple gained traction on Instagram and Twitter leaving it open to the criticism of being ‘Instafeminism’. Transgender women have pointed out the movements failure to recognise that different bodies may be sexualised and fetishsied differently, and that the #FreetheNipple is not actually pushing itself to extend to freedom for all bodies. Trans women, black women and other groups have felt excluded from modern forms of feminism such as this. Feminism suffers from this conception of it as a movement which now caters to the needs of white, privileged women and thus is regarded as boring or downright alienating by many young women whose narratives simply do not match up with this. The call for modern day feminism to embrace intersectionality may have fallen on deaf ears. Some even blame the failure of Hillary Clinton to win over the white working class female vote on her misunderstanding of their interests and a use of a female voices that do not resonate with those interests. As Sarah Jones writes in New Republic, Clinton’s misguided campaign: “employed a candy-colored brand of female empowerment seemingly based on the assumption that white women’s political priorities

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Many women (and men) are for gender equality, but in my experience, struggle to label themselves as feminists, because of the (real or imagined) connotations of the label.

Western feminism suffers from these conflicts within, and it also faces attack from one of its own most powerful weapons. Social media backlash against feminism makes efforts to trivialise movements such as Free the Nipple, and to paint feminists as either ‘Feminazis’ who are irrationally overaggressive, or, in contrast, seen as part of the wider ‘Generation Snowflake’ group. Generation Snowflake refers to millennials who are deemed to be overly sensitive or hysterical in their demands for ‘safe spaces’ and ‘trigger warnings’. Feminism is also subject to this infantilization as it is often felt to fall within this category and be followed by ‘Snowflakes’.

Movements must be more reflexive

Although there will always be malicious reactions from certain groups, and calls for equality by others, movements perhaps do need to be more reflexive. Many women (and men) are for gender equality, but in my experience, struggle to label themselves as feminists, because of the (real or imagined) connotations of the label. We would all benefit from more education and exploration of what feminism does and can mean for us. In reality, everyone's experience of gender inequality is different. Calls for a unified feminism, a feminism which ‘unites’ all women, may actually be inadvertent calls to silent dissent. Experiences of gender inequality differ depending on ethnicity, class, sexuality and gender identity. Movements like free the niplle, if they claim to be for such equality, should be reflective of this diversity. Radical movements for change are supposed to be uncomfortable. It is supposed to be challenging to reassess norms you have had internalised for years. It is supposed to disrupt your view of the world by trying to disentangle yourself from the constant scrutiny the female body is under. It is not easy to suddenly desexualise and take ownership of something that has never been yours. We

are sold breasts by advertising and yet cannot have full use of them ourselves. The moment we do in public we are in serious violation of modesty. Women are often told the law protects them from the “natural” tendency of men to violate them if they are exposed, yet cannot use their breasts in public to feed their children naturally without fear of disapproval.

The campaign needs more than just nipples

In these ways, the Free The Nipple movement actually cuts right to the heart of what is at stake when it comes to gender equality. Women can't seem to have the same kind of bodily autonomy that we afford men. What is it about the way we are socialised that has led to such fetisiation of a partcular body part? Why are men, once again, exercising control over the bodies of women? The Free The Nipple movement cannot be seen as altogether separate from other fights for bodily autonomy. It has to face the discomforts people have with shirking these types of norms and visually disturbing societal peace. But it shouldn’t be just for instagram, or the able bodied white women whose nipples are not regarded as wholly offensive. To create real discomfort, all bodies should be fighting to be free. I certainly agree that a woman should be able to “free her nipples” if she wishes, and that there is nothing offensive about them. However these campaigns cannot be viewed as a simple equation of removing ones top and in doing so, contributing to an overall fight for gender equality and freedom of all bodies. We need to look for more inclusive, challenging measures to make the voices of different subgroups who face inequality within feminism heard. That being said, campaigns like free the nipple may be important gateways to young women who can identify with the frustration of not being able to do the same as young men. If you can't let your hair down and take your top off at Knockanstockan, then you definitely can't anywhere else in Ireland. This is silly to me and to many other young Irish people. Hopefully we will reach a point where nipples do not make national headlines.

The case for going off-books Neasa Condon spent a year as a ‘free mover’ instead of doing

erasmus — one of the best decisions of her life. She explains the differences, benefits, and how to apply. Neasa Condon Contributing Writer

T’S DECEMBER; THE TOY Show has passed, the nights are longer, and the procrastination more intense than ever, meaning only one thing — Christmas is on the way! Once a time for peaceful reflection, the four week break now spells a beautiful season of Roses-gobbling, Netflixbinging, essay-scrawling and exasperated research-doing on whatever mind-boggling aspect of Trinity bureaucracy you have to deal with this year. But if you’re in the ranks of students hesitantly planning an Erasmus, unable to go on Erasmus, or regretting not getting that form in on time last year, Christmas has come early. With the wave of a wand most of your bureaucratic worries could disappear (but not all of them, obviously. This is Trinity after all). Going off books is the answer you never knew you needed. Last year I took a year off books to study as a ‘free mover’ at Universität Kostanz in southern Germany, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. As student of German, I am required to spend a minimum of 6 weeks in a German-speaking country before graduation, although it is strongly encouraged that we spend a year abroad. However, as a TSM student, the associated inter-departmental confusion combined with Erasmus red tape (Learning agreements? Grade transfers?) all became a little too much, and so I

attempted to seek out other options for my year abroad. I decided to take a year off books, effectively taking a gap year, as I wanted to relax and fully enjoy the experience (read: travel and sample the nightlife) without having to worry about my grades. After considering various options, I chose to study as a free mover on a direct exchange from the TCD Germanic department. Although the choice really, really confused everyone at home, and while I didn’t manage to fully escape from Trinity admin woes, once September came I was free to make what I wanted of the year After completing an orientation and language course, we travelled for a couple of weeks before beginning classes in October. Many of our Konstanz Erasmus pals experienced huge difficulties in registering for compulsory classes, as in most European universities, the onus is on students to organise their timetable and to ensure they’re registered in compulsory modules. However, as a free mover, I could pick up as many new subjects as I wanted and switch between modules easily. I took classes in spanish, psychology, politics and english literature while keeping up german and sociology. It was the perfect combination of furthering my studies and exploring Europe, as when exam time came around I had the liberty of splurging on 5 wonderful weeks of unbroken travel across Europe, from Malta to Milan, Slovakia to

Scandinavia, with countless cities in between. Although my exchange was organised through college, many European universities are open to ‘freemover’ applications from individual students. Finding accommodation under these circumstances may be slightly more difficult, as you would not necessarily be placed on a student housing list, however these difficulties are the same as ones faced when working abroad or doing a J1. University fees for EU citizens on mainland Europe tend to be a fraction of those paid in Ireland and the UK, with our own student contribution in Konstanz totalling €90 per semester. For me, the greatest benefit of the ‘free mover’ system is flexibility of study. I wanted to stay in a university routine while dabbling in new subjects, with the option of missing the odd class to work and travel. Although some feel it’s a waste of time and study, not to earn credits for the work you do as a free mover, studying without the end goal of credits can open your eyes to which subjects truly interest you. It also cuts out the pressure of balancing the social and academic elements of university life, a pressure experienced by countless Erasmus students. It should be noted that the free mover option is not only open to languages or arts students. Classes are taught through English in numerous EU institutions, particularly in the Netherlands and Nordic Countries. Most of the international students I met on my own exchange

did not study languages, with over half speaking little or no German. Nevertheless, we all managed to get by day to day, with almost everyone returning home equipped with some level of fluency in German. Of course there are so many more options for going off books; undertaking a year-long internship or work placement in Ireland or abroad, travelling for a year, volunteering at home or overseas, writing your novel, starting a business; the list really is endless. Dual language students could live and study in two different cities while off books, or even better, study off books with your second language after completing an Erasmus exchange. The best part about going off books is that your year can be a combination of all of the above. You can chop and change as you go, or organize every single week to the minute, answerable only to yourself. It is what you make of it. As someone who threw herself from a hectic TY programme and a gruelling Leaving Cert cycle directly into the surreal world of Third Level, taking a year off books was the best thing I could have done for my mental health and wellbeing. I met so many incredible people, visited amazing places (some of which I still can’t pronounce correctly), and returned to the comfort of Third Year, picking up from directly from where I had left off. As wonderful as taking a year off books can be, there are of course several

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It was the perfect combination of furthering my studies and exploring Europe.

important things to consider before downing tools and fleeing Trinity. You do not pay fees while off books, however taking into account rental, living and travel expenses, and the fact that off-books students are not entitled to an Erasmus-style grant, the additional year could disrupt you or your family’s third level budgeting plan. Make sure to research the cost of living in your chosen town or city before departing; many universities provide local budget guidelines for visiting students on their websites, which can be extremely helpful. It is also important to bear in mind that there is a certain amount of bureaucracy involved with going off books, expect the unexpected. Off-books applications must be made through your tutor, so it is a good idea to organise a meeting with them as soon as you’ve made your decision. From my own experience, tutors can be less than helpful, in which case you can request for your tutor

to be changed, or, in urgent cases, submit your off-books application through the Senior Tutor. Keep checking your TCD email while away, I was almost deregistered from college because of a delay in processing applications; thankfully this was avoided through regular contact with the Academic Registry. Lastly, reintegrating into the Trinity bubble while experiencing an overwhelming feeling of Wanderlust isn’t the easiest thing in the world. It can be difficult to knuckle down during the year (hence why I’m writing this article and not the three essays due next week). However, on returning from Germany I was motivated to get even involved with college life, and to run for positions that I never would have seen myself in before. The independence and self-confidence gained from such a year is arguably its greatest asset. I would encourage anyone interested in going off books to research further and, if it suits you, to take the plunge. You won’t regret it.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Op-ed

Why we need Students Against Fees

Editorial

Sean Egan

Christmas wishes

Sean Egan, chair of Students Against Fees, argues that students need to mobilise to offer a real challenge to the introduction of student loans. Contributor

TUDENTS AGAINST FEES (SAF) was created in response to a failure emblematic of the state of Irish student politics. Last year a group of conservative students spoke in favour of student loans at a Student Union council meeting and managed to win a vote, defeating a proposal that would see the SU mandated to oppose the introduction of student fees on principle. SAF formed to correct this sorry state of affairs. It took rapid mobilisation, but after a string of public meetings, and a number of impassioned contributions at the next council meeting, the vote was overturned: the SU adopted an anti-loans stance. However, the lapse of judgement raised deeper questions about the condition of student representation. Has a strategy of lobbying and hand-wringing in the face of fee hikes and slashed education budgets worked? Has posing nicely in the press shots of politicians, building CVs and passing well-meaning motions with little promise of meaningful struggle loosened the financial noose around Irish students’ necks? Students against Fees exists to promote an activist response to successive governments’ war on higher education based on grassroots democracy, mass mobilisation. It must be recognised that free third level education is not only a budgetary possibility but also a social right to be won by popular struggle. Frederick Douglass said: “Power concedes nothing without a demand.” And we have several demands central to the fight for a truly accessible educational system. Fees as they stand — hiked considerably during the Fine Gael-Labour coalition — are unsustainable. €3,000 is an incredible burden in a society where half of adults earn less than €28,500 a year. The SUSI grant has been defunded to the point where it only serves a fraction of those who struggle to deal with the many costs of university education; it is not adequate to defend equal access to education. Free, publicly funded education is the first meaningful step towards addressing the affordability crisis higher education. This must be combined with the restoration of funding to SUSI so it can assist students who struggle to afford the secondary costs of university

attendance. This assistance must also be returned to postgraduate students. The means-testing process of the SUSI grand is arduous, arbitrary and not in keeping with the economic realities of 2016; it needs thorough reexamination in consultation with affected students. To understand the struggle of SUSI grant recipients, try speaking to one. They make up just 7% of Trinity’s student body. Clench your fists in rage as you listen to people’s stories of crawling over shards of bureaucratic glass to access the meagre support offered. Working class students are already struggling to access and remain in university; without free fees and a reliable, humane grants system this problem will only worsen.

The problem with loans

More concerning still is the potential introduction of student loans. Incomecontingent loan schemes are presented as a magic bullet: they’ll sidestep the problems of the third level funding crisis, mitigate our reliance on a disorganised grants system and reduce the need for students to work difficult amounts of hours during term time in order to fund their studies. Unfortunately, none of this is true. The primary purpose of student loans is as political cover for rapid, uncompromising fee hikes. Fee hikes that endanger the educations of most Irish students. We only need look at the chilling example in Britain where fees tripled overnight. The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec) and the Irish Universities Association have come out in favour of student loans. It is a transparent attempt to undermine education as a social right to be funded through progressive taxation. The model is feasible but the university authorities and the Fine Gael government lack the political will. In the context of savage cuts to essential social supports, widening inequality and deprivation in Irish society we must make a clear choice between a punitive, hypercommodified educational system like England and the US — or a free fees model enjoyed by students in Scotland, Germany or many other European countries.

Student issues

Students are also embroiled in the waking nightmare that is the Irish housing crisis. Dublin rents are higher than they were at the height of the boom and unscrupulous landlords, unhampered by tenant protection

INTER IS A VERY particular time of a year - both in Trinity and the broader world. Temperatures drop, layers of clothes increase, people spend more time indoors.

Within the walls of this College, Winter is also one of the particular peaks of stress and fatigue, as deadlines finally catch up with the thousands of students who've spent the past few months avoiding them. While many are able to joke about it and power through, more than a few suffer deeply in silence. This time of year is particularly bad for those who face mental health problems. Beyond the walls of Trinity, this winter has seen yet another homeless person die on the stress of our country, because we live in a country where it remains more acceptable for people to die than measures be taken to ensure that all our housed adequately.

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Working class students are already struggling to access and remain in university; without free fees and a reliable, humane grants system this problem will only worsen.

laws, are terrorising and extorting large swathes of people. Students are living in squalid conditions for unaffordable prices with little security of tenure. The SU’s accommodation services, while admirably assisting people in individual cases, can not affect change for the majority of student renters. We need to fight for the rapid provision of affordable, quality student housing by the College authorities as well as engaging with the broader movement for rent control and social housing provision by the state. The government must provide meaningful solutions to the failures of the market driven approach to housing. Housing is a vital student issue and there needs to be mobilisation around the right to decent housing on every campus across Ireland.

Students against Fees want to highlight and campaign on campus level issues that undermine accessibility for a broad range of students. The lengthy delays at campus medical services, including the counselling centre, undermine the benefits subsidised health care brings to students. In the immediate term; students should be reimbursed for private medical expenses accrued because of extensive waiting times at campus facilities, and in general more funding is needed to provide robust care for all students. College can be incredibly emotionally demanding and without quality, accessible access to mental health professionals, students’ emotional wellbeing and academic performance are in jeopardy. We also want to address the abject lack of defined student spaces. Dublin is an expensive city and without student spaces it becomes very difficult to inhabit without spending an unaffordable amount of money. This lack of student space is related to the corporate colonisation of our campus. We don’t need a Blackstone Launchpad or a Bank of Ireland ‘YouthInnovator of the Future’ space; we need a space to eat, talk and casually exist on campus. We need to defend the schools in the Arts and Social Science faculties from chronic underfunding by an administration that explicitly focuses resources on more profitable sectors of the college. Part of seeing education as a social right is the mission to democratize the production and administration of information in a just way. Research should be shaped by public interest and academic freedom — not profitability. We need to ensure that our

College pays each and every one of its employees a living wage. The growth of lowpaid, precarious work in the academic sector threatens the graduate market and undermines the ability of low income students to pursue academic careers. The use of the exploitative Jobsbridge scheme by the college is disgraceful. Any attempt by the college to use further unpaid internship schemes needs to be opposed by mass action by students and academics as it threatens our standards and conditions in the interest of maximising profit. These demands are ambitious, precisely as an antidote to the limited thinking and pathological passivity of the USI. We face many challenges in our mission to democratise Irish higher education. This government, abetted by university authorities, seems hell-bent on the commodification of education at any social price. The student movement needs to learn from the unprecedented progressive mobilisation seen over the last few years. The water movement mobilised hundreds of thousands of people and brought together a broad political coalition that stopped the government in its tracks. The pro-choice movement’s confrontation with the most reactionary elements of Irish society isn’t delicate or conciliatory — it’s large, loud and militant and won’t be satisfied with empty promises or vague rhetoric. Join Students against Fees as we take student struggle to the streets and squares of every campus in every city, starting in Trinity. Free education can be ours, and students can play a leading role in the struggle for a more just and Ireland — but only if we’re willing to fight.

CARTOON

These two are the two seperate wishes of this paper this Christmas: for a College that has the willpower and resources to deal with the mental health problems of its students, and a country that has the willpower and resources to wipe out homelessness once and for all. Utopian as these two wishes seem there are clear pathways for both to be accomplished. The student support services in Trinity are cripplingly underfunded while millions are lavished upon a new business school - surely if that money can be found for what essentially amounts to further linking ourserlves to the commercial world, some can be found for student supports? Many experts of various political hues have offered potential solutions to the homelessness crisis, but the strongest arguement given the steadily dropping temperatures would be to simply open up the dozens of empty properties that litter our towns and cities, at least for the next few months. Of course, that alone would not be enough. Equally as pressing as housing are supports - needle exchanges, mental health services, care and health workers. This paper has long believed that it is possible to fund these through general taxation. It has become a trusim both within College and the wider country that money can always be found when it comes to business or banks, but never when it comes to those things that truly affect the lives of those who live or study here. We hope this changes.

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Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

InDepth Rising consumerism at Christmas Irish households set to spend €720 on Christmas this year Ronan Mac Giolla Rua InDepth Editor

a weakening sterling, as otherwise they risk shoppers travelling north of the border, or turning to e-commerce to do their Christmas shopping. Indeed, online shopping is definitely on the rise, with Irish transactions jumping from €1bn to €1.2bn from July to September.

T’S PRETTY INTUITIVE THAT in December people are more likely to part with their hard earned cash than in any other month. With turkeys, trees, and tinsel all to be bought, on top of the pressure of buying presents, Christmas can often be a time of spending, not just a time of giving. In the annual “Christmas Retail Monitor”, Retail Ireland takes a look at how much Irish families are expected to spend over the holiday season. This month will see households spend an average of €2,587, approximately €720 more than any other month during the year. This is a €26 increase on what families spent in December 2015. Overall, Retail Ireland expect an increase of €160m in consumer spending on Christmas compared to last year, with total sales expected to rise from €4.05bn to €4.21bn this year. This represents an increase of 3.7%. Factors: The report outlines a number of factors that have contributed to this increased spending. Employment has been consistently on the rise,

reaching 2 million in the third quarter of this year, its highest level since 2008. Along with this, disposable income, or the amount of money people have left over after income taxes have been deducted, has been on the rise since 2010. Both of these factors mean that, overall, consumers have more money to spend. But the report also notes that retailer prices have been falling. The November Consumer Sentiment Index, which is a measure of how consumers feel about the state of the economy, found that Irish consumers are nervous about the general

outlook of the economy and their own personal spending. Consumers aren’t as willing to spend money if they’re worried about the economy, leading retailers to use discounts and promotions to encourage spending. On top of the discounts that already happen around Christmas time, this gives consumers much more purchasing power, and drives their spending. The recent Brexit referendum in the UK also appears to be benefitting consumers, as prices have fallen every month since the vote. Retailers have to lower prices to keep up with

Demographics: Although the report has no analysis on the demographics of Christmas shoppers, a “Christmas Consumer Report” compiled by PwC UK does. They surveyed 2000 UK residents to get an idea of how they would be spending their money this Christmas, and found that on average, UK adults expect to spend £280 on Christmas gifts. Perhaps surprisingly, 67% felt that Brexit would have no impact on how much they spend this December, with 17% saying it would have a slight impact, and 8% saying it would have a considerable impact. There were some pretty big spenders out there, with some 16% of responders expecting to spend over £500, and 27% expecting to spend between £251 and £500. Another 27% expect to spend between £101 and £250, 12% expect to spend between £51 and £100, and just 7% expect to spend under £50. 8% of respondents answered that they didn’t know how much they would spend, and only 4% said they didn’t intend to buy any Christmas gifts. The main reasons given for this were that they didn’t celebrate Christmas (64%), that they had no one to buy gifts for (23%), and that they weren’t able to afford gifts this year (15%). The report found that women were more likely to spend more money than men, with a mean spend of £292.27 compared to men’s £265.97. By age group, those aged 3554 were likely to spend the most at £314.09, followed by those aged 55+ at £283.04, and lastly those aged 18-34 expect to spend £234.81.The majority (53%) of the spending is to be made online, with 6% of spending to be done on retailer’s apps for mobiles and tablets. Effects of retailer’s policies: Nearly half of all respondents (48%) said that nothing retailers could do would encourage them to

spend more. However, 28% said they would spend more if retailers reduced their prices earlier, and another 13% said they would spend more if retailers offered deals earlier. This was attitude was especially prevalent among the younger age groups, as only 34% of those aged 18-34 said that there was nothing retailers could do to get them to spend more. This tied into the fact that 44% of respondents said that they hesitated to purchase some items before Christmas, and 16% said that they hesitate to purchase most items before Christmas, in case the prices were later reduced. Gender and age both played a factor in this, with 62% of

women concerned about preChristmas price reductions compared to 56% of men. 67% of those aged 18-34 had these concerns, while only 50% of those aged over 55 did. However, even given this, 57% of respondents said that they would not be encouraged to spend more, even if retailers promised that present prices would not be reduced further before Christmas. The final thing the report looked at was whether or not shoppers attempted to minimise their post-purchase risk, in case the goods needed to be returned for any reason, with 45% of respondents saying they did not. However 30% did say that they only shop at stores with easy

returns policies, and 24% said that they only shop at stores with returns policies of greater than 30 days. Women were slightly more risk averse than men, with 47% of men doing nothing to protect themselves against risk compared to 43% of women. Overall, these two reports paint a picture of heavy spending over the Christmas season. Although women on average spend more money than men, it appears they are a bit more careful with how they spend it, and although young people don’t spend as much as those aged over 35, they are much more likely to be encouraged to spend money when they see a good deal.

The soaring costs of college textbooks Textbook prices have risen more than three times the rate of inflation since the 1970s Ronan Mac Giolla Rua primary people who choose the product, aren’t those who pay for it. Much like a doctor InDepth Editor

NE OF THE FIRST things students learn when they get to college, is that it’s not going to be as free as they think it is. One of the main reasons for this is because college textbooks can often be prohibitively expensive. Indeed, most people, if they saw any other book with a price tag of €80, would pass it over without a second glance, but when it comes to textbooks, students don’t have much of a choice. Data from the National Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US, shows that the price of college textbooks has risen over 1500% since 1970, more than three times the rate of inflation (calculated from the Consumer Price Index). Textbooks can often cost in excess of $300, a cost that few students will have budgeted in before coming to college. While the costs aren’t quite as steep here in Ireland, they’re still well over the cost of normal books. A book such as Mankiw’s “Principles of Economics” costs over $350 on Amazon in the US, and can be bought for about €80 in Easons. Factors: The reason given most often for this is that the market for college textbooks acts much like the market for prescription drugs, in that the

prescribing you a drug to take, a professor assigns you a textbook that you must use for their course. This means that professors are going to care much less about the price of a textbook when assigning them, allowing publishers to raise prices much higher than they otherwise would. A study done by the University of Michigan examined other possible reasons for these massive increases, identifying two factors in particular. The first is the revision cycle of three to four years, which is common to most textbooks, whether or not the book needs updating. Professors often require students to purchase the most recent edition, even if the changes are only superficial, so that all students can follow along easily. This means that students are often unable to purchase used textbooks, which would be much cheaper, and when they attempt to sell their book at the end of the year, they get much less money in return. The California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG), which is taking on the publishing industry, claims that new editions of textbooks are published every three to four years, and they cost, on average, 50% more than used copies of the previous edition. A survey they carried out indicated that the majority of faculty believe that new editions are

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Most college libraries have copies of all the major textbooks used for their courses, which means you can avail of them for free.

only justified less than half the time, yet publishers continue to consistently update them. The second factor the study identifies is the recent trend of offering workbooks and online materials with the textbook. According to CALPIRG, one such textbook was available bundled with additional material, or unbundled by itself, and the bundled version was more than twice as expensive as the unbundled version. Often times though, students don’t have the option of purchasing an unbundled version, and so much pay for more expensive versions, with online material they may never use. One final factor sometimes attributed to the increasing costs is textbook piracy. As students become more and more tech savvy, they are able to find free versions of textbooks online, thus negating their need to purchase the actual book. This causes a decrease in textbook sales, and with publishers still wanting to reap the same profits, they increase prices in order to make back that money. Finding a solution: There do exist cheaper alternatives to most buying print textbooks at the moment, however they do have their drawbacks. Most college libraries have copies of all the major textbooks used for their courses, which means you can avail of them for free. The downside of this though,

is that there are nearly always more students than textbooks, so when it comes to exam time, you can find yourself without a book to revise. E-books are also on the rise, and digital books often cost much less than their printed counterparts, although they can still be very expensive. The US has also introduced a number of bills to try and deal with the problem, such as the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, although none seem to have had a lasting effect. The US Public Interest Research Group

(U.S. PIRG) believes the solution is open educational resources, written under the understanding that they’ll be made available for free online. Last year, U.S PIRG reviewed the use of open textbooks at five major US universities, and found that students saved an average of $128 per course. There are still many challenges to using open textbooks though, the biggest being the lack of awareness about them. If faculty don’t realise there is an open textbook available for their discipline, they won’t be able

to assign it. Even when they do know about one, they can often be reluctant to assign it, assuming that as they’re free they don’t meet the same standards as traditional textbooks. At the end of the day, it’s clear that something needs to be done about the problem. Without the large-scale introduction of effective measures to combat rising prices, students will continue to have to pay more and more for textbooks they have no choice in buying.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

In depth

Should we adopt a 30 hour work week? Peter O’Donovan InDepth Editor

HEN MY MOTHER WAS in college, 30 years ago now, her lecturers predicted that the average working week would soon be reduced to just 15 hours as technological advancement took away the need for human labour. While the technological advances predicted at the time have indeed come to pass, the standard full time work week has remained stubbornly set at 40 hours per week. Meanwhile, unemployment has slowly but surely climbed and many working adults find that their jobs take up a huge amount of their time that they would prefer to devote to other things. But why do jobs take up so much of our time as adults? What is the justification for the full time working week being set at 40 hours? Is this the best way to organize the economy, or is it a hangover from history that impedes economic development and the selfactualization of people in the present day?

for a full time worker to work per week in most developed countries, and that still holds in the present day. The graphs displayed with this article show that there has been a general trend towards reduced working hours in every country examined over the past 150 years. However this trend has slowed down since the days of Ford’s then revolutionary hours reduction. The working week has in most countries remained static at 40 hours per week. It is only quite recently that the idea of reducing the number of hours in the full time work week has become a popular issue for political discussion again, with France adopting a 35 hour work week in 2000 and the online sales company Amazon recently implementing a 30 hour working week for some of its workers.

History of working hours To understand why working hours are now constructed the way they are, it is important to look at the history of the concept. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most people worked irregular hours, usually in the agricultural sector, and saw little reason to record the amount of time they spent working, so it is very difficult to accurately estimate the time spent at work in this period. Most modern estimates by historians say that medieval era peasants probably worked more than a modern worker but far less than workers in the earliest era of industrial capitalism, with the exact amount of work to be done varying a lot depending on the time of year. During the Industrial Revolution, as factory owners aimed to maximize the output of their factories, 10-16 hours a day became the norm for workers. This for obvious reasons left many people unhappy, and labour rights movements pushed back. The Scottish factory owner Robert Owen was a key figure in pushing for shorter working hours, firstly by standardizing the 10 hour working day at his factories and later by campaigning for the 8 hour working day to become the norm under the slogan “8 hours labour, 8 hours recreation, 8 hours rest”. Although the campaigning of Robert Owen and others led some businesses to adopt the 8 hour work day, the concept of a full time work week being 40 hours did not become accepted as industry standard until Ford Motor Company scaled their working week down from 48 hours to 40 hours in 1914. At the same time, they doubled the workers pay. Somewhat surprisingly, this lead to an increase in profit for Ford as productivity surged, so other companies followed suit until the 40 hour work week was the industry standard. In the United States, the Fair Labour Standards Act of 1938 formally set the full time work week to 40 hours and required those working longer than this to be paid overtime pay. After that, 40 hours was accepted as the correct amount of time

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The lack of available jobs may be part of the reason why we see have seen a large expansion in the numbers attending third level education in recent years.

Increased Productivity The stagnation in working hours stands in contrast to the massive increase of productivity seen in national economies in the same time period. Take the United States as a case study – as can be seen from the attached graph, the United States economy has massively increased its productivity, to the point that the economy was 147% as productive in 2015 as it was in 1947. This is mostly the result of the invention of computational technology that allowed a large amount of work previously done by humans to be automated and so done much faster. This enhanced productivity certainly leads to more and cheaper goods and services being available for people to buy - people living today live the most luxurious lifestyles of people at any point in

human history. But it also leads to fewer people being employed – when a smaller number people can do all of the work that the economy needs, fewer jobs are going to be available. The graph of unemployment in the US over the same time period illustrates this problem: the rate of unemployment goes up and down in cycles but the general trendline indicates that the broad trend is towards higher unemployment as time wears on. The same general trend is seen in other countries like the UK, Germany or France. Unemployment damages a person’s self esteem and mental health, which is very unfair on people who cannot get a job because there is insufficient work available, so it is incumbent on governments to reduce unemployment as much as possible. A shorter full time work week might help to alleviate this issue, as each individual person would be doing less work and so more work would be available. The lack of available jobs may be part of the reason why we see have seen a large expansion in the numbers attending third level education in recent years. As can be seen in the attached graph, the percentage of the population educated to degree level has risen hugely in most countries over the past 40 years. With fewer jobs available, people have started applying to and attending universities and Institutes of Technology to upskill and give themselves an edge in the competitive jobs market. To an extent this masks the issue with lack of jobs, as those who are in education are not considered to be unemployed. Educating the population is certainly a noble goal, and this increase in the number of highly educated people can be considered another positive outcome of the aforementioned increase in economic productivity. However, colleges are currently struggling to adequately accommodate the increased student populations and not everyone wants to go through a University education. Therefore, it is worth reconsidering the economic circumstances that lead to this situation so that people go to college only because they genuinely want to rather than because they have no other economic opportunities available. Again, a reduced work week might be part of the solution to this issue. Potential Pitfalls One of the potential problems with the idea of reducing the number of hours in a standard working week is described by the “lump of labour” fallacy. This fallacy occurs when someone claims that there is a set amount of work in the economy, which can be performed by anyone, in any location, at any time, so the work can easily be split up to increase employment by giving the currently unemployed some of the work that is currently being done by people who are at present employed. It is certainly true that we cannot simply carve up the work done in various jobs and hand it out equally to everyone – many jobs require particular skills that many people will

not have without special training, and some jobs may need to be done in particular times and places. Therefore actually implementing a shorter working week without harming the economy will be a complex task that will likely need to be phased in gradually over time in order to actually benefit people’s lives. We must also remember that people who are working fewer hours will be earning less money unless wages rise accordingly, so either the wages paid to workers or the prices of goods and services will need adjustment for the shorter work week to improve worker’s lives rather than leaving them short on money. The other main objection to the idea that we need to reduce working hours is the argument that advancing technology does not actually need to lower the number of jobs. Although manufacturing jobs are inevitably lost to automation, there are still jobs available in managing the machines that now do those jobs and people can seek out alternative work in the service sector. The problem with the first suggestion is that in order for mechanization of a production process to be worthwhile, it must be more efficient and less labour intensive than hiring employees to do the same work – otherwise, there would be no reason for a company to adopt it. There must necessarily be fewer jobs running the machines that do the production than there are when people do the production by hand. This means that technological advancement inevitably leads to less jobs in manufacturing. The problem with the suggestion that we simply move into service jobs is that there is a limited amount of time people have to consume services and a limited number of services people actually want, so again we will at some point run into the issue of there not being enough work available for everyone who needs work to find a job, if we are not already there. The modern world economy does not have a way to ensure that enough jobs are available for everyone who needs to work under the modern paradigm of the 40 hour work week. The gradual rise in unemployment seen throughout the developed world as technology has advanced is unlikely to halt any time soon and it is our responsibility to reexamine the structure of the world economy to try to avoid the human suffering that unemployment causes as much as possible. With machines inevitably replacing human labour over time, a reduction in the standard full time work week to 30 hours, or maybe even fewer, seems like a prudent action to integrate the enhanced productivity granted by technological advancement into the economy with as few job losses as possible. Rather than attempting to create jobs that do not need to exist out of thin air, we should aim to restructure the world economy in such a way as to share out both the labours that go into and rewards that come out of the economic system in a more equitable and sustainable manner.

The impact of working a part-time job in college Peter O’Donovan InDepth Editor

ITH COSTS OF RENT and living rising, many students around the world now turn to parttime work during term time to finance their studies and their lives outside of college. Working during the college term is controversial, as some argue that the time taken to do this work necessarily detracts from academic performance. However, the research on the impact of part-time work on the student experience shows that there are both positive and negative aspects to the practice. The amount of time devoted to the job appears to be a key factor in how work will impact a student’s academic performance and general experience of college: a low to medium number of hours generally has a positive impact, whereas a high number of hours (usually over 16 hours) tends to have a negative effect. The importance of financial

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...the experience of having a job can put students in the correct “mindset” to put in the effort needed to do well in their exams and assignments.

affairs to college students was starkly demonstrated in a report by the Higher Education Authority published in 2001, which showed that over 40% of students in Institutes of Technology ended up dropping out of their course due to financial problems. Clearly, earnings from a part-time job help to alleviate concerns like these, leading many students who are in a precarious financial situation to work part-time jobs on the side. Students who do not necessarily need the money to stay in college but want some money to spare also often work part-time jobs. The Eurostudent Report 2005 by Hochschul Information Systems Hannover revealed that 69% of Irish college students worked in some capacity during term time. This onus being put on students to work during term time has been criticized by some for the detrimental impact they expect it to have on students’ grades. On the surface, it seems logical to say that there is a necessary trade-off between work and academic performance –

time spent working at a job necessarily cannot be spent studying or doing assignments. However, studies that have analyzed the empirical impact of working on student

grades have painted a more complicated picture. The National Centre for Education Statistics in the US found that students working 1–15 hours per week had a higher grade

point average than students who did not work, or students who worked over 16 hours a week. Benefits of working The potentially positive impact of part-time work on grades is initially surprising. However, it seems that the experience of having a job can put students in the correct “mindset” to put in the effort needed to do well in their exams and assignments. It is also possible that having a work rota to organize college work around makes students more focused and more likely to formally set aside time for study and assignment work, which may lead to higher grades compared to students doing that work on a more ad hoc basis. The alternative explanation is that those students who choose to do part-time work during college tend to be more hard-working in general, and that both their decision to work and their high grades are a sideeffect of their hard-working personality, as opposed to one having an effect on the other. It seems that only when a high

number of hours per week are worked do students start to lack sufficient time to study or complete their assignments, and it is at this point that their grades begin to suffer. Tiredness and stress from the extra workload may also impact student performance. Overall, it seems that working part-time in college can potentially be a positive experience, although students should be careful to avoid the pitfalls associated with devoting too much of their time to work. However, considering the financial pressures that many students are under, tightly controlling workload in order to ensure that work does not have a bad impact on grades may be a luxury that not all students who are obliged to work will be able to avail of. The need for students to be able to carefully control hours worked to ensure that their work does not have a negative effect on their academic performance is something that colleges, governments and employers must take into account when setting policy in regards to this issue.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

SciTech Dáil discusses the legalisation of mari juana for medicinal purposes Clara Owens reports on the action of the TCD Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) outside the Dáil during the discussion on the bill to allow the legalisation of marijuana for medicinal purposes and discusses the benefits of establishing a sensible drug policy in Ireland

Clara Owens Contributor

n 2 December 2016, a bill to allow the legalisation of marijuana for medicinal purposes was passed through the second stage of the Dáil with no opposition. Bill 76 of 2016, was put forward by People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny. It calls for the regulation and licensing of cannabis for medicinal use and to establish the Cannabis Regulation Authority. Its success displays a vast reversal in both public and governmental opinion from a similar bill proposed by TD Luke “Ming” Flanagan in late 2013, where it was defeated by a colossal 111-8 in the Dáil. This sharp turn is due to increased research being published in the media, elucidating the medicinal properties of this previously much maligned plant. The bill will now proceed to the Oireachtas Health Committee. Minister for Health Simon Harris has ordered a report to be prepared for the end of January 2017, from the health products regulation authority (HPRA) and he may make amendments to the bill from there. Marijuana has begun to

shed its hippy past, and has been to shown to drastically reduce both seizure length and occurrence in sufferers of severe epilepsy, mitigating some side-effects of chemotherapy for cancer patients, as well as evidence supporting positive effects in disorders such as Multiple sclerosis, arthritis and HIV. Early last month saw Cork mother Vera Twomey pledge to walk 150 miles to Dublin to raise awareness of the effectiveness of cannabis in seizure treatment. Ms. Twomey has a six-year old named Ava who suffers from a rare form of severe epilepsy, called Dravets syndrome. Speaking to RTE, Ms. Twomey described how Ava could have had several hundred seizures in a single month. During the entire month of October she had just 7 seizures, after 6 weeks on a marijuana based medicine. TCD Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) met early last week to make posters to hold outside the Dáil during the discussion of the bill. The group also screened 2014’s “The Culture High” one of the most seminal documentaries outlining America’s failed

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The TCD SSDP’s main focus going forward is to broaden the debate on both drug use and drug policy in Ireland, and to bring it to a national stage.

Santa’s secret – it’s not magic... it’s science! Katarzyna takes us through what it would take for one Santa and nine reindeers to deliver presents to children around the world. Warning: If you believe in Santa, do not read. Katarzyna Siewierska SciTech Editor

ANTA’S CHALLENGE LETS ESTABLISH the problem we are going to analyse in the article. Santa Claus is an elderly, rather large man who spends one night in the year to deliver presents to children all around the world. He travels in a flying sleigh pulled by nine flying reindeers. Once he gets to a house, he parks it on the roof, jumps into the chimney with the right presents, leaves the presents under the Christmas tree, eats his cookies, drinks his milk, climbs back up to the roof through the chimney and is ready to go to the next house. If there is no chimney, Santa has a master key to all doors, so he enters the house through the front door. He does all of this completely unnoticed and without making a mess.

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Santa will consume 10.8 million kilograms of cookies and 26.4 million liters of milk.

Daddy’s silly triangle We can assume that every nice child waiting for Santa in the world will go to bed on Christmas Eve at 9pm and wakes up at 7am. We also must take the world’s rotation around its axis which gives rise to time zones which mean there is a 24 hour difference between the east and west. Summing this together implies Santa has 34 hours or 122,400 seconds to deliver all presents. There are about 2 billion children in the world, but only 15% of those children are from Christian families which expect him to come, which reduces the number of children to 300 million. On average each household has 2.5 children and if we assume that at in each household at least one child is nice means Santa has 120 million households to visit in 34 hours which is about 980 households per second. To make our problem simpler, let’s assume that the world has one habitable continent which has a surface area of 220 million square kilometers and the houses are equally distributed over this continent. The distance between houses works out to be about 2 km. If we assume that Santa spends half of the total time he has on travel, then to make it on time he must travel at a speed of nearly 2000 kilometers per second. The fastest manmade object was the NASA’s Juno Mission spacecraft which reached 40 kilometers per second. The top speed of a reindeer is about 0.02 kilometers per second, which is 100,000 times too slow. Warning - don’t feed the Santa In each of the households there will be about 3 cookies, 30 grams each, and a 220ml glass of milk left for Santa to eat. This means that in the 34 hours Santa will consume 10.8 million kilograms of cookies and 26.4 million liters of milk. The average American will eat 35,000 cookies in their lifetime and Santa will be having over 10,000 times more in only 34 hours! Unfortunately he will not, because his stomach can hold up to 4L of food and after he eats about 133 cookies his stomach will rupture. All I want for Christmas is… LEGO Let’s assume that 75% of the 300 million children are nice and each of them will get one present. One of the most popular presents is

a LEGO set, which weighs about 600 grams. To simplify our problem, lets assume each nice child will get such LEGO set. Then 225 million LEGO sets in Santa’s sleigh will weigh 135 million kilograms. This is a tremendous load of presents is nearly equivalent to the weight of 10 blue whales, which are the heaviest animals in the world. Reindeer on fire If we ignore the weight of the sleigh, the Santa and the jingling bells, then how many reindeers are needed to pull this load? A reindeer can pull up to about 135 kilograms of load on the ground, so to pull the sleigh in air we can assume that a reindeer can pull 10 times as much. This means Santa would need to recruit about 100,000 reindeers for the job. Also, flying reindeers is some mysterious species of reindeer that has not been observed in nature yet. Now, it was already mentioned that even if the reindeers ran at top speed they would be 100,000 times too slow. However let’s imagine that the nine reindeers can pull the whole load of the sleigh and travel at the necessary speed. As they would fly across the sky, the friction with their body and the atmosphere would produce an immense amount of heat. The poor reindeers would burst into flames and crash.

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The poor reindeers would burst into flames and crash. From a scientific point of view, attempting the Santa’s challenge is not recommended. However, with the help of new technologies of the future, it may not be completely impossible.

war on drugs and featuring interviews with some of the most prominent people in marijuana research, the head of psychiatry at Harvard Dr. Lester Grinspoon, and British neuropharmacologist Prof. David Nutt. The TCD SSDP’s main focus going forward is to broaden the debate on both drug use and drug policy in Ireland, and to bring it to a national stage. Along with their Cannabis Awareness Project, SSDP will be opening conversation on all areas of drug use, from medicinal and recreational to addiction issues. These topics will always be relevant to both second and third level students, so raising awareness and promoting education, along with highlighting more neglected areas such as drug safety and harm reduction. These will be crucial if we are to have a well informed public in the future. Help Not Harm is another Irish organisation supporting a practical and realistic approach to drug policy in Ireland. CEO and co-founder Graham DeBarra was an advisor for the current Dáil bill, and currently sits on the Education and Prevention Committee to the National

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Legalization of Marijuana was for most, one of the only positive aspects to arise from the 2016 U.S. general election.

Drugs Strategy (2017 – 2024). Help Not Harm aims to improve access to harm reduction and education along with moving drugs issues from the criminal justice system to a public health matter. Legalisation of Marijuana was for most, one of the only positive aspects to arise from the 2016 U.S. general election. Four states voted on the legalisation of medicinal marijuana and a further five to extend already existing legalisation to recreational use. States North Dakota, Montana, Arkansas and Florida all allowed marijuana to be legalised for medicinal use. While states Nevada, Maine, California and Massachusetts all voted to legalise for recreational use. The only failed bill was in Arizona, which saw the state rejecting their proposition 205, for legalisation of recreational use. Also in November, medicinal marijuana was legalised across Australia, with doctors now allowed to prescribe to patients who would benefit. Globally, marijuana legislation is slow with often unclear lines between personal and commercial quantities and

cultivation rules. Even in the Netherlands, with one of Europe’s most benevolent drug policies, growing any plants even for personal use remains illegal and enforced. The American state of Colorado was one of the first to legalise recreational use of Marijuana with full legalisation implemented in January of 2014. Since this time, Colorado has gained over 127m USD in marijuana taxes alone. Most recently Colorado has made headlines as it has used 1.5m USD of these taxes to alleviate homelessness in Aurora, Colorado’s third biggest city. The effects and implementation of this bill are yet to seen. The Claire Byrne Live/Amárach Research poll, carried out on behalf of TheJournal.ie, shows that just under half of voters (48%) support the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use, with 11% citing “don’t know”. This is a positive statistic showing that public awareness and education about the drug is improving. Hopefully with improved education, a sensible drug policy will be accomplished in Ireland.

former Professor at the school of physics. He was the last person appointed by Ernest Walton before his retirement. Walton was a student and later professor and head of school of physics at TCD and is most famous for sharing Nobel Prize in 1951 with John Cockroft for the artificial splitting the atom. Dr. Finch has been a member of staff at the school of physics for over 40 years. In that time he has heard many stories from his older colleagues and also witnessed many important events, which he describes in his book. In September 2016

Prof. Finch was invited to give an invited talk on his research at the 2nd International Conference on the History of Physics in Pöllau in Austria. The book describes the development of physics in TCD covering the period from 1683 to 1984. It starts with the early accounts of teaching of physics and its formalisation with the appointed of Richard Helsham to the Erasmus Smith Professorship of Natural and Experimental Philosophy in 1724. Later comes the 19th century which can be considered the golden age of physics at Trinity. It was the time of some of the greatest physicists that ever walked the college grounds such as William Rowan Hamilton, James MacCullagh, Humphrey Lloyd, George Francis FitzGerald and many others. Following the golden age came very difficult times with the break out of the Easter Rising and Ireland’s War of Independence. Trinity and its physics department survived the difficult times and both experienced a remarkable revival that began in the 1960’s. The book ends in 1984 which marks the arrival of Prof. Denis Weaire and his appointment to the Erasmus Smith Professorship of Natural and Experimental Philosophy. This book is an excellent read. It can be a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who would like to know more about the history of physics in Trinity and the amazing people who have worked here.

Science: In Brief Katarzyna Siewierska SciTech Editor

CD PHYSICISTS CREATE A sensor from graphene and silly putty On the December 9th the prestigious journal Science published a paper on “Sensitive electromechanical sensors using viscoelastic graphenepolymer nanocomposites” which reports on a very exciting discovery of what is now called G-putty at Trinity’s Amber materials science center. The team was led by Prof. Jonathan Coleman in Trinity and collaborated with Prof. Robert Young of the University of Manchester. G-putty was discovered when the researchers added graphene - a material that is essentially a flake of a single layer of carbon - with the popular children’s toy silly putty, i.e. polysilicone. The researchers found that the electrical properties of the material changes with deformation. Then the G-putty is allowed to relax back to its original shape, its original properties are recovered. It is so sensitive that it can detect the footsteps of a spider. When the G-putty is placed on the neck of a person just beside the artery, it can detect the pulse. By placing it on the chest it can measure one’s breathing. The material has a huge potential in sensing applications. The next step is to design a device that can be used in medical sensing and/or diagnostics In a statement at the TCD School of Physics webpage, Prof. Coleman said , “What we are excited about is the unexpected behaviour we found when we added graphene to the polymer, a cross-linked polysilicone. This material as well known as the children’s toy silly putty.

It is different from familiar materials in that it flows like a viscous liquid when deformed slowly but bounces like an elastic solid when thrown against a surface. When we added the graphene to the silly putty, it caused it to conduct electricity, but in a very unusual way. The electrical resistance of the G-putty was very sensitive to deformation with the resistance increasing sharply on even the slightest strain or impact. Unusually, the resistance slowly returned close to its original value as the putty self-healed over time.” In a statement to the RTE Prof. Coleman remarked, “While a common application has been to add graphene to plastics in order to improve the electrical, mechanical, thermal or barrier properties, the resultant composites have generally performed as expected without any great surprises. The behaviour we found with G-putty has not been found in any other composite material. This unique discovery will open up major possibilities in sensor manufacturing worldwide.”

HE LAUNCH OF THE book “Three centuries of physics in Trinity College Dublin” by Dr. Eric Finch On the 29th of November TCD celebrated the launch of a book by Dr. Eric Finch entitled “Three centuries of physics in Trinity College Dublin”. The launch in the FitzGerald Library was attended by Provost Patrick Prendergast, previous Provost John Hegarty, family members, friends, members of staff and students. Dr. Eric Finch is a Fellow Emeritus of TCD and a

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Sport Health and Wellbeing

Learning to Manage My Mental Health Dáire O’Driscoll opens up about his struggle with anxiety Dáire O’Driscoll Contributor

TATISTICS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH always seemed so abstract to me. The leading cause of death for men between the ages of 15 and 34 in Ireland is suicide. Until I was 19 I hadn’t known anyone personally who had taken their own life. Depression, anxiety or mental illness had never crossed my mind. It was not until I was sat in a church at a funeral of a schoolmate that I realised I was one of the young men struggling with their mental health. I had spent a large portion of my time in secondary school as a competitive athlete. As a swimmer I spent most mornings and a lot of weekends in pools either racing or training. It’s easy to get wound up or flustered as a competitive swimmer. Swimmers spend large portions of competition weekends sitting in humid, stuffy pools waiting for their next event. Such idleness is a breeding ground for nervousness. It was always a point of pride of mine that I never suffered from being nervous. My coach once told me that he admired my “havea-go” attitude. He liked that I was not afraid to race anyone. The fact that I hung onto that little compliment would show you how few and far between they were. This confidence that I carried with me made it harder for me to accept that I suffered from anxiety. Everyone has a degree of anxiety within them. I liken it to a water tank in a house. Everyone has a water tank in their home and you don’t really pay it much attention to either until it’s a problem. When I swam and trained, the tank would be at a constant level. The anxiety would flow out when I trained and the tank rarely if ever overflowed. When I graduated I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do. My plan was to save a little money, apply for a masters

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Statistics about mental health always seemed so abstract to me. The leading cause of death for men between the ages of 15 and 34 in Ireland is suicide. Until I was 19 I hadn’t known anyone personally who had taken their own life.

programme and work during the year. By June 2016, three weeks before the deadline of applications, my anxiety had reached such a pitch that I could not bring myself to apply. Anxiety manifests itself in different ways for everyone. For me even the simplest tasks became a monumental challenge. Answering texts or emails was (and sometimes still can be) excruciating. The most imprisoning aspect is that you know what you should do. The right option is there in front of you and you recognise it as such. The problem is that you cannot bring yourself to do it. I would find it hard to sleep. I would lie in bed, playing scenarios over in my head. As an athlete, and now as a coach, repeating scenarios and analysing them is part of the job. But the situation for me had changed. I was playing them back in my head and cringing. It is hard to describe this phenomenon. For me, Adventure Time was most succinct in its metaphor, “ I just thought about my anxieties and it was like my mind hand touching a hot memory stove”. I would regularly get heart palpitations, sweaty palms and feel hot all over my head. Someone would address me or ask me a question and I would go into a mental fugue. It made social situations nigh on impossible. It would breed anxiety in my mind. Every person who laughed or looked at me, in my mind at least, was talking about me. Every person who walked towards me or made eye contact with me was about to confront me about something. Every time my phone buzzed I presumed it was bad news and would be afraid to look at the notification. It was only later that I realised all of these moments of insomnia, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and paranoia were panic attacks. I remember the moment my anxiety overflowed publicly. I had been feeling increasingly anxious for a

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Anxiety manifests itself in different ways for everyone. For me even the simplest tasks became a monumental challenge. Answering texts or emails was (and sometimes still can be) excruciating.

number of weeks. My relationship with my parents had also become rather strained. My mother asked me if I had applied to the masters programme. When I replied that I had not, a shouting match erupted in my parent’s kitchen. Having not really cried for a long time in my life, I ended up crying a number of times that summer (including when Robbie Brady scored against Italy in June, but that wasn’t anxiety-related). At the moment in the kitchen, the anxiety water tank had come crashing through the roof leaving everyone drenched and covered in plaster. Eventually my mother and my incredibly patient girlfriend pushed me to see a therapist. I was incredibly sceptical and immeasurably nervous. The office, located on a busy street, had a brass plaque with “Psychotherapy Services” blazoned across it. My biggest fear was that someone I knew would see me push that button and an awkward conversation would ensue. I was even more sceptical of the therapist himself. I had an uninformed, but nonetheless strongly held, conviction that therapists were charlatans. A friend of mine with experience of psychotherapy told me that the worst thing that c o u l d happen would be that I would decide it wasn’t working for me and try someone o r something else. This ended up not to be the case. It didn’t cure me. There was no curing to be done. The proverbial water tank was being restored and I was learning how to prevent it overflowing and leaving brown spots all over my mental ceiling. As a goal-orientated person (and a minor control freak), my therapist challenged me to drive the therapy sessions. Much like the fantastic coach I was lucky to have earlier in my life, he equipped me with the skill set to

manage my anxiety. The right choices, which I had always known but was unable to choose, opened up in front of me. The one thing that I found once I opened up to my friends was that nearly all young men go through something like this. The problem was that none of them think to do anything about it. When I opened up to a particular group of friends that I was suffering from anxiety and that I was taking steps to manage it, everybody’s response was the same, ”I’m glad you’re getting help”. I suppose the moral of the story isn’t that it’s alright not to be okay; I don’t think there is a moral. The one message I wish to get across is that if you read this, and particularly if you are a young man and see pieces of yourself in my story, go to speak to somebody. I wish I had gone to the Student Counselling Service while I had the chance. It would have better equipped me to deal with the anxiety that overwhelmed me when I left. Even with the mental plumbing skillset I have acquired, every so often I sense a leak or people in my life see the brown spots on the ceiling. Yet since opening up, I can deal with these far better. Some people, especially young men, like to think they are so unique that the things that they are going through happen just to them and that nobody would understand. I was one of those men. The truth is that every home has a water tank and if it comes crashing down on top of your bed one evening, nobody would judge you for it. In fact, you’d probably find that friends and neighbours would help you out in your time of need. Everyone suffers with anxiety in some way, at some time. If your anxiety ever overwhelms you, it’s not a reflection on you, sometimes, like your tank collapsing in on you, it just happens. Nobody would judge you for it.

Ruck the patriarchy Joel Coussins talks to star of the women’s rugby team, Kerry Ryan, about her involvement in the women’s game and the attitudes that surround it. Joel Coussins Online Sports Editor

UGBY AS A SPORT is ubiquitous at Trinity - partly due to the fact that matches are played on campus, but also because the men’s senior team have coped admirably with their promotion to the top division. However, often overlooked amongst the achievements of the 1st XV is the trials and tribulations of the Women’s rugby team. To find out more about the DUFC women, and ladies rugby in general, Joel Coussins sat down to talk to experienced forward Kerry Ryan. How did you get into playing Rugby? When I was 17, I was mad into the GAA and played football for school but when I broke my collarbone playing in a Leinster final, I stopped playing sports. Then when I got to college I really wanted to join a team, but the GAA team trained off-campus which I thought would be a lot of extra hassle. So, when I saw the Rugby team training on the pitch towards the end of my Junior Freshman year, I thought it’d be a really good sport to try out. I thought about it all summer and joined up on the first day of Freshers’ week. Why Rugby instead of another sport? Rugby’s a big thing in my house, my dad always follows the 6 nations, but I’d never played anything more than

tag. So, when it came to trying something new, I thought best to start with something familiar. Describe an average training session We start at 6.30pm every Monday and Wednesday evening, we get onto the pitch and either the captain or vice-captain will lead the warm-up. We begin with active stretching, followed by a lap of the pitch and then stationary stretching in the centre circle. Then it’s straight into skills, which take up most of the session - waikato and passing drills. If it’s a session right before a game, then we’ll do contact drills, such as rucking technique, so that everyone is tackling correctly. Following that, we split into backs and forwards to learn separate skills; the forwards will do things like scrumming technique and lineout plays and the backs will discuss their plays, such as the breakdown at the ruck. Then fitness and a warm-down to finish up! There appears to be a fairly high turnover of players year on year. Is that the greatest challenge you face as a team, trying to maintain consistency? There’s definitely a huge turnover of players, one thing I’ve noted now that I’m in my second year of playing for DUFC is that there’s a high volume of visiting students from across America and Europe who only stay for a year at most, sometimes only a term. They want to play Rugby because that’s what they play at home, rather

than GAA sports, which definitely contributes to the high turnover of players. It’s something of a double-edged sword - you get experienced players that further the team’s progression, but they’re only here very briefly; having said that, this year our core team is comprised mostly of first years. The season always starts slow, as there are some girls who are very new to the sport and have to learn the skills from scratch which necessitates a slightly slower pace of training session. However, its starts to click fairly quickly, and around Christmas we’re usually up to scratch. Then again, people start to graduate, school work gets more fullon and we lose players again. Also, it becomes harder to form a tactical identity - we have to be adaptable, not just because of the player turnover but because we have a new coach every year, so teaching techniques and the coach’s vision change. On the other hand, it’s plain to see that the girls, like me, who have been around for a few years maintain a level of technique. So, the consistency is definitely a significant challenge but I’d say the main challenge is achieving a high fitness level as a team. You’ll notice that some teams will play fantastic rugby, but they can only maintain that for 5060 minutes; you want to be able to go out there and play your game for 80 minutes. So, fitness and skills are our main areas of focus. Do you think, then, that the installation of a permanent coach for the women’s team

would improve the standard of rugby? Personally, yes, I do. It would be nice to have a consistent coach, who doesn’t have to waste time learning the girls’ names and skill sets. The men’s team have had the same coaches for years, and even before players join the team they know the way they’ll be expected to play when they do. How was playing regular rugby affected your day-today life? I was afraid that playing rugby wouldn’t leave me with enough time to study, but actually it doesn’t affect my studies whatsoever. I feel a lot healthier now - not even physically, I find it really mentally beneficial to have a regular exercise regime that gets you out of the library, as well as the inevitable camaraderie of team sports which is only heightened by it being a full-contact sport! Health-wise, I definitely don’t drink as much, you’d never smoke, nobody on the team does, and you think more about what you eat more home-cooking, fewer takeaways. You play at Hooker, making you responsible for throwing lineouts. With line-outs being a key part of any Rugby match, as Hooker do you find there’s greater scrutiny on you than on other members of the team? To some extent, but then you realise that a lot of that scrutiny is in your head everyone has their part to play and you’re not more

important than them. If the lifters don’t lift properly, if the jumper doesn’t jump, then it falls apart. When I started playing rugby, I went straight into playing hooker and I couldn’t throw a line out, I couldn’t master the technique. But there was a girl from Wales who was the first choice no.2 last year who helped me out, and they also got a guy down from the men’s 1st XV to help teach us which definitely improved my technique, and thus my confidence. After that I stopped feeling as much scrutiny.

of the game, there’s really no difference - we play the exact same plays as the men’s team, we have the same technique as a club - we’re all one club, we’re all DUFC and we play the same technical game. The only difference is perceptual - once people watch us play, or talk to me about the game in more depth, they seem to respect us more, but you do have to try harder to convince people than you would for the men’s game. I’d say there are greater similarities than differences between the men’s and women’s game.

Do you regret choosing to play at no. 2? No. When I came into the team for the first time, I had no preference of position - I only knew that I probably wasn’t quick enough to play as a back. So, they asked me if I wanted to try playing at no. 2 and I felt quite quickly that it suited me - I have the strength to play as a forward and I enjoy having a set role, knowing exactly what’s required of me during a game, which is key to playing as hooker.

What would you say is the best way to rectify that perceptual imbalance? Getting people to watch more women’s rugby. However, I feel like people will only take a greater interest in the game if they know someone who plays women’s rugby, and that person brings them along to a game. I think it’d be very difficult to get someone who’s only access to rugby is following the men’s game to come to a women’s match. A lot of that is due to the lack of media coverage of the women’s game - you don’t get as many women’s matches on RTE or TV3 as you do men’s matches. Greater media exposure would be the first step, obviously on a global level as opposed to a grassroots level - showing friendly matches like they do with the men’s game. I really do think, with the number of punters out there with an interest in

Do you consider there to be any major differences between the men’s and women’s game? I always find that people are quite surprised to discover that I play rugby, and I do feel that that’s because I’m female. The most common question I get when I say I play rugby is, “Oh, do you play tag?”. In terms of the technical side

the game, that if you started showing women’s rugby matches, the popularity would go up. Why would you encourage others to participate in Rugby? It’s a great all-round sport: you gain a new skill set, your fitness improves and what’s more you’re doing something that society perceives to be out of the norm for a woman. It’s a cliche but college is all about trying new things, and it’s good for young women to step outside of their comfort zone. you might get hurt on occasion (not if you get your technique right, of course!) but you get to experience a great sense of camaraderie, with teammates who are constantly watching your back in a game, and that plays over into your social life as well; I’ve made so many friends from Rugby. The camaraderie of war! What does the future hold for you, rugby-wise? Honestly, I don’t think it’ll be anything more than a hobby. When I finish college, I’d like to keep it up at club level, but never anything professional. Having said that, there are girls on the team now playing professionally - our captain is playing for Leinster, currently. So there is a path there from DUFC to the professional game if that’s your goal, but it’s not for me.

Trinity News | Tuesday 13th December

Sport

24 Joel Coussins interviews the star of women’s rugby page .23

DUSC Triumph over The University of Lancaster for Second Year Running DUSC reclaim their “Duel in the Pool” crown in Lancashire Griffin Hansen Contributing Writer

U SWIMMING AND WATER Polo Club (DUSC) have regained the Challenge Cup, secured last year against the University of Lancaster. The competition comprises of a men’s water polo game, women’s water polo game and a swimming gala for each. November 5 2016 saw the DU Men’s and Women’s Water Polo and Swimming Club board very early flights to Manchester to face off against the University of Lancaster. The Women’s Team captain, Rachel Nevins, was charged with bringing over the Cup that they had won in last year’s “Duel in the Pool”. Last year was the inaugural year of the “Duel in the Pool”, and was hosted by DUSC at the Sports Centre in March 2016. DUSC had fought hard in the water polo section of events to compensate for their a smaller team in the swimming and came away with a victory, despite the greater numbers on the Lancaster side. This Cup was a reminder of that triumph. It was also a reminder of the goal of the weekend: to defend the title. The scoring system awards one point for each event, namely: men’s water polo, women’s water polo, men’s swimming and women’s swimming. The number to reach this year for DUSC was 2, as a tied competition would be enough to reclaim the title.

Night one would see both the Men’s and Women’s Water Polo teams square off. The Women’s Polo team opened the competition. The first half was a tight affair with the sides close to level at the end of the second quarter. The DUSC women’s team finished exceptionally strongly to beat Lancaster 18-12. The victory came via key performances from a number of DUSC players, including Californian Orla Brazell, playing in her first year with the club. The Men’s water polo match was set to follow. Both teams came out with very strong defence and goalkeeping, keeping the match tight and low-scoring. The third quarter was won by DUSC with Captain Kevin Quigley and Connor Huff building a narrow lead going into the fourth quarter. A late goal by Lancaster drew the teams level and the match ended in a draw at 7 goals apiece. After one day of competition, DUSC held a narrow lead over Lancaster, 1.5 -1 . The first night of competition coincided with Bonfire Night and the teams spent the evening enjoying the fireworks before preparing for the swimming events the next day. While the night proved to be an excellent opportunity to have fun with the rival club, on Sunday, it was back to work in the pool for the DUSC team. Day two of competition, containing the swimming events for both Men and Women, was set to be held in the evening. During the day, players explored the beautiful Lake District and rested up for the swimming events that

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The DUSC women’s team finished exceptionally strongly to beat Lancaster 1812.

would decide the outcome of the “Duel in the Pool”. The women started things off with a dominant performance in the medley relay, coming in a comfortable first with Aoife Scales leading the team off on backstroke, Deirdre Haren on breastroke, Molly Dinneen on butterfly and Griffin Hansen finishing with freestyle. Aoife and Deirdre both chose to swim the university team while on study abroad from their home universities, Queensland Institute of Technology (Australia) and Oberlin College (US). Exciting junior freshman, Laura Grindle from Dublin, joined Molly to sweep the butterfly events. With the help of several other key performances, the women raced to a decisive five point victory on their side of the events. This meant that regardless of the outcome in the men’s section, the cup would be reclaimed. The Men had a slightly tougher go of it in the swimming section, with several fewer athletes than Lancaster was able to produce. Conor McMenamin produced phenomenal performances in the backstroke while Matthew Long provided points in the butterfly. Antoine Montier led the team’s breastrokers, and several swimmers pitched in to round out the freestyle events. Despite these performances, the Lancaster pulled ahead after the halfway point in the Gala to take the victory for Men’s Swimming. However, the Men’s Polo draw and the Women’s Polo and Swimming victories meant an overall success for

the DUSC squad over the course of the weekend, with a final tally out of four possible points of 2.5 for DUSC and 1.5 for Lancaster University. This exciting victory marked the second consecutive win for the club in the annual matchup with Lancaster, and the team headed back on Monday morning after a successful weekend. Despite the tight security

Archie McCauley, amateur jockey and 4th year Trinity student, lands his first race win in supreme fashion to the disbelief of the jockey himself. Contributing Writer

O PLAY SPORT AT the top level, whether as a professional or as an amateur requires sacrifice. Students across Trinity make sacrifices day in and day out in order to compete at the top level and achieve to the best of their ability. Trinity’s rowers and triathletes are famous for the sacrifices they make in their life to compete on behalf of their college. However little is known of other students who compete in less well known sports, evidence being Archie McCauley. McCauley is a fourth year Geography and Sociology student who competes at the top level of horseracing. Gaining his amateur jockey licence after leaving secondary school, McCauley has gone from strength to strength in learning the difficult skills in order to be a competitive jockey. Coming from a horseriding background, McCauley was always interested in becoming a jockey with his family owning a number of racehorses over the years. Like many jockeys McCauley began hunting at a young age with the Kildare Hunt and throughout his childhood it was always his dream to become a jockey. The step from hunting to horseracing is no easy task as racehorse thoroughbreds test your bravery and ability as a rider, however McCauley credits getting his driving licence as the key to this step towards becoming a jockey. “When I got my driving licence straight after leaving school I was able to drive up to the Curragh in Kildare and to the big racing centre there” said McCauley. “I started then riding out for a trainer called Sabrina Harty and she got me going riding.” Over a number of summers McCauley was able to ride horses for trainers in England, Australia and America. Rides in competitive races were given to him in Ireland at different racecourses up and down the country. The accolade of riding a winner still eluded McCauley even after riding races stateside, however on the 31st of October all was about to change for

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The accolade of riding a winner still eluded McCauley even after riding races stateside, however on the 31st of October all was about to change for him and his racing career.

him and his racing career. Riding ‘Play the Part’ a 5 year old bay gelding trained by Mark Groper, A P McCauley beat the favourite on the line to win the Garryrichard Stud INH Flat Race in Wexford. So how did the chance to ride a winner come about? McCauley had ridden the horse for the trainer but never in a race. “I didn’t think of ringing t h e trainer t o ride the

a great opportunity for the water polo players to put the year’s work into practice against the other Irish universities. DUSC’s women’s water polo team will be looking to win the competition for an unprecedented third year in a row while the men will be looking to make it two victories in three years. The “Duel in the Pool” will return to Trinity in 2017.

Sports Round-Up

The ride to success Griffin Hansen

at Manchester Airport, the Dublin-Lancaster Cup made it safely back to Dublin where it will await next year’s “Duel in the Pool”. In the meantime, DU Swimming and Water Polo will focus its energies on the next big competition of the year: water polo varsities. They will take place the weekend of the 20th of January, 2017 in Galway and promise to be

much of his chances, but like every jockey he had to have the mindset of winning and went down to Wexford with a modest but optimistic mindset. “I didn’t really tell anybody I was riding

mornings, long sweaty runs and college social nights missed Archie McCauley had finally landed his first race win in supreme fashion to the disbelief of the jockey himself, “I couldn’t believe it, it was the best day of my life.” What now for the future? McCauley wants to keep going as per usual and train just as hard for the next chance he can take of riding a w i n n e r, “ I would like t o ride a

November 2016 Rugby Union Men’s Ulster Bank League 25/11/2016 –DUFC 10- 30 Cork Constitution 3/12/2016 – Clontarf 33 - 0 Clontarf Men’s Metro League Division 2 27/11/2016 – DUFC 44 - 22 Naas RFC Women’s SSI League Div 1 30/11/2016 – DUFCW 17 - 31 Carlow IT Hockey 29/11/2016 – DULHC (1st XI) 2 - 0 Rathgar HC 29/11/2016 – DULHC (2nd XI) 2 - 1 Genesis HC 29/11/2016 – DULHC (3rd XI) 0 - 1 Monkstown HC 6/12/16 – DULHC (1st XI) 1 -2 Loreto 6/12/16 – DULHC (4th XI) 1 -1 Muckross GAA Senior Football League Relegation Playoff 23/11/16 – Trinity 1-11 - 0-11 Cork IT Division 2 Fresher’s League Final 18/11/2016 – TCD 3-18 - 2-16 University of Ulster Jordanstown Snowsports Colours – DU Snowsports 105 - 78 UCD

horse because I thought he would h a v e someone to ride it but he rang me up on the Friday and asked me if I wanted to ride it. Obviously I said yes.” After receiving the good news McCauley set his focus on the race he was going to ride in a few days time. “I hadn’t ridden out in a week and half and I thought to myself, ‘What am i going to do here, I’m getting pretty heavy and I’m not going to be that fit.’ So the first thing I did was put down the lunch I was about to tuck into” says McCauley. “I weighed myself and I was eleven stone six, stripped, and this is bearing in mind I had to do eleven seven with the saddle and all my gear. So I went for a run and got the sweat suit on and had a couple of sweats and I pretty much didn’t eat anything all weekend and got my weight down pretty quick and it was grand”. McCauley didn’t think

and the horse was 66/1 the night before and I told my brother to back it but he backed it anyway.” Talking about the owner’s and training team’s belief in the horses McCauley knew they they half fancied him. “They knew the horse was pretty good as they were working it with other horses of Barry O’Connell who is a big owner and he worked very well.” McCauley knew he had a chance going into the race but as he rounded the final bend still on the pace and the line beckoning, he put all his experience and ability together to push the horse along and edge the 8/11 favourite ‘Gleesons Tipp’ on the line. After all the early

couple of other winners and when I’m finished college I would like to go ride for a year or two just for fun.” In many ways winning his first race has just motivated him even more as McCauley says “Riding a race is like the best rush you will ever get.” Does Archie McCauley intend on making this a future career? A straight and definite “no” is the answer as McCauley believes that keeping his amateur status is the key to keep doing well in the highly competitive sport. “It’s just a sport or a hobby, that’s the way I see it, once it becomes your job it takes a lot of the enjoyment out of it, not race riding just going out riding every morning.” So on Archie McCauley will go, making sacrifices each week in order to continue his love for horses and for riding them, keeping his dream alive of being the best jockey he can be.

Association Football WSCAI Division 2 Group A 15/11/2016 – DULAFC 0-6 Waterford IT 17/10/2016 – IT Blanchardstown 8-2 DULAFC “B” LSL Saturday Major 1 19/11/16 – Dundrum FC 1-3 DUAFC. CUFL Division Two Group B 22/11/2016 – Trinity College ‘B’ 3-2 IT Blanchardstown ‘B’ Tennis Floodlight League Class 1 Semi Final 14/11/2016 – DULTC 0 - 3 Castleknock Water Polo Women’s National League Division 1 4/12/16 –DUSC 16 - 8 Glenalbyn SWPC Men’s National League Division 3 27/11/16 – DUSC 14 - 5 Blackrock Trampolining Intervarsities 20/11/2016 – 3rd Place Ultimate Frisbee Open Indoor Varsities Final 25/11/2016 – DUUFC 10 - 9 UCC