UCC Express Vol. 26 Issue 8

EUROPE’SNEWPOLITICALPATHWAY INANERAOFCRISES

WRITES JAMES KEMMY | NEWS EDITOR

Defined by a series of extraordinary developments, the years since the last European Parliament election have witnessed mammoth levels of political upheaval, ranging from a pandemicinduced economic emergency to the eruption of Europe’s first conflict in over thirty years With the 2024 vote on the not-too-distant horizon, political responses to shock in the energy sector and accelerating climate breakdown will likely further influence outcomes

Looking at the major issues facing the continent today, the EU’s advancing

role the EU’s advancing role and unique institutional capacity is plainly demonstrated

Geopolitical resolve

On a foreign policy level firstly, the early 2020s have seen a major step up from the EU in its approach and remit

Most pressing is the response to Russian aggression and the potent decision-making seen in assisting the Ukrainian effort Since Putin’s invasion of the Eastern state almost one year ago, Europe has acted with unforeseen

vigour and urgency, designing devastating sanction packages and delivering weapons in an emergency context. These actions illustrate a new security paradigm, with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell announcing the “birth of a geopolitical Europe'' in an emergency session of the European Parliament in March last year

What is most notable here is that the evolution of the EU’s security role has taken place in an environment contradictory to its fundamental vision

At its core, the European project is

rooted in a rules-based brand of liberal institutionalism, but Russian aggression, alongside wider geopolitical discord, has taken place in an intensifying atmosphere of Realpolitik endeavours That the EU has mustered the decisiveness and conviction to take on great power forces and abate such empire-building crusades is impressive The Ukraine example ultimately implies a more prominent security role for Europe on a global scale and will likely heighten expectations for security intervention in future conflicts

APICTUREANDATHOUSANDWORDS THEROLEPLAYCOMMUNITYONINSTAGRAM

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IS THERE SUCH A THING AS COMMITMENT OVERLOAD?

CAITRÍONA NÍ CHONAILL | EDITOR IN CHIEF

Hi there,

As we get into the swing of Semester 2, I've found myself looking around at my colleagues, friends and at myself as we all put our hearts and souls into our courses and other commitments and wondering : are we all doing too much?

There are so many opportunities for self development and furthering your personal experience in college that it can be difficult to know when to stop Anyone who knows me well will be unfortunately familiar with me saying "I've taken on another position/job/ gotten involved in another project!" And not to blow my own trumpet, but I am involved in a LOT Outside of my Master's course (the entire reason I'm here in the first place), I'm Editor In Chief of this paper, Chairperson of Harry Potter society, Vice Chair of An Cumann Drámaíochta, Events Officer of Journalism Society, IT Tutor at the Skills Centre in UCC and on top of that I've just taken it upon myself to run a radio show this semester and to have another smaller part time job on the side It's tiring just to look at the list! Many of my close friends are the same, but why do we take on so much responsibility, particularly when it comes to clubs and societies, where there is no financial compensation? Why do we give ourselves extra responsibility, and to be frank, stress, for no visible reward?

If you ask anyone involved in a society, (or indeed in this paper, most of which is also voluntary) I think most will give you the same answer Because we love it Because we've found our best friends there and wouldn't want to leave them to shoulder the responsibility on their own Because being able to say that you ran a really cool event, or wrote an amazing piece of journalism, however stressful it was to organise and however many squabbles there were in the group chat, it's a great feeling to be able to see people enjoying what you have created and knowing that they wouldn't have been able to if it wasn't for you

However, there is definitely the possibility to burn out due to overcommitment. I know the feeling, when the weight of everything you have taken on and of other people's expectations of you feel extremely heavy on your shoulders And that is the point that you reach out and ask to rely on the others in the same boat with you If everyone pulls together, we can achieve what we want to achieve *High School Musical starts playing in the background* And this issue has also been a team effort when it came to getting everything together on time! I'd like to welcome our three new staff members: Emer Neville as Designer, Eoin O'Brien as Social Media Manager and Ana McGuire as Staff Writer In this issue, find some budget friendly snacks in the Food section, learn why teenagers are leaving sport and what can be done in the Sports section, and educate yourself with some activist literature in Arts & Lit

Happy Reading!

BEATING THE JANUARY BLUES

WRITES JAMES KEMMY | NEWS EDITOR

Hello and welcome back to all,

While many are probably now becoming ensconced back into college life, I’m sure there are also some struck by a second semester-induced existential crisis Myself included This will be the case particularly so for those of us nearing our final university days and feeling powerless as a major life chapter accelerates to a close

Adding to such ontological woe, it doesn’t help that January has made us endure such bleakness A long and cold month with constant pressures placed upon us over how we should be bettering ourselves because of an inevitable turning of the annual calendar, it can make us feel a bit crap at times

In our modern and hyper-commodified society, it’s easy for young people and recent graduates to feel overwhelmed In one way, we have an abundance of choice and prospects when it comes to career paths- perhaps too much choice But in other ways, despite our qualifications and bright aspirations, we can end up becoming very precariously situated in the economy Living in a country with a shoddy, half-formed public services sector, especially with an abysmal housing situation, it’s no wonder that so many of us up and leave to seek a better deal, further bulking up the Irish diaspora

Despite this, it’s crucial to maintain hope and reassurance We have emerged intact from a global pandemic that curtailed and diminished our university experiences Political and social change will come if we advocate for it strongly enough Our life trajectories do not have to be as linear and clearcut as tradition would have it It’s really only the start So ultimately, show yourself some compassion and trust the process. Happy reading and make the most out of this semester

In navigating the tenuous political situation in Northern Ireland postBrexit, the EU has also expanded its diplomatic realm Having played a subtle but necessary role in establishing the region’s historic peace, EU decisionmaking regarding Northern Ireland remains crucial for upholding the rule of law today as the twenty fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement nears Throughout the Brexit negotiation series, the European bloc was responsive to Northern Irish people and businesses, seeking to guarantee a stable and economically frictionless region In an act of inflammatory unilateralism however, the UK Government has threatened this diplomatic project by chipping away at the Protocol

Deep within a convoluted and febrile process, deadlock in the negotiation sphere seemed infinite However, recent breakthroughs in the area of data sharing have demonstrated constructive progress and optimism for EU-UK relations, hopefully indicating harmony and certainty for the future of the politically strained nation Looking ahead, challenges remain for Europe in ensuring that international law is upheld in Northern Ireland, and that commitments to strong food and animal safety standards remain intact In a fractious regional environment, Europe’s flexibility will be tested and the bloc will need to delicately balance all political stakeholders’ concerns going forward

Sustainability leadership

In the interlinked areas of energy and climate policy meanwhile, recent developments have revealed weaknesses but also major opportunities in Europe. Exposed through the Kremlin’s war and its subsequent geo-economic tensions was a chronic European reliance on Russian gas This long-established reality has been weaponised by the Putin regime, especially for nations like Germany and Bulgaria, who experienced energy devastation for the most part of 2022 According to a recent International Energy Agency report released alongside Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, a shortage of almost 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas should be expected for the coming year, with Russia likely to reduce supply to zero

Also detailed in December’s report, however, were a series of reforms that should incentivise European states to transition to renewables, heat pump

technologies, and nuclear or hydropower forms of output The set of necessary reforms will likely be facilitated by a European simplifying of technical procedures and the operation of a pragmatic spare capacity export scheme for countries with excess reserves With the EU’s commitment to ending reliance on Russian energy imports by 2027 alongside the ‘RePowerEU’ plan, which aims to make 45% of EU energy renewable by 2030, meaningful action is being taken now Political cohesion will be key to the bloc’s more dynamic energy diversification effort Despite the urgent need for adaptation, European leaders also outlined the need to decrease energy consumption by an overall of 15% in mid-2022, in line with long-term climate goals such as the 2050 net-zero commitment With the efforts of citizens and businesses, this requirement was substantially surpassed, with a 20% aggregate reduction over the year Such outcomes point to the potential of a more environmentally active and unified Europe in the face of connected crises

Although brought on by an emergency, there now lies an opportunity for regional decision-makers to kickstart the much-discussed European Green Dealto transition to sustainable energy sources, reduce consumer bills in the long term and serve as a pioneering global example for coordinating climate action

Institutional modernisation

The final aspects of note in an evolving EU are that of its ideological direction and structural decision-making reform With Euroscepticism and lobbying scandals tarring the project’s status in recent times, 2023 will prove an important year for the EU as it attempts to delicately re-assert regional integration and sound, liberal governance With core members Sweden and Italy seeing nationalist and far-right forces rise to electoral prominence in 2022, there is much work to be done for the bloc to appeal to disillusioned voters attracted by extremist messaging Additionally, significant national elections will take place over the coming months in Spain, Poland, Finland and Greece, alongside a very consequential external poll in Turkey These events will express a flavour of the political sentiment felt within and towards the Union ahead of 2024’s parliamentary ballot

A major criticism levelled at the EU concerns the bloc’s accountability

mechanisms, typically phrased by detractors as a ‘democratic deficit’ However, emerging reforms in this area suggest a new era for more transparent European governance While questions remain over whether the remarkably named ‘Spitzenkandidaten’ process (aimed at empowering the directly elected Parliament’s role in the appointment of the Commission president) will run for a third time at next year’s election, there are other examples of how the EU is trying to make politics more responsive to the European public This can be seen in the proposed creation of a Union-wide constituency, with 28 MEPs potentially being elected through transnational lists Similarly, the next parliamentary term will likely see efforts to make European elections more uniform, ensuring features such as a common voting age across all member states Most promising however is the ‘Conference on the Future of Europe’, which is essentially a pan-European forum that brings citizens directly into the EU institutions’ decision-making processes

This would be a radical exercise in participatory democracy and could serve as a transformative initiative to bolster confidence in the wider project of regional alignment

Overall, the current era has revealed the EU to be far more than a mere regional trading bloc- its evolution into a major international actor of profound consequence has been explicitly displayed in recent years Furthermore, its institutional purpose has expanded and become more receptive to social, environmental, and external developments Central to the European project’s continued success and political support will be sound policy coordination marked by sustainability and foresight Crucial too will be the robust defence of liberal values in an increasingly populist and authoritarian world

LARGECROWDSATTENDUCC POSTGRADEXPO

WRITES JAMES KEMMY | NEWS EDITOR

A major information exhibition took place in UCC’s Hub building last Thursday afternoon to promote the range of postgraduate courses available in the university Held from 3-8pm, the Expo provided a forum for students to engage with staff, alumni and career advisors to enhance their knowledge of study options beyond undergrad level

With over 200 postgrad courses available across several departments, the Expo was a large-scale affair with many information stalls active and seeing sustained interest from attendees throughout the afternoon

Speaking to the Express on the day, career consultant Mary McCarthy from the college’s Career Services department, said there is “huge potential” in undertaking postgrad study at UCC Discussing Thursday’s event specifically, Mary described it as an opportunity for students to reflect on their skills and interests, ultimately advising that people should be led by their natural enthusiasm in pursuing further education

With third level attainment now higher than ever in Ireland, alongside the country’s above EU average percentage of university graduates, there is an increasing emphasis on specialisation after completing a bachelor’s degree Mary McCarthy remarked that postgrad study is a “huge enhancer” in terms of one’s professional profile and that it can serve as a kickstart in one’s working life She also highlighted

that there has never been a better time to shift direction and transition to a different field or discipline, with a “suite” of conversion courses now readily available

Speaking of the emerging trends relevant to industry today, the careers consultant stated that sustainability, as a value and field of work, is going to “explode” in significance. Pertinent to this, all of UCC’s postgrad study material is comprehensively aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, heightening the college’s green credentials and likely boosting employability

Present on Thursday was a discussion panel composed of various UCC alumni, both masters and PhD graduates, who detailed their experiences of postgrad study in the college An advice-based workshop on personal statement writing also took place, something which highlighted how students can develop compelling and striking statements on postgrad application forms to heighten chances of receiving offers

In the Dora Allman room meanwhile, a Graduate Attributes Programme talk took place Delivered by Adel Colman, manager of this student support initiative, an overview was provided as to how relevant staff can guide students through their study and into desired careers This event promoted the use of a Values Compass, a personalised scheme used to identify students’ abilities and interests

In conversation with Lenka Forrest, head of Student Recruitment in UCC, creating awareness around the broad options available for postgrad study was the underlying aim of the event Ms Forrest claims the initiative surrounding postgrad support is lacking generally, with most of the emphasis being placed on the Leaving Cert-to-college transition Therefore, she hopes that the Expo will have focused attention on options beyond undergrad level and promoted the wide and flexible array of taught and research-based degrees in operation

After years of remote events due to the pandemic’s social distancing requirements, Thursday’s Expo saw a strong turnout from UCC’s student body, alongside others from different universities who travelled to hear information about the courses on offer Lenka Forrest commented that it was “special” to have such a crowd gathered physically after a long period of online interaction, and that building personal connections is central to a positive postgrad experience

According to Lenka, UCC is “uniquely positioned” as an Irish academic institution, given that 80% of staff hold doctorate credentials, alongside the fact that there are seventy plus research centres currently running This implies strong educational prestige, with the Student Recruitment head noting that aspiring postgrad students are assured to be in good academic company throughout their studies

RISEINANTI-IMMIGRATION

Recent weeks have seen a growth in protests opposed to the arrival of refugees and people seeking international protection across the country This scourge in protests reminds me of an article I wrote in Issue 2 when I raised the topical issue, “Ireland: The Land of a Thousand Welcomes”? In this article, in the midst of rising racial discrimination throughout the country, I argued that root and branch reform was needed at government and authority levels to cement Ireland’s place as the ‘land of a thousand welcomes’ But at the time of writing, with Irish people seemingly accepting the integration of Ukrainian refugees either in their homes or generally supporting their integration into broader society, it appeared, Ireland was an example for other countries in Europe and further afield to follow This was further supported by the government’s open-door approach to accommodating Ukrainian refugees, and opposing calls for any halt to taking in further refugees

Three months have passed since that article was published, and antiimmigration protests in East Wall, Clondalkin, Killarney, Fermoy, and other parts of the country are dominating national headlines The biggest catalyst for the orchestration of

these protests tend to be spread amongst a number of far-right fringe groups, including Ireland First, and minor parties, opposed to immigration, such as the Irish Freedom Party and the National Party These groups have attempted to take advantage of the accompanying housing and homelessness crises amongst the existent domestic population to infiltrate hate and opposition to the arrival and accommodation of over 54,510 Ukrainian refugees and 1,800 asylum seekers that are fleeing their country of origin to seek international protection Localised protests in areas where refugees arrive to be provided with accommodation, coupled with the use of social media, have helped to increase the prominence of this opposition

Common slogans used by these groups at protests include comments of a xenophobic nature such as ‘House The Irish, Not The World’, and ‘out, out, out’, commonly outside temporary accommodation facilities hosting refugees Social media has also played a key role in spreading the message of dissent and hostility to the integration of ordinary refugees in temporary accommodation facilities Twitter, which has historically failed to tackle racial discrimination and anti-immigrant rhetoric, is a place in which this hate has

the ideal conditions to flourish The location where this is most prevalent is the trending hashtag #IrelandIsFull Most harrowingly, the message of hate and hostility that has been whipped up by far-right groups in recent months has registered with the concerns of residents in various localities such as East Wall, and Clondalkin

These residents, claiming that they should have been consulted about the number of refugees and asylum seekers arriving in their locality have voiced these concerns at their local protest This is most concerning because it is beginning to undermine the open-door immigration policy of the government to the integration of Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers of the past few months These concerns have been endorsed by government, along with opposition parties, arguing that they ‘cross the line of decency’ and are a form of ‘intimidation’, rather than protest Other opposition party figures such as Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon argued that while people had the right to have genuine concerns about the arrival of refugees and asylum seekers, fringe elements of the far-right were ‘whipping up hysteria’

Without any doubt, the crises facing Ireland, politically, socially, and economically have created the conditions for the far-right to exploit to

their advantage By trying to whip up hysteria against refugees, whether they are coming from Ukraine, or arriving to seek international protection, the farright has created a divisive and hostile society The country Ireland was during the early months of the war in Ukraine when refugees were beginning to be displaced, is a whole different country to what it is today Unlike that period, while fringe opposition to the integration of refugees was still present, this opposition is much more widespread in localities throughout the country To prevent greater support for the ideas of the far-right, and the further growth in polarisation, nationally, the government needs to find solutions to the immediate housing crisis, coupled alongside the declining availability of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers

To end the housing crisis, and house both the homeless and refugees, many would argue that the government could utilise vacant homes The publication of the 2022 Census results found that 166,752 homes were recorded as vacant with over 48,000 vacant for over six years Additionally recorded in the figures, 35,000 homes were vacant because these homes were up for rent, whilst the owners of up to 27,000 dwellings had passed away, and 23,000 were under renovation Within these figures, the CSO noted that “properties that are classed as vacant in the census

may only be vacant for a short period of time” One of the reasons cited for why these properties were vacant was that rental properties comprised over 20% (or 35,380 dwellings) of the vacant units, including short-term lettings used for tourist accommodation for Airbnb In addition, many of these properties were also between lets but may not have been advertised

These intriguing figures illustrate the possibility of lessening the current housing crisis Rather than turning to building more houses, the government could opt to convert the 166,752 vacant homes, including vacant short-term lettings into homes to accommodate the homeless, and refugees As noted by the CSO, in the recent Census, many of these homes have been vacant for a short time, meaning these homes would not require considerable renovations to be carried out.

Ideally, in combination with the outlined solution, the current influx of refugees and asylum seekers will also require an adequate and honest approach by the government By this, it means not responding to the mainstreaming of the far-right by adopting a hard-line approach towards immigration The recent comments by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, indicating his desire for ‘more appropriate and more robust’ border controls to tackle illegal immigration, undermine the government’s approach to the current integration of refugees and asylum seekers

Instead, the government must avoid becoming dragged into adopting robust controls on immigrations, like that of its closest neighbours in Britain, and across many states in Europe, with the latter pressurised by the presence of far-right parties in government As we have seen in other countries throughout Europe, including EU member states, the greater prominence of the far-right and its ideas have a chilling effect, societally To date, Ireland has been unique in that it is one of very few EU member states to not have a far-right party with a significant presence at a political level If it is to continue this trend, it faces no choice but to urgently deal with the everyday issues in Irish society, including the housing and health crises

By dealing with these issues, the government will succeed in ending the divisiveness that is beginning to stain a nation that considers itself to be the ‘land of a thousand welcomes’ Not too long ago, the pandemic demonstrated the unity and solidarity that is most associated with Ireland as a country Now, going forward, it may need to replicate this solidarity and unity for the integration of refugees and asylum seekers

Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

GENDERANDDRAGONS:

WRITES CLAIRE WATSON | FEATURES EDITOR

You’re sitting at a table Dim lights cloak the surrounding world in shadow, so that all you see are each other’s faces Dice, ranging from 6 faces to 20 lay sprawled before you across sheets of paper full of numbers and near-illegible scrawlings At the top of the page you see a blank space where it calls on you to write down your character’s name

You and your friends, now your party, have spent weeks preparing for this moment; flicking through books with dragons painted across their covers, searching for different types of spells or the damage dealt by different moments Frantic texts sent to your friend, now your Dungeon Master, have all led you to this very moment What do you do?

Though you might not have played Dungeons and Dragons, D&D for short, given the role-playing game’s recent resurgence in popularity, it is likely that you’ve come across the game at some point or another The Netflix show Stranger Things opens with its protagonists playing D&D and accidentally releasing the game’s

Demogorgon into reality D&D live streams such as Critical Role and Dimension 20 have made the game accessible to thousands of people As D&D games typically last around 4 hours, not including the preparation time, watching other people (typically voice actors and comedians) play can be a great way to engage with the game

Around since the 70s, the game has been through many editions, updating the game and its mechanics Currently we’re on the game’s 5th edition, hence why you might see it referred to as D&D 5e It’s also been through many controversies, mainly due to its use of racism to construct fantasy races and its sexualisation of female characters Early editions placed a cap on female characters’ strength But modern media and technology has allowed the game to become something bigger than itself, with more and more players disregarding the rule-books and creating their own

As D&D has you building characters from scratch, the game offers many

opportunities for players to explore different gender expressions Once you finally create your characters, the rules fade into the background and the game begins Your Dungeon Master will guide you and your friends into the fantasy world of their choice, or creation, and you will begin playing the adventure they have written The game begins, and you’re no longer yourself but the characters you’ve created It can be strange at first, learning to respond as your ‘player character’ instead of yourself, but once you get accustomed to it, the game becomes an incredibly freeing experience.

You’re sitting at a table, you can be anyone you want to be For transgender and genderqueer players, this can be euphoric The boundaries of a gender binary can fade away, as you engage with a world of your own creation Personally, D&D has been a great way for me to explore my gender presentation, and I wanted to find out if other players felt the same way I created a survey in which participants could share how playing D&D contributed to their gender identity, and vice versa

I first asked if players enjoyed role-

playing as characters whose genders align with theirs Responses were varied but transgender and cisgender participants were equally divided amongst the options The majority of participants revealed that they did not feel strongly one way or another, and played as characters that shared their same gender identity, and ones that didn’t This reinforced to me the freedom and fluidity of choice that D&D offers When given the opportunity, players will choose whichever gender expression feels right in the moment I generally play androgynous characters, but have had plenty of fun playing as hyper-feminine and broodingly-masculine characters In my experience of D&D, the gender binary that pervades everyday society, is non-existent

D&D provides players with an opportunity to be non-binary, something that is sorely lacking across the gaming industry While recent releases have opted to refer to ‘gender’ as ‘style’ and, with things like clothing, facial hair, and make-up, have made character customisation relatively gender neutral, there is still a divide between what is considered feminine and what is considered masculine, especially as age-

ratings increase Nintendo’s childfriendly games such as Animal Crossing, Splatoon and Pokemon, offer players with relative freedom in creating their characters However, games that are geared towards adults, such as Monster Hunter or even the D&D inspired Baldur’s Gate, still divide gender on the basis of muscular men and voluptuous women

One participant writes, “I try and change up what types of characters I play as much as possible, playing a different combination of class and race with each new campaign, and this includes changing my gender identity to explore new character dynamics!” Role-playing as different genders can be a great way to develop a deeper understanding of your personal boundaries when it comes to gender I went into D&D believing that playing hyper-feminine characters would make me dysphoric But in doing so, I was able to forge a connection with my femininity that I still use to express myself In D&D, character creation extends beyond aesthetics If you’re really into role-playing, it can affect how you carry yourself and respond to the environment you’ve been placed in

FANTASY ENABLES QUEERNESS.

When fantasy societies are built around the existence of dragons and magic, what weight does a gender binary hold? Even so, when you’re sitting around, rolling dice to play glorified makebelieve, why should the existence of queer bodies be given a moment’s thought? 100% of participants stated that they felt safe expressing and

exploring their gender identity whilst playing D&D As one participant reasons, “It's a fictional setting with very little real world repercussions ”

The rules of D&D are designed to be bent to the player’s will, and discarded if needs be Another participant writes, “The game allows you to explore how you understand gender and your own identity without making it the central aspect of the experience, thus taking [out] the daunting nature of such self exploration ”

Popular D&D streams such as Critical Role, Dimension 20 and High Rollers, have made adamant efforts in presenting a diverse range of characters In recording their games, the Dungeon Masters of these shows make conscious efforts to include queer characters in their cast. The early episodes of Critical Role’s second campaign sees its Dungeon Master, Matthew Mercer, playfully chastising his players for assuming the gender and pronouns of his NPCs (non-player characters) Throughout his series, High Rollers’ Dungeon Master, Mark Hulmes, has created a cast of canonically transgender and non-binary NPCs, and over the course of the series, documented his own exploration with gender and drag

As demonstrated by these on-screen Dungeon Masters,

D&D CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO PRACTISE ALLYSHIP

and become accustomed to different or changing pronouns One participant explains how D&D allowed them to

grow more comfortable with using different pronouns While another participant writes, “I also found it was a really good way to "practice"! For example, to get comfortable with the use of neopronouns for people, I made characters with neopronouns to get more familiar with it ” As a Dungeon Master, by creating queer NPCs for your players to interact with, you naturally create an open and safe environment for your players to express their identity

While D&D was once seen as a typically masculine hobby, enthusiasts, on camera and off, have made great efforts in transforming the game into an open and accommodating space Wizards of the Coast, the company behind D&D, has demonstrated its strive towards inclusivity by hiring ‘sensitivity readers ’ This practice began following the company’s release of Spelljammer: Adventures in Space which included the offensive ‘Hadozee’ race, whose physical design resembles caricatures of people of colour Following this controversy the company has initiated a stricter review process to prevent this from happening again As difficult as this situation was for many fans of the franchise, the backlash the company received shows that oppressive ideologies have no place in the D&D community

D&D IS ABOUT SELFEXPRESSION.

Whether that is by using the game as a way to explore your identity or to escape the constraints of reality, playing as whoever you want is powerful The only limit is you and your dice

APICTUREANDATHOUSANDWORDS

THEROLEPLAYCOMMUNITYONINSTAGRAM

Comments no longer being shown in chronological order hindered this form of narrative building, and the introduction of direct messaging largely marked the end of roleplays taking place on dedicated public posts Instead, users turned to DMs This change was reflected in the language used within the roleplay community Prior to the introduction of DMs, users would discuss the length of their writing in terms of 'lines' but now it is more common to see the number of DM 'bubbles' used as a descriptor of length

With the collaborative writing aspect moved to DMs, the public facing aspect of the roleplay community became more focused on account administration and individual pieces of writing The usual set up for a roleplay account includes posts introducing the character the user will be portraying, crediting the filters and overlays used in photo editing to their creators, and the user’s rules for writing with them These rules are pretty standardised across the community: no spamming, no godmodding (controlling another writer's character), and don't spam comments or DMs to get a response

WRITESKATEO'FLANAGAN|DEPUTYFEATURESEDITOR

Stick the letters 'RP' (or ' RP' a stylistic choice preferred by some) after the name of any popular media or franchise and you generate thousands of results via hashtags; 480K for strangerthingsrp, 539K for marvelrp, even the longfinished Game of Thrones (GOT) yields 31 6K under the gotrp tag

'RP' stands for roleplaying Roleplaying games date back to Gygax and Arneson with Dungeons and Dragons in the 1970s, but social media has allowed the medium to rapidly evolve and cater to specific niches Roleplaying on Instagram basically consists of users partaking in longform collaborative fanfiction writing Users set up accounts to portray canon characters, those native to a specific universe, or original characters of their own creation

Like improv comedy, 'Yes, and ' is the rule-of-thumb for roleplaying Whether it's in adding your addition to the collective story or working out character dynamics one-on-one, it is better to build on your partner's creativity than shut down suggestions

The roleplay community has existed in parallel with the mainstream Instagram userbase since its inception As the social media site has increased and adapted the range of features available, so too has the roleplay community Prior to the introduction of direct messaging, lengthy roleplays would be carried out in the comment sections of public posts with those involved being tagged in each response to keep track of the story unfolding

Users often list their personal triggers in this section to ensure that they will not be brought up while interacting with others. As a safeguarding measure, users may sometimes hide a password of sorts in their rules Often something like asking the reader their favourite film or asking for a specific emoji to be commented, if you do not DM or comment the password then the user will not write with you

Beyond administration, the posts on a typical roleplay account consist of developing the character through solo writing pieces These can range in length from quick flash fiction to multipost arcs Prompt challenges are also popular, either via premade alphabet challenges or asking their followers to submit single words through Instagram question boxes which then form the basis of their corresponding writing

Brina, an English teacher and active member of the Stranger Things roleplay community on Instagram believes that roleplaying is a useful tool that can benefit young people She has even implemented a form of it into her classes assigning her students creative writing prompts in which they

imagine themselves as a character in a story that they are reading

“Not only does writing regularly help to improve our grammar and spelling skills, but roleplaying increases our empathy as we take the time to imagine what it would be like to be a different person and write from their perspective It also improves creative thinking and writing skills", she says, adding, "I'm not saying that absolutely everyone in the world should roleplay, but I think there's a stigma around it that it doesn't"

Not only does roleplaying help develop writing skills, the photo and video editing that has become a basic component of roleplaying on Instagram has also benefited its practitioners “All the skills I obtained through creating Instagram edits for my original characters in my teens I have used as a base for my video editing and animation classes in university,” one Canadian contributor says, “No way I would have picked up key framing and colour grading as quick as I did in school had it not been for my background in editing from the roleplay world ”

Oft-lauded soft skills can also be developed through roleplaying; it is an activity that fundamentally calls for communication, teamwork and adaptability “There really is no limit,” this contributor goes on to say, “There are a vast array of skills and experience one can gain through roleplay From running several roleplay stories at once to interacting with people of different ethnic, language and religious backgrounds to yourself You can learn how to collaborate in a patient manner and mediate when creative differences arise, as well as time management ”

For all the potential benefits, the roleplay community does have its downsides. As anyone who has spent any amount of time online knows, the internet can bring out the worst toxicity in people From anonymous hate messages to catfishing, the contributors to this article have experienced it all in their time roleplaying online

"I've been cyberbullied through Instagram roleplay"

Brina admits, "One particular moment left me devastated for a long time "

"I found out that a very close friend of mine, that I had invited to know intimate details of my life, was actually lying about many details of their life, especially their age When I was cyberbullied, I grew incredibly paranoid and sobbed uncontrollably for days I really worried that I could be doxxed over petty roleplay drama, and about how that could affect my offline life"

Another contributor also recounted instances of "verbal" abuse, saying, "As with any entry into the social media world, you will run into extremely toxic individuals But, I personally never found [ those individuals ] bad enough to warrant avoiding social media Of course you hear horror stories, but usually a collective of positive creators would support each other in such situations "

Cancel culture also came up in discussions about the Instagram roleplay community Call out posts detailing users' bad behaviour have become popular in recent years While some are justified, tackling behaviour that should not be tolerated under any circumstances, such as racism, sexism, homophobia or transphobia, more often the targets of these call outs have committed lesser offences being rude, but not cruel or abusive, in DMs or copying a caption layout without proper credit Eunoia, who has been involved with online roleplay communities for almost ten years, reflects on the latter type; "There’s not really room for people to come back from these incidents if they get 'cancelled' because the roleplay community has a herdish mentality

Even if they’re getting cancelled for something that, in the end, doesn’t actually matter in the real world"

Instagram isn't the only social media platform roleplayers call home There are active communities on Twitter and Tumblr Many people migrated to Instagram from other sites the comments of Wattpad or Wikia, now called Fandom, pages It seems that any platform created for people to communicate with others will be hijacked by those who want to tell stories.

For Eunoia, "the best part of the roleplay community is that it is, in fact, a community " While they still retain some anonymity online through the use of a pen name, they're grateful for the friends they've made

Brina also mentioned the friends she's made, saying,

Even with the negative experiences they've had, everyone I spoke to for this article agreed on one thing: the people they've met are worth it.

"I'm still friends with people that I met during my first week of writing on Instagram in 2018. I'm so, so thankful for that. These people are absolutely lifelong friends of mine, and we still write together. They're a part of my life even when I log off of Instagram for the day."

As social media becomes increasingly insidious, trying to sell a false idealised life to its userbase, these communities centred on creativity remain a bright spot.

HOWCANYOUGETBETTERAT ASSIGNMENTWRITING?

WRITES CONOR O'DRISCOLL | SKILLS CENTRE

In last week’s column, I re-introduced you to the Skills Centre and provided insights into the types of services we provide, particularly those you can access round-the-clock through our website (just google UCC Skills Centre)

In that column, I highlighted how the first two weeks of the semester are the ideal time to get a handle on fundamental skills such as note-taking and project/time management Considering this, I showed how the Skills Centre provides plenty of material (accessible via our website and Canvas) which you can use to teach yourself these skills and implement them into your routine

These resources are always accessible, so it is never too late to use them in your development of key transferable skills, but for those of you looking to sharpen your academic and professional skills further, this column will spotlight some additional services the Skills Centre provides which you can use

The first service I would like to draw your attention to is the Asynchronous Essay Feedback

For any students with written assignments, you can submit written works which will be reviewed by an experienced tutor Submissions must be 1,000 words at most, and each student can only make three submissions a month This service offers students personalised feedback on essay structure, style, and any other general queries you may have Please note that we do not provide subject-specific feedback It is more along the lines of sentence clarity and paragraph structure For more information, see our website

Once you’ve mastered the basics of notetaking and organisation, perhaps more pressing skills to develop include constructing arguments, writing essays, and referencing This next tier of skills, the “nitty gritty” of assessments, really can be the difference between a 1 1 and 2 1 or 2 1 and 2 2, as every marking scheme shows Complimenting these services are workshops which focus on referencing and academic integrity. Academic integrity is alien to most incoming students and it can be challenging to grasp Our workshops introduce you to referencing and when it needs to be implemented Like our writing workshops, these provide you with broad advice on improving your understanding of, and ability to produce, top-quality assignments

An issue frequently encountered by students in this context is that assignment feedback can be vague and usually points to some issue relating to coherence/clarity We typically find that students do not know how to address and act on such feedback Part of this stems from the mistaken assumption that because the writer understands their essay, a reader will too But part of it comes from the fact that many people have never formally been taught how to write Our Asynchronous Feedback service was literally created to address this problem by providing personalised feedback on essays But we also provide specific workshops on how to structure sentences/paragraphs/essays, academic writing, and constructing academic arguments within assessments These workshops are designed to provide you with the tools to develop and sharpen these skills independently, and they are facilitated in group settings and one-toone environments. Whichever you prefer

Academic integrity is not just important for assignments though It is a guiding principle of all good research by prioritising objectivity and the acknowledgement of all previous work which has contributed to your scientific advancement Considering this, the Skills Centre is currently running a competition which invites students to showcase the importance of academic integrity

The Academic Integrity Video Challenge requires you to create a short narrative video (1-3 minutes) on the topic of academic integrity/misconduct The objective is to improve our collective understanding of how working/researching honestly can elevate your professional skills, credibility, and understanding of any given topic.

The winner of this competition gets a Chromebook Second place gets a National Book Voucher valued at €150. Third place gets a National Book Voucher valued at €75 More information on this competition can be found at the Skills Centre website The deadline for submissions is February 17th

If you want more information on any of these topics, please visit the Skills Centre website or drop-in for a chat We are in Q-1 in the Boole Library, just follow the yellow footsteps

This is where we come in.

ECO-FRIENDLYLIVING:ISITREALLY POSSIBLEFOREVERYONE?

WRITES BELÍNE CHAN | OPINION EDITOR

In recent years, the stability of our future environment is being questioned, as the issues related to global warming are increasing, and we want to do everything that we can to relieve our environment of its suffering Living an eco-friendly life is a great and effective way of making a change, but is this lifestyle sustainable for everyone? Of course, it would be ideal if everyone could live a cruelty free lifestyle, but maybe it is not as simple as that, and for everyone to make a complete 180degree change is unrealistic, and simply not yet achievable Eco-friendly living is not just the case of throwing everything away and buying more sustainable products It is an inward change as much as it is an outside one It requires a lot of thinking and awareness in order to make such changes to your daily life and being mindful is an important aspect of sustainable living

The eco-friendly lifestyle helps the world by:

Protecting animals and their habitats

Reducing pollution.

Lowering our carbon footprint

Producing less water waste

Creating a healthier environment for future generations

Reducing climate change

Reducing air pollution

Reducing climate anxiety

According to the World Meteorological Organization, the past eight years are on track for being the hottest years on record because of the rise in greenhouse gas emissions The global mean temperature in 2022 was also estimated to be around 1 15 °C above the 18501900 pre- industrial average In comparison to the rise in global warming from 2011 to 2020, where there was a 1 09°C increase, it is evident that our lack of eco-friendly living is proving detrimental to our environment. There is no doubt that we need to change some of our behaviours in some shape or form, and that eco-friendly living is a positive and healthy lifestyle that can truly bring a change to our environment There are many ways in which we can promote ethical living, some of which are:

Recycling, and making sure nonrecyclable products are not mixed in with the recyclable ones

Donating items and clothing to charity

Shopping at ethical stores

Considering more eco-friendly cars such as electric or hybrid cars

Being mindful of the food we eat and where it comes from (source from local markets, purchase seasonal items etc)

Being aware of our resources and how much we are using

Consuming cruelty-free products

Consuming products with sustainable packaging

Reusing products and turning them into something new, such as using old glass jars for new flowerpots

Using energy saving products, such as energy saving light bulbs

Luckily, there are many different actions we can take to make a change, and countless of different actions we can take to incorporate eco-friendly living into our daily lifestyles Here are some simple steps you can incorporate into your daily life Saving water is a simple yet effective way of implementing eco-living into your daily lifestyle Ways in which you can do this are by:

Turning off the taps when they are not in use, especially when you are brushing your teeth or washing your face, the water does not need to be constantly running

Cut down the length of your showers to save water usage

Reusing and recycling your water

For example, when you wash your

fruit and vegetables, instead of washing them underneath a tap, you can fill a basin up with water and wash it in that Then, instead of throwing the water out, you can reuse it for watering plants in your garden or even for flushing toilets

If there are leaks in the bathroom for example, fix the issue as soon as possible to reduce water wastage

Use eco-friendly washing machines, or only load full washes, as opposed to multiple small loads

Another aspect in which you can promote ethical living in your daily life is by reducing waste This can be done by:

Using reusable bottles This significantly decreases the amount of plastic you would otherwise be consuming, and this would also benefit you financially The same thing goes for reusing bags and containers

Recycling is important and simple, yet it is easy to accidentally put the wrong waste in the incorrect bin. It is crucial that you only put recyclable waste in the bin where it belongs, otherwise it will impact all the rubbish and it will end up in the

landfills, increasing pollution

Composting is a great way to reuse your waste, while it benefits the environment

If you have received a gift that you are not too fond of, or do not have a need for, regifting is the perfect way to give a product that will be appreciated more by someone else, but it also minimises the opportunity of more products being thrown away into the landfills

Buy second-hand clothing or items from charity and thrift stores, or even give away some of your own items to them

Limit food waste as best as possible

If you are cooking at home, and you have food left over, the best option is to put it into a container and keep it cool in your fridge or freezer, so you get another portion out of it, and no food goes to waste

Plastic consumption is one of the most prominent reasons for damaging the environment as it spreads harmful toxins, affects animals and their habitats and contributes largely to global warming Plastics are lighter and cheaper than other materials as they are a by-product of oil and petrol which makes making new plastic cheaper than recycling it Therefore, it is no surprise that plastics have made their way into our daily lives However, it is not affordable nor realistic for everyone to live an eco-friendly lifestyle for the following reasons There are alternative materials that we can turn to, but they come at a price There are a wide range of bamboo products from toothbrushes to toilet rolls, and from lunch boxes to utensils Switching to bamboo can be a

better plastic and paper alternative, but because of its high labour intensity, and cost of shipping and packaging, this all adds to the high cost of bamboo products in comparison to plastic ones

As well as this, paper-alternative products often come in smaller quantities and at a higher price, which then means that you would have to buy these products more often while spending much more an easy long-term com people to make As w materials, switchin consuming more alternative, and orga also costly, and mig everyone's disposal range Some people dietary changes due to and can therefore not intake or substitute s vegan alternatives consuming and dif changes such as switc energy, changing yo changing your vehicle petrol car to an enviro one Reducing pub and/or turning toward an impossible change and families, particu living in remote area that are far from workplace

For most people, it is to go entirely ecolifestyle is a process, n can be changed o implement some of th our daily lives, then become accustomed to

while also making us have a different outlook on our actions and how we are taking the steps to make the world a healthier place It is not realistic for everyone to be completely dedicated to the eco-friendly lifestyle yet, and maybe it will not be possible anytime soon for most people to go to 100% eco

Although, if costs are cut down and products are sold in larger quantities, then maybe this can help a lot of us to become more eco-friendly most of the time However, in the meantime, we can all attempt to make small steps towards an eco-friendlier way of living and trying is better than not trying at all

QUERCUS DEISDENCHÉADSCOTHDOSCOLÁIRÍ

LE ORLA LEAHY | EAGARTHÓIR GAEILGE

Beidh an 2ú lá de mhí Feabhra mar spriocdháta d’iarratas Quercus 2023 Bíonn ceithre roinn oscailte do scoláirí chun iarratas a dhéanamh San eagrán seo, labhrann Orla le Siobhán Ní Chróinín, Scoláire Acadúil Quercus de chuid Choláiste na nEalaíon, an Léinn Cheiltigh agus na nEolaíochtaí Sóisialta

A Shiobhán, a chara, conas atá cúrsaí? Tá a fhios agam go mbíonn tú ag déanamh staidéir ar an Oideachas le Gaeilge agus Gearmáinis. Inis dom faoin gcúrsa sin agus na deiseanna a bhíonn agat chun taithí oibre agus seimeastar Erasmus a dhéanamh.

"Sin agat é a Orla, táim ag gabháilt don B Oid sa Ghaelainn agus sa Ghearmáinis Cúrsa iontach is ea é, agus táim ag baint ana-thaitnimh agus ana-thairbhe as Tá na léachtóirí is teagascóirí thar a bheith cabhrach agus táim ana-mhór lem’ chomhscoláirí Cuirtear réimse leathan ábhar ar fáil dos na mic léinn - bíonn gach éinne ag déanamh staidéir ar an nGaelainn ach is féidir Gearmáinis, Fraincis, Spáinnis, Iodáilis nó Matamaitic a roghnú leis Beadsa láncháilithe mar mhúinteoir meánscoile sa dá ábhar tar éis ceithre bliana, mar sin, ní bheidh orm tabhairt fén MGO (Máistir Gairmiúil le hOideachas) ina dhiaidh Tá an tarna tréimhse socrúchán scoile díreach curtha dhíom Bhíos ag múineadh i bPobalscoil Charraig Uí Leighin agus bhaineas an oiread san súip as! Bhíos ar shocrúchán scoile anuraidh leis, agus beadsa i mí Mheán Fómhair aríst Bíonn deis ag daoine a bhfuil teanga iasachta ar siúl acu tabhairt fé Erasmus sa tríú bliain Bead féin ag imeacht go Konstanz i ndeisceart na Gearmáine i mí Aibreáin, agus ag súil go mór leis!"

Nuair a bhí tú ag tosnú an dara bliain, fuair tú fógra go raibh tú mar an Scoláire Acadúil de chuid a choláiste Comhghairdeas leat as an ngaisce sin! Cad is brí leis an scoláireacht do scoláirí nach bhfuil cur amach acu ar Quercus?

"Go raibh míle maith agat, a Orla! Ba mhór an onóir dom é scoláireacht Quercus a dh’fháilt, agus gabhaim baochas aríst leis an bhfoireann as mé a roghnú Baineann mo scoláireacht féin leis an saol acadúil, ach is féidir scoláireachtaí a bhaineann leis na taibh-ealaíona, le spórt srl a bhaint amach Scoláireacht mór le rá is ea scoláireacht Quercus, agus tá an oiread san buntáistí ag baint lena leithéid Ní bhíonn ort íoc as táillí ollscoile agus faigheann tú sparántacht leis Mar aon leis na nithe iontacha san, bíonn fáil agat ar oide saoil agus ar mheantóir acadúil Tugtar mórán deiseanna duit freastal ar cheardlanna, ar mháistir-ranganna agus imeachtaí líonraithe Faighim an oiread san tacaíochta ó Mhichelle, Elaine agus ón bhfoireann Quercus ar fad, agus táim thar a bheith baoch díobh "

Chuala mé go bhfuil suim agat sa scéalaíocht, cén saghas taithí a bhíonn agat ar an scéalaíocht?

"Nuair a bhíos ní ba óige, théinn isteach go dtí an comórtas scéalaíochta ag an bhFleadh Cheoil chun féachaint air Mhúscail sé seo mo chuid spéise sa rud, agus thosnaíos ag glacadh páirte sna comórtaisí cúpla bliain ina dhiaidh sin Ní raibh aon mhúinteoir ceart agam ach chuas sa tseans ar aon chuma! Thánag sa tríú háit ag an bhFleadh in 2018, agus ansan, bhuas an comórtas in 2019 Bhí lúcháir orm gan dabht, agus bím fós ag scéalaíocht na laethanta seo."

Tuigim chomh maith go bhfuil tú ar choiste na Cuallachta, cén saghas eachtraí agus deiseanna a bhíonn ann do scoláirí?

"Táim im’ Oifigeach Oideachais ar an gCuallacht i mbliana agus ag baint anathaitnimh go deo as! Bíonn go leor imeachtaí ar siúl againne - Pop-Up Gaeltachtaí, oícheanta scannáin, luaschairdeas, ciorcal comhrá srl Bíonn fáilte Uí Cheallaigh i gcónaí roimh na héinne, idir chainteoirí dúchais agus dhaoine ar bheagán Gaelainne Tá go leor rudaí móra pleanáilte againn do Sheimeastar 2 agus fógrófar iadsan go luath! Fé láthair, táimid ag glacadh le hailt agus píosaí eile dár n-iris bhliantúil Breac Is féidir alt a scríobh faoi aon ábhar ar leith agus é a sheoladh chuig irisbreac@gmail com Deis iontach is ea é seo peann a chur le pár agus cur le do chuid taithí scríbhneoireachta!"

Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil grá agat don cheol agus don ámhránaíocht, an féidir leat insint dom faoi sin?

"Tá ana-spéis agam sa cheol agus san amhránaíocht ó bhíos im’ ghearrchaile Thosnaíos leis an bhfeadóg stáin agus mé sé bliana d’aois, agus ansan chuas ar aghaidh go dtí an pianó, an fhidil agus an amhránaíocht ar an Sean-Nós Bainim ana-thaitnimh as an amhránaíocht go háirithe, agus is minic a bhíonn amhrán á rá agam istigh i dtigh tábhairne! D’fhreastail mé ar cheachtanna le Máire Ní Chéileachair i mBaile Bhuirne nuair a bhíos sa chúigiú agus sa séú bliain ar scoil, agus chabhraigh sí go mór liom cur lem’ stór amhrán Gan aon amhras, mhúscail sí mo shuim san amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós agus chuireas isteach ar go leor comórtaisí agus mé fós ar scoil m sh Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, an tOireachtas srl Bím fós ag amhrán agus ag freastal ar cheardlanna amhránaíochta na laethanta seo, agus tugann siad ana-dheis dom bualadh le daoine nua agus stíleanna éagsúla amhránaíochta a chlos "

Cén sórt deiseanna a thabhairt Quercus duit amach as 2021 chun do phaisean a fhásadh chomh maith le do shaol acadúil?

"Tugann Quercus go leor deiseanna dom i gcónaí maidir leis an gceol, an amhránaíocht agus an saol acadúil Fé mar a dúrt ó chianaibh, bíonn meantóir acadúil ag scoláirí Quercus agus cabhraíonn siadsan go mór linn gan dabht Maidir leis an gceol agus an amhránaíocht, is minic a thugtar deis dúinn gigeanna a dhéanamh chomh maith le ceardlanna agus máistir-ranganna Chomh maith leis sin, is minic a eagraítear teacht le chéile dos na scoláirí Quercus ar fad agus is cinnte go roinnimid port nó amhrán lena chéile! Faighimid an oiread san tacaíochta ón bhfoireann Quercus má bhíonn aon rud uainn; bíonn siad i gcónaí toilteanach cabhrú linn "

Cén fáth go molann tú do scoláirí iarratas a chur isteach don scoláireacht Quercus a bhíonn faoi oscailt anois?

"Molaim go láidir do dhaoine cur isteach ar scoláireacht Quercus Ar dtúis, tá réimse leathan scoláireachtaí ar fáil - scoláireachtaí spóirt, scoláireachtaí ceoil, scoláireachtaí a bhaineann le nuálaíocht srl , mar sin tá rud éigint do gach duine Luas na buntáistí ollmhóra a bhaineann le scoláireachtaí Quercus níos luaithe Ar deireadh, faigheann scoláirí go leor tacaíochta ón bhfoireann agus óna gcomhscoláirí ar an scoláireacht agus níl aon rud chomh luachmhar leis sin. Mar sin, bígí cinnte iarratas a chur isteach roimh an 2 Feabhra - ní bheidh aiféala oraibh!"

Go raibh míle maith agat as do chuid ama a Shiobhán Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat led Erasmus!

Is fíor a rá gur deis den chéad scoth é Quercus do scoláirí ollscoile, agus bím á rá mar Scoláire Acadúil de chuid Choláiste Dlí agus Gnó féin

Déan d’iarratas roimh an 2ú lá de mí Feabhra, a chairde.

SNACKSMARTER

WRITES NATHAN CAREY | FOOD & HEALTH EDITOR

Semester two is in full swing and our bellies are rumbling. In these first few frantic weeks back, time is a hot commodity Between 9am lectures and midnight assignment deadlines, it might be hard to keep your body sufficiently fuelled and your brain in top notch condition While a pack of Taytos may fit the bill every now and then, snacking is a great opportunity to fill up on satiating foods that will keep you full for longer and allow you to focus on getting through the day While wholefood snacks are available in most shops, their prices can rack up pretty quickly With a little bit of planning you could have snacks ready to go when you need them most (11pm with an hour to write 1000 words anyone else?) As I always say, this section discusses ideas and recipes that are guidelines and definitely not hard rules Everybody’s life looks different and sometimes grabbing a pre-made snack is the most sensible option This piece is also written from the perspective of someone who is a chronic snacker and can scoff off a full jar of olives with no questions asked, so do with that information what you will

Researchers have been studying the effects of hunger on our brains for years with most research highlighting declines in general cognition, memory and spatial awareness These impairments can be avoided by consuming foods high in protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats Food groups like nuts, seeds and grains are a great starting point for healthier snacking A handful of almonds can keep you full for a couple of hours and can be bought in bulk, reducing costs Packing nuts and seeds into smaller containers for on the go snacking is a great strategy when you're in need of a quick pick me up Fruit is another major player in the snacking world Sweet, satisfying and full of nutrients, a piece of fruit is the perfect portable snacking option (most even come in their own natural packaging) If chopping fruit into smaller pieces interests you, try squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the cut surface to prevent it from oxidizing before you get a chance to eat it. If you're looking to elevate your snacking game with some easy recipes, I’m going to highlight two of my favourites here. The first is a protein bar that can be made in bulk and customized with your favourite seeds/nuts The second recipe is for all the crisp lovers out there in the form of my spiced crunchy chickpeas These flavour bombs are a great replacement for crisps, with each serving packing in 5 grams of protein

No-BakeGranolaProteinBars

These snacking bars are quick to make and this recipe can be easily doubled or even tripled to make an endless supply of on the go bites Wrap each bar individually and pop in the freezer for optimal storage. Pull one out, pop it in your backpack and it will thaw in time for lunch! With about 9 grams of protein per serving these bars will keep you satisfyingly full The best part of this recipe is its customizability – add nuts, seeds, dried fruits and any other additions you could imagine to make these bars your own

Ingredients

200g oats

30g honey

75g peanut butter (you can substitute your favourite nut butter here)

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

1 tablespoon coconut oil

- 3 tablespoons flax seeds (most seeds work here to feel free to mix and match)

- 30 grams of dark chocolate chopped into small pieces

- Pinch of salt

Prepare a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper, ensuring to leave enough overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out

Method

Set up a double boiler (a heatproof bowl placed above a small saucepan with 2cm of water simmering in it) and melt the nut butter, honey and coconut oil. Mix until fully combined

Remove bowl from heat and stir in protein powder, seeds and salt This mixture may seem dry at first but keep mixing and it will come together If mixing does not bring the mixture together, try adding a small bit of extra nut butter Different brands have varying consistencies so the recipe can be tweaked a bit here

Allow the mixture to cool slightly before stirring through the chocolate pieces to prevent them from melting

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and press firmly into each corner and flatten evenly

Pop the baking dish into the fridge and allow the bars to fully set – this will take about an hour but they can be left overnight

Using the extra parchment paper, lift the bars from the tray and place on a cutting board. Slice the bars into 12 even pieces (or go as small or big as your heart desires)

Food & Health

SpicedCrunchyChickpeas

These crunchy chickpeas take about an hour in the oven to crisp up but the active time involved is less than 5 minutes Throw these on before a study block and come back to a crispy snack guaranteed to fill you up Like the protein bars above, this recipe can be tweaked to fit your personal tastes Trying different spice combinations will yield different flavour profiles This recipe is also incredibly easy to double or triple and once cooled the chickpeas will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week

Ingredients

2x 500g cans of chickpeas

2 tbsp of olive oil

1 tsp chilli powder

1tsp cumin

1tsp smoked paprika

1tsp cracked black pepper

1tsp salt

Method

Preheat oven to 190 °C

Drain chickpeas in a sieve and rinse under cold running water Shake off excess water and place onto a clean dish towel or kitchen roll. Fold over the towel and gently dry the chickpeas The dryer they are, the easier it will be for them to crisp up in the oven Remove any excess skins that may peel off during this process

Place the chickpeas into a bowl along with the oil and all the spices

Stir well until the spice mixture is evenly distributed

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread the chickpeas into one even layer on the baking sheet. Make sure not overcrowd or the chickpeas will start to steam and not get as crunchy – you can work in batches if there’s not enough room

Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. This range will vary depending on the size of the chickpeas and the power of your oven

Every 15 minutes or so you can remove the pan and gently shake it to ensure all sides get evenly cooked Towards the end of the bake time, do this more frequently and perform a taste test to ensure they are crispy enough If the chickpeas retain too much moisture they will not remain crispy at room temperature

Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container

e two recipes are just a glimpse me of the easy snacks you can are at home to save both time money during this busy ster. I hope they can keep your fuelled all the way through to season!

As always if you are inspired by or make any of the recipes featured in the Express, we would love to see them! You can post a picture on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #ExpressCooks.

THEPLAYFULSIDEOF LINGERIE

WRITES KELLIE MURPHY | FASHION EDITOR

As I’m writing this it is snowy and three degrees outside I felt so cold today my hands went numb and I couldn’t feel my feet under three pairs of socks Inside my house of course, I have created a very cosy atmosphere I wanted nothing more then to jump into bed with a hot water bottle and three blankets This cosy feeling contrasted in a strange way with the weather in my head leading to a train of thought that ended up splashed on this page: lingerie Wearing sexy underwear in January anyway feels like a bit of a crime but the thought of wearing lingerie when it’s so cold just sounds strange But some people are, and good for them! Valentine’s day is coming closer and closer and lingerie is pretty tied up in this holiday So keeping in mind all the last minute sales that will hit in February, I wanted to write about lingerie in all its glory and faults The type of underwear you wear affects your mood as a poll from Shopsmart magazine revealed 47% of women felt more confident or sexier when they wore an especially nice pair of underwear It was also recorded that the women’s mood was negatively affected by wearing an ill-fitting or ugly pair of underwear, so it can have the power to ruin your day

And I believe this as underwear is often a hidden part of our wardrobe but it is so important in regards to how comfortable we feel with ourselves in our day to day life And what interests me about lingerie is the contradictions it holds: presented as something that gives you confidence while making you feel uncomfortable

Lingerie in the broad imagination isn’t something that excites me It seems overly uncomfortable, focusing on how revealing or provocative the piece of underwear is, assuming that every woman would feel sexy, instead of just looking sexy This is probably because lingerie is geared towards a male audience despite lingerie being worn by all genders. There is great difficulty in transgender women finding underwear that is gender inclusive and this is a serious issue in lingerie design

According to Forbes, transgender women struggle to find lingerie that accommodates them and this is an issue in affirming their identity, especially as underwear is the basis of our clothing and fashion is often used as a tool to express ourselves This fact has an added importance to the trans community and non binary people who

can use fashion to express themselves, affirming their identity This is further depreciated by the intended viewer being a very specific one, a cis, heterosexual man which further constrains the design of lingerie, as lingerie is intended for the male gaze This creates many issues which are not remedied in powerhouse clothing brands or else dealt with lingerie brands who enter the market filling this gap, making their business quite niche instead of a product in popular department stores Vogue also touches on this issue, when discussing the difficulties the trans community has in India in finding gender affirming underwear that is comfortable Many trans people are denied jobs with 96% of the trans community being forced to take low paying jobs which means they cannot afford gender affirming and comfortable lingerie The popular image of lingerie on offer does not accommodate nonbinary and transgender needs such as gender affirmation

As lingerie often is catered towards a male fantasy, lingerie is often advertised centred on how you look, and who you’re wearing it for, rather than the person who’s wearing it This can make wearers of lingerie feel uncomfortable in their own bodies, and it also influences design Lingerie in the mainstream does not reflect the range of gender identities who wear lingerie

The focus on male approval historically has led to the confidence that women feel is wrapped up in the male’s reaction to the lingerie This can lead to women feeling confused and disappointed in the underwear they’ve chosen, from delicate wisps of cloth to daring cuts that can leave women feeling awkward instead of empowered and anxious and uncomfortable in their bodies being showcased Sizing in lingerie is often skewed, with sizing for plus sized women often out of stock or not available The indication the fashion world is telling their customers is that only certain body types are meant to wear lingerie, and they are not people who are plus sized

Yet things have been changing in the lingerie corner of the fashion world, with the pandemic and consumer preferences pushing this change According to Edited, the pandemic was a big drive in the movement of dressing for comfort in the fashion industry This affected the lingerie market bringing comfortable lingerie to the fore with clothing like slips, bralettes and unpadded bras This would have appealed to consumers who were stuck at home for months on end This aspect of comfort in fashion has remained and only grown in popularity which is intertwined with the current desire to dress up after lockdown, leading to playful and interesting lingerie designs

This has in turn aided women's relationship with lingerie as more options in underwear gives a wider range of choice, freeing women to feel more comfortable with what they’re wearing in a vulnerable and intimate moment Edited report that retailers have increased investments in bralettes by 4% in the UK and US, and they’ve also increased investments in sports bras by 9% Interestingly, Edited revealed that push up bras have gone out of fashion, having been on a two year decline, with a decrease by 15% year on year and 25% when compared to figures in 2020 This reveals that comfort is of a much greater importance than what is perceived as sexy, but this does not mean that lingerie that is comfortable has sacrificed sex appeal Lots of brands have responded to demands for a more comfortable lingerie that is more inclusive to body sizes and different styles of underwear For example, Bluebella, a British lingerie brand responded to customers' desires for brands to be more inclusive in sizing Glamour UK describes the increase in their bra sizes to an F cup while underwear has increased to a size 26 Colourful designs are a staple in their production which introduces a newer, fresher idea of lingerie than the historical format of appealing to men rather than the women who wear it This includes plus-sized women while also expanding lingerie options to include individual preferences, allowing more women to feel comfortable in their underwear

There has also been a response to the needs of the trans community for gender inclusive underwear Lingerie is both playful and inclusive of people’s needs, centring lingerie on the wearer rather than the viewer which increases the wearers confidence Through pleasing yourself you increase your positive body image (which I think should always be the aim when you buy lingerie) The importance of underwear according to those interviewed by Vogue included underwear that didn’t hypersexualise the wearer, was supportive, affordable, had a range of compression and consideration for menstruation when designing boxers or briefs, while also appealing to individuals' idea of sexiness Several brands meet needs such as these like the company Origami Customs They design lingerie that is gender inclusive according to Reviewed, using compression to smooth out the pelvic area for those with penises Their sizing is also inclusive of plus sized people with a range of xxs to 5xl

Lingerie has entered a playful and modern era, including many people that wouldn’t have been even considered twenty years ago, let alone fifty The focus on the comfort of the wearer, a transfer from the male gaze to women’s confidence and comfort and the inclusion of others outside of the original model of heteronormativity is such an exciting change we can only wait and see how lingerie will develop in the future

REMAKEORREHASH:THEGAMING INDUSTRY’SOBSESSIONWITHOLDIDEAS

WRITES LUKE CONDON | GAMING EDITOR

Coming soon to stores near you:

The Elder Scrolls 5, now available on stone tablets with chalk Not a real headline, but one that wouldn’t come as a surprise to many gamers; Bethesda Game Studios’ most popular Role-Playing Game, colloquially known as Skyrim, has been released on almost every gaming platform in existence since its original launch in 2011. Three updated versions of the game, the Legendary Edition, Special Edition, and Anniversary Edition, also exist, as well as a Virtual Reality game and even an Amazon Alexa port That last one is actually real, as featured in a satirical advertisement starring Keegan-Michael Key, with Alexa narrating your progress and in-game events It’s good that Bethesda are in on the joke, but many developers aren’t; the gaming industry is becoming increasingly saturated with practices like this, and a decline in new intellectual properties is following them

There’s a lot of different words flying around for the concept of revisiting old games with a fresh coat of paint: ‘remake’, ‘remaster’, ‘reboot’, and of course the derogatory ‘re-hash’, used for projects that are particularly lacking in any semblance of effort or creativity Thankfully, the latter isn’t quite as common as it is in Hollywood (yet), but as big-budget studios become increasingly risk-averse, the possibility that the gaming industry will reach that level grows ever more likely The revival of outdated games that need a bit of love is a custom that has a place in gaming, but the line between remake and re-hash is a very fine one

To start with, it’s important to acknowledge that remakes don’t always denote a cash-grabbing scheme Gaming as an art form and medium varies from others in that the original version of a game can become somewhat obsolete; you’ll always be able to read the original edition of a book and enjoy it just as it was when it was first made available, or watch an old film that still holds up. With video games, the sheer progress that has been made in terms of graphical fidelity, game design and overall production value can result in a feeling of missed opportunity when playing an older title This mechanic could have been implemented more smoothly, this storyline could have been deeper, this game could be better; an endless barrage of wistful regrets about games that could have done so much more were they not restricted by the technology of their respective eras

A remake can breathe new life into a video game, giving players of the original the chance to see their old favourites achieve their full potential, and allowing newer players to get their hands on the game at all The advance in console generations often results in older games becoming inaccessible to a majority of players, but with a new release, games can usher in a whole new fanbase of players who missed the original due to being too young, lacking in interest, or a myriad of other reasons Greater accessibility is never a bad thing, and remakes or remasters, given enough care from developers, can give an old game the time in the spotlight it rightfully deserves

The 2018 remake edition of Shadow of the Colossus is a perfect example of this Originally a PlayStation 2 title released in 2005, a console that has now been discontinued for over ten years, the game cemented itself as classic and captured the hearts of most who played it with its unprecedented and grandiose scale Holding it back, however, was a clunky control scheme and performance issues that could severely impact a player’s enjoyment of the game Bluepoint Games, a developer renowned for their prowess when it comes to remakes and remasters, were given the reins to produce a fully-fledged remake of the game, and did so with great success: the new version was lauded for its multiple control scheme options and muchimproved graphics and performance

In this case, the rationale for a remake was clear and justified, and the new changes implemented enhanced the game immensely It’s rare, however, that the games most in need of remakes are also the ones that actually get remade Games with flaws that detract from what could otherwise be a special experience are the most worthy candidates, but usually it’s universally acclaimed games that end up receiving the special treatment This makes sense, from a company’s perspective; why take a risk on a venture that’s more likely to fail when there are far safer options available? Unfortunately, this often results in a loss for gamers overall; instead of a developer reviving a lesser known game to have its day in the sun, or even working on an allnew project, they may focus instead on creating the third or fourth remake that nobody is asking for

Amongst these unnecessary remakes, The Last of Us: Part I comes to mind The action-adventure series, developed by Naughty Dog, stands as a shining example of what video games can be; incredible storytelling, engaging gameplay and

hyper-realistic visuals all combined to create an unforgettable experience Both entries in the franchise enjoyed wild success as a result of these attributes, and the original game unsurprisingly received a remaster in 2014, just a year after its first release Despite being near-identical to its forebear, this particular case is excusable, considering that its main function was to make the game playable for the new PlayStation 4 system, which lacked backwards compatibility with the PlayStation 3 and would have been inaccessible otherwise Upon the announcement of the game’s 2022 remake, fans were less enthused The 2014 remaster still holds up excellently, and is also available on PlayStation 5 systems, eliminating the accessibility rationale for a remake Instead, it’s likely the game was conceived as a means of capitalising on the inevitable uptick in sales upon the premiere of HBO’s new The Last of Us television show Not a low-effort attempt, mind you; the remake received positive reviews across the board, and many were glad for an excuse to jump back into the world of The Last of Us once more, but Naughty Dog’s efforts could have surely been utilised better on a sequel, or perhaps even a new world to explore Cases like these may not rob us entirely of new gaming experiences, but they can certainly delay them

It’s hard to stay angry at Naughty Dog, a developer that has pushed the industry forward in many ways and consistently produced quality games Many more egregious examples exist, however, and the problem isn’t limited to remakes and remasters The practice of ‘rebooting’ old franchises by bringing them back from the dead and attempting to start them anew is a practice that yields wildly varying degrees of success: some can eclipse the original series entirely, while others fail to bring any worthwhile additions to the table In recent years, the former outcome has been more common; Wolfenstein, one of the progenitors of the first-person shooter genre, and XCOM, an early strategy game, were both rebooted over the last decade, with tremendous effect The resultant titles have captured the hearts of players, but the question remains; did these games need to be reboots, or could they have been designed as new properties? Brand recognition is a powerful force, and one that gaming companies will understandably use to their advantage, but the prospect of a world where original video games cease to exist is an alarming one

Revisitations of older video games come in many forms, and it would be unfair to brand them all as creatively bankrupt when so many are obviously not; the previous success stories prove that there is a demand for this style of game, and the successful ones usually prosper as a result of hard work and care from developer teams Nevertheless, it’s disheartening to see so many capable developers fall back on tried and-tested ideas when the avenue for new and exciting ones is wide open One can only hope that the ever-growing numbers of talented programmers, artists, writers, and musicians employed in the gaming sector will guide the industry towards creativity, innovation and originality; characteristics the world can always use more of

INTERVIEWWITHMORTYMCCARTHY: DRUMMEROFLEGENDARYCORKBAND,SULTANSOFPINGFC

WRITES CORMAC MCCARTHY | MUISC EDITOR

All glory might be fleeting, but it can leave one hell of a legacy Few artists have managed to sustain such a potent following like Cork punk-rock band The Sultans of Ping FC While they may have only released 3 albums over a five-year period in the mid 90s, their impact is such that they can still reform many times a year all over Ireland and the United Kingdom Songs such as “Where’s me Jumper” and “Give Him a Ball and a Yard of Grass” still hold a huge place in our cultural zeitgeist to this day

Having released their debut album “Casual Sex in the Cineplex” some thirty years ago, the Cork natives have decided to celebrate this anniversary with two nights in the Opera House in early February With support from both up-and-coming rock groups as well as contemporaries of The Sultans themselves, it sure to be as pure a celebration of Cork rock music that could ever exist

I was privileged enough to get an interview with Sultans of Ping legend and allround gentleman, Morty McCarthy, last week The band have all gone their separate ways with Morty currently living in Stockholm and the rest of them dotted around London

He’s enthusiastic about the upcoming gigs, in particular the younger crowd that are taking a keen interest in their work “The internet‘s been very kind to us Back in 2005, pre-internet it would have been all the older crowd there Various different shows like Young Offenders allow us to have a new audience On The Ball podcast uses “Give em ’ a ball” as their theme.”

Before being the resident drummer, Morty himself had a bit of experience working behind the scenes, as he was originally the manager of the band, having been a loyal fan before that “I was in the college bar where it all started Niall and Pat were doing a show, they had a sideline thing, an acoustic set called ‘Sexy Shop’ in the college bar I was their manager at the time, so I was in the crowd All the crowd were shouting for Sultans’ songs I knew the songs pretty well and I was a drummer I went up, did eight songs and people loved it Niall just said to me after the show, ‘That’s it, you ’ re the drummer’ The other drummer had moved to Tibet, so they were looking for a replacement anyway ”

The Sultans’ live performance was a crucial part of the overall attraction, drawing Morty to the band in the first place “I saw the band first in 1989 and I became a fan I think they were almost too crazy though. They were young, all of the fans were young and there was a lot of drink involved ”

The flamboyance of Niall Flaherty’s stage presence was enjoyed by all fans at the time “Niall was a star, you could see that from the beginning, Niall was a star in Cork when he was a kid I can remember him 14,15 busking in Cork city He was a character, he stood out even then He still stands out, to this day ” After that, it was only upwards for the group They played a showcase gig, Cork Rock, in June of ‘91 in the famous nightclub, Sir Henry’s “They had 16 groups from different parts of Ireland for four days, of which 11 got record deals afterwards They had The Cranberries, Therapy, The Frank and Walters It was a great show ”

While there was a great reception in Ireland and Europe, the band also managed to gain a bit of success in Japan There was even one fan who had seen them in the

ImageSource:TheExaminer

Phoenix Bar in 1989 while studying as a UCC student Following that, he moved to Japan and happened to catch them again five years later while they were playing in Hiroshima “Japan was fantastic, we did five tours there For some reason, they really took to us there, they liked the pop element We played absolutely everywhere ” I asked Morty if a reunion to Japan was on the cards? “I’m not sure, Japan is always about the new you know Maybe there would be an interest.”

He disregards any notions about the band being purely a novelty band “I never agreed with it and if you talk to our fans, I don’t think any of them would say that it’s their favourite song Where’s Me Jumper was very quick We started recording in Autumn ‘91 and Where’s Me Jumper was out in January ‘92 For the general public, that would be the song that’s most recognised. We didn’t really suffer from that too much in the UK, to be honest We were a big college band I think the whole album was a big deal rather than particularly Where’s Me Jumper” I guess we were known more mainstream in Ireland Larry Gogan played us on daytime radio I think in Ireland everyone knew the song.”

Like any artist on such a whirlwind of fame, success can often be daunting, and it was no different for The Sultans “We had lived in Cork all of our lives and suddenly moved to London We had success in relative terms, nothing like U2 or anything, but we had independent chart hits It was very new for us to deal with so there was definitely a strain You have to remember, we were very young to deal with that kind of change in your life so quickly, I was 22, the rest were just 20.”

And what about the descent from said fame? “You do think you ’ re going to be there forever We managed to get three albums out of it Most bands don’t keep rising and rising generally, there’s a quick rise to the top and a slower fall to the bottom That’s tough because you can see that coming where the audiences start to dwindle. It’s a bit like losing a hurling match with ten minutes to go. You know you ’ re not going to win but you still have to see out the game It was a different band from the third album to the first I think most bands, like Arctic Monkeys with their latest record, once you find a new audience you can progress artistically You have to make the right steps That's why I really like Fontaine’s [DC] I think they’ve made the right step with each album each time I remember at the time, with the third album, we weren’t playing Where’s Me Jumper or Stupid Kid, we had played them for too long It’s different now where not promoting any new material so we can just enjoy ourselves ”

and I think the fans seem to really like that chaos ”

He is still heavily involved in the Irish music scene and enjoys seeing the new bands rise to the top “I’m at shows, festivals all the time I think last year was the best year for Irish music in years I think Fontaine’s D.C is absolutely fantastic I saw them in Stockholm, and it was the best show I’ve seen in ten years I saw The Murder Capital twice We have a tradition of always having Cork bands play with us, whether it’s here or in the U K We played in Birmingham in October, and we had Big Boy Foolish with us ” The band’s contemporaries, A Cow In The Water from Blarney, will be supporting them in the Opera House

Morty, like many artists of that era has a huge reverence for the nightclub Sir Henry’s, it being the venue where they got their big break “It’s really sad when I come home because nothing has replaced the building, it was just knocked and left there You’re talking about a venue that had a world reputation It was considered one of the best dance clubs in the world Any band that have played never forget it really It’s a big loss to Cork Cyprus Avenue is a great venue but I don’t think it will have the world reputation that Sir Henry’s will have.”

The Sultans of Ping play in the Opera House on the 10th and 11th of February. Tickets are still available for the Friday.

ImageSource:Lastfm

ImageSource:Lastfm

TÁRREVIEW: ANUANCEDTAKEONCANCELCULTURE

WRITES ROSEMARIE O’BYRNE | FILM & TV EDITOR

Atmospheric, gripping and thought provoking, Tár asks questions most are too afraid to ask The film is categorised as a psychological drama but it contains many elements that make it feel more like a thriller Cate Blanchett plays Lydia, a powerful and successful music conductor who appears to have a chequered past that she can not escape Written and directed by Todd Field, the movie does an excellent job of transporting its viewer into the world of a genius, and how high of a fall there is when the past catches up Blanchett states that the film respects its audience enough to ask them big questions, which I found especially true as the film did not rush to offer neat answers One of the movie’s main selling points is its unique take on the theme of ‘cancel culture’ The cancellation of a person is a controversial take on dealing with the problematic behaviours of someone in the limelight Tár flips the traditional narrative by swapping out gender roles and turning them on their head The debate of whether to separate the art from the artist is an undercurrent theme and the film really challenges its audience to think further than the boundaries of the film and the end credits

Todd Field who wrote the film had Cate Blanchett in mind for the lead part of Lydia from the beginning, and it becomes largely apparent when you witness how much her dominant body language and powerhouse acting is made for this role The film uses a real orchestra called the Dresden Orchestra and scenes in which the orchestra plays are completely genuine Blanchett continues to impress by actually conducting the Dresden Orchestra, which lends to her authenticity here She re-learned how to play the piano so in the eerie moments where she puts haunting sounds to music, it is in fact her really playing She speaks German in the film which she learned specifically for the role along with learning how to conduct an orchestra

The movie plays with the idea of an all powerful, successful creative who is at the top of their game and in the peak of their career, but there is a threat that it could crumble at any moment due to the haunting nature of her past Blanchett does an incredible job of portraying this role, and is, in my perception of the character, an

unnervingly convincing evil villain Though her past is interrogated and there is a lot of heavy hinting that Lydia is someone capable of doing whatever it was she had been accused of, it is never explicitly known whether she was guilty, thus leaving the audience with more depth to our arguments Some argue that the conclusion of her story was too much, while others argue it was not enough Something I really enjoyed about the film was the constant parallels drawn between music/musicians and the main storyline At different points Lydia refers to those considered the greatest of all time in the world of music and contends that their genius lies in their nuance and willingness to accept the uncertainty, like the ambiguity which is illustrated in Lydia’s past Another of her conversations discusses a musical genius who threw a woman down the stairs, but wonders whether his private life should interfere with his work at all Bach is described as a misogynist but should that stop people from enjoying ‘The Well-Tempered Clavier’?

There is a great sense of threat and Blanchett masterfully encapsulates all that it means to be corrupted with power. Her performance is unexpectedly disturbing to the mind, and she illustrates the notion that Lydia is conducting not only in her career, but in her daily life where she is in full control of everything, until she isn’t Another cause for debate comes from the female lead being the dominant and surprisingly, quite misogynistic character, as it is questioned whether her role is an empowered one or problematic and flawed Lydia is a lesbian, which adds an additional layer of nuance to this debate So often women are not seen as capable of fully harming another being due to the assumption that femininity is softness and inherently weak With Lydia being a lesbian and only engaging in romantic relations with other women, her role as a potential predator is one that is typically erased from the narrative, as female same sex partnerships are often dismissed and disregarded by society as they are not heteronormative The sense of threat is heightened by sounds and music as Lydia is forced awake to seemingly random noises in the night, which haunt her and prevent her from rest The role of sound is an important one and we see Lydia’s character as someone who is particularly sensitive to noise, much like the

Blanchett’s performance is exciting enough to watch the film for alone, and from my perspective of seeing her as a villain, it was fascinating to see how the makeup effects aided in making her look more and more evil as the film progressed That’s not to say there wasn’t softness to her character too, so it is great to see a complex female character well executed This movie has not left my mind since I watched it and I have been dreaming of orchestras for several days now The film is a new release which came out on the 13th of January and it begs to be seen on a big screen

The movie is visually very appealing and Lydi ’ di t ti f her inner state She lives a luxurious life of house and works in a fantastically elaborate le sometimes gives lectures Not only is the thrilling, but it is aesthetically satisfying and vis

Tár is unexpected, unique and will leave you have finished watching it Major questions suc art from the artist and whether cancel culture a are asked and the film inspires conversation internally, encouraging you to point the quest values Only Cate Blanchett could have perform her intensity was hypnotic Her acting was e even toned and controlled at all times She Shakespearan-like language in a way that make film also explores art, genius, and the fallacy while someone may be a genius, they can also b

In all, it is incontestable that Tár is a spectac impeccable and there is such a tense and beginning Though the run time of 2h37m bord is brilliant, and in fact necessary for the overa you must power through the beginning to un necessary, for otherwise you will be questioning Lydia’s self-important monologues that showc the beginning The movie cleverly edges on the icon for making it in the field as a lesbian wom times, or whether she was a predator who ab cancellation due to the past that haunts her Wa genius stuck in their ways and prone to bad beh Oscar runner you seek, then Tár is your film in

SEXUALVIOLENCE INIRELAND

Sexual assault is most likely to be reported if the offender is a stranger to the victim The Sexual Violence Centre Cork reported that a staggering 86 9% of victims who phoned the centre knew the offender, while 13 3% did not Their report also stated that only 33 2% of assaults were also reported to An Garda Síochána, while 66 8% went unreported A 2022 report by An Garda Síochána showed that there were 164 reported cases of sexual violence in Cork City in 2022 These numbers represent only a portion of calls made to the Sexual Violence Centre Cork that were also reported to the police

While there was only an increase of one incident of sexual violence reported to An Garda Síochána in Cork City in 2022, criminal convictions for sexual violence rose from 19 in 2021 to 38 in 2022 While this number is not high in relation to the amount of cases reported, the increase is a sign of hope and has been attributed to the introduction of An Garda Síochána’s Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB)

fellow staff members, while 16% were students Survey responses by male staff members showed higher numbers of incidents where the perpetrator was a student, 20% compared to 12% of female and non-binary staff members Similar surveys provided by the HEA to students showed that 29% of students had faced instances of sexual coercion, and 50% of students had experienced sexual harassment via text or social media 26% of students reported that instances of sexual harassment or violence were carried out by a staff member, while 54 6% reported incidents carried out by a fellow student The findings of these surveys sparked the HEAs Implementation Plan, and €1 5 million was secured in the budget in order to introduce Sexual Violence and Harassment Response Managers in HEIs throughout Ireland

WRITES CIARA BARRETT | SEXPRESS EDITOR

'In a study carried out by One In Four, a Dublin based charity providing support to victims of sexual assault, it was found that one fifth of adults in Ireland have reported instances of sexual assault, while 27% of children have experienced sexual assault and later reported it in adulthood It was found that 35% of Irish adults have reported experiencing sexual assault within their lifetime While these statistics are shocking on their own, they only account for reported instances of sexual assault, and do not take unreported events into account Following a survey carried out in the UK in 2022, it was estimated that approximately 97% of women had

experienced sexual assault or harassment within their lifetime, while 43% of men had similar experiences

There are numerous reasons attributed to why people don’t report sexual assault, and they tend to vary by gender Women are less likely to report instances of assault due to their relationship with their abuser, while men may feel more shame and embarrassment about the incident Sexual assault is least likely to be reported when the abuser is either a romantic partner, family member, or someone in a position of power over the victim, such as a boss or teacher

The GNSPB was introduced in 2019 in order to provide assistance with investigations pertaining to domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, sex offender management, and missing persons cases among other things The Sexual Crime Management Unit was devised to provide sensitivity training to Gardaí, provide victims with the contact details of those investigating their attack, and to ensure that all investigation files are submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions They also assist victims in accessing Sexual Assault Treatment Units for medical, forensic, and psychological help It is also possible to contact the GNPSB for assistance in accessing these units without individual involvement from members of An Garda Síochána

In November of 2022, Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris launched a plan that aims to address sexual violence and harrassment on college campuses in Ireland The Implementation Plan was created with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) following national surveys carried out in 2020 which showed that 12% of staff members in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) reported instances of sexual assault or harrassment, with 73% of these instances taking place on campus 84% of reported offenders were

So if sexual violence is so prevalent throughout Ireland, why does it so often go unreported? As stated above, most unreported instances of sexual violence are carried out by people known by the victim This often results in fear of losing a romantic partner or friend, or the risk of alienation or cover-up of assault by family members Victims are also worried that they will not be believed, or that they will be blamed for the incident The ‘she was asking for it’ rhetoric is one that has been often used in sexual assault trials in relation to clothing or intoxication There are also instances in which the victim does not fully remember the assault taking place This is becoming more common with increases in spiking and the use of date rape drugs, with reported drink spikings doubling in 2022 compared to 2021 All of these and more stem from rape culture, a social phenomenon that normalises sexual violence Rape culture trivialises sexual assault in many ways such as promoting the ‘boys will be boys’ rhetoric This is not only harmful to female victims who come forward, but also to those who have not suffered sexual violence at the hands of men The idea that ‘boys will be boys’ invalidates the trauma that those not assaulted by men have experienced, and increases the feelings of embarrassment and shame felt by male victims who have been sexually harassed or assaulted by female offenders Rape culture presents a binary status quo in which men are inherently dominant while women are inherently submissive, discouraging men and gender

Before you begin reading, please note that this article contains a content warning for sexual violence. There will be resources for anyone affected by these themes at the end of the article. Please look after yourselves.

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For anybody affected by the contents of this article, please contact The Samaritans on 116 123. For more services, you can access the UCCSU Welfare Directory from the SU Welfare Officer.

Reaching out is incredibly important, please make sure you mind yourselves.

WRITES SARAH KENNELLY | ARTS & LITERATURE EDITOR

If you’re looking to educate yourself about the legacy of British imperialism and racism, Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala is a brilliant starting point The book is an accessible read using colloquial language and personal experiences to showcase how racist systems of education and governance are perpetuated in the UK It illustrates the cruelty of the colonial slave trade and how its ideology has never left Europe but formed into more subtle acts of oppression. Akala also provides nuanced counter-arguments to racist myths which have entered the mainstream and are weaponised by the far-right This book covers everything from police brutality, to school curriculums, and sexual objectification Once you’re finished reading it, pass it on to a friend and continue the work of Akala by helping to educate others about racial prejudice

There are troves of books on the topic of climate change but few are as comprehensive as This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate by Naomi Klein The book discusses how climate change can never be adequately addressed in an economic system that necessitates environmental disaster Klein illustrates how corporations work together to promote climate change denial because it is profitable for their businesses They have helped to create a society that is almost totally dependent on non-renewable and harmful energy sources like oil and coal The disproportionate effect this has on marginalised communities is highlighted as a reason why the West has largely ignored the issue for so long It proposes a number of solutions which includes stronger regulation of the market, better personal choices, and radical system change If you’re lost on where to start your fight to protect our future, this book is a must read!

Next up is Crippled: Austerity and the Demonisation of Disabled People by Frances Ryan which addresses the oppression faced by people living with disabilities The book demonstrates how the UK government’s austerity measures have put the lives of this community in grave danger It achieves this by using reallife stories from disabled Britons who struggle to survive on welfare but are precluded from working to sustain themselves Ryan also delves into the vilification of disabled people in the media and wider society which alienates and dehumanises their existence It illustrates the importance of the disability rights movement in ensuring the basic human rights of disabled people are upheld. It is a passionate and devastating account of oppression that calls the reader to action

Finally, What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon is an insightful commentary on the normalisation of fatphobia in society It showcases how anti-fat bias is ingrained in us which leads to unemployment and poor healthcare for those who are not thin This encourages people to harass fat people who in turn suffer disproportionately from mental health issues Gordon’s text acts as a critique of a world which works to hide fat people and discriminate against them This exposes how every facet of our infrastructure is built to exclude them, from park benches to airplane seats It forces us to realise how thin bodies benefit from this culture and how it is rarely challenged under the guise of health advocacy The book uses both scientific evidence and personal anecdotes to prove the myths perpetuated by a culture of anti-fatness It is truly an eye-opening read that will change your perception of how bodies move in society

Although this list is not extensive, they are sure to give you a good background knowledge on a plethora of topics However, your education on inequality cannot be fully realised unless you seek out activist spaces where you can engage in consciousness raising UCC has a brilliant activism culture on campus and there are many society events you can attend to educate yourself about issues of inequality If you have some free time from college, it would be worth your while to attend an event by The Feminist Society, SSDP, EnviroSoc, The Vegan Society, Co-op Society, or Fáilte Refugees Happy reading!

GROWINGPAINS HOWCANWEKEEPOURYOUNGPEOPLEINSPORTS?

WRITES MARK COOPER | SP

As I took a stroll through Cork City one evening magnificent Mardyke Sports facilities set on the ba wrestled with the darkness of the impending January of brightness under the darkening sky Young peo through their paces by a group of experienced and away from the track, I began to reminisce of my you

The great mornings and evenings spent at footba summer, or playing basketball and soccer in the off my greatest memories were at that formative age, w making) your friends, having fun and being active thought of all my teammates and competitors of that no longer played any sport at all A comprehensive that at age 10, over 90% of people are actively exercise By the age of 20, that figure falls to 29 participation is startling I mean to illustrate the be examine the reasons for such a dramatic fall-off in t what can be done to improve participation into later l

THE BENEFITS OF SPORT

Research has shown that both exercise and organise impact on a person’s life From improved fitness to advantages of being active are well established H benefits which arise from engaging with organised elevate sports from a simple past-time Participation any level, has been shown to increase social empowerment and greater leadership qualities Acc study, participation in at least one team sport compar young people was associated with 10% lower levels of anxiousness and 19% lower levels of depression Those statistics are no joke, and as such there can be no denying the positive mental benefits of sporting participation

On an academic level, participation in sports is directly correlated with an increase in scholastic performance A 2013 report identified a marked increase in Leaving Certificate performance across both genders when the candidate plays sport at second level Interestingly, the difference is significantly higher for female students, the very group who are most at risk for quitting sports altogether in their early teens.

Finally, the social benefits of sporting participation cannot be underestimated At a formative age, engagement with one’s peers in situations outside of the classroom are invaluable for social development Life-long friendships are formed through team-sports, as teammates form bonds in both training and competition However, as young men and women reach their critical teenage years of development, where their social circles and friendships become even more important, many decide to fall away from sport completely The question researchers have been determined to answer is; Why?

THE WHY

The premier issue which must be examined is why so many young people fall away from sports in the first place In a report published in May 2022, Lars Espedalen’s extensive body of research in the USA identified six indicators for early departure

from sport amongst under 18s. The main three may give us a helpful guide as to the issues which also exist in Ireland

The third most popular reason is a perceived lack of skill or ability in the chosen sport This was surprising, as one would have imagined different grade levels and divisions would have done enough to separate those of differing abilities However, as Espedalen explains, as boys and girls enter their teens and find new interests, those who continue to play sport are generally those who are the most talented Therefore, the average young enthusiastic sports person may feel inadequate compared to those who remain

The second is a simple one; Their friends quit A young person is far more impressionable than an adult, and as such their outlook on life is shaped by their peers As they grow into their teens, the research proves that leaders within groups often decide that the commitment required for organised sports are less valuable than developing their social lives

The most common reason why students leave their sporting lives behind is one which will resonate with almost every Irish person Young people simply reach a point at which they decide to prioritise their education and grades Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris in an Irish Times article stated that “Our country is obsessed with CAO points” There is no doubt that as young people reach the Leaving Certificate age sport and exercise falls down their list of priorities

There is no doubt that the priority should be on academics at that pivotal time in a person’s life, but such a distinct lack of balance is a recipe for disaster

Such journalists such as Damian Cullen have pointed to an over-competitive environment as a potential cliff edge in terms of waning participation by older teens

The Adolescent Girls Get Active Research conducted by Sport Ireland in 2021 likewise revealed that the biggest barrier to young women in sport was their selflabelling as “not sporty” Their experiences of exercise are often limited to their exposure with team-based sports within structured educational environments (PE Classes) Dr Kate Kirby, head of performance psychology at the Irish Institute of Sport has determined that unique challenges faced by teenage girls are a deep desire to not seem unfeminine and a growing self-consciousness about their body image Male sportspeople statistically do not have the same issues in the same numbers, and as such participate in sport at a much higher level into their late teens and early twenties

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

A 2018 report carried out by a collaboration of universities (including UCC’s own School of Education, Sports Studies and Physical Education) carried with it some shocking findings. When published last year, the report evaluated the participation of schoolchildren in sport across the island of Ireland The recommendations from that report focused on a number of key pillars, including investing in coaches at all levels, improving access to sports for all genders, skill-levels and introducing more

minor sports to attract those who would not be traditionally ‘sporty’ There is also a recommendation for mandatory minimum periods for weekly sporting participation in schools

However, in this editor’s opinion the report largely ignores the true issues which are contributing to the fall in those who engage with sports as they enter their teenage years As identified in this article the three primary issues resulting in drop-outs from sport are feelings of inadequacy, peers leaving sports and the prioritisation of the Leaving Certificate None of these issues appear to be a priority for the government As set out previously, Dr Kate Kirby has called for an Irish evaluation of why girls quit sport, as well as looking to those who continue to participate into adulthood to determine what works The same applies to keeping young men active in sport into their twenties

The minority can guide us here We must look at why some young men and women choose to keep pushing through the barriers to sporting participation Based on anecdotal evidence, there are always some sportspeople who are not the most talented or fit, but still choose to stay engaged with sport throughout their lives These role models show that sport is about enjoyment, personal development and keeping a fit body and mind, not about competition or accolades For the young athletes I saw running laps around the Sonia O’ Sullivan track at the Mardyke, they may not realise that their sporting lives will become more complex in the years to come However, what will keep them involved in sport for the long run is a culture of enjoyment When sport is enjoyable it doesn’t matter if you feel unskilled, or you have other priorities or if some of your friends stop playing That is where the government’s priority should lie, on enjoyment, not on 60 minutes of mandatory physical education a week in schools

Perhaps it is not Katie Taylor, David Clifford or Paul O’ Donovan who will lead Irish young people towards prolonged participation in sport Just maybe, it might be the average young cross-country runner who trains to clear their head after a tough day at work Perhaps it will be the middle-aged nurse who plays with her local ‘Mothers and Others’ GAA team on a Saturday It could just as easily be the retired schoolteacher who swims in Kinsale on a Sunday morning The point is, these types of sportspeople may be the very role models that attract our young people to the world of sport and keep them involved throughout their lives

MAKINGSENSEOFPUSHYPARENTSAND THEYOUTHSPORT-INDUSTRIALCOMPLEX

WRITES JACK KELLY | DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

When considering the harmful effects of ‘pushy parents’, it is crucial to ask why this happens Naturally, one answer would be parents living vicariously through their kids Without being too reductive, it is difficult for parents to separate themselves from the idea that a part of their DNA is doing something they love at a level they could not Perhaps, it could be argued that this is a rather pure form of the ‘pushy parent’ and that it is simply the amalgamation of a person's two loves right before their eyes: their child and their sport

As mentioned, the parent’s instinct is to be involved in the child’s life Rather conversely, the kid’s instinct is to seek independence This creates a battle between nurture and independence

These two are clearly not compatible.

A great place to investigate the omnipresence of overbearing parents in sport is America We are all aware of the astronomical college tuition fees in the United States and as much as we bemoan the fees we must pay on this side of the world, we must empathise with those across the Atlantic and the cost of third level education they must endure In October 2022, Education data revealed that the average cost of tuition for college in the US is $25,707 a year or $102, 828 over four years With sport and academic scholarships available, it is a well known fact that there is a culture of kids being viewed as an investment while they are in high school Parents will pump thousands of dollars into the child’s athletic development in the hope of getting the Holy Grail of free college fees Marketing also has a part to play here The dream is presented and sold to parents that their child could be the next Tiger Woods or Serena Williams This investment naturally leads to pressure on an undeveloped mind and body They receive organised coaching, but at what cost?

Take a trip to any sports complex in the country on any given Saturday or Sunday morning You might find an under-11 tennis match between school friends, an under-9’s rugby training session or perhaps the local GAA club has its various volunteers immersed in training the clubs academy All sounds good, right? Nothing to see here except for girls and boys playing the sport they love under adult supervision However, one almost guaranteed constant is the looming presence of the parent that has their child pigeon-holed to become the next generational star in their chosen or sometimes, more aptly, assigned sport Screaming aloud a concoction of support and criticism while the more passive, measured parents look on bemused.

It is fair to say that we have all encountered variations of this parent at some stage Whether it be in a pub listening to someone wax lyrical about their son who will ‘go to England someday’ to play for a Premier League outfit or whether it's the parent whose voice booms louder than all as their son or daughter is engrossed in a game yet remains conscious of the hawk-like watchful eyes Of course, this is partly human nature The parents' natural instincts are to protect and serve the kids' efforts to succeed It is not an offence to support one's children but it is imperative to question where the line is drawn between encouragement and obsession and to investigate the pernicious effects of this adult driven pursuit of stardom What creates this culture of ‘win at all costs’ at underage level?

There are ‘schools’ across the world that are set up under the guise of nurturing athletic and academic excellence but it is fair to question whether this balance is struck Do they develop as humans? Are they socialised? Staying with the US, let's look at Nick Bollettieri’s academy Bollettieri was in the thick of the tennis coaching boom during the 1970’s and coached ten players who were No.1 in the world at some point of their career including Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters His academy was established in 1978 and was unique because it was the first live-in, open year-round institute to nurture athletes

Having been a paratrooper himself, Bollettieri relished playing the drill sergeant role There are tales of Bollettieri issuing harsh comments to his athletes about everything from sloppy strokes to training habits to fitness Hardly an example of progressive coaching. Furthermore, what must it be like for kids to be pushed into this bubble that is nothing other than a pressure cooker for athletic development? Having to live under constant scrutiny as an athlete ‘pre-determined’ for success, without the tools to cope This ‘mature’ athlete is used as the example in defence of this strategy but consider the countless broken souls left to fall by the wayside

Bollettieri’s academy is not an outlier There are numerous academies around the world that have one goal: squeeze the most out of these kids' potential in exchange for lots of money and glory

However, there are academies in professional sport that seem to be more interested in the development of the player as a person and athlete A great example of this is FC Barcelona’s youth academy La Masia At La Masia the kids receive schooling on and off the pitch as they learn the club’s famous philosophy of play as well as keeping the club’s Catalan roots Local and international talent were guided through the academy and developed technical skills and football intelligence unmatched anywhere else in the world (Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Xavi etc ) In this environment, the players are picked based on their ability at a given age and have the opportunity to learn and flourish as footballers and people Contrast this with the likes of Nick Bollettieri’s academy where the motivation to succeed comes from a less pure place and only the kids with the wealthy famil experience a high level of coaching In other wo development is dependent on a transaction

Barcelona’s development model of patiently supporting heavily influenced by the Dutch model brought to the clu this day the Dutch model of youth development is paving t

Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp was quizzed about youth made a profound point that maybe coaches and parents a that needs to win trophies is the first team The youth tea just need to make their players better ’ Before going on have not just a complete player, but a person who is go something to the world ’

It goes without saying that kids want to be the best they want to be thrown into pressurised environments but th must step in and make a decision in the child's best issue of when players are thrusted into the first team acknowledged

Recently we all marvelled at the success of young I Ferguson was playing for Bohemians FC at the age of 14 a League football Nevermind the obvious physiological dif old and a grown man but what about the short sightedn adult environment at that age? An environment where e wiser find it tough to deal with

The notion of ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ is an outdated ideal now considering the everyday scrutiny of modern athletes and the advances in sport science Unprecedented levels of strength and power tip the scale in favour of the fully developed athlete over the teenager to the point where it is dangerous

Ultimately, sport is play and that is what makes it so universally beloved in every corner of the world Does underage sport have to be this way? No, let kids find their sport and fall in love with it As pro golfer Stacey Lewis said ‘No one needs to be the best in the world at 14 ’