Vol. 71, Issue 25

T he h ighlander

HIGHLANDER NEWS

Students and senators express backlash over the results and handling of the previous senate elections during the fourth ASUCR meeting

AMARAY ALVAREZ Opinions Editor

The fourth Senate Meeting of the quarter was called to order at 7:15 p.m. All Senators were present except BCOE Senator Chloe Au. CHASS Senator Andrew Bui, CHASS Senator Jules Yang and CNAS Senator Kyle Cheng were late to the meeting. All ECAB members were present except VP of Campus Internal Affairs Nassar and Personnel Director Ahluwalia. During the meeting, members of the student body filled the senate chambers. Most were present to continue discussing the recent controversial senate elections.

After approving the agenda and the previous meeting minutes the senate opened the podium for the public forum with several presentations and students requesting to speak. A presentation was first given by representatives of Barnes & Noble to promote their “First Day Complete’’ Program. The program would allow students to access their course textbooks and materials before instruction starts with one fixed price. For the service, students would pay about $19.55 per credit of the courses they are currently enrolled in.

Following the presentation from Barnes & Noble, Russ, a current UCR student and veteran, spoke in favor of the “First Day Complete” Program. He brought to attention an issue that many veteran students face where course textbooks are not identified by faculty until after the first day of instruction causing the textbook to arrive weeks after the start of the course. Certain students, like the veteran community, only purchase textbooks through the bookstore due to the grants they receive. This program would help ensure the professors submit their required textbooks before classes begin.

Connor and Aidan Godoy then addressed the senate to give a presentation about their App proposal for ASUCR that was introduced at the previous meeting. The App would advertise clubs and the times that they meet, allowing students the ability to join and contact them while also RSVP’ing for events. The senators decided to wait on approving the App to allow for more time to talk amongst themselves.

Another presentation was then given via Zoom by UCSA President Alex Niles to promote what UCSA does. Niles discussed UCSA’s campaign goals along with the programs that it conducts like the student lobby conference, UC hill day, student of color conference and Black lobby day.

VPEA Amina Hearns addressed the senate next to advertise The Housing Committee that Hearns sits on and that they are hosting an event to survey students regarding the housing crisis.

Highlander Staff Writer, Mamata Elangovan, came to the podium next to question the discrepancies in the referendums passed and their approval process. Elangovan then proposed the need for a better approval process and more transparency so that students are aware of the amount of time it takes to get full approval for their referendums to make it on the ballot. This would allow student organizations to make adequate preparations.

Next, student body members spoke to the senate regarding the recent elections. During the previous senate elections, a low voter turnout occurred along with around 200 students’ votes being invalidated due to faulty ballots that did not contain all of the candidates. A new election and invalidation of the previous one was proposed to address the issues faced by the first election.

Student Angel Renteria spoke first, claiming that they are disheartened over the previous and any future elections and the lack of transparency from the senate. Renteria also brought up concerns that there is a conversation to invalidate the invalidation of the first election, meaning the original results would stand. Renteria pleaded with the senators to reconsider their roles and what they are getting out of their positions.

Marcell Fullp, a 4th-year BCOE major, spoke next stating that they are unfamiliar with ASUCR and that the organization is boring. Fullp is not in favor of a new election and believes that the first election should not be invalidated because of the fault of the

-elections committee. He also brought up that there is always low voter turnout for these elections and that many of the positions ran unopposed or had no one running, so there is no point.

Student, Justin Tran, spoke after condemning ASUCR and the situation, calling it dumb. Tran also expressed that using social media accounts like Instagram to inform the student body about the election isn’t fair or a valid way to communicate.

Jenny Ortiz, a student member of the extended senate, responded that students only attend the senate meeting when there is an issue, but that they should be listened to. Ortiz called for more transparency and that there should continue to be a new election.

Renteria returned to the podium claiming that ASUCR is gatekept and that is why they are seen as boring. He also added that the senate needs to support the reelection. If not, they are complicit in the corruption that is occuring within ASUCR. As a member of ASUCR, Renteria apologized that they do not have a welcoming environment and shed light on the pipeline of same freshman fellows that remain in office and become executive board.

Transfer Student Director, Dionne Shelton, then responded defending the association and stating that she feels it is welcoming. Shelton joined as a transfer student and stated to the public that if they are tired of nepotism, then they should get involved.

VPEA Hearns reiterated what Shelton said, claiming that everything they do is funded through the students but only the same people apply for their programs. Senator Victoria Nguyen joined the conversation, claiming that they are always in their office and no one ever shows up. Instead, students need to get involved more so that the senate hears outside voices.

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Concerns arise as to whether ASUCR will provide funding for student orgs

AMARAY ALVAREZ

Opinions Editor

Two notable referendums were discussed during the senate meeting.

-not be invalidated because of the fault of the elections committee. He also brought up that there is always low voter turnout for these elections and that many of the positions ran unopposed or had no one running, so there is no point.

Student, Justin Tran, spoke after condemning ASUCR and the situation, calling it dumb. Tran also expressed that using social media accounts like Instagram to inform the student body about the election isn’t fair or a valid way to communicate.

Jenny Ortiz, a student member of the extended senate, responded that students only attend the senate meeting when there is an issue, but that they should be listened to. Ortiz called for more transparency and that there should continue to be a new election.

Renteria returned to the podium claiming that ASUCR is gatekept and that is why they are seen as boring. He also added that the senate needs to support the reelection. If not, they are complicit in the corruption that is occuring within ASUCR. As a member of ASUCR, Renteria apologized that they do not have a welcoming environment and shed light on the pipeline of same freshman fellows that remain in office and become executive board.

Transfer Student Director, Dionne Shelton, then responded defending the association and stating that she feels it is welcoming. Shelton joined as a transfer student and stated to the public that if they are tired of nepotism, then they should get involved.

VPEA Hearns reiterated what Shelton said, claiming that everything they do is funded through the students but only the same people apply for their programs. Senator Victoria Nguyen joined the conversation, claiming that they are always in their office and no one ever shows up. Instead, students need to get involved more so that the senate hears outside voices.

PPT Aalani Richardson stated that everyone is frustrated with the recall and that the senators and members of ASUCR are willing to listen to the student body.

New Business then began with the main topic being the 2023-2024 ASUCR Elections. Elections Director Trinh came to the podium stating that the vote to have a new election during the last meeting did not follow Roberts Rule of Orders and is not valid. The Elections Committee instead voted to overturn the vote and have a new election, but the Elections Committee does not want a reelection. Trinh claimed that her committee felt pressured by President Mufida Assaf into changing their vote to approve the new election.

PPT Richardson and EVP Myra Usmani questioned which rule was broken and why the vote was not valid if motions are typically added at any time during their meetings and that this is the first time it is being revoked.

Senator Hunt spoke, saying that they are new and did not follow this pipeline; instead, they have wanted to make a difference. He stated, however, that during his time as a part of the senate he has felt attacked by other senators and the executive cabinet.

Senator Hemant Hari echoed what Hunt said stating that he has also felt attacked or that his opinion was not valid.

Several senators and members of ECAB responded regarding the statements made by Senators Hunt and Hari apologizing for their experiences.

EVP Usmani responded also apologizing but stating that this is the first year that t here has been a mostly female and POC board. EVP Usmani has experienced being told that she is too bold and aggressive. She has been belittled by others but restated that their role requires them to be fierce and stand their ground.

Senator Shukan Shah also backed up EVP Usmani and told Senator Hari, that as a woman it is hard to be in a male-dominated space. She continued that if women come off as aggressive, it is because they have also experienced the same problems mentioned by Senators Hunt and Hari.

Bringing the conversation back to the election, Senator Shah asked for clarification why the Elections Director has been posting on Instagram about the new election and why it hasn’t been advertised to other groups. Shah also asked why there was one open and one closed vote done by the Elections Committee.

Trinh responded that the vote was done for the comfortability of the committee and that nothing was confirmed, so they did not know how to proceed.

President Assaf stated that she did communicate and the decision for the reelection was clear. She also spoke with the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs regarding the elections.

PPT Richardson then asked Trinh to expand on how her committee felt pressured into their decisions. Trinh proceeded to read text messages from her members that claimed President Assaf spoke down to them and that it was not their fault due to having limited training.

Members of the Judicial then joined the conversation stating that the voting to allow a new election during the last meeting should have been done in new business but wasn’t, which was why it was invalidated.

Chief Justice Arias stated that the main argument Judicial has is that the vote was not an agenda item added 48 hours in advance. There were many topics mentioned during the meeting that had to be tabled and something as big as a new election should not be decided in one meeting. The Judicial Board is not in favor of a new election and believes the decision was rushed. A formal complaint against the vote and senate was also issued which is why Judicial is now further involved in the election.

Before taking a 15 minute recess, President Assaf walked to the podium to address the members of the chamber along with the senate. Assaf unhappily welcomed those present from Kappa Sigma and stated that Senators Hunt and Hari are members of an organization that has a bad history with the senate. She apologized for sounding rude, but continued to state that Kappa Sigma is a dangerous organization that has harmed the campus community.

Following the recess, formal procedures on how to move forward invalidating the first election and proceeding with a new election were discussed by the senate and judicial. If the issue were to be tabled, the election would not have time to be conducted as May 12 is the last day students can vote. A decision would have to take place during the meeting so that senators can know if they need to continue campaigning or if the first results would hold up.

For the rest, please visit the Highlander website for more. ■ H

Water in Central Valley contains harmful amounts of manganese

MATA ELANGOVAN Staff Writer

According to a study conducted by the Environmental Science and Technology journal, a branch of ACS publications, it was found that over 1.3 million Californians get their water from unmonitored domestic wells and that these wells have high concentrations of manganese in them. A domestic well is a groundwater well that supplies water for the needs of a small community, they are often unregulated and privately owned, meaning that it is up to the well owner to maintain water standards. Additional health studies found that high levels of Manganese (Mn) can lead to adverse health effects, and that concentrations of Mn previously thought to be safe, may actually prove to be harmful to vulnerable populations like infants and children.

Communities that get their water from domestic wells rely on water that often goes unregulated and has greater risk of exposure to contaminants than other systems due to the lack of oversight by state and federal drinking water agencies. They are often shallower, and because of that, have a higher likelihood of Mn dissolution. The research conducted on this article is centered in the Central Valley, which currently uses one-third of domestic well users in the state.

Smaller water systems report concentrations of Mn less than larger systems, which often leads to them having more people in the population relying on drinking water with a higher Mn concentration than the advised limit. Domestic well communities (DWC) compared with the socioeconomic scale of the Central Valley region report higher levels of poverty in DWCs. Community water system users have easier access to water treatment and clean water, but the costs may be a considerable financial burden compared to domestic well communities.

Various proposals were made to lower Mn levels in DWCs which include but are not limited to changing well depth to avoid higher Mn concentrations seeping through into groundwater (which may work in some areas but not others due to other extenuating factors). Point of use treatment to treat Mn comes at a high cost and maintenance per unit. Consolidating DWCs onto pre-existing community well systems would have better monitoring of water quality and treated water, but it is not something that the state can enforce.

Overall, the study calls for a greater amount of research conducted regarding Mn contaminations of domestic well communities and community water systems in order to better understand the side effects of contamination, as well as research more methods of mitigating Mn levels in water systems. They mention that many advocacy groups are calling for increased focus on DWCs and the people that live there when considering large scale monitoring projects. Through increased funding, scientists will not only be able to conduct more research regarding the topic, but nonprofits and advocacy groups will be able to increase access to clean water sources for people living in these communities. ■ H

UCR opens new labor center to research and address Inland Empire labor issues

New $500,000 allocation allows for a new UCR labor center that follows in the mold of previous UC labor centers, while bringing a new focus to the Inland Empire.

Contributing

Writer

For decades, Labor Centers at the University of California Berkeley, Los Angeles, and recently Merced, have provided research, education, and policy work with a focus on workers and labor issues.Yet, thanks to a new 13 million dollar allocation from the state budget, these centers of research and education are being expanded to 5 new UC’s, including UC Riverside. With a $500,000 allocation from the overall 13 million, UCR was able to set up the Inland Empire Labor and Community Center this March.

The University of California system has a long history with labor centers, with the first centers established at UCLA and UC Berkeley in the 1960’s. These existing labor centers have worked through various means to advance “research, teaching, and public service for all of the people of California.” This ranges from policy research on wage theft and conditions in low-wage industries, to initiatives to connect working class people with good careers, according to the directors of the UC Berkeley, UCLA, And UC Merced labor centers. However, these centers had not expanded beyond UC Berkeley and UCLA, with the exception of UC Merced in 2020. This 13 million dollar allocation represents the single largest budget increase to the UC labor centers since the founding of the first

At Riverside, the co-directors of UCR’s new labor center, the Inland Empire Labor and Community Center (IELCC), have echoed this sentiment. Faculty co-director Marissa Brookes, an associate professor of political science at UCR, saw the creation of the IELCC as especially important in the wake of the pandemic. Brookes states, “We are excited to finally have this space on our campus because we’ve known for years that workers in our region struggle with economic insecurity. It’s vitally important to ensure that the conditions facing local workers are part of the statewide economic recovery conversation.”

The IELCC will be modeled after the existing labor centers in the UC system, with a specific lens on the Inland Empire as well as California at large. In its mission statement, the new center says that through “research and our engagement with local communities and UCR students we seek to promote good jobs…in ways that are beneficial to our communities and are environmentally sustainable,…educate and empower the next generation of community and labor leaders, to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our regional and state economy, and to expand and improve the rights of workers and immigrants.”

To achieve these lofty aspirations, the labor center has assembled a faculty team that consists of Michael Bates, assistant professor of economics, Richard T. Rodríguez, professor of English. Brookes, alongside Ellen Reese, professor of sociology, serve as faculty co-directors. In addition to this, the IELCC works in partnership with a 14 member Community Advisory Committee which includes local labor organizations and community organizers.

The IELCC seeks to achieve its mission through its “plan[s] to connect UCR students directly to worker organizations in the Inland Empire region through hands-on and high impact educational opportunities,” according to faculty co-director Reese. One such opportunity is the IELCC’s Labor Summer, which is a fellowship program that will connect students with host organizations for a paid summer internship to gain experience working with and learning about labor issues.

The research aspect of the IELCC is also already underway, with the center starting two initiatives. According to a news release, these projects involve “high road training partnerships and labor standards related to the electrification of logistics, particularly medium and heavy-duty delivery trucks [and] labor market trends and inequalities in the Inland Empire and strategies for improving them and making the regional economy more just and environmentally sustainable.”

More information about the IELCC can be found on their website: https://ielcc.ucr.edu/ ■ H

This increased level of the toxic element may prove to be harmful to vulnerable populations.

EMYR ORTIZ

New lab on the block: the Emotion and Society Lab

ALEXANDRA ARCENAS Contributing Writer

A new research study on campus becomes a center for exchanging new philosophical concepts

A new interdisciplinary lab joined the UCR Campus November of 2022 in hopes to improve the emotional well-being of others and uncover societal influence in emotional responses. The joint lab, with faculty from both inside and outside the UCR community, provides opportunities for students to be involved in philosophical discussions and experience personal, emotional growth. The Emotion and Society lab is under the direction of Myisha Cherry, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Riverside.

Professor Cherry’s research interests “lies at the intersection of moral psychology and social and political philosophy”. She has written about “political emotion, race, and justice,” for various magazines, such as the Los Angeles Times, the Huffington post, and The Atlantic. Cherry has written books, spoken for the media, and hosts her own podcast to spread awareness on how emotional responses, mainly anger, fuels political solutions.

Now she is taking on a new project: spearheading The Emotion and Society lab, which focuses on explaining various questions by having collaborative discussions and using philosophical theories to better explain how emotions control people’s behavior and how we should act given emotional input.

One way the lab is conducting research and developing solutions to societal problems is by hosting the “So Emotional” Book Club. The event is open to everyone and takes place once a month, on a Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The purpose of this activity is to become familiar with popular books from philosophers, neuroscientists, and psychologists. Then as a group, discuss how to wield emotions in a productive and responsible way. This is one example that Cherry’s team is using to engage the public to expand people’s emotional intelligence and philosophical understanding. The information to register for the book club can be found on the Emotion and Society Lab’s website, under the events tab.

Another event that they are hosting is the “Works in Progress” series. Although only open to graduate students and faculty, the meetings are similar to the UCR Psychology Department’s brown bag talks or similar workshop experiences. These presentations will take place on zoom and give a chance for graduate students and faculty to present and receive critiques on their up and coming projects. This series happens every month on the first Tuesday at 11am. There are scheduled speakers till July. Registration may also be found under the events lab.

Both outreach methods are to change the construct of how we see emotion, how we act upon it and advertise the impact society has on emotion and vice versa. The lab is meant to be a core network of researchers that support each other to answer questions that surround the idea of emotions, the limitations of emotions, and society’s impact on emotions.

Because the lab is populated with collaborators from different universities, there are various articles being published in a relatively short time span. For instance, the more recent articles published in 2022, are “Commemoration and Emotional Imperialism” by Aldred Archer of Tilbury University in the Netherlands and “Taking the Warp from the Weft: Gendered Anger in the Lienüzhuan” by Alba Curry of University of Leeds in England and Rachel Achs of The Queens College in England.

Archer’s article studies how commemoration of an item can actually produce violence and injustice for those who do not wish to participate in the commemoration. He also argues that forcing commemoration enables cultural imperialism, in this context has been dubbed emotional imperialism. Curry and Achs’s pointed to the difference between male and female anger as represented and perceived. They conclude by using the Lienüzhuan, a collection of biographical stories of respected ancient Chinese women, that the public’s view on each genders’ anger stems from the “desire for payback and status” (Curry & Raphals, 2022).

From the various topics the articles cover, they all compliment each other to explain the powerful political or persuasion tool that is the use of emotion. While trying to come up with answers and explanations to the questions of interest, the lab also is looking to non-western philosophical concepts in hopes to circulate new ideas, which will broaden “our understanding of our emotional lives.”

If interested in participating with the lab’s events or reading their published articles, then visit the lab’s website, or by searching Emotion and Society Lab. ■ H

The Inland Empires’ warehouse boom is plaguing

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Inland Empire, once desirable for its affordable housing, is currently facing a housing crisis while simultaneously experiencing an overpopulation of warehouses. Warehouses have become the main economy and more are being built on land once zoned for housing. Warehouses are increasing at a rate five times faster than population growth in this region and are not slowing down anytime soon. With more and more warehouses appearing every year, it is clear that the interests of companies are being prioritized over the citizens who live in the area and experience the negative effects that come from living near them.

While the main benefit often boasted when a new warehouse opens is that it’ll bring more jobs, the jobs being presented are not ones of quality. Warehouses like Amazon overwork their employees through labor intensive positions. Most people who have worked a warehouse job will speak unfavorably about the conditions of the facility. These jobs presented do not outweigh the other costs that result from being in proximity to warehouses. Instead these companies prey on the community as limited skills are needed and the positions often have quick turn around rates.

The environmental conditions that arise from the warehouses are also a concern. Warehouses do not directly produce harmful emissions, but the trucks and other traffic attracted to them result in a lower air quality throughout the region. According to a report released in March by the U.S. House of Representatives, counties within the Inland Empire have some of the worst air quality in the United States. The same report also found that California’s 39th Congressional District, which includes parts of Jurupa Valley, Riverside, Moreno Valley, and Perris, fails to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for both fine particulate matter and ozone. The pollutants that the community is exposed to then increases the risk for respiratory diseases. Not only do the trucks worsen the air quality, they also bring longer commutes due to the added traffic. Yet another problem exacerbated by the warehouses.

A new problem being faced by the warehouses is an increased housing shortage. Land once designated for housing is being given to large corporations to build more warehouses and further plaque the Inland Empire. Affordable housing is a concern throughout California and is an especially prevalent issue for students of UC Riverside. Campus housing does not satisfy the needs of the campus population causing most students to find housing in the surrounding communities. Now the cost of rent is increasing due to a lack of housing. Downzoning is occurring where land once suitable for land is being labeled as unsuitable now and being rezoned for industrial use. The Inland Empire Utility Agency recently proposed a 9.3 million square feet logistics center on top of a residential neighborhood that, if approved, will displace residents and stop the building of the additional homes that were once proposed there.

The warehouse boom occurring in the Inland Empire is unfavorable and undesired by the community yet more continue to be added. The negative effects that they cause are not offset by the “jobs” they bring. The cities and counties actively participating in allowing more warehouses to be built are not looking out for the needs of their citizens. They are being bought out by the corporations and only care about their own greed. Moratoriums on warehouses should be introduced along with stricter environmental standards that already standing warehouses must abide by. Affordable housing and a decent quality of life should not be substituted for more warehouses. ■ H

The Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR of the Univeristy of california system

The interests of warehouses and outside communities are being prioritized over the citizens who call the IE home.

Caste discrimination: righting an old wrong

California’s new Senate Bill 403 addresses a greatly unrecognized yet important type of discrimination

CECILE DIROLL Contributing Writer

Last month, the California Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 403, legislation that would explicitly add discrimination based on caste to the state’s anti-discrimination laws. With hundreds of supporters and opponents rallying in Sacramento, the bill addresses a controversial and widely misunderstood issue in the U.S. that primarily affects the South Asian diaspora. Due to increasing incidences of caste-based discrimination in the state, S.B. 403 should be passed to prohibit this type of discrimination explicitly.

Caste discrimination still exists and affects many in the U.S. as Equity Labs, a co-sponsor of the bill, reported that 67% of Dalits reported unfair treatment due to their caste. Caste is an exclusionary system that ranks people at birth, with one’s caste determining every aspect of their life including jobs, marriage and worship. The system dates back thousands of years and is heavily rooted in the Hindu religion. Dalits — formerly called the “untouchables” — are at the bottom of the social order, with four other higher-level groups rounding out the stratification order. It can be indicated by a specific surname, region or district of family descent and vegetarianism.

Senator Aisha Wahab, the first elected Muslim and Afghan- American to the State Senate, introduced the bill after hearing many constituents’ concerns about caste-based discrimination in the East Bay Area and Silicon Valley. Several notable examples of caste-based discrimination in the tech industry recently made headlines. Last year, a Dalit activist speaker invited to talk about caste discrimination at Google was canceled after some employees complained that the presentation was “offensive to Hindus.” In 2020, a former Cisco Systems employee also alleged he experienced caste-based discrimination in the workplace.

Caste-based discrimination also occurs at other public establishments such as businesses, workplaces, housing, and schools. For example, Senator Wahab received reports of South Asian employees using “separate bathrooms at restaurants…versus the people owning the restaurants.” In addition, one of Berkeley’s wealthiest landlords was convicted of sex trafficking 25 Indian minors to the U.S. who were mostly Dalit individuals in 2001.

Opponents of SB 403 argue that the bill is “unconstitutional” and will specifically target Hindus and Indian Americans who are commonly associated with the caste system — providing an “additional basis for anti-Asian bias.” While concern about caste-related issues being weaponized by non-Asian Americans is valid, caste-discriminated individuals deserve civil rights protection. Moreover, since SB 403 is neutral regarding the origins and nature of caste systems, it is difficult to argue that the bill will result in reverse discrimination. Nevertheless, if targeting were to occur, existing state anti-discrimination laws based on race would legally protect Hindu communities.

Opponents are also raising questions about how the bill will enforce an “invisible” bias that is not easily detectable and has no clear data showing this type of discrimination exists. However, many forms of discrimination can also constitute “invisible” biases and prejudices. To prove workplace discrimination, Californians must demonstrate that they were treated unjustly based on a protected characteristic despite being qualified and performing satisfactorily. S.B. 403 will state “caste” as a protected characteristic and provides caste-discriminated individuals a tool to protect themselves from unfair treatment.

In illuminating this very uncomfortable issue, S.B. 403 has raised deep emotions among California’s South Asian community. Though India officially abolished its caste system in 1950, discrimination based on caste continues. Passage of S.B. 403 will not only serve to protect caste-oppressed people, but it will also give them the confidence to report caste bias. Moreover, expanding the scope of California’s antidiscrimination laws to include “caste” is a step forward in recognizing and responding to all forms of discrimination.

K-12 students reserve the right to wear whatever clothing they find comfortable, even to formal events

Dress codes that go so far as to exclude students for expressing themselves appropriately

SONALI WHITTLE

Contributing Writer

The expression of the self is a topic that causes controversy in different areas. Some disapprove of the ways that younger individuals choose to express themselves either through clothing or other accessories. In some cases, students are met with strict codes and rules that are enforced which can prevent one’s expression of self. In the case of B Hayes, an 18 year old senior at Nashville Christian School in Tennessee, what should have been a fun, eventful night for Hayes ended up exposing problems with the school’s dress code and concept of femininity.

As Hayes tried to enter the venue where the senior prom was being hosted, they were denied entry because they chose to wear a suit to the occasion. In a caption on a viral Instagram post they wrote: “I should not have to conform to femininity to attend my senior prom.” When asked about the incident, Nashville Christian said they “respect a student’s right to disagree” but apparel guidelines were communicated to the students prior to the event.

Although the school can hide behind the guise of simply following the rules and dress code provided, rules are not always morally justifiable. In this instance Hayes choosing not to wear a suit is not harmful, and is simply an expression of themself during a special occasion.

Hayes could have conformed to the dress code, but a big part of enjoying what is a quintessential high school experience starts with feeling comfortable. At an age where peer acceptance is at its height, schools should support students dressing in a way that does not immediately conform to a need for external validation. Had they worn a dress, not only would it have been inauthentic to Hayes, it could have ruined the quality of an experience that only happens once. The school did not have to be as harsh in enforcing the dress code since the suit was appropriate and inoffensive.

This incident is a perfect example of an institution overstepping and taking control of how a young student can express themselves. This sort of censorship over self-expression occurs all over the country. Although it is understandable to have some limits and rules as to what a student can wear at a school or school function, this was not at all justified or necessary

are overreaching.

Courtesy of Pexels

State Senator Dave Min’s drunk driving is an example of how disappointing politicians are

YSABEL NAKASONE Assistant Opinions Editor

California State Senator from Irvine, Dave Min, was pulled over in Sacramento after driving without his headlights on and running a red light. A blood alcohol test revealed he had exceeded the legal limit after he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Senator Min is the front-running Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives in the California 47th. This choice may cost Senator Min the party and voter support he needs to win a congressional race.

Already dubbed “DUI Dave” by Republican competitors, Senator Min released a statement apologizing for his actions in a social media post. People responded, understandably, with frustration, anger and disappointment. The State Senator has been endorsed by Representative, and Senate candidate, Katie Porter and a number of others in his congressional run, and there is a question as to how his endorsees will respond. The California GOP is already utilizing this incident in their favor, calling on his supporters to question his candidacy. The blowback of this incident is undeniable, and there is no denying it is warranted.

The DUI arrest of a California lawmaker in Sacramento is something of a commonality as four different legislators were confronted with charges from 2010 to 2014. Furthermore, Min’s apology appears to be going a long way, at least in the view of California Senate leadership as Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins made a statement saying, “Like Senator Min, we’re disappointed in his actions, but pleased that he’s taken responsibility and apologized.”

However, this incident may cost Californians any moonshot at a rational and issue-based campaign and Democrats a House seat they desperately need to hold onto. With this incident, David Min might lose widespread support, but this doesn’t mean Democrats have lost the seat. The campaign of Democrat Joanna Weiss might be where the party throws its weight behind.

The California 47th encompasses Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach and is a major focus in the 2024 election as Democrats try to take five seats and control of the House. The party might have to abandon the candidate in order to reach its ultimate goal of a Democratic majority in the House.

This incident was the height of stupidity for the Senator in what is already a very close race. Drunk driving has always been a selfish crime with no excuse. This incident may be a sticking point for voters. It’s obvious that it will hurt Senator Min’s chances, but what this means for the California Democratic party is still unclear. It may be time for the Senator to step aside and withdraw from the race to preserve any chance of a worthwhile race and election. ■ H

THE HOPE PLACED IN DAVE MIN’S CAMPAIGN IN CALIFORNIA’S 47TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WAS FOUND TO BE MISPLACED AFTER HIS DUI.

What went wrong in your last relationship?

YSABEL NAKASONE Assistant Opinions Editor

Pisces(February19 -March20):Fiveof Pentacles

Taurus(April20-May 20):HighPriestess

CourtesyofPexels CourtesyofPexels CourtesyofPexels

Aquarius(January20-February18):King ofWands

Youwerebothkeepingsecretsfromeachother, decimatingthetrust neededto maintain yourrelationship.Thelyingwasasignthatneitherofyoufeltlikeyoucouldbeyourselfwiththeotherperson,butneitherofyousaw thesigns.

Theself-sufficiency youshowedmade yourpartneruncomfortable and inadequate.Theyweren’t matureenoughyet toappreciatetheimportanceofhavingan equalpartnershipand what real emotional supportlookslike.

Theendofyourlastrelaittionshipwasjustbecause was time. The relation-shiphadrunitsnatural course and it was time to move on.You learnedthewhatyouneededtoand feelingsjustweren’t thereanymore.

AprilAries(March21Cups19):KnightofendedYourlastrelationshipstagnant.becauseitgot Everythingyourselvesfromcommunicationto asindividu-Youalsstoppedgrowing. thingsbothstoppeddoing youlikedorthethingsyouliked together.

CourtesyofPexels

Capricorn (December 22January 19): King of Pentacles

You and your partner had both reevaluated your priorities and decided that the relationship wasn’t what you needed. However, this wasn’t a joint decision, but more of a subconscious one on both sides. It felt out of nowhere, yet somehow uncomplicated.

knew why it was happening.

fights and you both

dramatic end with

of deep wounds and a painful ending. This was a

of Swords speaks

betrayal. The Ten

The relationship ended because of a

Four of Cups

December 21):

Scorpio(October23 -November21):King ofCups newYoustartedtakingon responsibilitiesandmadenewopportunitiesthat yourpartnerfeeltosmall.Theyneededyoucouldbemediocresothey feelmore success-fulandthatenergywas stifling.

Earth

-Libra(September23 October22):Tenof Pentacles

Thisrelationshipended Thisbecauseofyou,Libra. relationshipshould forbeateachingmoment sameyoubecauseitisthe leadingissuesthatkeep totheendof these connections for fromyou.Youneedtolearn thepastandgrow ratherthanjumpinginto relationshipslikethey’re goingtofixyou.

CourtesyofPexels

Earth signs are steady. They are the unmoving ground beneath your feet and the people you can count on. A person is only as good as their word, and Earth signs keep their promises in spades. Earth signs are inherently logical and goal-oriented. It can be their weakness to miss intricacies along the way because they focus on the end product. Surprisingly, earth signs are sometimes seen as materialistic. However, they also put a high value on security, whether it be

Virgo(August23 -September22): Wheel of Fortune

Leo(July23-August 22):Empress

Your emotions were tooraw,tooreal,and too much to be rational orlonglasting.This firewasbright,but it burnt out fast. The emotions clouded yourjudgmentand whentheycooled, theyweren’tenough toforceyoutoignore everythingthatwas wrongwithyour partner.

felt about you.

influenced how they

got out of control and

thought of yourself

How little you

affect your partner.

your relationship and

self-doubt to penetrate

You allowed your

June 20): Moon

Gemini (May 21 -

Courtesy of Pexels Courtesy of Pexels

Cancer (June 21July 22): Four of Wands e ree of Wands indicates a time of expansion and progress. You were starting an important journey outside of your relationship and your partner could not support it because it came at the expense of being there for them constantly. Your need to grow and ourish wasn’t something they could handle.

Unfortunately,youandyourpartnerwerejust blatantlyincompatible.Yourvalues weremisalignedandyouhadgoalsthatraninoppositional directions.Bythetime therelationshipwasover,youweretotallydisconnectedfromeach other.

Let the cards tell you what caused your breakup

CourtesyofPexels

Senior farewell: Saying goodbye and thank you to three introspective years at UC Riverside

JAELYN GONZALEZ Assistant Radar Editor

Until my time at the Highlander, I have never considered myself a writer. In my eyes, I did not have the eloquence and expressiveness of someone worth being called a writer. For the longest time, I did not believe I was good at anything that fell into my hands.

From a young age, my dear mother and father tried to keep me active by getting me involved with everything and anything possible. Sports, music, STEM, arts, dance and the list goes on. Nothing stuck with me.

As a child, my family moved all over Los Angeles County. From Covina to Diamond Bar, it felt never-ending. In the summer of 2015, my parents told me once more my family would be packing up, but this time for Riverside County. I met with a counselor at my new middle school to register for my courses. My mother handed him a tightly sealed envelope with my 7th-grade teacher’s recommendation to enter the rigorous math course, which I felt I was truly great at. He took a long look at the letter with the signature and pushed it aside.

“The math is different here than at your old school,” he told my 12-year-old self with a look of devastation.

Throughout the year, I reached discouragement from pursuing my favorite activities and questioned my ability to perform them. This feeling continued throughout high school, as well as college.

I began studying at UC Riverside fall of 2020. After being stuck inside for months, I tried to socialize and be proactive in my community activism. I joined the ASUCR Office of External Affairs, where I dabbled around in the Lobby Corps and the Civic Engagement Committee. I spent a year and a half with ASUCR, eventually parting ways as Director of Civic Engagement. Yet, I never felt my contributions made a true impact in Riverside.

In 2021, a friend within the Lobby Corps encouraged me to look into the Roosevelt Network at UCR, a new public policy organization. My dream of becoming a lawyer died, as most political science students do. Instead, I grew an interest in research and political communications. While I met some of the most brilliant students, I did not feel an ounce of belonging.

That was until the summer of 2021 when I got a call for an interview with KUCR 88.3FM, the college radio station. I applied to be a DJ in my first year of college, back when there was nothing to do but listen to music. I trained, then onboarded, and have not looked back since. The community and enthusiasm within the station are unbelievable. I am appreciative of all the staff and DJs at KUCR.

Toward the end of my second year, I took a flight to Washington, D.C. to intern at a non-profit for three months. During this period, I began to figure out my path. While staying at the UCDC center, I took a journalism course with the Professor of Professional Practice and previous Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Chronicle, Marc Sandalow. I would sit in his office asking questions in hopes of clearing my vision for my senior year, and he delivered. Professor Sandalow pushed me to do what I was afraid to do — journalism.

He encouraged me to join The Highlander when I returned back to California. I told him I am not a writer and explained my lack of confidence. I compared myself to great essayists like James Baldwin and Joan Didion. I thought to myself, I did not have an intricate mind like them or used extravagant language. He pointed out to me, I have been writing all my life. He laid out my capstone project to me, which was a journalist piece on the UC housing crisis. Professor Sandalow reassured me of my talents pulling details and original thoughts from the piece. After all the doubt that had been built from the age of 12, I was given the push I needed to be self-assured about following my true interests. Later on, The Highlander hired me as the Assistant Radar Editor.

Since then, I have spent the past year at one of the best places to be. With an amazing and supportive staff, I could not ask for anymore. From extensive interviews to the Sundance Film Festival, I will remember the paper to be one of the most important jumpstarts to my career. I would like to give a special thank you to Brenda Jovel and Madison Rheins for giving me the opportunity to be creative and trusting all my ideas.

As my senior year comes to a close, I remember my time at UC Riverside as a beautiful transformative period in my life. My message to anyone who has uncertainty about their capabilities to pursue their passions is to give yourself a chance. People can test your aptitude and surround you with discouragement, but it is ultimately up to you to unleash your potential and creative self.

Thank you to Alumni Vivek Kakar, Brendan Rooks, Emily Thomas and John Dover for inspiring me to be an advocate and leader for my community. To my coworkers whose collaborations always lead to phenomenal projects, thank you, Gavin Cho, Madyn Powell, Zaina Ali and Chiamaka Ezeunala. Thank you to my leads and supervisors, Elliot Fong and Eduardo Valencia for believing in my proposals. To my professors who motivated me to reach greater heights, Dr. Richard T. Rodríguez, Professor Michael Bucklin and Marc Sandalow. And to my parents, who supported me all throughout my life, mamá y papá. I hope to achieve and reach for more in the next period of my life. Thank you to the Highlander for this opportunity and to the UC Riverside community for an amazing three years.

AFTER MANY YEARS OF TRIAL AND ERROR, I LEAVE CAMPUS WITH A BRIGHTER PERSPECTIVE.

COURTESY OF HIGHLANDER NEWS

Linn’s Burger Reviews: The Barn burger is the best burger on campus!

The Getaway Cafe and the Habit cannot compare to this delightful bite, certified by Linn!

JAELYN GONZALEZ Assistant Radar Editor

With a line almost out the door, the Barn on a Thursday night is one of the busiest times to catch a quick meal. However, the bustling crowd of the restaurant is indeed worth the wait.

The Barn was indeed a barn, back when UC Riverside was UC Los Angeles’ agricultural extension. Since then, the Barn has undergone immense changes throughout the years. Recently, the Barn was remodeled to hold more people in its indoor and outdoor spaces, even renovating its concert venue space into an outdoor entertainment space.

The restaurant also has a full bar, equipped with $5 margaritas and a wide assortment of beers and wine. Most drinks come with a collectible Barn-branded cup, suitable for the random assortment of cups in your dishware cabinet.

The main menu from the Barn is divided into two, hot and ready BBQ food and the grill menu. Both of which you can use meal swipes and dining dollars. However, nothing on the menu has any vegetables, which is a common complaint from students. Burger options include “The Barn Classic Burger,” a simple cheeseburger, and the “BBQ Lasso Burger,” a BBQ and bacon cheeseburger. You can also replace the beef with chicken options paired with the same flavors offered on the burger menu. Halal beef and chicken are also available by request, which is a difficult option to find on campus. The restaurant also offers a full vegan menu and sides of fries and onion rings.

As a burger connoisseur, “the Barn classic burger” was a must-try and it can be confirmed to be the best on campus. The burger was paired with “Barn fries,” which are steak fries seasoned with “Barn seasoning,” also known as cajun seasoning. As one who prefers other cuts of fries, this side was still a delectable addition to the burger.

At the time of arrival, the burger was the slightest bit dry but was cured by the edition of a dollop of ketchup. The finely chopped lettuce and well-melted cheese were the perfect mixture in the burger combination. However, the tomato on the burger was humongous. The slice was too large to be consumed and had to be removed to move forward with the review. Yet, the patty made up for its veggie proportions. The patty is thick and better than the Habit’s burnt-thin patty or the Getaway Cafe’s K-12 public school cafeteria-style burger.

A few lackings include the burger’s need for a paper wrap, as it can get messy, and its price, a whopping $11 for a burger and fries. Despite all the minor deductions, the burger is definitely worth the cash. It is one of the few quality meals you can get on campus and out beats all of the burger options at UC Riverside. Pair the burger with the strawberry lemonade and you have the perfect spring treat!

Are you a la-la or okay-okay person?

Take this quiz to find out which of the TikTok famous personality archetypes matches you better!

1. How do you like to start your morning?

a) Exercising

b) Journaling

c) Listening to music

NATALIE DAL

Writer

2. What is your zodiac sign element?

a) Fire

b) Water

c) Air

d) Earth

4. What animal would you want as your companion?

a) Bunny

b) Black cat

c) Golden retriever

d) Bearded dragon

6. How do you like to structure your weekends?

a) Plan event for every minute of the day

b) Get a loose, flexible plan

c

) Create a list of activities for inspiration

d) Ultimate go-with-the-flow

d) Making coffee

3. What are you most afraid of?

a) Being left alone

b) Heights

c) Spiders

d) The ocean

5. How would you describe your style?

a) Cottagecore

b) Athlesuire

c) Preppy

d)Grunge

7. What is your favorite music genre?

a) Oldies

b) Indie

c) Pop

d) Rock

If you answered mostly A or C: You’re a la-la person through and through. Because you’re a social butterfly, you love keeping your schedule packed and are always surrounded by friends. You’re filled with energy and passion to take on the world!

If you answered mostly B or D: You’re definitely an okayokay type of person. You’re a great listener who values introspection and taking time to stop and smell the roses. Your chill, laid-back

Contributing

Courtesy of Jaelyn Gonzalez

‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ has no magic present

Disney’s latest live-action fairy tale has nothing that makes it sparkle.

RAMITA SETTY Staff Writer

All the ingredients needed to make “Peter Pan & Wendy” a fun, swashbuckling adventure are present, but it fails to fully come across. Perhaps that is due to how often this story has been adapted for the screen. At a certain point, a level of creativity is needed to make it stand out from the rest, and this adaptation lacks that.

What makes Neverland so different from London, England? Where is the sense of wonder — the child’s paradise that exists for the imagination to run wild? Neverland here is nothing more than a series of sprawling cliffs, a haunting cave and a semi-impressive treehouse hideaway. Serviceable to the idea of Neverland, but the film fails to truly evoke any wonder or magic Neverland is meant to have. The VFX is not terrible – contrary to the early stills provided, the movie isn’t a completely dull CGI sludge fest of grays. Occasionally, Tinker Bell’s face (Yara Shahidi) may slide into the uncanny valley territory, but the visuals for the rest of the movie are fine.

As the title of the movie suggests, this adaptation places a greater focus on Wendy than the original story did. Wendy is a young girl on the verge of growing up but is reluctant to leave behind her childhood, worried that becoming an adult means she will never have fun again. There is a brief speech Wendy’s mother gives her at the beginning of the movie about the need of being a good role model for her brothers, placing a set of expectations on her that will ring familiar to any eldest child watching this movie. Wendy’s bond with her brother is brought up a couple of times, but never fully explored. This means we don’t get to see the full extent of how this pressure of being the oldest affects her, and it hinders her development as a character. It does not help that John (Joshua Pickering) and Michael (Jacobi Jupe) each have so little personality that they are more or less interchangeable.

Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) and his grungy set of Lost Boys have the same childish bravado and charm that made them so loveable across countless adaptations. Between all its members, the little tribe of the Lost Boys has enough zany one-liners to provide a comedic element to the rest of the movie. Peter Pan is trying his best, but he never quite feels like a protagonist of his own on Wendy’s level, despite being one-half of the movie’s title.

But easily the best part of this movie is Jude Law’s Captain Hook. He’s humorous but still menacing enough that he can feel like a genuine threat. Throughout all the various increasingly dire situations Hook finds himself in his vain quest to vanquish Peter Pan once and for all, Law manages to navigate it with a particular aplomb that will make him this movie’s saving grace and is perhaps the sole thing that will make the movie not a half-bad way to spend a rainy day.

Verdict:

Aside from Jude Law’s performance, “Peter Pan & Wendy” has nothing that elevates it to the true level of imagination and escapism Disney movies of the past have managed to evoke. It is, however, still a fun way to spend 90 minutes of your day.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ cements its status as one of the best films in the MCU

An emotional rollercoaster that closes the book on the team’s trilogy through the cosmos.

THRISTINE M. MAGALLANES

Contributing Writer

Released on May 4, 2023, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” follows our rag-tag team of heroes as they combat the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). Led by Chris Pratt’s character, Star-Lord, the team now has an impending set of circumstances regarding saving the life of their beloved Guardian, Rocket (Bradley Cooper). Throughout the film, there are multiple flashbacks and deep dives into the backstory of Rocket and his time with the High Evolutionary. He was once regarded as simply “P13” while his full tag was “89P13.” The High Evolutionary’s sole purpose was to create the perfect society, by any means necessary. The majority of his first subjects were animals, or as he deems ‘“lower life forms,” and attempted to speed up the evolutionary processes to have them become human-animal hybrids. His character is something that Hollywood has not seen in a while — a villain with no feelings of remorse whatsoever towards those that he affects.

This movie fulfills many of the character arcs we have come to know and grow with since 2014 when the first “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie came out. Everyone’s journey into becoming a member of a team of misfits is explored beautifully throughout the movie. Pratt’s character development from being hung up over Gamora is explored and even a topic of discussion as his ability to lead the Guardians is called into question by the others.

We also get the introduction of a new character that has been teased since the second movie back in 2017: Adam Warlock, played by Will Poulter. His character is described as the “perfect specimen” in the race of the Sovereign. His presence in the film is made clear from the first appearance, and he does not overshadow the main antagonist of the film. Warlock serves as a secondary, background antagonist who has an agenda that coincides with the High Evolutionary.

This film kept up with the use of well-known hits from the earlier decades like the 1980s-1990s to further establish that this is a “Guardians of the Galaxy” film. The music has continued to be a staple of the movies and the tone that they set out with it.

This movie does deal with some heavy content such as animal experimentation. While it is not explicitly shown, it is implied in multiple flashbacks and off-camera moments, so a fair content warning for viewers going into this movie.

As character development becomes the main topic of how we’ve seen these characters argue, work and bond together as a “found family” of sorts, one of the biggest standouts in terms of character development comes from the likes of Nebula (Karen Gillan) and Rocket. For many Marvel fans, we have always seen them act tough with their defenses up all the time, refusing to show any sign of emotion and empathy, both of these characters whose origin stories are rooted in trauma and manipulation show significant growth and become further standouts in the film.

In terms of Rocket’s backstory, we get plenty of it through flashbacks of him working with the High Evolutionary and even bonding with fellow animals who have also been experimented on by the Evolutionary. It’s a beautiful sense of his first family before he interacted with the Guardians many years later.

A big question that’s being asked around: will we see the Guardians in future films? For that answer, stick around for the film’s two post-credit scenes.

Verdict:

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” perfectly wraps up the trilogy following this team while also possibly hinting at a new future.

‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’: This prequel spinoff is one of the best storylines in the franchise so far

Flashing back to the start of the royal marriage between Queen Charlotte and King George III, the historical fiction looks at the rocky start of the couple.

KIMBERLY BEJEC Staff Writer

After the massive success of the first two seasons of “Bridgerton,” fans were eager for more. The announcement of a spinoff miniseries following Queen Charlotte gave fans plenty to buzz about. The show would be about Queen Charlotte and the beginning of her relationship with King George. As the Queen herself and the nature of her marriage with the King were often hinted at in “Bridgerton,” it is no wonder that fans were curious to explore the relationship’s storyline. While some aspects of the marriage are known based on real historical events, the show is created as a historical drama. Based on characters from author Julia Quinn’s novels, the “Bridgerton” universe all takes place in the Regency era.

The miniseries follow two plotlines going through Queen Charlotte’s life. The first flashes back to when Charlotte was signed off to be married to the King of England and Ireland. She meets the King and encounters unexpected problems in the first few days of her marriage. It is up to her to step up to her role as Queen to help the country and decide whether or not she wants to stand by her King. The second plotline occurs in the current timeline of the “Bridgerton” series. The Queen is pressuring at least one of her 13 children to marry and produce another heir to the throne to continue the line of succession. Flashing between both plotlines helps demonstrate the life of the Queen in both the past and present. Additionally, it demonstrates the change that the Queen has gone through by comparing the two times in her life.

As soon as Queen Charlotte first meets King George III, the chemistry and connection between the two is instantaneous. As the show continues, the chemistry only builds and the tension between the two is obvious. This enhances the watching experience, as the chemistry hooks you to the screen, wanting to see how the couple’s story unfolds. This very chemistry not only propels the story forward, it makes the audience want to root for the couple to sort through their issues.

Alongside the wonderful chemistry between the young couple, the acting performances from the show’s cast are phenomenal. Phenomenal performances include acting from India Amarteifio (young Queen Charlotte), Corey Mylchreest (young King George), Arsema Thomas (young Lady Danbury) and Michelle Fairley as Princess Augusta. Those portraying the younger actors can provide a performance that is reminiscent of the original actors. This helps keep the continuity in the show as the portrayals line up and feel like they are all the same. Actors for the current timeline such as Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury) and Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton) continue to shine in their roles.

An interesting aspect of the show is how it develops its background characters. Although the “Bridgerton” series mainly focuses on the children, this show can hone in on the background characters that often play a part in the matchmaking for the couples. This time, the audience can experience their stories and learn more about them. This is especially so for Queen Charlotte, her story and the influences that have carried on to the present.

A major highlight for this miniseries, just as with any other Bridgerton plotline, is the writing. The writers for this universe create scripts that translate beautifully onto the screen. Paired with the phenomenal acting, it becomes a binge-worthy show that keeps audiences glued to their screen. The writing progresses the show just right to keep the story engaging. The writing has dialogue flowing naturally with romantic declarations, passionate speeches and witty lines, providing for an entertaining and engaging watching experience.

Despite the show being a fictional drama, it still holds onto aspects of history that can enable the audience to learn more about the royal couple. While the royal couple has its ups and down in their role in history, the show is a fictional story of how their personal lives could have been. It is an interesting take on the royal couple with aspects that are speculated in history.

Another major aspect of the show is dealing with major themes such as mental health and racism. As noted in history, King George III dealt with mental health issues that affected his ability to rule. The show does not attempt to hide this, rather making this a major topic in the show. The audience sees how the King himself and the Queen work through his illness. The topic of racism is also addressed, especially as history speculates Queen Charlotte as the first and prominent figure to have African ancestry. This is influential in the show as it sees a person of color in a very high position that can influence and change history to represent POC communities. Both topics make for an impactful show, making it more than a typical romance story.

Verdict:

“Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” excels in many aspects that make it a binge-worthy show for romance and

Regency-era fans.

Courtesy of Netflix

The haunting of the Hollywood nymphet

Hollywood’s sexual exploitation of child actors reflects the dark history of showbiz that should not be swept under the rug.

BOBBI MANDOUR Contributing Writer

While the #MeToo movement discussions may appear to have slowed down in recent years, the interest in Hollywood retrospection has not. Gone are the days when fans blindly idolized the glitz and glamor of both Old Hollywood and contemporary media, knowing that so many classics were produced on a bed of detestable morals and dirty laundry. The victims of such an industry tend to be the young, feminine muses that simultaneously become stars in the film industry’s machine, yet also suffer and regret the roles of their past because of the exploitative nature between cinema and young female actresses.

The issue is complex — actresses like Drew Barrymore and Brooke Shields survived to tell the tale of the film industry’s predatory dark side on talk shows and documentaries, though onlookers might suggest that they benefited from it insofar as they might owe their fame and financial status to their earliest acting roles. The issue is also blatantly simple: the over-sexualization and hyper-sexualization of women go hand in hand with infantilization, and that’s an issue no amount of fame or money can cure. Media portrays the feminine ideal as both impossibly young and impossibly sexy, damaging minds along the way.

To the undeveloped mind, sexual experience poses unique threats to the formation of a sense of self in early adolescence. Actors who entered Hollywood early in their life, like Drew Barrymore, often look back on their struggles with early substance abuse, eating disorders, or self-harm as issues that point back to their treatment as children in the industry that faced sexualization from both authority figures and even fans.

Sexual exploitation in media is not only dangerous to the actors facing it but it also poses a threat to the cultural landscape of the lives of people who consume the media. Movies like “Pretty Baby” (1978) and “Blue Lagoon” (1980) placed underage Brooke Shields as a nymphet sex object, or at least the fantasy of one, which if you know anything about movies and popular media — they tend to inform our fantasies of life, too. Depictions of the kind of risque and forbidden sexualization in young actresses set a baseline of toxic gender ideals, glamorized hypersexuality, and misogyny as well as an overall dangerous media landscape for the young people who consume it. This is especially feared in today’s hyper-online world of TikTok edits and Instagram Reels that capture attention for hours on end. It renders girls, even before they become women, as something to consume, a fantasy to project their desires onto.

We see film adaptations like 1997’s “Lolita” resurface a new life with the romantic aestheticization of the “coquette” vibes it offers to Gen-Z media consumers, which distorts the dangerously real story of childhood sexual exploitation into fodder for fashion and style. It’s a wonder how Hollywood managed to cast 15-year-old Dominique Swain as the coveted nymphet in yet another romanticized portrayal of the complex story knowing the threat it posed to the star of the story’s first film adaptation, Sue Lyon, who publicly commented on the detrimental effects that the role of “Lolita” had on her development as a person, and credited her lifelong mental health and addiction struggles to be sexualized as a child star in the 1960s.

Then there are current series like “Euphoria” which attempt to portray something realistic about adolescent sexuality, using adult actresses, like Sydney Sweeney, who appear to be on the cusp of sexual exploitation as her body becomes increasingly displayed throughout the episodes. Although, it could be different because she is an adult woman portraying a teenager. Or is it that different? As an adult woman, I don’t think it is necessarily an insult to her agency to also believe that she could be facing exploitation, willingly or not — the fact is she still exists in a male-dominated industry and is being offered roles that cater to the pleasures of a male gaze.

With how prevalent sexual exploitation is in media industries, it begs the question of why Hollywood thought it was a good idea to cast underage actresses to play mature roles in the first place. While casting adults to play younger roles receives its plethora of criticism, I do not think the logic to that decision is as flawed as the former method, and keeping childhood safe and innocent is more important than any artistic endeavor, in my opinion.

Courtesy of Netflix

The Highlander

Your inner 11-year-old will be smiling throughout ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’

JUDY BLUME’S 1970S BOOK IS ADAPTED INTO A CAREFREE AND LIGHTHEARTED FILM DRIVEN BY AN 11-YEAR-OLD’S DESIRE TO GROW UP AND FIND HERSELF.

BRENDAN VO Contributing Writer

Adapting what is arguably Judy Blume’s most recognizable work evokes a certain fear that it will not live up to the book’s reputation. Director Kelly Fremon Craig, also known for “The Edge of Seventeen,” takes on the arduous task of creating the film adaptation of the sacred “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” and was met with overwhelmingly positive reception. Released to theaters on Apr. 28, critics and the general audience yielded high ratings towards the mid-budget film, earning high 90s for its score on Rotten Tomatoes. Amidst starvation for a young teen film, the beyond positively received “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” presents a well-executed and poignant narrative fueled by the tension of religious conflict and the stress of growing up as a sixth grader.

“Please help me, God. Don’t let New Jersey be too horrible. Thank you,” was the internal monologue of protagonist Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) when she unhappily learns that her quirky, interreligious parents, Barbara (Rachel McAdams) and Herb (Benny Safdie) are planning to move the family from the bustling Manhattan to the suburban New Jersey. The young Margaret not only leaves her friends and familiar city but also her charming and fun grandmother, Sylvia Simon (Kathy Bates). After the move, Margaret is taken in by the charismatic tyrant Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham) and sets sail on a journey of prepubescent womanhood. With a vapid desire to grow up and figure out whether she wants to be Jewish or Christian, the story of Margaret in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is one of finding yourself in the tumultuous age of 11.

The narrative approaches the sensitive topic of puberty with comedic levity. The film hits the theme of adolescence rhythmically, sporting short scenes of armpit hair and longer scenes featuring the horrors of menstruation and the excitement of liking boys. The light tone of this film does well to undercut any discomfort that is usually imbued within topics such as sex and periods. Viewers can expect to enjoy the terrors of being 11 during 1970 while being treated to lighthearted jokes and low-stakes shenanigans.

The aesthetics of the film also serve the light tone insofar as infusing the big screen with consistently bright colors. The clothes and classrooms embody a cheery theme that transports its older audiences back into the days of sixth grade. The set design and visual editing were impressively coordinated to accompany the plot.

The highlight of the film is indubitably the performance of Fortson as Margaret. In her portrayal, the sense of a hungry curiosity of adolescence fused with a deep confusion in religious viewpoints is executed incredibly well. The innocent and naive character Margaret is only strengthened when met with Nancy Wheeler as her formidable foil. Their dynamic serves to drive the narrative to ridiculous scenarios like unnecessarily buying uncomfortable bras or playing spin-the-bottle for a chance to kiss their crushes. The challenges of attention being brought to young developing bodies and making friends through gossip and secrets heighten the immersion into the 11-year-old characters.

VERDICT

Overall, the movie is an incredibly well-crafted coming-of-age story. With the horrors of growing up traversing along the vehicle that is Margaret’s fun antics and shenanigans, Kelly Craig’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is worth every penny to watch in theaters.

The side characters of the film all bring something with their quirky characteristics, as well. The bohemian Barbara finding her place in a suburban neighborhood complements Margaret’s desire to fit in and the two storylines intertwine and complete each other. Sylvia, the grandmother, also provides a certain charm that partners with Margaret very well, cementing them as a lovable duo. Herb’s portrayal as a lighthearted and fun dad, on the other hand, didn’t produce any meaningful interactions with the other character and felt like he was not in on the joke for most of the movie. ■ H

COURTESY OF IRENE TEU

UC Riverside baseball team walks off UC Santa Barbara 5-4 in extra innings

HANSEL CHU Sports Editor

The UC Riverside baseball team defeated the number two-seeded UC Santa Barbara, 5-4, Friday night in 11 innings. Going into this game, the Highlanders won their first season series against Hawai’i the week before. UCR looked to carry that momentum against a more formidable opponent with the Gauchos visiting the Inland Empire.

UC Riverside jumped out to a hot start in the first inning as after a leadoff double from UCSB, redshirt senior Cruz Barrios retired three straight batters to get the Highlanders into the bottom of the first inning. The first two batters, redshirt senior catcher Jacob Shanks and junior utility player Tyler Weaver, were hit by the pitch and advanced to second and third base after a wild pitch with no one out. Soon after, junior second baseman Dominic Martinez was able to reach first base after striking out, giving UCR the bases loaded with one out on the board. Junior infielder Anthony Mata was able to capitalize on this opportunity with an RBI hit to get Shanks home and put the first run on the board for the Highlanders 1–0.

Moments later, junior pitcher Derek Lopez singled a ball toward the right field to bring two runs home and extended the UCR lead, 3-0. With Mata on third base, sophomore outfielder Jacob Badawi landed a base hit toward the left field to bring Mata home and gave UC Riverside a 4-0 to end the bottom of the first inning.

The Gauchos responded quickly in the top of the second inning as after Barrios struck out the first two batters, sophomore infielder Zander Darby hit a moonshot toward the center field to get UC Santa Barbara on the board, 4-1. Freshman shortstop Carlos Nunez was next and he hit a triple toward the right-field line to put himself in a prime scoring position with two outs on the board. Redshirt junior infielder Jonah Sebring delivered for the Gauchos as he landed an RBI hit to get Nunez home and narrowed the UCR lead, 4-2. UCR wasn’t able to replicate the same success in the first inning as they were only able to land a base hit before the inning was retired.

Moving onto the top of the fourth inning, UCSB was able to tie the game up as they scored two runs in the inning. Redshirt sophomore pitcher Corbin Barker subbed in for Barrios and the Gauchos capitalized on the bullpen change. Darby was able to get his second hit of the night with a single up the middle. After an error from the pitcher, UC Santa Barbara had runners on second and third base with no outs on the board. Sebring delivered once again for UCSB as he landed an RBI double to bring Darby and Nunez home to tie the gameBoth4-4.teams seemingly cooled off at the same time as the bullpen started to step up for both schools. Barker had a much improved fifth inning as he was able to retire three straight batters but the Highlander offense wasn’t able to take advantage of the great bullpen play as they were quickly retired. In the top of the ninth inning, redshirt senior pitcher Tyler Frazier checked in for Barker and made quick work of the Gaucho lineup. In the bottom of the-

ninth inning, UCR was able to get runners on first and second base, and Mata was walked to get UC Riverside the bases loaded with two outs on the board. However, junior catcher Nick Poss struck out with a full count to retire the inning and sent the game into extra innings. In the 10th inning, both teams went three up, three down to send the game onto the 11th inning.

Junior pitcher Jake Gebb checked in for Frazier and allowed one hit before getting his first strikeout of the game to send the game to the bottom of the 11th. Weaver got things started with a base hit. Two straight walks from the Gauchos filled the bases once again for UCR. With two outs on the board, the game was left in the hands of junior catcher Mason Grace. With the count being 3-1, Grace took ball number four and ended the game as Weaver scored in the run to end the game and gave the Highlanders the win, 5-4.

Lopez led the way for the Highlanders as he went 2-5 with 2 RBI’s. Mata finished the game going 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 run, and 2 BB. Gebb got the win in the game as in 1.0 innings pitched, he allowed only one hit and had one strikeout.

The Highlanders improve their record to 10-30 (4-15) and their next game will be against Cal Baptist University on Tuesday, May 9, in the Riverside Sports Complex at 6:30 P.M. ■ H

AFTER A ROUGH START TO THE SEASON, THE HIGHLANDERS HAVE WON 3 OF THEIR PAST 4 GAMES.

One Fight Night 10: Demetrious Johnson retains his belt against Adriano Mores, further cementing him as one of the greatest mixed martial artist ever

MAX BRIGGS Staff Writer

May 5, 2023, was a historic night for the world of combat sports as ONE Championship held its first event in the United States at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The event’s success catapulted the promotion’s viability in the eyes of American viewers, with its rather affordable accessibility through Amazon Prime Video boosting its appeal regarding the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s hefty pay-per-view pricing. The card consisted of a wide array of bouts, ranging from submission grappling to Muay Thai, with the final fight being the long-awaited conclusion to the trilogy between Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and Adriano Moraes.

The highlights of the night before the final bout were plentiful. American lightweight “Super” Sage Northcutt’s return to the octagon after an almost 4-year layoff resulted in a first-round heel hook submission over Ahmed Mujtaba. Thai atomweight Stamp Fairtex defeated Alyse “Lil’ Savage” Anderson with a devastating body kick knockout, in a brilliant exhibition of striking from the Muay Thai specialist.

With three co-main events all featuring different sports, American flyweight submission grappling champion Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci nullified Osamah Almarwai in a resounding overwhelmingly offensive display of skill, providing a perfect transition into the two most anticipated fights of the night. Longtime Muay Thai flyweight champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon’s showmanship did not disappoint, as he cruised to victory against challenger Edgar

UFC fans will no doubt know of Demetrious Johnson’s staggering 11 title defenses in the flyweight division, with many considering him to be the best pound-for-pound martial artist to ever grace the sport. Grappling, striking, fight IQ — Johnson’s skillset is near impenetrable, with every aspect of his game conveying his utmost understanding of the sport. Traded to ONE Championship in 2018 after a close split decision loss to rival turned friend Henry Cejudo, he worked to establish his dominance in the new promotion by winning the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix by dominating Danny Kingad. This earned him his first title shot in 2021 against Adriano Moraes, but the Brazilian managed to shock the world by becoming the first person to ever knockout Johnson. Their second clash in 2022 resulted in an eerily similar flying knee knockout, this time by Johnson, earning him the belt.

After the trilogy was announced, it was clear that Johnson had to win to further assert dominance on his claim to being the greatest of all time — and he did just that. Having fought each other twice already, both fighters took a cautious approach at the start of the fight, with no heavy strikes landing early on. At first Moraes’ expenditure of energy looked to be a threat to Johnson, as the first two rounds appeared to be closer than many would have foreseen. However, “Mighty Mouse” and his superior cardio helped turn the tide. As the fatigue slowly set in, Moraes initiated a questionable strategy of constant clinching, where back-and-forth exchanges of knees allowed Johnson to gain an advantage.

A few takedowns were attempted by both fighters, resulting in nothing or a quick return to the stand-up game, rendering any action on the ground nonexistent. Johnson looked at ease, landing a strong combination of punches and a knee to the face in round three, thereby neutralizing any opportunity for the Brazilian to use his range after continuing to stay in the clinch after lowering his stamina. This cycle repeated itself until the fight’s end, a seemingly uneventful but skillful title fight. Moraes simply offered nothing new to test the champion’s dominance; Johnson’s adaptability and confidence proved to be unfaltering yet again. Demetrious Johnson secured the win via unanimous decision, ending a rivalry spearheaded by respect.

Amid speculation fueled by Johnson himself, other fighters, and fans, the question arose of whether or not this fight would be his last. This decision was neither confirmed nor denied, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the legend’s story or the well-deserved conclusion. Anyone who has ever watched one of his fights will know that Jonshon is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, with nothing left to prove in his legacy. If this is the end of the incredible career of “Mighty Mouse”, he will without a doubt be among the best to ever step into the octagon, proving himself to be the prime example of what it means to be a class act and champion in and out of the cage. ■ H

“MIGHTY MOUSE” WINS THE TRILOGY AGAINST THE BRAZILIAN FLYWEIGHT, CAPPING OFF AN ACTION-PACKED CARD FOR ONE CHAMPIONSHIP’S WESTERN DEBUT.