The Highlander
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
For the week of Tuesday, October 17, 2023
VOL. 72, ISSUE 03
est. 1954
NEWS
Timeline: A Brief of History of Palestine and CONTEXT BEHIND WHAT IS UNFOLDING TODAY. Israel MATA ELANGOVAN News Editor
Disclaimer: The humanitarian situation in Palestine is an ongoing and unfolding crisis, the information in this article is meant to provide context and is not a complete history of Palestine. This is merely a timeline of events, and does not reflect any opinions of Highlander News. If you would like to learn more about any event, check out the article online for linked information. Balfour Declaration: November 2, 1917 The Balfour Declaration was a letter from British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour. It ended up becoming the basis to create a Jewish State in Palestine. In the letter, Balfour writes “His Majesty’s Government view with favor the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.” The Balfour Project, overseen by a Board of Trustees, was “created by British citizens to highlight Britain’s record in Palestine before, during, and after the Mandate.” In one of their papers explaining the significance of the Balfour Declaration, they state that “this letter was later incorporated within the terms of Britain’s Mandate for Palestine, and so became a legal requirement upon Britain.” British Occupation of Palestine: 1917-1948 After the defeat of Germany and Ottoman Turkey in WWI, their land possessions deemed not ready to govern themselves, were distributed amongst the Allied powers. The League of Nations Mandate system divided the land into three groups based on their location and level of development, in terms of political and economic prowess. Class A mandates consisted of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine, with all being provided provisional independence. Iraq and Palestine were distributed to Great Britain, and Syria and Lebanon distributed to France. The Great Palestinian Revolt / Palestine Arab Revolt: 1936-1939 By now, Palestine had been under British mandate for about 20 years. The Great Palestinian Revolt is said to be “the decisive episode in the efforts of Palestinian Arabs to resist the British mandate’s support for a Jewish national home in Palestine.” According to an article by the Middle East Eye, it is said that in April of 1936, “the newly formed Arab National Committee in Nablus called on Palestinians to launch a general strike” to protest colonialism and growing Jewish immigration. The strike set in motion the revolt in which was “the most sustained armed resistance against the British Mandate, and was violently repressed by British forces,” not ending until the the outbreak of WWII when “London issued a White Paper promising to restrict Jewish immigration to Palestine and promising the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within a decade.” United Nations Resolution 181: November 29, 1947 General Assembly Resolution 181 was a plan for the partition of Palestine. Within it, it included instructions for the termination of the Mandate of Palestine before August 1, 1948 and for the armed forces to be withdrawn. Two months after the withdrawal of these forces, independent Arab and Jewish states were established. The resolution outlined the boundaries for the Arab and Jewish states in Part II labeled as “Boundaries” in sections A and B. Jerusalem was labeled as an “international” city. General Assembly Resolution 181 “was passed with 33 votes in favor, 13 against, and 10 abstentions.” Nakba / Israel Independence: May 14, 1948 On May 14, 1948, Israel was declared an independent, sovereign state by the Zionist leader, David Ben-Gurion. In Israel’s declaration, it is stated that “This right (to build a state of Israel) was recognized in the Balfour Declaration of the 2nd November, 1917, and re-affirmed in the Mandate of the League of Nations which, in particular, gave
international sanction to the historic connection between the Jewish people and EretzIsrael and to the right of the Jewish people to rebuild its National Home.” As a parallel, when Israel declared independence, it was the beginning of the Nakba for Palestinians. In an article published by The Conversation, it is stated that “For Palestinians worldwide, the Nakba is remembered as a traumatic rupture that represents their humiliating defeat, the destruction of Palestinian society and severance of links with their homeland.” First Arab-Israeli War: May 14, 1948 Following the declaration of Israel as an independent state, in a series of conflicts, Arabs attacked Jewish settlements and institutions, and Jewish people attacked Palestinians. The aftermath caused a mass expulsion of Arab Palestinans in areas seized by Jewish Forces, and by the end of the mandate, Jewish forces got control of most of the territory given to them by the United Nations, and a bit more. Palestine Declares Independence from Great Britain: November 15, 1948 While the Mandate of Palestine was terminated a few months before this, Great Britain governed Palestine until November 15, 1948, when Palestine declared independence. Palestine’s Declaration of Independence was written by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish and proclaimed by political leader Yasser Arafat, who would later become the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Within the declaration, it is declared that “Despite the historical injustice done to the Palestinian Arab people in its displacement and in being deprived of the right to self-determination following the adoption of General Assembly resolution 181 (II) of 1947, which partitioned Palestine into an Arab and a Jewish State, that resolution nevertheless continues to attach conditions to international legitimacy that guarantee the Palestinian Arab people the right to sovereignty and national independence.” Palestinian Liberation Organization Creation: 1964 The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was formed in 1964 and brought together various Palestinian groups. It gained more prominence after the Six-Day War. In a University of Michigan paper, it explains how the PLO was created during an Arab summit meeting to represent Palestinian nationalism. Naksa / Palestinian Exodus / Six-Day War: 1967 The Naksa is said to be a continuation of “the ethnic cleansing of Palestine,” from the Nakba by an article written by Al Jazeera. By 1967, Israel got control of the whole of Palestine, plus more territory from Egypt and Syria, and “By the end of the war, Israel had expelled another 300,000 Palestinians from their homes, including 130,000 who were displaced in 1948, and gained territory that was three and a half times its size.” Yom Kippur War / October War / Fourth Arab-Israeli War: October 6, 1973 October 25, 1973 This part of the Arab-Israeli wars was initiated by Syria and Egypt against Israel. The start of the conflict began with Egypt and Syria attacking Israel at once. Catching Israel off guard, they “rapidly began to exhaust Israel’s reserve stock of munitions.” Both the Soviet Union and United States came to reinforce Israel, and with that the conflict turned around in favor of Israel. The United Nations called for Resolutions 338, 339 and 340, which called for ceasefire in the Middle East, and the conflict ended on October 25, 1973. According to an article by Al Jazeera, the motives of the war remain unclear, with “Some accounts claim(ing) that the Egyptians were not interested in retrieving land, but merely to engage in peace talks with Israel, in contrast to the Syrians, who wanted to take back the Golan Heights.” ► SEE TIMELINE PAGE 4
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First Senate Meeting of the Fall Quarter THE FIRST ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF UCR MEETING INTRODUCED BOTH THE SENATE TABLE AND THE ECAB OFFICE. MATA ELANGOVAN News Editor
The first Associated Students of UCR (ASUCR) Senate meeting took place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. All senators were present, excluding senator Nguyen who joined the meeting later. The meeting also included the presence of ECAB, with all being present except for Marketing and Promotions Director Uthinh Pham. The meeting started with a moment of silence for former senator Azadin Issak and was called to order at 7:07 p.m. Motion to approve the current meeting’s agenda was called for by Executive Vice President (EVP) Victoria Nguyen. Motion to approve the agenda was made by senator Kaden Ho and seconded by senator Rayhan Khan. The motion was approved 15-0-0. During public forum, President Ankita Ahluwalia came to the podium. She began with a speech to returning and new Highlanders, highlighting goals for the year and explaining what ASUCR had accomplished over the summer. She states that ASUCR aims to increase correspondence with clubs and organizations on campus, hold R’Gear student input sessions and bridge communication between administration and the student body. A motion to extend time by three minutes was made by senator Kaden Ho and seconded by senator Teesha Sreeram. The motion was passed 15-0-0. She ends off by giving thanks to ECAB for the work and plans that they set into motion over the summer. Next on the podium was Justin Tram representing UCR PLUR. He came to the senate hoping to educate non-ravers on rave culture, and explains how PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect) can help with diversity and inclusivity to UCR. A motion to extend time by five minutes by senator Leila Haider and seconded by senator Sreeram. The motion was passed 15-0-0. He continues to explain how raves allow people to live their authentic selves, how PLUR is connected to organizations like End Overdose, and how UCR is close to rave venues. President Pro Tempore (PPT) Abby Choy addressed Tram and asked him what he was looking for by bringing this to the Senate meeting. He responded that this is a club that he is looking to start and is struggling to reach the membership threshold, and that he hoped ASUCR might help with getting attention to the club. President Ahluwalia directed him to reach out to student life or ASPB to get support with establishing the club. After that, Rachel, a second year biochemistry student and chair for the California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) chapter at UCR came to the podium. She explained how CALPIRG is a student advocacy organization and that they are working to phase UCR into sustainability, and working on getting more students registered to vote. This quarter, their priority is to commit the UCs to 100% clean energy and is interested in working together with ASUCR for future collaborations. EVP Nguyen asked her for her contact information before she left the podium. The final person on the podium for the public forum was Hibidal Sahn from Students for Justice in Palestine. She explained how for 75 years, Palestinians have suffered brutality and theft of their home and how ASUCR had supported Palestinians during a time when Palestinian students have been suffering mistreatment from school staff. She also mentioned how during their peaceful protest at the Bell Tower, three separate news stations were called to campus because people called in saying that there were disturbances to the peace on campus. President Ahluwalia thanked her for coming to the
podium and says that ASUCR will see what they can do to continue to support them. The next part of the meeting was Ex-Officio Reports where each ECAB official did their Staff Ratifications. A detailed list of Staff Ratifications can be found here. VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ahman Greene ratified his Chief of Staff Katelyn Nguyen and is currently looking for an Ethnic and Gender Liaison. The motion to approve ratifications was made by senator Nadia Colon and seconded by senator Grace Su. The vote passed 15-0-0. VP of Finance Brandon Huang ratified his Vice Chair of Finance Curtis Ly and Finance Secretary Monica Wu. The motion to approve ratifications was made by senator Ho and seconded by senator Alex Lu. The vote passed 15-0-0. VP of Sustainability Ellen Nguyen ratified Seleh Okonkwo, Katie Wen, Kathya Leon, Olivia Jacob, Kelsey Fager, Giovanna Ayala, Gerarad Paredes and Sarah Fathalla. The motion to approve ratifications was made by senator Natalie Trutali and seconded by senator Khan. The vote passed 15-0-0. VP of Campus Internal Affairs Ruhi Barman ratified Leila Makar, Sheyla ChimilMecinas, Leilani Tuli, Nimsha Gupta, and Ashley Tsai. The motion to approve ratifications was made by senator Khan and seconded by senator Haider. The vote passed 15-0-0. President Ahluwalia ratified Adam Ramirez and Gino Rhoten. The motion to approve ratifications was made by senator Naia Pizzaro and seconded by senator Crystal Toral. The vote passed 15-0-0. VP of Marketing and Promotions Pham ratified Michelle Tran, Joshua Mora, N, Dillon and Ava. The motion to approve ratifications was made by senator Khan and seconded by senator K. Ho. The vote passed 15-0-0. Elections Director Alexandra Arias ratified Angel Lee, Dean Acosta and Sumeet Sami. The motion to approve ratifications was made by senator Hader and seconded by senator P. Ho. The vote passed 15-0-0. Next on the agenda was Summer ECAB Meeting Minutes. Motion to open Meeting Minutes for 7/19/2023 was made by senator Viraj Ala and seconded by senator K. Ho. Motion to approve the agenda was made by PPT Choy and seconded by senator Su. The vote passed 15-0-0. Motion to open Meeting Minutes for 8/2/2023 was made by senator Sreeram and seconded by senator K. Ho. Motion to approve the agenda was made by senator Amariah Peedikayil and seconded by senator Su. The vote passed 15-0-0. Motion to open Meeting Minutes for 8/16/2023 was made by senator Colon and seconded by senator P. Ho. Motion to approve the agenda was made by senator Khan and seconded by senator Trutalli. The vote passed 15-0-0. Motion to open Meeting Minutes for 8/30/2023 was made by senator K. Ho and seconded by senator P. Ho. Motion to approve the agenda was made by senator K. Ho H and seconded by senator Khan. The vote passed 15-0-0. ■ Continued online.
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Timeline: A Brief of History of Palestine and Israel CONTEXT BEHIND WHAT IS UNFOLDING TODAY. MATA ELANGOVAN News Editor
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3236: November 22, 1974 UN General Assembly Resolution 3236 officialized UN contact with the Palestine Liberation Organization. As stated in the text, “the General Assembly acknowledged the proclamation of the State of Palestine by the Palestine National Council on 15 November 1988; affi rmed the need to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their sovereignty over their territory occupied since 1967; and decided that, effective as at 15 December 1988, the designation ‘Palestine’ should be used in place of the designation ‘Palestine Liberation Organization’ in the United Nations system, without prejudice to the observer status and functions of the PLO within the United Nations system, in conformity with relevant United Nations resolutions and practice.” Camp David Accords: September 17, 1978 The Camp David Accords were a compilation of the agreements between Israel and Egypt that constructed a framework for peace in the Middle East. For the agreement, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Prime Minister of Israel met with then-current United States President Jimmy Carter in the U.S. Presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland. In the accords, the three worked out an outline for peace in the Middle East as a whole, a conclusive peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, and annex to the frameworks. United Nations Resolution 446: March 22, 1979 UN Resolution 446 addressed the Israeli settlements that occupied Arab territories from 1967. In this resolution, they address that “the policy of Israel in establishing settlements in the occupied Arab territories has no legal validity and constitutes a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention,” and “calls upon the Government and people of Israel to cease, on an urgent basis, the establishment, construction and planning of settlements in the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem.” In the same resolution, the Commission sent a letter to the representatives of each state. The Permanent Representative of Egypt responded with intent to cooperate with the establishment of the mandate. The Acting Chairman for a human rights committee in Palestine responded with how groups in Palestine were expanding settlements and not acknowledging the Resolution. The Permanent Representative of Israel responded that “the Government of Israel had rejected resolution 446 (1979) in its entirety and accordingly could not extend any form of co-operation to a Commision set up under it.” Establishment of Hamas: 1987 Hamas is defi ned as an Islamic Resistance Movement, a militant Palestinian nationalist and Islamist movement. Unlike the PLO, Hamas rejected any attempts to cede parts of Palestine. The First Intifada: December 8, 1987 - September 13, 1993 Various accounts report a defi ning moment that led to the Intifada being the killing of four Palestinian men by an Israeli jeep outside of a refugee camp in Gaza. In an article written by Al Jazeera, they explain how the First Intifada began as a grassroots protest that escalated into full blown riots, starting with rock-throwing youths who eventually developed more sophisticated missiles, like molotovs. The Intifada was viewed as “a rebirth of the 1976 uprising” and did “demonstrations and strikes in protest against the confiscation of Arab land for use by Jewish settlers in the north of Israel.” They also state that “according to the Israeli Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, BTselem, 1124 Palestinians lost their lives in the First Intifada. Some 16,000 were imprisoned and many were routinely tortured. Fewer than 50 Israeli civilians were killed.” In another article written by the Jewish Virtual Library, the starting moment of the Intifada was the stabbing of an Israeli while shopping in Gaza. The day after, the four deaths of Palestinian men were viewed as a traffic accident, with it being rumored that they were killed deliberately. They state that this “intifada was violent from the start. During the fi rst four years of the uprising, more than 3,600 Molotov cocktail attacks, 100 hand grenade attacks and 600 assaults with guns or explosives were reported by the Israel Defense Forces,” and “during this period, 16 Israeli civilians and 11 soldiers were killed by Palestinians in the territories’ more than 1,400 Israeli civilians and 1,700 Israeli soldiers were injured.”
Oslo Accords: October 11, 1993 The Oslo Accords were a series of Agreements between Israel and Palestine Liberation Organization. The accords established a two-state solution for the IsraeliPalestinian Conflict. The solution proposed in the accords was that in exchange for the recognition of Israel, a process would be established detailing Palestinian selfgovernance. The Oslo Accords built off of the Camp David Accords. Oslo Accords II: May 5, 1997 The Oslo Accords II were an interim agreement detailing a plan for Israeli withdrawals from Palestinian populations. Through it, an election was established for a president and council for Palestine. Second Intifada / al-Aqsa Intifada: September 28. 2000 - February 8, 2005 In an article by Al Jazeera, the second Intifada began when “then-Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon sparked the uprising when he stormed al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem with more than 1,000 heavily armed police and soldiers on September 28, 2000.” Under the Oslo Accords and the Camp David Accords, by 1999, there was to be an independent Palestine state, and Israel to have moved out of Palestine land. A former advisor to Palestinian negotiators on Oslo, Diana Buttu noted that “what we saw was a fast expansion of Israel’s settlements” and that they had seen “the number of settlers doubled from 200,000 to 400,000 just in that short period from 1993 to the year 2000. The start of the uprising was filled with “large non-violent demonstrations that included civil disobedience and some stone-throwing” but were met with excessive force. It was reported that “at least 4,973 Palestinians were killed over the course of the Second Intifada” according to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights. Gaza Open Air Prison: 2007 The Gaza open air prison is an illegal blockade on the Gaza Strip, isolating over two million Palestinians from the world. The blockade is on land, sea and air, controlling all three border crossing points. Due to the open air prison, fishermen are confi ned to the shore, Palestinians have a lack of safe drinking water and are being denied basic human rights. As per The Nelson Mandela Rules, Rule 1 states that “All prisoners shall be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings” and “the safety and security of prisoners, staff, service providers and visitors shall be ensured at all times,” and Rule 3 states that imprisonment that cuts off a person from the outside world is not allowed as it deprives them of their liberty. Operation Protective Edge: July 8, 2014 “Operation Protective Edge” was an Israeli military offensive that lasted seven weeks. According to an article by Amnesty International UK, it “wreaked further havoc, punishment and devastation on Gaza’s already blockaded population, with Gaza’s children caught in the crossfi re.” In another report by the United Nations, “During the 50 days of hostilities lasting from 8 July until 26 August 2014, 2,251 Palestinians were killed; 1,462 of them are believed to be civilians, including 551 children and 299 women. 66 Israeli soldiers and five civilians, including one child, were also killed.” Gaza Border Protests / Great March of Return: March 30, 2019 The Great Return March, developed into a series of protests to highlight the impacts of the siege and issue of refugee rights in Palestinian society. The main goal of the march is to bring attention to UN Resolution 194, which states that “refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to H do so at the earliest practicable date.” ■
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THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL
The UC needs to care about students and workers the way they care about Michael Drake UC REGENTS REJECT AN UNSOUND $12 MILLION PLAN TO REHOUSE UC PRESIDENT. 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 or the University of California system.
In the last year, UC President Michael Drake has faced a series of security breaches at his university-provided housing that both damaged the property and created concern for him and his family’s safety. Most notably, President Drake’s home was spray-painted this past May with horrifying racial slurs in a profanity-laced tirade. Luckily, President Drake was not home at the time of this hate crime, but the UC Regents are scrambling to find a solution to this security issue. While the safety of President Drake should be of high concern to the Regents and the UC Community, it is reprehensible that the same concern for workers is not shown to employees who make the functions of this institution possible. The regents recently rejected a plan to purchase a new home for President Drake in a vote of 13-7. This plan’s rejection was largely due to the price of $12 million as well as the minimal security upgrades. It is incredibly shortsighted to consider buying a new multimillion-dollar home to address security concerns for a single employee while UCSD refuses to honor the contracts of SRU-UAW negotiated during the historic 2022 strike. In an anonymous statement by one of the regents who voted in favor of the proposal, they stated, “It is unconscionable to continue to wait, hoping for better options in one of the tightest, most expensive housing markets in the country. Pledging to care about his safety rings hollow after five months of inaction since he was the victim of a terrible hate crime.” That statement rings pretty hollow after more than five months of relative inaction from the UC system to address the desperation of students who face the reality of no housing at all. While President Drake is required to live in university housing, a multimillion-dollar home is far from necessary. His current residence is valued at $6.5 million. It’s completely unacceptable
to house him in this residence and consider purchasing another $12 million dollar home while telling students to figure it out when it comes to finding livable housing. While this money this purchase would utilize has been said to be from a “private gift,” it says something that the UC system can find the money to buy an extravagant home for its president but not supply its students and workers with affordable housing. These individuals are being penalized for the apparently heinous crime of being poor, as was seen in UCLA’s recent housing plan that would put students from low-income backgrounds into criminally small living quarters. Students at UCSC are camping in the forest and living in trailers in a desperate attempt to receive the education they are entitled to. This fall, over 2,300 students were left on the waiting list for housing at UCSD. In Santa Barbara, students have been living out of vans and hotels. There is yet a viable plan to address this housing shortage. There is yet anything other than platitudes and empty reassurances. The UC system is failing its student body repeatedly and disrespectfully, so considering a ridiculously expensive plan to house its president when that plan introduces little to no increased safety is a slap in the face of everyone paying already exorbitant tuition. It’s the equivalent of saying they care about safety, but not our safety. Action after action, inaction after action, the UC’s proposals only further reinforce that they will repeatedly and automatically devalue their students and their workers. No one disagrees with the fact that these attacks on President Drake’s home deserve addressing, and his safety should be prioritized, but it is pretty shameful that the same concern isn’t shown to all workers and all students. ■ H
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From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free THERE ARE NO “TWO SIDES” WHEN IT COMES TO GENOCIDE. SENNA OMAR Managing Editor
For over 75 years, Palestinians have been stripped of their most basic human rights, exiled from their homes, undergone genocide and ethnically cleansed by the false apartheid state of Israel. Since stepping foot into Palestine, Zionists have had no intention of co-existing with the native Palestinian people. Palestinians, known for being friendly and welcoming, offered open arms to the first Zionist settlers. However, these “settlers” were, in fact, not settlers at all but rather colonizers coming in with a white-stamped plan to invade Palestinian land and ethnically cleanse its people. Zionists did not come to live with the Palestinians and hold hands while they sang cumbia in a circle. They came to establish a home for Jewish people in the place of the already established generations of Palestinian family homes. Despite the propaganda phrase “a land without a people for a people without a land” often being thrown around as justification for Zionism, from early on, Zionists knew that establishing a Jewish state would require the ethnic cleansing of the native Palestinian population. The mass expulsion of Palestinians predates the 1948 Nakba; 300,000 Palestinians were already expelled from their home by that time. The Nakba was only the beginning of the daily, 75 years of oppression Palestinians are subjected to by the occupying forces. Before the end of 1950, over 800,000 Palestinians would be ethnically cleansed, leaving over 530 Palestinian villages for Zionist settlers to occupy. Today, those 800,000 Palestinians and their descendants have either been killed by Israeli attacks or remain scattered throughout refugee camps worldwide, never allowed to return to their homes again. This situation has no “two sides;” one cannot choose neutrality in the face of oppression. There is only the occupier and the occupied; the ‘choice’ is to side with justice or ignore the ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinians. This shouldn’t be a debate. Palestine is an illegally occupied territory, and Palestinians have the right to resist said occupation. The architecture behind apartheid is intended to strangle the oppressed, making life as unbearable and uncomfortable for the native population as possible. Palestinians are forced to go through 638 temporary and 129 permanent checkpoints to travel anywhere within the confines of Palestine. Attempting to cross these checkpoints is usually a laborious affair, met with extremely long lines, overpacked waiting rooms and abuse from the Israeli border police. One of the most brutal of these checkpoints is Checkpoint 300, or the Gilo checkpoint in Bethlehem. Thousands of Palestinian workers line up daily, starting as early as 3:00 a.m., attempting to make the crossing. A typical wait at checkpoint 300 can take more than four hours of suffocation, cramped against the steel bars like sardines waiting for Israelis to decide to unlock the turnstiles for an unspecified period of time. Palestinians do not have the right to free movement; the Israeli government has to grant Palestians permits to move freely about their own country. The goal of the colonizer is to make life for Palestians as humiliating and complex as possible. Before 1948, the state of Israel quite literally did not exist; British colonial powers decided to establish a Jewish state in Palestine, initiating ethnic cleansing. While killing and displacing millions of Palestinian people, Israel has been periodically shrinking the amount of Palestine that Palestinians are allowed to reside in, until only Gaza and the West Bank remain, simultaneously allowing the occupying Zionists to roam free on Palestinian land. Contrary to popular belief, Gaza is not an independent state; the governing power of Gaza is the false state of Israel. The Zionist regime pertains complete control over everything and everyone entering and exiting Gaza, the borders, the airspace, the ocean, access to electricity, water, food supply, exports, imports and humanitarian aid. To be born in Gaza is to be born trapped. Housing over three million Palestinians, Gaza is the third most densely populated place in the world. This 25-mile long, five-mile wide stretch of land is the largest open-air prison in the world, surrounded by a heavily fortified border wall with only two border crossings. Gazans do not possess the right to free movement and cannot cross those passages unless they first obtain special permission from Israel, which is typically denied. Israel has full control over
the living conditions in Gaza, making life for Palestinians as miserable as possible, often cutting off access to electricity and clean water and limiting humanitarian and medical aid in times of crisis. In this prison, Palestinians are treated as subhuman; they have no government, no military and no agency. Militant resistance groups like Hamas are the only protection Palestinians have from the false Israeli regime. Still, Hamas is no match for the military power of Israel, which receives over $3 billion in military aid from the USA alone every year. Israel “declaring war” on Gaza is evidently not a fair fight. As the Palestinian children residing in Gaza flee their homes, searching for safety standing up to Israeli tankers with nothing but a rock to defend themselves, history will hate humanity for failing the people of Palestine. Over 60% of the Gazan population are refugees from other Palestinian cities displaced in ‘48 or ‘67. This is the third time this section of the Palestinian population has experienced displacement and ethnic cleansing, whether it be generational or firsthand. Much like during the Nakba in 1948, Palestinians residing in Northern Gaza are told to leave or die. Within the next twenty-four hours, Israel intends to bomb Northern Gaza flat and make space for more Zionist colonizers to occupy Palestinian land illegally. Israel is forcibly displacing 1.2 million Palestinians in Northern Gaza. Everyone North of Wadi Gaza is currently forced to flee, packing their whole life up into bags and literally running for their lives since Israel has cut off Gaza’s access to fuel, water, food supply and electricity. This is ethnic cleansing in real-time. Israel dropped fliers from the sky, directing Gazans to evacuate the area, outlining a “safe route” for evacuation. However, this safe route was not very safe, and just five hours after dropping the fliers, Israel dropped multiple bombs along the “safe route,” killing over 150 Palestinians who were simply following the fliers. In the aftermath of the six-day, 6,000 bomb brigade on Gaza this week, the city is coated in miles of rubble, making evacuating the 1.2 million people within 24 hours impossible. With its relatively small size, fitting the entire population of this already densely populated city onto the southern half seems incomprehensible. The truth is, these 1.2 million Palestinians simply have no place to go; they are sitting ducks. Gaza’s main hospital, currently holding the 10,000 injured Palestinians from the carpet-bombed city, is also located in the North of Gaza. There is no hospital in Southern Gaza capable of holding these patients, so the doctors, injured, and their families are now simply awaiting their inevitable death at the hands of the terrorist Israeli regime. The choice for Palestinians in Gaza is displacement or death. Still, there really is no choice because Israel has no intention of stopping this genocide until Palestinian life is extinct in Palestine. Palestinians know that every Israeli tactic is a trap, and whether they are in the North or South, there is no true safety. Malcolm X, a supporter of Palestinian liberation stated, “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” Palestinians are being oppressed and the Zionist Israeli apartheid regime is doing the oppressing. American media and government are shoving Israeli propaganda down the throat of every American citizen, painting Palestinians as the villain. Once the United States starts bombing Gaza into oblivion, no one will bat an eye. Palestinians are treated as subhuman in the media. The death of a Palestinian is considered an inevitable consequence of their existence. The media shows no sympathy, simply turns the other cheek and asks Palestinians to condemn the actions of Hamas. Palestinians do not need to condemn Hamas. Palestinians unequivocally have the right to resist the 75-year-long genocide and ethnic cleansing of their homeland. This is what resistance looks like. Gaza is a literal prison and the only crime its inhabitants commit is being Palestinian. Palestinians have the right to resist their oppression. Despite what the Zionist Western media has manipulated the world into believing, Palestinians are people. One day, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, all the Palestinian people will be free to return to their land, their home.
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8 TUESDAY, OCT 17, 2023
OPINIONS
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California’s community colleges’ new approach to college degrees will deteriorate educational value SONALI WHITTLE Contributing Writer
LECTURELESS COLLEGE DEGREES ARE TAKING AWAY FROM STUDENT TEACHER DYNAMIC, SPARKING SOME CONTROVERSY. The traditional college pathway requires four years worth of time, effort and classes. There are a variety of different ways to earn a college degree outside of a four year university, and one of the most popular and effective ways is enrolling in community colleges. Recently, eight community colleges in California have decided to implement a new model of education they are calling a “competency-based education.” Students would take sixty or so exams on different subjects to determine if they are qualified for their degree and there are no required lectures. Although this approach is a quicker method to attain a college degree, it might not be as valid. Colleges should not hand out degrees to students based on a few tests and it diminishes the intricate learning process that usually takes place when one pursues a college degree. This new policy being tested out is vastly different from what has been the norm across community colleges thus far. With no grades, deadlines and lectures, “competency-based education” is geared towards adults who are already a part of the workforce and acknowledges previous experience in their field. The program is well-intentioned, but overlooks the importance of fostering a teacher-student relationship in the learning process as it cuts out the most time consuming portion of the college experience: lectures. Lectures serve as the main point of contact between a student and professor which can blossom into mentorship and extra guidance for the student. This relationship enriches the students’ education and provides them with more benefits than learning by themselves because professors possess more experience and mastery in their field of study. Student-teacher relationships not only benefit the student, they benefit the professors as well. Professors have spent countless hours studying, researching and teaching their passion. Taking away lectures robs the professors of the main facet of their occupation, rendering them useless, which is disrespectful to their careers. In addition, teachers’ pay could be affected due to them not having as strong a role in the students’ education. The possibility of decreased pay for teachers is a dangerous move if this program is implemented nationwide. The program’s biggest change is the time students allocate to
learning in school. According to a Harvard Gazette study, students showed they learned a lot from lectures with active learning elements. When students engage with professors there is room for academic growth and new ideas, and the traditional college lecture is the main avenue for student-teacher engagement. With this new lectureless program, the benefits may seem promising, but learning from teachers is a necessary resource and shouldn’t be replaced. This program merely speeds up the college process instead of letting education take its regular course. Another important aspect of the full college experience is engaging with the community. Making new friends, participating in clubs and events and on-campus engagement is nonexistent if the new program eliminates students’ reason to be on campus. Research reports that employers rated students involved in more extracurricular activities as more hirable because they had gained valuable skills and experiences in organizations and roles that better prepared them for a career. These skills, such as communication, team work, critical thinking, professionalism and leadership, can be strengthened and refined through increased college campus involvement. Despite the drawbacks, this program could be beneficial to adults who already have work experience as well as students who don’t have the time to dedicate to on-campus lectures, such as for financial reasons. This indicates colleges should implement the “competency-based model” in a moderated fashion. Teaching oneself is efficient, but more is taught and communicated through in-person lectures and active engagement with instructors. Although the tests might indicate proficiency with certain skill sets, there is a lot that could be lost in translation. Implementing a modified model that incorporates some active learning in a classroom with students and teachers as well as independent study time would create a more balanced learning process. These students, regardless of circumstance, deserve the opportunity to benefit from a professor or teacher’s knowledge. Students can still earn their degree faster with less lectures instead of completely H eliminating them all together. ■
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Supporting the Kaiser strike benefits everyone HARRY STOLTZ Contributing Writer
THE COALITION OF KAISER PERMANENTE UNIONS’ THREE DAY STRIKE WILL HELP HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND PATIENTS ALIKE.
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On Wednesday, October 4, over 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers went on the largest healthcare strike in U.S. history. The strike, which consists mostly of nurses, medical technicians and support staff, is just the latest in a series of strikes sweeping the nation. According to a CNBC report, over 430,000 workers went on strike in 2023. Kaiser workers embarked on a 72-hour long strike in order to secure higher wages, and for Kaiser to address staff shortages. If the United States wants to secure a bright future, supporting unions is paramount. The past couple of years have seen a wave of high-profile strikes, like the Amazon unionization effort in Staten Island, New York, the SAG-AFTRA writers strike and the ongoing UAW strike. Much of this can be attributed to the pandemic, but an often overlooked part is President Biden’s National Relations Review Board. The NLRB, which is ostensibly supposed to “protect workplace democracy,” has been severely weakened over the past 50 years. However, in recent years, the NLRB has taken a much more aggressive approach towards union-busting, and has facilitated many of the recent unionization efforts, including the Kaiser protest. With COVID-19 came huge influxes of patients, and healthcare staff stretched thin. As a result, over five million healthcare workers quit their jobs during the “Great Resignation.” A 2021 study conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracked strikes happening throughout the country, found that around a third were in the healthcare industry. Then in 2022, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report warning of a burnout crisis, stating that, “Confronting the long-standing drivers of burnout among our health workers must be a top national priority.” The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions says that their goals are designed to remedy this exact issue. Not only
do higher wages and better staffing benefit healthcare workers, but they also help patients as well. Adequate staffing directly increases patient outcomes, increases patient satisfaction and reduces patient care costs — an increasingly important factor for many Americans as healthcare costs continue to rise. On Friday, Kaiser Permanente announced that they had reached a tentative agreement with the strikers, but the details are unknown at the time of this article. If the union votes to reject the deal, then workers could resume their strike as soon as November 1. So far, it seems as though the Kaiser strike has been an overwhelming success, reflecting the power that its union members hold together. The concessions will help the healthcare workers do their jobs effectively, H and patients can hopefully look forward to seeing material change.■
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Pandas leaving U.S. zoos are another sign of the deteriorating relationship between China and western countries
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BEIJING IS NOT RENEWING THE RECURRING TEN-YEAR LEASE ON THEIR PANDAS COMES AS A SHOCK AFTER DECADES OF THE NIXON-ERA EXCHANGE.
APRIL BUTLER Contributing Writer
As the nation, as well as the rest of the globe, departs from the haze COVID-19, the structure of society seems to be returning to its pre-pandemic state. People are revisiting the scenes and activities they enjoyed before social distancing. This includes restaurants with indoor seating and family trips to the zoo. It seems as though more has been stirring beneath the panda-monium, as issues involving panda diplomacy at international zoos arise. Judging by the hostile implications from both sides, the U.S. should distance themselves from further exchange with China in case these growing tensions are an indication of more to come. Beijing is refusing to renew the recurring ten-year contract that has been recognized between the U.S. and China for decades. In 1972, former First Lady Pat Nixon officially accepted two giant pandas as a gift from the People’s Republic of China and two musk oxen were given in return. This was to stand as a symbol of open diplomatic and trade relations between them. After fifty years, China has decided to withdraw its pandas from Western zoos, including the associations of San Antonio and Memphis, with no indication of renewing loan agreements. This circumstance generates concerns regarding the growing tensions between China and the U.S. The relationship between the U.S. and China has been a wavering collection of ups and downs. Indications of the gradual deterioration leading up to the current state of the tarnished alliance became evident as early as 1979, but the events that have ALL PICTURES COURTESY OF FLATICON.COM
transpired as late as 2019 to the present are enough to explain the most recent growing tensions that have unfolded. In 2019, the fi rst cluster of COVID cases were reported, and in early 2020 blame began to spiral out of control when former President Trump publicly declared the infection as the ‘China virus.’ Shortly after this statement, polarization between the two powerhouse nations began to ignite. Conflicts range from the expulsion of all American journalists from China to Trump signing an executive order to discontinue further trade with Beijing. This animosity is not only restricted to the government, but has extended to the public with more and more anti-American and anti-China sentiments stirring on social media platforms, such as TikTok for The States and Weibo in China. Rumors have been stirring on Weibo that the resident pandas of the Memphis Zoo, Le Le and Ya Ya, were abused when Le Le, the twenty-four-year-old male, died unexpectedly. Ya Ya, the female companion, was also photographed with patchy fur that left her looking gaunt and unmaintained. Even an official Chinese scientific delegation confi rmed that Le Le died of natural causes and Ya Ya’s appearance was due to a chronic skin condition that causes fur to thin. When Ya Ya was returned in April, and all other pandas in U.S. international zoos seem to follow, it appears the animosity between China and the west is the only viable explanation. It is clear that no agreement will be cultivated in the near future. Until diplomacy is restored, no further dealings should transpire between the U.S. and China. The pandas are essentially being confiscated and after years of contract renewals, this abrupt hold in loan agreements is a palpable indication that these nations could be on their way to war if they do not resolve their lingering abrasion. It is unfair that the U.S. will no longer have these precious bears available for them to view conveniently at local zoos due to the consequence of what amounts to a H geopolitical game. ■
Lower rates of violent crime in California demand changes to rehabilitation facilities A FALL IN VIOLENT CRIMES COMMITTED BY CALIFORNIA YOUTH USHERS IN NEEDED REFORMS TO THE IN-STATE YOUTH INCARCERATION SYSTEM AND TREATMENT PLANS. CECILE DIROLL Assistant Opinions Editor
According to the Public Policy Institute of California’s report, young people today are committing “far fewer” crimes as compared to the previous generations. The data reveals that juvenile arrests have declined nationwide over the last 24 years, dropping from 84% between 1996 and 2020. This trend mirrors the decline in arrest rates for California young adults as violent crime arrests have fallen by more than 50 percent over the last 25 years. These results are unusual as young people tend to partake more in criminal activity during their teenage years — late teens to early 20s — than any other age period. However, as studies substantiate that young adults are committing fewer violent crimes, ongoing state efforts should shift from building capacity to improving living conditions and treatment in juvenile centers by funneling justice-involved youth into community-based support systems that increase rehabilitation success. In California, intervention programs for at-risk youth and new law enforcement policies may significantly contribute to the decline in youth arrests. From the 1990s to the 2000s, California implemented numerous juvenile
justice reforms supported by federal funding. The most significant change came in 2020 when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 823, a policy that closes state youth prisons and transfers justice-involved youth to their local or home counties. Receiving $200 million a year, the counties are now directly responsible for supervising and treating youth who conflict with the law. By improving living conditions and developing more robust intervention programs, county centers enable detainees to receive more visits from family and friends, engage with community groups and live in comfortable environments near home. Justice-involved youth rehabilitate much better with access to parents, siblings and their children. Additionally, justice-involved youth can participate in educational and vocational programs that can lead to viable career options post-release. Still, concerns regarding oversight and abuse issues remain, such as recent overdoses in Los Angeles juvenile hall and the substandard condition of local county facilities that have been raised by opponents of the “responsibility” transfer. Though these concerns are valid and counties need to facilitate safe environments,
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the proven higher outcomes for rehabilitation of justiceinvolved youth near their families and homes are essential to their recovery. If county facilities continue to reform and address oversight issues, local facilities will provide more humane treatment options and responses for recovery. Furthermore, the sheer size of state juvenile centers has become completely unnecessary due to the declining number of youth committing violent crimes. California’s criminal justice system, particularly the youth incarceration system, is not flawless and needs to continue being an important legislative issue. The decline of young people committing violent crimes is a positive trend that requires ongoing focus and further reforms to the youth incarceration system and treatment plans. County facilities offer a long-term improvement as they provide justice-involved youth with a less restrictive setting, more specialized care and a better connection to H their personal lives than state facilities. ■
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Features 10 TUESDAY, OCT 17, 2023
FEATURES
THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/category/features
Let’s talk about the immediate future… We’re not thinking too far forward right now, all that matters is today. Ysabel Nakasone, Opinions Editor
Aries (March 21 - April 19) Knight of Cups Reversed You have an overactive imagination, Aries. Don’t let the delusions get the best of you this week and convince you to do something out of the ordinary. Trust me, whatever sign you think you saw isn’t a sign.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Ace of Swords You are on the very verge of a breakthrough. Don’t think too hard about it; allow the ideas and truth to flow through you. Don’t go chasing down things that you think mean something when what really matters is what you already have right in front of you. You’re missing it. Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22) Magician You’re trying too hard to be in control right now that you’re manipulating the people around you. You may achieve the best outcome for everyone, but when your deception is uncovered, forgiveness will be a lot harder to come by. Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Queen of Swords This week is a neutral one for you. You will be on the outside looking in on the drama. Offer only neutral advice and allow others to make their own decisions. Involving yourself will only cost you pieces of yourself.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) World Something is coming to a close this week. It might be something you want to last or something you’ve been praying to end. It is unclear. Prepare for the finality either way, as it will mean you need to shift focus.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Nine of Wands This week will be a test of faith, Gemini — both your faith in yourself and in others. Don’t let your past define how you feel about the present, and put trust in the people around you who have earned it.
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22) King of Wands Reversed Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Fool Reversed You’re taking unnecessary risks, Leo. Don’t give in to your worst impulses and drive others to the same. This week is going to present you with unnecessary temptations that will drive you off course and hurt others.
You are being single-minded in your goals, ruthless even. Take a second to look and think about the people involved in what you’re doing. Is being right the most important thing here?
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Six of Cups Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Six of Pentacles Reversed This week is about noticing the truths about the people around you. You need to see people for who they really are, even if it is unflattering. Someone is taking advantage of you, and this week will be a breaking point in your relationship. Don’t let a one-sided relationship define you. Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Moon You’re wracked with fear and anxiety, Aquarius. Your subconscious is driving you to act out of paranoia. Try to take things as they are this week instead of looking for a subtext that doesn’t exist anywhere but your own head.
This week, you’ll be revisiting your past. It will come up somehow, make you rethink everything, and re-examine your ideals. Let the childishness back, and don’t feel bad for the joy. Being young is a privilege that doesn’t last much longer. Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20) Ten of Cups Currently, you’re entrenched in bliss. This isn’t to say that it won’t last, but this time is precious. Enjoy harmony and peace because it’s not a certainty. Know that the relationships that bring you this joy will only last as long as your dedication to them does.■H
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TUESDAY, OCT 17, 2023
11
Halloween Candy Choices: What they reveal about you
Which candy calls out to you? Find out what your choice says about your sweet personality... Maribel Gamez-Reyes, Assistant Features Editor In the whimsical world of Halloween, where costumes and candy rule, the choice of sweet delights can reveal more about your character than you might think. Which candy are you choosing from the tempting bowl? Smarties You’re vibrant, bubbly, and exude confidence! You embrace the colors that life has to offer and are always chasing after a new adventure. Your extroverted demeanor brings you spontaneous opportunities and helps you socialize with distinct personalities. While you are open-minded to new experiences, you don’t lose sight of your goals. You have most things in your life sorted out, and even if you don’t, you roll through the punches with a positive and proactive mindset. Airheads Head in the clouds? You’re an explorer, aiming to reach new heights! Your imaginative and creative nature might be unusual to some, but you’re on a path that only you can understand. It’s not always about an end goal for you but the journey itself. You aren’t grounded to anything, you’re a dreamer so if a new opportunity arises you won’t hesitate to pack up your bags and soar after what brings excitement and adrenaline in your life. Jolly Ranchers Minimalistic and nostalgic outlook on life? There is no denying you’re a hard worker for what you want, but for a while now, your life has lacked excitement from your bland taste. Leave your compulsory school days behind, you don’t have to limit yourself to the rigidness of your reward system rules. The entirety of your life is not a classroom setting. Be present and learn to appreciate all facets of life. Sour Patch Kids First, you’re sour, then you’re sweet. Sour, Sweet, Gone! You’re defi nitely a wild card. You keep all your cards hidden and shock everyone when you make a move. Your unpredictability is unmatched. It’s valid to question if you ever grew up, due to your child-like mindset. You often give in to intrusive thoughts which can result in others getting hurt. You do feel remorse which is a relief, but you don’t learn from your mistakes and the cycle repeats. It’s difficult to pin down your stream-of-consciousness but while you might think you’re giving “tough love,” you can be perceived as overly critical and harsh at times. In the real world, forgiveness and forgetfulness don’t come as easily as they do in those lighthearted sour patch commercials. If you don’t break the cycle, life might throw you a curveball, straining your relationships. Laffy Taffy You have a fondness for the sweet things in life! Your remarkable sense of humor showcases an ability to fi nd joy in everyday situations. You’re deeply independent, taking on challenges with a fearless attitude. However, you’re not just about selfsufficiency; you’re also the kind of person who readily extends a helping hand to others, generously sharing your positivity and sweetness with the world.
Nerds You’re someone who enjoys shaking things up! People around you admire your ability to excel in everything you attempt. You maintain an open mind and readily embrace new experiences, trying them at least once, or more if they strike your fancy. While others may wish they started from where you did, you tend to downplay your own courage in facing fears and anxiety, taking on new challenges. Your talents don’t rely solely on natural ability or luck; instead, they stem from your hard-earned skills and dedication. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed by others. Reese’s Pieces You’re probably one of the sweetest individuals around. Just like these candycoated peanut butter treats, you’re colorful, approachable and always ready to brighten someone’s day. You’re the type of person who genuinely cares about making people smile and feel comfortable. Much like the way Reese’s Pieces harmoniously blend peanut butter and candy shells, you have a knack for fi nding balance in your life. You’re a master at combining responsibility with leisure, ensuring that you meet your obligations while still indulging in some well-deserved enjoyment. And just as each Reese’s Piece has its unique flavor, you celebrate individuality, valuing the diverse tastes and preferences that make life more colorful. twix Your personality is a delightful mix of introvert and extrovert vibes. You’ve got this cool combo of a reserved side and a wild, “high-spirited side,” just like two sides of a coin. It might take a minute to get to know you, kind of like peeling the layers of an onion. But once you’re in your element, that lively side of yours is here to stay, like a never-ending party. You’re the one who keeps the good times rolling, spreading good vibes and making every gathering a blast! Th ree Musketeers You’re fearless, imaginative, and determined! As a natural leader who doesn’t shy away from challenges. Your love for progress and unyielding resolve keep you going, even in tough times. You’re a master of efficiency and strategy, always ensuring your team’s success. Plus, you’re a great listener, making sure everyone’s ideas count and motivating your group to work together towards a common goal. Snickers You’re the living proof of “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” Like someone reaching for a shot or double shot of espresso to kick start their day, you’re powerful and slightly intimidating. You’ve got a strong character, and you fearlessly chase after what you want. But when you’re without that necessary “fi x,” you might blurt out unfiltered thoughts that you’d rather not overshare. At times, it can make you seem a bit off, especially when you’re not feeling like yourself and hanging onto that last ounce of sanity. When you’re back to your usual self, you’re highly functional, put-together, and straightforward, all in a reasonable measure, and always considerate of others. You’ve got an on/off switch for that unfiltered and moody side, and staying on top of your “fi x” H can help keep it at bay. ■
My 6 Favorite Things About UCR The things I love most about our school. Natalie Dahl, Features Editor
When I enrolled in UCR at the end of my senior year of high school, I was a little bit less than excited. I didn’t want to leave home in a city that I loved and leave behind friends and family. I was very nervous going into my freshman year that UCR wouldn’t be the right fit for me. Luckily, since then I have found so extraordinarily much to love about this beautiful campus. Here are my six top favorites of our beloved school.
The Bell Tower Speaking of the Bell Tower, how cool is it that every Friday there is a mini concert played by a professional carillonneur? And there’s even a longer concert every quarter, totally free to the public! The clock also helps notify me how late I’m running to class when I’m speed-walking by it on the way to the SSC.
The Scottish Theming I absolutely adore that everywhere I turn on campus, there is blue and yellow gold tartan. Whenever I tell people who are unfamiliar with UCR that our entire school is Scottish themed, they are flabbergasted. Even people who are pretty familiar with the university on paper are delighted to learn about why our mascot is named Scotty and why we are called the Highlanders. (Fun fact: did you know that our original mascot in 1958 was a Scottish Terrier named Lady MacTavish of Walpole? Her nickname to the students was Buttons; how cute!) Personally, I think it is hilarious for a school to have such an odd and wonderful theme that you can see permeate throughout the entire school.
The Small Campus Feel Something I didn’t consider heavily enough when considering what school I wanted to attend was how large the student population was on each campus. I was very pleasantly surprised my freshman year to fi nd how close all my campus buildings were and that I could walk from the edge of my dorm in Aberdeen-Inverness to the other edge of campus in 30 minutes or less. As I have progressed in my college career, I have appreciated how tight-knit our campus community is. It’s rare that I walk to one of my classes without saying hello to someone I know. And even though our school feels cozier than other UCs, there is no lack of phenomenal research and a plethora of academic knowledge that are available to help students thrive professionally.
The Orange Juice I would lay my life down for the fresh orange juice squeezing machine in the Glasgow dining hall. And even though it’s expensive, the orange juice you can buy at Scotty’s is also phenomenal. If I also got to put in a drink request for my last meal, I would request a tall, cold glass of So-Cal’s fi nest beverage. I truly believe that it is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted in my life.
The So-Cal Weather Truly, how can you complain about it being sunny in the fall and spring and only needing to wear one jacket in the winter. If it snowed or rained frequently in Riverside, I know that I personally would not be able to get myself to come to class. Props to all the students who have to brave actual winter weather on their campuses.
The Campus Events I would venture to say that UCR has the coolest on-campus events out of any of the UCs. Apart from the well-known quarterly concerts, there is always an event being put on. I never feel like I have to travel off-campus to keep myself entertained. The intimate shows at The Barn, spoken word poetry nights and Fall Nooners Bell Tower concerts series are always a favorite of mine.
I am very proud to call this school and campus community my home. I hope that like me, you either already feel like UCR is a perfect fit for you or you fi nd specific things H that you love about our school.■
RADAR 12 TUESDAY, OCT 17, 2023
RADAR
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Blackbox: a show you will never forget
Telling the story of an enslaved African American who mails himself to freedom, UCR’s theatre department excels in its newest fall production.
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COURTESY OF UCR TFDP
BRENDA JOVEL Editor-in-Chief
COURTESY OF UCR TFDP
VASH CHEN / THE HIGHLANDER
It is 1849. A wooden box with a lock faces the audience center stage as thunderous music is heard overhead. The Spirit (Jasmine Gatewood) silences the crowd with graceful movements of her arms — a smile spreads across her lips as she moves around the stage. The Spirit hums a soft tune and when she fi nally approaches the box, Henry “Box” Brown emerges (Andrew Hardin) into the light. Henry narrates his story through deep and gutwrenching monologues throughout “Blackbox.” His story travels over the course of years, from his early childhood to the day he was separated from his family and wife, Nancy, and then, to the day he set forth on his path to freedom. Every line of dialogue in the show was carefully crafted to capture Henry’s struggles and was often emphasized by the setting of the dark hues of the night or the golden rays of moonlight that shined upon him. In particular, the use of lighting in “Blackbox” behaved as its own character. This is clearly seen in the fi rst few minutes of the show when Henry steps into the box, and after he is locked into it, The Spirit drapes a white cloth against the box before Henry’s silhouette is reflected upon it. The silhouette shows him struggling to unbind himself from chains, and his grunts of pain echo throughout the room until he is fi nally let out. Though enslaved for several years, Henry was also known to be a magician, allowing the play’s production team to play with visually enchanting tricks. These moments in the show were sudden and played well into the narrative of a man quite literally hiding tricks up his sleeves to achieve a happier future. Magic was one enchanting factor of the play, but Hardin and Gatewood’s singing further mesmerized the audience. Hardin takes up the character of Nat Turner, the leader of the Nat Turner Slave Rebellion in 1831, during one scene. Hardin stands behind a podium as a blue light is cast over him. His powerful voice captures the passion behind Turner’s reason for revolting, recalling how the heavens and gods told him to “slay his enemies with their own weapons.” As Hardin evokes every ounce of Turner’s character, Gatewood loudly sings alongside him. It is one of the play’s strongest scenes that highlights themes such as religion and the fight for freedom. The multiplicity of characters in a two-actor show was a strong factor in “Blackbox.” The Spirit is a multitude of characters, from Henry’s mother to malevolent slave owners who punished Henry’s family. Through quick costume changes and adaptability of body language, Gatewood distinctly became every character she played as The Spirit. During one of the show’s many impactful scenes, Henry recalls the day his wife’s master asked him to pray for his well-being after growing ill. Henry, bound to the almighty, does as he is told and tells the rest of the enslaved to pray for their master as well. The master recovers into health and, after being told by his wife that the enslaved’s prayers were worth nothing, Henry says, “He whipped every single one who said a prayer for him.” The Spirit thus represents each of the enslaved as they
cry out in agony for suffering through an inhumane punishment. The day of Henry’s saddest moment arrives. He narrates how his wife and three children were sold to a vile minister. Henry pleads to say goodbye to his family in the proper way one last time, but, unfortunately, his attempts prove futile. On the day his family is shipped off, Henry says goodbye to them in their chains along with 350 slaves bound with them. The shadows of the enslaved are shown against the backdrop of the stage as Gatewood powerfully sings one of the show’s most tragic songs. Feeling distraught, Henry begins to break himself from Christianity, questioning the actions of the almighty. As the days go on, Henry returns to his choir and adjusts to “normality” once again. While working one day, Henry exclaims that freedom breathed into him a prayer from the almighty that lent him their aid. He decides to plan his escape. In 1849, Henry mailed himself into a wooden box for freedom. Though his body is concealed from the audience, Henry’s shadow shows the grueling positions he endured during his journey. The Spirit opened the box, and at fi rst, it seemed that Henry would come out, but instead, The Spirit jumps into the box. The audience is stunned — confused even — until a light points toward a free Henry who runs onto the stage. Henry and The Spirit reunite a fi nal time through a jolly song as “Blackbox” comes to an end. After the show, dramaturg Aedan Ferrara was joined onstage by Costume Shop Manager, Landis Maren York, and “Blackbox’s” playwright, Rickerby Hinds. Ferrara asked Hinds how the play came to be. Hinds explained that Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. had reached out to several playwrights about plays that dealt with American history. Hinds noted that he wanted to do a play that had magic in it, and after doing research, the story of Henry “Box” Brown became his to adapt. Ferrara then asked York about the challenges she may have encountered when designing costumes for a play that dealt with magic. “This is my fi rst encounter with magic up close. . . I kinda took my cues from our Magic Consultant, Naathan Phan, [who] guided me on how these illusions are created,” York said. Hardin and Gatewood later joined the panel. Gatewood recalled that though they had a short amount of time to work with the production of the show, she expressed gratefulness for being able to live and grow in the character’s she cleverly portrayed. “Blackbox” was a brilliant show that will always be remembered for its incredible writing and emotional performances. Congratulations to TFDP and “BlackH box’s” production team for an outstanding work of art.■
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RADAR
TUESDAY, OCT 17, 2023
Vain’s Fall Runway Show exhibits fashion’s future
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MAXEN OLVERA Contributing Writer
The 2023 Fall Runway Show hosted by Vain Fashion Club at UCR utilizes creative liberties. The team at Vain led by Austin Laniyi worked tirelessly throughout the summer to organize their fashion show. Their hard work is clearly visible as the runway show feels like an upscale event that came straight out of New York Fashion Week. The room was packed with every seat being occupied by an eager UCR student or a Southern California native. The audience were enthralled with each piece that graced the catwalk. The runaway show offered a diverse array of clothing. Three independent brands were able to present ten pieces each that were worn by various models. 90s and Y2K style were prevalent in the line of 51mg. The Los Angeles based company run by the style guru known as WAWA. 51mg has been running for over a year now. Each piece has a custom airbrush design done by hand without using the security of stencils. The freehand technique grants each piece with a rugged flare. WAWA’s original iconography elevates the clothing by giving it other worldly properties. Fortunately, 51mg has an online store that features authentic airbrush designs. Hysteric Libra showcased an impressive line of women’s clothing. The intricate pieces were handmade by designer Tanisha in the heart of California. Each garment has come from a thrift store because sustainability strengthens the future of fashion. Tanisha injects
new life into her thrifted pieces as she approaches her work like an artist. This approach plants the seeds of innovation within the recycled attire. The audience at the show gravitated towards the denim set, pink corset and peach lace set. These outfits distinctively stood out as they represented a work of art and hard work. Hysteric Libra’s website offers everything from skirts to corset tops. The website just launched a new line of eleven products that have been selling out ever since the runway show. FOULMANNERED returned to the UCR catwalk with an offering of Frankenstein designer pieces. The garments come from high end designer brands that are based in Japan. The creative process of FOULMANNERED is spearheaded by Lorenzo González who operates the company within the Inland Empire. His website has an online store that sells Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Tornado Mart. Not to mention there’s a handful of rare vintage tops that range from the 1980s to early 2000s. Both forms of clothing are listed at an affordable price on the website. FOULMANNERED makes high quality clothing brands easily accessible to the youth. The fashion show ended with numerous UCR students walking the runway donning their own outfits that spotlighted their personal style. The audience was able to see a wide array of fashion choices. With some wearing all black while others wore an arrangement of bright colors that made them pop. At the very end, every model and designer came back to walk the runway. The final walk assured everyone that fashion has reached a level in evolution which invites new ideas that challenges the thinking of the observer.
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COURTESY COURTESY OF OF VAIN SAM PITTMAN / VAIN
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RADAR
TUESDAY, OCT 17, 2023
THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/category/radar
More than just clothes
Fashion is one of the most important parts of college life. GILLIAN ONG Contributing Writer
Growing up as an Asian woman in a predominantly white area, the alienation was subtle but aggressive. For the first seventeen years of my life, I attempted to hide myself through the clothes I wore. I thought if I dressed in ways that hid my body, I could hide from criticism and prying eyes. College, for many, is the first taste of freedom that adult life offers. This includes the freedom to present yourself however you like. With UC Riverside’s demographics showing that 87% of their students were members of minorities or people of color, the school impacted the way I and many others are able to present themselves immensely. It is a safe place for many students to embrace their culture, especially with many clubs dedicated to celebrating heritage such as the Korean American Student Association (KASA) and Chinese Student Association (CSA) to name a few. When people think of fashion, they may think of just clothes. Fashion, however, is a part of identity, which extends far past the realm of solely clothes. One student from UCLA drove all the way to UC Riverside just to attend the VAIN fashion show. When questioned about his thoughts, he stated he appreciated the way that fashion is able to keep one’s individuality while still being able to bond with others through the means of style. Fashion is the way you are able to express yourself to others without needing to verbalize anything. It allows for creativity and expression but with yourself as a canvas. Fashion is a movement. It has the ability to bring people together, which is demonstrated through the many clubs dedicated to fashion, such as Vain UCR or Fashion and Sneakers at UCI. Time and time throughout history, fashion has been used to spread awareness — such as in the case of Armita Abbasi, where social media users adorned her signature
eyeliner as a way to demonstrate their support for the Iranian protesters. This is also the case for denim, especially during the civil rights movement. While it is currently viewed as a modern staple, it was once a symbol of the struggle for Black freedom. Previously, the use of jeans and denim overalls were uniforms for Black sharecroppers in the rural south. The Black middle class at the time felt they needed to dress that way in order to assimilate and appear respectable. Men and women activists in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, however, decided to reclaim their power and turn denim workwear to stand together with the working classes. This not only made a bold statement about the class system and hierarchy, but made it much more practical for the organizers to mobilize in denim as opposed to other fabrics. Another instance of fashion being used as a protest is in the case of The Black Panther Party. The Black Panther Party, also known as the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, was founded in 1996 in Oakland, California by Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton. Their party’s original mission was to patrol and protect African American neighborhoods from police brutality. As time went on, they accumulated more than 2,000 members and operated in multiple major American cities. The Party had a uniform that consisted of black leather jackets, black pants, blue shirts and their infamous black beret. This beret was a resounding token of respect and a signature that conveyed their symbols of militancy. This is what makes fashion so important. It surrounds us, and no one person is excluded. Fashion is powerful — it has the ability to bring everyone together, but still manages to keep each person’s H individuality. ■
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RADAR
TUESDAY, OCT 17, 2023
15
TXT’s ‘The Name Chapter: FREEFALL’ - A Farewell to Neverland, A journey into reality MARIBEL GAMEZ-REYES Assistant Features Editor
Descending from the dreamlike heights of Neverland, listeners are invited to explore TXT’s evolving musical facet — an unforgettable experience that promises not to disappoint. Released on October 13, “The Name Chapter: FREEFALL” by TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) signifies a transition from the dreamlike realm of Neverland to a poignant exploration of reality. This marks the culmination of an era and a fresh phase of growth for TXT. The second full-length installment in their “Name” series, “The Name Chapter: FREEFALL,” is a compelling narrative that encapsulates the struggles and determination of youth as they navigate the harshness of reality after delaying their adulthood and evading the world for so long. Big Hit Music, their management label, described it as a journey into the depths of reality, where the freefall can be tormenting, and yet, TXT perseveres by facing everything head-on. In their title track, “Chasing That Feeling,” TXT weaves a nostalgic 1980s synth-driven tapestry, showcasing the impressive vocal range of all group members, comprised of Yeonjun, Soobin, Huening Kai, Taehyun and Beomgyu. This track serves as an embodiment of the transition from the innocence of youth, bidding farewell to the enchanting realm of Neverland, and embarking on a heartfelt journey that explores themes of reality, melancholy, clarity and gravity. Additionally, the release of the title song and official music video follows the debut of two other tracks, “Back For More” performed live at the VMA’s in collaboration with the popular Brazilian singer Anita, and “Do It Like That” with the Jonas Brothers. Both of the debuted tracks are featured on the album’s tracklist, with “Back For More” having a special TXT Version. “Songs like “Deep Down” envelop the audience in a soothing EDM-pop ambiance, featuring a notably well-executed pre-chorus that shines even with its repetitive nature, and a chorus that seizes
the listener’s focus with a prominent beat. Whereas “Deep Down,” showcases the group’s versatility in their lower registers, the prior track “Dreamer” contrasts as a soft R&B song that feels like a musical embodiment of a sweet dream, with its soaring vocals. And further down the track list, “Blue Spring,” previously featured in their Act: Sweet Mirage tour is a heartfelt dedication to their devoted fans (MOAs) and is a guitar-led ballad worth a listen on this album. “Happily Ever After” may come across as a playful pop banger, but it conceals thought-provoking lyrics beneath its bubbly tone, forcing listeners to confront the realities they often avoid. TXT’s vocal prowess is on full display, showcasing their adaptability across genres and their commitment to expanding their musical horizons. In “Growing Pain,” they take an ambitious turn, embracing a full-blown rock mode that provides a heavy and impactful start to the album. Another standout track is “Skipping COURTESY OF BIGHIT MUSIC AND REPUBStones,” which delves into the theme of self-acceptance, emphasizLIC RECORDS ing the shift from being tough on oneself to meeting their true self. Throughout the song, TXT delivers impressive vocal perforVerdict: mances, including falsettos, extended notes and powerful chest “The Name Chapter: vocals. As TXT continues to evolve and experiment with their sound, FREEFALL” showcases TXT’s it’s clear that they are not only expanding their horizons but also bold experimentation, sopushing the boundaries of K-pop itself. This album serves as a lidifying their unwavering testament to their versatility, vocal prowess and commitment to addressing themes that resonate with their listeners. Whether you career growth and offering are a devoted MOA or a newcomer to their music, “The Name a message of hope amidst Chapter: FREEFALL” promises a captivating and immersive expedarkness. rience. ■H
‘You Love It, Just Say You Do’ — I Don’t STELA NOELLE ABASTA Contributing Writer
JENNIE’s second single feels lackluster and does not highlight any of the artist’s strengths. South Korean singer, rapper, actress and member of K-pop group BLACKPINK Jennie Kim, known as JENNIE, released a special single on Oct. 6, 2023, called “You & Me.” It was her first single in five years following the release of “SOLO” in Nov. 2018. “You & Me” is described by Genius as “a fiery tale of unwavering love, accompanied by a vibrant dance-pop rhythm and a bouncy bassline.” The sultry vibe comes from the provocative lyrics, while the dance-pop vibes come from the uptempo 112 beats per minute made to be both danced to in nightclubs and listened to on the radio. Fans first heard the song when Jennie made her debut performance of it on Oct. 15, 2022, at the opening concert of BLACKPINK’s “Born Pink” World Tour. The song solidified itself as part of the setlist for the rest of the tour. In a behind-the-scenes video on her YouTube channel, Jennie gave us insight on the song: “I did the recording about 3-4 years ago…It was in the closet for a while, but, while I was preparing for this concert, I thought about what kind of performances and songs I wanted to do and looked through songs with Teddy. We decided to bring out that song we liked and that’s when we started to prepare for it.” TEDDY is one of the writers and producers who worked on “You & Me” alongside 24, Danny Chung and Vince. On the first listen, “You & Me” is not what one might expect. The song begins with an instrumental that gives off summer vibes with the chords and snaps setting up for a cute pop song. Then,
she begins singing, and it is all downhill from there. It’s not that her singing or her voice was bad. Rather it’s how she sang. The rhythm at which she sings does not match the song at all. The delivery of the lyrics doesn’t flow very well, constantly keeping listeners guessing as to how she would sing the next lines, making it not very catchy. After the first verse, the beat drop is a sound bite of glass breaking before the instrumental completely changes into a bass-boosted club song out of nowhere. Beat drops and loud bass lines are great, but the average “construction music” stan has to agree that they didn’t make sense with where the song seemed to be going. The vibe doesn’t match at all throughout the song. The beginning makes you feel like it’s supposed to be a wholesome summer love song, but then, the chorus throws you for a loop and makes you think it’s supposed to be a sexy club song — both of which are executed poorly. Now onto the subject of the lyrics themselves: one would think that the lyrics could make the song better, but they don’t enhance the number like one would hope. Jennie’s lyrics tell an incoherent story. The narrative of the song is conflicting, going back and forth from her singing that her lover is perfect for her to singing that her lover will never find someone better than her. Fans aren’t expecting jaw-dropping, Taylor Swift-esque lyricism, but lyrics that make sense are the bare minimum, and the song isn’t even able to give them that. ■H
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Verdict: All in all, “You & Me” by Jennie is a song that can be skipped — if you ever miss Jennie, just pretend it’s 2018 again and listen to “SOLO” on repeat, or just listen to BLACKPINK songs that actually showcase Jennie’s talent. COURTESY OF YG ENTERTAINMENT
Sports 16 TUESDAY, OCT 17, 2023
SPORTS
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UC Riverside women’s volleyball suffers a crushing defeat 2-3 against UC San Diego HANSEL CHU Sports Editor
The Highlanders held a commanding 2-0 lead but were unable to close it out against the Tritons. The UC Riverside women’s volleyball team suffered a crushing loss against UC San Diego 2-3 in set play on Friday night. Going into this game, the Highlanders won three out of their past five games and were looking to ride that momentum against a very tough Triton team, who won their past two games. UCR held a commanding 2-0 set lead but was unable to close out the game as UCSD came storming back. The first set started out strong for UC Riverside as they jumped out to an early 4-1 set lead. It was a team effort to start out for the Highlanders as many outside hitters for UCR contributed to multiple kills. Senior outside hitter Mylei Vargas-Deason started to make her mark in the game as she recorded back-to-back kills for UC Riverside to give them an 11-7 lead. The Tritons kept the first set close as they were able to respond with their own kills and aces after the Highlanders would go on a run of their own. However, a couple of errors from UCSD gave UCR a 17-15 lead, and the Highlanders would run away with the set as Vargas-Deason would record another kill to give the first set win to the Highlanders 25-19. UC Riverside continued their momentum in their second set as they jumped out to an early 7-1 set lead. Again, the team effort of the Highlanders led the way on the offense with multiple outside hitters getting the job done with kills and aces. Sophomore outside hitter Sophia Ewalefo started to make her presence known with a couple of kills to give UCR an 11-4 lead. UC San Diego was unable to keep up with the charging offense of UC Riverside as the Highlanders kept laying kill after kill. Junior libero Tylee Fuller laid the hammer with an ace to give UCR a dominant 25-12 set win, leading 2-0 in set play with just one more set win to go. Ewalefo led the way with six kills in the set. The Tritons were not going to go out without swinging, as they matched the Highlander’s intensity to start out the third inning. Both teams exchanged rallies after rallies as neither school wanted to give up momentum. As the set continued to climb toward the target score of 25, both teams were neck and neck on the scoreboard. However, it was UCSD that was able to string a streak of winning rallies. With the
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score being 18-16 in favor of UC San Diego, it was junior outside hitter Ava McInnes who led the way, recording multiple aces and kills to give the Tritons their first set win of the match, 25-18. Momentum started to shift toward UC San Diego as they used their momentum from their last set to jump out to an early 8-4 lead in the fourth set. UC Riverside struggled to respond to the quick momentum shift as a couple of kills from sophomore middle blocker Jasmine Saran gave UCSD a 13-6 set lead. VargasDeason was able to respond with back-to-back kills to inch UCR back into the set, but McInnes proved to be too much as she connected on three kills in four rallies to extend the set lead to 17-8 for UC San Diego. The Tritons were able to close out the set with a 25-14 set win with McInnes leading the way, tying the match up at 2-2 and the match headed toward a fifth set to determine the winner of the match. It seemed like the Highlanders had lost all momentum going into the fifth set after leading 2-0 in the match. UC Riverside fell behind early 7-3 but started to rally with Vargas-Deason leading the way with back-to-back aces and Ewalefo recorded another kill to tie the set at 7-7. Things started to get tense as the target score was 15 instead of the regular 25. UC San Diego started to pull away with McInnes recording a kill and a service error from UCR, which gave UCSD a 14-11 lead, one rally win away from winning the match. Sophomore outside hitter Katie Rapp was able to deliver a kill to give the Tritons the set win 15-12 and the match win, 3-2. Vargas-Deason and Ewalefo lead the way for the Highlanders as Vargas-Deason recorded 17 kills and Ewalefo recorded 13 kills. Vargas-Deason also had a game high 4 aces as well. Sophomore outside hitter Jessica Dean led UCR with 23 digs in the match. The Highlanders drop down to 4-15 (3-4) on the season and will take on UC Davis H at home on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. ■
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Highlander Hot Take: Can Team USA still rightfully call themselves World Champions?
NICHOLAS FAKHOURI Contributing Writer
With the recent meltdowns of Team USA in international plays, many star players have decided to join the national team in order to put the United States back on top. The recent disappointment made by the USA national basketball team at the FIBA World Cup tournament has sparked some anger from fans and some talk from the rest of the league. After a press conference with U.S. track and field sprinter Noah Lyles, expressing his concerns on why the U.S. NBA players call themselves the “Champions of the World,” he received a generous amount of backlash but soon proved right. With the team at the 2019 World Cup finishing in seventh place, their performance this year was supposed to be a comeback to showcase their talents but unfortunately came out empty-handed. The United States has always been the team to beat at the Olympic and national games. With the NBA being mostly made up of players from America, the national team has always been destined to be the best. This past decade has changed the NBA; more players nationally are developing the skills required to excel in the league. Players like Luka Doncic, who is from Slovenia, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is from Greece and Nikola Jokic, who is from Serbia, are some of the best players in the NBA at the moment. Going into the FIBA World Cup starting back in August, the roster was released for the United States team, and yet even though there were not many superstars in their team, everyone still assumed that the USA would come out on top. Other nations silenced this assumption after an upset occurred where Lithuania beat the United States by six points. The world quickly came to the conclusion that the sport of basketball was not dominated by American players any more; players from different countries have been on the rise, and they are showcasing their talent in the World Cup. The U.S. then proceeded to lose their next 2 out of 3 games to
Germany in the semi-finals and to Canada for the third-place title of the World Cup. This disappointing run by the USA national team has forced NBA stars to take action. NBA stars have finally been speaking up on this matter. Stars like Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry have expressed severe interest in being part of the USA team in the 2024 Olympics. Joel Embid just committed to the team last week, expressing that after weeks of deciding on where to play, he stated in an Instagram post “I knew it had to be Team USA,” showing that even though the run by Team USA was disappointing to say the least, it looks like 2024 will be a great year for them in the Olympics. So the question that is being asked these days is: if these stars do commit to the Olympic team for next year, will that still be enough for them to stay the kings of basketball, or will other countries from around the world take over and change how the game is played entirely? The USA national team is really putting in all their efforts to come out on top for the 2024 Olympics. With all these stars that are committing and showing deep interest in being part of the team, there should be no problem with creating a super team that can really represent the United States and showcase the superstar talent that we obtain. So the real question is: will the USA comeback and assert dominance once again in the basketball world, or will it finally be taken over by the world and change the way people look at basketball and finally realize that this sport may not be United H States-dominated? ■