TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 VOLUME 107 ISSUE 03
DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911
REMEMBERING 9/11
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Humanities studies awarded $63,000 grant By Ryan Kirby News Reporter @rymanman
no traffic or messages are pending and the watch has been secured. The bell rings in memory of and tribute of their service.” Thomadies read a proclamation to honor the national day of remembrance.
The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded $63,000 to Joseph Falocco, associate professor of English in late August. The funds will contribute to Falocco’s directing of a Shakespearean seminar for artists. “The award highlights the intersection of both English and Theatre,” Falocco said. “Years ago, I worked with the Shenandoah Shakespeare Express. It was 1993, and we worked in groups to move around the country performing Shakespeare.” Falocco spoke about the difficulties in obtaining humanities grants. “It is not easy to keep Shakespeare alive in the 21st century,” Falocco said. “That can be done through performance in this kind of interdisciplinary study. It is difficult to teach Shakespeare without the performance. If we lose contact with Shakespeare, it becomes difficult to understand other works.” The seminar is titled "Shakespeare Without Fear: Teaching the Plays," and will be held next summer in late June. There will be an on-campus showing in Flowers Hall 113. Participation will consist of about 12 resident actors. While the award is mostly envisioned for faculty, the grant affects indirect recipients and officials as well. Bethany Tang, humanities alumnus and southeastern Texas educator in Crosby ISD said defunding of specific grants affects studies. “I feel that grants are harder to obtain,” Tang said. “I taught math when I first started in education and there were a lot of grants to apply for. For the arts? Not as many. You also have to prove yourself for an arts grant.” Melanie Liddle, senior administrative assistant of the Honors College, said the Undergraduate Research Fellowship grant aims to fund specific educational focuses.
SEE 9/11 PAGE 2
SEE AWARD PAGE 2
San Marcos Council Members pay tribute to 9/11 first responders Sept. 11 during a city hall memorial service. PHOTO BY SHAYAN FARADINEH | NEWS EDITOR
San Marcos community members gather outside City Hall to honor first responders By Shayan Faradineh News Editor @shayanfaradineh Dozens of San Marcos assembled outside City Hall, Sept. 11 to remember and honor the lives that were lost on 16 years ago. The ceremony began with the San Marcos Fire Department Honor Guard raising the flag that flew over San Marcos City Hall the morning of 9/11. Mayor John Thomadies, City Manager Bert Lumbreras and guest speaker retired Maj. Gen. Chris Adams were in attendance. Following the national anthem, Adams, who served 31 years of active duty in the Air Force, spoke on the tragedies 16 years ago, honoring the first responders who gave their lives. “Three hundred forty three firefighters and EMP members were killed that day along with, 23 police officers and 37 local officials there in New York City," Adams said. "They walked in there to save people.” The community bowed their heads in a moment of silence as the historic fire bell in front of City Hall rang in honor
Members of the San Marcos community pledge allegiance Sept. 11 during a city hall memorial service. PHOTO BY SHAYAN FARADINEH | NEWS EDITOR
of the first responders who died on 9/11. Les Stephens, fire chief, said the ringing of the bell honors the duty of firefighters. “They have completed their task, their duties well done,” Stephens said. “Their watch has been permanently relieved. A new watch has been posted.
Q&A: Democratic senate candidate Congressman Beto O’Rourke By Ryan Kirby News Reporter @rymanman Congressman Beto (Roberto) O’Rourke from Texas’ 16th Congressional District, is currently campaigning to unseat Senator Ted Cruz in next year’s midterm congressional election. Beto is running as a democrat. Here is what he had to say in a Q&A: Q: When did you start running for U.S. Senator for Texas – for the 2018 midterms? A: March 31 this year we launched the campaign in El Paso, and except for D.C. voting and working with political procedure, I’m travelling Texas. We were going to a lot of places many people don’t traditionally go to. For example, La Grange. One La Grange resident told me, “This is the first time in 40 years that a U.S. candidate has campaigned in La Grange.” It feels good to be where candidates have
not been showing up traditionally because everybody deserves to be represented. Q: Considering your Ted Talk video on “The Border Makes America Great,” would you be able to sum up your plan to legislate against the construction of the border wall? A: First, the U.S.-Mexico border has never been safer than it is today, and that’s in any way you want to measure it: in terms of safety of communities like El Paso that are very defining cities of the US-Mexico border, whether what the dollar amount is what we spend on the border today was five years ago, and it goes on, so, there’s no need for a wall. You cannot just stop something without replacing the problem with something better. There is a larger question of, how do we meet the interest in what’s going on in the border and immigration and provide a more positive alternative?
SEE Q&A PAGE 2
Mass communications department contracted for Medicare campaign By Jessica Castillo News Reporter @jacsavvy Researchers in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication have been recognized with a $630,000 award and new contract from Texas Health and Human Services to craft a campaign for Medicare enrollment. The campaign includes radio and television announcements, web and social media messages and will be available in English and Spanish. Parts of the contract such as testing messages, writing scripts and receiving approval, creating video, securing proper accommodations,
discussions on what images to use, and writing reports have been underway since the approval of the contract. The goal is to have the campaign ready for air at specific spots in Texas by Oct. 15, when Medicare enrollment begins. The team consists of three independent contractors and 11 research faculty members from within the school. Two members will lead the project. Kelly Kaufhold, assistant professor of communication, and Judy Oskam, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication as the co-leader
SEE SCHOOL PAGE 3
2 | Tuesday, September 12, 2017
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NEWS
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FROM FRONT 9/11
“
Therefore I, John Thomadies, by the virtue of the authority vested-in-me as mayor of the City of San Marcos, Texas, do hereby proclaim the eleventh day of September 2016, as Remembrance Day in San Marcos and I do call upon all people of San Marcos to remember those lost on Sept. 11, 2001. - John Thomaidas, mayor of San Marcos
”
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FROM FRONT Q&A That will come from the politics of Texas and the binational relationship with between the United States and Mexico. Texas should be re-writing our immigration laws. To create a legal, plausible path for someone to achieve citizenship is crucially important. What we see is that places like San Marcos and more northern panhandle cities, as far as relation to Texas Laws, have seen the benefit of immigration. We need to make a more revised legal path. The back of the line [for citizenship] stretches 15-20 years behind. It’s not that simple to get here. Q: The Texas Tribune gave you a live, thorough interview earlier this year and recently reported that you currently yield more revenue than Ted Cruz. What have been your biggest challenges facing Republican and Democratic opponents in your candidacy? A: Of course, running against a Republican incumbent is always an uphill battle. Some have tremendous fundraising and Ted Cruz specifically campaigns on PAC money. So, millions upon millions of dollars that are connected to corporations or special interests. I don’t take PAC money. Some folks see this as a disadvantage, but many people are drawn to someone not just grabbing for money. I know this is the right way to run it, especially for people that are turned off political campaigning. Q: Since people value strength in their leaders, how do you plan on representing equality while also representing strength? A: I don’t believe the two are mutually exclusive. One is very much part of the other. So, when we are able to receive the full potential of everyone in the state regardless of anything that otherwise differentiates us by race, gender, sexual orientation, and on, we are so much stronger because we are taking in the best of everyone. I look at being compassionate by welcoming courage. Courage is the antidote to the weakness of mean-spiritedness and efforts to divide us by our differences. I believe it is a strong Texas value to embrace anybody that has anything to offer. We should say, “If you’re in Texas, let’s make sure that you are getting the most out of what you have to give, regardless of where you are and who you are.” What’s important is that you’re here and you have this opportunity. Q: Issues such as SB4 are being litigated against and actions in Austin and surrounding areas and counties are taking lawsuit against the bill. San Marcos has recently voted to file an Amicus
Democrat Congressman Beto (Roberto) O’Rourke from Texas’ 16th Congressional District. COURTESY PHOTO Curiae Brief, reconsidering their position to join suit. How many Texas cities have you noticed “flipping” their ideas on issues like SB4 and what seems to be the reason why they are flipping their decisions, if they are at all? A: I believe it’s really important to have the courage of your conviction, whatever it is, and you should listen to your constituents and those who disagree with you. You want that decision you make to be in the best interest of the state and the country. You always want to make decisions for the next generation, not the next election. When
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you act in the ways I said before, I see people flipping votes less. I believe it is because they have that courage in their convictions. Q: When do you plan to come back to the 35-Corridor, or San Marcos? A: I want to go back to San Marcos soon. We are trying to visit as many college campuses as possible. Our first visit was in April and I thought it was positive. I enjoyed it and all the people we met from San Marcos that came from other places in Texas. San Marcos is a place full of many stories from many places. We are coming back soon.
FROM FRONT AWARD
Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, September 12, 2017. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.
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“The city of San Marcos will hold a brief remembrance on this day to honor the memories of heroic civilians by our fighters, EMS personnel and police officers who died Sept. 11, 2001,” Thomaides stated. “Therefore I, John Thomadies, by the virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the City of San Marcos, Texas, do hereby proclaim the eleventh day of Sept. 2017, as Remembrance Day in San Marcos and I do call upon all people of San Marcos to remember those lost on Sept. 11, 2001. And rededicated ourselves as patriotic Americans by flying the flag of the United States of America and reaffirming our commitment to liberty and justice.” Members of the community then had the option of placing a rose near the 9/11 memorial, and the ceremony was concluded.
Joseph Falocco, english lecturer, leads a lesson Sept. 6 in a classroom in Flowers Hall. PHOTO BY LEXI ALTSCHUL | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
“Other grants and ways of funding exist that are similar to the NEH grant,” Liddle said.
Texas’ 35th Congressional District Representative, Lloyd Doggett, made an official statement expressing his dis-
agreement with federal funding cuts to educational departments of the humanities. “I have spoken out against President Trump’s proposed budget cuts, including slashing funding for the Department of Education by 13.5 percent. We need to invest in education and in our students, not cut funding,” Doggett stated in an April press release. Margaret Plympton, the NEH’s deputy chair, sent out an official press release in May stating the NEH’s view on the importance of humanities funding. “Over these five decades, NEH has awarded more than $5.3 billion for humanities projects through more than 63,000 grants,” Plympton stated. “NEH grants have reached every part of the country and provided humanities programs and experiences to benefit all of our citizens.” Funding for independent projects such as Falocco’s Shakespearean Seminar is offered through the Undergraduate Research Fellowship. The next grant-writing seminar will be Sept. 22.
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NEWS
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 | 3 Shayan Faradineh News Editor @shayanfaradineh
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
MINOR
Faculty proposing Latino studies minor By Josie Soehnge News Reporter @SoehngeJ Texas State faculty members are proposing an interdisciplinary minor in Latina/o Studies. If the minor is approved and added to the university’s curriculum, the minor will be available to all undergraduate students and become available next fall. Kambra Bolch, associate dean of Academic Programs, said the minor will greatly enrich students of all fields and demographics at Texas State. “It will prepare them to be successful in a multicultural work environment,” Bolch said. “Every one of our students will go out and make a contribution to the world, and the world is a diverse place. The more they understand cultural expectations, norms, and histories, the more successful they will be in the work environment.” Bolch said Hispanic students will appreciate being able to learn more about their own heritage. “So often, in public schools, students are not given the opportunity to learn about their own culture,” Bolch said. “It is only in the last few years that people have become more conscious that we need to do a better job at reflecting the contributions of everyone in our society. However, it is not a minor for a
Gloria Martinez, sociology professor, discusses a proposed Latina/o Studies minor Sept. 6 to members of the San Marcos community, Texas State faculty and administration,. PHOTO BY VICTOR RODRIGUEZ | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
specific demographic, but appeals to everyone regardless of their field.” Two informative meetings were held on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 by the Latina/o Studies Minor Committee covering the proposed minor. During these meetings, attendees previewed a preliminary list of courses compiled for the potential minor. Courses discussed during the meeting included intercultural communication in the Americas, Latino youth and families and population geography. Gloria Martinez, professor of sociology and a lead developer of the Latina/o
Studies minor, said this idea emerged from professors coming together across campus and is a minor students want. “This new curriculum would reinforce the university’s goals of diversity and inclusion,” Martinez said. “Latina/o Studies would be an interdisciplinary minor that is open for anyone who is interested in learning about Latino culture. The minor would allow students to learn about the diversity within the Latino community. Students would be exposed to research that is currently being conducted on Latino issues. The
"It was a gratifying experience to be able to talk to these people much like we did when we were reporters,” James said. “Just being connected to the pulse of real society where individuals are in a life or death situation. It is really about the message of how they need that to be presented." The research was gathered with the aim to assist poor and rural Texans enrolling for Medicare. “We were doing some work in the
weeks before approval thinking we want to do research in this area anyway, so if it’s never approved that’s okay,” Kaufhold said. “We were doing work that would benefit us as researchers knowing that if we got the contract, we could apply it to the contract.” Kaufhold anticipates a turnout not only for Texas Health and Human Services but also for the research faculty in the school of journalism and mass communication and more notably for Texas
minor would also prepare students for the workforce by allowing them to attain cultural competency skills.” In a student survey conducted of 263 Bobcats from introductory courses and student organization groups, one-third of the student participants said they are interested in pursuing the new minor if it is added to the curriculum. Martinez also said the new minor would further support Texas State’s Hispanic Service Institution status. Many members of the local community attended the meetings, proposing ideas supporting the potential minor. Local residents proposed ideas of internships and service within San Marcos’ Latino community. Michelle Sotolongo, student development specialist in the Honors College, said the minor is being well received by the local San Marcos community. “This is seen as a huge benefit, and will strengthen the relationship between Texas State and the local community,” Sotolongo said. “This minor gives the faculty the opportunity to teach and discuss topics that haven’t been available previously.” Texas State Faculty will be voting on the potential minor this week, but there is still a long process ahead in adding Latina/o Studies to the university’s curriculum.
FROM FRONT SCHOOL This campaign was worked on for three months, and included research collected from 16 visits throughout Texas where state employees and benefit councilors registered individuals over the age of 65 for Medicare. During this preliminary process of the campaign faculty members Jessica James and Dan Seed, both lecturers in the school of journalism and mass communications, helped gather the information from Medicare recipients.
State as it heads toward becoming a tier one research institution. “The most important thing to me is to be part of a project that’s really meaningful research,” Kaufhold said. “We can help Texans, especially poor rural Texans get better access to healthcare through our work, that really means a lot to us and that’s important.”
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LIFESTYLE
The University Star Katie Burrell Lifestyle Editor @KatieNicole96
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ORGANIZATION
Undocumented, ally students find acceptance in student organization nalism sophomore and vice president. Alvarado is an undocumented immigrant. “It’s a good place to be in this current political climate, because growing up undocumented I remember feeling really alone. So having an organization like SCOPE with other members going through similar things, or maybe their family members are going through similar things, it’s really comforting because you build a sense of community,” Alvarado said. Alvarado said the membership process can be intimidating to some students. SCOPE does what it can do protect members’ safety and privacy, such as posting meeting times and dates, but not locations. The organization is not Silent protestors fill the Alkek steps Sept. 5 to defend the rights of DACA limited to immigrants. Students who are members. PHOTO BY LARA DIETRICH | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR documented or natural-born citizens are welcome to join as supportive allies By Katie Burrell mistreated because of their undocu- and SCOPE members. Lifestyle Editor mented or DACAmented status,” acEsparza said SCOPE’s main function @KatieNicole96 cording to its website. Deferred Action is to meet and share stories. Members for Childhood Arrivals, protects young have discussed issues of undocumentUndocumented students founded an undocumented immigrants from depor- ed veterans, deportation and daily life organization of their own on campus, tation. on campus. Primarily, the organization which they now lean on for support in Isabel Esparza English sophmore and meets to provide a home away from the current political climate. president of SCOPE, said she identi- home for members to relate to each The Student Community of Progres- fies herself as an ally, a person who is other. sive Empowerment originated at Texas a legally documented citizen interested “We provide information that undocState in 2015 with the mission as a “safe in aiding those who are undocumented. umented people need, and resources for space that protects students from being Helping her is Yunuen Alvarado, jour- allies on how they can help,” Esparza
said. Esparza grew up in Fort Worth, in what she calls a predominantly white neighborhood. Esparza said she felt a culture shock when moving to San Marcos. She felt more in touch with her Latina roots at a Hispanic Serving Institution and joined SCOPE in an effort to give back to undocumented individuals who have always been there for her growing up. “I joined because there are immigrants in my family. A lot of my friends are immigrants,” Esparza said. “It’s just a cause I’ve always been passionate about.” Esparza said her time at Texas State holds a deeper meaning being a part of SCOPE. Esparza found her time as a general member informative, and her recent promotion to president humbling. Currently, SCOPE accepts any and all students to join, attend workshops and meetings and share their stories. However, since the rescinding of DACA, SCOPE is not taking further media requests and is holding any and all events with higher security to protect the privacy of its members. “We want to make sure immigrants know their rights and know that if they are pulled over, there are things they can do to protect themselves,” Esparza said.
COLLEGE
Honors College Director of Academic Development retires after over two decades of service By Katie Burrell Lifestyle Editor @KatieNicole96 The Honors College celebrated Diann McCabe's retirement after 20 years of service and dedication to the university and the community. Students and faculty of the Honors College gathered in the coffee forum of Lampasas Sept. 2 to celebrate McCabe at her retirement party. McCabe has been a Bobcat since she was 18-years-old. Geographic location brought McCabe to Texas State in 1969. She moved into a residence hall, started her freshman course load and married her husband, Terry McCabe, now assistant professor in mathematics at Texas State, before the year was over. Between starting a family, moving around and eventually coming back to campus to finish her undergraduate degree, her graduate degree and then starting her work on campus as an honors professor, McCabe said she’s lived a fulfilling life and is ready to pass her legacy onto the director. McCabe said she and her husband will spend the spring semester of next year traveling, reading and enjoying time together with their friends.
McCabe said retiring is bittersweet, but knows it is a great time for a new director to take her spot and continue the legacy of growth she is leaving within the Honors College. “There’s a lot of new, exciting things happening here that I’m very please d to have been apart of,” McCabe said. “I think this is a good time for someone else to come to (fill the position).” Through directing developmental projects, teaching unique classes and bringing famous guest speakers to influence her students, McCabe has built strong relationships with her colleagues and students. Holly Hearn, public relations junior, took a class McCabe taught on walking. The class investigated walking in a variety of ways; how walking is cathartic, how it influences society and more. Before taking McCabe’s walking class, Hearn met McCabe at NSO where McCabe helped to inspire Hearn to become a student involved heavily with her campus. “She is a very outstanding member of the outstanding community, she does so much work for the town, and it's inspired me to get more involved with the town,” Hearn said. McCabe’s official last day was Aug.
31. The following day McCabe came to finish packing her office and join her retirement party which filled the lounge of Lampasas with students, faculty and staff after 3 p.m. on Sept. 1. Louie Valencia, alumnus, led the party by giving a speech and reading heartfelt notes written by students. McCabe’s contributions to the community include more than helping to inspire students. Over the years McCabe has left her mark in several ways. McCabe created, designed and implemented Walking: An Active and Interdisciplinary Investigation, the class which has influenced Hearn and other honors students. Her favorite project however, will leave its mark on San Marcos for as long as it stands. McCabe spearheaded the initiative which brought San Marcos The LBJ MLK Crossroads Memorial. According to Tour San Marcos, the memorial remembering President Lyndon B. Diann McCabe has recently retired from the honors college after a successful Johnson and Martin Luther King Jr. is career at Texas State. COURTESY OF strategically placed between the crossroads of a historically African AmeriTEXAS STATE HONORS COLLEGE can community and near the El Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, the Hispanic cultural center in town.
PRIDE
Vendors give back at SMTX Pride By Katie Burrell Lifestyle Editor @KatieNicole96 San Marcos' 3rd annual SMTX Pride parade and festival brought out a variety of guests, including a line up of vendors looking to celebrate the community. Daniel Gonzales, a vendor, became disabled at the age of 17 after being hit by a drunk driver. When Gonzales graduated high school, he went to San An-
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tonio college to study journalism. As a disabled man in a wheelchair, Gonzales said he struggled to make connections until he went to interview the LGBTQ community on his campus for an assignment. “I became an ally 40 years go. I infiltrated the gay scene, only to find out they were the only people to accept me,” Gonzales said. Gonzales, attended the event to sell rainbow flags, bracelets and colorful beads, a small bounty compared to his usual stock. As an ally and a businessman, Gonzales attends pride events across Texas, sporting events and more in an effort to spread positivity, be independent and show support to a community that showed love to him. Another ally, Ashley Main of the San Marcos Sirens women’s rugby team, came to the event with her tent to show support for her team, which is largely made of of LGBTQ members. Main is a founding member of the team which is nearly a year old, and said she hopes to get the word out to San Marcos residents that there is now a place for women, those of all backgrounds, to play. Main’s teammate, Alyssa Barry, is a member of the LGBTQ community within San Marcos and said she believes the SMTX Pride parade and festival, as well as her team has made her experience as a member of the community better and more inclusive. Barry said she hopes other women can find inclusivity through the event and through her team. “Its great having a place that I can go where I can be myself and where I can be comfortable,” Barry said.
Natalie Ponce applies Pride- themed face paint for Maya Rose Sept. 9 during SMTX Pride. The event was located downtown at Plaza Park. PHOTO BY LARA DIETRICH | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Sylvia Sandoval, founder of SMTX Pride and organizer of the SMTX Pride parade and festival said she started the event three years ago to show the community, and children how positive acceptance of the LGBTQ community can benefit San Marcos. She was raised in San Marcos since she was in kindergarten, and grew up watching the community change, and now watched how her project has influenced her friends and neighbors. “Little by little, this grew into a San Marcos tradition. I do it for the kids, I want the next generation to see how we’re all unique in our own way,” San-
doval said. “The kids can be out here, and learn that here, and interpret that in the future.” Vendors arrived at San Marcos Plaza Park to set up for the event Sept. 9 and stayed for the day to entertain and educate the community. Between a face painting booth and a free HIV testing van, there was something to learn from everyone. The majority of guests walked and marched in the parade, but many continued to come and go throughout the day for live music and local food at the main event.
The University Star
OPINIONS
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 | 5 May Olvera Opinions Editor @yungfollowill
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
DIVERSITY
America wants diversity, yet won’t allow it By Kaitlin Evans Opinions Columnist @kateigh_bug Diversity remains the one thing we cannot escape. Every riot, protest, tweet or social media post holds some stance on the issue. All minorities crave to exist differently and for others to promote their differences, but what about those who still hold traditional values? The diversity driven aspect of our great country elevates the LGBTQ community, the black community, the feminist community and every other person that does not identify as Caucasian, Christian or Republican. Our society has become so set on staying different that conventional ideals have become oppressed. Traditionalists are run over as the need for acceptance begins flooding in. For example, if I do not agree with the lifestyle of someone in the LGBTQ community because of my religion, people may deem me a horrible person or homophobic. If I believe women should dress modestly or that they should not live promiscuously, suddenly accusatory comments of opposing the empowerment of women beyond slaving over a stove and pleas-
ing their husband unfold. This labeling logic does not promote diversity. By forcing everyone to accept or believe a specific version of right and wrong, diversity dies. If the American society truly wants diversity, we must begin to respect each other where we remain different. Someone cannot
If our society runs on statements such as “I hate her because she thinks God does not exist,” or “I hate him because of his liberal view point,” then eventually society will shut out diversity. When that day comes, we may all look different, but we will act the same and hate anyone who disagrees with us. If your thought of diversity directly correlates with disagreement, then you run on the right track. But for many of us, especially my fellow millennials, we do not enjoy disagreement and we definitely do not appreciate those who dislike and discourage our choices. That being said, if we want a strong and truly diverse society we need to stand up, stop whining about who does not approve of what we do and move on. At the end of the day, who needs acceptance from others? I do not need you to believe in my God and you do not need me to accept your lifestyle, we ILLUSTRATION BY FLOR BARAJAS only need to respect the choices each of us has made. If the divided sides of America can come together and respect force me to agree with their lifestyle, I each other, we could unite as a strongonly have to respect it. Likewise, you hold again. By continuing to allow do not have to agree with anyone’s one person to bash and trash what the religion, you only have to respect it. other does, we only further destroy our Everything falls into line under that communities. one ideal: respect. The focal point lies not in acceptance or belief but rather, - Kaitlin Evans is a journalism sophomore tolerance exhibiting more importance.
SATIRE
MYTH
Pre-med major to Instagram star
Debunking the myth of white majority
By Garrett Buss Opinions Columnist @GmightbeD Texas State is a place to grow, to learn and to choose a career path that will be the basis of our future; however, it seems growing and learning will simply not cut it anymore. That is why I have decided to throw my dreams of being a medical professional to the wayside, and instead will pursue a more sensible career: Instagram Star. It was not an easy choice to make and it pains me to abandon my unrealistic dream of becoming a doctor, but at some point, we all have to grow up and stop viewing the world through pre-Med colored glasses. Although it will not be nearly as enjoyable as completing eight years of college and 3-7 years of residency, I must face the music and devote my time to selfies, hashtags and online fame if I want a dependable future. As a child, I imagined myself in a doctor’s coat, doing my best to serve my community and heal the ills of my fellow man while entrenched in student loan debt. To bear the weight of knowing human lives are at stake as part of my daily routine – all the while struggling to slowly etch away at the financial ruin schooling has put me in – would be a dream come true. I guess I let my idealism fool me into thinking that one day I could ever be lucky enough to “make it big” in such a preposterous field. My mother warned me before I left for Texas State, “the world doesn’t need doctors! Get your head out of the clouds and become a viral celebrity like everybody else!” I suppose she was right, though at the time my view of the world was clouded by childish naiveté. Only now do I realize that my mother’s sage wisdom holds true: pre-med is a major for fanciful dreamers, but Instagram stardom is a future I can
count on. The truth is that in the 21st century we are rapidly approaching the point where we will not need medicine of any kind. We will all have robotic arms, bionic kidneys and probably some new extra appendage that sticks out of our throats to help us cool down pizza rolls when they get too hot. The era of “doctors” and “nurses” will be long past while Instagram fame will still be as concrete a career opportunity as it has always been. Doctors, teachers and firemen used to be the pillars of our community, but now internet celebrities, reality show hosts and professional wrestlers are the leading forces of this country. If I want to be a contributor to America’s future, then I need to “put away childish things” and start choosing some trendy filters like a goddamn adult. If college truly is the time when we are supposed to decide what life path we are going to take, I am glad that Texas State is still a place where we can come to terms with the fact that chasing an impractical job in the “medical” field is a fool’s errand. I am finally going to give up my starry-eyed ambitions and get to work finding the right lighting for a mirror selfie showcasing my chiseled six-pack. To any freshmen planning on spending countless years working toward a pre-med, computer science, engineering or any other ridiculously unrealistic degree, I want to give you a slice of cold hard reality: sometimes, you have to put away your lab coat and close your excel spreadsheet, because if you want a chance at financial security, you need to put on a pair of sponsored sunglasses and record a video of yourself sunbathing in Brazil. - Garrett Buss used to be a pre-medical junior, but now has a pimpin’ insta
By Tafari Robertson Opinions Columnist @blacboijoi The concept of race is fluid and has consistently been narrowed and expanded to fit within political contexts in the United States throughout history. Without going too in-depth on the long, complex world history that led to creation of racial categories, it should be understood that in the U.S. much of the way we perceive demographic and cultural organization has been crafted from the white perspective. This has resulted in a system centerd on white identity and values on an inconsistent and haphazard scale relative to the binary of whiteness versus blackness; whiteness being the norm, blackness being the other. However, I would like to address a residual effect of this poorly crafted system. Just as little attention is paid to the cultural backgrounds of ethnic groups deemed “other,” whiteness in the U.S. has come to mean little more than a mash-up of unrelated international ethnicities defined loosely by skin tone and relation to the dominant systems of power. How do Irish, Polish, Russian, Turkish, German, English, Spanish and any other European nationalities with vastly different historical contexts fit neatly into one racial category? Despite institutional power, whiteness is a loose framework that forgoes a portion of one’s cultural identity for access to said power. Though people who could be considered white, as defined by Eurocentric traits, are a shrinking minority in the world, part of the function of Europe and North America as economic centers of the world is to maintain the idea of a white majority. By way of popular culture and mainstream news coverage, western powers establish false narratives that insist the majority of life happens to lighter skinned peoples despite common sense and statistics suggesting
otherwise. The founding of the U.S. itself is a result of a forceful establishment of a white majority in the world. Through genocide and oppression, an identity was created that, like the constitution, is able to be amended. Formerly oppressed communities, such as Jewish, Italian and Catholic peoples have been annexed into a white identity over the years in order to maintain this majority. There is a difference that remains, however, when we explore how one celebrates their cultural identity. A celebration of Irish or German heritage represents rich culture and history while a celebration of whiteness is for power that comes from violence and oppression, hence the slogan ‘white power’. As this identity is crafted, the people that come to inhabit whiteness play a role both consciously and subconsciously in making sure it persists. Whiteness allows populations to be willfully ignorant of their own complex backgrounds by stitching together historical periods of success while skipping over or revising moments that reflect negatively on the idea of white supremacy as much as possible. The way Confederate history has been monumentalized is a prime example of this. Within a white system, even traitorous losers can be redeemed as heroes as long as it is further attributed to whiteness. It is important we change the way we address conversations around race that have been controlled from the very beginning. By unpacking our language around whiteness, perhaps we can disable a subconscious intimidation factor that comes from years of trauma at the hands of white supremacy. The concept of a white majority deserve to be debunked not in an attempt to disregard the people that fit within it, but rather to begin the process of breaking down the system it represents. - Tafari Robertson is a public relations senior
Only real Americans should get statues By Carrington Tatum Opinions Columnist @mogulcarrington Confederate statues need to come down from parks and public buildings because erecting a statue is to honor the legacy of a person and their contribution to our democracy. One could argue that an individual’s contribution to our democracy transcends their other less noble qualities. However, this argument cannot be
It does not take a genius to see why the descendants of slaves should not have to pay for monuments of individuals who would seek to perpetuate their oppression.
made for the Confederacy, because it contributed nothing to our democracy. They did not stand for a greater value that could supersede their defense of slavery. The only value they ever stood for was the defense of slavery which cannot be excused by context because the country and world had already begun to recognize slavery as immoral. Therefore, no one from the Confederacy is deserving of a statue.
SEE STATUES PAGE 6
6 | Tuesday, September 12, 2017
OPINIONS
The University Star May Olvera Opinions Editor @yungfollowill
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CARTOON
CARTOON BY STEPHANIE CLOYD | GRAPHIC DESIGNER
NORTH KOREA
Current tension with North Korea cannot be blamed on Trump By Katelyn Moriarty Opinions Columnist @MoriartyKatelyn
President Ronald Reagan once said, “When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” His words ring true today in regards to North Korea’s apparent lack of understanding toward President Donald Trump’s choice not to relax or give in to demands that are only beneficial to the Korean elite. Over the past 20 years, North Korea has issued their fair share of sanctions and accepted incentive packages in agreement to cease the development of their nuclear program. Each time, they have breached and violated those agreements. Interestingly, people are blaming Trump for our lack of relationship with North Korea. The president’s opposition has painted Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, including the phrase “we are ready to respond with fire and fury” should North Korea choose to
make a move toward the United States, as threating, non-presidential and childish. On the other hand, conservatives largely view it as a good change of pace and more beneficial to our country to no longer cave into North Korea’s demands and instead put our foot down and stand up for ourselves and for freedom. Our relations over nuclear capabilities with North Korea goes back to 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed an agreement stating North Korea would dismantle its reactors, so long as it would receive financial compensation. Soon this agreement dissolved due to North Korea disobeying the regulations that were set. Years later, President George H.W. Bush labeled North Korea a part of the “axis of evil.” Since 1994 a behavioral pattern between the two countries seems to have arisen. Each time an agreement is made to halt nuclear development in North Korea, it has been breached, and ILLUSTRATION BY KENNEDY SWIFT
yet the U.S continues to provide the county aid for its so-called “cooperation.” In 2007, we witnessed one of the largest amounts of money granted in exchange for disarmament when North Korea was given $400 million for shutting down its nuclear reactors. When that failed, sanctions were imposed in 2009, 2013 and 2017. Over time, many agreements and sanctions were signed, but North Korea remained consistent in not upholding its side of the deal. Now, North Korea has proudly conducted its 6th nuclear test by dropping a hydrogen bomb, the most powerful explosion it has carried out to this day. The country has also fired missiles toward Japan, and continue boasting about its supposed “superior” military. Trump has chosen to respond verbally, instead of writing a check and rolling over like past presidents have. Did our past presidents feel supplying aid was
their only option? Did they feel they were helping with the humanitarian crisis that, despite their efforts, is still going on today? It seems people think North Korea is a small country that the U.S cannot or should not respond to, but the truth is North Korea is a bully, both internationally and to its own people. In the end, it is up to each individual to decide who they think is in the wrong in this situation; however, if blame falls on Trump, then it also falls on all past presidents. They all had separate encounters with North Korea, but dealt with the problem in the same way by either imposing sanctions or providing North Korea with economic incentives. To blame Trump, in this situation, is to be completely unaware of past relations with North Korea. - Katelyn Moriarty is a political science sophomore
FROM PAGE 5 STATUES The real irony of this issue is found in the hypocrisy of the people who defend the confederate statues. These same individuals are quick to call leakers and whistleblowers like Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden unpatriotic because of their “treachery.” However, they do not mind celebrating individuals who lead a revolt in an attempt to overthrow the U.S. government. Perhaps Colin Kaepernick kneeling for the national anthem is not so bad if Robert E. Lee can be praised for fighting a war against it. The hypocrisy does not stop there; this is the same side that fights affirmative action because they ‘believe in a meritocracy but will defend participation trophies for confederate soldiers. The history of the Civil War is clear: the Confederacy lost. A true meritocracy requires that losers not be rewarded. By their own ideals they should be happy to move these statues from the public eye and into museums where antiquated things belong. It does not take a genius to see why the descendants of slaves should not have to pay for monuments of individuals who would seek to perpetuate their oppression. This issue is not about a failure to empathize, but rather about outdated minds clinging to old values in an attempt to not be swept away in the current that is also eroding the privileges that were once their safety net. It is not that they are being cheated, it is that they are now
going to have to play fair. One could say that this push to remove confederate statues is a spur of the moment re-writing of history but what they do not realize is that there has always been a disdain for confederate paraphernalia by minority communities. It was not until Republicans elected an orange hand puppet for white supremacy that reasonable politicians realized their partisanship was overriding their conscience. Even if the case was that minority communities were late calling for the removal of confederate statues, it would not be any less justified. It would be another trend that the racists started, since confederate statues were not erected in the four years that the civil war raged on, or even after. In fact, the statues were not erected until almost a hundred years later when the civil rights movement was in its prime as a tactic to intimidate African-American communities. The moral of the story is that anyone who defends confederate statues does not have a logical justification for doing so. They are only attempting to hang on to monuments that reassure them that they have some sort of high ground over any demographic that does not match that of the confederate army. - Carrington Tatum is an electronic media sophomore
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SPORTS
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 | 7 Lisette Lopez Sports Editor @lisette_1023
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VOLLEYBALL
Sophmore sets example on and off court By Andrew Zimmel Sports Reporter @Andrew_Zimmel SAN MARCOS, Texas – After the season that sophomore outside hitter Megan Porter had, some might have asked whether or not the freshman could get to the next level. This year, Porter has already made leaps and strides as a leader. Growing up in Southlake, Texas, Porter had a lot of influence from her older sisters, Kelsey and Rachel. “Growing up I had two older sisters, so I was always following them around and doing whatever they did, and that’s how I got started with volleyball so early,” Porter said. “I was always at their volleyball games.” Porter, who had a stellar career and being one of the best volleyball players in the Dallas area, arrived at Texas State last season and made an impact fast. Ranking fourth in kills with 221, and amassing double digit kills nine times last year. With all that success, Porter was still reserved. “Last season, I wasn’t as vocal,” Porters said. “But we’ve worked on roles a lot this summer. The biggest adjustment is the lack of older players and how fast we have to grow.” This year’s team has two seniors on the roster and four upperclassmen total. A big difference from last year’s team that was full of experience. “She’s only a sophomore and played a lot for us last year, and she’s probably going to play a lot again this year for us,” Head Coach Karen Chisum said. “She’s everything a coach asks for and has all the tools we ask for.” Now as one of the most experienced leaders, Porter has taken to her role well, and even has a new nickname. “I am actually nicknamed “mom” on the team,” Porter said. “I take care of
Megan Porter, sophomore outside hitter, spikes the ball Sept. 9 during the game against UMass Lowell at Strahan Colosseum. PHOTO BY VICTOR RODRIGUEZ | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
pretty much the whole team this year. Last year I was younger, I learned a lot from that senior group, they were really good leaders.” Now as one of the leaders, Porter also has a chance to cut loose a little more too. Recently, the team went bowling for team bonding. “We had a lot of fun together and bonded,” Porter said. “I won my lane.” A business major, Porter’s real pas-
sion isn’t for the stock market or real estate prices, but for cooking and travel. “I like to cook and I like to travel are two things I’m really interested in,” Porter said. “I went on a European Cruise a few summers ago. I went to Spain, Italy and France. I love Europe, I love traveling and experiencing new places. We did a Segway tour around Barcelona. I really like all the old architecture and all the sights to see.”
As the season progresses, many fans should expect to see the Bobcats get excited, especially how well the season has started off for the young team. Fans shouldn’t be surprised to see the team show some youth and inexperience early on, but should be excited for the team’s growth. “Seeing my team excited is what makes me excited, whenever they get excited I get excited,” Porter said.
8 | Tuesday, September 12, 2017
SPORTS
The University Star Lisette Lopez Sports Editor @lisette_1023
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SOCCER
Senior midfielder advances toward the future By Brooke Phillips Assistant Sports Editor @brookephillips_ As her time as a college athlete is approaching its end, Rachel Grout, senior midfielder, reminisces her years as a Bobcat while also looking ahead to an anticipated future. Grout started playing soccer in kindergarten, initially inspired by her sister. “It was the one sport that interested me the most,” Grout said. “I always loved going to practices, and I thought it was the one I would be most successful in.” Robin Grout, Rachel’s mother attended the university and was a part of the cheer and gymnastics teams. “I came on a visit with her and really liked the coaching staff and all the girls who were here previously,” Rachel Grout said. “They recruited me and it just ended up working out. I looked at a couple of other schools, but this was the one that I really wanted to go to because my mom went here.” Although Grout is a veteran to the student-athlete life, looking back, she has learned a thing or two every step of the way. “Time management in the fall is hard, especially since we travel so much,” Grout said. “As a freshman, that was a big change, just trying to get used to it. But it’s something that you learn from and it’s fun. You’re never bored and you always have something that you’re doing. Time management is a big skill you learn through playing soccer.” While Grout has seniority, with ten
Rachel Grout, sophomore midfielder, defends Nicole Lindsay, Miners junior midfielder, in the Texas State soccer team's 2-1 loss to UTEP. PHOTO BY LARA DIETRICH | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
freshmen and seven seniors on the team, she wants every teammate to succeed no matter what year. “Advice for the freshmen is to just enjoy it because it goes by fast,” Grout said. “The end of it will be here before you know it. Just enjoy every moment and take advantage of every opportunity.” As a senior, Grout hopes to leave everything on the field for her final year. “I hope that the seniors and I as a whole leave an impact and that we have a winning season,” Grout said. “I hope we can win the tournament, win confer-
ence and just leave on a good note.” However, being one of seven seniors has been both rewarding and challenging for Grout. “I think all of us are leaders in different ways,” Grout said. “We all play a lot and are all impact players so we all influence the younger players. It’s good that we have a big senior class and a big freshmen class so we’re kind of there for them. We kind of matched up with them and we have a little partner, so we lead them and try to show them the way.” Grout also hopes that she inspires the freshmen class through not only her
game play, but by also showing them what teammates are for. “The friendships that I’ve made and just winning and getting to play with all my friends is my favorite part,” Grout said. “This year we’re all really close. We’re not separated in different groups—seniors, juniors, sophomores—we’re all friends.” While her last season has already kicked off, Grout still takes every game and learns from it. “We try to apply what coach is telling us in practice then apply it to the next game,” Grout said. “When I have a bad game, I try not to let it get to me. I just say move on to the next one. Everyone makes mistakes so just move on, and we’ll get the next one.” She has always been interested in pursuing some type of an engineering career. “I’m an industrial engineering major and I want to work for a big corporation doing some type of engineering job,” Grout said. “I’ve always been really interested in math and science, so I wanted to pick something that I liked and was good at.” Grout has been a soccer player her entire time here at Texas State, and it is through her coaches she has found the best piece of advice. “When you’re tired and you think you’re done or already feel like you’re there, you have so much more to give,” Grout said. “You can give ten percent more. You’re never at your full capacity, so push a little bit more. All of my coaches along the way have all lead me toward that.”
FOOTBALL
Football player's journey beyond the field By Melea Polk Sports Reporter @meleadenae Scheduled to graduate this December, senior inside linebacker Gabe Loyd opens up about his experience as a football player and his personal life. Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Loyd had a normal childhood experience that included going outside and playing with his four siblings and the neighborhood children. “I was outside a lot because we used to play in the streets with the neighborhood kids,” Loyd said. “I had a normal childhood.” Loyd began his football career at a young age when his mother, Toyetta Loyd, thought it would be a good idea to sign him up to release energy. Loyd was not too fond of the sport until he realized he could tackle people. “I was really a hyper kid and football was an outlet,” Loyd said. “My mom saw that I was a little aggressive and decided to sign me up. I didn’t like it for the first few weeks until I started hitting people. From there, I knew I could do it.” The St. Louis native received All-State honors his junior and senior year of high school. Although he was one of the top athletes in Missouri after being named a Missouri All-Star, a stress fracture in his foot led him to Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas.
“The end of my senior year, I had a screw in my foot from a while ago,” Loyd said. “It was affecting recruiting because I couldn’t perform at the camps like I wanted to. So, I decided that the junior college route was the best route for me.” Loyd’s first experience away from home was hard on him. Homesickness took a toll on him his first year.“It was tough, it was a grind,” Loyd said. “There was homesickness, and I just didn’t want to be there. My second year I found a family and I was a lot more comfortable.” Loyd transferred to Texas State in the spring of 2016 to continue his education and football career. “It was weird my first year, but my second year was a lot more comfortable,” Loyd said. “It is so different than what I’m use to. The scenery is nice, the people are nice and it’s really open.” Months after arriving in San Marcos, Texas, Loyd was voted the 2016 team captain by the team and coaching staff. This was an honor because he had just transferred over and his new teammates really respected him. Loyd was very appreciative of his position. “I felt like my team really respected me and looked up to me as a leader and I really appreciated that,” Loyd said. Loyd was voted team captain for the 2017 season by his teammates along with three other veterans: Bryan Lon-
The Bobcats rush the field Sept. 2 at the opening of the first home game of the season at Bobcat Stadium. PHOTO BY VICTOR RODRIGUEZ | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
don II, Gabe Schrade and Easy Anyama. Although home is far away, his family attended the closest game to Missouri which was in Arkansas last year. “My parents did make it to the game when we played in Arkansas last season,” Loyd said. “It is kind of a far trip from St. Louis to Texas.” Loyd is pursuing a degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. The linebacker chose his degree because it was interesting to him, and all his Fort
Scott credits would transfer over. Loyd was focused on graduating on time. “To be honest, from Fort Scott, it was if my credits would transfer over and me graduating on time,” Loyd said. “It’s also interesting because I always thought about being a lawyer.” Loyd is still unsure of what he wants to do after graduation, but law school is a thought for him. “After graduation, I’ll see where life takes me,” Loyd said. “I may possibly go to law school. I don’t know.”
CROSS COUNTRY
Senior cross country star approaching finish line By Anthony Flores Sports Reporter @BornToRun_19 Part of transitioning into adult life is leaving one’s comfort zone. Leaving home and the people you’ve relied on for so long, to take a gamble on yourself. Jose Angel Gonzalez, a senior on the cross-country team, understood that concept and took the first step toward achieving greater things. Gonzalez hails from Mission, Texas, a small town in the southernmost tip of Texas and one of several cities that make up the Rio Grande Valley. Gonzalez’s initial decision to join cross-country was much more romantically driven than the average athlete. “I hated running, it wasn’t until the sixth grade when I liked this girl and she joined the track team,” Gonzalez said. “I said maybe if I join the track team I might get strong cause I was kind of a chubby guy.” Though things got off to a rocky start, Gonzalez decided to stick with cross country and eventually realized it
came to him naturally. “I got last place in my sixth-grade track meet,” Gonzalez said. “I thought to myself, I’m going into junior high so I’ll just keep up with it, and it just turns out I was good.” While it wasn’t an instant love affair, Gonzalez now looks back fondly, and credits running cross country for so many of the things he’s experienced in his life. “If I wasn’t looked at by coaches I would’ve never gone outside the valley; if I didn’t leave the valley I wouldn’t have come to Texas State,” Gonzalez said. While confident and excited about being away from home, Gonzalez was still aware of the difficulty of leaving. Part of what helped continue to push him forward wasn’t the need to prove his naysayers wrong, instead Gonzalez chose a more positive approach. “There’s people that say, ‘Oh you’re going to go up there and you’re going to come back with your tail between your legs,’” Gonzalez said. “When I left, I didn’t want to leave with anger. I was like ‘this is where I’m from, I’m going to
represent over here now.’” In high school, Gonzalez was coached by his father. Although, he may not have enjoyed it at the time, Gonzalez looks back fondly on his days being coached by his father. “When I was a freshman going into college, I was so excited to have a different coach,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez enjoys the team and mental aspects of the sport, and strongly believes they’ve helped to prepare him for the real world. “I like that you have to be focused, you have to be a team player,” Gonzalez said. “What you learn from athletics helps you translate when you graduate and go for a career.” Gonzalez is a construction science and management major and is open to a variety of different paths post-graduation. “I plan on working for a company and being project manager,” Gonzalez said. “I definitely want to see myself go into grad school.” Gonzalez’s time in San Marcos has helped him to clarify some of his passions and future goals. “I like the environment, coming to
Jose Angel Gonzalez, construction science and managment senior. COURTESY PHOTO
San Marcos I realize that the environment is so important,” Gonzalez said. “It’s so beautiful here, and I want to protect that.”