MET/GALA – Ruby Marguerite

MET/GALA

ruBy Marguerite

Luxurious, extravagant outfits and theatrical pieces of wearable art were paraded up and down the red carpet at the Annual Met Gala on the 13th of September to the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” At the exclusive fundraising ball for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, where table prices ranged from $200,000 to $300,000, the rich and famous gathered to drink champagne, revel in the fashion spectacle before them, and talk about charity.

It all seems a bit out of touch. We’re still in the middle of this deadly pandemic, with the Delta variant causing daily rates of infections and deaths to soar in the US and worldwide. Forbes magazine reports that US billionaires have become about $1.2 trillion richer during the pandemic, while the working class suffers with next to no financial aid. The Black Lives Matter protesters right outside the Met Gala were calling for the abolition of New York’s fundamentally racist policing system, only to be met with violent arrests. Not to mention all the other worldwide material manifestations of the failures of our current political and economic system. It’s eerily reminiscent of a Hunger Games Capitol-esque radically unjust class society.

A notable Met Gala moment that has seen substantial contention was the outfit worn by the New York progressive congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). As an interpretation of the dress code “American Independence”, she wore a white dress by Canadian designer Aurora James emblazoned in red with the phrase “Tax the Rich”, sparking avalanches of both criticism and support. On the one hand, you’ve got the people touting ‘girlboss energy’ and praising it as a subversive act of rebellion. On the other hand, people see it as tone-deaf, misplaced, and ironic. Indeed, a lot of the backlash Ocasio-Cortez received was misguided. Those labelling the dress as ‘virtue signalling,’ ‘hypocritical,’ or ‘performative activism,’ pointing out the exorbitant $35,000 ticket prices, have missed the mark. AOC (who attended for free) isn’t “The Rich” and (most of the time) neither are a bunch of successful actors and artists. It’s those who systematically exploit the labour of the working class to line their own billionaire pockets towards which this sentiment is aimed – the likes of the ruling class wealthy elites, CEOs, and corporations. ‘The rich’ over here in Australia are the mining magnates who profit not only from the exploitation of labour but also the exploitation of stolen Indigenous land.

For many, the political stunt symbolised the epitome of neoliberal capitalist ideology. All of this makes AOC an easy target for criticism from the left. Unfortunately, it’s easy to be overly critical of women in politics, especially women of colour, where others may get off the hook more easily. Yet it’s not an individual problem with AOC or her actions, it’s a systemic one that would require revolutionary action to solve and relates to broader discussions about the possibility of reforming capitalism. AOC is often deemed

revolutionary – and yes, she’s definitely a breath of fresh air in comparison to many US politicians. Yet, she is still part of the systemic apparatus that upholds neoliberal capitalism worldwide and oversees the devastation of the global south under U.S. imperialism. Liberal politics love to exploit progressive discourse from the likes of AOC to distract from the more sinister motives of colonialism and imperialism, creating a façade of progressivism.

Additionally, anti-capitalist ideals are highly marketable. The system absorbs them, spins them round, and churns them out into palatable, easily digestible notions that pose no material threat, and instead of undermining capitalism, they function to reinforce the status quo. Mark Fisher’s Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative encapsulates this notion, drawing attention to the impossibility of imagining any real alternative to capitalism – the only thing we can do is make a few little changes here and there that would slightly improve life for the working class. In this system, anticapitalism is seen as an aesthetic style, rather than a legitimate alternative. Anticapitalist ideals are no longer about actual anti-capitalism, but merely ways in which to reform the existing system. Fisher highlights the system’s ability to exploit and commodify radical ideas, pointing towards Kurt Cobain, who “knew that he was just another piece of spectacle; that nothing runs better on MTV than a protest against MTV.” So yes, it’s an improvement that AOC has got more people talking about taxing the rich. However, it takes steam away from the movement that seeks to revolutionise the system and prevent the top one percent from accumulating so much wealth in the first place. Increasing taxes for the rich seeks merely to reform the failing neoliberalism, rather than revolutionise the capitalist institutions that lead to class and income inequality. This neoliberal sentiment of capitalist reform directs radical energy away from questioning the nature and consequences of the system itself, instead diverting it towards settlercolonial electoral politics as a legitimate way to diminish the most severe material effects of capitalism: exploitation, mass income inequality, poverty and alienation. People stop challenging the institutions, and place faith in those same institutions to reform themselves.

The Met Gala in itself is a cultural institution that mirrors our overwhelmingly unequal and unjust class society, and thus the question arises: are higher taxes and philanthropy really a viable solution to all of the systemic problems arising in our current era of late neoliberal capitalism, catastrophic climate change, and outrageous levels of income inequality?

P.S. – WHY was Timothée Chalamet wearing sweatpants?!

Hello, and welcome to The Naked Pages! In a tradition going back to 1972, Pelican Editors have slashed their clothing and bared all for the front cover of the final edition. But our Sub-Editors, Artists, and Contributors deserve their share of the limelight, so here they are, in all their glory…

EMMA ‘EMzY’ FORSYTH

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Raspberry Beret’ - Prince Favourite punctuation mark: *

Favourite tree and why: Oak Tree – I grew up in England! What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Would he be in my best dressed article for the UWA Tavern

What book would you slash? The Collector - John Fowler What has Pelican taught you in 2021? I should’ve always put Riley and Millie as best dressed of UWA!

Where do you see yourself in 2022? Leaving UWA.

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Crazy in Love’ Favourite punctuation mark: !

Favourite tree and why: idk I’m not a botanist lol probably gum tree? What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? will you marry me? What book would you slash? the bible ;) hahaha no I can’t say that um idk - Jordan Peterson’s 9 rules or whatever the duck it’s called

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? political scandals are often a lot whackier than you think Where do you see yourself in 2022? graduated hopefully

HOLLY ‘LITTLE LAMIA’ CARTER-TURNER

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Drip Drop’ ~ Jack Harlow Favourite punctuation mark: ~

Favourite tree and why: Moreton bay figs What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Does he like green eggs and ham? What book would you slash? I’ve got diaries from year 3 - now which I’d slash to save their secrets.

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? That breaking words into two with a “/” makes it very hard to draw a co/mic. Where do you see yourself in 2022? 42 Wallaby Way Sydney returning a lost young fish to his widowed father.

JAS ‘TANYA DALzIELL’S #1 FAN’ SAUNDERS

still, and crying from stress over the fact I’ll never write a love story as fantastic as The Haunting of Bly Manor. Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Showerdrops on my Guitar’ by Taylor Sweat Favourite punctuation mark: C’mon. PleAsE. Semi-colon! Hands down. I’ll make any excuse just to use it; Exhibit ‘A’ being right here! Favourite tree and why: The boab! Or jacaranda. Boab for being friendshaped, it’s a good round bud to hug, or jacaranda for its pretty purples! What book would you slash? I’d say Farenheit 451, to be that stereotypical English student, but I’d rather slash none, thanks?

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? Be brave in sharing your stuff - if you really wanna make it as a writer, rip off that plaster even if the vulnerability makes you bleed. (But also how to trick people into thinking I’m funnier than I actually am...) Where do you see yourself in 2022? Doing Honours in Creative Writing at UWA

COURTNEY ‘C-DUB’ WITHERS

Favourite song to dance nude to: Naturally, of course it’s ‘Show Me How You Burlesque’ by Christina Aguilera from the smash hit movie, you guessed it, Burlesque. Favourite punctuation mark: Well, I feel very strongly about using commas properly. Favourite tree and why: I don’t know what it’s called, but the one that looks like it’s being all shy with its branches hanging down. What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? How did you learn to hula hoop so well? What book would you slash? The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Why was that caterpillar so damn hungry? What has Pelican taught you in 2021? There’s not a lot of compound words. Where do you see yourself in 2022? That’s a great question. I should probably get onto sorting that out.

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Dancing with myself’ Favourite punctuation mark: Full stop Favourite tree and why: Birch, because it looks like it has eyes in it. What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Dude what is your damage? What book would you slash? The ATAR Drama Set Text List.

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? How to draw.

Where do you see yourself in 2022? Missing.

LUkE ‘LUkE :( ’ BARBER

Favourite song to dance nude to: All of them

Favourite punctuation mark: Not to be basic but, the semi-colon. Favourite tree and why: Eucalyptus trees but especially when they are planted overseas because then it reminds me of home.

What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? :( What book would you slash? :( What has Pelican taught you in 2021? Patience.

Where do you see yourself in 2022? ...

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Slumber Party’ (feat. Princess Nokia) Favourite punctuation mark: ‘&’ - total flex that I could write one in year 6 Favourite tree and why: Eucalyptus: gives off the best scent in summer around 4pm What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? It was a fluke, wasn’t it? What book would you slash? Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton: sorry it was not worth the hype and I love to hate on the aggressive metaphors What has Pelican taught you in 2021? Chess

Where do you see yourself in 2022? Spiralling

PARIS ‘LOCAL CRYPTID’ JAVID

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘The Cult of Dionysus’ – The Orion Experience (non-definitive answer) Favourite punctuation mark: I am an avid Oxford Comma enjoyer. Favourite tree and why: Weeping trees, especially big ol’ ones where you can hang out inside the canopy. They are so wonderful and cozy What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? I’d ask him what he really thought of this year’s PROSH paper. What book would you slash? There are far more delightful things to slash than books :) What has Pelican taught you in 2021? That good things do come in small (A5) packages Where do you see yourself in 2022? I see myself continuing to fuck around at uni, but (I cannot stress this enough) under no circumstances do I intend to find out.

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire Favourite punctuation mark: ! – especially if it follows an expletive. Favourite tree and why: Definitely the one on campus that seems to lose a branch every time a storm rolls in. Poor thing. What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? “How come you got to go to the Grand Final and I didn’t?

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? That there are many sides to science, and many more perspectives to differently consider those sides.

Where do you see yourself in 2022? Doing all the damn COVID-free international travel I want!

SAVANNAH ‘SWAGLORD’ REGAN

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Teach Me How To Dougie’ by Cali Swag District

Favourite punctuation mark: “!” Because it lessens the harshness of a sentence!

Favourite tree and why: Big ol gumtree, because I aspire to be a massive unit.

What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Did you like the PROSH 2021 front cover, lord? What book would you slash? Can’t say I read a lot hey, so I don’t think I have the privilege to slash a book. What has Pelican taught you in 2021? That all creations are welcomed and praised! Where do you see yourself in 2022? I see myself making something real wicked and doing a filthy drum and bass gig.

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘September’ from Earth, Wind and Fire all the way Favourite punctuation mark: !!!

Favourite tree and why: Oak tree because why not? What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Can I become a citizen now?

What book would you slash? Any book written by YouTubers What has Pelican taught you in 2021? The importance of words Where do you see yourself in 2022? Hopefully travelling and finishing my degree

HNIN ‘EI’ kYAW WIN

Favourite song to dance nude to: The 1975- ‘Chocolate’

Favourite punctuation mark: !!!!

Favourite tree and why: Does aloe vera count?? It’s one of the only plants that won’t die on me. What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Can I get back to Perth please? What book would you slash? It’s a sin to slash books.

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? How to draw anything out of anything. Where do you see yourself in 2022? Becoming a horrible plant mum.

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Dance off’

Favourite punctuation mark: | Favourite tree and why: A snotty gobble clearly What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Don’t hold this man to the regard we hold him, he’s a politician, stop What book would you slash? Rude

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? That I suck ass

Where do you see yourself in 2022? In a mirror

NATASHA ‘’ BRANDON ELENA ‘NOT ELEANOR’ PERSE

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘You Got It’ by Vedo because we love a motivational dance.

Favourite punctuation mark: ; because it took me a hot minute to learn how to use it properly. Favourite tree and why: Jacaranda tree because pastel vibes. What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Marry me? What book would you slash? Every stats textbook ever. Does that get me off the hook?

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? How to have multiple outlook accounts open at once.

Where do you see yourself in 2022? Will join Elena on the nap bandwagon. Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Electric Feel’ by MGMT will always be the best song to dance to, regardless of how clothed or otherwise you are. Thank you for coming to my TED talk Favourite punctuation mark: Interrobang (!?). love the spice and the innovation.

Favourite tree and why: How could I say anything other than the most hilariously proportioned tree out there: the boab

What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Of all the causes to get behind, why mullet-banning? do better What book would you slash? For the irony, it’s got to be Fahrenheit 451 What has Pelican taught you in 2021? The incredible power of the impending deadline

Where do you see yourself in 2022? Hopefully taking a well-deserved nap

JACqUES ‘DANGER’ MEAkINS

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Kokomo’ - The Beach Boys Favourite punctuation mark: The fullstop (.) because I froth over being able to breathe when I read

Favourite tree and why: Not sure what they are but there’s a bunch of trees at Bishop Road Reserve in Dalkeith that look like The Simpsons so those What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? I’d ask what addy I should post his daddy day card to

What book would you slash? The Hobbit - J.R.R Tolkien, I fkn hate that shit it’s so boring. That and The Barefoot Investor What has Pelican taught you in 2021? That Grammarly is a good mate and really it should’ve been credited as the Music Editor

Where do you see yourself in 2022? Buying a panel van and retiring up at Quobba Station for my quarter-life crisis.

PAULINE ‘POPO’ WONG

Favourite song to dance nude to: I don’t, but if I had to think of one...’Miss Freelove ‘69’ by Hoodoo Gurus Favourite punctuation mark: Dash – also great in bullet lists Favourite tree and why: The jacaranda tree in front of my home. It has beautifully shaped branches and was a prominent part of my childhood What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? “May I have a photo with you?” What book would you slash? None

What has Pelican taught you in 2021? The importance of having interests / hobbies outside of studies

Where do you see yourself in 2022? Final year of Dentistry, seeing many patients, learning heaps, all whilst looking forward to graduation. Hopefully also illustrating for ‘Pelican’ again!

CHARLIE ‘MILLIE’ MILLS

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Boogie Wonderland’ Favourite punctuation mark: Ampersand Favourite tree and why: Moreton Bay Fig cause it’s got the thickness. What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Do you remember that time I served you water? What book would you slash? The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht What has Pelican taught you in 2021? There is no shortage of gags to be made out of Simpsons screen grabs Where do you see yourself in 2022? In bed, hopefully

FAISAL ‘RILEY’ HAMzA

Favourite song to dance nude to: I haven’t danced naked before, that sounds uncomfortable

Favourite punctuation mark: !

Favourite tree and why: Not sure there are so many! What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? What his favourite tree was and why, so I could steal it.

What book would you slash? My lost Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do-It-Yourself book from Year 4. If found, it could ruin me. What has Pelican taught you in 2021? Microsoft OneDrive is a godsend. Where do you see yourself in 2022? Using Microsoft OneDrive.

ASHLEY ‘ARE THESE SHAPES OkAY’ BROWSE

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Photo ID’ by Remi Wolf Favourite punctuation mark: The backslash, just to be slightly controversial. Favourite tree and why: Karri. You’ve seen a karri forest, right? What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? To please save our climate. What has Pelican taught you in 2021? That sleep deprivation can count as recreation Where do you see yourself in 2022? Still right here I think.

CLEA ‘WOMANIzER’ SANDERS

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘She’s a Riot’ by The Jungle Giants (but, for some reason, they kick me out of Mojo’s whenever I do) Favourite punctuation mark: ; – it makes anything sound intellectual; it also allows me to get away with inordinately long sentences Favourite tree and why: The one outside my grandparents’ house – if you know you know and if you don’t, I feel sorry for you What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? To be quiet, please What book would you burn? The owner’s manual for my car – I’m waaayy too pretty to know how to change a tyre What has Pelican taught you in 2021? That my friends use it as an excuse when they want to hang out without me Where do you see yourself in 2022? I don’t. I refuse to not be perceived by anyone, my past self included.

MILLIE ‘?’ MUROI

Favourite song to dance nude to: ‘Whip It!’ Favourite punctuation mark: ; we can go all night! Favourite tree and why: Broccoli

What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? Are you a new case of COVID-19? Because you can lock me down What book would you slash? I’m more a carbon sequestration gal; let’s bury 50 Shades of Grey What has Pelican taught you in 2021? Size does matter! Bigger is not always better ;) Where do you see yourself in 2022? Overthinking; using Brobdingnagian words; and making money go brrrrrrr

RILEY ‘ROOSTER’ FAULDS

Favourite song to dance nude to: Tonight, I’m having ‘Red’ by Jaguar Sun and ‘Eggshell’ by Runnner Favourite punctuation mark: This year, I’ve grown incredibly fond of – Favourite tree and why: Despite the beautiful Moich in my pic, my fave trees are Marri. The way they may twist, or curve, or grow straight as an arrow…ooh baby. What would you ask Mark McGowan if you met him? You feelin’ lucky, punk?! What book would you slash? What kind of question is this? Who wrote these stupid questions?! Also, 12 Rules for Life xoxo What has Pelican taught you in 2021? A4+1 and how to live off a nightly average of two hours of sleep Where do you see yourself in 2022? Spending more time with real pelicans, and less with printed ones.