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the stud ent voic illinois state un e of iversity

INSIDE: Special insert NEWS 3 PART II OF COMING BirdFeed TO AMERICA pages 5, 6, 7, 8

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 Vol. 130 / No. 22

videtteonline.com

THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL

Weekends are for the

fam

Redbird families have many events available to spend quality time together. Full rundown, page 2.

Illustration by LEE WALLS | Vidette Art Director

PAGE 10 | THE VIDETTE

STUDENT PROFILE

Features

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Exercising limits Courtney Bradfish never stops testing her boundaries in life, health, academia STUART STALTER Senior Features Reporter | @VidetteStuS

enior criminal justice major Courtney Bradfish of Lake Zurich, has successfully transitioned from studying the weight room to studying the courtroom. A former exercise science major at Grand Valley State University, she remains as strong as ever. Though Bradfish enjoyed Grand Valley, she felt she did not properly fit in. That said, Bradfish knew she had to change her university and major. “It took a couple years for me to realize that chasing a major that could make me money, also made me unhappy,” Bradfish said. “I’m passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, but it was not something I wanted to make a career out of.” Bradfish wanted a criminal justice career since childhood. Illinois State University provided more challenges and made her feel at home. Additionally, ISU helped Bradfish develop strong beliefs on the effectiveness of the justice system in the United States. “I think any country can improve their justice system, including the United States of America,” Bradfish said. “There is no such thing as a perfect person, which means there can be no such thing as a perfect system that is run by people.” Specifically, Bradfish feels that the United States places too much faith in eyewitness testimony and recall, particularly in crimes. The human memory is very fallible, especially under court pressures. Though majoring in criminal justice,

Bradfish still prioritizes exercise. That love began when she started Tae Kwon Do as a child. “From those experiences, I saw where I could succeed, took my chances and ran with it,” Bradfish said. “I’ve been in love with lifting weights since.” Bradfish’s love for weightlifting is exemplified by involvement in the Redbird Barbell Club. The registered student organization connects students who share their love and knowledge of exercise. Bradfish encourages women to not be intimidated by gym masculinity. In fact, though Bradfish loves the gym, her favorite activity is hiking. Sedona, Arizona is her favorite hiking destination. Sedona features many unique canyons and red rock formations. No workout regimen is complete without nutrition. Bradfish's budget-friendly dietary advice is to frequent Aldi. The grocery store typically has the lowest prices available. If home meals are not an option, students can consume food without setbacks at ISU. “Having a meal plan helps. It is still possible to eat healthy in the dining halls,” Bradfish said. “I just make sure to check the menus before I head in and stick to the right choices.” Bradfish notes that her favorite part of ISU has been participating in Alternative Spring Breaks. Whether working in the classroom or the gym, Bradfish never stops testing her limits. “The moment we get comfortable is the moment we stop growing as an individual,” Bradfish said. “Whether in the gym or everyday life, it is a motto I like to live by.”

Alex Harrsion | Vidette Photographer

Senior criminal justice major Courtney Bradfish is always looking for new ways to test her limits.

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 11

THURSDSAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

SPORTS IN BRIEF Redbirds on the rise in latest FCS Polls

Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette Photo Editor

Illinois State libero Courtney Pence awaits a serve from Drake in Saturday night’s three-set defeat at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Volleyball begins final stretch NICK DAMIANI Sports Reporter | @nGdamiani

Illinois State Volleyball begins the final stretch of Missouri Valley Conference play as they hit the road to take on Valparaiso and Loyola this weekend. The Redbirds are coming off a bittersweet weekend at home, where they knocked off 25th ranked Northern Iowa before falling in straight sets to Drake. The win over Northern Iowa was the program’s first over a nationally ranked opponent since they beat then-No. 8 Northern Iowa on Nov. 21, 2003 at Redbird Arena. The loss against Drake was tough to swallow for Coach Leah Johnson, but she likes the way her team is trending late in the year. “It [Drake] was a major let down, everyone was

Vidette Sports staff unanimous in picking ISU over WIU

disappointed in that performance, but we feel like our performances leading into Northern Iowa in practice and in matches was more similar to the Northern Iowa game and dissimilar to the Drake match,” Johnson said. “We’re all about trends and if what we do on a normal basis is more like what we did against Northern Iowa, then we’re going to keep doing that.” The Redbirds start the weekend trip with a match against Valparaiso Friday night. In the first meeting, ISU came back from two sets down to win a five-setter back on Oct.7 at Redbird Arena. The Crusaders currently sit one spot behind the Redbirds in fourth place in the Missouri Valley at 13-12, 5-7 in MVC play. Yet, Johnson believes their record does not tell the whole story. “Their record and their ability are distinctly different in my opinion, I think they give every

team they play the hardest match they see all season,” Johnson said. “I think we know how competitive they are and we need to match that competitiveness.” Saturday the Redbirds will travel to a struggling Loyola team that is just 2-21, 1-11 in MVC play. In their first meeting ISU knocked off the Ramblers in straight sets. Loyola did grab their first win since Sept. 3 on Monday when they beat Southern Illinois in four sets. To avoid another Saturday let down the Redbirds need to, simply, play their game. “It has to be about our side of the net being really clean, the second match of the weekend is always a little harder with energy,” Johnson said. “I think on Saturday we need to be really fundamental and let that be where our energy comes from.”

Neil Doyle

Nick Damiani

Nick Landi

The Leathernecks have a balanced offense that can get hot quick, but their defense has been suspect at times. Look for a close affair on Family Weekend and the 100th matchup between these two programs with the ’Birds pulling away late.

The Redbirds are playing with confidence right now and there is nothing more dangerous than that, look for ISU to roll over the Leathernecks for their third straight win over a ranked opponent.

Western Illinois has a lot of firepower on offense, but its defense is vulnerable, allowing around 27 points per game. ISU gets strong performances on both sides of the ball to extend its winning streak against the Leathernecks.

Illinois State 27, Western Illinois 17

Illinois State 35, Western Illinois 17

Illinois State 31, Western Illinois 20

Kade Heather

Nate Head

If ISU can maintain their running game and limit defensive mistakes, they should pull away to victory on Family Weekend.

Illinois State will continue its dominating rushing attack and mix in a handful of deceptive passing plays to keep Western off balance and playing from behind.

Illinois State 41, Western Illinois 17

Illinois State 27, Western Illinois 17

After pummeling Youngstown State, 35-0, on Saturday, Illinois State is back on the rise in the FCS polls released on Monday. The Redbirds (6-2, 4-1 Missouri Valley Football Conference) came in at No. 21 in the Coaches Poll a week ago, but moved up eight spots to No. 13 this week. In the STATS Poll, Illinois State jumped from No. 16 to No. 12. This week’s opponent for ISU, Western Illinois, checks in at No. 18 in the Coaches Poll after getting pounded by South Dakota State, 52-24, on Saturday. In the STATS Poll, the Leathernecks come in at No. 15. As has been all season, the MVFC continues to show prominence in both polls. North Dakota State remains No. 2 in both polls, as they have all season. After defeating Southern Illinois over the weekend, South Dakota moves to No. 6 in each poll. Rounding out the Valley representatives, South Dakota State remained at No. 8 in the Coaches Polls and moved up to No. 10 in the STATS Poll. As for past Redbird opponents, Northern Arizona checks in at No. 16 and No. 18 in the Coaches and STATS polls, respectively. Illinois State welcomes Western Illinois to Hancock Stadium Saturday at noon. MIKE MARRA | SPORTS EDITOR

Redbird hoops adds walk-on for 2017-18 The Illinois State men’s basketball team has announced freshman Luke Litwiller will join the roster as a walk-on for the 2017-18 season. The Stanford, Illinois native played for Olympia High School last season, where he averaged nearly 15 points and 7.5 rebounds while earning All-Corn Belt Conference Second Team honors. “I’ve really enjoyed having Luke in practice so far,” ISU head coach Dan Muller said. “He has been with us for a few days now. I actually met him on campus at one of the orientation events, and he asked about walking on. I saw a guy with a bit of size which was nice. He seems like a great kid and a really good worker, and he also has some talent. We are excited to have Luke join our team as a walk-on.” Illinois State will take the floor in an exhibition game at 2 p.m. Sunday against Lewis at Redbird Arena. NATE HEAD | SPORTS EDITOR

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PAGE 12 | THE VIDETTE

Sports

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Redbirds welcome in Leathernecks ISU looks to continue winning streak in 100th matchup vs. WIU MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU

Coming off back-to-back top-25 victories, No. 12 Illinois State (6-2, 4-1 Missouri Valley Football Conference) will look for their third top-25 victory in a row on Saturday when No. 15 Western Illinois (5-3, 2-3 MVFC) invades Hancock Stadium for Family Weekend. Brock Spack’s squad’s latest victory might have been the most surprising victory of the season due to the fashion the Redbirds downed the Penguins. “Having played them – that was the ninth time, I think – it’s always been a really competitive game,” Spack said. “The most lopsided game was when we played over there my first year here … we didn’t expect that, we don’t expect it any weekend at any level of Division I football, but particulary not in the Missouri Valley.” James Robinson and Markel Smith controlled the pace, accumulating 241 yards combined in the win. Robinson also found the end zone a career-high three times, following his 193 yard performance versus South Dakota two weeks ago. The defense is also coming off a stifling performance against the Penguins. The Redbirds only allowed 147 totals of offense, holding the YSU quarterback duo to just 63 yards through the air. The task does not get any easier for the resurging Redbirds, as Western Illinois comes

in with a potent passer and dangerous backfield of running backs. Leading the offense is quarterback Sean McGuire, who will be facing the Redbirds for the third season in a row under center for WIU. “[He’s] another really good quarterback, excellent player,” Spack said. “He’s a strong guy – big, strong guy – he throws the ball, he’s got a very strong arm. His accuracy is good and he’s been in the system.” McGuire has tossed for 16 touchdowns and 1,951 yards this season as opposed to only five interceptions. On the ground, Western Illinois will put the ball into the hands of Steve McShane and Max Norris. The duo have rushed for 850 yards and 10 touchdowns through eight games. Defensively, the Leathernecks boast one of the best linebackers in the FCS in Brett Taylor. Taylor leads the FCS in total tackles per game with 14.8, while also leading the nation in total tackles with 118. “He’s a dominating player, so you have to account for him,” Spack said. “You can hide him a little bit when you change your front up a little bit … he’s a very good player. He’s very active and he runs well and makes plays. [He] finds the football, he’s got a nose for it.” Western Illinois is coming off a beating they took last Saturday at home versus South Dakota State, 52-24. In the game, McShane rushed for 90 yards

and two touchdowns, while also grabbing a touchdown reception. After a 3-0 start to the season, Western Illinois will be fighting for their playoffs hope to stay alive when they enter Hancock Stadium this weekend after dropping three of their last five games. Despite Illinois State winning the last seven games between these two, Western Illinois still leads the all-time series 50-46-3. The last match-up between the Redbirds and Leathernecks was a season ago on Nov. 5 at WIU. The Redbirds defeated Western, 31-26. Kick-off is slated for noon on Saturday from Hancock Stadium.

Prediction: The Redbirds seem to

have figured out whatever funk they were in when they played Northern Arizona and Southern Illinois. However, the Redbirds are in the middle of a five game gauntlet that features five Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor top-25 opponents. Western Illinois is struggling after dropping three of their Jake Kolbe will look to lead the ’Birds over WIU for the eighth straight time on Saturday afternoon. last five games and getting pounded a week ago versus SDSU. Sean McGuire where they upset a higher ranked opponent. is as experienced as you’d like a quarterback This time ISU is the higher ranked opponent to be playing in this type of pressure cooker and they will not flutter. game, but he won’t be enough. Illinois State is coming off two complete football games Illinois State 28, Western Illinois 21

ISU women down Red Devils in exhibition KADE HEATHER Sports Reporter | @kade_heather

Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor ISU senior forward Hannah Green led all scorers with 24 points in the Redbirds’ 80-54 win over Eureka Wednesdat night.

The Illinois State women’s basketball team was back in action Wednesday night as they hosted Eureka College in an exhibition game on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. Senior Hannah Green recorded a double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Redbirds 80-54 win over the Red Devils. ISU spread the playing time out, as eight of their ten players recorded at least 15 minutes and nine of them found themselves in the scoring column. ISU shot 52 percent from the floor and 37 percent from three-point range. Green led the team in points and Frannie Corrigan added 13 points, with nine of them coming in the second half. Simone Goods shot 5-6 from the field, she scored 12 points and collected three rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter. “I don’t think I did my best, but it was good to see what my coaches want from me and more so what I need to work on,” Goods said. New head coach Kristen Gillespie emphasized that the Redbirds need to improve defensively and protect the ball more this season. ISU committed 17 turnovers and 18 fouls Wednesday night. One factor that may have led to the abundance of fouls was that Eureka had zero players over 6-feet tall. “I don’t think we did our best job defending them, I think we underestimated them and didn’t take it

as seriously as we should have. We could have been a lot more aggressive in our defensive game and we just have to get better,” Green said. Eureka defended the Redbirds in a 2-3 zone throughout the game. As a result, ISU found themselves with many open three-point shots that they decided to step up and take the closer shot. Gillespie emphasized that the Redbirds are a post dominant team and that they need more ball movement for more looks inside the paint. “If teams are going to sit in a 2-3 like that, we have to get ball movement and reverse the ball. That’s the only chance we have to get the post some touches. We are really trying to work with our team on defining roles and what a good shot from each person is,” Gillespie said. However, Gillespie was impressed by the play of freshman guard Paige Saylor, giving it was her first collegiate game. Saylor scored eight points and played 36 minutes while committing zero turnovers in the win. “She really tried to push the tempo, she’s such a pass first and unselfish type of young woman, which we really love, but we’re going to have to knock down a few shots here and there,” Gillespie said. Illinois State will open its regular season schedule on the road Saturday, Nov. 11 at Oakland in Rochester, Michigan. Their regular season home opener will be Wednesday, Nov. 15 against Northern Kentucky.

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

Top

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Family matters

Weekend event ideas

A rundown of Family Weekend events

Compiled by Tiffani Jackson-Skinner Reporter

Whose Live Anyway? The cast of Whose Line is it Anyway? is on tour and is coming to Braden Auditorium. From 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, come join the cast for a live performance of its touring production. The performance will include 90 minutes of improvised comedy and songs, all based on audience suggestions. For more information on admission costs and accommodation requests, please contact the Braden Auditorium at (309) 438-5444.

Showtime at the Apollo Singing, dancing, acting and more will be available on Friday. Join the men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. for Showtime at the Apollo. For the first time the audience will be the judge of who gets the bell and who gets swept off the stage. This event will take place from 7:30 to 11 p.m. in Capen Auditorium. For early bird admission, students will pay $3, or they can pay $5 at the door.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” People with nothing to do on their Saturday afternoon can come enjoy popcorn and a movie at The Normal Theater. The theater will be showing the classic movie “To Kill a Mockingbird” from 1 to 3:15 p.m. The general admission is $7, but if students show their student IDs, they can get in for $5. Tickets may also be purchased online.

Radical Self-Acceptance workshop Take a step toward overcoming body judgments by attending the Radical Self-Acceptance workshop, held at the Main Street Yoga. At 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, the workshop will begin with a yoga warm up then go on to demonstrating techniques that are known for helping boost confidence. There will be a $25 admission fee. Please call (309) 829-9618 to reserve a spot to participate in a fun and relaxing workshop.

BHS Band Craft Show

The Bloomington High School will be hosting its annual Band Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Kevin Schwaller Stephanie Rodriguez Features Editor

Emily Griffith

Sports Editors

With Family Weekend right around the corner, students will be looking to entertain their visiting families. Rest assured, there will be plenty of events for families of all ages here at Illinois State University. “It’s a nice variety to showcase our campus and a nice opportunity to share that campus with their students,” Commencement and Special Events Coordinator in the Dean of Students Office Terri Haerr said.

Editors

Monica Mendoza Natlie Stuckslager Night Editors

Brigid Ackerman Haley Varnes

Michael Marra Nate Head

Art Director

Social Media Manager Maddy Wierus Photo

Ad Sales Manager

Lee Walls

Jonathon Higgs

Interactive Game Show

Michelle Carrico | Vidette Photographer

Out of this World

ISU Family Weekend kicks off on Friday with events running all weekend.

From 7–10 p.m. on Friday students and their families can relax in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center while watching ’90s classic Space Jam and eating snacks. The event is free and open to all families.

Illinois State vs. Western Illinois Football Game Beginning at noon on Saturday in Hancock Stadium, students can bring their families to help cheer the Redbirds to victory against the Leathernecks. Tickets can be ordered online at GoRedbirds.com/tickets. General admission and student seating areas will be merged on the west side of the stadium, so families may sit with their students. Tailgating passes can no longer be purchased online, but day of game passes are still available for F43 and S103 lots. Parking and/or tailgating will cost $10. Tailgating lots will open at 7 a.m. For more information about tailgating and parking locations, contact the Office of Parking and Transportation.

Reggie’s Fun Zone Before kickoff, starting at 10 a.m., kids of all ages are invited to the Horton Field House for fun and play. Fun activities include crafts, coloring, face painting and access to inflatable jump houses. Reggie Redbird will also be visiting the Fun Zone. This is a free event and is open to children of all ages.

Parent and Family Services Open House Tent

Taking place at the same time near Turner Hall, parents and family members may field questions about their student’s college experience, while meeting the staff that make the experience possible. Complimentary snacks and commemorative photos are available at the tent.

“Minute to Win It” Challenge From 6–7:30 p.m. Saturday, families are invited to partici-

STAFF LIST

2017-2018 Editor in Chief Ema Sasic News Editors

pated in 60 second challenges, using only household items. Registration for the event will be from 5–5:45 p.m. on the day of the challenge. Space is limited to 40 two-member teams, and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. “The idea behind the event is to bring families together and have them compete in simple but fun challenges,” Cameron Morgan, graduate assistant for Campus Recreation, said. The event is free and open to all ages.

MASON MCCOY Senior News Reporter | @Real_McCoy18

For those students who are not participating in Family Weekend activities, here are some not-to-miss events:

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Families can spend their Saturday night, from 8–9:30 p.m. in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center, participating in an interactive game show that is fun for the whole family. Attendees have the chance to win prizes and make memories.

Bowling and Billiards Center Sunday Funday

End family weekend right by bringing up to four family members to the Bowling and Billiard Center — located near the Bone Student Center — from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday for bowling, billiards, table tennis and bags. The first 25 guests get free T-shirts. Admission is $2 per person. Complimentary brunch and giveaways will be provided while supplies last. Outside of these unique family weekend activities, students can take their families to see a theatrical production of She Kills Monsters, beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in the Center for the Visual Arts Theatre. Tickets are available at discounted price of $10 for family weekend.

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Malin Quande Haugen Leirsund, Norway 4,161 miles to Normal

Kamya Monga Delhi, India 7,567miles to Normal

Cosette Groisiller

SPECIAL REPORT: COMING TO AMERICA AN ISU PERSPECTIVE

Fears relieved,

Grenoble, France 4,513 miles to Normal

Helena Finamore Queiroz Juiz de Fora, Brazil 5,204 miles to Normal

Vania Pereira Paraná, Brazil 5,124 miles to Normal

Ivan Korkes Damascus, Syria 6,243 miles to Normal

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM AFAR

CALL ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY HOME but concerns over narrow-mindedness still an issue

VIDETTE GRAPHIC

STORY BY EMA SASIC Editor in Chief | @ema_sasic

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second installment of a multipart series exploring the 2016 election and the Office of International Studies and Programs.

“I

think now everyone has realized it was a bad decision electing Trump. You can’t do much instead elect someone better now,” was the takeaway of one international student regarding the 2016 presidential election. For most of the international students at Illinois State University, the fears they had coming to the United States after seeing what was unfolding in politics are gone. Many have discovered there are more people interested in welcoming them and learning about their cultures than closing off borders. However, there are still times when they are met with “narrowminded” individuals. As the United States nears the one year mark since Donald Trump was elected president, international students said his first 10 months in office have painted the country in a “bad way” overseas and changes need to be made.

Helena Finamore Queiroz and Vania Pereira Brazil Food, nutrition and dietetics master’s candidate and agriculture master’s candidate After they received their visas and returned to ISU, graduate students Helena Finamore Queiroz and Vania Pereira both said they have had positive experiences. When they encounter people who pick up on their accents, people are interested in learning about them and their life back home in Brazil. “No matter where you go, you’re going to find good and bad people. My experience before was with good people. I met a lot of friendly Americans, my host parents were great,” Finamore Queiroz said. “I knew I would find Americans that have similar thoughts like Trump, but that’s life. If you go to Brazil, you’ll find that as well, and it all comes down to education.” Pereira said studying abroad allows people to grow professionally and personally, which she has done both times. Since returning to the United States and seeing how heavily covered politics is, she finds herself more interested in learning about the topic. “I was more easygoing back then. I never thought about politics,” she said. “I look more towards news now to learn more about what could happen with [Trump’s] actions.” Both claim their thoughts about the United States were shaped by the media. They had a heightened sense of fear based on the way newspapers and news stations were portraying America, the election and Trump. “The way that the Brazilian media was painting America is ‘Everyone hates you. Don’t go there, you’ll have an awful experience unless you’re really rich,’” Finamore Queiroz said. “What I would tell people is that it’s not like that. There is a part of the population that thinks like Trump, but it is small. Good people will treat you well and there are more of them.” “The experience you have here is so beneficial for professional and personal growth. Don’t be narrow-minded and you won’t attract narrow-minded people,” she added.

Malin Quande Haugen Norway Sophomore international business major

Sophomore international business major Malin Quande Haugen said the biggest surprise post-election is how many of her American friends “felt very uncomfortable.” “My friends who have white, married parents with col-

lege degrees — people who have historically been treated fairly — they felt uncomfortable. Even the university had to tell people to chill,” she said. “Just the fact that those things are needed to settle people down is a little scary just because that would never happen back home.” Although she has not been personally affected by any of Trump’s presidential decisions, she does not want him to be re-elected in 2020 because she believes he has “painted the country in a bad light.” “If I start seeing signs that he’ll be president again, that might change my decision of going to graduate school in the United States because I don’t want to be related to that,” Quande Haugen explained. “By being here, I’m putting money into the American economy, but I don’t want to support him, and I know a lot of people feel that way too.” “He does a lot of things that are unfair that will bring the country back, and I don’t think that’s what you need. If you want to ‘Make America Great Again,’ you should be liked so that people will want to trade with you and work with you,” she added. Quande Haugen said she has seen many of her friends fear losing their health insurance and their parents possibly facing deportation, which have been negative aspects to her time in the United States. However, those moments “open your eyes to see the difficulties other people are facing.”

Ivan Korkes Iraq and Syria Senior international business and human resource management major As someone who has faced the struggles that come with living in a country during a war and coming to the United States as a refugee, senior international business and human resource management major Ivan Korkes is “thankful” for the maturity he sees on campus. “We have a president like Larry Dietz who I think did an amazing job protecting students and making them feel safe. I think our school did a really good job of coming together despite different opinions,” Korkes said. “There were a lot of emotions and arguments, and you can tell after the election was over, things were back to normal and people were friends again.” Following the election, there were reports of Muslim students attacked on college campuses throughout the country. Esra Nur Altun, an Uzbekistan-born San Jose State University student, said an unknown attacker came up to her and tried to take off her hijab the morning after Trump was elected president. Korkes did not see any violent acts on campus toward international students, but rather the complete opposite. “International students are a prize — they’re usually the first person a U.S. student goes up to and asks about their life back at home,” he said. Almost a year after Trump’s election, many international students identify hostile discussions and interactions with “narrow-minded” people. As Korkes explains, they will be found “everywhere you go,” but “even the narrowminded people at ISU are more open-minded than people elsewhere.” “After talking to a few people from different backgrounds, they became a little more open-minded,” he said. “We have smart and culturally aware students which really helped others feel safe.”

Cosette Groisiller France Senior communication sciences and disorders major For Cosette Groisiller, one of the major takeaways from the 2016 presidential election is political and social environments “are the same across all countries.” France held its election April 23 and May 7. No candidate won a majority during the first round, so a run-off took place between Emmanuel Macron of the En Marche! (Forward!) Party and Marine Le Pen of the Front National (National Front) Party. “[Le Pen’s] father (Jean-Marie Le Pen) didn’t believe in the Holocaust,” Groisiller said. “If it was [Front National’s] way, it would have sought out every single non-French name and kicked them out. The terrorist attacks in Nice and Paris got people very frustrated, so she rose at a time of fear.” Groisiller said people “voted for the lesser evil,” and Macron won with 66 percent of the votes. “While the election was going on, I kept saying to friends, ‘There’s Brexit and Trump, we can’t be the third nation to do something drastic. It would start an evil politician convention,’” she said. She has also noticed “less respect toward differences” as she had an encounter with a woman who was questioning her name. “Immediately this woman said, ‘Are you American?’ which to me was a shocking question. I’m not, but what is the typical American name? If it’s not Smith or Johnson, that doesn’t mean I’m not American,” she said. In order for people to move forward, they must be “more forgiving” and “understanding” to differences between people. “We’re all just trying to live our lives; I’m just trying to get my degree,” Groisiller explained.

Kamya Monga India Sophomore marketing major For the most part, sophomore marketing major Kamya Monga has encountered people who want to learn about the ways she has adapted to living in the United States. There are, however, times when people are quick to ask, “How do you speak such good English?” “It’s not their fault since someone has told them that, but at the same time you want people to be understanding and inclusive,” Monga said. “It’s time that we learn to not be ignorant.” After seeing protests take place in response to the election, travel ban and proposed end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Monga believes many people have “realized it was a bad decision” electing Trump. The way she sees the United States moving forward is by electing someone “better.” She does, however, see a silver lining. “When the DACA protest took place on campus, you saw people were supporting each other. There are so many minorities on campus, and it really helps when the community support is strong,” Monga said. “The community support really kept me here.” The election’s real effects are how other countries see the United States when its Commander in Chief, as Monga explained, is someone who falls short. “He was so late in sending help to Puerto Rico and it’s his own territory, so how can you expect him to help others,” she said. “[After the election], people in other countries are now starting to realize the American Dream is not really true. You can’t always live in perfect circumstances, and a lot of the things he’s done has painted a negative image of the United States around the world,” she added.

Look for Part III of the international series in Monday’s issue of The Vidette, where we explore how the Office of International Studies and Programs and ISU have responded to the election.

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Spacey scandal reinforces negative stereotypes

fter he was accused Sunday of attempting to sexually assault a minor, Kevin Spacey apologized for an incident he claims not to remember and then said he was gay. The “House Of Cards” star announced that he is living “as a gay man” after actor Anthony Rapp accused the 58-year-old of an incident that occurred in 1986. Spacey said he does not remember the alleged incident, when Rapp was 14 and Spacey was 26, “but if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior.” Actors are usually hailed for coming out, but Spacey is being criticized right and left. Why? Because he is using his sexuality to deflect from the fact he allegedly molested a teenage boy. The key phrase is “if I did behave then as he describes.” This is a textbook example of how to subtly question the veracity of an allegation without attacking the victim: “I don’t recall groping you, but your

lingering sadness breaks my heart.” Actor Zachary Quinto was amongst the many who criticized Spacey. “It is deeply sad and troubling that this is how Kevin Spacey has chosen to come out,” Quinto said in a statement. “Not by standing up as a point of pride — in the light of all his many awards and accomplishments — thus inspiring tens of thousands of struggling LGBTQ kids around the world. But as a calculated manipulation to deflect attention from the very seri-

ous accusation that he attempted to molest one.” Throughout his career, Spacey has kept his private life just that. Despite the idea that “everybody knows” who is gay within Hollywood, Spacey never flaunted his private life. So why now, when you are being accused of sexual assault? Blending homosexuality with child predation is something that homophobic people have been doing for years. Spacey fueling this is almost as

sick as the original allegation. Obviously, it is excellent that Spacey can be honest about his sexuality. But the context in which the actor chose to reveal this fact about himself encourages unfortunate stereotypes that associate members of the LGBT community with pedophilia. Spacey’s deflection highlights the problem with powerful men in business, similar to Harvey Weinstein. Spacey’s attempt to co-opt Rapp’s accusations, which took the actor over 30 years to muster the courage to discuss, almost undermined the fact Spacey is a predator. Media outlets rushed to announce something a majority of people in the entertainment business already knew, minimizing the fact that it only came out because he was accused of being a pedophile. More than three decades after allegedly molesting Rapp, Spacey also violated the LGBTQ community he never really wanted to publicly be a part of until he deemed it a necessary diversion.

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/MCT

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KEVIN SCHWALLER, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the University.

We must start respecting indigenous people MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist

s we head out of October and into November, we leave behind scary stories and welcome a time of thankfulness and appreciation for others. This month is National Native American Heritage Month. I want to remind everyone that Native Americans are constantly disrespected and underappreciated. Just over at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this past weekend, protestors filled the streets to boycott the school’s Homecoming parade due to the continued presence of the retired mascot, Chief Illiniwek. The mascot, like so many

others in this country, has stripped away actual Native American heritage solely for the purpose of a football or basketball game. When a Native American-based mascot’s theme music is played at various sporting events, people fold their arms and dance. They wear makeup and face paint channeling the mascot, mimicking it. I doubt anyone would actually have the courage to do this in the face of an actual American Indian. It is an embarrassing display of ignorance. Professional football team Washington Redskins faces the same issue. Slurs like “redskins” don’t show respect for indigenous people. I was going to say “There is no place for titles like ‘redskin’ or caricatures like the Cleveland Indians’ Chief Wahoo.” Unfortunately, that is not true. The fact that we still celebrate Columbus Day supports this. The historically problematic holiday coming a month before National

Native American Heritage Month is simply tasteless, considering Columbus never actually set foot on the continental U.S. and enslaved, raped, abused and murdered a plethora of Native American people. How about this: there should not be a place for epithets like “redskin” or caricatures like the Cleveland Indians’ Chief Wahoo. Banning offensive mascots would be an excellent gesture, a signal to Native Americans that as a nation, we deem them as more than just symbols. But it would also be wrong to presume that eliminating offensive names and mascots from sports would end the larger problem that gave rise to them in the first place: Americans’ ignorance of Native American people and their culture. When federal agencies halted work on the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project where it cuts close to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota last

REGGIE IN THE NEST by SAMANTHA MCINTYRE | Vidette Cartoonist

year, I thought there would be a shift in how we generally perceive Native Americans. While it was without a doubt an important milestone and victory, it does not change the fact that I am still writing about how we should respect indigenous people a year later. Few Americans live near reservations, making it easy for us to ignore the pain that affects so many Native American communities. But our national indifference to indigenous people is unacceptable, and it has lasted for too long. Most Americans imagine Indians as belonging to the nation’s past, but, at roughly 5 million strong, they are a vibrant part of its present. They are deserving of the same respect due to all Americans. Kevin Schwaller is a senior journalism major and news editor and coloumnist for The Vidette. Any questions or comments concerning his column can be sent to vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu.

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DINING GUIDE Bird on the Street: What restaurant does the Bone Student Center need? COVER ILLUSTRATION BY EVAN MORRIS INTERVIEWS BY MONICA MENDOZA

“Mexican food restaurant because there aren’t any good ones near by.” Michael Cisneros Senior biology major

“Panda Express because who doesn’t like Chinese food?” Ebelise Matthews Junior social work major

“Moe’s because I can’t live without their queso.” Elena Roth Junior public relations major

“I’d like some Tex-Mex influence like Chipotle or Moe’s.” Blair Fernandez senior legal studies major

THE VIDETTE

the student voice of illinois state university

“I want some sushi and lo mein.” Connor Flanders Junior history major

“Five Guys Burgers and Fries because I can’t get a good burger on campus.” TJ Lemons 2012 alumnus

PAGE 6 | BIRDFEED | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017