Friday, February 6, 2015

W ESTER NGA ZET TE.CA • @ UWOGA ZET TE

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WESTERN UNIVERSITY • CANADA’S ONLY DAILY STUDENT NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED 1906

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

The slates debate part deux VOLUME 108, ISSUE 70

Black history; Black present

I

n honour of Black History Month, a group of Western students came together to contribute to an issue that celebrates Black history and centralizes topics and issues that are relevant in the Black community.

Black history is not one month or one voice. This month is not solely defined by slavery and the civil rights movement. It does not have just one colour and one culture. It is defined by many, for many. You can find it deep within the monarchy of Ethiopia, within the colourful languages of the Congo, the samba in Brazil, the Savannah of Cuba, the rhythms of the Caribbean, the evolution of Hip Hop in Harlem and the stories of Black Nova Scotians.

While we also recognize and acknowledge the importance of history, we recognize the importance of discussing the present. The belief that we have overcome racism and now live in a post-racial society is a threat to our progress. To acknowledge Black history is to acknowledge the Black present and the full level of humanity that has not yet been restored to Black people.

We have not escaped racism. We have masked its definition to allow it to hide behind well-doers, good intentions and oppressive systems. Racism — an institutionalized

system of social control designed to privilege one group through privilege, power, opportunity and wealth — does not need intention.

Racism exists and survives through denial, and it is important to be able to recognize its reproduction. It is deeply embedded into our judicial systems, schooling systems, housing systems, religious institutions and communities. Navigating systems designed to privilege one group is exhausting.

To the Black students of Western University: this is a space for you — and by you, we mean you in all your entirety, complexity and intersectionality. We seek to amplify voices that have been silenced and displaced; ideas often seen as bitter complaints, not-fun or over sensitive.

Do not let this be the end. On-campus resources such as peer support services, Ally Western, Ethnocultural Services, the Black Students’ Association (BSA), Caribbean Students’ Organization (CSO), African Students’ Association (ASA) and more exist to help you find a community.

Share your emotions. You are not alone.

Courtesy of Sheba Birhanu

• The Black Students’ Association Executive

>> SEE INSIDE FOUR PAGES FOR A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE GAZETTE FROM THE BSA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

CROSSWORD By Eugene Sheffer Winnie Lu • GAZETTE

Volunteer for news news@

westerngazette.ca

Solution to puzzle on page 7

Western prof receives Order of Ontario Rita Rahmati GAZETTE STAFF @uwogazette

On Tuesday night, Western professor Barbara MacQuarrie received the Order of Ontario due to her advocacy work for women’s rights and social justice. “I think it wasn’t entirely real until the ceremony — I was really surprised,� said MacQuarrie, community director of Western’s Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children within the faculty of education. “It’s her life’s mission, and she’s always been an advocate for women who are vulnerable, and people who are victims of abuse.

She’s tireless in doing this work,�

Peter Jaffe, academic director of

the Centre, said.

MacQuarrie began her career in human rights in a very different area. She worked for Peace Brigades International in El Salvador and Guatemala where she would accompany civilians fighting for social justice through nonviolent means. The presence of MacQuarrie and her colleagues protected civilians as militaries were unlikely to harm foreigners.

When MacQuarrie returned to Canada, she shifted to sponsoring social justice within the local community and worked in advocacy with sexual assault.

One of the campaigns she is best known for is Neighbours, Friends and Families, which teaches how to recognize warning signs of abuse, how to talk about it and offers resources in the community. “I was really heartened that they chose to recognize my contributions in this area of working on violence against women. I think that’s an indicator of how much more we think about these issues as a broader society, about the importance and significance that we place on them,� MacQuarrie said.

Currently MacQuarrie has a Social Sciences and Human Resources Council grant for development of an international network involved with domestic violence in the workplace. The development is global and has partners in America, Australia, Europe and the International Labor Organization.

MacQuarrie is extremely humble about her contributions and receiving the Order of Ontario. “As I heard everybody receiving this award I thought, ‘Why am I here? How did I get this recognition?’ � MacQuarrie said.

A

S I HEARD EVERYBODY RECEIVING THIS AWARD I THOUGHT, ‘WHY AM I HERE, HOW DID I GET THIS RECOGNITION?’ BARBARA MACQUARRIE

RECIPIENT OF THE ORDER OF ONTARIO

The Cryptoquip is a substitution cipher in which one letter stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. Single letters, short words and words using an apostrophe give you clues to locating vowels. Solution is by trial and error. Š 2002 by Kings Features Syndicate, Inc.

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thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

Debate heats up in the atrium — and online Kevin Hurren NEWS EDITOR-AT-LARGE @KevinAtGazette

Tonight, both University Students’ Council slates met in the University Community Center atrium for the official USC elections debate.

Moderated by current USC president Matt Helfand, the debate composed of four segments splitting up the presidential, internal and external candidates, with the entire slate finally coming together for open forum questioning.

Beginning with the presidents, both Jack Litchfield and Sophie Helpard commented on the research that went into creating their platforms.

Additionally, Helpard noted disturbing political trends in the elections thus far. “It’s not just politics, it’s about people – I’m here because I want to be an advocate, a representative and a voice for the Western community,� she said.

Litchfield, however, continued to emphasize the council’s potential to empower students. “Students come here to learn,

to grow and to achieve. I’m of the belief that the USC is here to optimize each of those,� he said.

Agreeing on several issues during the debate – such as the Marching Band referendum, facilitating student feedback and working with the USC strategic plan – they both took opportunities to highlight each other’s potential weaknesses.

For instance, Helpard challenged Litchfield on his ability to see the council as more than a corporation.

At the same time, Litchfield doubted her team’s platform validity.

In the second portion, internal candidates Dilani Logan and Alex Benac answered questions concerning their portfolio – most notably mental health. “We believe that a structural and budget overhaul is essential to bring changing care from a reactive model to a preventative model,� explained Benac on behalf of Team Sophie.

When Logan attempted to present Asperia as a potential mental health resource for students, Benac called the outside group a “Band-Aid solution.�

But Logan also raised questions about Team Sophie’s ability to move

Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE

the fall reading break while simultaneously promising a full O-Week and greater exam accommodation.

Shortly after, the external candidates, Richard Sookraj and Lindsee Perkins, took to the platform touching on topics like better bus services, OUSA and garbage collection.

However, few could focus on the external debate when a debate of another kind was happening on social media.

Both official campaign Twitter

accounts, @TeamLitchfield and @VoteTeamSophie, engaged in a kind of back-and-fourth, with @TeamLitchfield questioning the opposing slate on several platform points.

When Team Litchfield’s account suggested Team Sophie’s platform was tricking students, @ VoteTeamSophie replied, “@ TeamLitchfield nothing that was said was misleading. Student concerns were the focus of today‌

it’s not up to you to decide what matters.�

Later in the debate, @ Te a m L i t c h f i e l d re p l i e d , “@VoteTeamSophie No, but it’s up to us to be honest with students, particularly if you won’t.�

As all the entire slates were wrapping up questions and closing statements in the final portion of the debate, it became clear that the real elbows were being thrown online.

Get to know your board of governors candidates Amy O’Kruk NEWS EDITOR @AmyAtGazette

The University Students’ Council elections mean a new presidential slate and fresh faculty councillors, but the polls also determine Western’s student representation in its highest administrative echelon — the board of governors. The time of year is fast approaching where students will decide which undergraduate candidate gets their votes and a seat on the board.

Western’s board of governors is formally charged with the overall management of the university, including financial matters. Out of the 31 potential seats on the board, three are filled by students: one graduate and two undergraduates.

As the undergraduate board representative, the elected candidate’s duties will include attending board meetings, advocating on behalf of the university, setting policy and participating in setting the mission and strategic plan of Western.

These duties will be performed over a two-year term. The appointments of each of the two undergraduate positions are staggered, with the 2015–17 appointment currently up for election. The other seat was filled last year by undergraduate student Brendan Power and spans from 2014–16.

These are the six nominees vying for this year’s seat on the board.

DOMENIC BITONDO Program: Honours double major in physics and philosophy Year: Third year Why do you want to be on Western’s board of governors?

I have always been interested in governance, having been involved with a student council every year since grade six. I have learned a lot in the past three years as a board of directors member and as a councillor for the USC. I am ready to continue learning at the next level.

What three student issues/platform points do you plan to focus on if elected?

I did not formulate a platform because as a board member you are a fiduciary of the University and not a politician; running on a platform would be contrary to the legal role of the board, as the senate is the political body of the University. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about me to reach out to me through email or social media.

JOHNATHAN GREEN Program: Social science Year: First Why do you want to be on Western’s board of governors?

I think I can impact the most students in a positive way. Overall, I think the position requires a lot of work and skill, and I think I can bring both of those to the board of governors in the most effective way.

What three student issues/platform points do you plan to focus on if elected?

[I would work] towards bettering mental health support and awareness on campus, highlighting the amazing research done by the faculty at Western, and ensuring that students receive the best education possible through new programs such as TA evaluations.

HARRY ORBACH-MILLER Program: Social science Year: Second Why do you want to be on Western’s board of governors?

I want to be on the board of governors to bring to the students’ voice back to the table. In the past, our BOG representatives have not sought our input or included us in the decision-making process.

It’s time our representatives represented our voice, not theirs.

What three student issues/platform points do you plan to focus on if elected?

What I will promise is that I will be accessible and proactively reach out to you, whether in person or through the various communication platforms this campus offers. The board of governors makes decisions that affect every student on campus;

any representative’s biggest priority should be to listen.

PASHV SHAH Program: Honours double major in BMOS and biology Year: Third Why do you want to be on Western’s board of governors?

I believe that it is important to understand how our university makes decisions, as well as how our resources are allocated. The board has the authority to make a majority of the high level decisions in our university, and I believe that it is important to voice student opinions, as well as communicate to the students how various decision are being made.

What three student issues/platform points do you plan to focus on if elected?

If elected, I will poll a sample of the students-at-large to gather their perspectives on the topics to be discussed in upcoming meetings.

Communication is key. I believe that interacting with students is an important function of any committee, board or council on campus, and by hosting an event where members of the Board of Governors are able to interact with students and gather feedback, will allow for the Board members to best represent all their stakeholders.

BLAKE VANBERLO Program: Software engineering Year: Second Why do you want to be on Western’s board of governors?

I want to ensure that the voice of Western students is fairly and truly represented to the board of governors. My experience as a student trustee taught me the importance of the student voice in administration.

I also want to ensure that students know that their opinions are valued by the board.

What three student issues/platform points do you plan to focus on if elected?

I would like to ensure that university finances, particularly the breakdown of tuition costs, are

transparently available to students.

I also want to expand on the excellence of Western’s multicultural society. Finally, I would like to expand undergraduate opportunities to attain research grants and participate in scholarly research alongside faculty.

tirelessly to make sure the undergraduate representative is not a token position, but rather one that is applauded for being the most accurate representative of student needs and opinion.

What three student issues/platform points do you plan to focus on if elected?

I want to establish mediums for joint fundraising with students and faculty, a progressive mental health strategy that works with everyone on campus to promote mental well-being before symptoms emerge, and increased student deliberations at board meetings to ensure diversity of student opinion.

HIRAD ZAFARI Program: Medical science Year: Second Why do you want to be on Western’s board of governors?

As a voting member on the USC’s board of directors, I have the experience to ensure the university stays accountable to students. I will work

Your Weekly Horoscope The week of Feb. 8 – 14

This horoscope is intended for entertainment purposes only.

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, tackle a problem that’s been puzzling you headon this week. A direct approach may just provide you the unique perspective you need to crack this nut.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 A disagreement at work has you unsure about what side to support, Libra. Stay neutral for the time being until you can get a better grasp of the situation.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, state your case carefully when you attempt to get your point across at work. Others will appreciate your thoughtful approach and respond positively.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, focus on issues at work this week. Channel your energy into productivity at the office, and know that there will be time to daydream down the road.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you are up to your ears in work and you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel just yet.

Rest assured that it’s there, but it could take a few more days in the trenches.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 You may feel strong winds of change blowing in your direction, Sagittarius, and you do not know what is in store for you. Sometimes it can be exciting to be surprised.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Various responsibilities require your full attention this week, Cancer. Don’t be afraid to accept some help so you can get everything done on time.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, look forward to the weeks ahead, as some good news is on the horizon. Allow others around you to share in the good times ahead.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you are invested in reaching a goal, and those around you are inspired by your gusto. Make the most of your energy and help others harness theirs if given the chance.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, revisit your career goals this week. Even if your goals seem ever-changing, it can be productive to reexamine them from time to time.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you work best when you have a plan in place.

While you are not usually appreciative of surprises, this week you are willing to be a little more flexible.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Keep things simple this week, Pisces. You will have a lot on your plate in the days ahead, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS FEB. 8 – John Grisham, Author (60) FEB. 9 – Carole King, Singer (73) FEB. 10 – Elizabeth Banks, Actress (41)

FEB. 11 – Jennifer Aniston, Actress (46) FEB. 12 – Josh Brolin, Actor (47) FEB. 13 – Peter Gabriel, Singer (65) FEB. 14 – Angel di Maria, Athlete (27)

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thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

arts&life

oscarbuzz With her nomination for Into the Woods, Meryl Streep has been nominated for an Oscar 19 times. Jack Nicholson follows her with 12 nominations. Her first nomination was in 1979 for The Deer Hunter.

WHERE

to get it

Sweater — Zara

This faux-fux collar turtleneck is a unique piece from Zara. Zara is a store specializing in trendy, slim-fitting and often unusual items like this one.Their prices are reasonable and shipping is free if you spend over $50, making it a perfect store for fashionable students.

Jeans — Bluenotes

These skinny-fit grey jeans are from Cello jeans in Milan, Italy.

The price range on these types of jeans can go from twenty bucks at Bluenotes all the way up to $700 or so for raw denim or designer distressed/acid washed/faded pairs.

Courtesy of Dwayne Morgan

Poetry, black history and Dwayne Morgan Mohammad Hussain CONTRIBUTOR @uwogazette

On Wednesday morning, Dwayne Morgan performed some of his favourite pieces of spoken word poetry in the atrium of the UCC. Morgan has performed on stages in countries around the world, but his appearance at Western was to kickstart the Black History Month opening ceremonies, organized by the Black Students’ Association.

The Scarborough native has released over six books, with more on the way, and has shared the stage with artists like Nelly Furtado, K-OS and Russell Peters.

The decision of pursuing poetry was a no-brainer.

“I always say it was by accident but ultimately, I don’t really believe in accidents. I wrote something in my final year of high school and there are people who responded well to it and gave me opportunities to start sharing this poem in other venues,” Morgan says.

For him, his inspiration has stayed constant throughout the years.

“I write and I tell stories from the lens of a young Black male who is growing up and lives in a society that is very complicated when it comes to race and identities. A big part of what I write is looking at race and telling stories about race in a society where often times people would think that race isn’t a factor or isn’t an issue,” Morgan explains Morgan speaks of two poems, one he has dedicated to Mike Brown and Eric Garner, the other which is dedicated to Trayvon Martin, whose deaths have caused uproar over racism in America and police brutality.

“The poem I wrote for Mike Brown and Eric Garner it’s really looking at me being a dad and it is about the psychology of not

wanting my child to be born male because I know what that’s going to mean as a young black male,” Morgan explains.

To him the way to overcome racism is by finding human ways to help others understand these issues from a different perspective.

“The gender of this child could put them at risk, simply because of their skin colour and people get to understand that more. It ties into what I said about trying to find those connections and how we make those connections especially with people who have not had the same experiences I had,” he says.

For Black History Month, he hopes he challenge the perceptions of what constitutes as Black history.

“For younger kids, they think its all marching and protesting, but it’s really a matter of looking at against all of the odds that are stacked against black people, the successes that we’ve had. Serena Williams is Black history. Tiger Woods is Black history. President Obama is Black history,” Morgan says.

Despite all the hardships he faces, Morgan says he finds it easy to stay positive, just being happy about the fact he is alive and well.

“True happiness requires absolutely nothing. You need a spirit of gratefulness, you need to love the skin that you’re in and have people around you who love you. All the other stuff is just nonsense.”

Having a daughter has also helped him change his perspective and look at the world in a different light “As adults we see dandelions in the grass and we say ‘we got weeds.’

My daughter sees dandelions in the grass and she says, ‘oh look at this flower!’” Morgan says.

Morgan plans on releasing a children’s book next and continuing to travel the world.

“I really just try to inspire as many people as I can,” Morgan says.

Watch — Fossil

F

inding the right balance of colour in your outfit can be difficult. You have to remember which colour goes with which, try for some contrast between particular pieces and ensure that the whole ensemble just works.

But this doesn’t mean it’s easier to just throw on greys and blacks.

The monochrome outfit requires a whole different set of skills and an eye attentive to subtleties. You run the risk of looking washed-out or drab — in fact, wearing Fifty Shades of Grey is almost as difficult as reading it.

First-year medical science student Amir Bachari is an example of how to do it right. There’s just enough difference between the shades of his sweater and jeans to make things interesting, while maintaining the overall laid-back,

Kelly Samuel • GAZETTE

greyscale look. As well, the slim-fitting sweater and jeans provide a modern, flattering silhouette.

Because colour is off the table in the monochrome outfit, the opportunities for interesting contrasts lies in the texture of each piece.

Take Bachari’s turtleneck Zara sweater, for example: the faux-fur collar provides the practical function of warmth, and its material is eye-catching against the lighter grey.

“I love this sweater,” says Bachari. “I love this fur — it just adds a little bit of luxury, and it keeps you warm. It’s something different, and it adds that extra fabulous touch.”

The light distressing around the pockets of Bachari’s skinny-fit grey jeans add yet another layer of interesting texture, and the fading along the thighs is the height of

This eye-catching piece is from Fossil, a store that specializes in vintage-themed timepieces and leather straps. This particular skeleton watch design was $275 but on sale for $25 — practically a steal. fashion. Among the hordes of raw denim aficionados so prevalent in modern menswear, the fading on raw denim is a sign of ownership and personality.

Bachari’s monochrome outfit really sets off his watch, an interesting and hefty piece from Fossil.

These sorts of “skeleton watches” were originally designed to display the fascinating inner workings of a mechanical timepiece. When it comes to watches, complication has always been king — the more features and gears you could fit into it, the more skilled the watchmaker and the more prestigious the piece.

Bashari’s philosophy is evident in his outfit. “Be unique, be different, and at the same time be yourself. Don’t be afraid to take risks,” he says.

• Richard Joseph

Kelly Samuel • GAZETTE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH • SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

The real issues Black students face

Invisible in the crowd I had never been surrounded by so much whiteness. I came to Western expecting to be a part of a smaller group on campus; maybe I would have to adjust to the kind of food I traditionally ate, or the music I would hear while out and about … but to be unseen? While also watched? I hadn’t anticipated that.

The whiteness around me invaded my body in ways that I never expected and, as a result, I felt I couldn’t be all of me, all at once. Instead, I had to pick parts of myself I knew would be acceptable within Western’s predominantly white spaces. I quickly learned that not only is this a fragmented and broken way to live, but it also is completely unsustainable.

I learned that each day we all choose what we desire to see in our world. What this becomes is an eye for individuals that look and act just like us. But consider how dangerous this becomes when there is an erasure of those who simply do not look or act like you.

“The binaric invisibility/hypervisibility means that many students

try too hard to not see me, even as they are hyper-aware of my existence — read, difference,” says Rita Nketiah, a Black woman and current PhD student in women’s studies and feminist research.

Spaces of whiteness create a kind of racialized binary that socially polices Black bodies simply for being present. My identity has been surveilled because my status as a Black woman marks me as something else, something other, something exotic and in this way, something less. When I’m not directly subjected to racial-induced commentary or gawking, it’s like I don’t exist.

I know that my experience is not unique, for in my time at Western I’ve come across and befriended incredible Black students seeking comfort in the university’s intellectual and social life, but instead have found it difficult to navigate their identity, and to feel as if they belong and are welcome. I suspect this feeling goes far beyond one of non-representation – simply because there are fewer Black

students at Western.

I can sit with you and try to convince you that four years at Western, even an ounce of that experience, is real and tangible. But I won’t. Because this feeling is often one that really can’t be explained.

So instead, I’ll ask the obvious question: Will you see what you are not willing to see? Will you work to understand difference as something beautiful and complex rather than simply as something other?

Take the time to get to know the people around you. Be present.

Be thoughtful. Listen before you inquire. We all take up space at this university, some differently than others, but I’ve finally decided I’m doing me, all of me, and without apology.

To Black students, thank you for creating a kind of community that doesn’t have to be explained and, in this way, being a comfort even when we are just pieces of ourselves.

I hear you, I feel you and I see you.

• Monica Abadir

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise.

• Martin Luther King

• Maya Angelou

Confusion, friendships, chosen families, resistance, solitude, racism, microaggresions, white folks, invisibility/hyper visibility, laughs and healing conversations.

These are the first thoughts that come to mind when I think of Western University. Let me be clear that in no way am I speaking for the entire Black student body on campus. We all have our own stories and experiences. Those stories are unique and complex.

This university uses words like “diversity,” “inclusivity” and “equality” as a financial marketing scheme.

These words are meaningless without context. They are used to sugar-coat real issues faced by Black students and students of colour by masking it as diversity. These same words support the ideology of a post-race, post-feminist, post-queer society. It suggests that these kinds of oppressive systems are of the past and attempts to paint everyone the same colour. This is an easy way out.

This approach to “diversity” is what cultural critic Slavoj Zizek describes as “tolerant liberal multiculturalism” where in which we breed “experience(s) of the Other deprived of its Otherness — the decaffeinated Other.”

We silence the voices that need to be heard the most. In the end, a university whose staff and governments are predominantly white end up financially benefitting from the existence and experiences of students of colour, while failing to address their needs. It is vital for the institution to be actively working on undoing its racist oppressive systemic power dynamics.

I have had many conversations with Black students on their experiences at Western. I have also attended discussion sessions addressing the various experiences

The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself — the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us — that’s where it’s at.

• Jesse Owens

T

HIS UNIVERSITY USES WORDS LIKE “DIVERSITY,” “INCLUSIVITY” AND “EQUALITY” AS A FINANCIAL MARKETING SCHEME. THESE WORDS ARE MEANINGLESS WITHOUT CONTEXT. THEY ARE USED TO SUGARCOAT REAL ISSUES FACED

BY BLACK STUDENTS AND STUDENTS OF COLOUR BY MASKING IT AS DIVERSITY.

of Black students on campus. There is a recurring message of needing to find a space of their own.

Lwam Berhe, a third-year biology student, says that despite negative experiences, she has found friendships and organizations on campus that has been integral to her success.

She advocates for more associations that represent marginalized students. Berhe also acknowledges the lack of racialized professors on this campus and the negative affect it can have on students of colour.

These limited representations allow communities here to foster and breed stereotypes. I feel the need to always articulate that there is no single definition of Blackness.

Blackness comes in various shapes, abilities, experiences, opinions, gender, sexuality and class, and until people are exposed to the multidimensionality of Blackness, it will remain both a threat and inferior. These are the tough and honest conversations we need to have to challenge systemic racism.

• Emmanuel Ruta

Hate is too great a burden to bear.

It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.

• Coretta Scott King

BLACK HISTORY MONTH • SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

Western students bring Africa to Canada The co-founders of NoR Apparel, Oriena Teiba Mensah and Michelle Osei-Bonsu, are Western students who take great pride in their Ghanaian heritage.

However, the challenge of getting apparel from Africa crippled this pride for these two young women. Their solution was NoR Apparel.

NoR is an abbreviation of “Notre Racine” which translates to “Our Root” in English. Most of NoR’s products are imported from Ghana and handmade with African materials.

For more information, visit www.norapparel.com.

Maintaining that ’do during the winter Inspired by Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair, this year the Black Students’ Association founded a club of the same name. Regardless of the many opinions of the film, one thing is certain: hair is a big deal in the Black community.

Because we love you, here are some tips to minimize winter damage and keep your tresses — weaves, braids, twists, dreadlocks, relaxers, afros, line ups, fades, you name it — looking fierce.

1. Tuck ‘em in Whether you wear your hair natural, relaxed or weaved, keep your ends tucked away.

Braids, twists and weaves are optional protective styles. If you choose to wear your hair out try

opting for styles that keep your ends tucked. Buns and updos are a great way to look good and keep your hair safe.

2. Dry hair is out!

During the winter hair tends to be dryer than usual, so maintaining moisture is very important. Whipped butters mixed with oils can provide longer lasting moisture. Shea butter and extra virgin oil are great for that.

Hot oil treatments with coconut oil or argan oil can really help between styles.

BEWARE: Don’t use coconut oil as a leave in, it dries out the hair.

Glycerin is your enemy during the winter!

3. Nefertiti. Edges Kinky Protect your edges!

Avoid extremely tight braids along the hairline. They pull at the scalp and can cause hair loss at the edges.

4. Satin is your friend One of the best ways to retain moisture at night is by wearing a satin bonnet or scarf over your hair. Think about investing in a satin pillow case to maximize effectiveness.

For hats, try buying those that have satin linings inside. Or be creative and DIY by sewing in a satin scarf in your favorite winter hat.

(Guys too!)

For clarifications or other kinky, coily, curly, relaxed hair needs, join the BSA Good Hair Club on Facebook.

• Oceane Nzabi

thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

BLACK HISTORY MONTH • SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

13 times Tumblr got it right

Here’s what you really meant Racial microaggressions are subtle, everyday exchanges that mobilize racist ideological discourses to denigrate, invalidate and other people of colour. These everyday racial microaggressions take on a specific form on Canadian university campuses, particularly those that are predominately white, like Western.

These exchanges may seem innocuous or insignificant to some, but the underlying meaning is reflective and indicative of a much larger systematic and institutionalized discourse of antiBlack racism that often manifests itself here on our campus.

Here are some of the interactions that I, and many others, have had on this campus and the underlying meaning that exists within each one of these microaggressions.

This is what you really meant when you said that racist thing to me that one time: What you said: “You’re so pretty for a Black girl.” / “He’s so cute for a Black guy.”

What you really mean: “I normally find Black people to be ugly, but there is something about your lighter skin, or slender frame, or smaller lips and nose, that I find to be almost unrepulsive.”

What you really mean: “The system of white supremacy to which I fully subscribe teaches me to privilege Eurocentric standards of beauty, so, in general, people of colour, especially Black people, are unattractive and undesirable to me. But every once in a while, I come across a coloured person with the right number and combination of these Eurocentric features, that I feel compelled to tell them of their exceptional beauty that put them far ahead of the hideous brutes they call kin. Also, your non-white skin makes you exciting and exotic, so I will fetishize your (insert dessert flavour) covered skin at the nearest available opportunity!”

What you said: “You don’t even sound Black! You’re so articulate!”

What you really mean: “Black people are uneducated and unintelligent, so they don’t speak real good.”

What you really mean: “The way you speak, through a combination of your tone, cadence, syntax, and grammar, far exceeds my expectations for Blacks, whom

I conceptualize as being poor and from the ghetto (i.e. uneducated) and, well, Black (i.e. unintelligent), but you seemed to have escaped the harsh realties of your impoverished life and unfortunate skin tone and risen above it all.”

What you said: “You’re practically white … it’s like you’re white on the inside.”

What you really mean: “All of your positive traits and attributes, which I see value and worth in, act as qualifiers for your level of whiteness and therefore a measure of your goodness. You can’t possibly be smart, brave, loyal, witty, generous, kind, good AND Black. Black people can’t possibly be any of these things, and so you’re basically white, but you’ll never really be white and receive the many systematic and institutionalized advantages and access to rights that come with white privilege because at the end of the day you’re still just Black. Sorry.”

What you really mean: “I recognize your humanity and that is something only white people are allowed to have.”

These experiences, rather the collection and accumulation of these experiences, act as a sort of trauma against people of colour on this campus. If we expand our understanding of trauma beyond existing in the extreme and catastrophic, and conceptualize it as being embedded in the substratum of the everyday, we can recognize these microaggressions for what they are: violence.

It is violent to tell a friend, colleague, classmate and peer that their intelligence, work ethic, beauty, value and inherent goodness are achieved in spite of their Blackness, something that exists not only on their skin but in the metaphysical essence of who they are.

It is significant to note that we do not wish to be the same. Much like the way othering can be a source of trauma and pain, erasing our differences and assuming that we — and our experiences — are the same can also be an operation of violence. We are different and recognizing those differences without assigning negative weight or value to them is the only way we resolve our commitment to inclusivity and diversity on this campus.

• Darani Urgessa

Western snubs diverse movies Ava DuVernay not getting nominated for an Oscar is how I feel on campus: seen but not acknowledged. Overshadowed by mediocre, white counterparts who have the power to marginalize what is seen on campus.

Let’s be honest, London isn’t a very diverse city and we can’t control that. Most of us only reside here for eight school months and return to our childhood homes for the remaining four months of the year.

However despite the homogenized London community, Western hosts a wealth of ethnicities and religions that are proudly displayed at the annual Clubs Week. With practically every country represented and international students galore, one would expect the decoration of our relatively multicultural population to be reflected in our on-campus media. But this is not the case

with one of the major on-campus outlets: Western Film.

Our school’s movie theatre recently had a grand reopening.

Yippee! But this reopening should be both aesthetically pleasing and visually pleasing; in other words, it should have diversity in the films selected.

Although it is lovely to see film classics — Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Labyrinth — it’s time to see movies that reflect Western’s diverse population. Want a movie about identity, university life and standing against authority? Dear White People. Want an atypical vampire flick that incorporates prostitution and drugs? A Girl Walks Home at Night.

Budgeting and rights for blockbusters are hard, as expected, but affordable indies that show more than one homogenized face iare better than the next studio film

featuring a white man on a power trip. Movies like these should be seen year-round and not be in honour of a month that acknowledges a certain demographic on campus.

Major movies generate more income to Western Film, but that’s not the point. Western Film fails to provide an outlet for students who look for movies beyond the studio pictures playing at the local Cineplex. With nowhere else to go, where else would one go to see a face like theirs on screen in a one-tone city like London? There needs to be more representation, more awareness and faces that match the diversity on campus.

No more invisible minorities, no more snubs, just good movies with diverse faces and fascinating stories.

• Samah Ali Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

BLACK HISTORY MONTH • SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

the

It’s always too soon to bring up Holocaust slurs — and Nicki Minaj learned that the hard way. But it’s never too soon to bring up slavery: Django Unchained, 12 Years a Slave, even Iggy Azalea dropping it in her lyrics. The most common reminder of slavery is the infamous N-word.

“I don’t use the N-word because I feel like it takes away from any message I’m trying to convey to another party. I feel like you can convey the message without using racial slurs,” says Chuma Azoba, co-political affairs officer for the Black Students’ Association.

For some, this is an average word they use at their liberty. Others may cringe or feel awkward.

Regardless of skin colour, most people probably know a song that explicitly uses the word every other line, give or take a phrase.

Like the word “slut,” the N-word became popular among those with the intention of rising up against the meaning and stripping all negative connotations associated. But the way the word is used today replicates the way a slave owner would use it.

Some students, like second-year Tish Lewis, try to find no offence in the word.

“I grew up in a predominantly Caucasian neighbourhood and the easiest way to get by was to draw as little attention as possible to the fact you that were black,” Lewis says. “Therefore when kids used the word, I brushed it off as if I didn’t hear it, in hopes of not being ‘that overly sensitive black girl.’ Looking back I know that approach was wrong, but it helped me get by.”

It’s hard to avoid the N-word with songs like N***** in Paris and The Motto blasting on media outlets everywhere. Hype songs from popular black artists use the word to convey a sense of solidarity but their audiences have expanded past the Black community. The N-word has become desensitized and used leisurely while most forget its original purpose was to oppress a group of people.

“I feel a little peculiar when I see non-Black [people] use the N-word in lyrics,” adds Azoba.

“Not that I take offence, but it just seems misplaced coming from them, especially with heavier rap songs.”

The N-word has come a long way and popular

music today desensitizes the word, but Azoba brings up a valid point. If My N****

by YG is playing, most non-Blacks still turn to the nearest person of colour for approval to use the N-word, or apologize for saying it in their presence. If the word has lost its meaning, then why is this a common occurrence?

Since “racism is over today,” it’s interesting that most people get offended when they get called out for being/saying something racist.

But the N-word, one of the most controversial racial words used and abused over the past century, has different meanings based on its spelling.

Regarding pronunciation Azoba explains that “Artists who use the N-word have styled it (using nigga vs. nigger) to make it ‘cool’ or socially acceptable in a sense .… Basically, instead of the N-word representing disparity, today it’s used for exclusivity.”

The N-word has become exclusive for a certain group of people, privileged by their skin colour. But the lucky individuals who are given the “right” to say it by one of their Black friends are mistaken when they believe everyone is comfortable with the word. The N-word is tolerated today, but not everyone encourages its usage.

“We have accepted the fact that the N-word is now an appropriate word to use. It’s as if we have swallowed the pill and aren’t trying to resist its common place in our daily discourse,” Lewis said. “I would prefer if people understood that the overly unnecessary use of the word is problematic.”

The media continuously desensitizes the struggle of people of colour but recognizing the heavy meaning behind the N-word is the only way to remember the word as a slur, not cool lingo to use around your Black friends — something to consider when the N-word is dropped in a new club hit.

• Samah Ali

How to be an Ally An Ally is someone who recognizes that they benefit from institutionalized systems of oppression (like racism, sexism or transphobia) and uses those unearned privileges in order to support marginalized communities. Ally is a verb, not a noun – you don’t get to claim the title of “Ally” without doing the grunt work. These tips will help you to be an effective Ally to the Black community, but there are many lessons that can be applied to Allyship for other communities as well.

For more information, look into the Ally Western service in the University Student’s Council.

1) Check Your Privilege Recognizing your privilege is the first step to effective Allyship, and it is often the most difficult. The nature of unearned privilege means that the world does not force you to recognize the ways that your race has afforded you benefits that are denied to people of colour. Recognizing white privilege means that you understand that racialized people have a different experience of these spaces than you do, and accepting that it shapes your experience of the world.

2) Do Your Research You can’t use your privilege to shed light on issues that marginalized people face if you don’t know what those challenges are. Learn about the histories of anti-Black oppression and resistance. Engage in thoughtful discussions (in appropriate venues) and really try to hear the stories that you are learning about — even if it feels uncomfortable for you. You should make sure you take any opportunity you can to get Ally-trained by Ally Western.

3) Listen, Listen, Listen!

This cannot be emphasized enough. Allies can sometimes speak over or discount the lived experiences of people of colour, particularly when faced with narratives that make them feel uncomfortable.

The systematic silencing of people of colour means that there are already few spaces where these issues can be effectively addressed — an Ally’s job in those spaces is to listen.

4) Learn How to Get ‘Called Out’ Allyship is a process, and we will all make mistakes. One of the most challenging parts of this process is recognizing that we (inadvertently) supported those same systems of oppression that we were attempting

thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

to dismantle. It is important to recognize the wrong that you committed, that you sincerely apologize and ensure you do not repeat the mistake again. Wholeheartedly listen to those you may have hurt — because allyship is about trust.

5) Never Stop Being an Ally You can’t choose to be an Ally only when it is convenient for you.

The true tests of your Allyship are those moments that you encounter anti-Black racism — overt or otherwise. Ensure that you respond effectively, and stand in solidarity with those who are regularly affected by those circumstances. You can’t claim the mantle of Allyship — you have to practice it.

These are just some of the ways that you can ensure you are an effective Ally to Western’s Black community. Consider the ways that systemic racism impacts your world — residence halls, classrooms or even our shared campus. It’s far easier to condemn racism when it’s being perpetuated “over there” but much more important to grasp the ways it impacts our own environments.

• Surer Mohamed Coordinator of the USC Ethnocultural Support Service

word

Leona Refugia • GAZETTE

The stories for Black History Month were compiled by Sheba Birhanu and written and contributed by members of the Black Students’ Association.

•5

thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

Today is a very special day. Februrary 5 marks the one-month anniversary since Jenna and I began the Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide 1.0.

After planning to drink coffee black, I proposed the idea to not drink coffee at all.

Then Tim Hortons’ Roll up the Rim to Win came around and that idea promptly flew out the window. As of today, I’m down to two milks and half a sugar. I don’t hate it but it’s definitely going to take some getting used to.

Prior to beginning this regime, I couldn’t care less about chocolate. Seriously. Many of my friends found it odd that I scrunched my nose at chocolate bars. And now there is seemingly never enough — do not even get me started on my newfound chocolate pretzel addiction. I think it is because I put the idea of restriction in my head. After all, you always want what you can’t have. However, it may be that I am just simply not full. To combat cravings, I’m beginning to up my protein intake throughout the day and I am looking at sweet alternatives, like protein powder and quest bars. Dearest readers, do you have any suggestions for me?

I’m beginning to find it difficult to not compare my progress with the progress of others. I told myself in the beginning that I would be impartial and that my end goal ultimately is improved health. In that sense,

I’ve achieved more than I could ever imagine.

I’ve felt better physically, have more energy and I complain only a fraction of the time when I wake up at 8 a.m. to go to the gym.

At the same time, it’s hard to not compare yourself to others. Part of me feels like I’m doing the exercises wrong — perhaps due to my decreased mobility — or if I am working out enough. Maybe I am not eating as clean as I should be. I practically nosedived into a tub of frozen yoghurt Wednesday night and ate obscene amounts that Health Canada would definitely not recommend to anyone.

Many don’t understand my quest for muscles — I didn’t realize how muscles on women were still apparently taboo. I asked two women in the Western Recreational Centre about how they felt the workout regime was going for them. They told me that they too were discouraged when looking at before and after photos, but that four weeks is simply not realistic to expect to suddenly grow a six-pack. Instead of working out twice a day, having no days off and putting myself down, I’m just going to focus on self-improvement. I will see how fast I can run a mile by week 12. Currently, I’m at seven minutes.

At the end of the day, the only person I should be competing with is myself.

• Olivia Zollino

New Pornographers get it on with fans Tanya Sahni CONTRIBUTOR @uwogazette

Dubbed by Rolling Stone magazine as “pop artisans on steroids,” the New Pornographers are back on tour to promote, Brill Bruisers, their latest album. This Friday night they take the London Music Hall for a night of bombastic indie-pop.

Since she joined the band as a vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist, Katherine Calder has been a major component of the New Pornographer’s sound.

“Lots of harmonies and focused on the music” is how Calder describes The New Pornographers’ tour. The routine of being on tour hadn’t settled in quite yet, but the band received raving reviews while on tour in Europe.

Near the end of 2014, the New Pornographers had the opportunity to play in the legendary Brill Building in Manhattan, which has housed the biggest music publishers in pop in its heyday. Elvis Presley and Liza Minnelli being only two of the many icons headquartered at the building.

“It was very cool,” Calder says.

“The place was empty, we brought in everything. It went from nothing to a concert.”

To Calder, their upcoming shows are about the fans and what they wanted to hear. The groups performance at the Brill Building brought a lot of new songs, but also old classics like The Bleeding Heart Show.

“It’s a pretty good mix. We try to be conscientious to play the songs people want to hear,” Calder says.

The New Pornographers have their sights focused on the music and putting on a show to remember. This is the first time that the band has prohibited the use of recording devices in their shows. “[Time at a concert] would have been better spent if I had been [at the concert] and watched the show instead of constantly trying to document it for later.”

The group wishes fans to be engaged in the show and interact instead of looking at a screen.

Calder believes what makes a great show depends on the band but “also a receptive and excited audience.”

Also on the roster for the show is Canadian band, The Operators, who will open for The New Pornographers.

The New Pornographers are playing tonight at the London Music Hall. Tickets are still available on ticketfly.com for $24.50. Doors open at 8 p.m. This is a 19+ event.

Courtesy of Jason Creps

Olivia and I are now five weeks into our workout plan. Although I was feeling a little discouraged last week, this week was great.

I have made some changes to my workout schedule and tried to tweak a few of my eating habits as well.

Generally, we try to stick to three days of strength training (legs/arms/abs) per week and three days of cardio. This might sound like a lot, but the strength training exercises only take 28 minutes to do — if we don’t chat through the whole thing, that is.

I’ve made some changes to the cardio days. Instead of doing 40 minutes on the treadmill like I had previously been doing, I’m going to aim for 60 minutes total, split between two machines.

I mentioned last week that I was getting sick of the treadmill so I thought I would give the elliptical a try. I found that I liked the elliptical, especially warming up. But I really missed the feeling of actually running on the treadmill. So I decided to try spending 30 minutes on each and I found that I really enjoy it. It’s a nice change halfway through my cardio session and for me it helps breaking it up.

The strength training exercises have also become much harder now that we’re officially into the second month of this workout plan. Instead of 10 burpees, it’s been

upped to 15 — those extra five are killer.

And even though I was feeling very bitter while doing those those extra five burpees, I felt really good afterwards knowing that I was improving.

I’ve made some small changes to my eating habits too. I’ve finally toughened up and switched to natural peanut butter — actually I ran out of Skippy so I felt obligated. I’ll admit it’s been taking some time to get used to. The sugar added to the regular peanut butter really makes a big difference. And though I’ve been missing it, it also kind of grosses me out thinking about how much sugar must be added. For me to notice such a difference in taste, clearly there must be a lot.

For those die-hard, Skippy peanut butter lovers, I wouldn’t recommend forcing yourself to make the change. You should never deprive yourself of the things you love. That being said, I’m going to keep giving this natural stuff a try. It’s eliminating one of the ways that I consume sugar, in a place where I don’t feel I really need it. From now on whenever I choose to indulge in a sugary treat, at least I will know I cut out sugar from somewhere else – somewhere less satisfying.

• Jennafer Freeman

We’re bringing sexy back!

The Gazette Sex Issue comes out next Friday.

There’s still time to complete The Gazette’s Sex Survey online at surveymonkey.com/r/2015sexsurvey

FEB. 12-13

U.C.C. MUSTANG LOUNGE 9–7 9–5

6 •

thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

opinions

“I tried being anorexic for four hours, and then I was like, I need some bagels.”

• Kat Dennings

HAVE YOUR SAY

Dear Life

The Gazette asked students if they went to the USC debate last night and if they think there should have been more this election season.

Your anonymous letters to life

Dear Life, I long for the day that the UCC lobby is simpl a lobby … with no tables, stages or displays.

Dear Life, Live and let live.

Rostyslav Yeseb

MOS I I feel like being an off-campus student, we have no idea what’s really going on in the university. And it’s hard to get to know people I feel like and my sophs never emailed me at all. No, I had no idea [about the debate]. Probably I would have gone.

Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE

Proliferation of pro-ana populace Jenny from the Block

Samar Sajani

Biomed IV I don’t think the debates were advertised enough.

I think there should be more [than one debate]. I think through debates is the best way [for slates to communicate their messages to voters] because then you get to see little chinks in the armour when they go up to say what they want to say.

Jenna Hassan

Linguistics and global development, V I do think they’re effective but more debating probably would be beneficial, and more structured debating on specific issues.

Maha Hassan

Health Sciences, IV Right now, I have more questions for the candidates but I don’t have another debate to follow up with questions, whereas last year the first time around I didn’t really have questions but the next time around I was able to submit my questions. It’s just really sad, especially with lower voter turnout. This isn’t good. We should have had more debates.

thegazette

Volume 108, Issue 70 www.westerngazette.ca

Iain Boekhoff Editor-In-Chief Brent Holmes Deputy Editor Richard Raycraft Managing Editor

Contact: www.westerngazette.ca University Community Centre Rm. 263 The University of Western Ontario London, ON, CANADA N6A 3K7 Editorial Offices: (519) 661-3580 Advertising Dept.: (519) 661-3579

The Gazette is owned and published by the University Students’ Council.

Jenny Jay ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR @JennyAtGazette

It started off with looking for fitness accounts on Instagram for motivation.

Using #cleaneating and #healthyactive, I knew filling up my feed with good food and fitness would remind me of my goals to be healthier.

Then, I started seeing #thinspiration.

Naturally, my curiosity got the better of me, and in the search for healthy inspiration, I clicked.

What I found next was shocking to me. Photos of self-harm, mixed with extremely skinny girls and suicidal text images filled the page. Looking at the related tags, I found two more that caught my eye: #ana and #proana.

Ana, I quickly realized, is short for anorexia. The term is passed around online with a sense of fondness — there is a large group of young women referring to Ana as their friend. While Mia also exists — short for bulimia — I quickly learned that Ana doesn’t like Mia as much, but sometimes the two coincide.

It makes me happy to know that Instagram now has a content advisory notification that pops up before you see the posts under that hashtag, with the message: “For information and support with eating disorders please tap on ‘learn more.’ ” Instagram has also blocked people from being able to easily search the tag. But like Pandora’s box, once it has been opened, it’s hard to contain the monsters that have been unleashed.

The fact that this exists in the first

Editorials are decided by a majority of the editorial board and are written by a member of the editorial board but are not necessarily the expressed opinion of each editorial board member. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USC, The Gazette, its editors or staff.

To submit a letter, go to westerngazette.ca and click on “Contact.”

All articles, letters, photographs, graphics, illustrations and cartoons published in The Gazette, both in the newspaper and online versions, are the property of The Gazette. By submitting any such material to The Gazette for publication, you grant to The Gazette a non-exclusive, world-wide, royalty-free, irrevocable license to publish such material in perpetuity in any media, including but not limited to, The Gazette‘s hard copy and online archives.

place, or that it’s so easily accessible, terrifies me. For those looking to be healthy and are already struggling with body-image issues, the existence of these sites can lead to a downward spiral of unhealthy habits. The online community becomes a competition to keep losing weight, promoting faster weight-loss challenges.

Natasha Newby, executive director at Hope’s Garden, an organization for support for those with eating disorders in London, said in an interview that the existence of these hashtags can be really destructive.

“With the online presence of pro-ana and pro-mia, it can be very detrimental to women already struggling with low body-image and low self-esteem,” Newby said. “It encourages unhealthy and unrealistic and unattainable body image while simultaneously impacting your health welfare.”

I won’t lie. When I first saw the websites, challenges and the weight-loss numbers, I was intrigued. As Newby attested however, it’s a matter of building your own self-awareness that these are unhealthy habits to make sure you don’t fall into them.

The worst part about this online presence, to me, is that it exploits already vulnerable individuals. While I’ve been lucky enough to have a family that promotes healthy eating habits and I have a huge love of food, after stumbling across these websites I had to take a step back and reassure myself that this path was an unhealthy one. The point is that, even if only for a second, I wavered.

For those looking to stay healthy and find themselves learning about this path, all I can hope is that they recognize there are so many ways to stay healthy and even shed some weight without compromising your relationship with food. After all, at the end of the day, ana really has more cons than pros.

Gazette Composing & Gazette Advertising Ian Greaves, Manager Маја Анјоли-Билић

Robert Armstrong Diana Watson

Gazette Staff 2014-2015 Mohammad Abrar Abdul Hanan, Suhaib Al-Azem, Eric Bajzert, Sarah Botelho, Damon Burtt, Tabitha Chan, Jonathan Dunn, Spencer Fairweather, Sam Frankel, Devin Golets, Kevin Heslop, Richard Joseph, Drishti Kataria, Sara Mai Chitty, Soheil Milani, Mackenzie Morrison, Amy O’Shea, Vidhant Pal, Kyle Porter, Lily Robinson, Alex Seger, Tiffany Shepherd, Tristan Wu

News Amy O’Kruk Hamza Tariq Katie Lear Olivia Zollino News-at-large Kevin Hurren Opinions Nusaiba Al-Azem Arts & Life Conrad Floryan Jennafer Freeman Jenny Jay Sports Bradley Metlin Nathan Kanter Robert Nanni Jr.

Dear Life, I’m endlessly thankful for the opportunity to come to Western but I can’t help but think how much easier life would be if I didn’t have so many expenses. I’m scared I won’t be able to continue my education. I don’t want to leave and I’m planning to do anything I have to in order to stay at this amazing school!

[Editor’s note: Good for you, OP! We wish you the best of luck!]

Dear Life, Passing judgment isn’t the most affective way to stimulate change.

Dear Life, Before you leave things around the bathrooms and libraries, remember the people having to clean up after you. We are all someone’s something.

Dear Life, Thank you for Black History Month. Let’s do that all year around.

Dear Life, Slackbot is King.

Dear Life, Trivia Crack is destroying my life. wgaz.ca/dear-life

Associate Megan Devlin Photography Kelly Samuel Taylor Lasota Winnie Lu Graphics Jennifer Feldman Illustrations Christopher Miszczak Kirstyn Culbert-Kviring Graphics/Video Mike Laine Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator Vivian Liu

• Please recycle this newspaper •

•7

thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

sports

gameday The Western Mustangs men’s hockey team faces off against the Laurier Golden Hawks tonight at Thompson Arena. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

Mustangs win two big games on weekend Bradley Metlin SPORTS EDITOR @BradAtGazette

The men’s volleyball team had a great weekend, winning two of their matches in four sets and inching higher in the Ontario University Athletics standings. The Mustangs are now in fifth place, only two points behind both Queen’s and York. With the end of the season in view, the Mustangs still have a chance to move up in the standings.

Head coach Jim Sage noted the importance of this weekend to the team’s success. “Two big wins, especially over Queen’s. [We] need to peak at the right moment, and have shown, at times, we are playing our best volleyball right now,� he said.

The game against Queen’s was the first of the weekend and did

not start off well for the Mustangs.

A launch of attacks by the Gaels had Western trailing 17–15 and allowed for Queen’s to finish the set 25–18.

After that first setback, the Mustangs were out for vengeance and quickly started the second set 4–1.

They played with renewed energy and Queen’s could not catch up. Western closed off the set 25–19.

Western continued their aggressive play into the third set, finishing ahead 25–21. By the fourth set, the Mustangs dominated completely.

They finished the set 25–13.

Sage noted that “team play is essential, and contributions from everyone� were important aspects of the weekend. He also highlighted that “blocking and team defence were excellent against Queen’s — best all year in terms of statistics.�

Saturday’s game against the Royal Military College yielded a

Eunhae Chung • MUSTANG ATHLETICS

similar result to the Queen’s game.

Western narrowly lost the first set 27–25 to the Paladins. This didn’t stop any drive from the Mustangs as they began to extend their lead on each successive set.

They won the second 25–18, the

One up one down for Mustangs basketball

third 25–14 and the fourth 25–9.

This weekend marked the final regular season home game for Mustangs veteran Justin Scapinello.

Having 38 kills in eight sets over the weekend, he was arguably one of the strongest players on the Mustangs.

This is a sentiment Sage agrees with. “Justin is finishing his career here at Western with a bang,� he stated. “Twenty-seven kills against RMC is close to a Western record and his competitiveness has been instrumental in our success this year.�

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Eunhae Chung • MUSTANG ATHLETICS

Robert Nanni SPORTS EDITOR @robertnanni

The Western Mustangs men’s basketball team split their two games this past weekend, winning 87–75 against the York Lions and losing 75–74 against the Queen’s Gaels.

The Lions felt the Mustangs’ wrath in the first three quarters, as they lost each one by at least six points. As the fourth quarter began, the Lions fought back against the Mustangs’ 22-point lead, driving their offence for a 23–13 win.

While the score tightened, it was not enough to win the game, as the ‘Stangs walked away with the victory.

Mustangs forward Greg Morrow once again dominated the game, getting 35 points for the team with a .74 field goal percentage. “Greg Morrow continues to put up monster numbers for us,� head coach Brad Campbell said, recognizing Morrow’s ability to light up the scoreboard. “He has solidified himself as one of the best players in the country.�

Following their victory against the Lions, the Mustangs played the

following night’s game against the Gaels, where a mere one point separated the ‘Stangs from a winning weekend.

The game started with a shocking 20–3 first quarter for the Mustangs, as they came out full-force against the slow-to-start Gaels. The game progressed with evenly matched second and third quarters as the Gaels stepped up to try and catch their opponent.

Although they had a great start, the Mustangs struggled with their defence once again in the fourth quarter, giving up 18 points. “Our fourth quarter defence this past weekend was poor,� Campbell said. “We need to keep focus and up our intensity at the defensive end as the game goes on.�

Despite the loss, Morrow scored 17 points in the game against the Gaels, making him only 17 more points away from the 1,000-point milestone in his athletic career.

This loss lowers the Mustangs’ record to 9–6, though they maintain their second place spot in the OUA west division standings — one spot behind the Windsor Lancers. The team heads to North Bay tonight to face the Nipissing Lakers.

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8 •

thegazette • Friday, February 6, 2015

The Good

The Ugly

Alex Ovechkin is no longer in the conversation alongside Sidney Crosby as the best player in the NHL. But on Sunday, Ovechkin reminded us just how good he’s been since he entered the league in 2005.

In an afternoon matinee against the St. Louis Blues, Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season, making him just the fifth player in NHL history to score at least 30 goals in each of his first 10 NHL seasons. The others? Wayne Gretzky, Mike Gartner, Mike Bossy and Jari Kurri. That’s some pretty good company. Gretzky is Gretzky, Gartner is one of only seven players to hit the 700-goal mark, Bossy ranks first all-time for career goals-per-game — he has an astounding 573 in just 752 games — and Jari Kurri topped the 600-goal plateau thanks to happily playing the role as Gretzky’s trusty sidekick.

Now consider this: one of Ovechkin’s 30-goal seasons came in the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, where he was limited to just 48 games. Who would be able to pull that off? Not many players.

Also consider the era they all played in — the ‘highflying’ ‘80s were a time when goals were a lot easier to come by, and all except Ovechkin played during that time.

So despite any defensive “deficiencies,” it’s clear that Alex Ovechkin will go down as one of the best pure goal scorers in the history of the NHL.

Many have called it the “worst play call in the history of football,” and it very well could be. Trailing Super Bowl XLIX by just four points with under a minute remaining in the game, the Seattle Seahawks found themselves on the one-yard line, and their second straight Super Bowl was all but theirs. It was second-and-goal with 26 seconds remaining when Wilson hiked the ball and threw a slant-pass that was intercepted by Malcolm Butler of the Patriots. Just like that, the game was over.

Seattle had lost.

After the game, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said “we were going to run it on third and fourth down ... it’s not like we abandoned the running game.” But he did.

Carroll is a smart coach who was entitled to make whatever call he wanted. But he screwed up. He went for the ballsy play when he only had to do the logical one. Part of his reasoning was that he only had one timeout left, and time was running out — there was only 26 seconds left and he wanted to be able to run three plays.

But that doesn’t matter. He had Marshawn Lynch and he didn’t use him. “Beast mode,” a running-back who had already amassed over 100 yards in the game, was ready to be the hero. You don’t pass that up. But Carroll did, and it was ugly. Unless of course you’re a Patriots fan. Then ... well, then your probably having a lot of fun, and getting a lot of hate for it.

Courtesy of Ghetty Images

The Bad

Courtesy of Ghetty Images

Before you freak out, the answer is yes, we realize the Raps have only lost two games in a row. And yes, we realize they still sit second in the Eastern Conference with a 33–17 record.

But, their last two games came against very beatable teams, and both times they lost — in very different ways.

Against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, Toronto managed just 75 points. No, not 75 points by the end of the third quarter. 75 points, by the end of the game. Granted, Dwayne Casey benched most of his starters for much of the fourth quarter, but that’s only because of the poor effort they showed for much of the first three quarters. In fact, the bench played very well in the fourth and tied the game at 75’s, but weren’t able to close out the game.

The more concerning thing is the response from the Raps’ starters the following game, against the rival Brooklyn Nets. Toronto allowed 109 points — their defence has been their issue all season long — and they lost by 16. The Nets shot 47.4 per cent from three-point land and Toronto was outscored 44–34 in the paint. There are now just three games left before the all-star break for the Raptors, and their defence vastly needs to improve, if not now, then certainly before the playoffs.

Courtesy of Associated Press