Vol. IV, Issue 22
April 13, 2022
Slaying under the
sea page 4
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The Western Howl
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
News
wou.edu/westernhowl
Black
345 N. Monmouth Ave. Monmouth, OR 97361 Student Media Department TERRY HOUSE NEWSROOM 503-838-8347
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SUBMISSIONS
THE WESTERN HOWL encourages readers to share their opinion through letters to the editor and guest columns. Submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name. Contact information will not be published unless requested. Unsigned submissions will not be printed and original copies will not be returned. Letters to the editor may be up to 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 500 words. THE WESTERN HOWL does not guarantee the publication of all letters or columns. THE WESTERN HOWL reserves the right to edit for punctuation, grammar, and spelling, but never for content. Please bring submissions to THE WESTERN HOWL at Terry House or email to howleditor@ wou.edu. Submissions must be received by Monday at 5 p.m. to be considered for print. All opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of THE WESTERN HOWL or Western Oregon University.
excellence in the Supreme Court Ketanji Brown Jackson is confirmed to the Supreme Court Camille Lenning Entertainment Editor | howlentertainment@wou.edu When liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement in 2022 after more than 27 years of service, President Joe Biden had to make good on his promise to nominate a Black woman to the highest court. This April, after a contentious bout of Senate Judiciary Committee hearings in March, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to the Supreme Court with a 53-47 majority. The official confirmation took place on April 7, making Justice Jackson the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. This development keeps the Supreme Court at its 6-3 conservative majority. Her nomination was met with controversy from the beginning. President Biden’s opponents suggested that she was only nominated to fulfill his campaign promise, and that others could be more qualified for the position. Justice Jackson, however, is a Harvard Law School graduate, who began as a law clerk in 1996, worked under Justice Stephen Breyer, and quickly moved through the ranks. During her prominent career, she was confirmed as a Judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, where she served between 2013 – 2021. In 2021, she was nominated to the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit by President Biden, where she served until her Supreme Court nomination in Feb. 2022. Her confirmation hearings were held from March 21 – 24. While many questions throughout the process were up to par, the validity of some inquiries were questioned by the media. One of the most infamous examples was the line of questioning brought on by Senator Marsha Blackburn, who asked Justice Jackson to provide a definition for the word “woman.” Jackson did not provide a definitive definition, stating, “I’m not a biologist,” thereby avoiding the partisan implications of the question. Even after the controversial hearings, Jackson was voted onto the Supreme Court by all 48 Senate Democrats, both Independent Senators and three Republicans. Jackson’s confirmation made Supreme Court history. Since its first assembly in 1790, the Court has only had five female and two Black members, excluding Justice Jackson. When she is sworn in during the summer of 2022, she will be the first Black woman to ever sit on the bench. Her confirmation marks a turning point in the historically sparse diversity of the Supreme Court, but the narrow margin by which she was confirmed is telling of the partisan political climate the country continues to face.
Photo courtesy of wikipedia.com Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will be the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, replacing liberal Justice Stephen Breyer.
@thewesternhowl
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
The Western Howl
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RUNNING WITH WOLVES
News
3
Western track and field team hit personal bests Mollie Herron | News Editor | howlnews@wou.edu
Western hosted its only home track and field meet on Friday, April 8. John Knight Twilight was the only outdoor home meet that the Wolves held for the 2021–22 season, in which they invited universities from all over Oregon as well as multiple running clubs. They honored 11 seniors for senior day: Gabe Arce-Torres, Kaylin Cantu, Samuel Cole, Owen Collins, Justin Crosswhite, Moana Gianotti, Austin Goldstein, Aaron Hanible, Devin Hasher, Logan Jackson and Taryn Wilson. Collins placed second in shot put with a distance of 46-4 and hit a new personal record in the hammer throw. He threw a distance of 165-7 earning him runner up behind Western’s own Samuel Cole who threw 166-8.
Photo by Caitlin Quirk
Donate to the 2022 Wolves Cross Country and Track & Field Fundraiser Challenge to support our team.
Crosswhite won the 800 meter with a time of 1:53.55 and joined runners Emmet Klus, Timothy Rambo and Keeton Sanchez in the 4x400 relay to end the day. The group finished first with a time of 3:27.35 with everyone
MASTERS MOMENTS Photo courtesy of Instagram, @themasters
The Masters is one of four major championship tournaments to be played at the same course every year.
left on the track cheering them on. Goldstein placed first in men’s javelin with a distance of 194-10. The crowd cheered Goldstein with a slow clap that increased in speed as he ran with the javelin turning into a full
cheer as it soared through the air. Hanible ran a time of 56.67 in the 400 meter hurdles which put him in first place. He also started the men’s 4x100 with Danny Cossette, Amari Hendrix and James Mazzio where they won with a time of 44.69. Maya Hopwood, Taryn Wilson, Ana Popchock and Maliyah Thompson ran a time of 48.91 placing them in first for the women’s 4x100 relay. Western also won the women’s 4x400 relay with runners Macy Clemens, Amity Deters, Jenelle Hurley and Jessy Hart completing it in 4:17.44. The Wolves will compete in the Mt. Sac Relay, Long Beach Invitational and the Bryan Clay Invitational from April 13 – 16 in California.
A summary of the Masters golfing tournament Mollie Herron News Editor | howlnews@wou.edu
The 2022 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia finished up on Sunday, April 10. Here are the most notable things that happened at the tournament. 25-year-old Scottie Scheffler won the tournament with 10-under-par claiming his first major title. He not only received the priceless green jacket but a record setting $2.7 million from the $15 million purse. Rory McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, finished second with a score of negative 7. He took home $1.62 million from the purse. McIlroy started the final round at 1 over and 10 strokes behind Scheffler in ninth place. He kicked it into high gear and shot a front-nine 32 and ended the back-nine with an incredible hole out from the bunker leaving him with a score of 64. Not long after McIlroy’s bunker shot, Collin Morikawa ended the 18th hole with his own @thewesternhowl
chip-in bunker shot. Morikawa ended with a total tournament score of 4-under-par in fifth place. Tiger Woods made a strong comeback after his car accident in 2021 that almost cost him his leg. He pushed through and played the full 72 holes despite his noticeable limp, finishing No. 47 overall with a score of 13 over par. The injuries he sustained did not seem to affect his swing much, but changed the way he moved through the course and followed his ball. Woods has won five green jackets and this weekend was about his comeback rather than winning the tournament. Once a golfer wins the Masters tournament they win an invite back for every future year. So, with this win, not only did Scheffler bring home a new jacket and millions of dollars, but the opportunity to bring more home in the years to come. The 87th U.S. Masters will be held in Augusta again between April 6 – 9, 2023.
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The Western Howl
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Entertainment
wou.edu/westernhowl
Sea of sexualities Entertainment Editor reviews the 25th annual drag show
Camille Lenning Entertainment Editor | howlentertainment@wou.edu Photo by Caitlin Quirk
Towards the end of the performance, dancers took the stage and posed.
April 2022 brought Western’s 25th annual drag show, “Down Where It’s Wetter,” a nonstop celebration of all Queer identities. The Triangle Alliance sponsored show explored sexuality and relationships through the stories of multiple characters finding and accepting themselves under the sea. Narrated by the aptly named “Rainbow Fish,” the performance was far more story-oriented than the average drag show. It followed our main character, a human named Quinn, who knows she isn’t straight but doesn’t know what her label is. She is approached by lesbian mermaid princess Leah, who offers to help guide Quinn on her journey of self exploration by turning her into a mermaid.
This transformation was marked with the iconic “H2O” theme song “No Ordinary Girl” by Indiana Evans — which was not only a fitting choice for such an event but also enjoyable for those who grew up with the show, like myself. Honestly, all the music choices were fantastic. Songs ranged from “Call Me Mother” by RuPaul to “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse, covering a wide array of genres and all choreographed to perfection. One thing I didn’t expect from this drag show was to be brought to tears by the story of a polyamorous relationship who’s third partner has to be kept a secret. Trey, a shark, is in a polyamorous relationship with mermaid Kai and jellyfish Noni, Continued on back
A convergence of color An exhibition of Black identities through a variety of materials Camille Lenning | Entertainment Editor | howlentertainment@wou.edu The colors of spring have slowly washed over campus, and in response, the Cannon Gallery of Art has debuted a vibrant exhibition, “thank you, black materials.” The pieces on display — curated by award winning Portland artist Intisar Abioto — feature six Oregon artists expressing the Black experience through their mediums. The inspiration behind this exhibition came to Abioto through her ongoing research on Black artist culture in Oregon. This research allowed her to interact with elder Black artists and develop an appreciation for their resilience, ingenuity and the materials they used in their work. Though the majority of her work has focused on these elder artists and their impact, “thank you, black materials” features poignant modern creators with connections to Abioto herself. “With this (show) I just decided to focus on artists who I admired, and who I felt that
— even though they’re not doing the same thing — I felt that there was some kind of kinship in … their approach,” Abioto said of her decision to include contemporary artists. “I just think they’re doing insightful things. It was also the show that I wanted to see very much.” Abioto’s selections for this exhibition include acrylic portraits, ceramics, prints and performance art by artists Jeremy Okai Davis, Nikesha Breeze, Ni Abioto, Rob Lewis, Ebin Lee and sidony o’neal. “I just think these are vibrant thinkers,” Abioto said. “I hope (viewers) are able to approach with curiosity and are able to sense something of truthful relevance for them.” The “thank you, black materials” exhibition will be open in the Cannon Gallery until May 6. Stop by between building hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to experience these works firsthand. @thewesternhowl
Photo by Mollie Herron
“108 Death Masks: A Communal prayer for Peace and Justice, Mask #108” by artist Nikesha Breeze.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
The Western Howl
Entertainment
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ALL FOR ONE ACTS
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The Student Directed One Acts festival returns for Western’s theatre program Camille Lenning | Entertainment Editor | howlentertainment@wou.edu
The Student Directed One Acts Festival returns April 14 – 16 and will showcase the directorial talents in Western’s theatre program. The wide array of genres displayed this year is a testament to the creativity of these seven student directors and actors. Thursday night will kick off the one-acts festival, where four of the seven students’ plays will debut. Junior theater major Grace Porter is among those premiering their plays on opening night. “Hiding in Flowers,” written by playwright Roni Ragone, will feature one female and one nonbinary character, and the performance focuses on their relationship when “a charcter comes out, but not as what you would think,” said Porter. Another play in the Thursday lineup is “Rough Edge” by Sara Jean Accuardi, directed by senior education and theater major Braden Pippert. Set in 1994 at the Clackamas Town Center Mall months after the Tonya Harding scandal, two frozen yogurt shop employees discuss the
Photos courtesy of Instagram, @woutheatredepartment
The one-acts will span a three day period, with three 7:30 p.m. shows total and one 2 p.m. matinee.
infamous crime. “I’m excited to show off what (the cast) has done and what I’ve kind of put together,” Pippert said of the show. Sophomore theater major Wyatt R. King will be joining Porter and Pippert on Thursday night, with Julia Specht’s play, “i believe in a Republic in which money has a great deal to say.” This show is a satirical take on economic class in America. “There’s this idea of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, and this play kind of pokes fun at this idea because people who don’t even own boots are supposed to pull themselves up by these bootstraps,” King said. Also premiering on Thursday is Pendleton King’s play, titled “Cocaine” and directed by senior theater major Andres Avila. The plot centers on two characters, a former boxer and a prostitute, as they deal with poverty, withdrawls and the threat of homelessness. The Friday night showing will feature Continued on back
Sonatas for springtime
An array of music perfect for the new season The Western Howl Collective
Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate the changing season than with a new playlist? Below is a collection of songs compiled by “The Western Howl” staff that we like to jam out to in the spring. Check out this playlist along with others we’ve done on Spotify at @The Western Howl. • • • • • • • • •
@thewesternhowl
“Young, Wild & Free” — Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars “Wonderwall” — Oasis “Breakin’” — The AllAmerican Rejects “Painting Flowers” — All Time Low “Mustache Man (Wasted)” — CAKE “Breezeblocks” — alt-J “Walkin’ On The Sun” — Smash Mouth “Superfast Jellyfish” — Gorillaz ft. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul “Stunnin’” — Curtis Waters ft. Harm Franklin
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
“Doubt” — Hippo Campus “Spring Has Sprung” — Skeggs “Shaky in the Knees” — Grizfolk “Mushroom Abolitionist” — Vegyn “Chaise Lounge” — Wet Leg “Silvertongue” — Young the Giant “Spring Day” — BTS “June” — Surfaces “Shine On Top” — Surfaces “Sunroof” — Nicky Youre, dazy “AMAZING” — Rex Orange County “Watermelon Sugar” — Harry Styles “Life is a Highway” — Rascal Flatts “Here Comes the Sun” — The Beatles
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The Western Howl
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Lifestyle
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LEFTOVER LONGEVITY
How to make the most of Yang’s Teriyaki leftovers Photo by Jude Bokovoy
Jude Bokovoy Lifestyle Editor | howllifestyle@wou.edu Yang’s Teriyaki is one of the most beloved restaurants to communities near Western’s campus. Yang’s Teriyaki is known for their filling cuisine, great prices and friendly staff. Typically any large combination meal can be used to create three full portions depending on the person. Once the leftovers hit the three day mark, one may want to revamp their leftovers. Below is a recipe to boost leftover Yang’s Teriyaki chicken and rice. LEFTOVER YANG’S TERIYAKI CHICKEN AND RICE Start to finish: 7 minutes Yields: 1 serving Portion of Yang’s Teriyaki chicken Portion of Yang’s Teriyaki sushi rice
2 eggs ½ tablespoon of chili oil Furikake, as needed Sriracha or Yang’s Teriyaki hot sauce, as needed Kimchi, as desired Cook eggs sunny side up in a small frying pan. Once halfway cooked, top with chili oil and place a lid over the top. Heat remaining Yang’s Teriyaki rice and chicken in the microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Then add hot sauce and furikake. Once eggs have a thin white layer over the yolks place on top of the rice and chicken. Place kimchi off to the side. Feel free to add or take away anything if desired.
Substitute teriyaki chicken with spicy teriyaki chicken to heat things up.
Little Italy, big flavor Notes from foodie adventures in Little Italy, San Diego, California Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor | howllifestyle@wou.edu One of the most wellknown tourist attractions in San Diego, California is Little Italy. This strip of business captures the style, cuisine and ambience of Italy. Little Italy has much to offer for all ages and interests. There are a multitude of restaurants to choose from with a range of different price points. For those looking for a quick meal on the cheaper side, Mr. Moto Pizza is a great place to stop by. They provide plenty of options when it comes to sauces, meats and
vegetables to choose from along with a friendly staff that will reheat slices in their pizza oven. Looking for a refreshment? Get free sparkling water from their soft drink machine. Searching for a fancy Italian happy hour? Allegro Restaurant will go past one’s expectations. They make simple dishes, such as grilled artichoke, an elaborate experience by having their waiters pour a white wine sauce onto each individual patron’s plate. Both toast options they offer are out of this world. Their
$5 Classic Buratta does just the trick containing savory flavors and plated with a dramatic drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette and flower petals. The Fig and Prosciutto Crostini will remain on one’s mind for the rest of time. The balance of sweet fig jam, creamy fresh mozzarella and salty prosciutto is a happy hour masterpiece. Sorrento’s is the place to go for a nice dinner. All of the waiters adhere to Italian-American culture by bringing around a pan full of parmesan cheese to add to everyone’s plates. @thewesternhowl
Their menu contains great appetizer portions with lots of vegetables and good quality olive oil. Each of their pastas are worthy of a chef’s kiss. Day or night, Little Italy is a great place to take a stroll. One is surrounded by Italian flags, the smell of baked bread filling the air while music plays from every direction. Little Italy is the perfect addition to a trip to San Diego.
Photo by Jude Bokovoy
Little Italy has a wide range of Italian cuisine.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
The Western Howl
Lifestyle
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Resume rescue
Tips to improve your resume for career applications
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Photo by Mollie Herron Try and limit your resume to one page for brevity.
Mollie Herron | News Editor | howlnews@wou.edu The 2021–22 school year is coming to an end, which means that for many students the next step is applying for “real jobs.” As students start applying for more prestigious jobs, their resumes need to reflect their new education experiences. Here are some tips to improve a resume to impress future employers. The most important role of a resume is to showcase the most relevant information and skills of an applicant. Many people graduating from college have experience in a wide variety of jobs including retail, customer service, fast food and coaching. If someone has worked in all of these different positions but is applying for something specifically food-related, it might not be as important to include the retail or
coaching experience. The fast food and customer service experience would be a great description to include in the past employment section due to the requirements. While it may feel strange to omit a school from a resume, high school education does not need to be listed. Unless having a diploma from a specific high school increases the chances of getting the job, there is no need to include it in the education section. This would be most helpful in positions like coaching or teaching, where a connection to the community is valued in employees. At the beginning of every resume there should be a brief summary or profile of the applicant that provides a brief introduction as well as the relevant qualifications that fit the
job they are applying for. Later in the resume, the specifics of the qualifications can be listed in the form of bullet points so that more information can be included. A resume is all about the applicant, so it may be tempting to use the word “I” when describing oneself. The bullet points make it easy to avoid using “I” and explain all requirements of past jobs. Western offers many resources to
help students looking to prepare for future applications. Visit the Service Learning & Career Development Center for help with all career advising needs. Career counseling, resume critiques, workshops and more are offered in person and even more are offered online. Drop in the Werner University Center room 119 or visit wou.edu/slcd for more information.
TikTok tips & tricks Advice about growing one’s TikTok account from a paid content creator Jude Bokovoy | Lifestyle Editor | howllifestyle@wou.edu Photo by Julianna Tinker
The TikTok app is known as one of the most addicting social media platforms. TikTok is a platform where people can post short clips of them doing anything and everything. Their algorithm is mostly unknown, so this article will provide a few tips to enhance any page. Take each clip or video on one’s camera roll. This prevents time from being wasted opening the app, as well as accidental deletion of previous clips. This way, one can quickly pull out their phone, take a second or two to record, then continue on with their day. Be as specific as possible. Participating in trends can be fun,
but videos are more likely to go viral if they have brought something new to the table. Examples of this can include participating in an event, demonstrating specific skills, traveling to different destinations and much more. No need for crazy editing. Effects or filters are not necessary. Simply adding music to a video does the trick. To enhance a video, sync a fun sound to clips and add some colorful text. Keep in mind that everything stays on the internet forever. No one has control over what goes viral or what people will see. It is important before posting to reevaluate.
Ask oneself: Would I be okay with a parent or boss seeing this? Would each viewer understand references included in the video? Could anyone be negatively affected by posting this video? Does this create a positive persona for myself? These questions also apply to what hashtags one decides to include in the captions of their videos. Adding the most popular hashtags can be such a mindless addition to any TikTok, but do creators know what these hashtags are supporting, or what they truly mean? To avoid potential hashtag havoc, keep it simple. Use hashtags Continued on back
@thewesternhowl
TikTok is a platform that allows users to be creative with editing, music and content.
8 Campus Voices TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK? The Western Howl
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 wou.edu/westernhowl
Western students answer the question: “What is your raw, honest, unfiltered, opinion about the recent lifting of the mask mandate?” Name: Ruth Simonsen Class standing: sophomore Major: psychology “I like seeing people’s faces. I like knowing when I smile at them that they will smile back. I like seeing the faces of people in my classes. Of course there are still fears, but I like being able to put a face to a name and a name to a face. I feel like when you can see people’s faces and can smile at them, it is easier to be friendly. It’s just a better vibe.”
Name: Kamryn Bolan Class standing: first-year Major: business “So far this year, especially as a freshman, I have felt very distant from the community of students here. Over the past two years, it’s like we have forgotten how to socialize. I think there is so much personality revealed in a person’s face, so when you cover half of it up, you have trouble connecting with the person you just met. Going into spring term with masks off has given me a new sort of motivation for going to class. It’s crazy how much seeing the teacher’s face can amplify your engagement.”
Photos by Gretchen Sims
Name: Makaela Calonder Class standing: first-year Major: pre-education “Personally, I am very excited about not having to wear masks. I work at a pool, so in general — in my daily life — it is nice because it gets very hot and sweaty in the mask. Here at WOU it is nice not having to worry about not having one on me at all times. Of course I respect everyone who still chooses to wear a mask, but for me it is really nice.” @thewesternhowl
Gretchen Sims Freelancer | gsims20@mail.wou.edu
Name: Sienna Painter Class standing: junior Major: ASL studies “Throughout the pandemic, I have been very cautious through shutdowns. (I) was not going anywhere other than like the forest during the shutdown. I started wearing a mask in January of 2020 — long before everything. I already had masks because I have been wearing masks since like 2018 whenever I felt sick or whatever, so I was already really comfortable with masks to begin with. For mask mandates being lifted, right now, I am very skeptical–mainly because of Spring Break. We lifted the mask mandate in all of Oregon, California and Washington right before Spring Break — right where all of WOU students would be traveling too. That’s why I am still wearing a mask to all of my classes and will be especially more cautious over the next two weeks. Also, I am like f-----g scared of COVID because of all of the variants and waves and stuff. I have never really minded with masks, but I do think because of our (WOU’s) high vaccination rates, and WOU is a pretty small campus, and people are fairly responsible, I am fairly comfortable with other people not wearing their masks. I also have not felt pressure to take my mask off. I was afraid I would be the only person in my classes not wearing a mask, but people have been pretty chill.”
Name: Max Brayton Class standing: first-year Major: psychology “My parents are more conservative and Republican so they have been against the masks since the beginning and it’s nice to not hear s--t from them anymore. But, you know, with them as my parents, I see different perspectives which is interesting. Although I don’t agree with them, it is nice to have that perspective. I am from southern California and even down there, they are not being as safe as we are (in Oregon). I feel more comfortable not having my mask on here because I know, at least at our school, that more than ninety percent of people are vaccinated. Everyone has been really safe and respectful. Like I feel comfortable wearing, or not wearing, my mask here. I feel like this community has been very welcoming and inclusive and I feel like it’s about time (the mask mandate was lifted). I am a little nervous though. I saw a New York Times article this morning that a new COVID wave is hitting, but I feel like as long as everyone is being safe, I like to have my mask off — you really connect to people more.”
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
The Western Howl
Campus Voices
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STUDENT SEASON PREFERENCES
Western students answer the question: “What is your favorite season and why?” Name: Cedar Davis-Frankfort Age: 21 Class standing: junior Pronouns: he/him Major: elementary education Favorite season: summer Reason(s): “I just enjoy the warm weather and I’m a distance runner so I like running during the summer ‘cause it’s warm out and I don’t worry much about school so I can just run whenever. I enjoy traveling and there’s more time to travel and explore new places.”
Name: Brittany Waligroski Age: 21 Class standing: junior Pronouns: she/her Major: ASL interpreting Favorite season: fall Reason(s): “I really like when the leaves on all the trees change colors. It’s just super pretty and then it also has my favorite kind of days that are (sunny) but cold.”
Name: James Ceciliani Age: 22 Class standing: senior Pronouns: he/him Major: criminal justice Favorite season: spring Reason(s): “It’s always good to look forward to summer. Sun starts to come out again and we can start going outside a lot more. It’s not super hot and I’m not a big fan of blistering heat but I usually go out and go on hikes and such. (It’s) just sunny, and the days get longer, that’s a big one. And seasonal depression starts going away. I’m an umpire, so baseball starts up again and it’s just gonna be outside.”
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James Fowlkes Freelancer | jfowlkes18@wou.edu Name: Will Ollenbrook Age: 23 Class standing: junior Pronouns: he/him Major: computer science Favorite season: spring Reason(s): “I think it’s probably due to, just like a lot of personal reasons. I’m Irish so, included in Spring usually comes like Saint Patrick’s Day and things like that. Also, I had my birthday recently. That’s another thing that happens around Spring. It’s relatively chilly but not like super cold weather around Spring. It’s a bit more rainy around here in the Pacific Northwest but I don’t really tend to have an issue with that.”
Name: Xavier Glenn Age: 20 Class standing: sophomore Pronouns: he/him Major: physical education Favorite season: winter Reason(s): “Probably winter just because I like to go out and play in the snow and stuff, and it’s probably the best season for dressing, like layers and things like that. Also, I just like the holidays too, so like Christmas time. I guess Thanksgiving kind of counts in winter too, maybe like fall, but holiday family time as well. I think winter is also good because there’s just a stronger, like, sense of community I think and people are trying to get through the hard winter as a family or things like that.”
Photos by James Fowlkes
@thewesternhowl
10 Humor
The Western Howl
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 wou.edu/westernhowl
THIS WEEK
IN COMPLETELY MADE UP
HOROSCOPES
Compiled by The Western Howl staff
What the signs are allergic to... ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
Love and affection. Don’t touch me.
Dairy, but that won’t stop me from eating a block of cheese
Boring people. Surround yourself with interesting characters not NPCs that spew filler language.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
Anything and everything in the air. I can’t stop sneezing 5 times in a row.
soy, dairy, nuts, peanuts, gluten, eggs, mint, sorghum, buckwheat and happiness
Those trees that smell like sperm
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Among us tattoos give me a rash
Being unpopular
homework
3/21–4/19
6/21–7/22
9/23–10/22
4/20–5/20
7/23–8/22
10/23–11/21
5/21–6/20
8/23–9/22
11/22–12/21
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Slow comput- *BUFFERING*
idiots.
tears, it’s why i’m constantly crying
12/22–1/19
1/20–2/18
@thewesternhowl
2/19–3/20
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
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BURDEN OF BLAME
Opinion
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“It’s your fault you got cancer”: the blame game that never ends Mirella Barrera-Betancourt | Staff Writer | howlstaffwriter@wou.edu and making sure I ate. Lastly, I why shouldn’t they have a say in I’m sixteen years old, enjoying believed them. I blamed myself blamed God. ours? a fat slice of cake when my dad for being a picky eater and I guess I just wanted so badly When you have cancer, you says, “Stop eating so much junk having a fast metabolism, even to have a definite answer for my suddenly become this person food. This is why you got cancer when such things were outside of diagnosis that I eventually began who deserves to die because you in the first place.” my control. When there wasn’t to believe everyone The topic of cancer and everything they brings clear images Photo by Caitlin Quirk said. We, cancer and ideas about the patients and cancer typical cancer patient; survivors, want a what they look like, sense of closure, so how they act and how we try to find blame they feel. This includes within anything and the stereotypical image anyone we can think often depicted in the of, whether that be media; of a sad and our parents, God bald child in a hospital or ourselves. In my gown. case, it took years to While this image come to terms with may not be far from the fact that I may actual reality, it has never actually receive widely misrepresented an answer because the day-to-day there might not even experience behind be one: cancer can having cancer. As a happen randomly. result, cancer patients You can have every are left in the dust, risk factor and never forced to take the get cancer and you blows caused by this can have zero risk exposure of distorted factors and still ideas. get cancer. Cancer For example, rarely develops in when people hear the predictable ways. word “cancer,” one Before making of the first things they a snide remark to might think of are risk Cancer patients and survivors undergo various levels of guilt, and it can be up to you to break the cycle of shame. a cancer patient or factors, and what they cancer survivor, I can do to prevent them. suggest you go online and inform neglected to apply sunscreen, or They might say, “I can never get anything left to blame myself yourself through some reliable because you smoke, or didn’t eat cancer. I eat healthy and work for, I blamed my parents. My sources. Know the impact your enough vegetables. out.” Consequently, they begin dad for working in agriculture words have. Cancer patients are In my case, the constant to act as if they know what’s and exposing me to all types of also human and your thoughtless remarks became so ingrained best for you. After all, if they harmful chemicals; my mom for comments hurt. in my mind that I eventually can dictate their own lifestyles, not being there for me as a child
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The Western Howl
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 wou.edu/westernhowl
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TIKTOK
ONE ACTS
that are related to the video. This way it will reach those who relate and enjoy the activities that are promoted in the TikTok. Unlocking the creator fund. Doing this is not something that is out of reach, but it can be out of one’s control. To access the personal requirements to join the creator fund, go into “Creator Tools” on the TikTok app. After that, click the light gray creator fund icon. There, one will see a list of tasks that need to be completed within 30 days. A task could be as simple as posting three videos, or as out of one’s hands as gaining 100,000 views on their page. After completion of the personal tasks, one will have to complete paperwork. This includes sending in a driver’s license as
the remaining three students, including sophomore theatre education major Ally Warner directing “Overtones” by playwright Alice Gerstenberg. In this play, two gentlewomen must temper their agressive alter-egos, or inner thoughts in physical form, as they interact with each other. Also on Friday, junior theater education major Mere Butler is directing “Bride Before a Fall,” by Robert Scott. A dark humor piece, this play focuses on Victor and his mistress Madelyn, who are attempting to kill Victor’s rich wife for her fortune. Unfortunately, she seems to be
age verification and filling out tax information. Once everything is approved, one will be paid for the views up to three days prior, as well as future content. From then on, funds can be checked on a daily basis to see how much has been earned. At the end of the day, TikTok is a creative platform for everyone to express their passions, memories and talents. Have fun and be safe. To see an account that uses this format check out @judy.the.foody on TikTok.
unkillable. Sarah Pitz, a senior actor training major, will be directing fellow Western student Sara Wright’s play, “Woman Slay.” A comedic take on the “strong female lead” trope, the performance will feature a clueless heroine and an increasingly frustrated narrator. The Thursday one-acts will have a second round of performances on Saturday April 16 at 7:30 p.m., and the Friday shows will have theirs the same day at 2 p.m. in Rice Auditorium, room 113. Tickets are free to all.
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DOWN WHERE IT’S WETTER but can’t tell anyone because they’re afraid of judgment. In a dance choreographed to Harry Styles’ “Falling,” Trey pines after the two as they are forced to ignore him in public. I was a mess throughout the whole song. The story made a point to acknowledge the many gender expressions, relationships and sexualities out there, with special emphasis on the validity of polyamorous relationships and Queer, aromantic and genderfluid individuals. Throughout the show, the energy in the room was immaculate — I’ve never heard an audience scream so loudly. The performers gave it their all, and I left Rice Auditorium with a scratchy voice and ringing ears. This was my first drag show, so I walked in not knowing what to expect, and I was blown away by the effort that was so clearly put into this performance. Altogether, it’s clear the 25th annual drag show was a resounding success. 9.5/10.
Photo by Caitlin Quirk
The narrator “Rainbow Fish” provided witty commentary full of fish puns throughout the show.
Several previous issues of “The Western Howl” have had photos changed in online publications. It was brought to our attention that some photos should be changed to avoid any copyright issues, so online publications have been updated. We will use this opportunity as a learning experience and be conscious about rules regarding copyright in future publications. This issue was reprinted and redistributed due to a necessary photo correction. @thewesternhowl
Cover photo by Caitlin Quirk