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Charity reveal Remembering Kobe Vulture 32-33 Sport 40
Behind the lens No. 878 White Lies Friday 31st January 2020 with varsity.co.uk Music 20
Cambridge’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1947 Government disability bene ts scheme continually fails Cambridge student
is comes a ter Cambridge MP Daniel Sophie Huskisson Zeichner raised the case in parliament Senior News Editor on Tuesday. Ward was unable to do a year abroad, Anna Ward, an MML undergraduate at a compulsory part of the MML degree, Emmanuel College, has been battling due to a requirement of receiving PIP with the Department for Work and Pen- bene ts stating that you cannot leave sions (DWP) since April last year a ter the country for more than 12 weeks they unexpectedly stopped receiving at a time. Ward planned to split their their Personal Independence Payments year abroad into time periods less than of £77 a week. 12 weeks long up until July last year, Although the process should take but had to end this arrangement early three months from start to nish, Ward when the DWP cancelled their bene ts explained they have only received a date in April. for a home visit to assess their eligibil- ▲ Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson , said they are “urgently investigating” ity for receiving PIP bene ts this week. Full story on page 2 ▶ New funding boost to ‘innovatively’ ght homelessness in Cambridge
£486,457 will go towards enhancing age one Cambridgeshire family becomes already earmarked by the Council for ad- “more funding is being allocated to serv- Victor Jack current projects and developing new homeless every ve hours. dressing homelessness, and will extend ices that have been underfunded and Senior News Editor ones such as the creation of nine new “We anticipate this will have a posi- seven existing roles beyond March 2021 overstretched for so long”. paid roles to support current and former tive immediate impact on homelessness in addition to the nine new positions. e new roles will primarily support Cambridge City Council is set to rough sleepers. in the city,” Richard Johnson, the City “I’m thrilled by the news,” said Ro- current and former homeless people launch a number of new initiatives for A 2018 report found Cambridge is the Council’s Executive Councillor for Hous- shni Atwal, President of Streetbite, a in 34 new units of accommodation, tackling homelessness in the city, a ter UK’s most unequal city, with a th of the ing, told Varsity. Cambridge student-run society, which situated all around the city in clus- a successful bid for funding from the population earning just 2% of the city’s “It provides enhanced support options distributes hot food and drinks to the ters of ve or six, with the rst units government. total income. Homeless deaths in Cam- for people on the street, new pathways for city’s homeless community and aims expected to be ready by this summer. e Ministry of Housing, Communi- bridge are twice the national average, people to leave… and to stay o the street.″ to develop relationships with them. ties and Local Government’s grant of while the latest gures show on aver- e funding complements £750,000 Atwal added how important it is that News page 3 ▶
Inside ● Talking about PCOS Pg.12 ● King’s Meadow Pg.15 ● Navigating science and health in an age of fake news Pg.10 2 Friday 31st January 2020
News “Unacceptable”: Zeichner takes Cambridge undergraduate’s case to the Commons
They were given an appointment in Ward wanted to file a complaint had received an apology and a con- to a tribunal at the Cambridge Magis- ▶ Continued from front page an assessment centre in Haverhill, in December, but said they never re- firmed date for a home assessment trates’ Court. hey won the case and which can take Ward over an hour ceived the paperwork necessary to when Varsity contacted. Following entered a three year beneit scheme. Despite being told in 2017 that their to get to, having to rely on public make a complaint, which they had this, they rang IAS on Wednesday Between July and September 2018, benefits would last until the end of transport. asked IAS to send. Ward contacted and were told that they had an ap- 72% of people who appealed after June 2019, Ward received another let- Ward repeatedly contacted IAS to Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner this pointment for the 11th February being turned down for PIP won their ter informing them that the benefits tell them they would not be able to January for help and support, who which had been allocated to them case. would actually end early in April 2019. make the appointment and again re- contacted IAS. on Monday, the day before Zeichner PIP is a government benefit scheme The DWP told them they would send quested a home assessment. When The manager he spoke to agreed had raised their case in the House of that helps people if they have long them forms to renew their benefits Ward became increasingly upset on that the length of Ward’s wait was Commons. term ill-health or a disability, giving within two weeks, but Ward did not the phone, they were put through to concerning, pledging to investigate Ward was concerned that had they them between £23.30 and £148.85 a receive the forms until the end of a suicide line, where a home visit was it further by classing it as a com- not indirectly found out about the week if they’re aged 16 or over and June. agreed. Ward emphasised to Varsity plaint. result of Zeichner’s intervention, then have not reached State Pension age. The DWP were not immediately that they had not been threatening to Zeichner raised Ward’s “unaccept- they would not have contacted the as- It is run by the DWP, the government available for comment. take their own life, but that they had able” treatment in the House of Com- sessment centre and found out about department responsible for welfare Ward explained that the forms are expressed they could not continue mons on Tuesday. At the dispatch box, the new assessment date. Although and pension policy. a 40-page booklet which you are given without their benefits, and needed Minister for Disabled People, Justin IAS told them they were due to re- Ward explained that gaining PIP one month to complete. All the paper- them to live, to buy food, and to pay Tomlinson replied: “We are urgently ceive a letter, Ward said that letters was not just about the money but that work has to be done by hand, making for their wheelchair. investigating as this shouldn’t be in from IAS can take a long time to proc- eligibility for a lot of other support, it difficult for disabled people. Ward Ward was appointed a home visit the case.” ess and don’t always arrive. including blue badges, and disabled said they had to get someone to write in October, 6 months after beginning In a press release Zeichner said he An Independent Assessment Serv- railcard and bus passes, often ask for the forms for them. the process of requesting their bene- received an apology “following the ices spokesperson told Varsity: “We proof of receipt of PIP. Once they had sent off the forms, fits. This visit was cancelled less than exchange in the Commons”. However, are looking into this case however The DWP, PIP schemes, and the Ward was handed over to the Inde- 24 hours before due to the assessor Ward says they have not personally we are absolutely committed to pro- outsourcing companies that run as- pendent Assessment Services (IAS), being ill. Their appointment was re- received an apology from the DWP viding a professional and compas- sessments have faced much criticism; which is run by Atos Healthcare, a scheduled to December, which was and commented that “the apology sionate service for each and every the Disability News Service reported last European multinational firm whose again cancelled because an assessor given was to [Zeichner] and not to claimant.” week that Atos did not make it clear services are outsourced by the gov- was not available less than 48 hours me”. While Ward is pleased they have a that the disabled person must attend ernment, where they began “battle before it was due to take place. Zeichner said: “It shouldn’t take an home visit conirmed, they said the a face-to-face PIP assessment and the two”. Ward said they spent their Christ- MP asking questions in the Commons process is only about halfway through, DWP lost a court case on Wednesday Ward’s request for a home assess- mas feeling very stressed that they to sort out this kind of incompetence and that they still have the assessment after it was found to have unlawfully ment was denied; they were told would miss updates sent by post to which leads to financial and mental and decision to wait for, admitting that discriminated against thousands of they were a university student and their Cambridge address and regu- stress for disabled people just trying they don’t have “high hopes.” Ward’s disabled people who were left finan- so should be able to get out of the larly called the Emma porters to ask to get on.” previous beneit claim in 2015 was re- cially worse off after moving onto house to go to an assessment centre. if they had any letters. Ward only learned that Zeichner fused and they had to take their case universal credit.
editors Lottie Reeder & Jess Ma [email protected] deputy editors Olivia Emily & Molly Killeen [email protected] magazine editor Gabriel Humphreys [email protected] deputy magazine editor Caterina Bragoli [email protected] Prince Charles warns digital editor Sally Patterson & Sophie Evans [email protected] business manager Mark Curtis [email protected] news editors Sophie Huskisson & Victor Jack (Senior); Amy Batley & Christopher Dorrell (Deputy) [email protected] news correspondents Grace Lozinski, Lottie Elton, Louis Mian, Alexander Shtyrov, Beatriz Valero de Urquia, Ellie Arden, Gaby Vides, Jack Chellman, of climate crisis during visit to Joanna Neve, Matthew Parkes, Olivia Mustafa, Peter Mumford, Sam Crawley, Tash Dangoor, Alex Bolot, Yinuo Meng, Zac Ntim investigations editors Amy Batley & Howard Chae [email protected] interviews editors Georgina Buckle, James Milner and Kyoka Hadano [email protected] Cambridge laboratory features editors Khadija Tahir & Inez Daltrop (Senior), Orsolya Petocz (Deputy) [email protected] opinion editors Oliver Moodie & Cordelia Sigurdsson (Senior); Freya Lewis (Deputy) [email protected] science editors Rosamund Powell & Serena Li [email protected] sport editors Joseph Powell (Senior); Chloe Henshaw (Deputy) Natasha Dangoor [email protected] violet editor Katey Parker [email protected] News Correspondent ❝ arts editors Damian Walsh & Juliette Odolant [email protected] film & tv editors Jake Boud & Maria Kaminska [email protected] We have run out of time Prince Charles addressed the issue of music editors Nick Harris & Betty Townley [email protected] fashion editors Mier Foo & Isabel Sebode [email protected] climate change as he paid a visit to now to rescue this poor theatre editors Solal Bauer & Frances Arnold [email protected] the University of Cambridge’s Whit- lifestyle editor Anna Stephenson & Maya Yousif [email protected] tle Laboratory on Tuesday. planet from man-made Switchboard producers Belle George , Alie Barrishi, and Holly MacAskill The visit comes in advance of the [email protected] emissions chief sub-editor Hania Bar [email protected] establishment of a new National sub-editors Emma Taylor, Dan Pace, Emily Fox, Rachel Forrest, Sarah Brady, Centre for Propulsion and Power, ❞ Sarah Ibberson set to open in 2022, which aims to illustrations & photography Lois Wright [email protected] expand and accelerate research into varsoc president Catherine Lally [email protected] associate editors Rosie Bradbury, Isobel Bickersteth, Joe Cook, Oliver Rhodes, and the development of decarbonisa- to waste.” Miles Ricketts, Maia Wyn Davies, Stephi Stacey, Chloe Bayliss, Kiran Khanom, tion technologies. “We have run out of time now Charlotte Lillywhite, Raphael Korber Hofman and Katy Bennett associate@ The Whittle Laboratory itself is to rescue this poor old planet from varsity.co.uk partnering with the University of man-made emissions and all the varsity board Dr Michael Franklin (Chairman), Prof Peter Robinson, Dr Tim Harris, Michael Derringer, Caitlin Smith, Noella Chye, Louis Ashworth, Anna Cambridge Institute for Sustain- complications we’re now facing, all Menin, Daniel Gayne, Ellie Howcroft ability Leadership (CISL), which the the challenges we’re facing. Prince is the founding royal patron “If you mount a military cam-
© Varsity Publications ltd, 2019. all rights reserved. no part of this publication may be of, in an effort to decarbonise the paign, because you’re up against it reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher. aviation sector to net zero by 2050. you have to produce the answers, Varsity, 16 Mill lane, cambridge cb2 1rX. telephone 01223 337575. Prince Charles said, in reference to ▲ The Prince visited the lab on Tuesday ahead of the 2022 overnight practically. That is the Varsity is published by Varsity Publications ltd. Varsity Publications also publishes he Mays. the climate emergency, told students opening of a new National Centre for Propulsion and Power challenge now.” Printed at ilife Print cambridge – Winship road, Milton, cambridge cb24 6PP on 42.5gsm newsprint. registered as a newspaper at the Post oice. issn 1758-4442. and engineers, “We haven’t got time (FLICKR/DAN MARSH) Friday 31st January 2020 3
News New funding boost to e NEWS University pledges to ‘innovatively’ fight homelessness halve “access gap” by in Cambridge 2025 Page 8 ▶
▶ Continued from front page organisations. the causes and effects of homeless- Cambridgeshire County Council an- The scheme will recruit Cambridge ness,” said johnson. nounced on Wednesday it would also These will take the form of modu- volunteers to develop close relation- he warned more “resources and receive a separate grant of £230,000 FEaTurES lar homes, temporary units housing ships upon the basis of shared inter- funding to cash-strapped councils towards implementing its housing one person, and shared houses for ests and skills, and integrate rough and public bodies” are necessary be- First approach, after a previously suc- two individuals. sleepers into the city’s wider com- fore homelessness is resolved, not- cessful pilot it had led jointly with Divided loyalties: align- in November, the City Council an- munity. ing Cambridge City Council no longer the City Council. ing my political identity nounced plans to deliver six of these Speaking to Varsity, it Takes a City even receives regular funding from Townhall lettings, the Coun- modular homes in the city, working Chair mark jenkin said “just provid- the government. cil’s social letting agency which jointly with development firm allia ing a key is not enough” to eradicate Funding priority will also be given aims to provide housing for sin- and Cambridge homelessness charity homelessness, which requires “the to homelessness outreach, in helping gle homeless people, will receive Page 11 ▶ jimmy’s. right level of support to make the rough sleepers access accommoda- an additional boost by the fund- responding to the new funding, journey from street to house and then tion, and provide street-based health ing, including introducing a new jimmy’s Communications and Com- to flourish”. services through employing three out-of-hours service for landlords. oPiNioN munities officer Barry griffiths said “a house is not a home unless it is new specialist nurses and one sub- the organisation “always welcomes within community, affordable, appro- stance misuse outreach worker. johnson hopes this will both help in new and innovative ideas to support priately supported, safe and suitable. rough sleepers in new tenancies “reducing rough sleeping and freeing Christian Swallow individuals off the streets of Cam- We are looking for the whole com- will be given some money too, in line space at jimmy’s and the hostels”. bridge”. munity to come together and deliver with the Council’s ‘housing First’ he also argues “there are a number Protesting should be “We will work with Cambridge City the housing and support solutions Strategy. of things that any individual in the about change, and Council and other partners around the needed,” he added. housing First is a programme first city can do to help”. City to improve services to those who however, both jenkin and johnson pioneered in the uS in the 1980s, and The Council recommends individu- nothing else find themselves on the streets.” stressed a lot more funding would be involves immediately moving rough als donate to Cambridge Street aid, The funding will also go towards a needed to achieve these objectives. sleepers into permanent homes be- visit the Street Support website for Page 15 ▶ new mentoring scheme that has been “austerity...has led to public sector fore addressing other personal issues information on homelessness serv- created in partnership with it Takes bodies like the NhS, and local author- rather than moving homeless people ices in the city, and report someone a City, a Cambridge homelessness ities in particular, being starved of the through different ‘levels’ of housing who is sleeping rough via Streetlink ViolET support network made up of nine funds necessary to properly address first. at 0300 500 0914. Ticketbridge: the highest stage of Capitalism “golden opportunity”: Page 36 ▶ lecture Capture scheme to be trialled for humanities
students as they can pause the lecture and But the scheme may have downsides. Grace Lozinski think more deeply about diicult concepts,” aletomeh urged it “may not be appropri- News Correspondent aletomeh told Varsity. ❝ ate for … controversial topics and small “lecture capture can act as a powerful discussion circles” and the “prospect of he university will soon give humanities consolidation tool and revision resource, During being recorded may hinder the incentive and social science faculties the chance to allowing for a deeper understanding of the periods of for open discussion.” express their interest in joining a new lecture subject material,” he added, further empha- it may also act as a disincentive for stu- capture scheme. sising the greater lexibility it will give stu- bad anxi- dents to attend lectures if they can access his means lecturers’ slides and voice will dents in catching up on lectures. ety when I them any time. ▲ (WikimEDia/SgT. joSEPh a. lEE) be recorded and uploaded to a centralised aletomeh also highlighted the beneits however, aletomeh stressed, papers system for students to watch at their con- the scheme will have for accessibility, allow- don’t want have come out recently debunking such SPorT venience. ing disabled students to participate in lec- concerns. according to School of humanities and tures with “much greater ease and access”, to go to one example is a paper by Emily Nor- Social Sciences’ undergraduate Student while the “ability to re-watch lectures in a lectures, dmann, a leading academic exploring Remembering Kobe Bry- representative Farid aletomeh, who made relaxed environment can help students with lecture capture technologies, on “the im- the announcement to students last week, a illnesses from falling behind and improve knowing pact of attendance, lecture recording, and ant university-wide lecture scheme will then be students’ mental health.” that they student attainment across four years of an introduced in the next few years. one student from murray Edwards col- undergraduate programme”. Page 40 ▶ he scheme has been informed through lege who sufers from anxiety, and has a are all it found “no compelling evidence for a pilot already adopted by some STEm sub- hearing disability, welcomed the news about a negative efect of recording use, or that jects. the potential widening of the scheme. recorded attendance and recording use were re- he boards of each faculty will be given “During periods of bad anxiety when i would take lated”. the opportunity to opt-in to the scheme by don’t want to go to lectures, knowing that aletomeh acknowledged that the deci- expressing their interest in three phases run- they are all recorded would take a lot of pres- a lot of sion to join the pilot is dependent on each ning from 2020-21. sure of me,” they said. pressure off Faculty’s Board. however, the successful implementation “Because of my hearing impairment, i however, he urged “if this is a tech- of the scheme depends on faculty infrastruc- already have permission from the Disability me nology students truly want and care ture, as not all university buildings are itted resource Centre to record lectures on my about - this is the time to speak up … and with lecture capture technology. phone but the sound quality can be poor, ❞ through our faculty reps, take this golden “one of the biggest positives of the lecture so professional recording would be really opportunity to join the lecture capture capture scheme is the productivity boost for helpful.” conversation.” 4 F 31 J 2020 News
GU President says application for settled status feels “un-British” as Brexit day arrives
citizenship for their children. “working closely with the Univer- charities (30.59%) and Research Christopher Dorrell and Alexander “EU students and citizens have sity” in the lead-up to Brexit. Councils (31.5%). Shtyrov been entering the country legally, “At meetings of the University’s The European Universities As- Deputy News Editor & News Cor- but more and more they feel like EU Working Group, I have repeat- sociation, composed of universities respondent they have been treated with sus- edly highlighted the importance from 48 countries, was optimistic picion … I worry that, even with a of keeping students up to date regarding changes to academia and slightly more liberal regime, Euro- with key developments and have research post-Brexit, stating on Fa- The UK is set to leave the European pean citizens such as myself will encouraged the University to send cebook “the way may be winding, Union at 11pm tonight. always have to prove something, all-student email communications but the direction is right”. With the day of departure here, even though we contribute our fair to ensure access to the necessary Questions still remain over the Graduate Union President Alessan- share,” Ceccerelli commented. information in relation to Brexit”. Government’s commitment to con- dro Ceccerelli, who has to prove he “I have just been made a promise On an institutional level the tinued academic exchanges, seen by has been resident in the UK for five by the British Government that they UK’s departure from the EU puts a refusal to commit to negotiating years to achieve settled status, said will let me stay in the UK, with- at risk funding the University re- full membership of the Erasmus+ it felt “un-British”. out being molested by requests to ceives from projects like Horizon scheme. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens must prove it from now on. I am not sure 2020, the biggest EU Research and Although the UK will leave the apply to the government’s ‘Settle- that I can trust that promise, nor Innovation programme, receiving EU’s decision-making bodies, it ment Scheme’ by 30th June 2021 do I think that I can control what nearly €80 billion of funding avail- will remain in the single market if they wish to continue living will happen to me in the next [sic] able over 7 years. and customs union during the tran- permanently in the UK after the years”. In 2017, the University’s Schools, sition period which is expected to deadline. The Government passed the which are groupings of related fac- end on 31st December 2020. During Depending on whether these Withdrawal Agreement Bill on the ulties and departments, received this time the UK will participate in citizens have lived in the UK for 9th January, and the European a total of £59,220,000 in research all EU programmes as usual. five years continuously, they will Parliament voted overwhelming- funding from the EU Commission. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has be eligible for either ‘pre-settled’ ly in favour of its ratification on The EU is the University’s third described Brexit as a “fantastic mo- or ‘settled’ status. The latter are Wednesday. largest source of such funding, ment” in the history of Britain. entitled to longer future residency CUSU President Edward Parker- representing 12.7% of Cambridge’s Cambridge voted to remain by stints abroad, and automatic British Humphreys insisted he has been external research income, after UK 73.8% during the 2016 referendum.
(HMC; 790 boys Boarding and Day; 13-18) Winner: Independent Boys’ School of the Year 2019 (Independent Schools of the Year Awards: ‘Celebrating student experience’) GRADUATE ASSISTANT Tonbridge School is one of the leading boys’ boarding schools in the country and highly respected internationally. The school aims to provide a caring and enlightening environment in which the talents of each individual flourish. Our Graduate Assistant programme was introduced in 2016 and we are proud to say that year-on-year the programme has gone from strength to strength. These roles are offered annually on a fixed one-year basis to recent university graduates. The programme is designed to give our resident Graduate Assistant an all-encompassing experience of school life working in an independent school. • Share your passion for your subject with enthusiastic, bright pupils • Regular meetings with subject mentor who is an outstanding practitioner • Continuous professional development • Wide range of sporting and co-curricular opportunities • Pastoral responsibility This is an ideal opportunity to assess whether a career in teaching is right for you. Salary: £24,000 (accommodation provided if required)
Closing Date: 7th February Interviews: 13th and 14th February The application form and job description can be found at: https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/about/employment-opportunities Completed applications to: Headmaster, Tonbridge School, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1JP 01732 365555 • [email protected] Tonbridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. Friday 31st January 2020 5 News
CARBON CLEAN-UP LGBTQ+ PENGUINS ‘A Rapist in Your Path’: Council outlines LGBTQ+ tours in carbon neutral plans Cambridge museums activists protest abuse Cambridgeshire county council has Cambridge museums are launching announced a plan for the county to LGBTQ+ tours. Volunteers will lead become carbon neutral by 2050. he groups in exploring objects which plan was drawn up by researchers at relate to the gender and sexual identity against women the Cambridge University Science and of LGBTQ+ people “from same- Policy Exchange. It includes a massive sex behaviour among penguins to reforestation project, retroitting etroticism in the ancient world”. Tours event in Cambridge, explained that en over the age of 16 has experienced homes to make them more energy will last about 40 minutes and will run Zac Ntim she decided to stage a performance sexual violence. However, only 15% of eicient, and encouraging the use of at seven museums across the city. he News Correspondent as “an action of solidarity – both with victims will report the crime to the po- renewable energy. Cambridgeshire and Bridging Binaries Tours will run from the women who began the protest in lice and only 6% of those reports end in Peterborough emitted 6.1 tonnes of February to June, in museums including Content note: his article contains men- Chile and with women everywhere a conviction for the perpetrator. greenhouse gasses in 2016. the Fitzwilliam and the Polar. tion of sexual and domestic violence who have experienced violence and Laura said: “It is the oppressive A group of activists gathered outside oppression.” system – perpetuated by the police, DEATH OF DEMOCRACY? THE FIRST DOLLYOLOGIST the Guildhall on Saturday afternoon for “It’s an act of deiance in the face judiciary systems, and political power a performance of anti-rape anthem ‘A of a system that perpetuates rape structures – both here and in Chile, Dissatisfaction with Cambridge alumnus Rapist in Your Path’ to denounce vio- culture and the continued violation that allows the continued violation of lence and human rights abuses against of women’s rights – as well as being women’s rights and in many cases en- democracy at all time becomes Dolly women. a powerful way of raising awareness courages rape culture and victim sham- high Parton expert he feminist anthem, which origi- on the issue.” ing. his is not only devastating to the nated in Chile, became an international he song was created by Chilean women who experience it but is also A study by the University of Cambridge’s phenomenon after videos of the per- feminist collective, Las Tesis, and is highly damaging to our society.” Centre for the Future of Democracy he Cambridge alumnus, Helen Morales, formance went viral last year. Activists based on the work of Argentinian Laura added: “We hope these pro- - which held its launch event on has become the world’s irst “Dollyolo- have since performed the song in cities theorist Rita Segato who argues that tests will continue to inspire a global Wednesday evening - has found that gist”. A road trip across Tennessee led across the world including outside the sexual violence must be treated as a community of women – separated by dissatisfaction with democracy is at the Professor of Hellenic Studies at UC court during the trial of ilm producer, political issue. distance but not by experience. When its highest level in over two decades. Santa Barbara to publish Pilgrimage to Harvey Weinstein, in New York City. he song is aimed at police forces we act together, in solidarity, and as he study surveyed four million people Dollywood in 2014. Since then Morales he performance brought together and judiciary and political power a single global community of women in 154 countries. In late 2019, 61% of supervises graduate students who want women of all ages, including several structures who uphold systematic vio- we have enormous power– and it is people surveyed in the UK said that to study the American singer. he news students who joined the performance lations of women’s rights, with lyrics through channelling this power that they were not satisied with the state of comes as ‘he Dolly Parton challenge’ has in solidarity, handing out lealets with saying, “he rapist is you/ It’s the cops/ we can dismantle the systems of op- democracy, the highest since the 1970s. taken social media by storm, with ce- information about sexual violence. he judges/ he state.” pression and end violence against A similar trend is seen in the USA. lebrities such as Oprah joining in on the Laura Wainman, organiser of the In the UK, one in every ive wom- women.” meme parodying social media proiles.
6 F 31 J 2020 News Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign’s employment program sees rst success
Through the program, refugees can UK government’s Syrian Vulnerable Sam Crawley get a CV produced for them and re- Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). News Correspondent ceive advice and training on establish- The VPRS was launched in January ing their own businesses at the Busi- 2014. It coordinates closely with the e Cambridge Refugee Resettlement ness and Intellectual Property Centre UN High Commissioner for Refugees Campaign’s (CRRC) employment pro- in Cambridge Central Library and the and local authorities, including Cam- gram has recently had its rst major Entrepreneur Refugee Network. bridge City Council, to resettle vul- success since it was set up last year, Refugees are also offered employ- nerable refugees from camps in the with Alaa, a refugee who arrived in the ment experience with companies that Middle East. UK from Syria three years ago, being of- work with CRRC, including construc- Catherine Walston, the head of fered a three-day trial period working at tion, manufacturing, and gardening Communications and Outreach, told a dairy farm near St Ives. companies as well as National Trust Varsity that almost all refugees speak Ann Goodridge, who leads a team of properties. Anglesey Abbey, a stately only Arabic and often find contact six volunteers running the employment home six miles northeast of Cam- with the healthcare and education program at CRRC, said that paid work bridge, takes on refugees as volun- systems difficult. CRRC volunteers is vital for refugees to be able to inte- teers, which allows their families to work to settle families into their new grate into their new communities, learn visit the property and its gardens free lives in the UK and provide English English, and feel like a valued member of charge. lessons on top of those offered by the of society. Alaa was previously able to get six- City Council, as well as assisting with Goodridge said that many refugees ◀ Alaa and Paul days unpaid work experience at the driving test preparation and finding have extensive experience in farming, Kelly, Farm Cambridge University Farm’s dairy childcare and private accommodation gardening, and catering, but because of Manager at the enterprise. at reduced rates. a lack of formal quali cations can only Unviersity Farm CRRC was formed in 2015 and Other refugees have also benefited nd work as cleaners. Alaa, who was a CAMBRIDGE gained charitable status two years from the CRRC employment program, REFUGEE dairy farmer in Syria before coming to later. Its 200 volunteers work with with one securing their food handling RESETTLMENT the UK, had been working as a cleaner 27 families, most of whom have certificate, a crucial step in establish- PROGRAM until now. been resettled from Syria under the ing their own catering business.
ALL-INCLUSIVE Ancient star discovery could MEMBERSHIP overturn star formation theories, Cambridge study nds
Alexander Shtyrov records of the chemical evolution of News Correspondent the Universe. The fact that J0815 has a very high CNO abundance makes it a very interesting object,” he said. Using the CNO enhancement along A study involving Cambridge’s In- with the observation, J0815 has only stitute of Astronomy has discovered ❝ a fraction of the metal content of the unusually high levels of the elements These kinds Sun. The researchers inferred it may carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (CNO) in have been contaminated by another the atmosphere of the ancient star. of stars (the star collapsing nearby in an event The findings provide new insight oldest in the known as a supernova. into how these three elements were Milky Way) While the lighter elements, includ- formed in the early universe. ing CNO, were ejected, the black hole Silver Membership The star in question, J0815+4729, are genuine formed from the supernova may then was formed only a few hundred mil- fossil records have captured the much heavier met- Silver Membership entitles you to unlimited use lion years after the birth of the uni- of the chemi- als, in a process called ‘fallback’. verse, making it one of the oldest cal evolution The study was a collaboration observable stars. between the Institute of Astronomy, of Outlooks Gym, Free Weights Gym and ALL The study’s co-author and research- of the Uni- IAC, and the University of California er at the Institute of Astronomy David verse San Diego (UCSD), and was funded Fitness Classes. Aguado told Varsity he believes the ❞ by the Spanish Ministry of Science, observed ‘CNO enhancement’ could Innovation, and Universities (MI- “force us to reassess our theoretical CIU). Also included is use of the sauna and hot tub. models in star formation”. Cambridge University is “deeply Aguado and colleagues at the Insti- involved with the Spanish institu- For only £30 per month tuto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) tions” who participated in the study, discovered J0815 in 2018. It is located according to Aguado. in the ‘halo’ of the Milky Way, a diffuse A meeting of the WEAVE col- 01223 462226 or visit us at spherical shell of matter surrounding laboration, whose goals include the www.kelseykerridge.co.uk the galaxy. chemical analysis of stars formed “These kinds of stars (the oldest very early in the life of the universe, in the Milky Way) are genuine fossil will take place later this year. F 31 J 2020 7 News Town and University groups collaborate to ‘carbon map’ Cambridge
the town and the University in climate useful tool to track local progress towards Ellie Arden action, starting by measuring carbon a fossil-free future, but in order to tackle News Correspondant emissions of all colleges and University the wider climate crisis we must examine departments. its root causes,” said a spokesperson for e ‘Cambridge Carbon Map’, a joint Other groups collaborating on the activist group Cambridge Zero Carbon. initiative led by University and town cli- Cambridge Carbon Map include the “ e fossil fuel industry contributes mate action groups, has launched with Trinity College Ethical and Green A airs overwhelmingly to climate breakdown, the aim to produce a public map of carbon Society (TEGA), the Cambridge Group for an enterprise which the University sup- emissions in Cambridge. Ethics in Engineering and Computer Sci- ports both directly and indirectly through e interactive map will be available ence (GEECS) and the Leys School. its investments, research, professorships, on mobile devices, allowing users to see e groups making the map are en- recruitment events, and more”. and compare carbon emissions from in- couraging businesses, colleges, University Despite initial support for the map, stitutions and companies in the city, in departments, schools and council o ces Zero Carbon emphasised “the climate cri- order to push organisations towards a to include their carbon emissions in the sis is a global issue and we have to ght zero carbon future. map. on all fronts for climate justice: this means e project is a collaboration between Stefan Haselwilmer, spokesperson for system change on a global scale”. groups including Cambridgeshire Climate Cambridgeshire Climate Emergency, told “Cambridge Zero Carbon Society con- Emergency, Cambridge Climate Lecture Varsity that the availability of the map tinues to demand that the University cut Series and Big Cambridge Climate Conver- depends on “how cooperative Cambridge all ties with the fossil fuel industry as a sation (BC4), a new group of Cambridge colleges are” in providing relevant infor- crucial step in the right direction towards residents, students and academics who mation, which he said “could take months achieving global climate justice,” they were inspired by a similar “situation map” and months”. added. created by Cambridgeshire Climate Emer- e University itself has not collabo- Varsity has contacted the Univer- gency. rated on the project. sity for comment, but received no re- BC4 aims to bridge the gap between “ e Cambridge Carbon Map will be a sponse.
▲ An initial version of the map to be released soon CAMBRIDGE CARBON MAP
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Find out more at hoganlovells.com/graduates 8 Friday 31st January 2020 NewsNews UCU Strikes Oxford professor given security protection after transphobia controversy
Sophie Huskisson ◀ Selina Todd is a professor of “his idea weaponises a reductive un- Senior News Editor modern history at St Hilda's College, derstanding of ‘biology’ to argue that Oxford (LOUIS ASHWORTH) ‘women’ - or those assigned female at birth - all experience gendered op- tion, about the comments she made on pression in the same way, which erases social media, was previously dismissed our diverse experiences of gender as Content note: This article con- by the University. it intersects with race, class, sexuality, tains mention of transphobia. On Saturday, the University of Oxford disability, and many other structural said: “When staf raise concerns with us, factors.” Selina Todd, a professor of Modern the university will always review the cir- Kate Litman, CUSU Women’s Oicer, History at St Hilda’s College, has been cumstances and ofer appropriate sup- said: “Women’s spaces should be open given protection by Oxford University port to ensure their safety and freedom to all women on the basis of self-iden- after receiving criticism from transgender of expression.” tiication. here are plenty of women’s rights activsts on social media. CUSU campaigns against feminist services which provide essential sup- Student activists say her views on the movements that exclude trans people. port for all women including trans need to protect “women’s spaces” from Last year they published a guide to spot- women, such as the Rape Crisis Cen- trans women are unacceptable. ting Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists tre here in Cambridge. Fearmongering Todd, a researcher in working-class, (TERF), deining TERF ideology as “a about the presence of trans women in women’s and feminist history, said she speciic form of transphobia, and more women’s spaces does a disservice to the felt “vulnerable” and that there was speciically transmisogyny.” women who rely on those services.” enough evidence on social media to he guide explained that according “CUSU and the Women’s Campaign convince the university to provide pro- Todd argued that the inclusion activists who go into things like politics, to TERF ideology, “trans women are will always stand up for the rights of tection, which includes University staf of trans women in women’s spaces the media, the civil service, so if they are excluded from womanhood and should trans students. Students are welcome accompanying her to lectures. “would take away women’s rights.” learning that no debate is the way to run accordingly be excluded from women- to collect ‘Trans women are women’ Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today pro- a society, we should all be worried.” only spaces. Womanhood is supposedly stickers from the CUSU lounge if they gramme on Saturday, Todd said: “Democ- “his might sound like a storm in a teacup Todd said Oxford’s history faculty re- deined exclusively by ‘sex-based’ oppres- would like to show their solidarity with racy is under threat. We all have to defend and something that’s just about student ceived complaints on a daily basis from sion, aka oppression as a result of being trans students.” the right of people to have freedom of activists, but students become gradu- activists calling for her to be sacked. A what terf ideology terms ‘biologically Oxford Student Union’s Women’s Cam- speech and freedom of debate.” ates and Oxford students tend to become complaint, backed by a Facebook peti- female’. paign have been contacted for comment.
University pledges to halve 'access gap' by 2025
expressed fears that the access meas- POLAR quintiles 1 and 2; in the admis- Lottie Elton ures will mean fewer places for more sions plans for 2017-2018, 2018-2019, News Correspondent affluent students. Mike Buchanan of and 2019 - 2020 APP, the equivalent the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' target was 10% to 13%. In 2017-18, 12.2 The University’s “Access and Par- Conference, which represents 296 in- percent of successful applicants came ticipation Plan for 2020-21 to 2024- dependent schools, said: “Care is need- from these areas. 25” (APP), approved by the Office for ed in starting actively to discriminate The IMD is the official measure of Students (OfS), pledges to admit more against individual young people on the relative deprivation for small areas applicants from disadvantaged areas basis of the class they were born into,” in England, calculated on the basis and state schools by 2025. demanding that Oxbridge increase of seven measures including income, This plan comes in the context of a overall intake. employment, level of education, and new report released by the Office for Students from independent schools crime levels. By 2025, the university Students (OfS), an independent watch- still make up a disproportionate por- aims for 21.2 % of the students it ad- dog regulating higher education in the tion of the cohort; between 2006-2017, mits to come from these areas. UK. Leading universities have prom- students from just 3% of applying If carried out, this plan will cut the ised to pursue the goals outlined in schools made up 44% of the total Ox- ratio of most-represented to least- the report, which include halving the bridge cohort over the time period. represented groups at Cambridge “access gap” at Cambridge and other The new access scheme addresses from around 14 to one to around 6.7 universities within 5 years. other measures of socio-economic to one. By 2025, the University aims to inequality, including Participation of However, inequality is still a serious admit 69.1% of students from state Local Areas (POLAR) and the Index of concern for the University. In 2018, it schools, a 5% increase from the ad- Multiple Deprivation (IMD). was identified by the Higher Educa- missions plans for 2017-2018, 2018-2019, POLAR measures entry to higher tion Policy Institute as “the most un- and 2019-2020 which all aimed for a education by age 19 in geographical equal university in the UK.” percentage of 62–64%. In the 2017-18 areas across the UK. It sorts each area In the 2020-25 APP itself, the uni- admissions cycle, admissions from into one of five groups – or quintiles versity recognises the urgency of these state schools made up 65.2 % of the – based on the proportion of young peo- priorities, and declares its commit- cohort, the highest percentage on ple in the area who have entered high- ment to their fulfilment. record. er education by the age of 19. POLAR “We will make all reasonable endeav- Universities Minister Chris Skid- quintiles 1 and 2 contain the 40 percent ours to deliver on these objectives and more remarked that despite these of postcodes with lowest participation by 2035 we expect that one third of our improvements, "It is damning for the rates in tertiary education. intake will be drawn from the most ▲ The University aims to admit 69.1% of students from state schools (LOUIS sector that large gaps still remain." By 2025, the University aims for under-represented and disadvantaged ASHWORTH) Some private school heads have 16.6% of its admissions to come from groups.” F 31 J 2020 9 News NewsNews Cambridge Zero Carbon backs occupation of Oxford College
two days a ter Balliol College, Oxford have partially divested. e most re- Gaby Vides committed to divestment and banned cent Cambridge college committing to News Correspondent all future donations from fossil fuel divestment was Jesus, in September companies. 2019. Cambridge Zero Carbon Society has an- Divestment has become a mobilis- A spokesperson for St John’s College, nounced their support for the occupa- ing epicentre for student protest and Oxford remarked on the occupation that tion of the front quad of St John’s Col- over 50% of UK universities have now the College’s “main portfolio adviser lege, Oxford by environmental groups pledged they will no longer invest in assesses all companies with regard to including the Oxford Climate Justice fossil fuels. Six Cambridge colleges their ethical, social and governance Campaign. have withdrawn direct investments stance and updates its advice to the e students involved in the direct from the fossil fuel industry and more College on a regular basis.” action, which began on Wednesday, are demanding St John’s complete divest- , ment from the fossil fuel industry. Looking for paid work in Cambridge Zero Carbon commented on the occupation, saying that they stand “in solidarity with Oxford Climate Justice Cambridge this summer? Campaign and all the students currently occupying St John’s College.” “Oxbridge are shamefully lagging Cambridge Student Assistants behind in their refusal to acknowledge An opportunity to work for the University’s their complicity [in Climate change] and ▲Activists have been protesting and camping in the College's quad since instead take meaningful action. We call world-renowned International Summer Programmes. Wednesday upon both Oxford and Cambridge, along Rewarding customer-facing work assisting academics with their colleges, to Divest Now!” and communities in the global south.” lege, is known to have at least £8.1 mil- and adult students from over 70 countries. Zero Carbon’s endorsement of the e occupation is planned to last for lion of disclosed investments in fossil occupation follows direct action by the several days and was accompanied yes- fuel companies, as well as undisclosed group, which blockaded the BP insti- terday by a protest outside the College’s investments from its £551 million en- • 5 - 7 weeks’ employment, starting 30 June 2020 tute twice in 2019, and their release of entrance. Participants will sleep in tents dowment. • Includes four days of training a report in October 2019, detailing the in the quad and have brought with them Oxford Climate Justice Campaign University’s ties with the fossil fuel in- banners and placards bearing slogans says it hopes “this action will bring some • 36.5 hour working week on a rota basis dustry. such as “wake up fossil fools” and “direct much-needed urgency to the divestment • Free single-room College accommodation Zero Carbon highlighted the hypoc- action for divestment”. issue at Oxford,” and illuminate the in- • Up to four free College dinners each week risy of St John’s for “advertising for a re- e college has responded to the oc- justice “that our wealthiest education search assistant to aid investigation into cupation by “phoning the police and cut- institutions continue to pro t from the • Valuable transferable skills to enhance your CV the college’s colonial past, yet [continu- ting o protesters’ access to hot water exploitation of the most marginalised - ing] to invest in the fossil fuel companies and some rooms”, according to a student those who are being a ected most by For details, including how to apply, email: whose practices have proven to be to the at the University. the climate crisis.” disproportionate detriment of people St John’s, the wealthiest Oxford col- e occupation of St John’s comes just [email protected] (closing date 24 February)
Cambridge , commemorates Holocaust Looking for paid work in Cambridge this summer? Memorial Day Cambridge Student Assistants Pre-University Summer Programme membering the victims of the Holo- chaplain. An opportunity to work for the University’s residential Alex Bolot caust. As part of the event, student Pembroke College hosted the 2020 News Correspondent Josh Daniel read a moving poem Holocaust Memorial Day lecture on Pre-University Summer Programme. Rewarding that he had written after visiting Wednesday, delivered by Dr Ben Gid- customer-facing work assisting academics and 16-18 A number of college and University- Auschwitz. ley of Birbeck, University of London, year-old high school students from around the world. wide events were held this week to Referencing the Jewish tradition entitled ‘Facing Anti- Semitism: Re- commemorate Holocaust Memorial of placing stones at the graves of building Anti-Racism’. 4.5 weeks’ employment, starting 2 July 2020 Day 2020, which occurred on Mon- loved ones, Daniel’s poem in mem- Dr. Gidley, a Senior Lecturer in the • day. ory of the six million Jews killed dur- Department of Psychosocial Stud- • Includes two days of training Cambridge University Jewish So- ing the Holocaust includes the lines ies focused on the theme of Holo- • 36.5 hour working week on a rota basis ciety held an evening ceremony to “stones stay there forever/ They won’t caust Memorial Day 2020, which was mark the 75th anniversary of the lib- just decay/ They won’t flicker out and ‘Stand Together’. • Resident in College, in single-room accommodation eration of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the our memories/ won’t just go away”. Discussing current received ide- • Dinner, lunch and breakfast included largest Nazi death camp. Approxi- Elsewhere in Cambridge, similar as about Anti-Semitism, as well as • Valuable transferable skills to enhance your CV mately 50 attendees came together events have taken place to mark providing a historical timeline of to light candles and sing songs and the anniversary. On Sunday, Selwyn the persecution of Jews, Dr Gidley For details, including how to apply, email: prayers in memory of those who hosted its first ever event to mark suggested that we ought to think of perished in the Holocaust. A minute International Holocaust Memorial Anti-Semitism in relational terms, [email protected] (closing date 28 February) of silence was also held during the Day. It was well attended by Selwyn “connected to but never identical to event. students and involved a talk from other forms of racism.” Elaborating The ceremony saw the Jewish representatives from the Holocaust on this, Dr. Gidley said that “standing Chaplains for Cambridge and East Educational Trust, followed by a together is enabled when we stand Anglia Universities, Alissa and Elazar minute’s silence and lighting of a against different forms of racism Symon, speak poignantly about re- memorial candle by the college together.” 10 Friday 31st January 2020 Interviews Navigating science and health in an age of fake news
Andrea Kocsis sits down with leading ge- neticist, Dr Giles Yeo, to discuss why fake news is appealing to the public, and why scien- tists need to speak up
cientiic fake news is more popular than ever: the flat Earth theory, anti-vampire Smists and healing hydrogen- peroxide drops are just a click away. Dr Giles Yeo knows it all too well – as a researcher, a TV personality (Trust Me, I’m a Doctor; Who are you calling fat?; Vi- tamin Pills - Miracle or Myth) and popular author (Gene Eating), he actively engages larger audiences to ight against pseudo- science. Of-screen, he is a Wolfson Fel- low and Scientiic Director of Genomics/ Transcriptomics Core at the Wellcome - MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, studying obesity. He links the proliferation of fake news to the birth of social media: “In the past, the likelihood that you would ind someone who believes what you believe was low, so you kept all those thoughts in your head. I don’t think people changed that much, but I do think social media has enabled spread- ▲ Dr Giles Yeo is a geneticist and a fellow of Wolfson College. (FIONA GILSENAN) ing fake news.” However, this is just part of the truth, as pseudoscience we can ight this degradation of truth it becomes dangerous. Yeo’s classic ex- they passed the rapidly growing phase. pseudoscience, you can get from argu- has also begun to take centre stage in is standing up, telling the truth and ample is the anti-vaccine movement. Veganism, unless you are very careful ing about eating more vegetables to mainstream media. A recent example pointing out when people are talking “You can sell all kinds of lotions and with it, is not a great idea for kids.” giving up cancer treatment. is Gwyneth Paltrow’s he Goop Lab, re- bullshit.” potions, if all that people are doing is he elephant is still in the room: Yeo thinks that ixing our diet is leased on Netlix this month, which he problem is that it takes time. “I wasting their money. But when people what’s the harm in meal plans like necessary for a healthy life, but eating explores a range of alternative and study obesity, other people study can- are actually dying or harming them- the alkaline diet, when it seems to be foods like turmeric, ginger or garlic will pseudo-medicinal cures – from advis- cer, but there are people with cancer, selves, it is a problem.” working? Yeo expects the question: not cure the disease. Yet what ‘health’ ing how you can control your energy with obesity, with any other disease, When it comes to diets, there is a “he problem is when you start tak- and ‘obesity’ means is diferent in each ield to discussing the beneits of magic and they want to be cured now. So similar dilemma of fake news. “he tip ing things to the extreme. Like Robert individual case. “In a population you mushrooms. there is this vacuum of people look- of the iceberg is, for example, Robert Young did.” can be fat in many sizes, but for the At the mention of it, Yeo gets passion- ing for answers, and things like Goop ill Young’s alkaline diet.” Young believes Yeo explains this harmful chain of individual there is no health at every ate: “It’s huge! Enormous! Hundreds of the space,” Yeo says, pointing out that that, since our blood is slightly alkaline, mistaken arguments: “First, Young size. Someone who is bigger can be far millions of people. I’m amazed they we must therefore eat alkaline foods in healthier than a skinny one. he trick gave her the platform. I do think that ❝ order to stay healthier. However, from is trying to identify where that line is we, academics, have some role to play a scientiic perspective his argument ❝ where you become ill. Health is not an in it in terms of not communicating to is completely wrong; it dismisses that SI unit,” he summarises. non-experts what we actually do and The only our acidic stomach acts like a barrier, I don’t think hinking about body positivity ver- how scientiic method works.” Accord- way we can and his classiication of what alkaline is people changed sus fat shaming, Yeo prefers to diferen- ing to Yeo, the public see scientists as makes no sense. As an example, Young tiate between pointing out the problem a bunch of people constantly changing fight this considers a lemon, which is full of acids, that much, of carrying too much fat and blaming their minds. What non-experts cannot as alkaline. the person for the problem. “I think see is that arguing with each other is degradation But, despite all the scientiic criti- but I do think that we as a society, should take those the researchers’ job. cism, the alkaline diet does, in fact, two things apart. I understand the body “I know lots of colleagues of mine of truth is work for a lot of people. Why? “Because social media positivity movement, because people who think that public engagement is a it is very close to being vegan: very low with obesity have been judged and waste of time,” touching on a particular standing up, on meat and dairy products,” Yeo ex- has enabled called out all over their life, so they re- nerve in his ield. “But I don’t think so. telling the plains. “So people eat it, lose weight spreading fake act. But we also have to understand the It is rather our duty for a number of rea- and get healthier, because as you lose science underlying it: if you do carry sons.” Yeo claims that the low number truth weight, you lose the risk of diferent news. too much fat exceeding your limits, it of people reading scientiic papers calls ❞ diseases.” is unhealthy for you.” for popular explanation. Secondly, he Yeo is hesitant when being asked if ❞ He also warns us that the beach- fears that if scientists themselves do veganism is a healthier way of life: “If body ideal does not correspond to the not communicate, then someone that the increase of bizarre pseudo-science you are doing it properly, it’s ine, but thought that acids were bad, therefore health requirements. “Losing weight is less of an expert will do so in a poorer cures is a natural response to a society you shouldn’t impose your diet on diseases must be acidic, and since can- for health very seldom coincides with way. “And then who are we to com- demanding instant results. other people.” cer produces a lot of lactic acid, there- how you look. So it is unlikely to end plain?” he asks conclusively. He does concede that there can be a He becomes even more reluctant fore cancers are acidic. So he suggests up looking like Gwyneth Paltrow when Yeo advises that all scientists should humorous element to some scientiic when I ask about vegan children. He infusing sodium-bicarb into the blood you look in the mirror [even] after a diet engage as the opportunity arises. “Eve- fake news, no matter how exasperating answers slowly and considerately: “Per- to neutralise the acid. I am not even to get healthier.” ryone can do it to diferent degrees us- they may be to trained experts. “Like sonally, I believe that children should kidding you. He started a clinic in Cali- After catching a few minutes of he ing diferent methods: writing, TV, go- Goop and their jade eggs. Do whatever be given the best food possible. Includ- fornia to cure cancer, by telling people Goop Lab, Yeo’s disagreement that body ing to the primary school, presenting you want with the jade egg.” Yeo shrugs ing meat, milk and eggs and everything, to come of their chemo.” herefore, it size can automatically indicate health at the science festival. he only way his shoulders. Yet, in some situations, then allow to make their decision once works as a kind of a gateway drug: via is a comforting thought.
Features12 Friday 31st January 2020 Let’s talk about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Maya Yousif sheds light on a hormonal condition afecting women around the world Content Note: his article contains detailed discussion of body image and mental health.
olycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition said to afect 1 in 10 Pwomen across the UK. It is in- curable, and often (but not necessarily) diagnosed around puberty. Whilst living with PCOS can be chal- ▲ “Let’s keep in pubescent women without suicient and turn to dangerous practices. One form a vital part of our physiologies and lenging, it is ultimately far more man- the conversation education can cause feelings of shame study in particular has shown that the impact on both our mental and physi- ageable than its rather frightening name going.” and social embarrassment. As we are number of women with eating disor- cal health. would initially suggest. (IllUSTrATION bY all well aware, mainstream culture ders and PCOS was over four times Women with PCOS are 40% more When I was diagnosed aged eight- AlISA SANTIKArN has popularised a standard of female the rate of eating disorders among ❝ likely to experience anxiety and/or de- een, I was devastated. I’d never even fOr varsitY) beauty that is already unattainable by women without PCOS. Statistics like pression, but are not taught the multi- heard of this condition before, so, natu- women. this are emphatic in their demonstra- Young tude of ways in which this can be man- rally, I began to fear for the worst. I was Our incessant exposure to images of tion that there is a signiicant gap in women aged. Many turn to the pill, which is an both reassured and confused upon be- slim, clear-skinned women with little to the way that schools teach issues of oft-espoused treatment of PCOS due ing told of its notably high prevalence no body hair has popularised an ideal sex, puberty, and well-being. Young are taught to its regulation of periods. However, among young women: if it is indeed so that is both deeply desirable, and fun- women are taught that there is a that there many girls report mood swings, irritabil- common, then why is it not taught in damentally impossible. he pressure for normative, monolithic experience of is a nor- ity, anxiety, and depression. here is not schools? And why aren’t more people teenagers and young women to conform female health. At around age 11 we’re one solution for all. While the pill may aware of it? ❝ to such an ideal is heightened for those told that one day we’ll menstruate mative, work for some women, many studies his is in part due to a failure of our many feel exhibiting symptoms of PCOS, and girls once a month. In following years, we monolithic show the overwhelmingly positive im- education system in its impractical (and without a diagnosis can look to their are taught about STIs, and then we experience pact of regular exercise and a balanced often absent) teachings on sex, health, embar- own developing bodies with an elevated learn how to put a condom on a plastic diet on managing symptoms of PCOS. and wellbeing. PCOS is caused by el- rassed sense of self-consciousness, frustration, phallus. hat tends to be the extent of of female On the arduous path to understanding evated androgens (male hormones) in and anxiety. it. So, when we don’t discuss irregular health my body and my condition, I’ve had women, and this can cause higher levels about their his can feel alienating: you are in a menstruation, mental health, or the to learn these things through trial and ❞ of facial and body hair, irregular periods, symptoms perpetual battle with puberty, and al- variegated experiences of puberty much, much error. non-existent periods, fatigue, ovarian ways feel that your body is not quite with young women, the statistics con- I am optimistic for a future in which cysts, weight gain, acne, sleep apnoea, ❞ right. cerning disordered eating and PCOS sex education will make room for such irritability, depression, mood swings, A lack of discussion and awareness unfortunately make sense. discussions, meaning that teenage girls and infertility. Not everyone experiences around hormonal conditions combined When we learn about hormones, who struggle with PCOS or similar hor- all symptoms, and many experience with this pressure to conform to a par- it’s often hard to remember that they monal conditions will feel less alone in them to varying degrees. ticular aesthetic means that many feel are not simply answers to GCSE bi- their struggles. for now, let’s keep the he manifestation of these symptoms embarrassed about their symptoms ology questions, but real things that conversation going. Friday 31st January 2020 13 Features Hypocrisy is the best policy Stephanie Christenson says that we should take pride in “the good enough,” and not be scared of being a hypocrite
Content Note: his article contains discussion other way. At school, I didn’t just want or the odd bite of something I haven’t chocolate supply. I’m also a feminist ❝ of eating disorders and dieting. to be slim, I wanted to be Victoria’s- inancially contributed to. Yes it’s limsy who will have a bad day if her hair Secret-level thin. And, inspired by my and fallacious, but it works. It keeps me tresses don’t fall quite right. I’m a irm To avoid hypocrisy is to nocking someone of their per- skinny colleagues who had begun only going. It means that I - an individual with believer in complete transparency and avoid setting standards fect pedestal is an unparalleled eating leaves, I knew it would have to be the willpower of a teaspoon - have stuck yet will occasionally pathologically lie delight. It’s that glorious ‘HA!’ the same for me. A single biscuit would with it for over a year now. Shouldn’t in order to maintain my own privacy. for yourself altogether Kmoment we all dream of. It’s unravel all success. But a life of leaves that be what counts? Shouldn’t the di- I’m proud to be a hypocrite in almost ❞ why so many of us had to stile a giggle never really appealed. So I never actually rection of travel matter so much more everything I do. It means I have val- at Ricky Gervais’ now infamous speech. started. Worse than that, I told myself than being a purist about every step we ues. It means I’m inally trying. he same happened when newspapers each day that my diet would start the stake? here’s no need to denounce the published the holiday habits of the oh- next, so I’d wolf down whatever I could vegetarian who buckles at bacon’s be- so-environmentally-minded Harry and squeeze into my stomach, fearing each hest. he same goes for the vegan who Meghan. he best part is that there’s end- marvellous meal would be my last. As it surreptitiously sips her friend’s cow milk less scope for identifying inconsistency. happens, those ‘last-ever’ evenings be- cappuccino. Both are going in the right here’s the leather boots some haughty came a habit. he irony was that, when direction. hat in itself ought to be cause virtue-signallers snuggle their toes into, I developed this mastermind plan, I was for celebration. the mountainous air miles on some ve- actually quite skinny to begin with. But, To avoid hypocrisy, on the other hand, gan foods, or just the time the ‘nice’ per- under the pressure of unrealistic expec- is to avoid setting standards for yourself son wasn’t actually that nice. tations, I went quite the other way. I’ve altogether. It certainly makes life easier. While I would never condemn harm- never gained as much weight as I did Someone who identiies as a bad person less bitchiness behind closed doors, I do trying to be a purist about my diet. has no expectation of good behaviour to think that, if we’re to make any progress he same applies to socially conscious live up to. Someone with no values can- at all, it’s necessary to start taking a eating habits. Intimidating ideals send not be accused of breaking them. In my diferent approach, especially when it people in the opposite direction. So many own experience, it stems from a lack of comes to our moral compass. I’ve had people sympathise with vegan ethics but, faith that you’ll be able to maintain the many friends, for instance, try Veganuary put of by its purism, continue to slap standard you set for yourself. only to discover milk powder in Alpen meat on their plates three times a day. To strive for something, knowing products and abandon it entirely. hat’s Why even attempt something so unach- you’re unlikely to succeed but trying the perception nowadays: you can ei- ievable? he ideal of the perfect gets in anyway for the sake of a greater cause: ther be perfect, or abandon the pursuit the way of the good enough. that is the essence of real heroism. In fact, altogether. But I would argue quite the I call myself a vegan because it’s a although I’ve shed many of my religious opposite. Hypocrisy is not only more ap- close-enough description of my diet, beliefs, it’s the one idea that keeps my lit- proachable in the short term, and sus- though many have leapt up with their tle toes trotting up to communion - that tainable in the long term, but it’s also pitchforks to disagree. Since my grounds we inevitably fall short, but we strive far more heroic. are environmental, and since I’m desper- anyway, and that is what makes us good. I know from my own haphazard diet- ately drawn towards forkfuls of pork, I What could be more human? What could ing attempts that ridiculously high ex- allow myself the odd loophole, whether be more heroic? pectations only set you up to go quite the it’s meat that’s about to be thrown away I’m a vegan who snales her mother’s ▲ (ILLuSTRATION BY ALISA SANTIKARN FOR vArsiTy) Divided loyalties: aligning my political identity Issac Fung elucidates the entanglements of his dual sense of belonging in British politics
Yes, him! I want Corbyn to win, our conversation made me realise my own like having two costumes. With my English discussion about our own political identity. because then the British economy unique relationship with British politics. As friends, I put on my irst costume – that his is because the Hong Kong diaspora has will crash.” an international student from Hong Kong, of a disafected Tory – and argue against to juggle between two very diferent sets of “ his, in any other context, would I’ve always had conlicting loyalties. On one the four-day work week and the aboli- priorities: they must ensure Britain remains be sarcasm. But my mother, who was lectur- hand, I have my ‘English’ political views, tion of private schools. I argue that a Tory prosperous so their immediate family can ing me about the British General Election, where I think with Britain’s best interests victory – despite all its laws – would end ❝ thrive, but they also want to ensure Hong was dead serious. “he party with the red in mind and take a side accordingly. On the the political stalemate over Brexit, and so real global Kong and their extended family remain colour – what is it called again? hey don’t other hand, I have my ‘Hong Kong’ slant on should be preferred over a hung parliament. safe. he concept of loyalty cuts both ways, know how to run the economy properly. So, British politics, where I think about how But when I’m with my Chinese relatives, awareness and navigating the rocky shores of identity when pound sterling drops in value, we can British politics would afect my family and the discussion goes rather diferently. We does not becomes an intrinsic part of existence. buy more. Better value for money. Ai, we my home in Hong Kong. talk about which party would allow more come from For a long time, I was afraid that my spend too much on your tuition fees any- It is an interesting case of self-imposed Hong Kong emigrants into the country, the contradictory political identities were a way.” Needless to say, I did not agree with political doublethink. To a great degree, relative merits of foreign investment op- a detached, product of false-consciousness; the result her. After all, it all seemed rather selish. But having two sets of political ideologies is portunities, and whether each party would rarefied of the residual colonial structures and fet- be good for Hong Kong. Much of my family, ishization of Western mores within Hong for example, wanted the Liberal Democrats and ‘cos- Kong. I was also, to a great degree, angli- to win, but not because they believed in mopolitan’ cised by a lifetime speaking English and Remain. Indeed, many of them thought Re- air going to schools with Western teachers. But main supporters were bad losers. Instead, I have also grown to realise that my existing they wanted the Lib Dems to come out on ❞ within two diferent paradigms of politics top because they were the only party who is the price I have to pay in being a respon- supported a pathway to full citizenship for sible global citizen. Real global awareness British National Overseas (BNO) passport does not come from a detached, rareied holders. “At least they know a thing or two and ‘cosmopolitan’ air. It comes from being about colonial responsibility!” grumbled intimately connected to the local politics one relative. “I’ve got a BNO passport, and and culture on the ground. ◀ “As an inter- it’s time Britain stopped treating me like a Even as the General Election ended national student second-class citizen!” with a resounding Tory majority, and the from Hong Kong, A lot of people might ind such an ap- hubbub of political discussion fades, I will I’ve always had proach to politics selish, or even mildly cherish my contradictory impulses. here conlicting loyal- amusing. But for irst-generation immi- are no easy answers to the questions I ask ties.” (SILVERMET- grants from Hong Kong, or people like my- myself. But this is what makes politics so ALS/WIKICOMMONS) self, such conversations are part of a larger interesting. 14 Friday 31st January 2020 FeaturesNews UCU Strikes Sex Education Season 2 is better than sex education in the UK For more information on HPV and local sexual health services, I recommend the following: On HPV speciically: . https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human- papilloma-virus-hpv/ . https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/ On LGBT+ sex education: . https://lgbt.foundation/sexualhealth On local sexual health services (in Cambridge, Lime Tree Clinic) . https://www.icash.nhs.uk/where-to-go/icash- cambridgeshire
◀ "HPV is a multi-strain STI that a worryingly small number of people know much about." (NETFLIX/SEX EDUCA- TION)
stigma attached to STIs was also very challenging and emotionally draining. Failures within the NHS were also An anonymous student discusses their personal experience with HPV, the short- brought to my attention as I was fre- quently given poor and conlicting comings of UK sex-ed classes, and the efects of sexual health on mental health advice as well as being subjected to homophobia by individual health pro- and personal relationships fessionals. HPV destroyed some of my later relationships even after treatment t’s a Monday evening and, like of the genital area, which means even late. and it has forever left me deeply trau- most students, I’m sitting in my non-penetrative sex puts you at risk. As Sex education in UK schools is gen- ❝ matised, so much so that I couldn’t room doing anything but the work in my case, it can be easily passed on erally abysmal. Maybe a total of 2 to 3 I no longer hold back the almost hysterical tears II should be doing. I open my lap- even if you or your partner is wearing a hours was devoted to Sex Education when my treatment, nearly 6 months top, log into Netlix and decide to start condom. As one of the most commonly during my 7 years at secondary school. feel awk- since being diagnosed, inally began to watching Season 2 of Sex Education, a contracted STIs – that’s as common as For young LGBT+ students, the situation ward produce results. Netlix series that sees comical teen the common cold, with roughly 80% of is even more dire. When I was in school, On the other hand, this experience angst collide with some of the deeply sexually active adults having the virus LGBT+ relationships were not included discussing has been a turning point in my life. serious issues that many young people at some point in their lives – it is trou- in the already very limited class time my sexual I have developed a strong support face. However, two episodes in, I have bling that I only found out about it at dedicated to sex education. Moreover, network with friends who were very to pause. On a slightly-blurred, 90s-style university. given that MSM (men who have sex with health supportive throughout my treatment. I chalkboard, I can just make out a mind hough most people clear the virus men) are at a higher risk, the need to openly and no longer feel awkward discussing my map of diferent STIs. themselves within 2 years without ex- both vaccinate men as well as women, honestly sexual health openly and honestly with Chlamydia…Gonorrhoea…Herpes… periencing any issues, those of us who and to address the serious shortcomings partners, friends, family, and health and then, right in the corner, I see them: aren’t so lucky can develop serious prob- in our education system, is vital. here ❞ professionals. I have been able to edu- those three letters beginning with ‘H’ lems. Some less harmful strains lead to is always a risk when you engage in cate others about vaccination against and ending in ‘V’. Almost instinctively, growths known as genital warts, while sexual activity, but I was not adequately HPV and general sexual health, particu- you might have illed in the letter ‘I’ in other strains can develop into cancer. equipped with the tools and knowledge larly in the LGBT+ community. between, but you would be mistaken. What’s more, it cannot be tested for eas- necessary to protect myself and others. If, like me, you’ve never had an STI he letter you are actually looking for ily, which means most screenings you his is simply unacceptable and I am liv- before and countless screenings have is ‘P’. get from a GUM clinic or a home self-test ing proof of the consequences of these come back clean, the last thing you I can feel my body clench, my breath ❝ kit are useless when it comes to HPV. shortcomings. expect is to go to a GP appointment becoming shaky and my eyes beginning LGBT+ re- ‘Surely something is being done My experience with HPV has been and leave in a state of utter confusion, to glisten from the tears forcing their about this?’, you might ask. Well, you very mixed to say the least. On the one shock, and helplessness – especially way out. It’s been a year since I was di- lationships may recall in your secondary school hand, it has been extremely diicult. My when such a situation can so easily agnosed with HPV, and at times like this were not days when waves of girls would leave then partner abruptly broke things of be avoided. I urge everyone to take I feel completely and utterly distraught included in their classes to be given a vaccination with me, and bouts of treatment rang- their sexual health seriously, to get – and not because of the HPV itself. It designed to combat cervical cancer. hat ing from cryotherapy to excruciating vaccinated against HPV if you haven’t is because I am reminded of the past the already vaccination is called Gardasil, and it pro- courses of podophyllotoxin and im- already done so (it is free if you are year dealing with the consequences of very lim- tects against certain strains of HPV. munomodulators left me mentally and MSM), and to always be honest with a horrifyingly inadequate system that he problem is that HPV afects all physically broken. I couldn’t walk, sit, your partners. has, frankly, failed me. ited class genders, given that certain high-risk or sleep without feeling agonising pain, HPV can and must be dealt with. For some context, HPV, or the Human time dedi- strains can lead to other forms of cancer and dark thoughts clouded my mind Right now, however, not enough is be- Papilloma Virus, is a multi-strain sexual- cated to sex such as throat, anal, and penile. But de- when treatment would persistently ing done. For the moment, it is up to ly transmitted infection (STI) that a wor- spite the vaccination being introduced refuse to work despite countless trips us to educate ourselves and each other ryingly small number of people know education in schools over 10 years ago for girls, to clinics, hospitals and surgeries – all as much as possible. We cannot be much about. It often has no symptoms, ❞ it has only now just been introduced while trying to study for a Cambridge relying on a Netlix comedy series to and is spread by skin-to-skin contact for boys. Sadly, for me, it’s too little too degree. Dealing with the internalised do the job. OpinionFriday 31st January 2020 15
▲ King's Chapel lawn is set to become a meadow this spring/summer. Simon Lock We should support King’s, a meadow will aid struggling ecosystems Sarah Ibberson describes how the King’s meadow will aid Britain’s wildife and ecology and encourages other col- leges to follow their example ing’s College is leading the way backs, as they currently stand, are an novative step in understanding the need and the destruction of habitats across climate change, any accusations of in forging a new Cambridge ecological disaster. for a revised approach to managing our the globe when we don’t even realise tokenism should not demean the fact tradition. After 300 years of While the pristine grass may look rural landscape. Over 150 diferent spe- that extensive farming across the British that transforming their famous lawn Kpristine, well-kempt grass, the idyllic, it serves absolutely no signiicant cies of lower and grass are supported in Isles has contributed to our own national into meadowland will quite rightly college intends to refashion its famous ecological purpose and sustains little to meadowland, which sustains a myriad ecological disaster. thwart tradition to set an example for lawn into a meadow “in a bid to tackle no wildlife. Meadows, on the other hand, of insects, mammals and birds. Rare Even our national parks cannot be ac- issues of land management that are climate change.” are equally picturesque, and are havens wildlowers could be cultivated, and knowledged as truly wild. he mountains frequently ignored in the UK. More In the face of calls for divestment for thousands of species of plants and pollinating insects would thrive. he of the Lake District would ordinarily be colleges should cultivate this new and from fossil fuels and arms industries, animals. Our colleges should seize the beloved bumblebee is just one example covered with trees and plants, providing potentially vital tradition for posterity. this environmentally motivated move opportunity to contribute to the restora- of a creature that would beneit from this a haven for wildlife, if it weren’t for the may seem tokenistic. Nevertheless, it tion of a severely undervalued habitat new habitat; their population has been livestock grazing them. In contrast, con- should be lauded as a signiicant step in that has been obliterated over the past in decline over the past 80 years, with servation projects in Scotland – where ❝ recognising the need for rewilding areas century. Since the 1930s, 97% of wild- two species becoming extinct. Smaller the deer population has been reduced to of land in the UK, a conservation issue lower meadows have been lost in the mammals could prosper in the long allow the landscape to recover from their While the pristine grass that is often overlooked in the pursuit of UK and, nowadays, meadows cover just grasses, sustaining birds of prey – such extensive grazing – has seen trees return may look idyllic, it more holistic environmental concerns, 1% of the UK’s land area. he beautiful as kestrels and owls – that are inding it to the glens, and insects and animals such as reducing carbon emissions and ields of lora and fauna that were once a increasingly diicult to survive on our beneit from these eforts. serves absolutely no sig- fossil fuel usage. feature of every village have been lost. crowded island. Meadows remain among the most nificant ecological pur- King’s is far from insincere in its ef- he traditional meadowland that re- Extensive agriculture and the lack biodiverse habitats we have in the UK; pose and sustains little forts to restore a habitat under serious mains in the UK can be found predomi- of any truly wild landscapes have deci- indeed, few habitats match the diver- threat, and other colleges should take nantly in Yorkshire and the Pennines, mated the habitats of so many of our sity in the plants and animals it can sus- to no wildlife. note of this example. Meadows accom- with little coverage in the South of Eng- native species that once thrived. It is tain. While some may understandably ❞ modate vital – yet vulnerable – ecosys- land. Turning the Cambridge backs into hypocritical how, as a nation, we la- be cautious in hailing King’s decision tems within the UK, and the Cambridge an Eden for wildlife could mark an in- ment the deforestation of the Amazon as a progressive combatant towards 16 Friday 31st January 2020 Opinion
▶ File photo (CREDIT: Louis Ashworth) Protesting should be about wanting change, not about personal identity Christian Swallow argues from personal experience that when protesting, students should remember the cause of the protest and not use it merely for an individual self image
mma Goldman famously wrote his is the concept that we can create actually believe in what you’re protest- sent to the University is uninterrupted. that “If there won’t be danc- meaning through the very utterance ing for. ❝ While not every Cambridge protest is ing at the revolution, then I’m of what we say. By protesting against he historian David Swift observed centered around the university, show- Enot coming”. In Cambridge, it pension reforms in 2018 and 2019, the this trend in contemporary politics, dur- ing dissent against the University does seems like the attitude is “If the protest students were declaring their disdain from 2015 (with the rise of Momentum) ing the not interrupt the harsh economic reality isn’t seen by my friends, I’m not coming”. for the changes. In this way, the protest to present day haranguing “tory” behav- that we are mere sources of revenue to Protest in Cambridge is as old as the Uni- itself is a force for change. However, pro- iour. He argues that politics and protest strikes, the Senate House. If you really want to versity itself. he University, spawned test is also a performance that is seen are often performed by people for lei- everyone send a message to the University, you from a group of breakaway scholars from by others and helps display one’s own sure, and that many self-identiied Left- was a should probably refuse to pay your fees. Oxford, was born from protest. Today, identity. It turns student protests into ist activists are “there through choice, But that doesn’t quite have the same however, it seems that protest is less for an opportunity to display ourselves as to campaign for abstract issues that social- exhibitionist value as being on a picket change and more for enunciating the “activists” or “woke”. don’t afect them or anyone they know”. ist, right line. individual protestor’s identity. As Lent he issue here is whether you are pro- Whether or not we empathize with the I wholeheartedly support the funda- Term begins, the prospect of a second testing for the cause or protesting so as cause we protest for, there is always the up until mental right to protest. But the agency round of strikes for this Academic year to be seen protesting. he psychology niggling sense that we’re also doing it they we have in 2020 to enact change is looms. he UCU had 8 days of strikes in of our generation is one of external vali- for ourselves. What’s worse, those who started circumscribed by the ever-present, 2019 and may choose to enact another dation and abstract factors that deine don’t protest are deemed unsupportive anxiety-inducing need to brand your- general strike this term. the individual. Marks from exams pur- of the strike, regardless of any personal wor- self, and powerlessness with which In the 2018 UCU General Strike, I port to represent intellect, awards and circumstances that might make joining rying we are entangled in the economy of helped ly-post the city, and construct prizes to vouch for sporting ability. his the strikes impossible. the University. For these reasons, I the infamous red fence that blocked of is corroborated by a social structure of Within protest, there is also the logic about chose to help out in 2019 (and will the Senate House entrance. It was good quantiied interaction - for example, the of protesting for those who can’t pro- their carry on doing so) by making sure fun - but I was also a irst year itching to quantity of likes on a photo equates to test for themselves. Alongside this is the grades my fellow Architecture undergrads establish myself with a distinct brand in levels of popularity. Every aspect of our idea that protesting is dangerous, and don’t get stressed out, pressured or the view of my peers. his performativity existence is mediated by the observation that to support a cause you must irst ❞ intimidated by the strikes. Authentic in the protests swept up all those around and judgement of others. make yourself vulnerable. But the Uni- solidarity starts with the personal. As me - during the strikes, everyone was In this landscape of signs and igures versity doesn’t care whether you protest strikes loom again, our actions should a socialist, right up until they started representing us, to appear at a protest or not, nor who you empathize with. be centered on the change we want Christian Swallow worrying about their grades. takes on a form of currency - it means Every hour you stand outside Senate to enact, not the brand we want to Performativity is crucial to striking. you are political, whether or not you House, the monetary sum you repre- create. Friday 31st January 2020 17 Opinion Social media is ruining our mental health – something needs to change
their 2017 blog post, though even in this In the they advocated more active rather than wake of passive usage. Ian Russel’s However, this growing body of evi- calls for dence still lacks the concrete research new laws needed to back up its conclusions. he regarding rapidity with which we have welcomed technology technology into society, with little regu- giants and lation, has resulted in the perpetuation their data, of an endless cycle of problems, includ- it is time for ing the deteriorated mental health of the severity millennials who are increasingly living of social their lives through screens. media’s With so much time, money, and efort negative put into making our world a better place, impact to it is ironic that our online world is left be properly behind. Paradoxically, social media is addressed encouraging users to move more of their lives into the digital and out of the real world. When the very real consequences of our digital lives materialise, it can be diicult to extrapolate these existential problems to origins in a virtual space. Technology, the internet, and social media will remain. If used and regulat- ed responsibly, it could become a much more positive platform. However, in its current state, its usage is not sustain- able for the population’s well-being. For now, it will continue to be inhibited by its insidious consequences.
Content Note: his article contains detailed content can have potentially harmful discussion of mental health and graphic consequences that do not become im- images. mediately apparent. Ostensibly harmless material buys 4-year-old Molly Russel took her into the notion of projected happiness; own life in 2017 after viewing con- that is, a virtual façade displaying only he Varsity Trust tent promoting depression and the best facets of peoples’ lives. his of- Sarah Ibberson Sarah 1suicide on social media platforms. ten invokes feelings of negativity and his tragedy extends beyond her death, inadequacy among viewers by compari- If suitable candidates present themselves, the for she is one in a long line of young son. Indeed, the modern-day pursuit of people driven to suicide after viewing happiness has been distorted by the harmful content online. Four school-age inluence of social media and its pro- Trustees intend to make awards to students children die each week from suicide in jection of genuine emotional stability the UK and this trend is growing. where none may exist. he longer users about to graduate, or who are recent he irst generation of people to grow engage with this process, the more dan- up with social media are just reaching gerous the emotional and mental efects graduates, from either the University of adulthood, and so the long term efects can become. Stress, anxiety, depression, are equally just being realised. he re- and low self-esteem are just a few of the grettable truth is that it often takes the insidious complications that social me- Cambridge or ARU who intend to undertake action of those like Ian Russell, Molly dia can give rise to. Russel’s father, to follow up on their own Although 91% of 16 to 24-year-olds approved training in journalism for 2020/2021. personal grief for any change to occur. use the internet and social networking His recent appeal calls for new laws that sites regularly, the long term efects of would force technology companies to social media are remarkably underesti- Trust awards will be tailored to individual share their data to facilitate research on mated. In preliminary research, Twitter the cognitive efects of frequent social has been identiied as a platform that media use. can signiicantly increase levels of stress, circumstances but are normally intended to Tech giants make their revenue and correlations have been drawn be- through advertising. Instagram, for in- tween symptoms of anxiety and increas- make a signiicant contribution to the fees for stance, received $9 billion in advertising ing social media usage. Indeed, a study revenue according to eMarketer in 2018. from 2017 suggested rates of depression the training concerned. Algorithms ensure users view material and anxiety in young people had risen based on its relevance rather than chro- by 70% over 25 years. Even Facebook, nology. Users are presented with material which has 1.49 billion daily users, has Up to £5,000 is potentially available. designed to increase views and advertis- acknowledged that social media can ing revenue. his algorithmic framework be bad for mental wellbeing, such as in incurs a very serious problem: as soon For further information and how to apply as someone turns to the internet after ❝ contemplating taking their own life, they visit: www.varsity.co.uk/trust are fed a stream of content that, rather The longer users engage than discourage, only rationalises their self-harming thoughts. with this process, the he tragic death of Molly Russell dras- tically highlights the immediate threat more dangerous the that harmful online content can pose to emotional and mental young people. Moreover, it opens up a wider argument on the efects of social effects can become. media on society’s mental well-being in ❞ ▲ PIQSELS general. Even viewing supposedly safe 18 F 31 J 2020 Science Hack Cambridge: 24 hours and 300 hackers, designers and programmers
Participants from Cambridge and universities all around the world took part in the hackathon held at the Corn Exchange last week, Vianca Shah reports
ast week, computing enthu- I ask Ben from Jesus (here at his ❝ climate change. siasts were tasked to code second Hack Cambridge) what ad- A massive congratulations should a project, potentially with vice he would give to other students, This year the focus shifted marked- go to everyone in Cambridge who L people they had never met whether they be computer scientists ly towards the place for computing participated in the event. For many, before, in a mere 24 hours at Hack or simply programming enthusiasts. the event is a source of inspiration – Cambridge, the annual hackathon run He says that everyone should just go in the fight against climate change many leave the event with new goals by the University. Teams of students for it. He explains that he has met so and ideas for the future. work together to solve a problem many new people over the two years, ❞ by building a prototype, bringing and loves putting himself forward to thoughts to life as they collaborate to be in a new team full of people he realise a vision that could potentially doesn’t know so he can meet even have a large social impact. more people and improve his skills This year was the fifth year running further. with more than 300 hackers, design- 23 hours in with 1 hour left to go, ers and programmers from Cambridge despite their fatigue, everyone was and universities all around the world working hard to add the finishing taking part in the hackathon held at details to their project. It had been a the Corn Exchange. Apart from the long night but everyone was excited coding experience, students learn lots to see each others’ projects and have from each other and the new friends their own out on display. they make. Once time is up, submissions are Tim, the manager running the cut off and the judges evaluate the event, explained that, for many stu- projects and make their decisions. dents – particularly those studying Every group, no matter whether it Computer Science – the hackathon was their first or their third Hack provides good exposure to computing Cambridge, have made the most of in a theoretical way. It is a chance for ❝ every minute there and created in- students to use this theory collabo- credible projects that showcase their ratively, and in a way that develops One team skills and expertise. their academic skills but also their I spoke Even for those who are experi- own drive and passion for comput- enced in Hackathons, teaching and ing. to were sharing knowledge with the newcom- This year marked a step forward for ers is an invaluable way to share what the event with diversity as a key point producing students have gained. On the flip side, on the agenda. One of the organisers, a proto- even those who are experienced are Sumaiyah Kola, described how they pushed out of their comfort zone in used a “new algorithm that [aimed] to type that every Hack Cambridge. accept more women without affect- Hack Cambridge involves students ing the quality of hackers,” and how analyses with a variety of skills and interests. they reached out to various university the carbon As Tim explains, you don’t even have societies that encourage diversity and to know how to code to be part of empower minority groups in tech. footprint the team! They are focused around Within just 24 hours, teams pro- projects where computer science duce high-standard projects with po- of any skills are needed, but information tential commercial value; this year in technology, engineering, social sci- particular, many teams focused on consumer ences and even medicine have been environmental challenges. One team I item useful in all sorts of projects to use spoke to were producing a prototype the computer skills the students that analyses the carbon footprint of ❞ have to implement something that any consumer item, allowing people will benefit the community and the to be more conscious of the food they environment. eat and the impact of their actions as For many, this is a chance for them a consumer. The team – Wassil Jans- to use their skills to create something sen, Zhe Xuan Chua, Felicia Tai and to give back to the community and, James Thompson – went on to win as Tim remarked, this year the focus the event with their app, “carbon- shifted markedly towards the place calculator”. for computing in the fight against vulture.
ARTS◀ The ulTimATely TRAgic life of RogeR ScRu- Ton ∙ 20 film & TV◀ hollywood’S femAle diRecToR pRoblem ∙ 24 fAShion◀ Illustration by cucfS SuppoRTS clienTeARTh foR TheiR Kate Towsey 2020 Show ∙ 30 20 Vulture A e ultimately tragic life of Roger Scruton (1944-2020) Harry Goodwin paints a picture of the man who argued for the absolute importance of beauty, and, to his downfall, that of politics.
Content note: is article contains brief men- the Soviet Union’s worst savageries; yet he tion of suicide and extreme violence accepted the blessing of the British establish- hoes on the Danube Bank, an iron sculp- ment with knighthoods and the like. ture on the east bank of the Danube in Long a ter the Berlin Wall fell, the Cold War SBudapest, is one of the more beautiful coloured everything, Scruton wrote. He was artworks I’ve seen. It commemorates as enthusiastic penning hatchet-jobs of hip the 20,000 Jews who in 1945 were shot and le t-wing thinkers as he was working towards dumped in the river by Hungarian fascists. I an elegiac Tory philosophy of everything: art, saw it in 2018, during a Hungarian election freedom, God, sex, England. His fellow Tory in which Viktor Orbán maintained his hold intellectual Maurice Cowling, a far greater on power partly by peddling unhinged, anti- thinker and a far smaller man, observed that Semitic conspiracies. Scruton’s commitment to high culture had become a kind of religion. Scruton’s books – he wrote over ty - are ❝ charming, learned and fun. ey are some- His life spanned extremes of times even persuasive, though persuasion was never really the point. I used to love them, beauty and ugliness until in the months a ter my visit to Hungary, Scruton became more and more strident in his apologias for the country’s racist, hypocritical ❞ and historically revisionist regime. Roger Scruton, the conservative intellectual who died this month, was as eloquent a de- fender of beauty’s importance in life and art ❝ as Britain has ever known; he was also among Politics was the main current its most shameless apologists for Orbán’s gut- ter nationalism. His life, like the sculpture, of his life. Beauty knows no spanned extremes of beauty and ugliness. Scruton’s childhood was overshadowed by greater foe his drunkard father, a socialist who stopped speaking to his son when the latter got into ❞ Cambridge. Adolescent rebellion made a Tory out of Scruton. When he was a young aca- He failed to see through the former dis- demic, le t-wing colleagues considered Scru- sident Orbán’s schtick about Christian val- ton’s lukewarm support for Margaret atcher ues and national autonomy, just as he failed a blatant act of treachery. In life and on the to see through the New Statesman journalist page, Scruton never lost the air of awkward who consciously distorted Scruton’s ignorant vulnerability his formative years gave him. prattling about Hungarian politics to give the His rst marriage ended in heartbreak and impression that Scruton was himself an anti- near-suicidal depression. Semite. e same journalist later bragged in a As if to escape it all, Scruton threw him- champagne-swilling Instagram post that he self into the struggle to support dissidents in had ended the career of the ‘right-wing rac- Communist Czechoslovakia. He risked de- ist and homophobe Roger Scruton’. Scruton’s tention and torture in his e orts to help the immense body of work contains outrageously underground education network, and came stupid comments about many topics, race to love the ‘shy, cynical’ Czechs. Watching and sexuality included. But his friend Douglas dissidents sacri ce everything to preserve Murray was right in calling him bigger than Europe’s cultural inheritance instilled Scruton the age. with a similar passion. His was, however, far Bigger, but not, ultimately, great. Scruton’s more striking in its intensity. Unsubdued was writings never surprise, a tell-tale sign of his hatred for celebrity intellectuals like Eric lazy and dogmatic thinking. Nothing about ▲ INSTAGRAMMAUTAKIGUTHI Hobsbawm, who achieved fame by excusing Scruton was more noble than his articulate, Friday 31st January 2020 Vulture 21 ● he Mays 2020: More revolutionary than ever Caterina Bragoli explains why aspiring artists and writers shouldn’t be put off by the anthology’s prestige
Content Note: his article of hypermasculinity (par- contains discussion of trauma ticularly resonant consider- and rape. ing the piece was shot in a aybe in a few military-backed institution years this lot in Pakistan) was exactly the Mwill have me out mode of expression we are of a job,” Zadie seeking to capture within Smith famously quipped he Mays XXVIII: with an in the 2001 edition of he uniltered, unembellished Mays, which she guest ed- and unapologetic attitude. ited. Smith’s astounding Matt-Williams and the ed- literary career was in fact itorial team have acknowl- ▲ The May '68 riots in France sparked Scruton's unique brand launched by he Mays, an edged the power of this of politcal drive. (TWITTER/Id_COMMuNISM) anecdote the majority of newfound digital platform. Cambridge students will be “his year we’re hoping to sensitive and uncompromising insistence familiar with. Employing place more focus on the that beauty matters. "Beauty can be consol- the same wit that shapes visual side of things,” says ing, disturbing, sacred and profane; it can be works like White Teeth, her Matt-Williams, who herself exhilarating, appealing, inspiring, chilling." remark feels summative of contributed a piece of art- Roger Scruton, a writer of beautiful prose, he Mays: in its showcasing work to the previous year’s was all these things. he issue was that he saw of some of the inest new anthology. Considering he beauty everywhere in European high culture, writing and art from Oxford May’s previous literary-ori- and nowhere outside it. he predictability of it and Cambridge students, we entated take on showcasing all betrayed the absence of an authentic and are treated to a whole host student work, this develop- alert aesthetic eye. of work that surpasses any ment is crucial in broaden- Scruton always refrained from deining preconceived expectations ing the range of the anthol- beauty. Charles Baudelaire thought it a spark of student writing. ogy, and including as many between something leeting and something Since its conception in art forms as possible: after timeless. I like that. You can see it on some 1992, he Mays has been all, it is through visual art, misty Cambridge mornings, and on wet Lon- dedicated to providing a whether paintings or motion don evenings when the lamplight glistens on platform for burgeoning picture, that we are able to the pavement. You can see it in the works, and writers and artists, tak- access candid depictions of ultimately tragic life, of Roger Scruton. ing works that have been real-life emotion. I remember seeing beauty one evening in archived into notebooks Whether you are a poetry Paris. It was the summer before I went up to or diaries and showcasing novice or you have reams Cambridge, and I was visiting the city for the them to a broad readership. of paper stashed away, he weekend with my best friend. Hungover out It stands irmly amongst the Mays is the perfect platform of our minds, we slunk up to Montmartre to most notable student-produced antholo- ▲(LINda Yu) to present your work to an eagerly await- see the Sacré-Coeur. here we listened to the gies, falling into the hands of every major topics; Joanna Kaye’s After, a prose piece ing, literary and art-obsessed audience. It’s nuns sing vespers, before sitting on the steps literary agent each year, as well as making with a mystifying mise-en-page, discusses limitless in terms of scope, being deined outside the church and watching the sun set its way into bookstores across the country. life after rape. he fragmented arrangement not by genre or format, but by the submis- over Paris. We’ve since grown up a little, and With a prestigious reputation like this, it is of the prose is relective of the passing of in diferent directions. no wonder that he Mays can feel intimidat- time after trauma; the process of recovery Edmund Burke called everyday beauty "the ing, or inaccessible: in addition to this, the is not straightforward, but often isolating, ❝ unbought grace of life". He thought it died in catalogue of previous guest editors casts a perplexing and incomprehensible. The demystification of the Paris in 1789. Roger Scruton liked to claim hefty shadow. Patti Smith, Nick Cave and Ted he Mays XXVII, for the irst time, also that watching Marxist students rip up cob- Hughes are just a snapshot of the leading included an online supplement of additional anthology is a priority for this blestones in the Latin Quarter made him a igures hosted by he Mays. material from students, creating an easily conservative. Politics was the main current of he demystiication of the anthology is a accessible digital anthology, and relecting year's editor his life. Beauty knows no greater foe. ● priority for this year’s editor, Zoe Matt-Wil- its constant revolutionary cycle. Some of the liams, and the entire Mays team. “We’re just rawest work was exhibited using this forum ❞ keen to hear a variety of voices and genres,” of expression, particularly through photog- says submissions oicer Maya Yousif. he raphy, illustration and moving imagery. Mu- sions received. Constantly revolutionizing lack of a running theme or speciic stand- hammad Babar Suleman’s Unfeeling: a mov- itself, the anthology is seeking to include Want to write point means the anthology is open to any ing image was the piece that capitvated me even the most abstract of topics or formats. for Vulture? and everything, and the only way to make the the most. he black-and-white aesthetic felt Contribute to he Mays XXVIII, and play your collaborative project a relection of Oxford unyielding, stark and stern, especially when part in shaping the next anthology of bright bit.ly/ and Cambridge is to represent the variety of juxtaposed against the subject of the mov- new work. writeforvulture students they both hold. ing image: a young man, slowly unfurling Last year’s anthology, he Mays XXVII, his emotional state, reaching breaking point he Mays, Vol. 28 is currently accepting po- was the most important to date. It tackled and succumbing to his tears. his heartfelt etry, prose and art submissions until 7 Febru- some of the most stigmatised yet relevant dedication to male vulnerability in a climate ary. ● 22 Vulture ● Sensing history at Dennis Severs’ House Alex Haydn-Williams uncovers Georgian sensibilities in this most unusual museum
he saddest thing about history is By candlelight, he transformed each of its stuff. He wasn’t researching facts, ▼ COURTESY OF that we’ll never smell it. There is room into a living still life of eras from but instead collecting what he called “au- MATT BROWN T a place, however, where you can the early eighteenth century to the mid- ras: signposts to the thinking of other get close to smelling, hearing, nineteenth. But this wasn’t a National times”. He took them back to 18 Fol- and thinking what the Georgians would Trust job, anally restoring rooms to exact- gate Street and slowly assembled have smelt, heard, and thought. In Notes ly how they looked, and stripping away the exquisite, dark rooms that on “Camp”, Susan Sontag claimed that the how they felt in the process. This was are my favourite place in all of rarest and best type of history tells you to be the home of an imagined family of London. about the sensibilities – not the events Spitalfields weavers, the Jervises, who A visit to the house doesn’t – that define an age. At Dennis Severs’ would always remain just out of a visitor’s tell you anything: you won’t House in Spitalfields, East London, you sight as they passed from room to room find any wall captions; tours don’t just learn about these sensibilities and through the generations. are conducted in silence. and smells: you inhabit them. Severs worked backwards, buying But on a pitch-black Janu- Severs was an eccentric genius who household objects from markets and un- ary evening, it tells you eve- came to London from his native Califor- covering the sensibility that united them; rything, gathering all your nia with no money and a dream of old, building an image of knowledge about the Geor- atmospheric British light. In 1979, he an era out gians and Victorians (from his- took over what was then a der- tory books, Dickens, Blackadder) elict Georgian townhouse and turning it into a suggestion amidst light industry of a lived experience. A tour group and sweatshops: discovers the past through their abandoned and senses. We see the candles dance unrestored in the oozing reflectiveness since the of the hall’s black paint. At This all means that you can actually Victo- Christmas we smell real begin to live in the intimate spaces of rians mince pies, cooked in the the past, not admire them from afar; you left. 1730s kitchen with 1730s sense the proximity of the cups on the implements to 1730s dresser and the lowness of the ceiling. recipes. Everything is And so, you can feel what Severs was try- done authentically; ing to make you feel: an atmosphere he the curator, David, called “the space between”. His friend still assembles the Peter Ackroyd described it beautifully: Christmas display “the air between objects which becomes by candlelight, charged with their presence, that intangi- because that’s ble and ineffable ‘aura’ which holds being how a Christmas together in its capacious embrace”. display would Severs passed away a week before the have been as- millennium, but his personal history in sembled. the house is still entwined with its Geor- You can’t see gian inhabitants. In a tea caddy under the Jervises, or a table sit banks of polaroids taking in the tea-leaves these rooms, starting in the ’80s. Like the inside the tea- gloriously camp Harry and Meghan mug pot on the with- placed alongside old coronation souve- drawing-room nirs on a Victorian shelf, it’s an object table, or the cat that sums up this house’s mysterious that slinks about double life. The Jervises and Severs live the house and alongside each other now, as memories, hides from tours, restored every time a visitor crosses their but their presence is threshold. essential. The magical When I visited the house at the start of togetherness that makes the year, I found my breathing slowing as this house special relies my mind left the present behind. I forgot on it. David recently spent about a world that’s always switched on, £10,000 refurbishing the an- always streetlit. By the end, I’d begun tique carpet which the table sits to believe that every house around was on, but visitors are allowed to walk like this, candlelit and gezellig, that it was on it, because the Georgians would truly dark outside. The centuries between ▲Inside Dennis Severs’ have done. There’s none of the reverence were yet to happen. In my mind’s eye, I House COURTESY OF TWITTER that usually accompanies heritage, Eng- stepped out of the door and saw the stars SHARYNJACKSON lish or otherwise. once again.● EXCEPTIONAL BRITISH TIMEPIECES
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OXBRIDGEWATCHES.COM 24 Vulture Friday 31st January 2020 Film & TV Hollywood’s female director problem he ilm industry is beset with deep-rooted sexism, says Beatriz Valero de Urquia, but the future of women ilmmakers is not without hope.
▲ The Farewell, for which Lulu Wang failed to make the Oscars Best Director cut (TWITTER/INDIEWIRE)
he Oscar nominations were sistance towards granting women access to lem hiring actresses, it is much more ture as much as they should.’ announced last week, and the decision-making roles like that of director. complicated for female creatives to ob- In that documentary, Catherine Hard- announcer at the ceremony According to the 5050x2020 initiative, 96% tain a leadership role behind the camera. wicke shares the experience of directing T congratulated ‘the men’ who had of Hollywood film directors are male. Those women that manage to become di- Twilight, and how she was told that she’d received a nomination for Best Director. While the film industry has no prob- rectors then fail to be recognised for their never make more than the popular The Sis- By doing this she stressed the fact work terhood of the Travelling Pants, which made that, once again, no women have been The Chair of Time’s Up UK, Dame Heather nominated for this award. ❝ Rabbats, gave the BBC two reasons for the In fact, since the Academy Awards first lack of women in directing roles. First, ‘peo- aired in 1929, only five women have been here is hope, as the in- ple tend to recruit in their own image’: the nominated for Best Director at the Academy majority of directors are men, and they hire Want to write Awards: Lina Wertmuller (Seven Beauties), men. Secondly, ‘[directing] has not been a for Vulture? Jane Campion (The Piano), Sofia Coppola dustry begins to react to role where women have seen many other (Lost in Translation), Kathryn Bigelow (The women role models’. bit.ly/ Hurt Locker), and Greta Gerwig (Ladybird). challenges In the 2015 documentary Half the Picture, Only one of them won. Amy Adrion called out deeply-ingrained writeforvulture This is, however, a problem larger sim- sexism in the entertainment industry. ply than award boards failing to recognise ❞ ‘You realise what a loss it is that [women] female talent. What it demonstrates is a re- haven’t been able to contribute to our cul- Vulture 25 ●
$29 million. Even after the movie grossed more women-led features and more films Triet’s Sibyl. Overall, 13 female directors $393.6 million, Hardwicke was paid half by female directors, women - especially are represented in the 47-film official selec- as much for her next film and was not of- women of colour - continue to be sidelined. tion. This list of female nominations fol- fered the three-picture deal to direct the ‘It is an industry-wide crisis.’ lows the festival’s 2018 commitment to the rest of the franchise that is so often offered There is hope, however, as the industry 5050x2020 gender parity initiative. to men. begins to react to challenges. But this change has been created only Even those women that manage to be- The Cannes Film Festival is one festival by pressure and protest. The commitment come directors then fail to be recognised for came as a response to the 2018 red carpet their work. There was certainly not a lack protest of 82 of the film industry’s biggest of female candidates for this year’s Best ❝ names. The Cannes jury president Cate Director Academy Award. Lulu Wang (The Blanchett read their statement: ‘we stand Farewell), Lorene Scafaria (Hustlers), Mari- together on these stairs today as a symbol elle Heller (A beautiful day in the Neighbor- ose women that man- of our determination and commitment to hood), Olivia Wilde (Booksmart), and Greta progress.’ Gerwig (Little Women) could all have been age to become directors More festivals are committing themselves nominated - none of them were. to the 5050x2020 initiative, such as Berlin, The Academy is not the only award com- then fail to be recognised Locarno, Venice, TIFF, DOC NYC, and Lon- mittee that has excluded female directors don. Even smaller festivals like the Hamp- from its list of nominations. Barbra Stre- for their work tons, Mill Valley, Annecy, Oxford, Rome, isand still remains the only woman ever to Stockholm, and Goteborg have signed the win a Best Director Golden Globe, and only ❞ pledge. Some festivals have even managed four women have ever been nominated for to achieve near-gender equality: women it. Last year, once again, no female directors directed 46% of the competition films at were nominated in this category. Rebecca last year’s Sundance Film Festival, and 40% Goldman, chief operating officer at the trying to better recognise females behind of the ones at the Berlin Film Festival. Time’s Up, responded by saying that ‘who the camera. Their 2019 selection included The change the 2018 protest sparked, and directs feature films matters. It affects what four films by women filmmakers among the potential for change that it heralds, stories are told - and how - with far-reach- its 19-strong lineup: Mati Diop’s Atlantique, leaves us room to be hopeful about future ▲ Ben Whishaw stars in the Cannes Festival ing implications for women across the film Jessica Hausner’s Little Joe, Celine Sciam- prospects for the recognition of female di- nominee Little Joe TWITTER LITTLEJOEFILM industry and our broader society.’ Despite ma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and Justine rectors.
the anthology of the best ToxbridgeH writingE and art MAYS ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS 14JANTO7FEB14 JAN TO 7 FEB VOL. 28 themaysanthology.co.uk 26 Vulture M Interview:Beabadoobee Following a sold out show at The Portland Arms on the Dirty Hit Tour, Lottie Reeder and Alex Bolot talk to Beabadoobee
Cadet era, and there are loads of people B: is beach hut in Boracay in the Philip- who miss my acoustic stu , but I also want pines. I’d love to play there as you can just to go full on crazy and do band-y shit, so see the sea, right in front of you. I went I’m just gonna do a mixture of everything. there with my family and my boyfriend and was like ‘imagine playing here’. I wish! How has your music and identity as an artist developed from your new release, Who’s your style icon? Space Cadet? B: I wouldn’t base my style on anyone in B: I think I had the same in uences from particular. Anything that’s clean and smells Patched Up when I did Space Cadet but alright! I do look into inspiration from I guess when I was starting out I was Stephen Malkmus and bands from that used to playing my acoustic guitar in my decade like Miki from Lush, I mean I dyed bedroom by myself. I managed to get the my hair red to look like her! resources and my band together and got this opportunity to record in a studio with What advice would you give to someone a producer. at’s when I was like ‘Ok, let starting out making music? me start making the music that I’ve always wanted to make’, like music that people B: Do music because you love music, not can vibe to. Each year I’ve had a very dis- because you expect anything in return. tinctive phase, and I think Space Cadet was Keep creating and keep getting inspired, the blue hair phase where every song was go out of your way to nd things to inspire pretty vibey. you.
Who are your music inspirations? What inspires you apart from lm?
B: Elliott Smith, Daniel Johnston, Kimya B: Loads of my music in uences, my boy- Dawson are probably the people who have friend, my friends, my past experiences inspired me to actually make music. In growing up, everything I go through right terms of the type of music I make, I have now. Music is a good release for me, every a lot of in uences, I know I talk about time I feel shit I write a song and feel ten Pavement a lot but I just really like the times better ater because I get gassed guitar tones and the way he plays… it’s about the song! I do it for myself really, but ▲ Beabadoobee has released five EPs with such a distinctive style and that has kind of if people fuck with it and get it and under- Dirty Hit, each with a different theme, B: So I think a lot of it comes from the inspired me to develop my own distinctive stand and it helps them, then that’s just establishing a strong fan base INSTAGRAM music I listen to and the people I look up style and be myself. I didn’t have any guitar like, you know, win-win. RADVXZ to, such as Pavement and Miki from Lush. teachers… but it’s my own way of doing it. When it comes to shooting music videos, How do you want people to respond to I read that you were inspired by lm I like collaborating with my boyfriend and You’re going on tour with e 1975, how your gigs? soundtracks, could you explain a bit his best friend to come up with really cool are you feeling about that? about that? ideas. I also work with Elliot Bech who B: I just want them to have fun! If you does all my merch and the cover art for my B: Yeah…. I can’t lie, I’m shitting myself. I’m wanna go and get fucked, if you wanna go B: I like the fact that you can attach a song music, who’s super cool! really excited and really grateful but also and just vibe and chill just do whatever to a certain scene and you can imagine so terri ed. Being 19 and getting thrown into you want! I want people to feel really com- many things just from listening to a piece What’s the inspiration behind your playing arenas is crazy. It’s exciting as fuck fortable and feel like they can make friends of music. I think that’s what I nd so inter- music videos? and I hope people vibe with it and appre- in the crowd. is is our rst headliner esting about soundtracks. Like Good Will ciate that I’m doing it at my age. But I’m back in the UK and me and the band have Hunting’s soundtrack is fricking amazing, B: Me, Soren and Amir always think of fucking excited, it’s such an experience! been so used to playing shows in the US, so and obviously the Juno soundtrack with ideas together and we all have the same ex- I don’t know what this is going to be like! Kimya Dawson who I think is a genius. act lm taste, and we’re all inspired by the How did you get signed to Dirty Hit? I’m nervous to see if people fuck with it! When you think of ‘Treehouse’ by Kimya same things. I really trust their opinions, And hopefully it will be OK. Dawson you automatically think of that they trust my opinion so we kind of base it B: I released music with Oscar Lang, I used movie (Juno), and I think that’s really cool. o each other. ey’re very conceptual so to record stu in his bedroom. We didn’t Where are you most looking forward to they always think of the storyline within really expect anything of it, but these labels playing on this tour? If you could pick one lm that your mu- the music video. started getting interested, and that’s how sic would be the soundtrack of, which it really happened. I initially saw it as a B: I’d say Bournemouth, loads of my lm would you pick? Where do you see your music and crea- side thing, as I really want to be a nurs- friends go to uni there. And Brighton, and tive ideas going in 2020? ery teacher! When I got signed Oscar got Cambridge! B: Hmmm… probably a coming of age signed very soon ater, I think he’s a very movie like 20th Century Women or Ladybird. B: I think I’m going to branch out more. talented guy, he’s helped me put my music Who would be your Desert Island Discs Or probably another Scott Pilgrim… that My discography goes from Patched Up to online. At the beginning he was like my (one song, one album, and one artists would be sick. Anything with Michael Cera Loveworm to Space Cadet and they’re all lawyer/manager/person putting everything discography) in it, basically! completely di erent EPs. I think I want online/everything! to mush them all together and create this B: I never get tired of Spit on a Stranger by How do you come up with your art journey in an album, because obviously What’s your dream venue? Pavement. K’s Choice, Almost Happy. Good ideas? right now i’m in this kind of phase, a Space Morning. Vulture 27 ● Does Music Still Have a Place in Politics?
Looking back on recent years, Harry Taylor isolates politicisation and social awareness as notable trends for the future of the music industry
its themes. His wearing of Banksy’s Union Flag the same time as continuing to produce essen- stab vest was a highlight for many, emphasis- tially apolitical music. Nonetheless, she is still ing his position as an artistically varied and part of the same trend of using her platform politically aware performer. Similarly, over to e ect change. the course of the decade Beyoncé became ese trends seem to have accelerated to- increasingly outspoken on a range of subjects wards the second half of the decade. In Britain from presidential politics to police brutal- there was some opposition to austerity from ity in both her music and other statements. artists such as Sleaford Mods from quite early is began in earnest midway through the in the 2010s, but this was nothing when com- decade and marks a noticeable move away pared to the conversations being had in and from her earlier style. at all this can occur around music by the end of 2019. Likewise, the whilst continuing to produce number ones nomination and election of Trump intensi ed and working on more classically pop songs the feeling of an already active political music speaks to the way in which politics and music scene, drawing ever more musicians in. can coexist. Music and politics are therefore as close e internet has helped this. With the wide as ever, certainly closer than they were ten range of channels open to artists it has never years ago. Not only are musicians seeking to been easier for them to broadcast opinions. make their voices heard on more tradition-
▲ The old face of political music - Bob Dylan with Joan Baez ROWLANDSHERMANWIKICOMMONS is has also facilitated discussion of issues ally political issues, they are also helping to that whilst perhaps not strictly political, fall shape broader conversations about problems usic has always been political, therefore it is natural that movements from under the umbrella of protest. Here we might such as mental health and climate change. It and rightly so. In recent years, 1960s Civil Rights to 1980s anti-conservatism look at the dialogue around mental health is therefore possible that we are in the mid- this has been present around the to 2010s Black Lives Matter have been ac- being encouraged by many musicians. Ariana dle of another great era of politically inspired Mworld as protests have erupted companied by distinctive soundtracks. For Grande, for instance, has entered into candid music, where protests and anthems unite to and spread through social media and the instance, Kendrick Lamar’s Alright has become discussions around depression and anxiety at try to bring change. internet – the same vector by which music a common chant for the latter movement. A has become more available than ever. But the song from an album steeped in politics and music itself has become increasingly angled meaning, this anthem again demonstrates towards the political. Not content for their how the 2010s were a decade in which popular work to act as an escape from the present, music has consciously been at the forefront artists are attempting to e ect political change of popular politics. through their songs. Indeed, it has almost become expected of is is tied to visual exposure, as seen most musicians that they express political opin- clearly in Childish Gambino’s is is America. ions or else risk alienating their young fans, BUY ONE e attention that this release attracted had at as in the case of Taylor Swi t. In November least as much to do with the video, uploaded 2018, she released a statement endorsing two GET ONE FREE at the same time as the song’s rst public Democratic candidates in her home state of performance, as the record itself. It received Tennessee during the midterms. is broke 12.9m views in its rst 24 hours on YouTube years of silence that had produced headlines EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. and attracted numerous commentaries. It is such as ‘An envoy for Trump’s values?’. ough quite hard to imagine one without the other. she had spoken out on certain issues before JUST USE CODE: AT THE CHECKOUT is skilful use of the music video adds im- she had previously been avowedly neutral on PIZZA241 measurably to the song’s power. Not only general politics. is shi t perhaps suggests are Childish Gambino’s themes explored in that in a world that is increasingly polarised, further, o ten disturbing, depth but the video and with a vocally political music industry, also gave the song even more traction online. it is not sustainable for artists to avoid going is boost in the ability of an artist to convey public with their opinions. a political message is very much a project of e recent increase in political music has the social media revolution that has de ned also attracted well-established artists, and the last decade. even some to come out of retirement, eager ough in many ways thoroughly modern, to use their platforms to exercise in uence. A this is the latest phase of the long history of Tribe Called Quest released their rst album in the protest song, something which the current almost 20 years in 2016 just days a ter Donald crop of musicians seem well aware of. How- Trump was elected. e lead single from the ever, though ‘protest song’ normally evokes album, ‘We the People…’ is staunchly political, Bob Dylan’s cawing, derisive voice and twan- featuring parodies of Trump’s campaign, mir- gling chords, in a contemporary update, art- roring the themes of the rest of the album. THE OFFICIAL FOOD OF ists deploy samples to add layers of meaning In this country, and arguably on the less vis- to their music. Kendrick Lamar’s empowering ible side of things, veteran ska act Madness STUDENT LIFE ‘i’ is built around an Isley Brothers sample, the have released singles such as ‘Bullingdon Boys’ band who originally recorded ‘Fight the Power’ that call to mind their late 80s campaigning among other protest records. is link goes against Apartheid. 34 HILLS ROAD, CAMBRIDGE 113 HISTON ROAD further as the music video features a cameo In fact, it has almost become a sign of matu- CAMBRIDGESHIRE, CB2 1LA 24hr CAMBRIDGE, CB4 3JD from Ron Isley who quotes funk legend George rity to write a political song or album. Stormzy DELIVERY Clinton, himself no stranger to politicised mu- has always been outspoken and open in his 01223 355155 01223 359333 sic. Particularly when talking about ingrained political views. e last twelve months saw Click Tap the app injustice, this sense of inheritance adds to the this extend as far as ever with Heavy Is e /DominosPizza @Dominos_UK StudentsOfDominos strength of the message. Head, following a Glastonbury headline per- *Buy one get one free on medium & large pizza only. Valid online only. Free pizza must be equal or lesser value than the first. Communal singing has immense power and formance which attracted great attention for Not valid with any other offer. Offer can be withdrawn without notice. Available in participating stores only. Student ID required. EXP 31-5-20 28 Vulture L ● e life-changing magic of doing something you're shit at Maya Yousif finds joy in utterly un- instagrammable running
'm not being self-deprecating when fool for trying. ercise (close your eyes, and imagine the ing hard or not enough, and nd a lack of struc- I say that I am truly abysmal at However, I’ve carried a niggling jealousy you Don’t Want To Do in order to mentally pre- ture incredibly frustrating: as such, I’ve found I running. The mere mention of a of athletic people, particularly runners. It is pare yourself for it). Well, I had catastrophic something incredibly soothing about Sarah bleep test is enough to send me impossible to avoid the pervasive narrative visions of me ailing about with my phone Millican telling me to stop, start, stop, and into sweats – and not the good kind. Our that runners are tter in both mind and body. in one hand, and my love island water bot- start again. relationship with exercise is so often formed Running improves concentration, lowers your tle in the other. My keys? Lord knows where. by our experiences as children. If your risk of heart disease, strengthens your bones. Dignity? Can’t see it either. experiences, like mine, involved finishing e positives are endless. In today’s sedentary So, I went to Decathlon to get kitted out ❝ last in practically every athletic event, this society where disease is on the rise, improved and I’m not going to lie, I felt incredibly smug. isn’t good news. physical tness is universally hailed by spe- I walked straight past New Look and headed I have found so much joy in For context, I was a tiny, dyspraxic 11-year- cialists as necessary to give yourself the best into the hitherto uncharted domain of a ‘real old who possessed the unfortunate combi- chance at longevity, health, and happiness. life sports shop’ and bought myself a small something I am so terrible at nation of great enthusiasm and very little I’ve also just picked up a copy of Bella water bottle, a wristband to hold my keys, coordination. At school there was a kind of Mackie’s Jog On and am astounded by the ben- and a strange phone holder which you wear ❞ social currency in being athletic; a bizarre e ts of running on mental health. She writes around your upper arm. Very modern and correlation between those in the Netball A that taking up jogging a ter years of mental very swish, indeed. But it isn’t just that. ere’s been a conse- team, and those who got to kiss boys. I’m health di culties provided her with a space to Fast forward, three weeks later, I’ve been quence I didn’t expect or aim for: I have found sure you can imagine which side of the graph silence intrusive thoughts. If you haven’t read on twelve runs. I cannot believe I’m saying so much joy in something that I am so terrible I was on. it, buy it – or listen to her discuss the book on this, but I think I’m beginning to understand at. is morning I watched the sunrise on the It wasn’t for lack of trying (with both athlet- a podcast. She’s totally inspirational without the hype. My ability to focus has improved, I bridge looking over the train tracks during the ics and boys) – I certainly gave it a go. But a ter being preachy, and still extols the virtues of have more energy, and my tness levels are time I’d usually still be in bed. I’ve discovered years of being picked last for sports teams and wine and ice cream – my kind of hero. already improving. I’ve tended to run early the bliss that is running to Amerie, Christina routinely coming last in swimming, I resigned A ter years of resenting my inability to run, in the mornings in order to avoid the harsh Aguilera, and Chaka Khan as I plod along with myself to failure in the athletics department, I nally decided to bite the inevitable bullet glare of Mill Road’s inhabitants as I hu and an ever-increasing speed. and instead found comfort in drama classes and give it a go. I realised I had literally noth- pu up and down the pavement. I’m slowly learning that running doesn’t and books. Since then, I have avoided exercise ing to lose, and besides, running sounded like For any of you aspiring joggers, I would have to be competitive or traumatic, or even like the plague. To exercise would take me a more productive way of procrastinating than thoroughly recommend the Couch to 5K app to glossy and Instagram-worthy. Instead, it can right back to being that 11-year-old year girl watching vine compilations. guide you through these arduous rst weeks. simply be a way to show your body and mind who simply could not run and looked like a Before my rst run, I did a visualisation ex- I have a tendency to either work myself too kindness. at’s more than enough for me.●
▼ 'I didn't imagine I would find so much joy in something I am terrible at' FLICKRKOSALABANDARA Vulture 29 F ● Sorting out your digital life Chloe Fitzgerald discusses the changes she made to her internet use in order to have a more positive and productive relationship with social media ▼ REBECCA ALGIE had been before. I didn’t it and answer with something other than Best Friends at the moment, as it covers even feel like I’d missed out “because I’m bored and ignoring all the any and every topic in the way that my on anything particularly other things I could be doing.” Twitter feed might once have done. I try important. What I realised to have a book on me too. is that social media isn’t 3. Find other relax- I think the main thing that’s important something you have to do – with social media is using it in a conscious it’s a luxury, and therefore ing activities way. Social media firms use incredibly so- something that’s only phisticated technology to make sure we worthwhile if it’s bringing I found that often I was mindlessly spend as much time on their platforms positive things to your life. scrolling through social media apps as possible, no matter what we’re doing According to the Office for because ultimately, it’s relaxing, and it – Facebook, for example, makes 1 cent National Statistics, 87% of doesn’t require any skills or effort. So for every minute that an individual user adults use the internet daily, I needed to find other enjoyable and spends online. And they have one billion with most of them using it relaxing things that could be equally as users. So to be fair on us, fighting social for social media. And these easy to do. This step is easier said than media is never going to be easy. But fol- numbers are steadily grow- done, but I do try to always have a pod- lowing people you like, using it for things ing. Its ubiquity makes it dif- cast on the go. I’m particularly enjoy- you want to do, and essentially, reaping ficult to completely give up ing Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata’s its benefits is one way to start.● social media – and I myself haven’t. But I have made big changes to the way I use it, which I thought I’d share here. Student Sale 1. Unfollow-
ing people Now
Simple, but highly effec- On! tive. The first step for me once Lent was over was, as you might expect, unfol- lowing a LOT of accounts. I went through the lists of people I was following on each platform and asked myself if I really wanted to see what they were posting. It surprised me how many ac- counts I swiftly unfollowed. To avoid drama, it was mainly ce- few years ago, I gave up lebrities and brands that I unfollowed. social media completely for But just to be clear, you should unfollow Lent. I chose to do it to see if anyone who you don’t think adds anything A I could manage spending 40 beneficial to your social media feeds. days social media free, but what I found really surprised me: I enjoyed my life without social media. I didn’t want to go 2. Ask yourself the back to using it as much as I had before. I was noticeably happier after Lent than I difficult questions
This brings me on to my second point. You need to be in control of your own social media use. It should be consciously used Want to write for things like keeping in touch with family for Vulture? and friends, for example, or reading about interesting things. But so much of the time bit.ly/ I used to (and still, sometimes) spend on it writeforvulture is mindless – mindlessly scrolling, mind- lessly reading random things, mindlessly LARGE SELECTION OF SECOND HAND BIKES looking at random posts. A massive change I’ve made is trying to only use social me- FROM £75.00 dia when I can ask myself why I’m using 30 Vulture F CUCFS supports ClientEarth for their 2020 show In an exclusive interview, Vulture talks to members of the CUCFS team as they reveal the charity they'll be supporting for their 2020 show
hilst Cambridge University ❝ Charity Fashion Show’s mod- els, designers and fashion are sustainable and ethical pro- Wup to par with professional duction doesn't limit artistic runways, their approach towards extrava- gance distinguishes CUCFS from the ‘seri- expression in any way, but ous’ industry – their combination of fashion and charity, art and ethics, renders it one of rather allows for new and the major creative events of the year. Since their rst show in 2015, CUCFS has become di erent forms of creativity established as a distinguished and respectable event: rightfully so, considering the gure in ❞ excess of £50,000 pounds it has donated to charities so far. noticed the discrepancy between our increas- is year, the fashion show is showcasing ing awareness of having to reduce wasteful designers under the theme of 'Flux’ to explore fashion consumption and the continuation of “both this material process of trans guration fast fashion’s mass consumerism. “Fast fash- as well as the changes currently taking ion,” says CUCFS, “despite being convenient place in the fashion industry” through at face value, has basically no redeeming fea- the “breaking with traditional tures.” One of the many problems are the syn- norms”. With this theme in thetic bres, “which release microplastics into mind, CUCFS has decided to the water system with every wash, and which partner up with the char- won't decompose when they're inevitably ity ClientEarth thrown out in favour of newer styles.” In that – a charity aspect, I suppose fast fashion does have some that “uses the longevity – at least in our environment. power of the We met with Sophie Weinmann and Ol- law to protect lie Winters (Co-Presidents), Valentin Foley the planet and (Fashion Assistant) and Clara Balon (Beauty the people Director) to talk more about their views on the who live on it.” fashion industry in our current environmental During a time crisis and the decisions CUCFS is making in in which the the name of environmental consciousness, world is liter- especially with their choice of ClientEarth. ally burning, companies Why have you chosen ClientEarth? are mind- lessly wast- e total greenhouse gas emissions from ing and our textile production are higher than the emis- awareness of sions of all international ights and mari- our own envi- time transports combined. It therefore only ronmental de- felt right to also pick a charity with a strong struction has environmental focus. Client Earth was one not managed that stuck out to us because of its unique ap- to signi cant- proach to combatting climate change - they ly reduce it. are made up of lawyers and environmental Instead, envi- experts using the law as a tool to protect ronmental law the planet and the people that live on it. uses the judi- cial system to What distinguishes ClientEarth from other try to enforce charities? the changes that still may What really stuck with us in that approach never come to is that it allows Client Earth to address a vari- fruition. ety of di erent sectors and aspects of climate Scrolling change - from defeating national governments through social in court over clean air regulations to working media, I have to protect forests and oceans. Friday 31st January 2020 Vulture 31 ●
▲ (All photos: sArikA DAttA; MAke up: esMA GunDuz; CreAtive DireCtion: ollie Winters) aim at the cut lower industry - a massively institutional issue that needs to be addressed to team up with Jemporium vintage in their proitable business that destroys billions of on a structural level. however, there are dei- charity release shoot. hrough this photo- lowers daily - to a designer whose work is nitely options for students to be more environ- shoot, they're highlighting how students in How is sustainability relected in the design of made entirely from recycled festival waste. mentally conscious around their consumption particular can remain ‘fashionable’ and reduce the clothes and your choice of designers? choices. in collaboration with nu Wardrobe their damaging impact on the environment. How can environmentally conscious fashion Cambridge we recently put together a guide it is certainly safe to say i am looking for- We decided to make ethical and sustainable decisions be transferred from the runway to for students to be more environmentally con- ward to see what CuCFs is going to stage this production an essential criterion when search- students' wardrobes? scious on a student budget. some of the ideas year, especially considering their choice of ing for designers, while also keeping an eye we came up with were borrowing or renting Clientearth. perhaps this student production out for designers that used their collections it's about buying less often, choosing items pieces on vintage platforms or using online may be a hopeful glimpse into a future where to make political statements or raise aware- for both physical and aesthetic durability, get- marketplaces like Depop or vinted to buy pre- the right laws enable the mass consumption ness around environmental issues. We are ting the most out of the clothes you buy for loved items. industry to understand that “sustainable and incredibly excited to be showcasing designers your sake and the planet's. Most sustainable in order to showcase the accessibility of ethical production doesn’t limit artistic ex- that creatively address a plethora of environ- brands cannot compete with fast fashion re- and variety of styles that students can make pression in any way, but rather allows for new mental issues: from a collection that takes tailers’ prices and sales. his is deinitely an through shopping sustainably, CuCFs chose and diferent forms of creativity”. ● 32 Vulture Friday 31st January 2020 Friday 31st January 2020 Vulture 33 ● 34 Vulture Friday 31st January 2020 ● Fashion as art: the beauty of uselessness From runway to nowhere - the fast fashion antithesis? Isabel Sebode comments on the concept of unwearable fashion, its beauty, absurdity and necessary irrelevance
useless and functionless fashion seems to be solely fueling consumerism in a difer- ent way. Teboul acknowledges this, saying that “the grand contradiction of the fashion industry remains: it is based on endlessly selling something new to those that have everything”. With our current concerns about sustain- ability and reduction of waste, the question arises as to what extent unwearable art can be justiied. Whilst we might not be able to say that ‘unwearable fashion’ engages in the ight against fast fashion and wastefulness, perhaps this is not even the point. In fact, like other designers, Teboul does not focus her collections on the unwearable; she too has to make a proit. he need to sell remains in any industry, and designers use these unsellable pieces as their chance to engage in their craft, experiment with textiles and free themselves from the pressure of fashion to serve a purpose. Observe it, reject it or feel inspired – use- ❝ To renounce unwearable ▲ Edward Mohney's "camp surrealism" (Vogue) in the CSM MA autumn/winter 2018 ready-to-wear show (INSTAGRAM/ FLASHARTMAGAZINE) fashion for redundancy lying back to Cambridge at the begin- better. Recent years have brought with them a but as objects of artistic value. Regardless, would be to ning of the term I picked up the Ger- change, as many independent brands choose the message sent by avant-garde fashion man magazine brand eins. Skipping to construct their fashion shows in a highly is controversial. On one hand, it opposes renounce all art Fthrough the articles, one particularly performative way, rather than using them as brands such as Primark, H&M and the like, caught my attention: ‘aristocratic punk’ - an occasions to provide inspiration for the aver- whose main focus is production – as much, ❞ interview with designer Odély Teboul on un- age person’s closet. as quick and as cheap as possible, without wearable fashion. In her interview with brand eins maga- regard for environmental consequences. less fashion is forcing no one to wear an- Looking at the pieces presented in CUCFS zine, designer Odély Teboul (from the brand Yet similarly the outcome of fashion ything. It is simply the transformation of or shows by up-and-coming designers, one ‘Augustin Teboul’) comments on why she shows is waste, simply for a presentation materials into art. We are not required to thing seems to be common: the more pro- designs clothes that no one will ever wear. of clothes that will most likely remain in understand a modern sculpture, such as by vocative, unwearable and questionable, the For her, the function of fashion extends be- a showroom forever – perfectly installed, artist Kris Lemsalu, instead we simply look yond the wearable. She is “fascinated by the yet never worn. Or perhaps they will be at it without the pressures of attributing a material, the techniques of the craft and bought by the rich minority, where the sin- function to it. he main need is the need to making something new out of the old”. he gle piece of art drowns in a heap of cloth- distinguish: unwearable fashion does not production process and the creative visions ing. From this pessimistic perspective, need to serve a political, practical or envi- behind the production are what becomes ronmental purpose, but it is the manifesta- intriguing, not solely the inal product. Te- tion of the natural, egotistic desire to create boul is creating and showing: selling items without restrictions. for them to remain unworn, or to grace the Unwearable fashion is visual art, whereas cover of a magazine. wearable fashion exists to clothe. Brands like Teboul is aware of the controversy of her Reformation or Veja begun the movement craft: “it really is egotistic, just like it is ego- against harmful production, and high-end tistic to produce music or write poetry. On brands such as Sea NY contest the fast fashion the other hand, one does not want to live movement. To renounce unwearable fashion in a world based solely on functionality. for redundancy would be to renounce all art, Perhaps my art has a value in that aspect?” forcing us to live in a somewhat apocalyptic he key word is art. Teboul distinguishes world in which our awareness of climate between the unwearable and the wearable forces us to suppress culture. Perhaps, the pieces, both of which she includes in her problem of ‘unwearable fashion’, ‘absurd collections, thereby fusing art with clothing trends’ and ‘pointless clothing’ is not its ex- ▲ Edward Mohney's "Camp Surrealism" (Vogue) under the grand label of ‘fashion’. istence and purpose but the labels attached in the Central Saint Martins MA Teboul’s pieces are unique and her fashion to it. Classifying it as art ofers it the freedom autumn/winter 2018 ready-to-wear show shows provide a stage for these items, there- ▲ Sculpture by Kris Lemsalu it desires: the freedom to exist independently, (INSTAGRAM/ FLASHARTMAGAZINE) by presenting them as more than clothing, (INSTAGRAM/ RADIATOR_MAG) instead of serving others.● Friday 31st January 2020 Vulture 35 Theatre ● Not just a Fringe Issue Cerian Craske discusses the worrying prevalence of harassment at the Edinburgh Fringe
Content notice; his article contains detailed yes,” and attempted to hand him a lyer. discussion of street harassment “What’s it about?”
went to the Edinburgh Fringe this year for I explained that it was a comedy musical the irst time, along with half the popula- about pirates. tion of the Cambridge heatre Facebook Igroup, and it was a fantastic experience “Do you play one of the pirates?” He asked, overall. I had no idea what to expect when I taking a step closer. went - I usually end up behind the scenes in theatre, but on this occasion I was acting in I replied that I did. a comedy musical about pirates. Somehow. I’m still not entirely sure how that happened “In that case…” He stepped forward again to me, but I loved it. Our show seemed to at- and raised his hands in mock surrender. tract audiences of mostly children and elderly “Can I be the victim?” here’s a lot to people, all of whom seemed to have a fantastic unpack there. I laughed nervously and he time in each performance; particularly memo- went on. “I’ll take a lyer… if I can take a rable was a woman who once sat on the front picture of it with the most beautiful pirate.” row and gasped and laughed incredibly loudly at every panto-esque innuendo. However, my I made some excuse as to why I no longer Fringe experience was not entirely perfect. I wanted him to have a lyer, and he left. was introduced to lyering (bothering people on the Royal Mile to try and get them to come Firstly, “can I be the victim” is neither to our show) for the irst time - I’m naturally the best nor the most relevant comment fairly extroverted, so I wasn’t too worried which could be made about being a pirate. about having to chat to people and bother- However, most importantly - why do ing them into coming to see the show. people think this is okay? I heard similar stories about this kind of behaviour from ❝ other women (and men) at the Fringe; people seem to forget that just because Harassment is not something you’re playing a part, doesn’t mean you’re not a person underneath it. he comments I you should ever have to got were, at times, fairly funny, such as the multiple pitiful attempts at pirate-themed expect anywhere, and that pickup lines, but it all had the same creepy undertone. Harassment is not something includes the Fringe. you should ever have to expect anywhere, and that includes the Fringe - you’re there ❞ to have fun and to put on a show, not to get leered at by old men (I can do that quite A couple of people emphatically told me easily at home without paying for a train to fuck of when I gave them lyers, but fair ticket to Edinburgh). enough, I was lyering early in the morning I had a fantastic time lyering at the ▲ he Royal Mile at Fringe time (DAvID DIxON (CC-By-SA/2.0) outside a pub. Our director had decided it Fringe as a whole- turns out there are a would be a great idea for us to lyer dressed lot of elderly women who get very excited as pirates, talking to people in character - when you ask them if they want to take what could possibly go wrong? I learnt very over as Pirate Queen. Additionally, my quickly that the phrase “Be ye looking for friends and I got into the habit of letting a pirate adventure?” works fantastically on each other know when there were friendly children, and works entirely too well on a dogs on the Mile, a method of destressing ADVERTISE certain kind of man. I said it twice to older which I would thoroughly recommend. I men and got the response of “only with discovered mac and cheese pies (incredible) you, sweetheart” or “only if you’re ofering”, and bagpipe music (less incredible) and also and then quickly changed my strategy. got concussed by someone with a keyboard WITH US. I then found out that I didn’t even need (funnier than it sounds). I will never forget to engage with these men in order for them the memories I made but when I go back I’ll To advertise in any of our print publications or to ind me. I was sitting under the arches to deinitely be warier of what I say and where the side of the Royal Mile one day, taking a I lyer. I’ll also be fully aware that no matter online, please contact our Business Manager: break and scrolling through Twitter, when a how innocent I think my comment is, there man wandered towards me. will always be someone out there (inevita- bly the person I’ve just tried to hand a lyer tel : 01223 33 75 75 “Are you lyering for a show?” to), who will think it’s an invitation to lirt email: [email protected] or harass. Even if it’s 9 am and someone web: varsitypublications.co.uk Never one to miss an advertising opportuni- is playing bagpipes very badly across the ty, I replied: “Well, not right this second, but street.● 36 F 31 J 2020
Describing the indescribable: Ticketbridge: the highest the end-of- stage of capitalism term summary In the manic market of Ticketbridge, Lucas Pringle re- flects on the lengths we will go to secure a night out Trying to the explain Cambridge to your nearest and dearest? It’s a near-impossi- ble task, writes Maverick Fraser
eturning home from my I say goodbye to my grand- rst term at Cambridge, parents, and a few hours later I one of my rst ports of am having dinner with my close Rcall was the comfort of friends from home, who are now my grandparents’ home. eir studying at various universities almost infectious enthusiasm and across the country. pride in having a grandson who studies at Cambridge manifests “So how’s Cam- itself through the torrent of questions about my university bridge?” life before the kettle has even nished boiling: Let the questions begin. “Yeah, it’s really….”And before I answer, I take a sudden pause. How “Who are your do I describe Cambridge? What do I tell my friends? What do they actu- new friends?” ally want to hear? With a friendship group con- My grandma beats my grandpa taining members who attend the to the rst one, referring immedi- nightlife-laden universities of Not- ately to the variety of content that tingham, Birmingham, and Leeds, she has seen me post on social is it really a good idea to tell them I media with my newfound pals. once queued 90 minutes for a club Indeed, she is a cool, Instagram that never ceases to play High School grandma. My grandpa points to Musical songs? How about telling each picture and is keen to know them that one of my favourite nights their names, where they are from, out is going to a Wetherspoons on ▲ Sunday Life, less sought after than Wednesday Cindies, but a worthy competitor INSTAGRAM: @ VINYLCAMBRIDGE and what they are studying. the weekend because there’s a dance t a university where li- opened and the Ticketbridge begging your wit. But masterpieces require oor inside, and the DJ plays some brary desks are a second begins. masterstrokes, and you need these absolutely incredible remixes? Or home, and where isolation But alas, the marketplace is in tickets. Yet do you dare go the ex- “And have you maybe the time I stayed up until 2am Ais laughed at as ‘what we anarchy. You scan over the desper- tra step? Do you test the limits of in a questionable attempt to write an signed up for’, the Cambridge Face- ate calls – “Fourteen Cindies Tickets ‘Cambridge irony’? e voices of past found yourself a essay on Russian linguistics? No, they book pages play an integral role in please!!” – knowing that in some alumnus whisper in your ear: be the won’t want to hear that. university life, o ering small com- room in Cambridge (with a pres in visionary your college wants you to wife yet?” “…it’s lovely, the people are munal windows into the lives of the motion), your fellow Cantabrigians be, change the paradigm, break the genuinely really great,” which, to be student body. Yet putting aside the are praying for deliverance over Fa- mould! My grandma dives in for a second honest, is both the most important forlorn love songs of Crushbridge and cebook messenger. It’s time to thrust And so with the det hands of a one – and it’s a biggie. She’s joking thing, and also the truth. I genuinely Camfess’s secret confessions (and yourself into the market, screaming prodigy and an entirely misplaced (I think), although she herself was am convinced that the college system overused memes), Ticketbridge will for someone to make that sale. You sense of con dence, you attach a engaged to my grandpa aged 17, is outstanding for encouraging mix- always be my virtual home. write your rst drat: photo of yourself wearing wacky so I’m already worryingly behind ing amongst various year groups, At rst glance it appears to be just glasses. schedule in her eyes. I nervously subjects, and societies. a ticket exchange, but it is truly the “Two cindies tickets. £10” It’s perfect. ere is nothing laugh it o , saying that I haven’t “I now DJ at my college parties as marketplace of our age. Ticketbridge more to say or add – it’s uploaded, yet found a girlfriend. e next few well,” I say, throwing a ex into the doesn’t have the energy of a calm You suddenly know how your super- and ater securing the tickets in a seconds involve me gazing into conversation when it’s due. It is true, weekend grocery stall, but rather visor must feel each week, looking in hastily performed bank transfer, space trying to remember if, in the to a certain extent. I do choose the the desperate chaos of the stock ex- disgust at your work. How can you you head out into the night… buzz and excitement of all those music, even if it’s solely by pressing change, the frenetic energy of the hope to catch a seller’s eye with such Wednesday Cindies sessions, my the ‘play’ button on Soundcloud. bazaar. To look deep into this page is bland and ino ensive information? [12 HOURS LATER] future wife has somehow passed e great thing about Cambridge to understand the sheer desperation Drawing on the ‘takes themed nights me by. is, whether you’re a professional or that Cambridge nightlife can cause. too seriously’ energy within you, you A night that can charitably be As it was Christmas time, we an amateur, you can get involved. e stories, of course, are familiar. try again: called underwhelming is recalled were scrolling through the TV ere really is no pressure, and doing You are ‘that guy/girl’: Fez lineup for in drips as you check your pockets. guide, and my grandpa’s eyes lit up something just because you ‘feel like the next ve-to-eight months memo- “!!!DESPERATE!!! in need of two of No Camcard, no ID, no coat, no at the sight of ‘Carols from Kings it’ is a valid reason, and sometimes rised, in depth knowledge of boiler- your nest cindies tickets sir/mad- keys, no phone, no wallet, no College Cambridge’ being broad- even the best reason for doing some- room performances with >5000 am, one for myself and the other to recollection of awful decisions and cast by the BBC. thing. views, a zany pair of sunglasses ready nally bring [insert here your pre- questionable amounts of dignity When the term ends, I nd it an for any moment. But when it comes ferred ‘partner in sesh’] on a night remain in your possession. But “Is he your amusing enigma to speak concretely to the big day, you nd the college out, god help us. £123,456,789” ultimately, this is no problem. about the entirety of term. e beau- rep is MIA. Your wrist is undeniably You crack your ngers and open friend?” tiful blur that exists as a result of the wristbandless. Ater so many nights You gaze at your creation, and see your laptop. late nights spent working, the early listening to ‘NOW that’s what I call the smile form in your own Mona Lisa. My grandpa asks, pointing at hours outside the Van of Life, and all Oxbridge!’ anthems, pretending to e semi-ironic tone eloquently dis- “[LOST ITEMS] pleeeeeeeeeaaaase random at one of the members the sport, drama, music, art, and soci- have a good time, the thought of guises your desperate desire to buy help a cindies legend out :((((((( of the choir on screen. I respond eties that are compressed in-between missing a guaranteed ‘sick night’ is overpriced jaegerbombs listening to £98765431242069” in the negative, followed by an is one that is truly treasured, even if unbearable. With hours to go, only tech-house, and the comedically large overwhelming feeling of shame at it’s nigh-on impossible to capture it one option remains. Facebook is price is sure to impress all readers with And thus the marketplace rages on. my failure to become a BNOC. entirely. F 31 J 2020 37
ACROSS DOWN 1 ose that change voltage destroyed 1 Doctor stuck in dupe: a ra e (7)
1 2 3 4 5 6 ‘Nam 2 Dread a good person seizing new golf fortress containing resistance (12) (5) 7 8 9 e French in sloppily managed col- 3 Quarrel one friend concerning geom- 9 10 lege (9) etry (9) 10 Yellow pooch retriever covers (5) 4 Exercise in running competition (4) 11 Trick old posh fool (6) 5 How to remember married men re- 11 12 12 Battered? Take drugs beside journal- jected working ist! (3-5) in charge (8)
13 14 15 16 13 Also like spring (2,4) 6 River edge ower (5) 15 Game of Pitt’s: a ter drink, drink! 7 R.E.M. in a ter the instrument (8) 17 (3,5) 8 Late? Drained looney - lethal! (6) 18 19 20 18 A spy cuts wandering mild-man- 14 Waiter is high climber (8) nered person (8) 16 One who spins yarns: artist, tory, be- 19 May, perhaps, in home counties, 21 22 23 24 gins to tone begin to sell Eastern ancient city (9) 25 sweet treats (6) 17/26 Beating conservative at working in 26 27 21 Ballot replaces Right with Le t in alien assembly (8) area: one liberal success to start with 23 Nun is exception during that which (3,1,4,5) 28 is suitable for 18 Fetching game comes across dry (6) men and women (6) 20 Bigots exist amidst Nazis (7)
Doctor stuck in dupe: a rafße (7) 26 See 17 (5) 22 With long sharp things, son displaces 27 Local university ends coverage of king Cryptic Crossword #7 old naughty amongst Turks (5) insinuations (9) 24 Army unit admitted overdose of by Pitt* River edge ßower (5) 28 Sooo…rips toes - snapped due to drinks (5) bone problem (12) 25 Crack shot (4)
*Pitt is a pseudonym Find the answers online at varsity.co.uk!
Number theory Probability Numerical analysis Integer factorisation
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degree and be on track to achieve a rst class honours uali cation. Curious and passionate about learning, we’ll teach you everything you need to know. o nd out more and apply, visit .g h areers. o.u 38 F 31 J 2020
A journey to cycling success Being in control of two wheels and a bell can sometimes be asking for trouble, writes Sofia Johanson
he phrase ‘it’s as easy as of being an absolute irritant, all Triding a bike’ used to cut whilst occupying the moral high me to the very core. This ground – at least my form of trans- is because I, unlike the rest of port isn’t killing the planet. the universe, could not remain Seeing as bike shelters are over- upright on a cycle before coming rated, I opt for chaining my bike to here. However, I was determined a lamppost. I then pull it round so to change this. I wasn’t about to that it obstructs the entire pave- let something with two wheels ment, or better yet, splays across and a bit of rust defeat me. the road, forcing cars to swerve First things rst, I had to buy around my precious hunk of ma- a bike. So o I went to the cycle roon-painted metal. I unlock my shop, dragging my parents along bike, judging everyone around me for backup. A ter revealing myself for the crime of being foot-bound, to be an amateur, the sta mem- and mount it for the 30 second bers demanded they see the spec- journey from Mainsbury’s to my tacle with their own eyes. accommodation. Again, just be- ere are few moments more cause I can. mortifying than, as an 18 year I don’t remember the last time old, having your father stabilise I walked anywhere; as far as I’m you on a creaking old frame, all concerned, the council can scrap whilst your mother humiliatingly the pavements and convert the captures the moment for eternity roads into one he ty cycle lane. with a video posted immediately ▲ “I don’t re- I almost caused numerous ac- “****** *****”. I’m sure they’re all en, at long last, the true athletes on her Facebook. Perfect. Now im- member the last cidents in those early days, back just jealous. of this place can unite as everyone agine the sheer embarrassment time I walked when I was fuelled by a cocktail of Maybe you’ve even seen me else faces the onslaught of whining anywhere.” ooding over me as an eight- INSTAGRAM: @BOB pure panic and adrenaline. From with your very own eyes. I was bells and squealing brakes closing year-old glides past, smirking ir- BINBICYCLES leading a convoy of students the probably swerving between una- in on them. ritatingly as she pedals over the wrong way down a one-way street ware pedestrians on King’s Parade, Please excuse my manic arro- horizon. Yet, despite developing to misjudging the length of my bike or shooting the wrong way down gance. The last 5 weeks without some mild trauma from the whole and therefore cutting up (almost Trinity Lane whilst mocking those Brenda the Bike, and the self- occasion, I did bag myself my very literally) someone as I swerved who actually walk to lectures. All worth that comes with her, have own bicycle. into Sidgwick, I was a liability. of this is executed with one hand been rough. I’m frankly thrilled e rst week with my new Fast forward to today and you resting on my lap, just because I it’s now time to pump up her equipment was, however, no less wouldn’t even recognise me. Al- can. ere’s nothing like the thrill wheels – and my ego. than harrowing. New friends hur- though I still rock a hideous hel- tled away from me as I clung onto met, I am now an accomplished the handlebars, dreading any traf- cyclist. In fact, I’m so con dent ❝ c lights, vehicles, or right-hand in my pedalling that I oat e ort- turns. In fact, any stretch of road lessly amongst the tra c, ignoring Although occupied by any other person or the abuse hurled at me, claiming I still rock object posed a serious threat to I’m “on the wrong side of the road”, my physical (and mental) stabil- that I’m “going to cause an acci- a hideous ity. dent”, or that I’m a “****” and a helmet, I am ▼ “Negotiating the waves of wheels flooding Cambridge’s streets can be tricky business” now an ac- MARIO SANCHEZ PRADA complished cyclist ❞
Friday 31st January 2020 39 Sport College Football Weekend Round Up: 25th-26th January
division Emma beat Jesus 3-0 after a Sam Ernest superb performance. CUAFL Chairman In Division 3, Kings I came out 3-2 winners against Darwin I to keep their he weekend before the Cuppers inal hopes of promotion back to the second brought plenty of drama yet again in division very much alive as one of ive the college leagues with key results at teams within three points of second both ends of all league tables. place. After their 7-3 victory over Johns One of the most hotly contested games II, Selwyn I have both hands on the of the weekend took place on Fitzwil- division title with seven wins out of liam pitches where the hosts irst team seven and a seemingly unsurmount- battled to a 1-0 victory over rivals able lead of 9 points. Queens’ I on Sunday afternoon. Fit- In Division 4, CCCC stay in the top zwilliam kept the ball for long periods spot with Emma II remaining in sec- of the game, but the Queens’ defence ond despite only managing a 1-1 draw were solid, and it took a special long- with Girton II. Elsewhere, Selwyn II range volley from Joe Young to break keep their hopes of avoiding relegation the deadlock. alive with a 4-2 win over bottom side A red card for Fitzwilliam saw Queens’ II. Queens’ pushing on for the last 20 min- 38 goals in just four Division 5 utes, agonisingly hitting the post with matches provided much for the spec- the last kick of the game. he result tators, the two highest scoring games keeps Fitzwilliam three points clear being Peterhouse’s 11-6 victory over at the top of the table with a healthy Fitzwilliam III and CATS riotous 13-0 ▶ In Division 4, CCCC stay in the top spot (AnnIE HUAnG) goal diference, whilst Queens’ hopes of win over Johns III. challenging for the title are all but over after three straight league losses. Fitzwilliam’s closest rivals for the title remain Churchill I, after a feisty 3-2 ightback against Johns I keeps them CUAFL PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS within touching distance of top spot. After Churchill conceded a scrappy Downing I 4-0 Sidney Sussex I goal and a penalty their opponents FItzwilliam I 1-0 Queens I were 2-1 ahead leading into the inal Gonvillle & Caius I 3-1 Homerton I ive minutes. However, captain James St Johns I 2-3 Churchill I Burdock’s second goal of the game Trinity I 2-5 Robinson I followed by Max Turney’s last minute back post header secured Churchill’s CUAFL SECOND DIVISION RESULTS third successive 3-2 victory and an- other important three points. Emma I 3-0 Jesus I here was also drama at the bot- St Catherines I 7-2 Christs I tom of the table with Robinson secur- Trinity Hall I 2-7 Pembroke I ing their irst win of the season (5-2) against Trinity as their attempts to ❝ CUAFL THIRD DIVISION RESULTS pull of a Watford-esque great escape A red card for continues. he pick of the goals here Churchill II 1-2 Magdelene I came from Lawrence Atkins, whose Fitzwilliam Darwin I 2-3 Kings I half volley from the edge of the box saw Queens’ Gonville & Caius II 3-0 Jesus II soared high before cannoning in of St Johns II 3-7 Selwyn I the crossbar. Trinity remain winless pushing on Trinity II 2-3 Clare I and pointless in 10th place. for the last Robinson’s win, along with Sid- CUAFL FOURTH DIVISION RESULTS ney Sussex’s unconvincing 0-4 loss to 20 minutes, Downing, sets up a vital game for the agonisingly Emma II 1-1 Girton II fellow strugglers in two week’s time at Selwyn II 4-2 Queens II John’s playing ields. he other result hitting the in Division 1 was Caius’s 3-1 win over post with the CUAFL FIFTH DIVISION RESULTS in-form Homerton. last kick of In Division 2, Pembroke’s emphatic Christ’s II 1-4 Robison III 7-2 win over Trinity Hall leaves them the game Fitzwilliam III 6-11 Peterhouse only two points away from guaran- ❞ St Johns III 0-13 CATS & CSVPA teeing promotion with two games in Trinity Bruces 2-1 St Catherines II hand whilst simultaneously dampen- ing Trinity Hall’s own hopes of pro- motion. Christ’s remain rock bottom and pointless after their 7-2 loss to St Catherines which will leave them rel- egated come the end of the season if Full tables, ixtures and results can be Girton pick up any points over their found on the FA website. inal four matches. Elsewhere in the 40 Friday 31st January 2020 Sport Inside: College Football Weekend Roundup Remembering Kobe Bryant: A legacy from the court to the cutting room Sports Editor Joseph Powell examines the life and career of a sporting titan
obe Bryant’s tragic passing posed above lies with the other con- on Sunday, alongside his 13- ▶ Kobe Bryant irmed loss in Sunday’s tragic episode. year-old-daughter Gianna poised to shoot Gianna was poised to carry her father’s Kand seven other passengers, for the LA Lakers basketball legacy forward, aspiring to has forced the world to relect on the (WIKIMEDIA/SGT. play for the University of Connecticut unparalleled legacy of one of the biggest JOSEPH A. LEE) and eventually enter the WNBA. Her in- global icons in sport, let alone basketball. volvement in the sport captivated her As a sport far from the levels of status father, who coached her high school or familiarity it possesses in the US, it team and accompanied her to contests is testament to Kobe’s magnetism and nationwide, including the youth tourna- transcendence that his passing should ment which was the helicopter’s inal receive the wall-to-wall coverage that it destination on this fateful trip. has in the UK. He was a truly enigmatic his father’s pride in his protégée talent, able to reach beyond the walls of was clear. Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel the STAPLES Centre fortress of his be- in 2018, Bryant said of his second-born loved LA Lakers and around the world. that: “he best thing that happens is Preliminary reports suggest foggy when we go out and fans come up to conditions (conditions which led the me, and she’ll be standing next to me LAPD to ground its aerial leet) con- and they’ll be like: ‘You’ve got to have tributed to the helicopter in which the a boy. You and [wife Vanessa] have got former shooting guard was travelling to to have a boy, someone to carry on the plummet to the ground near Calabasas, California. ❝ But it is not this tragic ending to the esteemed life and career of Kobe Bry- [Gianna’s] involvement ant that will deine it, as a global icon in the sport clearly capti- is remembered. vated her father, involv- Born to former NBA player Joe ‘Jel- ❝ lybean’ Bryant and Pamela Cox Bryant, ing himself intimately by Kobe’s childhood was always likely to A truly enig- coaching her high school be one built around the game he would matic talent, make his own. Although initially raised team and accompanying in Philadelphia, the family moved to Italy able to reach her to contests nationwide during his childhood so that Joe could beyond the continue to play professional basketball. ❞ here, the young Kobe acquired a fond- walls of the ness for A.C Milan and a luency in Italian STAPLES which would later allow him to conduct tradition, the legacy.’ And she’s like, ‘Oh, interviews and press conferences in his Centre fortress I got this. You don’t need no boy for that, adopted language. of his beloved I got this’.” He airms, “hat’s right, yes After returning to Philadelphia, his Shaquille O’Neal. he two were able to ing necessarily prompts fans to won- you do. You got this.” nascent talent began to lourish whilst LA Lakers form an unmatched shooting partner- der: ‘what could have been?’. With his Just one day after LeBron James over- playing for Lower Merion High School, and around ship that would bring consecutive titles dominance on the court a matter of took him as the third all-time highest- where he would make the exceptional the world back to LA in 2000, 2001 and 2002. hese historical record, Kobe was beginning scoring NBA player in history wearing move of representing the school as a titles were only the irst in a ceaseless a challenging move into a post-sporting shoes emblazoned with Bryant’s shirt freshman and go on to play all ive po- ❞ list of accolades; NBA MVP 2008, two career phase. Recently pondered by ex- numbers and ‘Mamba’ nickname (his sitions during his time there. Although more championships in 2009 and 2010,a footballer Peter Crouch and his team, tweeted response to which would prove highly sought after by the country’s most record of four All-Star MVP awards and this long-neglected area in the wellbeing to be his last), Kobe would meet a dra- reputable basketball colleges, Kobe opted an unparalleled 18 consecutive NBA All- of sports professionals is now receiving matic end that has left his family and for a characteristically unorthodox path Star Game appearances. far greater consideration in the UK. fans distraught. as he followed Kevin Garnett directly he magnitude of all these awards Kobe’s irst footsteps here were ce- But through James and others like into the NBA from high school, playing can be condensed into the intriguing tainly promising, claiming an Oscar in Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, James for an LA Lakers team he would spend fact that Kobe is the only player in NBA 2018 for his heartfelt love letter to the Harden and all those who grew up idolis- his career with. history to have had two jersey numbers sport which gave him everything, ‘Dear ing and emulating Kobe’s on-court ex- It was there that Kobe’s precocious retired by the same team; the Lakers Basketball’. Watching the short now ploits, his presence in his beloved sport talent would soon take centre stage. choosing to venerate this superstar in a represents a premature epitaph, not the is far from at an end. After three seasons on the peripher- rich vein of American overstatement as sign-of and new beginning its author Just as one legacy comes to an un- ies, he was able to break into a team old as the hills. intended. timely conclusion, another rushes fur- characterised by the equally eminent he tragedy of his untimely pass- But the real answer to the question ther forward.