College Voice Vol. XLI No. 4

Connecticut College Digital Commons @ Connecticut College

2017-2018 Student Newspapers

11-7-2017

Connecticut College

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This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Newspapers at Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. It has been accepted for inclusion in 2017-2018 by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author. NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 VOLUME XLI • ISSUE 4 THE COLLEGE VOICE CONNECTICUT COLLEGE’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1977 Art of Resistance Met with Choir Concerns Reality of Complacence Voiced, but not

Lauren Baretta Heard Opinions Editor Katey Vesta Social Media Coordinator The day after I gave a presenta- Between a cappella, choir, and MOBROC bands, the tion about the Native American number of vocal performance groups at Conn seems occupation of Alcatraz in 1969, awfully high for a campus of only 1,865 students. How- I entered Cummings to find an ever, one cannot deny that vocal performances are pop- imposing and impactful exhibit ular at Conn, with concerts like last month’s PRISM that proved the subject of my pre- expo drawing impressive crowds and large audition sentation was more relevant than pools creating a competitive environment. As in many ever almost 50 years later. Photo courtesy of Lauren Baretta aspects of student life, there are widely varying opin- Kent Monkman, a Canadian ions within the choir program about the true measures artist of Cree ancestry, recently of its success. The biggest disparity in opinion seems to be between installed a multi-dimensional art first-years and upperclassmen, with first-year students piece in Cummings that includes favoring the program much more than others. In fact, sculpture, painting, drawing, and of the eleven current members of Camel Heard—an ad- film. At first glance, an observer vanced ensemble open to audition for non-music ma- is struck by a realistic sculpture jors—nine are first years. Chorale, a larger group, has of a life-sized Native American 16 first-year students out of 24 total student members. man in a prison cell. The man Obviously, something has driven older students away has tied and braided the bottom from the program. of his blue-grey jumpsuit, wears “I did [choir] for the past three years,” said Moll his hair long and is holding up a Brown ’18, “I’m not doing it this year...it took a long time [to leave] because it’s the thing I like the most.” crude handmade feather. Bars en- Brown, a student of music education, explains that their courage the viewer to recognize biggest problem lay with the way the choir program is the man’s feelings of entrapment, run, especially on an administrative level. “It’s tough while the feather and referenc- when you pay this much money to go somewhere and es to Native American culture then the program is just inadequate,” they reflected. within the man’s clothes and hair Dara Pohl-Feldman ’18 is heavily involved in the demonstrate the power and resil- performing arts on campus and, like Brown, she was iency of his heritage. On a deeper mings, and even after repeated American tribes across the driven away from choir. As a matter of fact, last year level, the piece is a commentary visits, this exhibit has not lost its country. He explained his evolu- she and nearly every other member of Camel Heard on disproportional incarceration effect. The center sculpture de- tion as an artist highlighting the brought complaints to the administration about what they had experienced. “I organized about nine of us... rates for Indigenous Peoples in mands attention. Yet, on closer in- creation of his alter ego, “Miss spection, paintings on the wall are Chief,” as a turning point. Miss we sat down with Dean [Jefferson] Singer and Dean the U.S.; Bureau of Justice statis- [Marina] Melendez,” reflected Pohl-Feldman, “...noth- tics show that Native Americans also equal parts bold and satirical. Chief, a transwoman, challenges On Nov. 2, Monkman spoke to patriarchy, gender norms, sexual- ing ever came of it.” are incarcerated at a rate 38% Such grievances aren’t only limited to those pursuing higher than the national average. a group of students, faculty, staff a career in music, which seems to demonstrate a deeper I spend a lot of time in Cum- and guests from multiple Native Continued on Page 13 malcontent within the choir program. “I’ve sung in a bunch of choirs, I wouldn’t consider myself a ‘singer’ IN THIS ISSUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Continued on Page 5

NEWS OPINIONS OPINIONS ARTS

Jacee Cox investigates Jozette Moses calls for more Shae Albertson questions James Murray reviews changing enrollment diversity in theLOOK on the EPA’s aversion to science David Dorfman Dance’s trends at Conn on page 7. page 8. on page 10. Aroundtown on page 14. THE COLLEGE VOICE 2 • Editor’s Desk NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Weinsteins Beyond Hollywood THE COLLEGE VOICE In recent weeks, the name “Harvey Weinstein” has become a common epithet for The views and opinions expressed in The College Voice are strictly those of student authors, and not of Connecticut College. All content and editorial decisions sexual predators in positions of power. As many current news and media stories— remain in the hands of the students; neither the College’s administration nor its including one in this issue, by our News editor Hannah—tell us, the entertainment faculty exercise control over the content. industry is treating its many “Harvey Weinsteins” like a recently-discovered in- festation. With a reaction characterized by moralistic revulsion, panic, and shock, Maia Hibbett ’18 it’s as if a thriving colony of vermin has just been found in a cool, dark corner of Editor in Chief Hollywood. Many of us recognize, however, that shock is pretty unwarranted. The truth is that a lot of sexual predators barely need to hide and will be left alone. What’s really Dana Gallagher ’19 shocking now is that some of these men are, actually, losing their jobs, and that’s Managing Editor not due to the media industry’s deep righteousness. It’s the force of public denun- ciation—a force that one year ago was too weak to take Donald Trump down for the same behavior—that’s urging media giants to take action against the abusive men they have long employed. Following basic laws of momentum, more and more EDITORIAL STAFF victims have emerged to expose their attackers, harassers, and abusers on social Price Day ’19 media and in news outlets. In Hollywood, condemnation is finally on trend. While sexual assault and harassment might be huge in Hollywood—and under- Hannah Johnston ’18 standably so, in an industry so heavily influenced by superficiality—the “Harvey News Editors Weinstein” character is not exclusive to the entertainment industry. Sexual violence occurs everywhere, and abuses of power can take place in any workplace or envi- Lauren Baretta ’18 ronment, including academia. I want to remind all readers, not just students, that if Jennifer Skoglund ’18 they have a concern that has not been listened to, if there’s a “Harvey Weinstein” on Opinions Editors this campus who has not been identified, the Voice is here to investigate and expose. We prioritize and protect our sources, and though we cannot base an entire story Sophia Angele-Kuehn ’20 off of anonymous tips nor run anonymous articles, we will respect victims’ wishes James Murray ’18 of anonymity, especially when personal safety and job security are of concern. Arts Editors Sexual assault and harassment is a rampant problem, and I don’t want to create the impression that I believe media exposure will solve it. Let me make my stance on that particular idealistic notion clear: it won’t. What it will do, however, is put MANAGING STAFF the pressure of the public eye on the institutions and individuals charged with the responsibility of treating these issues, making the problem harder to ignore. While Saadya Chevan ’19 my hope is that there simply isn’t a single Weinstein-esque figure at Conn, my cyn- Business Manager ical proclivities and the statistical realities tell me that’s probably not the case. So if there’s someone in need of a platform on campus, send us an email. We’re here to Guinevere Feldman ’19 make your voice heard. Head Copy Editor -Maia Hallie Carmen ’18 Web Manager Learn more about student journalism. Reanna Kuzdzal ’21 Layout Contributor The College Voice meets on Mondays at 8 p.m. in the Emily Rubin ’20 Alice Johnson Room. Come by if you’d like to contribute, Katey Vesta ’21 Social Media Coordinators or just want to know more about how we operate! New CONTACT US writers, photographers, illustrators, and more are always [email protected] welcome. Contact [email protected] for more 270 Mohegan Avenue New London, CT 06320 information. thecollegevoice.org The College Voice on Facebook @thecollegevoice on Twitter THE COLLEGE VOICE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Features • 3 Community Bulletin Sports Corner By Hannah Johnston Election Day It’s the first Tuesday in November, and polling stations across the U.S. Women’s Cross Country Men’s Cross Country are open for civic engagement. The College Voice reminds readers to vote NESCAC Championship NESCAC Championship in their municipal, state, and special elections. 11th of 11 4th of 11 Women’s Soccer (12-3-1) Men’s Soccer (9-3-4) Trump Election Anniversary Marked by Activism Wesleyan W, 2-0 Wesleyan L, 2-1 Professor Daniela Melo, Professor Dana Wright, and alumna Yazmin Amherst L, 1-0 Middlebury L, 1-0 Fabian ’17 will present a panel discussion titled “Moving Forward: Ac- tivism, Organizing, and Social Movements” today at 4:30 p.m. in Olin Women’s Field Hockey (5-10) Basement (014). Wesleyan L, 4-3 Men’s Water Polo (8-14) La Salle L, 13-11 Women’s Volleyball (13-10) Washington and Jefferson Conn Alumna Donates $100 million to Art for Justice Fund Tufts L, 3-1 W, 19-10 Bowdoin L, 3-2 McKendree L, 7-6 Agnes Gund ’60, a wealthy art collector, recently sold an original Roy Lichtenstein painting for $165 million. Gund donated $100 million of the profits to the Art for Justice Fund, which aims to reduce rates of mass Sailing incarceration, restrict private prisons, and raise awareness of racism en- Victoria Urn Regatta @ Harvard (Women) 8th of 16 grained in the criminal justice system. Regatta @ MIT (Co-ed) 14th of 18

20. “Legend of Korra” mother 9. Govt. identification code 21. Before, in verse 11. Celebrity The College Crossword 22. Pig meat 12. Wan 25. Deny, in Lisbon 13. Wood chopping tool By Eleanor Knauss 27. Make believe 15. Viper 30. Quarterback Manning 19. Sheep with soft wool 31. “It’s the end of an ____” 22. Not there 34. Immature insects 23. 4-wheeler 35. Not flat 24. Savory British dish 37. Single 26. Graduate, abbr. 38. ____ Mahal 27. Palestinian independence 40. Passion grp. 41. Rainbow producing glass 28. Jogged 43. North Indian tree 29. Close to 44. Baseball stat. 31. Axis of ____ 46. Video compression format 32. ____ Speedwagon 48. Additional 33. Taylor of fashion 49. Dutch hip-hop group 36. 7th letter in the Greek 50. Texter’s laugh alphabet 53. Japanese sash 39. Head of groundskeeping at 54. McDonald’s rival Conn 57. Little 40. Becomes visible 58. Farm measurement 42. Boat shoe company 59. Trickled 44. Item donned after a bath 60. Lock counterparts 45. Soft cheese 61. Aunts in Tijuana 47. Grad school exam, abbr. 48. Tend to the lawn 50. Actress Minnelli DOWN: 51. Bills with Washington on them 1. Shock 52. eSports gaming org. 2. Road 54. Israeli artist Samuel ACROSS: 11. Resort 3. One laid by a chicken 55. Decay 14. Protective lenses 4. Lana ___ Rey 56. Fish in a pond 1. Toboggan 16. Tariff 5. Hang 5. College entrance exams, abbr. 17. SSW opposite 6. Infer 9. Performance place 18. Wound 7. Adolescent 10. Works with 19. Masculine 8. Snake sound Key: Page 14 THE COLLEGE VOICE 4 • News NOVEMBER 7, 2017 “The Ability Exhibit” Educates on Allyship

Sophia Angele-Kuehn who have difficulty with vision or fine- sive disorder, or OCD. running videos set up along the perim- tuned motor movements. At the very end of the room, partic- eter of the room. One featured Aimee Arts Editor One of the round tables in the cen- ipants could fill out a card, pledging to Mullins, an athlete and fashion model “There’s so much talk in this country ter of the 1962 room had three laptops be an ally for inclusion. One can be- with prosthetic legs, giving a TED talk right now of accessibility and disability with PowerPoints on famous people come this by educating oneself on issues on the abilities of the disabled. Another rights,” said Julia Kaback ’18, who is showed college students with disabil- an ally of the Student Accessibility ities discussing accommodations in Services office, which oversaw “The college. Ability Exhibit" in the 1962 room “I’d like students to know that this last Wednesday. is a topic that should be addressed on “This exhibit hopes to promote this campus,” continued Kaback in a [the] idea that disability doesn’t just personal interview. “A lot of people mean wheelchair, it means you can know I wrote an article [in The Col- do anything if you put your mind lege Voice] about this last year about to it… Conn has allowed me to see making our buildings more acces- that, and own my learning challeng- sible.” In her opinion, the current es,” said Kaback, who has a learning construction of Global Commons in disability. Blaustein is great since it means that “Allies for Inclusion: The Ability the College is investing in the lan- Exhibit” is a traveling exhibit that guages. However, “we should be in- goes to different colleges in order to vesting more into student well-being, promote ability awareness and in- and that means making our buildings clusion. This was the first time that more accessible, and giving the Col- it has been in Connecticut. It rep- lege a more diverse reputation that resents all disabilities through vid- doesn’t just mean black and white.” eos, displays, and interactive learn- In her article published last Oc- ing opportunities. tober, Kaback explored the “state of “Disability,” as defined in the accessibility services” at Connecticut Americans with Disabilities Act of College. She revealed how the Col- 1990, is “a physical or mental impair- Photos courtesy of Sophia Angele-Kuehn lege’s plan “Building on Strength” ment that substantially limits a ma- aims to have a more diverse and just jor life activity.” This could include campus, and how improving campus thinking, breathing, or concentrat- accessibility is therefore part of its ing. agenda. However, finance impedes Kaback, although identifying as this progress and changes are slow to disabled, believes that she simply come. According to her article, only learns a different way. “But when you five academic buildings are “fully ac- go into the nitty gritty, people always cessible” on campus. This could mean say, ‘Hey you, you’re disabled,’ but that some buildings lack electron- that upsets me.” ic door openers, have steps without Alyssa Paquin, the Learning and railings, or are without “curb cuts” Accommodation Specialist for the (places where the sidewalk slopes ARC and Student Accessibility Ser- into the road). Therefore, students vices at Conn, also wants students to with disabilities lack easy access to know that a disability “is just a dif- these buildings. In this way, certain ference, and not an abnormal thing.” students are not being represented All of the stops in the exhibit and addressed on campus. demonstrated this idea. There were Paquin wants to remind Conn towering, standing posters provid- students that “they probably know ing definitions and statistics (40% of someone with a disability, but don’t first-year college students in the U.S. know it.” One should not feel afraid cited having a learning disability in or be uncomfortable around those 2000), and tables covered with in- with disabilities, especially since no teractive learning opportunities. On one is normal. one table, a participant could place a If anyone wants more information glass bead in a jar representing a certain or has questions, the Students of Ac- disability if they know someone who with disabilities. “What is their com- relevant to the disability community, cessibilities Services office is located in has it. On another were gadgets and mon bond?” read the title at the top of listening to and respecting those with the ARC in Shain library. The College items specifically invented for disabled one slide. Below were pictures of David disabilities, and advocating for inclusive community should also be on the look- people, including an adjustable, hinged Beckham, Cameron Diaz, and Donald changes on one’s college campus. out for more related programming this keyboard and computer mice for those Trump. They all have obsessive compul- There were also four continuously winter. • THE COLLEGE VOICE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 News • 5 Understanding SGA Allocations Choir Concerns

Continued from Front Deverly Perez entry into competition.” Of course, there are restrictions taff riter S W for each category, and the commit- but I love to sing,” men- tee wants to make sure that each club tioned Lauren Baretta Vice President of Finance and Ad- comes prepared with serious and ’18, a Voice opinions ministration Rich Madonna, Direc- reasonable funding estimates. For editor who was a mem- tor of Financial Aid Sean Martin, and instance, in the case of artist, singer, ber of Chorale for three SGA Chief of Finance Amanda Yacos and speaker fees, Yacos said, “We will semesters at Conn. She, ’18 hosted an event in Coffee Grounds not fund speaker fees unless you have like Brown, found that titled “Where is your money going?” she was not satisfied either chosen a speaker/performer with what the program While at the Q&A Madonna and Mar- and communicated with their repre- provided her. “It wasn’t tin answered questions in relation to sentation about cost, or chosen sev- exhilarating, it wasn’t their specific areas, Yacos spoke about eral options and have as accurate as life changing in any her duties as Chief of Finance. She is possible an estimate for the cost. We way, but it was fine.” Illustration by Hannah Capucilli-Shatan responsible for club allocations, some- understand that the eventual event is A point of tension in thing that has been frustrating for stu- subject to change, but we want to see Pohl-Feldman’s, Baretta’s and Brown’s for improvement. “It felt a little rushed dents involved in clubs over the years. serious intent.” This is due to the fact experiences is when Professor Wen- sometimes, trying to learn specific piec- Many club leaders feel as if they do not that there are a lot of clubs the com- dy Moy, Head of Musical Education at es,” she added. However, these problems get enough money to run their club, mittee has to account for and a limit- Conn, went on sabbatical last year. Her can befall just about any choir, especially normal role was filled by her colleague or they find themselves having trouble ed amount of money, so they want to when trying to prepare for a concert un- Jeremiah Selvey, who was the source of der time constraints. funding events. This then makes many make sure that the money is fairly dis- much discontent in the program. “Pro- students wonder how SGA is using its tributed, and that everyone gets mon- Moy herself seemed optimistic about fessor Selvey and I didn’t get along…. I how the choir program is run and re- funds in relation to clubs, and whether ey for what they need. brought it to Dean Singer,” added Baret- this is being done fairly. ceived. Though unavailable for direct Whatever is decided after this first ta, “that kind of resolved the problem.” comment, she wrote in an email that her Yacos began the event by stating meeting with the Chief of Finance Baretta, Singer, and Selvey met and de- goal as conductor is “to provide an en- that as Chief of Finance, she receives and the Finance Committee in the termined the minimum requirements by vironment that nurtures [students’] gifts $368,000 a year to allocate to students spring can be subject to change. Ya- which Baretta could finish her semester and brings out the best in their voices through SGA. In an interview follow- cos said, “After the allocation process, of choir, reaching a solution that Baretta and artistry.” Obviously, the perceived ing the event, she informed the Voice we return in the fall to begin specialty described as “surface-level.” success of that mantra varies greatly de- Fortunately for those who agree with that these funds are not only for club funding. This is when clubs have un- pending on who is asked about it. Brown, Pohl-Feldman, and Baretta, Overall, the general student percep- allocations, but also include alloca- foreseen financial needs present once Selvey is no longer teaching at Conn, as tions for SAC, each class council, and again, and explain to the committee tion seems to be that the choir program Moy returned from her sabbatical. How- at Conn does not suffer solely because SGA committees and initiatives. Out their need.” Therefore, it is important ever, this might not be the solution that of the $368,000, only around $130,000 of malcontent with the conductors, but for clubs to keep in mind that money these students would have wanted be- rather has some deep structural flaws is used for club allocations. Currently, is set apart for specialty funding, and cause, for many, Moy is one of the rea- that need fixing. “The whole structure of SGA provides part of this sum to 56 that they can always request more sons they left the program. how choir is set up is wrong,” said Baret- clubs and organizations. money if something they had not ex- “I’ve spent the last four years trying to ta. “By forcing people to be a part of an Many students, especially those in pected happens. This specialty fund- get Wendy Moy fired,” said Brown. The ensemble, you’re encouraging kids who clubs or in charge of clubs, wonder how ing is crucial for clubs, especially those two clashed repeatedly because, accord- don’t necessarily want to be a part of this ing to Brown, Moy’s P.h.D in musical the amount of money they get is decid- that are newer or less organized, so it group to be a part of this group.” Conn history does not help her to be a good policy mandates that in order to take ed. TheVoice brought this question is important that they bring any ex- conductor. Pohl-Feldman shares Brown’s to Yacos, who explained the process. pense concerns to the Finance Com- voice or music lessons, a student must concerns with Moy’s conducting style, be a part of an ensemble on campus. The The SGA Finance Committee consists mittee, because that is what the com- insisting that Moy demonstrated a “lack of Yacos, four students-at-large, and backwards logic of being forced to per- mittee is there to do over the course of of flexibility with students and… incom- form a talent that one is trying to learn two SGA senators. In the spring, each the school year. petence in musicianship.” certainly isn’t lost on many students with club an allocation request form. The Many clubs and students in general The first-year perspective, however, a mindset like Baretta’s. categories include food, events, equip- have an image of the Finance Com- certainly seems to be different. “So far One must question, then, why there ment, referees, etc. Funding hearings mittee as a group of students ambiva- it’s really great… I’m really enjoying it,” has been no change in the choir pro- then take place to ready clubs for the lent to their financial needs, but Yacos said Katie Farr ’21, one of the nine first- gram. Clearly there has been demand year members of Camel Heard. Contrary upcoming year. As these decisions are argued differently: “In any case where from the students. As Pohl-Feldman re- to the expectations of many upperclass- called, nearly all the members of Camel made, the students-at-large on the we state that membership dues should men, Farr hadn’t heard much at all about committee, who do not occupy a seat have to cover the remaining expense, Heard went to speak with several mem- the “widespread” dissatisfaction with the bers of administration last year. Between in SGA. This is an important factor be- we are open to hearing about why you program. “I heard one girl say that she cause it broadens the range of opinions this extraordinary event and the mul- think that we should fully fund you; knew a girl who knew a girl who didn’t titudes of individual complaints, it’s a that go into these decisions. Addition- we’ve been convinced before.” The like [the program] very much,” said Farr, wonder that this issue seems to constant- ally, Yacos added, “during this process, committee and Chief of Finance are but that was the extent of her knowledge. ly be “swept under the rug,” as Brown put we consider membership, need, fund- flexible and willing to work with clubs Of course, even those satisfied with it. Unfortunately, it seems that answers raising account funds, past history, and who put their best foot forward during the choir don’t see it as perfect or in- may remain elusive for the time being, as events that they are proposing, as well the allocation process, and who give fallible. “Keep in mind, it’s only been a Dean Jefferson Singer, Dean Marina Me- as the possible rise in requirements for month or so,” advised Farr, “so my per- lendez, and Music Department choir co- them a persuasive and well-thought- spective is limited.” Even though she participation. For example, the Eques- out presentation. • chairs John Anthony and Dale Wilson enjoyed Camel Heard, she felt as though declined to comment on this matter. • trian Team will need to pay more for the ensemble certainly had some room THE COLLEGE VOICE 6 • News NOVEMBER 7, 2017 First Year, First Impressions of Social Life Christina Tougias especially important for first-years as they are meeting cial life seems to revolve around sports teams. Aiden many new people, making friends, and in most cases, Sachs ’21 said, “I think that in general a lot of the Sat- Contributor living away from home for the first time. While some urday night social life surrounds the sports teams, so students have settled into a social life that works for if you’re not on a team or [don’t] have direct access to a When choosing a college, many students are con- them, many first-years are still navigating how the so- ridge it’s hard to find a place to go or something to do.” cerned with how they can have fun in between all of cial scene works. She added, “but I mean people have kind of started their hard work. As a result, on-campus social life When asked about social life on campus, the major- to make the connections at this point so it’s definitely emerges as a defining feature in higher education. It is ity of first-year students responded that nighttime soon the ups.” Multiple first-years explained that making connections is important to social life and partici- pating in gatherings hosted by sporting teams. While the majority of first-year students agree that sports, and the parties associated with them, We teach in classrooms, are a very large part of social life on campus, some students mentioned other events, such as help entrepreneurs take their Cro dances. Many students said that the dances have been fun and that they enjoy that part of social life. Sachs said, “I really liked Fall Ball. It businesses online, build apps was super fun and it seemed like a lot of people, no matter who they were there with, were just to- to share healthcare information, gether and enjoying themselves.” Fall Ball seems to have been successful among the first-years and more. If you are inspired interviewed. With other dances, though, such as the Moonlight Dance, students said there was by impact that is hands-on, some room for improvement. Charley Nyzio ’21 believes that overall the dances have been pretty grassroots-driven and lasting, fun, but she said “I remember the first castle court dance that nobody went to, so that was kind of awkward for freshmen that ended up going.” apply by January 1 When the Voice posed questions regarding social life to upperclassmen, respondents gave peacecorps.gov/apply. mixed answers. Caroline Smith ’18 agreed that sports teams, dances, and gatherings at the Ridges and Winchester apartments make up a large part of on-campus social life, but also said, “there are definitely other sources of social life too, though, like a cappella groups, other performing groups like musical casts, even clubs and organizations like SGA or academic groups like PICA. What I’ve realized throughout my time at Conn is that most people actually have a lot of different social groups and settings, and also that there are a lot of different social scenes, it just takes some time to find them.” First-years also brought up that there seems to be limited space for social events. Students have been unable to get into events or gatherings because there is not enough room, especially because of fire code restrictions on venue capacity. Geoff Norbert, Assistant Dean for Student En- gagement and New Student Programming, mentioned this issue in an interview with the Voice. He said that student engagement is one of Conn’s strengths, but the limited number of social spac- es is a clear weakness. For an example, Norbert suggested: “Look at the MOBROC Barn for instance. We have such a talented group of student musicians who also bring great bands to campus. However, the Barn is not equipped or built to be a performance venue.” Norbert then offered a possible idea for improvement in the spacing issue by saying, “I think a modernized student center would have a huge impact on this campus CYNTHIA allowing students to have a place to hang out, Peace Corps perform, and gather for late night events in ways Volunteer, this campus has not seen.” He went on to say that Nicaragua administrators are keeping this on the table while

Continued on Page 7 THE COLLEGE VOICE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 News • 7 Understanding Enrollment: Why Did Conn Come Up Short?

Jacee Cox Andy Strickler, however, the College plans to elimi- plication fee at Conn is one example of this phenome- nate the application fee for this upcoming year. non. Another is the fact that starting with the Class of Staff Writer The complex layers of college admissions extend 2021, Conn now offers merit-based tuition discounts, even further. With 5,678 applications, Hamilton Col- following the model of similar liberal arts schools. In Recent declines in Conn’s enrollment numbers lege’s 2017 application numbers were closer to Conn’s June, the Hechinger Report mentioned this pattern of present an interesting situation for the school, espe- than other NESCACs. However, Hamilton only ac- incentivizing students with increased aid, noting that cially when compared to national trends in the college cepted 1,375 students, 24% of its total pool. When “admissions departments have been responding by industry. With a plethora of statistics available about compared, Conn and Hamilton’s numbers highlight showering applicants with discounts.” According to American colleges, numbers on admissions are a par- another important consideration of admissions sta- the article, ten years ago, the average aid award was 38 ticularly captivating facet. tistics: the struggle between selectivity and yield. If a cents to each dollar. In 2017, however, this ratio has According to the National Student Clearinghouse school is highly selective, it must be insured with a risen to 51 cents per dollar. Due to federal antitrust Research Center, which compiles data from 97% high yield rate in order to have a successful enroll- laws, colleges are unable to collude and discuss how of all higher education enrollments at Title IV de- ment number. Singer noted that increased efforts to to readjust tuition prices and financial aid favorably gree-granting institutions in the 50 states and the Dis- draw in more applications “may not undermine the for students. trict of Columbia, 38 states saw a decrease in higher quality [of applicants], but it could threaten the yield.” Changing college trends are especially visible in education enrollment between 2016 and 2017. Only The College wants the acceptance rate to be as low people’s expectations of the ideal college experience. 13 reported increases. as possible due to competition between schools of When students, and their parents, visit the school, In the spring of 2017, four-year, private, nonprofit similar prestige. In order to achieve a lower rate, how- their perception is largely visual. “What a dining hall institutions in the U.S. reported 3,703,320 enrolled ever, the school must incentivize prospective students should offer, what a college center should offer, what students, a 0.2% increase from the spring of 2016. to submit applications. Moreover, the College must an athletic center should offer,” Singer stated, have However, undergraduate enrollment at schools like be confident in its ability to enroll the appropriate changed considerably within the past few decades. Conn (four-year, private, nonprofit institutions) in number of accepted students, which is difficult to pin As tuition rises, people expect more from their in- 2017 is reported to be 2,589,207, a -0.70% difference down. stitutions, and schools are pressured to cater to these from last year. A serious implication to consider when evaluating high standards. When this happens, schools with larg- Conn reviewed 5,434 applications in 2017. The ac- these admission numbers is the College’s budget. With er endowments have an advantage, as they are able to ceptance rate for the year was 38%, with 445 students an endowment of almost $300 million, the College’s afford adjustments. Singer points to the frustration of enrolling. The College enrolled 472 students in 2016, spend rule (the percent of the endowment which is this pattern because “that’s not necessarily about what 480 in 2015, and 501 in 2014. Several other private permitted to be put towards operating expenses) is happens in the classroom… ultimately the important liberal arts institutions experienced a considerable typically set at 5%, equating to $15 million per year. aspect of what you’re coming to the college for is the increase in their applicant numbers. This dichotomy The College considers yearly adjustments in its op- interaction between you and a faculty member.” begs a complicated question: why not Conn? This erating in order to accommodate the fluctuation of Currently, Conn is looking to boost its appeal. But is not a glaring difference, but do the applicant and revenue. Singer mentioned that “ultimately that may advancements require funds, and if the school is not enrollment numbers represent a random hiccup or a mean some reorganization of the numbers of people bringing in as much revenue via tuition as hoped, how concerning trend for Conn? that are here,” adding, “that’s meant to be a slow and can appeal be achieved? Dean of the College Jefferson Singer provided in- careful process, that everyone will have input into One area of potential benefit for the College, ac- sight into the College’s historical relationship with en- thinking about.” cording to Singer, is the Connections curriculum. rollment numbers. In the early 2000s, the College re- Speaking to the school’s finances, Vice President As the school weighs more emphasis on the recent evaluated its admission goals and decided to increase of Finance and Administration Rich Madonna and change, Singer hopes prospective students will begin target class size to 500 students per year. Consequent- Director of Financial Aid Sean Martin addressed to visualize the benefits they would receive. “It’s not ly, budget predictions and decisions were made based students in Coffee Grounds on Oct. 25 about how’ just a new wrapper or something superficial, it’s actu- on the anticipated revenue from 500 students. Despite tuition revenue is distributed. A “tuition-driven insti- ally a radical change in the quality of education that this plan, Conn has rarely met this goal of 500. Said tution,” as phrased by Madonna and Martin, Conn is we’re offering, and it’s hard for people to grasp that Singer, “so ultimately that wasn’t, maybe, the most ef- constantly balancing its revenue and operating costs. yet because it’s new,” Singer asserts. Conn’s adminis- fective strategy for us, to keep projecting at a number Similar to Singer, Madonna addressed how enroll- tration seems to be confident in the Connections cur- we weren’t realizing.” ment numbers impact the College’s finances, saying riculum’s ability to entice prospective students in their Given the College’s inability to consistently yield that the College is responsible for figuring out how to quest to “reinvent the liberal arts.” 500 students per class, the College, according to Sing- live with and adjust to their numbers each year. Ma- For the time being, camels are not rapidly ascending er, is “projecting now for a much smaller number than donna and Martin also noted that despite changes in the endangered species list. Monitoring the College’s 500, in the 450-470 range.” tuition and revenue, the College remains dedicated to finances will be interesting, however, given the neces- Compared to several other similarly sized and meeting students’ full demonstrated need when allo- sary budget cuts to supplement for would-be-tuition ranked institutions, Conn’s admissions numbers cating financial aid. revenue. Perhaps the Admissions Office will be able stand out. Other NESCAC institutions received great- It is important to also consider the nature of the to produce a more meaningful analysis of numbers in er applicant pools and reported more selective rates college industry. When one or several competing 2018, once the College has received another year of of acceptance. schools change their methods of advertising to pro- applications. Time will tell. • Colby College exhibited notably impressive num- spective students, the bers. They received 11,190 applications and only ad- decision often forces mitted 15.8% of them, marking 2017 as a record low schools in both the for acceptance in the school’s history. Colby and Conn physical and competi- First-Year Social Life share some admissions qualities but diverge on others: tive vicinity to change both, for example, have eliminated their supplemen- correspondingly. A Continued from Page 6 events, including many of the dances tal essays from the application process in recent years. large number of the students mentioned, “There is always Conn is test-optional (allows applicant to submit test decisions the College developing the new Master Plan, and the something going on, even if it is not SAC scores, but does not require them), while Colby re- makes, Singer stated, concern is highlighted in the existing sponsored.” Nappo encourages students mains test-flexible (requires scores, but accepts appli- “end up being [made Strategic Plan. to browse the events posted on Con- cant’s choice of SAT, ACT, or SAT subject test scores). in order] to maintain When Sarah Nappo ’18, co-chair of nquest for guidance. She also asks any But one difference gives Colby a hefty advantage over our position with our the Student Activities Council, was asked clubs looking for funding or advertising many of its competitors: there is no application fee. peers who are making about social life on campus, she stated for events to contact SAC, which can This exemplifies a contrast with Conn, where applying those choices as well.” that she believes it is very diverse and help, since all clubs contribute to the so- cost $60 in 2016. According to Dean of Admissions The removal of the ap- inclusive. While SAC sponsors many cial life on campus. • THE COLLEGE VOICE 8 • Opinions NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Following Fashion Tendencies, theLOOK Lacks Diversity

Jozette Moses me about the fashion magazines he viewed during his given the ability to relay broad-minded notions to our adolescence. Yildiz frequented magazines like GQ and environment, so when students are placed outside of Staff Writer Vogue. GQ, a notoriously poor representation of inclu- this secluded community, we sustain progressive vi- sivity, is marked with the exclusive and unattainable sions from our years at Conn. Instead, theLOOK falls The summer before my first year at Conn, I per- lifestyles of the white, wealthy, heterosexual, cis-gen- victim to the majority standpoint on what beauty is. formed a thorough cleaning of my childhood bedroom. der man. When asked about his reaction to those While Yildiz did acknowledge that the current issue As I ventured underneath my twin bed, I was confront- magazines, his response paralleled mine, as he defined is not diverse, he went on to attest that “Sometimes ed by the inevitable collection of childhood relics. My these highly acclaimed fashion magazines as “warped we [at theLOOK] just forget” to incorporate diversity, collection included series of annual New York based senses of beauty.” The disconnects between his expe- a concept which I found particularly disturbing. As a fashion magazines. Over the years, I had accumulat- rience and those portrayed in magazines forced him member of a marginalized group, I do not want or in- ed a diversified set of haute couture magazines from to become more creative when purchasing clothes. tend to be forgotten. Bergdorf Goodman to Crew Cuts. My 10 year-old self In managing increasing societal ideals, he separated This notion of “forgetting” diversity is not just em- worshipped the ideals portrayed in these magazines. himself from constructed notions and fostered an in- bedded within the pages our campus fashion maga- They represented a highly exclusive carefree lifestyle— dividualized vision of what beauty meant to him. As zine. We see it everywhere, so how can we not be in- that of the white and wealthy concealed by 1,200 dollar we began conversing about his first executive publica- fluenced by it? In 2016, the CFDA (Council of Fashion jeans and 4,000 dollar tote bags. Coupled with the in- tion, I noticed that his replies contrasted the displays Designers of America) released statistics that 32% of creasing business of daily life and a maturing outlook depicted in the recent issue. When asked about the models from runway shows and model castings in on societal culture, I stopped the monthly acquiring influences of current societal stigmas on the fashion New York were non-white. A significant increase from and quotidian readings of my collection at the age of industry he replied, “There is so much creativity that 2008’s 13% non-white statistic, the increased percent- 13. I realized the types of people depicted in these isn’t western and eurocentric, but the industry shuts age represented significant changes being fostered in magazines were unlike me: a chubby, average height, itself off from creative minds and people.” I agreed, but the trade. In recent years, the industry has been mak- black girl. Over the summer, I threw out my magazine opening the Conn community to other creative minds ing significant milestones; Jillian Mercado, a young collection. But recently, as I scrolled through my Face- did not seem to be the intentions of this season’s mag- woman with muscular dystrophy appeared in Be- book feed and encountered theLOOK’s first 2017-2018 azine. yonce’s apparel line, Ivy Park, and Madeline Stuart, a issue, I conjured up sentiments comparable to those of If you haven’t yet seen the magazine, I suggest you runway model with down syndrome, recently started my summer clean up. take a look and formulate your own opinions. The her own apparel line titled “21 reasons why by Made- During the college admissions process, institutions magazine is separated into a series of fall trends, a line Stuart.” With time, these recent industry changes advertise diverse student demographics, which are dorm room review, profiles on model life, and two will be normalized in our society. soon visually dismantled upon a student’s arrival, and photoshoots: “The Class of 1985” and “Mystic Piz- Contrary to its current proceedings, theLOOK ex- Conn is no different. Until I arrived at Conn, I was za.” The Mystic photoshoot is a rendition of the 80’s ecutes a seemingly objective recruitment process to isolated from the realities of “Conn diversity.” When movie Mystic Pizza, which features six heterosexual attract Conn models. The magazine’s model selection I chanced upon theLOOK, I was frustrated with the white-passing couples. In a small blurb prior to the board utilizes social media forums and on occasion singular black person plastered on the front cover and initial photoshoot, theLOOK says they chose couples approaches students from the exterior sitting area of the seemingly endless photos of white cis-gender in- that “closely resembled the movie’s main character.” Blue Camel. Students are also strongly encouraged to dividuals and heterosexual couples in the magazine’s But why? A rendition is defined as a performance or contact the magazine if they want to appear in an is- contents. Recognizing the noticeable tokenism, I im- interpretation; accordingly, if the Mystic photoshoot sue. In improving and diversifying the upcoming issue, mediately became angered with the contributors to was supposed to be an interpretation of a movie cre- Yildiz and his fellow co-editor in chief, Grace Carapez- the publication. TheLOOK pushed me off the edge, but ated 29 years ago, it should have been altered to the zi ’18, have plans to reach out to other campus clubs given Conn’s current demographics, should I have ex- realities of our current society, not the society of the and organizations like Unity House and sports teams pected anything less? previous century. for collaborations. TheLOOK editors and staff are TheLOOK co-editor in chief, Yoldas Yildiz ’18, ref- I believe Conn publications have the power to ne- aware of diversifying the magazine, but we just can’t erenced experiences similar to mine when he he told gate ideals regarded as truths in our society. They are let them forget. • On Hollywood in the Age of Weinstein

Hannah Johnston lywood producer, has been accused by Polanski case from forty years ago, I re- Scorsese are just a few of the people that dozens of women over the past month alized the film industry is not as shiny as signed their name to a document re- News Editor of sexual harassment and assault. Many I want it to be. questing that Polanski be pardoned for of his accusers are very famous actress- In 1977, Polanski, a renowned and drugging and anally raping a thirteen- As soon as I was old enough to read es, including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth respected Hollywood director (“The year-old girl, because he’s good at his Dr. Seuss books, I started trying to read Paltrow, and Lupita Nyong’o. Piano,” “Chinatown”), pleaded guilty job. This crushed me. I greatly admired Entertainment Weekly. I couldn’t really In the cover story, James Hibberd to the charges of kidnapping, drugging, some of these people, and now there was understand what I was reading at first, writes that “collectively, the [Wein- and sexually assaulting a minor - in this an official document that proved they but once I could, the magazine became stein] revelations rocked Hollywood case, a thirteen-year-old girl. Before he don’t believe rape is a crime worthy of a bible for me. Television, film, games, like a seismic tremor that threatens to could be sentenced, he escaped to Eu- ending someone’s career. and music were a refuge from the many fracture and collapse an operating sys- rope, where he remains today. I found When combined with the wide- concerns and struggles I faced in my real tem that has long rewarded success by out about the incident in 2009 when I spread, tacit acceptance of famous di- life, and EW was a paragon that brought indulging a range of unprofessional read an article about the 100+ actors, director Woody Allen’s tendency toward news of all of those things together into behaviors and demanded a Mafia-like rectors, writers, and producers who had pedophilic and hebophilic behavior one place.I could sit down and escape code of silence from any who might ob- signed a petition requesting that Polans- (he married his step-daughter Sun-Yi into it once a week, every week. I still ject.” I really want to agree with his later ki’s crimes be pardoned so that he could Previn when she was 22 and had been read EW faithfully, as it still captures my assertions that this Weinstein incident come back to the United States. Many dating her since she was 18--well before worlds of refuge. has opened the floodgates and marks a people who signed the petition weren’t he ended his relationship with Previn’s The most recent EW issue that came real alteration in Hollywood culture, but surprising, such as known slime-bag mother, Mia Farrow, and he has been ac- to my mailbox featured a cover story it’s not easy to let go of my cynicism. I director Woody Allen, but others were. cused of molesting his adoptive daugh- about the Harvey Weinstein scandal. would love to work in TV or film, but Natalie Portman, Tilda Swinton, Wes ever since I became aware of the Roman Anderson, Harrison Ford, and Martin Weinstein, a famous and successful Hol- Continued on page 12 THE COLLEGE VOICE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Opinions • 9 As Negotiations Progress, Conn Must Recognize Its Debt to New London

Maia Hibbett the new state budget. Over email, Bergeron told me hosts are, understandably, different. While Clark pays that she is not yet ready to report updates from the over $270,000 annually, Holy Cross College, founded Editor in Chief conversation, as it is still ongoing. in 1843 and now with an endowment of $681 million, While Bergeron may not be ready to discuss status does not have a PILOT agreement with the City. In With Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s state budget updates, it’s worth considering how institutions simi- a 2015 article for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, signed into law, Connecticut municipalities’ uncer- lar to Conn compensate their host cities before Conn’s Nick Kotsopolous scrutinizes tax-exempt property but tainty about state funding has at last come to a close. decision is final. David Collins ’79, a Conn alumnus recognizes the contribution that voluntary payments According to The Connecticut Mirror via The Day, and columnist for The Day, routinely writes about the provide, writing: “Unlike Holy Cross, other colleges Malloy ended Connecticut’s 123 days without a budget College’s relationship to the City; he noted in an April have a PILOT agreement with the city, such as MCPHS on Oct. 31, when he approved what Mirror reporters 2017 column that Yale University pays $8.2 million an- University ($1.5 million over 25 years), Worcester Keith M. Phaneuf and Mark Pazniokas describe as “a nually to New Haven, and Brown University pays $8 Polytechnic Institute ($9 million over 25 years) and $41.3 billion biennial plan that closes major projected million annually to Providence. These institutions also Clark University ($6.7 million over 20 years).” deficits while boosting taxes close to $500 million per pay a respective $4.5 million and $2.3 million more in Of course, PILOT payments are not the only man- year; cutting municipal aid, higher education and so- taxes and fees. ner through which colleges and universities can sup- cial services; and sweeping tens of millions of dollars Ten thousand a year obviously pales in comparison port their host cities. As Collins notes in his April 2017 annually from energy conservation programs.” to multi-millions, but as Collins rightfully notes, Yale column, Wesleyan University recently established a While the mention of reduced funding for higher and Brown reside in a league of universities whose bookstore in downtown Middletown, presumably education likely raises alarms for Voice readers, this endowments could consume Conn’s a hundred times stimulating the local economy. At “Where is your is not the issue that most closely affects the College, over. “An English major, I never took a math course money going?” Madonna hinted at similar plans by which is a private institution. Changes to higher ed- while at Connecticut College,” Collins writes, “but I noting that the College intends to fund the construc- ucation funding will surely be felt at the University of know that a proportionate share of its own endow- tion of a raised sidewalk stretching from Williams St. Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, ment, compared to Brown’s, would mean Connecticut to Hodges Square. It’s a $150,000 project, and while and other public institutions, but cuts to municipal aid College should be contributing hundreds of thousands the State of Connecticut agreed to contribute $75,000, will hit closer to home at Conn, as these changes will of dollars to New London.” I concur with his claim— New London could not match with the other half, so impact our host city, New London. and his course of study—and from the basis estab- Conn is stepping in. According to New London Mayor and Conn alum- lished by a fellow Conn English major’s statistical anal- While this sounds like a nice and worthwhile ges- nus Michael Passero ’79, the State of Connecticut had ysis, I’d like to refer to the models set by less extreme ture, it’s important to recognize that isolated project been providing the City with stipended funding to examples than Brown, Yale, and even other NESCACs. funding like a one-time $75,000 payment is not, in make up for the tax revenue the City sacrifices for its At Conn, we like to compare ourselves to other fact, the same as prolonged support guaranteed by a tax-exempt properties, the largest of which is the Col- NESCAC institutions for their prestige, but NESCAC payment plan. And, though theoretically continual, lege. Every year, New London gives up $5.8 million in is an athletic conference, and many of our sporting business investments aren’t either: while Wesleyan’s tax revenue that it could otherwise generate from the peers are significantly older institutions. As a result, bookstore might provide economic stimulation, the College’s $213.9 million property. The state has been they often benefit from larger endowments. At an effect relies on the success of the business, so the prom- reducing compensatory funding year-by-year, as Pas- Oct. 25 forum labeled “Where is your money going?” ised economic support is less reliable than regularly sero told me in an early October interview, comment- Madonna said that after a 12.8% return on endow- scheduled, legally agreed-upon payments. Holy Cross ing: “This year, the money has stopped coming. It’s ment last year, Conn’s endowment is just shy of $300 takes a similarly alternative approach to economic possible we won’t get any at all.” According to Malloy’s million. At $3 billion, Brown’s is obviously bigger, and support, as Kotsopolous notes: “It just so happens that recently-released budget, the state anticipates spend- Yale’s—$27.2 billion—is, frankly, obscene. But some of Holy Cross does not have a PILOT agreement with ing a total of $59,122,160 per year in 2018 and 2019 our NESCAC “peers” aren’t far from this Ivy League the city, though it contributes $80,000 annually for on municipal aid for private tax-exempt properties, camp, as Williams College reported an endowment of five years to cover operating costs for the Worcester though the budget does not break down how much 2.3 billion; Amherst follows with $2 billion; and Mid- Public Library’s bookmobile.” This totals just $400,000 of this sum will go to each municipality. Though $59 dlebury has $1 billion. We may play the same soccer for Worcester from a college whose endowment more million seems like a big number, this total allocation teams, but we can’t pay the same bills. than doubles Conn’s and nearly doubles Clark’s. is drastically reduced from previous years, as the State For a less prestigious but more comparable point Not only does Holy Cross contribute less to the City allocated this category nearly $115 million in 2017 and of reference, consider Clark University’s payments to of Worcester than its local peers, but its geography $123 million in 2016. the City of Worcester. Clark was founded in 1889, just also seems symbolic. While Clark, WPI (Worcester As I reported in the Oct. 6 edition of The College 22 years before Conn, and now has an endowment of Polytechnic Institute), and MCPHS (Massachusetts Voice, the College recently concluded a ten-year PI- $372 million dollars, $150,000 of which they contrib- College of Pharmacy) are integrated with the City’s ur- LOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with the ute to Worcester as part of PILOT agreement every ban landscape, Holy Cross sits on a hill above the rest, City, during which Conn paid a total of $100,000, or year. Clark pays another $112,176 annually in taxes isolated both from Worcester’s gritty realities and its $10,000 a year on average, to New London. The pay- on its newer property, the Worcester Business Journal thriving diversity. Sound familiar? ments were officially considered “voluntary,” though I reports. And though much larger than New London, While Conn’s negotiations with New London un- found that they were actually motivated by the threat Worcester—the “second largest city in New England,” fold, the Voice will continue to cover the College’s of a lawsuit over misuse of property. Now that the set- as it often boasts—faces familiar plights: a former- plans and responsibilities. We don’t necessarily have to tlement plan has concluded, the College and the City ly-booming mill town, Worcester has since hit hard make massive monetary contributions to make a dif- have reopened the compensation conversation. An ad- times and struggled for years with poverty, housing ference, but as we consider our methods, we should ministrative assistant to Passero said that the Mayor insecurity, and the opiate epidemic. Like New London, keep in mind what kind of institution we want to be: met with College President Katherine Bergeron and it’s a city that relies on the economic support of its ma- a team player like Clark, or a distant hilltop presence Vice President for Finance and Administration Rich jor businesses, many of which are colleges. like Holy Cross. • Madonna last Tuesday, the same day Malloy approved Worcester’s relationships with the various colleges it THE COLLEGE VOICE 10 • Opinions NOVEMBER 7, 2017 EPA Leadership U.S. Continues to Distorts Climate Reality Neglect Puerto Rico

Shae Albertson United States earlier in the year, have Jozette Moses tion of whether Puerto Rico should re- also increased. All this is compounded ceive statehood. With a debt to private Staff Writer by ocean acidification, erosion, sea level Staff Writer creditors of $74 billion, the American rise, decreased snow cover, and more. territory is under significant economic Among multiple shortcomings, the During a recent news conference in The Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- San Juan with Puerto Rico officials and strains. In March 2017, the U.S. gov- Trump Administration’s approach mate Change (IPCC) is an international ernment vetoed Puerto Rico’s request to climate policy deserves particular the Trump Administration, President body which reports annually on sci- Trump said, “I hate to tell you Puer- to file for bankruptcy. As a result, the scrutiny. Though many Americans are ence related to climate change, relating fiscal control board reduced healthcare aware of President Trump’s withdrawal to Rico, but you’ve thrown our bud- to negotiations at the United Nations get a little out of whack.” His response spending and made significant cuts to from the United Nations Paris Climate Framework Convention on Climate pension payments and education fund- Accord, many are left unaware of the to the effects of Hurricane Maria on Change. IPCC assessments are written the American territory was an effec- ing, including closing 179 schools, in facts about changes in the Environmen- by hundreds of scientists who volunteer order to repay creditors. Unfortunate- tal Protection Agency (EPA). Environ- tive representation of the U.S. govern- their time and undergo multiple rounds ment’s lackluster attempts to rebuild ly privatised funding is not unfamiliar mental activists have made feverish and of drafting and review to ensure that a for the Puerto Rican government, as it agitated commentary on the issue, and the storm-ravaged territory. At risk of large range of scientific views are ex- throwing the budget a little more “out of has previously borrowed from external their frustration is entirely warranted. pressed within the community. endowments for road maintenance and The EPA has a Strategic Plan which whack,” the citizens of Puerto Rico have Last week, despite resounding evi- endured abysmal circumstances lasting healthcare costs. As a territory, Puerto ensures that Americans are “protected dence, the EPA pulled a group of its Rico would be unable to afford the es- from significant risks to human health six weeks with limited aid. On the main- scientists from speaking at a conference land, such a delayed response to a natu- timated $1 billion electric power grid and the environment where they live, focused on the protection of the Nar- repair without significant outside finan- learn and work.” But how can the EPA ral disaster would be deemed a form of ragansett Bay Estuary in Rhode Island environmental injustice. cial assistance; thus, Puerto Rican citi- ensure this protection when the agen- that was set to take place on October zens will continue to lose public funding cy is not allowed to recognize global At the onset of the storm in late 23rd. As made clear by the lack of cli- September, Puerto Rican citizens lost to finance hurricane repairs. Statehood climate change as anthropogenic? The mate change language on the EPA web- would allow the Puerto Rico to declare EPA website is currently being updat- electrical power, cellular service, and site, climate science is not accepted by water as a result of significantly dam- bankruptcy and gain further protec- ed “to reflect EPA’s priorities under the the current Trump administration, and tions from the U.S. government. leadership of President Trump and Ad- aged power grids. Currently, the Puerto in fact has been denied. New EPA lead- Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) From the U.S. mainland, however, the ministrator Pruitt.” In an April 28 up- ers such as Scott Pruitt and Mike Flynn humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico is date to the website, Associate Admin- is generating 37 percent of its standard have been quick to censor their own sci- output leaving the island’s 3.4 million being treated as a mere inconvenience. istrator for Public Affairs, J.P. Freire, entists, and the administration defends Mainland hospital administrations were claimed, “‘We want to eliminate con- citizens without electric power. In an their actions of censorship by claiming attempt to swiftly repair power grids, concerned by the product reduction of fusion by removing outdated language these conferences are not sponsored by the highly regarded medical commodi- first…’” Another update is set to debut PERPA contracted Whitefish Energy, a the EPA. Montana-based energy company, to re- ty, the Mini Bag, a small fluid bag used to on Jan. 19, 2018. Since the United States is a leader in dilute drugs slowly into the veins. Mini The elimination of “climate change” build power grids after administratively the global economy and technology, appointed Army Corps engineers lacked Bag production, along with 30 other from the EPA website is extremely prob- censoring science for political conve- medical drug productions which occur lematic. Climate change has been sci- a “sense of urgency” in assembling a nience and self-interest binds the Unit- team. In the days following the merger, in Puerto Rico, has significantly de- entifically proven as anthropogenic, or ed States to an immorality that does creased as a result of Hurricane Maria. caused by humans. While some disagree the Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo not resonate well with other states. The Rossello was advised by FEMA (Feder- As many factories are working under 50 with the existence of human-caused cli- EPA’s censorship of scientists’ discussion percent capacity due to the lack of pow- mate change, the vast majority of scien- al Emergency Management Authority) of Narragansett Bay is entirely ironic, as and Members of Congress to cancel the er, the F.D.A has created two solutions: tific evidence endorses the reality of hu- the Bay is one of Rhode Island’s most supplying factories with generators and man-caused climate change. NASA, for 300 million dollar contract. FEMA pro- important economic assets, according tested the contract had “significant con- resources to continue production or example, oversees Earth-orbiting satel- to the Democratic Senator Sheldon diverting the importation of medical lites and other technological advances cerns” noting that the company’s chief Whitehouse (RI). A collaboration be- executive, Andy Techmanski, came supplies to Ireland and Australia. Both that provide data, collected over many tween local leaders and the EPA seems attempts have proved counterproduc- years, which demonstrates the shift of from the same Montana town as Interi- essential for the future of this asset. or Secretary Ryan Zinke. Accusations of tive in supporting Puerto Rican citizens. climate on a global scale. NASA reveals While the EPA continues to be the sole While American mainland hospitals are that 2016 was the warmest year on re- wrongdoings were denied by both Tech- funder of the Narragansett Bay Estuary manski and Zinke. In comparison to the agitated with the reduction of the Mini cord, and that eight of the 12 months of Program, annually granting $600,000, it Bag, many Puerto Rican hospitals have that year marked “the warmest on re- seemingly unmotivated attempts of US seems odd that the EPA would not ex- powers in rectifying Puerto Rico’s main yet to recover from the storm’s effects. cord for those respective months.” The plain why they censored the scientists. Hospitals are not performing at their oceans are also absorbing much of the systems, the mainland American pow- Could it be because the scientists would ers took on an unusually rapid interest fullest capacities because there are lim- increased heat, while glaciers are re- contradict the position of the adminis- ited diesel generators; instead, factories treating in Alaska, the Himalayas, the in criticizing the executive decision of tration, arguing that climate change is the Puerto Rican government. producing American products are con- Andes, and even Africa. Extreme weath- in fact human-caused? sistently supplied with imported diesel er events, such as the hurricanes that The lack of equity in decision-mak- struck the Caribbean and the southern ing and exertion of power by American Continued on page 11 forces reintroduced the ongoing ques- Continued on page 12 THE COLLEGE VOICE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Opinions • 11 Sprout Garden Farmers’ Market: An Under-Utilized Campus Resource

Elizabeth Berry of produce within the dinning hall. Currently, the produce is sold only at Staff Writer the markets because this seems to be the most efficient way to deliver produce to Every Friday at Crozier-Williams, the student body. This may sound coun- students can get free and fresh pro- terintuitive, but Kirk explained that duce at the Sprout Garden Farmers’ Sprout actually makes “more money Market. In passing, I have seen baskets with the markets by collecting dona- filled with tomatoes and peppers, but tions rather than charging specific pric- this past Friday I stopped by to have a es.” In fact, Sprout made $100 in just closer look at what the market was of- one market from donations. fering. On this particular day, students However, the markets are not always could buy a variety of herbs, arugula, successful. “We don’t have a steady cli- and beets, all of which were grown on entele,” Kirk explained, adding that they campus in the Sprout Garden behind “rarely have students” among the cli- Cro. As there is no other food market entele. Kirk and other members of the on campus for students who want fresh Sprout Garden work hard to bring the food, the Sprout Garden Farmers’ Mar- produce to the community and make it ket offers students access to produce. accessible to students. Kirk wants stu- This particular Farmers’ market dents who live in independent hous- has been operating since the spring of ing to take advantage of these markets 2016, but since 2011, the garden has because “We [members of the Sprout held summer markets, which tend to Garden] have too much to eat and we Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Berry attract staff and faculty. The summer, want to give it out to the wider commu- spring, and fall markets are supervised nity.” One reason why there may be a that upper- other students, by the Office of Sustainability here at lack of interest in the markets is because classmen with kitchens have access to strike up conversations, and exchange Conn. The office helps “coordinate the students do not know what to do with produce on campus, especially if they tips and tricks about cooking on cam- space reservations and to manage the the produce. Even with foods that do cannot get it off campus, but it is also pus. However, improving the culinary funds that are raised from the markets,” not need to be cooked, such as lettuce, equally important to provide students resources on campus will only succeed according to the Assistant Director of students “Do not have a space to prep with readily available resources to ex- through student pressure. Thus, for the Sustainability, Margaret Bounds. the food and make [a] salad,” according periment with cooking. Kirk believes sake of the Sprout Garden markets and However, Bounds explained that “the to Kirk. “there are little things that the college having fresh food available on campus, Senior Fellow for [the Sprout Garden], Thus, I think there would be even can do” and installing kitchens is some- as well as promoting healthier eating Kira Kirk, and the Garden Managers more attraction to these markets if not thing that would go a long way. While habits, I implore students to consider if do all the harvesting and run the tables only students with apartments had ac- students should take more advantage of they are content with our current food [in Cro] themselves.” In previous years, cess to kitchens. Bounds agrees and the resources they already have, such as resources and begin to take advantage Kirk stated that Sprout would give the states that a kitchen gives you a platform the kitchens in Unity and Earth House, of what we have now, as well as discover produce from the garden to Harris, but to “experiment with how to cook differ- there could be improvements in culi- and openly make suggestions on what the club discovered that these items ent things and try out produce that may nary resources on campus. Kirk men- could be improved. • would get lost in the immense amount be new to you.” Not only is it important tioned establishing cooking or baking nights in the coffee shops or revitaliz- ing the abandoned industrial kitchen EPA in Knowlton as two possible solutions Continued from page 10 to this problem. Cooking is not Scott Pruitt claims that his redirection of the EPA is just about nourish- meant to advocate for an EPA that is not centered around ment, but also cre- activist discussion. The fact of the matter is that the EPA’s ates a sense of com- agenda is no longer dictated by science, but is now being munity between used as a political tool. students. Bounds I find it particularly frightening that the EPA claims one says that “cooking of its main goals is to “teach people about the environ- and eating together ment,” and to further “publish information.” The informa- is... a great way to tion produced by the EPA simply cannot be complete or build relationships fully accurate without the voices of climate scientists. The with people in your implications are immense for denying scientists the ability residence hall.” If to study and speak out about not only the well-being of students come to our environment, but the effect of issues such as pollution, these farmers’ mar- rising temperatures, and poor water quality on humans. kets they will not Beyond that, what does this censorship by our adminis- only have access to tration show about our legitimacy as a country based on healthy food grown reason and science? Will this encourage or discourage on campus, but also other countries from undergoing international relations the chance to meet with our country? How do we respond? • THE COLLEGE VOICE 12 • Opinions NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Harvey Weinstein

Continued from page 8 bravery.” While Weinstein has denied all allegations feels like he needs to be worried. The list of accused of nonconsensual sex, the usual practice of shaming includes director James Toback, political journalist ter, Dylan Farrow, when she was a small child), the victims has not taken effect in this case in the same Mark Halperin, Amazon Studios head Roy Price (who Polanski petition convinced me that Hollywood was way it has in countless other situations. recently resigned his position), and most recently, toxic. No matter how much I loved film and television, Many people have spoken out, and many are asking celebrated actors Dustin Hoffman and Kevin Spacey. I knew I could never really work in an industry popu- for reform. Actress Alyssa Milano, another accuser of Again, it does feel different to me this time; it seems lated by countless sexual predators whose behavior ran Weinstein’s, called attention to #Metoo (which was be- like some change might actually happen and some jus- unchecked and without penalty. Casey Affleck won an gun by a black woman named Tarana Burke in 2007); tice might actually come, but I still have reservations. oscar for best actor weeks after being accused of sexual a social media campaign wherein any woman can post Kevin Spacey, a close friend of the previously men- harassment. Director Bryan Singer’s “X-Men: Days of #metoo to indicate that they too have experienced tioned Bryan Singer, has been accused of sexual ha- Future Past” grossed $747.9 million a few months after sexual harassment or assault without going into fur- rassment and assault by several young men in Hol- actor Michael Egan III came forward with a civil suit ther detail about their experiences, unless they want lywood, including actor Anthony Rapp, who claims against Singer accusing him of sexual assault at the age to. The number of women tweeting and posting #me- Spacey attacked him when he was only fourteen years of fifteen. These types of incidents get attention for a too has come as a shock to many men, both famous old. As a result of these allegations, Netflix has sus- while, and then they fade away, especially after the ac- and not, but has been widely regarded as unsurprising pended production of Spacey’s show, House of Cards. cused attains a professional success. I will say that, so by many women. This is not, however, a particularly devastating move far, the Weinstein scandal feels different. In addition to those condemning Weinstein’s ac- for Netflix, as the outlet has stated that it was planning Instead of attempting to brush the accusations tions, Quentin Tarantino, noted director (films include to end House of Cards after one more season anyway. under the rug, numerous institutions in Hollywood “Pulp Fiction,” “Inglourious Basterds” [sic], and “The House of Cards is very, very popular, and has been have officially and unofficially condemned Weinstein. Hateful Eight”), has admitted that he “knew enough nominated for and won several awards (including act- BAFTA, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sci- to do more than [he] did,” about Weinstein’s behav- ing Golden Globes for Spacey and his co-star Robin ences, and the Producer’s Guild of America have all ior. He went on to explain that his former girlfriend, Wright), and I imagine that many people will be upset expelled Weinstein from their ranks, and his produc- Mira Sorvino, disclosed incidents to him. When and angry that the show may not return and that they tion company, Weinstein Co., led by his brother, has Weinstein stopped harassing Sorvino after Tarantino won’t get a final resolution for the story. My fear is that fired him. In addition, as Hibberd wrote in his article, made it clear that he and she were dating, Tarantino people will be mostly unwilling to sacrifice their fa- “women who went on the record to accuse Weinstein determined that there was nothing more he needed to vorite films, TV shows, media outlets etc. in order to were not dismissed and shamed for breaking their si- do. Weinstein has worked with Tarantino since help- condemn sexual violence. lence but, if anything, were widely praised for their ing to produce his first feature film, “Reservoir Dogs,” A large part of the reason that so many men before and has often been Weinstein have been pardoned by public opinion is one of Tarantino’s the supposed quality of their art. Woody Allen, Ro- greatest champions. man Polanski, and Bryan Singer have all directed im- Tarantino is the first mensely popular films that have done well critically, Negligence Toward Puerto Rico man to admit that he financially, or both. I think part of the reason it’s so knew enough about easy for people to condemn Weinstein is because he’s a ricane Irma. In Puerto Rico, aid arrived Weinstein’s behav- producer, not a person directly associated with the ar- Continued from page 10 2 weeks after Maria. In the interest of ior but did nothing, tistic product. Will people really stop watching Kevin maintaining positive relations with vot- and I appreciate his Spacey and Dustin Hoffman on screen? What about generators provided by American agen- ing states, distributing aid to represent- admittance of guilt, the actors and directors who are sure to be accused in ed states proved beneficial to the current as so many other the coming months? I think if people stop supporting cies. people who almost Kevin Spacey, it will be in large part due to the fact Diverting productions to other coun- political administration. As Puerto Ri- certainly knew have that he is a gay man and that his accuser was a boy at tries has left hundreds of workers without can citizens do not contribute in Amer- maintained that the time of the attack, not just because he is a sexual an income in the aftermath of the storm. ican electoral voting, standing benefits they were shocked predator. While Spacey’s identity does not at all lessen Jeff Rosner, a supervisor of pharmacy for distributing swift and sufficient aid at the news. That be- the severity of the crime, it does have an effect on so- contracting and purchasing in a Cleve- are less directly apparent, making Puer- ing said, Tarantino cietal reaction. land clinic, said: “I am fearful that this is to Rico a lower priority than mainland is not risking much I grapple with balancing my understanding of in- not the end of the shortage—it may only states. Instead Puerto Rico is marginal- now that he is an stitutionalized and normalized discrimination and my be the beginning.” Thus job loss in Puerto ized, excluded from the English-speak- established enough love of film and television, because so much of what Rico—where the current unemployment ing eurocentric ideals of the common director to make is portrayed is problematic. But I have a no-tolerance American and oppressed under the col- movies without policy for actors, directors, and producers who have rate of 11% unemployment is 2 ½ times Weinstein’s help. histories of sexual and/or physical violence. It seems greater than that on the U.S. mainland— onizing restraints of US powers. These Since the accusa- like a no-brainer to me, but rape culture is deeply could continue to grow. Job loss is not restraints work to limit educational tions against Wein- seated in our society, and as I’ve gotten older I’ve re- restricted to medical factory employees. fundings and increase poverty rates. stein came to light, alized that many people don’t see it the way that I do. Around the territory, the effects of Hur- Moreover, the high industrial lifestyle of dozens of prominent An especially hard blow came with the election of a ricane Maria are being felt in nearly ev- the U.S. accounts for ¼ of greenhouses figures in entertain- known predator to our country’s highest office. AnLA ery facet of life. Because students cannot gases emitted in the Earth’s atmosphere. ment and media Times reporter named Lorraine Ali wrote that “ironi- make it to school, for example, teachers From 1980-2012, temperatures in the have been outed as cally it was Trump’s win, a victory that seemed to sig- are unable to teach. On plantations, work- Atlantic Ocean have doubled and, as sexual predators, nal it would be another generation before anyone took ers are unable to work because farmland result, hurricanes have become more despite Woody Al- claims of sexual assault seriously, that’s set the stage violent and intense. U.S. emissions of len’s pathetic and for the downfall of Weinstein, and the other media un- has been ravaged by the storm. ignorant plea to the touchables who’ve gone down since Trump went up,” The lack of urgency in the performance greenhouse gases largely affect small is- industry that this and I hope her assertion is correct. I hope that people, of US forces acknowledges the hierarchi- lands and territories unable to carry out not become a “witch mostly men, will finally be held accountable for the cal value system in American politics. Aid rapid restructuring after storms. But the hunt.” Allen is ter- way that they traumatize and dehumanize others, but arrived in Texas and Florida with more Trump Administration has taken a clear rified of being held I’m not optimistic that anything will really change. I’ll efficiency than in Puerto Rico, as Texas stance on climate change, so it seems accountable for his continue to read Entertainment Weekly, though, and received aid before Hurricane Harvey hit, there is no need to throw any more legit- actions, but what’s try to use my limited power as a consumer to make a and Florida got help four days after Hur- imate situations “out of whack.” • really terrifying is difference in the industry that produces some of my that he only just now favorite things. • THE COLLEGE VOICE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Arts • 13 Kent Monkman

Continued from Front bringing in artists like Monk- stitutions that collectively pro- forget our culture. We didn’t with Citizens Bank: “It goes man to highlight the injustices vided $2.5 billion of funding want to forget where we’re 100% against what CC Divest ity, and colonialism. She can be that Native Americans face, to Sunoco Logistics; Citizens from.” Colonialism has taken stands for.” Rich Madonna stat- seen in heels and full headdress the College’s support is tainted made up $72.5 million of this enough from Indigenous Peo- ed that “we are exploring next painting a naked European with hypocrisy. loan. The piece of this puzzle ples. We live and work on sto- steps” and that students who cowboy in a painting entitled Currently, the only way for that is concerning is that Su- len lands. do not support Citizens Bank “Artist and Model” or in red students to get cash on campus noco Logistics, a Philadelphia Christopher Soars, Com- can choose to use other forms lipstick as a nurse in a film de- is through the Citizens Bank based business, is a subsidiary munity Learning Coordinator of payment on campus, such as picting the death of modernity. ATM in Cro. Yet protests over of Energy Transfer Partners of at Conn, first highlighted this Camel Cash. Though Monkman’s work the ethics of the banking gi- Dallas. Yes, the same company contradiction at a CC Divest I urge that our next steps is often funny, his art is ex- ant’s financial investments have that is building the Dakota Ac- meeting in mid-October at as a college be immediate and tremely powerful and relevant rocked the nation from Provi- cess Pipeline, the Trans-Pecos which President Bergeron; substantial. November is Na- to the mistreatment of Native dence, RI, where Citizens Bank Pipeline in Texas, the Mariner Vice President for Finance tional Native American Heri- Americans even now in 2017. is based, to Washington, D.C., East Pipeline in Pennsylvania and Administration, Rich Ma- tage Month. Native American As Monkman put it, “Every to our own New London. On and the Bayou Bridge Pipeline donna; Mayor Passero of New people have been lied to, stolen place in North America was March 2, 2017, three members in Louisiana. London; and Director of Sus- from and cheated and yet still indigenous land… and Indig- of the environmental group, We have all heard the cries tainability at Conn, Margaret they stand. Still, they produce enous People still live there The FANG Collective, chained from the Standing Rock Sioux Bounds, were all present. CC art that evokes powerful emo- often in violence or poverty, themselves to the front doors Reservation in North Dako- Divest, a student run club on tion. Still they sing out and but the culture still exists.” He of the local Citizens Bank with ta; this protest speaks to the campus, aims to encourage speak out against the injustices furthered, “Colonialism is still bicycle locks and were ulti- massive injustice perpetrat- Conn’s divestment from fossil committed. Conn claims sup- alive and well in our country mately charged with disorderly ed by Citizens Bank as well as fuels and other unethical in- port, but I argue that we need and it plays itself out daily.” conduct and vandalism. the hypocrisy associated with vestments. more. An ATM associated with This brings me to Conn’s role The FANG Collective, as well Conn’s support of the bank. Soars spoke passionately a bank that has helped further in the fight for Indigenous Peo- as other protest organizations These pipelines are threatening about his concern regarding fund the systematic oppression ples’ lands, culture, education, such as Shame on Citizens, are sacred Native American lands. Citizens Bank’s support of of Indigenous Peoples should and support. Though Conn united in the mission to uncov- Monkman explained the way pipelines, “It’s heart wrenching, not greet those that enter Cro. has made strides by observing er Citizens Bank’s loan history. that Native American culture it’s heartbreaking. They [Native We must support causes with Indigenous Peoples’ Day rath- According to the FANG Col- has been ignored and erased: Americans] are still human both words and wallets. • er than Columbus Day and lective, Citizens Bank was part “We didn’t want to forget our beings.” He continued by de- of a consortium of financial in- languages. We didn’t want to scribing Conn’s relationship Local Students Thank Voice Staff with Art

The College Voice staff recently went to New London’s Regional Multicultural Magnet School to work with former Voice managing editor and current RMMS student-teacher Sarah Rose Gruszecki’s fourth- grade class on writing personal narrative. Voice staff acted as writing mentors, and the class thanked us with original artwork. Take a look at these paintings by New London students! THE COLLEGE VOICE 14 • Arts NOVEMBER 7, 2017 College Hosts Historical Poetics Symposium

Jennifer Skoglund zation? (a set of print and pedagogical practices that eighteenth- and nineteenth-century poetry to discuss collapsed the variety of poetic genres into lyric as a cutting-edge research and new directions in the field. Opinions Editor synonym for poetry, according to Jackson) And is it Many Conn students got to see their first academic This last Friday and Saturday, I had the pleasure of a bad thing? (Jackson seemed mystified by the hostil- conference. It's a great opportunity to see professors at attending the Historical Poetics Symposium, hosted ity in this charge.) How slow, how ethically slow, can work in their capacity as research scholars," Strabone here on campus in the Chu Room. From Nov. 2 to those working in the field of historical poetics really said. I certainly enjoyed attending my first academic 4, nearly 50 academics, including graduate students go, given institutional pressures and parameters? And conference. from across the U.S., from the U.K., and from Austra- how to move forward through the past? For more information on historical poetics, the lia, came together to present their research and dis- I spoke to Jeff Strabone, Associate Professor of En- reading group and the research, check out historical- cuss exactly what "historical poetics" is. Alongside the glish at our College and organizer of the conference, poetics.com, or historicalpoetics.org. • conference’s discussions, the website historicalpoetics. about his intentions for organiz- com particularly illuminates the aims of those working and hosting the symposium at ing in the field: "Historical poetics is a way of working Connecticut College. "The sympo- Writing a paper? through various ideas about poetry: what it is, how to sium brought together scholars of read it, and how these ideas have changed over time. These are theoretical as well as historical questions, especially in the nineteenth century, a period of rapid development of historicisms, prosodic systems, and The Arborist Need help… the global spread of English.” Since a 2002 conference on “The Traffic in Poems,” Lauren Baretta ...finding sources? the group has been “dedicated to individual and col- Opinions Editor laborative critical explorations of Anglophone poetry from the long nineteenth century, considered in Sharp bark bloodies toes, ...creating citations? a transatlantic and broadly comparative framework." callused palm grasps model fire truck Those interested in historical poetics are interested stolen from brother. ...thinking of a topic? in questions like: “What are we talking about when we talk about poetry? What were poets and readers Dead dog guarding tree is crying sap. thinking about when they thought about poetry in Soon there will be enough to sail 1801? In 1833? In 1854? In 1896? In 1952? In 2015?” umbrella ship. Friday's panels included "Genres Big and Small," "Big 18th Century Questions," a discussion on "Com- But dead dog owner prefers to hide parative Approaches," and a seminar on Toru Dutt, among branches, an Indian poet who wrote in English and French. Fa- vorite presentations included Alok Yadov of George red and maple scented clubhouse. Mason University's “Eighteenth Century Versions of Historical Poetics," on the diachronic and synchron- Little boy turned mother kisses ic modes of historical analysis, Dana Murphy of the weather cracked trunk, University of California at Irvine's “Phillis Wheatley shoos ants. You’ll be alright. After Lyricization,” on the historicization and appro- priation of Phyllis Wheatley’s poetry, and Suvir Kaul Sunset yellows and reds give way to of UPenn’s keynote address, “Apostrophe as a Theory dark blues and white stars. of History,” on the limits of personification and nar- Little boy races Moon home. rative address. Saturday’s panels included “Genres Big & Small, Sky releases thunder and buckets. Part Two,” “Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century American Poetry,” a roundtable discussion on “Print Bluebirds nested in upper leaves A librarian at Shain Library or and the Histories of Reading,” and Virginia Jackson’s shield young from rain. • keynote “Slow Poetics,” which took up and responded Greer Music Library can help to questions of narrative address and the relationship Crossword Key of genre and form. One of the more creative research you sort it out in a one-to- projects presented Saturday was Brad Pasanek of the University of Virginia’s linguistic investigation into poetics, entitled “Ten Low Words (or Fewer), Mil- one research consultation. lions of Dull Lines.” Pasanek identified nouns and adjectives which did not fit easily into metrical lines and verse, and using computational analysis, found thousands of possible combinations and analogously hundreds of poems which had employed these very Call 860-439-2655, combinations, displaying the versatility and flexibility of verse. email [email protected] Throughout the conference, questions about ter- minology and the value of different modes of his- or visit https://goo.gl/nuHkh9 torical analysis abounded. What, exactly, was lyrici- THE COLLEGE VOICE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Arts • 15 Blade Runner 2049 Released in a Dystopia Where Good Movies Fail

Emir Kulluk superhero movie genre. The storyline compelling and beautifully crafted, I terpiece, and Denis Villeneuve should questions what it means to be human as hold two key criticisms of the movie: be applauded for his work. His attention Staff Writer well as and presents the issues within hu- first, its used of time and pacing—even to detail, the focus on cinematography It has been 35 years since the release man nature that causes its destruction, though the director tried to improve on and storytelling through visuals, the ac- of the original Blade Runner, directed and the film’s artful composition frames this from the original—and second, the tors’ performances, the homage to the by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison every scene like a well-taken picture. inclusion of specific scenes that were original Blade Runner, and the questions Ford. However the fanbase for the film All this is accompanied by a minimalis- not essential to the movie. The pacing of being posed regarding humanity and still thrives on, growing more and more tic, well-composed soundtrack by Hans the film slows down to an extent which the world we live in that are relevant to- as time passes by. The prayers of those Zimmer and at times day and will be relevant in the future, all demanding a sequel, a continuation that Benjamin prompts make Blade Runner 2049 a must watch. expands on the universe of Blade Run- Wallfisch. the viewer However, despite all of the positive ner, have been answered. With Ridley The entire to become reviews surrounding the movie, it looks Scott coming back on board as Exec- movie is disconnect- like it is not going to be able to rake in a utive Producer and Denis Villeneuve, a delight ed from the profit to support another film and satisfy the director of critically acclaimed films to watch action, as it the studio. With a production budget of such as Arrival and Sicario, taking the and take slows down $185 million, and a projected box office helm, Blade Runner 2049 was released a in. Denis enough that earning (both domestic and interna- couple of weeks ago. After watching the Villeneuve it feels as tional) of $198 million, Blade Runner film, it is apparent that Blade Runner managed if the plot 2049 is underperforming to everybody’s 2049 is a masterpiece and one of the best to replicate has ceased surprise. This might be due to the lack sequels to a popular franchise to date, atmosphere advancing, in marketing and the studio’s emphatic rivaling Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, present of making the trust in the popularity of the product, the sequel to Star Wars: A New Hope. the origi- viewer con- which actually has a pretty niche audi- The film focuses on Officer K played nal Blade fused about ence. However, there is certainly more to by Ryan Gosling, who is simultaneously Runner and what is hap- the film’s underperformance than that. a Replicant, an android built to suit hu- further im- pening on Less-than-expected popularity may be man requirements, and a Blade Runner, proved on it screen. This due to to the changing habits and dean officer who hunts down replicants. It by slightly issue was mands of the viewer. In an era during all begins with Officer K taking out a par- increasing present with which information comes and goes at ticular Replicant who was involved with the pacing. the origi- an unprecedented rate, when people important Replicant business. Slowly The film nal Blade have less and less time, and when action pulling on the string found during this also respects Runner, so movies and superhero movies have fast arrest, Officer K starts to discover more the origi- it could be pacing and are ridden with CGI, people and more regarding the Replicants that nal film’s said that do not seem to be interested in movies go all the way back to the previous Blade open-end- Denis Ville- that are slow-paced, lengthy, and try to Runner, Deckard, played by Harrison ed conclu- neuve paced engage the audience rather than pacify Ford. This discovery puts Officer K on sions, invit- the film to them. an entirely different path, a path that he ing viewers pay hom- One concern that movie critics and wasn’t fated to to follow. While following to question age to the people within the movie industry have Photo courtesy of bladerunner.com Officer K as he continues his detective possible out- original, but regarding this shift in habits is that there work, the audience also gets a view on comes rather I don’t con- will only be a very narrow set of mov- how he lives, what he does in his spare than giving sider this ies, all with pretty similar aspects: they time, and what Earth looks like in the clear or definite answers. aspect of the film worthy of homage. will be big-budget, action oriented, year 2049. The film focuses on the state As stated before, one notable aspect of This contributes to the film’s extensive fast-paced, mindless blockbusters. This of California, which in 2049 is crowded, the film is its use of color. It captures the runtime, as at 2 hours and 44 minutes, change in the movies being released will loud, dark, and filled with holograms outskirts of California in harsh whites, Blade Runner 2049 becomes a hassle to ignore the niches, and result in a fatigue, advertising familiar products. Earth is while portraying city streets in bleak, watch at some points. There are some causing the Hollywood ecosystem harm, marked by violence, since the only au- dark shots, and contrasting this against scenes which extend and add more de- and contributing to the Hollywood Bub- thority is the LA Police Department, the orange tones of Las Vegas and the tail to the world of the film, especially ble. which is not able to control everything. disturbing yellows and oranges of the the scenes between Officer K and Joi, If you want to be entranced by the Blade Runner 2049 offers a stunning old Tyrell Corporation building. Color Officer K’s digital love interest. Even world created in Blade Runner 2049, I example of modern filmmaking. The is gives a personality to each of these lo- though I personally enjoyed these definitely recommend that you go see it. movie uses particular color schemes cales, telling a story even before Officer scenes as they added more to the film’s Even if it is not your regular preference, present settings and code their atmo- K steps into each place. The world of the appeal , their addition does not further I’d recommend that you go see it any- spheres, and the film’s serious tone is not movie is alive and breathing, but it also the plot and may feel useless to some ways. This exploration will benefit both disturbed by bathos, meaning it evades has a past, as it makes historical refer- viewers, extending the runtime to an the viewer and will support the creation a common a problem in the booming ences the original Blade Runner. unwanted length. of a healthy variety of movies in Holly- While I found Blade Runner 2049 Overall, Blade Runner 2049 is a mas- wood. • THE COLLEGE VOICE 16 • Arts NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Aroundtown Expresses Love in Dance

James Murray ically lifting and balancing one another, a frequent occurrence in the show’s Arts Editor movements. “Today, love is dividing...all around The aesthetics and style of the show and just out of reach.” effectively supported the message, and Tumultuous emotion spilled out they did so without distracting from the of every dancer’s fluid and graceful physical, lyrical, and musical talents of movement last Saturday night under the performers. Most performers wore the intense orange glow of strategical- loose fitting, simple, elegant garments ly-placed lighting. David Dorfman’s in soft orange, brown and black. They Facebook via Dance Dorfman David of courtesy Photos Aroundtown premiered at Connecticut were shades and styles that played off College in Palmer Hall last week, tak- of a sometimes harsh and unforgiving ing form as an Onstage performance stage light array that illuminated their put on by the College. The performance movements. It was an effective dichot- was both deeply emotional and unique- omy that I interpreted as being rep- ly personal, as almost every individual resentative of love and care between dancer performed an original mono- members of a community facing up to logue or solo that was woven effectively harsh and ugly realities that they face and purposefully into the show. everyday including hate, division, loss, The setting of the show is meant to be and issues of discrimination. a public space, and a goal of the work, The music periodically shifted from as explained by Liz Delize ’13, is that harsh and cacophonous to melodic and “hopefully it gets [us] thinking about soothing. The movements and mono- how we relate to one another every logues of the dancers reflected the mu- day.” These people are coming togeth- sic, in that the more poignant, person- er by bumping into one another while al, and upsetting or angry stories were grappling with love, misogyny, hate, buttressed by clashing cymbals, uneven nostalgia, and fear. The dancers often and unexpected dramatic sounds. One moved as a group throughout the show that stuck out in particular to me was and their interactions were all about a deeply personal and emotional per- “non-sexualized intimacy” and close- formance by Simon Thomas-Train. The ness as Dorfman described it. One of piece started out with Thomas-Train the dancers described how they wanted being carried around the stage horizon- sion, anxiety, and ambivalence came formances included those of Jasmine to convey support, solidarity and rela- tally, supported by the hands and arms through in his words. He started to Hearn and Kendra Portier. Hearn’s was tionships. They expressed this by phys- of his fellow dancers. The image super- repeat the phrase, “I wanna be around an account of being catcalled while imposed on the wall behind but only if you’re around.” As he repeat- walking down the street, its affects on him was an idyllic, roughshod ed the phrase it took on a more stress- her, and the various different responses drawing of a church in front ful tone and he started to resist when that one can have to this situation. These of mountains. Thomas-Train the performers whisked him around turned into a cadence, as each mem- launched into a beautiful- the stage. The memories seemed to be ber of the company, at the direction of ly worded story of playing turning on our storyteller, as he realized Hearn, “got low, got around, smiled, hid outside the church with his that this place meant so much to him and fought.” This portion of the show younger brother, invoking and was so special because of the people involving the other dancers followed a a deep sense of nostalgia, with whom he had shared it. It seemed powerful and commanding soliloquy happiness, and longing. He as though the thought of returning or by Hearn in which she described her described in detail the enjoy- even imagining the place without this different responses to being catcalled ment and love that he found person was too much for him to bear. and displayed a range of emotions from in this place and what it meant To me, it spoke of the complexity and dismissive ambivalence to outright an- to him personally. Slow, soft, importance of close relationships be- ger and forthright defiance. music touched off of each of tween individuals and how for better or In sum, the piece was an undeniably his words. His fellow danc- for worse they often define our relation- exquisite physical and verbal expression ers brought him around the ship with a place. It can be unsettling to of the complexities of love’s manifesta- room at his direction, and at reflect on the tragically fleeting nature tion in relationships between people times lifted him high into the of these experiences that only live on and the environment in which they live. air which were often correlat- as memories. That being said, Simon As the piece is described on Dorfman’s ed with moments of euphoria Thomas-Train also performed more website, “Aroundtown is a kinetic poem for Thomas-Train, ostensi- than one light hearted, amusing piece that examines the varied, unique, and bly grasping at the best and that centered around a joke, one involv- sometimes divided notions of LOVE— brightest of those memories. ing whale sounds (which one audience its meaning, purpose and platform.” It’s However, as the seen pro- member noted was particularly well-ex- safe to say that Aroundtown delivered gressed, emotions of confu- ecuted). this and so much more. • Other particularly captivating per-