Tuition Increases by $200 Do Tenured Profs Support $7K? p. 2 PSC Survey Suggests 57% Don’t, p. 3 vANGUARDTHE BROOKLYN COLLEGE Fall 2019, Issue 3 vanguard.blog.brooklyn.edu Wednesday, September 18 2020 VISION BC WEIGHS IN ON DEM PRIMARY
IN THIS ISSUE: RIP Ethel Lagarenne Hagquist, BC Alum Creates REVIEW: A “Revolutionary” the Last of the Class of ‘32 Esophageal Cancer Event New Play p. 2 p. 7 p. 11 2 / THE VANGUARD NEWS SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 vANGUARD
General Inquiries Ethel Lagarenne Hagquist Obituary [email protected] By Gabriela Flores several universities, Ethel Club Hours Staff Writer graduated cum laude. 118 Roosevelt Hall Brooklyn College’s beloved Monday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. On Tuesday, September alumna overcame her Tuesday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 10, 2019, the BC Family’s challenges optimistically sole living member of and with her captivating Editor-in-Chief the first graduating class lovely smile. From Quiara Vasquez of 1932, Ethel Lagarenne bustling through our elm [email protected] Hagquist passed away at tree-filled campus as a 107 years old. collegiate theater producer Managing Editor Ethel was born into to earning a mere $14 a Ryan Schwach a Christian family in week as a Macy’s employee [email protected] 1912, sharing her faith post-graduation, Ethel as president of Brooklyn embodied a New York go- Business Manager College’s Young Women’s getter. After living in the Farhad Rahman Christian Association. evergreen neighborhood [email protected] As an active student, of Fresh Meadows as an majoring in English and investment firm staffer, Layout Editor Latin, Ethel was involved Ethel resided in Flushing Camila Dejesus in the Publicity Committee House Assisted Living. [email protected] for Sophocles’ tragedy There she continued her Ethel Lagarenne Hagquist’s 1932 yearbook picture. Antigone, the sorority impressive craft of quilting, Digital Editor Alpha Delta Pi and Senior and creating floral and through interwar and many others, we will Moises Taveras Prom Committee. Despite rhombic appliqués. diplomacies to the not forget Ethel. [email protected] her undergraduate years During her lifetime, revolutionizing Civil Rights being at the peak of the Ethel witnessed the many Movement. Legendarily, We send our sincere Section Editors Great Depression and dynamic changes our she experienced one of condolences to the News: Kevin Limiti nationwide nadirs of country has undergone, America’s most defining Lagarenne Hagquist family. [email protected] centuries. For that reason Features: M.A. Rahman [email protected] Opinions: Edmund Zhen [email protected] EVENT LISTING Arts: Jack Coleman [email protected] Wednesday, September 18 Students Partnering and Chabad Club’s Delve & Dine Sports: Conrad Hoyt Reaching Kids (SPARK)’s 12:00 PM- 2:15 PM [email protected] Bitcoin Explained Interest Meeting Student Center Maroon Room 12:30 AM - 1:30 PM 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (6th floor) Columnists Student Center Bedford Hall of Fame Room Michael Castaneda Lounge (2nd Floor) The Brooklyn Bahaadur’s Audi- Ryan Gleason International Socilists Organi- tions (second date) Rendy Jones zation “Bernie, Socialism, and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Allison Rapp Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity Meeting our Campus Movements” Student Center Maroney-Leddy 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lounge (4th floor) Staff Writers 7:00 PM, Student Center Inter- Tasha Balkaran national Room (5th floor) Student Center Maroney-Leddy Bobbie Bell Lounge (4th floor) Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Gabriela Flores Thursday, September 19 “Food for Thought” Isley Jean-Pierre Chabad Club’s Delve & Dine 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Carolann Lowe Student Center Amersfort L.I.N.K.’s Lunch N’ Learn 12:00 PM- 2:15 PM Carmen Saffioti Student Center Maroon Room Lounge (2nd floor) Maya Schubert 12:15 AM - 1:30 PM Hillel (6th floor) Annah Valenti Friday, September 13 The Accounting Society’s Meet Faculty Advisor Haitian American Student As- PwC Anthony Mancini sociation’s General Meeting Islamic Society’s Jummah 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM 12:15 PM - 2:15 PM Meeting Student Center Glenwood Student Center Bedford 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lounge (2nd Floor) Lounge (2nd floor) Student Center Alumni Lounge (4th floor) Japanese Language & Culture The National Association of Society’s Meeting Black Accountants’ Pre-Con- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ference Meeting Student Center International 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Room (5th floor) Student Center Cosmic Confer- ence Room (5th floor) The Muslims Giving Back’s Bake Sale The Badminton Club’s Meeting 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM and Practice Whitehead Breezeway 12:15 PM - 3:00 PM 211 Roosevelt Extension v SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 NEWS THE VANGUARD / 3 Survey Says: Tenured Profs, Adjuncts Split Over Adjunct Pay
By Quiara Vasquez are sharply divided over Editor-in-Chief the issue of adjunct pay. When asked whether it For years, CUNY was “very important” for educators have been PSC-CUNY to address “an pushing for adjunct pay increase in per-course pay to be doubled to $7,000 for adjuncts to $7,000,” per course, but new data an overwhelming 88% of suggests that a majority of adjuncts said yes. Only tenured and tenure-track 43% of full-timers said yes. professors don’t think the $7K movement is “very “I was troubled to see those important.” initial percentages myself,” Davis said. “As a full-time That’s just one of many faculty member it’s very findings from a survey of clear, the urgency for major over 8,000 members of salary equity increase for CUNY’s faculty union, the adjuncts. It’s discouraging Professional Staff Congress to see that gap.” (PSC-CUNY). Conducted in spring 2017, shortly after Although Davis the ratification of CUNY’s admitted,that although most recent contract, the results are troubling, a survey was released to the lot of progress has been public last month. Clocking made since spring 2017. in at 47 pages, it contains “A lot of work has been data on everything from done since the survey was satisfaction with individual conducted to educate full- campus administrations to timers in professional staff how much CUNY faculty and teaching faculty of spends on housing. the need for adjunct wage increases,” he said. “My hot take on what this survey means is that Davis also noted that it’s a lot of really rich despite the gap, 43% isn’t information that the union nothing. can use in the bargaining PSC chapter director James Davis in 2016. / Sabrin Othman process,”said James Davis, “It’s encouraging that Brooklyn College’s PSC nearly 50% of full-time chapter chair. “Rather faculty who have no self- lower gains for full-time take a math genius to see than speculate about the interest are still vocal in employees. Only 9% of that’s a very regressive way “I don’t really know when last contract, it’s a much their support,” he said. adjuncts were opposed. In of applying wage increases, people read that, whether more systematic way of sharp contrast, only 25% because the largest dollar they have some objection measuring people’s actual A similar gap appears when of full-timers approved of amount will go to the to the specific dollar responses and their actual asked how salary increases these equity raises, while people who make the most amount or to the very idea aspirations for the next should be distributed. 51% disapproved. money with a flat, across- of a percentage increase for contract.” According to the data, the-board increase.” different job titles,” Davis 61% of adjuncts surveyed “Some people seem to have said. The most surprising - or favored “equity raises” an objection to anything Still, he argued that a “no” unsurprising - finding of which would result in except exactly the same on the equity raise question the report was that full-time higher gains for underpaid percentage for anyone,” didn’t necessarily mean a professors and adjuncts part-time employees and Davis noted. “But it doesn’t lack of adjunct support. THE BROOKLYN COLLEGE vANGUARD is looking for writers, photographers, and illustrators!
For more info, contact us at [email protected] Or stop by during club hours: 11-4 Mondays/Tuesdays in 118 Roosevelt 4 / THE VANGUARD FEATURES SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 BC On The 2020 Democratic Candidates
By Gabriela Flores & Kevin Limiti Staff Writer & News Editor
The Democratic Primary debates are over, but the discussion continues on the Brooklyn College campus and elsewhere. Currently, former Vice President Joe Biden is the leader in most polls. According to the Morning Consult, Biden leads at 32%, followed by Bernie Sanders at 20%, Elizabeth Warren at 18%, and Kamala Harris at 6%. Every other candidate is polling at 5% or below, and hasn’t made any significant gains since the debate. The Vanguard spoke to some students about their concerns, issues, and preferred Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential campaign. Terrance Austin, a student Paulina Vaynshteyn, care was considered to be of $1,000 could lead to a 28% to 34%. However, he is who migrated to the a Philosophy major, the most crucial issue of “dependency” that will currently polling at 3%. United States legally, was admitted that she believed likely primary voters with be significantly affected In a poll conducted unsure of which candidate Sanders was “crazy,” but 25% saying it was their top during an economic crisis. by FiveThirtyEight, to support because he is also the candidate that priority. Economic issues Yang is concerned that respondents graded wanted to hear more about she would ideally prefer. came in second at 22%. artificial intelligencecandidates on a scale of immigration. He believes “My ideal is Bernie, but Safyyah Kazim didn’t will soon cause massive 1 to 4, with 4 being the that immigration policies realistically I’m rooting for watch the debate but knew changes to the workforce best. The clear winner was have been “screwed over Warren,” she said. a lot of people that were and create unemployment Elizabeth Warren who, to high hell” and currently The biggest issue for both in favor of businessman issues paramount to the according to the polling reflect the conflict of the Sanders and Warren was Andrew Yang. TheGreat Depression. In a New data, was considered to “American people versus health care. Sanders and “Freedom Dividend,” York Times article last year, have performed the best the American Dream.” Warren are both in favor which is his name for a Yang said, “We have five to of all ten candidates with Austin spoke about the of Medicare for All, which universal basic income ten years before truckers a grade of 3.3. South Bend difficulties of immigrants would create a single-payer, program, is on his agenda lose their jobs and all hell Mayor Pete Buttigieg and getting visas stating, government-run health if elected as president. breaks loose.” former Texas Congressman “at least give them the care system. In a Morning However, she thinks that After the debate, Yang’s Beto O’Rourke were tied opportunity to come before Consult survey, health the monthly allowance favorability increased from for second, with 3.1 in the denying them access.” same poll. Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Biden were tied for third with an even 3. Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Andrew Yang, and Julian Castro brought up the rear, each scoring below a 3. One of the debate’s most notable moments came when Julian Castro suggested that Biden had forgotten what he said minutes earlier about citizens buying into their health care. Castro’s remark created controversy, with some accusing Castro of ageism. Also cited by FiveThirtyEight was the chances of each candidate beating President Trump in a general election. Joe Biden was considered to have a 67% chance, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 FEATURES THE VANGUARD / 5 Black Club Mixer By Carolann Lowe another and others who Staff Writer had never been involved in the black student clubs. On Thursday, September E-board members from 12th, the Student Center’s each club took turns Golden Room was filled introducing themselves with an ambience of black and educating attendees solidarity. The Black Club of what their clubs had to Mixer was held by the offer as well as using the Brooklyn College African opportunity to announce Student Union which upcoming social events included 13 Brooklyn with the intention of College black student clubs recruiting students to take in attendance. part in their organizations. The evening began with The black student clubs Members at the Black Club Mixer/ Carolann Lowe the playing of board games that were present at the as an ice breaker for those Black Club Mixer included: Women of Color, Haitian-American Student as African Jeopardy where in attendance, some of Glamazon, Blaze Dance Psychology Club, National Association, National the room was divided into whom were previously Team, Caribbean Student Black Law Students Association for the two teams and competed acquainted with one Union, ARTiculate, Association, Advancement of Colored to answer trivia questions People, Alpha Phi Alpha that tested their knowledge Fraternity, Black Solidarity of African culture. They Day Committee, National also competed against each Association of Black other in a friendly game Accountants, Nu Omega of musical chairs. The Chi Fraternity, and Sigma remainder of the mixer Gamma Rho Sorority. was accompanied by the The mixer served various dancing and enjoyment of foods such as jollof rice, afrobeats, soca, dancehall, jerk chicken, plantains, and hip hop music. cooked vegetables, cornbread, and more. The evening persisted with games and activities such BC’s very own Glamazon booth!/ Carolann Lowe Wanna Learn Japanese? There’s a club for that!
By MA Rahman to raise awareness and join the club, they were Features Editor engagement from students welcomed, but insisted that with the Japanese language members took the task of Brooklyn College Japanese and culture, boasts a learning the culture with Language and Cultural considerable range of non- exceptional seriousness. Society (JLCS) surprises native Japanese members Organizers and shares tales of of JCLS, most fixated with motioned attendees adoration for both the some particular facet of around a projector Japanese language and japanese life and society where they gained culture with “Keirō no Hi” such as entertainment or their first introduction or “Respect for the Aged culinary. into the holiday that Brooklyn College Japanese Language & Cultural Society D ay.” “Why I got into Japanese commemorates elderly meeting./ MA Rahman Members of the culture was not because individuals with visitations extent of gaining practical eyes of longtime members JLCS were in high spirits of anime or manga like and gifts on the third understanding of it. of the “Anime” club in upon seeing one another most people here,” said Monday of September in “My grandmother’s attendance, arousing good again in JLCS’s first meeting JLCS President LaClaire Japan. birth certificate has a natured humor that JLCS of the Fall semester with Robinson, adding that Following the mistake that says she was organizers enjoined rather some members uncertain “growing up in Saint- insightful video, organizers born on the 27th when than shutdown. what the occasion might Vincent, my moms looked to form a study she was really born on “I really enjoyed entail. coworker and my music circle to discuss the holiday the 29th, so celebrates her the conversation because “When my second teacher were both Japanese and personal experiences birthday really two days I mostly study on my own grade teacher came back which I thought was so of students sharing acts of early,” LaClaire shared both and it is nice to speak to from Japan with all these cool and different that kindness to elderly persons in Japanese and in English others in Japanese and experiences and this new I wanted to study their around them. after translating to students be understood” reflected language, I was like “Oh culture since everyone else Organizers not so fluently in Japanese, Devante Middleton, a my God I want to go there in Saint-Vincent basically facilitated this discussion before encouraging them senior, computer science myself,” said Alum Nirvana looked like me.” with one caveat- to share their own stories. major and JCLS Vice- Ganpat, explaining her age- Not seeking to speakers must speak in After some time the president, delightful of the long interest in learning discredit the motivations Japanese, reaffirming meeting began to transpire day’s turnout. of Japanese culture and some students had, JLCS commitment to its into off-topic discussion Later adding “I traditions. Robinson acknowledged root mission of trying concerning which popular feel a strong sense of The club, which that regardless of reason(s) to engross students in anime may or may not community here now.” prides itself on its mission students might have to Japanese culture to the have been terrible in the 6 / THE VANGUARD FEATURES SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 Brooklyn Bahaadur Brings Bollywood Flair
By Natalina Zieman explained. “It’s similar Staff Writer to yoga, in that the poses and the things Brooklyn College’s that you do are very own Brooklyn spiritual. But it’s also Bahaadur dance like a cultural art form. team held auditions There are different Thursday night on components to it.” Sept. 12th. “‘Natyam’ means The captain of the team acting. So within the is Rebecca Varghese, dance, there are a lot of a junior anthropology facial expressions, and major, who led the your hands have to be auditions. expressive, and the way Brooklyn Bahaadur your body has to be was established held is very structured.” last semester by The team’s main dance Rebecca Varghese, form is Bollywood a junior majoring cinematic dance, which in Anthropology. Varghese described The Brooklyn Bahaadur Team in action! / Natalina Zieman Varghese and her as “kind of like if you friend started the team take Indian classical were very patient when “It’s not about ‘I to bring to the dance because most CUNY style dance and you it came to teaching messed up this step’ circuit. They strive to and SUNY schools have combine it with hip- the new students or ‘I didn’t get that be a little different and competitive Bollywood hop,” but they put their technique, going right away,’” Varghese a little edgier, as well dance teams, own spin on the dance quite literally step-by- explained. “It’s really as emulate a family something which styles. step. They made sure about your attitude, dynamic within the Brooklyn College The music that the auditioners were how much fun you’re squad. Everyone on lacked. Last semester, the team danced to comfortable with the having with it, because the team relies on the team got onto one was different than if moves, continuingly we’re all going on to each other, not just for of Long Island’s biggest you were to attend a offering their help and different careers from dance, but for outside Bollywood dance hip-hop dance class, guidance. Their main here, and what we’re things like in school, or competition called because the music thing, though, was doing here is having a if they need a friend to Sholay. varies between hip-hop, making sure everyone lot of fun with it. We talk to. The inspiration behind R&B, and Hindi music was having fun. The have to work hard at It is evident from the Brooklyn Bahaadur remixes. Although the team is warm-hearted it but at the end of the just one meeting that team was Varghese’s music is very upbeat, and welcoming. The day it’s really about Brooklyn Bahaadur is a dance history with the teams dance moves only thing she expects enjoying it.” very welcoming group, bharatanatyam. were flowy and full of from auditioners, as Bahaadur is the with a strong captain “Bharatanatyam is emotion. the captain, is “to come Hindi word for brave and team. Anyone and a very old, ancient During the auditions, here with an open and bold, which is everyone is welcomed art form,” Varghese Varghese and her team mind.” what the team wants with open arms. So if you like dancing, and you want to do it, this is a great area for you to showcase your talents, make a ton of friends, and have fun! “Just come with an open mind and bring a positive attitude,” Varghese said. “I really value teamwork and kindness as well.”
The Brooklyn Bahaadur Team practicing. / Natalina Zieman v SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 FEATURES THE VANGUARD / 7 BC Alum Organizes Esophageal Cancer Run
By Quiara Vasquez Mormile for over a Editor-in-Chief decade due to her work at the Canarsie Courier This Saturday, Sept. newspaper, and had 14, over 100 attendees even given Mormile a and over 50 runners Thanksgiving basket congregated in shortly after her Brooklyn’s Marine Park father’s passing as a to do just that at the 1st condolence. Annual Esophageal “Dara is showing Cancer Awareness the Brooklyn way of Run/Walk which was leading the charge,” sponsored by the Salgi Persaud said. “She’s Esophageal Cancer pulled every string Research Foundation. to get to this point, When Brooklyn because it’s personal.” College alum Dara Mormile’s father, Mormile ‘03 lost Joseph, had all her father Joseph to the symptoms of esophageal cancer in esophageal cancer but 2010, she realized that Joseph, Dara, and their there was an urgent family doctor, had not need to better educate been able to connect the public and to raise the dots in time. Dara Mormile next to an image of her father. / Dara Mormile money in order to “He had heartburn, combat the illness. acid flux, indigestion, Dara Mormile started heartburn for four, five started running at a “I think God is trouble swallowing… hearing many stories years, maybe I should time when she was shining on our cause, he had all of that, for similar to hers. get that checked out,’” an undergraduate because it’s a glorious quite a few years,” Early screening and Mormile said. studying journalism at day today,” said State Mormile remembered. treatment efforts for In her father’s memory, BC. Senator Andrew “The doctor would just esophageal cancer a photograph of Joseph “I’ve done seven half- Gounardes, one of give him prescription haven’t advanced all was prominently marathons and a whole several local politicians pills, like Nexium or that much, she says, displayed on an “in lot of 5K’s like this,” who gave remarks at whatever, to treat the and it’s only by telling memoriam” wall, his Keating said. the event, proudly heartburn. But it wasn’t stories like hers that likeness surrounded “It’s a lot harder wore number 36 as a until the food literally people are even aware by periwinkle ribbons now,” she continued, participant. couldn’t go down that of the symptoms. (Salgi claims that gesturing towards her Also present was the they suspected it was “I tell people what my periwinkle is “the protruding stomach — other state senator for more serious.” father went through official color ofshe was eight months Marine Park, Roxanne In the years after and it’s educational esophageal campus pregnant. Persaud. She has known her father’s death, for them - ‘oh I’ve had awareness;” several First-place runner runners wore Leonel Perez handily periwinkle tops). cleared the five- Mormile encouraged kilometer run in the runners to post 18 minutes and 55 their own photos of seconds. Gounardes loved ones lost to and two other runners esophageal cancer on smiled their way across a “Keep Hope Alive” the finish line a few wall, as well as write minutes later. down who they’re Of course, the day running for. hadn’t been about Among the runners winning or losing; was Mormile’s friend it was about coming and fellow alum Lauren together to tackle Keating ‘13, who was cancer, and in that there repping the event’s regard, everyone was a sponsor, vegan fitness winner. supplement company Kramp Krusher. She The “Keep Hope Alive” wall. / Dara Mormile 8 / THE VANGUARD OPINIONS SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
Here’s How You Can Save Thousands in College Five Simple Tips to Save Money as a Broke College Student
By Edmund Zhen I remembered: Canada. Opinions Editor Also, the dinners and the nightly excursions in The school year just the city. And who could kicked off two weeks ago forget about the one-on- and unsurprisingly, I’m one “lunch catch-ups” already surrendering to with people I cared about the monotonous lifestyle a lot less than the chicken of a full-time student. and waffles in front of me? My eyebags showcased After a few heartbreaking themselves for NYFS, my moments, I can’t think of friends are disappearing off any further without feeling the grid and my shoulder like a screw-up. Something and back are succumbing has to change. to the burgeoning weight So I started taking more of books. Naturally, I resort time off from eating out straight to my coping and looking around on mechanism, researching vacation sites and started cheap vacation spots or diving into personal Is this you? / Cafecredit.com on flickr cruises to motivate me finances. After a few days Karma, “in January 2017, your work AND school your immune system to get past three more or so, here are five things I the average tax preparation purposes? Definitely a up and definitely find a months. I would land found crucial for short and fee for a tax professional good choice. Investing in preferred form of exercise. myself at a few sweet deals long term. to prepare a Form 1040 things that lasts will leave 5. Invest Your Money. and get myself really riled 1. Start Saving Money. and state return with no you with more money than Have you ever heard up and proud. Then comes Put away $20 a week. itemized deductions is your hand can grasp. of something called the self-debates on which Whenever you get paid $176. If you itemize your 4. Live and Eat Right. compound interest? Or the deal to follow through and from your job, always pay deductions, that average As of now, the U.S does concept of making money get really indecisive when yourself first. Maybe keep a fee goes up to $273.” Just not have free healthcare. work for you? If you ever all these choices become jar of change on your desk think what you could do If you’re not making big want to get out of the rat too much. and dump whatever change with an extra $273 a year. money and can afford to race and retire early, this But deep down, I know you have in your pockets There are a plethora of free pay for superb private is the way to go. Putting the one to determine is only or add to it when you do services like TurboTax to health insurance, then your money early in a 401k one app away: my beloved something good. Whatever help you out. Or you can you better start living and account or a Roth IRA will Chase app. Opening it to it takes, it’s better to get a go on Youtube and learn it eating right. You’re going significantly increase your see $300 in my checking hold on your finances now yourself. Self-sufficiency is to notice some changes chance of becoming the account and a measly $1000 than suffer when you’re key my friend. in your body when you millionaire you dreamt in my savings, I knew the older. 3. Buy Things That Matter. hit your 20’s that’s going of as a kid. You can start only luxurious place I can 2. Learn How to Do Your Buying something to annoy you for a bit and by looking for financial afford is my address. I ain’t Taxes. impulsively just because then it’s going to drastically services like Fidelity going anywhere, man. People always say that you think it looks great with get worse as you age. But Investments or Vanguard But was I always this bad when they get a job in the a certain style is not going why go through that when to learn more about it. with money? For sure, the future, they’re just going to to cut it. That clothing or you can avoid it all by just Trust me, once you realize calculations done at the hand whatever is needed jewelry is most likely going living correctly? Eat less the concept of it, you’re beginning of my summer to an accountant and let to be worn two or three salty, sweet, and fried foods going to wish your parents job guaranteed me at them take charge. But do times before it gets lost or and start intaking more started one for you the day least one trip during the you even know how much thrown out. But putting veggies, fruits, and healthy you were born. school year; so where the it would cost you? Here’s a a little extra money into meat. Maybe start looking heck did it all go? Then spoiler. According to Credit a laptop that could fulfill into supplements to boost Can We All Admit Fat People Exist? I have noticed that in this skinny bad? Absolutely! What annoys me is that TOGETHER PAL! excessive gain. EXACTLY! social climate of anti-body But somewhere in the I will go out to the shops, Also, DEAR CHIPOTLE We know we are fat. We just shaming, we have shut message to stop hurting trying to buy a shirt, and BOWL/BURRITO want to live comfortably. out the idea that fat, big, people’s feelings, people the sales associate will(in ARTISTS, yes I know Recognizing I am a big old plump, and round people now force a “fat ignorance”. the hopes of not offending queso and guacamole cost butter ball of a boy is not exist. When I say anti- Allow me to explain. me) try to guess my shirt extra! Look at me! the same as saying I’m a fat body shaming, I do not I am a 250 pound man. I size and go a size too small James Corden recently piece of garbage. Just get mean the shaming of our am a BIG OL BOY! And I in the hopes I go “ah yeah I did a segment on his show larger sizes, put that extra bodies’ reaction to foreign live a fat man’s life. I wear guess I look like a medium responding to Bill Maher shit on without telling me germs and disease, I mean extra large clothes, I eat I was a medium like soooo who said fat shaming was how much it will cost, and those who are against the more, I take a little more recently HAHAHAHA”. good. James replied that don’t make me walk too shaming of one’s body. time walking places… you No. Just. No. no, it isn’t, and that fat far to hang out. SIMPLE Is bullying wrong? Of know? The usual. But that GET ME THE BIGGER people know we are fat, we AS THE PIE I EAT FOR course! Is bullying someone is fine, I don’t mind that SIZE AND LET’S WORK just struggle with weight BREAKFAST! for being super big or super this has become my life. OUR WAY DOWN loss and are burdened with SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 OPINIONS THE VANGUARD / 9 On the Record: David Knopfler, Heartlands By Allison Rapp Caledonian was built in to David Knopfler’s record Columnist the 90’s and is almost Heartlands, released this painfully modern. Our past June. Knopfler, who It’s true - the weather in student ID cards swipe us was born in Glasgow, is Scotland is abysmal. It into classes and monitor best known for being the began to rain the moment I our attendance. So much unfairly lesser-known stepped out of the airport, for good old fashioned roll brother of Dire Straits. His and has been drizzling on call. (The technology is a older brother, Mark, played and off for three whole little shocking, but no, I lead guitar and, well, that’s days. The wind can be don’t miss the crumbling about all you have to do bitterly cold, and the sun ceilings of Roosevelt Hall to become infinitely more pops out only when it feels or the broken bathrooms famous than your rhythm like it. And yet, I feel right of Boylan.) guitar-playing younger at home already. There’s no The other remarkable brother. Most everyone way it can be worse than a detail sure to shock is familiar with Dire Buffalo winter. Americans like myself? Straits big hit, “Money for Glasgow is a brilliant mix The openness surrounding Nothing”, which included of old and new. There are alcohol consumption. backing vocals from Sting luxury apartment buildings There is a bar on campus, and won the Grammy for about that. It’s extremely Washington decides.” sitting side by side with and the student association Record of the Year in 1985. guitar-driven, but rather How do you even ancient stone facades. The is organizing an official However, before all of that, than feature solos, his comment on a lyric that oldest house in Glasgow student pub crawl for next there was David Knopfler. guitars are layered basically lays it out flat was built in 1471 -- before week. It’s a little crazy for He played on the first two amongst other instruments for you? I had coffee Columbus even set foot on someone who still has records, in 1978 and 1979, like harmonicas and with my old roommate American soil. It’s quite “UNDER 21” printed in and then promptly quit the mandolins. His vocal in Edinburgh this past something to turn every bold red letters beneath band. (I maintain, trouble melodies are gorgeous, and weekend and we discussed corner and see a tower my name on my driver’s comes with bands with it makes me wonder what the mess that is Boris constructed hundreds of license. Of course, this brothers or lovers - I’m kind of music he might Johnson and Brexit. Before years ago, and yet still be is probably what the US looking at you, Fleetwood have listened to, and been I knew it, I found myself reminded by the high-end would look like if we Mac.) influenced by, growing up saying, “It might be crazy fashion shops that this is actually did more than So as his brother’s career in the 50s in the UK. over here, but at least you one of the fastest growing just wrist-slap people for continued to take off, what The most poignant song don’t have shootings every cities in the UK. driving while intoxicated did David do? Make his on the record for me is other day.” She nodded in “It seems like it’s an and took impaired driving own music, obviously. “Washington Decides.” agreement. open minded city,” said laws seriously. Accidents Heartlands is the most David actually spent a Heartlands doesn’t my uncle, who helped just don’t happen like that recent piece of his own good deal of time living pretend to be anything it’s me move in to my new here in the UK. Why? puzzle. in the States, close to my not. It’s 45 minutes of well living arrangements. Because young people have The first wild thing hometown, and it’s where produced, poetic material “Progressive,” he called it. been learning how to drink about the album is that he met his American - perfect for a rural trip The weirdest part thus far responsibly since around his vocals sound nearly wife. “How many kids are through the highlands of of my exchange experience age 16-18, depending on indistinguishable from his blown away… how many Scotland, which might just has been adjusting to the where they live overseas. brother’s, but I suppose did you kill today? Do you be my plan this weekend... new campus. Glasgow This week I’m listening there’s very little he can do remember LBJ? Hey, hey, US on Brink of War with Iran While Ignoring Saudi Involvement in Disastrous War in Yemen
By Kevin Limiti people of Yemen. So why after all—carries weight. and mass slaughter. all beneficial to anybody, it News Editor is it that we only care when The kind of weight that There are many more certainly does neither the Saudi Arabia’s oil fields are demands action; action not examples of this but I only people of the country we War drums are beating attacked by the Yemeni useful or desirable to super have the space to name are acting on behalf of nor in response to an attack on Houthi Rebel faction? powers. That is why when a few. There was the US- the American people any Saudi Arabian oil fields by The simple answer is that genocide was happening backed mass killings of good. Iran. Although, Yemen’s oil prices will go up. The in Rwanda during the civilians in El Salvador It is the depressing reality Houthi Rebel faction has complicated answer has ’90s, there were careful and Nicaragua, the that international politics claimed responsibility. The to do with Middle East semantical games played by genocide of 80,000 people really just boils down to United States and Saudi regional power struggles— the Clinton Administration in East Timor, Darfur, the money, resources, and Arabia have not explicitly something most Americans in order to avoid describing Rohingya genocide which interests. There are no blamed Iran—who backs are not inclined to listen, it as genocide or ethnic is still ongoing, and the list friends in international the Houthi Rebels—but let alone understand. cleansing. Meanwhile, goes on. politics. But that doesn’t they do claim that it was It was Saudi led and backed 800,000 Tutsis died at The point is that when mean that we have to sit Iranian weapons and an airstrikes that have driven the hands of their Hutu genocide, human back and watch the horror Iranian launch point, so many men, women, neighbors in 100 days. rights violations or any unfold. although they have neither and children to the brink One of the defining other kind of terrible, One of the best things offered up any evidence of starvation. The war in moments of the late 20th unforgivable atrocities are we can do is be skeptical for this nor have they Yemen has been called century was UN soldiers being committed under of slanted coverage and determined the exact tantamount to genocide. standing and watching as our watch, the United understand that there is a launch point. But like so many genocides, Serbian troops separated States does not intervene history here that existed And yet, a fact that is there is much lip service Croat men from the unless there is some kind long before those oil fields entirely ignored by the regarding what we could women and children in of benefit. And the so- were burning and will mainstream media is this: or could not do but never order to kill them. Another called justification of the continue long after they are Saudi Arabia is responsible even the moral courage to stain on the less-than- invasion of Iraq should extinguished. for the wholesale slaughter use the title. prestigious record of the make very clear that if and starvation of the The title of genocide— UN’s response to genocide foreign intervention is at 10 / THE VANGUARD ARTS SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 Vampire Weekend Play Madison Square “I Don’t Want to Live this Way but I Don’t Want to Die”
By Michael Castaneda that incorporated elements Their latest album, “Father usual baggy pleated slacks and spontaneous. I was not Columist of African “world music,” of the Bride,” seems more and big guitar. For some expecting this. They could such as Peter Gabriel’s like the next installment reason he talks like a 1940s have easily been a really Vampire Weekend played “So” and Paul Simon’s of the first album than a tough guy, which is maybe good country club band Madison Square Garden “Graceland.” (Let’s save follow-up to their second an homage to Frank Sinatra. playing MSG. on Friday Sept. 6. It was the discussion of cultural or third. It could have been The bassist, Chris Baio, If you are familiar with the largest audience that misappropriation for titled “Preppy Kid Gets dressed and moved like their work, the setlist Vampire Weekend has ever another time.) Married.” Paul Simonon, the bassist seemed to focus on their played, with an attendance This continued in 2010 Getting down to the show of the 70s punk group The first album and their 2013 of 19,000. with Vampire’s Weekend’s itself, it was kinda like to Clash. Chris, who likes to release, “Modern Vampires After 10 plus years of the second album “Contra,” going to the birthday party be known as “Baio,” is the of the City.” “Father of the band, I wondered if they are where the band was sued of a rich kid in elementary cousin of Number 1 Trump Bride” didn’t seem to be still relevant. They started for using a cover photo school: you could tell the supporter Scott Baio. a focus of the show too with their 2008 eponymous of a woman from the parents put a lot of money Lastly Chris Tomson, the much; although one of the debut album as recent 1980’s who looked like into the party and you drummer, who looks like best performances was of graduates of Columbia she could have attended come home with a gift a guy with a lot of feelings their first single “Harmony University, which included “Beach Week” with Brett bag. Before the concert, and who maybe has a Hall.” It sounded much indie hits such as “A-Punk” Kavanaugh. you received a bracelet good relationship with his bigger and fuller live. and “Oxford Comma.” The Gone are the boys in their that would glow in three mother, came out dressed (Harmony Hall is latter was so culturally early 20s, now they’re men different colors, either by like any California surfer Columbia University dorm successful that the term has in their mid-30s. Now, manual settings or Wi- band from the early 1990s. on 110th street. I went to become part of the lexicon. standing in front of me Fi. Towards the end, they The band played for a Dim Sum making party People will talk about it were three of the original released beach balls so the over three hours and took there once.) or write about it on their four; plus other musicians audience could play. requests from the audience. Ad finem, it was a really dating profile without even that I had never seen The three original band I was impressed that they great show. One of the best knowing how it became “a before. The band is actually members came dressed as extended and riffed on their I have seen. And I really thing.” now about seven people, three different genres of music. It reminded me of wasn’t expecting that. They encapsulated their though the original three rock history. Lead singer old U2 concert films from Ah, Vampire Weekend: brand that is Ivy League are the central attraction. Ezra Bridger... I mean the late 1980s and 1990s. Zion doesn’t love you; the country club. They had Their adopted homes are Ezra Koenig... (sorry, Ezra This was really wonderful motherland don’t love you, the vibe of children who no longer Morningside Bridger is from Star Wars because you were not just but you love everything. attended St. Paul’s School Heights or Bronxville. It’s Rebels; they look so much getting tracks from their (SPS) and whose parents now (of course) Brooklyn alike) came out dressed as album exactly as you know listened to 1980s soft rock and Los Angeles. Elvis Presley. He wore his them. Instead, it felt alive Mika Rottenberg’s Playful Surrealism
By Jack Coleman an Response) sequences of is certainly something Ea- Rottenberg draws outland- of our consumerist glo- Arts Editor scratching clay and slicing sypieces does to its viewers ish connections amongst balized world. But a lot of blocks of jelly. which I don’t normally see these seemingly alienat- what is going on in Easyp- An air conditioner drips So what’s it all mean? Is so clearly and so viscerally ed occurrences that cause ieces has more to do with water onto a plant; a pony every object really just a with contemporary art: it sensations of all kinds in playing with and exposing tail jutting out of the wall symbol for the meaning makes you react. Whether the characters in the films how strange the world real- bops up and down; single of life and death? More that reaction is laughter, and also in the viewers. ly is, rather than any hard drops of water fall from the highfalutin, skill-less, con- squirming away disgusted, Take, for example, the and fast critique of capital- ceiling and hit a hot skillet, temporary “art” struggling or getting annoyed (usual- transformation that we see ism. dissipating each drop to to find any relevance in ly, it’s a mix of these plus of water into gas on those What makes the exhibi- vapor; and a single pros- our postmodern world? more) Rottenberg’s work simple hot skillets in the tion so impactful is that thetic-like finger adorned Neo-Marxist propaganda? gets you there. gallery. In Spaghetti Block- each object that the view- with a galaxy print acrylic Are we getting Punk’d? The objects shown are so chain, a colorful jelly-cake er is presented with seems nail slowly rotates from a This is Mika Rottenberg’s banal, yet their meaning, slowly melts on a griddle; to take on new form and hole in the wall. Through Easypieces at the New Mu- function, and purpose are then, in NoNoseKnows, we meaning. This means that two door ways on either seum in the Lower East thrown into question when see beloved Bunny sneez- viewing Easypieces is more side of the gallery space, a Side. Since the show is clos- placed within the walls of a ing out plates of fresh noo- than figuring out what number of videos take it all ing this weekend, and since gallery space. The exhibi- dles while below her a line the artist means by, say, a a few steps further: I happen to be writing my tion works to flip our per- of people harvest pearls two minute sequence of Bunny Glamazon, the six- thesis on it, I thought I’d ception of how these things (the former being an allu- bubbles floating in empty foot-three dominatrix, do a bit of reflecting on are made and ultimately re- sion of sorts to ASMR vid- rooms: this is about expos- rides around a ghost city it, and perhaps, make you lated on its head. The two eos, which are intended to ing and opening up our in China on a moped and wish you had seen it if you standout video works of appeal to the senses of its perception of materials, sneezes plates of pasta; didn’t. the show, Spaghetti Block- viewers). where they come from, and Chinese women harvest I wouldn’t mind if Ash- chain and NoNoseKnows Rottenberg’s obsession how they affect us. and shuck pearls; Tuvan ton Kutcher came out of take all of these concepts with how things are made, Hopefully, Rottenberg throat singing rings in the the gallery at closing night that we see sculpturally connected, and ultimately gives us another show background of ASMR (Au- with a camera crew. That’d and heighten them to sur- ephemeral could be taken soon, because I can’t get tonomous Sensory Meridi- for sure be Art. But there realist extremes. as a simple Marxist critique enough. SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 ARS THE VANGUARD / 11 REVIEW: Prasad Paul Duffy’s “Revolutionary”
The cast of “Revolutionary.” (Left to right: Izabel Dorst, Jordan Mahr, Zack Triska, Kurt Bantilan, Henry Nwaru, Seth L. Hale.) / Revolutionary the Musical
By Quiara Vasquez As my playbill helpfully psychic powers. Gabriel painful slant rhymes. (A its heavy-handed attempts Editor-in-Chief informs me, “even has the hots for Maya - but sample bar rhymes “open” at political commentary, though certain concepts when he’s informed in the with “composting.”) “Revolutionary” feels In the dire and distant like Fifth Dimensional crudest way possible that Similarly, the weirdly out of touch with future of “Revolutionary: Consciousness [!] and the object of his desire is choreography is mostly our reality, as though A Futuristic Musical,” the Crystal Skull [!!!] may transgender, he lets out pedestrian, although popular culture hasn’t automation and be new to some of you, a sheepish “no homo.” Duffy and choreographer advanced beyond the totalitarianism have forced the ancient wisdom they “Maya’s a free spirit! I’m a Laura Pierpont are smart Summer of Love and a generation of youth represent is universal and free spirit,” Triska yelps, enough to give the two remains permanently onto the streets. Innocent archetypal.” I’ll have to “but I’m not THAT free actors who actually excel at frozen in the Age of buskers and drag queens are take playwright Prasad spirited!” This whole plot dance a showcase for their Aquarius. (Case in point: a forcibly micro-chipped by a Paul Duffy’s word for it. should be wildly offensive, talents. Izabel Dorst gets major plot point involves the paramilitary force of literal Tragically, “Revolutionary” and it kind of is, but Zack to do some graceful ballet quasi-fascist government “Robo Cops.” Worst of all, left my chakras thoroughly Triska’s line delivery in an ayahuasca-induced hauling innocents by the the U.S. dollar has been inert. and bulging eyes are so trance, and Henry Nwaru thousands into unlivable replaced with something Fortunately, it also left guileless, he can make (a recent graduate of BC’s concentration camps run called “cryptocoin.” This my funny bone thoroughly anything feel innocent Acting BFA program, by… FEMA.) on-the-nose oppression tickled. Between and charming. Even inane incidentally) gets to show Still, it’s impossible to cannot stand! It’s high the mind-bending zingers like “Home of the off his breakdancing on hate a show so devoid of time, the innocent buskers script and the totally brave? More like home of “Go With The Flow,” a irony, and so genuine in its and drag queens agree, for earnest performances, the SLAVE!” pop-rap that takes its cues intentions. “Revolutionary” something… wait for it… “Revolutionary” is so The music and lyrics by from High School Musical may be the Marianne “revolutionary!” funny that it’s impossible composer Theo Grace are (!) rather than Hair. The Williamson of musicals, Unfortunately, the not to fall for its mystic nothing to write home slickest moves of the show, but is that such a bad thing? “revolution” presented in charms. about. Most of the songs are however, come from James Maybe what the world this musical is less Che Indeed, the play and the interchangeable acoustic McGonagal, who takes the needs now IS love, sweet Guevara and more Deepak actors are so amiable that guitar ballads using your role of “Robo-Cop” a little love. Maybe we SHOULD Chopra, with a touch of even at “Revolutionary’s” standard pop-rock tropes, too literally. have a space to “purify Alex Jones. Do you believe most offensive, I honestly except for the songs Needless to say, anyone our consciousness of all the Illuminati control all couldn’t help but smile. that are interchangeable expecting serious political societal mind control.” And world governments? Do Take, for instance, the piano ballads using your commentary from this maybe the government IS you believe that we only use romantic plot between standard pop-rock tropes. play will be deeply putting chemicals in the five percent of our brains Gabriel (Zach Triska) and Sometimes the actors disappointed. Duffy’swater to make all the frogs at any given time? Do you Maya (Kurt Bantilan). harmonize, which is script may extol the virtues gay. Just take the play for believe that, by activating Triska is a long-haired pleasant. Sometimes they of “fifth-dimensionalwhat it is, and bask in the our DNA beyond our drifter who strums his sing solo, which none of consciousness,” but the opportunity to open your material three-dimensional acoustic with gusto and them are particularly good characterization and mind to the universal and consciousness, we could approaches every scene at. Sometimes they rap, thematic material is firmly archetypal wisdom of the enter a new universe free with wide-eyed wonder. which all of them are awful one-dimensional, proudly Crystal Skull. from corporate control? Bantilan plays… basically at, although this is largely flouting the principle of No? Well, don’t worry. Angel from RENT, but with on account of Theo Grace’s “show, don’t tell.” And for all 12 / THE VANGUARD FUN & GAMES SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 WHERE’S VINNY? (the GOAT scavenger hunt)
Hey, it’s the Vanguard’s very own Vincent Vangoat! He loves to go exploring the Brooklyn College campus, taking selfies. In fact, he loves it so much that we haven’t found him in two weeks!
Think you know where Vinny is in these photos? Take a selfie there and post it on Twitter or Instagram, tagged @TheBCVanguard. Do it fast enough and you’ll be featured in next week’s issue! Women’s Volleyball Dominates!
By Conrad Hoyt The players’ touches Sports Editor always seemed to find their teammate right where they Brooklyn College’s needed to be, showing a Women’s Volleyball team cohesion that is paramount faced off against SUNY to a successful unit. The Purchase Thursday night, anticipation of each other’s and dominated the match and the opponent’s shots at every turn. led to great spikes and At home in the blocks. West Quad Building on Brooklyn opened up the campus, the Bulldogs were first set 13-6, prompting in their sleek grey uniform, Purchase to call a timeout. and their opponents were It was clear the Bulldogs in a royal blue. Assistant were the more dominant Coach Michael Pratt side and had strength in knew Purchase was a numbers and agility. They weaker team heading ended up winning this set into Thursday’s game, but 25-14. preached to his team to Number 7, Madison Cronk play its game and not play of the Bulldogs, showed down to the competition. her prowess in the air with “We knew we were powerful spikes and blocks a stronger team,” Pratt that Purchase had no match told me after the game. He for. Number 2, Ashley also told his team to focus Fung, was also a standout on defense and make a performer. Look for these Women’s volleyball team dominating! / Conrad Hoyt great first pass, because two to keep improving as “everything moves from the season goes on. t h e re .” The next set was more of game they love, the morale team that Pratt says usually as key players for them. Playing down to the same, and Brooklyn and unity of the team is wins the tournament. Naturally this means the one’s competition can be won it 25-11. only going to improve. “It will be a measuring core should only get better a surefire way to help the Starting off strong in the The third set was no stick to see where we are,” as they play more with other team be successful. first two sets allowed the different than the first two, he told me. each other. Now at 5-4, and Right from the opening coaches to play some of and the Bulldogs rolled to Brooklyn split the with a game on Tuesday, serve it was clear Brooklyn the players who normally a 3-0 win. This gave them doubleheader, beating Brooklyn will look to was focused on not letting may not get to play as a 2-game winning streak Lehman 3-0, but losing to keep improving and turn this happen. much. Sports are all about going into a doubleheader Hunter 0-3. their young team into a The Bulldogs’ chemistry the team winning, but by against two CUNY teams The Bulldogs are a very powerhouse by the end of and organization were having more players touch over the weekend. One of young team, with a few the year. beautiful things to watch. the court, and play the those was Hunter College, a freshman and sophomore