FREE. WEEKLY. VOLUME 75—ISSUE 24—APRIL 1, 2021

INVISIBLE CITY: COVID-19’S UNSEEN SPACES, PHYSICAL & VIRTUAL

UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG AND DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER ON THE COVER The cover of this year’s Urban Issue was illustrated by Austin Boulton. Read more on page 6.

INVISIBLE WINNIPEG

THOMAS PASHKO THOMASPASHKO MANAGING EDITOR

Another publishing year is coming to an end. This issue of The Uniter is our final weekly publication of the 2020-21 aca- demic year. For the past 13 years, this final issue has been dubbed “The Urban Issue,” a themed edition of the paper exploring af- fairs concerning people across Winnipeg, centred around a particular topic. This year is no different, and our theme is “Invisible Winnipeg.” It’s an oppor- tunity for our staff to take a look at the unseen spaces, both physical and virtual, that Winnipeggers have had to consider during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical spaces have been dramati- cally impacted by the pandemic. Many, like restaurants, venues and places of worship, have spent the past year in total or near-total emptiness, depend- ing on the regulations and capacity restrictions of the moment. Others, like public transit, have become fraught with tension over masks, physical distancing measures and the very real dangers of exposure and infection. Virtual spaces, on the other hand, have had to fill that void while Winni- peggers stay home. Online forums have become the venues not just for certain jobs, religious services and arts orga- nizations, but also for social and leisure activities like gaming, streaming and other fandoms. We touch on all of these facets and more in our (virtual) pages this week. While we will be ceasing weekly issues until the start of the U of W’s new aca- demic year in August, we will continue publishing at uniter.ca throughout the spring and summer months. We won’t be dropping an entire issue’s worth of con- tent every week, but we will be reporting on the issues most important to the cam- pus and downtown communities. Stay safe, everyone.

PHOTO BY KEELEY BRAUNSTEIN-BLACK

Laura Gurbhoo opened her new bakeshop Gâto during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the logistical challenges. Read more on page 5.

UNITER STAFF CONTRIBUTORS CONTACT US SUBMISSIONS CORRECTION

MANAGING EDITOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER COMIC GENERAL INQUIRIES Submissions of articles, letters, In the March 24 article “Literary Hely Schumann graphics and photos are encouraged, landscapes,” Katherena Thomas Pashko — [email protected] Callie Lugosi — [email protected] [email protected] however, all new contributors (with Vermette’s The Break was BUSINESS MANAGER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ADVERTISING the exception of letters to the editor) mentioned as a winner of the Olivia Norquay — [email protected] Keeley Braunstein-Black — [email protected] ILLUSTRATOR [email protected] must attend a 45-minute volunteer Governor General’s Literary Austin Boulton orientation workshop to ensure that Award in fiction. The novel was STAFF ILLUSTRATOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR the volunteer understands all of the actually a finalist for the prize. Talia Steele­ — [email protected] Gabrielle Funk — [email protected] ROOM 0RM14 publication’s basic guidelines. WRITER The Uniter regrets the error. FEATURES REPORTER UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Vinay Sharma In-person volunteer orientations are 515 PORTAGE AVENUE Hannah Foulger — [email protected] Keesha Harewood — [email protected] currently suspended due to COVID- WINNIPEG, MANITOBA 19, but over-the-phone and remote FEATURES EDITOR ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER R3B 2E9 orientations can be arranged. Please Charlie Morin — [email protected] Sarah London — [email protected] TREATY ONE TERRITORY email [email protected] for more HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS NATION CITY EDITOR ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER details. Vacant Alex Neufeldt — [email protected] Deadline for advertisements is noon COMMENTS EDITOR CITY REPORTER Friday, six days prior to publication. Haley Pauls — [email protected] Cierra Bettens — [email protected] MOUSELAND PRESS BOARD The Uniter reserves the right to OF DIRECTORS: Kristin Annable refuse to print material submitted by COPY & STYLE EDITOR CAMPUS REPORTER (chair), Anifat Olawoyin, Larissa volunteers. The Uniter will not print Danielle Doiron — [email protected] Callum Goulet-Kilgour — [email protected] Peck, Andrew Tod and submissions that are homophobic, Jack Walker — For inquiries misogynistic, transphobic, ableist, PHOTO EDITOR VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR @TheUniter @TheUniter facebook.com/ email: [email protected] theuniter racist or libellous. We also reserve Holly Liu — [email protected] Daniel Crump — [email protected] the right to edit for length/style. ARTS

LEIF NORMAN (SUPPLIED)

A scene from Prairie Theatre Exchange’s production of Hanna Moscovitch’s Post-Democracy, which will run virtually throughout April.

While it is difficult for Young Lungs to tidy 20 minutes and was set in the reality adapt a physical medium to a digital space, of an empty theatre. Jones commissioned GHOST LIGHTS, especially with certain workshops that re- Nolan to “write a love letter to the the- quired working with a partner, managing ater, and then what she wrote was some- artistic director Zorya Arrow says it has thing that was immediately speech, in the been beneficial to them as artists, but also immediate present.” CAMERAS AND made financially easier without the costs of However, after filming was finished, a permanent venue. both on Katharsis and the upcoming Adaptation “is like stretching that mus- Post-Democracy by Hannah Moscovitch, ACTING cle,” she says. “The whole pandemic has “there was a real sense of a lack of comple- really opened a lot of doors for a lot of tion or fulfillment, on the part of all the Performance art in pandemic times different accessibility needs, and (we are) artists and production team, because the breaking a lot of new ground.” next stage of creating a play, it’s like, now This season has forced performing-arts it’s ready for us to have a communion with HANNAH FOULGER ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR FOULGERSCOVFEFE SPEAKSTORY organizations to consider how to make the audience,” Jones says. “That feeling of their programming safe and accessible for displacement from that experience is really Winnipeg’s theatre ghosts have had a lonely strate a commitment to change. everyone, including both the artistic teams resonant right now.” year. In the before times, theatres around In the fall, the RMTC embarked on a and audience members. The road ahead is unclear, but, at least the city would be filled with audience season of microprogramming, starting “Everyone is reading their space,” Thom- in PTE’s case, they are coming through members sitting close while watching pro- with Tiny Plays, Big Ideas. The plan was to as Morgan Jones, artistic director of Prai- financially with the help of the wage sub- ductions put together by teams of actors, di- run several short plays written by a diverse rie Theatre Exchange (PTE), says. “The sidy, government support and subscribers. rectors, designers and technicians working group of artists to be staged for small audi- project, the amount of people, (how long) However, performing-arts organizations in enclosed spaces. At the end of the night, ences at the Canadian Museum of Human they’re presenting in real time, to figure out will have to continue this kind of flexibility a “ghost light” would be left onstage at the Rights in small, socially distanced groups. what’s responsible. Every company and all in programming until the pandemic is de- Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (RMTC), They will now be digitally streamed from the humans that make up those companies clared over and beyond, depending on their but now it is left on all the time. It seems May 7 to 23 online. are dealing with balancing rules with con- financial status post-pandemic. the ghosts are self-isolating too. At the time, Kelly Thornton, artistic di- text-based ethics. As for now, companies continue to take Theatres that would have been full more rector of RMTC, said they were announc- “The question is: what makes a theatre calculated risks in planning far ahead. days of the year than not have sat empty. ing programming as shortly as six weeks relevant? What is the purpose of a theater? The Winnipeg Fringe Festival has just Even theatre productions like The Moun- out from the events, as health conditions (How are we) serving all the communities announced they will not have indoor ven- taintop, Post-Democracy and Plé have only and the comfort level of audiences could right now?” ues this year. However, there are other run their performances a few times for the change quickly. Many performing-arts organizations, hopeful plans ahead. Shakespeare in the cameras and empty audiences. Tiny Plays “is our first toe in the water, to including PTE, Young Lungs and Theatre Ruins and Théâtre Cercle Molière are at- In a year of constant change, it’s been see whether audiences are willing to come Projects Manitoba, have found a comfort- tempting to mount their bilingual produc- The Winter’s Tale difficult to predict when, where and how back, and they are actually willing to come able virtual space by offering different on- tion of , which they origi- people will be able to gather. Winnipeg’s back,” Thornton said in November. The line workshops, which is a function of the- nally programmed for the summer of 2020. performing-arts companies had to scrap shows sold out in minutes, but, days before atres more easily translatable to the digital Jones hopes to have both an in-person Voice many plans over the past year. They created the show was to open, Manitoba went into medium. But there are serious philosoph- and digital run of Ismaila Alfa’s at The (Post)Mistress new programs, sometimes with no guaran- Code Red, and the shows were cancelled. ical questions around the definition of art PTE, and RMTC opens , tee they will be able to go forward, as they Programming decisions this year have and theatre online or in person. a new musical by Tomson Highway, on are subject to governments’ shifting pan- been made more rapidly than in living “For some people, it’s about gather- April 8. demic health orders. Performing-arts orga- memory. Theatres and other performing ing, and that gathering doesn’t have to be There’s no way to know if all these nizations have had to reconsider the defini- arts organizations like Young Lungs Dance live. And for some people, it is absolutely plans will work out or when the theatres tions of theatre and art when audiences and Exchange, a dance organization that sup- about sharing time and space, physically,” will be full again, but at RMTC, the ghost sometimes artists can’t gather in person. ports development, creation and presenta- Jones says. “The magic (of live, in-person light stays on, and the ghosts wait for us At the same time, following the death tion of contemporary dance, have also had theatre) for me is not greater or lesser than to join them. of George Floyd and the resurgence of the to quickly learn how to provide workshops (filmed theatre). It’s different than the mag- Post-Democracy runs virtually at PTE from Black Lives Matter movement, IBPOC and training online. Young Lungs is run- ic of what can happen in terms of receiving April 8 to 25. To stay up to date on their artists and allies have demanded perform- ning an upcoming workshop with Sick things through the screen.” Kathar- evolving season, find them at pte.mb.ca. ing-arts organizations perform a deep, in- + Twisted Theatre for Deaf and disabled In November, PTE presented sis RMTC’s The (Post)Mistress runs April 8 to trospective assessment of their own racist artists, as well as other artists who want to by Yvette Nolan. The performance, 25 at royalmtc.ca. structures and behaviours and to demon- work with them. which starred Tracey Nepinak, ran at a SUPPLIED PHOTO The podcast What We Do in the Basement is one example of how Dungeons & Dragons players and fans have connected online.

cifics of gameplay. should be able to play this podcast with The transition to playing D&D online our eyes closed.” DON’T HAVE TO for COVID was easy for Moroz, because The improvisers from the podcast, in- she started DMing online before serving cluding members of local comedy group as a DM in person. “The methods of cre- Club Soda, went from live comedy to on- ating that immersive environment is rela- line shows for COVID. But without the SOCIAL DISTANCE tively similar, whether you are in person audience feedback, it’s not the same, Ram- or online. The resources to do so are just berran says. different,” she says. “Right now, a lot of (musicians) are try- WHILE FIGHTING A Back in 2020, Kevin Ramberran start- ing to find ways to write, record and re- ed recording a podcast project called lease (music), and this (podcast) is sort of What We Do in the Basement in person like the comedy equivalent,” he says. DRAGON before moving online for COVID. Ram- There’s been “a huge rise (in D&D) berran DMs and produces the “comedy during the pandemic because of its flex- D&D uses ‘theatre of the mind’ to bring fantasy D&D podcast, where improvisers explore ibility and, its ability for people to play fantasy worlds, battle foes and navigate remotely, and, as a performer, to put a co- worlds to life political conflicts with the help of their medic spin on that has given us ... access wits, weapons and obscure pop-culture (to) an audience we otherwise wouldn’t references.” have,” he says. SARAH LONDON ARTS AND CULTURE REPORTER SRA_5000 Inspired by other D&D podcasts, There’s a perceived “gateway to entry,” Ramberran created a campaign from but even with the complex rule systems of The role-playing game Dungeons & through the world of the game. scratch to allow the improvisers Natashia D&D, anyone can curate how the game Dragons (D&D) had its biggest year ever For Moroz, “music and ambient sound Durande, Thomas Toles, Jesse Bergen and works, Moroz says. “The beauty of D&D, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales is a really big component to D&D.” It Luke Cecelon room to play and leave their and notably of tabletop role-play games, grew 33 per cent in 2020, due to adven- helps players think about the space they’re mark on the game’s world. This adaptabil- is no one’s judging how closely you’re fol- tures like battling goblins and traversing in and sets the mood of the scene,” she ity is in “the spirit of the podcast, (which) lowing the rules.” orc villages living in the collective imag- says. Moroz also makes maps using car- is comedy and improv,” Ramberran says. inations of the players. This means these tography software to display the worlds of “I’m very open to the fact that the play- Find What We Do in the Basement supernatural spaces can live anywhere, D&D games. ers ... may create both backstory but also @wwditb on social media or search for including online. “Putting together the geography of literal physical things that are in the space them wherever podcasts are found. Check Miranda Moroz is an avid D&D play- your space can help you to describe things that I didn’t anticipate,” he says. “It’s re- out Moroz’s cartography @pandorasmaps er and Dungeon Master (DM) for several more vividly,” she says, noting that having ally important to keep the theater of the on Instagram. campaigns, meaning she leads the players a sense of geography can inform the spe- mind in mind when we’re (recording). We

WINNIPEG’S TWITCH COMMUNITY HOP BACK ONLINE ‘Fantastic’ and ‘supportive’ streaming community stays strong during COVID

SARAH LONDON ARTS AND CULTURE REPORTER SRA_5000

Usually, it’s considered creepy to make a connections with other folks who enjoy new friend by staring at them while they streaming and want to help each other play video games in their room. But on improve, Requeima says. Twitch, a live-streaming platform known “Twitch has a great way of bring- for video-game streams with an emphasis ing people together,” Sakura Tsubasa, a SUPPLIED PHOTO on online community, it’s encouraged. Twitch partner and Winnipeg MeetUp The Winnipeg Community MeetUp admin, says. Local Twitch streamers at the last in-person Winnipeg Community MeetUp. The events have group (powered by Twitch) is “a collec- Tsubasa has made lasting friendships since moved online. tion of broadcasters with varying interest from the Twitch Winnipeg community, across all platforms of the industry.” because “we share a common interest in The group began in 2015 as a way to gaming, and I think that’s really benefi- bring people together in person, with cial for ... everyone,” she says, adding the The Winnipeg MeetUp group is a not- munication service” that facilitates online small groups going bowling or grabbing community has been especially beneficial for-profit, so money made within the communities and is often used by gamers. food and talking streaming, Samantha during COVID-19. community goes back in to support events Connecting through Discord “consists Requeima, lead organizer of Winnipeg The community is a “fantastic group for members. The group often raises of hosting game nights within the com- MeetUps, says. of people” that includes chat moderators, money for local charities and does Extra munity, having chat constantly going with “It totally expanded into something volunteers and respectful community Life streams, which they have continued interesting topics and encouraging others beyond that,” she says, adding the events members who provide each other with throughout the pandemic. to share things going on in their lives,” grew from a handful of people to hosting tech support, gaming groups and net- The group is “more equipped than Requeima says. “(I) want to get everybody over 100 by 2019. working, Tsubasa says. They also offer most” to bring their offline meetups back as connected as possible right now. Quar- The goal of meetups for the Twitch collaborating opportunities that can “help online, because the community already antine (can) be so lonely.” Winnipeg community are “to make this with stream growth in the long-term.” stemmed from connecting with each oth- hobby into a community and to build a Tsubasa’s first stream was for a 24-hour er online, Requeima says. “It’s been an ab- Learn more about Winnipeg Community connection and support system with each Extra Life marathon to raise money for solute thrill to help build it up and to keep MeetUp @twitchwinnipeg on Instagram or other,” Requeima says. the Children’s Miracle Network hospital it sustained during quarantine.” meetups.twitch.tv/winnipeg/. Find Tsuba- Participating in the community doesn’t in Manitoba. After that, she continued The admins are bringing their commu- sa’s streams at SakuraTsubasa on Twitch. guarantee viral growth in stream views, streaming, and her content evolved from nity together during COVID over Dis- but they do guarantee friendships and there, she says. cord, which is “a voice, video and text com- ARTS THE UNITER APRIL 1, 2021 5

PHOTO BY KEELEY BRAUNSTEIN-BLACK

Laura Gurbhoo opened her new bakeshop Gâto during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the logistical challenges.

always been my passion, so it was an ideal job make it happen, as we needed the income, and for me. I realized that baking was what I wanted we were one year into our lease.” OPENING IN A to do. Gâto started with the focus of reducing Drosdowech was able to take advantage of our carbon footprint while providing delicious watching and learning from what others had baked goods to Winnipeg.” done successfully during that year. “As our space Sandra Drosdowech, co-owner of Thyme is small, we were able to adjust how we were go- PANDEMIC Cafe and Books, is no stranger to the busi- ing to run and just move to pickup and takeout ness. She’s a former co-owner of the col- only. If we had a bigger space that relied on large Why the owners of Gâto and Thyme lective Mondragon Bookstore & Coffee groups of people, we would have had a much House. Drosdowech hoped to open a vegan more difficult time,” Drosdowech says. took the risk restaurant and bookstore since Mondragon “We also had the advantage of observing closed seven years ago. how other places were operating in the pandem- KEELEY BRAUNSTEIN-BLACK STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER KEELEY_IMAGE All the ownership team really needed was a ic with the restrictions. The places who sudden- desirable location. “We had been looking for a ly had to switch how they were operating would space and saw the space on Taché that had been have had a very challenging time.” Starting a new business can be financially risky the industry, this might not seem like the best Cocoabeans Bakeshop a few years ago. We Gâto opened on March 24 and has sold out at the best of times. Doing so during a pandem- time for a new venture. knew it would work out well, as it was close to every day. “I would like to say how thankful I ic can be particularly challenging. With slim For Laura Gurbhoo, however, the pandemic home and central and (in) a great neighborhood am for all the support we received on our open- profit margins to begin with, it is a wonder that is part of what pushed her to open Gâto. with a lot of people in the medical or health ing,” Gurbhoo says. many places are still somehow operating at re- “The pandemic has definitely (taken) a toll field,” Drosdowech says. Thyme has met with success as well. “Ev- duced capacity. ... however, it has also made me realize how Drosdowech and her partner Jason Holland eryone has been amazing: customers, other The COVID-19 pandemic hit the local precious time is, and I thought it was time for signed a three-year lease in 2019. “We had daily business owners, suppliers, neighbours and old restaurant industry hard. Hermanos Restau- it,” she says. discussions about what we should do: when we friends! It makes it all the challenges worthwhile rant and Wine Bar and Segovia Tapas Bar Gâto translates to “cake” in Gurbhoo’s should open, if we should open, was it going to and confirms that we made the right decision (among others) closed permanently during mother tongue, Mauritian Creole. Gâto was get better? Worse? It was very hard to know what by opening. We are so grateful to once again be the first wave. Amid constant warnings in inspired by “the current climate crisis, and the to do! We finally realized that we just needed to doing what we love,” Drosdowech says. news articles and online about the status of need for change,” Gurbhoo says. “Baking has

IMAGINING FUTURE POSSIBILITIES Honour fandoms by engaging with them in new, imaginative ways

CHARLIE MORIN FEATURES EDITOR MILLENIAL.DIGS

Amidst the uncertainty brought on by the and ter Kuile address a myriad of difficult COVID-19 pandemic, many people have themes present in the text – including pow- turned to the comfort of familiar TV shows. er relations, toxic masculinity and fatpho- “Like routine, it eases our cognitive load, bia, to name a few – with tact. The hosts which is suffering after all these months of are always willing to share new perspectives immediate and implicit uncertainty,” Alli- on the motives of the characters, particu- son LaSorda writes in a recent Globe and larly those vilified in the standard reading. Mail article. The episode ends with a blessing to two It is true that it’s easier to engage with characters deserving special recognition. well-worn fandoms than it is to seek out new Reading a beloved text with the inten- content. As an avid Harry Potter fan, I’m al- tion to treat it as more than a vehicle for ways re-reading the series – whether it be the escapism and entertainment is helpful not actual books, audiobooks or the movies. only to better understand the series, but As LaSorda says, re-engaging with a fa- also as a mindfulness practice. Zoltan and vourite series is an opportunity to hone in ter Kuile encourage listeners to ground on details that may have previously been themselves in the text, providing the op- ILLUSTRATION BY GABRIELLE FUNK overlooked. That deeper appreciation, how- portunity to meditate, process and imagine ever, can be taken much further. new possibilities through the practice. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a pod- The two hosts sat down for a livestream world and She Who Must Not Be Named, to give ourselves the opportunity to car- cast where hosts Vanessa Zoltan and Casper of their final episode together on March but also in the lives of everyone who has been ry our fandom forward as we continue to ter Kuile examine the Harry Potter series by 25, 2021, reading Chapter 1 of Book 1 part of the fandom along the way. grow and imagine future possibilities. using traditional sacred reading practices. through the theme of transition. If we continued to read Harry Potter with Both graduates from Harvard Divinity The theme of transition felt particular- the same eyes that we did when we first sat For those who feel queasy about the author: School, Zoltan and ter Kuile guide the con- ly relevant besides the evident reason (ter down with the book – be it many years ago the harrypottersacredtext.com website has versation with a different theme in every Kuile leaving the podcast). It has now been or more recently – who would we be? a section with voicemails from trans and episode – for instance, the reading of Book over 20 years since the first book in the The reason we engage with our favourite non-binary listeners sharing their views 4, Chapter 5, “Weasley’s Wizard Wheez- Harry Potter series was released. series is because of the way they resonate on the series, the author and transphobia – es,” through the theme of masculinity. Since then, so much has changed: not only with us on a personal level. It’s important a conversation worth listening to. Through their conversations, Zoltan in conversations around the Harry Potter CRITIPEG

SUPPLIED PHOTO

ocratic Party, Hollywood celebrities and phenomenon, the premier episode of Into the other enemies of Trump are a satanic cabal of Storm highlights the vast political gap between pedophiles and cannibals who traffic and eat real-life and online identities. It speaks to a Q: INTO THE STORM human children. Trump, Q says, is a messi- frightening confluence of internet and media anic figure sent to destroy these evildoers. illiteracy, which combined with online algo- The “evidence” is all there, they claim, rithms, age-old racist tropes and religious funda- Episode 1 “Calm Before the Storm” pointing to random combinations of num- mentalism to birth QAnon. bers and letters in Trump tweets, public Hoback’s skillful interviews highlight how Airing on HBO, streaming on Crave appearances or photos. In one scene, a believer this lack of online media literacy can upend points to a photo of Trump and four associ- and destroy QAnon devotees’ lives. One ates all giving the camera a “thumbs up.” He interviewee, a former gossip columnist whose arbitrarily draws a circle and line between the career was ended by her QAnon obsession, tells thumbs and says, “Look, they form a Q!” It’s Hoback, “nothing surprises me anymore,” say- THOMAS PASHKO MANAGING EDITOR THOMASPASHKO all reminiscent of King-Kill/33, the essay that ing she’d believe Earth was flat if Q said so. She claimed random numbers associated with the seems so oblivious that when she says “noth- Anyone who has spent the last several years delves into the origins of the QAnon con- JFK assaniation prove the Dallas shooting ing surprises me,” she really means “I’ll believe closely observing the disturbing far-right resur- spiracy, the people who believe in it, the was actually a mass-scale masonic ritual. anything that reaffirms my worldview.” gence has surely encountered the bizarre QAnon online personalities who propagate (and As stupid as it sounds, the conspiracy Hoback treats his subjects with compas- conspiracy theory. But the Jan. 6 storming of profit from) it and the people trying to iden- theory caught like wildfire among Trump’s sion. His tone has as much in common with the US Capitol by Donald Trump supporters tify the actual fraudster behind it. deplorable crowd, eventually spreading well recent cult documentaries like The Vow or made it impossible for even the most tuned- For those unfamiliar (of whom I’m deeply beyond his base. Two interviewees, a couple Heaven’s Gate as it does with political docu- out observers to recognize the Q crowd was no jealous), the QAnon conspiracy theory is who were previously lifelong Democrats, have mentaries or news coverage about the Trump longer a wackadoo online subculture, but a full- based on anonymous online message board become Q diehards. Many of them say they phenomenon. This is essential to Into the blown cult. posts by “Q,” someone claiming to be a close became radicalized after watching YouTube Storm’s entire worldview: it understands Q: Into the Storm, the new documentary contact of Trump with access to secret intel- videos from conspiracists or viewing memes. QAnon isn’t just a cult, a conspiracy theory or miniseries from director Cullen Hoback, ligence. Q falsely claims that the US Dem- In addition to acting as a good intro to the a political crisis, but all three rolled into one.

ARTS BRIEFS

HANNAH FOULGER ARTS AND CULTURE EDITOR FOULGERSCOVFEFE SPEAKSTORY

ON THE COVER Free online art talk First Fridays hosts Bev Pike, a Winnipeg-based artist and activist for her talk, You’ve Come a Long Way (Maybe?), about the history of feminist art in Winnipeg from 1975 to today and its Winnipeg-based artist Austin Boulton connections with environmentalism. Tune in live on April 2 at 7 p.m. at youtu.be/boG0SaYZbrU.

Charlene du Toit: Feminine and Fierce Austin Boulton (they/them) is an aspiring Arts AccessAbility Network Manitoba hosts Charlene du Toit’s mixed-media exhibition Feminine and Fierce, opening on April 2. Du Toit is a self-taught artist originally from South Africa, who is self-taught illustrator and cartoonist from currently based in Winnipeg. The exhibit explores femininity as a source of inner strength, resil- Winnipeg, Man. They are inspired by the ience and power. View the exhibition at aanm.ca/online-exhibitions. cartoons and comics they grew up with and the friends who motivate them, Austin’s work has been compared to artists such as Flux Dr. Seuss and Patrick Kyle because of their Cr8ery (125 Adelaide St.) hosts a trio of artists in their new exhibition Flux, running from April 1 to 13. The show features work by Lori Ferguson, oil painter and modern impressionist; Xavier strange, whimsical illustrations. They have a Mutshipayi, artist and figurative oil painter; and Rey Page, artist and photographer, all on the subject of change. The gallery is open to in-person visitors Tuesdays to Fridays from 12 to 6 strong passion for printed media and strange p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. tales that one day will be accessible for everyone. Within Reach You can find Austin’s art in zines and in var- Artist John Statham’s solo exhibition runs from April 1 to 24 at Soul Gallery (163 Clare Ave.). With paintings of rocky landscapes and Winnipeg back lanes, Statham tries to find the ra- ious projects from Winnipeg musicians. diance beneath the mundane. There will be no opening reception. The exhibit is available to view on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Purchases can be made online at They’re currently working on finding their soulgallery.ca. own style by exploring new mediums and studying comics and animation. Yom Hashoah Interfaith Commemoration On April 8, Congregation Shaarey Zedek hosts the 13th annual Yom Hashoah (Holocaust) Com- memoration, with a candle lighting and a reading from the Megillat Hashoah (Holocaust scroll). A seventh candle will be lit in memory of the Roma, Sinti and others singled out for genocide. The memorial will be streamed live to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek YouTube page. People of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. THE UNITER APRIL 1, 2021 7 CITY

ILLUSTRATION BY TALIA STEELE

proached getting into a relationship. When faced with the option of travelling “I’ve always been someone who tries not to Germany to see her then-significant oth- ROMANCE, to get head over heels (or) ahead of myself er, Hochman says she found herself caught in relationships,” they say. “With COVID, between a moral dilemma: accepting the it was kind of like, okay, you either need health and safety risks of travelling during to give this your all, or nothing is going to a pandemic or remaining long-distance for UNPRECEDENTED happen. You really learn quickly whether or the duration of lockdowns. not you guys are going to work.” “It gave me a lot of anxiety to think about Making it official in the time of COVID-19 While St. Hilaire says they joke about going against the guidelines and the safety never having been on a real first date, the of others,” she says. “It was difficult to know couple has managed to make a sanctuary that the consequence would be breaking CIERRA BETTENS CITY REPORTER FICTIONALCIERRA CIERRABETTENS out of their shared space, having movie up if I didn’t go, but I think I would’ve felt nights and anticipating a time when going worse being there if I didn’t go with my gut to the cinema is safe and feasible. instinct to stay back in Winnipeg.” Crossing over the one-year mark of Simiyu says. “We’re both kind of introverted her- In the end, Hochman’s relationship COVID-19, some Winnipeg couples an- “When we first started talking, we were mits, so it’s a good co-existence, but it eventually came to a close, in part due to ticipate two anniversaries: one marking able to get to know each other so deeply,” definitely gets cabin fever-y sometimes,” her choice to stay in Winnipeg. It’s a de- the first year of their relationship and one Higham says. “By the time we hung out, St. Hilaire says. cision that, while difficult, she says she of lockdown. it was so intense to be experiencing that in Gillian Brown, a student journalist at doesn’t regret. Dating in a pandemic has put a pause person finally.” The Manitoban, says she and her partner “It gave me the opportunity to set my on many relationship “firsts.” For some, the Not long after they met, Simiyu and Ty Brass, who she met while working at the boundaries and stick to my morals,” she says. first night out could take place five months Higham made the decision to move in paper, only went on their first real date in For many COVID-era couples, what lies into a relationship. For others, it could together to avoid the safety risks of going March 2021 – despite calling it official in ahead in the post-pandemic future remains mean putting off meeting each other’s fam- back and forth between residences. August 2020. a beacon of hope. ily and friends for months, or even a year. “The first part was like accelerated “I feel like we skipped a lot of the begin- Simiyu and Higham have been making The Uniter spoke with folks who managed U-Hauling,” Higham says. “We could live ning stages of the relationship. We didn’t go the most of the pandemic dating world to find love in the time of COVID-19 – how- together or not.” on dates really, (and) we haven’t met each through skateboarding, walks and picnics. ever unprecedented these times may be. Though the couple hasn’t been to a mov- other’s family and friends,” Brown says. Still, the pair looks forward to a future Days before Manitoba went into lock- ie theatre, travelled outside of Manitoba or For Brown, not being able to meet each where travelling and interacting with each down in March 2020, Rebecca Simiyu, a attended a concert together, Higham says other’s families or celebrate holidays to- other’s greater circle of friends is safe. University of Manitoba student completing the experience of getting to know Simiyu gether has been a challenge. Oftentimes, “Usually, I find that, after a year of dat- her final year in the political studies pro- was something she wouldn’t trade. she says Brass was the only person she saw. ing, people have done a lot of firsts togeth- gram, and Christian Higham, a master’s “I think it’s also something that we may “I think the family thing is difficult for er, but we still have so many first things to student in the cultural studies program at never get to experience again – getting to a lot of people,” she says. “With the lock- experience together,” Simiyu says. the University of Winnipeg, matched on an know someone so thoroughly and slowly,” down, with social distancing, there’s just a Similarly, St. Hilaire and Roper dream online dating app. Higham says. whole other part of the relationship that we of a future of camping and theatre out- What would follow was two months For couples like Megan St. Hilaire and don’t get to have right now. ings in addition to the bike rides and piz- of texting, FaceTiming and Netflix party Andrew Roper, who also chose to move Others, like Sharee Hochman, a writer za-making nights they’ve enjoyed together date nights – all before meeting in person in together recently, pandemic dating has and student completing her final year in throughout the pandemic. in May 2020. accelerated some aspects of being in a re- the rhetoric, writing and communications “I feel like we’ve made a lot of memo- “Our first date wasn’t really a tradition- lationship, while decelerating others. St. degree program at the University of Winni- ries in this little bubble we’ve created, and al first date. We just took a walk, because Hilaire says the seriousness of COVID-19 peg, experienced the end of a relationship I can’t wait for that bubble to expand,” St. that was all we could really do at the time,” forced them to reconsider how they ap- during the lockdown. Hilaire says. CITY BRIEFS

ALEX NEUFELDT CITY EDITOR

See it before the final Physics and A new space to Psychology students Exploring strategies curtain call geography thesis gather and learn in sharing research to end homelessness The Department of Theatre and presentations The City of Winnipeg has The Department of Psychology is On April 7, Kíkininaw Óma Strat- Film’s final production of the year, announced the opening of a new hosting a virtual undergraduate egy to Support Unsheltered Win- Blink by Phil Porter, will be per- The Departments of Geography library in River Heights-Fort research conference featuring the nipeggers, the Right to Housing formed over livestream every night and Physics are both holding the- Garry as of March 29. According work of honours students from Coalition, Make Poverty History at 7:30 p.m. until April 3. While sis presentations in early April. to a press release from the City, the department and students from Manitoba and End Homeless- admission is free, viewers need to Physics honours students Shawna the Bill and Helen Norrie Library, other regional universities on April ness Winnipeg are hosting From register ahead of time on the de- Skelton and Sidney Leggett will named after former mayor Bill 30. There will also be a keynote Crisis to Connection: Ending Home- partment website to access the link. present virtually on April 5, and Norrie and his wife Helen, takes address by Dr. John E. Lydon from lessness in Winnipeg, an event geography honours students will much of its design inspiration from McGill University. Registration is exploring the causes and solutions present virtually on April 9. Rooster Town. open on the department website. to homelessness in Winnipeg. The event is free, and participants will need to register ahead of time. CAMPUS

PHOTO BY KEELEY BRAUNSTEIN-BLACK

The COVID-19 pandemic has made riding the bus a lot more complicated for passengers and operators alike.

peg Transit buses and city buildings, “took crowded, at least at peak times, than be- way too long.” fore,” he says. ‘EYE-POPPING’ Even with this regulation, the transit op- “I think it would be very important to erator says they witness constant violations, improve transit frequency on peak hours,” such as patrons not wearings masks, at es- Martin says, adding that “buses should be sentially every moment during every shift. well below capacity to allow for physical dis- CONDITIONS AND “In reality, we don’t have the power (to tancing.” enforce it),” they say. “If we call the control He adds, however, that the mask mandate centre, they’ll tell us: ‘just advise them, and on buses has helped him feel more comfort- ‘REACTIVE’ POLICIES if they don’t comply, just let it be,’” they say, able while riding. adding that it is common for bus drivers to Another issue of concern for transit work- A transit operator’s pandemic work environment encounter “combative” and “COVID-deny- ers has been the reporting of COVID-19 ing” individuals. cases. The operator says they are not being In an email to The Uniter, Megan Ben- directly informed of cases on their buses. CALLUM GOULET-KILGOUR CAMPUS REPORTER CGOULETKILGOUR edictson, communications officer for Win- Benedictson points out that Winnipeg nipeg Transit, says that “mask compliance Transit shares information “about poten- Over the past year, the COVID-19 pan- anonymity, describes their work environment currently sits above 99 percent.” tial public exposures at civic facilities and demic has dramatically altered how many over the last year as “eye-popping.” “Compliance is monitored through visual on board our vehicles on the City of Win- Winnipegers interact with others, especial- “Winnipeg (Transit) was very unpre- observations carried out by on-street super- nipeg website.” ly in public spaces. The prevailing pub- pared for COVID-19,” they say. “We’re all visors stationed at strategic locations, and “Winnipeg Transit is committed to lic-health advice has been to avoid being very frustrated.” other personnel,” she says. protecting the health and safety of our op- in enclosed spaces with people outside of a According to the bus operator, the The Winnipeg Transit website states erators, other employees and passengers,” household “bubble.” Amalgamated Transit Union, which rep- that “Transit riders could face a $100 fine she says. In buses, however, which are an essential resents them and their coworkers, raised for non-compliance.” However, it is unclear Looking ahead, however, the bus driver service for many, riders and bus drivers are the issue of masks for drivers and on buses who – if anyone – is enforcing this policy. hopes a different approach is taken. forced into close proximity to one another, in January 2020. Dylon Martin, who takes the bus a few “Going forward, we are hoping that the making it one of the few public spaces where While Winnipeg Transit eventually pro- times every month, says in an email to The City of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Transit are this occurs. vided drivers with masks in late April of Uniter that COVID-19 safety concerns have more proactive instead of reactive,” they say. A Winnipeg Transit bus operator, who has 2020, they say the mask mandate, which caused him to minimize his transit use. spoken to The Uniter under the condition of came into effect in late August for Winni- “Buses don’t seem significantly less

EMPTY SANCTUARIES Local places of worship adapt to COVID-19

CALLUM GOULET-KILGOUR CAMPUS REPORTER CGOULETKILGOUR

Over the past year, emptiness has plagued gregation have been completely supportive of many of Manitoba’s most cherished spaces. this decision. Everything from hockey arenas to universities “A lot of people in our congregation feel to museums have been closed – or have had that the church worship services are there to their capacities massively reduced – due to the equip them to live their lives throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. weeks, and we continue to do that in our on- SUPPLIED PHOTO Places of worship are no exception. These line services,” she says. institutions, which provide comfort and hope Music has proven to be an effective tool for to many, have had to adapt in order to contin- engaging members of their congregation. Kathy Koop, leading minister at First Mennonite Church of Winnipeg ue their missions during a time of widespread “Lots of people have stepped forward and anxiety and despair. volunteered to record music (for services),” Manitoban public-health restrictions for Koop says, adding that about 70 people have places of worship have varied over the past been involved in music-making. agogue as a backup and as an alternative for not great at adapting and not great at chang- year. They have ranged from reducing capaci- Even now, with public-health restrictions members of their congregation who might ing,” he says. “We showed we could, and a lot ty to prohibiting in-person services. that permit in-person services, the First Men- not be able to attend in person. of our regular people hung with us.” Headlines about anti-mask and anti-lock- nonite Church of Winnipeg is only offering Currently, their services are exclusively As of press time, places of worship may down churches have dominated much of the online events due to safety considerations. offered online, and in-person events are only open to hold services if “the number of per- discussion about religion and COVID-19. Shaarey Zedek Synagogue has followed a held for specific occasions, such as bar and bat sons attending a service does not exceed 25 However, many local congregations have similar approach. Rabbi Matthew Leibl says mitzvahs. per cent of the usual capacity of the premises been able to adapt while following pub- that, over the past year, his congregation “has “We were able to transition seamlessly, or 100 persons, whichever is lower” and social lic-health guidelines. not only survived, but thrived.” and our numbers have been great,” Leibl says, distancing between households is in effect. First Mennonite Church of Winnipeg’s “We were lucky, in a way ... since we had adding that they “lost no momentum” and Attendees, however, are not required to worship services have been exclusively online already been livestreaming our services prior showed that they were capable of pivoting. wear a mask when seated and socially distant for most of the pandemic. Kathy Koop, their to the pandemic,” Leibl says. In early 2018, “Religious institutions, stereotypically, are from members of other households. leading minister, says members of their con- Shaarey Zedek installed cameras in the syn- THE UNITER APRIL 1, 2021 9

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 6AM Fly Travel Radio MORNING !EARSHOT Cafecito FANTASTIC THE MAN IN THE 7AM GREY FLANNEL SUIT CKU-Speaks BREATH 20 Latinoamericano FRIDAY SHOW CANQUEER World - Island music 8AM 8 CKUW MORNING NEWS / FRONT BURNER (CBC) WOODEN SPOONS SHADES OF 9AM CLASSICS DEMOCRACY NOW! DEMOCRACY NOW! MUD PUDDLE Classical and New Age 10AM MUSIC This Way Out PLANETARY RADIO SUNNY ROAD RADIO For Kids (Adults too) Indigenous DEPARTMENT 13 WINGS Cheeze Pleeze Roots Music 11AM In LOCAL SPOKEN WORD POP/ROCK ACCESSIBILITY MATTERS VOYAGE NO FIXED ADDRESS THE Jazz LIVED EXPERIENCES OF HOMELESSNESS TEMPLE Music BOOTS & SADDLE !EARSHOT DAILY ELECTRIC SPOKEN WORD NOON CHAIR OF 12 The Sean Show COUNTRY BINKY PINDER'S FUNHOUSE HOW TO SURVIVE A JAZZ NEON BEIGE SOUND TORNADO EXCHANGE ALTER- WEEK 1PM NATING TALKING RADICAL RADIO THE GREEN ALTERNATIVE RADIO RADIO ECOSHOCK GLOBAL RESEARCH YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM GOD Gospel Truth Before Reconciliation MAJORITY NEWS HOUR THE IVORY Temporary Programming 2PM TOWER GROUNDSWELL What's Up Winnipeg? New Classical Your Show Here Classical BARKING DOG Eclectic Mix 3PM Kaleidoscope Past 'n Present WWW.CKUW.CA Folk 'n Roots Eclectic Residents Classical Delights PSYCLE Winnipeg Arena Let's Play DJ! 4PM is on Fire OFFICE: RADI0 SPACE CADET WHAT ON EARTH Chart Noises The Shortwave Report MUSIC, OUT OF THIS WORLD IS GOING ON? CKUW's Top 30 THE TRIP Bikini Drive-In 204-786-9782 5PM INNER CITY PAGES THE GREEN SYSTEM KIDz AMATEUR HOUR PSYCHADELIC ROCK VOICES BLUES SHOW PEG CITY PLAYLIST NEWS DESK : 204- Youth in Care So Bad, It’s Good EAT YOUR ARTS & VEGETABLES Jokes On You 6PM Local Comedy 6 786-9998 Lost Chunes TAWNY, THE HOW DO THE WORLD YOU DO REVUE WE BUILD 7PM World TWANG TRUST THE BRAVE ON AIR: Country/ Roots/ Big, Dumb Pop/Rock THE C.A.R.P. Rock ‘n’ Roll HITS 204-774-6877 CHECK CA Hip-Hop The Completely Asinine Radio Program 8PM THE TONIC Funky BLUESDAY Adult Kindergarten Rank and File Radio: FAX: Garage, Punk, Surf,and R&R PLAYING THE BLUES S.A.N.E. * RADIO Local Experimental Music Prairie Edition 204-783-7080 9PM RED BOX 9 Your Show Here Hip-Hop DESTINATION Dub City Steppers QUADRAFUNK THE GASHLYCRUMB TINIES EMAIL: 10PM MOON [email protected] Sock-Hop-A-Go-Go !EARSHOT DAILY !EARSHOT DAILY Electric Dance Party ISLAND !EARSHOT DAILY MONKEY SPARROW PHASE ONE DANCE HALL 11PM VIBES Two Princes Electronic Brain Drainer Radio FEVER BREAK NORTH RADIO LISTENING PLEASURES Dancehall and Reggae Caribbean MIDNIGHT Some programs are on 12 hiatus and/or airing different 1AM METAL HURLEMENTS SUR LA TOUNDRA THE WONDERFUL content due to university MONDAY NIGHT DANGER RADIO Rainbow Country closure for COVID-19. 2AM & FRIGHTENING THE SENTINEL'S MANITOBA CRYSTAL 3AM MARVELOUS WORLD OF KALEIDOSCOPE MODERN JAZZ TODAY 4AM The Motherland Influ- PATRICK MOON PALACE Your Show Here ence DEEP THREES 5AM AMPLIFIED RADIO MICHALISHYN Old Parlour Radio CELT IN A TWIST 6AM

SPRING TERM REGISTRATION community and/or campus involve- transcript and affect their grade Student Central has drop-in Zoom ment? Or maybe this describes you? point average (GPA) calculation for sessions where students can ask Tiered registration for Spring Term the Winter and Fall/Winter terms. questions “in person” with a SC courses ends Thurs., Apr. 1. Open Nominations (including self-nomi- staff member. registration begins Mon., Apr. 5. nations) are now open for 2020-21 Students must meet with an Convocation Awards! Graduates academic advisor before they can The Zoom waiting room is enabled. GOOD FRIDAY from October 2020, February 2021, submit a request for alternate One student will be admitted at a The University will be closed on Fri., and the upcoming convocation June grading. The deadline to see an time. Students wait for their turn Apr. 2 for Good Friday. 2021 are eligible for these awards, advisor and submit your form is and need to present their UWinni- which are administered by the Fri., May 28. peg student card (or other photo ID) Awards and Financial Aid Office and LECTURES END FOR WINTER For details, please see: uwinnipeg. to talk about their account, the same selected by a committee. TERM ca/covid-19/final-grade-options-faq. as actual in-person interactions at SC. Lectures end for Winter Term More details and a fillable PDF html. courses on Tues., Apr. 6, except for application is available here: https:// To add yourself to the queue, please BURSARIES FOR courses which have a class sched- www.uwinnipeg.ca/awards/ use the myVisit app (by Q-nomy) uled in lieu of Apr. 2 (Good Friday) awards-bursaries-and-scholarships/ SPRING TERM available for Apple or Android - those courses have a make-up day current-continuing.html For UWinnipeg Spring 2021 bursa- phones. Turn off the location per- on Apr. 7. The deadline is Thurs., Apr. 15. ries, online applications open mid- mission in the app. The SMS noti- April until June 1. Find the appli- fication when it is your turn shortly EXAMS GRADES cation here: uwinnipeg.ca/awards/ will provide the Zoom info. Student apply-for-awards/index.html. can add themselves to the queue The exam period is from Mon., Apr. Grades for Winter and Fall/Winter 10:00 am - 4:30 pm from Mon- 12 to Fri., Apr. 23. Please check the term classes will be posted on day-Friday. Exam Schedule: uwinnipeg.ca/ex- WebAdvisor on tentatively Wed., MYVISIT APP am-schedules/index.html. May 18. Need to see a Student Central repre- Thirty-minute Zoom appointments with Academic and Career Advisors Due to the COVID-19 public health sentative or an Academic or Career CONVOCATION AWARDS Advisor? You can now queue for can be booked through the myVisit emergency, UWinnipeg students app or via www.myVisit.com as Do you know a graduating student Zoom drop-in sessions with Student will have the option to choose how well. who combines good marks with their grades will appear on their Central, and/or Academic & Career Services using myVisit! COLUMN

FOREIGNER AFFAIRS Art as a drawing board for change

VINAY SHARMA COLUMNIST VINAYTHEPOOH

In his work Art and Liberation, Herbert Mar- portunities should be given to immigrant cuse discusses the more revolutionary aspects communities to express themselves in such of art. Although he suggests there is a di- a manner. vide between a work of art and actual social This can start with provincial govern- change, artists can use their practices to ad- ment-funded programs providing public dress society’s ills, generating initial ideas that spaces in immigrant communities for peo- have the potential to create social change. ple to express themselves, and go as far as But as commodification becomes in- providing grants to members of immigrant creasingly infectious, everything can be communities. Either way, the primary sublimated by a corporate structure. Ex- goal is the free expression of creative ideas, ploring transgressive subject matter can be which will have the potential to translate a way for artists to fight back against pow- to a more material change for the better. er structures. But these very transgressions Of course, the question remains: how can be internalized by profiteering organi- can art be promoted in immigrant com- zations and sold back to people, disarming munities? One great way is for the provin- the actual transgressive elements in a work cial government to provide grants specifi- of art itself. cally reserved for artists from communities Though the subtext of Bong Joon Ho’s with dense immigrant populations (such 2019 film Parasite, for example, was ex- as the Maples). This will both promote ar- plicitly socialist, this message was lost in tistic endeavors in these communities and its own corporate advertising. The film bring in a more diverse range of voices to ended in Oscar glory, being applauded by the local established art scenes in general. the very same people it was transgressing It will, most importantly, give immi- against. grant communities a platform from which That being said, I believe smaller cities to express their specific experiences and ILLUSTRATION BY GABRIELLE FUNK like Winnipeg can provide refuge for rev- struggles. It is also very important to en- olutionary creativity. We are far from be- courage children in immigrant-dense ing any sort of artistic powerhouse in some schools to partake in more artistic prac- senses of the term, and because of this, I tices. More money should be directed to- believe we have the potential to break away wards these endeavors in order to encour- from the unifying stasis of big business. age art as a whole. It all starts with funding that is conducive Vinay Sharma is a third-year philos- I believe the immigrant population in More artistic expression on the part of to encouraging these ideas without op- ophy student. His main interests are particular should take advantage of this. Winnipeg’s immigrant community could portunistically exploiting them for profit. political philosophy and the philosophy of Political change begins with the expres- be the basis for a new change in legisla- language. sion of one’s discontent, and greater op- tive policy or a broader social movement.

COMMENTS

‘BREAKING FREE OF HUSTLE CULTURE’ Changing careers during the pandemic

DANIELLE DOIRON COPY AND STYLE EDITOR DANIELLEMDOIRON

I lost my job 13 months ago. Three days later, about historical productivity in plague times I packed up my desk, walked out of my office – feeling both encouraged and annoyed when for the last time and went into self-isolation. they interrupted my news feeds. These pithy Initially, my layoff had nothing to do claims glossed over just how difficult it was with the coronavirus pandemic. I knew for me and many other people to simply exist. cuts were coming, and my department was After all, “it’s tough to be productive at the first to go. But I was left jobless in an the best of times, let alone when we’re in a increasingly volatile economy. It was al- global crisis,” Chris Bailey, a productivity most impossible to find a new, comparable consultant, told The New York Times. “The position in corporate marketing. idea that we have so much time available And I’m one of the lucky ones. I have during the day now is fantastic, but these family members who were able to help days, it’s the opposite of a luxury.” me make rent and afford groceries when I Eventually, like another professional didn’t qualify for government assistance – interviewed by the Times, I realized I was and then again when the funds I eventually “putting stress on myself during a time received weren’t enough. that’s already stressful.” In the first months of the pandemic, I rev- So I took a step back. “Acknowledging that elled in my “free” time. I could finally read we are all living in an impossible era with little, if the books on my shelf, exercise, cook and get any, extra free time is an important first step in my apartment in order. I picked up freelance breaking free of hustle culture, especially if you ILLUSTRATION BY GABRIELLE FUNK clients when possible, but I constantly felt can laugh at the absurdity of it all,” Misra wrote pressure to do more – not only so I could pay in that same Guardian piece. my bills on time, but because “getting things Despite what many well-meaning so- done” seemed to be expected of me. cial-media influencers might want me to cited me. And when I was offered a job as too much yet. After all, I’m already living “One consequence of COVID-19 is that believe, the pandemic was never a “blessing an educational assistant two months ago, through a pandemic. we are all now being urged to hustle harder in disguise.” Saying so is repugnant, espe- something clicked. than ever,” Kiran Misra wrote in a Guardian cially considering that thousands of Cana- When spring breaks ends, I’ll go back to Danielle Doiron is a writer, editor and mar- article last year. “Isaac Newton discovered dians have died from the disease. school. And sometime in the future, I’ll go keter who splits her time between Winni- gravity and invented calculus while in quar- But here’s what I will say: this crisis has back to school again. This time, I’ll study peg and Philadelphia. She’s spending the antine, we are told. Shakespeare allegedly helped me realize what I truly value. The to become a teacher. I don’t know all the pandemic reading, practising yoga and wrote King Lear on lockdown.” kind of corporate job I had and the free- logistics yet, but I’m trying not to stress cursing out the governments in both cities I remember scrolling through memes lancing work I picked up never truly ex- she calls home. DIVERSIONS THE UNITER APRIL 1, 2021 11

On Friday, April 2, messenger Mercury connects with power planet Pluto at 2:03 HOROSCOPES AM—you have no idea what lies in store unless you simply ask! You might be able to find a secret recipe or learn about someone’s biggest fears. This is also a time On April 3, Mercury enters Aries, when we may have more awareness of our thought patterns and try to transcend them by working through them. Conversations with someone or with two other bringing more energy and focus people, can bring you newer awareness. to our thoughts SOURCE: ASTROLOGY.COM

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER

Worrying about it won’t get you anywhere. Don’t engage in conflict, even if you’re pro- You’re a whirlwind, and wherever you go, Walk the fine line between blatant self-interest Be responsible and do your best. voked. Just smile that devilish grin. things improve with your fabulous energy. and complete altruism.

LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO

You’re seeing patterns where others see Bewildered? It’s all hazy now. Keep puzzling it Beware of those in uniform — you and Expect a bit of hurry-up-and-wait. Bring a chaos. Take it to the next level. out while you wait for clarity. authority don’t mix well now. book to read. The time will pass.

SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES

The group’s just bumbling along, and you Spontaneous should be your middle name. Fun is where you find it — at work, at the Double and triple-check calculations. know what to do. Don’t follow -- lead. Enjoy the randomness of it all. store, even stuck in traffic. Count your change. Balance your accounts. GET PUBLISHED!

The Uniter is seeking volunteer writers, illustrators and photographers.

You don’t need experience, just a desire to tell stories!

For more information, email Holly at [email protected].