RESISTANCE travel ban. Finding hopeafterthe CITY SANCTUARY FAITH INA FINDING inspire change. How protest signs ACTIVISM ART MEETS WHERE tweet atatime. Changing activismone RETWEETED

ISSUE 37- SPRING 2017 EDTOR-IN-CHIEF LETTER Sarah Heikkinen EXECUTIVE EDITOR FROM THE Rachel George MANAGING EDITOR EDITOR Molly Bolan FRONT OF BOOK EDITOR Shanyah Saunders

FEATURES EDITOR Senior Editor: Ankur Dang Assistant Editor: Abigail Welles THE 360 16

THE 360 EDITOR: Finding Faith in a Sanctuary City Jasmine Gomez President Trump has provoked fear and uncertainty in the hearts of those affected by his travel ban. However, some PUBLIC RELATIONS Syracuse residents are using the ban to inspire hope in DIRECTOR their communities. Christian Agredo

WEB DIRECTOR Get Veggie With It 4 Ariel Laconte November 9, 2016. It’s a date that, for many people in In this issue of 360, our writers explored what it means to Flavored by Culture 8 our generation, will be one of the most defining days of exist in the United States after three months of Trump’s WEB EDITORS our young adulthood. For many millennials, it was the first presidency. For Somali-Americans like Khadijo Abdulkadir David Onoue time they even got to vote in a presidential election. As and Khadija Muse (page #16), the realities of Trump’s someone whose 18th birthday fell just after the cutoff date proposals to ban travel from Muslim-majority countries Brianna Williams Tech Showdown in the 2012 election, last year’s election was the first time I have hit incredibly close to home. fell into that category. COPY EDITOR 2017: Pixel v. Plus 5 On page #20, you’ll learn more about how the vibrant Katie Shafsky I remember the warm rush of excitement I felt as I filled signs seen at protests across the country since President out my ballot, voting for who I hoped would be the first Trump’s election have inspired a new form of protest art; Resistance Retweeted 14 female President of the United States. Regardless of your on page #8, we explore how multicultural students like DESIGN DIRECTORS political views, that feeling you get when you cast your Hein San and Kobina Bedu-Amissah are continuing the Sydney Hirsh vote for the first time is wonderful. culinary traditions of their home countries while studying Meaghann Lahiff The Human Megaphone 10 here at Syracuse; and on page #10, you can find some When the preliminary results started to come in later that inspiration in SU student Alexis Rinck’s tireless activism. Disclaimer: night, I found myself glued to my computer (even though The theme of this issue is “Living in Trump’s America,” but DESIGNERS Things I Learned from Jessica Dischiave The views expressed in 360 I was in class), and when I was driving home, I blasted all of the amazing people featured each exemplify what Degrees are not necessarily those NPR instead of my usual Spotify playlist so I wouldn’t miss it means to live in dark times with hope and resilience, My Latina Mother 12 of the entire staff. 360 Degrees anything. But as the night progressed, I, and basically instead of holding on to fear and hatred. welcomes contributions from all PHOTO DIRECTOR members of the Syracuse Univer- everyone else in America, was met with a big surprise: Morgan Bulman sity and SUNY-ESF community Whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, or something but retains the right to publish Alan Taylor Jr. only material 360 Degrees deems Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the in between, now, more than ever, it is important for our acceptable to the publication’s United States. generation to unite to defend our rights, through art, editorial purpose. food, and fierce activism. Rebellious Melodies 6 Mission Statement: The reactions of anti-Trump voters across the country were huge—people were in shock, because as far as most of The integrity of our wonderful melting pot of a culture Since its debut at Syracuse Where Art University in 1998, 360 Degrees us had heard from major news outlets across the country, depends on it. has always strived to achieve a there was no way that President Trump would win. But he Meets Activism 20 balance between tradition and did, and that’s a reality that Americans have had to face change. Founded by Lanre Mayen Gaba as a new lens to view cul- over the first few months of his presidency. ture, 360 Degrees has a different A Lesson in Breaking focus, format, and feel than its predecessors. Through the years, the Rules 24 the magazine has become a general interest publication with a cultural twist, dedicated to in- forming students about issues on campus, in the community, and in the whole world at large. ARTS AND ARTS ENTERTAINMENT FOOD AND DRINK TECH LIFE STUDENT

2 3 360 Magazine Spring 2017

GET VEGGIE TECH SHOWDOWN WITH IT 360 editor Ankur Dang walks us 2017: PIXEL V. PLUS through the top five vegetarian- Watch out, Apple. Google’s comin’ for ya. friendly restaurants in Syracuse. Words: Alan Taylor Jr. Since the release of the iPhone 4, Sam Edwards, a Can Google Nudge Apple Off the Top? Words: Ankur Dang videographer for a local news station in Memphis, has

been a longtime Apple fanboy. He likes the iPhone 7 Plus With the Google Nexus being a thing of the past, Google How do you survive on carrot sticks? Don’t you suffer from include vegan and vegetarian options, so your meal because of its convenience for photographers. moves its focus to its newest phone, the Google Pixel. a lot of deficiencies, you know, being vegetarian and all? would not be a meat-free compromise, but an actual Released in October 2016, a month after the release of Oh, you eat eggs and no meat? Doesn’t that make you a authentic culinary experience. “It is helpful that the iPhone 7 Plus has more space than a the iPhone 7 Plus, the Google Pixel quickly became a vegan then? typical phone,” Edwards says. fierce competitor for Apple. Strategically priced at $649, Strong Hearts is a good option if fusion food and vegan the Pixel costs $120 less than the iPhone 7 Plus. I can only sigh and attempt to explain what vegetarianism versions of your classic favorites is your thing. The other Alternatively, Brooke Hirsheimer, a master’s student at is. Eventually, it becomes both frustrating and tiresome to good thing about Strong Hearts is that it’s milkshakes Syracuse University and owner of a Pixel, is a fan of the Price is not the only thing differentiating the two phones, tell people that I am not vegan, but vegetarian because are loved by many, even though they are vegan. This is a device for its camera quality. She believes that Google has according to Victoria Woollaston, a writer for WIRED. She there is, in fact, a difference. place to definitely try if you are unsure of where to begin adopted the best qualities from other mobile devices. believes that the Pixel’s artificial intelligence software, as a vegan or a vegetarian, or if you are looking to convert Google Assistant, is “much smarter” than the iPhone To those who have asked a vegetarian probing a hardcore carnivore to the ways of “the greens.” “They took the best features from the Galaxy and the 7 Plus’ AI , Siri, because “it learns your preferable way questions like the ones above, made assumptions about Droid,” Hirsheimer says. to reply to a message and tailors responses for you by vegetarianism, or are simply curious about it, try being Neither Alto Cinco nor New Garden are not vegan or making them more personal.” vegetarian for a day. I promise, the food is delicious and vegetarian restaurants but, they do have a relatively Another feature that the two phones have in common is the options are so vast that you may never go back to a wide selection of vegetarian options. However, they the fingerprint scanner. While the scanner for iPhone 7 Although Google Assistant is smarter, Apple has the boring old hamburger again! are on this list simply because they are among the few Plus is on the front of the phone, the Pixel’s scanner is on advantage with Apple watches, Woollaston says. Rumor mainstream restaurants where you can follow the vegan/ the back. has it that Google may partner with LG Corp to create In Syracuse, the restaurant industry is realizing that more vegetarian diet without appearing to be too fussy, a their next generation of watches, says Brooke Crothers, a and more people are beginning to enjoy vegetarian food. common complaint people often have about their vegan/ “It scans your finger on the back of the phone where your reporter for Fox News. I took it upon myself to go out and try a few of the best vegetarian friends. hand rests naturally,” Hirsheimer says. vegetarian/vegan restaurants Syracuse has to offer. Here they are, ranked in order from lowest rating to the highest. Check these veggie-friendly restaurants out to find out Reviews seem mixed and split, however; there’s not which one makes your tastebuds sing. And hey, you may enough room at the top of the market for both phones. My recommendation for an amazing experience, are the even say goodbye to meat for good. With rumors that Google is developing a watch to Dosa Grill and Munjed’s Mediterranean. The reason is compliment the Pixel, Google may soon nudge Apple off simple: the cuisines they serve are traditionally known to the top. Variety

5/5 4/5 4/5 3.5/5 2/5 Quality

5/5 4/5 4/5 3.5/5 3/5 Ambience

5/5 5/5 4.5/5 3.5/5 2.5 /5

DOSA GRILL ALTO CINCO NEW GARDEN MUNJED’S STRONG HEARTS vegan/vegetarian vegan/vegetarian vegetarian vegan/vegetarian vegan/vegetarian average cost for two average cost for two average cost for two average cost for two average cost for two (two entree’s- one side) (two entree’s- one side) (two entree’s- one side) (two entree’s- one side) (two entree’s- one side) $24 $16 $12 $20 $20

4 360 Magazine Spring 2017 REBELLIOUS MELODIES We rounded up the top 10 songs of protest to come out in response to the 2016 Election. Words: Kayla Boyd

The 2016 Presidential Election was long, emotional, 6. “I Know Better” by John Legend: Using his and difficult for the American people to wrap their head soulful sound, John Legend reflects on his place in the around. Musicians released politically charged songs world. While discussing his latest album and politics with during and after the election that soon became the NPR, Legend said, “If America doesn’t want to consume soundtrack to protests, marches, and boycotts. Here is the art of people who are liberal-minded, there’s not our list of the top ten tracks that emerged from this past gonna be a lot of art for them to consume.” political season. 7. “Fuck Donald Trump” by YG & Nipsey Hussle: 1. “High for Hours” by J. Cole: J. Cole made Need we say more? The artists use this song to not a strong statement when he debuted this song on only express their hatred of Donald Trump, but they Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year. On the track, Cole also dedicate a portion to speak of their support for the reminisces on a conversation he had with Mexican community specifically. President Obama. 8. “We Are Mexico” by Becky G: In this short and 2. “Campaign Speech” by Eminem: In his almost sweet anthem Becky G shows her support for her Hispanic eight minute long constant flow, Eminem reminds roots. Her YouTube video of this song is captioned “This is us just how much of an amazing lyricist he is. In this for you Donald Trump.” controversial song he raps about how he would make an awful president, but he would still be better than the 9. “Drone Bomb Me” by ANOHNI: In case you felt current president. like every political song in the past year was about Trump, this one is actually in response to the expansion of U.S. 3. “We The People” by A Tribe Called Quest: drone warfare that has been steadily increasing over the In their review of this song, Rolling Stone referred to it last decade, according to Pitchfork. as “a rallying cry addressing the racism, xenophobia, homophobia and misogyny that have plagued society.” 10. “Land of the Free” by Joey Bada$$: He raps, “First steps in making change is to take notice,” and goes 4. “F.U.B.U” by Solange Knowles: As one of on to express his frustrations with the president. the many politically charged songs from her album, A Seat at the Table, Solange uses this track to express Honorable Mention “Quiet” by MILCK: This powerful empowerment for the black community. anthem brought women across the country together when pop-up acapella performances happened at the Women’s 5. “untitled 03 | 05.28.2013.” by Kendrick March of Washington in January. You can find more Lamar: Kendrick “spits fire” as he uses this track to information at www.icantkeepquiet.org. explore racial stigmas and stereotypes. He addresses institutional racism through hypothetical dialogues of Asian, black, and white men.

6 7 360 Magazine Spring 2017

Often referred to as a “melting pot,” the United States has always been a place where people from different FLAVORED BY CULTURE cultures have come together. As a result, different cultures bring their traditional clothing, music, values, food, and more to the mainstream. This kind of exchange occurs within that “melting pot,” where a variety of cultures Immigrants, refugees, and visitors bring a new kind of spice to blend together to form a cohesive whole. However, if immigrants, refugees, or visitors are unable to enter or are in campus kitchens. danger of being deported from the United States by the Trump administration, the United States’ status as a blend Words: Rachel George and Shanyah Saunders of different cultures could cease to exist.

Students Hein San and Kobina Bedu-Amissah often miss the authentic taste of cultural food from their homelands, but are grateful to be able to make some of their favorite dishes with others, and contribute American culture by embracing their native cultures.

Kyat Thar & Aloo Si Pyan Fufu and Light Soup MYANMAR (Burmese Chicken and Potato Curry) GHANA

Kyat Thar & Aloo Si Pyan is not only Makes 5 servings Makes 2 servings Fufu and light soup is a Ghanaian a tasty Burmese dish full of flavor “delicacy” that Information Studies and spice, but also one that allows Ingredients Ingredients graduate student Kobina Bedu- sophomore Mechanical Engineering Amissah and his family have enjoyed student, Hein San, to reminisce on 3 chicken breasts 1 tablespoon of Garlic every Saturday and Sunday night childhood memories and embrace 4 potatoes 1 tablespoon of Ginger since he was younger and eaten with his Burmese culture. This is one of ¼ of an onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon of Goya Adobe All Purpose Seasoning hands. “Don’t chew it, swallow it.” his favorite Burmese dishes, largely 3 tablespoons of curry powder 2 cubes of Maggi seasoning He learned how to make the dish of because of the curried potatoes. 1 tablespoon of masala 2 ½ lbs of goat meat Ghana from his mother, only more Hein is 25 percent Chinese, and 1 tablespoon of salt 5 cups of water traditionally. Instead of pre-made fufu credits his grandmother, who was ½ cup of oyster sauce 3 large fresh tomatoes mix, he said his mother would pound born in India, for combining her ¼ of vegetable oil 1 cup of Mama’s Choice Fufu Mix (Plantain Flavor) cassava and unripe plantain using traditional Chinese cuisine with a large mortar. While someone else traditional Indian dishes. As a result Directions Directions mixes it with their hands and a large he believes that “Burmese food Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces Combine seasonings, meat and 3 cups of water and boil meat for 40 pestle in an oversized bowl. It makes does not really have a traditional Mix curry powder, salt, masala, and oyster sauce in a separate bowl min or until tender lots of noise, all the heaving, lifting Burmese meaning for [him], because Heat vegetable oil in a skillet on low heat Blend three tomatoes and pour into the meat and water. Cook on and dropping of the pestle. it is more of melting pot of Chinese Combine the above mixture with chicken and knead with hands medium for 20 minutes and Indian food.” Much like Hein’s Cook chicken in skillet for about 10 minutes; it should slightly be Mix 2 cups of water and 1 cup of Fufu Mix in a round bowl or mortar The native dish is derived from the background, he believes that ccundercooked Mix with hand until it absorbs all of the water and forms a starchy, Asante tribe in the eastern region. “one culture cannot exist without Then add the potatoes and onions to the chicken on medium heat yellow mass Kobe’s family is from the Fanti tribe a variety cultural influences on it,” Cook until everything is golden brown Heat in the microwave for 5 minutes or until it forms a starchy, yellow located in the central region of Africa. hence a melting pot. He thinks Serve with white rice mas He’s not worried about the impact that the term “melting pot” is not Separate Fufu into separate bowls while warm Trump’s America will have on food, going to be affected by the Trump Serve with soup and meat on top since there’s no sanction from Ghana. administration, however he says it will “put a dent in the growing process of the melting pot”.

8 9 360 Magazine Spring 2017

Hailing from San Francisco, California, Rinck initially thousand students marching from the quad along the came to Syracuse University to study medicine. She soon promenade, ending with a rally on the ESF campus. This decided to redirect her studies to pursue political science spring, students and faculty can look forward to a “meme and sociology. This decision came about while interning gallery,” an event involving mocktails, glamour, and of with New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG) the summer course, political memes. after her freshman year, when Rinck met Joan Mandle, executive director of Democracy Matters. “Honestly, we feel as though everyone’s really politically exhausted. There’s just so much happening. It’s hard to Democracy Matters is a non-partisan non-profit keep up and it’s scary. People don’t want to think about it organization that aims to keep big money out of ... I don’t blame people for wanting to disengage,” Rinck politics. After a screening of the film Pay to Play hosted says. “I want people to pay attention to what’s happening, by NYPIRG, Mandle explained to Rinck that she was but...it’s a painful time and I think, you know, people don’t looking to start a chapter in Syracuse. “I grabbed want to sit down to a panel. So we’re trying to incorporate [a flyer] and I was like, I’m going to do this. And, I some more fun and lighthearted events.” did,” Rinck says. Syracuse University used to have a Democracy Matters chapter, but it was dismantled a The meme gallery will be co-sponsored by Students few years before Rinck enrolled at SU. She says that Advocating Sexual Safety and Empowerment (SASSE). breathing life back into that chapter was not easy. This isn’t the first time Democracy Matters has worked alongside SASSE. In fact, Rinck makes a point to be “To become an [registered student organization] is involved with as many advocacy groups as she can. incredibly difficult at this university, especially if you’re a political org; they don’t really want you here,” Rinck “If there’s any sort of legacy I’ve left behind at SU, it’s explains about the process. It took over a year and a been trying to bring together the activist community. couple of rejections before Democracy Matters was I know all the club presidents, I know everything that recognized as an official student organization on campus. they’re doing. We have a running facebook group so Despite the obstacles, the club did not stop functioning everyone can be in touch, like, ‘Oh, how can I support and holding events along the way, and won’t be stopping that? Oh, I can co-sponsor that film screening!’ It anytime soon. started my junior year when I organized a concert called Jammin’ for Justice. That was organized by Democracy Last semester, Democracy Matters helped lead one Matters and that was the first time we brought all 12 of the largest protests in recent years, with over one activists together.”

In a political climate that constantly fosters questions from the public, Alexis Rinck brings honesty and patience to the discussion. Between her political understanding and passion for activism, Rinck is a leader that anyone — regardless of race, gender, age, and so on — can turn to for motivation, inspiration, and encouragement.

SU senior Alexis Rinck listens as another student protester gives a speech.

Framed within the pillars of Hendricks Chapel, it’s clear THE HUMAN Alexis Rinck is comfortable in front of a crowd. It’s March 8, International Women’s Day, and Rinck, along MEGAPHONE with a few other strong women (and one young man), is at the head of a rally promoting not just feminism, but SU senior Alexis Rinck is working intersectional feminism. Although it’s one of the windiest tirelessly to amplify the voice of the days of the semester, nothing can sweep away the words oppressed. of empowerment and encouragement being shared by Words: Molly Bolan the various speakers. Rinck stands beside almost every Photos: Molly Bolan speaker, listening raptly and ready to help with the megaphone. Part of what makes Alexis Rinck such an inspiring figure in the Syracuse campus community is her ability to bring a much-needed selflessness to the realm of politics. At the end of the day, her ultimate goal is to do her part in making sure every voice is heard.

Rinck helps lead a chant at an on-campus protest. Rinck at a candlelight vigil on the SU campus.

10 11 360 Magazine Spring 2017

words by reading out loud. Sometimes, she would ask, decisions, and of course I’ll never know. What makes “Dime Jasminita, how you say this word?” me special enough to not have been born into extreme poverty, into a corrupt society, or a war-torn zone? People But today, as a 25-year old, I have a greater appreciation who are born into those situations have human faces for that voice. just like you and I. The only difference between us is the circumstances we were born into. At 22, I was probably When she was 22, my mom moved to the United States almost the same person as my mom. Except I was just from the Dominican Republic into a three-bedroom finishing college, while my mom was just moving to apartment in Harlem’s Wagner Houses. That apartment America. And there are so many others just like her — would soon house my sister and people who come here from Mexico to be able to send “The only difference I, both my father’s parents, my money back home, a refugee escaping the Syrian crisis, an uncle and his wife, and both of immigrant with bigger dreams than poverty. between us is the my parents. How they made it work, I have no idea. My mom From watching my mom and the parents of so many circumstances we were moved here not knowing one of my friends, I know that immigrants work harder than born into.” word of English. The only thing the average person. They fight with gratitude for the she was armed with, like many opportunity to begin again in a new country. They immigrants today, was the hope that all things would become our doctors, our chefs, our Nobel Prize winners, figure themselves out in the wonderful place she had our scientists, and the people that do what no one else always heard of...America. wants to do. Like Hamilton, immigrants get the job done.

It wasn’t until years later that I realized that what my mom Today, even when I’m away from my mom, I still hear was doing was greater than just reading sentences out that loud voice in my head. I hear the sentences, and loud. It was perseverance — learning English to get a new the sentences are talking to me. They tell me to keep job to afford a better life. It was resilience — continuing going when I want to quit, to work harder and take to push even when the demands of raising two young care, to persevere and make something of myself — daughters, cooking for her family, holding a job, and and to always show gratitude, even in the midst of simultaneously going to school for a higher degree while fighting for what I want. still learning English, got too tough. And still today, my mom is a fighter. She fights for herself, And there are so many others, just like my mom. They are for her family, and for the students she has taught as people who want to work hard, who want to escape their a high school Spanish teacher. And I’m a fighter, too. undesirable circumstances, who want to contribute to Because of an immigrant. Because of her. American society. But President Trump’s rhetoric does not tell this side of the story. Our president works under the pretense that immigrants are bad people who come Graduate student Jasmine Gomez poses with the flag of her mother’s country, the Dominican Republic. here to do us harm — bad hombres and nasty women — but that assumption THINGS I LEARNED FROM could not be further MY LATINA MOTHER from reality. I have always 360 editor Jasmine Gomez reflects on the lessons her mother, an known that I have immigrant from the Dominican Republic, taught her. been blessed with Words: Jasmine Gomez a decent amount Photos: Morgan Bulman of luck. I was born into a family that Video cassettes being inserted into VCRs, the chattering annoyed when this voice would penetrate the sounds figured things out sounds of cartoons like Rugrats and Hey Arnold, and the of my cartoons, and in rare cases of misbehavior, I’d for me, before I had poppy tunes of songs by Britney Spears and boy bands scream, “SHHHH!” to figure them out sporting frosted hair tips; like many 90s babies, these for myself. I have are the sounds I remember from my childhood. But I also The voice — with a heavy accent that resulted from always wondered recall something else — a loud voice reading sentences Spanish being her first language — was the sound of how the celestial out of random novels. My 10-year-old self would get so my mother practicing English learning how to enunciate powers makes these

“I’m a fighter, too.”

12 13 360 Magazine Spring 2017

RESISTANCE HASHTAGS OF RETWEETED THIS YEAR’S ELECTION How social media is changing the political climate in the United States, Last year’s election forced America to take serious actions in expressing their one tweet at a time. views about issues that would affect their lives. Social media played a more Words: Brianna Moné & essential role in our politics than ever before. Emotions were shared, opinions Rachel George were argued, and friends began to take opposing sides. People posted videos Cathleen says she’s been able to learn so much through and pictures of memes, and Snapchat filters were created to encourage voter living in the age of the Internet. The global connection to support. The candidates themselves used social media to their advantage, many empowered, to feminist pages on Facebook, and growing their fan base and trying to prove their ability to relate to millennials. the ability to read articles from different agencies have Hashtags on outlets like Facebook and Twitter were used to keep users educated her far beyond what she could’ve ever thought. updated during the election. They’re the quickest way to sum up an opinion If it weren’t for social media a lot of her knowledge than can easily be shared and reproduced by millions of people for the world wouldn’t be applied to servicing her activism community. to see. Check out the most popular hashtags during last year’s election:

For Laing, people who solely take internet action are #BlackLivesMatter /#CampaignZero helpful in any movement. But she also suggests that Campaign Zero is a 10-point policy initiative of Black Lives Matter intended if they supplement what they do on social media with to end police brutality by improving community and police interactions and Location: Columbus, Ohio. Since 2013, the hashtag has become an example for how actual organizing, they would be much more influential in ensuring accountability. powerful social media can be in the world of activism. combating an issue. Sitting on the couch of her new apartment, Tatiana #GunControl Laing opened her laptop. The first thing she does? As activism and social media have intersected more “I think social media has revolutionized the game as far Gun control and the Second Amendment brought upon a national debate Log on to her Twitter. After a few hours of researching and more in the past few years, the terms “social media as how people receive media, how people create media,” about who should be able to buy guns in America. social justice activists in her area, she reaches out to the activist” and “slacktivism” have arisen. local Syracuse political activist, Joe Driscoll says. “It’s so often now that people are using Facebook Live and people she’s found. #IStandWithPP (Planned Parenthood) Social media users who have influence in the activist broadcasting important events, meetings, speeches, Women and some men used this hashtag to honor Planned Parenthood’s In a matter of time, the Change Corps organizer sphere, also referred to as social media activists, have a arrests and protest. [This technology has] turned every 100 years and service and tell stories of how this organization helped change connected with about 15 people who worked for various responsibility to update their followers on the happenings individual into a media outlet.” their lives, in the wake of national discussion of federal defunding of the social justice organizations in Columbus, Ohio. This was of their specific community, whether it be about the organization. the first step in her activism work. Affordable Care Act, voter registration or abortion rights. Regardless of how one feels about the effectiveness of social media activism and slacktivism, it goes without Not only do they have the responsibility to inform, but #ClimateChange / #GlobalWarming “Twitter is definitely a launching off point for any type of also to educate through knowledge, experience, or saying that social media has changed the game for social These hashtags were created to raise awareness about climate change in ways organizing,” says Laing. personal opinion. and political movements across the globe. that many believe the newspapers and broadcast television no longer could.

“I believe the misconception around this term is if you’re Getting people together with a passion for the same “I think the term ‘social media activist’ is sort of #Syria cause is what activism is all about. Activism is the policy derogatory, in a way, because it makes it seem like all you not out in the streets sweating, bleeding, screaming and Tensions between the U.S. and Syria are at an all-time high, and Trump’s or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about do is talk on social media,” Laing says. “I do think right marching, then you’re no activist,” said Cathleen. “I can executive order is not helping to ease them. political or social change. now it’s really popular to be considered an activist. I think still affect change, by having an exchange of ideas with people who are different from me, by promoting the there are people seeking out that title, and they can find it #ImWithHer Many turn to social media to voice their opinions and easily on social media. things I believe in, by educating myself about issues.” A tweet by former President Bill Clinton using the hashtag went viral in 2015 political views. In a social media dominated society, it’s with over 9,000 tweets declaring Twitter uses support for the former Secretary easy to become an expert in anything and gain a fast Laing says that being an activist is a lot harder than Cathleen said she’s been able to learn so much through of State Hillary Clinton. following that hang on to your every word. tweeting about an event and getting people to living in the age of the Internet. The global connection to many empowered, to feminist pages on Facebook, and follow you. #FeeltheBern Today, millennials make up the largest group of organizers the ability to read articles from different agencies have Winnie Wong — co-founder of People for Bernie, a Bernie Sanders support and activists in the country. From speaking out about Oftentimes, those who only speak out about an issue educated her far beyond what she could’ve ever thought. group — came up with the “tactic” as a ploy to engage politics and social justice issues and LGBTQ rights, to advocating for online with no physical action involved are called If it weren’t for social media a lot of her knowledge culture. After receiving much popularity, it became the official slogan for his education and health care, more and more millennials see “slacktivists,” but some, like Central New York feminist wouldn’t be applied to servicing her activism community. campaign. themselves, or their peers, as activists, both on and off and activist, Elizabeth Cathleen disagree. She believes Driscoll educates his community using social media. social media. that people evoke just as much change while sitting at #NotMyPresident/#NeverTrump home in their pajamas. From posting a picture from a local superintendent’s Americans created symbolic rebellions to halt recognition of Trump as a If it weren’t for the usage of social media by millennials, talk to live streaming a rally, he strives to bring as many candidate for presidency. Three months into his term and these hashtags are one of Twitter’s most famous hashtags wouldn’t exist: “I believe the misconception around this term is if you’re people as possible to the issues at hand using the most still being used. #BlackLivesMatter. The hashtag first appeared in the not out in the streets sweating, bleeding, screaming and effective platforms. summer of 2013, when Alicia Garza, a labor organizer in marching, then you’re no activist,” Cathleen says. “I can #MakeAmericaGreatAgain/#MAGA Oakland, California, responded to the acquittal of George still affect change, by having an exchange of ideas with “The whole idea of activism and politics is to get your Trump adopted the slogan as his official campaign slogan. Although, Trump Zimmerman on her Facebook page. As of March 2016, people who are different from me, by promoting the ideas amplified,” Driscoll says. In other words, “Social trademarked the phrase, it was first used in the 1980s-presidential campaign this hashtag has appeared on the platform over 11.8 things I believe in, by educating myself about issues.” media can turn any average situation into an opportunity of former President Ronald Reagan. million times, according to the Pew Research Center. to get your ideas out there and get conversations going.”

14 15 360 Magazine Spring 2017

THE 360 FINDING FAITH IN A SANCTUARY CITY President Trump has provoked fear and uncertainty in the hearts of those affected by his travel ban. However, some Syracuse residents are using the ban to inspire hope in their communities. Words: Sarah Heikkinen Photos: Alan Taylor

On January 27, 2017, President Donald Trump released an executive order calling for a ban on travel from seven majority-Muslim countries to the United States. The reaction to his proposed ban was swift, with protests erupting across the country over the days that followed. In Syracuse, nearly 2,000 people flooded the Hancock International Airport for a protest organized by the CNY Solidarity Coalition the following Sunday. Protesters demonstrated solidarity with the refugees, immigrants, and legal U.S. citizens being denied access to the United States simply because they were born in Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen.

Across the country, New Americans experienced confusion and fear as they were detained at airports and learned Syracuse RISE case manager Khadija Muse is hopeful for the future. that their friends and family would not be allowed into the country until the travel ban was lifted after 120 days. Khadijo Abdulkadir, a junior at Syracuse University and Despite the Trump administration’s reassurance that Earlier this year, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner declared fierce advocate for refugee rights in the United States, was these executive orders are not outright attacks on Muslim the city of Syracuse a sanctuary city, meaning it would one among thousands who learned her family in Kenya refugees, the impermeable cloud of paranoia, fear, and join several other municipalities across the country in would not be allowed into the country after hatred surrounding the new administration becomes protecting undocumented immigrants and refugees years of intense vetting and waiting. They, thicker everyday. Over the course of two months, there from persecution based solely on their immigration “...the like Khadijo, are Somalian. has been an increased number of attacks on Muslims and status. Miner’s announcement came just a week before people of color in the United States, regardless of their President Trump’s proposed travel ban was released. After impermeable “My aunt and my uncle were in the process citizenship or political views. It is a time of uncertainty for its release, many feared for the fate of sanctuary cities for 15 years,” she says. Now, after weeks of many Americans; at any moment, President Trump could like Syracuse, and what could be done to protect those cloud of calling and emailing the offices of New York unleash another maelstrom of incendiary tweets on the seeking asylum. paranoia, fear, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman world, or propose another narrowly-targeted ban under John Katko, Khadijo’s aunt’s flight has been the guise of protecting the United States. For lawyers like Jimena Acuna Smith, an associate at and hatred rebooked; her uncle’s case hasn’t gone the international law firm Ropes & Gray LLP, the ban through yet. But New Americans in Syracuse, like Khadijo, still presented a huge amount of confusion and chaos. Smith, surrounding have hope. who has been at the San Francisco office of Ropes & Gray “I had to fight for it,” Khadijo says. for six years, says that through a company-wide listserv the new Khadijo Abdulkadir was born in a Kenyan refugee camp called “Immigration Forum,” she and her colleagues were On February 9, 2017, the initial executive in 1994, where her parents settled after fleeing the civil able to effectively plan how to best help the masses of administration order was blocked by the United States war in their home country of Somalia in 1991. After 15 people affected by the ban. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Less years in that camp, which Khadijo remembers as being becomes thicker than a month later, the Trump administration very isolated and unstable, the Abdulkadirs were given the “It was actually a massive effort and endeavor,” she says. released a second executive order, removing opportunity to resettle in the United States; they were sent Like many lawyers across the country, Jimena and her everyday. “ Iraq from the list of banned countries and to Syracuse. colleagues signed up to go to airports to offer pro-bono asserting that allowing refugees from the services to people being detained in the mass confusion “I couldn’t speak a word of English,” Khadijo following the first executive order, but the list to help was remaining six countries to resettle in the SU student and fierce activist Khadijo Abdulkadir is not remembers. She now speaks fluent English, and is a completely full, she says. “The response in the Bay Area United States was a clear and present threat afraid to voice her opposition to President Trump and his to the safety of the American people. supporters. year away from completing a degree in international was so overwhelming from so many attorneys wanting to relations at Syracuse University. help,” she says.

16 17 360 Magazine Spring 2017

More letters to President Trump from RISE clients.

“It’s just like, how ignorant can you be?” Khadijo asks, remembering the hateful messages one stranger sent her on Facebook. “Now I understand that I’m literally facing the world, the whole U.S.”

Harassment like this is too often commonplace among New Americans, and not even young children are spared from the vitriol. Rebecca Miller, another case worker at RISE, runs an afterschool program for New American children. She says that the ban has had a strong effect on Khadijo, who has been working tirelessly with the the children she teaches. CNY Solidarity Coalition to educate New Americans and Syracuse residents on how to combat racism and A letter written by a client at RISE asks Trump to reconsider his feelings on Muslim immigrants. “They’re being called terrorists at school, and when they Islamophobia, says she is deeply moved by the support so try to stand up for themselves, it’s perceived as being many people have shown for her cause. San Francisco, like Syracuse, is a sanctuary city. Jimena 2005, Khadija and her family emigrated to the United violent,” Rebecca says. says that she, along with everyone else at Ropes & States from a refugee camp in Kenya. Khadija was 10, and “It means the world to me,” she says. Gray, feels very proud that they’ve had the opportunity neither she nor her family spoke a word of English. Because many of the children in the program are young, to do something. Rebecca says they may not entirely understand the “It got tough,” she says, remembering her father’s complexities of the ban, but that doesn’t protect them “I think that the only way to counter this is going to be in struggle to get a job with little knowledge of how to from the hatred directed towards them. court,” she says. speak English. “There was no one to help them, no one to show them how to get around.” The Muse’s first settled “These are kids that are just so kind and good, and they’re And she’s right. Both of President Trump’s executive in Maryland, but quickly moved to Amarillo, Texas, as the seeing so much hatred around them,” she says. “It’s sad, orders have been effectively blocked by federal courts, cost of living was too high. There, Khadija says, life turned because the number which is part of the reason Khadijo’s aunt will be able to for the better. one effect I’ve seen come to the United States. since the executive “I know that this is my In the weeks since the executive order was introduced, order is a sense of Khadijo, who like many New Americans has experienced Khadija says she’s seen an increase in harassment by confusion, and for the an increase in racism and Islamophobia since the Trump supporters in Syracuse. A few weeks ago, when kids, it’s even worse.” home.” - Khadija Muse” executive orders were released, says she’s not afraid to Khadija was walking from her car to her house in the late be vocal about her opposition to Trump’s policies and afternoon, a man on her street yelled out, “Trump will get Despite everything rhetoric. She’s started a group for refugee women in you, he’s coming for you!” A week later, the same thing that has happened since the executive order — a day Syracuse called New American Women’s Empowerment, happened again. that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come and she also serves on the board of the Masjid Isa Ibn as President Trump’s first concrete attack against Muslims Maryam Mosque in Syracuse. “I wasn’t scared,” she says, smiling. “If Trump wants to get worldwide — refugees in Syracuse remain hopeful. me, he can come and get me because I’m an American “I don’t accept somebody who demonizes others, who citizen and I have every right to be here.” Khadija says that she believes that change will come, and puts others in a place that they don’t belong,” she says. that she still has faith in the United States. “Imagine if I was dying and I knocked on your door, would Khadija is not alone in her experiences with harassment. you let me die in front of you? That’s the kind of mentality Just after the travel ban was proposed, Khadijo came “I really have so much faith in the people of America, that [Trump] needs to understand.” home to find that her roommate had torn up her copy of because I grew up here,” she says. “I know that this is my the Quran in their apartment and scattered the pages on home, the first home I ever got. The people here are just Khadija Muse, a case worker at the RISE center on Burt the bathroom floor. She has since moved out, but is still like family.” Street, which stands for Refugee & Immigrant Self- experiencing hate online for sharing her story. Empowerment, shares a similar story with Khadijo. In

18 19 360 Magazine Spring 2017

Local activists wave their signs high despite the snow.

environmental mandates — for example, preventing the National Parks Service from sharing news on their Twitter feed — and the proposed budget cuts of slashing the EPA’s funding, there’s a lot for environmentalists to be up in arms about.

These issues have spurred dismayed, frazzled, and fired-up reactions For 35 years, Syracuse Cultural nationwide, including those in Syracuse, New York. More and more people Workers (SCW) has been have been reaching out to SCW for guidance on how to get more involved providing the local community in the activist scene. with voices and tools of resistance. “We can hardly keep up with sales,” says Kerney. “People want to have these signs out on their lawns and in their windows: ‘Refugees Welcome As a “peace and justice Here,’ ‘Black Lives Matter,’ ‘Disabilities are Respected’ — people feel like publishing company,” the they need to do something.” A local environmental activist stands in the cold outside Senator house at 400 Lodi Street serves as an all-in-one storefront, studio, and Schumer’s Syracuse office; her sign says it all. warehouse. Upon entering, a hanging chime greets visitors with a soft Throughout history, protest posters have twinkle at the front door, and newcomers can quickly guess what the served as visual records and examples of social WHERE ART place is all about: creating and promoting activism art. movements led by the masses. In fact, the front room takes on the appearance of a quasi-gallery, In his book Posters for Peace: Visual Rhetoric & showcasing a collection of items for sale that have been created since Civic Action, Thomas Benson argues, “when we MEETS ACTIVISM the organization’s inception in 1982. On the walls and collaged on the notice a poster we instantly understand that it is Creative protest signs have allowed for a new kind of shelves are posters, bumper stickers, buttons, and postcards born out of asking something of us — or of someone. Posters, intersection between art, activism, and technology. a mutual hatred for the Vietnam War, nuclear energy, and the ignorance as they exist in our vernacular cultural experience, of multiculturalism. Words: Morgan Bulman and Brianna Kirkham are fundamentally rhetorical.”

Photos: Morgan Bulman Current Art Director Karen Kerney has witnessed SCW change Andy Mager, the sales manager at SCW, since she first joined in the 90s, specifically in their art, which often confessed he’s overwhelmed by the amount of projected an angry tone early on. Today, the message has been requests, but equally amazed by the demand. reshaped into energizing people to peacefully stand up for what they believe in. However, Kerney also says business hasn’t been this busy “I also think we’re in an interesting moment that “since the Bush years.” certainly predated Trump,” Mager says. “Black Lives Matter had a really key role in prompting After a financial slump during the recession, sales are now at an all-time people who had big roles in the culture — high, and posters like “Early Warning Signs of Fascism” are in such high musicians, actors, athletes — to feel some demand that they continuously sell out. responsibility for and identification with people to demonstrate change.” Members of the CNY Solidarity Coalition speak out against President Trump’s The reason? Donald Trump’s election. By using posters as tools for change, social movement activists can capture environmental policies. the attention and emotions of others, usually in public spaces. Throughout his presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to dismantle the power of the Environmental Protection Agency and Rochester-based sculptor Jacquelyn O’Brien focuses on gender politics President Barack Obama’s accomplishments in sustainability. Within the through feminist art, and marched in the D.C. Women’s March on January first month of his presidency, Trump did not disappoint. After signing 21, where the streets were filled with a variety of posters. nearly a dozen executive orders, censoring government agencies with

20 21 360 Magazine Spring 2017

A colorful array of signs were seen at the Stand Up Chuck rally. Initially, she was a little wary of the overwhelming amount of signs because, while well-intentioned, words on a sign can often be reduced “Let Science Speak! Save the EPA!” to a “bumper sticker.”

“After a few minutes of initial judgment, I saw a lovely array of aesthetic reminders of how we are all feeling at a time like this,” she said. “It also exemplifies that the art women make is vast and often offers a strong statement of its own — showing that art is a form of action protest.”

And in Syracuse, that action can be seen. On February 2 this year, hundreds gathered outside of the James M. Hanley building in a rally resisting Trump’s anti-environmental rhetoric and calling upon New York Senator Charles “Chuck” Schumer to stand up against the new administration’s attack on science. The protest was organized by a slew of local organizations — Food & Water Watch, CNY Solidarity Coalition, and Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, to name a few — including SCW.

As protesters huddled together in front of Schumer’s Syracuse office on a cold and snowy day, it was clear that people with posters in hand thought about the kind of message they wanted to spread. Dozens of local media organizations and news outlets brought video recorders and cameras to the scene, capturing shots of not only the daring participant , but also of the flashy poster content. Almost all of them were undeniably beautiful.

Art in Syracuse, specifically art used as a means of activism, is nothing new, but Mager attributes the aesthetic poster art Poster art is an important, and often emotive tool, for activists, whether development to technology. they are textless images or catchphrases for the movement. Art and protest will always intersect in an attempt to garner attention in expressing their “We can create these iconic images messages, voices, and agencies. and put them up on a website where people can download them and shoot Max Hill, an employee at SCW, has seen work published by SCW being them over to their local copy shop and used in this exact way. For SCW, poster art is “art that has gone to work.” print them easily,” says Mager. “That’s obviously a lot easier than someone “[Posters] feed the energy that’s already there … and push it and raise up having the skill themselves.” those voices that want to cheer by giving them something to cheer with so that they don’t feel alone,” says Hill. It’s critical to look toward the tools used in a social movement in order to better Some of the highlights of the Women’s March on Washington in understand a social movement’s purpose and structure. Visual tools serve as January were the creative signs protesters carried. lasting examples of specific messages that movements attempt to publicize or draw attention to. By studying these examples, society is able to analyze Protesters show their support for Senator Schumer in his fight against specific rhetorical and political messages being expressed by activists in the Trump administration. attempt to evoke change.

Four protesters at the Women’s March throw up Spock’s iconic hand gesture: “live long and prosper.”

22 23 E: Well I think we have yet to see what’s going to happen I think even in today’s vastly changed landscape, that with this administration. They’ve started to do things but advice holds up pretty well, and if you do those things, those things aren’t really in place yet. There seems to be you’re likely to be successful in your job and in demand A LESSON IN a lot of concern on the part of people working in EPA, as a reporter.I’d also add a little advice of my own: Listen but I guess we’ll see what happens. The year I started the more than you talk. The best reporters I know are terrific environment cluster, there was a lot of flurry of activity on listeners. Avoid adjectives when at all possible – they BREAKING THE the other side, as you point out. It was not just that [the rarely make a story better. American Clean Energy and Security Act] was passed that year, but it was a million things. Every two days the And take risks with your writing and with your story RULES Obama administration did something that had to do ideas. Good stories often break the rules. They take We spoke with New York Times environmental something with the EPA or the environment. on surprising and often unorthodox topics. They reporter and visiting professor, Erica Goode, about often don’t have traditional ledes or nut grafs. But journalism, taking risks, and the changing climate. So it was a really busy first year, and also it was the climate the journalists who write these stories almost without talks and [Copenhagen]. And right before that, it was exception mastered the form and learned the rules, Words: Abigail Welles climategate, the whole thing over the emails.. I’m sort of before they began breaking them. Photos: Morgan Bulman sorry that I’m not there covering it because it’s an exciting time to cover [the environment], even if the effects of Q: What do you think the most important thing is for what the administration is doing is going to really hamper reporters right now, to be doing now in their work Since the beginning of her writing career at the San Q: What inspired you to pursue the position as the attempts to address climate change. in a time of somewhat controversial changes and Francisco Chronicle, Erica Goode’s reporting gravitated Environmental Editor at the New York Times and help environmental policy? toward the happenings of the world, especially develop an entire department devoted to covering I should say that the Times, starting when I was still the regarding environmental sciences. She began her environmental issues? environment editor, decided that at some point there E: I think for environmental journalists, it’s pretty clear. career as a psychology and psychiatry writer, which wasn’t another viable other side to the science and it The public needs to be constantly made aware of, she continued to do when she initially reported for E: Originally, I came as a psychiatry writer, which is what would be false valance to write stories as if there were you know, climate change and be educated about it. the New York Times. Following her move, her work I did for 25 years. I was the behavior writer for a long another viable side. I don’t think that will change no Although I don’t think it’s a function of the newspaper began to take on a nomadic lifestyle. From covering time there, and then I started moving around the paper. matter what the new administration is saying about necessarily to educate, there is an ignorance of science psychology, Goode delved into political and military I was editing for a while, I covered the war in Iraq for a climate change. I think the Times will just keep taking it as in this country at the moment, and a hostility towards affairs, covering the war in Iraq for up to a year. Despite year. Then I was the environmental editor and then I was fact that it is happening. science, that I think it’s really important to bring readers a curiosity to focus her work on a range of topics, she covering criminal justice for 4 years and now I’m back the tools to be educated. always found her way back to environmental news. covering science. So I’ve moved around. Q: Do you have any advice for journalists who want to dedicate their work to current and future I think one of the things people don’t realize, including In 2009, Goode was appointed to the Environmental The environment cluster at the Times has sort of risen out environmental issues? journalists who shift from covering something else Editor position at the New York Times — a position she of nothing and been killed several times. I started a cluster to covering climate, is that the science is extremely no longer holds — but made strides to strengthen the in 2009, at the request of the then-executive editor Bill E: When I was just starting out as a science reporter at complicated to learn and it’s a big learning curve environmental sector of the publication. Presently, Goode Keller. I decided that I wanted to go back to writing. The the San Francisco Chronicle, David Perlman, who was to jump into. So, if you come in with no science is a visiting professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of cluster lasted another two years and then they decided the science editor there, told me that what every editor background, which I’ve seen reporters and editors do, Public Communications, teaching a multimedia science they didn’t need it anymore. About a year later, they wants is a reporter who writes fast, files clean copy and and know sort of basic background in climate science, and communication course with Don Torrance. She will started a different one…that was a part of science, and doesn’t bitch. it’s really difficult and it takes quite a while to learn possibly help develop a science and environmental now they’re breaking it off in science as a separate cluster enough to be able to generate stories. journalism program at the school. again and just hired a new editor. I mean, there’s stuff you have to learn in any field Q: Are you teaching for the year, or do you have a plan to Q: What has drawn you to wanting to write about you start covering but it’s a lot harder I think in stay longer? the environment? environmental journalism and science journalism than it is in other areas, so it’s good to have some background E: At the moment, I’m here for this semester and the fall. E: I think over the years, I have become more and more in what you’re covering, I think. And also it gives you interested in climate change and I think it’s the biggest sort of a context to think about things in and some Q: What classes are you teaching? story there is. So that’s a lot of it, and then part of it is I’m history and also to understand the science enough to very interested in species and animals. So it’s nice to be figure out who to talk to. E: This term I’m just co-teaching a class with Don Torrance able to cover that. in multimedia science and communication. It’s called Goode will be teaching at Newhouse for both the spring SciComm 400/600. So I’m doing that this term and in Q: You started in 2009, the same year that the Obama and fall semesters of 2017, and hopes to establish the fall I’m teaching that class myself. By the time I was administration passed the American Clean Energy and programs within the college for students aspiring to coming, it was too late to design a course. Security Act. Now, we have the Trump administration and cover environmental science. She encourages students things are a lot different than they were ten years ago. to continue following current events as they pertain to What has been your experience as an environmental and the environment in order to effectively educate readers science reporter from more progressive policies to now through their journalism. more regressive, I guess, policies.

New York Times reporter and visiting professor at SU, Erica Goode. 24 25 YOUR STUDENT FEE