THE BAGPIPE MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2019 14049 SCENIC HIGHWAY, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA 30750 VOLUME 66.9

Admissions Sex Trafficking and S.S.T.O.P. Afternoon Pickup Shadow and Substance Theology of Sexuality Terminations and resignations in Cyntoia Brown granted clemency, What will you find when the spot- A look at Contemporary Photogra- An exploration on the narrative the Admissions Department and raising awareness about sex light shines on Court 3? phy students’ show opening of sex trafficking Page 1 Page 2 Page 4 Page 7 Page 8 GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

by Emily Brauer and Nathan Dolan As of Monday, January 21st, the U.S. government has been shut down for 30 days, making it the longest in United States history. In the past 6 years, the government has had three significant shutdowns—2013, 2018, and 2019; the latest one occur- ring due to a lack of funding for border patrol and, the most popular topic associ- ated with President Trump, the Wall.

Essentially, a government shutdown is when discre- photo by Eden Anyabwile tionary government offices cannot stay up and running because there is no fund- ing left from the previous HIGH TURNOVER RATE IN ADMISSIONS year. According to investo- pedia.com, a government by Mallory Harmon and Zach its fallout is just the latest tire college––potentially Callie Nelson’s resignations shutdown occurs when the McKillop chapter in what admissions hindering enrollment ef- is just one example of the ad- federal budget has not been counselors describe as a forts. Covenant’s enrollment missions office’s high turn- approved by Congress and On November 5, 2018, Jon two-year saga of departmen- directly determines the fi- over rate within the past two the process to approve it is Fitzpatrick, newly hired vice tal instability. In the past two nancial well-being of the col- years. prolonged. president of admissions and years alone, the admissions lege, which impacts tuition, marketing, was fired. In pro- staff has fluctuated consid- the ability to keep and hire Of the current AC staff, Erik Contrary to what the word test to his termination, Lau- erably. However, the demand professors, and the develop- Vitolins has been employed “shutdown” implies, most ra Scott Madden (‘18) and on the admissions office for ment of new academic pro- the longest, for three and a government offices are still Callie Nelson (‘16) resigned increasing enrollment num- grams, among other things. half years. According to the up and running. The shut- their posts as admissions bers has remained the same. Admissions Departmental down only includes the counselors (ACs), thus cut- A History of Instability Organizational Chart, none non-mandatory spending ting the AC staff almost in ACs say they have strug- of the seven ACs who were section of the government. half. gled without leadership and The abrupt shift caused by are concerned that this high Jon Fitzpatrick’s firing and Fitzpatrick’s dismissal and turnover rate harms the en- Laura Scott Madden and CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

In a statement following his CYNTOIA BROWN decision, Haslam said it came down to doing “the right GRANTED CLEMENCY thing.” “Cyntoia Brown committed, by Marie Bowen ble in the slaying because she by her own admission, a hor- was impaired by her mother’s rific crime at the age of 16. Yet, Cyntoia Brown, who says she alcohol abuse while she was imposing a life sentence on was a 16-year-old sex traffick- in the womb.” She agreed to a juvenile that would require ing victim when she killed engage in sexual activity with her to serve at least 51 years a man in 2004, was granted Allen for $150. After getting before even being eligible for clemency by Tennessee’s gov- in his bed, she shot him in parole consideration is too ernor on Monday, January 7th, the back when she claims he harsh, especially in light of the according to the Chattanoo- looked like he was reaching for extraordinary steps Ms. Brown ga Times Free Press. She will a gun. has taken to rebuild her life,” be released on August 7th, 15 Haslam said, according to the years after she was first arrest- While serving her life sen- Times. ed, and is to remain on parole tence in the Tennessee Pris- photo from NBC News for 10 years. on for Women in Nashville, The Times wrote that Nash- Brown completed her GED ville’s Mayor David Briley “This will serve a more im- trafficking, particularly involv- Brown ran away from her and is currently one course praised Haslam’s decision and portant purpose,” Murray said. ing women from Asian coun- adoptive family in 2004 to live away from earning a bachelor’s saw it as a “great day for social “Hopefully it will lead to more tries. with a man known as “Cut degree from Lipscomb Uni- justice and our city.” Also, the sentencing reform and clem- Throat” in a hotel. Court doc- versity. In May 2018, the state Times recorded that Demo- ency.” “Honestly I would love to get uments record that he forced board of parole gave Governor cratic state Senator Raumesh people here at Covenant in- her to become a prostitute and Bill Haslam a split recommen- Akbari said that this clemen- Murray hopes to have the next volved with reaching out to verbally, physically, and sexu- dation on Brown’s application cy announcement shows that S.S.T.O.P. meeting in Febru- these women.” Murray said. ally abused her. for clemency, thus giving the Tennessee “can show love, ary. Some plans for the club “But, I am so hesitant to do governor freedom to handle compassion and mercy” for this semester include prayer this though because these sex Brown was convicted in 2006 the case however he saw fit. people who have experienced meetings, continuing to raise trafficking rings are backed by to a life-sentence for killing Haslam received very con- trauma such as Brown. awareness, and documenta- criminals and you never know and robbing Johnny Allen, flicting opinions on the ruling. ry viewings. Alex Gonzalez what is going to happen.” a Nashville real estate agent, Law enforcement officers -op Christian Murray (’19), the (’21) and Murray have active- after he picked her up from a posed clemency, arguing that leader of the club S.S.T.O.P. ly been involved in combating If you are interested in learn- Sonic Drive-In to have sex with she was not justified in the (Students Stopping the Traf- sex-trafficking in places such ing more about Human Traf- her. Brown’s lawyers pleaded killing, while celebrities such ficking of People) at Covenant as Roswell, GA and New York ficking or want to get involved that “she was a sex trafficking as West and College, hopes that with the and are willing to share more with S.S.T.O.P., contact chris- victim who not only feared along with criminal publicity of this case, more about what they have learned [email protected] to for her life but also lacked the justice advocates pushed for people will be aware of human and seen. Most of their work be put on the email list and re- mental capability to be culpa- mercy. trafficking. centers around international ceive updates. NEWS 02

on Covenant College’s small Gabrielle Amorelli (’20) had campus. Reports tell us that 2 a different take on the event, ALIEN: transformers blew that fate- saying, “I was scared and con- ful Tuesday night. “What’s fused, but aren’t we all?” Good a transformer?” you might point, Gabrielle, good point. COVENANT ask. Our trusty friend Goo- Are you scared and confused, gle tells us that a transformer too? You’re not alone. by Anna Rogers is “an apparatus for reducing or increasing the voltage of If you’re wondering, “What It’s late. You and your friends an alternating current.” Seems happened? Why did these are lying in bed, watching the important. Electricity is super transformers blow? What else latest show and fighting important, hence everyone can spontaneously combust off sleep. running through the sleepy without my prior knowledge?” halls, scared for their lives. But, Well, transformers can explode “This blows,” says one of your some people had a different re- due to a sudden surge of too cool friends. “I wish anything action. Some were brave. much electricity. Sources say fun would happen on this quo- that old transformers can blow tidian campus.” Well-known Catacombian as well, due to faulty or old in- and local Mya Bosgraf’s boy- sulation. Aliens, if you’re into You’re surprised. Quotidian? friend, James Fuller (’20), told that sort of thing, are a definite What a word! You didn’t know us that he was driving on Sce- possibility as well, so don’t lose your friends knew words like nic Highway below the chapel hope if you’re expecting a vis- that. Is your cool friend a secret when he saw the blue flash of it from our mysterious space nerd? While you’re contem- the explosion. friends. As for other things plating your cool friend’s IQ, spontaneously combusting, something happens. The lights “I was passing Andreas on watch out for hoverboards, flicker. Your phone charger Scenic when I saw it happen pyrite oxidation, and absolute- cuts in and out. People scream again—I saw an electric arc ly fire beats coming from our and run down the hall because coming out of the transformer talented SoundCloud rappers, they have never seen darkness. and heard a loud boom,” said located throughout campus. If But the darkness doesn’t last. A Fuller. you’re thinking of becoming burst of light! A burst of...blue a SoundCloud rapper, please video still by Isaiah Barnfield light? That seems unnatural. Fuller was so excited he tried reconsider. Focus on your ed- You’re puzzled. Then you hear to get a picture of the ex- ucation. the alien-like light from flood- But you know better than I someone shout, “Aliens!” Oh plosion, but since everyone ing through your dorm room do, pre-engineering majors. heck. knows aliens cannot be photo- If you are reading this article window at night. If you are a And now I leave you with this graphed, it is no surprise that searching for answers as to pre-engineering major, please warning: Please do not go near Bright, unnatural light is a no evidence was captured. We how you can stop transform- let us know the best way to a transformer without the su- sure fire sign of aliens com- talked to a few more civilians ers from exploding, you’ve prevent this from happen- pervision of a pre-engineering ing to abduct you, but that’s to hear their opinion on this come to the right paragraph. ing. No more electricity? Go major. It is not safe, seeing as probably not what happened surprising matter. Truth is, there is most like- up there and replace the in- how they explode. Explosions on the night of January 8th ly nothing you can do to stop sulation ourselves? Doubt it. can and will hurt you.

these agencies furloughing in place so that hundreds of the new year’s budget by the employees include a lack of thousands of people do not time it needed to be put into data concerning food and suddenly lose their steady effect, the government was crops. The government is income flow. However, there forced to shut down. no longer providing loans are effects such as lagged to small business operators. pay, furlough, and delayed According to , on The Sprint-T-Mobile com- processing of general gov- January 19th “Trump an- pany merger will be pro- ernment applications sub- nounced that he was pre- longed even further, as the mitted by citizens. pared to back a three-year Federal Communications extension of protections for Commission is no longer re- President Trump, per the 700,000 immigrants who viewing transactions of this request of border securi- came to the country illegally sort. BBC News reports that ty agents, is demanding 5.7 as children and were shield- photo from CNBC 800,000 government em- billion dollars in funding ed from deportation under ployees have been required to help build a border wall. the Obama-era Deferred Ac- to work or stay home with- Nancy Pelosi and others in tion for Childhood Arrivals SHUTDOWN As reported by CNBC, the out pay. Washington feel that border (DACA) program. This, in CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 main agencies that are be- funding should be focused exchange for the $5.7 billion ing hurt by the shutdown Thankfully, this shutdown more towards improving the he has requested for a bar- are the USDA, Federal Com- has not been as detrimen- conditions of undocument- rier on the southern border Most national parks and munications Commission, museums remain open with tal as ones have been in the ed citizens being detained with Mexico.” It looks as if Small Business Administra- past. Because of previous by ICE. Because the Repub- this compromise will bring limited access to facilities tion, and the Department such as public restrooms. government shutdowns, licans and Democrats could America’s longest govern- of Housing and Urban De- there are backup procedures not reach an agreement on ment shutdown to a close. velopment. Some results of

derstanding of sexuality and There are many issues that change the status quo. In the gender is critical to many, even this can cause, from cultivat- past, there has been a week- LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX and especially on Covenant ing a place of abuse (see the long chapel series on sexuality, College’s campus. Washington Post’s sobering a call to mourning for victims article,“The Sin of Silence: of sexual assault, and a few (AND GENDER) Chaplain Lowe said, “With The epidemic of denial about classes on human sexuality. some of the issues we’re fac- sexual abuse in the evangeli- There has not, however, been by Suzannah Guthmann series? ing in the student body in the cal church”) to extreme guilt a discussion of this magnitude. last couple of years, specifical- about sex even after marriage. Sex. Psychology Today report- Dr. Green said in his Septem- ly around issues of sexuality, a Dr. Weichbrodt, who gave her ed that statistically speaking, ber chapel talk, “It’s uncom- lot of students were struggling chapel lecture “A Thousand the average college student fortable, generates conflict, with, dealing with, and feeling Chaplain Lowe said, “The way Artifices” on the first chapel thinks about sex dozens of and raises issues that many there was not a lot of public that the evangelical church of this semester, continues to times a day. Covenant College find shocking and even taboo... discourse about it on campus. has treated sexuality... has hope that these talks will pro- students are no exception. This but Covenant College has nev- We thought it would be a good been particularly damaging to vide a shared experience that year, the Chapel Department er been the sort of place to run idea to have faculty members young women, who are taught will be a springboard for fu- has hosted a series of faculty away from challenging topics approach topics of sexuality that sex is bad until you’re ture conversations and show lectures on sexuality and gen- simply because they’re chal- from their areas of expertise.” married and then there’s this the fruitfulness of a liberal arts der, ranging from Dr. Nelson’s lenging.” wildly unrealistic expectation education as the discussions lecture on the biology of sexu- For many students, this could that then it’s supposed to be and topics vary between facul- ality in October to Dr. Weich- In the last year, hundreds of be the first time this conversa- amazing. When you’re told ty disciplines. brodt’s lecture on how human women have come forward tion is opened to them. Claire over and over your whole life sexuality and gender are por- in the #MeToo movement as Piquette (’20), a student min- that it’s something you’re not Conversations will continue trayed in art in January. accounts of sexual harass- istry coordinator, said, “I don’t supposed to talk about, you on campus as the series pro- ment and assault rocked the have a memory of a discussion don’t do, you don’t watch, it re- gresses into the semester, with For many in the evangelical nation’s biggest stages, from about sex or even purity, which ally is this negative thing. It’s a Dr. Alicia Jackson lecturing on church, sexual education has Hollywood to politics to the is kind of weird, in the church I very confusing message to say February 20th. There is much purely been a subject of absti- evangelical church. For many, grew up in. It wasn’t like I was it’s this gift from God.” hope that the series will be a nence until marriage, where it has become clear that there afraid of talking about it, but healthy and welcoming place sex is portrayed as a gift of is confusion and pain around it seemed like it wasn’t even a By opening these conversa- for students to ask complex God, but also something se- the question of what biblical thought that crossed people’s tions on the biggest stage on questions and face difficult cret and almost shameful. So manhood and womanhood is. mind.” campus, the Chapel Depart- topics alongside the faculty why are we having this chapel This question of a biblical un- ment is actively working to and Chapel Department. NEWS 03 ADMISSIONS Fitzpatrick’s candidate was ra Scott Madden and Callie Students, both ACs voiced CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Jon Fitzpatrick was hired in no longer eligible and did Nelson resigned. their concerns for the future June of 2018 as vice president not get the job. of the admissions office and of admissions and marketing Though Fitzpatrick’s dis- their frustration over Fitz- working four years ago are (also overseeing financial Four months into his new missal may have been the last patrick’s termination. Voyles still employed in admissions. aid). Fitzpatrick originally position, Fitzpatrick was straw for the two departing and Timmerman listened to Vitolins said that the average applied to be the new profes- asked to give an update on ACs, other factors contribut- the ACs’ concerns and re- length of employment for an sor of marketing but was not enrollment numbers to the ed to their resignations. ACs quested that Madden stop AC at Covenant is about a offered the job. Pres. Hal- Board of Trustees. said that over the past year sending her grievance letter year and a half. vorson contacted Fitzpatrick and a half the admissions of- to members of the college. and encouraged him to apply “The board was focusing on fice has had a high turnover Former Director Scott for the vacant position of VP enrollment,” Fitzpatrick said. rate and has witnessed a pat- In an email exchange be- Schindler and Assistant Di- of admissions and market- “It didn’t go well for me be- tern of leaders leaving on tween Voyles and Madden, rector Claire Hirte (‘11) both ing. Halvorson, Fitzpatrick, cause in the months leading bad terms. In September of he told Madden that if she resigned in the summer of and the hiring committee all up to it I hadn’t figured ev- 2018, less than three months continued to forward the 2017. Since the resignations, knew that Fitzpatrick lacked erything out yet, and I don’t before Fitzpatrick’s dismiss- grievance, she would be the admissions office has some of the experience that think there were expecta- al, four ACs (including Mad- asked to step down from her been without a director and would ordinarily be expect- tions that I would have had den and Nelson) brought a post immediately. Madden instead has had a number of ed from a VP candidate who it all figured out by then.” formal complaint to HR. resigned the next day. short-term, interim assistant would oversee three depart- directors. ments. He also noted the detriment The ACs complained about Nelson responded to her that the lack of a director mismanagement, lack of and Madden’s treatment, “If Current AC Ian Webb (’18) “I knew there were elements and assistant director of ad- structure, and unresolved you don’t want employees to said, “It is hard to have such of the job that I was not missions had on his ability to conflict between some em- speak truth boldly and who a good experience [as a stu- qualified for,” said Fitzpat- perform. “Not having those ployees and former leader- aren’t afraid to question au- dent] and have Covenant rick, “and we all knew that positions hindered so many ship in the admissions office. thority, then you need to very directly let you down throughout the whole inter- things,” he said later. HR offered the ACs a meet- stop hiring Covenant alums.” in the way that [admissions view process. I hadn’t had ing with either the cabinet counselors] have been work- admissions, financial aid, or or with Halvorson to discuss Moving Forward ing without a boss for a year higher ed. experience, but On Nov. 6th, Halvorson no- the complaints, but no other and a half.” my experience in marketing tified the admissions staff apparent action was taken. “Any leadership transition is and leading teams made it a that he had fired Fitzpatrick Some ACs, based on past in- difficult, and the folks who Vitolins said that frequent great fit.” after less than five months of teractions with Halvorson, are here responded really leadership transition within his installment. felt he would not be the best well,” said Halvorson. “I am the office over the past few The admissions staff was person to advocate for them thankful for the resilience years has made it harder for weary because of the lack Many admissions staff said and so requested a meeting and the tenacity of the folks him to do his job well. of leadership and high ex- they were confused and with the cabinet. in the admissions office.” pectations over the previous shocked by Halvorson’s de- “We felt the lack of leader- years. However, Fitzpatrick’s cision and wished they had Halvorson heard about the Over the past few months, ship there in that first year installment as VP raised mo- been given more of an ex- ACs’ request to meet with the admissions office has [of being without a direc- rale considerably, ACs said. planation. “The staff was de- the cabinet and insisted on been scrambling to restore tor],” Vitolins said. “But I moralized,” said one admis- meeting with the ACs first, calm. Brad Voyles stepped in think that it’s really in cycle Several ACs noted Fitzpat- sions employee who asked according to Madden. The to temporarily fill the vacant two without a director that rick’s hard work during his not to be named. ACs agreed to talk with Hal- leadership role that Jon Fitz- we’ve been feeling the hit of first few months, including vorson. patrick left in admissions. not having a lot of good stra- the development of outreach In response to many in the tegic guidance in the office.” strategies and communica- admissions office who re- “It was a really good meet- Voyles described how he tion, as well as more fully ported feeling blindsided ing,” said Madden, “we felt has worked on the process Pres. Halvorson agreed that uniting the financial aid, and even betrayed, Halvor- encouraged. But then noth- of finding new admissions this is a problem. He said, marketing, and admissions son stated, “Jon is a wonder- ing changed for a month, staff. He said that he has re- “Providing good support offices. Webb called Fitzpat- ful human being, so it is not and then he fired Jon.” hired alum and former As- systems for counselors is a rick the best boss he had ever surprising that the folks who sistant Director Claire Hirte really important thing. Ob- worked for, noting Fitzpat- worked with him would be Upon her resignation, Mad- to serve as the new associate viously, we could use some rick’s ability to shepherd his sad to not be working with den filed an official griev- director, as well as bring- stability in that office, in team and learn from those him.” However, Halvorson ance letter with HR and sent ing in two new ACs, Han- terms of management.” who had been in the office said that his decision was copies to members of the nah Tippens (’18) and Anne for longer than he. based on what he believed administration and staff that Fuller (’18), and two former Addressing the high stress was best for the college. were involved or in some ACs, Tim Mahla (’03) and and apparent lack of re- “The bottom line is Jon way previously aware of the David Gambrell (’06) , who sources in the admissions wasn’t given nearly enough The effect that the transi- situation. have come back part time. office, Halvorson said, “Ex- time to thrive here,” said tion will have on enrollment pectations for admissions Webb. “He wasn’t given numbers has been a topic In her letter, she said, “This The admissions office now staff are consistent with enough support staff to do of discussion. Callie Nel- firing seems like retaliation has eight ACs (including two what they have been in re- the job satisfactorily.” son said, “The students who for [Fitzpatrick’s] advocacy part-time) and one associate cent years, and resources in complete the early action ap- and trying to cover up the director and is exploring admissions are what they According to Madden and plication end up being over embarrassment of low num- candidates for a new direc- have been in recent years.” Fitzpatrick, Halvorson and 60% of our class. And Jon bers that are due to years of tor. He further clarified, “The Fitzpatrick agreed on prior- was fired a week and a half mismanagement: not Jon’s resources that are the same ities through January 2019, before that deadline.” five months in office.” Ian Webb, a current AC, are the budgetary resourc- which focused on building said that Voyles has risen es. Obviously, we were with- a fully staffed and healthy Renee Timmerman, for- Madden went on to write, “I to the challenge. “The way out a director last year, so team, getting Fitzpatrick mer director of HR, said, believe that Derek’s decision he’s jumped into the admis- that would be a human re- more up to speed, and plan- “The work of admissions is to fire Jon was a corrupt de- sions office for damage con- source deficit (though one ning for the 2019 year. The something that is of high- cision based on the fear of trol has been incredible. Not we sought to fill with outside focus was not intended to est priority to the president, losing his own job.” only is he still fulfilling his consulting).” be on immediately raising the Cabinet, and the Board. responsibilities as the dean enrollment numbers. After Bringing the next generation Though Halvorson, due to of students; he’s gone full Because of being under- a period of focusing on the of students to Covenant Col- HR restrictions, could not steam ahead in helping lead staffed, Nelson said she had team dynamics, they would lege is critical and our ‘top speak directly to the rea- our office in so many practi- fewer opportunities to de- revisit plans to increase en- of the agenda’ challenge.” soning behind Fitzpatrick’s cal ways.” velop relationships with rollment. She continued, “We are not termination, he recognized prospective students than perfect and will, therefore, at the ACs’ dismay and defend- Others have a more pessi- before, which she argued is One task Halvorson stressed times, make decisions that in ed his actions: “These sorts mistic view of long term a vital part of what makes to Fitzpatrick was to hire hindsight we would change, of decisions involve a lot of solutions. “Based on my ex- Covenant competitive with someone for the still-vacant but know that every decision thought and counsel from perience, I see the board and other schools. position of director of ad- we take is done for the sake others and a lot of prayer.” the administration applying missions. of the mission of Covenant He continued, “It is my de- even more pressure on the “I’ve felt a drift from the re- College and for the ultimate cision, ultimately, but I don’t admissions staff in the fu- lational side of admissions “We thought it would be furtherance of the Kingdom make these sorts of decisions ture,” Callie Nelson said. “I to a need for sheer volume,” smart to hire a VP and allow of Jesus Christ.” capriciously.” left because I don’t have the Nelson said. him to choose a director,” hope that there is a solution said Halvorson. Timmerman also noted that Madden and Nelson had that can be made.” The ACs felt like their appeal HR “...lament[s] how those tendered their resignations, for stability was finally be- Fitzpatrick and Madden said changes have been felt in the but HR did not contact ei- With four new ACs and an ing addressed when Halvor- that Fitzpatrick had gone work environment and in ther AC to set up an exit in- associate director, the ad- son hired Fitzpatrick as vice through the entire process enrollment.” terview. Both Madden and missions office is current- president of admissions and of hiring a director and on Nelson had to request one. ly working hard to create a marketing in the summer of the same day Fitzpatrick AC Resignations healthy team and meet en- 2018. planned to offer the job to In meetings with Renee Tim- rollment expectations for the candidate, Halvorson In protest to Halvorson’s de- merman and Brad Voyles, the next academic year. Hiring and Firing Jon Fitz- changed the job description. cision to fire Jon Fitzpatrick, vice president for Student patrick Because of this alteration, admissions counselors Lau- Development and Dean of SPORTS 04 SCOTS BASKETBALL PREVIEW by Nate Plating the team is out there, day in and day out, grinding on the The Covenant College men’s hardwood. basketball team is a on a tear. They’ve put together a couple One week into the spring se- of lengthy win streaks, average mester, fresh off a Christmas around 80 points per game as a break of resting those legs and team, and before losing a sin- perfecting that silky smooth gle conference game, put up jumper, a group of boys, past 10 wins a row, tying their best and present Covenant stu- conference record in over a de- dents, gathered together in cade. the Ashe Activity Center and played what is perhaps the best Throughout all this, sopho- basketball Court 3, the far one, more forward Will Crumly has ever seen. This group has (‘21) has put up some huge been playing together for a numbers, averaging 22 ppg and while, familiarizing themselves 9 rpg 17 games into the season. with each others’ strengths and The team has kept games excit- weaknesses. This familiarity photo by Nate Plating ing, sometimes blowing teams has forced them to grow their out and other times bringing games in order to compliment fense facilitated by guard Ryan moves before knocking down The experiences on this court them down to the wire only their teammates and exploit Rhodes (‘21). Rhodes quickly a three pointer, Isaac Parker have been felt and heard, to secure the win in the final their opposition. So, yeah, finds a rebound, secures it, and (‘20) embarrassing the defense smelled and seen. So, next moments. But through all this, they’re pretty good together. looks up court, finding Anand on his way to an acrobatic fin- time you’re getting ready to this thrilling and inspiring blazing down the sideline for ish around the basket, and Will see the men’s basketball team basketball, some have been Game 1 starts off. Aaron an open layup, smoking the Kirkpatrick (‘20) dishing out boot crunch another confer- forced to ask: is this really the Anand (‘21), a shooting guard, entire defense before they even Nikola Jokic-esque dimes. And ence opponent, take a second, best mens basketball being immediately takes off up and knew it. it goes on and on. Stories of the and check Ashe Court 3, the played at Covenant right now? down and back up the court. Kaufmann brothers linking up far one, and make sure you’re And it would be foolish to an- He’s spent the past months Soon the players begin to find for some rousing team basket- not missing out on something swer this question without first training his body to handle the a groove—Neil McCarthy (‘19) ball are limitless. truly excellent: the afternoon exploring who else aside from demand of the run and gun of- stringing together a series of pickup crew.

tunately he is still recovering fun the whole way there. Bad from his ACL tear last season The Memphis Grizzlies started THE GOOD, THE BAD, so the Knicks are terrible this Another good is James Hard- this season off scorching hot, year, but in all the best ways. en. I mean he’s averaging 35.7 jumping out to an early lead They’re losing games, which points-per-game, if he keeps in the Western conference. But AND THE PETTY is good for them in the long this up he will be one of only over the past month they have run because they can get Zion five other players in the HIS- fallen hard. Their two main by Will Kirkpatrick Good Williamson. However, they’re TORY of the NBA to score 35+ stars, Mike Conley and Marc The New York Knicks have a losing them in a fun way. They ppg in a season. The other four Gasol, are clearly showing After a long and very event- long history of disappointment have a lot of really fun young are Rick Berry, Wilt Cham- signs of aging and everyone ful winter break here at Cov- and sadness. They have the guys who will dunk all over berlain, Kobe Bryant, and Mi- else on the team is either terri- enant College, I’m sure the worst owner in the league and you and provide for good TV chael Jordan. Every game he is ble or 19 years old. They need number one question on all of consistently fail to live up to but still lose the game in the slanging fire out of his hands to maximize the value of Con- your minds was, “What is Will the lofty expectations of their end. The Knicks are bad, in and there is absolutely nothing ley and Gasol and trade them gonna write about in the next fans nearly every single year. all the best ways. They have anyone can do about it, either now before they lose all value. GBP article? There is so much And yet, there is still hope. Kevin Knox, Frankie Smokes, he hits a step-back three in The good news is that Jaren gooooooood, juicy material.” They have 7-foot unicorn-man Congolese sensation Emman- your face, or he drives by you Jackson Jr. is amazing, a freak Well all your questions will be Kristaps Porzingis, who if you uel Mudiay, and they have the and dunks or gets fouled. He is athlete with a bunk looking answered here shortly, don’t haven’t watched play, you are best play-by-play broadcaster the Beard, he is El Chapo, and jumpshot that seems to always you worry. missing out on something in the league in Mike Breen. he isn’t slowing down. go in. So, chin up Memphis, serious. He’s a baller. Unfor- They may go 20-62 but it’ll be not all is lost.

Draymond Green looks like he shoots with a backpack on and Boogie is back, the NBA is doomed… that is all.

Petty Kyrie Irving, unlike Joel Em- biid, is petty in all the wrong ways. He’s petty in the sense that when talking to the press after games he blatantly throws all of his teammates under the bus. Over the past month on multiple occasions Kyrie, in regards to some of the Celtics younger players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, said that they “don’t know what it takes to win a championship” and credits them as the reason for some of the Celtics’ recent struggles. Kyrie is trying to be a leader in these attempts but he is going at in all the wrong ways and it will eventually hurt his team unless he figures out how to lead like a leader and photo from Sports Illustrated not a 19-year-old. ARTS 05 everything). If you’re looking to travel somewhere in Japan, or anywhere in Asia soon, here are some quick fashion tips (disclaimer: Since I was visiting in May, the fashion choices are more aligned with Spring/Summer weather).

I found that the safest way to keep with the fashion trends was to keep a sort of “uni- form” that would never fail: long, flowy pants or pleated skirt with a striped or plain colored shirt/turtleneck tucked in. Shoes were either white sneakers or Birken- stocks. Carry around a tote bag with some kind of artistic print, or a very small purse (backpacks aren’t as much of a thing there). If you’re a guy, your safest bet is to stick with black or dark-colored jeans, an equally dark long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt, your best pair of sneakers, and a sling, or cross-body bag (like a fanny pack but better). Keep photo by Hallie-Blair Quatro it minimal with everything, but don’t be afraid to show off form (which can conveniently black surgical mask. While I those brand names— these are be bought in your local Tokyo was there, I saw them every- an important part of Tokyo THREADS: 7/11 drug store) consisting where, with mostly teens and street style. of black dress pants, button young adults wearing them. down shirt, and tie. Apparent- While some just want to avoid Oh, and be sure to check out IN TOKYO ly, business casual is the only getting sick, it has become the 12-floor Uniqlo and the casual there is. popular to only show half of thrift shops in the smaller, by Hallie-Blair Quatro You must first know that the face. While some also wear more bohemian district of everything, and everyone, is as In Tokyo, the umbrella is an it to cover their teeth or facial Shimokitazawa. You know about THREADS put together as humanly pos- important part of any daily expressions, it has increasingly on campus, but what’s going sible. It’s 8:00 a.m. and while outfit, and is used in both rain become an important fashion P.S.//A NOTE FROM YOURS on fashion-wise around the most of us are struggling to and shine. The parasol holds a trend in Tokyo. TRULY: If you know of any world? This is your guide put on jeans and a reasonably high place of honor, and you fellow Scots-folks who are to current fashion trends in clean shirt, Japanese women better not get caught without And not to disregard the killing it in the fashion area of Tokyo, Japan— thanks to a in Tokyo are walking briskly one while in Tokyo. more colorful parts of the life, don’t hesitate to send their trip I took with my family to down the streets in stunning- fashion, it is important to note names to me at hallieblair. the beautiful country in May ly-cut dresses and delicate Another thing that seems to that many women were also [email protected]. We’d of 2018. heels. The men all seem to be a very important part of rocking long, colorful pleated love to feature you in the next have a “one size fits all” uni- the fashion is the white or skirts (the light pink color is THREADS!

animators, which is the largest changes slightly with each spi- cess, alongside the stunning “SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE crew that Sony Pictures has der-hero that is introduced. animation. With appearanc- ever used, and plans for the Each one has their own “aura” es from big-name artists such film were officially announced of sorts with the way they are as Post Malone, Swae Lee, SPIDER-VERSE” REVIEW in April of 2015. The different rendered, so that each individ- Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj, dimensional aspects of the sto- ual has a different texture and the soundtrack shines just as by Ellie Hitchcock orful comic-animation style ryline gave the creators even look that is all their own. These brightly as the film itself. The setting it apart from any oth- more freedom with the colors, characters and their unique leading song “Sunflower” by The newest addition to the er animated film that has ever textures, and effects they could depictions reflect the many be- Post Malone and Swae Lee is long line of Spider-Man been released. It is full of bold use. This lends tremendous- loved twists on the Spider-Man heard throughout the film, movies that have been re- graphics and bright colors, ly to the stunning visuals and story that popular culture has and gave critics reason to love leased over the years is an ac- and overall has a very “trippy” makes it stand out against the invented over the decades. it even more. The film grossed tion-packed visual feast. Sony look to it that gives it its appeal usual Marvel superhero films. over $307 million worldwide released “Spider-Man: Into and freshness. The film’s VFX Another interesting aspect of The soundtrack of the film and was a spinning success. the Spider-Verse,” directed by supervisor Danny Dimian this film is that the animation was also a huge part of its suc- Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and his team were successful and Rodney Rothman, in the- in creating this entirely new aters on December 14, 2018. It brand of animation that has scored an impressive 97% on never been seen before, using rotten tomatoes after hundreds the technological advances we of reviews. have today to create a twist on the vintage comic-book aes- The story of the film focuses thetic. on a Brooklyn teen name Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Dimian has worked on some Moore). Viewers follow him other popular animated films through a journey of being such as “Hotel Transylvania”, bitten by the notorious radio- and “Cloudy With a Chance active spider, gaining spider of Meatballs”, but obviously powers of his own, and meet- the animation in these films ing multiple heroes through are very different from that of different dimensions. Thethe “Spider-Verse”. The team film’s storyline is complicated strived to make the animation and fast-paced, but at its core, new and fresh without letting it’s a tender coming-of-age sto- the craziness of it take away ry that is relevant and hard not from the actual story of the to love. film.

The movie incorporates col- The movie required up to 140 photo from Marvel/ ARTS 06 their learning with extremely ration from it. It allowed the diverse takeaways. Their de- viewer to consider the world TAKE A PICTURE, sires for how to respond cre- around us in a creative, and atively clearly varied as seen by perhaps inventive, way. FACULTY the wide range of approaches QUOTE IT’LL LAST LONGER that were taken for this show. Reed Schick captured the at- tention of viewers with a full by Claire Piquette Carl Simakoff (‘19), Hannah Caleb John Smith’s piece, bodied experience- his dispos- Orren (‘19), and Caleb John “Pregnancy”, captured viewers’ able camera photographs, tak- The word “photography”Smith (‘19). It challenged eyes through his disorienting en over the last 7 months of his brings forth a mental stock viewers’ assumptions about and surrealist use of online life, were projected on a reel. If “Right, so, it’s about that of a million different images what photography should be, images, set on backgrounds of desired, the viewer could pick and ideas in the mind of every and brought a splash of cre- deep, bright yellow. Smith took up a pair of headphones that t i m e .” person. Perhaps it is an Insta- ativity and excitement to Cov- a variety of seemingly unrelat- played sounds of nature, soft gram feed, a friend from home enant’s foggy January campus. ed images, drew connections beats, and light guitar strum- who took senior pictures, or between them and his own ming. Additionally, a book old family photos. This stock As students, alumni, and pro- life experiences, and created a of the photographs sat beside - Dr. Barham, at the likely does not readily include fessors filed into Lucas Art piece of art that communicat- the headphones, so that they forms of photography such as Workshop on January 17th, ed the jarring realities of life. could be appreciated for a lon- beginning of every class photos from a disposable cam- a sense of curiosity and won- ger amount of time. “Summer ever era, a photograph of a wom- der overtook the atmosphere. Carl Simakoff took the word, Scent,” the name of his piece an wrapped in pink tulle, or a Most guests of the show likely “Eilodon”, meaning “ideal”, and the book, will be available series of photos created with do not have the same extensive and ran with the idea of natural for purchase this month. stock images through Photo- knowledge of photography and ordinary life encounters as shop. You definitely would not that the four showcased artists they collide with the things in Hannah Orren’s piece was a think of cyanotypes, a version gained after their independent life that are most hidden, and captivating viewing experi- of photography originating in study of Contemporary Prac- perhaps are the closest to real- ence. The photographs show the 19th century that employs tices in Photography with Dr. ity. His set of cyanotypes with two women struggling with chemical reactions to create a Elissa Weichbrodt (04’). “phantom” outlines of a variety physical material in some pushed the boundaries of how print of an object. of plants was a gripping and way- one with fabric, one with the material world affects us. Reed Schick explained that beautiful viewing experience. her own wet hair. The photos Without an outlet for escape, “Shadow and Substance”, the even though all four students The dark blue background were displayed as a wallpaper, we were forced to take in that first stand-alone photography went through the same course with the white shapes of plants from the floor to the ceiling. which was directly in front of show to be put on by Covenant material with Dr. Weichbrodt, simultaneously felt like a draw To stand and observe these us. students— Reed Schick (‘19), they all walked away from towards nature, and a sepa- photos was an experience that Covenant’s art students are continuing to assert them- selves as thoughtful, innovate makers, and “Shadow and Substance” emphasized their willingness to go out on a limb for the sake of showcasing tru- ly significant pieces of work.

1955 2018

Katie Smith Editor In Chief

Emily Highsmith Managing Editor Will Payne Layout Editor

Sarah Dreher News Carly Barrett Arts photo by Eden Anyabwile Hannah Williams Opinions Isaac Parker Sports Paige Hungar Copy Sometimes set aside with care, But moving forward it always Ordained by God, given to Eden Anyabwile Photo goes. man THE GIFT Amos Corbett Web Sometimes free and some- times rare. It never stops; it never grows. To use with wisdom while we Marie Bowen Staff Writer by Kalyn Stang can. Suzannah Guthmann Staff Writer When nothing will an answer Always changing, yet still the Nate Plating Distribution Known globally from east to bring, same, This privilege we must never west, lose, Cliff Foreman Only this will tell a thing. Never at fault but oft given the Faculty Advisor Expressed by hands which blame. Forget or waste, or yes, abuse. never rest. It may be short. It may be For inquiries or comments, please contact Ka- long. Of it, there is not an end, What is this blessing so sub- tie Smith at [email protected]. Can be lost, as some abhor, lime, This is a Covenant College student publi- cation. The views expressed herein do not It may have come. It may have But parts of it won’t come necessarily reflect those of the college or the student body. But of it, there is always more. gone. again. But the precious, treasured gift of time. OPINIONS 07 people group is incredibly lim- ic, like the idea that men can iting and can be harmful. get away with troubling behav- THE DANGER OF A SINGLE ior, or that women are inca- “The problem with stereotypes pable of doing wrong or need is not that they are untrue, but men to fulfill their lives, it lim- that they are incomplete,” she its us from the fullness of our- STORY ABOUT GENDER says, adding that a single story selves and ultimately prevents “robs people of dignity.” us from loving each other in the ways that we should. by Grace DeGraaf (‘19) and the research she has fectly happy with her single And yet we use these incom- done on how this plays out in life. Her disinterest in dating, plete portraits of people to This is why I loved the Gil- Gillette recently aired an ad literature.) This tired binary is however, turns out to be her form our identities and per- lette ad; it breaks a message called “We Believe: The Best seen over and over throughout heroic flaw which Hitch must ceptions of one another. This is that has been poured into men Men Can Be” which has be- music, movies, and television. overcome in order to win the especially true when we look at for decades that masculinity come hotly contested, particu- Once you start looking, it’s day (and conquer the woman). how we perceive and construct equals violence, ‘scoring’ with larly among conservative men. hard not to find it everywhere. gender. By forcing men and women, and elicits no conse- The ad positions itself as a re- And this limited rendering of There’s a lot in this movie that is women into strict binaries and quences. Rather than being an- sponse to the #MeToo move- what being a woman looks like problematic (for example, the using media to define those ti-men, as some have claimed, ment, addressing harassment shapes our reality of how we invasive and borderline creepy behaviors, we miss the beau- the ad is deeply pro-men. It is of women, violence, bullying, see ourselves and others. way in which Hitch pursues tifully nuanced fullness of hu- supportive of a better, healthi- and the troublesome excuse, Sara which is played off as cute manity. We end up trapped by er version of masculinity that “Boys will be boys.” The video For men, the presentation is and romantic), which I don’t the molds we’ve built for our- holds itself accountable to asks, “Is this the best men can far more nuanced because men have time to break down, but selves because that is how we unkind behaviors, empowers be?” and encourages men to have long held the reigns in the main point I want to make see men and women behaving women rather than objectify- hold each other accountable media. However, there are still is the danger in how mov- in the things we watch. ing them, and displays a new and strive to be better. perceived stereotypes of what ies like Hitch (and the entire story for men and boys who society has deemed masculin- genre of rom-coms) love to It is dangerous to downplay don’t fit into the traditional The controversy over the ad ity to look like. Men should be bolster gender stereotypes. the role media has in shap- “tough guy” narrative of mas- bewildered me at first. How strong, they should be leaders, ing us. Media representation culinity. could such a positive and nec- they should be brave, and, on In a time in which the con- is powerful – just take a class essary message be considered a more troubling note, they versations regarding gender with Dr. Weichbrodt and you’ll I believe that we need new offensive to anyone? So I dug are often exempt from conse- norms are shifting, I think it’s see what I mean. And the most kinds of stories like this for into some of the opposition, quences because, according to important to critically exam- powerful culture-shaper in our men and new kinds of stories and what the controversy toxic notions of masculinity, a ine how our “guilty pleasure” era of Netflix-binging is argu- for women in order to present seems to come down to is mas- positive end result always jus- movies and shows perpetu- ably film and television. As Dr. a more honest, holistic picture culinity – what is it, and how tifies the means. Particularly in ate narrow and often harmful Weichbrodt loves to tell her of gender. We need to expand do we define it socially? romance films, but also across ideas for how men and women students, we need to expand our media archives to include the board, men are seen as ei- should act, and how we inter- our visual archives, and to that stereotype-breaking content The ad’s controversy over mas- ther charming James Bonds nalize those messages. I’ll add, not just our archives of in order to prevent ourselves culinity brings forth the inter- or socially inept and awkward images, but our film and me- from falling into a single-story esting and important question “nice guys.” A TED Talk from 2009 called dia archives as well. version of gender. Ultimately, of how our ideas of gender are “The Danger of a Single Story” this will allow the beautiful constructed through cultural Recently I watched the popu- recently made another round When all we have is a single fullness of what masculinity representation in the media lar romance comedy “Hitch”, on the internet. The speaker, story for how men or women and femininity can be to break we consume. Our mental ideas starring Will Smith and Eva Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, should act, that is how men the narrow images we have of of quintessential maleness and Mendes. For those who hav- an author from Nigeria, talks and women inevitably end up ourselves and others. femaleness do not just appear en’t seen it, the film is about a about how having just one acting. And when that single out of nowhere. Rather, they man called “Hitch” (a charm- story about a person, place, or story is inherently problemat- are shaped and molded by ing James Bond-type) who has the culture we live in, a cul- made it his career to help the ture which is saturated with dweebs and “nice guys” in life the same narrow depictions of win dates with the women they how men and women should are interested in. The movie, look and act. which like most rom-coms is marketed primarily to women, For women, the pervasive ste- wins its laughs by playing off reotype falls into one of two comfortable male and female categories: the Madonna or stereotypes in an arguably the Whore. Either a woman problematic way. is portrayed as perfect, angel- ic, and incapable of wrong, or The lead female character, Sara she is portrayed as a sexually Melas, falls into the Madonna attractive bitch. (Credit for my type; she is an unattainable awareness of this trope, which working woman, beautiful, is based on the Freudian com- great at her job, and doesn’t plex, goes to Hannah Williams need a man because she is per- photo from Gillette/Teen Health Source

that I could possibly “con- nect” with so many different THE ACCEPTANCE OF artists, with so many different experiences, and histories. DISCONNECTION There’s no way! Did the artists even want that from me? I was by Lidia Dunayeva matter that were redeemed relieved to come to terms with into an enticing image. Reed the fact that I didn’t have to Anticipating the “Shadow and projected his photos onto the “connect” with these photo- Substance” Contemporary wall, pairing the slideshow graphs. I didn’t even have to Photography show, I expected with a photo book of nostalgic understand them. I felt that a dynamic combination of disposable film. my responsibility was simply materials, methods, concepts, in taking the time to observe and subjects that challenge After spending time with each the photography (individually traditional boundaries and piece, I wondered how all as well as a curated group) defy easy definition. I was ex- of them would fit and make and appreciate them for what pecting to understand what I sense together. I appreciated they were. was seeing, to enter in, and to them all, of course. I expected connect deeply with what was to see a mix of materials and I think contemporary art, in before me. I’m happy to say, dimensions, and was satisfied. fact, should be removed from however, that my expectations However, much to my sur- a passive audience. It exists were wrong. prise, I found that I did not in its purest form as indepen- connect on a penetrating level dent, an outworking of an Every set of photos was with these pieces. Suddenly artist grappling with his work, extremely different. Carl’s I was nervous. I wondered a private experience. What I flat cyanotypes were paired if I should feel connected to was seeing was man versus with physical vine branches contemporary photos, and material, man using his per- he collected. Hannah’s pho- honestly, have I ever been sonal prejudices, predictions, tos repeated themselves and able to “connect” with con- and history to tell a new story. expanded over the wall’s entire temporary art? Possibly. But I find peace knowing that it’s surface. Caleb’s photos were then I thought: it cheapens the not my story to tell. a conglomeration of uncom- artwork for a humble viewer photo by Eden Anyabwile fortable colors and subject like me to actually believe OPINIONS 08 SOCIAL INTERACTION IN THE AGE OF YOUTUBE

by Daniel Fremen if it was possible, and writ- ten or telegrammed if it was Originally, this article’s title required. Nowadays, a large was going to be “The Degrada- quantity of communications tion of Social Interaction in the are typed, texted, or sent with Age of Internet Media,” but for a visual accompaniment— not obvious reasons I shortened because it is required, but be- it to something more catchy. cause either it is the most con- What I have been noticing in venient or because it is the so- myself and those around me cially accepted, even preferred, isn’t necessarily that concern- method. This hints at an im- ing until I realized that it is patience that our society has. a much broader and greater It sends the message, “I don’t trend than I had originally have time for you so put your thought. Not only a trend, but message in my sphere and I’ll act with because we are being can simply go to YouTube We are more connected with a norm for those in the young- get back to you… or I’ll leave watched, but because that is and get their daily dose of in- the world than ever before, er generation that have grown you on ‘read.’” what we truly believe about teraction with their vlogger but we are deeply out of touch up within it. that person. This is the side friends. And here lies another with those around us and even For the most part, I get it. We effect of platform-communi- great problem, most of these ourselves. And even though This trend is the movement of lead busy lives and it is most cation. And an easy solution is vloggers have no desire to be that doesn’t directly follow the social interactions from the convenient to text questions to simply let the person know friends with their audience definition of loneliness, it cer- physical, real-time realm to we have, updates we wish to in person, if possible, what you members. For them this is just tainly has some similar side the digital. At first, this may share, or any other message we thought. This is an area that a show, a show that is fun for effects. If not dealt with soon seem obvious— the internet have. But that creates a prob- I myself must also improve them to make, and as long as enough, we will begin to expe- has opened up new opportuni- lem: no longer are we deep- upon— to not let my words be the audience feels connected, rience true loneliness, unless ties for communication, which ening relationships between shaped by how I think they will their show can also be very we make a point of pursuing is excellent, but it has also those around us and ourselves, be perceived by the audience, profitable. Because the money true friendship. changed the very way people we are instead creating a false but to be intentional and have isn’t being made on YouTube, think about communication. image of ourselves. We are a the one-on one interaction as it’s being made by online mer- For the purposes of ensuring product, and our close friends opposed to the platform-com- ch sales and meet and greet that everyone who reads this For example, look at how a are the consumers of that munication. ticket sales, not to mention article has the opportunity to conversation was carried out product. sponsorships and other meth- decide for themselves what in the early 1900s: face to face Another area of precarious so- ods of corporate marketing. they believe about this issue, This is where interactions on cial impact is within YouTube, I have included a list of arti- social media really contribute and the age of vlogging. For Now this may seem like a lot, cles that have similar views to to changes in social interac- those who feel starved for gen- and perhaps a bit preachy– and mine and I encourage you to tion. We go to the socially pre- uine friendships, fret no more! perhaps it is, but that doesn’t read them. However, I will also THE ferred platform and we send Come to YouTube where peo- mean that the problem of so- encourage you to find articles out our message, whatever it is. ple are sharing every detail cial interaction isn’t there. And that disagree with these points VERDICT We then wait for others to con- of their lives with you, their the solution is very simple. We and decide for yourself how tribute to the product we have friend, whom they care about don’t have to stop what we’re you feel about this issue. created. And here is where our and value. That ‘disconnect’ doing online, we just have to relationships experience the everyone is facing because of be conscious of it and not let it • “Does social media make greatest distortion. Since the the distance created by social take the place of activities that, us more lonely?” - Cana- NO to fog. majority of our social interac- media has created a desire for as humans, we need. If we can dian Mental Health As- tion is now taking place on a conversation and friendship be intentional and spend more sociation, Prince George NO to wind. stage, no one is being nice to that is being satisfied through time with each other, without Branch anyone else just for the sake of the YouTuber dialogue. You- distractions of lesser impor- • “People Who Use Social NO to cold. being nice. Since the audience Tubers are providing pseu- tance, then we can lead health- Media A Lot Are Isolated” is seeing the conversations that do-genuine interactions with ier lives. I titled this piece “So- - Rachel Hosie, The Inde- are occurring, everyone else their audiences and the scary cial Interaction in the Age of pendent thing is, for most people, it is YouTube” because I think the • “Are Social Networks Happy January. is tailoring their response for others to see how nice they just satisfying enough that the main issue is that we aren’t get- Causing Loneliness Am- are. And this can create a se- problem is deferred. If some- ting enough meaningful social ong Teens?” - AJ Agrawal, rious problem. We must not one feels like they haven’t been interaction, and people are be- Huffpost simply say positive (or nega- fulfilled by their friends on coming lonely. Kind of like the tive) things to those we inter- other social platforms, they phrase/idea alone in a crowd.

over the more important ques- this definition insightful. It ex- reason we have been out-nar- WHAT ISN’T BEING SAID tion of why we have it in the plains why sex itself demands rated is because we are so con- first place. Sex itself is full of such an unparalleled level of cerned about creating a list of strange fluids, embarrassing vulnerability and transparen- “dos” and “don’ts” that we have ABOUT OUR SEXUALITY transitions, and bizarre nois- cy. It also moves our sexuality forgotten why God gave us our es— it really makes you won- out of the context of heterosex- sexuality in the first place. So by Roy Uptain ality derived from scripture, as der if God qualifies as the true ual, monogamous marriage. what would a more convinc- presented in books by Robert originator of slapstick. But I It means that my sexuality is ing and aesthetically appealing This semester I am taking The- Gagnon and Dennis Hollinger, often wonder if the strange- a part of every relationship I narrative look like? I think it ology of Sexuality with Dr. respectively. These purposes ness and awkwardness of sex experience, e.g. father to son, would begin with a rejection Hans Madueme and, as you are: unity, procreation, intima- is the key to understanding its son to father, uncle to niece of prudery as an affront to the would expect, the class has cy, and pleasure. I won’t go into deeper significance. and nephew, brother to sister, goodness of God’s design, then been great— so far. Both the detail about these here, but do brother to brother, friend to go on to show how human sex- teacher and the opinionated yourself a favor and read the In a recent podcast episode on friend.. etc. And, it is perhaps uality is an integral and benefi- students (of whom I am a par- chapters yourself. They are a the ethics of sex, Bromleigh the most important area of my cial part of relational living. ticularly vocal representative) good review even if none of McCleneghan defined human life in which my image bearing are animated and engaged, and the concepts will strike you as sexuality as, “The physical, is played out. No wonder it is I’m already sure that some- tackle the avalanche of class particularly new. I especially emotional, psychological, and such a cultural battle ground thing in what I have written re- readings with gusto. The class enjoyed knowing how some of spiritual energy that perme- and source of confusion and veals my naivete, ignorance, or has only met a few times and my classmates would squirm ates, influences, and colors controversy. inherent biases, so don’t come we have already run up against when they read words like “co- our entire being and person- down on me too hard. I also a whole variety of issues in- itus.” However, I did have one ality in its quest for love, com- In class, Dr. Madueme men- reserve the right to change my cluding (but not limited to): problem with these two chap- munion, friendship, whole- tioned that part of the reason mind. By the end of this class I homosexuality, contraception, ters— they seemed to miss the ness, self-perpetuation, and that younger generations of might believe something very masturbation, and bestiality. point. self-transcendence.” Christians struggle to accept different, but I at least hope to Fun class. traditional evangelical defi- be asking the right questions. Jumping right into a conver- While I do not agree with most nitions of sexuality is that we We began with a review of the sation about what sex is sup- of her conclusions about the have been “out-narrated by the basic purposes of human sexu- posed to accomplish leaps ethics of sexuality, I did find culture.” I wonder if part of the