Camosun president july 16, 2014 Kathryn Laurin'sjuly 16,contract 2014 issue 17 | volume 24 terminationissue confusion: 17 | volume page 24 3 nexusnewspaper.com nexusnewspaper.com camosun’s student voice since 19c9a0mosun’s student voice since 1990 complicate men

privilegeunsafe access focus

benefitswomen representation serious advantages pagechallenge six extreme provocative identity systematic concerns pedestal discuss social extreme concept troubling society concept harassment Camosun barriers

powerworry intersectionality

inappropriateperceptions unearned nursing violence issue sex gender devaluing barriers

Aboriginal funding: 3 Ramadan festivities: 4 Lighting the Sparxxx: 8  VIEWS July 16, 2014

editor’s letter open space Still talking For a better Canada with camosun’s student voice since 1990 politicians who serve Gender. Next publication: August 13, 2014 Just typing the word, I got in an argument with a co-worker and three Deadline: noon August 6, 2014 angry letters to the editor. No, I jest, but you get the point: it’s never easy taking on such a heated subject. And it’s a subject that changes over time, If government officials can’t Address: 3100 Foul Bay Rd., Victoria, BC, V8P 5J2 so we’re all constantly learning. I think that’s the thing: we’re all constantly perform their simplest Location: Lansdowne Richmond House 201 learning. And that’s not always easy. functions, they have no right So, we here at Nexus HQ were pleased with contributing writer Rachael Phone: 250-370-3591 to be in those positions. Email: [email protected] Grant’s gusto in taking on the subject of female privilege for this issue’s Website: nexusnewspaper.com cover story (see page 6). It wasn’t always a walk in the park; there were plenty of meetings, discussions, and email threads about the story during Publisher: Nexus Publishing Society the writing process. Now we send it out to you, the readers, and we ask Jayden Grieve constitution is our judge and the NEXUS PUBLISHING SOCIETY you this: what do you think? Contributing writer politicians our jury. Yet if we are Over on page 3, we take a look at the sudden and unexpected news that STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS There are fundamental injus- to look to our “peers,” they aren’t Camosun president Kathryn Laurin’s contract is being terminated. This Juliana Cooper tices in our very own government a fair representation of the Canad- Christine Kumar comes shortly after her contract was renewed, leaving many wondering that affect all of us on a very basic ian populace at all. We are told that Vishal Pandey what’s going on. It’s difficult trying to figure out the whole story when level. What’s most troubling is that we are the ones who choose our Giustina Qualizza faced with silence and not much information. So again, we ask: what do the population has accepted these politicians, but this is yet another Rachel Sovka you think? injustices as if they are something false dilemma. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF We love hearing from readers, as you can tell. Drop us a line to let us that can’t be changed. The truth is The truth is, with campaigning Greg Pratt know what you think of contributing writer Matthew Helliwell’s preview MANAGING EDITOR that government is a body that was the way it is, we are stuck in a cycle of of a Ramadan event on campus (page 4), the Girls Rock Camp Victoria Jason Schreurs built in service to us and, should it the rich leading the ill-informed that starting up (page 5), or contributing writer Gillian Sellman’s mainly- ADVERTISING SALES shy away from its main directive, results in the uniformity of today’s hot-but-a-little-cold review of Victoria Ska Fest (page 9). We want to Jason Schreurs there must be measures taken to politicians. It’s likely that without hear it all. 250‑370-3593 fix it. some sort of movement (that would Because, like everyone else, we’re always learning. And we’re always FREE Media (national) The true problem is that because have to be approved by the govern- [email protected] happy to do it. Especially when we’re getting schooled by our readers. So we do, in fact, have more than one ment) we won’t be seeing any varia- 780-421-1000 get in touch and let us know what’s on your mind this summer. party, someone is always getting tion in this uniformity soon. CONTRIBUTORS Greg Pratt, editor-in-chief Andy Chen screwed over. When many parties The other troubling thing is that [email protected] Juliana Cooper vote on something with only one politicians are no longer “doing Rachael Grant Jayden Grieve outcome, it stands to reason that it for the people.” I would like to Patrick Hallihan Call, the segment of the population that’s believe wholeheartedly that those Matthew Helliwell represented by the parties who don’t representing us are there simply Vishal Pandey email, win the vote aren’t getting what because they want what is best for Samantha Pettifer stop by. they want. the citizens, but with the wealth and Gillian Sellman We want to hear Also, having the political par- power that being in office brings, it’s your story tips. ties we do creates a false dilemma, hard to believe that some politicians as a citizen is expected to choose aren’t in it for themselves. either one side or the other, even It’s true that harder jobs may though they may not believe in deserve higher compensation, but I either’s ideology. George Wash- don’t believe that a single politician All editorial content appearing in Nexus is property of the ington himself, arguably America’s is working more than five times Nexus Publishing Society. Stories, photographs, and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without written permis- best-known political figure, stated as hard as the average Canadian. sion of the Nexus Publishing Society. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors, not of Nexus. Nexus that he didn’t believe in political Perhaps if we want really dedicated has no official ties to the administration of Camosun College. One copy of Nexus is available per issue, per person. parties because the politicians were politicians we should pay them what in service to everyone. the average Canadian makes and Nexus is a member of Associated Collegiate Press. 250-370-3591 And though people often say remove the entire money-corrupts Send a letter [email protected] that you can’t please everyone, in factor. Nexus prints letters that are 250 words or less. Richmond House 201, Nexus reserves the right to refuse publication of let- this case that’s ridiculous because We have worked incredibly hard ters. Letters must include full name and student num- Lansdowne ber (not printed). Nexus accepts all letters by email to that’s exactly what the government to make our country prosperous, [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit all letters. was set up to do. If government of- but it would be awful to see us give ficials can’t perform their simplest up so close to the finish line. We, OVERHEARD AT NEXUS: “I did not shower once during the making of this issue.” functions properly, then they have the people, have the power in our no right to be in those positions. country, and it’s time we used it to Our government operates, in make it a better place. I truly believe a fashion, like a courtroom. We, that if we try, it’s entirely possible to the people, are the defendant; the bring about a brighter tomorrow.

COVER IMAGE: Privilege graphic: Greg Pratt/Nexus Aboriginal funding: Photo provided Something on your mind? Send Open Space submissions (up to 400 words) to Ramadan: Matthew Helliwell/Nexus camosun’s student voice since 1990 Bubba Sparxxx: Photo provided [email protected]. Include your student number. Thanks! letters Do you think men or women have more privilege? by Gillian Sellman Pro- pipeline points

I’m tired of everyone being part of the problem and not part of the solution (“Politically Speaking: Nobody wants this pipline, but...” June 11, 2014 issue). Either you approve a pipeline or the oil will contiue to move in rail cars. The Americans are doing a real good job of paying special interest Micheal Leeman Navdeep Sidxu Silvia Mangue Ben Sainsbury groups to be part of the derailment “Men, because I think men “Men and women have the “Men. There is still carry “Nowadays, it’s almost of this pipeline in order to keep the have more potentials than same privileges; you just over from when men had equal. You’ll still see some differential on Canadian crude. discrimination against women.” have to take advantage of more rights than women. I I would think the people of what you’ve got and make think we’re heading in the women though.” the best of it.” right direction, though there BC would pick a state-of-the-art is still work to do.” pipeline over moving oil by rail anyday. sandy suranko via nexusnewspaper.com nexusnewspaper.com NEWS  administration Confusion emerges over Camosun College president Kathryn Laurin’s contract termination

Greg Pratt “As to the circumstances of it, I editor-in-chief think people can and will speculate, “As to the Kathryn Laurin, president of but the key point is she’s not coming circumstances of it, I Camosun College, is leaving her back. That’s the key piece. That’s position as president effective Sep- what the college community should think people can and tember 1, 2014 as Camosun has be focusing on.” will speculate, but the terminated the contract. But Laurin Yates says that there is no ill key point is she’s not says she is unclear why. will and that everyone at Camosun Laurin, who in January was wishes Laurin the best. coming back.” re-appointed a new five-year term “I think that’s a genuine feeling joan yates to begin on July 1, has been at the expressed throughout the organ- camosun college college since 2009. Camosun docu- ization, and I think that’s probably ments say she is leaving “to pursue where we want to leave it.” other opportunities.” Tony Nelson, vice president of tunities,” according to The Royal FILE PHOTO Camosun’s Kathryn Laurin: unclear on why her contract is terminated. Peter Lockie, Camosun VP of CUPE Local 2081, says that the City Record. administration and CFO, will serve union is “quite surprised” that the “I have to draw the parallels,” “It’s unfortunate that the con- the amount the college could pay to as the college’s acting president termination is coming so soon after Nelson says about the situations at versation is happening, but we Laurin is over $300,000. until the college’s Board of Gov- the renewal of Laurin’s contract. He Camosun and Douglas. “Douglas won’t be discussing that at all,” “I don’t know the terms of the ernors determines a search process, also expresses concern about the were quite vocal in their stance says Yates. agreement to be able to comment most likely in the fall. circumstances that may have led on those ESL cuts and the state of Laurin said to the Times Colonist on that,” says Yates. “That would be However, an article published on to her termination. funding in BC overall.” that she isn’t clear on the reasons be- a personnel issue between Kathryn the Times Colonist website quoted “We have a lack of any quantita- Minister of advanced education hind her contract being terminated. and the board.” Laurin as saying she is “surprised tive information,” says Nelson, “but Amrik Virk declined to comment on She said there was a brief meeting Laurin, who hasn’t returned by the termination of my contract from what I understand and know, the Camosun and Douglas situa- with herself, Camosun Board of email requests for information, and that the news has been re- Kathryn was quite a vocal critic tions, with a spokesperson for the Governors chair Marilyn Pattison, has apparently been locked out of leased while I am away out of the of the government’s ESL funding minister saying that this is between and vice-chair Russ Lazaruk on the her work email. She’s on vacation country.” cuts as well as our funding cuts the boards of governors and the 20th where they informed her of the in July and administrative leave in Camosun vice president of com- overall. If that had anything to do colleges and the ministry is not termination. August, so won’t be returning to munications, advancement and with her being let go, this sounds a involved. After the meeting, Laurin called Camosun. planning Joan Yates says that Lau- very clear warning shot to any and Laurin’s termination also comes her lawyer, which Yates says is com- “It’s very complex on both rin was notified of the termination all presidents across postsecond- with a financial cost, says Nelson. mon and “not a surprise.” sides,” says Yates. “Kathryn has of her contract on June 20. ary education here in BC: you can “Now the college is on the hook “Because Kathryn doesn’t have some concerns, as we can tell from “Certainly, Kathryn was notified advocate, but don’t advocate too for all or a certain percentage of a union representing her, it is quite public articles, and the board is and also played a role in the message hard. I worry about those things, her salary,” he says. “Where’s that common for lawyers to review con- choosing to keep it private. That’s that went to the college commun- because a president is supposed to money going to come from? We’re tracts,” says Yates. “I can’t answer what’s going on here. The board will ity and was consulted on that and advocate for its institution’s fund- told there’s no money. Where is that for her, just giving a general state- stick with that, as far as I know, in was told prior to its release,” says ing. Whether the government likes money going to come from?” ment, that at this level lawyers terms of not airing this in a public Yates. to hear that message or not, it needs Laurin went on to tell the Times usually review contracts and state- forum. It’s between her and the Yates says that the circum- to be said.” Colonist that she considers her dis- ments. It’s quite routine.” board. They’re following what is stances surrounding the termina- The story is similar to what is missal “completely unjustified.” Laurin told the Times Colonist usual HR procedure. If individuals tion of the contract are “a private happening at Douglas College, Camosun’s Yates declined to the termination is classified as “not want to comment on their circum- issue between [Camosun’s] Board where president Scott McAlpine comment on Laurin’s statement, for cause,” which means there will stances, that’s their prerogative, but of Governors and the staffperson” left suddenly last month. Douglas saying that because it’s a personnel be a severance package paid out, the college will not.” and the college will not discuss also said that their president was issue the college will not discuss it something that CUPE expressed Check nexusnewspaper.com for them. leaving “to pursue other oppor- with media. concern about. Some estimates say updates on this story. education Camosun receives funding for Aboriginal students

Matthew Helliwell launched in 2012. is by way of the other goals of the have a university degree, compared Contributing writer The plan includes a number of program, which are community to 22 percent of the total popula- In June, Camosun joined 10 goals to be reached by 2020, includ- partnerships and increasing rel- tion. This demonstrates a huge gap other BC colleges and universi- ing increasing both the number of evance for Aboriginal students in between the needs being met of ties in receiving a portion of more professional credentials awarded postsecondary, she says. Aboriginal learners and the general than $3.9 million intended for to Aboriginal students and the per- “Historically, there has not population.” programs created for Aboriginal centage of Aboriginal students mak- been content that resonates with Simcoe says she’s glad Camosun learners. This marks the seventh ing the transition from secondary Aboriginal people in the education is able to be part of the “privileged” year that Camosun has received school to a college or university. process,” says Simcoe. “If we make 11 institutions that have ASPs, as this funding. BC Minister of Aboriginal Re- the institutions more relevant to Ab- there are 15 who don’t. The funding comes in the form lations and Reconciliation John original students, the likelihood of “And it is not like [those institu- of a program known as the Ab- Rustad called the entire program them coming here, being successful, tions] don’t have Aboriginal stu- original Service Plans, which is “a proactive approach to encour- and staying in postsecondary until dents. But there is no extra money,” jointly coordinated between the aging Aboriginal enrolment in post- they graduate is much higher.” she says. institutions and Aboriginal com- secondary education” in a press The Camosun College Student While grateful for receiving the munities. The Aboriginal Service release. photo PROVIDED Society (CCSS) says that while the Aboriginal Service Plan funding and Plans (ASPs) help to fund develop- Janice Simcoe of Camosun’s Janice Simcoe funding for ASPs is welcome, it’s no- for other programs like it, Simcoe ment and delivery of programs Aboriginal Education and Com- where near sufficient to tackle what says there’s still much that needs geared toward Aboriginal students. munity Connections department people’s experience in postsecond- CCSS external executive Rachael to change in Aboriginal education The plans fund elders-in-residence, says she is grateful to be a recipient ary, overall, is really new.” Grant calls a “chronically under- strategies. mentorship, cultural education, of the funding because ASPs are a The notion of second-generation funded area.” “When you see these press re- and the fostering of partnerships symbol of changing priorities in Aboriginal students, says Simcoe, “While [the CCSS] is very happy leases, you see so many millions of between communities, among other postsecondary education. is a product of initiatives like ASPs. to see the provincial government dollars were awarded... but there’s things. “When I started teaching, I “There are three primary goals for allocate funding for Aboriginal millions of dollars going to 25 insti- The ASPs are one part of the BC don’t know if I met any second- ASPs, and one is recruitment, re- education, there is a great deal of tutions serving 25,000 students,” government’s Aboriginal Post-Sec- generation Aboriginal students,” tention, and success for Aboriginal barriers and much more funding she says, “and the institutions need ondary Education Training Policy says Simcoe, who has been with students,” she says. is needed,” says Grant. “In Canada, to change. Change doesn’t come and Framework and Action Plan, Camosun for 20 years. “Indigenous The best way to achieve these only eight percent of Aboriginals free.”  NEWS/CAMPUS July 16, 2014 ramadan NEWS BRIEFS Muslim holy month celebrated Harbourside Rotary a proposed Clean Air Bylaw via award presented to a public info session with CRD on Camosun campus and Island Health staff on July 23 Camosun instructors from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The session Matthew Helliwell takes place at the CRD boardroom Last month, the Rotary Club Contributing writer (625 Fisgard St.) and will look honoured chefs Gilbert Noussitou at revisions to the bylaw that will Every year, Muslims observe the and Steve Walker Duncan, increase the tobacco smoke ban ninth month on the Islamic calendar instructors in Camosun’s Culinary with the region. The bylaw aims as a holy month. This year, the holy Arts department, with the Paul to make all parks, playgrounds, Harris Fellowship Award. The month known as Ramadan began public squares, bus stops, and award is not given every year; on June 27. The last day of Ramadan other public outdoor spaces smoke- rather, it is reserved for those who is celebrated with a festival known free, and will extend the distance have made significant contributions as Eid-al Fitr, which will be cele- that smokers can stand outside of to the community. Noussitou and brated at both Camosun campuses doorways, windows, and air intakes. Duncan have been helping make on July 30. The current clean air bylaw was Christmas cakes for Harbourside During Ramadan, Muslims implemented on January 1, 1999 Rotary’s annual fundraising efforts. must fast from dawn until dusk. and was amended in July of 2007. The profits from cake sales support However, there is much more to the The feedback session will begin matthew helliwell/nexus a variety of community projects, Islamic tradition than fasting, says with official presentations, after Ahmad Hammado of the Camosun Muslim Student Association. such as NEED2 suicide prevention Ahmad Hammado of Camosun’s which time those who have pre- and a music therapy program with registered to speak can share their Muslim Student Association. food. You are not thinking about will appear tired or exhausted dur- the Victoria Brain Injury Society. “God prescribed to our prophet your spouse. You are trying your ing Ramadan, because they spent comments, followed by an open mic Mohammed that it [was time] for best to avoid idle talk and useless the night in prayer. “After you eat, Local band wants as well as question period with staff believers to fast from sunrise to conversations,” he says. you may take a little rest, and then more kids outside after the session. The session will sunset,” says Hammado. Beyond abstaining from food, there is a prolonged prayer called be... wait for it... non-smoking. Fasting is traditional during sexual relations, and gossip, Rama- Taraweeh,” he says. “A lot of Mus- Recent statistics show that children Input sought for Ramadan to take the focus off of dan is about better controlling one- lims take part and the mosques are spending increasingly less carnal pleasures and onto a bet- self. “Muslims learn in this month [fill up].” time playing outside, a trend Gulf Islands cycling ter relationship with God, says how to have better control over their The last day of Ramadan, or that nonprofit society Child and and hiking trails Hammado. desires,” says Hammado, “even Eid al-Fitr, is a very important but Nature Alliance of Canada hopes The Capital Regional District “You have a normal day for a more so than in other months.” sometimes misunderstood event, to reverse. Victoria music-makers is collaborating with the Muslim where he needs to pray, and In the month of Ramadan, all of says Hammado. “For some people, Thieves, featuring ex-members of Jets Overhead, have teamed Southern Gulf Islands Economic give charity, and generally be a bet- one’s actions will mean more, for they may celebrate it, thinking, ‘Oh, up with director and Camosun Development Commission to ter person, but in Ramadan there is better or for worse, he says. “The yay, I don’t have to fast anymore.’ Applied Communications Program enhance trail systems on the more emphasis,” he says. “It’s not reward is greater for Muslims in the The actual purpose is for us to cele- graduate Dave Wallace to create a islands. Upgrading accessibility just about doing everything that you month of Ramadan: their prayers brate and implore that God accept video as a reminder of the benefits and recreational options for visitors have [always] done; it is like taking and good deeds are worth more, but everything that we have done.” of children spending time outdoors. and residents is the main priority of yourself to the next level.” their sins are more frowned upon, Camosun International and the The video for Thieves’ song “Never the plan, which would encourage Ramadan means giving up more because if you are fasting, but you Camosun College Student Society Meant to Know” is available for regional tourism. The Cycling and than just food and drink, and in are still choosing not to contribute will be hosting an event to cele- download at childnature.ca/nmtk Pedestrian Trail Plan for islands reality means giving up anything positively to society, what is the brate Eid al-Fitr at both campus as a pay-what-you-can campaign, Galiano, Mayne, Saturna, and that is standing in the way of a point of withholding your food and courtyards on Wednesday, July 30 with all proceeds going to the Child Pender is only in draft stage, with better relationship with God, says drink?” from 12–1:30 pm. There will be and Nature Alliance. an expected completion years from Hammado. Ramadan also looks different traditional sweets and activities, now. Public input sessions will be “What gets you in that mood after sunset from the rest of the year. as well as additional information Better recycling held in Victoria on July 21. More is that you are not thinking about Hammado says that many Muslims on Ramadan and Eid. pickup planned information on the project can be for next year found at sustainableislands.ca. The BC Recycling Regulation Dutch teen’s plastic know your profs requires producers of paper and catcher gains packaging to recover at least 75 international attention Masayuki Fukushima teaches more than words percent of their product through recycling programs, an obligation Boyan Slat, a 19-year-old from the Greg Pratt thinking through Japanese helps ex- Netherlands, proposed a device Editor-in-chief not necessarily being met with pand students’ way of thinking and current collection standards, to trap plastic waste in the oceans Know Your Profs is an ongoing understanding people or things. according to StewardChoice in 2012 but did not garner much series of articles helping you get to Enterprises, the company planning interest. Last year, he put out a call know the instructors at Camosun 3: What’s one thing you wish future recycling collection options for funding online and managed to College a bit better. Every issue we your students knew about you? for BC. On the top of the list for raise over a million dollars to help ask a different instructor the same I will never give up helping stu- improvement is multifamily develop his idea. This year a team of 10 questions. Got someone you dents to learn Japanese, as long as dwellings, whose compliance in around 70 scientists, engineers, and want to see interviewed? Email they don’t give up. recycling programs is typically low advisers have helped him release [email protected] and due to lack of program information. a feasibility report for his design; the project has received support we’ll get on it. 4: What’s one thing you wish they If the proposed plan is approved from various universities and This time around we caught didn’t know about you? CAMOSUN COLLEGE A/V SERVICES after consultation and submission Masayuki Fukushima organizations around the world. up with Japanese instructor Masa- I am still having a hard time writ- to the government, changes could come into effect next year. The report finds that an array of yuki Fukushima and talked about ing research papers in English. many courses right now. It is really machines could potentially reduce never giving up, gardening, and unfortunate for students who plan Gas company a significant amount of marine cheating. 5: What’s the best thing that’s to take those courses and also the partners with Island plastic, with the collected plastic ever happened to you as a teacher instructors who are expected to available as a recyclable resource. 1: What do you teach and how here? teach those courses. First Nations Critics, however, call for more effort long have you been a teacher at When I was told that my class Huu-ay-aht First Nations have in reducing waste at the source, Camosun? was the best class that the student 8: What do you do to relax on signed an agreement with rather than what is already in the I have been teaching Japanese took since elementary school. the weekends? Vancouver-based Steelhead LNG oceans. since 1988. Right now, gardening is my hob- Corp. to build a liquefied natural -samantha pettifer 6: What’s the worst thing that’s by. I enjoy working in my backyard gas plant on treaty land near Port 2: What do you personally get happened to you as a teacher here? and to see the changes I made. Alberni. The project is in its early Head over to out of teaching? The time when students gave planning stages but intends to bring nexusnewspaper.com for even Teaching provides me good up on the course, and I had to grade 9: What’s your favorite meal? natural gas from northern BC to the more news briefs, including news chances to learn more about Japa- them with “F” grade. I like Japanese food, especially western Vancouver Island site for on Washington state’s pot nese and Japanese culture. I have sushi. processing and export. Steelhead legalization and something about LNG estimates the potential encountered several cases where I 7: What do you see in the future next generation transistors in investment value at $30 billion. don’t know the answers, or where of postsecondary education? 10: What’s your biggest pet atomic scale. Whoa, we’re smart! even the textbook does not provide I think the future of postsec- peeve? Clean air feedback answers. To seek answers, I re-en- ondary education needs a secure Cheating, especially using Got a news tip or a story that we tered a PhD program in linguistics governmental funding. We are electronic devices, is somewhat The Capital Regional District is should be covering? Let us know! in 2009. Introducing a new way of experiencing the cancellation of so annoying. looking for public feedback on [email protected] nexusnewspaper.com LIFE  music Girls Rock Camp comes to Victoria

really there to just provide an adult “You’re really there to presence; all of the creativity and development of the song comes just provide an adult from them.” presence; all of the A former music director and creativity and women’s radio collective coordin- ator at UVic’s CFUV Radio, Bulo- development of the san’s background is in vocal work, song comes from having been a choir member dur- ing her early schooling and more them.” recently a member of a Victoria Geraldine Bulosan feminist punk rock choir and other Girls Rock Camp Victoria local choir projects. “The documentary film is how I first heard about these type of camps, and it really inspired me to do a camp here in town,” says Bulosan. “We’re just looking to get girls more interested in playing music, or even just being interested in the technical side of things, like mixing sound or working their own

music gear.” photo provided Billed as a “feminist-based Inspiration for the Victoria Girls Rock Camp: a screenshot from the documentary Girls Rock! Jason Schreurs Managing editor camp,” Girls Rock Victoria is a week-long program featuring fe- Once the girls have had a chance When Geraldine Bulosan saw male instructors and workshop to learn what being in a band and a documentary film called Girls facilitators. During the camp, girls writing a song is all about, they Rock!, about a camp in Portland that aged 8 to 18 will be given instruction will then perform their songs at a teaches young girls how to form a on songwriting, instrument care, special concert in front of a live audi- band and write a song together, she and technical knowledge, as well ence at the Art Gallery of Greater knew she wanted to do a similar as awareness of how women are Victoria. camp in Victoria. portrayed in the music industry and And when they walk out of rock After communicating with the in mainstream culture. camp, Bulosan hopes the girls will international Girls Rock Camp Al- “I guess the question is, ‘Why have newfound confidence in play- liance and volunteering for a camp a girls rock camp?’” says Bulosan, ing music and in themselves. in Vancouver, Bulosan formed the “and it’s because it gives girls the “I hope that they have a really Girls Rock Camp Victoria non- opportunity to play music without good time and come away realizing profit society last summer and is having to worry about boys being that they’re capable of a lot more preparing for the first local camp, around, and also seeing women than they thought they were,” she which runs from July 21 to 26 at mentor them in playing instruments says. “I know a lot of them will be Larsen Music. and teaching them. Because when nervous going in, but if you give “Seeing the kids create a song you look at the music industry, it’s those girls the opportunities they’ll in five days is an amazing process,” pretty top-heavy with guys, and be able to do some amazing stuff.” says Bulosan. “It was interesting to whenever there are women musi- Registration for the camp is still see the group of kids I was working cians or an all-women band, it’s open and spaces are available on a with in Vancouver develop over the always noted, but there are so many first-come, first-served basis. Go to course of the week as they were bands out there that are all-guys, www.girlsrockvictoria.ca or email photo provided working on their song. And you’re and that’s never really an issue.” [email protected] for more info. Geraldine Bulosan (right) and others from Girls Rock Camp Victoria.

camosun’s student voice since 1990 Join us. Volunteers go a long way towards making each issue of If you’re interested in doing Nexus fantastic. some volunteering at an award-winning We publish every two weeks student newspaper, stop during the fall and by our offices at Richmond winter semesters, and monthly dur- House 201 on the Lansd- ing the spring and summer semes- owne campus, ters. We can always use an extra or contact us by email hand. (editor@nexusnewspaper. com) or phone (250-370-3591).  July 16, 2014 FEATURE Checking Camosun's privilege

Privilege. More and more often we are being asked to check it. With the concept of privilege being discussed and challenged more and more every day, it seems like a good idea to delve into Camosun’s opinion of privilege, specifically what’s often referred to as “male privilege,” and a concept that has surfaced more recently: “female privilege.” Camosun students have vastly varying opinions when it comes to how they feel about privilege based on being female or male. While some feel that there are little to no issues to speak of, others feel that social constructs that operate within a gender binary (which doesn’t acknowledge the gender spectrum) can definitely impose structures that lead to barriers and even unsafe condi- tions for some students. Female privilege not a reality The concept of “female privilege,” according to Lepp, is problematic because, in essence, it doesn’t take into account the diversity and intersec- osie West, a first-year university transfer student, feels that as a student at Camosun male tional reality we live in. J “One of the key problems with the concept is that it assumes that women privilege is an everyday reality. “I feel affected by male privilege in the postsecondary environment of Camosun in the sense of safety,” says West. “If I take night classes, I have to worry about getting have a homogenous experience in relation to men, who are also assumed to the bus stop safe.” to be a homogeneous group,” she says. “Intersectionality provides us with But it’s further reaching than safety concerns, says West. “There’s also the issue of being in an the tools to think about privilege and disadvantage in more nuanced ways, academic environment and worrying about not being taken as seriously as a male peer. There have taking into account other categories of social identity and how race and been studies that have shown ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, ability, and class shape access or non- that teachers are more likely access to privileges, benefits, advantages, and rights.” “Men will always have privilege over women, seeing as the to call on male students than According to Lepp, instead of focusing on questioning privilege based patriarchy puts white, cisgender males on the top pedestal female students right away. solely on gender, we should be more aware that there are more dynamic But to be perfectly honest, I factors at play. and in the most positions of power.” feel affected by male privilege “The question is which women are being referred to, who presumably as much as I do in any other have access to certain privileges based on sex,” she says. “White, middle-class Josie West environment.” female students who appear to be the primary referent when this concept Female privilege may is invoked? However, what about female students who do not fall in that category and who may Camosun student seem like a plausible concept experience racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and classism?” to some, but West believes On the other hand, the concept of male privilege “generally refers to a system whereby men that it doesn’t exist. “Men will have access to unearned social, economic, and political advantages, benefits, or rights to which always have privilege over women,” she says, “seeing as the patriarchy puts white, cisgender males women do not have equal access,” she says. on the top pedestal and in the most positions of power.” Based on Lepp’s academic opinion, it seems that privilege has deeper, more intertwined roots For female privilege to be a reality, West says that “it would require our society to try and control than gender alone, and it’s easy to miss the bigger picture when gender is the sole focus. men’s outfits and say that they’re ‘asking for rape’ if dressed provocatively. It would require men to feel unsafe at night and, if they’re attacked, being told that it is their fault for being out at that time of the night. It would mean that whenever men go outside, they would have to worry about Camosun: equality for some street/sexual harassment.” Camosun College ombudsperson Carter MacDonald says that Camosun is miles ahead when it comes to male privilege relating to faculty. “Well, certainly there have been great strides in No privilege, no problems? terms of having women be in senior positions here at the college,” MacDonald says. “For all of the years I have worked at Camosun College, we have had a female president.” ale privilege, according to some students, may not be so prevalent on campus. Andy MacDonald says that progress is being made, especially with more women entering the college’s M trades programs at Interurban. Haswell, who has just completed his first year as an engineering student at Camosun, says that he has “never noticed any male privilege in the classroom.” “When I first came to Camosun College 19 years ago, I didn’t see women in carpentry, I didn’t But Haswell understands that who you are can effect your perception of privilege. see women in welding, I didn’t see women in fine furniture, and today there are a great number of “You could say that, as a guy, I wouldn’t notice it as readily as a woman would, but, honestly, I them,” he says. can’t say I’ve ever noticed it at school here,” he says. “I’ve been here for a year and a half, I’ve taken But it’s not all so rosy on the student side of things. MacDonald says he still gets complaints from 17 classes, and I can’t say I’ve seen any gender-related issues at all.” students that are troubling. “I’ve had people report language being used that is not appropriate,” In fact, Haswell says that gender-based issues have more to do with class composition than he says. “I’ve also seen men that have come to me in areas that women dominate, such as nursing, differential treatment. and feeling that they may not be getting as fair a shake as would be the case if they were female, “The only gender-related issues don’t have to do with the individuals in the classes,” says Haswell, and the same thing with female students in the trades.” “but just the fact that less girls go into STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] Although MacDonald maintains that there are very few instances in which privilege takes a subjects, and there needs to be more encouragement of women to go into STEM subjects.” turn for the extreme, he does recall a particular student who had some notable opinions. “When I Madeline Keller-MacLeod, Canadian Federation of Students-BC women’s liaison and former was manager of college safety,” says MacDonald, “I dealt with a mature student who had written Camosun student, works with students across BC and feels that male privilege definitely manifests articles online that were very derogatory; in essence that women should be barefoot and pregnant. itself in the postsecondary environment. He believed in paternity. He even marched in the Victoria Day Parade all by himself with a sign “Issues such as sexual- and gender-based violence, lack of representation, and the devaluing that said paternity.” of women’s work and ideas exist within postsecondary as they do in broader society,” says Keller- MacLeod. “These issues create barriers to accessing postsecondary for women.” According to Keller-MacLeod, there are efforts in effect to combat these barriers to women. “The Exercises in examination No Means No campaign, which aims to end sexual violence against women on our campuses, is a result of students recognizing the need to challenge patriarchy within postsecondary.” Regardless of what privileges we each benefit from, the process of checking said privilege at Camosun is an exercise unto itself. No matter who we are, we usually partake in privilege of some sort. Certain areas of study within More to it than gender Camosun seem to be more difficult to navigate for some. “Certainly I have no doubt that there have been challenges ith so many varying opinions at Camosun as to whether privilege based on gender for women who have trail-blazed in technology and trades,” says W MacDonald, “and men who have increasingly tried to get involved is an issue that students have to deal with, Annalee Lepp, chair and associate professor of UVic’s Department of Women’s Studies, offers her opinion on this complex issue. in fields like nursing.” Lepp says that before the issue of gender-related privilege can even be discussed, other concepts But for some people, like West, the very concept of female and structures must be taken into account. privilege is out of the question. “The concept of intersectionality very much complicates this idea, as access to benefits is very “In order for there to be ‘female privilege,’ it would involve much dependent on other social factors, such as racial and ethnic background, gender identity, having a system where women systematically oppress men,” she sexuality, ability, and class,” explains Lepp, adding that “whiteness is a very significant form of says. “It’s simply not possible in our patriarchal society.” privilege in Canada, for example, and works together with gender and class privilege to shape CAmosun college a/v services access to advantages. Camosun College ombudsperson Carter MacDonald. “Access to benefits and privileges works very differently in men’s and women’s lives, dependent on various other factors that shape their social location within relations of power,” she says. FEATURE nexusnewspaper.com  Checking Camosun's privilege Story by Rachael Grant, contributing writer

Female privilege not a reality The concept of “female privilege,” according to Lepp, is problematic because, in essence, it doesn’t take into account the diversity and intersec- osie West, a first-year university transfer student, feels that as a student at Camosun male tional reality we live in. J “One of the key problems with the concept is that it assumes that women privilege is an everyday reality. “I feel affected by male privilege in the postsecondary environment of Camosun in the sense of safety,” says West. “If I take night classes, I have to worry about getting have a homogenous experience in relation to men, who are also assumed to the bus stop safe.” to be a homogeneous group,” she says. “Intersectionality provides us with But it’s further reaching than safety concerns, says West. “There’s also the issue of being in an the tools to think about privilege and disadvantage in more nuanced ways, academic environment and worrying about not being taken as seriously as a male peer. There have taking into account other categories of social identity and how race and been studies that have shown ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, ability, and class shape access or non- that teachers are more likely access to privileges, benefits, advantages, and rights.” to call on male students than According to Lepp, instead of focusing on questioning privilege based female students right away. solely on gender, we should be more aware that there are more dynamic But to be perfectly honest, I factors at play. photo provided feel affected by male privilege “The question is which women are being referred to, who presumably Camosun student Josie West does not believe that female privilege exists. as much as I do in any other have access to certain privileges based on sex,” she says. “White, middle-class environment.” female students who appear to be the primary referent when this concept Female privilege may is invoked? However, what about female students who do not fall in that category and who may seem like a plausible concept experience racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and classism?” to some, but West believes On the other hand, the concept of male privilege “generally refers to a system whereby men that it doesn’t exist. “Men will have access to unearned social, economic, and political advantages, benefits, or rights to which always have privilege over women,” she says, “seeing as the patriarchy puts white, cisgender males women do not have equal access,” she says. on the top pedestal and in the most positions of power.” Based on Lepp’s academic opinion, it seems that privilege has deeper, more intertwined roots For female privilege to be a reality, West says that “it would require our society to try and control than gender alone, and it’s easy to miss the bigger picture when gender is the sole focus. men’s outfits and say that they’re ‘asking for rape’ if dressed provocatively. It would require men to feel unsafe at night and, if they’re attacked, being told that it is their fault for being out at that time of the night. It would mean that whenever men go outside, they would have to worry about Camosun: equality for some street/sexual harassment.” Camosun College ombudsperson Carter MacDonald says that Camosun is miles ahead when it comes to male privilege relating to faculty. “Well, certainly there have been great strides in No privilege, no problems? terms of having women be in senior positions here at the college,” MacDonald says. “For all of the years I have worked at Camosun College, we have had a female president.” ale privilege, according to some students, may not be so prevalent on campus. Andy MacDonald says that progress is being made, especially with more women entering the college’s M trades programs at Interurban. Haswell, who has just completed his first year as an engineering student at Camosun, says that he has “never noticed any male privilege in the classroom.” “When I first came to Camosun College 19 years ago, I didn’t see women in carpentry, I didn’t But Haswell understands that who you are can effect your perception of privilege. see women in welding, I didn’t see women in fine furniture, and today there are a great number of “You could say that, as a guy, I wouldn’t notice it as readily as a woman would, but, honestly, I them,” he says. can’t say I’ve ever noticed it at school here,” he says. “I’ve been here for a year and a half, I’ve taken But it’s not all so rosy on the student side of things. MacDonald says he still gets complaints from 17 classes, and I can’t say I’ve seen any gender-related issues at all.” students that are troubling. “I’ve had people report language being used that is not appropriate,” In fact, Haswell says that gender-based issues have more to do with class composition than he says. “I’ve also seen men that have come to me in areas that women dominate, such as nursing, differential treatment. and feeling that they may not be getting as fair a shake as would be the case if they were female, “The only gender-related issues don’t have to do with the individuals in the classes,” says Haswell, and the same thing with female students in the trades.” “but just the fact that less girls go into STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] Although MacDonald maintains that there are very few instances in which privilege takes a subjects, and there needs to be more encouragement of women to go into STEM subjects.” turn for the extreme, he does recall a particular student who had some notable opinions. “When I Madeline Keller-MacLeod, Canadian Federation of Students-BC women’s liaison and former was manager of college safety,” says MacDonald, “I dealt with a mature student who had written Camosun student, works with students across BC and feels that male privilege definitely manifests articles online that were very derogatory; in essence that women should be barefoot and pregnant. itself in the postsecondary environment. He believed in paternity. He even marched in the Victoria Day Parade all by himself with a sign “Issues such as sexual- and gender-based violence, lack of representation, and the devaluing that said paternity.” of women’s work and ideas exist within postsecondary as they do in broader society,” says Keller-

MacLeod. “These issues create barriers to accessing postsecondary for women.” photo provided According to Keller-MacLeod, there are efforts in effect to combat these barriers to women. “The Exercises in examination UVic’s Annalee Lepp: other concepts can’t be ignored. No Means No campaign, which aims to end sexual violence against women on our campuses, is a result of students recognizing the need to challenge patriarchy within postsecondary.” Regardless of what privileges we each benefit from, the process of checking said privilege at Camosun is an exercise unto itself. No matter who we are, we usually partake in privilege of some sort. Certain areas of study within More to it than gender Camosun seem to be more difficult to navigate for some. “Certainly I have no doubt that there have been challenges ith so many varying opinions at Camosun as to whether privilege based on gender for women who have trail-blazed in technology and trades,” says W MacDonald, “and men who have increasingly tried to get involved “Access to benefits and privileges works very is an issue that students have to deal with, Annalee Lepp, chair and associate professor of UVic’s Department of Women’s Studies, offers her opinion on this complex issue. in fields like nursing.” differently in men’s and women’s lives, dependent on Lepp says that before the issue of gender-related privilege can even be discussed, other concepts But for some people, like West, the very concept of female various other factors that shape their social location and structures must be taken into account. privilege is out of the question. within relations of power.” “The concept of intersectionality very much complicates this idea, as access to benefits is very “In order for there to be ‘female privilege,’ it would involve much dependent on other social factors, such as racial and ethnic background, gender identity, having a system where women systematically oppress men,” she sexuality, ability, and class,” explains Lepp, adding that “whiteness is a very significant form of says. “It’s simply not possible in our patriarchal society.” Annalee Lepp privilege in Canada, for example, and works together with gender and class privilege to shape University of Victoria access to advantages. “Access to benefits and privileges works very differently in men’s and women’s lives, dependent on various other factors that shape their social location within relations of power,” she says.  ARTS July 16, 2014 music Bubba Sparxxx to bring country rap to Rock of the Woods

Jason Schreurs love with music, it was all about Managing editor hip-hop, but I always kept my finger Now that it’s had some time to on the pulse of country.” settle in, the announcement that Sparxxx distinctly recalls the country rap artist Bubba Sparxxx first time he heard hip-hop music is headlining the first night of this and, like his exposure to country, it year’s Rock of the Woods festi- came from a family member. val, taking place on farmlands just “The first hip-hop I ever heard outside of Duncan, is surprisingly was Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill al- fitting. Farms, music, and country bum,” he says. “I think I was faking rap? Seems like a perfect match. sick from school, actually, and my Sparxxx (real name: Warren An- older brother came to pick me up derson Mathis) grew up in Georgia and he was playing ‘Brass Monkey,’ and now lives and writes music in so that was the first time.” the country music hotbed of Nash- He quickly began indulging ville. Country has always been a big in any hip-hop he could get his part of his life, but so has hip-hop. hands on in the small town of Troup He says he’s thankful that the old County, Georgia, starting with old- guard in Nashville is “letting its school rap like Run DMC and even- borders down, allowing some other tually discovering the first wave of influences to come in.” gangster rap with Too Short, NWA, and Eazy-E in the late ’80s. “That’s when I was head over “When I fell in love heels in love with hip-hop,” he photo provided says. “It was around the time when Bubba Sparxxx combines two unlikely genres, brings it to the island, and everyone’s happy. with music, it was all people first started putting speakers hadn’t released an album since country artists such as Toby Keith appearance looming, he’s excited to about hip-hop, but I in their cars and the west coast rap back in 2006. and Tim McGraw incorporating come back to BC for the third time guys had the 808 kick drum in their “I’m incredibly excited about elements of hip-hop into recent and hit up one of his favourite cities: always kept my finger production, and that definitely made being an independent artist now hit songs. Vancouver. And to play a farm on on the pulse of it sound good with people riding and having the opportunity to pro- As for Sparxxx’s brand of rough- Vancouver Island? Even better. country.” around with big speaker boxes in liferate and put out more music at around-the-edges country rap, he’s “The Rock of the Woods people their trucks.” a faster pace,” says Sparxxx. “I’d thankful that he’s been able to build have certainly been good to us,” says Bubba Sparxxx Sparxxx will be stopping in on taken a good bit of time away from an audience since his debut album Sparxxx, “so we’re looking forward musician Rock of the Woods during a tour of the music business and when I got in 2001. to getting there and just rocking for the west coast that has him playing the urge to start creating again, it’s “You’re never going to please everybody.” 17 shows in 21 days. He just released been cool to put out another album everybody, but I’ve definitely had “I grew up listening to every- his second album in nine months, when I want, instead of having to enough people like what I do to Bubba Sparxxx (at Rock of thing, but country music was most Made on McCosh Mill Road, for the wait for years.” make a very good living in this busi- the Woods) prevalent in my household because independent label New South, and And while country rap may not ness for the past 13 years,” he says, Friday July 25 that’s what my dad listened to,” says is already planning a third album be for everyone, the mainstream “so for that I’m very grateful.” Cowichan Valley Sparxxx. “And then when I fell in early in 2015. Previous to that, he appears to be catching on with pop- And with his Rock of the Woods rockofthewoods.com

what’s going on by samantha pettifer

(don’t let Dave’s perennial absence are available for $10, so get there stop you); info at rmts.bc.ca. early), and a special preview on July 23 is two tickets for $20. Go to July 21-August 23 langhamtheatre.ca for full info. Where they come from July 25–27 Two prominent northwest coastal First Nation artists will explore the Phillips Backyard Week- themes of ancestry, tradition, friend- ender brings the party ship, and family through contempor- Funk, reggae, and hip-hop make ary art using paper, wood, glass, this the perfect summer lineup for a and metal. Coast Salish artist Chris music event in a brewery’s backyard. Paul and Tlingit artist Mark Preston Charles Bradley and The Original will be featured in the show Where Wailers will be bringing the old- I Come From, which has an opening school grooves, with hot Canadian reception on July 26 from 2–5 pm at acts like Shad, Jay Malinowski and Alcheringa Gallery (665 Fort St.) The the Deadcoast, and The Funk Hunt- photo provided exhibit runs daily at the gallery from As if the museum’s Viking exhibit wasn’t enough, check out the Viking market, with historical actors. ers keeping things fresh. Tickets July 21 until August 23. Go to alcher- available at Lyle’s Place, Phillips To September 8 music scene? Perfect. The Eventide Saturday, July 19 inga-gallery.ca for more info. Brewery, and ticketweb.ca. Music Series features multi-band The Field Trip Project’s lineups each Thursday night until There’ll be painting in the Tuesday, July 22 August 5–24 tsunami musings street the middle of August. Come enjoy Blues! Soul! Folk! Hip-hop Shakespeare The Maritime Museum of BC great music and support our many Moss Street once again becomes an Singer-songwriter Amos Lee is presents a travelling exhibit explor- fantastic artists. The full show lineup outdoor art show at the 27th annual The Bomb-itty of Errors is an known for fusing blues, soul, and “ad-rap-tation” of Shakespeare’s ing the impact of the devastating is at eventidevictoria.com. TD Art Gallery Paint-In. Over 180 folk influences into his own distinct tsunami in Japan, as well as its artists will be bringing their brushes Comedy of Errors. Really, Shake- July 18–20 voice. He has played with many speare is a perfect candidate for a effects across the PacificO cean in to do some plein air painting, not names in the folk/blues crowd, BC. Artists in Canada and Japan were to mention sculpting, drawing, and hip-hop remake: clever wordplay, So many folkin’ puns on notably starting his career opening witty allusions, dagger-sharp insults; inspired by the recovery of unused carving. After meeting the artists for Norah Jones in 2004, and then relief supplies in Japanese children’s the word folk out there, outdoors, check out the Art Gallery it practically rewrites itself. Go to touring with Bob Dylan. He will be belfry.bc.ca for info. backpacks after the 2011 tsunami. for fuck’s sake of Greater Victoria with admission playing at Alix Goolden Hall; tickets The project has been a collaboration Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the by donation until 6 pm, and the live are available at rmts.bc.ca. Saturday, August 9 between the two countries, with Islands Folk Festival is bringing a var- music by Kumbia from 5 to 9 pm. additional backpack art pieces iety of music to the stage, including More information at aggv.ca. July 23-August 2 Vikings arrive commissioned from local artists and some who played at the first show In conjunction with the spectacular local elementary-school classes. in 1985. The festival boasts blues, Sunday, July 20 Going going? collection of artifacts on display with Find museum information and hours folk, world, and upbeat dance music Still up in smoke A special summer show at the Lang- their Vikings exhibit, the Royal BC at mmbc.bc.ca. (including the intriguingly-named ham Court Theatre will celebrate Still smoking after all these years, Museum is holding a special Viking Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues the long-running playhouse’s 85th the ’70s comedy duo Cheech and market, complete with historical Thursdays, July 3-August 14 Band), in addition to well-known season. Boeing Boeing is a ’60s Chong reunited in 2008 to bring back actors and site re-creation. Visit in Canadian acts like Spirit of the West French farce that’s been adapted to Free music in the square their iconic stoner characters. Also the afternoon for family fun, or enjoy and Alpha Yaya Diallo. The festival is the English-speaking stage. Staged Centennial Square is hosting a series featured on their tour this year is the some evening revelry with music, held at Providence Farm, just outside in the tradition of the silent films of of free shows this summer celebrat- classic funk band War, whose song drinks, and food (tickets required). of Duncan, with camping also avail- Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, ing Victoria’s growing music scene. “Low Rider” brought stardom to The main exhibit runs until Novem- able. Full details are available at the play won a 2008 Tony Award for And what do you like more than cowbells everywhere. Indulge your ber 11. Event times and locations are islandsfolkfestival.ca. “Best Revival of a Play.” Tickets are listed on royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. free? Concerts in the sun? A growing retro fantasies at the Royal Theatre $19-$21 (some student rush tickets nexusnewspaper.com ARTS  music Victoria Ska Fest wins over ska newbie: skanking in three parts

gillian sellman/nexus The always energetic Fishbone had the Ska Fest crowd captivated.

Gillian Sellman came onstage. A clear fan favourite, what some guy in front of me said: contributing writer featuring members from both the “Dude, this guy is crazy! Like, Night one: Vessels and the Rhythm Doctors, what the heck, man?” With his Thursday, July 3 the dirty reggae band were just jokes, energetic performance, and plain good. crowd-surfing, backed by the very They were able to get everyone solid music from the rest of the Although I love live music of singing, dancing, and having a great band, Fishbone made for a very most genres, I had never been to a time. Playing a selection of chill and good time. concert of just ska music, so I was upbeat songs (my favourite being Ending off the evening was excited but not quite sure what to the song “Banana” that they played Barrington Levy, an artist who has expect at Victoria’s annual Ska on Yo Gabba Gabba!), constantly worked with everyone from Snoop Fest. taking suggestions from the audi- Dogg to the festival’s headliner, When I arrived, the audience ence, and smiling at each other, Shaggy. The reggae legend brought sported many a mohawk and shaved this group was having a good time, his Jamaican flair and passion into gillian sellman/nexus head, and it was clear that tattoos and so was I. his performance, getting the whole The Aggrolites were a fan favourite with their dirty reggae. weren’t taboo here. And when the audience singing and dancing. night. So it was no surprise that Another band that got everyone bands came on stage, they matched Another thing to mention about Saturday’s show was packed. moving and grooving. their audience. Night two: Ska Fest is the community vibe you I arrived just in time to catch the By the time Shaggy came on, As a last-minute stand-in, it Friday, July 4 might not get in a larger city. I met last few songs from The Ponderosas, the crowd was jam-packed in the was obvious that Rude City Riot Kytami, who performed on the a lively band featuring dance moves small, fenced-off area at the inner were happy to be there, and the Despite the overcast weather, Wednesday night, and I also ran led by singers Kristie McCracken harbour. excitement came out through their Victoria Ska Fest succeeded at draw- into Jonny McCormak from Rude and Janette King, vibrant horn And, frankly, I don’t think he music. A third-wave ska band with a ing a good-sized crowd to their City Riot, who was kind enough to players, and solid beats from the rest lived up to the hype. mixture of soul, punk, and reggae, Friday-night show. The beer tent let me know that not only is Ska Fest of the eight-piece ensemble. They It takes talent to become so Rude City Riot brought energy and was packed, the crowd was excited, an awesome festival to watch, but brought plenty of energy to the stage widely known, and he definitely theatrics to the stage. and Fishbone was playing. an awesome festival to perform in. with their mixture of soul, R&B, and was talented. However, his perform- They were definitely not the A full-throttle band that mixed reggae. Whether they were bring- ance lacked the energy, passion, chill, relaxed music I was expecting. ska, soul, and punk, Fishbone were ing audience members on stage or and enthusiasm many other artists Although maybe a little unpolished, a hit. And even though there were Night three: teaching them how to dance, they brought to the festival. they put on a good show and were plenty of kids in the crowd, frontman Friday, July 5 were a fun band to watch. It’s cool to be able to say you extremely fun to watch. singer/sax player Angelo Moore did Next up was Los Rastrillos. A saw Shaggy, but I’d recommend After a quick trip to the very not keep it PG. When talking to others about festival favourite, they brought a sticking to Ska Fest’s smaller nights popular beer tent (for research Although I shouldn’t repeat Victoria Ska Fest, almost everybody unique Latin feel to the festival with to see some great ska performed by purposes, of course), The Aggrolites anything he said, I will paraphrase mentioned Shaggy’s slot on the final strong horn and percussion sounds. great artists.

gillian sellman/nexus gillian sellman/nexus Rude City Riot were a last-minute stand-in and loved every minute of it. Los Rastrillos brought a Latin flavour to the festival. 10 COLUMNS July 16, 2014

Noms! words and photo by Patrick Hallihan Politically Speaking by Matthew Helliwell Spoons solid breakfast fare Prostitution debate rages on in Ottawa I’ve decided for the summer to tackle prostitution, and which issue that instead of politics, let’s of the existing models to duplicate talk about sex. or adapt. Few were surprised when Okay, not really, but the politics MacKay and the Tories proposed of doing the nasty, and paying for it, the “Nordic model,” which crim- are on everyone in Ottawa’s mind inalizes the purchase of sex, but these days as we approach the hear- not the sale. ing for Peter MacKay’s excitingly Scary talk about morality and named “Prostitution Bill.” Canadian values abounds, with If you haven’t been following, a MacKay warning that if his gov- number of months ago the Supreme ernment’s bill doesn’t pass, “pros- Court of Canada ruled that Canada titution will be decriminalized in may have changed a little bit since Canada.” Let’s ignore the fact that our laws surrounding prostitution it already is. Even opponents to the were drafted way back when. We bill are scapegoating and debating were based on the British model, the idea of the bill, rather than its which did not regulate the actual content. paying of actual money for actual Famous conservative pundit sex, just the many facets that it Tom Flanagan claims that the Nor- brought with it. dic model is based on “radical fem- What was illegal was operating inism,” which somehow makes it a a brothel, soliciting on the street, less valid opinion. and a number of other things your For what it’s worth, I don’t be- grandma would be concerned to lieve that the Prostitution Bill and its hear about you doing. Since the proposed Nordic model are the best court case, though, those laws have option. Let’s not punish either side been struck down and the Supreme of a voluntary interaction between Court has told Parliament to get on two adults in a free market. I know changing the laws around the oldest that will never fly with the Tories, of professions. so I am hoping we could all drop Debate swelled in political and the rhetoric and approach sex work academic circles over the best way reform like grownups. Like some kind of greasy spoon fantasy, Spoons Diner has it all. Spoons Diner serves up greasy- time at Spoons. The first was with essentially a breakfast bagel. Sport- spoon-style food that will fill any the same friend after her boyfriend ing the normal breakfast bagel fare, hungry void and ease any hangover. left for the military, and we went for it was also slathered in a healthy Nestled in the Super 8 Hotel on a late breakfast to ease her woes. amount of hollandaise sauce. The Douglas, Spoons is a fun place with The irony here is that we came hash browns were hash browns… a sense of humour. here to eat again after they had that’s about it. All in all, my cohort The first thing you’ll notice broken up, a fact that neither of was quite impressed with her meal, about Spoons is that they are very us clued in to until we had already which at the time seemed to have reminiscent in style and feel to ordered food. Anyway, our food eased her woes. Floyd’s Diner. This actually makes came quite fast. Spoons Diner is definitely worth a lot of sense, as Spoons was origin- I ordered the clubhouse sand- a visit. While not inherently my first ally going to be a franchise of Floyd’s wich with fries, and my friend or- choice among breakfast places, it’s before the economy bottomed out in dered the Wharf Street Witch with easy to get to, surrounded by free 2008 and they went their own route hash browns. The clubhouse was parking, and is out of the downtown instead. If you’re not familiar with the standard: bacon, chicken, and core, so access is easy. In addition to Floyd’s, think 1960s and ’70s diner cheese on bread with some veggies. all of that, it’s cheap! My meal was decor, complete with tacky furniture Simple, but tasty. They use actual about $13, and the bagel $11, plus The content and Elvis posters. chicken breast (as opposed to cold drinks and taxes. doesn’t end The staff at Spoons was quick on cuts), freshly fried bacon, and good Spoons Diner doesn’t exactly the draw, seating us with menus and quality bread. The fries weren’t too reinvent the wheel, but they deliver camosun’s student voice since 1990 in the paper. taking drink and food orders shortly shabby, either, although definitely what they promise with a good sense thereafter. It was around this point greasy. of humour and at a reasonable that I realized this was my second The Wharf Street Witch was price.

Age of Geeks by Vishal Pandey Summer spyware

It’s summer and we‘re back that excitement to reality. With the you telekinetic powers or anything, Find to ensure that you get your dose new update to the Android Wear, but the EEG biosensor headset, web-exclusive of tech news. Amidst the beaches now you can control your Google working with MindRDR software, and parties, it’s our job to keep you camera app from your wearable can monitor your brainwaves to stories at updated with the latest and greatest Android watch. The update hasn’t have your Google Glass headset happenings in the tech world. In rolled out yet, so there’s still some take pictures and upload them auto- nexusnewspaper. this industry, a lot can change over time before you can fulfill your child- matically to Twitter or Facebook. com a week, let alone a month. Did we hood spy dreams and take pictures That’s all the functionality it has for tell you about the new mind-reader worry-free and in a snap. now, but it may be a door to endless thing? Oh, wait, let’s not get too ex- possibilities in the future. cited and spoil the surprises that we MindRDR and Google glass have in store for you. So let’s get to Ever imagined controlling your Well, that’s enough to make you Check it out! the tech stories that you might have device directly from your mind? It feel like a secret agent this summer. missed while you were sunbathing may sound something out of a sci- And one last tip: be aware that if you at the beaches. fi movie, but now you can control happen to be travelling through the your Google Glass directly from United Kingdom this summer, don’t Control Google Camera with an your mind! All you’ll need is Google forget to keep a little charge to your app Glass, MindRDR’s software, and a portable electronic devices, as UK Remember those spy movies Neurosky EEG biosensor headset; airport authorities may require you where the agent takes pictures from then there’s no stopping you. I to power on your electronics while in his watch? Well, it’s time to bring should mention that this won’t give transit or on arriving in the UK. nexusnewspaper.com COLUMNS 11

Camosun College Student Society columns

Ability’s Muse by Andy Chen camosun college students with (dis)abilities collective A message Ride for women’s mental health a success from the Camosun College student society by Rachael Grant Thousands of cyclists across It can be argued that health initial health concerns, often at their ccss external executive Canada came together on June 22 care in general is a women’s issue. patients’ own detriment. to celebrate and strengthen mental Just look at the statistics. Women Is it an issue of respect by dis- health and raise $800,000 for the perform four out of five paid health respecting another group? Simply BC teachers deserve fair deal cause. Our Camosun College Stu- care jobs. Eighty percent of all put, we are elevating the attention dent Society (CCSS) team, Is This those accessing health care services of mental health for women to one Wheel Life?, was there. between the ages of 20 and 30 are that is equal to men’s mental health. As spring turns to summer and the British Columbia Teacher’s Ride Don’t Hide is a community women. So, when Island Sexual So the answer, inevitably, for me Federation (BCTF) carries on without a new collective agreement, bike ride taking place in 19 com- Health closed their Lansdowne is “yes.” the Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) continues to stand munities across Canada, benefit- clinic this year, which group do you Correspondingly, the CCSS in solidarity with BC teachers. ing the Canadian Mental Health suppose was disproportionately agreed and supported this by pledg- An attack on one branch of education is an attack on educa- Association. affected? ing to cover the team registration tion as a whole, and postsecondary students have every right to be Is women’s mental health more If you look at women’s treat- costs for up to 10 cyclists. outraged at how BC teachers are being treated by the provincial important than men’s? Is it right ment within the medical profession, How did our CCSS team fare government. Teachers have been taking job action since late May as to exclude those who want to sup- female hysteria was once defined in Victoria? Remarkably well! The a result of the government’s failure to address issues such as class port mental health for all? These as an “excess of emotion” that team came in second overall with sizes and unfair wage demands. The government has responded were questions posed by some who was somehow related to the female $522 raised. Our team captain came to this low-level action by a partial lockout and a 10 percent wage ultimately didn’t agree with the uterus. Male doctors used to treat all in fifth overall with her individual cut. Teachers in BC have been at the bargaining table with the premise of a community bike ride sorts of ailments as female hysteria, pledges raising $212. Victoria alone provincial government for over a year. supporting women’s mental health. including fatigue, insomnia, and raised over $16,000. The CCSS finds it shameful how the BC government has We are entitled to our opinions, loss of sexual desire. This has led Go to ridedonthide.com/bc/ behaved, being found by the Supreme Court of Canada to have but do not let ideology be your only to the dominant discourse by male ride/victoria if you would like to unlawfully changed the BCTF collective agreement, as well as guiding factor. doctors as being to refute a woman’s donate. the systematic stripping of our educational systems, whether it be within the K-12 system or postsecondary education, which, historically, have been chronically under-funded and, by exten- sion, undervalued. The CCSS has shown support in several ways, including send- camosun’s student voice since 1990 ing letters of support that express the importance of class size Ever wanted to write a and composition, as well as a fair wage for teachers, who should column for a newspaper? be paid in such a way that reflects the valuable and foundational contribution they make to society. Now’s your chance! The letters also express how the CCSS is disappointed in the provincial government’s lack of appropriate participation in the collective bargaining process. CCSS members have stood in We’re looking for some more columnists for solidarity with BC teachers at recent rallies, as well as on several 2014. Is there something on your mind that school picket lines. The teachers we have met on the picket lines you want to write about? It could be have been amazing, going above and beyond their duties as teach- anything from sex to business issues to ers, all in the name of quality education for their students. topics of interest to mature students. The CCSS supports the BCTF in their pursuit for fairness and Email to improve support for students, and hopes that the collective [email protected] with your agreement is negotiated freely and respectfully. ideas and you just might be the next If you have any questions, or would like to get involved with Nexus columnist! the CCSS and our continuing actions in support of BC teachers, please email us at [email protected].

You draw comics. camosun’s student voice since 1990 And we know it!

(Don’t ask how.)

If you think you might be able to make folks laugh with a short comic every other week, then we’d like to Submit samples to: see your work in print Nexus, 201 Richmond House, Lansdowne Campus, or email: [email protected] 12 PUZZLES/HUMOUR July 16, 2014

first-word word search astrological asininity by River Rainfall LOL so ummm I thought the kinda foggy about… fog? What? really hazy and weird today, I think Word searches are fun! Even ALTHOUGH three-hour classes were over but Cancer: So, let’s get this right, it’s these long classes and then all when the words you’re searching EVERY for are just random. Like this time, now there’s another semester of the cosmos is telling me your lucky my extra jobs like writing this every GENDER them? OMG this is going to turn numbers are 3, 9, and 11, which issue which ummm if someone else where we took the first word from a KATHRYN bunch of the stories in this issue and me into SUPER RIVER! JK here sounds like one of my combination wants to take over for September I KNOW are your fortunes. lock codes! LOL. Don’t break in can totally teach you how to do it. Do made a word search out of it. Find LAST the words on the list to the right in Ummm and before we get into to my locker! Or, do. Who am I to you want to? I trust you more than LOL them someone was asking about argue the cosmos? most and I think you know why. the puzzle below. MOTHS how I come up with these, or at least Leo: So, just FYI, Lee the Leo is Capricorn: Hi! So, I saw you in The first 5 people to bring this NOW completed word search in to our I was daydreaming someone was, out of the picture again. Umm it’s the supermarket the other night and PRIVILEGE and so I thought I’d tell you. a long story involving mustached umm the cosmos says smarten up office will get a free pass for one SPOONS admission to a drop-in session It has a little something to do monkeys and all kinds of weird with those junk foods. And by that, THE with the cosmos and a little some- things that I keep warning people I mean eat more of them, I love that (swimming, skating, weight room, THERE etc.) at any Saanich Recreation thing to do with Lansdowne campus about. And, Lee’s a jerk. So, avoid stuff! LOL. Oh, and I’m getting THOUSANDS and a little something to do with HIM! LOL. this, let me know if you know what Centre, courtesy of Saanich Parks WHEN and Recreation. sitting on Hillside Avenue medi- Virgo: Virgo, Virgo, Virgo… it means: “The grass wasn’t there tating. It just comes to me, once what do I have for you? Avoid ex- before.” LOL weird! K E X H D Z G B E X M S W T S the sky has opened and the sun is tra virgin olive oil because no one Aquarius: Fine, no more Aquar- smiling at me and, this is key, once knows what that means anyway and ius get-togethers for us then. A L R T R E Z G V E H Y H V P I am in my receptive place. So, I it’s probably more expensive. Hmm, Pisces: Alright, I’ve been giving T E A E N K E O O T L V E O T hope you’re in yours because I’m weird fortune, but might save you a you a hard time for a while now, seriously about to give you some few bucks. Cool! so here’s a real fortune, beamed H P G D H L T H O U S A N D S heavy stuff to recept! Libra: Hey, I hope you went straight down from the cosmos. It Aries: Hello Aries! How does it camping like I told you to last time. says “Straighten the eight-back, R S E L I T K M E H T L U U I feel to always be first? Like way bet- Now, this time around you need to all walls have been felt. There are Y R J V K N O W E X I S O M G ter than Pisces who is always down go to… Arizona? Hmm, I’m sure umgorg to the pencils, and pictures there at the bottom being weird. getting some weird messages from to the smelt.” LOL umgorg? N T I E Y K A L F Q K M X L N LOL anyway you gotta watch out the cosmos today! Anyway, better Ummm hi it’s me River still! for sunscreen because a guy told me book your ticket now. LOL I have a lot of space this time A R C K D Y R N Q D L O U B L some real serious stuff about mind Scorpio: Oh, wait, Libra, you around. My boss wanted me to ask P L D H E P P Q L F S A F G Y control that I can’t really repeat but still there? Cosmos is saying “Dun- you something, not sure what he ummm yeah just stay away from can,” not “Arizona.” Oops. That’s means by this, but he wanted me to L K T M I W J J Y A Q P A V R that stuff this summer, k? weird. Anyway, hope they see that, mention that if anyone wants to do Taurus: Watch out for grape- and anyway, hi, Scorpio! I hope a horoscope column for September J H U H K C Z K X F S J I A E fruits, which is fine because they’re you’re sticking around for the fall this one might be open, so to get in L Z P Z O I E T O N Q T J A V kinda gross if we’re being honest. semester because I know you read touch with the paper ASAP about Gemini: Hi Gemini! Let’s see, this every issue and I think it’s high that. M H R R A U J O O X Z O W R E I’m not getting much for you this time we hang. This time around red Funny he is saying that because time. Last time I warned you about is good, blue is bad, rhinos are good, I’m not going anywhere LOL! Oh, W P D Z B E G W B D R B K T L little mustached monkeys. Hope you basketballs are bad. LOL whatever! the same boss just emailed me and G S L R S W F H S N O O P S V didn’t get in any tangles with any! Good luck with that. said we need to talk! Cool LOL see This time I’m getting something Sagittarius: Hi, everything is you next time!

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