FREE EVERY MONDAY VOL. 25 ISS. 22 • MARCH 15 2021 THETACOMALEDGER.COM

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Controlling COVID on campus: Husky Testing P3 2 MARCH 15, 2021 THE LEDGER NEWS Fourth Annual PSO forum This year’s Professional Staff Organization forum was centered around building and embracing diversity, equity and inclusion on campus through policies, procedures and budgets.

By Garrett Yaen er plans and strategies, and pushing News Editor leadership to take action in meaning- ful ways allowed her to get involved Last week over 350 students from on a systemic level. across all three UW campuses gath- After covering these topics, the ered together via Zoom with the Di- event shifted into a Q&A session con- versity, Equity and Inclusion com- sisting of discussions about what they mittee to highlight the challenges define as culture and how they utilize faced by students of different ethnic their budget to achieve their goals. and cultural backgrounds. Hill spoke of her work at Micro- The hour-long event consisted of soft and how the quick cultural several discussions related to dis- change in leadership inspired her to crimination in higher education. It keep on working there. started with Professional Staff Orga- “Speaking from my experience at nization members discussing how Microsoft, I think that culture is re- they’ve worked on alleviating the ally defined by the values that are inequities faced today by students espoused by the people there and are and faculty alike. working there and are contributing PSO board member and DEI to the culture,” Hill said. Committee Chair Deci Evans dis- “It’s no secret that [Satya Nadella] cussed specific actions taken, such who is our CEO, in the 5-6 years he’s as creating an anti-racism group, a been here has really led cultural trans- diversity book club and the diversity formation for Microsoft,” Hill said. council website. “So that was one of the things that “One of the things our department drove me there, just the quickness that has done is that we have created an was able to happen because if that can anti-racism group and the mission of happen so quickly, there’s a lot of that group is to brainstorm ideas and things that can happen quickly.” pathways for education awareness Wrapping things up, members of and actions and to create an anti- the PSO spoke of their respective racist work environment,” Evans said. PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY budgets and how funds could best be Evans explained that the diver- The PSO discussed past and future plans for creating a more inclusive campus. utilized to support the growing num- sity council website would help out- across the university.” to better serve the diverse communi- to them and what it means in a cor- ber of racial equity programs and reach and recruitment for underrep- She then talked about helping set ties that are on campus.” porate setting,” Hill said. “That pop- initiatives. They gave advice to those resented minority residents and a foundation for a more inclusive She then passed the discussion to ulation is such an important part of who wish to support them. faculty. It will provide specific tools, campus by establishing a transpar- Mariasol Hill, a Global Intern Pro- our community for us to implement “Looking at what other groups are hiring practices and procedures to ency standard. They’ve recently pub- gram Manager at Microsoft. cultural change through.” doing on campus and looking at how offer to staff. A DEI staff training lished workforce data, which Ander- As someone who sits on the Glob- Board Chair for Sustainable Seattle, you can support them fiscally is a program is also in the works. son says is the first step to creating al Diversity and Inclusion committee, Jamilah Williams, expressed her jour- great way to [help],” Hill said. “A lot Ebonee Anderson, a Diversity an inclusive campus culture. Hill said she had a first-hand account ney into DEI work as a Black woman of time with our budgets if you don’t Recruiter at UW Human Resources, “When it comes to increasing di- in seeing the array of experiences faced and the work she’s done to make the use the money you end up losing it explained that a primary focus for versity, we first have to understand by students once they leave an aca- journey less difficult for others. and there’s ways to invest in your own UW HR at the moment is examining who’s here and how do we continue demic setting. She went on to explain “I feel like I came to DEI work community in programs that you’re current policies and practices. to create environments and cultures how tech intersects with diversity and kind of just by existing as a Black not personally responsible for and “One of the things we understand that are going to attract diversity and inclusion and harbors a space where woman, and especially as a Black you can be helpful in that way.” about HR is that we help set the stan- help retain and thrive diversity,” she workers can learn from each other. woman in a non-profit space,” Wil- dards,” Anderson said. “So we should said. “We have a lot of work to do in “We’re working with students who liams said. model the practices, the procedures, terms of looking at the system … it are forming their own identities and She further explained that her and the culture that we want to see needs to be revisited and revamped sort of focusing on what DEI means work on committees, putting togeth-

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e p UWT’s weekly student publication l Email: [email protected] Managing Editor ...... Alyssandra Goss Photographer....Nickolus Patraszewski Mar. 15, 2021 | Vol. 25, Issue 22 News Editor ...... Garrett Yaen Opinion Editor ...... Andrea Nadal Design ZOOM Office Hours: A&E Editor...... Madeline Hiller Page Designer...... Morgan Morgans thetacomaledger.com Monday 9 - 10:30 a.m. and 12 - 2 p.m. Copy Editor...... Elijah Freeman and 3 - 5 p.m. Staff Writers Page Designer...... Phong Ngyuen Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. News Reporter...Rosie Mendoza-Bautista facebook.com/uwtledger Wednesday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. News Reporter...... Luke Denuelle Cover Art Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and Opinion Columnist ...... Bengisu Incetas by Natalie Peyton 3 - 5 p.m. Opinion Columnist ...... Madi Williams Managers @uwtledger Friday 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. A&E Columnist...... Lore Zent Web Manager...... Morgan Morgans @uwtledger Zoom Link: https://washington.zoom. Film Critic...... Henry Nguyen Layout Manager...... Natalie Peyton Advisor us/j/99660008882 Sports Columnist...... Brooks Moeller Advertising Manager...... Elijah Freeman Publications Manager...... Daniel Nash NEWS THE LEDGER MARCH 15, 2021 3 BSU demands action by Spring Quarter 2021 “From platitudes and pleasantries to action”: The Black Student Union at UW Tacoma has been waiting for their demands to be answered by Pagano and other university leadership since 2016. ated that the revision was not only biases against Black students and They’ve met with him in the past the necessity of the campus to better necessary due to the shortcomings of faculty on campus. about similar issues, and by declining support the Black community at our the school’s response, but also because Keeping the same format as the the meeting with the Chancellor and university and beyond. of the current climate and prevalence original list, the BSU has added new his board, Jones noted that the BSU Because the university has his- of injustice in our community. demands they believe to be necessary decided they wanted a written re- torically been made aware of these “Of course, after the time of a lot for the group. sponse seeing these needs being met. issues on campus and has been pro- of social injustice, such as George “We've added an emphasis on “We felt that [the written re- vided with this information, Morris Floyd and Breonna Taylor, we felt it wanting more art that resembles Af- sponse] would be more respectful of set out what she hopes to see now. was very necessary to speak our voice rican American culture made by Af- our time and our efforts for him to “Given that this new list of de- currently and revise what we see is rican American artists that really give provide something in writing that mands has extra details on just what best fit for the BSU in today's time,” us a sense of home on our campus at solidifies this is what's going to be the school can do as an institution to said Jones. UWT,” Jones said. “As you see on our done and have a deadline for that. To better itself as, you know, a place that The original document consisted campus, [there are] a lot of different pretty much show him that we are has failed black students again and of demands surrounding program- artists from different ethnicities and truly serious about what we believe again. I would hope that, whatever ming, coursework and training that time periods that are very inclusive, in,” Jones said. happens, going forward they will ac- should be required for all faculty and so we also want to be included in that If these demands aren’t met by tually finally take into account what PHOTO COURTESY OF BSU TWITTER students on the campus. Key sugges- inclusivity on campus.” Spring Quarter, Jones mentioned they students, staff and faculty have been By Talia Collett tions highlighted in the document Not only this, but after attending will need to hold the school accountable. telling them over the years,” she said. Editor in Chief included propositions for more di- meetings with the Chancellor, there “Ultimately, if we don't see any Considering this iteration of de- versity, equity and inclusion training have been discussions about enabling progression in these demands, we will mands goes into more depth about Back in 2015, the Black Student for all and the expansion of diversity RSOs to expand and provide more have to hold higher ed. and the Chan- direct actions that can be taken with Union at UW Tacoma composed a requirements for students. space for RSOs in different library cellor accountable for basically failing succinct guidance and instructions list of demands to the university to The document also laid out a call buildings. With these discussions in their students,” Jones said. “We pre- to fight anti-Black racism on campus ensure diversity, equality and inclu- for the inclusion of diversity in course- mind, the BSU has found it necessary sented him with this list of demands along with taking into account what sion on our campus. This document work as well as an adjustment of hir- to have its own space. that isn't really new to his desk, it's faculty, staff and students have told was brought to Chancellor Pagano’s ing practices to seek out candidates “We wanted something that was been there for about a good five years. them, Morris noted their priorities attention in 2016 and since then, stat- that can relate to the Black population. very specific for BSU to be able to Still, if nothing has been done, we can have been made transparent. ing that there have been no substan- Per the document in 2015, these thrive in,” said Jones. “To have our go back and say, ‘Okay, we have been Dr. Marshall ended the conversa- tial strides taken towards addressing steps were established to address the own space in which we can take full failed with our requests to make this tion on this note: “I would just like these needs, the Union has revised fact that the “Inconsistency and lack advantage of and kind of not be shad- campus more inclusive and more sup- to say that we would like to see some the document and brought it back to of programming that supports Black owed or pushed away in a sense in a portive of their black students’.” movement from platitudes and pleas- Pagano’s attention. students is one of the reasons the UW group that is for all RSOs.” Both Jones and Lakeisha Morris antries to action." The Ledger was able to speak with Tacoma struggles to retain them, And lastly, the third new demand echoed sentiments regarding the the President of the BSU, LaKymbria evidenced by the 58% retention rate they have included takes the form of stonewalling of student voices when Jones, Secretary LaKeisha Morris and of 2008 freshman and 28% retention monetary funding. They are requesting facing injustice. Together, they urge Demands viewable at: https://www.canva.com/design/ Dr. Gillian Marshall, a professor in rate of first-generation Black students $1,000.00 annually for the next three students to speak out, or continue to the School of Social Work & Criminal DAEYq_iPiEU/1zn3beNzYT8-_ the same year.” years to help them get back on their do so, to show solidarity and highlight AUmnJa1Xw/view?utm_ Justice here at UWT to address these Moreover, the original policy pre- feet to become self-sufficient in funding the strength of power in numbers. content=DAEYq_iPiEU&utm_ campaign=designshare&utm_ demands, uncover some context, and sented — which is reiterated in the events, training and development. In discussing these experiences at explore their hopes for the near future. medium=link&utm_ new document — calls for zero toler- When given the chance, BSU UWT along with the prevalence of source=sharebutton When asked about the motivation ance of the discrimination of and opted out of a meeting with Pagano. anti-Black racism, Morris pointed to to revise these demands, Jones iter- Controlling COVID on campus: Husky Testing Infectious Disease Doctor, Ana Weil, speaks about the process behind Husky testing for students, staff and faculty.

By Rosie Mendoza-Bautista sage about testing, we just ask that convenient and we've had success way to look at symptoms that are diseases have taken on additional News Reporter they get a kit right away,” she said. with it in other studies too,” she said. unknown,” Weil said. “It’s important work. Some people are doing more The process of testing takes place “It’s provided by the University of to participate in the testing, even if work on testing trials or taking care The Ledger had the privilege of with self-administered kits that are Washington, free of charge.” you feel well.” of patients,” she said “We have all speaking with Infectious Disease provided when requested and made According to Weil, there are three Aside from student, staff and fac- taken on responsibilities to help.” Doctor, Ana Weil. Her experience in available through contactless means. specific reasons one should use the ulty safety, Weil also reassured the As students, staff and faculty at this field has led her to tackle CO- “For UW Tacoma, if you get a test- testing services available for them. safety of those helping with the pro- UW Tacoma, it is encouraged to take VID-19 at the university level. ing notification, sign up to receive a “In the daily check in, if they re- cess of COVID testing. part in testing and do our part in pre- “There’s new tasks that need to be kit in the mail. [Then] follow the port any symptoms of having a fever “A sample itself is unlikely to venting the spread on campus, espe- done with COVID that I’m taking on,” instructions in the kit on how to do or a cold. We also test someone if they transfer a disease in the lab,” Weil cially as a future on campus nears. she said. “This is a new position that I’m your own swab, put it into a tub and know someone who has COVID. And said “The lab wears PPE, but infec- adding to my usual workload, working leave it outside your door for the we also test people if they have been tion is extremely low. When you come in running the University testing.” courier to pick up in a couple hours,” in a group with more than ten peo- to testing sites, you do your own As UW Tacoma transitions into she said. ple,” she said. swab. And the person at the kiosk the spring quarter, COVID testing The expected wait time for these Dr. Weil highly recommends that supervises you. The staff have full has become available for all UWT swab results varies but Weil speaks even if someone doesn't meet these PPE and Flexi shields.” students, staff and faculty. confidently about the process of such three reasons, they should still get With these reassurances in mind, FAQ website: “There’s nothing you need to do testing taking place. tested for COVID. Weil spoke further about the chal- https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/ to prepare. Be engaged with daily “Expect to wait two to three days, “We test people in the commu- lenges she and others have had to face chancellor/coronaviruscovid-19- frequently-asked-questions check-ins and sometimes commu- but they usually come back in one nity just to be aware. No matter if in regard to COVID-19. nity testing. If people get a text mes- day. We think that testing at home is they have symptoms or not, just as a “All of us in the field of infectious 4 MARCH 15, 2021 THE LEDGER OPINION Visit a new country, learn a new language We are in a big world with hundreds of countries and languages, let’s use this to broaden our knowledge of the universe.

COURTERSY OF PIXABAY Take the first step to explore.

By Bengisu Cicek utilize your school’s study abroad web- ingo or Drops — for five, 10 or 15 Azeri and Uyghur, so I am able to bond a new part of the world. Opinion Columnist site to see which countries and programs minutes a day can make a big differ- with people who speak these languages. After visiting one or multiple coun- it has, how to be eligible for it and ways ence. Also, finding someone or even a Improving our own language as well tries, you will have that experience for There are over 190 countries in the it can be financially assisted! group who wants to learn the same as learning conversational words and the rest of your life and engage in so world and 6,500 languages spoken today. If you’ve ever learned a language in language is great motivation too! sentences in other languages is so im- many different dialogues with people We have deserts to snowy moun- high school or college, then you may I have two identities. I’m Turkish portant. When I want to connect with concerning politics, culture, food, tains, stretching landscapes to the have been able to experience the culture American and celebrate the diversity an elder or someone who does not know architecture, and more because you tallest buildings and tropical islands of that language through your classes. in my DNA and culture. I speak Turk- English well, I feel a bit down as I don’t will be able to share that experience to green forests. We should celebrate There are many languages being offered ish at home, and English when I’m know that language but want to show and knowledge you have from travel- the diversity of our world and enjoy at college and university. And at our out. Sometimes when I’m out in the respect and would like to have a con- ing. When you learn a new language, the many benefits it gives to us and UW campuses specifically, such as Rus- market or elsewhere, I stumble upon versation. In my Turkish culture, re- it will go with you everywhere. You our health, from its fruit to the oxy- sian, Arabic, Turkish, German, Greek, people speaking Turkish and get ex- specting our elders is a very significant will start recognizing that language gen we breathe. Persian and Swedish. cited to connect with them, showing aspect because it shows the value our on billboards, in stores, in books, in How many countries do I know Learning a new language helps you I speak Turkish as well. elders hold. shows and in people’s conversations. of? This is a question we should ask connect with people who also speak When I went to Mexico for the first Learning new languages and going It’s 2021, we are still at the start. Make ourselves. Open up a map and try to that language, and in this way it can time, it was a different experience for to different countries opens up so a goal for yourself. What’s a country and pin all of the countries you know. If be so beneficial for your work life as me. It was so beautiful but I didn’t know many new doors. language that always sparked your cu- you have never been out of the Unit- well as your personal. For instance, if the language, so I was unable to speak By learning a new language, the riosity? What’s a language and country ed States, there are so many beautiful you are in the medical field, you can with locals. The food, textiles and archi- person who benefits most is yourself, that you felt hesitant towards? Take this places in the world to explore. speak with patients who speak one tecture were all things I enjoyed learning because you open different opportu- opportunity to learn it, the resources for There are also many ways to go to language and may not know another. and experiencing while I was there, as nities. When visiting a different coun- learning that language is out there, find these places. One would be to study If you are in law, you can speak with it increased my knowledge of the cul- try, your viewpoint and mindset of it, learn it, use it. abroad. As a UW Tacoma student, you other countries’ representatives on ture. The hospitality and the positivity the world will change, because the While we are in a pandemic, a great are able to apply for a study abroad pro- international affairs. of the area we visited was very welcom- way that many countries are por- way to utilize this time is to choose a gram through any of the UW campus- Learning a new language while we ing. I felt close and warm towards trayed on the news is not even close language we always wanted to learn es, we have a study abroad website with have the motivation to do so is so im- Mexican culture especially after this trip. to how they are in real life. When I or that we think is hard, and set a goal many resources regarding the programs portant to take action on. We may have Being able to connect with others first visited Russia, it was a lot differ- to learn it. By the time the pandemic — such as how to apply to the programs classes, work and other priorities that through culture is one aspect, another ent from what I had learned before is hopefully over, you may have the as well as how to financially assist your make it hard to find the time. But uti- is language. Knowing Turkish fluently, visiting. The experience I had will opportunity to visit the country that trip. If you’re from another campus, lizing language apps — such as Duol- it is similar to Turkic languages such as stick with me forever, as I discovered language is prominently used. OPINION THE LEDGER MARCH 15, 2021 5 Protests: Organizing for a better world The demands for change and justice do not stop at our borders, they can be heard across the seas and in the wind.

By Andrea Nadal partments face defunding, or new were the Hong Kong protests demanding civil uprising is taking place after the for state powers to do what is right by Opinion Editor training requirements, or new ac- full democracy and an inquiry into police military seized control of the government the people, and even though we are countability measures, but none of actions. These protests inspired many on Feb. 1 following the general election separated by sea, by borders, by lan- *FIRST ARTICLE IN A SERIES ON this has come close to meeting the tactics that we saw adopted in our own where "Ms Suu Kyi's NLD party won by guage, by religion we are connected PROTESTS AROUND THE WORLD* demands of the people. None of these protests here in the US, including the use a landslide," as stated by Alice Cuddy in in our humanity and our demand for It has been almost a year since the things do what needs to be done to of umbrellas to shield protestors from her article "Myanmar coup: What is hap- this humanity to be recognized. start of massive protests for Black protect BIPOC lives. They are the cameras and pepper spray, using traffic pening and why?" from BBC News. Each article that follows in this lives in response to the murders of bare minimum done in an effort to cones and water to extinguish tear gas Cuddy goes on to explain that "The series will take an in-depth look at a George Floyd by Minneapolis police placate those with less radical de- canisters, as well as the important prin- armed forces had backed the opposi- specific protest from the past year, officer Derek Chauvin, Breonna Tay- mands and water down the move- ciple of "be like water" — a phrase used tion, who were demanding a rerun of highlighting the context of the pro- lor by Louisville police officers, and ment as a whole, and they need to be to reinforce the necessity of being fluid the vote, claiming widespread fraud. tests — the demands, tactics, and how so many other Black, Indigenous and treated as such. while also sticking together in order to The election commission said there was the state has responded. By creating persons of color around the nation As we continue this fight, however, evade arrest and protect each other. no evidence to support these claims." a better understanding of what is hap- by police departments. It is important I find it is just as important to realize Back in Oct. 2020 in Nigeria, there In a collective effort to preserve their pening beyond our own borders we that we keep the pressure on and that we are not alone in it. Not only were massive protests that demanded an rather new democracy and avoid total can begin to see the universality in continue to demand justice, to con- are we seeing these battles across the end to SARS, or the Special Anti-Robbery military control, people took to the the fight for freedom and justice. tinue to demand a change in our United States of America, but all over Squad, which has operated with little to streets in impressive numbers to de- We can learn from what we see system. It is especially important as the world, people are organizing upris- no accountability "regularly engag[ing] mand their voices be heard. abroad and find ways to support those the Derek Chauvin trial progresses ings and demanding change within in extreme brutality, including extraju- Looking around the world we can fighting their fight wherever it may be. that we let the state know that we their countries. While each of these dicial killings, enforced disappearances, see that we are not alone in this fight By finding solidarity with others doing have not forgotten and we will not uprisings have their own unique con- torture, armed extortion and kidnap- for justice. Every day people are rising this work all over the world we under- stop until there is accountability and text and demands, there is still power ping," according to the Washington Post up and coming together to take the mine those that would silence our fight a new system that no longer threatens in finding solidarity with those fight- article "The massive protests in Nigeria, streets and demand change risking for radical change and we further em- BIPOC lives. ing for change any and everywhere. explained,” from Tarila Marclint Ebiede. their lives, physical and mental well- power our communities and our efforts We have seen certain police de- One very famous example from 2020 And this year in Myanmar a massive being. There is an overwhelming call towards liberation.

COURTERSY OF FLICKR BLM Protest on the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City. June 9, 2020. 6 MARCH 15, 2021 THE LEDGER OPINION

ILLUSTRATION BY LORE ZENT St. Patrick's Day: What’s it really about? How learning my heritage made me want to learn more about my ancestors and the origins of holidays.

By Madi Williams what is the origin of the holiday, and things feels more personal because it is ficult, instead of being open to people tant. It allows you to understand why a Opinion Columnist how do they celebrate it in Ireland? something you are connected with. who are different. This is something group celebrates and what is important In the article “History of St. Patrick's The religious founding of the holiday that should never have happened be- to them. For some, it is a way to celebrate A couple of years ago I took an Day,” the History.com editors explain is also reflected in one of the most cause the U.S. is supposed to be open and share the religion they practice with ancestry DNA test because I was curi- that St. Patrick, whom the holiday is iconic symbols of the holiday, the sham- for anyone and everyone, no matter others. It is also a way for individuals to ous about my heritage. When I first named after, was not born in Ireland, rock. As the editors from History.com their background — yet this divide of pay homage to their heritage. got the results back they had Ireland he didn’t even get there until he was explained in their article, the “most well- who was good enough would continue, Learning about your heritage, and and Scotland together as one, but after 16. However, he “was credited with known legend of St. Patrick is that he and still happens to other communities. the history it carries, knowing that recently looking at it again, they sep- bringing Christianity to its people.” So, explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son Personally, I feel that part of the you are a part of something greater arated the two. And according to my when he died on March 17, 461 the and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves reason this happened was due to the than yourself is so interesting and be- results, I am about a quarter Irish. Irish decided to celebrate him. of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.” fact that people did not understand ing able to stand up for your ancestors Knowing where my heritage comes As stated in this article, “The Irish Another interesting aspect of the the meaning behind St. Patrick's Day, and continue to spread the truth of a from was important, but learning the have observed this day as a religious holiday that I learned was that the first and did not take the time to learn holiday is a very rewarding feeling. I history that comes with it was even holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. St. Patrick's Day parades actually took about it. If people took the time to ask myself have not dealt with the back- more so. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the place in the U.S, not in Ireland. In 1845 what they were celebrating, then lash of being Irish other than not be- With this in mind and St. Patrick’s Christian season of Lent, Irish families a wave of Irish immigrants came to maybe this divide and discrimination ing Irish enough to technically count, Day just around the corner, I felt like I would traditionally attend church in the U.S. due to the Great Potato Fam- towards Irish immigrants may have but that's not the point. The point is needed to actually learn what this the morning and celebrate in the af- ine. So, when St. Patrick’s Day came not been as dramatic as it was. to spread the knowledge of a holiday holiday is all about. In the United States ternoon. Lenten prohibitions against around “Irish Americans in the coun- A step toward this understanding that is part of my heritage. of America, St. Patrick’s day is celebrat- the consumption of meat were waived try’s cities took to the streets on St. and acceptance was taken by President ed on March 17 and typically character- and people would dance, drink and Patrick’s Day to celebrate their heri- Truman when he attended a St. Pat- ized by wearing green, eating corned feast on the traditional meal of Irish tage, newspapers portrayed them in rick's Day parade in New York in 1948. Learning about your beef and cabbage and drinking. But bacon and cabbage.” cartoons as drunk, violent monkeys.” As explained in the History.com ar- heritage, and the It’s interesting to know that even a What happened to the Irish im- ticle, this was “a proud moment for history it carries, What is the origin of holiday like St. Patrick’s day, which is migrants is something that happened the many Irish Americans whose an- knowing that you are seen today as a day of drinking, is root- to many immigrants not seen as “good cestors had to fight stereotypes and a part of something the holiday, and how ed in religious origins, like many other enough” to be in the U.S. The media racial prejudice to find acceptance in do they celebrate it holidays. When you are learning about attempted to do everything they could the New World.” greater than yourself in Ireland? your own heritage and where you came to make Irish individuals look so bad Understanding the significance be- is so interesting. from, learning about these kinds of that living day to day life became dif- hind any holiday is incredibly impor- A & E THE LEDGER MARCH 15, 2021 7 26th annual Seattle Jewish Film Festival This year’s lineup featured a diverse amount of films portraying many facets of the Jewish experience.

By Lore Zent dell: Enough About Me” pieces this A&E Columnist story together using a variety of mediums such as archival footage, on-stage record- Marking the 26th annual celebration ings and interviews. of Jewish Film, the Seattle Jewish Film A variety of other Zoom conversa- Festival (SJFF), put on by the Stroum tions were held throughout the two weeks Jewish Community Center, is taking from different talents and academic place over a two week period spanning crowds. On March 9, viewers heard from from March 4-18. director Michelle Paymar and historian While they are unable to present films Brendan G. Goldman on the film “From in theatres due to COVID-19, they are Cairo to the Cloud.” The film followed selling virtual 72-hour viewing window the telling of the 1896 finding of centu- tickets on the SJFF’s website. They offer ries-old documents shaping Jewish his- a variety of passes, such as a full access tory in Cairo, and how through modern COURTESY OF AMERICANBIRTHRIGHTFILM.COM pass for the general price of $180, allow- technology, the documents were digitized American Birthright is one of the nineteen featured films selected for the Seattle Jewish Film Festival. ing viewers to stream all 19 of their full- and distributed to the masses. feature films selected for this year. Writer Barbara Lahav, realty founder one side stands the inclusiveness of love ars, their grandmother — who is a sur- But there’s more, to me it’s all leading to They also provide a six-movie “6- Joe Schocken, and director Noemi Scho- conquers all and marry whoever you vivor of the Holocaust — and their child- the same place. Every religion has differ- pack” deal for $80 and a single movie ry, spoke upon the topics embedded in want and somewhere across the spec- hood rabbi. ent stories and different ways, no one is viewing ticket for $15. There are also the film “Shcocken.” This film is centered trum of anything but black and white Besides centering on the topic of in- right and no one is wrong. These are just applicable discounts presented on their around Schocken’s uncle, a department controversy about intermarriage is the termarriage in Jewish faith, Tahel ex- our paths to follow.” website. As some of the films have a store tycoon before World War II. These deep seeded fear of the disappearance of plores her own connections to her Jewish While many of the films have passed viewer cap, ticket sales end two hours are just some of the few zoom discussions the Jewish people which scares the [pro- faith and her truth, how she defines Juda- their viewing period these past 11 days, before the viewing window closes or if a they offered besides their film screenings. fanity] out of me.” ism and why. This includes her upbring- there are still quite a few films available film is sold out. I had the opportunity to watch one Currently there are 14 million de- ing in both the Persian Gulf War in Is- to watch for those interested. From mu- The opening night featured a pre- of the SJFF’s films “American Birthright.” clared Jewish people in the world (.2%), rael and Philadelphia; highlighting her sicals, comedies and rom-coms to docu- recorded discussion between director The documentary follows millennial compared to 2.3 billion Christians (31%), experience further in terms of what she mentaries and historical dramas, this Barry Avrich and actor, comedian and Jewish-Israeli refugee Becky Tahel who, 1.8 billion Muslims (24%) and 1.2 billion considers to be a cultural Jew and having year’s festival has presented us with a producer, Howie Mandell. Opening night despite her open view on life, struggles Hindus (15%) — according to World- to conform to fit in at a young age. diverse amount of films touching on also featured a documentary piece di- with the judgement of her young sister populationreviews.com. As Gal — Becky’s sister — states to- several different topics. The diversity rected by Avrich titled “Howie Mandell: being the first in her family to inter- Throughout the documentary, she wards her marriage and lifestyle, “I be- exemplifies to others that the Jewish ex- Enough About Me.” The documentary marry. assesses her own reactions to her sister's lieve in a lot of things that are not Jewish perience is not monolithic, nor does navigates Mandell’s life and career, touch- In the film’s opening scene, Tahel at- engagement as well as the various reac- a hundred percent but I am Jewish. And Jewish film have to be rooted in trauma, ing upon his struggles with Obsessive tends a Hollywood spoken word night. tions of her friends and family members I have my traditions, and I know the while parallelly providing solidarity for Compulsive Disorder (OCD), his early She speaks, “[I] Somehow found myself toward intermarriage and the survival of stories and I love all of our biblical stories the Jewish community, giving them an years and his breakout role. “Howie Man- standing before this complex debate, on their people. This includes Jewish schol- and what they mean so on and so forth. outlet to convey their truths. The unexplainable crimes of the Cecil Hotel Shows like Netflix’s “The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel” have captivated our attention and created an independent genre: true unexplainable crime.

By Madeline Hiller murders and other causes of death that Today, there are even the few that One man, Ryan Murphy, based the fifth true supernatural crime. A&E Editor plagued the hotel. From overdoses to say it was the hotel’s negative energy, season of his well known horror show, By definition, true crime is the genre suicides, it darkened and tarnished the and maybe even some of its past resi- “American Horror Story,” on the hotel. of pieces that are based on or inspired In this day and age, true crime name of Hotel Cecil. dents that had died there. Regardless With all of the events that occurred by an event that really happened at some shows have drawn a huge audience The other event that veers this docu- of what actually happened, it’s defi- in the hotel, both AHS season five and point in history. It is safe to say that “The across demographics and age groups. series from being a strictly “true crime” nitely one of those documentaries that this docuseries on Netflix feel like they Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel” strays from There is a sort of morbid curiosity in show is the well known disappearance will leave you thinking for a while after approach the events the same way, as true crime into this unexplainable, al- us as humans that pulls us toward these of Elisa Lam. “The Vanishing at the Ce- watching it. if they’re creating their own genre of most supernatural, area. documentaries with various films and cil Hotel” is a four chapter/episode series Formatted the way most documen- series, such as “The Ted Bundy Tapes.” covering this woman’s disappearance. taries are, the series features multiple However, Netflix’s “The Vanishing Lam traveled from her home in Canada interviews with the people who were at the Cecil Hotel” has a different feel- to Los Angeles, on her own, and eventu- present during the time of the incident ing to it. Going for the genre of true ally wound up at the Hotel Cecil. Her in 2013 and pairs them with eerie yet crime, it has characteristics that give it mysterious disappearance and death beautiful shots of the hotel. And rated a different, eerie presence. First, there that are investigated throughout the for mature audiences, there were some is the history of the hotel itself. The series gives the viewers a sense that images containing drugs and minor Hotel Cecil in Los Angeles, California something more happened. gore. I felt like the creators did a thor- was a hotel that offered cheap rates on After watching it myself, I have my ough job with the interviews as well as a daily and weekly basis. This made the own ideas about everything that hap- explaining the story. The holes left -un hotel appealing to people with a lower pened. Different people who both answered seemed almost intentional income or homeless communities as watched the show and were aware of for viewers to think on. an option to be used as long term or the incident at the time in 2013, formed Currently, the hotel is closed down. permanent housing. their own opinions of what happened There are a few tenants who still reside Another appeal that the hotel pro- and some even started their own in- there and call it their permanent home, vided was housing criminals. Serial vestigations. Some say that Lam was but the hotel status is no longer active. killers, like the night stalker, stayed at having a mental episode that resulted However, people are still wildly inter- this hotel. With that said, it is pretty in her death, others say she couldn’t ested in the story of The Cecil and its COURTESY OF NETFLIX safe to say there was a fair share of have done this on her own. modernized counterpart, Stay on Main. The Cecil Hotel casts an eerie shadow through its history in downtown Los Angeles. 8 MARCH 15, 2021 THE LEDGER A & E Surviving middle America in “Nomadland” Chloe Zhao’s latest work, “Nomadland,” offers an intimate exploration of the American west in the years following the great recession.

By Henry Nguyen Many lost their livelihoods due to it Film Critic and became forgotten to a certain ex- tent, they ended up having to take Independent filmmaker Chloe menial seasonal jobs that are hardly Zhao’s work is filled with the fascina- enough to keep them alive until the tion and wonder that surrounds the end of the month. American west, and her newest release The film features a few “characters” takes this fascination in a more intimate that play themselves. Swankie and direction. Adapted from the 2017 non- Linda May play themselves in the film fiction book “Nomadland” written by and they actually do an amazing acting Jessica Bruder, this film adaptation by job. When they tell their stories it’s the same name is directed by Zhao and obvious that it’s coming straight from takes us on a journey to neglected the heart and is incredibly moving to places in America. watch them perform. The story starts with a title screen that The film makes great use of its describes the impacts of the great reces- Arizona set. Highlighting the best parts sion. Beginning with our main character of rural America that are, more often COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES Fern — played by Frances McDormand than not, neglected. The far wide shots Frances McDormand plays a traveling nomad in this unique drama. REVIEW — selling her things off to a storage facil- create endless landscapes, each of ity, we learn that she lives out of her van which are aesthetically pleasing. These story forward. ize these ideas. "Nomadland" and then follow her on a journey to be- shots are then contrasted with the vast While the story is unique in the As a result, the film spends more come a modern day nomad. industrial and almost dystopian look sense that it doesn’t follow a conven- time with Fern’s journey and her ex- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ of the Amazon facility where Fern has tional structure so you can’t predict ploration of rural America while meet- to work. what's going to happen next, the nar- ing other people along the way, which The Good: The main focus of the With that being said, it is worth rative and message itself, however, is starts to meander from time to time. • Great casting film is the people, bringing up the conversation on wheth- one aspect that I wish packed more of “Nomadland” is an amalgamation • Beautiful Cinematography most of whom were er or not the film romanticizes the a punch. of a fascination of the American west, • Unique Narrative heavily affected by economic hardships of the people who The depiction of places like the the exploration of modern day nomads are barely scraping by on working in Amazon workplace appears like they and the effects of economic disparities the market crash in places out of pure necessity. Thank- are trying to send some kind of anti- within the U.S. It takes the viewer on a The Bad: 2008. fully the movie avoids this. It does so capitalist message or theme about the journey that plays out more like a doc- • Overall themes could be by making their stories integral to the exploitation of workers. However, umentary or a group rather a dramatic more clear The main focus of the film is the plot and vital to learning about their whatever message the movie tries to narrative. If you’re looking for a truly • Message could be clarified people, most of whom were heavily character, rather than just displaying portray becomes very subtle as the film unique movie, then I definitely recom- affected by the market crash in 2008. their stories as a means to move the doesn’t spend much time to fully real- mend a viewing of “Nomadland.” Mariners season preview With a young core of players with potential, Mariner fans have a lot to be excited about in 2021 and future years. By Brooks Moeller goes and will likely be in the Mariners was the first rookie first baseman to do extremely valuable in his first stint in Sports Columnist lineup for years to come. so since 1957. Seattle and solidified himself as one of PROJECTED LINEUP Two other young players who made Returning to the lineup in 2021 is the league’s best pitchers. This led the The 2021 MLB season is here with all an impact and showed promise in 2020 catcher and right fielder Mariners to trade him to the Yankees JP Crawford SS 30 teams officially reporting for spring were shortstop JP Crawford and first . Murphy missed the entire during their rebuild but he struggled training and preparing for the upcoming baseman . This was Craw- 2020 season due to a foot injury but has with injuries in New York and was 2B year. After a shortened 2020 season along ford’s second full year as a Mariner fully recovered and hopes to build off a never the same pitcher he was in Seattle. CF with the ongoing pandemic, there were where he significantly improved his breakout 2019 where he hit .273 with 18 Paxton hopes to bounce back in a fa- 3B doubts about whether this year’s season batting average while also winning a home runs. miliar setting this upcoming season Mitch Haniger RF would start on time. But teams are com- Gold Glove award for his outstanding Haniger has not seen action since the while also bringing good veteran lead- DH peting in their annual defense. This season will act as a make first half of 2019 due to a variety of inju- ership to a young rotation. Evan White 1B games and the season is on track to start or break year for Crawford as the club ries. Hopes were high after being named Even with all the promise the major Tom Murphy C on time, with or without fans in stadiums. may search for other options at short- an all star in 2018 and Haniger looks to league roster is showing, the Mariners LF The Mariners find themselves in a stop if the improvement does not con- get back to this level of play now that he also have the no. 2 farm system in all very optimistic position heading into tinue. However, I like what I saw from is healthy. He is one of the players that of including the #3 and #4 2021. Last season, their young core of Crawford and I expect to see him con- has stood out to me in Spring Training overall prospects in Julio Rodriguez players showed significant growth and if tinue to be in our future plans. and looks to be back to his old self. and . Both Kelenic and these players continue to grow into the White has been labeled as the first Along with this promising lineup is Rodriguez are predicted to make mas- PROJECTED potential they have, then this team could baseman of the future and flashed this a young and upcoming pitching staff sive impacts on the team once called ROTATION surprise some people. potential during his rookie season. White that showed a lot of improvement in up where we could see Kelenic as soon Leading this young core is center struggled at the plate for the majority of 2020. Leading the starting rotation is as opening day. fielder and 2020 American League the season, finishing with a .176 batting Marco Gonzales. Gonzales had a career Overall, there is a lot to be excited rookie of the year, Kyle Lewis. Lewis average but there is reason to believe this year in 2020 posting a 3.10 ERA and about this year with the . finished with a slash line of .262/.364/.437 will improve. His exit velocity of batted would have likely set career highs in With a promising and young core group to go along with 11 home runs and 28 balls shows that he is making hard con- wins and strikeouts, if not for the short- of players along with one of the top farm RBIs. It has been a long time since sistent contact, so if he can cut down his ened season. systems in baseball, this team will be in Mariner fans have had a player to be as strikeouts, then improvement is almost Returning to Seattle is veteran start- contention for a playoff spot this season. excited about as they should be for guaranteed. White would also join Craw- ing pitcher James Paxton, known around The future is now in Seattle. Lewis. He brings energy wherever he ford to win a Gold Glove as well, who here as “The Big Maple.” Paxton was