IMSA‘s. Minority Report Our paper aims to spread cultural awareness of the challenges facing historically disadvantaged and ethnically underrepresented groups, in the IMSA community and as a whole. We believe that through spreading awareness of these issues, we can confront the stereotypes facing these groups.

¡¿Que?! I Represent the A Lack of Light or I Can’t Watch BET? Asians for Obama: A My Hair is not a Black Culture... Insight: The Black Hole Opeyemi recounts Pre-election Petting Zoo The troubles and Perspective How some pro- An exploration into the the time he was Chelsea writes about difficulties IMSA significance of the A pre-election look at people’s fascination athletes are thrown told he wasn’t students deal with IMSA "Black Hole." the Asian population, with black hair, her in the public’s eye As it continues to black enough to due to language the media bias, and perspective on it, and evolve, what impact barriers. due to broad-base watch BET. their choice for answers some does it have on cultural Page 4 Page 2 generalizations of relations between president. commonly held culture students? Page 5 questions. Page 3 Page 4 Page 7

moment, my friends and I were in a world of When students come to IMSA, they look our own. “Ey, man, WHAT’S CRACKIN’?” for a group of people who can provide a The Ice filled the room. The fires had been put out, sense of belonging. Often times, this our moment interrupted. Why? What crashed comfort is found with people of their own our precious ecstasy? Tyrone. He and his race because of the inherent pre- Exoticism of homies...they had ruined everything. How established connection. Yet, interestingly, could anyone enjoy themselves with these Americans are also attracted to Asian thugs around…How could anyone enjoy culture due to its exoticism. This interest the Minority themselves around THESE people? causes us to strive to attain knowledge about their customs and traditions. When Our minds are daily penetrated by Asian events like Diwali or Chinese stereotypes. We decide to attend an ethnic Lunar New Year take place, whites, By Brandan Matthews event by the inferences we make about blacks and Hispanics are inclined to Class of ‘10 the culture. Diwali, the festival of lights, attend as a result of their curiosity. annually yields an enormous audience of all races while AASA and Alma Latina The exoticism of Asian culture originates events such as Kwanzaa and Casa De from the unfamiliarity of its customs. Alma do not attract such diverse crowds. Asian culture is not exotic in itself but the “Stacks on deck, patron no ice…we can pop The reason that such an imbalance exists: fact that the clothes, music, art, food, and bottles all night, baby you can have whatever IMSA is plagued by the popular belief appearance of the nation are highly you like…” The music vibrated through my that African-American and Hispanic contrasted by normal American customs body while the bass made the ground tremble. cultures are trite, characterized by creates an exotic appeal. African Our bodies swayed to the beat; the dance floor stereotypes. Americans and Hispanics are so common had become an inferno of pleasure. Lost in the (continued on page 6)

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myself, below the expected writing level student like myself, there is a large line. Now, one thing to keep in mind is probability the issue won’t be taken ¡¿Que?! the fact that Latinos aren’t the only race seriously. affected by this language barrier. Other races such as Asians which includes No matter how you look at it, language people from the Indian subcontinent, Far barriers can critically affect an IMSA East, and Southeast Asia, have similar student both academically and socially. I problems. Usually, however, it appears know that for me personally, talking to By Gustavo Ulloa not to have as big of an impact on them another student with a similar language Class of ‘09 because they often learn the language at a background appears more natural than much younger age. Nevertheless, it is talking to someone who doesn’t. For that safe to say that they are affected and matter, many of our parents, parents of therefore, it is an issue. students with English as their second language, only speak our first language, A different issue that arises from the lack Spanish in my case, and therefore, extend Undoubtedly at IMSA, it’s quite of a high-quality vocabulary is speech. our responsibilities far beyond that of impossible to walk around for a day and Students whose second language is being just a student. In a sense, this is an not notice the great diversity that exists English and whom speak a language issue that doesn’t necessarily have a amongst us. Whether it’s peeking your other than English at home find it harder definite solution but requires awareness. head into a classroom or just having to communicate a point effectively. Through awareness, we will be able to lunch in the cafeteria, one can see how Naturally, in an argument or debate, the better comprehend why we have the diversity essentially formulates a picture winner tends to be the person who is the particular troubles that we do and why of IMSA where learning along side better speaker and not necessarily the one we sometimes ask, “¿Que?” In addition, colleagues from different cultural with the best point. For instance, Rand we can come up with a way to help these backgrounds becomes a reality. This Quinn who is the Policy Analyst for students by offering a grammar and notion, however, can be misinterpreted Stanford University and my advisor for composition elective here at IMSA that by many, especially when cultural factors the LEAD Summer Business Program could not only help students with English such as language are forgotten. stated that, “The offered service or as their second language but also product is not necessarily the most students who would just like to sharpen Upon entering IMSA, one common significant factor in a competition but up their writing skills. Another way is by thought I shared with other incoming rather the way in which the product or starting up ESL (English as Second students was the question of my ability to service is presented.” This statement in Language) clubs that can help students thrive in such an environment. Once here, itself made me realize that more focus better their speaking skills. Whatever the I realized I had many deficiencies I had should be placed on my presentation case may be, I truly believe that these never noticed before. Unquestionably, rather than the actual product idea. In a actions will only furthermore lead us language was my biggest. Now, what I sense, if your product or service idea is closer to accomplishing IMSA’s mission mean isn’t that I couldn’t speak or well rounded as far as your business plan of “igniting and nurturing creative, understand the English language, but is concerned but your presentation ethical scientific minds that advance the rather that I lacked a good vocabulary. doesn’t resemble it, everything would be human condition”. There is no doubt in When it comes to writing papers, for useless for judges wouldn’t be able to my mind an issue exists and it’s up to us instance, it becomes difficult to write at a picture it. Similarly, if an idea or issue is to take action towards resolving it. level in which IMSA’s teachers sometimes ineffectively brought up and expect. This inability places students, like communicated terribly at IMSA by a

Writing Staff Editors Abe Lee — ‘09 Mehmet G. Badur — Editor-in-Chief Alejandro Acosta — ’09 Pedro L. Aguirre — Copy Editor Bernice Fokum — ‘10 Opeyemi O. Kusoro — Layout Editor Brandan Mathews — ’10 Any comments, suggestions, or reactions in Chelsea Elder — ‘09 general can be directed to Gustavo Ulloa — ‘09 [email protected] Jasmine Kwasa — ’09 Special Thanks to: Kemi Aladesuyi— ‘09 Dr. Bob Hernadez for all his help and leadership Malik Alim — ’10 Mrs. Tracy Townsend for all her guidance and Melcolm Ruffin — ‘09 generous comments

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National Basketball Association all people who were massacred to claim it. It together. means the millions of those enslaved in I Represent order to build it up. And it means the The Mavericks found these suggested millions of those who are still oppressed consequences to be too extreme and in order for it to prosper.” Once Smith instead they encouraged Howard to be was given the chance to publicly explain the Black more aware that nothing said by pro herself the controversy and criticisms athletes is private in our society. Even the surrounding her actions died down, and things that he said in a joking manner in she actually continued to turn her back Culture... the company of his friends were on the flag during the national anthem for publicized on YouTube. If Josh Howard the remainder of the season without knew that the whole world would hear consequences from the college or team. his words he probably would have By Melcolm Ruffin thought twice and probably not said Class of ‘09 them at all.

Regardless of whether he expresses it verbally or not Howard will still feel unsatisfied with the American flag and what it stands for, because he thinks his The comments of athletes have always race has been treated unfairly throughout been harshly criticized by sports fans and this country’s history. It’s understandable writers, especially when their words can to see why an individual might feel the be construed as unpatriotic. Over the way that Howard does, but my problem summer Josh Howard of the Dallas with Howard’s statements are that he Mavericks experienced firsthand what it includes the entire black race. By feels like to be placed in the public eye for bringing the entire black community into statements that he made off record. On the argument he is making too vast of a July 10th, 2008, at Allen Iverson’s generalization. Many African Americans Celebrity Summer Classic, NBA star Josh would strongly disagree with his Howard was socializing with some of his statements, and some would even label it friends with a camera phone present “unpatriotic” and “unacceptable.” There while the Star Spangled Banner was are thousands of black soldiers that have being played. Howard didn’t know his 9 died for the American flag and thousands second segment in the 4 minute video more that are currently serving in the Basketball player, Josh Howard would be placed on YouTube and become military and would die for this country as Courtesy of www.faniq.com infamous. Howard’s controversial well. On the other hand, Howard’s statement is, “The Star-Spangled Banner “unpatriotic” comments cost him millions is going on right now. I don’t even Howard could have chosen plenty of of dollars in endorsement deals and celebrate that shit. I’m black God damn other ways to articulate the way that he sponsorships. Howard’s ideas were not it.” felt without making generalizations. A much more effective, appropriate protest original or even that absurd, however, by The uproar over this short clip was occurred in 2003 when a basketball player suggesting that his skin color alone astonishing. The national media began at New York's Manhattanville College mandated his feelings was out of line. covering the story within hours of it named Toni Smith, a 21 year old One’s opinion of this country is a being uploaded onto YouTube. Angry Caucasian female, refused to face the flag completely personal decision that every citizens emailed and called the Dallas during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As a individual, regardless of race and Maverick facilities demanding that result, Smith was thrust into the national ethnicity must make for themselves. This Howard be reprimanded immediately. spotlight. One of her several interviews country gives us freedom of speech, and Even though Howard is an All-Star concerning the incident was broadcast on it is our right to express how we feel, but caliber player, thousands of fans believed the Outside the Lines program on ESPN. it is inappropriate to claim that a group of that his statements were so “unpatriotic” During her interview she told the millions of people automatically share that he should be traded from the reasoning behind her actions: "What the our belief. Howard made this mistake Mavericks and even dismissed from the flag means to me: first, it stands for the and has to live with the consequences. millions and millions of indigenous

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senior U-Bench, the prejudices bliss. Many blissful people continue to A Lack of Light or surrounding this location can be walk around campus refusing to observed. challenge their preconceived notions. If Insight: The Black one were to observe the activity of the How unfortunate that the disputes and Black Hole or any other congregation of Hole—What does disagreements of our parents’ and similar people on campus, he or she grandparents’ generation continue to would see that our differences make up it Represent? transcend generational lines and have led the cohesive IMSA community. There to unfounded friction between the races have been changes. The Black Hole, this of today. As far as we have come in year of 2008, is a much more diverse society, there is no reason for this group of people. This goes to show that By Bernice Fokum separatist attitude. Why is a group of times are changing and hope still Class of ‘10 IMSA minorities intimidating to the rest if remains. Perhaps the late Dr. Martin the student body? Luther King, Jr. stated it best when he declared that, “We must learn to live Though there is nothing wrong with together as brothers, or perish together as sticking to a comfort zone, when people fools." Of the many routes one takes to the IRC, fail to look outside of their notions, they one staircase generates an exceptional thrive on ignorance. Many IMSA students amount of controversy. The base of this come from schools where they have been particular staircase epitomizes exclusivity exposed to very little in regards to other at the Academy. On one side, a group of races and the prospect of approaching I Can’t senior students gathers and pointedly another group of people strange to them prohibits the inclusion of others to their unfortunately induces apprehension. bench. The other side, however, denies People of all of the races that make up the access to nobody who desires a seat. IMSA campus have allowed this inherent Watch BET? Regardless, the crowd that gathers fear of the unknown to drive their actions consists of a group of students with and has hindered the expansion and striking similarities. richness of what the true diverse IMSA By Opeyemi O. Kusoro learning experience could really be. Class of ‘09 How did the name “Black Hole” come to describe the backside of the staircase Sure, people of different backgrounds and leading up to the library? Despite many interest are required to interact in school urban myths that have surfaced to group assignments and projects; however, explain the origin of its name, the label when the hypothetical school bell rings to Many people would agree that a person’s that this area has been given has nothing signify the end of the school day or the choice of clothing is a representation of to do with race. In fact, the name derived end of a class and a break ensues or the their culture, but should character also be from the shadow that casts itself under residential life phase begins, these associated with race? If so, then race must the stairs and causes a lack of lighting, interactions decrease. IMSA possesses not only dictate the way someone acts but hence, “The Black Hole.” student representations from almost also how they live. Early this school year, every continent on Earth “tossed” while lounging in the senior U-bench I The Black Hole is a manifestation of a together in a single school. However, the overheard a couple of sophomores culture. Keep in mind that culture does “salad bowl” that is the Illinois reference the BET awards. What they said not necessarily signify a blatant Mathematics and Science Academy will sounded interesting so I asked, “What celebration or traditional display. It is a not turn into a melting pot if people about BET?” In response, the girl asked, representation of culture because continue to repudiate the fact that they “Wait, who said that? You? Don’t worry anybody has the ability to observe the can learn from cultures other than their about it, you don’t watch BET.” The girl habits, actions, and culture of a the own and some of their rigid that she was speaking with then replied, people that sit there. A large group of misdefinitions regarding other races, “Yeah, he doesn’t know anything about students with the same goals as the rest of particularly those in the minority are BET.” the students attending this school wrong. assemble during break time to complete I initially took nothing from her homework or just to converse. While The divide that exists between cultural statement, I thought “ok?” It wasn’t until walking around school or sitting near the lines must be crossed. Truly, ignorance is (continued on page 5)

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(continued from page 4) of the shows that the station presented. It later on that I realized the implications of was entertainment, and it was often Asians for Obama: A what she said. According to her, because hilarious. From what these girls said I of what little she had seen from me in wonder does the name Black Pre-election Perspective about 3 weeks, this girl concluded that I Entertainment Television imply that am sort of outsider, who is out of touch shows presented can only be viewed by with black culture. According to her, one African Americans? Quite frankly no, so By Abe Lee must wear baggy clothes and speak with it becomes apparent that their aim was Class of ‘09 poor English in order to be considered not highlight that I’m not allowed to black. But when is my race and creed watch BET but that I don’t want any defined by such superficial things. No association with anything that has to do amount of slang can effectively change with being “black.” What an absurd who I am and who my ancestors were, assertion to make based solely on outerly As everyone already knows, the 2008 quite frankly, to think otherwise would be appearance. purely ignorance. presidential election is coming up very soon. Within a couple of weeks, a vast It’s funny how things tend to come full number of people are going to vote for circle. I remember two years ago, either Democrat candidate Barack Obama standing at the front desk the day of or Republican candidate John McCain. I registration, next to me stood the first just turned eighteen during the first week black male I encountered at IMSA, Robert of October which makes me eligible to Washington. There he was tight jeans, vote for the first time in my life. Even to small shirt, yet, the darkest skin. I this day, I am not sure who I’m going to remember standing there thinking, “who vote for. I’m not going to be one of those is this guy?” with a slight air of people who see one political ad and votes indignation. Who would’ve guessed that for said candidate. I’m not going to focus I’d eventually learn to like him? He lived on the criticisms each candidate throws at in my wing sophomore and junior year the other, but rather concentrate on what and for my first two years here, I judged each candidate has to say for himself. him for wearing tight shirts and considered him a sellout. It wasn’t just Thinking about the upcoming election him, it was my own cousin, Dayo, the made me curious about how other Asian king of the too small Express shirt. The quality programming on BET that Americans like myself are going to vote. I’m not allowed to watch. When skimming the internet, I was I guess all in all what strikes me the most Courtesy of www.bet.com amused by a particular article that talked isn’t the necessarily the assumptions that about a short report on the CNN show those two girls made about me, but the I will admit that I’ve never considered Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees. The short fact that I did the same thing two years myself as being “truly black,” in fact; I’d piece titled “Asian Americans to Vote for ago. I now must say that I’m appreciative wholly confess that I try to steer away Hillary Clinton Across the Nation” begins of the fact that those two chose to from black stereotypes as much as I can. with a simple question: who are you associate with people not based on race I’ve never been one to accept ‘thug life” going to vote for? All the responses were or listen to music because it was the or other absurd things that I know are from Asian Americans with heavy “black thing to do” but rather on their commonly associated with “being black”. accents, and they all said the same own personal preferences. I don’t want to I proudly tell people, “No, I’m Nigerian” person: [Hillary] Clinton. The rest of the say that people who don’t act in the whenever they ask questions like, “do report recognized the two major causes as manner associated with their race, you wear a durag?” or “have you ever to why 75% of Asian Americans prefer transcend their race, but rather they are been in a gang?” Clinton to Obama: they were “fearful of a wise enough to realize that birth does not black presidential candidate and/or dictate the way you want to live your life. I don’t watch BET, but only because I fearful of change.” can’t. I came home one weekend and I If I want to watch BET, I will watch BET. guess my parents decided our family There were so many things about the would be better off with dish rather than piece that really disturbed me. First of all, Comcast. That’s not to say that I did not why would CNN only ask Asian enjoy watching the channel, I was once an (continued on page 7) avid fan who greatly enjoyed quite a few

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(continued from page 1) African Americans and Hispanics deters cultures into the learning environment in our society that we take their customs others from wanting to know more about because diversity can lead to new for granted. For example, some people do these cultures. outlooks on other people and a greater not realize that there are many types of understanding of the people students Hispanic music. Each type of music has Generally, African Americans and may encounter throughout their lives. its own rhythm and an inherent dance Hispanics are expected to be loud, Since IMSA has given students the form. African Americans also have music belligerent, lazy, and unintelligent. But at opportunity to meet people who they that is not the normal hip-hop or rap that IMSA, most minorities do not fit these may not have encountered in their you can hear on the radio every day. Soul rigid stereotypes. IMSA’s minority hometown, every student should take music appeals to the heart of its listeners students are very receptive to people of advantage of this privilege. Students focusing on issues of love and other all races and are usually open to should break through the stigmas that emotional topics. Still, the masses are informing other students about African- cause them to restrain from conversing unaware of these exciting art forms. American customs and traditions. with students of different backgrounds. Interaction between a black student and By choosing to attend IMSA, you Why, then, isn’t there a curiosity about white student is normal and accepted the challenge of breaking out of African-American or Hispanic culture? commonplace. An average IMSA student your comfort zone and challenging The belief that African-American and is not afraid to approach a minority stereotypes. Hispanic cultures can be consolidated student when they are alone. Yet, when a into a single preconception, a stereotype, white student sees this same black “Students should break is wholly inaccurate as well as ignorant. student with a group of other black One item that people frequently lose sight people, they become intimidated. Often through the stigmas that of is that African-American culture we assume that people get the mob includes the traditions of Africa, which mentality in a large group and act cause them to restrain are unique. African customs are just as, if differently. Students should not be afraid from conversing with not more, distinctive as any other culture. of the group based on an assumption. The societal perception of Africa is This ignorance causes unwarranted fear students of different clouded by the public service among peers. backgrounds.” announcements and documentaries about the crises that Africa is facing. Many In admission, IMSA seeks to create a In conclusion, people attend SASA events people think that the exotic traditions of diverse environment for its students and because of the curiosity they arouse. The Africa died out long ago but that is their families. IMSA seeks to integrate all general opinion that Asian culture is simply untrue. We fail to notice the more interesting than African-American and Hispanic culture hinders one’s “Why, then, isn’t there a participation in AASA and Alma Latina events. You should not be afraid to talk to curiosity about African- Hispanic kids in a large group because American or Hispanic they do not necessarily fit common stereotypes. If you fail to learn about culture?” African-American or Hispanic culture, you are missing out on an amazing elaborate clothing, complex languages, experience. I challenge you to come to the oral history and complex dancing that next AASA or Alma Latina event and permeate Africa even today. Not only is explore the diversity of another culture. the entire continent of Africa unique, but each country within the continent has its own traditions and rich culture. Africa is full of striking characteristics and deserves recognition. Hispanic culture is also interesting because the widespread geographical origins of the people bring many variations to it. Most people know India Aire shows the world an another very little about the facets of Hispanic example of black culture. and African-American traditions and Courtesy of www.indiaaire.com customs. Yet, the reputation that follows

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(continued from page 5) New York Times, and almost every other when it becomes insulting. When I Americans with heavy accents? Their type of media contain some sort of bias. It answer your question about my hair, inability to speak English well only turns out that 41 percent of Asian don’t follow it up with disgust or an makes the Asian population appear Americans favor Barack Obama, while insult. For instance, one common dumb. Another thing that really bothered only 24 percent support John McCain question people ask is, “How often do me is the idea that Asian Americans are according to the National Asian American you wash your hair?” First, not all afraid of the idea of a black president. Survey. If Asian Americans are really African American girls wash their hair at According to an article entitled “Asian racist like the CNN report says, then the the same time. Some wash their hair Americans Outraged by CNN Election percentage of people voting for John every one to two weeks, but it depends on Report” by Jun Wang, “CNN should be McCain would be far greater than those the person. The response I often get from held responsible for making Asians voting for Barack Obama. So the next this is, “Eew, doesn’t that make your hair appear racist, which is not true.” Quite time you turn on the TV for a report on smell?” When someone takes the time to frankly, I agree. The report makes it seem the presidential election, just remember to like the only reason why Asian keep an open mind and not be fooled answer your question, don’t insult them. Americans voted for Clinton is because with what the media has to say. No, my hair does not smell after a couple they don’t want to see a black president days because it doesn’t get very oily. in office. However, the report failed to Other questions commonly heard are in address that Clinton supported the 80-20 the table below. Initiative, a committee working for equal opportunities for Asian Americans in the My Hair is not a There is one question that no matter how workplace. In fact, Clinton’s endorsement many times people ask it, I’m taken by of the 80-20 Initiative is probably the Petting Zoo surprise. “Can I touch your hair?” My main factor in most of the Asian first reaction to this is always, “Excuse Americans’ decision to vote for her. me?” I am not a mysterious animal in a petting zoo. Why should I let you pet me CNN is a very popular source for news By Chelsea Elder like one? What takes me even more by and current events, but people should be Class of ‘09 surprise is when people have the audacity aware that not everything on CNN is to touch my hair without asking. What completely true. CNN, FOX NEWS, The possesses someone to just touch someone else without asking? Years ago, when Many people who aren’t African someone would ask me, I would let them, American have this strange curiosity but as I’ve gotten older, I realized about Black hair. Now, there is nothing something. I am not a dog. No, you can not touch my hair. wrong with curiosity, but there is a point

Q: Why do you wear a headscarf at night?

A: Black hair, usually, is not as oily as other ethnicities so the scarf keeps the hair’s natural oils in and helps prevent hair from becoming tangled.

Q: If you don’t straighten your hair, will you have an afro?

A: No. Not every African American girl’s hair is really an afro. Most girls’ hair will either be slightly curly or slightly frizzy when it isn’t straight. An afro is an actual hairstyle; it is not the natural state of Black hair.

Q: Why do African American girls wear weave and what is it?

President-elect Barack Obama standing A: First off, African American girls are not the only people who wear weave. with his running mate, Joe Biden, at Weave is the same thing as hair extensions and tracks. Many people from Grant Park other ethnicities wear weave as well. Also, not every African American girl Courtesy of www.wsj.net wears weave. As for what weave is, it varies. Some weave is synthetic and man made while some is human hair that people grow and sell to companies. Weave is NOT animal hair.

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most of the time. They actually have a purpose and a message in the songs they Rap vs. Hip-hop write and perform. But rappers like Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy are too focused By Malik Alim on one aspect of the culture of hip hop Class of ‘10 (drugs, money, women etc.) for their music to be really engaging. I believe artists like Kanye West and Jay-Z have mastered the art of rap because they What is the difference between hip hop incorporate both aspects of hip hop into and rap? The term “rap” was not always their music: the political side and the connected to a form of music. In the 1950s darker, more materialistic side as well. and 60s, it was used as slang for “talk”. Understand that every culture in the Old folks would say to younger kids, “Let history of humanity has had its beautiful me rap to you real quick.” Then they facets and its ugly facets. Hip hop is often would say something that they esteemed Rapper, Kanye West unfairly attacked for the things contained as valuable knowledge or wisdom. That’s Courtesy of www.timeinc.net within it that are not perfect. where “rap music” comes from. Real rap music is intelligent, poetic wisdom REAL rap. That should not be what you So when someone says to you that rap recited over synthesized sounds and think of when someone brings up rap music is violent and disrespectful to beats. So what is hip hop? Hip hop is an music. I’m not saying that the example women, realize that they do not know entire culture of music, dance, clothing, above is a perversion of the hip hop what rap is really about. They only see and attitude. culture as a whole; catchy beats and sex the mainstream artists that do not talk appeal have a place in the culture. I’m about things that really matter, instead of When most people think about rap music, saying that people should understand the less popular mainstream artists that the image that comes to mind is a music that these things are not what rap, or hip espouse knowledge in their verse. This is video with a rapper with way too much hop for that matter, is defined by. why I feel sorry for people who say that jewelry, clothes that don’t fit, and scantily rap is the worst type of music on earth, dressed women dancing in the When people talk about rap music, I because if they really understood it, they background. Sometimes they throw in a think of artists like Common, Mos Def, would never say that. Rap music is a couple of Escalades or old school Chevys and Jay-Z, to mention a few. Their music beautiful form of poetic expression, and with 30 inch rims, too. But that’s not is politically conscious and intelligent that is why I love it.

FROM THE EDITOR

From New Beginnings By Mehmet Badur Editor-in-chief

Sitting in a lab down at U of I, I had a lot of downtime waiting for my experiments (which never seemed to work, but that’s another story). I would spend countless hours on Gchat just trying to pass the time. Luckily, Ope always seemed to be online and we would somehow have drawn-out discussions about race and injustices in the world. I knew that there must be other students that thought the same thing that we believed and that many more would like to know what we thought. There was only one medium I knew of that would allow me to get these viewpoints across, the Minority Report. So one faithful summer day. I decided that I needed to revive the once prominent figure in the IMSA community. I told Ope my idea and he was quite the skeptic. He gave me reason after reason as to why we shouldn’t revive the newspaper. But, despite his hesitations, I knew that Ope was someone that I needed. After many hours of argument,I was finally able to convince Ope why IMSA needed the Minority Report. Still, the combine prowess of Ope and I would not be enough, and I knew I needed another editors. Pedro instantly popped into my mind as the other. He didn’t hesitate. However, reality dawned on us; we need a writing staff. So, in a hectic week, I managed to round up an enthusiastic writing staff and presented Bob Hernandez our proposed revival. From there, it is history.

We now present to you all the Minority Report. Our goal is to give another medium for the IMSA campus that, quite frankly, is rarely heard. I hope that you, the reader, is able to gain some new insight on another culture by reading this paper.

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