Jerk December 2023 by Jerk Magazine

DEC 2023 Vol XXI Issue III Syracuse, New York Your student fee

THE DEC ISSUE

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Eden Stratton EDITOR IN CHIEF

Lang Delapa

Julia Walker

Karla Perez

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

EDITORIAL

DIGITAL

EDITORIAL

DIRECTOR: Emma Novy

FOB EDITOR: Julia Reedy OPINION EDITOR: Emane Haque ASST. OPINION EDITOR: Madeleine Oliveros FEAUTURES EDITOR: Isa Naro ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: Qiong Wu & Joelle de Poto GAWK CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lily Brooks & Lily

Rubenstein

GAWK ASST. CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Ella Collins GAWK FEATURES EDITOR: Lily Rubenstein GAWK STYLING COORDINATOR: Cassia Soodak GAWK ASST. STYLISTS: RenéebKurie, Sophie Sledd,

Camille Pitaniello NOISE EDITOR: Chloe Langerman ASST. NOISE EDITOR: Sophie Davis & Julia Carden

EDITORS: Ella Welsh, Haley Moreland, Sophie Davis, Kylie Adedeji, Yewon Hong DESIGN DIRECTOR: Anika Dua WEB COORDINATOR: Brandon Veale STAFF WRITERS: Josephine Vanry, Catie Scott, Lauren

Eschenbrenner, Waverly Brannigan, Christian Slowinski, Samayee Gupte, Tori Baker, Nickaylia Anderson, Olivia Jackson, Sierra Huff, Gia Rebstock

SOCIAL DIRECTOR : Alexandra Taitano ASSISTANT DIRECTOR : Giana DiTola SOCIAL TEAM : Elizabeth Calvo, Christian Slowinski,

Madison Harp, Maya Espinel, Molly Meisner

CREATIVE DESIGN DIRECTOR : Eva Morris DESIGNERS : Anna Bayly, Megan Radakovich, Nicole

WRITERS

Jackson Barnes, Dehlia Bies, Maddy Brousseau, Nicole Cheah, Fei Chan, Linnea Hopfenbeck, Kiran Hubbard, Sierra Huff, Madalan Jones, Sneh KC, Lily Leggat, Daisy Polowetzky, Delia Rangel, Miguel Rodriguez, Catherine Scott, Brenne Sheehan, Lily Tcath, Lance Watson, Nadia Weller, Jojo Wertheimer, Kandra Zaw, Tara Binte Sharil FRESHMAN INTERNS

Tara Binte Sharil & Linnea Hopfenbeck

Cheah, Bella Lucina

ILLUSTRATORS: Anna Chang, Caitlin Golden, Abigail

Shim, Mara DuBay, Nicole Cheah, Ande Wittenmeier, Adam D-j, Megan Ebken, Freddy Toglia PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTORS: Maya Lockwood, Abby

Johnson

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Callan Nagel-Dubin, L.J Guerra,

Isabel Lamporte, Mahika Mor, Ellie Sternschein, Ashlyn Garcia, Kailyn Peng, Diana Valdivia, Eli Green

Harriet Brown ADVISOR Through its content, Jerk is dedicated to enhancing insight through communication by providing an informal platform for the freedom of expression. The writing contained within this publication expresses the opinions of the individual writers. The opinions expressed herein are not those of Syracuse University, the Office of Student Activities, the Student Association, or the student body. Additionally, the ideas presented in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Jerk Editorial Board. Furthermore, Jerk will not be held responsible for the individual opinions expressed within. Submissions, suggestions, and opinions are welcomed and may be printed without contacting the writer. Jerk reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions at the discretion of its editors. Jerk Magazine is published monthly during the Syracuse University academic year. All contents of the publication are copyright 2021 by their respective creators. No content may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the Jerk Editorial Board.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR If I’m being honest, writing these is hard.

have been underreported in the modern media landscape. On page 27, we tackle why so many conflicts often go

I don’t like writing about myself. I haven’t done it a lot, aside from a few personal essays, and each time I try,

unnoticed in the United States, and on page 31 we look at the effects and downsides of social media activism.

I burn through at least six different drafts before I write

On the other hand, we give credence to the unsung

something decent. For this issue, however, it would be

friendships of women, who redefine what it means to

inappropriate to talk about myself.

have a soulmate on page 61, and advocate for land back movements on page 17.

I’d like to tell the story of Halima Idris Salim.

I won’t sit here and say that I have all the answers. But the first step in making this little rock better is to be

Salim was a well-respected journalist in Sudan. She

disconnected from the things that distract us. We owe it to

had bright eyes, and a soft smile. In 2022 she joined a

our global brothers and sisters to stand in solidarity with

local outlet, Sudan Bukra, and began covering the war in

them, regardless of the miles that separate us. We owe it

Sudan that broke out in April of 2023. Despite her smile,

to people like Salim, who didn’t shy away from informing

Salim wasn’t soft when it came to her reporting. She was

the people around her.

objective, and made it clear to her viewers the human cost of war.

Jerks, there’s a lot of bad in the world—that much is clear. But that doesn’t mean we let it stay that way. For

When the war escalated, Salim left the safety of the

every bit of bad, there’s the opportunity for change, and

capitol to travel to the fringes of the conflict, despite the

perhaps equally important, understanding of the world we

clear danger that awaited her.

call home.

She was unflinching and brave.

With love and Jerk always,

During her coverage in Sudan, Salim was hit and killed by a military vehicle. Despite global outcry, her death has gone uninvestigated, and the American public does not know her name, or the good she did for the citizens of Sudan. For too long, international wars and tragedies simply vanish from public consciousness when they hit our shores. We fail to acknowledge our own complicity in the fact that we don’t dare look across the ocean and try to see what’s happening in our world. As long as we are happy and comfortable in our TikTok feeds, what’s the point in caring? Today, the time is now more than ever.

Eden Stratton

Editor In Chief (they/them) In this issue, we here at Jerk want to highlight stories that

JERK THIS FRONT OF BOOK

7 Jerk on the Internet But wait, there’s more...

9 Hit/Bitch

Karla Perez

10 December Horoscopes

BITCH OPINION

15 Include Palestine in your feminism Emane Haque

17 This Land is (Not) Your Land Sierra Huff

Megan Carr

11 I LITERALLY DON'T GIVE A F*** Dehila Bies

13 Awkward Fish

Miguel Rodriguez

14 21 +/- Christmas Tree Shot Julia Reedy

19 Now Hiring: Generating the AI Workforce Madeleine Oliveros

21 Celebrity Cosplayers Maddy Brousseau

SMUT

FEATURES 23 Israel-Hamas Conflict’s Reverberations on our Campus Lily Leggat

27 The War on Artsakh Brenne Sheehan

31 To Post or Not to Post Kandra Zaw

35 The Tragedy of Galatea Joelle de Poto

39 Queer Culture in ‘Cuse Lance Watson

40 SAE: Treasures Within a Treasure Emane Haque

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GAWK FASHION

41 Streetstyle at Mudpit Isabel Lamporte and Lily Rubenstein

49 Free the Nipple Julia Reedy

51 Teddy Girl

Cassia Soodak and Lily Brooks

52 Creative Winter Layers Megan Carr

NOISE

ARTS

53 Shades of Syracuse Madalan Jones

57 Friendship Doesn’t Have to Age with You Fei Chan

59 Passing the Bechdel Test Daisy Polowetzky

61 What About Your Friends? Sophie Davis

63 Soundtrack for the Girls Linnea Hopfenbeck

65 Bella Fiske

Sophie Davis

66 Percy Jackson's in College now? Kiran Hubbard

Listen to Jerk’s weekly podcast, Hit and Bitch — where Zoë, Emma, and Kenny discuss the things you hate to love and love to hate — on Spotify today!

Jerk Magazine is exploring new ways to compliment our print mag. Find additional content on social media and our website jerkmagazine.net.

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Bringing you the latest and the littest @jerkmagazine

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JERK ON THE INTERNET

HIT

What we love THE CROWN FINAL SEASON NOVEMBER 16 AND DECEMBER 14 Alright, listen. Here at Jerk, we do not condone the royal family’s kink for attention (I see you, Harry). BUT, if there is someone in that family we support, it is none other than the biker-short-icon herself, Princess Di. This final season will do her story justice while reminding us (once again) of what a toxic, useless vacuum the royal family truly is—and that’s something we can stand behind.

KALI UCHIS ORQUÍDEAS ALBUM JANUARY 9 This one is for our bilingual girlies; get ready for yet another Spanglish masterpiece. Kali is back, and this time, she’s bringing Peso Pluma and Karol G into her mystical, velvety, multilingual world. After hits like Telepatía and Moonlight, here at Jerk, we’re counting the noches and días until this release—and we hope you are, too.

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS TV SERIES DECEMBER 20 As much as we love our internet boyfriend Logan Lerman, there’s nothing better than a book-to-screen adaptation that is actually accurate. In this series, kids will actually be playing kids, unlike the 2010 film, featuring the gorgeously surreal Alexandra Daddario, who was 24 at the time of filming—12 years older than her character in the book. Plus, the author of the book series was directly involved in creating this show—snaps for reclaiming intellectual property, king.

MEAN GIRLS MUSICAL MOVIE ADAPTATION JANUARY 12 Regina George reincarnated, but this time, she sings. If anyone gets to take on Rachel McAdams’ iconic role, it has to be Reneé Rapp. What do you get when you mix blonde, RBF, and a Broadway singing voice? That’s right, your worst high school nightmare. The Broadway musical already proved that any iconic 2000s movie could—and should—be turned into a musical nobody asked for, but we’re thrilled it happened anyway...

Words by Name Words by Karla Perez

WONKA WITH TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET DECEMBER 15 Just when we thought we were over the childhood trauma from the 2005 Johnny Depp phenomenon, Willy Wonka is back to haunt the best of us. Only this time, Timothée Cheekbones will take on the role of chocolate-maker and Oompa Loompa taker—like, does he even pay them?—in a prequel nobody asked for. BTW, for those deathly afraid of Oompa Loompas, we see you, we feel you.

ANYONE BUT YOU MOVIE DECEMBER 22 Whoever did the PR for this movie was seriously working overtime to make these two happen because this movie looks mediocre at best. Not that we condone cheating or anything, but the drama preceding the trailer might be the only climax we get out of this one (*sigh). Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell had more chemistry playing PR puppets than their actual roles; plus, it doesn’t help that they kinda look like they could be cousins.

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM DECEMBER 22 Jerk is sad to announce we are officially in the age of sequels nobody asked for. Some good, some bad, some just meh—which is exactly how we feel about this movie. Was the first Aquaman even good? We can’t recall. What we do know, though, is that there was drama surrounding this movie, and not the good kind. Why does everything always go back to Elon Musk? We’re not sure, but Amber Heard has some (more) explaining to do.

FINALS ENDING A WEEK LATER DECEMBER 19 SU is like that toxic situationship that gives you attention only to take it away. They thought they had us on our knees when they gave us a Fall Break. But just when we started to believe they finally cared about us, December 19 bitch-slapped us back into reality. You read that right. This semester, December 19 will be the last day of finals, and for those unlucky enough to have a test that day, it’s Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).

What we hate

BITCH

DEC HOROSCOPES

GEMINI

Being first is no challenge to you, Aries, and your bold nature will take you far this month — just be careful not to dive headfirst into every opportunity that comes your way. Channel that aggressive, ambitious energy into exploring new horizons. Trust your instincts and embrace your independence.

This month will be very transformative for you, Taurus. You might find it hard to break your natural habits and live in the moment, but not to fear— your persistence will pay off. Rely on yourself this month, and use this change of pace as your gift to yourself for the holidays. Because after this semester, you certainly deserve it.

Your insatiable curiosity is a driving force this month. You can use this to look into yourself this month. It’s time to have those hard conversations you’ve been avoiding and be open to new possibilities. Your strong intellect may split hairs with your reasoning, but stay optimistic – I know you’re good at that. Your effort will reward you.

Apr. 20 - May 20

May 20 - Jun. 20

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Jun. 21 - Jul. 22

Jul. 23 - Aug. 22

Aug. 23 - Sep. 22

Let your intuition be your guide this month, but you have to put in the work to get what you truly want. You’ve always been one to protect your emotions, but it may be time for some reassessment. Your instincts are powerful, and acting on them could change your life. Carpe diem, Cancer!

You’ve always been a confident, expressive, and vivacious spirit. You’re constantly in the spotlight– even if it's selfinflicted. But how well do you know yourself? Use this extra time on your hands to focus on yourself— it should be a habit by now.

Sticking to a system is obviously your thing, Virgo. Stick to your logic and perfectionist ideals, but don’t be afraid to be thrown off your normal path of life. Try to step outside your comfort zone because you will see things more clearly this month. Send that risky text. Put yourself first. Embrace spontaneity.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Sep. 23 - Oct. 22

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

While you’re getting ready for the You might be feeling a holiday season, Scorpio, don’t bit of imbalance, Libra — but don’t underestimate the power of your worry, it’s only temporary. Your harmonious nature will return, but you passion in other pursuits. Use this time to allow yourself to be guided must be receptive. Take this break to return to what you love: journal, paint, into something new. Don’t be afraid dress up for yourself! Most importantly, to be challenged, whether it’s the awkward New Year's Eve texts from keep those you love close and let your ex or a new career opportunity. go of those who don’t reciprocate.

It’s your season, Sag! Be aware of the full moon on December 27th, as your constant quest for knowledge may cause you to act out. I know you tend to look on the bright side, but take this time to reflect, and ring in the new year by letting go of the things—or people—that aren’t serving you.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Dec. 21 - Jan. 20

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Feb. 19 - Mar. 20

The season’s change has been tough on everyone, especially you, Capricorn. Focus on your dedication and patience this month. Use this break to pause, refresh, and set long-term goals for yourself. Your ambitious nature will let you accomplish them, so don’t lose hope!

Your dedication to other people may be overwhelming during the holiday season, but while you’re getting caught up in gift-giving and awkward family encounters, remember your boundaries. In the midst of trying to make everyone happy, don’t forget about yourself.

Your sensitive, empathic nature will allow you to be emotional this month and in tune with your feelings. However, don’t let this blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy; understand your dreams and how to truly achieve them. Put in the work with yourself— rest and relaxation are key.

Words by Megan Carr | Art By Anna Chang

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TAURUS

Mar. 21 - Apr. 19

JERK THIS

ARIES

SEX:

I LITERALLY DON'T GIVE A F*** Destigmatising asexuality. Words by Dehlia Bies Art by Abigail Shim

As human beings, we all have needs—but what that entails looks different for everybody (or every body). What gets one person off might not rev someone else’s engines, and sometimes it’s romantic connection that puts that pep in your step. The asexual community on campus has been heavily underrepresented and in the face of college hookup culture, many of their voices remain unheard. The modern dating scene is hard

on anyone looking for anything other than a one night stand or a situationship, but there’s even less room for those who don’t want to have sex at all (or some variation of that sentiment). During the dinner table conversations we have about sexual orientation, the sexualities that usually get brought up (heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, pansexual, etc.) are all centered around sexual

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attraction. Some may even choose to have sexual relationships. One of the most common misconceptions about asexual people is that they aren’t interested in sex at all, completely ignoring the fact that sexuality is a spectrum, even within the asexual community. Moreover, folks often conflate sexual orientation with romantic orientation, taking the misconstrued stance that asexual folks aren’t interested in developing deep, romantic connections. Because there’s such a big emphasis on sex in college, it can be alienating to many aces who feel uncomfortable participating in such acts, and some people even feel pressured or guilted by partners for not wanting to have sex. Not only is it coercive behavior, but it stigmatizes asexuality to the point where aces question their self-worth. Listen, if you want to give a fuck, give a fuck. Being the sex-postive zine that we are, we’re not here to tell you what to do. But some of us don’t, and there’s no shame in being fuckless, in whatever capacity feels right to you.

JERK THIS

attraction, and it’s not very commonplace to hear people talk about asexuality. One of the biggest reasons asexual people (or “aces,” as they’re referred to by The Trevor Project), have such a difficult time navigating the dating scene is because a lot of people don’t understand what “asexuality” really is—so we’re here to set the record straight. Google likes to say that asexuality is “the quality or characteristic of experiencing no sexual feelings or desires,” but in truth, it can’t be delineated so simply. Asexuality is an umbrella term that exists on a spectrum. Aces have different levels of how they feel about sex, usually defined via three different categories. For example, “sex-negative” aces either don’t like sex or find it very unpleasant, while “sex-neutral” aces are very neutral towards sex; they don’t have any feelings towards sex and may not think about it either way. Meanwhile, “sex-positive” aces have, well, positive feelings towards sex, even if they don’t feel a n y sexual

FRAMED:

AWKWARD FISH Channelling passion. Words by Miguel Rodriguez Photos by Ashlyn Garcia and Kailyn Peng Holly Anderson, born and raised in the small town of Concord, Massachusetts, used to take apart toasters as a child and put them back together to see how they work. “I used to be really anti-social as a kid, so instead of hanging out with people, I would make art,” Holly said. By the time she was 14, Holly began making her own clothes — she credits this as her early foray into the fashion design world. “My parents never bought me clothes when I was a kid, so I had to source them myself. I taught myself everything. It's just trial and error.” Today, Holly independently designs and operates an art brand called Awkward Fish. Now a second-year Studio Arts major at Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Holly was a freshman when she started selling clothes under the brand name Awkward Fish. The inspiration for the brand name came from her disdain for companies that sell prestige and her desire to achieve the opposite: “I want my stuff to be accessible to everybody.” Awkward Fish’s products consist of handmade clothing, such as screen-printed shirts and custom-made sweater vests. The brand also serves as a platform to display some of the other art pieces she makes. Harking back to her tinkering days, Holly likes to create a wide array of unique works, ranging from wooden oil-painted neon signs to mini-sculptures made from thrifted TV units.

Almost all of Holly’s pieces are made from recycled and second-hand materials. “I try to shy away from needless consumption. I’m really against overconsumption,” Holly said. “I want to make clothing that's really well-made and really cool so that people want to keep it for a long time.” Holly’s mom, a schoolteacher in Concord Massachusetts, does a good job of describing her daughter’s character: “She keeps pushing the envelope, she's always looking for new ways to look at things. She's a problem solver that has such an artistic way of looking at things." Holly’s love for art extends beyond the work she does for Awkward Fish. Her apartment is full of unique works that replace otherwise empty spaces with art. When you walk in, expect to be greeted by a light-up, wooden oil painting of a space-age woman zapping a bunny with a cosmo-zapper — which can be seen as a reflection of Holly’s approach to living. “I just want life to feel interesting,” Holly said. “I want art to be everywhere, and I think that's what I'm trying to convey through my brand.” Awkward Fish’s goods can be found and purchased on a website (also made by Holly) at www.Awkwardfish.com. All visitors will be met with a hand-drawn animation of a cowboy doing cowboy things.

A shot that will definitely have you rockin’ around the Christmas Tree. Words by Julia Reedy Photo by Eli Green Drink and be merry, Jerks! We present to you the Christmas Tree Shot — an aesthetically pleasing and equally delicious layered mix inspired by everyone’s favorite season, designed to turn even the most curmudgeonly of scrooges into the lives of every party.

• • •

(CAUTION: Too many of these may or may not guarantee you a spot on the naughty list).

PROCEDURE

INGREDIENTS

1. 2. 3.

½ oz grenadine ½ oz green creme de menthe liqueur ½ oz peppermint schnapps

Begin by filling your shot glass with grenadine, until it’s one-third of the way full. Follow with the same amount of creme de menthe (1/3). Top off your shot with some peppermint schnapps as a floater (1/3), et voila — you’ve successfully made your Christmas Tree Shot!

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CHRISTMAS TREE SHOT

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21 +/-

INCLUDE PALESTINE IN YOUR FEMINISM Syracuse's WGS Department struggles with solidarity. Words by Emane Haque Art by Lang Delapa With the ongoing loss of life in Gaza, many have denounced Israel’s merciless slaying of the Palestinian people, homes, and land.

transnational theory. Intersectional theory examines “where power comes and collides, where it interlocks and intersects”

In October, SU's Women and Gender Studies

as coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw. Explained in

(WGS) department released a statement in solidarity

“Women Worldwide,” transnational feminism “is both

with Palestine, attributing the position to “their

a liberatory formation and a practice that continuously

long-standing feminist commitments to anti-racist

resists forces of colonialism, racism, and imperialism

education, emancipatory politics, and de-colonial

rather than being complicit with these historic forms

praxis.” But prior to clarifying the basis of their stance,

of oppression,” which goes beyond exclusionary

the department wrote they “mourn the lives claimed

mainstream feminism. Thus, the WGS department

by violence in Palestine and Israel” in the opening

uses these frameworks to holistically approach all their

sentence.

teachings, including those on Israel-Palestine.

Not just Palestinian. Not just Israeli. Not one over the other.

Knowing this, it is disappointing the petition was created by a WGS major. The SU senior behind the

Despite the WGS department addressing Israeli

petition claims the WGS statement shows an “alarming

deaths and affirming they “oppose antisemitism

level of antisemitism, inciting hate rather than

unequivocally,” backlash swiftly emerged. On October

promoting understanding,” yet fails to describe any

25, a Change.org petition titled “Demand the removal

antisemitic language, references or actions. Moreover,

of Professor Himika Bhattacharya for inciting Jew

there is no description of alleged antisemitic behavior

hatred” began to circulate, calling for Bhattacharya,

that can be ascribed to Bhattacharya either; only that

who also serves as the WGS chair, to be fired as a result

that statement was sent out under her leadership. The

of the department's collective support for Palestine.

petition merely attaches the solidarity statement as

As with either pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli speech, pushback is to be expected. However, the

implied evidence of hate. Ignoring the fact that WGS is “grieving the loss of

petition’s demands go beyond free speech—which

all civilian life” while

campuses must protect—into a targeted campaign with

reaffirming their

McCarthyist echoes and false cries of antisemitism. Equally concerning, the petition is an insult to scholarly feminist work and intersectional,

16 16 deplorable reasons for their support, such as that

they did not “condemn the heinous acts committed

“Western countries are surrounded by Islamist terror...

against Jewish people by Hamas.” To clarify, the

if we allow this, if we even think it's good or justified,

WGS statement makes no explicit mention of Hamas.

then we can soon crush our Western way of life”, a racist

However, if condemnation is desired, the petitioner

Islamophobic comment. Other signers directly attack

should advocate for a single standard to be applied

Bhattacharya, such as one which calls to expel her

contextually and chronologically, within the 75 years

from the country and misgenders her; the commentator

between Israel and Palestine. The petition does no such

ordered to “deport Professor Himika Bhattacharya on

thing. It hypocritically expects condemnation on one

a raft with a bottle of water and two saltines. We do

side yet makes no admittance of Israel’s crimes, from

not need him [her] in our America.” While the creator

either the past or the present.

may not hold the views of fellow signers, they are

Condemnation asked in bad faith detracts from discussing Palestinian suffering. When engaging with

culpable for creating a petition that encourages false and bigoted sentiment.

Zionists in conversations over Israel-Palestine, the

Other signers, while not so blatantly ignorant, can

dialogue is forcibly circled back to some variation of

be classified as “progressive except for Palestine”

an ahistorical and apathetic attitude that dehumanizes

(PEP), which writer Ruqaiyah Zarook describes as

Palestinians; the petition behaves similarly. Zionists

“figures on the left of American politics who seemingly

who ask “do you condemn Hamas?” only want one

support racial justice and economic justice and are left-

answer alone. The answer being “yes, I condemn

leaning on issues of immigration, LGBTQIA rights, and

Hamas” and nothing more. They do not even allow

women’s rights,” such as a WGS major might. But the

“yes, I condemn Hamas, but xyz” to discuss the reasons

same person becomes “struck with some debilitating

behind Palestine’s refusal of Israel’s brutal occupation.

stupefaction when asked to extend their politics to the

The restrictions are never-ending: one isn’t allowed

question of Palestine” as it requires interrogating their

to say genocide, martyrs, or Free Palestine. Zionists

beliefs beyond what is comfortable. Instead, PEPs are

don’t want to know Gaza smells of death, that bodies

willing to forgo the values they once co-opted; when

poke out under rubble, that mass graves are filling to

they are no longer a convenient way to give themselves

the brim. That bombs singe off faces and decapitate

a pat on the back. As a WGS academic, the petitioner

heads, that white phosphorus burns bodies down to the

will be critiqued on their work as standard practice.

bone, that survivors write their names on their arms to

Parroting Western feminism, which disregards the

be identified in case they die next. Asking for an end to

plight of those in the Global South, would certainly be

the violence on behalf of the oppressed, the smallest of

considered unacceptable.

pleas from Palestinians, is intolerable. All that Zionists ask is “do you condemn Hamas?”

To feign blindness towards Israel’s statehood ignores the reality of the Zionist colonial project.

As civil as the petition tries to appear, it masks an

To restrict professors’ critiques on colonialism and

insidious violence. Attempting to silence one of the

apartheid to exclude Israel, as the petition demands,

few SU institutional spaces acknowledging Palestine

imprints a myopic view on Syracuse students and

is a gross misuse of the tools of protest. It’s fair to

weakens our ability to recognize injustice. The WGS

believe the petition would also attack other feminist

statement defects from SU’s silence to say “to you,

thought leaders if they were our professors. If Angela

our students, we pledge to continue to teach what is

Davis were at SU, the petition would certainly demand

unteachable elsewhere.”

her removal for saying “the important issues in the

The compassion that the WGS solidarity statement

Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination

extends towards Palestinians has brought on hateful

are minimized and rendered invisible by those who try

anger—an ugliness that needs immediate dismantling.

to equate Palestinian resistance to Israeli apartheid

When you stand against those who oppose injustice,

with terrorism” as quoted in “Freedom is a Constant

especially one as grave as genocide, the elasticity of

Struggle.” The WGS statement rejects “using the

your compassion shrinks in ways it can never return to.

killings of civilians in Israel as a justification for the

All that remains is hoarded up for yourself and those

collective punishment, massacre, and annihilation of

exactly like you. It’s dangerous, and right now it is killing

people in Gaza'' which mirror Davis’ perspective.

the Palestinian people.

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Further, countless signers of the petition cite

students, the petition vilifies the department because

BITCH BITCH

“commitment to Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, Jewish”

THIS LAND IS (NOT) YOUR LAND A conversation about land acknowledgments. Words by Sierra Huff Art by Freddy Toglia “We acknowledge with respect the Onondaga Nation, Firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee, the Indigenous People on whose ancestral lands Syracuse University now stands.” A short statement recognizing that our college life is only possible because a couple hundred years ago white guys sucked even worse than they do now. If you had a professor that cared to look it up, this sentence might be followed up by a couple fun facts about the University or the Onondaga Nation that they can't wait to share with you. But if not then it’s five seconds taken out of your day that you probably won't remember by the end of syllabus week. Sometime in the late 1700s New York State “purchased” (we use the term generously) the land that would become Syracuse University from the individual members of the Onondaga Nation who had no authority in the sale. This exchange of land also ignored the Trade Intercourse Act of 1790, which forbade land entities that weren't the federal government from taking Indigenous lands. The State would later sell the land they acquired to various buyers eventually landing in the hands of one George F. Comstock, who would sell the land to Syracuse University. None of these sales or trades of land were ever approved by either the Federal Government or the Onondaga Nation. Syracuse University Students have always been at the heart of the University’s relationship with the Onondaga. Way back in the 70s when we still cheered for a mascot named “Big Chief Bill Orange,” Indigenous Students protested the offensive caricature and helped to arrange a meeting between the Onondaga Nation and Lambda Chi Alpha, the fraternity that housed the mascot. After sitting down with the council, the

fraternity returned to SU to join the fight to have our mascot changed that would eventually lead us to that loveable ball of orange fur we call Otto. Thus ending the first real interaction between the university and the Onondaga. Fast forward fifty odd years and we now attend a University that is far more direct and thoughtful about their interactions with the communities on whose land we learn. I sat down to talk to our Ombud, Neal Powless, a member of the Onondaga Nation Eel Clan to learn more about the school’s relationship with the Onondaga. Mr. Powless is no stranger to conversations about what it means for a space to acknowledge their occupation of Indigenous lands; he has worked as a consultant advising on how to navigate this topic. While many look at the idea of land acknowledgements as preformative, Powless prefers to look at them as informative. Land acknowledgements at the very least get people talking, they get people thinking, a solid start if ever there was one. But the only way to really measure the success of these statements is to look beyond them, to ask “What are you doing in your space to educate those about all the terms used in the land acknowledgment?” in Powless’s words. This naturally begs the question: what is SU actually doing to back up their land acknowledgement? After Jerk asked that question, we were amazed at all the initiatives Mr. Powless was able to list off. One is The Haudenosaunee Promise, a scholarship that covers undergraduate tuition for a student belonging to the Haudenosaunee nations. Giving consideration for the historic brotherhood between the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora creates space for indigenous students with the opening of 113 Euclid Ave, a place that recognizes

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the sovereignty of tribal nations. Syracuse also offers a Minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies and is working towards establishing a major, while the library is in the process of creating a podcast that allows for Native people to share their stories and experiences authentically. SU is the only campus in America to have a position for a Honwadiyenawa’sek, or One Who Helps Them, an indigenous healer, with whom students can make an appointment with at the Barnes Center. However there is always more to be done, engaging meaningfully with the history of this land is a collaborative process– it requires effort from everyone who occupies it. While the most recent freshmen are becoming a part of that through a new addition to their seminar class on the Haudenosaunee, Powless noted that there aren't similar requirements for most Syracuse staff, an oversight that led us to talk with a professor that many students have said had one of the most thoughtful acknowledgements and inclusion of the Onondaga nation in his class outside of the Indigenous Studies department. Before Joseph Wilson started his first year teaching at SU, he made a point to research the land that he would be occupying. His time at the University of Washington instilled in him a respect for “place-based” learning in regards to indigenous communities that emphasized the importance of

land and place. Despite no one from the university addressing it with him, he understood that “being anti-colonial is a collective effort” and wanted to be intentional in his contribution. For him this meant making sure his first day land acknowledgement was more than just a one off. Not only did he seek out readings written by members of the Haudenosaunee nations to assign, but he made sure that students had enough background information to properly understand the primary texts. A short acknowledgement does not equate to a small commitment. The process of establishing and maintaining a relationship between Syracuse University and the Onondaga Nation is a never ending one. There is always more to be done. There will probably never come a day when it's perfect, but the only way to properly acknowledge the Onodogana nation is to be in constant collaboration to find new ways to create space for, educate about, and honor them on our campus.

NOW OPINION HIRING: FEATURE 3 GENERATING THE AI WORKFORCE Dek

Words by Russell Tom Sun Art by Ben Herbert

Unpacking the realities of human labor in artificial intelligence. Words by Madeleine Oliveros Art by Adam DJ

Humans are interested in shiny new things. Whether it’s the latest iPhone or video game console, people are always quick to immerse themselves in the “new” and “exciting.” Flashy technology or the latest chat bot may seem exciting at first, but the implications in the rapid development of these new forms of media come at a human cost. Generative AI is one of the popular groundbreaking systems that people are running to explore. It is an artificial intelligence system which uses data from all over the internet to generate a multitude of responses. It can create a poem, explain a vocab term, or even write your paper you forgot was due tonight! AI also has a variety of uses, such as medical and healthcare technologies, self-driving cars and

facial recognition softwares. With AI already so “cool” and advanced, how is it that it keeps improving? With pieces of information being swept up from all over the internet, how does AI seem so effortless? The ever expanding knowledge of AI doesn’t just happen on its own. As it turns out, the AI product that people know and love consists of the work of “ghost workers” in other countries, according to journalist and contributing writer for The Atlantic, Karen Hao, who recently spoke at SU. The realm of AI technology is not detached from the looming presence of colonialism. According to Hao, companies employ workers, largely in the Global South, to assist in the development and cleaning of these technologies without earning livable wages. Hao visited the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications back in September to speak about her research and reporting on AI colonialism. During that time, she discussed some of her work featured in an MIT Technology Review series titled AI Colonialism, as well as an article in The Wall Street Journal. Hao and Andrea Paola Hernández, a freelance journalist, told the story of a Venezuelan woman, Oskarina Fuentes Anaya, who signed up to work for an “AI data-labeling platform” to earn extra money during college. However, the necessity of income became dire as Venezuela subsequently fell into an economic crisis, according to Hao and Hernández. Tech and data companies took advantage of struggling countries by targeting people who were desperate to earn money. According to Hao and

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profits, which sometimes leads to tricky practices. In Karen Hao and Deepa Seetharaman’s article for The Wall Street Journal, Cleaning Up ChatGPT Takes Heavy Toll on Human Workers, they shared the story of a man in Kenya named Alex Kairu who worked to clean up language contained in platforms such as the widely known ChatGPT. Kairu’s job required him to look through explicit text dialogues involving instances of suicide while another man, Mophat Okinyi, examined graphic dialogues of sexual assault. Both men were subjected to immense psychological distress in order to make chatbots suitable for users. But ignorance is bliss, right? No. Ignorance is ignorance. One misconception of these systems is that AI is developed and edited by well-paid tech geeks in Silicon Valley. SU junior Riley Pratt said she thought no differently up until she attended Hao’s presentation at SU. Pratt said that the conversation served as an “eye opener” for her and that she now associates the product with the way it is made. “I can't bring myself to even engage with AI tools because every time I do or every time the option avails itself, I think about the labor that went into making it and I'm just disgusted,” she said. Pratt said she was initially intrigued when generative AI began to gain popularity. She said that it is a “powerful tool” that could be used in broader ways, such as in medical technologies. However, many companies tend to circle back to what the masses consider to be “new” and “exciting.” “But that's not the priority of the people on top. Their priority is making money off the backs of people who aren't being treated fairly, and it's really sad to see because it could be such a great thing,” she said. “It could be something awesome and so much is holding it back because people are greedy and stupid.”

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Hernández, Fuentes had to jump at opportunities to complete data-labeling tasks that were essentially worth next to nothing. The tasks aimed to improve the functions of varying types of AI systems, but at the cost of the economically disadvantaged. Lee McKnight, an associate professor in the SU School of Information Studies, recognized that it is difficult and expensive to create good software, but said that it is certainly a possibility. “The big tech companies have sort of got this best of all possible worlds where they can push out flawed software; it's difficult to make great software, but it's not impossible,” McKnight said. “This means there are things you have to do and yeah, it's more costly.” With a constant need for new employees and resources as a company expands, it is understandable that costs will also increase. But unfortunately, if the expenses go into improving user and employee experiences, profits are no longer up to par. “What's been happening inside the big tech companies? They've been firing their own researchers that were concerned with AI and ethics,” McKnight said. McKnight’s claim was referenced in an article from The Washington Post titled As AI booms, tech firms are laying off their ethicists, which stated that since March of 2023, companies such as Twitch, Microsoft and X, formerly known as Twitter, have laid off members of their ethics teams. Much of the reasoning falls back on revenue and business goals of the companies that prioritize popularity, according to McKnight. “So they're consciously closing their eyes and looking the other way in this race to sort of dominate future markets and take revenue,” McKnight explained. Companies are continuously trying to make

OBITCHUARY:

CELEBRITY COSPLAYERS Trisha Paytas was the tip of the iceburg. Words by Maddy Brousseau Art by Ande Wittenmeier When taking a sweet treat trip to Walmart, you probably wouldn’t expect to find Charli D’Amelio donning the classic blue work verst and scanning people’s items at the register with a camera crew swarming around her. No, D’Amelio didn't lose all her fortune and begin working a mimium wage job. She was marketing her sister Dixie’s new popcorn brand, Be Happy. I guess they thought the content of two notably rich celebrities working at a company that doesn’t give their workers benefits would be a viral hit! Charli D’Amelio is a talented dancer, TikTok star, brand ambassador, but she is not a part of the working class. Not surprisingly, but disappointingly, other celebrities are participating in the same gag the D’Amelio sisters are now getting ridiculed for. From Kendall Jenner bartending in college bars to promote 818, her tequila brand, to Ed Sheeran working at Weiner’s Circle to promote his world tour, celebs can’t stop cosplaying the class sects they are financially worlds away from. The core of Jenner, Sheeran and D’Amelio’s advertisements bank on making a joke. It’s comedic and shocking to see multi-millionaire, nepo-baby, Kendall Jenner serving you, a measly college student, a drink. If you were to suggest any working-class American on their 40th work hour of the week if their means to a living could be easily replicated by out-of touch celebs, they’d be right to spit in your face. Photos circulating of celebrities smiling while working in customer service should be classified as capitalist propaganda, because I have never frowned more than when I was working with abrasive customers five days a week. Additionally, Walmart and McDonald’s are two biggest companies that don’t pay their workers enough for benefits and proper healthcare. They have the highest rate of employees on food stamps. I don’t even think Charli D’Amelio knows what food stamps are. Now what’s the difference between their advertisements and Ben Affleck working a shift at Dunkin’ Donuts for their Super Bowl Ad? Kendall, Ed, Charli, and Dixie are promoting themselves.

All the money made during the shift they work at is indirectly profiting them. Ben Affleck might have made money from the advertisement, but he’s promoting Dunkin’, not his own coffee brand. So inevitably, while making fun of the low-income class, they’re just adding to their millions by mak ing fun of the working class and frankly, it’s disgusting and also just a terrible marketing plan. Both celebrities and their teams have displayed award- winning levels of out of touchness. We at Jerk have a word of advice for them: maybe instead of making shitty content that makes fun of hard-working employees, all these rich people can band together and put their excess money into a fund to raise the national minimum wage to make it livable for everyone.

In Smut, we deep-dive into aspects of on and off-campus life that affect you (yes, YOU!).

23 ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT’S REVERBERATIONS ON OUR CAMPUS Young people are redefining coming out by exploring their identities online.

THE WAR ON ARTSAKH How biases in media shape our perspective

TO POST OR NOT TO POST

Exploring the impact, challenges, and evolution of Social Media Activism.

35 THE TRAGEDY OF GALATEA

Because women – and statues of them – deserve genuine consideration.

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FEATURES

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ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT’S REVERBERATIONS ON OUR CAMPUS SU students cultivate dialouge and solidarity concerning the Isreal-Hamas War. Words by Lily Leggat Art by Nicole Cheah

In response to the war between Israel and Hamas, Syracuse students emphasize the importance of empathy and engagement with those who hold different beliefs, contrasting the response from SU’s administration. On October 7, 2023, a deadly militant attack was committed by Hamas against Israel. The Associated Press (AP) reports that 1,200 Israelis were killed, most of them in the initial October 7 attack and approximately 240 individuals, including women and children, were taken as hostages. From Israel's retaliation, at least 25,000 Palestinians have been killed as of January 23, including civilian and militant deaths according to the Health Ministry of Gaza. Thousands are reported missing. AP also reported that more than 85% of the 2.3 million living in Gaza have been displaced; a quarter of Palestinians in Gaza are facing starvation. Human Rights Watch found life for civilians in Gaza is constantly under threat not only due to violence, but because of sanctions imposed by Israel severely limiting food, water, and healthcare supplies. Across the United States, hatred toward demographics associated with Israel and Palestine has been on the rise since October 7. The Council on American-Islamic Relations announced a 216% increase in reports of Islamophobic and anti-Arab incidents from 2022. From October 3 to the 27, 190 antisemitic incidents related to the conflict abroad were reported to the Anti-Defamation League, compared to only 64 in the same period last year. The feelings of fear and grief felt by most people are magnified for those who are directly impacted. Some have received threats, while others have lost loved ones. The political discourse surrounding

the conflict between Israel and Hamas is charged and emotional for many. Despite the intense nature surrounding conversations about the Israel-Hamas conflict, Syracuse students articulate the importance of treating others with compassion, including those who hold different perspectives. One student, a senior political science major who described themself as pro-Palestine, said that their message to Jewish students is “I am not your enemy. And I don't think that Palestinians are your enemy. I think the government of Israel is a far-right fascist government.” As a Black student at Syracuse, a predominantly white institution, the student elected to remain anonymous due to concerns about facing backlash from higher administration. “The biggest thing is to lead with love,” said Jesse Ben-Meir, a junior studying television, radio, and film. “The people that you should be surrounding yourself [with] are a group of diverse, different-minded people who can challenge what you think.” While Ben-Meir, who has family in Israel and describes himself as supportive of Israel, believes that diversity of thought and perspective was particularly present concerning the war between Israel and Hamas. He outlined in his ob-

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servations that he and his fellow students find it challenging to agree on fundamental information, saying that the objective has become subjective. As tensions can at times run high regarding conversations on Israel and Palestine, Ben-Meir has recognized the tendency of many to harshly label those who disagree with their views. “I think you have to realize that people and their emotions are very high right now,” said Ben-Meir. “But I wouldn't leave it up to the university to solve this issue because I don't think that they really care. At the end of the day. They don't. They'll say whatever they need to say to be on the most popular side of the issue, but they're not honest about it. But I think the student population, individuals can be honest about this issue, and that's what they should be doing” Although students gave voice to the importance of engaging in difficult conversations, SU's Chancellor Kent Syverud said that the University opted to subvert “academic freedom and free speech” to protect students, according to a report by the Daily Orange.

Students shared that conversations about the Israel-Hamas conflict are avoided in the classroom, reflecting the administrative decision to evade the subject in university forums. However, refraining from talking about the conflict and the surrounding tensions does not make them go away. One impact of avoiding discussion of the conflict in academic spaces is an overall hesitation from students to talk about the issue on the record and more broadly. Bella (who declined to give her last name), a freshman studying psychology, shared her uneasiness – verbalizing doubts about her understanding of what was going on across the globe. For those who are not immediately impacted by the conflict, classroom discussions could be the setting that facilitates a greater understanding of the nuances of the hostilities occurring in Israel and Gaza. Avoiding the discussion not only establishes the implication that the conflict is so complex that it cannot be broached in academic spaces, but also creates the impression that uncomfortable or challenging discourse is something that should be taboo. Multiple students who declined to comment on the record expressed criticism of the administration’s response. The general sentiment of the frustration articulated by students is reflected in a letter from MESA (Middle East Studies Association of North America) to Chancellor Kent Syverud, Provost Gretchen Ritter, and College of Arts and Sciences Dean Behzad Mortazavi. In the letter, MESA president and a chairperson from the Committee on Academic Freedom denounce what they perceive as the University’s failings to support faculty’s “scholarly expertise”

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being applied to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Aslı Ü. Bâli and Laurie Brand write, “Syracuse University, along with this country’s other institutions of higher education, are precisely the places in which a broad range of perspectives should be expressed, debated and criticized.” Beyond the repercussions of censorship in academic spaces, fear on campus about approaching this complicated topic isolates students who may be grieving. Creating networks of support begins with a foundation of understanding, which is nearly impossible without communication. Eric McCormick, a sophomore studying broadcast journalism, gave an account of how a friend, overwhelmed by the high tensions on campus and elsewhere, “snapped.” This friend’s experience is reflective of how students with “a stake in the conflict” are experiencing emotional strain. Further, this instance is illustrative of how Syracuse has failed to facilitate, or at least model, methods of conversation that could help students regulate or cope with heightened emotions. Students holding a range of perspectives on the conflict stated that regardless of SU’s mismanagement of speech surrounding this complex issue, they will continue to foster conversation alongside their peers. A recurring theme was being able to find common ground at some points, even if their views overall diverged. Despite holding essentially opposite views, the aforementioned political science student articulated how they were able to engage in respectful debate with a pro-Israel, Jewish friend. “They had a really emotional connection to Israel, as a place of safety. But I was talking about how Israel also took actions unsafe for Black people, because of the ways in which they spread their technology. They create, you know, war technology and profiling, racialization technology,” said the SU senior. “My fears, as a Black person, come from living under this current militarized state, and their fears, as a Jewish person, come from a historical tragedy of genocide.” The two were able to find understanding regarding where their fears originated, although the pro-Palestinian student emphasized they did not find common ground regarding Zionist ideology. Currently, the student does not condone Israel’s current response to the October 7 attack, which they consider to be a genocide against the Palestinians. “The truly liberatory thing for everybody to do would be to get together and figure out how to stop, you know, Hamas and more importantly, Israel from destroying any more people's lives.”

THE WAR ON ARTSAKH How biases in media shape our perspective Words by Brenne Sheehan Art by Ande Wittenmeier

During her first semester at Barnard College, Sophia Medzoyan found herself frequently marching in the streets of New York surrounded by fellow Armenian-Americans. A demonstration of solidarity with the Republic of Artsakh, protestors cried: “Recognize Artsakh; stop the 2nd Armenian Genocide.” For Sophia Medzoyan, ignorance has never been an option. She has been keeping up with the ongoing conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, known by indigenous Armenians as the Republic of Artsakh. Medzoyan has used many Armenian public interest news sources

such as CivilNet, Zartink Media, and nonprofit organizations such the Armenian Assembly to inform herself about the conflict. As of today, the Associated Press site provides 11,892 digital results for the search “Israel-Palestine'' with a new story added daily since the events of October 7. Conversely, there are 1,300 results for the search “ArmeniaAzerbaijan'' within all AP news digital stories. Both of these conflicts have a similar historic time frame, similar humanitarian concerns of death, resource-blocking, and displacement, which begs the question: why do we know so much more

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media audience.” To Schneider, gauging the interest of different media consumers has proved to news distributors that emotionally riveting stories, whether divisively positive or negative, are most engaging for a broader audience. “I think that in general, these darker topics are the ones getting more heavily circulated because people are commenting on it, you’re asking your friends if they’ve heard about it. To some extent, the topics and things people gravitate towards are because it poses a threat to their values, their opinion or stance, or even their family, and the extent of consequences could be more personal to them than a rather uplifting angle,” Schneider said. Author and scholar Dr. Susan Barba spoke about the underrepresentation of Artsakh during the Columbia Armenian Center’s Artsakh: Loss, Trauma, and Restoration conference on Nov. 11. According to Barba, the Western narrative in the media contributes to the incomplete or lacking coverage on Artsakh. “When you have coverage of conflict with injustices described in perpetrator’s language in purportedly neutral publications, that sense of denial is extended from past into present,” Barba said. To Medzoyan, the language used in a particular article of the New York Times, Azerbaijan begins a Military Operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, is indicative of this “perpetrators' language” in a neutral publication in the US; excerpts including “separatistcontrolled area,” “accusations of genocide,”

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about one conflict than the other? It wasn’t until this past September that Medzoyan came across a New York Times article, the first she’d seen from any US publication, that highlighted the Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict. Tears flooded her eyes as the rage, disgust and burden of international trauma came to remind her of her harsh reality. The article’s dek line read: “A Stunningly Sudden End to a Long, Bloody Conflict in the Caucasus, after decades of wars and tense stalemates, almost no one saw it coming…” The result of thousands of Armenians fleeing the Nagorno-Karabakh region is not something that Sophia Medzoyan “didn’t see coming.” Her pride in being an Armenian American enabled her access and interest in the ongoing war from smaller, lobbying sources. The ongoing conflict between the postSoviet states of Armenia and Azerbaijan is known as the War on Artsakh, or the Nagorno-Karabakh War. Originally a part of Armenia before the 1920s, then a semi-autonomous region within the Soviet Union, the Republic of Artsakh eventually fell under the sub-governmental control of Azerbaijan, directed by the Russian government. In 1988, when the regional legislature of the Republic of Artsakh declared its secession from Azerbaijan with intentions to join the Republic of Armenia, Moscow refused to change its territorial barriers and confrontations between Artsakh militias and Azeri police ensued. Further escalating with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the now sovereign states of Armenia and Azerbaijan have been in an up-anddown series of confrontations, blockades and civilian deaths of Armenians in Artsakh. Newhouse Public Relations professor Dr. Erika Schneider focuses her research on crisis communications and audience responses to apparent threats. According to Schneider, there are two factors that determine the amount of weight a certain topic holds to a given audience. “Usually, it’s measured within dovetailed ends of the severity of the situation, like the amount or extent of human lives affected and the apparent inconvenience or result of death with varying levels of severity to the situation, and the other side of the coin which is the audience's susceptibility to information,” Schnieder said. “The relationship between severity and susceptibility helps explain the intensity of a threat or a vulnerability to a threat within a given

29 and “Azerbaijan forces enjoy an overwhelming advantage.” In global PR, Schneider points out there are several barriers and conditions that alter our correspondence with different nations. Physical factors such as time zone, population, geography, and technology play a role alongside social factors like censorship laws, social norms, and journalism practices. “The journalist at heart has the same uniform ideal of ‘tell the story, share the notion’ but there are sometimes factors that threaten the freedom of a journalist to do some things to some extent,” Schneider said. “In these circumstances, media ownership could be a big factor as well: who controls the media and what’s being said also plays a role.” In Schneider’s research on virality, especially pertaining to social media, there is still much unknown about what particular media content makes a story or situation viral. However, it is evident that social actors known as “early adopters,” or social media users with a large and horizontal platform, distribute a conversation surrounding a certain piece of content which allows its relevance to reach a large prospective audience fairly quickly. For states with limited ability or access to spread information, making a story viral could be a lot more difficult, Schneider said. The difference in coverage between coexisting conflicts is not unique to that of Palestine and Artsakh. A similar discussion has taken place with the front-page coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as the ongoing institutionalization of Uyghur Muslims took place in China with less circulation. Many have taken to TikTok recently to highlight the Coltan ethical labor crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the pro-democracy uprisings in South America. As the child of an immigrant parent, Medzoyan describes her family experience as Lebanese-Armenian Americans to be mostly positive– especially when spending most of their life in Glendale, California. But when it comes to times of Armenian crisis, advocating for the cause feels analogous. “The experience of being ArmenianAmerican in the diaspora is a push-and-pull:

wanting to fit in with the host society, yet clinging to an idealization of the homeland and an underlying sense of loss,” Medzoyan said. Medzoyan has taken to social media to expand her knowledge on both the war on Artsakh and the Israeli-Palestine conflict for relevant, primary sources of information- where the media falls short, it is our responsibility to learn and interpret information as responsible citizens, she claims. “People should be more cognizant of source bias and prioritize the voices of those on the ground,” says Medzoyan. “It’s the responsibility of the public, and college students especially, to make it clear that we are not going to accept the limited narratives that have been parroted back to us for years.”

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TO POST OR NOT TO POST Exploring the impact, challenges and evolution of Social Media Activism Words by Kandra Zaw Art by Lang Delapa

Protests, boycotts and speeches have always been traditional forms of activism, calling attention to a social or political movement. When we think of activism, we mostly think about these physical forms of protests or the more “traditional” forms of activism. However, in this day and age, as society continues to evolve, social media has evolved along with it as a platform for activism. Social media activism has become a crucial part of the contemporary social and political landscape, but how effective is it really?. Social media is constantly changing, from emerging new platforms to the way it is used. They are no longer just used for sharing photos or memes, but have become a powerful tool for activism. It has transformed the way individuals and communities engage with social and political issues, enabling new forms of advocacy such as online petitions, social media campaigns and virtual protests, and expanding ways individuals can combat injustice. Not only does social media allow for information to disseminate, but enables individuals to unite, mobilize and empower their communities with causes they care deeply about. Dr. Erika

Schneider, a professor at Syracuse University who teaches courses in PR writing and theory, crisis communication, social media and digital innovation, provided some insight on this topic. “I think there's less social hierarchy that can stifle marginalized voices on digital platforms, although power and influence are still at play,” she said. “When the minority is able to connect and join forces, they might not feel so small anymore. It can empower communities to amplify, create visibility, and even reach the policymakers and institutions that may have overlooked their concerns in traditional power structures.” However this raises the question, does it still have the same material impact? When asked about how social media has transformed the landscape of activism over the past decade, and what key factors are involved, Dr.Schneider believes one of the biggest contributors is the “human desire to feel a sense of belonging. It takes more than individual passion, but a drive to form a larger movement for change, which could be something seen as an injustice or a call for progress. On social media platforms, you can identify and connect with like-minded people

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to feel heard and create powerful networks. It ultimately comes down to how people use social media platforms to facilitate activism, and how these platforms make this process fairly easy through capabilities like following, hashtags, and crowdsourcing.” Millions of people can be reached and informed about a movement with just one click or hashtag. The emergence of social media as a platform for activism started to gain traction specifically with movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too. Pew Research Center found that there were more than 44 million #BlackLivesMatter tweets spanning from 2013 until 2023. Social media certainly amplifies voices, but just how effective are these tweets? In the same research, Pew Research found that “43% say social media is an extremely or very effective way of bringing attention to this issue.” Social media makes news more accessible and reaches audiences faster. From viral campaigns that raise awareness to digital petitions that amass thousands of signatures in mere hours, social media activism has proven its ability to break barriers and create a global community. Activists that use social media to spread their agenda have also received backlash, harassment and censorship, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach regarding this issue. The platforms themselves also have significant control over the content, dictating what activists can post or cannot post. A major concern being how the algorithm works and its biases, considering the crucial role it plays in determining the visibility of posts and their reach. This can result in the censorship or “shadowban” of content that does not necessarily align with mainstream or popular opinions, limiting the reach of activist messages. An article by The Washington Post found that one activist’s content engagement dropped by almost as much as 90% when they started promoting activism themed artwork. A specific narrative may be promoted on online platforms—one that leaves the “other side” out of the discussion. “In crisis communication research, I see the effects of selective exposure and filter bubbles creating division and hostility towards opposing arguments for controversial issues, creating spaces unconducive for productive discussion” said Dr.Schneider. Additionally, one of the biggest

33 criticisms social media activism has received is how it has allowed for people to be performative activists. Pew Research Center included in their research that 76% say “social media makes people think they’re making a difference when they really aren’t.” Does posting one infographic really make a difference? Is posting one infographic to one’s story an easy cop out, and in a way more harmful to an overall cause? One movement that highlighted this issue was the Black Lives Movement specifically with the trending hashtag BlackoutTuesday. As Dr.Schneider put it “in the process, there were unintended consequences of information overload and taking over a hashtag that was created to connect activists and efforts to educate and mobilize.” Posting one infographic or political cartoon to one’s Instagram story being seen as activism often pressures people to post about certain political topics that they may not be the most well informed about, causing more misinformation to spread and creating the narrative that you don’t care about something if you’re not posting about it. In an interview conducted by Vox with the founder Jess Natale of now @So.informed on Instagram (formerly @ SoYouWantToTalkAbout), she delves into the complexities of a social media page dedicated to activism. Natale mostly speaks on why she chooses to have a certain aesthetic, purposely picking bright and bold colors to attract people who are not heavily involved with political matters. With the power of social media it is easier to call attention to a movement or an injustice. However, are people just blindly trusting information they see from a random source, all because the account has a big following and is aesthetic? The digital landscape allows for divisiveness and the rapid spread of misinformation. Dr.Schneider finds that “Prebunking, such as warning your followers of a potentially inaccurate narrative on the horizon and addressing it in advance, can be an effective strategy in mitigating the impact of misinformation.” This allows for more transparency. Jerk sent out a survey asking students’ their own views on social media activism. The general attitude towards this varied. 56.2% of students said their trust in the news they receive online fully depends on the source. While 31.3% of students said they did not trust any news they see online. Similarly, 56.3% of the participants believe posting on social media platforms does not have the same impact as traditional ways of advocating for causes. As the landscape of social media activism continues to evolve, it is imperative to recognize its potential in mobilizing communities to fight for a cause, but it is also important to acknowledge the challenges that come with it. communication, social media and digital innovation, provided some insight on this topic. use University who teaches courses in PR writing and theory, crisis communication, social media and digital innovation, provided some insight on this topic.

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THE TRAGEDY SMUT FEATURE OF 3 GALATEA Dek

Words by Name Art by Namewomen – and statues of them – deserve genuine consideration. Because Words by Joelle de Poto Photos by Joelle de Poto, Kailyn Peng, and Diana Valdivia

Ovid’s Myth of Pygmalion

The myth of Pygmalion follows a sculptor who avoids romantic love. According to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a book of classic mythology, Pygmalion remains a bachelor because he observes other men frustrated in relationships with women, and believes that women’s hearts are inferior to men’s. So, he devotes his time to sculpting, and carves a highly realistic ivory statue of a girl, whom he calls Galatea. You’ll never guess what happens next – he falls in love with his creation and adorns her with gifts of jewelry. The goddess Venus takes notice of Pygmalion’s pleas to have a bride like his ivory creation, so she brings it to life and Pygmalion and his bride live happily ever after...right?

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The Revision What if Galatea doesn’t love her creator, Pygmalion, back? Imagine her situation after she is brought to life. What if, as Pygmalion dresses her in drab apparel, she becomes suddenly very aware of her situation—so aware that she can even recall being carved into a statue, maybe as a memory, or maybe as a sign from a god to be wary of Pygmalion? As she is exploring her new surroundings, she gets a sense that there is more to life than just this one man—a man who keeps her close not out of love, but out of the desire to own her. That sort of power is not something a man like him is willing to give up. So, imagine that after Pygmalion is done waiting for Galatea to fall in love with him, he proposes to Galatea, but she doesn’t say yes. Instead, she runs away. Rather than running far, far away, she goes back to the room where it all began. She sees the statues that Pygmalion created and she envies their state of oblivion. She assumes her original statue pose as she hears Pygmalion approaching—safer to go back to being art than to live to be a disappointment. Better to be an actual statue than to be a human woman treated like one.

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SPEAKEASY:

QUEER CULTURE IN 'CUSE Talking ballroom with Syracuse icon Miss Sparkle Royale Words by Lance Watson Photos by Isabel Lamporte and Abby Johnson

If you’ve participated in any of the Ballroom events hosted by SU, you’ve probably met local drag queen and SU alumni, Miss Sparkle Royale. Sparkle, or T offstage, (pronouns he/she/they or bad bitch), has collaborated with SU many times to host queer cultural events on campus. From teaching voguing clinics in the Ernie Davis Gym to hosting the Halloqueen Ball (an event put on annually by the LGBTQ Resource Center and the SU Pride Union), Sparkle truly does it all. This is even more true off campus; in the Syracuse community, Sparkle is a high school teacher, an advocate for students throughout Hillside, a creative director for the Boys and Girls Club, a makeup artist, and the owner of both a dance company and a makeup brand. If that isn’t enough, Sparkle is also the head of Syracuse’s first successful Ballroom house. Ballroom houses serve as found-families for those in the Ballroom community, and house members compete together in balls. The House of Royale, headed by Sparkle, focuses on fostering creative expression and creating a support system for its members. Jerk sat down with Sparkle to talk about ballroom culture in Syracuse, and her role in it. As the head of the House of Royale, a teacher of dance clinics, and until recently, a local drag performer, Sparkle has certainly made a widespread impact on Syracuse’s ballroom community.

“When it comes to Ballroom in Syracuse, I can confidently say I am Ballroom of Syracuse,” Sparkle said, describing her role in the Syracuse community, although she made sure to emphasize the importance of the trailblazers who came before her. The importance of inclusivity, both in the Syracuse Ballroom community, and in Ballroom as a whole was emphasized throughout the conversation. A form of self-expression that was first created during the Harlem Renaissance by Black Latina trans women, Ballroom has always been about making space for forms of self expression typically excluded from society. Sparkle touched on why the Syracuse scene specifically is so diverse, explaining that it comes from “the simple facts of us just being us.” “To highlight Black queer culture is very important,” Sparkle said. “Nothing would be as colorful in the town, or in general around the world, if it wasn’t for Black queer people. If it wasn’t for Black, queer trans women starting Ballroom, there would be no Ballroom.”

The antique mall values the beauty in the old Words by Emane Haque Photos by Abby Johnson and Eli Green

When one walks into Syracuse Antiques

recognizes. “I wanted to have a place that

Exchange, it's hard not to display the same

not only was comfortable for anyone to come

open-eyed wonder Ariel from the Little

into, but honestly to a younger demographic

Mermaid has when entering her treasure trove.

that wasn’t really being catered to anywhere

Like Ariel’s secret grotto, Syracuse Antiques

else,” Pastore said. “Even if you were like a

Exchange holds various relics, whatsits, and

Pez dispenser collector, you’re only going to

thingamabobs from the past looking to be newly

spend $3 to $10 dollars on something, but

appreciated. Luckily, the store is located not

you’re going to get the same level of help

underwater, but on land at 1629 N. Salina St.

as somebody who is maybe shopping for

Opened in 1991, Syracuse Antiques Exchange converted an 1880s warehouse to a vintage

a dresser that is $500 or $600 dollars.” Recognition of local independent stores

goods storefront. At four floors high, every inch

is crucial in keeping the antique scene alive.

of its expanse is filled with finds for all, from

Further, antiquing contributes to sustainability

Victorian and Midcentury home decor, Art Deco

and cost-saving efforts. “As the customer, there

pieces, vintage garments, sports memorabilia,

is a good chance you are getting a fair price on

and precious jewelry, to list a few. Storied

something, because the dealers are competing

collectors and newbies alike will be charmed.

with each other which sets the market rate and

And if you don’t walk away with anything after

honestly the cost of doing business in Syracuse

a visit, you haven’t looked hard enough.

is much lower than it is in New York City.”

Matt Pastore, manager and co-owner,

Commended by Vogue this past October in

approximates the antique mall holds around

their “The Ultimate Guide to Antiquing in Upstate

75 vendors. Vendors pay a monthly rent and a

New York,” Syracuse Antiques Exchange is no

sale commission percentage to the store, while

longer our city’s best-kept secret. “We were

Syracuse Antiques Exchange provides space,

with a lot of other great antique and vintage

advertisement, and promotion of seller’s goods.

stores, so it felt validating that other people

Nowadays, when mainstream sellers and

considered it worth it to visit us,” Pastore said.

larger, popular stores chalk up prices, many are

While Syracuse Antiques Exchange holds

excluded from partaking. Antiquing shouldn’t

many treasures, it’s a treasure in its own right too.

just be reduced to window shopping for older, wealthier enthusiasts, something Pastore

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SAE: TREASURES WITHIN A TREASURE

SMUT

DISCOVERY SYR:

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STREETSTYLE AT MUDPIT Photos by Isabel Lamporte and Lily Rubenstein

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STRIPPED:

FREE THE NIPPLE

A look into nipples as accessories why you should ditch the bra and bare it all this winter. Words by Julia Reedy Art by Freddy Toglia

You may have heard of Coco Chanel’s tried and true method of style perfectionism: before you leave the house, you should look into the mirror and take at least one item off. Now, we can’t confirm nor deny whether Coco had a bra in mind when she made this statement, but we’ll argue that it’s applicable in any case. Nipples — yes, nipples — have become an accessory in and of themselves. And as of late, they’ve also become an item up for purchase (SKIMS Nipple Bra, we see you). But before they were celebrated on the runway or donned in our day-to-day looks, the practice of “freeing the nipple” was more statement than embellishment. Beginning with the feminist movement in the 1970s, many women took to ditching their bras as a way to address the double standard when it came to the sexualization of female bodies. Feminists of that time were fed up with the censorship of female nipples, while male nipples went virtually unnoticed, and remain unnoticed to this day. The female nipple, they argued, was not in any way more provocative or suggestive. What this boils down to, of course, is equality.

Some critique this practice as catering to the male gaze — that in an attempt to remove themselves from the male gaze, they are still actively participating in it. But when it comes to a matter of personal preference or style, freeing the nipple does not have anything to do with affirming or rejecting the male gaze. Nipples made a resurgence in the 1990s, but for reasons that had very little to do with the feminist movement of the ‘70s. During this time, fashion designers, such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana frequently had their models sport a no-bra look as they walked the runway. Perhaps the most notable model of the time to do so was Kate Moss, who wore sheer designs for Calvin Klein, Gucci and Versace — even going fully topless for Vivienne Westwood’s fall and spring 1994 shows. Other models to do so included Naomi Campbell and Shalom Harlow. And in more recent years, Kendall Jenner made headlines for going topless in her debut catwalk. Don’t be mistaken, however — freeing the nipple is not just limited to those with

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celebrity status or to fashion runways. It may make headlines, but there is nothing particularly novel about forgoing a bra altogether. So where does that leave us today? Nipples have become a commodity — rather than something to be covered up, they’ve become something to accentuate. Take, for example, nipple piercings — a surefire way to achieve that “I’m eternally chilly” look. Likewise, the aforementioned SKIMS Nipple bra caused quite a stir on social media when Kim Kardashian posted a video advertising the product in late October. Kardashian dubbed it “the ultimate nipple bra,” assuring potential consumers that “no matter how hot it is, you’ll always look cold.” SKIMS’ new product subverts our concept of the purpose of a bra — after all, aren’t bras supposed to cover up nipples and the like? Many were quick to condemn and ridicule the product for that very reason — but there were also others in the comments who commended SKIMS for their creativity and genius, noting

how this bra may serve as a sense of empowerment for breast cancer survivors who have had mastectomies. Now, the creativity aspect of it all might be a point of contention — but there is no denying that the nipple has asserted itself as a coveted accessory, and it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. We know that it may feel a little uncomfortable to bare it all, whether that be under a sweatshirt or a sheer tank, on the way to your 8 am or to a concert — but the beauty of this latest “trend” is that it’s accessible for anyone and everyone, regardless of gender or breast size, if you feel comfortable and confident in doing so. If you fall into the former category, then maybe the SKIMS bra is your perfect medium — you’ll receive that additional coverage while accentuating your preferred features (wink wink). Here at Jerk, we’ll support your choice no matter what — consider us your moral support bra this winter.

FORM AND FUNCTION: How to dress like...

A TEDDY GIRL Words by Cassia Soodak Photo by LJ Guerra Modeling by Freddy Toglia

Teddy Girls were a girl gang group that were part of the teddy subculture. Teddy girls wore masculine Edwardian style with feminine accessories. The girl group were known for being working class and from often of irish immigrant status. The girls were only 14 - 16 years old and often dropped out of school to work in factories or as secretaries; they were independent, having their own money to spend on their fashion desires. However, they grappled with the change in narratives of what it means to be a woman in post war time and the reversion back into housewife status. Teddy girls were tough teenage girls, and in turn, often forgotten. Unlike teddy boys, teddy girls are often forgotten about because as women, they weren’t as known for getting into extreme trouble. A lot of what we know about the group was filmed by Ken Russel in post war world two era, starting in January 1955 but only discovered in 2006. Although it is likely this adult man could not have totally understood these young girls, even Russel notes that teddy girls “knew their worth. They just wore what they wore.” It is a trend for marginalized working class youth to create fashionable styles that likely won’t be credited to them. We can all learn from teddy girls, who like other marginalized groups, created a very particular fashion style and attitude, some of which we continue to love even today.

Teddies of all genders are rebellious! They also are strategic about their outfits, especially their accessories. Jerk magazine highlights our teddy girls' rebellion through the pins they wear on their jacket, and even the pocket knife on their pants. The pins symbolize art, historical moments, and political protests that the teddy girls would have valued. Teddy girls are Edwardian (Edwardian era spanned the reign of King Edward VII from 1901 to 1910), first and foremost. This means hot British historian vibes. In other words, they defied gender by wearing tailored (but also second-hand) trench coats or blazers, blouses, dress shoes, and short trousers!

Poster Girl always has some girly touches, but she’s not cosplaying as a schoolgirl. Poster Girl is girly, but make no mistake she’s not innocent, she just likes a touch of frills. 5. It’s all in the pose. At all times she’s ready to be gawked at and knows she looks good, and you do too ;).

Teddy girls LOVE to loiter. Now, jerk isn’t advocating for anything illegal, but teddy girls do love to be posted outside with their Bikes in abandoned areas!

Words by Megan Carr Photo by Ellie S. and Kailyn Peng

SU junior Cara Steves is wearing a black lace boat neck top, intentionally chosen to match her black beret and skirt. However, the highlights of the outfit are her cheetah print coat and brown boots. “My favorite piece is the jacket. It is a newer purchase from a vintage shop in Skaneateles,” she said. “I tried it on and two other women in the store looked at me and told me how fabulous [it] was, and that was enough of a sign for me to purchase it.” The combination of intrepid prints and colors has been an aspect of her wardrobe since she can remember, as it makes her feel genuine. “Wearing that jacket makes me feel so powerful, like I am always meant to wear items as bold and true to myself,” she said. Want to dress like Steves? Look no further than her style inspiration: her roommates. Affectionately described as trendy and

confident, they inspire Steves to move out of her comfort zone. One roommate in particular, Kathryn Hendry, "has the best style out of anyone," according to Steves. “We share clothing often, though it’s usually more me knocking on her door and asking to borrow something than vice versa, because I am obsessed with everything in her closet.” The band of roommates always say, “Why have one closet when you can have four!” Hendry’s outfit began with her mid-length white silk dress, the focal point of the outfit. She explained that, because of the weather, she added a thick gray sweater, statement brown western boots, and a brown layered belt to match. To top off the look? Sunnies. “I usually layer outfits by starting with one neutral piece that I really want to wear and going from there,” Hendry said. “When it comes to making my outfits more creative, accessories are everything. I have so many cute necklaces that I’ve stolen from my mom that I love to throw on because they can elevate a simple outfit really easily.” Hendry's fashion journey began at an early age—like mother, like daughter. Her Nana gave her a “dress bin” full of her clothes at age 5 or 6, through which they would rummage it together, continuing the tradition at age 21. “It was filled with fun accessories and even some of her clothes from the original bin. I still love wearing her clothes and accessories, so if I were to say anyone had a large influence on my personal style it would definitely have to be her,” Hendry said. This pair is no stranger to thrill seeking in the fashion realm, and you can always catch them trying something new or reviving an old look.

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CREATIVE WINTER LAYERS

GAWK NOISE

CLOSET CASE:

SHADES OF SYRACUSE You won’t find these tags on Instagram. Words by Madalan Jones Photos by Mahika Mor and Eli Green Drawing outside the lines takes on a whole new meaning when you see the giant murals covering the sides of buildings in the Syracuse community. Whether these creations are commissioned or painted during the early morning hours to avoid prying eyes, artwork has become a colorful staple in the city. Non-conventional art existed far before the modern-day argument of “art or crime.” In 2021, within caves in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, an archaeology team from Griffith University discovered the oldest uncovered cave paintings in the world. The paintings depicted the Sulawesi warty pig, a boar native to the island. The 45,000-year-old drawing is not just considered the first cave drawing, it is also the first recorded artistic expression known to humankind. Now, fast forward a few 45,000 years, when finding figures and representations on the sides of walls is not viewed as a development in the history of man, but rather a nuisance or an eyesore. Commissioned murals are a welcomed addition to many cities and neighborhoods by locals and business owners alike. However, graffiti is a different story. Graffiti is an enigma in the social scene; it has people up in arms on whether or not it should be considered art or vandalism. Admittedly, graffiti is legally vandalism, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also art. While many people believe graffiti is a more modern practice, the act has been around for centuries, with examples ranging all the way back to ancient Rome and the ruins of Mayan cities. The negative stereotype of graffiti came into play around the 20th century in the United States and England. According to Brittanica, the practice was closely associated with gang activity. Particularly, gangs would claim territory, memorialize members that had passed, and threaten crimes

and enemy gangs. The beginning of Graffiti in New York itself is far more humble. At the start, it was only the words “Bird Lives” written on an otherwise empty wall, but decades later graffiti ‘bombings’ began to take the New York scene by storm. Walls and trains, targets for TAKI 183 and Tracy 168 (who included their street number within their artist ‘tag’) were suddenly overridden with loud and expressive colors and patterns. Around the later 1970s and into the ‘80s and ‘90s bold bubble letters that can still be seen today were a huge craze. With different colors of layers that made every word pop out at the city, it was hard to ignore the newest addition of art. The well-known, bright, spray-painted colors could be found most commonly on billboards, in subways and on walls. In the 1990s, people started to notice tags as well. Tagging is a type of graffiti still extremely popular today, and while it isn’t as artistic as many other forms, it is one of the most prevalent. You can almost certainly find tags under any bridge or along any city road you drive. Tagging is a type of graffiti that is arguably the most known. It’s the practice of leaving one’s artist name or ‘tag’ at a scene. Usually it accompanies a work of art, and it is used as a form of artistic signature, but occasionally the graffiti itself will be only the name written in black letters and a bulky font. Syracuse’s very own “Vacant,” an anonymous graffiti artist, is notorious for their tagging across the area, and unlike many examples of tagging, which include only an alias written in a specific font, Vacant has a different style. Commonly portrayed as an octopus or squid-like creature, Vacant’s signature tag is a giant, half lidded eye. In an article for Syracuse. com, it’s revealed that they have been creating art since 2010, with their first ever piece being a

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from Foreman Park. It has an emerald green background which stands straight out against the drab beige bricks around it. The word “Syracuse” written in bold white letters with the mural title is painted across the top. The debate on whether street art murals and graffiti should go hand in hand, or should even be considered in the same artistic genre will go on. But so will Vacant’s work, and so will Valenzuela’s, and so will other artists’. There will always be people doubting the credibility of art, but those people will never silence the artists. They will never strip them of their paint brushes and their visions. Art will always win.

NOISE

“crude cluster of four eyes on an Erie Boulevard building that has since been knocked down.” Since graffiti is considered a misdemeanor, Vacant has the possibility of wracking up a hefty amount of fines if authorities were to find out their true identity. This explains the lack of personal information about the artist, though it is known that they work a run-of-the-mill service job by day, and by night they paint the city with vivid colors—and eyes.. Despite the backlash they receive, the artist does try to remain respectful by avoiding painting anything on schools or places of worship. Occasionally, if tenants don’t mind, and they have a clean-looking drab wall, Vacant will bestow upon them one of their signature eyes— but no return address to send a thank you letter. Vacant’s work has grown over the years, though. Jeremey Tarr, an instructor at Syracuse University’s School of Art, told Syracuse. com, “You can definitely tell the earlier [eyes] from the later ones…You can definitely see growth in the artist.” Tarr explains that while tagging is done by artists, especially when not accompanied with an image, the idea of quantity is more important than quality. Most artists are interested in getting their name seen with the largest letters taking up the most space, but not Vacant. Vacant gives special attention to each and every one of their pieces, and they look more like artwork rather than absentminded vandalism. Graffiti isn’t the only art out there on the street. Commissioned murals are taking the Syracuse area by storm and can be found all over the city. Another article from Syracuse.com wrote that going past Niagara and West Fayette Street, an 18 foot by 90 foot mural decorates a wall in downtown Syracuse. It features a dark blue background topped with a golden yellow phoenix and the words “And Still I Rise.” Cayetano Valenzuela, the artist of the first of eight murals introduced into the area, owns the Black Rabbit Studio, a small business of handpainted signs and illustrations. With the idea of rebirth in his mind, Valenzuela decided on the Phoenix as the main focus for his mural, and soon decided to pair it with one of Maya Angelou’s famous poems “And Still I Rise.” Since he wanted his art to carry joy and depth, he felt it only made sense to include the quote, as the poem is historically rooted in the empowerment of Black and brown people. While Valenzuela’s “And Still I Rise” mural is certainly his biggest, it is nowhere near his first. Another creation of his that holds a dear spot in the Syracuse community’s heart is “The Mighty Salt City” mural on East Genesee Street across

FRIENDSHIP PACKAGE INTRO DOESN’T HAVE TO AGE WITH YOU Dek

Words by Name Art by Name

One current faculty member and one past, on what makes a female friendship last. Words by Fei Chan Art by Mara DuBay

Nancy Vaught and Wendy Spadafora met while working at SU’s Admissions Department in 2003. Vaught now works at the Newhouse Visitors Center as an Office Coordinator, where she helps plan events for Newhouse. Spadafora previously worked in the Admissions Department as an administrative assistant. They both still re-

side in the local Syracuse area. Jerk sat down with these two besties to ask them what makes friendships last!

Q: How has your friendship changed over time? NV : Well, we’ve gotten a lot closer! It’s one of those things where you say “Wanna do this?” and she’ll say “Yeah!” We just went to “The Price is Right” show together—it was on my bucket list. WS: She’s my soul sister. We try to get together as much as we can. It’s hard. We miss each other and we used to be lunch buddies. We’d go on walks every day when we were working here. When I retired, that changed. Q: Why do you think female friendship is important? WS: You have to foster it. I have another friend who I’ve been friends with since I was 12. I love her like a sister but we don’t have that same connection that Nancy and I do because she isn’t up for going out at the spur of the moment. You have to have that spontaneity. I think she knows she can call me and I would drop everything to be there for her or do something fun. She knows she can do the same with me. Q: What is your favorite trait about each other? WS: I love her personality, she’s just fun to be with. NV: And I feel the same way. You are so fun to be with, and no matter what you say we laugh. WS: We can count on each other. She’s a terrific listener. Q: What’s the key to a long-lasting friendship? WS: We don’t age. NV: We still act like we’re twenty. WS: Since I retired, I try to work hard at keeping friendships because it isn’t as easy when you’re

Q: How has your perception of friendship changed over the years? NV: You realize what’s really important in a friend ship as you get older, so you look for those things. You have closer friends and less friends when you get older. You realize the other friends aren’t your true friends. WS : I am so thankful and grateful that we found each other and that we connected the way we did because it is a deep friendship. Sometimes when you’re older, you change too, and friendships evolve. Ours evolved to a true friendship that we both adore. We love spending time with each other. NV: I don’t eat lunch with anyone else because no one can replace her. Nobody else would be as fun as her.

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NV: We both met in 2003, we both worked in [the] Admissions [Department] together. WS: [Nancy] had been working over in our Processing Department, then she took over as receptionist for our office.

not working. It’s nice to be retired, but sometimes it gets boring. You do have to work harder to keep in touch and be active in doing something for yourself. It keeps your peace. NV: Our daughters don’t see how we do all these things. We always say “We’re a lot of fun!” WS: We might only be funny to each other, but we’re really funny! We’re cheerleaders for each other, and that’s important, too.

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Q: When did you both meet and how did you become friends?

PASSING THE PACKAGE 5 BECHDEL TEST Dek

Words Name depicts female friendship. How the by media Art by Name

Words by Daisy Polowetzky Art by Mara DuBay

“How did it happen that four such smart women have nothing to talk about but boyfriends?” asks Miranda Hobbes, the snarky lawyer from “Sex and the City.” According to popular media, it seems that it’s because men are placed at the center of women’s lives. In the world of media, depictions of female friendship come in a narrow, but widening range. From Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe in “Friends,” to Molly and Amy in “Booksmart,” the portrayal of women’s relationships with each other has diversified—yet, at the same time, has continued to be recycled. In 1985, cartoonist Alison Bechdel created the Bechdel Test, three questions measuring whether a piece of visual media portrays a sexist view of women. The questions are simple: Does the visual media feature two or more named women? Do they converse? And, most importantly, do they talk about something besides a man? In Hollywood, the answer to the last question is usually no. According to a BBC research study, since 1929, only 49% of Oscar Best Picture winners pass the test. While this data is concerning, it would be naive to say that media depictions of female friendship haven’t improved at all starting in the late 20th century. Lynn Spangler, former Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at SUNY New Paltz, attributes “Cagney and Lacey” and “Kate and Allie” as programs that changed attitudes about female friendship on TV. “These depicted two women who were really close friends, and they supported each other… [to] a lot of people it struck them that this [was] more like how real women relate to each other…,” explained Spangler.

Some diversification of female friendships on TV deals with storylines of characters. Take “Broad City”; the show follows friends Abbi and Ilana on what can only be described as wild adventures. In the series pilot, the friends, desperate to attend a Lil Wayne concert, clean a man’s apartment only to be told by the man that he can’t pay them because he’s “just a baby.” “Broad City’s” ridiculous plotlines may not appear to be at the forefront of fighting sexism; however, seeing women in situations that aren’t overtly sexual can be refreshing, especially when, as Spangler points out, sex still sells. Conversations about the diversification of the media’s depiction of female friendship cannot be had without discussing the lack of diversification in race, age, sexuality, and ability of female characters. San Diego State University research reveals that women over 60 portrayed only 3% of leading roles on broadcast and streaming platforms from 2021 to 2022. Moreover, the 2023 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report found that in streaming films, actors with a disability comprised just 6.1% of leads, and people of color represented merely 33.3%. Women are more than trophy wives and eye candy. Women are teachers, artists, and scientists, among other roles—and, most importantly, have something to say. As Spangler put it, “it’s very critical that we see ourselves and we see role models whatever way shape or form, and that they’re positive ones.”

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WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS? Maybe the Golden Girls were onto something... Words by Sophie Davis Art by Mara DuBay

“Deep, abiding friendships are the place where many women know lasting love,” says Bell Hooks in Communion, her exploration of female love. The seeds of this practice are sown early; from earpiercing renditions of Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi” in the backseat of your mom’s minivan to hastily choreographed dance routines to convince your parents to let you have a sleepover. Unrelenting giggles muffled by sleeping bags during a slumber party amplified the thrill of never having stayed up that late before. Mashing up leaves and twigs in your backyard to make witches brew and spending hours twiddling away on the rainbow loom. Unruly, unapologetic female friendship is synonymous with girlhood itself. Eventually, though, these shimmering, chaotic, all-consuming relationships become harder to sustain. Pinky promises and whispers of “best friends forever” can only extend so far, and for many, the dissolutions of these friendships—whether they’re gradual fizzles or furious crescendos— bring on a pain deeper and stronger than romantic heartbreak. “It’s sometimes a love so intense that it feels like you might die if you’re not friends anymore,” said Women’s and Gender Studies professor Gwendolyn Pough about this rarely spoken about, but overwhelmingly universal rite of passage. There’s a reason “we were girls together” (an alteration of a quote from Sula, Toni Morrison’s seminal novel on female friendship) is featured in nearly every tear-jerking TikTok slideshow. When we sang “the circle is round, it has no end. That’s how long, I will be your friend,” in Girl Scouts

we weren’t thinking about how “life” gets in the way of the seemingly endless stretch of girlhood sprawled out before us. “Life” being romantic relationships, career aspirations, and the simple truth that the patriarchy thrives when women are pitted against each other and view one another as competition. At the end of the day, women simply aren’t socialized to put female friendship at the center of their lives! Think about the books you’ve read, the movies and TV shows you watch, and the songs you listen to. How many of them are focused on romantic love and situate female friends as stock side characters good for little more than a quippy remark? Or do away with female friendships altogether for the sake of framing their protagonist as an “edgy loner?” In a society where men are rarely forced to forfeit their masculinity or power, finding solace and community with other women is an act of rebellion in and of itself. “It’s something that you have to be intentional about politicizing. Even if you’re just getting manipedis together, it’s being intentional about the need for camaraderie with other women,” Pough said. She concludes that whether you realize it or not, “hanging with your girls is political.” College specifically proves a crucial time for the radical love embodied by female friendship; not only are students adjusting to the reality of no longer seeing their home friends regularly, but they’re forging new friendships in an entirely new environment. As sophomore Zoe Colman described it, “You’re in a place fully alone. I’ve

62 So hold your friends close, bust out your friendship bracelet-making kit, and crank up “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls—it seems like the middle has an awful lot to offer.

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surrounded myself with women who I love unconditionally, who love me unconditionally. They’re everything to me. If I’m having a bad day they’re my support system, if I’m having a good day they’re the ones that keep me good.” From complimenting your outfit and lending lip gloss in your dorm room to late nights studying in the library—who’s holding your hand as you push through the crowd at the frat and who’s holding your hair back later that night? Not to be a bummer, but your latest Tinder date probably isn’t the love of your life, but the girl who helped you decide whether or not to swipe right on them very well may be! It’s time to reframe who we consider our great loves and in which relationships we put the most energy into. “Women have a way of making unpleasant things into comfortable experiences. My friend will have to go to Trader Joe’s and we’ll make a whole day of it. It’s about having fun when everything’s just mediocre,” Colman went on to say of the unique quality of female friendships, and why she chooses to place them at the forefront of her life. “Female friendship is about enjoying the middle.”

SOUNDTRACK FOR THE GIRLS

Music through the decades that honor female friendships and all that they mean.

Words by Linnea Hopfenbeck Art by Mara Dubay ‘70s - Where You Lead I Will Follow - Carole King While we’re all for independence, your best friends become that small group of people you’d pretty much do anything to protect. Whatever it is, you’re there for each other, and Carole King says it well. Plus— it's a great reminder to re-watch Gilmore Girls (because is it really female friendship if you’re not curled up in bed watching Rory choose the wrong boy for the 8th time?) ‘80s - Everywhere - Fleetwood Mac Whether you want to rant about a terrible day, a great day or just want to sit in comfortable silence, if you’ve ever had to be away from a best friend you’ll know the feeling of just wanting to be with them. This song captures just that feeling and it’s maybe Fleetwood Mac’s most beautiful one. ‘90s - Wannabe - Spice Girls It’s still true—friendship never ends. Even though the Spice Girls did, they still support each other constantly, reminding us (just like the song) to make it last forever. 2000s - Beautiful - Christina Aguilera Maybe what makes female friendships so powerful is the way they reframe and redefine what’s meaningful. In a world where women are constantly subjected to the male gaze and the patriarchal standards of what a “good woman” is, female friendships can be a rejection of the standards pushed upon us and a celebration of who we know ourselves to be. But if you need a reminder, this song is still pretty iconic. 2010s - This Is What Makes Us Girls - Lana Del Rey If the way Lana Del Rey ruled over most of our fourteen-year-old selves wasn’t enough, this girl best friend anthem is here to rule our weekly Girls’ Night Out.

CURRENT Fine Line Female friendships can and are just as meaningful as any romance. But with deep love comes deep everything, and anyone with a female best friend knows that when you’re hurt, you hurt together. When you’re going through an argument or rough patch it can feel like your whole world is slipping down a landslide. But on the bright side, whether you’re dancing together, crying together or taking a little time to figure it out, Harry’s here for you. For You - Laura Marling There’s a strange intimacy to finding someone you love so much that just calling them your friend doesn’t feel like enough. Even though she might be singing about a lover and not a friend, something in the softness of Laura Marling’s voice feels like she knows what it’s like when you find that someone who feels like the home you’ve always wanted. My Love Mine All Mine - Mitski It’s been everywhere and for good reason. Whether you’re baking something you found on Instagram, studying and catching up or having a TLC night in, Mitski is the perfect accompaniment to a slow Sunday with the girls.

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AMPLIFIED:

BELLA FISKE Syracuse’s newest singer-songwriter packs a punch. Words by Sophie Davis Photos by Bella Fiske

Setting up your dorm, trying dining hall food, attending your first classes, and... performing to a packed crowd at Mudpit’s first show of the school year. This is a somewhat comprehensive description of how Bella Fiske’s first two weeks of freshman year went. After years of gigging at Boston-area bars and open mic nights, Fiske was excited for similar opportunities to showcase her dreamy vocals and unflinchingly earnest lyricism, but had no idea of Syracuse’s bustling house show scene before she committed last year. “When I found out about it my brain basically exploded. It was the biggest, best surprise ever,” said Fiske, who found out more about live music at Syracuse after several Bandier students found her music and reached out to her over the summer. Since her first performance, Fiske has cemented herself as part of the D.I.Y. music community here. When asked about how she’s been able to manage acclimating to college with adjusting to her new local celebrity status, Fiske shared that “it’s been weird because I’ve definitely had a normal college experience, but all of a sudden people knew me and knew my name and I would be like ‘dude, I just got here.’” Fiske is quick to praise her role-models—from her original influences, Joni Mitchell and Sara Bareilles, to the local likes of Sammy Curcuru and Padma. When it comes to establishing her own name and brand for herself, it’s clear Fiske has given it a lot of thought. “I’m always thinking about how I’m going to differentiate myself from the sad girl with a guitar stereotype,” she said. “As I perform house shows

and do stuff like that, I realize I love a big, loud show and being bold with my music and production.” Fiske promises that on her next single, she’s learning to balance her soft, sad girl roots with the gritty exuberance house shows are known for. “It’s just about feeling desire and the inner battle that you’re finding with yourself and there’s no way to not want someone, which I feel like me and all my friends are experiencing.” Fiske finds a certain catharsis in experiencing the full range of her emotions, and sharing these experiences with others who are sure to relate. “Yes, we’re all sad, but we can scream about it every once in a while.”

Looking back on the phenomenon of Percy Jackson & the Olympians ahead of the new series’ premiere. Words by Kiran Hubbard | Art by Ande Wittenmeier

Everyone’s favorite demigod faced his worst challenge yet in Rick Riordan’s latest book, Chalice of the Gods: college recommendation letters. Terrifying, right? So rather than deal with the fact that our childhood hero now has adult problems, let’s chat about the new series coming out on Disney+ in December. It stars Walker Scobell and Leah Jeffries as Percy and Annabeth, with heavy creative input from Riordan himself. Although the two movies originally adapted from the book series will always have a place in our hearts, their audience reviews and ratings leave much to be desired. The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters are generally agreed among fans to be poor adaptations of the source material, and this series can be seen as a second chance to accurately bring the beloved series to life. For sophomore Jackie Arbogast, these movies were a disappointing continuation of a book series that defined her childhood. Although reading the books may have begun as a school assignment, they soon became a permanent fixture in her life. “All I did was read and talk about Percy Jackson,” Arbogast said. “My mom threatened to take away the books once because I wouldn’t do anything but read them.”

Many such fans see Riordan’s involvement with the series and the fact that several of the main characters originally written as white are being played by people of color as positive changes from the movies. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of people eager to use nostalgia as an excuse for bigotry; corners of the Internet were in an uproar when they learned a Black actress was playing Annabeth. According to a 2023 Variety article, Riordan responded to this racist backlash by reinforcing his confidence in Jeffries’ casting, emphasizing that his books were meant to be inclusive of all readers and show that everyone can be a hero. Oh, and remember when Bella Ramsey had to defend The Last of Us for showing a lesbian relationship? Well, we have some news for those people who seem to find every reason to oppose any inkling of diversity in adapted material: you’re not “real” fans, you’re just assholes. Syracuse University screenwriting Professor Nick Bernardone reiterated that a significant difficulty with adaptations is that fans have such specific expectations, and it’s impossible to please everyone. “Sometimes the best version of the story is not what’s in the source,” said Bernardone. “At the end of the day, you have to tell the best story you can.” With that in mind, grab your blue M&M’s and Diet Coke, and start streaming!

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PERCY JACKSON’S IN COLLEGE NOW?

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