Rampage The
The Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College
Dear Fresno City College community, Inside this issue, you will find something that you have not seen from The Rampage this semester. This issue has been entirely dedicated to artistic expression and creativity. This dedication entails a new look at not only the different creative ideas from the college and surrounding community, but also an exploration into what art is and how it affects our everyday lives. Art extends far beyond the
ISSUE 6
boundaries of painting, theater or dance. Art can be seen all around by those who look with open eyes. It can be seen on the bodies of individuals who have chosen to make certain images and words a permanent part of their skin; it can be seen in the way people dress; It is also used in the student clubs and organization on our campus. Creativity drives our society forward. Ideas that push the boundaries without fear of being seen as radical or unrealistic - are those that have brought us technological
April 30, 2014
Vol. CXXVI
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o n l i n e . c o m
advancements, great architecture, new music and countless ways for individuals to assert their individuality in a society that emphasizes conformity. This issue is our tribute to your creativity and artistic endeavors. We hope that the ideas expressed in this issue not only lead you to further self-expression in an assortment of mediums, but also renew your appreciation for the art that surrounds us every day on this campus and beyond.
Graphic/Lauren Baker & Jarrett Ramones
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NEWS
Rampage Staff Editor-in-Chief Jordan Russell
04.30.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
MAYBE HE’S BORN WITH IT Facial hair can be outlet for self-expression
Managing Editor Kaitlin Regan Production Manager Victor Aparicio News Editor Patrick Forrest Opinion Editor Kevynn Gomez Arts & Entertainment Editor Lauren Baker Sports Editor Keaundrey Clark Photo Editor Darlene Wendels Art Director Lauren Baker Copy Chief Jordan Russell Multimedia Editor Michael Monroy Reporters James Clark Yolanda Garzon Daisy Martinez Razi Syed Photojournalists Abel Cortez Akinye Chatmon Alexis Chavez Maria Vargas Evona Clay Multimedia Journalists Desiree Aranjo Rebekah Madison Jarrett Ramones Cresencio Rodriguez Business Manager Sydney Excinia Faculty Adviser Lynn Badertscher Journalism Instructor Jefferson Beavers Tip Line: 559.442.8262 Twitter.com/FCCRampage Facebook.com/FCCRampage Instagram.com/FCCRampage YouTube.com/RampageNewsroom Send Questions or Letters to the Editor to: editorial@therampageonline.com Fresno City College C/O The Rampage 1101 E. University Ave Fresno, CA 93741
Journalism Association of Community Colleges
Fresno City College
BY YOLANDA GARZON
Reporter ygarzon@therampageonline.com
Facial hair: a symbol of masculinity. A form of self expression. An art form. Facial hair has become a way for men to express themselves and establish their individuality. Recently, the fuzzy look has become popular among the male population. Perhaps it is the influence of men in television shows such as “Game of Thrones” or films such as “300.” It could also be the influence of musicians such as Jared Leto and Rick Ross. There are those who grow their beard for a cause. According to the American Red Cross, No Shave November is a campaign that encour-
ages men to grow out their facial hair to raise awareness about cancer patients who lose their hair. The San Francisco Giants are an example of those who have shown their support for the cause. The level of attractiveness seems to also be a factor to the recent rise in stubble and beards. Billy Huxley and Chris John Millington are models who prove that their attractive looks have earned them a job as models best known for their beards. Regardless of why a man chooses to grow out a bountiful beard or majestic moustache, the process of doing so is filled with creative possibilities.
l TWITTER.COM/ X_WHATSERNAME_X
Photos/Michael Monroy Darlene Wendels Desiree Aranjo
How to step up your face game BEARDS
‘STACHES
n Do not shave at all n As with beards, musfor at least the first four taches require commitweeks of growth ment to maintenance. Be sure to regularly n Choose a style that wash, condition, comb suits you. Forget about and style them in order what’s fashionable and to keep them magnifigrow the beard that you cent. want. n If you’re aiming for n Don’t let itching deter a handlebar or someyou. Give your skin thing like it, don’t trim time to adjust to the your mustache. You will beard-growing process. need at least 6 weeks In the meantime, use of uninterrupted growth moisturizers such before the ‘stache will as baby oil to relieve be long enough to irritated skin. shape. n Commit to caring for your beard. Regular shampooing and trimming are essential to keeping your beard healthy.
n Comb your mustache on a daily basis. The shape of your mustache will depend on how it’s been trained to grow. Choose a style and start training your facial hair to take that shape.
Tips from artofmanliness.com
NEWS
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.30.2014
Presentation equals transformation
BY JARRETT RAMONES
Reporter jramones@therampageonline.com
Investment in a community’s youth is the basis for the future wealth of that community; poorer communities, however, suffer under the weight of poverty and under-equipped school systems. This concern has roused the attention of the Art for Community Transformation Club whose goals are to better the lives of people in the Fresno community through promoting art. “For me, going out into the community and trying to expose them to art, I think it can transform anyone,” said Lyle Nelson, treasurer of ACT. “It makes them feel something outside themselves, instead of just being locked into a dreary existence, these little bits of color, they make
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BY JAMES CLARK
Reporter jclark@therampageonline.com
you feel something.” The hope of directly improving the lives of the community’s children is what inspires ACT. The the group has been working with the Ronald McDonald House charity. “They asked for art supplies for the children,” said club director Laura West , “We’ve raised 200 bucks, and have gotten a lot of art supplies donated that we are going to take to the center and do a workshop with the kids, that’s coming up pretty soon.” ACT has found that leaving an impact on the formative years of an individual is of exceptional value, not only to ACT but to the whole community, as today’s youth
will inevitably be tomorrow’s neighbors. ”The biggest thing is the work we’ve done with children, seeing them get excited and light up, and hearing back from their parents about the stuff that they are doing. It’s those little experiences that you have when you’re a kid stay with you forever,” said West. Despite how small the program is, the members of ACT are sincerely passionate about affecting the life of the younger generation. Club Secretary Samantha Riden said, “You can really see the impact just being at the booth and seeing all the kids, its entertainment for them.”
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Go to THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM for the complete story
ART
The BY JORDAN RUSSELL
Editor-In-Chief jrussell@therampageonline.com
In the middle of the Fresno City College Music Building sits Room 122. Nearly every day of the week, students take their seat at one of the many electric pianos and await instruction from FCC’s only fulltime piano instructor, Olga Quercia. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Quercia was born in Rochester, New York, where she began studying the piano at the age of 7. “Piano lessons were given in public schools,” Quercia
said. “I took lessons for a year and right after that my teacher enrolled me into the Eastman School of Music Preparatory Department, part of the University of Rochester.” In 1947, the family left the frigid east coast for Fresno, which had the kind of mediterranean climate that Querica’s parents had left behind in Southern Italy. After graduating from Fresno State College, though, Quercia felt it was time to return to Rochester. “I always said I wanted to go back,” she said. “I kind of
“I didn’t know what I really wanted to do and I found out that teaching ... is another art.” -Olga Quercia
of teaching
missed it.” She entered graduate school at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. “I went through what I see young people today go through when they finish college with a graduate degree,” Quercia said. “It’s like ‘Now what do I do? Do I really want to do this?’ It’s a real eye-opener, and I was discouraged.” However, Quercia soon found the area where her musical skills would flourish. “I didn’t know what I really wanted to do and I found out that teaching … is another art,” she said. Little by little, Quercia became more interested in the art of teaching, and in 1975 that interest brought her to FCC. In the time that she has been teaching, Quercia has encountered challenges and frustrations. However, she has found that it is important to approach these frustrations with understanding. “With students at city college, there’s a huge diversity …
so kids come and maybe their social graces are not that exciting, and maybe their social habits are not that good,” she said. “So if the student shows up initially and then disappears, you could get really upset. But you have to wait and find out why, and when you do, usually there’s a good reason and then you go from there.” Despite the frustration that can come with teaching at community college, Quercia enjoys being a part of her students’ college experience. “I think that college age is one of the most wonderful ages,” she said. “You’re still kind of innocent, there’s still a little bit of the kid in you, yet you’re looking forward, you’re building on your dreams...and to be part of that is very exciting.” Quercia will be retiring at the end of this semester after nearly 40 years as a member of the FCC community. However, she is spearheading one important project that she says will keep her around for
a little while longer. In order to address the lack of quality pianos for FCC students, Quercia is raising funds to obtain at least two Steinway pianos for the school. “We desperately need pianos here,” she said. “The average age of our pianos is 58 years … and the condition of these pianos is very poor.” Quercia strongly believes that students should have access to quality instruments; these instruments can produce volume and quality of sound that students learn to appreciate and eventually gravitate towards. “I think it’s really important that they have that experience,” Quercia said, “because where else are they going to get it? Where else are they going to have a chance to play on a very fine instrument? And they deserve it as much as anybody else - as much as the people going to Juilliard or Eastman or wherever. That’s my philosophy.” l TWITTER.COM/JCR1015
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NEWS
04.30.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
NEXT LEVEL OF SELF-EXPRESSION Performing Arts Club allows students to overcome stage fright and expand creative boundaries.
“It doesn’t matter if you can sing, dance, act or even draw in a straight line. Anyone can be an artist.” -Candace Young BY PATRICK FORREST
News editor pforrest@therampageonline.com
The Fresno City College Performing Arts Club put on an artist showcase put student talent on display. Student submitted artwork and student musicians, dancers and comedians were out to show their talents off to the entire school. “I like seeing what people can do,” said Candace Young, president of the Performing Arts Club. Meeting every tuesday at 3:15, the Performing Arts Club plays a pivotal part in introducing those who otherwise may not have exposure to the arts and giving those who are exposed the platform to hone their particular craft. From singing and dancing to drawing and painting, most every form of artistic expression can be found and is welcome in their meetings. “We are really about making friends,” Candace Young said. “A lot of people just come on campus, go to class and then leave. We really want to give people more of a friendly family atmosphere.” The club stands by their laid back, friend-first, mes-
sage by playing different games to close every meeting. “We play all kinds of games,” Young said. “We dance, sing, get on the ground and roll around and yes, it can get you a bit out of your comfort zone but that’s how you grow.” And personal growth is one of the things that the club stresses is among its list of successes. “I like seeing people when they first come in being very shy and timid and then slowly watching them come out of their shell,” Young said. “Watching people become more comfortable in their own skin is an incredible experience.” But their fun time doesn’t negate from their message that anyone can be an artist. “It doesn’t matter if you can sing, dance, act or even draw in a straight line,” Young said. “Anyone can be an artist. And as long as you have some type of interest and you’re ready to have fun, then there is a place in the performing arts club for you.”
“Finding My Voice” by Teresa Wiles is one of the many abstract arts displayed by the performing arts club, Tuesday, 29, 2014. Photo/Michael Monroy
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PERFORMING ARTS CLUB Meetings Tuesday at 3:15
One of the many abstract arts created by Teresa Wiles and displayed by the performing arts club, Tuesday, 29, 2014. Photo/Michael Monroy
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NEWS
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.30.2014
VALUE OF AN EDUCATIO N
Is a degree
in the arts
worth the
BY LAURE
Arts & En
N BAKER
tertainm ent Edito r Art Direc tor lbaker@th erampage online.com
price you p
ay?
Students that walk onto ou any college a r perception of wh campus rt truly is at gainin carry g n and wit them a sp ecif ic goa h benefits everyo how it experienc ew creative l in mind tha es. n e ? “It’ t “My job to accom they hope to h s one thing not is to he av p my stude nts find th lp their degre lish: getting food e money to put o inner art e eir is possibly c as fast they real. n the table, that’s a in on th t and hone eir creati way, some n. Along the with Not to feel safe vit o to help th a roof ov so ingra f us become head er your em see th y, ined in w eir a o n rl d d fe a e o ro studies a nd our o ur and comforta l warm dif ferentl und them ble, that’s ther rea y,” responsib l. B ilit “ You alwa Scheid said. forget the ies that we all th ut after you have y engaged in s have to be e basics, the next struggle to point of the thin the creati g is to h process, ve being wit av which is b the hope h, soul fed. That’ e your never k ecause you having a b s music, n of theate e the answ ow where comes fr tter life that and r, writing, poetry, ers or v om havin g a art isual art,” said FCC inspiration is g the college ed oing ucati to instructor That be on. Anne yo come from. If Scheid. in u ’r g e wait said, many stu Art classe de inspiratio ing for the s are no careers th nts opt for only you’re t going to n, meant to at they fe miss it!” will best c e a l te r a rt to m prepare th ajors, but S c h e id , b to enrich for financ e ial success m the lives of all art has tak elieves that students. opposed e a s A rt classes are to perhap to genera n a backstep s a in included more fulf l educati illed life d general education “ W hen I was a co on. oing req what the uir llege y truly w student in to do, in ant same ements for the the 1970 part due th re s, e a so a rt n s we sa to a or society th history c geolog y W hether re a big deal. at teache s ours that acad us includ y em ed; it is in e is in theater, ou were arts do n ics and the to te a n writer, d e d ot go ha musician, make n in-hand. students a poet, y a W here d d- multi-faceted were con ou o that leav sidered and best e art ma es well-rounded. ‘t h e ’ on campu jors? the Is there s. Now, se classes, Without it has somethin re g ally switc be desire st hed; d or sho to lack the opport udents now it’s we as a uld expa unity to a nd their society a economic ll business, lter and ho s, are depri rizons Art is seco and math. nd.” ved of l TWITTE R.C
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Photo Illustration/Victor Aparicio
Go to THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM for the complete story
HEHERO
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A&E
04.30.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
GIVING ADVICE: 3 ARTISTS BY VICTOR APARICIO
vaparicio@therampageonline.com
EMILY & BEVERLY LIANG, FINN NELSON Artists
BRANDON MELENDEZ Musician
“Draw from life and learn to observe.” -Emily “Work loose. If it doesn’t look right, start over.” -Beverly “Practice, practice, practice. Don’t have a closed-off mind to critique.” - Finn
“For someone just starting out, you have to really like it. No one is going to keep you motivated, you have to do that. So if you want to get good, you have to practice a lot. Learning in a group could be fun and competitive too.”
DEVON JACOBY Photographer
“Take your camera everywhere you go, and shoot everything [you] see that intrigues [you]. The moment you see it, you will know.”
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Going Street Style: Campus Fashion Choices
“I think my style is very eclectic. I don’t really shop at name brand stores or anything. Everything that’s internal can be expressed externally via your fashion sense.” - Olivia Wright
“I would say like a more urban, classy look and I just like to be a little bit more conservative. [I like] that you can stand out and show the kind of person that you are just by the way that you dress. I think it says a lot about your personality at times.” - Miranda Velasquez BY KEVYNN GOMEZ
kgomez@therampageonline.com
Photos/ Michael Monroy & Darlene Wendels l TWITTER.COM/THEONLYKEVYNN l TWITTER.COM/MICHAELIMONROY l TWITTER.COM/WENDIZZL3
“I basically just buy weird things. I guess because I don’t want it to be so serious. Like it’s kinda like everything’s so serious in the world that what I wear shouldn’t really matter that much.” - Hanne MacDonald “I guess my personal style is a reflection of the music I listen to. I like a lot of different kinds of metal - death metal and stuff like that.” - Patrick Severson
A&E
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.30.2014
Class is in Session.
7
Are you in? 2014 Summer Session
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04.30.2014
Unique ambiance and an equally unique menu of various teas and more! We recommend the “Green Lantern” or the “Cherry Blossom Green Tea.” 645 E. Olive Ave.
The Tower’s own corncupoia of collect vinyls and more, not to mention some o best service around. 639 E. Olive Ave.
The
. . . f o s m e Hidden G
Popular venue for drinks, big-name live entertainment and more! Formerly known as “Starline.” 833 E. Fern Ave.
A spritual haven specializing in metaphysical products, which hosts pyschic readings. 845 E. Fern Ave.
Great atmosphere, great drinks, and aweso live entertainment! 1426 N. Van Ness Ave.
Reporters: Jarrett Ramones, Lauren Baker, Victor Aparicio, Patrick Forrest l TWITTER.COM/JMRAMONES
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04.30.2014
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Every grown-up kid’s fantasy: board games and beer on tap! 1472 N. Van Ness Ave.
tible of the
Excellent Chinese cuisine that won’t hurt your wallet. They’re closed Mondays though, be forewarned! 1414 N. Van Ness Ave.
Chase Flower Shop A beautiful assortment of flowers and gifts. Wonderful in-store hospitality! 1405 N. Van Ness Ave.
A treasure trove of vintage comics and memorabilia at an affordable price. A must-visit for all comic book fans! 1407 N. Van Ness Ave.
ome
Photographers: Michael Monroy, Darlene Wendels l TWITTER.COM/MICHAELIMONROY
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Graphics: Lauren Baker l TWITTER.COM/ELBTHEHERO
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A&E
04.30.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
FORTRESS OF FANDOM Are graphic novels a valid medium? BY LAUREN BAKER
Arts & Entertainment Editor/Art Director lbaker@therampageonline.com
Like any other written work, graphic novels should absolutely be regarded with the highest esteem of artistic respect. Classic literature, is an art form in an of itself because words are used to paint a visual picture. Images are not relied on to tell the story but rather, words are used to aid the imagination in what one should see. Graphic novels play on the best of both these worlds. Much like a well-cut film, graphic novels and comic books tell a story through almost exclusively drawings in a storyboard-like sequence. Using minimal words in some cases, with the exception of dialogue between characters and the narrator to reader. Unlike comics, which are typically short and belong to an on-going story line, graphic novels are generally
entire stories. On occasion they come in parts, but they are longer in length and far more in depth than that of their comic counterparts(no pun intended). Graphic novels can be thought of as entire movies in the palms of your hands that need only a turn of a page, rather than a swipe of the finger. The art is often finer in detail and the story sequences have more license to take their time in progression as opposed to rushing a storyline that promises to be continued in the next comic. Just as writing is an art in itself as painting with words, so to can we look at the art of graphic novelry as such. The placement of images, the stories characters tell with an expression or the aging building in a landscape. Storytelling itself is an art, and anyway in which it’s conveyed is its own art.
Graphic/ Lauren Baker
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Relief: Jarrett Ramones
For the Birds: Jarrett Ramones
Text Message: Jarrett Ramones
Check out therampageonline.com for a brand new, original web-comic series!
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.30.2014
OPINION
Inked & Fabulous
11
tattoos make beautiful art vines symbolize that they are a part of me and they are helping me grow as a person. They are literally with me for every step of my life. That is where the art in tattoos lies for me: in the story. Of course the tattoo artist that completed the work should be commended for their skill but there is a deeper meaning. Each story, lesson or struggle is spelled out there in ink. People do get thoughtless tattoos after a night of drinking. It is important to remember, though, that those people do not speak for the tattoo industry and neither do I. That is the beauty of tattoos. Each piece speaks for itself and the person that chose it. That is not always seen, though. Certain people find tattoos distasteful and are rather forward with their comments. I was screamed at on a city bus for having tattoos. The woman was in her late 70s and she was convinced that I was the devil incarnate. “Those are the marks of the devil. How dare you parade around town like that? You need to be cast out of this world,” she said. I realized a long time ago that whatever people think is their business. At the end of the day, they have to reconcile themselves with their own thinking and there is nothing that I can do to help that process. That is what I mean when I talk about paying attention to the story. The tattoo in and of itself is a piece of art but so is the story behind it. Think about it in terms of asking what made Picasso decide to paint. What made Botticelli decide to paint “The Birth of Venus”? There’s a story, and then there’s the piece. Look at both of them before making a judgment about the person or the piece. My body is a canvas and forever a work in progress. That is something that I am proud of.
Think tattoos are too alternative? Think again. Many Americans enjoy tattoo art in different ways.
BY KAITLIN REGAN
Managing Editor kregan@therampageonline.com
People get tattooed for different reasons, but the result is the same. You end up with a piece of art on your body that makes you just a little more unique. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. has at least one tattoo. If this is the case, why is there still a taboo on body art and modifications? I am a proud member of the tattoo community with 16 tattoos and plans for at least six more. I have a sleeve that is being worked on currently and watching as it comes together makes me believe even more that tattoos are art. The only difference is the gallery that they are viewed from. When a tattooed person walks by, people tend to stare. That is normal. The first question that is asked is “Did that hurt?” The next question is usually “How much did that cost?” But the third question is the most important: “Why did you get that?” Some may think that this is an invasive question but take a minute to listen. The story behind that tattoo or series of tattoos may change the way that you view body art. One of my stories can be seen on my feet. I have initials with vines winding from my toes to up and around my ankle on both feet. The initials are each for a dead brother and sister. The
l TWITTER.COM/K_C_REGAN
Fresno tattoo artist Ryan “Baby” Collins, a former Fresno City College student, has been tattooing for 3 years and specializes in traditional Americana-style tattoos. He works at Resistance Tattoo on Van Ness and McKinley, just blocks from the FCC campus. Art/courtesy Ryan Collins
Fresno City College student Killean Murphy displays her 2-year-old tattoo, representing her relationship with her two sisters and their aspirations for positive lives, inked by Fresno artist Noe Lopez of Contra Tattoo. Photo/Michael Monroy
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OPINION
04.30.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Low-income communities need art, too..
ART AIN’T ONLY FOR THE RICH
BY RAMPAGE EDITORIAL BOARD editorial@therampageonline.com
Ever heard of Juilliard, the nearly $60,000 a year arts college in New York famous for its rigorous programs for aspiring dancers? Or what about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where tuition alone is over $40,000? While both of these eduational institutions have procedures to provide equal opportunities to students of all walks of life, how realistic do you think it is that the average child from the Westside will attend one of these prestigious colleges? We at the Rampage feel that art programs should be given more emphasis to lower-income communities
Illustration/Lauren Baker
so that the youth in these environments can be exposed to art, music, theatre and other skills that would be difficult to gain access to. High costs, physical boundaries, and lack of representation are but a few barriers for young students in poorer, sometimes crime-ridden communities. That is why educational institutions, non-profit organizations and communities themselves must push for such programs to become the norm in America. Many individuals who inhabit lowincome communities are people of color who already deal with barriers of discrimination and racism. Consequently, many young people who do not have easy access to effective, enlightening programs are also racial minorities. Many young minorities have more than proved their worth and talent in excelling in academics and the arts.
If young people are fully capable of maintaining high grade point averages, learning difficult skills such as playing instruments, singing in choir, perfecting their ballet, hip hop or contemporary techniques, or enjoying programming computers or taking photos, why should their family’s income level or housing situation stop them from moving forward? According to a 2011 National Center for Education Statistics report, low-income students are five times more likely than high-income students to drop out of school. The famous astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson once said, regarding children and learning, that “Kids are born curious. Period. I don’t care about your economic background. I don’t care what town you’re born in, what city, what country ... And you know what you do? You put things in their midst that help them explore.” We also must remember that America is in the middle of a technological and scientific renaissance. This circumstance has created a specific need for skilled professionals in many
fields, but especially the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields (colloquially know as STEM). These programs, while different in terms of the skills used and programs necessary to learn, are just as much an art form our youth can excel in. Traditional arts such as sculpting and ballet also go hand in hand with STEM skills, as the diligence, hard work and confidence required in one apply to both. Who is to say that many of our future geneticists, software engineers, doctors and mathematicians are not children and teens struggling to get by in poor neighborhoods and never even made aware of their potential gifts to the world? Who is to say that they aren’t youth living in households where paying rent for the next month is more of a priority than one’s intellectual abilities? When it comes to the current boundaries that plague students, we as community members need to create a future of hope and success for all students. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
Campus Voices
“What are the top artistic choices you would recommend to other Fresno City College students?”
Danny Ramirez Undeclared Music: Sublime “I’ve listened to them since I was really little and I guess my older brother was the one who introduced me to them. It’s something I remember from when I was young.”
Veronica Rodriguez Criminology
Andres Garcia Mechanical Engineering
Elizabeth Banana Registered Nursing
Music: Christian music Books: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Movie: “Man of Steel” by Zack Snyder “I like how everybody sees him as a hero and how he’s basically a god to his people ... that’s basically like the story of Moses.”
TV: Rich Kids of Beverly Hills “It kind of motivates me, because once I’m done with school I’m just going to get myself a Louis Vuitton [bag] and some Hermes bag[s] .. I just want to grow old and have whatever I want!”
WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KEVYNN GOMEZ
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.30.2014
OPINION
13
Music is more than just a song on your iPod
BY MARIA VARGAS
Reporter mvargas@therampageonline.com
Art has always been a contribution to society. Art is found everywhere on this earth, it surrounds us and it gives us emotion and makes us feel some type of way. Artists are one of a kind; they posses qualities, skills and more importantly, a creative imagination that allows them to bring art to life. With this being said, an artist who creates a work of art, whether it be
a painting, music, a play, a movie or a tattoo, artists should get paid for bringing their art to life. An open artist’s community should not trump owner’s rights to their content. Take for example the music industry. Many musical artists invest their time and their money to produce a song so it is only just to pay for the music that they produce; after all, this is how they make their living. Music piracy takes a toll on people’s jobs. The workers who put the time into making and producing the music suffer a loss as well in their wage earnings. One analysis by the Institute for Policy Innovation concludes that global music piracy causes 71,060 U.S. jobs lost, a loss of $2.7 billion in workers’ earnings, and $131 million in lost corporate income and production taxes. Global music piracy causes $12.5 billion of economic losses every year. This in the long run can make it difficult for the artists to produce new music. Personally, I am a huge music junkie. I enjoy going to festivals to hear the DJs’ music. To me, music ex-
presses emotion and it makes me feel a certain way. I value the DJs and the artists who produce the music that make me feel this way; therefore I pay for the music that I like to listen to. All these artists who create their art whether it be making movies, making music or painting portraits should get paid; thus we as consumers should pay for their art. We all must make a living in order to provide for ourselves and our families. They too have families that they need to provide for. They take time away from being with their families to make this art that we enjoy, so it is only right to pay for the art that was produced. Who will pay for their supplies if the artists aren’t being paid for their art? Tattoos are also a form of art and people pay for their tattoos. The artists who do tattoos also need to get paid for their services. They also must charge people in order to cover the costs for their ink and other equipment. Consumers who have a great amount of interest in ink value the
art that comes with it. They value the person that spends hours transferring their art onto someone’s skin. They value it enough that they pay for these services. Not everyone is great with ink or with doing tattoos. It takes someone with great creativity and imagination to bring the customer’s desired tattoo idea to life. Why then is this any different any other type of art? Art is a contribution to society; it brings joy, and it makes this world a very beautiful place. Being paid allows artists to continue to make this contribution to society. The artist’s contribution expands in relation to the amount of the time that is put into it. More hours means expanded contribution to this world with your talents. We live in a moneybased society and that won’t change anytime soon. However, in the meantime, we must all do our part to ensure that artists are fairly compensated for their contribution to the world. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
Penmanship: a dying art form, or an outdated practice? BY RAZI SYED
Reporter rsyed@therampageonline.comw
Penmanship is being dropped from the curricula of many U.S. public schools as the Common Core standards, which omit penmanship, have now been adopted by the vast majority of states, according to an August 2011 report in the New Yorker. Those opposed to the teaching of penmanship in schools have argued that digital communication skills (i.e. typing) are the skills that children will need to succeed and that those should be taught instead. “If you just stop and think for a second about what are the sorts of skills that people are likely to be using in the future, it’s much more likely that keyboarding will help students succeed in careers and in school than it is that cursive will,” Morgan Polikoff, an assistant professor of K-12 policy and leadership at the Universi-
ty of Southern California, was quoted as saying in a Nov. 14, 2013 Associated Press report. While there certainly is a need for typing to be taught to students, those arguing for the removal of penmanship from the curricula of U.S. public schools have put forward a falsechoice fallacy. It’s not a question of whether one should be taught over the other; both penmanship and typing are skills that complement each other and deserve to be given time and attention that doesn’t come at the expense of the other. Throughout most of my schooling, my handwriting has always been terrible. I was constantly scolded for my illegible writing. And years of constant computer use did my handwriting no favors. It wasn’t until relatively recently (by this time, my handwriting had become a heinous scrawl) that I had decided to make an effort to improve it. It was throughout that time, practicing letters one by one till they were something I was satisfied with, did I
begin to see what value lied in having good penmanship. Writing by hand causes one to slow down and think more about each word being written. And the benefits have been shown in studies as well: In the study, headed by Virginia Berninger, a University of Washington professor of educational psychology, researchers found that elementary school students who wrote by hand wrote more, faster and wrote more complete sentences. Modern cognitive research has also demonstrated the benefits that minds, young and old alike, gain when they emphasize handwriting. An October 2010 Wall Street Journal report detailed various studies in which cursive was shown to help children with reading comprehension as well as expressing themselves. Neuroscientist Karin Harman James conducted research which demonstrated the various ways in which learning letters affect the brains of children while they were writing by hand and typing, according to a January 2012 Indiana University press release.
Writing by hand, her research showed, engaged more areas of the brain and substantially improved letter recognition - a key prerequisite and predictor of future reading skills, according to a June 2011 article in the Chicago Tribune. However, the educational benefits are only part of the value of teaching penmanship. Being that writing in longhand has traditionally been what marked the literate from illiterate, much of our cultural heritage is in archived handwritten documents. The original forms of documents like the United States Constitution and the journals of ancestors will be unreadable to children who weren’t taught cursive. By viewing penmanship as antiquated and anachronistic skill, we not only are disregarding an important part of our collective cultural heritage, we are also denying young children the cognitive and educational benefits that penmanship offers them. l TWITTER.COM/RAZISYED
Illustration/Lauren Baker
OPINION The Battle of Dinuba by Ryan Payne When the referee blew the whistle our two bodies collided To make the world shake. As all the blood, sweat, and Tears of that day was finally coming to an end. Desperate I pounded on The head and took my double leg.. only to be sprawled on. The cut that was above my eye poured out red gush. Paul Perez, From Tulare Union, tried to spin but I felt like a Two ton truck and I did not let go. He used his club to smash my face in, but it didn’t stop me I stepped up and finished and heard the ref say, “2 points Green”. First round was over. I chose bottom and had a 275 pound body on mine already beaten and The dark bluish purple marks that covered my body from the hurt. In one motion he tried breaking my arm and I felt a chop and my Body slowly hitting the mat. A turn and a turn, shoulders on the Mat.. No way I would lose. I fought like a madman to get up. Exploded out like a shotgun wanting his victim. It was 3-3 with the Round going into the 3rd. He chose bottom. Perez with his massive frame shot out like a rocket Going to space. 4-3. I dove for a leg, a tree trunk. And got a hammer for My efforts and got a taste of the cut I still had open. I re shot to get the Same. My face the nail and the mat the wood. Trying to win the battle I had struggled to finish but the buzzer hit me as loud As a swarm of bees. To win was the goal, to lose was the outcome.. Head down with all my pride and energy Drained from my lifeless body. I shook his hand and Hugged my silver medal. Only to know that my fate was not gold.
04.30.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
Written words
submissions from Fresno City College students “A Walk Through Downtown Fresno” by Daniel Pena
Haiku Series by Lesslie Urbano
I did not slow as I passed it by, Beneath the darkened freeway arch, in what was more a nest and less a sty, bound stiff as if by filth like starch.
fizzy soda pop. hot dogs, football, and Warhol. Americana. Bombs over Baghdad. exploding over night skies. as mother earth weeps.
A home of sorts, with junk for walls, made up of blankets, twine, and boards that sag, yet combats the winds that pester it to fall, leaning on a graffitied words that read “kill Fagz”.
snow capped mountains. sound of rain on a tin roof. in the winter wind. she sits there alone. wondering where it went wrong and asking the skies for help.
beside the structure, between two trees, woven from discarded plastic bags, was a hammock swaying peacefully, begging all to rest their tired backs.
Where fast-tracking career goals meets
“I want to get started right away.”
It seemed to catch the sun rays with its clever plastic netting, to fend off the blossoming decay with its faded pieces blinding. Yet all I will recall about that spot, was the slightly sweet and acrid smell of rot.
Want to submit to the Rampage newspaper and potentially be featured in the opinion section? Email the editor at kgomez@therampageonline.com!
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THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 04.30.2014
15
ATHLETES AND THEIR MUSIC BY REBEKAH MADISON
Reporter rmadison@therampageonline.com
Music is one of the most underrated luxuries to human beings. The number of genres, artists and albums that are available to meet everyone’s unique preferences are endless. Many Fresno City College athletes use music to connect with their sport and find their motivation. “Music motivates me and also give me self confidence,” said FCC wrestler Safiullah Aryan. He listens to “Eye of the Tiger” to motivate him. “Music changes my state of mind and gets me focused before a race,” said cross country runer Kayla Martinez. She listens to “Diva” by Beyonce to put her in the zone. “It gives me a burst of energy to complete my workouts and pushes me past the breaking point,” said track and field runner Robert Leija. He listens to “Wake Up” by Mac Miller to get him mentally prepared and in the zone. “Music calms me down and keeps me mellow so I can think clearly. I react better when my mind is calm and relaxed,” said wrestler Sergio Cortez. “What I got” by Sublime is his choice of music before a competition. l TWITTER.COM/ REBEKAHRMADISON
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PORTS 04.30.2014 Athleticism Of Dance
BY KEVYNN GOMEZ
Opinion Editor kgomez@therampageonline.com
What are the first few words that come to mind when you think of the word “dance”? If they’re not strength, endurance, and dedication, then you may want to head over to your earliest dance recital and brush up on your understanding of this graceful art form. Dance, while a beautiful art form, is also a tough physical practice that requires dedication and endurance. FCC dancer Jamar Thompson, a dance major and participant in the recent spring City Dance concert, understands how important eating healthy and keeping fit can be. “I workout for about 3 hours. I start with cardio for about an hour. People call me crazy because I do it for an hour, but, I like to sweat,” he states. “Then I go straight to abs and work out my core for about 30 minutes to 40 minutes. And then I’ll pick a specific body part to work out that day.” Thompson is one of many FCC students who were involved in City Dance, which spanned from April 10-13 and showcased 10 dance pieces, each portraying unique dance styles, such as hip hop, contemporary and traditional ballet. The performance, which was held in the FCC Theatre, encompassed small dance duets as well as large-scale pieces with more than 20 students performing on stage simultaneously. The bi-annual event is directed by FCC dance faculty member Jimmy Hao and choreographed by both adjunct instructors and students alike. Thompson, an avid fan of ballet, states that he avoids any leg workouts outside of his usual dance practices to avoid over-exertion or injuries. “I get all the legwork that I need with dance,” he said. He also ensures that his diet is as clean and healthy as possible.
“I eat a lot of fish and chicken. I try not to eat out really often,” he says. Thompson, who doesn’t consume the ever-popular protein shakes because he gets “all his protein from food,” does, however, advocate for people to eat certain items. Tuna, leafy greens and peanut butter are at the top of his list. Not all dancers are as strict as Thompson. Marina Zentunyan, a fellow FCC dancer, gets her physical fitness mostly from dance workouts. “I feel like we tone more than gain muscle,” Zentunyan says. “Little tiny muscles, that you probably never think you would ever use in your life, you use in dance.” Zachary Garcia, also a dance major and participant in City Dance, emphasizes countering your strengths with your weaknesses by focusing on them more. “You need the flexibility but you also need the strength. You can’t have one or the other. I feel like with a lot of boys, with me too, I have the strength but I don’t have the flexibility,” he says. One common tip given by dancers is to respect the limits of your body. “Just really be patient with it and really pay attention to [your] body,” says Jean Vang, an FCC dancer who enjoys hip hop as well as ballet. “Don’t overwork your body. You only have one body so if you’re going to do something, you have to learn to do it correctly,” he adds. Lastly, it is recommended to always have a set goal in mind, regardless of what sort of physical or artistic practice you are participating in. “If you want to work out, you have to have a goal in mind,” Thompson says. “ If you see a vision for yourself for what you want to be, it makes it that much easier.” l TWITTER.COM/THEONLYKEVYNN
Fresno City College dancers Zachary Garcia, right, and Jean Vang, left, hold Maria Zentunyan during the spring 2014 City Dance concert on Sunday, April 13, 2014 in the FCC Theatre./Kevynn Gomez
FCC dancers use the beautiful art form of dance to strive for greatness, a tough physical practice that requires dedication and endurance.
Jean Vang, a Fresno City College dancer, midair, performs a dance routine with fellow FCC student Zachary Garcia during the spring 2014 City Dance concert on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at the FCC Theatre. /Kevynn Gomez