22 West Magazine- 2023 Community Issue

Issue 89.06 · November 6, 2023 · 22westmedia.com

COMMUNITY ISSUE

MAGAZINE STAFF Jensen Puckett, Editor-in-Chief editorinchief@22westmedia.com Sofia Carlos, Managing Editor managingeditor@22westmedia.com Alana Loinaz, Lead Copy Editor copyeditor@22westmedia.com Caroline Bae, Art Director artdirector@22westmedia.com Panhavatey Bun, Advertising and Sales Manager advertisingmanager@22westmedia.com

Jude Sampson, Distribution Manager distributionmanager@22westmedia.com

COVER DESIGN AnnaBella Vaca, Illustrator & Filmmaker @officialbellarinav www.gocatproduction.com

VOLUNTEER MEETINGS Contact editorinchief@22westmedia. com or check our bio @22westlb on Instagram

CONTACT US Email: info@22westmedia.com Mail: 1212 Bellflower Blvd, Suite 108 Long Beach, CA 90815 Disclaimer and Publication Information: 22 West Magazine is published using ad money and partial funding provided by the Associated Students, Inc. All Editorials are the opinions of their individual authors, not the magazine, ASI nor LBSU. All students are welcome and encouraged to be a part of the staff.

All letters to the editor will be considered for publication. However, LBSU students will have precedence.

Please include name and major for all submissions.

They are subject to editing and will not be returned.

Letters may or may not be edited for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and length. 22 West Magazine will publish anonymous letters, articles, editorials, and illustrations, but must have your name and information attached for our records. Letters to the editor should be no longer than 500 words. 22 West Magazine assumes no responsibility, nor is it liable, for claims of its advertisers. Grievance procedures are available in the Associated Students business office.

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COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

LETTER FROM AN EDITOR

W

elcome to a safe and somewhat challenging space. Get ready to read articles and observe art that will both inspire and entertain you. I honestly cannot believe it is already November, one of my

favorite months of the year. I’m always amused by this season! I love seeing people bonding over their pumpkin spice latte orders and having healthy arguments over which one is better: Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Halloween.

I bet you now thought of your personal answer regarding these holidays.

Did you by any chance think about someone who does not agree with you? Or perhaps someone who does not like your favorite holiday at all? I’m bringing this up to talk about how people can be part of a different community when it comes to one topic, but the same community when it comes to a different one. There is no right or wrong answer for this. We can have equal pieces that are part of completely different puzzles. That is the beauty of finding diversity within a group; as much as you might think alike, you are completely distinct beings.

Now that you are reading this magazine, I’d like to welcome you into our family. Whether this is your first contact with us or not, you are officially part of the 22 West community. Interestingly enough, this is exactly what this month’s issue is all about: community. Please feel free to stop by if you’d like to get involved with our future publications. We are located on the first floor of the USU (right in front of the pool tables). I will let you start your reading session now. I hope you enjoy these articles and art pieces as much as I enjoyed going through every submission.

ALANA LOINAZ LEAD COPY EDITOR

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TEAM

THE MAGAZINE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

LEAD COPY EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING AND SALES MANAGER

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

JENSEN PUCKETT

ALANA LOINAZ

PANHAVATEY BUN 4

SOFIA CARLOS

CAROLINE BAE

JUDE SAMPSON

CONTRIBUTORS Alana Loinaz, Writer & Artist Alberto Domingo Quinonez, Writer Anthony Lewis, Writer Apollo Nunez-Pabico, Writer Darya Jafarinejad, Writer Eric Ceja Ruiz, Writer Fia Franz-Knight, Writer Gia Krupens, Writer Isabella Siqueira, Writer Jude Sampson, Writer Keanu Hua, Writer Nesqi Vazquez, Writer Sofia Carlos, Writer

Abihail Ortega, Artist Cecilia Alves, Artist Daisy Lee, Artist Gerricka Dacpano, Artist Jade Lew, Artist Jena Quac, Artist Krizzha Dee, Artist Leyna Nguyen, Artist Phyke Soriano, Artist Saba Nabaeighahroudi, Artist Serena Logan, Artist

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22 WEST MAGAZINE OPINION

A MELTING POT WITHOUT

FLAVOR

WRITTEN BY DARYA JAFARINEJAD

(people who have been spread or dispersed from

of our cultures. Traditions and cultural indicators

their homeland).

and symbols are allowed to be present—within the

Unconformity is dangerous. It threatens the

context of capitalist consumerism. Cinco De Mayo,

ILLUSTRATION BY KRIZZHA DEE

rigid hierarchy and binary system set in place for

for instance, is perceived to be an important Mexi-

us. To kill unconformity, there must be a national

can holiday in the United States, and while it does

O

mandate of assimilation. Our unique and diverse

have roots in Mexican history, has little impact in

ne of the first lessons in American culture

backgrounds are muted. We are muted. As we travel

Mexico. Mexican Independence Day is much more

that immigrants and diaspora learn is that

from one community to another, from the mother-

celebrated and prominent in Mexico, but that does

our own cultures, traditions, and histories

land to the West, the urgent message of assimila-

not benefit the United States of Capitalism, which

are not only irrelevant in this new landscape, but

tion surrounds us like billboards at Times Square.

seeks to appropriate and fabricate for profit.

utterly inferior to the national ideal—the “Mythi-

It’s the final citizenship test. Failure to pass is

There is also the famous dish from India, Chicken

cal Norm,” as Audre Lorde states. Those who do

to be labeled “rebellious”, as the alien “other” who

Tikka Masala. While this is a very popular and deli-

not identify as a thin, white, cisgender, heterosex-

endangers the fabric of American society. We do

cious food from India, this is about as far of an

ual, financially stable man represent an unconfor-

not question why our society clings to Eurocen-

understanding of Indian culture that many Ameri-

mity—a failure to remain within the boundaries of

trism and whiteness, but are instead programmed

cans hold. The popularization of this dish has been

the social standard. Unfortunately for most of us,

to ostracize those who remain committed and

fueled largely by heavy commercialization with

we are the living embodiments of that unconfor-

connected to their ancestry and traditions.

the intent of financial gain, not furthering accep-

mity. Especially if we are immigrants or diaspora

6

However, this does not mean a total rejection

tance between and for diverse peoples. Essentially,

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06 Western society—particularly America—picks and

American exceptionalism. However, hate crimes

against assimilation. We have to be careful to not

chooses pieces of customs, traditions, and histories

towards people of color and queer people are on the

develop an “us against them” mentality that turns

to include for the purposes of commercialization,

rise, America has the least class mobility and worst

us against each other, but instead continue to

which ultimately trivializes and erases the meaning

income disparities of any industrialized country,

foster solidarity across boundaries and borders. Our

behind that cultural marker.

and women have not yet even dented the glass ceil-

communities are sites of refuge and safety from

ing (which may as well be like trying to break down

white supremacy. Through the bonds we nurture

Only when it financially benefits the West does our culture “matter.”

a stone wall with toothpicks). The only exceptional

and solidify, we push back against the superior/

Despite this appropriation for capital gain, immi-

thing America has done is exceptionally conceal its

inferior dichotomy. Instead of being influenced, we

grant and diaspora communities are still blamed for

failure to embody the utopia it claims to be. Yet the

become the influencers. We are soldiers, battling

economic declines and every other societal issue in

myth of American exceptionalism is weaponized

against the destruction of our identities. We are

America. It has been well-documented that immi-

against foreign, nonwhite countries, as an instru-

cartographers, given maps without us featured.

grants and diaspora create beautiful art, contribute

ment of domination and imperialism. It is a pathetic

So, we travel throughout our new home and mark

billions to the economy, add to pop culture, design

symbol of American hypocrisy.

ourselves, drafting new landscapes etched with

architecture, participate in scholarly research and

But where there is oppression, there will always

our reflections in the empty nothingness that once

scientific study that advances American progress,

be resistance. Nativism, nationalism, and white

was. We leave behind trails of art, literature, sculp-

and more! Immigrant contributions are valuable to

supremacy are the three (bland) main ingredients

tures, and music reminiscent of our backgrounds,

American society! After all, the United States loves

in America’s melting pot right now. They dilute

forming constellations that signify our existence,

to label itself as a “melting pot.” Yet, despite the many advantages and benefits we offer in abun-

burning brilliantly so that our presence and value

“As children of immigrants, we are the border between two nations, with allegiance to both and belonging in none.”

are undeniable.

As a result, we unknowingly help white, native-

the flavor and richness of immigrant and diaspora

belonging in none. Too foreign for one, too Ameri-

born Americans build a pernicious racial hierar-

communities by enforcing rigid binaries of white/

can for the other. And in order to be granted access

chy. We pass them the bricks, hammer the nails,

other, educated/dumb, progressive/backwards,

to one, we must abandon the other completely—a

and outline the formation. We do this because we

etc.

conditional acceptance. We assume the form of a

dance to America, we are perpetually haunted by the phrases: “Go back to your country,” “Speak English,” and “Foreigner.” These phrases follow us down dark alleys at night, preying upon us when we are most vulnerable. They shadow us in social settings like work and classrooms, and silently slither into even our own communities, infecting other immigrants and diaspora.

And for us children of immigrants, we occupy a unique, unexplored space. Through white assimilation as a product of being raised in America, away from our home country, we experience a loss of identity and relationships to our communities, which results in terrible multigenerational ramifications.

As children of immigrants, we are the border between two nations, with allegiance to both and

have been led to believe that through denouncing

But, diaspora bravely defy conventions of Ameri-

strange incongruence, the merging of two coun-

our countries, of any non-white country, we will be

can idealism and white assimilation and supremacy.

tries that, like puzzle pieces, seemingly do not

among the few of our kind with seats reserved at

We speak proudly about our cultures and histories.

fit. We are faced with the task of navigating this

the peak of the hierarchy. But we are only guar-

And we speak about them in our native tongue.

complex duality to sew our two conflicting identi-

anteeing our own systemic destruction. In the

Dia Dia De Los Muertos, Lunar New Year, Diwali,

ties together, to find balance, harmony, and peace

process, we become so blinded by our animosity

Shangyuan Festival, Sizdeh Bedar, and other beau-

somewhere in this inner turmoil. The worst part is

for one another, we become unable to recognize

tiful cultural practices performed in America are

that this takes ages. But the best part is we know

that we are all pawns in this losing war of excep-

some of the loudest acts of defiance there are.

that it is possible.

tionalism and supremacy.

They are live demonstrations of an unbreakable

I am glad to be living in the US. But, if there is

After all, that is what forms the spine of the

love for one’s home country—countries whose

an invisible string attached to me, I know the other

monster of white supremacy in America—Ameri-

values, customs, and histories guide us everyday.

end is not connected to a person, but to my home

can exceptionalism. Immigrant communities and

We paint murals that tell the stories we refuse to

country.

diaspora are told that our countries are “shitholes,”

be consumed by oblivion, shed our suits and ties

We must continue this fight, this cartography,

that we are “backwards nations” and need to learn

for the colorful clothes of our homeland, and form

this artistry of retaining our cultural and historic

from America how to be progressive and civilized.

communities both centered in our shared ethnic-

identities whilst navigating our new homeland.

This idea that America is the exception to any

ity, and with different immigrant communities. We

We must add new ingredients to this melting pot.

societal flaws—that racism, sexism, homophobia,

uplift and celebrate each other.

America cannot truthfully claim to be a melting

transphobia, every phobia and ism—have magi-

The strength of our diaspora communities is

cally disappeared, is what nourishes the myth of

what sustains us. It is our most powerful weapon

pot if it refuses to include any spices or seasoning, otherwise we are a melting pot without flavor.

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22 WEST MAGAZINE CULTURE

SEASON OF STRIKES A DEEP DIVE INTO THE RECENT STRIKES WRITTEN BY SOFIA CARLOS

T

he Fall season is underway, the leaves

ILLUSTRATION BY ALANA LOINAZ are still standing strong and making waves.

Take for instance the WGA strike that went on

tiating the WGA and AMPTP reached a tentative

in the morning hot as hell in the after-

from May to September. The strike was a result

agreement on a new Minimum Basic Agreement

noon” weather has returned, and the labor union

of a failed contract negotiation between the WGA

(MBA) on September 24, ending the strike. The new

strikes of the summer are as strong as ever. The

Negotiating Committee and studios and stream-

contract was voted on with 99% of WGA members

summer kicked off with Hollywood on strike after

ers such as Netflix, Amazon, Apple Disney, Discov-

voting in favor to ratify it. The new contract is a

the Writer’s Guild of America and the Screen Actors

ery-Warner, NBC Universal, Paramount, and Sony

win for writers, offering better pay and residual

Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio

under the umbrella of the Alliance of Motion Picture

increases, protection from AI-generated writing,

Artists both decided to go on strike. Hollywood and

and Television Producers (AMPTP).

and greater employment guarantees for series and

the entertainment industry were not the only ones

A main demand of the new contract was that the

streaming screenwriters.

that were met with strikes this past summer. The

After months of striking, the writers are back to

US auto industry is seeing strikes increase after

work again. However, not all of Hollywood is done

the United Auto Workers union went on strike in September.

Even though we’re seeing labor unions striking in record numbers recently, they’ve had a presence in the US for some time now. Strikes can be traced as far back as 1768 when journeymen tailors in New York protested a wage reduction. The early labor movement in the US mostly involved artisans with craft trades forming local trade unions to combat cheap labor and long workdays. This was a way for trade workers to defend their trades amidst the

“With studios and streamers cutting residuals, writers argued that being a writer had become an unsustainable profession.”

beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, which saw tions, long workdays, and low wages.

striking. The SAG-AFTRA strike has been going on since July 14 and recently reached its 100-day mark. The strike was called after failed contract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP amidst SAG-AFTRA’s Television/Theatrical/ Streaming contracts expiring with no new contract being agreed upon. SAG-AFTRA stated that they had been bargaining for four weeks prior to calling the strike and that the AMPTP, who represent the studios and streamers, had not offered fair deals on key contract issues of SAG-AFTRA members.

The AMPTP responded saying that the proposed

factory employees endure unsafe working condi-

8

After months of picketing, striking and nego-

have changed color, that annoying “cold

contract offered historic pay and residual increases WGA sought to have fair pay amidst writers stating

and an AI proposal which protects actors’ digital

The first labor union, the National Labor Union,

that studios and streamers’ business practices cut

likeness. Pay and residual increases and protection

was established in 1866 after the presidents of the

their compensations and residuals. Residuals are

from actors’ digital likeness being used have been

Iron Molders’ International Union and Blacksmiths

long-term payments for writers who have worked

some of SAG-AFTRA’s key contract concerns.

Union held a meeting together. The National Labor

on a television show or movie that pays said writ-

On October 2, SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP

Union was not only the first union but also the first

ers for reruns and airings after the initial release of

began to bargain over the contract again. After

to make a national call for an 8-hour workday.

the movie or TV show. With studios and stream-

attempts to negotiate, SAG-AFTRA released a

Decades later we’re still seeing unions be a

ers cutting residuals, writers argued that being a

statement to its members saying that the indus-

fixture in the American workforce. While unions

writer had become an unsustainable profession.

try CEO’s walked away from bargaining after refus-

certainly still exist today, not as many Ameri-

The AMPTP’s final offer was rejected by the WGA

ing to counter their latest offer. SAG-AFTRA also

cans are members of one as in previous decades.

as their response to the writers’ proposals was

stated that the AMPTP’s offer was worth less than

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in

refusing them or providing insufficient counter

what they proposed before the strike. The AMPTP

1983 20.1% of Americans were members of labor

offers. The WGA stated that the AMPTP’s contract

according to SAG-AFTRA is claiming to protect

unions. In 2022, it dropped to 10.1%. The labor unions

proposal would open the door to making writing an

actors’ consent with AI and digital likeness but is

although not as prominent as they once were they

entirely freelance profession.

continuing to demand consent from actors on their

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

first day of work for their digital likeness. On October 21, the SAG-AFTRA strike reached its 100-day mark. Negotiations are set to begin again on October 24 after company executives have asked to return to bargaining.

Strikes have not been just confined to Hollywood recently, they have extended to other industries including the auto industry. The United Auto Workers union (UAW) members who work at Ford, GM and Stellantis went on strike on September 15 beginning what the union is calling the Stand Up Strike. Detroit being the auto making capital of the US, is also home to Ford, GM, and Stellantis the city’s big three automakers. The strike was authorized after union leaders and the big three automakers were unable to reach a deal. Some of the UAW’s main demands are better benefits, defined-benefit pensions restored for new hires, and a pay increase of 36% from Ford, GM, and Stellantis.

A point the UAW is driving home is that these companies have seen record high profits in recent years. According to the Associated Press, Ford, GM, and Stellantis have collectively made $20 billion just this year and have a collective net income of $164 billion. Currently Ford, GM, and Stellantis are offering record contracts with a 23% pay increase over a four-year period and an increase in benefits.

However, UAW president Shawn Fain said that what the companies are currently offering is not enough and that the union can get more from them.

Although they remain unwavering, it’s unknown what the outcome of the SAG-AFTRA and UAW strikes will look like. The UAW is pushing for the big three automakers to put more on the table for their contract. SAG-AFTRA is going into another round of negotiations with company executives as their strike pushes past 100 days. As negotiations for both continue, we will have to wait and see how the battle between union members and big corporations unfold.

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22 WEST MAGAZINE CULTURE

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COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

The Local Punk S WRITTEN BY ISABELLA SIQUEIRA AND FIA FRANZ-KNIGHT ILLUSTRATION BY GERRICKA DACPANO

cene

peace, punk was focused on destruction. Early punk rock bands like The Stooges and MC5 wanted to destroy both musical and social norms at the time through outlandish, and sometimes violent performances. This caused a shift away from the previous decade’s form of rock, which stemmed out of events like Woodstock. As punk music evolved, a

Origins of Punk

culture surrounding it emerged with designers like

There is no genre of music more polarizing than

Vivienne Westwood and Malcom McLaren, creat-

punk rock. Its initial purpose was to go against the

ing an aesthetic of distressed clothes, safety pins,

norm in social culture, no matter what the said norm

metal studs, leather, and dark wash denim. While

was at the time.

the music and the aesthetic formed, so did the

In the late 60s and early 70s, the youth in Amer-

mentality associated with punk that has remained

ica was faced with the Vietnam War draft, an event

prevalent today. Punk comes with the mindset that

that led to a loss of choice. This forced many to fight

is turning social norms on their head, going against

in a conflict that they did not believe in or support.

what is expected and creating something new.

In response, many reacted by way of peaceful protests and hippie movements, but also through

Punk Today

punk, which emerged as an angry, anti-government,

Since its inception, punk has evolved into several

anarchist form of expression.

subgenres due to its expansion in various parts

Punk rock has always been about a subversion

of the world. Some of the more popular subge-

of expectations of the culture. While part of the

nres today include ska, emo, and hardcore punk.

social culture was focused on promoting ideals of

In general, the term “punk” has changed from its

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22 WEST MAGAZINE CULTURE

“Though it is known for being aggressive, punk today goes beyond frustration and angst.”

▼ GOTTLIEB PHOTO BY @wolvenwaymedia

12

original meaning. To best define what punk means

bands have formed in the local L.A. area. In fact,

today, two local punk bands, Gottlieb and Twin Fin,

ska punk band Sublime was founded here in Long

were interviewed. They were asked to describe what

Beach during the 1980s. Other bands that have also

the term “punk” means to them.

formed in the local region include hardcore punk

It is now “too broad” of a term that encompasses

band Circle Jerks, Black Flag, as well as emo and

several different individuals and movements, says

pop-punk band Descendents. However, these are

lead singer Andrew Pescara from Orange County

all popular, mainstream bands.

punk band Gottlieb. With an older generation who

The local punk scene is made up of smaller,

consider themselves punk and a new generation

underground bands. Composed of four close

of adolescents, who are just as involved with the

friends, Emmet Unverzagt (the vocalist), Jason

genre, even “your local farmer could be punk,” says

Gibson (the drummer), Eric Blay (the bassist), and

Twin Fin’s vocalist, Emmet Unverzagt. Though it

Jaden Tice (the guitarist), reggae punk band Twin

may depict overarching themes of angst, punk

Fin from Garden Grove, California, emerged in

is now essentially “a form of rock and roll that

2022. The band’s vocalist, Emmet, said that his dad

emphasizes critical thinking… and being honest…”

played the drums. With music being present in his

says Pescara. Ultimately, punk today conveys the

life, he became interested in starting a band. Simi-

aspect of “being true to yourself… [and] being who

larly, Jason, the drummer, mentioned that his dad

you wanna be,” says Unverzagt. Though some take

was in a band when he was a kid. Since music had

inspiration from previous works, the punk scene has

been a passion that was inherited, he too became

allowed artists to take the reins.

interested in starting the band. Though they have

Exploring Punk: Local Roots

primarily played at house shows, the band recently

With the genre being so widespread, several punk

had their first debut at an official venue known as

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

▲ TWIN FIN’S VOCALIST EMMET UNVERZAGT PHOTO BY @michaelbeef_

FTG in Santa Ana, California.

When asked about expressing himself during live

“Punk rock has always been about a subversion of expectations of the culture.”

authentic selves in an environment of live music can be gratifying for many.

performances, Unverzagt said: “I like to bring people

“People come to our shows to see us and find a

together with my music… reggae helps spread posi-

connection,” Pescara said. The punk scene serves

tivity and good vibration.” For him, it is rewarding

as an escape for some; it is not only a community

to share his passion for music with others. “Being

but also a movement that people can be a part of.

able to push that energy out… and them feeding off

Some of the ways people can express themselves

the energy is the best feeling in the world… being

in the punk community are by moshing, perform-

able to see that live is one of the coolest things

ing, expressing their fashion sense, selling their art,

ever,” bassist Eric Blay said. Though the band and

and even supporting a good cause. Often, the funds

its members have fun writing and performing songs

collected for punk shows go towards a charity or

together, they look forward to sharing their music

nonprofit organization in the local community.

with the local punk community as they can connect

While this article has digested part of the local

closely with others.

punk scene, it only features brief contextualization and only highlights two bands out of many. As

Not Just Bands but Bonds: A View of the

mentioned by Andrew Pescara, “if you wanna be

Punk Community

interested in punk, go to the shows and don’t just

Though it is known for being aggressive, punk today

read about us.”

goes beyond frustration and angst. The ability for both artists and audience members to express their

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22 WEST MAGAZINE CULTURE

14

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

CULTURA CORNER WRITTEN BY ALBERTO DOMINGO QUINONEZ ILLUSTRATION BY ABIHAIL ORTEGA

W

hen people think of Latinx music,

their tamales. It’s two different recipes but at the

the immediate thought is either Bad

end it’s still a tamale. That’s the same with many of

Bunny, Daddy Yankee, or Shakira. While

the musical genres. Cumbias are popular in Latin

all great artists with some great beats to dance

America and they originate from Colombia. The

to at a quinceañera, those artists don’t represent

reason is many African slaves were brought over

the vast variety of music in all of Latin America.

to Colombia from the slave trade. They brought

This is why I decided to create my radio show called

many of their folk dances and instruments. They

Cultura Corner. It is an hour long every Thursday

started implementing their culture with the culture

from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and I play music from all over

of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. Thus creat-

Latin America. Ranging from Reggaeton to Maria-

ing cumbias. This is the case many of the countries

chi or Banda then going to Cumbias etc. I had the

in Central America have a large African descendant

show during the Spring 2022 semester and really

population. In Mexico, Cumbias are popular every-

had no direction with it other than to play a variety

where, but they typically come from the southern

of Latin music and have 22 West Radio play more

states where many of the African descendants live.

diverse Latinx music. I did implement the history

This show is also a way to combat a lot of color-

behind music genres and why this genre is popular

ism, machismo, nationalism, or anti-LGBTQ+ rhet-

in that particular region. However, I never went deep

oric that goes on in our communities. At parties I

into why it matters.

would hear some of my family say “our Cumbias

To give context about myself, I come from a

are better than Salvadoreños.” There is no need

family of musicians. My grandfather was a Mari-

for that if the song is good and people are dancing.

achi his whole life, my dad played guitar his whole

There is no need to have this nationalism present.

life, and my cousin has his own band. Music for us

During the show I always say “nuestros hermanos

isn’t just sounds coming from the speaker, it is our

de Salvador,” which translates to “our brothers from

life. Growing up I would hear many of the Mariachi

Salvador,” looking for more unification within our

classics such as Pedro Infante, Javier Solis, or Jose

communities. I always emphasize where many of

Alfredo Jimenez. On Saturday mornings, I remem-

these genres have their roots in to further show-

ber my mom playing her Cumbias and I knew it was

case that many of this negative rhetoric is ignorant

time to do chores. Then I can’t forget my dad intro-

and pointless to have. For example, how can some-

ducing me to Rock en Español with bands such as

one be anti-Black but love Reggaeton? Many of

Caifanes or Soda Stereo. When I began working

those artists are Afro-Latinos and they have been

as the board operator at 22 West Radio, I wanted

influenced by Black American Hip-Hop artists in

to see if we had any of these genres in the rota-

New York, where many Latin Caribbean people

tion. The only artists I saw were Bad Bunny, Daddy

migrate to.

Yankee, or Shakira. So I decided to create Cultura Corner.

“Music for us isn’t just sounds coming from the speaker, it is our life.”

There is much more I would love to talk about, especially about all of my Latinx neighbors. If you

Latin America is a big region with many differ-

are interested in learning more about the region and

ent cultures in each of the countries. While many

history of these countries, tune in every Thursday

countries may have similarities such as cuisines,

from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. I also have an Instagram page

they aren’t equal. Where Mexico uses maza to make

for you to follow: @culturacorner_33. Thank you!

their tamales, Guatemala uses banana leaves for

Gracias! Obrigado!

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22 WEST MAGAZINE STUDENT LIFE

T

he sky was really blue outside the plane

here not knowing anyone but my now husband

window. I couldn’t help but stare at it. It

and one classmate. She was the first friend I made

hadn’t even been an hour since I’d last

here and is now one of my best friends. She went

seen my family when they drove me to the airport.

above and beyond to make sure I felt welcomed.

We were never the type of family to show affection

She took me on a tour around our campus.

towards each other but I hugged my mom. I knew I wouldn’t be back for a while.

I sat on the plane feeling nervous and jittery.

tions with my classmates. I tried to attend as many

This was huge for me! I had traveled before, I had

events as possible to broaden my friendship circle.

lived in my own place as well. But never had I ever

At first, it was difficult as I lived in another city with

been so far away from my family for so long.

no car but I’m so grateful that my husband and

I tried to stay still and focus on the ascending

friends never minded picking me up.

plane. While looking at the clouds, my mind was

I love being busy, but I started to feel really

taken back to some sort of flashbacks. This was a

bored since I only had three classes. As the

last-second plan, so my mind had not been given

semester went on, I started job hunting. It was

enough time to process everything. Yes, I planned

difficult to get a job on campus as I didn’t have

and waited for months, but there was just a whirl-

sufficient qualifications. My background does not

wind of events after the approval.

fit with most of the jobs here as well. Finally, the

I was at the end of my professional degree, preparing for my exit exams so I could finally be

perseverance paid off when I got the wonderful news that I got accepted into a job here.

a licensed pharmacist when the decision came.

Just like every other first step (and me being

Between that and the paperwork I needed to do

the anxious person I am), I was worried that I could

to be able to come here, it took more than two

not perform well or belong in my new job. All my

months before I finally got my visa. I boarded the

working experiences were usually very profes-

plane two days after my final exit exam.

sional so you could imagine how delighted I was

At times, it still feels rushed and I wish I had

when I found a group of people that cared about

more time to properly digest what was happening.

each other and readily welcomed everyone there.

Despite knowing that everyone back home fully

In the end, I still can’t believe this all happened

supports me, I wish I could have had more time

in the span of one year. Of course, I still miss my

with them before I left. But, hey, sometimes you

family and friends back in my home country. Of

just can’t have everything you want and you have

course, I still long for my own food. And of course,

to be fine with it.

sometimes I still feel guilty for leaving my aging

The first time I ever stepped foot in the United

parents alone. I feel bad because my grandpa fell

States was in 2016 when I went to Texas for an

and I couldn’t take care of him. I feel like my life is

exchange program. It was only for a summer and I

still there but just on pause.

was with a bunch of other students from my high

However, I am also really grateful that I have a

school. This time, I came by myself with my whole

chance to experience living abroad; that I now have

life packed into two big suitcases.

another family and two sweet dogs; and that I now

The first month was hell, I felt really homesick

have many people here who accept me for who I

as everything was so foreign. I remember tast-

am and support me through everything that I have

ing avocado on a taco and thinking it was weird. I

to go through.

missed my family, I missed my friends, I missed my

I now understand that home is not tied to a

country’s food. More than that, I missed the feel-

place. Home is back in my home country, home

ing of independence. I was able to go anywhere by

is here, in the States. Home is nowhere but it’s

myself without having to rely on anyone else, I was

also everywhere.

familiar with how things worked.

Sometimes those feelings still linger. I came

16

When school started, I realized that most people are really nice and I quickly made connec-

And oh! I do love avocado in burritos now :)

“ Despite knowing that everyone back home fully supports me, I wish I could have had more time with them before I left.”

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

HOME IS

NOWHERE,

HOME IS

EVERYWHERE WRITTEN BY NESQI VAZQUEZ ILLUSTRATION BY JENA QUAC

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22 WEST MAGAZINE STUDENT LIFE

18

WHAT AM I? I AM ADAPTATION.

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

WRITTEN BY ALANA LOINAZ ILLUSTRATION BY SABA NABAEIGHAHROUDI

or journalists, a dateline is the place where

F

I am not fully Brazilian, Argentinian, Spaniard,

the people around me always play a big role in that.

the news is coming from. “LONG BEACH,

Lebanese, or Portuguese. I cannot even say I am the

This went downhill as soon as I started college. I was

Calif.” is an example. If I had to write a date-

mixture of these cultures, because there is so much

uncertain of everything as a freshman (even though

line that defined my life, I would simply not write

more to my life than just my background. I was born

I loved pretending I had my life figured out), and I

one at all. My birth city, state, and country do not

with these countries attached to my DNA, but I

am still uncertain as a junior, only now I accept that.

define my community. My multiple identities,

added so many other spices to this crazy recipe.

People come, people stay, and people go; plans

nonetheless, do.

I have been to over 20 countries, two of which I

come, plays stay, and plans go. This cycle forces us

I was born in the state of São Paulo, back in Brazil.

stayed for a while. Mexico, as a 5-year-old; and New

to change and it demands community shift. Chang-

My family, however, is not ethnically Brazilian. My

Zealand, as a 15-year-old. These experiences have

ing means staying true to who you are right now.

mom’s birth city is 270 miles away from mine, but

impacted me in similar ways even though they had

Not yesterday, not tomorrow, but today. Changing

her roots are Lebanese and Portuguese. My dad

absolutely nothing in common.

does not take from what you were or what you will

is also South American, but from Argentina. His

In Mexico, my community was my family. In New

be, it just makes you present – and human. What-

ancestors came from Spain and were Jewish. Inter-

Zealand, my community was my English school.

ever communities you identify with – as long as

estingly enough, that is the background of my last

With that being said, it is important to mention

they do not violate human rights – are valid, but not

name, Loinaz, that was first carried by my father

that both of these communities were attached to

eternal. Get attached enough so you fully commit

before he gave it to all of us – brother, mother, and

Brazil: my family, living in Mexico, and my Brazilian

to your feelings at the moment, but not attached

daughter, respectively.

enough so you get stuck if you lose your passion

People around the world grow up hearing that they need to honor whatever community they identify with. College applications often ask: “In what ways will you give back to your community?”

However, I have never met a person who found a concrete answer to this question. Everyone bullshits their way through this essay, because absolutely no one belongs to one community only. It is not possible to write about every aspect of our

for those communities.

“No matter how much exploring we do, the feeling of belonging will always remain unexplored.”

Now, I find home everywhere. Home is family, friends, experiences, and every safe sensation and positive detail of our lives. That is exactly what we are made of. Home is not a place; home is a feeling.

Understanding that opens the door for a profound need to connect with multiple communities, not only the one you were assigned to at birth. This multifaceted sense of belonging brings meaning

beings in 400 words, because that is what commu-

to our lives and it reflects on human complexity.

nities are: aspects of our beings. No matter how

If you are one in 8 billion, why do you keep treating

much exploring we do, the feeling of belonging will

friends studying at the same school as me, in New

one detail of you as if it is whole? There are probably

always remain unexplored.

Zealand. These were my people; they understood

not 8 billion details to your identity, but there are at least many. Acknowledge them. Expand.

When I first stepped into this country, I was 18.

my eating habits, my language, my customs, my

I’ve never been fearless, but I’ve always had all the

hand gestures, and my references. The 10-year

I am finding my people within myself. I am healing

courage necessary to confront my fears. I came to

difference between these experiences should have

from all mistakes I have made while adapting, and I

the United States ready to add more items to the

been enough for me to never think of them as one

am enjoying the process. I adapt. I am not my back-

imaginary list of communities I belong to; I came to

big piece of the same puzzle, except I do. Those

ground, I am not my passions, I am not my inter-

the United States ready to feel homesick; I came to

countries taught me how to find home outside of

ests, I am not my actions, I am not my words, I am

the United States ready to encounter diversity in all

home, except for me, at those specific moments,

not my choices, I am not my passport, I am not my

its glory; I came here, however, not ready to discover

that meant finding Brazil away from Brazil.

language, I am not my culture, I am not my laugh;

that all my self descriptions are incomplete. Noth-

I adapt. I have adapted to every single change

I AM a combination of every single detail of these

ing prepared me for the insatiable search I would go

in my path. I do not question adaptation, but I do

concepts that fly around my being. I am part of

through to find a community that only truly exists

question the means in which I get to that stage.

more than many communities.

within myself.

I tend to rely on making plans for the future, and

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22 WEST MAGAZINE OPINION

WRITTEN BY ANTHONY LEWIS ILLUSTRATION BY SERENA LOGAN

S

tarting this off with a thank you to my fellow Black community for accepting me for who I am. My experience in the Black community

has been an interesting one. It has had its ups and downs but nonetheless it’s still a great one and it helps define who I am. Starting off with high school I went into a new environment, King Drew Medical Magnet High. The school was mostly African American and Hispanic. I was surrounded by people that looked like me, however, for a point in time, I felt out of place. Why should I feel out of place? There’s people that look like me everywhere. Well, it was for the things I had an interest in. I was made fun of a lot for things I liked, such as comic books, anime, and rock music. To some, you may say I filled out the nerd stereotype. The only thing is I didn’t have stellar grades. For a time, I felt out of place because I didn’t fit in with other Black people, and when I tried to, I ended up looking stupid. So when I thought I wasn’t going to get along with people that look like me, I ended up finding a small group who’d I eventually call my brothers. From there on, I started to meet more people who shared little to none of my interests, but because no one had much in common with each other, they didn’t look at me any differently and I started to feel a lot more comfortable with who I am. After graduating high school I’m now attending a school that’s very “diverse.” Every time I walk on campus I rarely see other Black students.

So, I joined Black Student Union (BSU) to meet new Black students and become friends. On the first meeting, I felt the same way I did before: out of place. We did icebreakers based on our majors, and I was the only film major. But that didn’t stop me from socializing and getting to know people. After spending time with everyone, I felt the comfort of acceptance for who I am. After these experiences, I started to feel more comfortable with myself and who I am as a person. I started to accept the things that made me different from other Black kids and this made me feel happy. So again, I would like to thank the Black community for helping me accept who I was as a person and accepting me for who I am.

20

THANK YOU, BLACK

,

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

COMMUNITY

21

22 WEST MAGAZINE OPINION

YOU DON’T KNOW, AND NEITHER DO I. 22

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

WRITTEN BY GIA KRUPENS ILLUSTRATED BY LEYNA NGUYEN

L

et’s talk about making friends in adulthood.

generated option is this term. It has taken off in the

News flash – it can be really hard.

last few months with huge news outlets like Forbes,

When we’re kids, making friends is

all about convenience. You find your core group

NPR, CNN, and even The New York Times covering what this means for America.

because you go to school with them every single

These articles all cite back to a public declaration

day. Maybe you live in the same neighborhood and

by Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, which

play outside together every afternoon; maybe your

was released in May. He stated that loneliness is a

parent’s friends have kids, so you befriend them.

new public health epidemic in the country that can

It’s easy to get along with others when it’s all about

actually lead to physical consequences in the body.

playing pretend and running around the yard. It’s

This is not meant to scare you as a reader, but

when you get older that things get complicated.

more so to let you know that if you’ve ever felt that

When I moved from the central valley to Long

lack of community, you aren’t alone. As a society, we

Beach for school I had all these expectations about

have created a culture where the idea of commu-

what college would be like, just like every other

nity got lost. Social media took over and completely

incoming freshman.. With how the media portrays

changed the game of what it means to really be

college, it’s impossible not to question your future

“friends”. Is a friendship built on whether or not you

experiences with higher education.. In countless

like each other’s Instagram pictures every once in

shows and movies, characters name college as “the

a while?

best years of their lives.” When you don’t have that

What about our neighbors? We live in a scary

same experience, it feels a little bit like something

world where anything can be dangerous, especially

is wrong.

as young college students. In my experience, there’s

It’s a bit embarrassing to admit this feeling out loud because in society’s eyes being alone is

not a whole lot of knocking on neighbors’ doors to welcome them to the neighborhood anymore.

a negative thing, especially on a college campus.

How about those acquaintances you have that

“Do you have a good group of friends down there?”

you run into once a semester on campus? Every

is what I hear everytime I go home. I have to dance

time you see each other you mention getting

around an answer because I would seem like a fail-

together for coffee or lunch, but then there

ure if I just say “no.”

isn’t ever any follow through with that promise.

The truth is: making friends is simply hard.

Instead, just fake smiles the next time you see

“Loneliness” has such a negative connotation

each other again in 6 months along with the same

to it. There’s a social stigma surrounding the word

exact conversation.

that implies that if a person is alone then they aren’t

What I’m trying to say here is that you’re not

socially competent, that there is something wrong

alone in feeling alone. Thousands of people every

with them. On the outside, being the person that

day feel the exact same way that you do. There

doesn’t have a community around them can feel

isn’t anything wrong with you because you don’t

very isolating. However, a lot of people feel this way

go out on the weekends or hang out with people

too, we just don’t talk about it.

on campus.

I’ve had endless conversations with my sister, my

The truth is that everyone just wants to be

cousins, and my co-workers about how hard it is to

accepted and loved for who they are. Next time

make friends in adulthood. It’s difficult to admit this

you’re feeling like you’re the problem, remember

out loud because of the standard that society sets

that the lack of community you feel is currently

for people, but it has actually become so common

being felt nationwide. We all want to feel connected

that there is an actual label for this scenario. It’s

in our society, but just know that it’s still alright if

called the “loneliness epidemic”.

you don’t yet. Most of us feel the same way, and I’m

When you type “loneliness” on Google, the fourth

right there with you.

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22 WEST MAGAZINE OPINION

I

had a very simple definition of friendship, and that

was there.

Then there’s the matter of power in friend-

found myself curious to briefly learn the stories and

What we satisfied – intellectual or enjoyment –

ships. Certainly, I can be friendly with professors,

motives of the students returning for their degree.

was secondary. Consequently, this meant that my

but being friends with them was always another

Even if they are temporary relationships, I’m still

high school lunchtime group could be friends, but

question. While I wanted to and was willing to talk

okay with them. It’s probably the latent journalistic

not anyone who I just happened to have a class with.

to them more than my peers, I was fundamentally

part of me that wants to learn from people’s shapes

Was it right to provide such an exclusionary defini-

still a student of theirs. Even after I left their classes,

and forms.

tion? It felt right to me, as I didn’t want to say I had a

they still had years of experience, of living, of know-

lot of “friends” just because I knew them. “Acquain-

ing above me. There’s something uncomfortable

tances” was their category.

with declaring a friendship when there’s such a

Is it normal?

At this point, I don’t feel content to say that I want friends.

When I got to CSULB, like a lot of other people, I

distinctive power imbalance. The closest would be

I want to develop a community, to become a

wasn’t really able to make friends my first semester,

mentor-mentee. There was no denying that their

gravity from which people could come together

but I found that I didn’t really care. Like my siblings,

gravity was much more intense.

and know of things that never existed.

I was at CSULB for my education. I could enjoy

But does that mean I’m unhappy or dissatis-

Part of learning so much about academic policy

myself enough just learning. Perhaps a little too

fied with these relationships? Certainly not, but

was realizing just how much we miss because we

much, if anyone recalls my previous article.

shouldn’t I want peer relationships? Someone else

never know something exists, as policy and as a full

to dream with, complain with, endure with?

person. In being the ringleader of a community, it’s

Over the course of the honor’s calculus III and a public policy course during my second semester, I started to realize that the original, single parameter wouldn’t do. In my calculus class, I found that I liked not just interacting with, but nurturing the growth of my peers, even if I wasn’t seeking them out. In the public policy course, I found myself more intrigued by my professor’s colorful past and knowledge than my peers.

So if I liked all of that and found it all fulfilling, then what should friendship mean? Was it even right to approach the definitions of it through such

a matter of connecting parts that would’ve never

“So maybe friendship shouldn’t just be defined by deciding to spend time with people and gravitating towards them.”

a mechanical lens? Yet, I couldn’t help but want to create categories for my viewpoint, like I needed to be able to accurately create a taxonomy of relationships, as weird as that seemed.

24

advice from them. In a summer statistics course, I

was just that I had to seek you out. Like gravity.

met. That’s something that my misadventures across departments serve well when I find gaps or goals in departments that would be better served by cooperating with a different one.

On the smaller scale, I’ve requested professors to speak at my old high school, and I’ve helped put up flyers for a new scholarship that’s still struggling to get off the ground. Strange as that may be, the community I want to foster is a connected one like that – people have these latent desires and ambitions that just never get realized, because they

Looking back, I never intended to make friends.

Looking now, I find that they’ve been around me and I’ve just never noticed.

don’t know how to even begin asking around, or that anyone with these interests exist near them.

So do I have friends? Certainly, and evidently,

So maybe friendship shouldn’t just be defined by

By hopping into lectures and generally aiming to

that means I’m already ridiculously lucky.

deciding to spend time with people and gravitating

be a vibrant, enthusiastic learner, I found that I drew

What do I want to leave with, though?

towards them. Maybe it was fine to be “inciden-

people in and they did start developing interest in

A community. As of now, it’s just me trying to

tally” friends because we shared a class even if we

me. Someone I met incidentally by sneaking into a

open lines of dialogue and cooperation. Eventu-

didn’t happen to get boba or lunch together. There

math lecture has certainly become a friend of my

ally, I want it to be something that will thrive, that

was still that original parameter of “seeking some-

original and newer definitions, but I’d have to praise

will cooperate and collaborate long after I’ve left.

one out” at play, of course, as I often walked out of

his own earnest interest in maintaining it.

Friends will be part of that, of course, but nearly

my class with those same calculus peers to talk of

Likewise, in the Economics Students Asso-

as important is a wide ring of acquaintances, of

miscellanea, but we weren’t spending much time

ciation, even not being deep into economics, I

mentors, of mentees, of people who would ordinarily

together beyond classes and departures. What-

was able to enjoy my time with them discussing

have never met, that I meet by drawing them all into

ever gravity we had wasn’t superbly strong, but it

economics to the best of my ability while receiving

my gravity.

ITY COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

G R AV WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS? WRITTEN BY KEANU HUA

ILLUSTRATION BY DAISY LEE

25

22 WEST MAGAZINE OPINION

“fuck your boyfriend, take some chapstick” HOW COMMUNITY EXISTS IN CLUB BATHROOMS AND THE LIKE.

WRITTEN BY JUDE SAMPSON ILLUSTRATION BY PHYKE SORIANO

26

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

I

never knew how comforting an unfamiliar voice

not the 1970’s and she can’t smoke indoors, you lead

could feel until I entered a club bathroom.

her outside and light it for her. You can recognize

they put rhinestones on my face.

Maybe life could be like this all the time. Maybe

I remember stumbling into the bathroom of a

that she has had a night and needed assistance

we could all simultaneously cut the crap and admit

club that I no longer frequently visit (because the

from someone. Anyone. And you decided it would

that a lot of us yearn for human connection. Maybe

music is garbage), sweat in my eyes and my cargo

be you. That’s community.

we could accept that the love that overflows out

pants getting caught underneath my shoes. It was

It’s when you hear someone crying in the stall

of the poorly managed sinks in club bathrooms

a particularly crowded night, and I had to descend

next to you, and upon examining the faces in the

fosters a kind of community that should be acces-

the world’s steepest staircase to find a place to get

bathroom mirror you identify the weeping culprit.

sible to everyone.

some air.

Other strangers console them too, beating the

If it was daytime in the bathroom at school, would

People had been bumping into me, the comically

phrases “Fuck him!” and “You’re too sexy to be sad!”

you console that crying stranger? Would you offer

awful music was making my head hurt, and since

to an absolute pulp. Uplifting others in their time of

the person at the sink next to you some chapstick

I refused to buy a $12 bottle of water (the joys of

need. That’s community.

unprovoked? The answer is most likely no. The only

18+ nightclubs) I was severely dehydrated. I was

It’s when you huddle in the corner of the bath-

community that exists in sober, daylight bathrooms

like a lone soul traveling through a windy desert –-

room with your friends looking for a spot to eat at

is the short nods when someone says there is a line.

except the desert was a crowded nightclub and the

once you escape the sweaty confines of the club,

Which is exactly why participating in the communal

wind was random girls blowing their stiiizy pods in

and a stranger pokes their head in and recommends

rituals of the club bathroom is so important.

my face.

a place down the street. It’s a short, fleeting glimpse

Maybe you’ll meet the love of your life in that club

On this particular night, I entered the bathroom

into their life, and their appearance in the bathroom

bathroom. Maybe that person you complimented

breathing heavily, clutching the front of one of the

takes on the same form. Thank you, kind stranger.

was having a particularly rough week and needed

sinks and keeping my head down for fear I might throw up. I splashed water on my face until I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“Hey, are you okay?”

It was a foreign voice. A vocal register that did nothing to jog my memory. Then I looked up, and the face was unfamiliar also. A stranger to me. Even as I write this, she is still a stranger.

Her face was kind. Her voice was concerned. I nodded my head yes, and she reached into her very

to hear that they were beautiful. Maybe the mirror

“It’s a short, fleeting glimpse into their life, and their appearance in the bathroom takes on the same form.”

picture you end up in makes it into someone’s photo dump. Maybe you just go to the club bathroom… only to use the bathroom. And nothing else. Which is fine, but have you ever considered having fun amongst strangers?

Or do you hate community?

tiny purse to offer me a sip of her water. I took it wordlessly, and nodded my head in appreciation.

As the food hits my stomach I will be thinking of you.

She smiled, fixed her hair, and waved goodbye. I

I think maybe my affinity for examining these

never saw her again.

things comes from a place of longing. I wish every

This 2 minute long interaction reset my mind

space in every city across the world could be like

and body for the night. I felt energized! Rejuve-

this. I wish it didn’t take being tipsy in a strange

nated! And it was all thanks to a random stranger in

bathroom at 2am for some people to compliment

a club bathroom.

strangers on their outfits. We should be doing that

From here on out, I began to examine the ways we find community in these dimly lit, sometimes odd-smelling places.

everywhere!

At the risk of sounding like a complete geezer, I think people don’t talk enough anymore. I’m

It’s when someone offers you some of their

not talking about texting or communicating via

aquaphor. It’s when you’re ¾ of the way in some-

social media. I’m talking two human people, flesh

one’s mirror picture and you both laugh and you end

and all, looking each other in the eyes and having

up taking a regular mirror picture together. You’ll

a conversation.

never see it, but it’s on their phone. A 10 second

Some of the most riveting conversations I’ve had

instance on a random friday night immortalized

have been with drunk strangers in club bathrooms.

forever in their camera roll. That is your little two

They begin organically- I compliment their shoes or

person community.

they compliment my shirt. We introduce ourselves,

It’s when a girl whose mascara is ruined takes out

sometimes we shake hands, and we talk about our

a cigarette, and while some people remind her it’s

nights. Maybe I give them a piece of gum. Maybe

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22 WEST MAGAZINE CULTURE

28

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

TWO TICKETS TO

FRIENDSHIP

WRITTEN BY APOLLO NUNEZ-PABICO ILLUSTRATION BY JADE LEW

don’t think I’ve felt a sense of belonging anywhere

I

The Weezer concert was a wild experience too.

on a road trip. This was my favorite concert I’ve

except for concerts. They’re spaces jam-packed

Once again with my boyfriend, his dad drove us to

been to, and part of that was the sense of commu-

with people who are like you. People who have

Irvine for my second – his first – Weezer concert.

nity I felt.

your music taste, your style, your energy for the

The last Weezer concert I went to, I left early, so I

While Weezer’s was my favorite concert, the

band; people who truly get you. From smaller artists

didn’t really know what to expect from the show.

best concert I’ve been to and the one where I felt

like They Might Be Giants, or an oldies band like

But we were excited, very excited. When we were

I most belonged was The Eras Tour, but specifi-

Weezer, or someone who sold out So-Fi stadium

seated, fans started to pile in around us. There were

cally The Eras Tour movie. The sense of commu-

for six nights like Taylor Swift, every concert I go to

casual Weezer fans, to more hardcore fans like my

nity was extremely high, with random people acting

never fails to bring me closer to like-minded people

boyfriend and I, and the man sitting next to us. The

like best friends from the moment they met each

who care about the band and the fanbase around it.

My They Might Be Giants concert experience was one of a kind. My parents drove my boyfriend and I down to San Diego to see my favorite band of all-time. It was sunny, but not too warm—the perfect weather to enjoy a concert. When we got to the venue an hour before the doors were supposed to open, there was only one group ahead of us who looked around 60. Being the scared 17-year-old I

other in both situations. The movie theater was

“We laughed as we twirled and shook to the upbeat tone, and all of us acted out the bridge to the song.”

was, I was too scared to talk to them, even though

a hub of bracelet trading, karaoke, and dancing.

Everybody cheered and clapped when the countdown came on screen, and we all screamed along to every song. During “Fearless,” everybody made a heart with their hands, during “Marjorie,” everybody shined their phone flashlights and waved, and during “Delicate,” we all screamed the iconic fan-chant. One part I’ll ever forget, however, was the audience reaction to “Shake It Off.” When the

I seriously wanted to. I didn’t have to worry about

Weezer community is very welcoming, so every

1989 set rolled around, the two women in front of us

that because they decided to talk to us. They asked

conversation I had with the people surrounding us

got up and started to dance. There were a couple of

about where we were from, how long we’ve been

felt natural. I remember talking to the guy next to

kids dancing in the back of the theater, and I heard

They Might Be Giants fans, if we were excited for

me about anything and everything Weezer, from

their excited giggles when people decided to join

the concert, amongst other things. I took this as

their first release Weezer (The Blue Album), to their

them. My mom and I thought “why not?” and got

my cue to start gushing about the band, about how

comeback album Everything Will Be Alright in the

up to dance. This inspired the two girls next to us

They got me through one of the hardest strug-

End, to their less popular releases, like Raditude.

to dance, and soon enough we were having a big

gles of my life, how They brought me closer to my

What really made me feel like I was in a community

dance party in the back of the theater. We laughed

boyfriend and friends, how They meant the world to

was when Weezer came out and played. Me, my

as we twirled and shook to the upbeat tone, and

me. And to my surprise, these folks listened. They

boyfriend, and the guy next to us screamed along

all of us acted out the bridge to the song. We all

shared their own personal experiences, about how

with Rivers Cuomo, the lead singer, to every song

danced together for the rest of the 1989 act and sat

they’ve been fans since the 80s. When we were let

they played. We cheered for all our favorite songs,

down when it concluded. Still, all of us were bristling

in, we met another fan and his girlfriend, who’ve

were surprised all together when they pulled out

with excitement together for the final part of the

been to around 20 They Might Be Giants shows

hidden gems from the Futurescope Trilogy, and

show. I remember the woman in front of us saying,

before this one. All four of us gushed about how

talked amongst ourselves about what songs they

“this corner is where it’s at!” and we all laughed and

we loved the band and how excited we were to see

were going to play next. The band played a part

smiled at the compliment. Dancing with all those

Them. Being in the pit when they came out, every-

in the community too. The theme of the tour was

fans was one of the best experiences of my life,

one jumping up and down to their songs, it was a

“Indie Rock Road Trip,” and Rivers Cuomo played

and that sense of community was the strongest

once in a lifetime experience I could never forget.

the role of a father taking his “kids” (the audience)

I’ve ever felt.

29

22 WEST MAGAZINE OPINION

GRIP TAPE HEARTS WRITTEN BY ERIC CEJA RUIZ

I

ILLUSTRATION BY CECILIA ALVES

t’s way past midnight, the sun is long gone, and the only light comes from

of boards clashing with the ground embraced me from all directions. I was

the street lamp posts lining the path. My legs rest on my skateboard, aligned

surprised to see everyone skating beside each other in their own world, calcu-

with the bolts that harness the trucks and its wheels—I push against the

lating their next trick and bearing the risk, followed by cheering. The Growlers

ground, gathering up speed. My wheels leaving behind a flaring sound of

playing from a beat-up Bluetooth speaker at the edge of the bowl. Tommy

rubber against the cement. The vibrations of my board dancing through my

introduced me to some of the other skaters, people of all ages and appear-

body and up to my throat, accompanied by thunder at the heart. Friends skat-

ances. For the first time, I bonded with people I had just met.

ing beside me, popping ollies over curbs scouting for our next spot.

Like good things do, my friendship with Tommy grew stronger until it didn’t.

When the opportunity presented itself to write about a community and

He moved to Oregon, and the other guys moved to different places for college.

a culture, I quickly knew that this would be my topic of discussion. Mainly

Again, I was back to square one, but skateboarding rolled on with me this time.

because for the longest time I was oblivious to the culture and community

Once I got to college, it became a less frequent practice, and having a car to

that existed within skateboarding. A community that barged into my life at

get around with didn’t really help. Last semester, I began skating again, and I

the right time. Welcome to Grip Hearts, my poetically inaccurate ode to the

should get an award for the times most fallen in front of the COB building. If

skateboarding community.

you see a scrawny dude on the floor when walking to the parking lot, it’s defi-

Skateboarding has been present in my life in one way or another ever since

nitely me so please ignore and keep walking. No matter how long I stayed away

I could stand on two legs. Like many younger kids, I started by kneeling on my

from skating, I was able to get back into it and quickly find people who were

board and pushing with my right leg, gaining momentum before getting stuck on the chipped sidewalk and flying off with no time to bail. The falling and bruising continued even when I stood, pushing mongo for the longest time until I noticed patterns in other skaters. It eventually became second nature, taking my board everywhere: to school, my friends, and the liquor store to get an Arizona and some Cheetos. Every time I would pass other skaters, I would watch in awe as they defined gravity for the few seconds they remained in the air. I remember waking up on Saturday mornings, switching on my N64, popping in my Tony Hawk Pro Skater game, and spending countless

always down for a sesh. I won’t lie, some people can be

“The idea of stepping into a skatepark full of experienced skaters terrified me, which quickly turned into a mix of adrenaline and dopamine.”

hours with my brother, learning new tricks and combos

The point is that this community has life and a culture with great people. Undoubtedly, everyone’s experience is different; we all skate down different roads and some of us will suck (yours truly) at skating while others will become experts in weeks. The fact is that anyone can skate; it doesn’t matter what your experience is or who you are. When it comes down to being a skater, the only thing that matters is that you try.

The skate community is ingrained into every form of media, which is just another beauty of it. It’s everywhere, from video games to music to film and written media. I

to beat our last scores. All this and still oblivious to the world skaters lived in.

previously mentioned how I would spend countless hours playing Tony Hawk

It wasn’t until a Saturday night in September during my junior year of high

Pro Skater growing up. Skateboarding games have existed since the late

school, when I rode my bike to Tommy’s house (some dude I met in my history

80s and remain in modern-day consoles. Film is another area in which skate-

class of all classes). The sun had slowly crept away, and the moon began to

boarding has been a part of since its inception. Skate videos are a genre of

filter through the trees. I still remember the cool and crisp air that pressed

film at this point. Spike Jonze, who won an Oscar for the film Her, started his

through the fabric of my clothing and onto my skin. I got to Tommy’s house,

film journey working on skate videos. Do you all remember Alvin and the Chip-

and there he was. He was skating on his driveway, sweat spread across his

munks? Yeah, that one movie with the hyper chipmunks. Remember the guy

forehead. Tommy had asked if I had ever skated and not just cruised but actu-

that played Dave or Syndrome from The Incredibles, that redhead villain? Pro

ally skated. Try tricks and whatnot. I shook my head, and before I could speak,

Skater Jason Lee played those two characters. Tyler the Creator and Lil Wayne,

Tommy ran into his garage and moments later brought out another board,

two great musicians, both skaters. Shows and films like Skate Kitchen, Betty,

handing it to me. That board was the one I landed my first trick with, and it

and Mid ‘90s give audiences a gist into skate culture, using real skaters in their

was unreal.

projects. I can continue the list but the point is that no matter what field you

A few weeks later, I visited my first skate park with Tommy. Pretty local, so

30

assholes but aren’t there assholes in every community?

look at, skaters will always be there.

nothing too crazy besides a shady bowl to drop into and some other ledges

Sport, hobby, or lifestyle. The truth is skaters everywhere have an opinion on

that certainly screamed: “the city doesn’t give a damn about your skatepark.”

what it is. Some skaters will say it’s a sport, while others will argue and say: “hell

The idea of stepping into a skatepark full of experienced skaters terrified

no. Don’t call it that.” The fact is skateboarding competitions have continued

me, which quickly turned into a mix of adrenaline and dopamine. The echoes

to pop up more frequently. Skateboarding was at the damn 2020 Olympics

COMMUNITY ISSUE 89.06

in Japan! Skateboarding made its debut, with skaters from all over the world

from my tires against the terrain. Jumping high and defining gravity for a few

competing for a gold medal. This is truly a huge milestone for the skateboard-

seconds. Then, there is skating at the park alongside a community of skaters

ing community. The “sweaty skateboarder” has always had a pretty stringent

cheering each other on as Tame Impala plays from the worn-up JBL speaker

stigma following them along. It’s a form of acknowledgment for the skills and

on the ramp deck. One must be there to experience this feeling truly.

commitment that skateboarding requires. Skateboarding is not for the weak;

Next time you see a skater, just know that we are a community of people

it is mentally and physically demanding. Giving the world a front-row sneak

sharing something we love to do. Hanging out whenever we have free time,

peek into the art of skating is game-changing.

embracing nature’s grass, and having a few drinks… of Mango Arizonas, of

I could write a whole dissertation on the skate community, but time is valu-

course. Beyond skaters, we are students, professionals, artists, and friends.

able. It is impossible to explain how it feels when I skate. When skating on the

I’m still trying to figure out who I am and what I will ultimately become, but one

street, I hop on my board; it feels like I could push for miles before ever stop-

thing for sure is that I will be taking the skater culture with me wherever I end

ping. Finding new spots to perform tricks. Balancing among the vibrations

up.

31

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