Vol 90 Issue 4 Nov 7 2019

Maria moves forward From classrooms to conference rooms women dominate at AC VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 4

November 7, 2019

By LAUREN EBBEN and JEREMY STITSWORTH Staff reporters

Women at Amarillo College are making a difference in campus culture and policy thanks, in part, to a student profile created by college officials.

Created several years ago, ‘Maria,’ according to AC President Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, is the name given to the profile of the average college student attending AC. Several characteristics define this student, said Lowery-Hart, although the profile changes slightly every year, including for 2019.

According to Lowery-Hart, ‘Maria’ has always been a female, since sixty-six percent of students attending AC are women.

‘Maria’ is also Hispanic/Latina. Fifty-seven percent of the student population represents a minority, however 48 percent of the 57 percent are Hispanic.

‘Maria’ is a transfer student. Fifty-two percent of students who attend AC do so with the intent to transfer to another college or university.

Other important notes about ‘Maria’ include the fact that she is 25 years old, works two part-time jobs, typically majors in the health science field and has at least one child.

Identifying the average college student means several things for AC, added Lowery-Hart.

“One, it means that this culture of caring that we’re trying to build is even more important. I’ve talked to so many of our students that say the women in particular need us to build her up and support her and her family. They need the confidence to know that they can accomplish anything, and that

relational support and that culture of caring is really important to her,” Lowery-Hart said.

“It also means that we have to be more thoughtful about how we don’t allow our own societal gender stereotypes to limit fields that are open to ‘Maria,’” he continued.

“An example is our technical fields out on East Campus. We have companies that would do anything to hire ‘Maria’ as a welder or as a diesel mechanic or as an aviation mechanic, because they found that women in those technical fields are more detail-oriented and produce a better product.

But we don’t typically market those programs to Maria and so we’ve had to change our own stereotypes.”

Since ‘Maria’s’ introduction, the college has made several changes to its policies to ensure her success, according to Lowery-Hart.

Continue reading on page 3

25 years old

Female

Hispanic/Latina

Typically comes to AC to transfer to a university Works two part-time jobs

Raising 1 child

Typically a health science major

JESSIKA FULTON | The Ranger

It’s OK to say ‘they’

Part-time student

Gender-neutral pronouns become more common, still misunderstood

By Shawn McCrea Staff reporter

He, she, you, it, they, him, her, theirs are all examples of pronouns.

Pronouns are versatile words that are used in sentences as substitutes for nouns.

Some are used in singular situations. You read “The Ranger.” She reads “The Ranger.” He reads “The Ranger.”

But others are used in plural situations. They read “The Ranger.”

In the English language, grammatical tradition has defined the pronoun ‘they’ to signify a group of individuals.

Additionally, ‘they’ has been used to describe an individual when the gender is unknown.

But what happens when someone doesn’t want to subscribe to the gender binary and wants to express their

identity in ways that are outside the norm?

“I’ve never really put thought into it because I’m used to ‘he’ and ‘she,’” Ashley Denham, a general studies major, said.

“It’s a new thing to a lot of people. My family, where I grew up, it’s very traditional. It’s very new to us,” Denham said.

The concept of nonbinary pronouns is new to many people. Even though the experiences of nonbinary individuals are gaining public attention, according to a September 2019 Pew Research Center survey, only about 18 percent of Americans say that they know someone personally who prefers a pronoun other than ‘he’ or ‘she.’

For individuals who identify as nonbinary -- a term often put under the transgender umbrella meaning identifying as neither male or female -- the gendered pronouns of ‘he’ and

‘she’ can be restrictive obstacles to expressing the way they perceive their sense of identity.

Amber White, a licensed clinical social worker and coordinator of the Amarillo College Counseling Center, said that many people who struggle with gender identity tend to be at higher risk for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

“They’re already a vulnerable population,” White said. “It’s important for people to be mindful, to be open, and to be sensitive to other people.”

“All of us, as humans, are seeking validation. So whenever a person is able to be recognized and identified as the pronouns they prefer, it validates them as a human being.”

Ari Jines, a graphic design major, said that they use they/ them/theirs pronouns because “that’s who I am and what I’m most comfortable with.

It’s mainly just who I am and I

know what I want to be.”

But sometimes, people can refer to nonbinary individuals with the pronouns -- whether it be intentional or not -- that don’t align with their affirmed gender.

This is called misgendering.

Jines said being misgendered is irritating “but since it’s been a thing for so long, I’m just like ‘OK.’ I want people to use ‘them,’ but I don’t know if I have the energy to deal with them.”

For nonbinary people such as Jines, it can often be a lot of work to try to correct people when they misgender them. Jines said it can become especially tiresome when one has to correct multiple people several times a day.

Jines and other nonbinary students said the easiest and most effective way to show support for nonbinary individuals is not to assume what their gender identity is from their appearance

or fashion choice. Avoiding gendered language (words like ‘ma’am’ or ‘sir) is another way.

“If you don’t know someone’s pronouns—ask,” Max Haywood, a photography major, said.

“Always ask. Anyone who’s not cisgendered does not mind being asked about pronouns.”

“If someone were to ask ‘What are your pronouns?’ I’d be happy to answer,” Haywood said. “I wouldn’t see that as rude or disrespectful,” said Haywood, who uses he/him/his pronouns.

Daniar Onoz, a graphic design major, admits that it might take some time to get used to using “they” to refer to one person.

“It was a little bit confusing for me at first,” Onoz said.

“Whenever I tried to refer to them as ‘they,’ I kept referring to them as ‘she.’ I still see my friend as the same person. Someone might go by ‘they’ but I still see them as one of my friends.”

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Opinion

2 | The Ranger November 7, 2019

What do we need to do in order to achieve gender equality?

“How we came together to bring together all races, I think that is how we should do it. Just promote a togetherness between the genders,” JOHNNY GUZMAN Business

“I think to a certain extent gender equality has already been achieved. What we have here seems to be pretty effective and equal for everyone,”

LOGAN MILLER History

JAZLYNN BARBOUR

“I don’t ever think it will be achieved because our society is already so caught up in 'gay is wrong,' 'transgender is wrong,' 'gender is not real.' For that to be achieved it will take a lot of work,”

General Studies

Debating body positivity

OPINION

By JESSIKA FULTON Staff Columnist

Based on society’s standards, body sizes dictate the way a person is perceived.

A recent article in the British paper “The Telegraph,” shed light on a pop up Nike athletic clothing store with new inclusive plus-size clothing.

The reporter, Tanya Gold, shared her negative opinion about the plus-size clothing and the mannequins wearing the clothing, stating, “The new Nike mannequin is not a size 12, which is healthy, or even 16 – a hefty weight, yes, but not one to kill a woman.

Gold’s article continued to bash Nike, describing the mannequin as “pre-diabetic and on her way to a hip replacement” and claiming the mannequin was “not readying herself for a run in her shiny Nike gear.”

Although the campaign from Nike was intended to promote body positivity, the resulting hateful commentary from Gold and other media outlets had the opposite effect.

I believe that Gold’s comments on the Nike campaign is a disrespectful attempt to shame people with bigger bodies. Gold’s exclusion of people of larger sizes does not show sensitivity toward those who cannot live up to society’s standards and toward the many people who suffer from eating disorders.

In a recent survey, 2.8 million

people were diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder, BED, in the United States. A study by healthline.com, broke down the likelihood of women and men having BED and stated that “binge eating is associated with being overweight and obese and affects three times the number of people diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia combined.”

Such eating disorders make it nearly impossible for certain individuals to obtain Gold’s “healthy size 12” body shape.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health reports that “8 million Americans have an eating disorder” and 60 percent of the sufferers either refuse treatment or die from the disorders' side effects. Trying to live up to society’s standards can mean life or death for some people.

In light of the heavy societal pressure to conform to a certain body type, companies such as Nike that attempt to boost body positivity should be applauded not attacked. Nike is working to change people’s perceptions of themselves and others and prove that health and fitness has nothing to do with body size.

EDITORIAL

Illustration by BAILEA DOOLEY

AC should meet basic needs The need for gender-neutral restrooms has affected the lives of many minority groups for decades, but is now coming into the mainstream.

Though controversial and uncomfortable for some, genderneutral restrooms and those they affect are topics worth discussing.

These restrooms need to be located in every building on every campus at Amarillo College.

When discussing the topic of gender-neutral restrooms, a variety of concerns can come to mind, including; cost, importance and privacy, but it is possible for AC to provide the needed facilities.

Of course, cost could be an obstacle, but, according to Carmen Campbell of “Entity Magazine,” larger institutions such as schools “may be able to

accomplish the feat for as little as $500.” Converting “existing single-occupancy restrooms” is the cheapest way for schools to establish a fair and comfortable restroom environment for all students, Campbell said.

She even estimated that to convert an impressive 150 restrooms, one school would only need $25,000, averaging only $167 per restroom.

Who would gender-neutral restrooms benefit? Well, the obvious answer would be the students with nonconforming gender identities. It has been reported that students with different identities do not feel like they belong, with 59 percent say they avoid using the bathroom, 31 percent saying they avoid eating or drinking and, shockingly, 8 percent

reporting having had a kidney or urinary tract infection from avoiding restrooms.

Also, gender-neutral restrooms can meet needs that go beyond gender identity.

They can benefit children and those with autism or other forms of special-needs, particularly when parents need to accompany opposite gender special needs children into a facility.

Conversion of, or even creating new, restrooms is not a difficult or costly endeavor as the changes needed to do so are small. Also, the college’s bond proposal is no secret, and it does not seem unreasonable to set aside the small portion of the money to create genderneutral restrooms in every building on every campus.

It's time to change the way we view family OPINION

By EMILY REEVES Staff Columnist

Families – we’re born into them only to one day leave.

However, this come-and-go system is almost purely unique to western civilization.

In fact there’s another system of family that depends on individuals born to that family never leaving, even once married. I believe we should reflect the second system more than the first because it provides a sense of belonging to counteract many of the mental insecurities we suffer from today.

What we consider a “nuclear” or “postmodern” family, typically consists of those who provide and their dependents.

These small family models

are tied to the wage system as opposed to the misconception of ties to industrialization.

The more traditional “extended family” model consists of many units under one man or woman who all work together to provide for the family. This system reduces the stress placed on parents to both provide for and look after their children and provides a sense of community and belonging. I think we should move back to the extended family idea.

Few individuals in the wage system make enough money to support more than a spouse and a handful of offspring. This makes it easy for family ties to weaken once the children leave because they begin to provide for themselves with no help.

At first it seems more logical to take care of your own in our brutal capitalist economy

where only those with the best skills at the lowest cost survive in times of trouble.

However, giving of ourselves to our family, or people in general, is scientifically proven to give us a sense of fulfillment that nothing we do for ourselves ever does. Not to mention that in French Canada, an industrialized area, they’ve managed to maintain close family ties once children grow up and begin independent work.

Even though it may seem illogical from an economic position, taking care of your parents and siblings after moving. This is one of the most fulfilling things we can do. If we’re willing to give up some of our more expensive comforts, we can find mental fulfillment and a sense of belonging we otherwise would have lost.

Get in touch with us Page Editors VOLUME 90 | SPECIAL EDITION

August 22, 2019

For a complete staff listing, please visit The Ranger online at www.acranger.com therangereditor@gmail.com Twitter @acranger Instagram @acranger Facebook @acrangerpaper

Editor-in-Chief Lauren Ebben Page One Jessika Fulton Page Two Nathaniel Montoya Page Three Jillian Johnson Page Four Faythe Reeves

Editorial Writer Logan Canada Page Five Faythe Reeves Page Six Caylee Hanna Page Seven Isabelle Link Page Eight Shawn McCrea

Student Media exists to serve you — the students. The Ranger is an open forum where you can learn and talk about the things that matter to you. The Ranger staff urges you to get involved by submitting ideas, photos, writing, videos and telling us what you want covered. A public critique and meeting is open to the campus community on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in PH 214 or you can reach us via email at therangereditor@gmail.com.

The Ranger is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, Panhandle Press Association, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Texas Community College Journalism Association. For a complete staff listing, visit us at acranger.com.

The Ranger is an independent student publication. Material published in The Ranger does not necessarily reflect the views of Amarillo College administrators or employees.

News

The Ranger | 3 November 7, 2019

Students travel abroad

By COLTON SCHWALK Staff Reporter

Over the fall break, Sheila Barton, an Amarillo College Spanish professor, and 11 AC students went to Costa Rica for nine days, staying in the heart of the rainforest in a completely different world.

With no air conditioning or Wi-Fi for most of their trip, the students fully immersed themselves into a different culture and experienced something they could never experience in Amarillo.

“Our purpose was to give the students an opportunity to travel internationally,’’ said Barton. “In today’s world, travel is becoming so much easier and affordable, so it’s common for someone who has never traveled internationally to find themselves left behind.”

One point Barton emphasized was the importance of students leaving their hometown in order to see the world. She said she believes that travel can open the eyes of

students to see the world in a new way.

“There are a lot of advantages to traveling globall,” Bartson said. “They gain self-confidence, and they learn about other cultures and people.”

There was no shortage of things to do in Costa Rica, Barton said.

Every day the students were doing something new and gaining memorable experiences.

“We hiked through the rainforest, where we saw all sorts of exotic birds, monkeys and lizard, Barton said. “We also went whitewater rafting and kayaking, and after that we went zip lining through the rainforest.”

In the past, AC has offered several spring break trips for students, but this was the first time students got to travel over fall break.

Students will travel to Germany during this year’s spring break and the college has added a third trip in May 2020, where students will be traveling to London and Scotland.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Costa Rica travelers floating along the Rio Sucio River in Tortuguero National Park.

Women move ahead

Tending to all student ne Continued from page 1 These changes include providing family-safe bathrooms for these students, as well as putting certain support structures into place, such as offering child care.

“You can look at our completion rates and know that we’re helping ‘Maria’ more than we’ve ever helped her. But that doesn’t mean we still don’t have a ways to go,” Lowry-Hart said.

Maya Raigada, an occupational therapy major, was surprised when she learned that the average student at Amarillo College was female.

“I had no idea that there were more women than men going to school here. The fact that most of them are Hispanic is also really eye opening. That’s what I call girl power,” she said.

Women are also playing a larger role on the faculty and staff. Denese Skinner, vice president of student affairs, said women have “significantly” impacted AC campuses.

“Early in AC’s history, we’ve had women serve as student

body presidents where they had the opportunity to impact AC’s student engagement and drive changes across our campuses to better serve our students’ needs,” she said.

Skinner also pointed out the importance of female leadership in administrative roles.

“Equally important, for many years, we’ve had women on the president’s cabinet and in deans’ roles where they directly impact the course of the college,” she said.

Students say they have noticed a change with women in the AC workforce.

Olivia Onteros, a nursing major, said that many of her instructors are women.

“It may be because I’m a nursing major, but I’ve noticed that most, if not all, my instructors are women,” Onteros said.

“It kind of inspires me and proves that women are definitely getting more attention because of their accomplishments.”

“I’m glad that women are taking education seriously and that AC can help them with that,” Onteros said.

JILLIAN JOHNSON | The Ranger

Ashley Benderson, an engineering major, uses a private study area in the library for her Physics II class.

Second 8-week term struggles get real

By CJ SCOTT

Staff Reporter

Amarillo College’s second eight-week term has begun, just in time for cold and flu season.

Fall’s second term can be hard for students to keep up with due to cold weather, sicknesses, holidays and the things that come along with them.

“When students may lose motivation, I try to remind them to just stay on the course.

Remind yourself on why you are in college and what you are doing,” Ruth De Anda, the creative arts adviser, said. “This does not last forever.”

Students may be at the point in the school year where they have become exhausted both physically and mentally from the pressures of college courses.

“I don’t want to push myself so hard these next eight weeks.

I’ve been pushing myself very hard this semester,” Taylor Rea, a graphic design major, said.

“We all start to feel that weird feeling like time is changing, it is getting dark earlier, the weather is already cold and cloudy,” De Anda said.

“But staying healthy and ready and taking time to breathe is important,” she said.

This is a good time of year to focus on improved study habits and work on better note-taking skills, said De Anda.

To make studying easier and more fun, people can make flashcards, color code things with highlighters and make charts.

“I like websites like Quizlet so that I can make my own flashcards.” Emily Polster, a mass media major, said. “I like highlighting things also. If it is color coded, I remember it easier.”

Visual learning is an approach that many students can benefit from. Color coding, pie charts and drawing to remember things are common visual learning techniques.

It is also important to make time and focus on school work with no interruptions.

“I make sure I set aside time with no distractions so that I can get all my work done easier,” Rea said.

De Anda said she encourages students to “keep pushing” and to come visit her, other advisers or the AC Counseling Center if the stress of the second eightweek term becomes too much.

“Persistence in what you’re trying to do and being surrounded by positive people that have the same goals to be successful as you is really important,” De Anda said. “At the end of the day, remember this will benefit you in the long run.”

News

4 | The Ranger November 7, 2019

When nature calls, where are the stalls?

Students call for more gender-neutral restrooms

By JEREMY STISWORTH Staff Reporter

Some Amarillo College students who identify as genderqueer or non-binary say they are facing a dilemma caused by the shortage of gender neutral restroom facilities at the college.

AC’s Washington Street Campus has one restroom that caters to all gender types in the College Union Building next to the bookstore. Similar facilities are not available at the colleges East, West or downtown campuses.

Shawn McCrea, a general studies major who is also pursuing a certificate in photography, said that they identify as genderqueer and don’t feel comfortable

using women’s restrooms.

“It goes back to how I was raised,” McCrea said. “I just don’t feel comfortable because in some ways I don’t really fit the bill of a typical female or look the part.”

McCrea also said that they often plan their day around when they can use the gender-neutral restroom.

“I usually hold off going to the restroom unless I know that the one in the CUB is going to be available,” McCrea said.

McCrea also said that there are other students that do the same thing and that more gender-neutral facilities would be a welcome change to all AC campuses.

Steve Smith, AC’s former vice president of business affairs, said that the restroom located in the CUB is a family restroom.

“The restroom is a single toilet room and for use by one person at a time,” Smith said.

Smith also said that the best place to put such a room was the CUB since it is the most centralized location on the Washington Street Campus.

The college converted the women’s restroom into the lactation room and converted the men’s room into the gender-neutral restroom so the men didn’t lose access to a restroom in the CUB, Smith said.

Smith said that he is not aware of any need to add more gender neutral restrooms.

“At this time, we have no plans to convert any restrooms to gender-neutral restrooms.

Most of the restrooms are multi-stall and we have plenty of restrooms on all campuses,” he said.

JESSIKA FULTON | The Ranger

Shawn McCrea, a general studies major, stands for the creation of more gender-neutral restrooms.

LGBTQ+ community breaks silence

By TATHEANA FINNEY Staff Reporter

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Diego Caetano, an associate professor of piano, came out to his parents at the age of 20. His parents took it “better than expected,” Caetano said, “but were trying to figure out what it meant.

‘Coming out’ is the phrase used to describe when people self-disclose their sexual orientation or their gender identity to others. The term usually applies to LGBTQ+ people and is a shortened version of ‘coming out of the closet.’

“Not long ago people couldn’t do that,” Caetano said. “They would live their lives hiding their whole life and I think that’s absurd and it’s very sad.”

The Amarillo College Pride Club marked ‘National Coming Out Day’ by handing out rainbow ribbons Oct. 11 Ruth De Anda, an academic adviser and AC Pride co-sponsor, said she sees ‘National Coming Out Day’ as an “awesome opportunity to educate” the community on the impact coming out has on people’s lives.

“I wish there was just the opportunity just to be who you are and there’s nothing specific that has to be pointed out, but we don’t live in that world,” De Anda said. “The fact that there gets to be a day of just recognizing it and celebrating it is awesome.”

Caetano said that most people in the LGBTQ+ community just want to be accepted.

“We are here and we exist and we do matter,” he said.

Coming out can provide a sense of relief and the freedom for people to be themselves and no longer feel constricted by societal norms, said Abigail Slice, a psychology major.

“It was February when I came out. I have been actually more open to myself since then and I have felt much happier,” she said. Slice encourages people to come out to their friends and family members.

“Show who you are as a person. You’re describing yourself to the whole world, like, ‘Yes, this is who I am; yes, I am gay; yes, I am bi or whatever,’ and you should be proud of that,” Slice said.

Slice added that ‘National Coming Out Day’ is an important event because it offers words of encouragement and support for people who are hesitant to come out. “It’s important for visibility, you know,” she said.

AC Pride provides safe place for LGBTQ+ students

By RAY GUTIERREZ Staff Reporter

A student club for the LGBTQ+ community at Amarillo College is active and thriving.

AC Pride exists to encourage self-expression and allow students to be themselves, sponsors said.

Four years ago, Ruth de Anda, an academic adviser, started AC Pride after noticing that there were no campus groups that supported LGBTQ+ students who may

feel unsafe or unwanted.

“We are in a very conservative area, but the really cool part about Amarillo College is that we have a lot more people who are accepting, understanding and loving. They are willing to learn instead of immediately judging a person but really get to know them,” de Anda said.

The club also has LGBT allies who are individuals who are heterosexual, but support and understand the LGBTQ+ community.

“Being an ally means that you still are very much a part

of the community,” Maddisun Fowler, an AC Pride sponsor and student media coordinator, said.

“I am somebody you can come and talk to. Some students that come to us don’t know if they are going to get kicked out of their houses after coming out, so we are here for them,” she said.

Fowler said the club holds fundraisers, community events and social gatherings.

The club meets every Wednesday at 11:45 in the Louise Daniels Room in the College Union Building on the Washington Street Campus.

COURTESY PHOTO

Sabrina Pearce, Ruth de Anda, Abigail Schleis, Maddisun Fowler, Caylee Hanna and Shawn McCrea show off AC Pride’s “Bone Appetit” Sweets and Treats Sale on Oct. 29.

News

The Ranger | 5 November 7, 2019

Title IX enforces equal treatment

By CAYLEE HANNA Staff Reporter

At Amarillo College it is illegal under Title IX laws for students and employees to be exposed to sexual discrimination or sexual abuse, whether its assault or harassment.

Title IX is a federal law from the Educational Amendments Act of 1972.

This law protects students and staff attending or employed by an institution that receives federal funds from being denied benefits and participation based on sexual discrimination.

According to the Amarillo Col-

lege’s website under the human resources tab, “Amarillo College is committed to providing a learning and working environment enriching the lives of our students and our community in an environment free of sexual misconduct and discrimination.­Sexual discrimination not only violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity, it is also a violation of federal and state law.­ Amarillo College considers sexual discrimination in all its forms to be a serious offense.”

The human resources office at AC is in charge of making sure the Title IX law is enforced and that students and employees do not feel uncomfortable around the campus.

The human resources mission statement listed on the AC website states, “The HR department works to build and main-

tain a safe, gender-equitable environment for students, faculty, and staff in all aspects of educational programming and employment. HR is committed to ensuring each member of the college community has the opportunity to participate fully in the process of education and development.”

Cheryl Jones, vice president of human resources, says she believes that Title IX is important to make sure students can learn without feeling uncomfortable.

“A big part of my job is making sure that all persons, whether employees, faculty or students are afforded a learning and working environment which is free from gender-based discrimination or adverse effects,” Jones said.

“It’s not only the law, it’s the right thing to do,” Jones said. “The education environment at AC must support a safe and supportive atmosphere for all students as well as the staff and faculty work-

ing here. If people are uneasy or afraid, their quality of learning will be diminished.”

AC spreads awareness of sexual assault and harrassment by providing free counseling sessions and providing information from the police department and training to all employees.

“The College makes policies and procedures for reporting sexual harassment available in several ways,” Jones said. “Students and employees have multiple avenues to report a problem in a way that is non-threatening. AC provides free counseling for employees through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and provides yearly training to employees. Additionally, the AC Police Department conducts awareness events and training on sexual vi-

olence and domestic violence multiple times per year.”

Sewar Ali, a biology major, said she has noticed that AC is an inclusive college that follows Title IX and enforces the regulations that Title IX requires.

“Each club and organization has an equal opportunity for everyone,” Ali said. “No one has been turned away from someone due to their gender or race.”

AC also has many different events that students can become involved with and they are not focused on gender roles and do not discriminate on any gender.

“Our intramural sports teams, such as football, basketball and volleyball, are open toallgenders,”Alisaid.

JESSIKA FULTON | The Ranger

Students face challenges

OPINION

By LAUREN EBBEN and SHAWN MCCREA Staff Reporters Growing up is never easy.

It’s even harder when you don’t feel comfortable in your own body.

“In elementary school, gender doesn’t matter as much, because we’re all kids that look basically the same, but the second puberty hits in middle school, all of a sudden, everyone’s making a big deal about it,” Clayton Pearson, a transman who is a theatre major, said.

A transman is a transgender individual who transitions from female-to-male.

Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural and social expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

Some students who have transitioned said they felt they couldn’t truly be themselves growing up because of society’s standards.

Gender roles in marriage

By NATHANIEL MONTOYA Staff Reporter

JESSIKA FULTON | The Ranger

The trans flag and trans symbol represents the trangender community.

“In high school, I wasn’t able to go by the identity that I wanted to. So, it kept me from doing a lot of opportunities that I wanted to do and it really prolonged the finding of myself,” Troy Cartwright, a transman who is a theatre major, said.

Many transgender people said that they are scared to express themselves, partly due to adversities like threats and bullying.

“If you had something about you that you couldn’t control and you’re being bullied for it,

would you enjoy that?” Max Haywood, a transman who is a photography major, said.

Elizabeth Free, a transwoman who is a computer science major at West Texas A&M University, said that education regarding these issues should start early.

“From a young age, explain that there’s a lot more options than we previously believed as a society and that you can be who you want to be. You’re not limited in your choice and it’s not decided for you,” she said.

In the United States, traditional gender roles and behaviors have stereotyped men as powerful, controlling, assertive, aggressive and self-determined.

While women, on the other hand, have traditionally been considered the caregiver and homemaker.

Throughout the years, this narrative has evened out a bit more, but there’s still a long way to go.

What I’ve seen personally in my Hispanic background is that “machismo” in men is a major negative factor in unhealthy marriages.

In my family, a man is expected to work tireless hours every week while his wife is at home with the children. This gives the man the power to be controlling and manipulative to the rest of the family, causing unhealthy relationships.

I was always thought that men are anointed as the head of household while women are to be submissive to them.

I agree in part because I was raised to always put others before you and make the necessary sacrifices when times get tough. But I also believe in an equal basis where I’m not letting my culture tell us what our genders should do, but instead establish a 50/50 relationship where it doesn’t matter how much someone makes or who works more.

Both people have to develop a plan that benefits everyone.

This way there is no sense of resentment with each other.

Constantly communicate and pick each other up when the other person falls short.

These are necessities when it comes to healthy relationships.

News

6 | The Ranger November 7, 2019

Library changes, Underground opens

SHAWN MCCREA | The Ranger

Isaac and Isaiah Rodriguez, brothers and drafting majors, use two of the many computer work stations that are available at the Undergeround.

New computer lab changes how students use library

By CLIFTON SARTOR Staff Reporter Changes are taking place at the Amarillo College Lynn Library, located on the fourth floor of the Ware Student Commons on the Washington Street Campus. At the same time, the new lab in the basement of that building called, The Underground, is now open for business.

The first change at the library involves the types of books available for check out.

“In the past, the AC library did not have a fiction section,” Hanna Homfeld, an AC librarian, said. “Now there is a

large section of novels ranging from romance to fantasies as well as graphic novels.. There are also new shelves with new nonfiction books on the south wall adjacent to the circulation desk,” she said.

Another change involves the way students print at the library.

The older printing system has been replaced with a new system called the Print Hub. Now students can print from their own personal laptops.

Students also have the option to add funds to their printing accounts with a credit or debit card.

Technological changes include the installation of a collaboration station with a

large screen computer that students can connect to their laptops allowing them to work on group projects together.

Another technological advancement ties the library to the new lab known as The Underground, located in the Ware basement.

“There will be a connection to the new computer lab in the basement of the Student Commons Center with the library, featuring a telephone that will connect to the library for gathering information about databases, research and citations,” Emily Gilbert, director of information services, said.

“Finally, with the opening of The Underground, the days and

Intramurals volleyball begins

hours that the library is open have changed,” Gilbert said.

The new 11,000 square foot lab was created through a $2.2 million renovation that includes more than $300,000 in new computer and audio and visual equipment.

It features both Macs and PCs with access to specialized software, numerous individual work stations, production rooms, large and small collaboration rooms, several 85-inch screens and other study spaces. The Underground opened Nov. 4.

Hours of operations: The Underground will be open: Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 5

p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday hours are coming soon.

In conjunction with the launch of The Underground, new hours for the library, the Ware Tutoring Center and the Success Center (on Ware’s 3rd floor) have been announced.

Library hours will be Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

Ware Tutoring Center hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Success Center hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m.

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November library reads

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Several students participated in intramural volleyball games on Oct. 31. Games are held every Thursday night and Saturday afternoon.

Competitions brings AC athletes together

By MONICA CHAVARRIA Staff Reporter The intramural volleyball league is officially underway at Amarillo College.

The coed sport took off at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 in the Carter Fitness Center. The teams will meet every Thursday night and Saturday afternoon. It will go on for nearly a month, ending on Nov. 21.

“It’s going to be fun. You meet a lot of people, make a lot of friends,” Ali Muhammad, an engineering major and team captain, said.

There are a handful of teams facing each other on the court showcasing a variety of creative

names such as “Tha Dawgs,” “Amarillo 806” and “Los Diablos.”

Led by Trent Oneal, AC intramurals coordinator, intramurals give students the ability to participate in all kinds of games and sports across campus.

“I joined the league because it’s my favorite sport and I just missed playing on a team,” Isabella DeLeon, an education major, said.

“All students can join the league,” Oneal said. It’s free and open to anybody who is enrolled. It’s simple to sign up.

Students can either go down to the Carter Fitness Center or download the intramural leagues app and make an account.

“While registration for the

volleyball league is closed, there are still many future opportunities to enroll in other leagues and games,” Oneal said.

The primary goal of intramurals is for students to come together and enjoy some time to relax after school and work. It’s not a professional or serious league; therefore, knowing how to play or having any previous experience is not a necessity. New players are encouraged to join as well and participate with their fellow badgers.

“Sleep enough, get enough food in your body. You got to just take care of yourself, and have fun, that’s all that you have to do,” Muhammad said.

Each month, the Lynn Libray announces a selection of books chosen for that month. The library reads for Nov. include fictional books, books on aviation, cooking and culinary.

Library reads for fictional books include, “The Overstory” by Richard Powers, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott, The Jane Austen Collection, “The Travelling Cat Chronicles”

by Hiro Arikwawa, “Tin Man”

by Sara Winnman, and “Lila” by Marilynne Robinson.

In honor of National Aviation History Month this Nov., Lynn Library has chosen the following books: “Aircraft Design of WWII: a Sketchbook” by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, “Flight: 100

Years of Aviation” by R.G. Grant, “Aviation Mechanic Handbook”

by Dale Crane, and “The Development of Piston Aero Engines: from the Wrights to Microlights: a Century of Evolution and Still a Power to be Reckoned With”

by Bill Gunston.

For books on cooking there is “5-Ingredient Instant Pot Cookbook: 150 Easy, Quick and Delicious Recipes” by Marilyn Haugen and “The Ultimate Student Cookbook: From Chicken to Chili” by Tiffany Goodall.

Finally, culinary reads include “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” by Anthony Bourdain and “Consider the Fork: a History of How We Cook and Eat” by Bee Wilson.

Check out Badger BS, The Ranger’s longest-running web series, with co-hosts Isabelle Link and Jeremy Stitsworth.

New epsiodes on acranger.com.

Culture

The Ranger | 7 November 7, 2019

Live-action Aladdin doesn’t disappoint

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JOHNNY LAWHON | The Ranger

A series of black and white portraits flanks the walls leading to the elevator in the Ware Student Center.

‘Walking Dead’ at AC Gallery depicts personal experience

REVIEW

By JENNA GIBSON Correspondent

“The faces that inhabit one’s life are connected to a mutually shared personal experience.”

This quote by artist and photographer, Byrd Williams IV, in his artist statement for his series titled “The Walking Dead,” perfectly captures the depth of the feelings elicited when viewing his work. Williams’ powerful photographs are currently on display in the Southern Light Gallery, located on the first floor of the Ware Student Commons at Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus.

I was transfixed and haunted by the message Williams makes in both his images and his artist’s statement: “For me, photography is about death.”

Though small in size, the Southern Light Gallery does not lack character. White and beige walls in contrast with shiny diamond shaped white and gray

tile floors allow for a calming and peaceful experience. There are no other images to pull the viewers’ attention away from the exhibit, and the minimal gallery setup allows for ample focus on the photographs.

The series, “The Walking Dead” is a set of 10 11x14 inch portrait photographs shot on a view camera.

These black and white photographs contain exquisite detail and deep emotions.

Williams’ use of shadows and dramatic lighting creates an incredibly haunting and successful series.

The framing of each subject is close-up and revealing, as if the essence of each person pictured is captured in the image. The portraits are displayed in two sections, five on each wall, placed close to one another.

While the people pictured do not appear to have any relation to one another, the placement of the 10 pieces prompts viewers to wonder if the subjects knew each other. Were they connected? Did their lives

intersect?

Standing in the gallery, I could not help but feel close to the people in the photographs.

The quiet, intimate size of the gallery allowed me to really focus on these photographs, examining Williams’ use of light and shadows to highlight and hide certain elements of each person photographed.

I felt the need to be still and wait silently for each of the 10 people to speak to me. The images left me wanting to know more about their lives and the reasons Williams chose them for this series.

From the haunting facial expressions of some people in the series to the dead eyes on others, these poignant images draw in viewers and leave them craving to know more.

Williams states he “has entire lives in a single folder,” and his ability to capture people’s stories within a single black and white image is extremely moving and powerful.

The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 13.

Mayhem’s newest release Norway’s original black metal band continues to rock

REVIEW

By ISABELLE LINK Staff Reporter

Mayhem, a Norwegian black metal band that formed in 1984 just released a new album called “Daemon.”

The newest album features two bonus tracks titled “Everlasting Dying Flame” and “Black Glass Communion,” adding 10 extra foot stomping minutes to the album.

“Daemon” was released Oct. 25 from the record labels Posercorpse Music and Century Media with artwork by an Italian designer, Daniele Valeriani.

The band released the newest album just five years after their last studio album titled “Esoteric Warfare,” which was 50 minutes long with a slower intro. The first song off the album “Daemon,” titled “The Dying False King,” sets a pretty

heavy mood right off the bat.

Leaving no time for an intro, the band gets immediately into what they are well-known for, the black metal blast beats and growly vocals.

Teloch, the current guitar player, said in an interview, “Mayhem will always be Mayhem. If we put the genre game aside a bit, no one else sounds like Mayhem.”

Listening to the first song made me wonder if it is supposed to be based upon President Trump and his recent impeachment inquiry. This is just my own opinion and the band hasn’t said anything about it – plus they aren’t based in the USA, so it is sort of a long shot.

I got the idea from the lines, “The shame of the world, dominion pulverized, the dying false king.”

While the band has continued to keep their own sound, the newest album has small

background resemblances to Behemoth’s “The Satanist” that released years prior.

The similarities are in the beat of the music and the electric guitar riffs.

Specifically in the song “Bad Blood” do I hear the resemblance to Behemoth’s beginning track “Blow Your Trumpets Gabriel.”

Despite the band being nearly 25 years old, taking only a yearlong break in 1994, they all still bring the Mayhem we all love from when they first formed.

Through many different artists have cycled through the band, the albums still stayed true to their legendary sound.

As Teloch said, “I think this album will be the most pleasing for old and new fan – We tried out some new stuff to keep it interesting for ourselves and also for our fans that dig that we are doing something new on each album.”

A Disney classic with a twist REVIEW

By ERIKA CHAVEZ Staff Reporter This past summer, the original animated film “Aladdin” from 1992 was made into a live-action movie.

The live-action film that hit theaters May 24 is rated PG and full of adventure and fantasy. It is now available on DVD and streaming services.

In the movie, a street rat named Aladdin frees a genie from a lamp and grants all of his wishes, making himself a charming prince in order to marry the beautiful princess, Jasmine.

Soon, an evil sorcerer named Jafar becomes hellbent on securing the lamp for his own evil purposes.

The film features Will Smith as the Genie, Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine.

When the public first heard that the live-action version was being made, many people were upset over the fact that it was going to be a lot different from the original.

Considering how the years have gone by, technology has improved and would obviously make the film different.

Everyone loved the 1992 film because Robin Williams played the genie. No one thought someone else could replace such a unique role.

When people found out that Will Smith would be playing the role of the genie,

they were skeptical about it, but when giving it more thought, they came to the conclusion that Smith himself is a very humorous and unique actor. The director specifically wanted Smith to play as the genie.

At first Smith turned down the role because he felt as if he could never fill Williams’s role, but was later convinced after seeing the different ideas the director had for the script.

Although both the animated and live action films have many similarities, there are significant differences.

In the live action, Naomi Scott (Jasmine) has an extra scene with a solo; whereas, in the animated version Jasmine only sings “A Whole New World” with Aladdin. Jasmine also has a handmaid who has a building romance with the genie. Not only that, but a couple of the songs were reworded and remixed in the new film. With these new scenes and reworded songs, the live action version runs two hours and eight minutes long while the animated version is only an hour and a half long.

Although the animated film is an outstanding movie, the director (Guy Ritchie) did a fantastic job in remaking the film. He choose amazing actors who played their parts accordingly.

Critics say it is a must-see movie giving it a 7.1 out of 10 star rating. Watch it now on DVD or streaming services and see if you agree.

8 | The Ranger November 7 , 2019

Feature

BE A HERO,

PLAY GAMES,

Heal Kids

By CAYLEE HANNA Staff Reporter

Although some people perceive playing video games as unproductive and unprofitable, Badger Esports, along with other local gaming enthusiasts, have proven this wrong.

By CLAUDIA ZUNIGA and RAY GUTIERREZ Extra Life, a local gaming Staff Reporters convention and fundraising event occured Sat. Nov. 2 at Amarillo College’s Washington Street Campus. Yellow City Comic Convention, The Vault Gaming Center, Game Quest and AC partnered to hold this event to raise money for the local Children’s Miracle Network of Amarillo and High Plains Region, a non-profit organization that aims to promote and improve children’s healthcare.

“I really enjoy working with other people to create something that makes money for the kids who need it,” Brian Austin, Game Quest owner, said. “The more people that get involved, the more it shares on Facebook, the more it shares on social media, the more people see it, so it's always wonderful to get one more person to help every year.”

In addition to paying $10 for admission to the Extra Life convention, people could

Kristyn Serna (left), a graphic design major, and Jan Dibala, a general studies major, fist bump in victory for kid’s health and video games.

also donate in other ways.

Participants also had the chance to win prizes. “We played a few tournaments today so you can win board games, toys and different things that go along with video gaming, arcades and all that stuff,” Chris George, Badger Esports director, said.

All of the proceeds from this event went directly to the Amarillo and High Plains region.

“My favorite part about Extra Life is that the money raised in each individual community stays within that community,” Austin said.

Nationally, the Extra Life convention raised more than $9.6 million from entry fees, raffle ticket purchases and more.

George said he believes that the Extra Life gaming event will bring the community together and help raise awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network.

“We want everybody that loves gaming to attend, so that's why we’re kind of bringing everybody together to show it all out and let people know that we’re here,” George said.

Conner Hartman (left), an event participant, and Ben Bascoe, paint minatures for the tabletop roleplay game, Warhammer 40K.

ILLUSTRATION by DANIAR OROZ | The Ranger PHOTOS by SHAWN MCCREA | The Ranger