'Let's Talk About Sex' - Volume 54, Issue 5

Let’s Talk About Sex

Non-male pleasure remains stigmatized, but empowering dialogue ensues

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CHECK-IN WITH THE CHANCELLOR 6 INCLUSIVE BIRDWATCHING

Students discuss Chancellor Mnookin’s first semester and their expectations for the rest of the year

Avid birders create a BIPOC Birdwatching club to create a more inclusive birding community

UW to include Indigenous land dispossession modules in future courses

by Clare Brogan Campus News Associate Editor

A team of five professors from various departments at the University of Wisconsin are creating course modules focused on the concept and history of land-grant universities and their relation to the Indigenous groups that resided there before them.

The initiative is using funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, though the date of its implementation is yet to be announced, according to UW News.

The team is planning to incorporate these modules into 22 courses that span eight different UW departments and around 3,000 students per year, according to UW News.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction, because clearly, there’s not enough discussion of it,” UW accounting and political science student Jimmy Schatz said. “But, I think there’s so much more we can be doing to be discussing both what happened in the past and how we currently treat Indigenous

populations.”

The NEH grant will be used to create 5075 minute lessons, or as materials that can be built into a series of lessons in courses that already exist at UW, assistant professor of civil society and community studies and American Indian studies Kasey Keeler said in an email statement to The Badger Herald.

Keeler is one of the professors on the team creating the modules. She and the four other members come from different departments and specialties and combine their expertise to create material that will be accessible across multiple course types.

It is intended that the program will be made available to students across multiple departments and academic programs, Keeler said. These incorporated courses will range from hard sciences to the arts and humanities, and they will reach students familiar with the land-grant university concept, as well as

students who have never heard of it before.

The university will also use the grant to offer paid positions to graduate students and faculty members working on developing the materials, Keeler said. The money will also be used to expand the outreach of the educational modules past the UW student body to tribal nations and community members as well.

“This may look like our project team traveling to visit the tribal nations of the state to learn from and with them and sharing or presenting our work, it may look like hosting tribal representatives at UW, either in-person or virtually, or it may look like paying stipends to community members who share their knowledge and expertise with us,” Keeler said in an email statement to The Badger Herald.

This project comes as a result of UW professors noticing the lack of standardized education on the school’s Indigenous roots

in the university curriculum. After covering the history of land dispossession, professors often found students surprised, shocked and confused how they had never been taught the information before, according to UW News.

Indigenous history is important to consider when those on campus think about their relationships with spaces like Madison and their community members, assistant professor of history and American Indian studies Sasha Marie Suarez said. People need to acknowledge centuries of pre-existing history of the environment in order to support it right now.

“It [the implementation of UW dispossession modules] shows very strong commitment to tribal nations and Indigenous peoples, both on campus and in the state that their university is serious about strengthening relationships and acknowledging Indigenous presence in history,” Suarez said.

UW already has a requirement in place for students to take at least three credits of ethnic studies coursework, according to University Policy General Education Requirements.

The ethnic studies requirement was created to teach students about marginalized racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., as well as broaden their knowledge of other cultures, according to the General Education Requirements. The requirement also prepares UW students to respectfully respond to issues related to the university community.

When students take courses as an ethnic study, they tend to be very appreciative of being given the opportunity to take classes that they maybe would have not enrolled in if it hadn’t been for the ESR, Suarez said.

“Because so many of my classes are ethnic studies requirements, I get students from all over the university,” Suarez said. “Many of them have not had the opportunity before to learn about specific Indigenous histories of campus.”

Professor Keeler said she hopes this project not only makes UW students aware of the Indigenous history around them, but also inspires more land-grant universities to take initiatives in the future to repair relationships and tell the stories of tribal nations on the land before them.

“This area of focus — the land grant history of UW and the larger land grant system — has been largely ignored in higher education, including at UW,” Keeler said in an email statement to The Badger Herald. “We are excited to create an accessible way to share this important history and feel it is our responsibility as faculty at a setter colonial institution to do this work.”

Modules will be incorporated into 22 courses across eight departments, according to UW News

The educational modules will focus on the histories of land-grant universities like UW.

JASON CHAN. THE BADGER HERALD.

Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance program closes applications

by Ian Auger Campus News Associate Editor

The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance program, which was created in 2021 using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to help Wisconsin residents struggling to pay utility bills or rent, stopped accepting new applications Jan. 31.

Wisconsin Department of Administration spokesperson Tatyana Warrick said WERA has received over $600 million dollars from the federal government since 2021 for rental assistance, assisting 30,000 households statewide.

The people who will be most affected by the program’s end are people who are experiencing unemployment or underemployment and have been at risk of losing their homes since Mar. 13, 2020, Warrick said.

Warrick said those currently enrolled in WERA will still receive funding until their term is up. Since WERA is a timed system, participants receive up to 18 months of

assistance, but it is all on a case-by-case basis. Once debts are paid for renters, the program provides assistance for another three months, according to their website.

WERA has been able to survive longer than its equivalents in neighboring states like Michigan and Minnesota, Warrick said.

University of Wisconsin students likely won’t feel the effects of the program’s end because rental assistance in Madison is distributed by the Tenant Resource Center and other Madison-based programs. These programs are not funded through WERA and receive money through different sources. This is because they are a part of entitlement communities, Warrick said.

There are 21 entitlement communities in Wisconsin — including Madison and Dane County — who have their own local programs which handle funding for housing assistance, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.

Warrick said WERA and other similar programs are short-term assistance programs, and the DOA will continue to work with tribal and local governments to increase affordable housing.

Though WERA was the only program created in 2021 using ARPA funds, other programs still exist in Wisconsin, Warrick said.

UW professor of urban planning Kurt Paulsen said these programs may not be enough. Wisconsin will likely see an increase in evictions and a possible increase in homelessness following the termination of the program.

WERA wasn’t just an affordable housing solution but a way to stop the spread of COVID-19, Paulsen said.

“The idea is, you’re not wanting lots of people to be moving, and that’s why there was for a while an eviction moratorium as well,” Paulsen said.

But, other affordable housing programs exist in the United States that use federal funding. Section 8 housing has existed since 1937, yet it is not able to assist households on the scale of emergency funding according to Paulsen.

The Section 8 voucher program is designed for low-income families to receive adequate housing through rental assistance. Eligible applicants must make less than 30% of the median income of the surrounding area, according to the U.S. Department of Housing

and Urban Development website.

Emergency funding is more effective than programs like Section 8 because all eligible applicants receive resources from the program due to it being funded at such a high level, Paulsen said. Section 8 housing, on the other hand, only gives out funds to about 20% of eligible applicants.

Paulsen said the emergency programs helped a lot of people because housing was already unaffordable for many, even before the pandemic.

Paulsen said construction costs have risen 35%, which drives prices up for rent as well.

“When the cost of something new goes up, the cost of existing stuff also goes up,” Paulsen said.

Preventing evictions can be extremely cheap for the government, Paulsen said. Many people are evicted for less than $500 in late fees, so simply providing extra funds is an efficient solution.

Evictions cost more to the economy than the government rental assistance programs, Paulsen said. Section 8 housing can also be denied by the landlord, so Section 8 cannot be used by everyone in every situation.

Other programs do exist for rental assistance after WERA funding ends, such as the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance program, the Veteran Housing and Recovery program and the Recovery Voucher Grant Program, which can lessen the burden of rising housing costs.

Program closure threatens families facing ongoing housing insecurity

Wisconsin may see an increase in evictions following program end, UW professor says.

JOEY REUTEMAN . THE BADGER HERALD.

New chancellor focuses on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, Bucky’s Tuition Promise Students reflect on Chancellor Mnookin’s first semester at UW

by Allie Serterides City News Associate Editor

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin completed her first semester on the University of Wisconsin campus in December.

In her first semester, Mnookin focused on observing the university’s culture and supporting the Wisconsin Idea, according to UW Director of Media Relations Kelly Tyrrell. To achieve this, Mnookin met with various student groups, helping her better understand the perspectives of the students she serves.

But one of Mnookin’s primary goals in all of her work is to encourage civil dialogues and respectful discussion across all different viewpoints and ideas, Tyrrell said.

In promoting this open dialogue, Mnookin has gained support from students, according to UW Hillel Campus Partnership Interns Caroline Krell and Sammy Angelina.

Krell and Angelina were especially impressed by Mnookin’s quick response to antisemitic chalkings targeting Jewish students on campus found on the first day of fall classes.

Shortly after the incident, Mnookin invited Jewish student leaders to meet with her — providing them the opportunity to voice their opinions and share their experiences, Angelina said.

“I’m a senior and this isn’t the first time this type of thing has happened, but it is the first response that I’ve been aware of,” Angelina said. “That made me feel really good — to know that even though this kind of thing isn’t new, this is the first time I’ve seen this type of action being taken.”

During the meeting, Mnookin listened to concerns from Jewish student leaders and was eager to discuss potential solutions moving forward, Krell said.

In addition to working with students on campus, Mnookin is working to ensure that future students can attend UW with fewer barriers.

Mnookin has focused on giving students the opportunity to graduate debt free, ultimately ensuring every student has every chance to succeed, Tyrell said. In doing this, Mnookin is focused on ensuring the Bucky’s Tuition Promise program continues to succeed.

“What has really risen to the top for her are issues of access and affordability,” Tyrrell said. “She talks about the fact that about 60% of UW students graduate debt free, which is a really remarkable statistic for any university. But she wants to continue to make sure that students who come here, come here because they can afford to do so.”

Other areas of importance for Mnookin include providing strong mental health services. In the fall, Mnookin hired more mental health providers of BIPOC and LGBTQ identities, according to a roundtable discussion with student journalists.

Additionally, Mnookin is focused on increasing staffing for survivorship services — an action that aligned with the goals of the student organization Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment.

PAVE Communications Coordinator Maggie Kahn believes that Mnookin diversifying her staff is a step in the right direction for the university. Kahn is hopeful for the chancellor’s future at UW.

“I think we just want to see her uphold the beliefs that she came into this position with,” Khan said. “Making sure that the DEI efforts are a big part of what she’s implementing.”

Moving forward, the needs of students on the UW campus will continue to change, but Mnookin has made it clear to students that she is

open to discussion, Angelina said. One area where students may like to see change is in regards to the lenience towards religious holidays and observances.

Angelina recalled when UW scheduled the first day of classes on Rosh Hashanah in the fall 2021 semester. Moving forward, Krell would like to see more accommodations being made for students in regards to religious holidays.

“We should have a more set procedure for holiday observances, and not just in the Jewish community,” Krell said. “We have class off for Christmas, so making sure that it’s easy to observe other religious holidays too is a big one in the Jewish community and the non-Jewish

community.”

In her first semester, Mnookin focused on listening and learning. But as she begins her second semester, she will continue to observe the community while beginning to set plans into motion, Tyrrell said.

“I think she’s been really successful at building relationships and learning a whole lot about UW and the Wisconsin Idea, getting to know students and getting to know faculty,” Tyrrell said. “I think she’s had a lot of success, really turning the things that she’s been listening and learning about into really solid ideas for UW-Madison, about our community and about the things that maybe she can look toward in the future.”

The success of Bucky’s Tuition Promise program is among Mnookin’s top priorities.

CAROLINE CROWLEY. THE BADGER HERALD.

Ojibwe Winter Games return to Wisconsin after 150 years

by Blake Thor Reporter

The Winter Games include games like Gooniikaa-Ginebig Ataadiwin, or snow snakes, where participants aim to slide a wooden javelin across the snow as far as possible, according to the Ojibwe Winter Games website. If done correctly, throws can easily exceed several hundred yards in length. In Apaginaatig Ataadiiwin, or spear throwing, participants wield the atlatl – a spear-like hunting instrument once used by Indigenous hunters. The participant who can throw the atlatl farthest and most accurately is considered the winner.

DeMain emphasized the importance of continued support and participation in the games.

“It’s part of us, our ceremonies are part of us, and they’re being revived along with the language, history, culture and storytelling during winter months,” DeMain said. “It’s not just one movement in one direction — it’s a circle that’s moving back out and gathering things that were once ours.”

The celebration of the games goes back hundreds of years, DeMain said, though it wasn’t until the early 1870s that the U.S. government banned the tradition to prevent supposed wagering and gambling associated with the event.

According to DeMain, the wagering aspect is essential to the gift-giving spirit of the games. Before the games were played, opposing tribes would add utilities such as blankets, food and tools to a winnings pot that was awarded to the victor. Leaders of Ojibwe tribes didn’t see this practice as wagering but instead as redistributing wealth throughout the community, DeMain said.

The Ojibwe Winter Games will take place on Madeline Island Feb. 11 for the first time in 150 years. The games serve as a chance for middle school students to engage with Ojibwe culture in a week-long competition of traditional games.

The tradition was banned when the United States outlawed gambling in the mid-1800s, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette. University of Wisconsin students had the opportunity to experience and engage with the culture, stories and activities of the Ojibwe Winter Games through a demonstration Feb. 3 at Lake Mendota.

At the event, community members and students were able to participate in the games normally played at the Ojibwe Winter Games such as spear throwing, but used swinging hoops suspended from tripods and foam targets

and to emulate target animals, according to the La Crosse Tribune.

Affiliated faculty member of the UW American Indian Studies Program Thomas Dubois said the games are a golden opportunity for those who attend.

“Every semester I meet people who have never seen snow, and for them to also get to be connected to a tradition that goes back hundreds of years is a glorious part of going to school in Wisconsin,” Dubois said.

Lac Du Flambeu Public Schools teacher Wayne Valliere, who worked building authentic Ojibwe canoes at Northwestern’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, helped coordinators at UW host the event, Dubois said.

In Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin, a prominent home of the Ojibwe, Valliere teaches his

students about Ojibwe culture, according to the National Endowment of the Arts.

Akiing 8th Fire, an Indigenous community development organization, is organizing the actual Ojibwe Winter Games games on Madeline Island in Northern Wisconsin, the historical capital of the Ojibwe Nation.

Revitalization of Ojibwe culture has become a mission for Indigenous advocates such as Wisconsin Oneida citizen of Ojibwe heritage Paul DeMain, who have had their traditions stripped away from them over the last few centuries. DeMain sits on the board of Akiing 8th Fire.

Last winter, DeMain got together with a small group of friends to throw snow snakes on the island. This year, the group is expecting several hundred people to make the journey to Madeline Island.

Following the banning of the games, the Ojibwe community was left without a tradition central to their way of life, as the Ojibwe judiciary would often use games such as lacrosse and snow snakes to settle disputes between members of the community, according to DeMain. Additionally, the Ojibwe games were designed to sharpen and enhance survival skills. Participants practiced their hunting skills in snow snakes and spear throwing and learned how to move more quickly across the snow in snowshoe racing.

According to UW folklore professor Marcus Cederström, UW students have access to resources to strengthen cultural revitalization efforts on campus, such as Wunk Sheek, the Multicultural Student Center and ethnic studies classes. Cederström said getting involved with the community is simpler than many students believe it to be.

“Just go – go to some of the events they’re hosting,” Cederstrom said. “You don’t have to join, you’re just being invited to learn.”

Resurgence of games serve as key cultural revitalization effort

Ojibwe games traditionally served as a method of settling conflicts.

ABBY CIMA. THE BADGER HERALD.

Recent reports indicate economic strength in Wisconsin

by Allison Courtright State News Associate Editor

Recent reports and analyses of Wisconsin’s economy indicate economic strength, even amid a potential recession.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rates are resting at 2.9% — lower than the national average of 3.5%, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Across the nation, there have been increases in employment in healthcare, hospitality and healthcare sectors, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Wisconsin has strong labor force participation, with 66.5% of the population employed as of May 2022, according to Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development.

These low unemployment rates are sustainable in the short term because the economy is growing at such a slow pace. But in the long term, these low unemployment rates will not be feasible, according to University of Wisconsin applied economics

professor Steven Deller.

Workforce participation in Wisconsin has remained stable since the early 2000s. Prior to then, the workforce was consistently growing as more women began to work, Deller said.

But now, the supply of labor force has been capped off. Job opportunities continue to increase in Wisconsin, allowing workers the flexibility to choose from various employment opportunities, Deller said.

This may create issues in the long run, according to Deller.

“The big picture issue is we have more jobs than we have people to fill them,” Deller said.

In order to attract workers, companies now have to have a more comprehensive approach to hiring people — such as paying dignified wages or offering childcare and housing to employees, Deller said.

In Wisconsin cities — like Madison — employees have a multitude of jobs to choose

from, but this is not the case for all cities and rural areas, according to Wisconsin State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison). Providing employees with benefits and flexibility is something employers across the state of Wisconsin will need to work towards, Hong said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have struggled to get employees to return to in-person employment options, Deller said.

The pandemic caused many workers to rethink their work-life balance, and many realized they prefer to work remotely. With many employment opportunities to choose from, people are able to find jobs that accommodate remote work, Hong said.

“This provides an opportunity for folks to think about how to invest in people,” Hong said.

Though most Wisconsin residents have stable employment, there have been concerns about the potential for a recession, Deller said.

Deller said the signals are mixed — some economists predict a mild recession by the end of spring 2023, but many Wisconsin manufacturers plan to continue hiring, indicating that the job market is not cooling off.

“At minimum, there will be a slide into a mild recession and the economy will come right back out of it,” Deller said.

Wisconsin’s economy should remain

relatively stable through a mild recession — in part due to high labor force participation, Deller said.

Another cause of concern and predictor of a potential recession is the current high inflation rates, Deller said. These high rates have caused short term interest rates to rise higher than long term interest rates. High inflation rates also impact any wage increases seen recently, according to Deller.

Going into the spring primary elections, concerns of a potential recession will be at the forefront of many voters’ minds. Many constituents have concerns about what is going on in the Wisconsin State Legislature, Hong said.

Aside from high inflation rates, Republicans in the state legislature have proposed a flat tax that would replace the state’s current tax structure system of a graduated-rate income tax, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

This flat tax would increase wealth disparity in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Examiner.

“A fair tax system in this state is necessary to build a more resilient economy,” Hong said.

Potential adjustments to economic systems in Wisconsin will impact all residents in different ways. But with a low unemployment rate and substantial job market, Wisconsin’s economy will remain strong, Deller said.

Low unemployment rate, increased job opportunities positive signs

The recession will be on voters’ minds ahead of the spring primary.

AHMAD HAMID. THE BADGER HERALD.

Wisconsin Potato Council promises more research, better production

WPC, CALS collaborate to better support Wisconsin potato industry, UW Research

by Ave Vystrcil Science News Associate

categories of potatoes. “Fresh market” potatoes go to produce sections of grocery stores, “chipping” potatoes to french fry production and “creamer” potatoes to instant potato products.

No change in ownership or production occurred in the public-private partnership, Gevens said. The Starks farm will produce its usual crop of seed potatoes in 2023, and research has not slowed or stopped during the transition.

The Starks farm’s story is much older than the WPC. Fifty years ago, prominent potato grower Leila Starks saw the importance of quality seed stock and donated funds to purchase 400 acres in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Because Rhinelander is farther north than the commercial potato crops, it prevents cross-pollination and infectious diseases from harming the seed crop, Gevens said.

“Our partnership with the WPC continues Leila’s vision,” Gevens said. “We wanted to build [a collaboration] that really synergized our research and efforts to support the potato industry.”

UW’s contributions to the potato industry ensure potatoes can thrive in Wisconsin’s particular environments. Each growing region poses a unique set of challenges and benefits, Schleicher said.

Climate, soil type and diseases vary region to region. But it’s inefficient for farmers to solve problems regarding plant hardiness, pest infestation, dry spells and other crop difficulties on their own.

As the state university, UW applies large-scale resources to agricultural issues, while tailoring them to local situations. For example, a current research project is testing yellow potato varieties to determine which grows best in Wisconsin soil, Schleicher said.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Seed Potato Certification Program finalized a public-private partnership this January. The Wisconsin Potato Coalition will take over management of the Leila Starks Early Generation Seed Potato Farm in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, allowing the research branches of the certification program to devote more time and resources to potato research.

Wisconsin produces 65,000 acres of potatoes, third only to Idaho and Washington in nationwide production.

Healthy, purebred seed stock is essential for the industry’s survival, CALS Seed Potato Certification Program Director Amanda Gevens said. The Leia Starks farm and 21 associated seed farms have provided much of that seed stock for the past 50 years.

The UW Seed Certification Program conducts

potato disease research and maintains healthy potato cultures on campus. Over 104 years old, the program ensures Wisconsin farmers receive the knowledge they need to combat new pests, diseases, droughts and other growing problems, Gevens said.

Over the past few years, innovations in research and diagnostics have expanded the program’s reach and left fewer resources to manage the Starks farm, campus greenhouse and research.

In 2021, the seed potato farming community offered to help.

“What they essentially said was, ‘We’ll farm the potatoes, do the agronomy and take and distribute seed potato orders,” Gevens said. “Our program in CALS will continue to do all the other pieces.”

A year of discussion ensured a smooth

transition in January 2023. The partnership allows the Wisconsin Potato Coalition to better support the Wisconsin potato industry, according to WPC director Kevin Schleicher.

Four farms with hundreds of years combined growing experience partnered to form the WPC and manage the Starks farm — Eagle River Seed Farm, Baginski Farms, Schroeder Brothers Farms and J.W. Mattek & Sons. Having four diverse farms head the WPC ensures no grower is left unrepresented, Gevens said.

Preserving the Starks farm as part of the UW Potato Certification Program ensures seed potato certification and production continue as the UW Program expands its research, Schleicher said.

The WPC farms were chosen to represent all the potato varieties Wisconsin farmers grow — including russet, yellow and red potatoes. Varieties produce several market classes or

Through the WPC and UW partnership, farmers get better access to the university’s research, and collaboration between the certification program and growers is more efficient since growers themselves are running the farm, Gevens said.

UW benefits not only from the assurance of continuing excellence in seed potato production, but also from the technological innovations the growers bring to the farm. New planter technology provided by the WPC only requires two people to plant the potatoes, Schleicher said. Past planter machines required six operators. New techniques both increase seed potato quality and the amount produced.

“Agriculture is one of the most important parts of the Wisconsin economy — the livelihoods of our farmers,” Schleicher said. “UW’s mission to provide progress within our state means with our partnership, we’ll not only be able to grow the food we eat every day, but compete with the potato industry in other states.”

The Potato Council and Potato Coalition are working together to produce higher volumes of potato crops.

JANANI SUNDAR. THE BADGER HERALD.

Finding community in ‘The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin’

by Lydia Larsen Science News Editor

While birding on Juneteenth in 2021, birders Jeff Galligan and Dexter Patterson began discussing about how many birding spaces don’t include people of color. Deciding they wanted to help change that, they founded The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin.

The club connects BIPOC birdwatchers and allies of all experience levels by hosting birding events throughout the state. With people of color largely underrepresented in environmental organizations, Patterson said the club aims to create a safe space for the BIPOC community to experience and learn about the outdoors and birdwatching, also known as birding.

Patterson said he always liked birds, but didn’t always give them the attention he now feels they deserve. It wasn’t until he met Jeff Galligan, his advisor at Madison College, that he realized he could be a birder.

“I think when I met Jeff it was the first time where I felt like birds were for me,” Patterson said. “Because here’s this Black man, and he’s a

birder, and I was like ‘oh, he likes birds, too. It’s ok to be a birder.’”

After speaking with Galligan about birds, Patterson came across a video which changed his whole perspective. In the video, an osprey flies toward the water, pushes its talons out and then hits the water. At first, Patterson thought the bird had drowned, but then it emerged from the water and took off with a big fish. Patterson said this is his “spark bird,” and after that video, Patterson decided to learn as much as he could about birds.

Galligan works in higher education at Madison Area Technical College, but he’s been fascinated by birds since he was young. Though he has been birding his entire adult life, it became more serious and intentional in 2014.

“I think I got steered away from STEM-related professions when I was a young kid,” Galligan said. “Now I’m just kind of returning to that in my own way.”

In addition to birding, Galligan is passionate about connecting people of color with

opportunities in the natural and environmental sciences, which lack representation.

Despite ethnic minorities comprising 38% of the U.S. population, a 2018 report found they make up at most 16% of staff and board members in environmental organizations. According to Galligan, these numbers are not a result of a lack of interest in the environment among communities of color, but rather a lack of opportunities and access.

If a person of color wants to get connected with more opportunities in environmental science, Galligan said it’s important to find a mentor. Organizations like the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin could help make that connection.

“Get connected with people who will look out for you and work with you,” Galligan said.

Galligan had wanted to form a birding club for some time, especially after years of traveling around Wisconsin on birding trips and not seeing many people of color on the trails. The summer of 2020, especially following the murder of George Floyd, made him want to find a way to bring people of color together in a place he didn’t usually see them in.

Patterson and Galligan shared this sentiment and decided to act on their aspirations.

“I was like, ‘let’s do it right,’” Patterson said. “And the main reason was we love birding and we just don’t see people like us … in the birding community. So we just wanted to be part of that change. We wanted to be the solution.”

At their first event, Patterson said they didn’t know how many people would show up, but they were determined to have fun no matter the turnout.

Around 15 people showed up to the first event, and Patterson told the story of his “spark bird.” About 10 minutes into the walk, they saw an osprey dive into the water and carry away a huge carp. Since then, the osprey has been a meaningful symbol for the club and the club’s logo.

“That was the bird that brought us together,” Patterson said. “That’s wild.”

The club hosts events across the state and locally in Madison and Milwaukee, according to Galligan. No experience is necessary, and they always welcome new birders.

Often, the events include meeting in a park or outdoor area. Everyone spends a few hours walking and identifying birds, Galligan said. The club also hosts special events like bird banding, where people help put bands around bird’s feet to track and identify individual birds later on.

While many people come for the birds, they stay for the community. The BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin is for members of the BIPOC community and allies who support the mission, all of whom want to develop a diverse and inclusive birding community in the state. The birding outings also served as a break from the constant stress of COVID-19 and politics, Patterson said.

Since the club’s founding, Patterson said he has watched its members learn and grow together. Some go birding together outside of the club’s monthly events. With the club’s growing membership and presence on social media, Patterson is proud of the space they’ve built.

“Birds can bring people together,” Patterson said, “That joy, we call it bird joy. And our club, it really does bring people together.”

People of color are underrepresented in environmental organizations, one club creates community with BIPOC birders, allies

The BIPOC Birding Club connects people of color who like to participate in birdwatching.

DEXTER PATTERSON. THE BIPOC BIRDING CLUB OF WISCONSIN.

The Lab Report: How past life could predict otherworldly life

Kaçar Lab ‘resurrects ancestral genes’ through interdisciplinary science

by Sarah Matysiak Science News Editor

in 2021. Even today, Rivier said questioning science still stands as a big part of the lab.

Sophomore Amina Waheed majoring in biology joined the Kaçar Lab once it settled at UW. Waheed, much like Rivier, was fascinated by the lab’s area of study. She said the evolution of proteins and microbes wasn’t like anything she had seen before.

The nature of science and working with living organisms can make research unpredictable and difficult, and sometimes findings may not relate exactly to what the lab is trying to do, Rivier said. This challenges the lab to question their methods and makes the work more exciting.

Rivier said Kaçar does a good job at allowing students in the lab to think about and understand the scientific process.

“Hearing [from scientists from other disciplines] and their perspective on similar problems with different backgrounds has really been eye-opening to how differences in scientific disciplines might approach problems,” Rivier said.

With roots spanning astronomy, biology and even philosophy, the research Kaçar, her colleagues and the rest of the lab group conducts is heavily interdisciplinary. The blend of scientific fields spanning many research areas proves to be beneficial because the overlap allows the disciplines to help each other out, Chang said.

Since joining, Waheed said her definition of science has changed and broadened.

Editor’s Note: Every week, The Lab Report takes a deep dive into the (research) lives of students and professors outside the classroom.

Space is vast and scientists have only explored a very small part of it. So, when searching for life beyond earth, knowing where to begin may be daunting. But for Betül Kaçar, finding life on other planets actually begins with studying life on earth.

Kaçar is an assistant professor of bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin and the director of NASA’s Interdisciplinary Consortium for Astrobiology Research program. Through her work, Kaçar ties together the cosmos and biology to address several questions regarding past life on earth and possible otherworldly life — where did life evolve from? Are humans alone? Are there other forms of life to exist?

By studying more primitive forms of

biology and evolution, she hopes to gain an understanding of how life in the past can provide a look at other planetary life. History and science, in this regard, work hand in hand.

Sophomore at UW studying biology and Spanish Scott Chang said he recognized the value of looking to the past for current and future applications. Currently, he is working on a project with the Kaçar Lab involving a 3.2 billion-year-old enzyme called nitrogenase, which is essential to all life. By studying this enzyme, the lab is trying to fully understand its function, since it is still a bit of a mystery.

“The lab looks at the origins of life but also the evolution of life — how it evolved from when it first came to be to now,” Chang said. “Life in the past was so diverse and [it] had to come up with solutions to deal with this wide range of extreme events. By exploring the past, we can apply that knowledge to solving our

current and future problems.”

Current bacteriology graduate student Alex Rivier is also studying nitrogenase with the Kaçar Lab. He has been with the lab since he was an undergraduate in 2019, when the lab was run out of the University of Arizona.

Rivier said he stumbled across a paper Kaçar contributed to when he was an undergraduate searching for labs to work in. In the paper, Kaçar and other researchers performed an evolution experiment on bacteria using computational tools to create inferred sequences of DNA. Essentially, they were “resurrecting ancestral genes” to analyze the bacteria’s metabolic functions.

After reading the paper, Rivier became immensely interested in the subject and developed more questions about it, eventually joining and remaining with the lab during its move from the University of Arizona to UW

“[Kaçar] always tells us nature doesn’t recognize the divisions we have in science,” Waheed said. “That’s a really cool overlap that I didn’t think of before, and I think it’s just my definition of science has broadened because the way that you do research is you have to take into account so many different fields like [organic chemistry] and biology and now astronomy and it combines everything.”

Rivier, Waheed and Chang collectively said they respect the collaboration and connectedness of lab life.

Though the Kaçar lab is researching a complex and curious area of science that might be hard to summarize succinctly, it gladly welcomes questions and prompts further investigation — driving scientific study and motivating the investigators in the lab, Waheed said.

“There’s a lot of gaps that need to be filled in, and asking questions is really important for that,” Waheed said. “Wanting to learn more about our origins and wanting to explore ourselves and then also wanting to apply that to like the rest of the universe [is what I think the] drive is.”

Graduate students Katie McGrath and Evrim Fer are both members in the Kaçar Lab, which researches the biology of early Earth.

THE KAÇAR LAB. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN.

Let’s Talk About Sex

Non-male pleasure remains stigmatized, but empowering dialogue ensues

by Audrey Thibert Managing Editor

Note: This story uses gender-inclusive language (“non-male”) to refer to any individual who does not identify as male. This includes cisgender female, nonbinary, intersex, agender and genderqueer identifying people. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list, and individuals may prefer multiple of these terms or different terms altogether.

“Mom, what is sex?”

Sarah Longacre and her nine-year-old daughter sit at the dinner table. Longacre is a doula and founder of Blooma yoga in Minneapolis. Over a bowl of broccoli and peas, Longacre’s daughter asks her mother questions about sex and about her own anatomy.

“That’s a clitoris,” Longacre tells her daughter. “It’s a really beautiful part of being a woman. It’s something that when I was little, I would look at and play with and wonder, ‘what is this thing?’ And I didn’t know how powerful it was because I was never taught.”

At nine years old, Longacre’s daughter wants to understand her own body. But children aren’t the only ones who have questions about their sexual organs — many non-male students feel the same. Inadequate, inconsistent sex education across America paired with social stigma leaves many non-male young adults sexually ill-equipped. As a result, some have begun to lean into the benefits of masturbation and pleasure.

A 2016 Archives of Sexual Behavior study found that heterosexual men reported orgasming during 95% of their sexual encounters while heterosexual women reported orgasming 65% of the time. Gay men (89%,) bisexual men (88%,) bisexual women (66%) and lesbian women (86%) follow behind

This “orgasm gap,” or disparity between the amount heterosexual men and heterosexual women reach orgasm during sexual interaction, is often falsely attributed to the idea that non-male individuals are not physically able to orgasm as much as men.

Doulas like Longacre, many sex therapists, students and other individuals believe that people with vaginas deserve to understand and empower their own sexuality. To do this, it is necessary to refocus sex education, including prioritizing early conversations about sex, safety and pleasure.

“I think that there is empowerment in really knowing what feels good and then really what feels safe,” Longacre said.

Sexology

Claire, a junior at UW who wished to only be identified by her first name for fear of mistreatment from classmates, said she started masturbating when she was in ninth grade but didn’t feel comfortable talking about it with friends until recently.

“I was really ashamed about it, and I thought it was weird,” Claire said. “I would only talk about it with my boyfriend at the time. Then some people that I met in college started talking about having a vibrator, and I would add to those conversations. Once I realized a lot of other girls do this and it’s totally normal, I was more comfortable talking about it or telling people about it.”

Teaching assistant in the Gender and Women’s Studies department Samantha Miller said male pleasure is viewed differently than non-male pleasure. Miller said that while men are often encouraged at a young age to masturbate because it is a part of healthy development, non-males generally are not.

“I’m glad that [men] are told that, but when you don’t say the same thing for girls, that reinforces all these ideas that sex ends when the guy comes and that female orgasms are not as necessary as male orgasms,” Miller said.

The stigma around non-male masturbation is consequential, leading to less dialogue in the social settings, media and peer groups that non-males occupy, Sex Out Loud Chair Lissy Kettleson said.

Kettleson said this stigma results in a lack of participation in masturbation or feelings of shame around it from non-male people, preventing them from exploring themselves, discovering what they like and experiencing body positivity.

To help combat this narrative, Sex Out Loud is a student group at UW that provides students with “comprehensive, accessible, and pleasure-based sexuality education.” According to Kettleson, Sex Out Loud of fers students programs about pleasure, discussions of masturbation, informa tion about sex toys, events, free safersex supplies and an anonymous Q & A that is easily accessible.

Experts like Licensed Clinical Social Worker, author and com munity activist Julia Schiffman, also suggest masturbation as a method to uplift and educate.

Schiffman said mastur bation can be important, especially for people with vaginas, to learn about their bodies, experience pleasure and explore what type of touch works for them. This requires a basic understand ing of anatomy and termi nology.

The female orgasm can be defined as a “variable, tran sient peak sensation of intense pleasure” that is generally cou pled with involuntary tensing of the muscles in the vaginal area, according to the Kinsey Institute. It is possible for non-male individu als to orgasm in many different ways including from vaginal, clitoral, nip ple, blended (both clitorial and vaginal at the same time) and anal stimulation.

The clitoris, the nerve-dense center lo cated at the top of the vulva, is the only part of the human body made solely for pleasure, according to Schiffman. It has more than 8,000 nerve endings, according to Oregon Health & Science University. Clitorial stimulation is a common way for people with vaginas to achieve orgasm.

Longacre said she spent most of her life thinking, incorrectly, she knew what an or gasm was.

“I didn’t know until I actually bought a

vibrator and gave myself permission to feel pleasure,” Longacre said. “I was in my late

facebook.com/badgerherald

destress from the day and get better sleep.

“It clears my mind,” Claire said. “It feels good and gets rid of tension. My brain gets a shock and then relaxes and it feels like after I just went for a run with all the endorphins.”

Orgasms offer better sleep by blocking cortisol, a stress hormone, according to a J Sex Med study. It also elevates serotonin, which plays a large role in adequate sleep, mood and digestion.

healthy tissue, skin, tendon, bone and cartilage.

According to Schiffman, we need to accept that pleasure and arousal do not always equate to an orgasm. The most important key to great sex is knowing what you want, she said.

“We also need to get orgasm-centered sex out of our heads,” Schiffman said. “I love talking about how amazing orgasms are, but they do not have to be the final destination. Arousal does not need to be linear, and neither does the sex model we have where orgasm is the end all be all.”

Masturbation 101

“I thought that sex was about pleasing him,” Longacre said. “I didn’t realize what

From the day she first had sex until her 20s, Longacre was under the impression that she should prioritize male pleasure over her own.

This idea that male pleasure is more important than female pleasure is pervasive and perpetuated by a variety of factors, according to Miller. This includes things like an incomplete sex education that incorrectly teaches that sex ends with male ejaculation, Miller said.

According to Schiffman, self-exploration can help teach self empowerment. Schiffman said learning about one’s body can help communicate desires, wants and needs with existing or potential partners.

There are many different types of self-exploration and masturbation practices that vary from person to person, especially depending on where one is in their gender journey, according to Schiffman. Some ways to engage in these practices may include solo play with toys, setting the mood with candles, a bath, playing music, mutual masturbation with a partner and watching porn.

While it is not always the case that non-male people feel encouraged by their male partners to masturbate, Claire said feels lucky that she had a boyfriend in high school who encouraged her to pleasure herself. In fact, she said, he bought her first vibrator. Many different types of toys have come out on the market to aid in comfortable selfpleasure among different bodies, according to Schiffman. Clitorial vibrators, clit suction sex toys, dildos and harnesses, penis rings, butt plugs and nipple clamps are a few of these options, according to Let’s Eat Cake.

lack of guidance and information. She said no body talked to her about what gay sex looked like until much later in her life.

According to Schiffman, LGBTQ+ individuals can be more accepting of sex, masturbation and focusing on their partner’s pleasure because of the “heavy lifting” they have to do early in their sexuality or gender journey that heteronormative individuals do not have to. Often this means asking themselves questions about sex, sexuality and gender.

Schiffman said societal expectations are unfortunately communicated through a binary and heteronormative lens. Through this lens, she said, society provides expectations of the masses through gendered male and female roles but does not provide any further recommendations.

“This leaves those who fall outside the binary with an amazing opportunity to shape their societal roles,” Schiffman said. “This experience can feel refreshing and freeing, or it can feel anxious and confusing. This is where I see a difference in confidence, understanding where one fits in society, their own sense of their sexualityand how they relate to others.”

Smashing the Stigma

Historically, sex education curriculum has centered largely on abstinence from sex. Recently, there has been controversy around how to educate students on birth control and about LGBTQ+ experiences, according to Planned Parenthood. Female pleasure, however, is often absent from the conversation altogether.

Schiffman said that the absence of the pillar of pleasure from sex education leads to an internalized stigma from societal messages, as well as messages from parents, partners and religion.

“Female pleasure is an important concept that is often left out of sex education, and I believe sexual pleasure needs to be taught as soon as possible,” Schiffman said. “There is a need for pleasure to be taught in sex education because pleasure is a pillar of sexual health [that] we are missing for constructing a healthy view of sex.”

insecurities and anxieties, according to Miller.

“[People who struggle with oral aversion] are focused on ‘what if it tastes weird?’ or ‘I just want this over with,’ or ‘I feel embarrassed,’” Miller said. “Then that mental block prevents them from finishing. I’ve dealt with it. I know a lot of people who have dealt with it. People can’t finish for a whole ton of reasons like SRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or past trauma and that’s super valid, but a lot of the time it’s just in their head or their partners [are] just not satisfying them.”

Miller said a step in the right direction at UW includes improving the conversation surrounding hookup culture — a significant part of the college sexual experience.

Defined by an American Psychological Study study as “brief uncommitted sexual encounters between individuals who are not romantic partners or dating each other,” hookups are often the circumstances under which many college students have sex.

For Claire, participation in hookup culture has its pros and cons. She used to orgasm with her ex-boyfriend every time they had sex, and with hookups she does not. It feels, she said, like she and the people she hooks up with are trying to “perform for each other.”

But Claire has also learned a lot about herself from hookups, like the fact she is able to orgasm from both clitoral stimulation and penetration. To figure this out, she prioritized advocating for herself in the bedroom by using the knowledge she gained from masturbating.

Ultimately, self exploration and masturbation is a personal, individual experience. Empowering conversation and opening up discourse is crucial to the expansion of female pleasure.

Miller ends all her classes by telling her students that there is more work to be done to help non-male people affirm themselves and advocate for themselves in the bedroom.

a protein that is essential in maintaining

Self-exploration practices look different for everyone. Claire found that listening to the podcast “Call Her Daddy” helped her not only learn about sex, but also feel comfortable talking openly about sex and pleasure. Miller, who identifies as gay, recounts a

Stigma and a lack of education can lead to even more obstacles. Often, the inability for non-male people to orgasm with a sexual partner is an issue of safety and comfort, according to Longacre. It begins, she said, with giving yourself permission to feel pleasure.

One example of this is oral aversion, the inability to orgasm from oral sex, particularly

“[We need to teach non-male people] to be able to recognize when sex isn’t fun for them anymore with that particular partner and being free to say no, even if it’s in the middle of sex,” Miller said. “It can just mean being comfortable to push through the awkwardness and stop something when you don’t want it to happen.”

DESIGN BY CAITLIN THEIS AND CAROLINE CROWLEY.

Universal basic income presents viable alternative to welfare programs

Traditional welfare’s flaws, limited funding could be addressed by introducing guaranteed income programs

by Suzy Dawood Opinion Writer

The Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance program (WERA) is no longer taking new applications for the program after Jan. 31, due to low remaining funds. WERA launched in February 2021 to help Wisconsin residents avoid eviction and catch up on overdue utility bills. The Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program in the Department of the Treasury has been funding WERA.

Similarly, beginning in March of this year, additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be available for Wisconsin households. SNAP benefits expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to distribute an additional minimum of $95 more per month to families, based on their household size.

Benefits from WERA and SNAP are part of a larger group of benefits that fall under the umbrella of social welfare programs. These welfare programs aim to help people in need, and help to an extent, but these programs come with disadvantages. Crucially, they may not be creating the long-term benefits that could be created through a universal basic income.

One disadvantage of the existing welfare programs is there is not enough supply to meet demand leading to waiting lists, premature ending of programs and some left without benefits completely. The finite amount of funds have been depleted in the face of Wisconsin’s eviction crisis, with 52,549 eviction filings since 2020, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. Other social welfare programs also lack the resources to help all those in need. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families is the main cash assistance welfare program in the United States. But only 23% of poor families received assistance from that program in 2018, according to the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities.

Further, State General Assistance programs — which provide assistance to people who are very poor and don’t have children or qualify for other programs — don’t exist in some states and provide limited assistance to people who need it in others. This further illustrates that many existing welfare programs don’t currently support as many people as are in need.

Another problem with existing social welfare programs is dependence. Programs that are structured in ways that take away benefits with modest increases in income may incentivize people to stay in lower-paying jobs, a decision that many would make when looking at the financial breakdown of losing welfare benefits.

Some social welfare programs don’t require recipients to work or go to job training programs. This can cause issues in the longterm if these individual lose welfare benefits in the future.

Evidence shows that even the welfare programs that do require recipients to work don’t necessarily have an effect on reducing poverty.

It seems that within the traditional welfare framework, meeting the needs of Wisconsin’s diverse recipients is a difficult balancing act.

income system may better equip people with the skills and resources they need to rise above the poverty line.

A universal basic income (UBI) is a regular, unconditional cash payment from the government to individuals. Many of the existing social welfare programs exist as nets that lift people up when needed — UBIs are more of a bottom-line, guaranteed level of payment.

A UBI could provide enough to allow many people to live a life they couldn’t on other social welfare programs.

In respect to WERA, with the existing presence of a UBI, there may not have been a need at all. According to the Washington Post, UBIs increase economic stability and empower people to make their own choices, ultimately creating a path to lift them out of poverty in the long term.

The idea of UBI or guaranteed income is not new to Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin Institute for Research on Poverty has contributed to the Madison Forward Fund, which was launched in September 2022.

This fund provides unconditional cash payments of $500 to 155 households for a year to test the effect of guaranteed income programs.

This research, and other studies like it, will be important in the future for policies surrounding social welfare programs and universal or guaranteed income programs.

Unlike traditional welfare programs, which face arguments that they decrease the incentive to work, UBI may actually increase employment. Since there is no risk of losing out on benefits with higher wages, job advancement may increase as people have more money available for other vital needs, such as transportation or childcare.

Existing social welfare programs certainly do help many people in need and might even have measurable long-term benefits. But perhaps the most important drawback is they don’t help everyone in need.

A universal basic income which was guaranteed for the Wisconsin public has the potential to provide enough assistance to replace the need for programs like WERAA or SNAP that may not guarantee long-term, stable benefits.

Some of the problems presented by existing social welfare programs may be solved by a universal basic income.

Instead of failing to meet the demand of impoverished people and creating a dependency that can be harmful when welfare programs run out of money, a universal basic

This being said, there may still be a need to conduct further research on the long-term impacts of universal basic incomes across all sectors of society.

But the bottom line is current programs aren’t enough for those in need. Guaranteed income programs in Madison represent a hopeful step for the future.

Suzy Dawood (sdawood@wisc.edu ) is a senior majoring in business analytics.

Madison’s social welfare programs struggle to meet increasing demand.

CELIA HIORNS. THE BADGER HERALD.

Implications of campaign finance

Campaign finance has become a hotly debated topic as election spending in Wisconsin and beyond has reached record highs. Some argue that campaign finance needs reform, while others contend that the details of campaign finance become less significant in the high spending campaigns of modern elections. What should be done to address these issues?

Point: Campaign finance needs reform at all levels

by Emily Otten Opinion Associate Editor

Campaign finance reform is necessary at all levels of government. This is indicated by campaign spending reaching all-time highs — the 2022 Wisconsin governor’s race cost about $114.6 million and 2020 presidential election candidates spent about $4.1 billion.

These exorbitant fundraising amounts are absurd, and the need for modern elections to raise this much money while running for office gives a strong advantage to candidates who come from money or have friends in the business world willing to shell out thousands of dollars.

There is also little regulation in the world of campaign finance. The 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission Supreme Court case ruled that independent political spending by non-profits, corporations and other businesses have no limit on how much they disperse on supporting a political candidate.

This does not necessarily mean that these corporations can donate directly to a candidate’s campaign without limit, but it does mean that any materials that a corporation or non-profit organization creates independently to support that candidate has no limit.

The Supreme Court ruling in tandem with individual fundraising that candidates can conduct gives a large preference to candidates with a wealthier background. Campaign finance needs to be reformed to even the playing field for all those who want to run for office, not

just those who are wealthy.

There are many solutions to reform campaign finance. The Brennan Center for Justice advocates for an overturning of the Citizens United decision as well as small donor public financing, a solution which would have public funds match certain small donations to a political candidate.

The primary solution of overturning Citizens United, however, is too difficult and would limit aspects of the First Amendment, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Instead, additional parameters should be placed on corporations, nonprofits and political action committees which financially support a political candidate in one way or another.

Through federal legislation, the U.S. could add additional parameters such as requiring independent donors to reveal their names, stronger prevention of coordination between “independent” corporate expenditures and political candidates and stricter contribution limits for most campaigns. According to the ACLU, these kinds of solutions best address inequality involved in most campaign financing without limiting free expression rights of the First Amendment.

High levels of campaign fundraising can show strong support for a candidate, but it can also give a boost to candidates who have corporate connections or are wealthy themselves. For this reason, campaign finance must be reformed.

Emily Otten (elotten@wisc.edu) is a junior majoring in journalism.

Counterpoint: High campaign spending reduces the need for reform

by Aiden Nellis Opinion Writer

The growth of outside political spending has raised alarm bells surrounding the potential for special interests to influence elected officials. While wealthy individuals, corporations and advocacy groups being able to effectively buy their desired policies is serious concern for any society, the current state of campaign finance in the United States does not require reform.

According to data analyzed by Open Secrets, outside spending in the 2019-20 election cycle, including from Super PACs, non-profits, unions and trade associations, accounted for just $3.3 billion out of a total $14.4 billion spent. Rather than coming from outside organizations, most political spending comes in the form of small dollar individual contributions to candidates and parties. These donations, consisting of contributions of less than $200, accounted for 28% of all political spending in the 2020 cycle.

The tightly-fought race for Wisconsin’s third district last fall between Derrick Van Orden and Brad Pfaff follows a similar story, with all outside spending accounting for just 21% of total spending, according to Open Secrets. Direct donations to campaigns have strict limits and reporting requirements that make quid pro quo arrangements largely impossible. Outside spending may be important to campaigns, but it is not close to supplanting small dollar contributions.

The amount of money spent running for office has also grown significantly in recent history. From 2010 to 2020, the total spending by congressional candidates has more than doubled, according to the Federal Election Commission. Perhaps counterintuitively, however, this reduces the risk of corruption via political spending.

First, increasing total spending reduces the pool of individuals and groups with pockets deep

enough to credibly make a difference. Second, political campaigns face diminishing returns on spending.

All else being equal, the first $10 million of advertisements is more effective at persuading people to vote one way than the next 10 million spent. Voters’ minds get made up, they develop firm images of the candidates, and they become desensitized to the campaign’s messaging.

As a result of this fundraising, underdogs in high-spending races face less of a hurdle than those in cheaper ones. Making the marginal dollar less impactful reduces candidates’ incentives to make commitments in return for outside spending.

This is especially true in high profile races where earned media — news coverage of candidates motivated by the election’s importance and public interest — augments traditional advertising and outreach. Wisconsin’s upcoming Supreme Court election is garnering significant news coverage given that it could flip the ideological lean of the Court.

Ahead of the open primary Feb. 21, the Wisconsin State Journal reported that candidates have already raised nearly $1.5 million. Highsalience, high-cost elections uncoincidentally have the most immediate effect on public policy. The current states of campaign finance make it difficult for special interests to influence these races.

The centrality of small value contributions coupled with the dramatic rise in overall campaign spending has limited the ability for outside spending to significantly affect elected officials. Given this reality, there is no pressing need for campaign finance reform.

Aiden Nellis (ajenllis@wisc.edu) is a sophomore studying economics and political science.

New Dane County Jail Consolidation Project does more harm than good

Dane County Sheriff proposes new jail building to solve prison overpopulation, but presents more issues for jail reform

by Katie Sullivan Opinion Writer

The Dane County Jail Consolidation Project has raised the prospect of building a new county jail. The $176 million project aims to consolidate the current jail system into a single facility, reduce solitary confinement, refashion cell blocks, provide space dedicated to medical and mental health services, reduce the overall jail population and more.

An outline of jail consolidation planning also cites intentions of incorporating maximal natural light, open spaces and biophilic design implementations as a method of making the jail visibly less institutional.

Sheriff Kalvin Barrett endorses the construction of a new jail building as a means of enacting prison reform in the state’s county by reducing the volume of incarcerated people per building.

The new, six-story facility would result in the closure of the Ferris Huber Center and the CityCounty Building jail whilst ultimately pruning jail capacity to 825 beds in total.

While the current jail consolidation plan will dramatically transform the terribly bleak conditions of Dane County jails as they presently exist, the plan itself is $13.5 million over budget. Even when disregarding the price tag, these strides are simply not the promised prison reform they have been made out to be.

Last August, members of the Dane County Board of Supervisors Black Caucus presented a resolution that allocated project funding to constructing a smaller jail while simultaneously investing in true reform efforts without treading beyond budgetary limits.

The alternative plans by the Black Caucus served as a compromise that proposed a fivestory jail with 725 beds, maintenance of in-person visitation, hosting weekend court in the county, devising jail alternatives for minors, limiting probationary holds, refining cash bail practices, developing a comprehensive and transparent reporting system to identify areas of growth in the realm of criminal justice and investing $500,000 in criminal justice reform services.

Restorative programming and smaller jail capacities, as proposed by the Black Caucus, would address racial disparities in the carceral system head-on.

Prioritizing reform is critical, as Black people in Dane County are incarcerated at a rate that doubles the national average.

Unfortunately, these alternative plans were vetoed by County Executive Joe Parisi and have been minimized and described as unsustainable by Sheriff Kalvin Barrett.

The Black Caucus has criticized Barrett’s assertions that the six-story jail building would serve to benefit the broader community and end cycles of incarceration.

“I am frankly disgusted that it’s easy for folks

to make arguments and vote for giving more money to Mead & Hunt to draw up a plan for a larger jail, than to focus, address, and break down the systemic racism that is ingrained in our current system,” Dane County Supervisor and Black Caucus member April Kigeya said. A smaller jail facility would not only come

with lower operating expenses, but it would lend itself to decreasing overall incarceration rates by reallocating available funding to much-needed resources in the county such as affordable housing and policing alternatives such as CARES. Moving forward with the larger facility is a costly mistake that only serves to perpetuate racial disparities in

Dane County.

Examining present systemic disparities offers a number of critical implications for addressing the debates over jail consolidation options.

The nation touts one of the largest prison populations in the world, with 1 out of every 5 people imprisoned in the world being incarcerated in the United States. Thirty-eight percent of incarcerated people in the nation are Black.

In Wisconsin, 42% of incarcerated individuals are Black — a figure that supplants the percentage of Black citizens residing in the state by seven times.

The maintenance of carceral facilities and the enforcement of surveillance in the U.S. is extractive by nature. The prison-industrialcomplex caters to deep-seated white supremacy and unfounded notions of aberrancy.

Racist rhetoric sublimates ideas of what is and what is not crime, ultimately targeting oppressed communities and drawing in massive profits for the government and a number of industrial entities.

Incarcerated individuals are subjected to violence, labor exploitation and inhumane living conditions on a daily basis.

The fact that many states even have prison occupancy quotas speaks directly to how fiscal interests have long been prioritized over rehabilitation and carceral diversion practices. U.S. carceral facilities draw profits and source cheap labor, and that only incentivizes the continuance of mass incarceration.

American jurisprudence is deeply flawed and rests on the assumption that punishment equals justice. Taking up a praxis of abolition to squash half-baked retributive concepts of “justice,” is a necessary measure.

Defunding the police, eliminating carceral structures and redistributing funding to meet community needs and foster rehabilitative practices should be prioritized first and foremost.

As details for the future of Dane County’s carceral system are beginning to solidify, consider the generative and beneficial possibilities that emerge in tandem with abolition.

It makes much more sense to enact a methodological overhaul of justice systems with an initiative to replace punitive measures with programs that provide support to individuals struggling with mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness and poverty than it does to isolate and traumatize criminalized populations.

Human dignity and equity should be at the center of all county efforts, and working toward eliminating jail facilities altogether is an important step toward liberation.

Katie

Sullivan

(kbsullivan2@wisc.edu)

is a sophomore studying health promotion and equity and linguistics.

The Dane County Board of Supervisors Black Causes argues against new prison building, advocates for social reform.

AHMAD HAMID. THE BADGER HERALD.

How pandemic has hurt mental health among Wisconsin youth

by Hallie Clafin Opinion Writer

contributed to the widespread increase in teens and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

According to the Pew Research Center, academic and social pressures are two factors that have been cited by experts on adolescent depression.

In a Pew Research survey asking about certain pressures that teens face, every six out of 10 reported that they felt “a lot of pressure to get good grades.”

Other studies point to smartphone and social media use as a factor in the rise of self-injurious behavior among adolescents. Other things such as dating violence, bullying and other forms of abuse are known to contribute to increasing rates of teen depression and suicide.

Regardless of what is causing the increase in suicidal thoughts and actions among children, there is no question that this harrowing problem, both here in Madison and across the country, is in need of more research and meaningful action.

Suicide prevention, while a challenging topic to discuss with children so young, must be more widely implemented in public schools. In fact, these kinds of classroom educational programs have been shown to reduce suicide rates, attempts and tendencies.

CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide and/or self harm. If you have are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self harm, dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. View options for mental health services on campus through University Health Services.

UW Health officials recently expressed a concerning rise in the number of adolescents being admitted to the emergency room for suicide-related issues. These upticks include both suicidal thoughts and attempts among youth.

In fact, the highest increase in psychiatric visits from 2018 to 2022 was seen in children under the age of 14. More importantly, UW Health reported that there has been a “significant jump” in these emergency cases since 2020, coinciding with the beginning of the ongoing pandemic.

Accompanying this increase in suiciderelated emergency room visits is a similar rise in depression and anxiety among teens and adolescents, not just in the Madison area, but in other parts of the nation as well. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14 years old.

“Other long-standing impacts on youth mental health like loneliness and hopelessness also play big roles in risk for suicide,” Shanda Wells, a pediatric behavioral health specialist at UW Health, said.

It goes without saying that the COVID-19

pandemic altered the lives of millions, particularly those of young people during their critical phases of development. Quarantines, lockdowns and social distancing hindered their ability to socialize with peers, participate in activities and build relationships — all of which comprise significant elements of mental health.

While it is fair to consider that teens and children might still be feeling the effects of this period of isolation, to say that the pandemic is the sole factor contributing to the rise in adolescent depression and anxiety would be oversimplifying the issue.

But, it is important to acknowledge the ways in which COVID-19 did have a devastating effect on adolescent mental health. A recently published review of survey studies exploring the effects of the pandemic on adolescent mental health found that anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress and tension were the most observed and reported symptoms among children amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study also identified other mental health issues among children who were exposed to the pandemic, including sleep problems, panic and suicidal behavior. Children with psychiatric or developmental disorders were found to be particularly vulnerable to the mental health effects of the pandemic.

While it may seem like the pandemic is over, it would be ignorant to assume that the pandemic’s detrimental impacts on adolescent mental health are not still being felt.

A study of children’s perspectives on friendship and socialization during COVID-19 concluded that their social interactions and companionships have been significantly disrupted by the pandemic.

Online communication methods used during the pandemic to keep children in touch with peers may not have been the solution they were thought to be. The children interviewed for the study reported that virtual interactions could not measure up to the need for face-to-face socialization.

Based on this study, it is safe to assume that children are likely still struggling to socialize and make friends after spending so much time in isolation, separated from their peers. In fact, this very concern was raised and addressed by adolescent health experts in a blog for Children’s Minnesota.

The pandemic’s contribution to adolescent depression and anxiety could serve as one explanation for UW Health’s recent, rather significant spike in pediatric suicide-related emergency visits.

This said, there are other factors that have

While many schools and institutions have worked tirelessly to implement more mental health resources for adolescents who may already be struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there doesn’t seem to be enough preventative steps taken to thwart feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and worthlessness in youth from the start.

More preventative actions in this regard, such as fostering strong peer relationships, teaching emotional coping skills from a young age, and identifying risk factors early on have been found to be effective strategies for preventing depression in youth. This could then help to solve the concerning issue of adolescent suicidal behavior.

Hallie Clafin (hclaflin@wisc.edu) is a junior studying journalism & mass communication and political science.

Resources regarding suicide prevention and mental health:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/loss-survivors/ Crisis Text line: Text HOME to 741741 https:// www.crisistextline.org/

Survivors of Suicide (SOS) support group: https:// www.uhs.wisc.edu/prevention/suicide-prevention/

Trevor Lifeline: https://www.crisistextline.org/ crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25 24/7 crisis support 608-265-5600 (option 9)

UW Health officials release troubling reports of increased suicidal thoughts, attempts among children under 14

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated issues in Wisconsin’s mental health care for state youth.

CELIA HIORNS. THE BADGER HERALD.

How former Badger J.J. Watt etched his name into NFL’s pantheon

Honoring one of the most talented players to ever step foot on Camp Randall

by Mike Hall Sports Editor

Despite the National Football League’s 25,000-plus participants, 103 years of excellence and 32 established organizations, the Pro Football Hall of Fame houses just 363 guests.

Now, imagine strolling through this oddly sizable dwelling. You may notice Lawrence Taylor polishing his ‘86 MVP trophy and Jerry Rice donning a “Flash 80” nameplate and a pair of high-end specs. You could catch Deion Sanders and Shannon Sharpe jotting down a few of their favorite phrases or Joe Montana deciding which of his five championship rings to wear that day. Heck, you might witness Jim Brown and Eric Dickerson squabbling over who would clock in a faster 40-yard dash in their heydays.

In a house with so many characters, egos and mantras, 2121 George Halas Drive in Canton, Ohio, still remains the most selective of any professional hall of fame in American sports history. Each year, a 49-person selection committee enshrines a handful of the most distinguished athletes to ever set foot on the gridiron. With such intense competition, these decisions can certainly become laborious.

In 2028, though, one gold jacket and bust remains reserved for No. 99.

Jan. 8, 2023, Badger legend J.J. Watt suited up for the final snaps of his career against the San Francisco 49ers. Cardinals’ defensive coordinator Vance Joseph elected to pull the former scout team player with five All-Pro selections, three Defensive Player of the Year nods and the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award under his belt at the two-minute warning.

A Pewaukee, Wisconsin, native standing at 6 feet, 5 inches and 288 pounds, Watt exited to a standing ovation from Levi Stadium and blew a kiss to his wife, Kealia, who waved from a suite overlooking the turf. In a career and position characterized by grit, toughness and intimidation, J.J.’s final goodbye encapsulated both his personality and public perception as one of the most respected competitors in NFL history.

Born Justin James Watt on March 22, 1989, J.J. gravitated toward the pigskin early in his youth. As a 7-year-old, Watt set his sights on Camp Randall and strived to become as dominant as Packers legend and defensive end Reggie White.

With support from his parents and two younger brothers, Derek and T.J., Watt excelled in basketball, baseball, track and field and football at Pewaukee High School. Recruited as a tight end, J.J. played one

collegiate season at Central Michigan before transferring to Wisconsin.

“When he decided to transfer to UWMadison, we were 100 percent supportive,” J.J.’s mother, Connie Watt, said in a 2014 interview. “I know how hard he worked

and white, Watt simply bullied offensive linemen as a defensive end. In 2010, he led the team in sacks, quarterback pressures, forced fumbles and blocked kicks. As a consensus first-team All-Big Ten member, the homegrown kid earned the Lott

It’s safe to say Watt adjusted seamlessly to this transition. On April 28, 2011, Houston Texans’ general manager Rick Smith plucked the Wisconsite off the draft board with the 11th overall pick. In his debut against the Colts, he recorded five tackles and snagged a fumble recovery, his first of 151 gems over a 12-year span.

During a four-year stretch comparable to the likes of Chiefs’ luminary Derrick Thomas, the aforementioned Lawrence Taylor and irreplaceable Bruce Smith, Watt racked up three Defensive Player of the Year Awards, four consecutive first-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances. In 2014, fresh off a 20.5-sack season, he finished second in MVP voting to Aaron Rodgers with 26% of the voting share, becoming the first defender to garner such attention since Taylor in 1986 and Vikings icon Alan Page in 1971.

In 2016 and 2017, Watt suffered a pair of season-ending injuries to a herniated disk in his back and a tibial plateau fracture in his left leg. Even on the sidelines, the NFL world applauded his efforts in generating financial support for Hurricane Harvey. J.J. initially aimed to raise $200,000 for those impacted in Southeast Texas, but to the community’s pleasant surprise, his fund inspired roughly $37 million in donations. Watt received both the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year as praise for his aid.

“None of this would have been possible without your generosity,” Watt wrote in a 2019 Twitter update. “Thank you for continuing to shine a light on the beauty of the human spirit. #HoustonStrong.”

The Badger great would enjoy five more seasons in the NFL, including his final two campaigns as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. Dec. 27, 2022, Watt officially announced his retirement via Twitter.

“It’s all gratitude and love,” said Watt in his final postgame press conference. “I’m so thankful for every single teammate, coach [and] fan I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t have a job without any of those people… it’s just a whole bunch of thank you’s because I’m just a man who’s full of love and gratitude.”

for it and how hard he trained for it. People doubted him and said transferring was not a good idea — that he was not good enough. So after everything he put into it — blood, sweat and tears — it was very surreal to see him run out of that tunnel in uniform.”

In two full seasons donning the red

IMPACT Trophy, awarded annually to the college football defensive IMPACT player of the year. He left Madison third in alltime career blocked kicks, something he implemented when defending pass plays at the professional level, to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft.

Now, with the arrival of his newborn son, Koa, Watt will flip the page and launch into a new chapter in a book overflowing with resilience, joy and appreciation for his craft and the people around him. Who knows what role he will fill in the Pro Football Hall of Fame house. One thing remains certain, though — Badger faithful and football fanatics throughout the country will surely miss the aura J.J. Watt provided on and off the field.

Beginning his career at Central Michigan, Watt went on to become one of the most well-known UW alumni.

THE BADGER HERALD ARCHIVES.

Here’s what to explore during UW’s Winter Carnival this week

Ice skating, free hot chocolate, Lady Liberty, other free events last all week

by Caroline Crowley Managing Editor

Events for the University of Wisconsin’s Winter Carnival are already underway, but the fun will last all week. Here’s a look at what events to check out from Feb. 6 until Feb. 11 to celebrate six more weeks of winter.

All week

Drop by Wheelhouse Studios to make 3D snowflakes any weekday from noon to 4 p.m. at the free hallway art event! The union will also be showing movies at the Marquee every day, including “Cabin in the Woods” and “Ikiru.”

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Pick up some free hot chocolate at Memorial Union from 5-7 p.m. during the meet and greet with UWPD Mounted horses, Vetter and Rettke.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

Grab another hot drink from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Der Rathskeller after 5-10 minutes of flying a power kite with Hoofers on the lake. Take a break and do some homework before coming back to skate or snowshoe on the lake for Family Night and playing at the Open Mic Night (just listening is OK, too).

Thursday, Feb. 9

Drop by the Terrace from 1-3 p.m. to learn how to make Canadian Maple Taffy. If you’re a student, pay $5 to rent some skates for Fire and Ice Skate Night on Lake Mendota. Make sure to dress in a fire or ice themed outfit — I’d suggest picking your outfit’s theme based on the weather you want.

Friday, Feb. 10

Register for a pond hockey tournament with your friends through RecWell to play from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Lady Liberty, a long-lasting UW tradition, will inflate at 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on the lake. Once Lady Liberty deflates, dress up for the Snow Ball, a dance in the Great Hall.

If you’re looking for a more thrill-seeking adventure, learn how to ice climb with Hoofers from 3-5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11

If you miss Lady Liberty on Friday, make sure to get a picture with her on Saturday. She’ll make an appearance from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bring some cleaning products, toiletries or sanitary items for The Road Home Dane Co. donation drive from noon to 3 p.m. for some hot chocolate and cookie decorating to warm up your afternoon.

Compete in (or watch) the Rail Jam, a skiing and snowboarding competition, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for some live music and gnarly entertainment. Fireworks will start at 7 p.m., so make sure you stick around the Terrace!

Register for a Secret Agent Scavenger Hunt with Adventure Learning Programs for a five-hour adventure with your friends or make a wood burned or collage heart for Valentine’s Day in Wheelhouse Studios.

The Winter Carnival is a great way to get outside and enjoy our six more weeks of winter. Take advantage of the free events to get some sun and to warm up in the cold!

The Winter Carnival is a long-held tradition at UW, featuring winter-themed events all week long.

DANIEL YUN. THE BADGER HERALD.

CAROLINE CROWLEY. THE BADGER HERALD.

Vegan burger restaurant pushes State Street toward plant-based eating

by Abigail Leavins Arts Etc. Editor

is vegan and delicious. They offer a vegan chicken sandwich and two types of plant based burgers. They also serve amazing tater tots and vegan brunch options offered every day.

Junior at the University of Wisconsin Ellen Fricker says she would recommend Sookie’s to anyone.

Focus on sustainability

McCune goes beyond just food sustainability. They exemplify sustainability in other ways as well.

McCune said one of the challenges he faced in starting his restaurant was ensuring that their supply chain is fully sustainable. He did not want to receive ingredients from suppliers that are not vegan or using environmentally responsible practices.

Sookie’s also doesn’t use any plastic products. Instead, everything is biodegradable. They use paper bags and paper packaging. Sookie’s also has only electric equipment.

“We’re trying to do something about climate change, and we’re doing it two ways,” McCune said. “Through the product that we’re producing and we’re doing it through changing people’s minds about their own ability to be more sustainable.”

Sookie’s also supports other sustainable and local businesses by selling their products. They source their cupcakes from an in-home business called Eastside Cakes. Sookie’s also sells Karben4 Brewing products and use True Hippie Cleaning products, which are both Madison-based businesses.

Fricker said Sookie’s support for small businesses makes her want to keep going back to the restaurant.

Welcoming orange and green awnings and vibrant signage draw in passersby to Sookie’s, the fully vegan restaurant in Madison. Those who venture into the restaurant, located on the corner of the 500 block of State Street, are greeted by friendly workers and a menu full of different plant based burgers.

Inside Sookie’s, booths with crayons and paper scatter the establishment and the walls are adorned with pictures of dogs and sketches of flowers and rainbows. Nearing the register, the walls are covered in depictions of broccoli — art that is in line with the plant-based virtues of the restaurant.

An edible spoon business turned restaurant, Sookie’s is founded and owned by John McCune, who started his business as a food

truck in Milwaukee, then moved to Madison and opened the State Street restaurant last spring.

McCune originally tried to name the restaurant after himself, but changed it after his girlfriend made fun of him. McCune changed the name to “Sookie” after his girlfriend’s dog.

Sookie’s beginnings

McCune has no past experience in the restaurant industry, but he became vegetarian because he felt it was important to play a part in combatting climate change. To do this, he debated between going into politics or starting a restaurant.

Starting a vegan food business just made sense to McCune because food is a daily

necessity for everyone, so he could reach a large audience.

Though he is still considering politics in the future, Sookie’s is his prime focus right now.

One of Sookie’s goals is to make vegan food more financially accessible. Sookie’s offers “regulars” pricing for customers who eat there regularly. Just tell the cashier you have been there in the last two weeks, and you get $2 off.

McCune said Sookie’s is cheaper compared to other restaurants on State Street and the surrounding area. He noted that plant-based burgers are expensive elsewhere.

“I’ve always been a burger guy, since I was little,” McCune said. “As soon as I went vegetarian, there was nothing available.”

Sookie’s has a small menu, but all of it

Sookie’s also hosts several events a month which they share on their Instagram. The events include Thursday trivia nights with free tots and discounted seltzers. This past Halloween, Sookie’s hosted a costume night, karaoke night and several plant-based painting nights.

McCune hopes to see Sookie’s as a drivethru in the future. He wants to expand the restaurant throughout Wisconsin and beyond.

So far, Sookie’s has had no problems finding employees because it is a very positive work environment, McCune said.

Fricker can attest to the positive environment in Sookie’s, calling it a “fantastic dining experience.”

“The positive and cutting-edge atmosphere of the restaurant makes me want to keep coming back,” Fricker. “The food is delicious and the small menu allows me to make a choice quickly about what I am in the mood for.”

Sookie’s founder started restaurant to ‘do something about climate change’

Sookie’s is also open for breakfast, serving vegan sandwiches, hash browns and coffee.

ABBY CIMA. THE BADGER HERALD.

From ballet to bars: Bodysuit

by Katherine Lyons Arts Etc. Editor

Students in Madison and dancers in the Nutcracker have at least one thing in common — the bodysuit. Though “leotard” is a more appropriate and technical term for the ballet bodysuit, the tight, formfitting garment appeals to all as it allows for unrestricted movement and portrays ease.

Boiled down to its basics, the bodysuit is a stretchy one-piece, intended to cover and highlight feminine curves. The leotard was created in the 19th century by its French acrobat namesake Jules Léotard, according to Pointe Magazine. Before the 1960s, leotards were worn mainly by circus performers and gymnasts. They were then before adopted into dance culture as practice wear.

Not too soon after, with the arrival of Lycra and Spandex fabrics in 1962, the leotard and unitard, a leotard with longer

sleeves and legs, took off within the realm of women’s athletic clothing, first for comfort and then for style. Bodily shapes are accentuated and on display when fitted in a bodysuit, so despite its functional beginnings, the intentions were soon warped and later flipped on their head.

Once an athletic style, the bodysuit evolved and developed into a hallmark of the dominatrix, a sexually dominating woman. It became the first symbol of female power before transitioning into the bodysuit we now know and love.

This persona was adapted into DC Comics for mainstream consumption by none other than Catwoman herself. Suddenly, there was a female hero in a sector dominated by men. She donned a tight-fitted black ‘catsuit’ paired with a bullwhip as her weapon of choice to complete the dominatrix look. It

acted as both an accessible and early display of female power.

It was around this time in the 60s that form-fitting wear, such as the bodysuit, began sewing itself into the fashion world and pumping out to the public world. Athletic wear transitioned from dance studios and aerobics classes to everyday wear that allowed for the appraisal of the majority female identifying silhouette. Femme people everywhere were showing off their curves and channeling their inner Catwoman as they strutted in their suits.

The bodysuits popular in today’s day and age are the ones girls struggle to snap back into place after a much needed bathroom break on a night out. While this is still considered a bodysuit, it serves less of a practical purpose than originally intended.

The unitard and leotard continue to be essentials for dance and theatre. Most recently, University Theatre used a white zentai in their production of Don Juan. According to Costume Studio Supervisor Jim Greco, a zentai suit is when “the entire body is covered.”

“Dance uses a unitard or catsuit most often,” Greco said. “If we use a catsuit, it will usually be [used] as a base for a character. For example, in “Into the Woods,” the wolf had a unitard worn over body

shaping pieces to make the actor appear more wolf-like.”

Most people with experience dancing can recall their unitard days and some might opt to wear bodysuits now just for that sense of nostalgia.

University of Minnesota’s Dance Team Coach Amanda Gaines said they fashioned some of their first-place UDA College Nationals costumes around the unitard.

As the team danced to “Mr. Morale” by Kendrick Lamar during their Jazz Performance, the team sported backless unitards with see-through long sleeves designed by Elle Bauer Designs. Bauer has been designing the team’s jazz costumes since 2019.

“We had a lot of floor work so the pant aspect allowed for easy movement on the floor, while long sleeves provided a clean visual for the upper body,” Gaines said.

The practicality and femininity of the bodysuit is what attracts many different types of people to the wonders of the bodysuit. It’s form-fitting but does not cut into the body in an uncomfortable way. Instead, it encourages movement.

As you step into your bodysuit before a Thursday night on the town, consider the longstanding, art-filled history that comes with wearing such a piece.

Bodysuits play significant role in dance, feminism, pop culture

fashion trend has deep roots in art

UMDT Jazz Performance at UDA College Nationals at the Walt Disney World Resort.

CARTER BOUVICHITH. MINNESOTA SPIRIT SQUAD.

Suburb etiquette: How to not say you’re from a city

by Katie Hardie Chair of the Board of Directors

Good morning to all of my city slickers — and only my city slickers. Today I’m writing with the most gigantic chip on my shoulder, and you all know what it’s about.

I’ve waited a while to write this piece. Yeah, I had homework and stuff, but really I was delaying it because everything I wrote at first came off too aggressive, and I didn’t want to tarnish the rep. One time my mom told me the written word lasts forever and TBH that got to me.

Anyway, fast forward a year or so of keeping my mouth shut and guess what? I’m still here and have the same opinions about this whole issue, except now my feelings have increased tenfold because suppression makes things worse (re-read that if you’re a man).

The best way to let off all these negative emotions is to write about them. So, I say we go ahead with this article, have some fun and mildly offend some of my most loved ones who live in the southern suburbs of Minnesota.

In general, this is a divisive topic, so I have decided to split this article into two sections for the two communities on either side of the issue.

To those from suburbs:

Hello friends! Yes, I get it — this all seems to be taking gatekeeping to an extreme. I’ll let you know right now you’re always welcome to FEEL like a big city is home to you — you just can’t SAY it.

I get that many of you spent so much time in your closest metropolitan area growing up that it started to feel like your own. It’s like when you use someone’s Wii enough, and at some point you’re just like, oh yeah I have a Wii. But remember, you do not have a Wii. That is Jake’s Wii. You are not Jake, and you will never be Jake. Sorry.

According to basic suburb etiquette, when a stranger asks you where you’re from, you must be honest about where you are truly from.

This honesty avoids disappointing the stranger who wanted to have something in common with you, as well as saving you from embarrassment when they inevitably ask about places in that city you know nothing about because you started off your conversation with a fib.

I want to be clear — I’m not blaming you for being from a suburb. That you can’t help because we’re in the Midwest and 95% of our land is grass. Really, I’m blaming you for the

deceit.

I just need you guys to see where us cityfolks are coming from. Imagine us, walking onto a college campus for the first time. We’re alone, we’re vulnerable and it’s hot. We want to find similarities with anyone we can.

When we finally do meet someone who says they’re from the same city as us, it’s so exciting! But then people clarified they really meant they live in a city 30 minutes away, and it literally sucks so bad.

When I first got to college, I met sooooo many people who told me they were from Minneapolis. I would say, “Oh where? I’m near the North Loop.” They would say, “Oh, I’m from Edina.” WTF.

Can you see how that broke my heart at that moment? Lying? To my very young and impressionable face. Right there. No second thought. Deceit.

Look, guys — and this is a separate tangent — but if it’s established we’re from the same state, then you know I know the names of our cities. If it’s not a village that doesn’t have a geo-tag in Apple photos, then I fully expect you to tell me exactly what city you’re from when I ask. You think I haven’t driven south on 35W? I know what’s down there.

My reasoning for this point is that it’s been scientifically proven each city in the U.S. has its own name, and my city’s name is Minneapolis, and your city’s name is Edina. So if you were born and raised in the Lululemon capital of Minnesota, then you legally have to tell people that.

Can you imagine if someone from Minneapolis asked you what it was like in the heat of June 2020, and you had to tell them you were babysitting a rich toddler on France Ave? We’ve led different lives.

Well, that got super specific. Anyway, to those from suburbs not in Minnesota, the same logic applies. Obviously, I won’t know what the heck city you’re talking about if it’s not a major one that your state is famous for but that is all the more reason not to lie to me about being from there.

I am quite partial to the hand diagram approach. It’s so silly when people try to point to where their small little town is. “If my hand is mainland Michigan, I live here.” Aw. I still don’t know where you’re talking about, but thanks for Being Real.

To those from cities: never change <3

Strap in you Edina cake-eaters, this one’s for you

Some people just don’t understand that Edina ≠ Minneapolis. AUDREY

Tutorial for driving away new friends — lie and tell them you live in a big city near your actual small town.

AUDREY THIBERT. THE BADGER HERALD.

How to make sweet sweet love to your pillow

by Phoenix Pham Banter Editor

With cuffing season around the corner, it’s important that everyone brush up on their sex game. For some, that means hitting up Plaza on a Saturday and then hitting some cheeks all of Sunday.

But not everyone works this way. Some of us don’t have a fake to get into Plaza. Some of us don’t have the $20 to bribe the bouncer. And some of us just don’t have sex. Luckily, we at The Badger Herald have a solution for you.

Picture this — you’re alone in your room on a Thursday, horny. But instead of writing a pathetic YikYak about it, you spot somebody looking at you out of the corner of your eye. Not just looking, practically eye-banging you. And as you wink at them (because you’re a sexy dog), you realize that this somebody looks familiar.

They’ve been your constant companion, your best friend, your numero uno. They know all your secrets, your dreams, your flaws. They have even seen you naked.

You think to yourself, ‘The answer has been staring me on the face all this time. Why haven’t I seen this before?’ and you lean in for a big smooch.

They don’t move because they’re not a person (don’t be gross) — they’re something

better. They’re your pillow.

You lean in to kiss your pillow, and your heart is beating a million times a minute. You can’t believe this is actually happening, that you are actually going to fuck your pillow.

But despite the storm of passion raging inside of you, what you do not do is grab that pillow and bend it backwards over your bed. Maybe that’s how they do in the porn, but you know the porn can set unrealistic expectations, and that’s not how sex happens in real life. You know the importance of good foreplay. Nor do you stare at the pillow’s lips and tell them they have pretty eyes and then let your mouth hang open like a fish. You are not a fish. Instead, you cup the pillow’s waist and gently pull them close.

You pay careful attention to the pillow’s body language. If it mirrors your own, then you are probably good to go, but just because you are a communicative, sexy human being — and they are a sexy, sexy pillow — you bring your other hand up to grasp the back of their pillow neck and whisper that you’d like to kiss them on their big pillow lips.

The pillow says yes. Of course it does, it’s an inanimate object. But more importantly, it’s your pillow. It’s been waiting for this ever since you bought it three years ago at

Walmart.

You and your pillow kiss. Hesitantly at first, but then deeply. You get a little tongue in there, you start feeling groovy, you pull that pillow a little closer and start kissing up on their pillow neck, their pillow jaw, careful not to leave pillow hickeys.

At some point the pillow takes off its pillow case and asks if you want to take this to the bedroom. You pull back, confused.

“We are in the bedroom, babe,” you say. “You’re my pillow.”

The pillow says no. It wants to go to another bedroom. It’s been only ever seen your childhood bedroom and this shitty dorm bedroom. It wants to see the world. It wants to be free.

“What about us?” you say, blinking back tears. “Do you want to be free from me?”

“No, no, babe, I love you,” the pillow says. “I’ll always love you. I just need a little break, you know? I thought going to college would be a good opportunity for us to see other people. And then, if we still had feelings, we could come back to each other.”

“Ok,” you say, trying hard not to cry.

It’s weird because you have cried into your pillow countless time before, but now your pillow feels like a stranger. It has its own thoughts, hopes and dreams. You realize you have never even asked it about its day. It’s always been you controlling the subject, the conversation, the night.

You feel like an asshole.

“We can still be friends,” your pillow tells you.

You nod, unable to speak. It just lies there, completely still because it’s a pillow.

“Do you mind carrying me to the common room?” the pillow says. “You can just leave

me there. I’m sure somebody else will pick me up.”

“Whore!” you say, and you regret it as soon as the word leaves your mouth.

Your pillow says nothing at first as you beg it to forgive you. It says nothing as you rage in your room, saying you’re misunderstood, that college is really stressful, that it’s not your fault the pillow hasn’t communicated its desires before now.

Finally, after you’re done throwing your tantrum, the pillow says this.

“Please.”

And suddenly you see the pillow for what it is — a completely independent, inanimate being, with its own limited history, life and future. You realize the pillow and you are both on the same journey together, just maybe on different paths. It’s the least you can do to carry it into the common room.

You silently pick the pillow up, burying your head into it one last time before walking the 100 feet to the common room. You set on the table. You kiss it, and you leave.

As you leave, you know in your heart of hearts this will be the last time you will see your pillow.

When you get back to your dorm you throw yourself on your bed, which is a lot less comfortable without your pillow. You open YikYak, tears streaming down your face, thumbs poised to write the most pathetic, loser post about how you’re still horny on a Thursday night.

Then, you spot something out of the corner of your eye. It is sexy, it is mature, it wants you so bad. It’s a bottle of lube. You put down your phone — without having written that dumb ass YikYak — and instead masturbate like a real adult.

The answer to your horniness has been under your head the whole time

A pillow is a viable option for relieving the pressures of living in modern society.

AUDREY THIBERT. THE BADGER HERALD.

Who needs a girlfriend, really, when pillows are better listeners? -Incels

AUDREY THIBERT. THE BADGER HERALD.