The Cameron Collegian - March 11, 2019

Collegian T he Cameron University

Traveling Monday, March 11, 2019

Volume 100 Issue 7

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through

TIME

Drue Watkins Managing Editor

Cameron established the 2019 Homecoming theme as ‘Traveling Through Time,’ which allowed each related event to revolve around classic time periods—in a retrospective way—like the 1970’s dance party concept on Feb. 28.

Both the Cameron men’s and women’s basketball teams fell to Angelo State during the annual Homecoming game.

Programming and Activities Council (PAC) Vice President Jose Olivo said Homecoming Week is vital to the culture of Cameron and is all about creating that authentic and classic college feel.

“Homecoming is a week full of events that brings students and organizations together to celebrate our Cameron team,” he said, “and to have fun living the Aggie experience. “[The Aggie experience] is students coming together,

“

To be Queen at the end of it was pretty

awesome

because it shows my culture still stands and I still support it.

“

From Feb. 25 through March 2, Cameron University’s Homecoming Week went into full effect, culminating in the crowning of the university’s King and Queen during the Homecoming basketball game in the Aggie Gym. This year, Cameron students elected senior Student Government Association (SGA) representative Alex OrtaFowler as Homecoming King and senior Native American Student Association (NASA) representative Rikki TassoThompson as Homecoming Queen.

Each Homecoming court nominee came from their own sponsored Cameron student organization.

Every Cameron student received an email from the university about how to vote for each candidate through an online portal.

Rikki Tasso-Thompson Native American Student Association 2019 Homecoming Queen

sharing moments and building relationships with each other that makes the college lifestyle fun and enjoyable.”

The crowning ceremony

took place during halftime of the Aggie basketball game.

Tasso-Thompson said getting crowned as Homecoming Queen was

a nerve-racking experience.

“When we were walking out on the court,” she said, “I was extremely nervous, and I did not know how anything was going to go. I actually was not expecting to get Queen, but it was pretty amazing.

“When they announced the first runner up, I thought that was who the Queen was. I felt pretty okay, but when they announced me, I got tremendously thrilled and I was kind of speechless—I laughed the entire time because Alex [Orta-Fowler] was being goofy. So, there were a lot of mixed emotions.”

Tasso-Thompson also said Homecoming Week is a critical component of Cameron’s history—and is the best way to get all people involved from all areas.

“It’s so important because it’s a traditional

thing they’ve done for so many years,” she said. “It kind of links back to high school, where—in those times— people were happy because they got to be a part of the school and show they supported it with spirit.

“It allows students to support other people and empower them.”

As the representative for NASA, Tasso-Thompson said it was a phenomenal experience to showcase the organization on the bigstage.

“It was great,” she said, “considering that me and Sydney Prince got the Native American club back on campus this year.

It was incredible for us to be first place in almost every contest category and for me to able to show off and honor my heritage by putting on my regalia.

“To be Queen at the end of it was pretty awesome because it shows my culture still stands and I still support it.”

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What’s inside First-wave feminism hypocrisy

CU hosts 2019 band festival

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March 11, 2019

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However, Tasso-Thompson said she wouldn’t have been able to become Queen without her supporters.

“Despite everything going on in my life,” she said, “and the chaotic week we had, my friends Sydney [Prince] and Fawn [Tsatoke] were the ones who got me dressed, did my hair and makeup, made sure all the jewelry and dress fit.

chance to bond at cool events that don’t regularly occur,” he said. “Having a King and Queen is important because it gives a spotlight to students and their organizations.

“It is a tremendous opportunity to Pho t Offi os cour ce o t f Pu e s y o f t h blic Affa e ir s

said, “such as the weather, we had a wonderful turnout. In addition, the students who attended had a lot of fun and created everlasting memories.”

McFadden also said Homecoming is hugely important for campus atmosphere—both past and present.

“It builds a bridge between current students and alumni,” he said.

“Current students get to

“They are the ones who pushed me and got me out there when I was having anxiety, so—it was kind of nice having that level of support from them.”

Orta-Fowler said he

represent the university as a King or Queen.”

Orta-Fowler also said he couldn’t have made it without all the assistance he had.

“There has been so much support given to me by so many people,” he said, “but the

enjoy in a lot of traditions created by former students and staff and create their own legacies in their student organizations.

“On the other hand, alumni get to come back and be celebrated for their own accomplishments, but get to see all their hard work of traditions still taking place on campus. It’s a great way of seeing the past, enjoying the present and looking

couldn’t believe the results of the election, but was humbled by the honor and the experience.

“It feels unreal,” he said.

“I still can’t believe I won, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to be Cameron University’s Homecoming King.”

support from my best friends Darius Morris and Kristopher Mayfield, along with my family, has gotten me to this point.

“I’m honored to be Cameron’s Homecoming King, and I would like to thank everyone who supported me and made this possible.”

A different PAC event occurred each

forward to the future of Cameron University.”

At 7 p.m. on March 2, the CUAA Awards Dinner— which required $25 for admittance—rounded out Homecoming Week by congratulating the recipients of Cameron’s 2019 Alumni Association Awards; honoring distinguished Alumni; recognizing

Representative for SGA, Orta-Fowler said it was a great honor to be the nominee; he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I was happy to represent SGA,” he said, “and I believe that me winning shined another positive light on the

day of the week, including (chronologically): 1. Visiting comedian Jon Fisher 2. Novelty: Flip Books 3. Free pizza lunch and a showing of the film “Night School” 4. A retro-styled 1970’s Dance Party 5. The Golf Cart Parade, family fun in the Rec Center and Bonfire/Pep Rally night 6. Family

Outstanding Young Alumni; going over the Faculty Hall of Fame; and working toward gathering the Aggies of Tomorrow (future students and Alumni).

CU Alumni Relations Director Frank Myers said the dinner allowed people to take the time to recognize important Cameron

organization that will helus continue to grow.”

For Orta-Fowler, Cameron’s Homecoming Week is a great foundational on campus and gives opportunities to so many;

Fun Run and the Homecoming game with Crowning PAC allowed every Cameron student organization the ability to compete in different Homecoming-oriented contests, like Office Decorating and being the #1 Aggie Fan on campus through showing school spirit.

CU’s Director of Campus

individuals.

“These are people who have distinguished themselves and their careers through their communities and contributions to Cameron University,” he said.

“This was our chance to acknowledge and appreciate all they’ve done.”

he said relationships are built during it.

“It is important to have Homecoming Week because it gives Cameron University students the

Life Leslie Cothren sent out the results of the contests to all Cameron emails; NASA earned first place in three of the four categories.

Coordinator of Campus Life and PAC adviser Daniel McFadden said Homecoming Week was a major success for both campus life and PAC as a whole.

“While we faced some challenges we could not control,” he

For more information on PAC or the Homecoming activities, visit the Office of Campus Life on the 2nd floor of the McMahon Centennial Complex or contact PAC at pac@cameron.edu.

March 11, 2019

Student Life

F irst-wave www.aggiecentral.com

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feminism

the hypocrisy of its history On March 5, Diversity Diplomats hosted Snacks and Chats: Women’s Rights.

Going to the event, I had little to no knowledge of the struggles different groups of women have gone through. I only had my personal experiences.

After attending the event, I have received validation—validation that what I’ve felt isn’t on an individual basis.

But with this small win came a major dilemma.

Regarding the beginnings of the Women’s Rights Movement in 1848, history cannot be changed, but the unsavory parts must be acknowledged.

A huge aspect of my college life is centered on the friendships and experiences that have shaped me because of my involvement in a sisterhood.

In 1872, two years before Latin professor Dr. Frank Smalley coined the term “sorority,” 10 of the 20 total women attending Syracuse at the time elected to create a society specifically for women after being shunned from male social circles.

An hour away from Syracuse and 24 years before, Elizabeth Cady Stanton led the Seneca Falls Convention—the first convention of women’s rights. Stanton read her speech titled “Declaration of Sentiments” that outlined rights women should be entitled to.

After the speech, the attendees passed 12 resolutions relating to women’s rights. Only one resolution did not unanimously pass—the right for women to vote.

Feminists at the time feared championing for the vote would affect the movement’s advancement in other areas such as property rights and equality in education, employment and divorce.

This fear of splintering the Women’s Rights Movement’s led to the further disenfranchisement of black women.

Susan B. Anthony, one of the major names of the woman’s suffrage movement, is even quoted saying, “I will cut off this right arm of mine before I will ask for the ballot for the Negro and not for the woman.”

Disenfranchisement and oppression from multiple perspectives can be described using the word “Intersectionality.”

According to Dictionary.com, intersectionality is the “theory that the overlap of various social identities, as race, gender, sexuality, and class contributes to the specific type of systemic oppression and discrimination experienced by an individual.”

For example, I am a woman.

But being a black woman, I may be subjected to multiple facets of discrimination, whereas a white woman may only struggle with the discrimination of being a woman.

Here lies my internal struggle over the history of my sorority, Alpha Phi.

Photo by Drue Watkins

I struggle with the nagging thought that the majority of my founders—my sisters—would not have accepted me because of my skin color.

Alpha Phi’s website boasts “forward thinking since 1872,” making the assertion their innovation originated with the beginning of its founding.

In 1875, Alpha Phi welcomed the first alumna initiate as Francis E. Willard.

Willard was founder of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and renowned for her activism for woman’s suffrage.

So profound were her wishes to combine the causes of liquor prohibition to women’s suffrage, Willard left the organization because of their rejection to unite the two.

If first-wave feminists were so adamant in their refusal to link prohibition to women’s suffrage, how much did they consider linking black women to women’s suffrage?

To reiterate—my concern is not in the Alpha Phi of the present. My concern is acknowledging the Alpha Phi of the past.

What I’m not doing is blaming current members of Alpha Phi for difficulties of the past. What I am doing is facing the harsh reality of the hypocrisy and racism of firstwave feminism and the Women’s Rights Movement, of which founders of my sorority were a part of.

I would not have been accepted into Alpha Phi when it was founded.

That is a simple fact.

In 1896, the Supreme Court ruled segregation as constitutional—whereas 10 women founded my sorority in 1872.

To clarify, Alpha Phi’s assertion of forward thinking since 1872, is explained further by stating “The innovative leadership and organizational practices of Alpha Phi’s Founders in 1872 set the spirit for the Alpha Phi of today…a sisterhood that values the past but looks forward to the progress offered by the future.”

If it were not for Martha Emily Foote Crow or the other nine founders, I would not be in this position today; however, that does not mean I cannot recognize their fallacies, too.

I am proud to be in Alpha Phi—I know my sisters today accept me. I, too, look forward to the progress offered by the future.

Celeste Powell Student Life Editor

Voices

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March 11, 2019

www.aggiecentral.com

Tribune News Service Award-winning musician: Rapper and Hip Hop artist Cardi B receives the award for best rap album at the 61st annual Grammy awards. The Grammys are a music industry award ceremony that celebrates the musical accomplishments of the previous year.

Is rap music?

Amanda King Staff Writer

Music is a fluid, ever-evolving concept.

So really, it’s no surprise that music genres and subgenres with new and revolutionary sounds spring up constantly.

One category that has swept over the masses in recent years is the infamous rap genre.

Rap is most often identified by the specific images that it conjures—that is, cursing, demeaning women, wild drug and alcohol abuse, and other various profanities—however, it is not that distinct model which prevents rap from being unanimously accepted as music.

For many music artists, rap simply does not meet the industry standards and shouldn’t be officially recognized like other genres.

Perhaps the most widely acknowledged condition that must be met in order for something to be considered music is the presence of talent.

Talent is another complex term, but it is most commonly presumed to be the possession of some sort of special ability - whether that ability is learned or innately known.

Think of a guitar. If it were given to a person who had never played one before, sure they could strum the strings, but they couldn’t play a real song.

However, if you put the guitar in the hands of someone who has had experience with the instrument, they could presumably play you a number of tunes. Even though it was not innate, the person could play the instrument because they had learned a talent.

Consequently, I think it’s sensible necessarily establish a melody. to say that in order to make music, This discrepancy is also hotly you must have talent. By dictionary debated, with many concluding that just definition, rapping is quite literally just because most rap songs do not have soft “talking rhythmically to the beat of rap melodies, does not mean that they have music.” no melody.

Seeing as how the vast majority What these supporters don’t of people can do it adeptly, the act of understand, however, is that the pace talking is not a unique ability, and and volume of music does not denote as such, not a talent. I can therefore a melody. For instance, hip-hop music conclude that rapping requires no talent. is rarely quiet and so is not usually There are many rap described as fans who would claim melodic, but it otherwise, arguing “Consequently, I think does still have a that rap is not easily melody—as both it’s sensible to say executed. the instrumental that in order to make A rapper’s pace is also and vocal chords music, you must have generally considered shift ranges and talent.

By dictionary a testament to their notes. definition, rapping gifts—the faster they Rap focuses is quite literally just rap, the better they on lyrics are. But I’m still not rather than the ‘talking rhythmically to convinced that this is the beat of rap music.’” actual melodic actually any sort of - Amanda King qualities, which special skill, and again, is why in nearly everybody can do it. all rapping, I’d also testify that the actual the faster a person raps, the harder it is inflection of the rapper’s voice remains to understand them. monotonous and does not harmonize or Music includes many components change tones. which most people might have a general This is also why the meter at which idea of, but no solid awareness—such someone raps is considered background as tone, rhythm, harmony, pitch and music. tempo.

In addition, the tracks that rappers Rap music is notorious for most of use are computerized mashups and not these components, particularly rhymes. actual music performed in a studio.

However, the component that all rap And even the music that is recorded lacks—also the only singular component in studio is rarely performed by rappers that constitutes music—is melody. themselves—but rather, by other artists.

Melody refers to the sequence of By following this model of producing notes culminating in the tune of a song songs without melody, rap forfeits its and is also the fundamental aspect of status as a type of music. music.

Just as all types of instrumental music A lot of rap songs rely on a beat are defined by certain instruments, vocal of some kind, but this beat doesn’t music is characterized by the act of

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The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author.

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board.

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Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

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singing.

There are many conflicting opinions on whether or not rapping qualifies as a form of singing; however, if you simply consider their definitions, you can see that they are not synonymous.

Singing is the act of using one’s voice to create musical sounds in various different octaves, whereas rap, again, is chanting quickly over a beat.

How then, can it be considered singing?

Answer: it can’t.

And because rap is not singing and consequently, not vocal music—that is, music coming from one’s own voice which is the only category of music that rap could fit into—it cannot be considered music.

It’s been contended that rap is a type of singing because even though it is just talking to a beat, it still comes from one’s voice.

Nonetheless, though it might be vocal, rap doesn’t require the physicality of singing nor the practice and technique.

Rap has grown to immeasurable heights of popularity due to both the wild icons who perform it and styles of music that have inspired it.

But despite this reputation—and even its establishment as an official music genre—the lack of talent required to practice it, its absence of melody and its inability to be classified as singing prevents rap from being identified as a type of music.

There is no question that the style of rap has had a profound effect on modern social culture.

But while it is undoubtedly an art form, it would be more accurate to classify rap as a type of rhythmic poetry or speech—not music.

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Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.

Editorial Staff

The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks.

Managing Editor - Drue Watkins Managing Editor - Madison Lyda A&E Editor - Sarae Ticeahkie Sports Editor - Mason Orso Student Life Editor - Celeste Powell Voices Editor - Payton Williams Copy Editor - Kimb Frey Aggie Central Editor - David Bublitz Social Media Editor - Abby Gonzalez

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Derek Snow, David Perkins, Lindsey Edwards, Lea Killian, Dontaye Abram, Amanda King, Cambron Alsbrook Circulation Manager - Drue Watkins and Madison Lyda Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz

All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification.

Letters can be sent by regular mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.

A&E

March 11, 2019

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2019 CU Band Festival Sarae Ticeahkie A&E Editor

@SylviaSeeks

From Feb. 21-22, the 2nd annual CU Band Festival took place at the Cameron Theatre.

The 2-day festival consisted of a departmental recital, band invitational and band clinic for young high school band students.

Cameron University’s band director Dr. Claudio Re said every year the festival is changing, and new things are being added. He is proud to know that a simple idea has now become a reality.

“Everything you see around us, first starts out as an idea in the mind of someone,” Re said. “This also started as an idea in my mind. And so, all you have to do is get it to action.”

Re said he hopes to add new and associating events, so that the festival will grow into a weekend long event.

At 7:30 p.m., on Feb. 21, Cameron University’s band collaborated with the local Fort Sill 77th Army Band to present a free concert for Cameron students, faculty and the Lawton community.

Dr. Re and Army band Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bridgette Brenmark directed the concert, which included a cello and wind ensemble, followed by a solo piece from Cameron’s string instructor Dr. Kirsten Underwood.

Beginning rehearsals last fall, the bands had the option to later perform music that did not restrict the bands to a specific theme.

Re said he feels that musicians shouldn’t limit music to one particular theme because it limits possibilities to the students.

“I stopped planning concert programs in terms of themes,” Re said. “I try to focus on the quality of music and on the genre and style that we need to feed our students in order for them to grow.”

The local band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi sponsored refreshments for the reception following the concert.

At 11 a.m., on Feb. 22, the second day of the festival consisted of a departmental festival, followed by a clinic that involved local high school bands.

The band invitational showcased the Cameron band student’s level of proficiency, giving the high school students an opportunity to witness what the department has to offer.

The invitational included pieces involving trumpets, clarinets and a percussion ensemble.

The Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity performed during the invitational and helped with the set up for the second day of events.

Junior music performance major and

president of Kappa Kappa Psi Jason Villarreal said the eight-member fraternity is like the righthand man to Re when it comes to the band festival and any service projects in the music department.

Villarreal said that it’s a good opportunity to showcase a specific genre of music to students.

“It’s always good to be able to play for other people,” Villarreal said.

“You have an audience that normally doesn’t hear this type of music, so it’s always good to put new stuff out there.”

After the recital, both high schools had the opportunity to do a one-hour clinic with Re, Cameron’s jazz instructor Dr. JD Little and Chief Brenmark, helping each band with their contest music.

The clinic ended with a lunch for the students, sponsored by Cameron’s admissions department, and a campus tour.

Villarreal said that he hopes to continue to play a part in the future band festivals.

“It’s great to get high school involvement,” Villarreal said. “And it’s a good reach out program for

the university.”

For more information about future festivals or band related events, contact Re at cre@ cameron.edu or 580-5812802.

Album review:

R&B artist Kehlani’s ‘While We Wait’ Sarae Ticeahkie A&E Editor

@SylviaSeeks On Feb. 21, R&B artist Kehlani released her fourth project and third mixtape “While We Wait” on all streaming services.

The nine tracks consist of music that focuses on how complicated communication can be while being in love.

Courtesy photo

“While We Wait” is her strongest project yet, featuring major artists 6LACK, Ty Dolla $ign and Dom Kennedy.

The 23-year-old and pregnant Kehlani bares her soul in this album with her emotion and intelligence, and it shows in her songwriting.

All of her work is known to be a script for those who have been hurt by someone, but also what that same person can gain

from those relationships — the survival stage.

2015’s “You Should Be Here” paved the road for her to showcase her empathy and how she knows what it’s like to deal with heartbreak.

2017’s LP “SweetSexySavage” became an anthem for regaining one’s self-worth after being mentally abused by a loved one.

Her empathy continues to shine through in her latest

mixtape with songs like “Nunya,” “Morning Glory” and “Footsteps.”

“Nunya” (feat. rap artist Dom Kennedy) is the song that stands out the most on the album, with its savage lyrics and 90’s R&B sound.

“You put on a show / ‘Cause you don’t want the world to know / That you lost a girl who got it on her own.”

The lyrics continue to prove that women don’t need to answer to any man when it comes to her lifestyle choices, even after he realizes he lost the best thing he has ever had.

Kehlani brings nothing but honesty to the table with her lyrics because she is just like the average women who suffers from a dysfunctional relationship.

But in order to persevere from it, a woman must first have self-respect, and that’s exactly what she talks about in “Morning Glory.”

“And if you don’t want me at my goodnight / Then you can’t have me at my morning glory / and if you don’t want me at my goodnight / Then it’s gon’ be goodbye.”

In order for a woman to let a man love her, she must love herself, and so if a man can’t love a woman at her most venerable — no makeup, bare — he doesn’t deserve her

at all.

She continues to sing, “I’m a fountain of youth / Raised on Arie and Badu / I know I’m fine, don’t need an outer confirmation from a man.”

She doesn’t completely focus on a women’s perspective on the mixtape.

Lyrically, there is some understanding from both men and women when it comes to complicated relationships.

In “Footsteps” (feat. Artist Musiq Soulchild), she speaks of patience and honesty between a complicated relationship with the most angelic tune, it’s almost haunting.

“But here’s to being honest / Neither of us knew what we wanted / But all we knew is that we cared / Still all we painted was a moment.”

Lacking presence in a relationship, regardless of what kind, can be misleading and end in a damaged connection.

The magical melancholy that is present in the song shows the feeling of despair and hope at the same time.

“And when I walked away / I left footsteps in the mud so you follow me.”

After speaking about a woman’s perspective, Musiq Souldchild’s lyrics speak from a man’s.

“Meanwhile, I had baggage to unpack, and I just had to admit that / Still dealing with the battles, feeling so inadequate / And I know I should have stayed.”

The mixtape showcases her ability to take negative energy and mold it into something positive— a life lesson everyone must overcome and conquer with open minds.

I rate the mixtape 5/5.

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Sports

March 11, 2019

www.aggiecentral.com

CU falls on Homecoming

Alley-oops: (Above) At 7:30 p.m, March 2, the Cameron University men’s basketball team fell 78-58 to Angelo State in their regular season finale. Cameron University shot 31 percent from the floor. Senior guard Tyus Momoh, lead with 15 points scored in the game. Cameron finished the regular season with a record of 9-19.

Missed the basket: (Below) At 2 p.m., March 2, the Cameron University women’s basketball team dropped the ball 113-81 to Angelo State. Freshman guard Maighan Hedge and senior forward Lejha Smith lead scorers with 12 points each. CU finished the season with an 8-20 overall record.

March 11, 2019

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Trending

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*No added sugars Erica Pearson

moments and stay positive.

A look at data from the monthlong, very Star Tribune (Minneapolis) active group showed that the posts that More energy. Changed taste buds. Better garnered the most comments were often sleep. After a month without sugar, the ones from folks seeking help or in need of (completely unscientific yet very compelling) encouragement. anecdotal evidence is in from some of the All told, the group created more than more than 3,000 folks—myself included— 23,000 posts, comments and reactions— who tackled the Star Tribune’s 28-Day from recipes for cheese-stuffed dates to Sugar-Free Challenge. suggestions of ­mayonnaise brands without Overwhelmingly, challengers said they added sugars. found that going for a month without added Some were thrilled to discover that sugar (no cookies, no cake, no fructose-laden sugar-free peanut butter tasted so good. sauces) made them feel better.

Others found that many of the packaged Even if, like Maple Grove participant breads made without added sugars tasted Tim Deets, they’re “not claiming perfection.” like “cardboard.”

“I think my energy level is more balanced Throughout February, many participants over the day,” he said. “I have not seemed to reported—in the Facebook group, in get the midafternoon crash.” e-mails and even phone calls—that they But the benefits of reducing added sugar were sleeping better, and that troubles such can go beyond energy. as inflammation, night sweats and aches and Researchers have found that pains lessened as the month went on. cutting out added sugars “My arthritic aches and can boost pains have greatly Cou r te s y gr diminished,” said a ph ic metabolic Kathy Obler health and of St. Paul. reduce the stress “After a couple that consuming the sweet of sugarless weeks stuff puts on organs including the I can hardly believe these are my pancreas and liver, according to a scientific knees!” review by SugarScience, a site run by health “The mental fog that went with the scientists at the University of California, roller-coaster quest for sugar is gone,” she San Francisco. said. “Now the overly sweet treats I loved Studies by University College London have lost their appeal.” researchers and others have also found Not everyone noticed physical changes. that accountability is a powerful motivator, Many reported simply feeling positive about something that the members of our closed being more in-the-know about what they Facebook group demonstrated as they were eating and drinking. supported one another, banding together “I found it eye-opening. Added sugar is in to figure out how to get through tough what I considered to be pretty healthy food,”

said Paula Doll-Wildenberg of St. Paul.

Being part of the challenge taught her to be a “better consumer by reading labels more carefully.”

Mary Hanson-Busch of New Prague said she was shocked to learn how much added sugar she had been regularly consuming.

“I don’t drink pop, so that was easy, but smoothies and blended coffee drinks were frequent purchases for me,” she said. “I feel like I can continue to pass on products that have added sugar or other sugar substitutes and hope it leads to better food choices overall.”

And like Wynn Martin, many in the challenge found they actually enjoyed eating more vegetables and fruit and less processed and packaged foods.

“It was a good change in our house,” said Martin, who lives in Minneapolis.

This was what I ended up liking most about the challenge, too—the fresh foods we added to our shopping list.

Cucumber slices instead of crackers.

Fresh pineapple and mango instead of blondies and brownies, with no whining from our kids.

We also managed to (mostly) wean our youngest off ketchup, although some of this effort was undone when, out to eat as a family, she saw that red bottle on the table before we did (my efforts at a homemade, date-sweetened ketchup were completely rejected, as were date and cocoa “brownie” bites).

When the Star Tribune decided to host this challenge, our hope was that we’d learn about the added sugar in

packaged foods, sauces and condiments, which would spur us to create new, healthy habits to keep sugar consumption more in line with current recommended limits.

Weight loss wasn’t one of the goals, but we did hear about it from lots of folks taking part. Many said they dropped a few pounds (this was true for me), while some said the scale didn’t change at all.

Others, like Hanson-Busch, said they lost a dozen pounds or more. Some of the most inspiring feedback we’ve received has been from those who are newly empowered to permanently take charge of how and when added sugar makes its way onto their plate.

“I have always been pretty conscientious about what I eat, but have never avoided sugars like this. It has been eye-opening,” said Mary Swanson Senneka. “The challenge has made me more deliberate about what I eat. I will go back to eating sugars. I love a piece of dark chocolate now and then or a cookie or ice cream.

“But I think that I now want to be able to decide when I consume sugar—my choice on the chocolate, not a manufacturer deciding to put it in soup.”

Retrospective

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March 11, 2019

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Graphic by Drue Watkins

“The Cameron Collegian” thanks the members of the Library and Archive staff for their patience and help with bringing the history of the paper back to life.

- The Editors

These graphics are a product of “The Cameron Collegian,” the first published in Volume 57 , Issue 5 on Oct. 10, 1983, and the second published in Volume 62, Issue 12 on Nov. 16, 1988.