CORSAIR
volume 107 issue 10 • May 7, 2014 • santa monica college
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Nancy Grass-Hemmert: life in the fast lane Jonathan Ramos Opinion Editor
Nancy Grass-Hemmert’s interest in communication studies started in third grade, when her mother allowed her to sit in on a psychology class she was taking at Los Angeles Valley College. “They were talking that night about perception,” said Grass-Hemmert. “And I still do the perception lectures in all of my classes because that really was a profound awareness for me, an awakening, where I thought about seeing the world from somebody else’s perspective.” Grass-Hemmert’s thirst for recognizing the way other people saw the world and the way they all came together through different points of views ultimately peaked her interest in what would be her future job as Chair of Communications Studies at Santa Monica College. However, not wanting to be just like her mom, she started college as a business major before switching to communication studies. While studying at California State University, Northridge, Grass-Hemmert’s mom recommended she pay a visit to some old professors when her passion was rediscovered. “I walked into the communication building and I knew instantly I was home,” she said. “I knew instantly that, oh my goodness, I am a communications major, I am just like mom.” Immediately changing her major to communications studies, Grass-Hemmert described her change in paths as a “know it when you feel it kind of thing.” But as passionate as she was, the road to her ultimate goal did not pave itself so kindly. “I studied a lot. I was kind of an intense student,” she said. “I don’t advocate that students forgo everything else in their life for school. I really believe there should be balance but I did not have balance, I was kind of nuts.” After a failed college attempt at the University of California, Los Angeles, Grass-Hemmert went back to school with no specific goal in mind, only knowing that she wanted to teach. At the age of 30, already married with children, she decided to compose a 10 year plan in which at the end she would have finished undergraduate school, received a masters degree, and attained her PhD., all the while teaching part time on track for a full-time tenured teaching position at a community college. But even with a rejuvenated determination and a drive to succeed, Grass-Hemmert’s
road to her ultimate passion took another left turn, facing another tough situation to overcome. In the midst of all her work, GrassHemmert came out with her homosexuality, after meeting the woman who would go on to become and remain her wife for the next 16 years. “One day she walked into my life and everything went crazy to hell and I fell in love,” Grass-Hemmert said. But with this newfound love came a heavy set of emotions to handle, making it difficult for Grass-Hemmert to manage the twists and turns of her life throughout this time, nearly succumbing to the pressure of it all. “I came really close to dropping out of my graduate program when I was trying to make the decision with what to do with my life and it was very challenging,” she said. Her husband was also one of the few people who supported her decision, encouraging her to follow whatever feelings she had at the time. The separation from her husband left no hard feelings between them and they have remained good friends to this day. The decision did not sit well with some of her friends however, but with the support from her ex-husband as well as additional support from her children and other family, she was able to turn a would-be roadblock into a motivator and refocus the track she had started. As far as finishing her Ph.D program, Grass-Hemmert recalls her oldest son being her biggest push. He no longer had Ph.D aspirations himself because of her postponement of school, so she made a deal with him that would require her to attain her doctorate’s degree in time for him to finish middle school. Not ready to let her son give up his dreams, Grass-Hemmert emerged from school with a dissertation and a doctorate’s degree in communications studies. “His grades immediately went back up,” said Grass-Hemmert. “It matters what you do for your kids.” Fast forward a few years and GrassHemmert now sits atop the media and communications department at SMC. As both the department chair and a professor, Grass-Hemmert wants her students to know there is no obstacle too insurmountable when you have the right push. “Once you decide what it is you want to accomplish, nothing can stop you but yourself, so just keep going, “ she said. And for people who feel their time for seeking life goals has passed, GrassHemmert urges them to see things in a different perspective.
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Arlene Karno Corsair Nancy Grass-Hemmert poses for a photo at Santa Monica College on Thursday, March 6. “ The biggest obstacles student’s face is self-doubt. But it’s all about perseverance. Life is complicated and it will try and stop you…don’t let it, “ said Grass-Hemmert.
“Five years from now or ten years from now, you are going to be that much older either with or without the degrees you want. Time is going to pass either way,” she said. “In the end, you are going to get to that age where you will either have done it or you don’t, so it’s up to you.” With new developments at SMC, including the reconstruction of the Academy of Entertainment Technology campus set to open in 2015, Grass-Hemmert does not believe in putting exact time tables on the projects, believing that whether they go through or not, the department will be ready to take on anything. SInce Grass-Hemmert became the chair in the Fall of 2012, she described the time as an unforgettable ride. “I love everything about my life,” GrassHemmert said. “There are always rough spots but I am so grateful to Santa Monica College. I still feel like I won the lottery when I got this job.”
“Once you get the hang of it, the competition comes through.””
More Inside News
PG 5
Free comic books Sports
PG 5
Swim records Photostory
PG 6-7
Club Carnival Arts & Entertainment PG 8
Bolelli’s history Opinion
PG 10
Modern feminism Health & Livestyle
PG 12
Student eating habits
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2 contents
volume 107 issue 10 • May 7, 2014 • santa monica college
E D I T O R I A L S TA F F Henry Crumblish····· Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. e d i t o r i n c h i e f @ g m a i l . c o m Elizabeth Moss·Digital Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. w e b e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m David Yapkowitz······Managing Editor c o rs a i r. m a n a g i n g @ g m a i l . c o m Ronja Jansz···········Health & Lifestyle c o rs a i r. l i f e s t y l e p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Alci Rengifo····· Arts & Entertainment c o rs a i r. c a l e n d a r p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Jonathan Ramos······· Opinion Editor c o rs a i r. o p i n i o n p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Trev Angone·············· Sports Editor c o rs a i r. s p o r t s p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Jimmy Janszen············· Photo Editor Rachel Porter············· Photo Editor c o rs a i r p h o t o e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m David Veta················Design Editor c o rs a i r. d e s i g n t e a m @ g m a i l . c o m Jhosef Hern····················Illustrator c o rs a i r c a r t o o n @ g m a i l . c o m c o r s a i r s ta f f Brandon Barsugli, Scott Bixler, Cesar Clarke, Amalia Darin, My’sson Downs, Mia Duncans, Elin Ekdahl, Paulina Eriksson, Carlos Espinosa, Walter Flores, Rachel Gianuario, Qalil Ismail, Sarit Kashanian, Nick Kovalenko, Aaron Leaureaux, Juan Lopez, Malin Lord, Jazmin Martinez, Christophor McGovern, Delmy Moran, Adrien Piteux, Liz Phillips, James Powel, Patrick Shanley FA C U LT Y A D V I S O R S S a u l Ru b i n & Gerard Burkhart AD INQUIRIES: c o rsai r. admana g er@g m ai l . co m (3 1 0 ) 4 3 4 - 4 0 3 3
Mia Duncans Corsair Harpist Phillip King, plays music for a crowd at the Santa Monica College main campus during the Earth Week Honey Bee Festival which took place on Wednesday, April 23.
Letter from the Editor Henry Crumblish Editor-In-Chief
Club Row was one of the most fun days on campus this journalist can remember. Clowns, bands of musicians, and food vendors stomped across the quad screaming and recruiting any hapless student who was within earshot. It was the embodiment of school spirit and student cheer. Which is exactly why I found it saddening that some professors felt the need to put a damper on the festivities. While handing out newspapers last Thursday, I was approached by and verbally assaulted by two unnamed female professors from Santa Monica College. As some of you may have heard by now, possibly even in your classes, there are groups on campus unhappy with our Mar. 26 issue, which featured the Pole Award News, Aerial Dancing event on the cover. The two women told me the Corsair was “bullshit” and called me “dismissive” when I attempted to de-escalate a tense situation. I don’t start fights, especially not on the
quad with witnesses and I was shocked that two faculty members would have the gall to goad a student. I want to make it clear that the actions taken towards myself, and my staff at our table by the two professors were out of line. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and emotions are human, so it is okay to be upset, but it is not okay to yell profanity at students with zero context. I had one of my writers tell me that she was “very upset with the comments made toward us.” It’s disgusting that instructors would resort to bullying and fear tactics to spread their radical message. Club Row is supposed to be about community and inclusion, not separation and confrontation. Despite the fact that from a recruiting standpoint Club Row was successful for the Corsair and possibly other clubs, negative detractors managed to successfully put a blemish on a day designed for festivities and student togetherness.
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news 3
volume 107 issue 10 • may 7, 2014 • santa monica college
Tuitasi visits Associated Students Juan Lopez Staff Writer When the Associated Students board pressed Vice President of Student Affairs Mike Tuitasi on the specifics of the budget behind the $13 student ID card fee on Monday, he said “I do not know the cost.” He clarified his presence saying, “I was asked to come in and answer questions and that’s what I’m doing today.” Tuitasi made an appearance at this week’s AS meeting to speak to the board and elaborate the details behind the separation of the student ID card fee with that of the AS membership fee. He stated early into his visit that both fees are now independently separate, and that the Bursar’s Office can be contacted if students do not wish to pay either fee. He even said that students will be able to claim a refund for any of the two fees. After the announcements, Tuitasi went on to indicate that Big Blue Bus will still want students to carry current ID cards in order to prove enrollment. Director of Budget Management Inayat Issa asked, “So you still have to pay the $13 in order to ride the Big Blue Bus, right?” After Tuitasi confirmed Issa’s question, Issa said, “I thought that’s what we were fighting.” AS President Ty Moura asked Tuitasi, “Why do students need to pay a fee to prove they are enrolled, rather than have their card activated when they pay enrollment and tuition?” Tuitasi answered that question by stating that the student ID card is necessary for immediate verification
“Why do students need to pay a fee to prove they are enrolled,” -AS President Ty Moura
Juan Lopez Corsair Santa Monica College Inter-Club Council Chair Jasmine Jafari (left) raises questions about the ID fee to Vice-President of Student Affairs Mike Tuitasi (right) at the weekly Associated Students meeting in the Cayton Center on Monday, May 5.
of enrollment. Director of Student Advocacy Hasun Khan brought up other issues concerning the fee to Tuitasi, saying “Pasadena City, Orange Coast College, or even Rio Hondo have programs where they have students able to ride the bus for free, but they don’t have the $13 ID fee that we have to fall in the compliance of.” Khan further asked, “Is there any way we can look at the activation fee.” In response to this, Tuitasi pointed out that University of California, Los Angeles has a deal with Big Blue Bus set up with with a similar transportation system in which students ride for free and that cost is split between the district and the AS.
Tuitasi further pointed out that the student ID fee was $8 until the AS board of 2008 raised it to the current $13 fee. Issa asked Tuitasi why students have to pay that fee as opposed to the $3 he claimed it really cost. When faced with questions on specific costs and budgeting surrounding the student ID fee, Tuitasi stated that ___ would have to be present to answer those questions, causing the AS board to delay their official stance on the issue another week. With other agenda items, the AS saw success over the weekend at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges with Inter-Club Council Communications Officer Sarah Yoseph successfully passing
a resolution for schools to include a prayer and meditation area for students to practice their religion or meditations freely and comfortably. SMC’s current designated meditation and prayer space is currently located in the basement of the Science building. Once current construction projects are completed, the AS will look into more suitable areas for those students in need of a space. Also, the ICC will have to take another look into their approval processes for club giveaways as the Japanese English Language Association was caught and immediately stopped from giving out bagged live goldfish.
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4 news
volume 107 issue 10 • May 7, 2014 • santa monica college
Hi De Ho Comics patrons celebrate free comics James Powel Staff Writer
There is still one group of people for whom community goes beyond reddit discussions and blog comments and other forms of social media. A group of people who, in a world that pushes further towards the digitization of everything, value the physical copy of their medium that connects them to their past. Last Saturday was free comic book day across the nation and local collectors gathered at Hi De Ho comic book shop in Santa Monica to gain new chapters of some their favorite comics for free. Since 2002, comic book shops have been giving away special editions of popular comics on the first Saturday in May. For Hi De Ho part owner Saleen Aaron, free comic book day is one of his favorite days on the calendar. On this particular day, he quickly rings up customers who’s totals are zero dollars and zero cents for books sold to him by major distributors as a loss-lead. Never once does anything near a frown even cross his face. For Aaron, the staying power of the comic book comes from the ability to transport the reader, for a short period of time, beyond themselves. “It’s the art and the fantasy of escaping away and watching people do things that normal people can’t do,” said Aaron. Even as other forms of print media are hanging on by a thread that is thinner than their profit margin, comic books, as an industry, has grown. According to ComicChron, the research center for the sale and collecting of comic books, industry revenues grew at an average
of 8.25 percent over three years and 9.04 percent in 2013. For people like Brian Grady, who works as a program assistant at the Nicholl Fellowship at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science and a self described “fanboy,” the physical copy of a comic book is an integral part of the experience of reading comics. “Owning art and holding it, it was drawn, it was conceived from someone’s inner creativity and reproduced, it’s a beautiful thing,” said Grady. “It has to continue. If that doesn’t continue then what is there.”
shirt fooled many into thinking that it was the latest design from the Marvel franchise. Mere minutes before, the group, did not know each other from Cain yet there they were coming to an agreement that “Spiderman 3” was the worst movie of the “Ultimate Spiderman” trilogy. There seemed to be a connection that reached across generations in Hi De Ho on Saturday. A father played and read with his young children in the front corner of the store.
Middle school students and adults of all ages argued the merits of the Amazing Spiderman universe vs the Ultimate Spiderman universe. For Perry, who brought along his father, there is a sense of nostalgia in, what the industry calls, the floppy copy of comics. “Generations and generations have been going through it the same way,” said Perry. “It’s cool to be able to experience it the way our grandparents used to when they were kids.”
“It’s the art and the fantasy of escaping away and watching people do things that normal people can’t do,” - Saleen Aaron The communal spirit of these unlikely Luddites shined through on this spring Saturday. Even as free comic book day drew hundreds of people to his store, Aaron recognized familiar faces, treating regular customers like old friends. Outside the store, a 45 minute discussion broke out between four strangers which included Grady and a young man named Kyrian Perry who’s homemade Wolverine
for extended coverage visit us at thecorsaironline.com •
Juan Lopez Corsair Customers inside of Hi De Ho comics in Santa Monica, browse for their free comics on Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3.
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Sports 5
volume 107 issue 10 • may 7, 2014 • santa monica college
SMC track sends 10 runners to SoCal Finals Jay Singer Staff Writer
Jay Singer Corsair SMC runner Toya Johnson sprints in the 400 meter qualifying race at the Southern California Community College Preliminaries at Riverside City College in Riverside, Calif. on Saturday, May 3. Johnson went on to win in his qualifying heat.
The Southern California Community College Track and Field Finals are coming up, and it may not surprise many that Santa Monica College will be sending it’s best and brightest stars. What may surprise some is how many runners qualified, which was a solid 10, nine more than last year. In order to qualify for the finals, the SMC track team had to earn their way in by participating in the SoCal Track and Field Trials, which took place on Saturday. Leading the way for the Corsairs was Toya Johnson who won his qualifying heat in the 400-meters. Johnson won his heat despite feeling unexpectedly drowsy, which was due to a Benadryl he had taken to combat an allergic reaction he had to his roommates cat. The 94 degree heat was enough to make anybody drowsy, but Toya later felt more awake, and anchored the 4x400 meter relay team to another qualifying run. “I felt out of it, but I felt relaxed. Maybe next time I’ll sleep in the gym before Saturday’s final,” said Johnson. “I couldn’t wait to run against the qualifiers in the other two heats.” Also qualifying for the finals was long distance ace Terrence Luevano, who will compete in the 1500-meters. But despite qualifying for the 1500-meters, the 800-meters remained just out of reach. “I’m satisfied with my race. I ran close to
my personal best and qualified, but I was tired after the race due to the heat, and didn’t have much left for the 800 [meters].” said Luevano. Breaking five minutes for the first time in the 1500-meters was Ashley Bootesaz. Not only did Bootesaz post a personal best, but she also qualified for the 1500-meter final, which was most important. “I was happy with that race,” said Boosteaz. “I’m running 20 seconds faster in the 1500 [meters] this year compared to last year.” Rounding out the Corsairs roster for next Saturday’s final is Jamelah Grate. Grate not only qualified for the women’s 400-meters with a personal best, but also ran a qualifying leg in the 4x100 meter relay. Drew Brown failed to qualify for his chosen event, the 400-meters, but he did qualify for the 4x400 relay. Unfortunately, Brown decided to run the 400-meters instead of the 800-meters, even though his first ever 800-meter time at the Santa Barbara Relays six weeks ago was 1:55 flat. The fastest qualifying time in the four heats of the 800-meters last Saturday was 1:55.87. Next Saturday’s finals at Riverside Community College will determine which Corsairs will compete in the CCCAA Track and Field Championships May 1617 at Mt. San Antonio College. Sports Editor Trev Angone contributed to this article.
Swimming sets records Trev Angone Sports Editor This past weekend marked the annual California Community College Athletic Association State Championships which the Santa Monica College swim team participated in. The meet, which was held at East Los Angeles College, proved to be one of SMC’s better showings in recent years, as the Corsairs would not only set multiple state records, but also capture All-American honors in multiple races. Highlighting the meet was SMC breaststroke specialist Jia “Jace” Ng, who set new state records in the 100 and 200yard breaststroke, and also earned AllAmerican honors in each category. Ng won the 100-yard event with an impressive time of 53.80, beating second place finisher Loai Tashkandi from Golden West College by more than two seconds. When Ng set the new state record, he usurped former SMC swimmer Jeff Lum, who set the previous record time of 54.48 in 2012. Ng also set a new state record in the 200yard breaststroke, with a winning time of 1:59.15, beating second place finisher Darren Chan Chin Wah of De Anza College, by almost four seconds. Just as he did in the 100-yard breaststroke, Ng bumped down former SMC swimmer Jeff Lum for the state record. Lum previously held the mark with a time of 1:59.35, which was also set in 2012. “Jace is basically an international athlete. He has the ability to compete on the international level,” said Head Coach Steven Contarsy. “At the conference championship, the goal is for 100 percent of the athletes who swim in all of their events, to have a 100 percent lifetime bests, and we actually achieved that goal this year.
Every single athlete in the water, they all posted personal bests.” Rounding out the 200 and 400-yard medley teams for SMC was Abdul Al Ishaq Rahman competing in the backstroke, Steven Jalamo representing SMC in the butterfly, and freestyle swimmer Toby Contarsy. The Corsairs finished sixth in the 400yard medley relay and ninth in the 200yard medley relay. Though it may not have been the result they were looking for, the team still earned All-American honors in both races. “I’ve had teams that were more experienced. I’ve had teams that were faster, but this team worked hard, trained hard, they had good chemistry,” said Contarsy. “They pushed each other, they supported each other, and the people who put in the work and followed the program, they were successful.” In addition to swimming the freestyle leg of the medley relays, Toby Contarsy is also the youngest son of Coach Contarsy, and the third of his brothers to compete for SMC in the state championships. After record setting performances by Ng in just his first year with SMC, the outlook on next year’s team looks very bright. But if the team is going to take the next step toward additional state titles, including the medley relays, Ng knows it’s going to take a big commitment from everyone on the team. “I definitely believe next year will be a banner year. I think the team in general did pretty well this year. Performance and success is relative and I’ve seen some of them improve individually,” said Ng. “It would be good if we got faster as a group, so it lifts the whole team. It’s hard for only few individuals to make up the team. You need a good 10 people.”
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6 photostory
volume 107 issue 10 • may 7, 2014 • santa monica college
Juan Lopez Corsair Santa Monica College Chemistry Club member Jose Mendez makes frozen bubbles for passing students during Club Row on the SMC quad on Thursday, May 1. Club Row is the largest school event of the semester, with over fifty clubs presenting their clubs to the school.
“Being creative is about being whoever and whatever you want to be, that’s why we accept every form of it”
Abhi Chatterjee Corsair Contributor The drum master of the Pan African Student Union performs in front of a group of students at the Santa Monica College Club Row on Thursday, May 1.
Liz Phillips Corsair Crafting Club member Jordon Hassy (left) juggles while club president Courtney King (middle) talks to students Latasha Hogue and Lorraine Perchlak during Santa Monica College’s Club Row, held on Thursday, May 1 in the quad.
Club Carnival Club Row took place on Thursday, May 1 in the SMC quad. Various Clubs from the college came out and set up booths. They offered a variety of fun things to do from carnival games to Ouija Boards, Dunk Tanks, and food sales. Club Row gives students a look at all the different clubs on campus and how they are connected to the community. Mia Duncans Corsair
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Rachel Gianuario Staff Writer Under the hot sun of last Thursday afternoon, clowns wearing nurses uniforms were dancing in a train, bands of musicians freestyle-d with dozens of instruments, the smell of cheap greasy food ran rampant through the crowd and booth games were rewarded with prizes. Santa Monica College’s Club Rowe looked like a scene from a summer carnival as clubs lined the quad strutting their stuff. Every club adorned their booths and tables with what makes them unique amongst the crowd and why every SMC student should join. “This is what I want my community college experience to be about. Bringing everyone together to just have fun,” says first year SMC student Rajaa Amariani. Looking at the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) club booth, Rajaa started chatting with friendly club members, grabbed herself an In N’ Out double-double burger and started dancing to the music being blasted in the booth. Walking from one end of the quad to the other was a colorful extravaganza of diversity, intrigue, and novelty. From one end, the members
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of the Creative Club produced a jazzy beat with their various instruments, inspiring students to dance and run wild. “Being creative is about being whoever and whatever you want to be, that’s why we accept every form of it,” said a club member. Next door, students were reciting poetry in German and flashing their pride for the nation’s culture and language. Further down, nurses in their carnival fairy clown costumes, chanting their “save a life, be a nurse” tagline. These men and women touted their love for saving lives, and joys of having the best job in the world. Going further, the campus environmental clubs provided a key element to spreading the word, education. The Plastic Free SMC club was giving students a lesson in proper recycling with their “Just Refuse It” spin the wheel games. A purple Zodiac-Signs blanket covered the EcoAction club table, as Madame Eco told disclosed your environmental future with the help of her crystal ball. “I have no idea what an environmental future is, but having a ‘green’ soothsayer made this whole Club Row thing so much more fun… Everyone has their thing and
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volume 107 issue 10 • may 7, 2014 • santa monica college
photostory 7
Liz Phillips Corsair a College’s Club Row, held on Thursday, May 1 in the quad, allows clubs to advertise themselves to students in a event filled with food, music, and games.
is having a blast together. I didn’t know about half of these clubs,” said student Mary Kimonz. Students from the Art Department showcased a social commentary exhibit “Consume And Then Continue”, starring its creator Robert Huerta. Friend to Huerth, Robin Henning said, “Robert is just art for the sake of art, and a great representation of the department students wandering down Club Row.” Moving through the crowd, the music transitioned from freestyle guitar and drums, to salsa beats from the Salsa Tango club, to operatic sopranos singing “Caro Mio Ben”, to the drum beats of the Pan-African Student Union (PASU) club. Ernest Gordon, a PASU member adorned in black velvet Nigerian robes from the Lagos tradition, was teaching students a traditional Nigerian dance. Gordon commented that while their club was being judged for best booth and they were technically here to encourage more students to sign up, the whole point is to have fun. “We’re here to dance with each other…we’re here to be with each other…we’re here to create the community we want,” said Gordon.
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SMC Art Club President, Robert Huerta participates in the Art Club’s performance art piece during SMC’s Club Row, held on Thursday, May 1 in the quad. Huerta was taped to the stool, with his eyes and mouth covered. According to Danielle Parker, an art club member who taped Huerta to the stool, the piece was about constriction. Huerta had difficulty speaking, but when asked to describe the piece in 3 words, he said, “Please Be Nice”.
Liz Phillips Corsair
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& Entertainment 8 Arts
volume 107 issue 10 • May 7, 2014 • santa monica college
Glory & Gore: Bolelli makes history fun again Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor The savage philosopher, the middle finger of the gods. That is Santa Monica College history professor Danielle Bolelli as introduced in one of the podcasts of his hugely popular series “The Drunken Taoist”. Like Nietzsche hitting the airwaves, Bolelli’s podcast is a Renaissance ride that tackles with philosophical tones, every conceivable topic including politics, sex. Thomas Pain, the Pope, and Nutella. Since starting the podcast in 2012, Bolelli has reached a wide audience. “The Drunken Taoist” is regularly in the top 10 iTunes listing for philosophy podcasts. “I’ve been writing books for a while and then I entered the world of podcasts which I knew nothing about and people dug it,” said Bolelli. Bolelli’s podcast has turned into an open forum for exploring any question concerning life itself. Heated debates have been opened with guests and listeners on topics as taboo as open marriages and as serious as school bureaucracy. He airs two a month, each episode taking about 10 hours to prepare, not counting all the reading and research. “It takes philosophy in a very loose kind of sense,” said Bolelli, “in this sense it’s life. It’s anything that goes. The whole thing is based on Taoism in a way. It’s philosophy in a very humanistic way as opposed to ‘Kant said this and this’.” Guests on the show have included Bruce Lee’s daughter (Bolelli is himself a black belt),Christopher Ryan, controversial author of “Sex At Dawn”, and cyber figures such as Dan Carlin, a journalist turned successful podcaster on historical topics. “He’s a journalist, which means he can tell a story,” said Bolelli. Of course Bolelli’s own students at SMC have tuned in and have given him overwhelmingly positive feedback. “Students like it, they dig it. The beauty of
podcasting is that I don’t have to depend on anybody saying ‘yes.’ You get started, do it and if people like it they come to you,” said Bolelli. According to Bolelli, the world of podcasting is different from other media in that there is a lack of the usual brand of cutthroat competitiveness. “You don’t get these stupid egos like ‘you’re stepping into my territory,’” said Bolelli.. A native of Milan, Italy, Bolelli was an international student at SMC in 1992 and graduated from UCLA before returning to SMC to teach. Now he juggles two worlds, one academic and the other as a pondering, restless voice in cyberspace, all the while raising a daughter. Now he is planning to start a second podcast exclusively about history to launch in the fall. He is even approaching the Santa Monica College Foundation to see if they would like to sponsor the podcast. “ I t
would be edgy, but in a more polite kind of way, it would be purely about history,” said Bolelli. Glory and gore go hand in hand when Bolelli discusses world history. He believes in making a historical narrative as exciting and compelling as “Game Of Thrones” both in the classroom and in media. He emphasizes how there’s a fine balance between being entertaining and having substance, a trick that is difficult to master when educating an audience and keeping it interested. “We have this cultural convention where entertainment is superficial and
academic learning is dense and very boring,” said Bolelli. He pointed out how history as a subject does extremely well as the subject of big movies and TV shows like “Vikings,” yet is ranked nationally in popular student polls as less popular than math. “How bad do you have to be to be worse than math? There’s this fascination with the subject but hate for academic history,” said Bolelli. The first topic Bolelli will tackle with his history podcasts will be Spartacus. “Picture being on this road between Naples and Rome with crosses all along the way, with 6,000 people crucified between Naples and Rome,” said Bolelli. “It’s good to get that gut reaction and then raise the more interesting historical questions about values and what would you do in certain situations.” Preparation for the historical podcast will be particularly intense. “You have to read about a gazillion books,” said Bolelli. For him, a key task as a teacher is to help students understand how major, historical, and current events tie to their own personal lives. “I want them to find in history, the specific examples that helped them shape their own values and priorities and ways of life,” said Bolelli. Aside from his podcasts, Bolelli also has another major project on his plate, a television series which aims to make history exciting, relevant, and enticing for audiences. A producer of the film “300” has shown interest and the idea is being pitched to studios. “We would talk to people who love John Brown and people who hate John Brown,” explained Bolelli. “Here’s a guy who would drag people out of their homes and chop them to pieces in front of their family. On the one hand he’s a bad guy for killing these people but on the other hand he’s a hero because he’s fighting slavery. They’re both true but we’re going for the complexity.” In the meantime, Bolelli can be found discussing the intricacies of life with his listeners, and sharing the visceral drama of history in all its bloody spectacle in class with waiting students. Photo Courtesy of Danielle Bolelli
Stranger in a strange land Elin Ekdahl Staff Writer The atmosphere was buzzing around the Broad Stage at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Campus last Thursday evening. The audience members, many of whom dressed up for the occasion, slowly gazed upon the books featuring some of the work that the night’s guest speaker has written. Jodi Cobb is an icon. She has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, she worked in over 60 different countries, and became the first female staff photographer at National Geographic. Cobb has long had a passion for discovering hidden worlds. She was able to enter places, speak to people and capture moments that no other photographer has been able to. But still, Cobb manages to remain humble. When she walked on to the Broad Stage a little before 8 p.m., her charm and
calm nature instantly became evident. Cobb spoke of how she got started in photography and showed the audience pictures of several famous musicians that she once managed to get very close to. But from there, Cobb’s career changed remarkably. She was sent out into different parts of the United States and into the world, and went from shooting huge crowds at rock concerts to shooting vast, empty landscapes with no people for as far as the eye could see. Being so isolated was tough on Cobb, but when National Geographic sent her on assignment to Israel she gradually started realizing what she was really passionate about. For the first time, she found herself in real danger. The First Intifada erupted in 1988 and Cobb was finally shooting things that she felt could have an impact on the world. Cobb’s will to change the world stayed with her, and she went to Saudi Arabia to photograph the lives of women there. This
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would prove to be a challenging task. Photographing women at this time in Saudi Arabia was very taboo, and required permission from a man in the depicted woman’s life, permission that was denied most of the time. She also ventured into the world of geishas in Japan. It took her a long time to earn the trust of these women, but she was given a glimpse into their everyday lives and the real meaning of their place in society. “It’s so inspirational,” said audience member Diane Bass after Cobb’s presentation. “She really is the definition of independent.” The independence and drive in Cobb has given her the chance to cover realities that are just as disturbing as they are fascinating. One project that she undertook was unveiling the world of human trafficking. Just like many other scenes that crossed Cobb’s path, seeing the abuse and enslavement of children and women affected her deeply. @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
A trip to Venice, Italy eventually changed Cobb’s course once more. When she was photographing the city, she started to notice the beautiful reflections in the canals. This was not part of her assignment, and she knew that National Geographic would not be interested in the pictures, but shooting the reflections that took on the shapes of dragons over the water was a kind of therapy for Cobb. It was then that Cobb started to take photographs that captured serenity and the beauty of the world. “So perhaps I didn’t change the world,” Cobb said at the end of her presentation. “But the world definitely changed me.” Cobb also shared another thought with the audience during her presentation. It is a motto that has stayed with her through the years. To this day, she still asks herself, “What can I do today that I haven’t done before?”
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volume 107 issue 10 • may 7, 2014 • santa monica college
Arts & Entertainment 9
courtesy of
Jeremy Daniel
Olivia Puckett (Whatsername) and the Ladies of American Idiot. The rock musical based on the Grammy-winning Green Day album opens in Los Angeles on May 13.
Olivia Puckett: American Idiot Alci Rengifo Arts & Entertainment Editor Olivia Puckett is getting ready to hit the stage and bring “American Idiot,” the rock opera spectacle based on the classic Green Day album of the same name, to life at Los Angeles’s Hollywood Pantages Theater on May 13. Puckett plays the role of Whatsername, the love interest of lead character Johnny. They form part of a group of young people caught in the limbo of a modern America mired in uncertainty, with some returning scarred from fighting in wars abroad. For Puckett , “American Idiot” is the first major role in the beginning of a promising career. Raised in a melodic home by parents with a love for the arts, it was only natural for Puckett to gravitate towards the world of theater. “When I got to high school I decided I wanted to make this my career,” said Puckett over the phone from New York City. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater Performance from Wagner College, it was a short span of time before Puckett landed a role in “American Idiot.” “I got an audition for the show in September. I went in and two days later got a call that I got it,” she said. For Puckett, the character of Whatsername represents a unique female role because while she’s a heroine, she is not the stereotypical damsel in distress waiting for her knight in shining armor. “She’s a really strong and independent woman who is trying to figure out her own self, but she has a better grasp on everything as far as life goes than most of the boys,” she said. “I’m very into girl power,” she added. “It’s important for young girls who are maybe starting to come to theater and are wanting to do it, that they don’t have to play these ‘woe is me’ characters all the time.” The production is directed by Tony award-winner Michael Mayer from “Spring Awakening.”
One of the aspects of “American Idiot” that cannot be overlooked is its political nature. The platinum-selling, Grammywinning Green Day album the musical was released at the height of the Iraq War and remains a timeless expression of the George W. Bush era. The musical adaptation presents a world where young people are saturated by both the media and the political uncertainty of the times. Puckett believes the strength of the material is how it fits well with the moods and feelings of any time and place. “This show and the album were written during that whole time but it connects to every generation. There has never been a perfect American political world, so it connects to every generation including future ones,” she said. “I think young people should start thinking for ourselves. Take your own path and stay educated about what’s going on abroad and in our own country.” One number from the production that has grown close to Puckett’s heart is “21 Guns.” “It’s the climax of the show when Johnny is just rock bottom and I want to help him and he doesn’t want it. It’s such a meaningful song, the arrangement by Tom Kitt is just beautiful. You can feel something.” The show has already been playing to sold out audiences across the country since October. “We’ve got it working like a well-oiled machine. It will be fun to end the show with a bang in L.A.,” she said. Puckett hopes audiences will attend “American Idiot” to experience something beyond the usual pastimes of watching something on a screen. “Do you want to see a movie or do want to see this show? People should come see the show. They will leave with a whole different idea of Punk rock. Have fun, lose yourself for an hour and a half.” she said. “American Idiot” opens at the Hollywood Pantages Theater on May 13 and will run through May 18..
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10 Opinion
volume 107 issue 10 • May 7, 2014 • santa monica college
Accepting the evolution of feminism Liz Phillips Staff Writers As women living in the United States in the 21st century, we are privileged to be able to use many terms to define ourselves; sister, mother, daughter, teacher, doctor, politician, scientist, philanthropist, sexpositive feminist, sex-negative feminist, liberal feminist, even radical feminist, to name a few. Now more than ever, overlapping and multiple labels are so common, that it can be hard for us to see through the shades of grey to decide what is best for the blanket term “us.” On March 26, 2014, the Corsair ran a story covering the ‘Pole Dancing Olympics’ held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Pole World News is attempting to legitimize what they now refer to as ‘aerial dancing’, and even having Olympic aspirations. Having heard coverage of the event on KCRW before ever reading it in the Corsair, might have primed me for the piece to the point where I felt no qualms with the fact that we covered it, or how we did. The story was informative and intriguing for many, but also shocking and infuriating for others. The article gave a good assessment of the event as is, though I feel the coverage failed to indicate a broader point. This was not just an amusing event for a niche market that happened to have accompanying dynamic photography. These women were presenting a historically objectifying act as an acceptable way to get fit, and attempting to legitimize it to the point of eventually making it an Olympic sport. So what are the broader implications of this? Is this a symptom of privilege run rampant, or are these women rightly reclaiming a previous form of oppression? While I can’t speak for everyone, I would like to share opinions that I believe to be held by many of my young generation. One thing is certain, Western women got to where we are now by way of struggle, and forever grateful for the hard battles fought by remarkable women before us. We acknowledge that there is still work to be done, and we would be foolish to declare, “mission accomplished” anytime soon. But this turn of the century has also brought us into a new phase. The first wave of feminism gained us the right to vote in 1920. The second wave in the 1960s and 70s gained more vital ground over a myriad of legal and reproductive rights. And now we are in a third wave of feminism. For us Western women, this new wave is so different from the previous two, that we actually need a new term to better define our goals and ourselves. The label “Feminist” is one that many in my generation have problems completely identifying with, and the way it has been growing sub-headers is indicative of just that. While I personally agree with all the intents attached to the word “Feminist”, I cannot help but feel that combative and reactionary behavior accompanies it, which seems restrictive. The first and second waves battled because they legitimately had to, but we are in a phase of building, calling for entirely different tactics that better fit our needs and modern world. There will always be times when it is completely appropriate to say something is patriarchal and harmful to women, and there will be many more when we as women need to call men out on their privilege. It’s not always unwarranted to behave in a combative or reactionary way. But the same behavior that broke down walls in the past can close many doors when used today. What our generation is trying to do
is use tactics that don’t lack in strength but call upon the kind of subtleties that acknowledge the increasing differences under the term “woman.” That’s not to say we are waiting until men feel comfortable with the changes we need nor coddling them into acquiescence either. It just means that inclusion is our more dominant approach. Zury Chavez, treasurer of the Feminist Club at Santa Monica College, mentioned the ways in which we use social media to affect change and that a different approach to feminism is not necessarily less than those that came before us.
It’s difficult for women to do something sexually suggestive and ask others to look beyond that suggestiveness to see what other values it might hold for women. But it has been done before, in the 1890s, women were fighting for the right to ride a bicycle, attempts are now made to try to legitimize the pole. Both are objects that go between our legs, but they do not make us sexual objects by using them. We understand these are difficult lines to transcend for many women, especially for those who are ingrained in older ways of thinking. Every generation is going to have issues which push the envelope in ways
Jhosef Hern & Rachel Gianuario Corsair
“Older feminists feel like our younger generation is not as involved as we actually are. And I don’t really agree with that,” Chavez said. “We are doing things in different ways, so much so that it seems simple. It just allows people to become more involved.” Redefining the term and our tactics is an important step that my generation needs to take. Over the past week, I’ve had conversations with Maryam Zar, a former Iranian correspondent, current blogger for the Huffington Post, and the founder of Womanfound, a non-profit building awareness of the struggles of women in undeveloped parts of the world. She has spoken to students at SMC before, and was a great sounding board for this piece. On redefining the term feminism, Zar suggested, “Feminism in the modern day, in the West, is having the prerogative to demand equality in the eyes of the law and to work towards equal rights in every form of civic and public life. In order to be able to choose one’s direction, appearance, and life choices, large and small, without inhibition of societal rules or expectations.” That is something we can all relate to, right?
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that make the previous generation pause for thought. Especially in a country like the United States, where we have been taught that freedom is our birthright, it is only natural that we seek new arenas where we can express ourselves and explore our complexities. But while we seek to carve out new spaces and definitions for ourselves, we owe it to previous generations, and women worldwide to do so in unselfish ways, while offering the commentary necessary for proper understanding. If we skip the explanation, we risk losing our audience, our support, and our ground. Pole Dancing, with all its negativity is being transformed into Aerial Dancing, a way for women to get fit and a new form of accepted dance in which men also participate, has value to my generation. Showmanship for the sake of showmanship (i.e. Miley Cyrus’ infamously exploitative performance at the MTV Video Music Awards) has no value other than selfish gains for the individual and damages our cause. Being lewd just to prove you can is childish and holds no value to building the rights of women. But these aerial dancers are doing @t h e _ c o r s a i r •
something different. It’s not yet perfect, but part of a larger process that requires analysis, steps, and coverage. Believing that these women, by making the choice to pole dance, allows others the right to judge them as people who have made bad decisions, fallen from grace, or lived a “life littered with mistakes”, is exceptionally outdated. Thinking that they can’t possibly have a good reason to make the choice to pole dance, means you are still living decades past. Those views are paternalistic, even if held by women, and it interferes with the free will of the very women we are trying to protect. Men have done that to us for centuries and it’s a destructive trap which we risk falling into. We acknowledge that a woman has the ability to make decisions and act in a way that is best for her. We fought long and hard for that right, and we cannot take it away from ourselves now. Just because a woman is on a pole doesn’t mean she is weak and catering to the wills of men. Historically, women of color have not felt included in the feminist movement. They have had bigger battles to conquer first. Chavez, who identifies as Latin American and whose parents came from El Salvador, agrees with this. But she says that while an increasing number of women of color participate and hold leadership roles in the Feminist movement, it’s still not balanced. “Even when us, as women of color separate ourselves, I see that as a negative thing,” Chavez said. “We are supposed to work together regardless of the color of our skin. At the root, we are all women” When race comes up, Chavez says it can get tricky but it’s something that these conversations need. In order for us to be a community, both sides need to accept their respective differences and realize that at the root we are the same, and want the same outcome. Our differences must be recognized, but we can’t let them hold us back as a group. There is power in our diversity when all focused towards the same goals. That embrace needs to include not only race, but femininity and sexuality as well. Another aspect that is especially thorny is when we take into account that the United States is a leader in the feminist movement, when compared to most of the world. While we are busy arguing about poles, there is more focus about education and birth control in other parts of the world. Our pole-centered debate is one that has stemmed from our western world privilege. But that does not mean we should refrain from stretching our own boundaries. Pushing too hard will not serve any damage to our worldwide goals. What we need to do is provide the accompanying commentary, that we know is controversial, but this is feminism in its modern form. We have achieved a certain amount of freedom in this part of the world and this is how we will express and maintain it. It might seem over the top to some, but that in itself is a privilege we have attained and we aren’t going to give it up. Our aspirations should grow, but we have to consider whether our actions are properly inclusive, unselfish, and communicate successfully. We must not shy away from controversy and explain how and why these actions are important to us and promote our cause as women who only want the best for everyone. This is how young women can further our cause. This is how we can continue to stress that there should be no limits to what a woman can and cannot do. That used to mean accepting a strong, independent woman in pants. But now, that means we need to accept a strong, independent woman whether she is in pants, a short skirt, or on a pole.
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opinion 11
volume 107 issue 10 • may 7, 2014 • santa monica college
Club Row boosts awareness of clubs on campus Jonathan Ramos Opinion Editor
David Yapkowitz Corsair Members of Phi Theta Kappa sell In-N-Out at Club Row on the SMC quad on Thursday, next to the C.A.R.E. Club booth, which raises awareness about animal cruelty. C.A.R.E. stands for Corsairs for Animal Rights and Ethics.
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Club Row has come and gone and students at Santa Monica College once again had the opportunity to make their college experience that much more fulfilling. Signing up for a club in college can be very endearing for a student looking to do more on a campus than the usual four hours of classes and seemingly eight hours of looking for parking. “It gives you time in between an early morning class and an early afternoon class to do something actually,” said Bonny Pennell, a member of SMC’s Creative Writing Club. “It also gets you to meet new people. If I hadn’t actually come to creative writing club, I wouldn’t have met certain people who have the same interests as me, besides just writing.” Clubs in college can serve as a lot more than just something to do on a student’s spare time. For some students, SMC serves as new territory with a different set of rules and a new set of people to meet. Extroverts may have no problem adjusting but for introverts seeking a reason to attend school other than the usual purpose, clubs provide those students a foundation on which to start their college careers. “When I moved here first week, I joined some clubs and it really helped me get integrated into this school and classes so it was really fun,” said Gabriel Reis, a member of the Ballroom Dancing Club. During the time spent complaining about too much free time in between classes, some students fail to see the many opportunities out there to pass the time. Given that clubs have not always been promoted in the the proper way, a school as big and diverse as SMC should be enough for students to know that there is more past the surface of campus. The clubs at SMC and the students should find a way to meet half way. When walking around campus, even during the student activity hour, very few clubs are visible as only the outdoor clubs are seen by students. With over 20 active clubs at SMC, according to the newsletter from the Associated Students, it’s unfortunate that more than half of them are hidden indoors. While clubs like the Ballroom Dance Club at times take place outdoors behind the Letters and Science Building, other clubs like the Creative Writing Club or the Robotics Club end up as missed opportunities due to their lack of visibility and promotion. “I feel clubs would be a lot happier and a lot bigger if people had more signs up and some clubs would go out to more people to get [themselves] other members,” said Courtney King of the Crafting Club. “I love having a reason to want to come to school and a reason to be excited about it, and I think that everyone should and I think that clubs bring that to many people.” Joining a club at school can be helpful in building a sense of community with other students and it allows for students to help each other express themselves by sharing interests and hobbies that others in their lives might not relate to. Through my own time writing for The Corsair, I’ve been able to practice my ultimate career path of journalism while building friendships and becoming acquainted with students and faculty that I otherwise would have never known. While The Corsair may not exactly be a club, it holds the same qualities as any other club on campus. Building friendships and practicing your interests and hobbies can lead a long way for someone with a set career path. More importantly, it can make the stress of everyday college life a lot easier and make for a much more enjoyable ride. That is what clubs are there for. Whether it’s joining a club or simply trying one out, a student should never hesitate to try something new to freshen up their college experience.
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& lifestlye 12 Health
volume 107 issue 10 • may 7, 2014 • santa monica college
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT The rigors of school can make getting a wellbalanced meal a challenge for most students. The sacred trio of breakfast, lunch and dinner can become a luxury amid the traffic of class, work, and homework. A group of Santa Monica College students shared their insights, experiences, and hassles when it comes to finding sustenance. Mia Duncans Corsair
Yani Velasco
Leonardo Campos
Yani Velsasco doesn’t have a specific diet but she mostly eats chicken, fish and vegetables. “I try to keep it clean as far what I tend to consume.” For breakfast she will often have hash browns with scrambled eggs and sausages. She likes to have Chinese food for lunch and dinner usually consists of chicken breast or steak in combination with vegetables. Velasco is always on the get go and therefore likes to snack on yogurt, fruits, and granola bars in between meals. She confesses that she hadn’t been doing her best with her diet and that she is now trying to cut down on weight, “I try as hard as I can to keep [my diet] on the healthy side. “
Leonardo Campos has taken several nutrition classes at Santa Monica College, and is very aware of what he consumes and tries to live a healthy lifestyle. He generally has eggs, bacon, and beans for breakfast and will sometimes indulge in a waffle or pancakes. For lunch he occasionally eats at the cafeteria but he thinks that there aren’t many options available. He usually goes to Subway or Burger King because of their convenient location close to the main campus. For dinner he prefers to eat chicken baked with rice, beans and tortillas. “Something simple like that, nothing fancy, I don’t really add a lot of salt,” he adds.
Aaron Dessert
Trixy Parra Despite what his name might suggest, Aaron Dessert is not a big fan of desserts. He tries to be aware of what he eats and avoids snacks. “I can’t find a cheap snack that’s healthy and pretty much all the ones from vending machines have a bunch of salt,” he said. For breakfast he generally has granola or oatmeal and occasionally eggs or rice, “if dad feels like cooking.” He packs his own lunch and generally prepares a turkey sandwich, eggs, tuna, or another dish usually in combination with rice because it fills him up well. For dinner, Dessert often eats steak or chicken and occasionally fish which he describes as the highlight of his dinner.
Trixy Parra sometimes skips breakfast because she has to hurry to get to her morning classes. When she has the luxury of having breakfast she prefers having cereal, pancakes, eggs, or a bowl of different fruits. She usually has a snack for lunch, like banana bread or cookies, not really a meal just a small snack,. Dinner is a bigger meal, rice with vegetables combined with tofu or various meat like chicken or pork. “I try to be aware of what I eat but it’s very hard to eat three meals a day because of my classes.”
Ellen Andersen Every morning Ellen Andersen has oatmeal with banana and cinnamon. She usually has lunch at school and likes to snack on rice cakes with peanut butter in between meals. She will eat anything for dinner but her favorite meal consists of meat in combination with a salad and lots of sauce. She currently is on a diet and tries to avoid eating too many carbs by eating dishes such as pasta and rice only once a week. “Like my daddy says, just eat less and train more,” she adds.
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Justin Velasquez “For breakfast today I had cookies,” Justin Velasquez shared with a grin on his face. He usually gets lunch at Burger King, likes to snack on chips, cookies, and crackers, and eats whatever his mom makes for dinner. Velasquez said that she generally cooks chicken with rice and potatoes and that he’s not very aware of what he eats, “I don’t gain weight so it doesn’t really matter what I eat.”
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