ARTS
SPORTS
The Weeknd’s Blues Hits CSUDH
Spring Athletics 0, Coronavirus 1
BULLETIN See page 4
See page 5
California State University, Dominguez Hills
MARCH 18, 2020 • VOL. 24, NO. 4
csudhbulletin.com
@dhbulletin
Photos by Robert Rios Bulletin
A light rain greeted those few students on campus last Thursday, the first day of canceled classes, which have been extended to this Monday.
Virus Threat Ushers in New (Un)Normal By JORDAN DARLING Editor-in-Chief Last night at 8:46 p.m., the president’s office released a statement informing the CSUDH community that alternative instruction, which is scheduled to begin Monday, will continue through the rest of the semester at the recommendation of health officials. Additionally, CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham said commencement will be postponed. Parham is expected to re-
lease another announcement Friday providing more details. Remote work for faculty and staff will continue throughout the semester. This applies to all non-essential faculty and staff. Safety officials like the campus police will still be available on campus throughout the rest of the semester. Students in the dorms are encouraged to return to their permanent residences but if for whatever reason they are [See Coronavirus, page 3]
Stretch run gets a detour By JACKSON CASCIO Staff Reporter
Computer access and wi-fi would have make the library the main campus hub. It will be closed but for a computer lab on the first floor.
STAFF EDITORIAL
Even Socially Distant, We Have to Work Together It took two months for COVID-19 to seem real for most of us on this campus. It took less than five days for it to turn us inside out and upside down What felt last Wednesday as more of a formality than a shock to the system (President Parham’s email announcing
three days of canceled classes and then three weeks of online classes sandwiched around spring break) had turned surreal by yesterday afternoon Saturday, following CSU Chancellor Timothy White’s lead, Parham sent an email saying all employees over age
65 needed to stay away from campus, since they are at especially high risk for contracting COVID-19. And then Monday and Tuesday, foll0wing four of the most bizarre days in Los Angeles history--panic shopping, Lakers and Dodgers postponed, bars and restau-
rants shuttered-- two more Parham emails, effectively closing the campus with the intention that will help lessen the rate of transmission. The COVID-19 virus has been in the headlines since early January, but until last
Like most people at CSUDH, the past two weeks have been incredibly stressful for me. But rather than living in a state of steady, general anxiety over the spread of the coronavirus, my trajectory has been more of a roller coaster. I’m graduating in two months. It’s a great accomplishment I worked hard for. I just wish earlier this month I didn’t have to say goodbye to [See Senior, page 6]
[See Editorial, page 6]
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
PERSPECTIVES
CSUDH BULLETIN
Stop Being Sorry, Woman By YESENIA FLORES Contributor Not too long ago, I noticed that women apologize for some of the most unnecessary situations. If you were to stop and pay close attention, you would also recognize that some women say sorry a ridiculous amount of times. I realized I was apologizing far too much after an encounter with an older woman who thankfully set me straight. Last September, I went to the Ohana Festival in Dana Point to see The Strokes (my favorite band, ever). Without a doubt, the event was jampacked because of the band’s popularity and people stood shoulder to shoulder. As a group of friends and I waited in the crowd, a woman tapped
my arm asking if she could get by me to meet up with her husband who was standing a few feet ahead. Without hesitation, I said, “Oh! Sorry. Go ahead.” and moved out of her way. Almost immediately she smiled wide and replied, “No, don’t be sorry. Why are you sorry? You did nothing wrong. You’re entitled to your space.” I was surprised and felt a sense of enlightenment. Needless to say, The Strokes’ performance was not the only experience that replayed in my head for weeks on end. I contemplated why I was sorry for something that actually did not call for an apology. I looked toward several of the women in my life and realized many of them did the same. One woman in particular, would apologize and blush
immensely when someone would ask her to clear a path. Before a class presentation, another apologized for not wearing makeup and not fixing her hair because she was rushing to class. When a professor would ask if anybody needed them to repeat an explanation, some women would start off with, “Sorry, I do.” At outings, the women I observed first apologized to people before rejecting their advances, “Sorry, no I’m taken” or “Sorry, no thanks.” Understandably, it’s common sense to be polite, courteous, and apologetic when necessary. Yet, some women do not know the fine line between when it is called for and when it is not. It’s habitual, a bad habit at that. Just like nail-biting or slouching while
walking, these bad habits can and should be broken off to make room for better ones. The downside is that society mistakes assertiveness, self-confidence, and being expressive for being rude, bossy, and catty. “I do notice that I [say sorry] mostly with strangers,” Vanessa Aguilar, a sociology major and graduating senior said. “Like if I’m asking for something I say, ‘Sorry to bother’ when I could easily say, ‘Excuse me, do you have time for a question?’ I think it comes from not wanting to seem rude.” Just like Aguilar stated, there are more ways than one to ask for something politely without being apologetic because regardless, being kind still matters. You can be considerate of others, ask for
what you want, look however you want and not feel the need to make an excuse or be sorry about it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking up space, looking undone, saying no, and asking questions that need answers. Being over apologetic can undermine one’s portrayal of self-confidence and authority, especially in the workplace. Since the encounter I had at the festival, I am more selfaware about the number of times I use the word sorry in my vocabulary. It leaves me dumbfounded to realize that it took me so long to take notice of this bad habit. Now, I try to point out if I notice people are using the word improperly and remind them to be intentional with the words they use.
She’s Uncomplicated By JASMINE NGUYEN Culture Editor
Andrea Ochoa-Mendez Bulletin
Third Wave of Reggaeton By ANDREA MENDEZ Staff Reporter/illustrator “Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana (YHLQMDLG)” was the album title that Reggaeton sensation, Bad Bunny announced on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” on Feb. 27. Translating to “I do whatever I want,” there is no lie that this rapper does what he pleases. From heartbreak anthems to his crazy style, Bad Bunny has been pushing the envelope of topics not really embraced in the traditional Latinx community. Bad Bunny, born Benito Ocasio, was born and raised in Puerto Rico. His musical talent started at a young age and soon lead to his success as an artist. While working as a bagger in a supermarket in his hometown, he was releasing music onto the Soundcloud platform. Reaching commercial success, Bad
Bunny has become one of the pioneers of this third wave of Reggaeton that has hit the U.S. With hit after hit, Bad Bunny has broken barriers using his platform to voice out his dismay of toxic masculinity as well as global issues specifically in the LGBTQ+ community. On The Tonight Show, while performing “Ignorantes” from his new album, he wore a skirt and a shirt in remembrance to the slaying of Alexa Negron, a transgender woman murdered in Puerto Rico. He has hit numerous topics that shake the foundation of what a stereotypical Latinx man is supposed to be. His personal style takes on fluidity with one of his most known fashion traits: painted fingernails. For a man in the Latinx community, this is seen as a [See Reggaeton, page 7]
ies major, recently experienced an uncomfortable situation because of her race. “When I was at a small party with my “Small, weak, submissive and erotiother female Asian friend, we were standcally alluring…eyes almond-shaped ing by each other and this guy comes for mystery, black for suffering, up behind us, puts his arms wide-spaced for innocence, high around both our shoulders and cheekbones swelling like bruises, is like, ‘aww, my sweet Asian cherry lips….she’s fun you see, girls,” Kim said. “ It wasn’t and so uncomplicated.” straight-up racism but it made What could this quote be me feel like he had reduced me describing? A doll? Some cardown to my race.” toon characters? Hello Kitty? No, Jessica Conte, a Professor of this quote from a 1990 article in Asian Pacific Studies at CSUDH, Gentlemen Quarterly by Tony has had many experiences Rivers is unfortunately about where she felt looked down Asian women. upon because she was an As an Asian woman Asian American. myself, I’ve always strug“It’s not just the idea of gled with the stereotypes being submissive, I think that plague women in the it’s also the idea of being Asian American Pacific less important, that your Islander community. ideas are less valuable,” The one stereotype in parConte said, recalling a time ticular I hated being compared to when she worked for a certain was the infantilization of Asian organization and found herself women and the idea that we’re continuously being skipped even all submissive and cute workwhen her name was on the ers. agenda. If I act too sweet and When Conte would explain to enjoy cute things, am I her other co-workers (who were furthering the idea that all mostly white men), they would Asian women are submisjust say they didn’t notice they sive angels who need white men were constantly skipping over her. to save us?(Kim“Miss Saigon”; The stereotype that Asian women Mariko Yashita, “The Wolverine”). look younger than their age or are Or when I happily agree to help inherently more childish is something with something, it’s not because that Conte still deals with to this day. I’m a good person; it’s obviously “A lot of other faculty assume I’m something with my DNA. a student…. Once I didn’t have Many women in the AAPI keys to my office, and a faculty community have experienced member had me show ID to prove similar situations where they’ve Andrea Ochoa-Mendez that I was faculty, it was honestly a felt reduced to just their skin color Bulletin degrading situation on many levels,” and looked down upon because of Conte said. the racial stereotypes that come with it. [See Uncomplicated, page 7] Jennifer Kim, a second-year media stud-
STAFF BOX EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jordan Darling MANAGING EDITOR Yeymy Garcia CULTURE EDITOR Jasmine Nguyen OPINION EDITOR Robin Bolton
CO-NEWS EDITORS Dayzsha Lino, Robert Rios ASST. NEWS EDITOR Taylor Helmes ARTS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR Destiny Torres PHOTO EDITOR Nova Blanco-Rico
CO-SPORTS EDITORS Jessica Olvera, Jeremy Gonzalez ASST. CULTURE EDITORS Sarai Henriquez Darlene Maes WEB EDITOR Angelica Mozol
REPORTERS Matthew Alford, Joseph Cascio, Julissa Casillas, Brian Hinchion, Andrea Mendez-Ochoa, Benito Morales, Iracema Navarro, Ulises Rodriguez, Velia Salazar,
Brenda Verano, Joseph Witrago LAYOUT ASSISTANT Luis Guitierrez AD MANAGER Andrew Baumgarnter ADVISER Joel Beers
The print and digital version of the CSUDH Bulletin is published bi-weekly and is produced by students in Communications 355, News Production workshop. The views and expressions contained on both do not necessarily reflect that of the Communications
Department, or the CSUDH administration. The Bulletin operates within, and is protected by, the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Comments, criticism, and story ideas can be emailed to bulletin@ csudh.edu. We reserve the right to edit any letters for length, grammar and punctuation, and libel.
NEWS
CSUDH BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
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Even in Hawaii, Virus Can’t Be Avoided—But the View is Way Better By TAYLOR HELMES Assistant News Editor Like every other Toro, I received a startling email last Wednesday about the temporary suspension of classes. Unlike most Toros, I happened to be on the Big Island of Hawaii. Call it an early spring break. But it was hard to wrap my head around the news that started flooding in on my cell phone and those around me. Travel restrictions. Sports suspensions. Events closed. Bars shutting down.
It was hard to comprehend because it wasn’t my reality. I was about to hike Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, discover black sand beaches, and shop at the local farmers market and marketplace. It’s not like I was completely ignorant. I’d boarded the flight at LAX wearing a face mask, because I had a slight cough, and brought plenty of hand sanitizer and washed my hands regularly. But I’ve alway been one of those travelers who takes extra precautions. But there’s a difference between being prepared and
panic-purchasing baby formula, clearing out Costco’s shelves, or comparing this virus to the Black Plague. And it’s not like no one mentioned coronavirus on the island. I saw masks everywhere; then again, the island is literally made up of volcanic rock. But the longer I was there, the more the virus was talked about especially among locals and tourists. I noticed rather than focusing on the health concerns, local businesses were more worried about the lack of travelers Maha Schutte, an employ-
ee at The Walking Company from Waimea, told us how her store was cutting hours because of the lack of tourists and travelers in the area. “You guys came just in time,” she jokingly said. Coming back home to a mostly closed campus, work being canceled until further notice, and an unimaginable shortage on things like toilet paper is an eerie feeling. But maybe it was my physical detachment when this reached crisis point over the weekend (I returned late Saturday night), or maybe I brought my own
CORONAVIRUS From page 1 unable to, they can remain on campus, Parham said in the email. Dining options are severely limited on campus and those still in housing should talk to personnel about options. Students should also check their email within the next 24 to 48 hours for updates for instructions on check out. Health services will continue to remain open throughout the semester for students. It will re-open on Monday, March 23 with new hours and a decreased staff. The library building will be closed except for the computer lab on the first floor which will have limited hours. Sports have been canceled and commencement will be postponed until further notice. Details will continue to filter in throughout the next few days. Stay alert by checking your CSUDH emails and the campus website, and keep an eye on the Bulletin, which will publish digital-only issues throughout the rest of the semester and will also continually update its website at csudhbulletin.com.
Background The coronavirus has caused mass amounts of confusion and panic over the past two months, as it has jumped from country to country and governments have tried to stop its spread through measures of quarantine and limited movement. College campuses have been closing throughout the country to try to stem the spread of the flu-like virus and have even gone so far as to cancel commencement ceremonies. The California State University’s Chancellor’s Office recently announced that the CSU would also stop any school-related travel up through the summer. CSUDH is no different as the entire system has radically altered the way it operates in response to the coronavirus threat. On March 11, CSUDH President Parham sent a cam-
Photos by Robert Rios Bulletin
There was a faint pulse in the library (above) and the food court last Thursday; but this week even that was gone.
pus-wide email announcing the suspension of face-to-face classes until the following Monday. Restaurants in the LSU Food Court, as well as the library, would stay open with reduced hours. The president assured students that classes and regularly scheduled activities would resume April 13 pending recommendations from health officials. Five days later (two days ago) Parham released another email announcing that classes would continue to be canceled until Monday, March 22, and all but essential staff for the operation of the campus would be working remotely. Those whose jobs hindered that would be put on administrative leave with pay. Parham said in last night’s email that the decision to extend the class cancellation until March 22 (this Monday) was to give “us a little more time to help manage our personal lives during this crisis without added pressures, while we also ready the campus to resume the spring semester with as little further disruption as possible.” The campus was not closed, Parham said in Monday’s email,, as student housing would remain fully staffed and “remain open for those
kind of infection back from Hawaii: that impossible to hold but hard to escape mentality to take everything in stride, that all things, good and bad, will eventually pass. Don’t get me wrong. I know these are serious, tense times. And though I am thankful that I’ll be saving the gas it takes for me to commute 50 miles to campus, and I’ll gladly work from home, poolside or my bed, I will miss the social interactions and connections I’ve made with my fellow Toros. (Yes, I’m talking about you guys in the newsroom.) that concerns that any further cancellation of classes would be harmful to the curriculum he had set for students and create confusion throughout the student body. That concern was echoed by Dr. Laura Talamante. She replied to his email that teacher concerns lie beyond the spread of the virus and are more focused on the educational outcome of the semester and the student’s needs throughout this period of uncertainty. “I would like to add the like lack of guidance from Academic Affairs on the ways to handle the instructional impact on students’ learning outcomes and the grading approach to a disruptive curriculum and semester is an added stress.” Dr. Paul Duong Tran, a professor in the department of social work, wrote in a further comment. wrote in a March 16 email. With the teaching staff still adjusting to the disruptions of the preventative measures put in place by the administration, the rules could continue to change as more information is put out and the community seeks a new norm under these circumstances
What’s Next?
student residents who do not wish to return home. We will work with residents who stay on campus to ensure their basic needs are met.” Parham added that an email Friday, March 20, would announce further updates regarding the decision. But that email came sooner: last night.
Faculty In a March 16 email, La Tanya Skinner, president of the CSUDH chapter of the California Faculty Association backed Parham’s announcement to suspend classes.\. “As the University pre-
pares its plans to continue to provide quality education to our students, it is imperative that everyone takes some time to check-in on your personal health as well as those you love and care for,” Skiffer wrote “We now have the breathing room to do this. I am so proud of CSUDH right now. We will get through this together.” Some were not as thrilled, including library staff who expressed concerns of having to be on campus, potentially elevating their threat risk, and some faculty. Dr. Mark Carrier a psychology professor raised concerns on the DH email list
Honestly, no one knows. Until further notice, alternative instruction will begin Monday and continue throughout the semester. The campus will continue to operate, but only staff essential to that operation, such as safety officers, will be working. A computer lab in the library will be open for those students who need access. Parham gave some hope in last night’s email, when he announced that commencement would be postponed and not completely canceled. Some universities, such as UC Irvine, have canceled their commencement. This situation is unprecedented, but no one has floated the most extreme of possibilities for students: ending the semester. To read our staff editorial and a letter from the editor, see our website.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
ARTS & LIFESTYLE
CSUDH BULLETIN
The Weeknd Blues Hits CSUDH
By ULISES RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
The most anticipated album of the year is about to leave many listeners in limbo about old relationships. The Weeknd has slowly released little teases to leave people guessing what his “After Hours” album will be about, which is set to release on March 19 on Apple Music and March 20 for all other platforms. Now what I mean by that is, will his new album be about his old relationship with Selena Gomez or is he completely over her? Maybe its way more complicated, at least based on the first single from the album, “After Hours,” which really hits your fucking emotions right in the area you never knew could be hit. If you thought his last album “My Dear Melancholy” was truly a heart destroyer then prepare yourselves for this next album. A combination of his “Trilogy” album and “Kiss Land” album, this one might find you sitting at your bed and debating whether you were the problem in your relationships. When you listen to the “After Hours” single, it will take you back to the one time you opened up your feelings and emotions to someone you truly cared about, only to watch them the next day at a bar making out with their “best friend.” Now that is some next-level deep pain that The Weeknd has injected into his new album. Several students on campus opened up their thoughts about the album and their expectations when it finally arrives Friday. “I feel that just from the three songs that he has released, it will be about how he wants to move on from Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez but he is stuck in the middle,” Shelby Just, a 26-year-old busi-
Ulises Rodriguez Bulletin
A life without emotional pain is a life without excitement....let the XO lifestyle take over. ness major said. “Like in a way he hasn’t completely forgiven them for putting him through the pain he went through.” Samantha Mbodwam, a 22-year-old English major
said, “I feel that his album is going to be about Selena, I think I read online that one of his songs on the album is named Selena.” After two long years from
The Weeknd’s last emotional downfall, we will finally receive an understanding of his current emotional state. Now I know some people might not entirely agree with
how The Weeknd comes up with most of his songs, especially since most of his lyrics and inspirations come from past experiences. To tell you the truth, it does sound a little shitty to put an ex on blast in public, but that’s sort of what being an artist is about. Now don’t automatically think that you’re going to pick up a microphone and start talking about your ex, because then I have to talk about how with great power comes great responsibility….and trust me I’ve heard that speech from multiple people when it comes to writing and creating art. Back to the album, I hope it really dives into every painful emotion you could ever feel and just leave you in a pool of hurt, to the point where the album itself should contain an advisor that cautions you not to drink while listening or you could be at risk of sending a 2 a.m. text to your ex, and we all know those are the best texts to send. Until we wake the next morning with a hangover and mortifying regrets. Do yourselves a favor: if you’re going to drink while listening to the album don’t have your phone in your pocket. Elect a friend as a designa ted phone holder and prepare yourself to relive old emotions that you thought were dead. The “After Hours” album, just in case you made this far and completely forgot, is releasing on March 20 on all platforms, so plan ahead and mark your calendars for a long-overdue album. And don’t be too ashamed if you send that 2 a.m. text. Those of us who are interesting have all been there. Just remember there’s a reason people are ex’s, and maybe it’s best to leave them in the past at that very same bar they ripped your pulsating, beating heart to shrivel and die, and you were left with the only person that cared for you that night…. the bartender.
As Strong As They Come By JACKSON CASCIO Assistant Sports Editor In May 2015, I received some of the most gut-wrenching news of my life, my mother had a brain tumor. I wasn’t scared, I was terrified at the possibilities and those not-so-happy thoughts came running into my mind. “Is it cancer? How is it treated? How advanced is it? Is my mom going to die?” I was 17 and had thoughts of losing my mom. Yolanda Cascio had always been the rock in my family. She is the glue that has held us together for my entire life. To me she isn’t just my mom, she was my biggest motivator,
my greatest advocate, and my biggest fan. She would go to all my basketball games and cheered the loudest even if I wasn’t playing that day. She had an attitude about her that came out a lot during games, whether it was yelling at referees for making a bad call, or yelling at the other team’s fans. My mom was the definition of a soccer mom when I was younger. She coached both of my older sisters almost every year they played soccer, and was the person who would pick up everybody and take them home after practice and games. She showed her strength and attitude by enduring three
surgeries in six months in 2015 to remove the tumor. She didn’t stop there, she ended up having to go through radiation treatment in the fall of 2016 to kill the rest of the tumor. She couldn’t work during the time after her surgery, but she still helped my sister with her newborn daughter, Olivia. She welcomes everybody into her home with an open heart and an open mind. Only judging people by their character, and how they treat others. Her faith, and the size of her heart sets her apart from everybody else. I try and live my life the way she does, she works hard every day to give her kids a great life. I want to be able to live my life
Photo courtesy of Lynda Nguyen
Yolanda Cascio (first row, left) with her family at CSUDH Men’s Basketball Senior Night on February 22nd, 2020. with the happiness and determination that she has shown. She is always smiling, even when things aren’t going great, she always finds a way to find
the bright spot in everyday life. Her perseverance and strength are a reason that she is one of my heroes and I admire her. I love you, mom.
SPORTS
CSUDH BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
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NCAA Suspends All Athletic Activity By JESSICA OLVERA and JACKSON CASCIO Staff Reporters Imagine living in a world or going to a school without sports. Well, that’s the scary reality for professional and collegiate athletes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) announced in a statement on March 11 that all athletic events have been suspended for the rest of the academic year. According to a campus-wide email sent by President Thomas Parham the following day, the remainder of the CSUDH softball, baseball, track and field, and golf seasons will be suspended, including recruiting visits for the rest of the semester. Now, what does this mean for the student-athletes in regards to eligibility and facing the possible reality that they might have put on their uniform for the last time? In a statement from the NCAA on March 13, student-athletes who participated in spring sports will be granted eligibility relief, with additional details and issues addressed at a later date. But this sudden shock of the season being suspended has evoked all-too-real emotions to be felt for athletes, especially seniors. “It honestly hasn’t sunk in yet and I’m still in shock,” said Jade Loe, a senior utility player for the CSUDH softball team. “My heart goes out to all of the seniors in any
Courtesy of Toro Athletics
Jade Loe (#7 center) and Chenoa Au (#11 right) are two of the four softball team seniors whose seasons were cut short due to COVID-19.
sport who didn’t think that the last game they played would be their last. I think we all definitely deserve to get another year of eligibility back. All we can do is hope that it will work out eventually for the best.” Loe said that the possibility of ending her athletic career suddenly in her final year brings on a more emotional feeling because during her first three seasons at CSUDH, the team had a combined record of 50-101, but made a huge turnaround this season, with a current record of 16-8. The team
also reached national status for the first time since 2013, ranking 23rd in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II Polls on March 4. With the NCAA also canceling this years much-anticipated Division 1 men’s basketball tournament, it comes as no surprise that the NCAA and CCAA have canceled all spring sports. The biggest question that remains is what do sports do now with recruiting halted and seasons ending months earlier? Many logistical aspects must weighed. Will seniors
who were on track to graduate come back for another year? If current spring players are granted another year of eligibility, how is recruiting affected? “It was absolutely horrible news,” said Pierson Loska, a senior utility player for the CSUDH baseball team. “No athlete ever wants to be told that their season is over and to look back at all the hard work that our team has put in since September is really a tough pill to swallow.” Many spring athletes are going to have to adjust more so than regular students.
Only playing about half of your senior season could affect anybody. Imagine working on your craft for years to get to this moment in your career, doing all the right things, playing well, then something completely out of your control takes it away. The NCAA has some big decisions to make to decide on what its next steps will be going forward that will keep the student-athletes’ best interest at heart. And the rest of us must deal with our favorite escape route being blocked for who knows how long.
NOTES FROM THE BULLPEN
COVID-19 Affecting Sporting Events Globally By JEREMY GONZALEZ Co-Sports Editor Just when we needed them most, for diversion and entertainment, for the thrill of victory when our team won, and the agony of defeat when it didn’t, as a reminder of what the human body can do when spurred by competition, sports has gone dark. The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) has affected sports across the glove, one more loss in some places that have already endured so much, like the soccerloving nation of Italy. The Italian government implemented nationwide travel restrictions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. As a result, all sporting events in the coun-
try are suspended until at least April 3. Italy is the European country that has been the worst affected by the coronavirus outbreak, with over 2,500 deaths and over 31,500 cases. The Serie A, Italy’s first division soccer league, announced its suspension until further notice. The MLS announced last week its season will be postponed at least 30 days.So forget the best athletic event in town: the return of the best rivalry in Los Angeles, the Galaxy and LAFC, which was set for May 16. Will the Lakers or Clippers play again this season? The NBA announced its 30-day suspension last week, but some think it’s doubtful the league will resume again. One sports announcement probably did as much
as anything to convince those reluctant to admit the severity of this pandemic of its seriousness: the cancelation of the NCAA men’s and basketball tournmanents. (There won’t even be fake brackets based on what the field could have been for those in dire need of a March Madness fix). Major League Baseball announced Monday that opening day will be pushed back until at least mid-May. This article from CBS Sports yesterday breaks down all the other cancellations and postponements, including the NHL, the tradition like no other, the Masters, and the greatest three minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby. So far, the Summer Olympics are still scheduled to begin in July in Japan, but don’t hold your breath.
The NFL has pushed back the start of training camp, and who knows if its season will begin Sept. 10. There’s even a chance the Raiders, who were supposed to move to Las Vegas, and the Rams and Chargers, who are moving into the new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, will have to play one more season in Oakland, the Coliseum and next door to us. (Another reason to scream, at least for a certain portion of the sportsfan world: next to all the cancelation news, Tom Brady is STILL dominating the headlines! Sports from the highest professional level down to local little league teams are being affected and, yes, all of that, including the economic impact of a no-sports-zone is secondary to the very real
safety concerns of each and every one of us. But what is a sports junkie supposed to do? I guess we can actually engage in some physical activity, unless we’re ordered to shelter at home. Or watch ESPN, but how many times can one person stomach “SportsCenter,” with no sports? Maybe we can use this unplanned interruption to read a great sports book, watch a killer sports movie or documentary, play a video game or, why not, go way oldschool and dust off grandpa’s vintage board game? (Our newspaper adviser swears by this one). How about this: anyone want to play chess? We’ll have to figure out a way to move the pieces while sitting 6 feet apart, but talk about a time-killer...
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
NEWS/PERSPECTIVES
CSUDH BULLETIN
Be your own hero with C.A.P.E. By DARLENE MAES Staff Reporter With the amount of students and faculty members attending our campus every day of the week, some may still feel alone. When dealing with a personal issue the urge to speak to someone may seem like a last resort. At CSUDH, there is a safe space devoted to supporting individuals both faculty, staff and students who have experienced abuse in different forms. The Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Empowerment (CAPE) serves as a stand-alone department on campus to address issues of interpersonal abuse. Although our campus offers Title IX, Student Health services and other resources that can benefit those in need, CAPE serves its own defined purpose. It provides confidential support and education to anyone impacted by sexual assault/abuse, intimate partner abuse, stalking, and/or sexual harassment meant to help individuals overcome the impact of abuse to remain successful in professional, academic and personal goals. The importance of this center development was due to Executive Order 1095
EDITORIAL From page 1 week, didn’t it largely feel like something happening to other people somewhere else? Not anymore. As of Tuesday at 4 p.m., there was no diagnosed case of anyone affiliated with the campus, but the virus, or the reaction to its threat, has radically affected us. It’s possible most in-person instruction is done for this semester (President Parham’s scheduled announcement on Friday may clear that up). Commencement may not happen. And whether it’s teachers complaining about the hassle of figuring out how to use Zoom, or fellow students putting themselves at risk by frantical-
SENIOR From page 1 to my first love: competitive basketball. That ended March 3, when your CSUDH men’s basketball team, of which I am a co-captain, lost a heartbreaking overtime game to Cal Poly Pomona in the first round of our conference playoffs. I’ll be processing that loss and my personal ending for months if not years. But then, just a couple of days later, I received my first ever coaching job at a high profile youth program in Southern California. I was back on top. Except I was stressing about the virus the whole time. I live in the dorms, along with many
that requires “CSU system schools implement Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act of 2015 (also known as the Campus SaVE Act), and other legislation related to gender or sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking,” according to the CSUDH policies website. Mayra Romo serves as the CAPE coordinator and advocate for anyone who needs assistance dealing with abuse. As a coordinator, she assists clients by being a support system in listening, understanding and helping individuals coping with
abuse. She assists with situations such as filing a police report, explaining how the court system works for abuse victims, and is a stand-in support system for those in need from all identity backgrounds. An important focus of CAPE is the language used in order to help those who seek support to properly identify their experience. “There have been studies on campuses and the barriers for students seeking services,” Romo said. “A result was that they felt the services provided did not apply to their experience. So I am trying to make
sure that we overcome that. We will always be transitioning to serve our faculty, staff and students better.” Although CAPE serves within its own department, it has been given the same credibility of other resources on campus. Romo assures students they are in a safe space and her services are confidential In an effort to evolve CAPE, Romo applied and was rewarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women last October in order to assist with emergency resources such as transportation and housing.
The main impact CAPE aspires to gain in our campus community is to have a reach and continue to educate individuals on preventative measures and how to address their experiences and feel supported during a difficult time. The importance of having this resource for our campus is that trends are continuously changing and college culture is influenced by so many factors. As a community, it is important we are aware of how CAPE benefits our campus for those who may not have a shoulder to cry on or a person to listen without judgment towards trauma. CAPE’s next event will be in collaboration with the Women’s Resource Center for the little black dress campaign, an informative event that rejects victim-blaming and supports survivors of sexual abuse. The date is to be determined amid COVID-19 concerns. With the COVID-19 advisement set in place by President Parham for on-campus meeting and events being canceled or rescheduled, CAPE remains accessible. For individuals seeking immediate assistance over-the-phone appointments are being accepted and can be made by visiting their website,
ly searching for a decent and reliable wi-fi connection to stay connected, it’s become too real. And that’s confusing, shocking and alarming. But with the concern about a virus still ravenous for human hosts, there’s also a sadness that the pause button has been hit on our campus, and our education. That’s why we think closing the campus, or at least reducing staff to the bare minimum, is the best idea on paper and the worst in practice. It is what should be done; the most important thing is our safety, and that of those around us. It’s too late to contain the virus; but we can try to check its spread. But while our heads might recognize the importance of non-contact and non-associa-
tion it’s what our hearts most want. We’re confused and we’re scared and don’t know what’s going to happen next and right now we want a sense of community, of belonging, of simple routine and normalcy. But normal is weeks, if not months away and digital, not personal, connection will define the rest of the semester, which is worrisome. “I’m a little worried, with classes going online,” says Jenny Vera, a senior liberal arts major said. “Because it’s so difficult to concentrate on school when all of this is going on.” It will be difficult, and to get through it, we must work together. So we have three favors to ask of three principal stake-
holders on this campus: Faculty members: Please and respectfully shut up about how difficult transitioning to an online environment is, of how you don’t have the training or support from your department. You know what you do have? Us. So it’s time to put on your big people pants and get to work doing what we think got you teaching in the first place: to teach. By whatever means necessary. President Parham: Keep those emails coming but when possible, could you give us a little advance time, like Monday, when you told us to expect another Friday? We really do want to hear from you; we just want to be ready for your visit. And to our fellow stu-
dents: Take this seriously No, most of us, even if infected, won’t have serious symptoms. But we can spread it to those more susceptible. So go out only when necessary. Implement social distancing. Don’t panic, but be prepared. Stay informed. And remember: This is the most traumatic event of our generation to date. It is our Sept. 11; how we react, and act, will go a long way toward defining us individually and collectively. It’s not how any of us would prefer, but history is calling us. So let’s answer that call by staying safe, making the best choices, and rolling up our sleeves and putting our shoulders to the wheel. And doing the important work we need to not only get through this, but to be stronger for it.
of my teammates, where you can’t help but hear every rumor. But I also couldn’t shake the uncertainty of what might happen here, not after watching how so many universities around the country had closed their dorms and given their occupants an early and forced, summer vacation. When the news finally came down around 3 p.m. Wednesday, it was more of a relief, though. My roommates and teammates were excited to say the least. We came to CSUDH from New Mexico and Las Vegas, from Bakersfield to Ventura. We couldn’t wait to go home for a while. “I mean, why not do my school work from my house,” said Isaiah Morris, a sophomore business administration
major, “I can have a homecooked meal, spend time with my dog and have my own room back.” I was planning on staying with my girlfriend until the situation settled down. But I still felt anxious about what might come next. And it did. The NBA suspended its season and the NCAA canceled its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. Then my new coaching job was also put on hold for fears of the spreading virus. In seven days, my basketball career ended, professional and college hoops were put on hold, my new job ended before it began and it like my school (and my life) was shutting down. I couldn’t even take pleasure
in online classes. Finishing my degree in my pajamas is a dream. Under the current circumstances however, this makes it more of a nightmare. I think most of the other 712 inhabitants of on-campus housing feel like I do. Happy to go home for a few weeks or a couple of months; but bummed it’s happening this way. And then there are those for whom going home isn’t an option. One of my roommates has to stay in the dorms because of his job. How depressing it is going to be hanging around an empty residence hall on an empty campus in the middle of a public health crisis? But that’s not my only question. Eight weeks from walking in commencement holding
that well-deserved diploma, I’m not asking the normal questions of a graduating senior like am I going to get a good job; are my career plans going to work out. I’m asking questions I never imagined. What if the campus doesn’t reopen this semester? How will these online classes go, anyway? What about graduation? What about summer session? What if a student in the dorms tests positive? What if the virus situation somehow stabilizes and we can come back in mid-April? Will we still feel uneasy about returning to a dense university campus? What if we have gotten a bit too comfortable with online-only classes? Will we even want to come back?
Darlene Maes Bulletin
Confidential comfort offered here at CSUDH with C.A.P.E.
CSUDH BULLETIN
NEWS/PERSPECTIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020
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Esports Curriculum Loading … By ULISES RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter By next spring, three e-Sports classes may be offered at CSUDH. If so, that would put this school on the list of about 50 forward-thinking schools that realize the growth potential that eSports and the larger industry it is part of, video games, have and how that could translate into future jobs for Toro graduates, Dr.Mitch Avila, the dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, is in charge of selecting what classes will be offered, a process that began with a February email asking faculty members to submit proposals for possible classes. Those whose proposals made the cut have until August 15 to submit a course syllabus and curriculum to Avila. You could say Avila is designing the nascent program; but, just like any decent game, there’s an artificial intelligence behind the scenes-except it isn’t artificial. While Avila sent the first email Feb. 24 asking for proposals, the email laying down the Aug. 15 deadline was sent by the President’s office. That’s CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham whose last job before coming to CSUDH was vice-chancellor of student affairs at UC Irvine. That’s UC Irvine, which in 2016 became the first university in the country to offer video game scholarships. Parham was part of the initiative that created the scholarships, as well as its 3,500-square-foot gaming area. In a 2016 interview with the Bakersfield Californian,
UNCOMPLICATED From page 2 Some argue that its Asian culture, not racism, that fosters this sense of women as more submissive. And yes, while that can be true, especially in Confucian societies in Asia, that doesn’t negate the fact that many Asian women weren’t
REGGAETON From page 2 correlation of homosexuality and looked down on. In an interview with Refinery29, Bad Bunny said, “There is no need to criticize why one decides to maintain themselves one type of way. Stop the ignorance and let’s think with a more open mind.” Though praised for his outspokenness on these topics, which include the corruption in Puerto Rican politics, he has come under
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eSports is making is making its way into classrooms at Dominguez Hills, as soon as Spring of next year.
Parham was clear that the video game scholarship idea at UCI was anything but mere fun and games. “We hope to attract the best gamers from around the world, and our academic programs in computer gaming science, digital arts, computer science, engineering, anthropology, law, medicine, neuroscience, and behavior create a strong foundation for research and inquiry related to gaming,” Parham said in the article. As the CSUDH eSports association continues to grow in members, there seems to be similar energy on this campus that benefited UCI in 2016. And that
energy starts at the top. Just last year, Parham spoke about the future of eSports at Future Forum, the future of eSports which was at the Riot Games eSports Studio and hosted by CSUSH and Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. With the booming expansion of eSports worldwide, CSUDH’s proximity to Los Angeles, one of the epicenters of the video game industry, as well as having a big booster sitting in the president’s office, there seems to be real synergy for getting some eSports-related classes up and running by spring, 2021. But the real reason why it
raised in those societies. I don’t know about other families, but in my Vietnamese and Thai family, every single woman is strong-willed and outspoken. There are still some traditional aspects that we follow that I don’t agree with but overall I was raised by my mother and other family members to never be afraid to speak
my mind. So, yes, I’m an Asian woman who loves cute things. I live and breathe adorable stuffed animals and use fun stationery. But submissive? Come on. I spend most of my time writing opinion pieces. And it’s hard to be docile when my writing is mostly me yapping about nonsense that pisses me off.
fire for still firing the fuel of misogyny with the portrayal of sexualizing women in his music. Like many songs from this genre, hyper-masculinity is seen across the lyrics often objectifying women as mere fulfillment for the male gaze. “They have this embracing of flamboyance, but their lyrics are still very much about toxic relationships,” Alexandro Hernandez, an assistant professor for the Chicana and Chicano Studies Department at California
State University, Dominguez Hills said. Though he does believe that Bad Bunny is among one of the artists that are bringing these conversations to the table and using his platform really well in doing so. As for the album, Bad Bunny has not disappointed in delivering what his audience looks forward to. This album goes hand in hand with his first release, “X100PRE” delivering songs that will constantly be played on repeat.
makes sense for CSUDH to increase its gaming profile is that it makes dollars and cents. “One thing is its big money,” Avila said. “Just like film, television, music...Esports is going to be a major sector in the economy. We’re talking about very large companies with 100 million dollar budgets with huge valuations and [we need] to prepare our students to work effectively in that world. So I see the benefit, not so much in preparing eSports athletes as much as I see the benefit in helping students understand there is a sector in the economy where they can have a skill set that they
can (use) to work in that sector.” A recent article by eSports insider states that there are more than 7,000 jobs available in the eSports field and it’s always growing as the demand continues to grow. One of Avila’s most critical tasks in fielding the first set of classes at this campus is that each offers a curriculum that extends far beyond the actual playing of games. “It depends on the learning objectives, so if the learning objectives are around managing an eSports enterprise well then there are all kinds of curriculum,” Avila said. “The curriculum might be about legal issues, there might be issues in creativity, a curriculum around basic computer science, there might be a curriculum around critical issues in esports like gender, race, all those kinds (topics). topics. There is one version of the curriculum that is similar to what we would do for a sports management degree... another...ist creative content producers…we’re talking about creating characters, narratives, plot lines, you know music and so forth.” Several students explained what they would like to see in a curriculum at CSUDH “I think that it would be cool to see a curriculum or class that highlights the importance of storytelling because if there wasn’t a story in most video games I wouldn’t be too interested in playing them,” Omar Rivera, a 23-year-old art major,. said. Some students would even like the opportunity to create their own video game even if it’s something as simple as creating a game for the App Store.
NAME THE BULLETIN’S NEW MASCOT This bovine beaut may resemble Teddy the Toro. But it’s not. Court papers it came with say so. It’s all ours now, like it or not. Just kidding! We love…it. Look, we don’t even have a name. Prison release form had “decline to state” for sex, gender,race, religion, gluten tolerance, you name it. Just said “Toro.” So send us a name. Maybe you’ll win sumpin. Like your own baby bull. bulletin@ csudh.edu; @dhbulletin.
Darlene Maes Bulletin