Issue 1417 Monday 29th Nov 2021
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thecourieronline.co.uk
A love letter to body positivity
Coastline Walrus!
The first ever reported sighting in Northumberland
Through apologies and praise, Faye Navesey reclaims their body
Ghostbusters is back!
Lifestyle | page 15
Film | page 24
Science | page 11
Afterlife is nostalgic, yet poignant and renewed
North East Immigration Detention Centre to open despite channel deaths & protests Renzo Szkwarok - News sub-editor
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ontroversial plans to open Derwentside (formally Hassockfield) Immigration Detention Centre have been pushed back against, with protesters calling for an end to detention nationwide. Due to open on the 29 November and begin intaking detainees from the 10 December, there was a sense of urgency amongst the latest protest on Saturday 20 November against Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre (IRC). These protests were begun by ‘Durham People’s Assembly’ and ‘No to Hassockfield’, with crucial work from the groups ‘North East Against Racism (NEAR)’, and ‘Women for Refugee Women’ in an effort to raise awareness and put pressure on the local government and MPs to oppose the plans. ‘No to Hassockfield’ have been campaigning for most of the year alongside the other activist groups and successfully manging to get the local council to oppose the plans. Thirteen miles from Durham, this centre will house up to eighty-four women that “have served a twelvemonth prison sentence, or who have broken immigration laws, or whose asylum claim has failed”. The Home Office claims that women held here will have “committed criminal offences”; at the protest a speaker reminded attendees that these “crimes are defined under overtly racist and discriminatory legislation” and should not be used to measure innocence. Giving an interview after the protest, Yunus Bakhsh, of ‘NEAR’ made clear that detaining women here “won’t change anything”, and that it was “obscene and inhumane...when these women have done nothing wrong”. Speaking to a member of ‘Abolish Detention’, their groups belief is that Derwentside represents a further ratcheting up of the government’s ‘Hostile Environment’. Under this legislative umbrella, the rights and civil liberties of asylum
seekers and refugees are being eroded by those in power. Dubbed as “inhumane” by the member of ‘Abolish Detention’, this IRC comes alongside the new Nationality and Borders Bill making its way through parliament, that seeks to make conditions even worse for the most vulnerable. As well as protests, the new IRC has been opposed in a letter that was written in June to the Home Secretary, Priti Patel. Signed by seventy-six parliamentarians, this letter made clear their opposition to the proposal whilst requesting several assurances, including the provision of mental health support for those detained. The letter also brought in to question the Home Office’s position on reducing the numbers of people in the states IRCs; as per Stephen Shaw’s 2016 and 2018 report recommendations. Local MP, Richard Holden was not one
Images: Renzo Szkwarok
of these signatories. Quoted saying that the centre will provide “two hundred good jobs”, Holden went on to blast Durham County Council for “spreading scare stories” about detention, and believes that “Britain has been a soft touch for far too long”. Reports prove that these concerns are not hyperbole. Management of Derwentside IRC has been outsourced to Mitie – the largest provider of “immigration removal centre management and operations” in the UK. A prisons inspectorate report in 2016 described Mitie’s Harmondsworth IRC as being “dirty”, “rundown”, and “insanitary”. At the time, their managing director commented: “We were aware of most of [these issues] and have been working on an improvement programme since we commenced the service”.
Accusations levelled against Mitie’s during their tenure of IRCs do not reflect this pledge. Allegations include exploitation of those detained; mental and physical abuse by staff; and underpaying of staff themselves. Activists fear that the same will be true in the case of Hassockfield, stating that IRCs only serve to line the pockets of shareholders and retraumatise vulnerable people. Durham University’s STAR (Student Action for Refugees), a student group working to improve the lives of refugees in the UK, echoed this sentiment: “as well as being harmful, immigration detention is often pointless”, with only 8% of detainees being deported from the country in 2019. Yunus Bakhsh described Mitie’s involvement as “nothing new under the sun”, and that “the Tories have been fantastic at privatising misery...and
profiting from it” for decades. Going on to say the issue here is that the firms are “unaccountable” to the public, allowing them to get away with anything. In the wake of the Paterson Scandal and accusations of corruption, it is no surprise that up until 2016, Mitie was run by the Tory peer Ruby McGregorSmith, and continues to be linked with Conservative Party donors. Whilst Monday 22 November saw Boris Johnson visiting the North East to blabber about Peppa Pig World, Tom Pursglove (the Minister for Justice and Tackling Illegal Migration) visited Derwentside the following day as Priti Patel confirmed it would officially be opening. In response to this, ‘No to Hassockfield’ encouraged ever more action with “monthly demonstrations on every third Saturday of the month”, pointing specifically to Agnes Tanoh’s work with the group ‘Women for Refugee Women’ who oppose detention, and work with those already detained. ‘Friends Across Borders’ have also been working to provide resources to detained women. Opposition was renewed after twenty-seven people died attempting to cross the channel on Wednesday 24 November. This tragedy is another damning indictment of border and immigration policy in the UK, and across the wider “Fortress Europe”. In a statement to The House of Commons the following day, Priti Patel called for greater border security, pledging more UK forces to France in an attempt to secure the coast, resulting in her being uninvited from a meeting with several European countries to discuss the crisis. With the Nationality and Borders bill set to make conditions even worse for refugees fleeing violence and persecution, it is hard to see light at the end of the tunnel. However, at the protest an impassioned Yunus Bakhsh stressed the need for ever more solidarity with those due to be detained at Derwentside, concluding his speech with: “I do not know the women that will be detained in here and they do not know me, but they are my sisters and I will fight for them”.
Monday 29th Novemeber 2021
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2 Inside 29th November 2021 Current Affairs | News
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Join our Discord server to suggest article ideas of your own & see what's available following Student Media Afternoons!
Germany considers legalising marijuana By 2022, Germany could be the first country to legalise cannabis for recreational purposes. Page 5
Current Affairs | Comment Lockdowns: all-or-nothing? As the Netherlands imposes tighter restrictions, are there lessons we can learn? Page 9
Life & Style | Relationships
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SECTIONS
The Femcel: women who face involuntary celibacy The term 'Incel' has male commotations, but Editor how does this differ for women? Page 12 George Boatfield
Life & Style | Travel A fleeting trip to Barcelona! Now travelling is more accessible, Meg Howe shares the highlights of her recent trip! Page 17
Life & Style | Food Battle of the Christmas fast foods Are you team Burger King, team McDonalds or team KFC? Page 19
Culture | TV Tiger King: Season 2 Joe Exotic is back and better than ever! Page 23
Culture | Film Noir-vember: our favourite B&W films! Take a trip to the past, as our sub-editors tell us the oldies but goldies of the Black and White film world! Page 25
Culture | Arts What can photojournalism offer to marginalised communities? Taylor Wessing Prize winner offers a voice to indigenous women of Austrialia with pictures that speak a thousand words! Page 32
THE COURIER
Deputy Editor
Social Media
-- editor.union@newcastle.ac.uk
Muslim Taseer -- courier.deputy@ncl.ac.uk
Current Affairs
Life & Style
Culture
Senior editor: Elizabeth Meade -- e.a.meade1@newcastle.ac.uk
News
-- courier.news@ncl.ac.uk Ruby Story-Dartford Harry Jones Becca Alexander Renzo Szkwarok
Campus Comment
-- courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk Tiyanna Mistry Kayleigh Fraser
Comment
-- courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk Humphrey Jordan Rosie Norman Emily Kelso
Science
-- c2.science@ncl.ac.uk Jon Deery Erika Armanino
Sport
Senior Editor: Peter Bath -- p.l.bath@ncl.ac.uk
Senior editor: Meg Howe --m.j.howe1@ncl.ac.uk
Relationships & Blind Date
Annabel Hogg Gabbi de Boer
Lifestyle
-- c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk Faye Navesey Leanna Thomson Molly Taylor
Fashion & Beauty
-- c2.fashion@ncl.ac.uk Sophia Ayub Imogen Clarke
Food & Drink
Marcel Shamshoum Scarlett Welch
Travel
-- courier.travel@ncl.ac.uk Lenka Minarovicova Alice Holmes -- courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk Katie Siddall Castor Chan Lucy Rimmer Ethan Todd
Sarah Lahiri -- s.a.n.lahiri1@newcastle.ac.uk
Senior editors: Maud Webster --m.webster4@ncl.ac.uk Hattie Metcalfe -- h.metcalfe1@ncl.ac.uk
Music
-- c2.music@ncl.ac.uk Evie Lake Oren Brown Charlotte Airey
TV
-- c2.TV@ncl.ac.uk Rachael McCreanor Carly Horne Rebecca Sykes
Film
-- c2.film@ncl.ac.uk George Bell Jess Bradbury Autumn Keil
Gaming
-- courier.gaming@ncl.ac.uk Michael Duckworth Haaris Qureshi Joesph Caddick
Arts
-- c2.arts@ncl.ac.uk Tom Wrath Maja Mazur
Puzzles
Joeseph Caddick
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Monday 29th November 2021
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News
The one with the tree: Student Council's second meeting Kayleigh Fraser - Campus Comment sub-editor
T
he meeting kicked off in conventional form with a quick introduction from Haaris and a call to approve the minutes from last months meeting - there were no objections. Second on the agenda was to elect a Marginalised Genders Officer. Nathan Hartley was nominated and elected with no objections. Moving on to the reports, the steering committee as well as the disciplinary and scrutiny were passed through with no objections. Next up was our Student Union President Abbie to do her State of the Union report. Hutchinson started off by discussing mental health, affirming to Council that "From all of us as a team we want you to know that if you are having struggles with your wellbeing at the moment or living with poor mental health, you are not alone. Mental health is just as important as physical". The President continued her report to mention the safety net; officers are holding the University to account by assuring they put in place the measures they said they would. This month, Abbie sat on the first ever student mental health charter group, worked on activism to make misogyny a hate crime, attended a University finance committee and attended COP26. She candidly mentioned the highlight of the event as having "pizza with the minister of Tonga." In terms of Student Media, she congratulated Editor George Boatfield and the rest of the team on the first print issue of the year and applauded the hard work that went into Fight Night 2021. It was time for the fun part next the motions. Since there were only two for the entire night, many of us thought we'd have an early finish. This was not the case. First up it was Motion 401 to mandate sabbatical officers to mandate Newcastle University's
hiring practices and for the creation of the NUSU Modern Slavery Policy. Alex Walker was invited to the podium to argue for the motion. He said, 'The Chinese state is persecuting a genocide in Western China, and Dr Jo Smith Finley (an academic here), notable for her research in Western China, has recently been sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party". "At Newcastle, there is what is called the 'Confucius Institute' and these are units of academics sent from China". He continued to say that some of these academics are chosen by the Communist Party (through a government department). Given the behaviour of the Chinese government, Walker noted that it would be "In breach of our discrimination laws". The motion passed with 27 to 11 votes. Sadly, the meeting only got more complicated after that. Motion 402 was introduced, put forward by Elliot Kirkpatrick regarding the 'Queen's Green Canopy Project'. The motion
detailed the idea to plant a tree in commemoration of the Queen's Jubilee next year - marking seventy years on the British throne. The campaign, led by the Queen, urges schools, universities, businesses and individuals to plant a tree and commemorate this occasion whilst having a positive environmental effect. Speaking to council, Kirkpatrick stated that "We should be planting trees anyway, so it's a nice excuse for the Union to do this". He continued "This motion will mandate the Union to ask the estate team of the University to see where we could plant a tree". Liberation Officer George Wood was first to weigh in on the debate: "It just strikes me that a University of over 28,000 students should be planting one tree". Head of Current Affairs Elizabeth Meade followed this, saying "Shouldn't we be planting trees for their own sake?" and questioned the need to refer to the Queen in the tree planting. Kirkpatrick responded saying that "Opinion polls recently have shown that a majority of every age category
including our age category (so presumably a majority of people at the University) do support the Queen". He also stated "Whether you believe in the institution of monarchy or not, I think this is sort of a personal thanks to the Queen as a head of state. It's seventy years. Whether you agree with the fact that she's inherited the role or not, you do certainly put a lot of effort into it in that time." Education officer Livia Scott was first to speak against the motion. "I just take issue with the statement that the monarchy has done nothing but good for the UK and Commonwealth." Scott argued "The monarchy and their ancestors and what they stand upon have pillaged, killed and destroyed the land of multiple places and multiple countries". The officer argued strongly that it goes against what the Union is trying to do. That is, decolonise the curriculum and the University as a whole. "I don't oppose planting a tree, I oppose planting the tree on the basis of celebrating a racist institution". The debate ravaged on after this, with
all sides of council speaking for and against the motion. That was until Liberation Officer George Wood suggested we amend the motion to simply plant a tree and take away any association with the monarchy. It didn't go well. Elliot, who put the motion forward, rejected the change. This meant it had to go to voting - a 'procedural' motion. He said "The whole point of this motion is for the Queen's Jubilee specifically... For the sake of unity, we should have a vote on this now". At this point anyone one was allowed to get up and speak for or against the motion. Alex Walker opened up the debate, saying "I'm sad that it's gone this way, and I'm a little bit disappointed in this Council because we all feel very strongly about colonialism. We all view it as a terrible, terrible thing." Later in his argument, he said "I don't think that [the motion] should have been pulled into such a deep debate about colonialism and I don't think it's fair to Elliot who's prepared this motion about something he believes in to have it jumped on". After I asked a question regarding the importance of the plaque itself, Walker replied stating he was "sticking up" for Kirkpatrick and that to have the motion turned into something else in Council is "blatantly unfair". He continued "It's unfair on people who devote their time to come here. It's really not fair and it just can't be done because what's the point in us all being here". In the end after around forty minutes we got to the root of the problem. The motion (with the amendment) passed. Lastly we moved on to elections for positions. Haaris Qureshi and Evie Jackson were elected with no objections to the Welfare, Campaigns and Liberations Executive Committee. After two hours of debate, Student Council came to a close. Members were thanked for attending and Chair of Council Haaris Qureshi was thanked in return for leading the proceedings.
Image: Flickr
Health divide between North and South widens Alexander James
A new study shows a growing gap between health standards across the country
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he study, originally published in The Lancet shows between 2014-2019 life expectancy declined in 18.7% of communities for women, and 11.5% of communities for men. It is the first of its kind to analyse data trends in mortality and longevity in high resolution detail. Deaths were recorded between 2002-2019 from across England to assess differences in life expectancy between communities with a population of roughly 8,000 people. The differences in life expectancy between regions were stark, reinforcing understanding of the long suffered North-South divide.
The greatest increases came from the wealthiest areas which already had the highest life expectancy in 2002; life expectancy increases of up to 9 years were seen in some parts of London and the ‘home counties’ compared to negligible increases in parts of the urban north. This has created an increasing inequality between most affluent and most deprived communities. On average the life expectancy between 2017-2019 was 8 years lower for women and 7 years lower for men in the cities of Blackpool, Middlesbrough, Manchester and Liverpool than for communities in Kensington, Chelsea, Camden, and Westminster. A study by King's Fund also revealed that ‘healthy life' expectancy had fallen behind life expectancy growth in the UK over the past 3 years. The poorest quartile of the UK population is likely to spend a 3rd of their life in poor health, whilst the richest quartile will on average spend only a 3rd of their life in poor health. The majority of communities saw their life expectancy increase between
2002-2010, and on a national level, the average life expectancy from birth between 2000 and 2019 increased from 77.17 to 81.15, with the gender gap in mortality also decreasing.
From 2010 onwards, the decades long advance in longevity reversed it's trend From 2010 onwards, the decade’s long advance in longevity reversed its trend. The most alarming deterioration seen in 2014 and 2019, where the number of areas with a declining life expectancy was 1270 *18.7% for women and 784 (11.5%) for men. In Newcastle, life expectancy declined by an average of 0.17 years for women and 0.12 years for men. The areas with stagnating life expectancy and healthy life expectancy were seen in West and East of the city. While the pandemic has caused a decrease in life expectancy across the nation, prior to the pandemic,
these figures were already cause for concern. Lead author, Theo Rashid from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said: “In both England and the USA, life expectancy declines are associated with unemployment and insecure employment following deindustrialisation”. Going on to say that “reductions in social and welfare support, and reduced funding for local governments” were also to blame. In the UK, these factors were found to have larger effects in the North than in London and the South. The authors look beyond simply wealth inequality in their explanation of the findings, seeing more deep-seated structural issues such as disparity in infrastructure spending, investment and allocation of resources to key public services, particularly health, transport and education. Rashid continued: "These changes impact life expectancy because they are associated with poorer nutrition and housing, riskier behaviours, and more restricted health care services, of whichvialead to worse Image: Davidall Whinham Twitter health and premature deaths".
The study found that, historically, government attempts to narrow the North-South divide have never made a lasting impact. Since the era of austerity, in which cuts to local funding disproportionately affected the North, trends in health inequalities have been worsening. The authors are concerned that the ‘levelling up’ agenda will not provide enough resources to improve people’s life expectancy and morbidity rates.
Image: Flickr
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News UK universities accept questionable donations Elizabeth Meade -- Head of Current Affairs
These affiliations have led some to question the moral compass of renowned universities
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K universities including Oxford, London School of Economics, University College London and Imperial College have recently accepted donations from the Alexander Mosley Charitable Trust. This decision has led some to say that state reform of universities is necessary due to the origins of the fund. The Alexander Mosley Charitable Trust was set up by Max Mosley in honor of his son, who died in 2009. Max Mosley's father, Oswald Mosley, was the leader of the British Union of Fascists.
Some believe that universities have 'lost their moral compass' in accepting money inherited from a prominent figure in the fascist movement. Professor Lawrence Goldman, an emeritus fellow at Oxford; and the Oxford Jewish Society have spoken against the donation.
Universities have lost their moral compass The Union of Jewish Students and the Oxford Jewish Society released a joint statement: 'We encourage Oxford University, and the benefitting colleges, to reflect on the impact these donations will have on its Jewish students and the wider student body'. Money donated to Oxford will be used for a new accommodation. Originally to be named after Alexander Mosley, the college is now choosing a name via internal consultation with students. Lady Margaret Hall claims this
donation 'enabled a cohort of students from very diverse and low-income backgrounds to attend Oxford'. The Trust itself claims 'none of the funds received or distributed by the trust were the proceeds of fascism'. This isn't the first time issues of morality in sponsorship have surfaced. Universities such as MIT and Harvard have received donations from Jeffrey Epstein, and different universities have reacted different ways. The legacy of fascism in an organization is also not a new topic. Companies from the US which collaborated with the Nazis during World War II often broke apart and rebranded after the fact. The University of Oxford claims it is 'aware of its position within, and responsibility to, the wider community in which we operate, and has robust and rigorous guidelines regarding the acceptance of donations and research funding'.
Monday 29th November 2021
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Northumberland's town Hexham voted as ‘happiest place to live’
Image: Flickr
Ruby Story-Dartford -- News sub-editor
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exham in Northumberland has been voted as the happiest city to live in within Great Britain. The Rightmove survey ‘Happy at Home index’ questioned 21,000 people across the country following the tenth year of the annual event. Hexham regained the top spot after previously winning in 2019, with Richmond-upon Thames crowned second place followed by Harrogate. The town missed out on first place last year, beaten by St. Ives in Cornwall, which ranked as eighth following this year’s results. Several aspects were measured to determine ‘The happiest place to live’ including open spaces, town amenities, friendliness of neighbours and community spirit, with locals dubbed ‘Hexhammers’. Out of the survey, 20 of the top winners were market towns. Hexham was praised for good
Image: Geograph, Andrew Abbott
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transport links with close connections to both Newcastle and Carlisle, alongside cheaper housing, and a low crime rate. The average house price in Hexham is below the average across Britain, with properties standing at £297,000 in comparison to the average of £342, 401.
"We are a small town with a great history" The mayor of Hexham, Derek Kennedy said, ‘We are a small town with great history, Hexham Abbey and other historical buildings, and our marketplace is 800 years old, there is wonderful community spirit, people are very supportive of one another’ and described the win as ‘fantastic’. Newcastle student, Samuel Bunting who previously worked in Hexham said, ‘You can clearly see why Hexham has won, it’s a beautiful town with a strong community build. There’s a real sense of belonging, everyone knows everyone. It was a lovely place to work, so living there can only be the same’.
'Let's talk about yes': a national movement for consent Image: Eleanor Penson
Eleanor Penson
Members of the Amnesty International Society gathered on campus to promote sexual consent
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U Amnesty, a university society which campaigns for human rights, used rather eye-catching methods to get students talking about their "Lets Talk About Yes' campaign. "Let's Talk About Yes" is a recent nationwide movement ran by Amnesty International which aims to fully educate the public on how proper sexual consent is given and what their rights are when it comes to their bodies. Many studies show that sexual violence is particularly prevalent on university campuses, against all genders, which is the principal reason why NU Amnesty
decided to kick off their year of campaigning with this initiative. The stall was set up outside the student union and over the course of two days, the Amnesty students engaged with people on campus using petitions, information leaflets and selling handmade tote bags. But arguably the most head-turning attraction was the 5ft, multicoloured vulva mural that the society hand painted to accompany the stall.
They were happy with the overall reaction to the campaign The interactive mural had two strategically placed holes cut into it to use it as a photo opportunity for passersby. When speaking to the society, The Courier discovered they had also got members of the public involved in labelling the parts of the vulva in
return for a chocolate prize and a quick de-brief of the Let’s Talk About Yes movement. Although NU Amnesty reported that the whereabouts of the clitoris still appears to be highly contested, they said that they were delighted with the positive response they received on campus, reporting groups of all genders and ages came over to see what the massive vulva was all about. When asked if there were any negative reactions, NU Amnesty added that the odd group jeered at them but that it was a small minority, and that they were happy with the overall reception of their campaign. NU Amnesty will continue to carry out a variety of student-led campaigns on campus throughout the year, with the rest of the semester dedicated to their Trans and NonBinary Rights and Housing as a Human Right campaigns. More information on how to get involved with NU Amnesty can be found on the NUSU website under their society page.
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Monday 29th November 2021
News
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Durham University defends safety training for sex working students Carly Horne -- TV sub-editor
Durham University responds to significant criticism after offering training to students engaged in sex work
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spokesperson for the University told the BBC, "we are emphatically not seeking to encourage sex work but we are seeking to provide support to our students" earlier in the week. This comes in response to concerns that the University was encouraging and legitimising students engaging in sex work, including criticism from Further Education Minister, Michelle Donelan. Ms Donelan has remarked against the measures taken at Durham University, expressing her "concern" that "any university is legitimising a dangerous industry which thrives on the exploitation of women". While acknowledging the potential support which may be required for students engaging in work in
the industry, she went on to say of the course that it "seeks to normalise selling sex, which has no place in our universities". Jonah Graham, Durham University Student Union Welfare and Liberation Officer, was quick to correct Ms Donelan and others who criticised the training.
The training was to give the necessary information to support students engaging in sex work In clarifying the purpose of the training, Mr Graham told the BBC that the training was intended to give the appropriate individuals the necessary information to support students engaging in sex work - including how to understand the "legal, safety, and wellbeing concerns of students and how to respond to disclosures sensitively". Durham University is among other institutions (including Newcastle University) who recognise that students engaging in sex work may do so for a variety of factors and have put in
Image: Wikimedia
place measures to try and ensure these students' wellbeing. Newcastle University, for example, provides information on taking care of individual sexual health - including a section for Student Sex Workers. The University makes clear its intention not to criminalise these students, but to put in place measures to support a number of areas of their wellbeing. The University of Manchester is
another institution providing support to student sex workers. Support for Student Sex Workers offers a range of support for survivors and sex workers, ranging from workshops to giving advice to ensure work is carried out safely. In addition to the support offered, Support for Student Sex Workers also aim to promote positive sexual behaviour - including arranging regular sexual health check-
ups and access to the morning after pill.
Find our comment article on this topic on page 7
Germany considers move to legalise marijuana Ruby Story-Dartford -- News sub-editor
G
ermany could become first major European country to legalise cannabis. The new coalition party has announced cannabis will be legalised for recreational purposes Whilst the country already uses the drug for medicinal purposes, top political correspondents, known as the ‘traffic light’ coalition have called for the drug to become recreational. Parliament will debate the pending bill in early 2022. If passed, a review will be conducted in four years to reevaluate the law and access the impact upon society. Whilst possession of cannabis is decriminalised under current German law, plans have been made to create an adult market for the drug to drive out the illicit market. As current law stands, it is illegal to buy cannabis but not to consume it. Introducing the new policy would see Germans able to purchase cannabis in licensed shops and would be reviewed after four years. It is argued that removing criminal penalties would make the black market distribution of cannabis redundant, providing greater quality control for users.
tolerated, with cannabis available to purchase in coffee shops. Whilst the Greens and Free Democrats are in favour of the movement, which would be regulated by the state, the outgoing conservative party is against legalising the drug. Stephen Pilsinger, the conservative parliamentary faction expert on drugs said, "Cannabis legalisation would be a breach of the dam. At some point unfortunately, we’ll be talking about legalising all drugs". Study results released last month revealed that only 30% of respondents
believed cannabis should be legalised whilst 59% thought the drug should remain only for medicinal purposes. The policy is just one example of the progressive initiatives promised by the new three-party coalition, headed by Olaf Scholz. This also includes plans to be climate neutral by 2045, an increase in minimun wage and social housing alongside a lowering of the national voting age. The coalition will mark the end to the sixteen-year government of incumbent chancellor Anegla Merkel. This signals towards not
only new visions for Germany but, as Germany is Europe's biggest economy, these changes are bound to have big implications to the rest of the continent too. Germany's potential decision has sparked debate across Europe with increasing pressure to legalise the drug in the UK in recent years. Newcastle student Lauren Johnson said, "People are going to use it regardless, so making it legal would make it safer and reduces the risk of danger for consumers. If alcohol is
legal, cannabis should be also". However, others weren’t so keen, Callum Davies said, "It can be a gateway drug to much worse things, and it seems an entry point for most people to start off with as it appears relatively risk-free. Eventually people become used to its hit and turn to more serious substances. I personally wouldn’t legalise weed, not because of the effects, but what it can lead to".
Cannabis is decriminalised and 'tolerated' in the Netherlands, but not legalised If the bill is passed, Germany will be the first major European country to legalise cannabis. Although the Netherlands have decriminalised the drug, recreational use of the drug is
Image: Wikimedia
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Monday 29th November 2021
Campus Comment
Rate It or Hate It: Turner Court Hattie Metcalfe - Head of Culture I actually met Kayleigh whilst living in Turner Court, and thank god I did because at least it gives me something good to say about it. From walking into your kitchen to see strangers sleeping on your sofa (so of course you make as much noise as possible whilst making coffee) to trekking over to Park View to cook a microwave meal in your mates flat (because you dread the thought of touching anything in your own kitchen, particularly
those crusty noodles), it's fair to say this place didn't have the best impact on my mental health. Well, at least they let me move rooms. Although their first suggestion was quite literally the flat around the corner - can you even image the awkward run-ins?? but I was still stuck with that dreaded orange 'feature' wall in the kitchen. I'm not even joking. Don't get me started on the lime green bedrooms. If you happen to be in Turner this year then I'm sorry. The staff are lovely, but other than that... Well, I'll just say the security and night staff are quite good too.
Kayleigh Fraser - Campus Comment sub-editor
I landed in Turner Court (not even one of my choices). When people asked what accomodation I lived in and I told them Turner Court, their reaction was one of the following: 1.) Where on earth is that 2.) I feel so bad for you... The one saving grace in all of this is I had Hattie to share this 'fun' experience with. The staff working there are lovely, yet the distance from campus combined with the migraine yellow wall I lived with just doesn't outweigh the positives. Do I even have to mention the fact that the 'living area' doesn't even have a TV or seated table? For the price you pay, its
Ah, Turner Court. Nothing says a 'uni experience' like being harassed by your neighbours. As much as I'd like to say that first sentence is a joke, it certainly isn't... From freshers until fleeing home for lockdown, Turner Court was my home. When I applied for my accommodation my first choice was, like everyone else, Park View. But I must have somehow missed the Park View entrance exam because
Image: Newcastle University
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arlier this month, John Cleese, 82-year-old comedian and actor of Monty Python withdrew as a speaker at a Cambridge Union event. The Monty Python actor effectively ‘blacklisted’ himself, tweeting in outrage at the ‘woke’ nature of the Cambridge Union after they banned historian Andrew Graham Dixon. The art historian had performed a mock impression of Hitler at an art and good taste debate earlier this month, clearly offending various students who were present to witness this disastrous incident. The impersonation was clearly not in good taste! Following the distasteful impersonation, the union received a significant number of complaints. Whilst students had expressed their outrage at the event, former prospective speakers like Cleese had tweeted in indignation at the Unions response to ban Dixon as a speaker. Keir Bradwell, the Cambridge Union President announced that he would create a ‘blacklist’, effectively banning speakers like Dixon from further debates. However, the Cambridge Union has since undergone a U-turn in their ‘blacklisting’ plans following Cleese’s withdrawal from his planned talk. This U-turn has perhaps come across as misleading for many students who believe
that Dixon and others should face repercussions for their actions. Or perhaps the U-turn may appear to be a 21-year-old simply trying to defend the free speech institution that the Cambridge Union was built upon. The Cambridge Union is the oldest debating society in the world proudly ‘defending free speech since 1815’. Though the society is one of the oldest and largest societies at Cambridge, it has arguably come a long way, hosting a wider platform of speakers that represent the world we live in. However, has recent events shown us that there are limits on this free speech? This controversy has undoubtedly raised several questions and concerns surrounding free speech and cancel culture. Whilst many will be concerned with political correctness at universities, Cleese, like others, will have raised the questions: has cancel culture gone too far? Are universities becoming too politically correct and is there such a thing? Though Cleese was looking forward to speaking at the Union, he took to twitter to declare his discontent for the ‘woke rules’ of the institution. He tweeted that he was ‘blacklisting himself before someone else does’ as he had also frequently performed mock impersonations of Hitler in a Monty Python Show in previous years. While Cleese had slammed the growing woke-ness of the Cambridge Un i on ,
Image: Flickr
Student sex advice: proactive or problematic? CC Lee
D just not worth it. I hate Turner Court.
The Cambridge controversy: Is this war on woke culture? Tiyanna Mistry - Campus Comment sub-editor
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his actions on twitter and withdrawal from speaking is a sign of acknowledgement and possibly a step towards an amendable direction. Nevertheless, with political correctness everchanging, it seems many will have to re-evaluate and re-educate themselves, keeping this change in mind. Political correctness is without a doubt a topic of concern for universities across the country. As society grows and evolves, we are forever changing and adjusting our mindset in order to change culture for the better. Therefore, perhaps a solution lies in listening to others in this controversial time rather than jumping to a defence or labelling offensive behaviour as mistakes. Now more than ever, is a time for accountability and acknowledgement. Is it not more pertinent that society begins to make reparations rather than creating further disputes? Those who are entitled and privileged should be aware that previous behaviour may fall on the side of being offensive to others in society. If entitled individuals are not taught self-awareness now, then when?
urham University is offering support and guidance to sex workers, after students raised concerns that there weren’t any courses available through the University. The questions that arise from this then, are: what is the University encouraging? And is this a positive for students? Most importantly perhaps, should all universities be offering the same support and advice? Sex workers for a long time have often been penalised by society as being substandard. In Hollywood, the perception of sex workers and prostitutes is that they need ‘saving’ (see Pretty Woman) and that they have been led astray. However, this common misperception of sex workers being ‘low brow’ is misogynistic, especially when white men are depicted in films/movies as the hero. It represents women as unreliable to look after themselves; needing a man to thrive in society. Without such, sex workers are perceived as destitute and as having a hard life. Moreover, what is often depicted in films is that sex workers are linked to drug misuse and alcohol abuse. This damaging representation encourages more people to believe that what Durham University are doing is perhaps encouraging this sort of behaviour. However, Durham University isn’t actually encouraging sex work or drug/alcohol misuse. Instead, they are showing their solidarity with the students who are engaging in this sort of work already. Now, with this in mind, introducing advice for Students who are sex workers seems entirely positive and forward thinking. Yet, if the advice is ‘stop doing this work’, then it’s obvious to note that this is perpetuating the damaging stereotypes that already surround sex workers. If the University is offering advice on having safe sex and how to operate in the financial line of business safely, then this is wholly positive and would have a good impact on the students who are sex workers. Should then, all Universities be offering this support? Simply put, yes. All institutions should be offering students courses on this, regardless of whether students are actively engaging as sex workers or not. Why? Not only will this encourage and make more people aware of having safer sex, but it will also destigmatise the industry. Not only are the media reports
Image: Flickr
misogynistic, but the Further Education Minister Michelle Donelan said that the University is “badly failing” to protect students from this type of work. But what are they actually failing to do here? They are normalising this line of work and supporting their students, whilst they engage in this line of work.
It would be more alarming if the University didn't want to provide safety courses
It would be more alarming if the University didn’t want to provide safety courses for its students, as that would increase the potential harm for the students – especially if they’re working alone. Similarly, misinformation might spread about not engaging in safe sex or getting regular STI checks. That being said, it's clear this type of response from the government is highly problematic. It’s only continuing the archaic misperception that sex workers are substandard and a dangerous line of work.
Image: PxHere
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Monday 29th November 2021
Comment
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COURIER
From pitch to print: an insight into the article proposition process and the Big Night...Out? Emily Kelso - Comment sub-editor
An insight into how article ideas evolve, specifically the 'Big Night...Out?' from Issue 1416 of The Courier.
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t all started with an innocent question. “Are you free tomorrow night?” Such a question could go anywhere. I replied in the affirmative, and noticed a gleam in Kayleigh’s eye. She then pitched an article to me, involving visiting various Newcastle clubs during the evening of the club boycott to figure out whether students were participating in the boycott or not. The article idea appealed for a number of reasons, since it was a good way to figure out if schemes like this work, especially as we are both female students concerned about our personal safety. The irony of going out to gauge to what extent people ‘went out’ was not lost on us, however. The idea quickly gained traction and Kayleigh was quickly given the thumbs up to go ahead with the investigation. A team was assembled of several members from different branches of Newcastle University student media. Courier staff from the lowliest of sub-editors (myself and Kayleigh) to a senior editor (Elizabeth) and even the editor himself (George) were part of the expedition into the night. Jack, Miles and Eleanor of NUTV also joined us, armed to the teeth with tech. Thursday evening quickly arrived, although we technically did not commence our investigation until Friday morning (we were a tad behind
schedule). It was certainly odd being out that late – I am not a student that frequents clubs really. We set out with a route in mind, walking from club to club, snapping photos and chatting with people as we went. The town was still rather busy although with fewer students than normal. Students were still out in clubs (or vomiting outside them) which begs the question as to how well-advertised this campaign was and whether more needed to be done to alert students about the boycott. Perhaps the students simply didn’t care. Our investigation came to an end around 2:30 am at Grey’s Monument, at which point we walked back home and passed out in our beds.
A simple boycott just isn't enough to tackle structural issues at the heart of the spiking crisis A few weeks after the investigation, Kayleigh’s article was finally published. It aptly summarises my opinion of the evening, namely that the boycott did not seem to have much of an impact at all. The whole experience reflected how a simple boycott just isn’t enough to tackle the structural issues at the heart of the spiking crisis regarding consent and vulnerable persons. More needs to be done as a society, a lot more than simply choosing to stay in one night. What did the whole experience represent for me? It certainly illustrated how article ideas snowball into something bigger, in this instance wandering around Newcastle one Thursday night at 2 am. The events relating to this article summarise a key mantra here at the Courier, namely that the
pitches often result in the better articles. I’ve no doubt other article pitches could result in equally mad and yet delightful adventures in the name of student media. The experience also represented an evening of opportunities, from learning how to use equipment like cameras to interviewing people. We most certainly didn’t learn how to stick to a time schedule, staying out for much longer than the suggested forty-five minutes. As a whole, the events of one Thursday evening just go to show that working in
Bannon's contempt of Congress: is this bad news for Trump? Amana Khan
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teve Bannon, the former advisor to Donald Trump, was charged with two counts of contempt of Congress, with count one regarding his rejection to appear at a congressional deposition, and the second regarding his refusal to comply with a subpoena. These charges are directly linked to the riots that occurred at the US Capitol on the 6th of January 2021. However, Bannon has pleaded not guilty on the charges of the indictment, insisting that “he and his allies were taking down the Biden regime”. Bannon’s attorney has told the House select committee that Bannon did not abide by the subpoena in an attempt to honour Donald Trump’s wishes in invoking executive privilege, claiming that conversations with Trump about the riots were confidential. However, the House Committee, as well as legal experts, have challenged this claim. They argue that executive privilege should not be given to Bannon, as he was not working for the Trump administration when the riots took place. Bannon helped invigorate the “Stop The Steal” campaign that pro-Trump supporters advocated for, which promoted the Capitol riots. It is important to note that the indictment may not solely be problematic for Bannon. It is likely that it will be contentious for Trump's whole administration and even potentially the former president himself - who famously told his supporters to “fight like hell” to overturn his defeat against Joe Biden.
Furthermore, Trump’s wishes to use executive privilege undermines the rule of law, as it uses executive powers as a way to cover-up unlawful actions. This was evident in a claim made by Adam Schiff, chair of the House intelligence committee, who argued that “the Republican party, at the top level, that is Donald Trump, and those around him, seem to feel that they are above the law and free to thwart it.” This is clearly a reflection on the former president’s values. As well as providing insight into his involvement in the riots that took place, it shows that arguably his presidency as a whole can be seen as one of corruption and lies.
Trump's wishes to use executive privilege undermines the rule of law As mentioned previously, Bannon's indictment is a serious issue for Trump. It has given way to claims that the former president also needs to be held accountable for his actions surrounding the January 6th riots. Trump being at the top of the food chain in his administration, his involvement in the riots and their aftermath was crucial. It is justifiable that he should therefore be held accountable. With Bannon’s indictment in full force, it does seem to spell bad news for Trump, due to his close personal relations with Bannon and his connection to the Capitol riots. Image: Wikimedia Commons (Bannon and Trump; Flickr (Biden and Trump Flag).
Image: Emily Kelso
something like student media is unpredictable and demands you expect the unexpected – and quite frankly I wouldn’t change it for the world.
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COURIER
Monday 29th November 2021
9
Comment
Should lockdowns be all-or-nothing? Lessons from the Netherlands Katie Hind
strict guidelines - people where supposed to work from home where possible, and not go out with more than one person at a time. Still, public spaces remained largely accessible, with no restrictions on travel or any repressive measures by law enforcement. Many businesses continue to function, even restaurants, through takeaway services. One could argue that the Netherlands adopted a ‘partial lockdown’ in order to reach a national balance between strict lockdown and flexible measures. This balance is as delicate as it sounds.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The Netherlands lockdown model is discussed to see whether other countries should utilise it or not.
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ockdown has been a decisive, albeit not always swift, course of action that many countries have adopted. By April 2020, over 3.9 billion people in more than 90 countries were in some form of lockdown; whether that was confinement, curfew or quarantine. We’ve watched as countries have bounced between complete shutdown and more localised, targeted lockdowns. Take the United States, for example. Here, each state has its own parameters, without much national oversight. In whatever form lockdowns have occurred, it’s indisputable that they have potentially saved millions of lives. I do, however, take issue with the idea of lockdowns as an all-or-nothing pursuit. That is, I don’t believe we can (or should) go to either extreme.
Lockdowns should never be all-or-nothing If you simplify a lockdown to all-or-nothing, what you’re really asking is: should we quarantine indefinitely, with strict guidelines
In whatever form, it's indisputable that they saved millions of lives
on where we go and who we see, or should we invest in no lockdown whatsoever, running the risk of mass – and deadly – transmission? Neither extreme option sounds that great. We absolutely cannot dive into extremes when it comes to fighting COVID. Lockdowns should never be all-or-nothing. Both ends of the spectrum can have a direct impact on a person’s health, income and mental wellbeing. Human lives are at risk, and not just from infectious disease, so compromise is essential.
Some see the Netherlands as a fairly decent halfway point. Their ‘partial lockdown’ model is self-described as an ‘intelligent’ lockdown. The Netherlands began in the same position as much of Europe in the early stages of the pandemic. Their initial decisions regarding lockdown are comparable to those taken elsewhere. The difference in the Netherlands’ model of lockdown is quite simple. It depended on individual choice, personal necessity and responsibility. That isn’t to say their government didn't outlined some
Netherlands’ COVID-19 infections are currently at a peak, with around 18,000 cases reported daily. Deaths are occurring at a rate of 24 per day. Lower than some countries, sure, but higher than others. We must remember that the Netherlands is unique – in terms of population density, lifestyle and even available medical resources. Their model, as balanced and intelligent as it might seem, cannot with confidence be adopted by other countries with an equally unique social, economic and political structure. This might seem like a rather nebulous answer but simply put: one size really doesn’t fit all. We cannot conclusively say that this model should be adopted elsewhere (especially since doubts are circulating about the efficiency of the model at home).
Are the pledges from COP26 sufficient or achievable? Harry Sanderson
The pledges from COP26 are discussed to evaluate whether they are realistic or not
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ver the past week the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, has been taking place in Glasgow with world leaders meeting in an attempt to reach a consensus on how to tackle climate change. This comes at an incredibly pressing time as the threat of climate crisis looms ever closer and CO2 emissions continue to rise, with many world leaders keen to appear to be doing something to challenge this. Although there are examples of very promising proposals being put forward at this conference, much of what has been said is fairly vacuous, as Greta Thunberg might say there has been lots of ‘bla bla bla’ and few concrete policy commitments as of yet.
he implores the leaders of the world to ‘do more’. A pledge that has been made that seems relatively realistic was an agreement by 190 countries, banks and organisations to phase out coal power, with historically big proponents of coal such as Vietnam, Poland and Indonesia on the list. However as is with many of these sorts of pledges, the agreement was non-binding and loosely defined, and was also missing important countries such as Australia, the US, India and China. This is exemplary of one of the main problems with COP26, as far too many agreements are made as hollow gestures to please voters rather than serious attempts to end the climate crisis. To do so would require an enormous restructuring of a global economy which totally revolves around fossil fuels, something incredibly difficult to achieve when so many at COP26
have vested interests to support these fossil fuels. For example, 503 delegates from the fossil fuel industry have attended COP26, more than any other country, with Brazil having the next largest number of delegates at 479.
Encouragingly, there have been several positive pledges made at the conference Governments also have reasons to avoid climate action due to the immense amount of lobbying by fossil fuel industries and climate sceptics, who have donated £1.3 million to the Conservative Party
since 2019 in exchange for political influence. For those seeking a discussion on climate change led by those that are not beholden to corporate fossil fuel interests, and are prepared to put forward structural and transformative solutions, the counter-event to COP26 being run by Jeremy Corbyn may be the answer. Of course this event has no direct power to legislate any policy, but it has potential to raise awareness of the failings of COP26 and to remind those in power that much more needs to be done. After all, it is only by a radical restructuring of the economy that prioritises the planet over profits for a slim minority that there is any chance of preventing what is undoubtedly the greatest threat the world faces. Image: Flickr
Fossil fuel industries... have donated £1.3 million to the Conservative Party since 2019 in exchange for political influence Encouragingly, there have been several positive pledges made at the conference, such as the UK promising £290 million to help poorer countries fight the consequences of climate change, and a pledge to curb methane emissions by 30% by 2030 by more than 100 countries. However, the majority of what has been said has been considerably lacking in any substance other than the vague idea of doing something about climate change, an attitude exemplified in Obama’s speech in which
Images: Snapshooter46 on Flickr and Wikimedia Commons
THE
COURIER
Monday 29th November 2021
7
Science
Can scientists counter conspiracies? Walrus sighting on Marie Steytler
Scientific research and public information require very different skill sets. Can we expect scientists to do both?
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he major journal Science recently featured an editorial entitled ‘Self-inflicted wounds’, in which the failings of scientists to quell conspiracy theories were discussed. But are they really equipped to deal with the task of representing their own work to the general public? Just looking at the different divisions within the noun ‘scientist’ (the word is reductive), a social psychologist will probably have a much more applicable skill set to dispel conspiracy theories than an astrophysicist. But for the vast majority of those that fall under the 'scientist' umbrella, where does the time to develop and use these perfect communication skills come from, and what is sacrificed at its expense? Chronically overworked and underfunded, it seems unfair to ask scientists to be responsible for presenting their research to the general population. The pandemic has proven that it is impossible to compete with the speed that misinformation spreads over
social media - the feeble attempts from Twitter, Meta and Reddit to fact-check their own userbase was depressing to witness, yet government-controlled media as an alternative seems dystopian at best. One of the core reasons conspiracy theories are so insidious is because of the belief that accessing data makes you qualified to interpret it. Unfortunately, there will always be a loss of critical information that comes with making research more digestible to the general public. But this is a questionable sacrifice to make when there is no guarantee that someone on Facebook won't overestimate their own competence, screenshot a graph, caption it with anything they want to and post it online. It cannot be a scientist's responsibility to painstakingly refute every incorrect conclusion. Even with improved transparency and
accessibility, there are no signposted routes to complete public acceptance. Many conspiracy theories have religious origins which are difficult to disprove with hard facts, something science is exclusively based on. Science and religion often have a tumultuous relationship, and therefore there will always be religious pushback that will not be swayed by scientific evidence. Whatever is implemented to crack down on future disinformation campaigns needs to not only be evidence based but also culturally sensitive. In the early days of the pandemic, ‘fake news’ was blamed for these anti-science campaigns. However, the origin is more nuanced and perhaps best divided by the 'misinformation' and 'disinformation'. Whilst ‘misinformation’ is the unintentional spread of false information, ‘disinformation’ is a deliberate attempt at harming others, and is a more accurate descriptor of the origin of these theories. This is something a scientist’s presentation of their own research cannot solve, and is best left to a separate taskforce, government implemented or otherwise. Images: Pixabay
the Coast of the UK CC Lee
T
here has recently been a walrus spotted on Northumberland beach. This has captured the attention of the locals, and has intrigued scientists too. Whilst it’s quite the novelty for the locals, should everyone be worried about this sighting? This is the first time that scientists have reported seeing a walrus along the Northumberland Coastline. So, what has caused the walrus to diverge from the Artic Circle – where it’s normally found? It seems obvious that the melting of ice caps would significantly cause this migration to the UK Coast. Although, with only one
walrus that's migrated, there won’t be regular sightings of populations of walruses any time soon. Yet, this doesn’t mean that it won’t happen in the future; if the sightings of more walruses increase, this could become a more wider issue very quickly. Not only is this sighting worrying for the climate, it is also a concern for the welfare of the mammal. The walrus isn’t used to the type of climate that the Northumberland Coast has, meaning that the walrus' health will be affected and it will need a considerable amount of time before it’s ready to migrate back to the Arctic Circle. Scientists have urged locals to maintain a distance, in order for the walrus to recuperate. How many more mammals and animals will be affected by climate change? And how quickly will this novelty become an increased risk to the climate?
Image: Wikimedia
RRS Sir David Attenborough: The future of polar research Isabel Lamb
Sir David Attenborough polar ship made its debut on November 17th, opening a new chapter in polar research.
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he polar research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough, previously known as Boaty McBoatface, arrived in London in October after successful completion of its sea trails. The visit marked the start of the COP26 climate conference. Scientific advisors hoped its presence would highlight the pressing need to tackle climate change, especially the need for development of new technology to limit global temperature rises. The ship’s namesake Sir David Attenborough visited the vessel on
the 28th of October. He spoke of how proud he was to be “standing in this remarkable vessel” and of the impact he saw the £200m investment having – “the findings made on this ship in the next few years will be of the greatest value and importance to the welfare of the world”. On November 17th the ship embarked on its first voyage, heading towards Antarctica for the austral summer research season. Once there it will deliver supplies to British research stations including Rothera. The ship will split its time between Antarctica and the Artic. Research will be conducted onboard and will focus on how atmospheric and ocean warming takes place and the impact this will have on Arctic and non-Arctic countries. Scientists also hope to reconstruct past environments by mapping and dating glaciers and sea floors.
Reconstructions can be used to predict the impact of future global warming.
The findings made on this ship in the next few years will be of the greatest value and importance to the welfare of the world
air and sea that allows equipment to be deployed and recovered safely on rough seas. Multi-disciplinary research will be carried out onboard using the specialist labs and equipment. Portable containers acting as ‘plug in labs’ can be added to the ship. The ship carries several forms of nextgeneration tech. It can simultaneously operate several remotely piloted scientific instruments. Robotic subs and marine gliders will enhance marine biology studies and airborne robotics will collect detailed information about the environment.
To aid research the ship has a helipad, labs, submarines and a moon pool – a central shaft open to the
Images: Wikimedia and @BBC on Twitter
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Monday 29 November 2021
12
Relationships
The Femcel: women who face involuntary celibacy Charlotte Ratheram
Men aren't the only ones who struggle with 'involuntary celibacy', but how does this differ from women?
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hey may both practice involuntary celibacy, but the similarities between incels and femcels stops there. In recent years, the term ‘Incel’ has become associated with a mostly masculine online community who believe that feminism has resulted in male oppression. Many blame the selfempowerment of women for their lack of sexual relationships and have recently gained attention in the media for the violent tactics used by some members of their community. In the US, Elliot Rodgers made headlines for killing six people in California after uploading a video to YouTube titled ‘Elliot Rodger’s Retribution’, in which he explained he wanted to punish women for rejecting him and sexually active men because he envied them. This misogynistic terrorism has reached the UK, with the Plymouth shooter Jake Davison a member of the incel community who frequently described his feelings of social isolation and loneliness. In a movement that has become so defined by misogyny, women have become excluded from a space initially designed for all genders to share their thoughts and experiences. ‘Femcels’, the less known counterpart to the incel community, are women who are involuntary celibate or single, unable to form sexual or romantic relationships with men despite wanting them.
However, their online spaces are generally more supportive and have no real world links to violence or terrorism. Rather than hating men for their lack of sex, they often blame their own feelings of undesirability in comparison to society’s conventional ideals. Posting anonymously on forums, they argue that today’s beauty standards prevent them from being accepted in the sphere of sex and relationships.
Rather than feeling entitled to sex like incel men, women are much more likely to blame themselves.
Both incels and femcels believe they are discriminated against for being physically unattractive (a term coined ‘lookism') but incels are more likely to blame women for being too picky with their choice of partners, whilst women internalize misogynistic beauty standards that are often fatphobic, ableist and racist. The Guardian’s Lizzie Cernik states that women ‘argue that they are invisible due to their abnormal appearance, and that our beauty-centric, misogynistic culture prevents them from being accepted.’ Rather than feeling entitled to sex like incel men, women are much more likely to blame themselves. There is a popular notion amongst incels that women are more privileged
than men, because they can get sex whenever they want. However, femcels argue that is not only false, but that casual sex outside of relationships can often be a dangerous and degrading experience for women. Some femcels describe feeling dehumanized by hookups with men, who use them for their bodies and then discard them, viewing them as ‘low- value.’ Other women fear the dangers of casual dating, and many are looking for something much deeper than sex. In response, femcels are removing themselves from current narratives regarding involuntary celibacy by handling their feelings of anger and hurt differently, reverting back to the original purpose of the incel movement (which was initially started by a woman). Unlike the toxic community that most incel forums have become, many femcels have created spaces that are supportive, encouraging women to build other positive relationships, improve their self-esteem and refuse to have their worth and value defined by how men view them.
Image: Pixabay
Can ghosting be linked to certain personality types? Imogen Clarke - Fashion & Beauty sub-editor
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o, one of our lovely relationships subeditors sent me an article this week on how “ghosting” was linked to certain personality types. And my immediate thought was- I didn’t know being a man was a personality type. But seriously, a study by Peter K Jonason et al. suggests that ceasing contact with a partner abruptly, and with no explanation, is considered ‘more acceptable’ by those with traits of ‘Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy’.
Image: Pixabay
Could this be true? Certainly, I think ghosting can also be connected to laziness among our generation. It’s easier to just stop contacting someone you’ve been dating, or even sleeping with. You can avoid the awkwardness of the, ‘sorry I just don’t see this going anywhere text’ by just not sending it! And, in the era of online dating and social media, it’s become normalised to just cut someone off . There’s a fine line between “ghosting” and ending a conversation. It’s still important to have boundaries. Social media can elongate friendships and relationships unnecessarily. And, if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable talking to someone online, you should totally cut them off, you don’t owe them anything! Tinder and online dating apps are a “different realm”, where stopping messaging with someone abruptly is fine. If you’ve never met the person face-to-face, ghosting is acceptable, and expected! But stringing someone along and then just dropping them is not okay, whichever way you swing it. According to the study, when it comes to shortterm relationships, men with narcissistic traits tended to see ghosting as more acceptable than women with the same traits. Hardly surprising. And, all participants said ghosting in a long-term relationship was much worse- they have some standards! Russell Brand asking Katy Perry for a divorce via text comes to mind (and that wasn’t even technically “ghosting”). O b v i o u s l y, lower levels of empathy in ‘dark triad’
personality types lead to a lack of interest in the emotional consequences of their actions. And sex means less to some people than others. The ‘dark triad’ types, according to the study, are ‘motivated towards casual sex’, to avoid commitment.
Our generation often has a fear of telling the other party exactly what they want.
Maybe ghosting does come down to a fear of commitment. We need to consider the degree of investment in a relationship from each party. Often, it means more to one than the other, and this can lead to the latter thinking “it’s not that deep” when it comes to ghosting. Unfortunately, there is a reason why most “unlawful” ghosting comes from men- it’s a lack of emotional intelligence. I don’t think everyone that ghosts someone out of laziness, or lack of care, is a psychopath, narcissist, or Machiavelli for that matter; but the line between a short and long-term relationship is not always clear. And, our generation often has a fear of telling the other party exactly what they want. Especially if they want a relationship! (shudder). So, perhaps better communication can end all this ghosting. Unless, of course, you are dating someone with complete apathy (in which case, just run). And - lets face it - we’ve all been there.
COURIER
Is it written in the stars? Keely Murphy
Picking your perfect partner could be easier if you just compared zodiac signs?
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hen it comes to first dates, the question: “what’s your star sign?” has become a small talk cliché that can be met with a lot of scepticism. However, underlying this can be a curiosity over how reliable that horoscope compatibility really is. Horoscopes are more than just the Mystic Meg section of the newspaper and can actually be a lot more revealing than we first believe. First, it is important to understand that astrology stretches a lot further than what most people would know as their “star sign” and the blanket descriptor for it. In fact, each individual will have twelve signs within their astrological charts, and the placements of these signs are dictated by not only their date of birth, but also the time and place as well. Most people tend to focus on what are known as the big three: the sun, the moon, and the rising signs. The Sun sign is the most well-known and determines your identity, however it’s individualistic nature can often leave a lot of questions for a significant other. This is where the moon and rising signs come into play, as the moon dictates feelings and emotions, and the rising is reveals how you appear to others. Knowing these signs can give you more insight into the lives of people and how a relationship with them might play out. Ultimately, astrology is a tool that should be used to shape your own decisions and having incompatible horoscopes may not be the red flag it first appears to be. If you’re looking to be challenged in a relationship to help you grow, incompatible star signs can introduce you to new personalities and ways of thinking that you otherwise wouldn’t consider. To return to the question “should we listen to horoscope compatibility?”, the answer is really up to you. The beauty of horoscopes is to guide you through different aspects of life, but it’s up to the individual as to how much of that guidance they want to take on board. So if you really want to date that Gemini on Tinder, go for it! It’s possible the rest of your astrological charts match perfectly, and if not, you’ll know for next time what traits of their sign you weren’t compatible with to help in the search for your star-crossed lover.
Image: Pixabay
Image: Pixabay
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Monday 29 November 2021
COURIER
Relationships
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Sponsored by Scream For Pizza Rate the Date
Ruby, French & Philosophy, 19
Why did you sign up for blind date? I signed up for Blind Date as I though it would be a laugh and fun to meet someone new! What was your first impression of Jon? My first impression was that he was lovely and interesting to talk to! What did the two of you talk about? We spoke at the subjects we are taking, the accomodation here and about the plays he's written and will act in! If you had to describe Jon as an item from the menu at Scream For Pizza, which one would he be? I would describe him as the vegan shuffle truffle pizza: progressive and liked by all!! What advice would you give someone going on a Blind Date? Be yourself and have fun with it! Finally, will you be seeing Jon for a second date? As friends
Rate the Date Why did you sign up for blind date? It's such a novel idea I think - feels like a much better, and somehow less random, way of meeting people than the usual dating app. Plus, there was a bit of egging on and encouragement from some of the other people at the Courier! How did you prepare for the date? I'll confess I did get a haircut a couple days beforehand, but other than that, I'm not sure how much prep I really needed to do. Oh, I did listen to a bit of music to get in an extra good mood before I left the house! What was your first impression of Ruby? Confident! If nothing else, I think I could tell she was going to be quite easy to talk to. What was the best part about the date? I think the standout moment was shocking ourselves with the weird salty chilli flake things that'd been put on the edge of our cocktail glasses. If you had to describe Ruby as an item from the menu at Scream For Pizza, what would she be and why? The Vegan Shuffle Truffle. We both decided the name was a lot of fun, plus it's got the word 'vegan' in it, which is a thing it has in common with Ruby! What advice would you give someone going on a blind date? Just 'don't overthink it'. You're going in 'blind' anyway, so it's not like you've got much to go on in order to prepare. Finally, will you be meeting Ruby for a second date? I'd like to!
Jon, English, 20
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Monday 29 November 2021
Lifestyle
COURIER
‘Twas the hype before Christmas: are Chanukah: What it means to me markets overrated or a festive staple? Annabel Kramrisch
Dasha Romanova
With most Christmas markets now opening up: are they really worth the hype?
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f you type "Christmas Markets" into a search engine, before you’re greeted with lists, hierarchies and enticement, the results feature a headline reading: “world-famous Christmas market cancelled - here’s three you can visit instead”. It’s easy to imagine the panic that such a cancellation would have caused; an image of scrambling, festive jumper-wearing bodies in a frenzy, desperate for that next festive fix, springs to mind. There is such a demand that the media feel the need to suggest not one, but three alternatives, and the fascination has grown as far as lengthy bucket lists of locations and some even travelling to markets in other countries. It may lead you to question: are Christmas markets overrated? In Europe, more specifically the G e r m an - sp e a k i ng parts of Europe, Christmas markets in their original form began in the 15th century. They intertwined the nativity scene with cultural staples, beginning the lead Images: Pixabay
up to Christmas with a communitycentred event at the beginning of advent. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the UK adopted this tradition, with attempts to keep it true to its origins. Lincoln, where this began, was twinned with a German city named Neustadt and thus had the guidance of authentic, German voices as they embarked to mimic their Christmas markets. From the humble 20 stalls that began the tradition, larger cities within the UK have now hit the 300 mark, with most of them possessing frankly very thin connections to their German lineage. Considering how far UK markets have spread and the unavoidable focus on revenue that seems to now shadow all festive celebrations, perhaps a tendency to avoid them is not completely unfounded. However, in recent years, there has been a move toward small business stalls, which result in more personal, thoughtful gifts. As well as this, the food is a prime attraction at Christmas markets and makes the outing not only a shopping experience but an evening-long event that you can bring practically anyone along to. Whether a bratwurst enthusiast, a “pro” ice skater or a child still enthralled by all things Christmas, it’s something that brings everyone together. There is a lot of hype surrounding Christmas markets and, while some is extreme, on the whole, it is a great way to begin celebrating the festive season. It is not so much about the stalls, in the end, but the atmosphere and the people you attend with.
How does Feminism benefit Men? Ewan Joshua Helliwell
We often think of Feminism as a movment for women, but how can it benefit men and should they be doing more to advocate for it?
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TW: Suicide, Sexual Assault eminism, and the societal perspective of the movement, is becoming more and more positive among mainstream and the wider public. We are, hopefully, coming closer to an equal society year on year, but there is always room for growth. Yet among feminist activists, few are men. 'Male feminist' or 'Menimist' clichés aside, debates about the role of men in feminism continue. Can true equality be achieved if half the population cannot help or does feminism lose its way if it becomes dominated by male voices? Debates aside: men all have mothers, many of them sisters, and even more have female partners. If not reason enough, then the following are examples of how gender equality will, and continues to, benefit men: By removing the expectations of masculinity, men's mental health will continue to improve. According to the Guardian, in more gender-equal societies men are half as likely to be depressed, less likely to commit suicide, have around a 40% smaller risk of dying a violent death and even suffer less from chronic back pain. Men's Mental Health Month may as well be Men's Mental Health and Back Pain Month. In an equal society, social issues such as sexual assault and domestic violence against men will be treated seriously. Violence against men is alltoo-often treated as a joking matter, and sexual
assault is no better. It is often expected of men as well. "Boys will be boys". Additionally, male violence and incarceration rates have always been so high they may always be the norm. But, if feminism continues to challenge said norms, we may start to see change. If men are taught how to sit with their emotions, everybody wins. Workplace discrimination is also a problem for men. Stereotypes like "Male nurses are failed doctors and male teachers are sexual predators" are rampant. Men have to live up to the stereotype of the breadwinner, defined by their financial success and not their own fulfilment. The same can be said for stay-at-home Dads - a role which is becoming more accepted as women enter higher-paid roles. Even still, the role of the father is constantly downplayed by the role of the mother. But feminism is changing that; it has allowed men to have lengthier maternity leave and be full-time parents. These are a few example of what feminism can and continues to do for men. And its up to men to support it in whatever way they can.
Image: Unsplash @SamanthaSophia
Image: Pixabay @B0red
Chanukah is the 8-day Jewish festival of light, celebrating the continuation of the Jewish people
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he story of Chanukah is a well known one in the Jewish community. In the 2nd Century BC, the Holy land was ruled by the Seleucids (a group of Ancient Greeks). The Seleucids attempted to force the Jewish people to forgo their religious beliefs and adapt that of the Greeks. In an act of resistance, a small group of devoted Jews rose up and against all odds, defeated the powerful Greek Army. When the Jews returned to their ruined temple to light the Menorah (a holy 7 branch light stand) they only found enough of oil to light it for one day. Miraculously, the lit Menorah lasted for 8 days- enough time for new oil to be made and purified. We celebrate Chanukah to remember these miracles and celebrate our faith. Jewish people celebrate Chanukah by lighting their own Menorahs every night of the festival. The Menorah holds 9 flames, one of which is called the 'shamash', which is used to light the other candles. On the first night we light just one flame, on the second two and so on until we reach eight! As with most Jewish festivals, there is lots of eating involved too! It is tradition to eat foods which contain lots of oil to remember the miracle of the temple. This means lots of doughnuts and Latkes (kind of like a Jewish Hashbrown)! It is also customary to play with a ‘dreidel’, a 4-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side. The game is usually played for chocolate coins, and you win or lose depending on which letter the dreidel lands on! To me, Chanukah is all about family. I love spending time with those close to me, lighting the candles, singing songs and eating some great food! This year is a little different as Chanukah falls during the university term time. While I will miss spending Chanukah at home in Manchester, I can’t wait to celebrate with the other members of N e w c a s t l e ’s Jewish Society! J-Soc would like to wish everybody at Newcastle University a very happy Chanukah! Images: Pixabay @PinWhaleStock
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Monday 29 November 2021
Lifestyle
15
House hunting for second year? Here's some advice! Ethan Todd - Sports Sub-Editor
House hunting ca be stressful, from finding the perfect locations, to picking the perfecting housemates, so here are a few tips to help ease the worries you may have
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s the festive period looms, so does the inevitable nuisance that is sorting out second year accommodation. This can seem such a daunting and even scary task, given the need to deal with landlords and estate agents, as well as the scepticism of prospective housemates. There can be a lot of complicated decisions to make, one of the first being the age-old question: Heaton, Sandyford, or Jesmond? Typically, Jesmond seems to become the first port of call, labelled as the jewel in the crown of Newcastle student areas, given the buzzing atmosphere of Osborne Road as well as the ample bars and restaurants which offer brilliant student deals. However, this evidently impacts the renting price, as Jesmond is the most expensive student area in Newcastle for second year accommodation. Accompanying Jesmond as a popular student area is Heaton, closely situated to Chillingham Road - the home of fantastic foody spots such as
The Butterfly Cabinet or the Naked Deli - with great metro links across the area. This enables Heaton to be one of the most sought after student housing areas. Sandyford is also a fantastic area to live in during your second year of studies, with accommodation only a ten minute walk from campus and the town centre, as well as plentiful local shops, bars and other amenities.
Sharing a house with close friends is meant to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of University Aside from location, possibly the most important task is deciphering who exactly you wish to stay with. Though all of the aforementioned areas are fantastic in their own right, housemates can make or break your university housing experience. Sharing a house is a much more close, intimate space than student accommodation flats, as there are a lot more shared spaces than you perhaps become used to in first year. Therefore, do not agree to share a house with someone you do not enjoy the company of. This is imperative, as it may lead you to resent your living situation and could trigger unbearable, awkward silences in the kitchen (I’m not sure which is worse…). If anyone in your circle of uni pals has a reputation for sloppiness or bad hygiene, avoid them like the plague - unless you are happy to live
A love letter to my body Faye Navesey - Lifestyle sub-editor
All of us have different relationships with our bodies, but we can all agree that we often take them for granted
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TW: Body image & diet culture
there. To my boobs, again you deserve another apology. For a lot of my life, you were a reminder that I was fat, that I was bigger than the girls around me. And then as I got older, you were ignored by me and only admired when I wanted men to buy me a free drink in a pub (Yes, Lesbians do this too). Until very recently, I also felt like you didn’t belong on my body because I’m not a woman. But I’ve recently come to realise that I decide what makes me non-binary, and you belong on my body as much as any other part of me does. My identity won’t be invalidated by the arbitrary way we have made boobs a uniquely womanly thing only for the enjoyment of men. To my hair, I ignored you for so long. I kept you healthy and natural because I thought it was what I was meant to do. But you never felt like mine until I cut you shorter and dyed you a million different colours. Now you’re bleached and damaged beyond repair, and you’re about ten different colours at once because I have no idea how to dye my hair properly. And I’ve never loved you more. I adore waking up to a nest of strangely coloured hair on my head, and I’m so thankful to have you. For a long time, I didn't feel like my body was mine, it felt like a temporary vessel I couldn’t be happy with until I was thinner and fit into a beauty standard that was impossible to reach. So this is a letter to my body and a way of reclaiming it. My body is fat. My body is genderless. My body has scars and marks. And my Body has a different hair colour every week. But most of all, my body is mine and for that it deserves constant thanks. Lots of Love, Faye
o My Body, I’m sorry I treated you like the source of all my problems. I felt like you weren’t perfect enough for me to appreciate all you do for me. And whilst I’m still learning how to appreciate you properly, I know now that viewing you as imperfect isn’t a reflection on you, but rather on a culture that values thinness above happiness. It’s a culture I’m still trying to escape from, so I’m sorry about that. I hope this letter serves as a reminder that you are the most important partner I will ever have. To my fat, I love my body. Not in spite of you, but because of you. You are beautiful and I regret spending all my time and making myself ill trying to get rid of you. I’m afraid you were a punching bag for a brain that was reading about how you were inherently evil and not a natural function of my body. I’m sorry I didn’t see you as beautiful all these years, I’m sorry I deprived my body of food simply because you existed. I’m glad you exist and I wouldn’t change you for the world. I love that I am fat. I love that there are stretch marks on my skin that show how I have grown. Every ounce of fat on my body belongs there because I want it Image: Hannah Buckley
in a pig-sty. It is much more of a collective effort between all housemates to maintain a clean home than in halls. Try to share with people who share similar interests or attitudes, whether this be close friends from halls, course mates or people you've met in clubs and societies. It will ultimately lead to arguments and disagreements if there are a few quieter housemates sharing with one or two party animals. If you know who you want to live with, don’t leave it too late - just ask them about their plans for second year housing. Depending on the number of housemates, there will more than likely be someone who you are not as friendly with as the others. Thus, you must add up if they are tidy and respectful enough to live with, as you really do not want to be stuck with someone you hate with a
burning passion for a year. When dealing with landlords, it can seem as though they know everything and you are powerless to what they say. Yet, when going for house viewings, be eagle-eyed and attentive to the state of the house and surrounding area, as well as the appliances, facilities, condition and size of all rooms. Don’t let excitement overtake and push you to jump for a contract with the first house you see, but in the same breath, if you dawdle, the best accommodation will get swiped up. Most importantly, don’t worry. Sharing a house with close friends is meant to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of university - cooking meals together, having movie nights and, surely at one point, putting the one who has enjoyed themselves too much on a night out to bed. P.S. Don’t be the housemate who leaves dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Ever.
Image: Pixabay @Mohamed_Hassan
A brief history of the moustache
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Alex Walker
s we move towards the end of Movember, a campaign that encourages men across the world to grow moustaches every November to raise awareness for male health issues, many of our friends will be sporting luxuriant lip warmers, or in some cases, wispy but well-meaning whiskers. Men have worn Moustaches since the dawn of time, although the first to catapult them to fame were the Gauls, whose gloriously thatched upper lips terrified the clean-shaven Romans. The Romans were indeed so terrified, that they resorted to superior military tactics, organisation, and equipment to defeat them, rather than simply growing more impressive facial hair. Moustaches would long be associated with military men. The Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock, wore one, and led the vanguard at the Battle of Crécy, sacked France, and captured the French King at Poitiers. Imagine how hard it would be to wear a helmet with a moustache, but at least he looked “manly”.This association between thatched lips and military might, would be cemented under the British Empire. By the 1840s, moustaches were already popular among soldiers serving in the East India Company, and would become compulsory in the company in 1854. When soldiers in the army went away to the Crimean War in 1854, they took with them the first ever war reporters. People back home in Britain read with fascination the stories of doomed cavalry charges and battle-hardened Scots. Soldiers faced appalling conditions in the Russian winter and returned not just heroes, but celebrities. Many had grown facial hair, to keep themselves a little warmer. With this, the moustache craze began, and the army made them compulsory. George V wore a fabulous moustache and beard, and eight 20th century Prime Ministers, Balfour, Campbell-Bannerman, Lloyd George, Bonar Law, Chamberlain, Attlee, Eden, and Macmillan, sported a wonderful diversity of upper-lip hair.
Moustaches remained popular right up until the 1970s, however the 80s all but killed them off. This was, without doubt, a great loss for all mankind (literally). Okay, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. They all looked ridiculous. But that’s good. If they didn’t, then people wouldn’t sponsor men to grow moustaches for Movember, and money wouldn’t be raised for causes like the fight against testicular and prostate cancer. So, gentleman, grow your moustaches with pride, and make sure you donate to the Movember campaign.
Image: Instagram @johnannandreu
Monday 29 November 2021
16
Fashion & Beauty
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COURIER
Campus Fashion: Winter Edition Sophia Ayub -Fashion & Beauty sub-editor
Sophia Ayub shares her impeccable style, reminding us how to layer and stay warm in the winter!
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hen I started this piece, I knew it would be imperative that I’d have to curate an outfit to survive the winter season, as we all know the up north weather tends to be less than forgiving. I wanted to showpiece a fit that would not only embody my style but that I’d also be able to battle the cold weather in. One thing I struggle with throughout all seasons is dressing for the weather. At twenty-two years of age, I am still attempting to grasp the art of styling pieces that either wouldn’t make me sweat my ass off, or leave me shivering on the brink of hyperthermia. Forgive me when I state, that styling accordingly to weather is a true skill (forgive me, med students). This is why the outfit you see styled here provides all the necessary assets for everything from a date night in an outdoor heated bar to a simple university fit for those seminars where the open windows to allow circulation catch your nerves. I can understand the Covid prevention strategies, but one would think the university wants us to catch our death! In the outfit styles, I’ve pared a prettylittlething
chocolate fluffy knitted co-ord leggings and halter neck top. Words cannot describe how incredibly warm this material is, I felt as if I was wearing a full-blown teddy bear! I was astonished that I managed to bag this staple co-ord at the bargain price of £28.
One thing I struggle with throughout all seasons is dressing for the weather I’ll not lie when I wholeheartedly admit seeing myself roll up to a 9 am lecture after sleeping in this co-ord, it’s that comfy. This current fluffy knit trend is such a godsend! You see, what’s key to remember about this co-ord, pared with this puff sleeve trench coat from ASOS is, whilst it keeps me warm, its short crop sleeves also ensure that I won’t overheat in this outfit. It pains me to see countless Black Friday shoppers swarming about town in their sweaters and jeans, red-faced from their inability to breathe in the humidity of the shops, with their puffer jackets draped over their arms, practically weighing them down throughout the whole experience. Another key thing to note about this fit, with the right accessories, here paired with some sour cherry face earrings (support your local businesses people) and a gold chain, this outfit can be both dressed up with a strappy pair of nude heels, or even dressed down with a chunky pair of dad trainers.
The infamous Christmas jumper! Make-up madness and festive fun! Imogen Clarke - Fashion & Beauty sub-editor
With Christmas just around the corner, let's take a look at a staple peice in the winter wardrobe!
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’ve seen some poor Christmas jumpers in my time. But when did they become so popular? Well, the argyle Christmas jumper was mainly worn by affluent skiers in the 20th century. But the gaudier Christmas jumpers we all know and love were re-popularised in the 80s and 90s by television personalities. Christmas themed clothing, from pyjamas to socks, are a relatively
recent trend. However, with shops like Primark releasing new Christmas items every year, are we promoting a throw-away-fashion culture by buying them? However, purchasing one Christmas jumper for example, and wearing it every year, isn’t so bad. So, in the spirit of being sustainable, and trying to get in on the Christmas fun, I present some of my Christmas jumper picks. A standard red argyle Christmas jumper is certainly cute. But if you’re into something slightly more understated, try “Big Wild Thought”. Buying one of their embroidered animal-themed Christmas jumpers helps wildlife charities (they donate 10% of each sale!) And, their minimal design means you can even wear them all year round, or at least throughout the winter season! However, for some people, Christmas jumpers should be “the uglier the better”. Eating your body weight and wearing an ugly jumper is what Christmas is all about, right? So, I’ve also found some truly ugly ones to. showcase. Almost a “what not to wear”…
Image: Instagram @xsstockcom & @thesundayfeeling
Sophia Ayub -Fashion & Beauty sub-editor
A celebration of festive make-up and talent. Who fancies trying one of these looks for their Christmas party?
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ords cannot describe how long I have been patiently waiting for an opportunity like this. Since the day and met my manager/ friend, Ellie Strong, I have always been in awe of the immense creativity and talent she so beautifully embodies. Her ability to craft and create bespoke outfits and makeup looks is truly commendable. Which is why I felt it necessary to scream her praises and share some incredible festive make-up looks she has curated in the spirit of Christmas. Her first look, which probably stands as my personal absolute favourite displays a homage to the one of the most renowned children’s book and Christmas film, ‘The Grinch’. My personal bias towards this looks overall theme may sway my particular appreciation to this look, however I am sure no one can deny the immaculate detail and
Image: Instagram @brown.girl.illustrations
precision that has gone in to all these looks, including this one. Her utilisation of facial features in order to emphasise focal points of the look, for example, we see here how Ellie utilises her nose in order to add a more three dimensional appearance for the bauble. Truly outstanding. In her second look Ellie has embodied all things sweet in her crafty look featuring all things gingerbread and sugary. Again, making use of her eye brows, she has created a dripped sugar effect, dripping over warm bronze and brown tones, displaying a sugary effect. To draw this whole look together, Ellie poses with a tube of icing to her ginger-breaded cheek. A quirky touch to a delicious quirky look! In her final look Ellie is modelling another homage to the infamous festive picture, ‘Elf ’. Here we see how she has curated an elf boarding an asymmetrical candy caned eye, paired with a gorgeous red lip, and not to mention a glowing face of popping highlight, sprinkled with an abundance of snow. Make-up means many different things to many different people. Whilst it can sometimes get shelved as a daily procedure in our routine, its important to remember that it can be a creative outlet to display something truly genius and incredibly beautiful, as demonstrated by the gorgeous Ellie Strong. Instagram: @lady.ell_
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COURIER
Monday 29 November 2021
Travel
17
Year A fleeting trip to Barcelona Abroad B Diaries Meg Howe -Head of Life & Style
Elana Shapiro
In this next installment of the Year Abroad Diaries series, we explore a night on Berlin's famous voguing scene
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n Saturday night I accompanied some friends to an event in a repurposed warehouse. I walked inside to a dance floor shrouded in lights but completely empty. A crowd was gathered around three sides of the floor, dancing and cheering wildly to a beat provided by the DJ, and on the fourth, sat a panel of four judges dressed lavishly, in bold, vibrant colours, and looking genuinely spectacular. It was to be my first experience of the famous Berlin voguing scene. Voguing and the ballroom culture emerged in 1950s and 60s New York and is mainly associated with queer, black, and Latin communities. It offers an inclusive space for creative expression of self and dancers ‘walk’ (participate) in various categories. It is now also something which has become synonymous with Berlin, as it grows into a European capital of voguing. Some of the categories on Saturday included ‘best newcomer‘ and ‘best runway’ in addition to so many more. Participants are judged on their performance, dancing, and look. They walk in pairs with one person selected to go through to the next round and then they keep competing within new pairs until only the winner remains. Judges give points for creativity, style, and extravagant outfits.
It is a place to make new friends and to appreciate performative, creative expression
arcelona: a city that’s architecture conforms to a strict configuration on equally sized octagons, making the aerial view so perfect and precise. Having never seen a city laid out in this way, I was surprised at how efficient this made transport , both on foot and by vehicle. Whilst this is a smart way to make the city pretty easy to navigate, it’s equally easy to get lost in, as everything looks the same, and without Google Maps, I definitely would have been walking around thinking, “I’m certain I’ve seen this block of buildings before!”. Aside from the unique layout of the city centre, Barcelona is known for its significant art and history. Situated almost randomly through the modern city, the distinctive works of Antoni Gaudi can be so easily spotted. Both Casa Milá and Casa Batlló are located so centrally, that as I walked down the streets I could easily have missed them if I didn’t know they were there. The irregularity of both of these buildings perfectly highlights Barcelona’s uniqueness.
The most famous of Gaudi’s works is La Sagrada Familia, located roughly a 30 minute walk from La Rambla (Barcelona’s main shopping street). Bursting with rich culture and history, this masterpiece defines what Barcelona is all about! Despite starting the construction in 1892, this church isn’t expected to be finished until 2026, but
this doesn’t make it any less magical. Every aspect of this building has been designed with such consideration and care. From the stained glass windows that have been placed to catch the light at different times of the day, to the beams in the centre to represent the Four Gospels; Gaudi has succeeding in creating a cathedral that differs to any other! In a fleeting visit of only two full days, I found that the best way to explore Barcelona was to walk down the small side-streets. Known infamously in the Gothic Quarter, the maze-like network allows tourists to safely explore off-the-beaten-track. It was down these side-streets that I experienced some of the most beautiful apartment buildings, churches and markets. Most of the light-stone buildings were covered in flowers of pink, yellow and green, and it really made me feel like summer was still upon us. Visiting Barcelona outside of the summer season was something that I’m so glad I did. The tourist-y aspects of the city still remained accessible, yet without the hustle and bustle of so many people, I was really enriched by the vast history and culture that this city has to offer.
Image: Meg Howe
Finland: Happiest country in the world? Izzy Ellis - NSR Station Manager
For the fourth consecutive year, Finland has been ranked the Happiest Country in the world. How and why does it keep getting this title?
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t's no surprise that Scandinavians are some of the happiest people on earth with their fair share of a sparkling welfare state, universal healthcare and low crime rates - they seem to have it all figured out. You may think with 200 days of winter and temperatures that consistently drop below -10°,
Whilst it is a competition (red statue trophies were available to be won), the atmosphere is one of total, mutual respect. Contestants cheer each other on, the audience, although they do have their favourites, enthusiastically support every single person who walks, and the warmth and openness in the crowd is immense. Self-love and confidence are championed here and it is powerful. It is a place to make new friends and to appreciate performative, creative expression. My experience of the night was one of awe. I left feeling amazed, empowered and energised. The atmosphere was purely infectious positivity. Initially I had been hesitant - entry was 15 euros - however it was undoubtedly worth every cent and more.
Image Credit: Maria Vojtovicova on Unspalsh
Finland would be at the bottom of people's lists when in pursuit of happiness. But, out of 149 countries, for the fourth year on the trot, Finland has been voted the number one Happiest Country in the world by the World Happiness Report. The report looks at aspects of life such as gross domestic product (GDP), healthy life expectancy and corruption. As a humble inhabitant of the UK, it got me questioning, what is their secret?
They support their citizens, their healthcare system is second to none and university is free...
The Scandinavian way of life has become quite the commodity over the past few years when it comes to books, fashion and interiors - everyone wants a slice of it. Sisu, the Finnish word for inner strength, is slowly becoming a part of western dialect and is a big reason why Finland is topping those leaderboards. As a country, they support their citizens, their healthcare system is second to none and university is free, so people can pursue their passion with no monetary limits. They believe in helping their citizens into jobs they actually want to do, so when it comes to paying those exponential taxes, they don’t mind. Also, having a female millennial Prime Minister in the form of Sanna Marin bodes well in their favour too, instead of having some rich, old white guy. Another thing that can’t be denied about Finland is that it is utterly beautiful. Everyone in Finland has the freedom to roam and is in fact encouraged by the government to do so. With 75% of Finland’s landmass being forests, many Finns take to the wilderness in pursuit of a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A study from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health showed that even people who spent 2 hours a week in nature were more likely to have better overall mental and physical health. Showing that it is not just the government that makes the country great, it's the landscape too! I think Finland has put forward quite the argument as to why they justify holding the crown as Happiest Country in the World for yet another year. The last thing to ask is, when are you booking your flight? Image Credit: Pixabay
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Review: The Tanners Arms in Newcastle Scarlett Welch - Food & Drink sub-editor
For affordable, classic pub food with a modern twist, look no further than The Tanners Arms!
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ituated in the cultural hotspot of Ouseburn, The Tanners Arms is everything you want from a pub. It has a warm and inviting feel, with classic, understated pub decor and friendly service. Stepping inside just feels right, whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time. Ouseburn has been named ‘one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world’ by travel guides, and normally this is reflected in the prices of its venues. However, The Tanners Arms stays humble with almost all of their hearty meals being under the £10 mark, as well as 2 for £10 cocktails (2 for £7.50 on weekends).
Monday 29th November 2021
Food & Drink
The best cookbooks to gift at Christmas Jude Parkinson
For the perfect gift to those who love cooking, look no further than this guide
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ookbooks are a staple go to present for friends and family who like to get hands on in the Kitchen. Here’s a cookbook gift guide to cover everyone’s taste this Christmas.
Crave - Ed Smith
Their drinks menu is also extensive, whether you're after a boujee cocktail or a perfect pint Between us, we tried the original and vegan version of their ‘Schmoove Moove’ burger and their signature salt and pepper chicken fries (again, both a meat and veggie option!). Both dishes were incredible, full of flavour and immaculately presented - quite a challenge considering the sheer amount of ingredients in the burger. A word of warning, the portion sizes are huge, so I wouldn’t make the trip here unless you’re hungr Their huge range of other dishes include pub classics such as fish and chips or a Sunday roast, as well as hot dogs and nachos which are, needless to say, loaded with toppings. Their drinks menu is also extensive, whether you’re after a boujee cocktail or a perfect pint. All in all, The Tanners Arms is a must-visit pub for anyone who wants a filling and flavourful meal just outside the city, especially for students who want to venture into Ouseburn without breaking the bank!
Images: Leanna Thomson
Primrose Bakery Christmas Martha Swift
The perfect cookbook for those with a sweet tooth around Christmas. With ideas from edible gifts to festive Christmas bakes such as magnetic gingerbread houses from scratch, the book reinvents many Christmas classics as well as unique recipes to add to your repertoire. The perfect gift to keep Christmas going into the New Year!
Fast Vegan - John Vincent
A faultless cookbook for both keen vegans and
A recipe book arranged by flavour with the ability to suit your mood, appetite and even the weather, with over 100 delicious recipes there’s something for everyone’s liking. Ed Smith helps break down his cookbook to its fundamentals, 6 flavour profiles providing quick access to every food craving from breakfasts to delicious dessert.
those wanting to turn vegan for Veganuary or their New Year’s resolution. The book is packed with 200 recipes, with an emphasis on keeping things simple, fresh, and full of flavour. Keeping with LEONs chain restaurant dishes the book has inspiration from cuisines all around the world, primarily a mix between Asian and American cuisine, all made plant based.
Hawksmoor: Restaurants and Recipes - Huw Gott A cookbook centred around a specific restaurant is perfect for those who can’t get enough of their menu. The Hawksmoor is a must for steak lovers, with the restaurants having numerous awards. They’ve now shared their secret to re-creating these delicious dishes at home, with guides on how to create their infamous mac ‘n’ cheese and how cook steak like a pro chef. The book also includes dishes not available on their restaurant menu - carefully created for their faithful customers which they are sure to love!
Images: Pixabay
The death of French cuisine? Marcel Shamshoum - Food & Drink sub-editor
What particularly impressed me about this pub is the extensive vegan and vegetarian menus. Not only do they provide unique plant-based options, but they also offer most of their classic meat dishes in vegetarian / vegan form, sacrificing absolutely none of the quality.
19
D
ining: the activity of eating a meal. Simple and straight forward. Not to the French! French food culture is almost as sacred as a catholic mass, a ritual if you will. The French have redefined our perception of food, their cuisine has been dominating the world food arena since the mid 1800s. From classic dishes to basic techniques that form the basis, of most of the foods we eat in our daily lives. Today, when we think French food our minds ultimately go to dimmed dining rooms, circular tables, with freshly pressed white table cloths, god knows how many sets of cutlery and a night full of heavy meals, rich with butter and butter and more butter. And being the greedy man I am, I do like myself some butter and more butter kind of dishes. However, I don’t think this kind of cuisine will be able to hold itself any longer for a number of reasons which I will be discussing in this article. For reference I thought I’ll go to the bible of fine dining and restaurants, that of course being the Michelin guide. So I did a quick search to see what type of restaurants are there in Paris and their subsequent cuisines. To my shock, one out of 422 restaurants that have a Michelin star in Paris was French contemporary and another one that was cuisine from south west France, and the cuisine that had the majority of restaurants was referred to as Modern cuisine, which coming from Michelin, is a ludicrous category. Modern cuisine can be literary anything, you just need to use a few fancy names and a chemistry set and you are good to go. So my first argument is, if French people themselves are abandoning their own cuisine, what’s left for us to say?
Since its popularisation, French cuisine has been heavily associated with fine dining; making it a luxury cuisine rather than a day to day food. For that matter alone, I believe the cuisine could be losing popularity. Furthermore, one could argue that our modern lifestyle doesn’t allow us to sit 45 minutes on one meal, and half way through that meal you remember, oh, there are still six more meals to go! The nature of the meals also is an integral factor; today people are self-aware of their diet, healthy and balanced meals are now stealing the spotlight. So I’m sorry to break it for you, but traditional French cuisine and healthy foods are like water and oil, they don’t mix! A dish like Foie gras today, is a weapon of self-destruction in my view. A greasy, fatty goose liver, put on a plate that raises ethical concerns the size of France. Do we continue to eat it? I’ve mentioned before that the French are abandoning their own cuisine, a bold statement, I know. However, despite what the Michelin guide says I’d like to think otherwise. French people are proud people, abandoning their cuisine is never going to happen. But here is the catch, pride equals exclusivity, and a city like Paris where you’ll see all kinds of immigrants, form Moroccan to Lebanese to Chinese and so on and so forth, yet with all that, we see a city struggling to compete with its sister cities such as London and New York when it comes to food diversity and inclusivity. At this point I may sound conflicting, but I’m not; sometimes integrating other cultures to your own will enhance it make it stand out even! Adaptation is key; the methods used in traditional French cuisine are so old to the point I can smell the dust off them from miles. Technology is improving, gastronomy is advancing and we’re hungry for the new. So, what now? Well it’s three words: integrate, adapt and… fat (every once in a while) – bon appetite.
Image: Pixabay
Battle of the Christmas fast food Amy Haslam
As the festive season approaches; fast food restaurants have unleashed their festive menus.
F
or the first time since 2015, McDonald’s enters the festive menu boxing ring. KFC returns with a fan-favorite and Burger King does… nothing. In previous years, McDonald’s festive menu has been slim - but this year they’ve released a full range: the Festive Chicken, Festive Stack, and Festive Pie. My verdict on the offerings - The festive chicken and the festive pie were delicious. The festive pie featured mincemeat and custard, with slight boozy notes that make me suspicious that Ronald McDonald might have poured in a little of his spare brandy. However, the ‘’Festive Stack” with its overpowering onion jam and cheese sauce tasted more like a cheese and pickle sandwich, rather than anything festive.
The festive pie featured mincemeat and custard, with slightly boozy notes Meanwhile at KFC, the special appears to be the same as last year, a chicken burger with “gravynnaise“ and a hash brown that you're supposed to pour gravy into.While I like the idea of the gravy fountain, the “gravynnaise” just tasted like mayonnaise that you might find in one of their regular burgers. Putting the taste of the food aside, what about the philosophical issue here: Christmas shouldn't just be about gravy... which they offer all year round anyway. There must be more creative ideas that come to mind; I know they have the capacity to deep fry an entire turkey back there! So, my verdict on where you should spend Christmas day: in a McDonald's restaurant feasting on a Festive Crispy Chicken, maybe even bring some Christmas crackers.
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COURIER
Monday 29th November 2021
Music
Live Review: Sam Fender (Utilita Arena) Paige Rutter
Sam Fender plays his longawaited show in Newastle
L
ocal- lad Sam Fender, was finally able to do his highly anticipated home show - it was the first time he would play his home arena and it was to a sell-out crowd. First on stage were Sam’s support act, Australian indie-rock band Gang of Youths. They set the stage on fire with their upbeat tunes being belted out around the arena. They performed some of their hits including ‘the man himself ’ and ‘The Heart is a Muscle’ - it was a great introduction for people who had never heard their music. The stage was now being set for the star act, as Newcastle United flags were flying around the arena. The band’s saxophone player Johnny ‘bluehat’ graced the arena with a rendition of ‘Local Hero’. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible, with everyone around me cheering on and multiple ‘toon toon black and white army’ chants travelling - and parts of the crowd often looking like a sea of Newcastle shirts. Sam kicked off his setlist with the iconic ‘Will We Talk?’, one of his popular singles from his first album. Everything was surreal from the lighting to the atmosphere; it was not hard to tell that everyone there was having the best time.
A mix of songs from both the first and second albums were performed along with some singles and a Springsteen ‘Dancing in the Dark’ cover. Some of Fender’s most upbeat songs, including the iconic ‘Spice’, got the full arena bouncing. Mosh pits were forming in the standing section with the red strobe lights illuminating every corner.
Mid-set we enjoyed Sam letting us know that Newcastle was the best city in the world - which literally every Geordie agreed with.
The set also reached heartfelt songs such as ‘Dead Boys’ and ‘Spit of You’ which tugged at the heartstrings of many. The crowd fully took charge during the performance of ‘Saturday’ with Sam encouraging us to sing along - a job we did very well. Sam also included songs such as 'The Borders', 'Mantra' and 'Seventeen Going Under' in his show which were all absolutely brilliant. Mid-set we enjoyed Sam letting us know that Newcastle was the best city in the world - which literally every Geordie agreed with. When the set reached the final song, the infamous 'Hypersonic Missiles', the entire
arena was up and ready to go all out one last time. Confetti irrupted mid-song and smoke bangs were going off with every beat - the only word I can use to describe it is electric. This felt very much like home and was definitely one of the best things I have experienced. As the show ended, the sounds and lyrics of the songs were still being hollowed around the arena - and later in the streets. Afterwards, Sam took to Twitter to state the audience sang “like they were ..in the Gallowgate end in the ’90s.” Sam’s sophomore album seventeen going under, recently went straight to number 1. Which has also set out plans for another tour next year - including two Newcastle arena dates. Image: Wikimedia
What songs do we associate with movie soundtracks? When Harry Met Sally
The Matrix
Baby Driver
Annabel Hogg
Elizabeth Meade
Rachael McCreanor
When Harry Met Sally is my favourite film of all time. I’ve watched it so many times that now, I sometimes forget that the theme song ‘It had to be you’ was around way before the movie hit cinema screens in 1989. In fact, the song was written way back in 1924 by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn, with a slow melody that differs greatly from the big band version created specifically for the movie’s soundtrack by Harry Connick, Jr. So, why has this song become so inescapably entwined with When Harry Met Sally? Well, it’s easy to believe that the song was in fact written for the film. The moment when it plays is so perfectly encapsulated by the lyrics that it’s almost shocking that the song wasn’t written about Nora Ephron’s incredible creations that are ‘Harry’ and ‘Sally’.
There are a great many songs that have gained fame from film soundtracks. A simple search brings up songs like "Eye of the Tiger" and "I'm A Believer". However, for me there's one song I'll never disconnect from the film: "Wake Up" by Rage Against the Machine. It's used in the credits of The Matrix. I'm not a huge fan of this song or even the band, but I'll always think of it as "the Matrix credits song". Regardless of its strengths or weaknesses as a piece of music, I always thought it was a suitable choice. Given the film's themes and the vague antiestablishment leanings of the song, a piece by the name of "Wake Up" by a band called Rage Against the Machine is oddly appropriate, isn't it?
It’s no surprise, the film’s director, Edgar Wright, is well known for his films’ consistently brilliant soundtracks. A film created not merely to music but with it, the critically acclaimed picture’s nominations for both Academy Awards and BAFTAs in sound speak to its masterful use of classic music as an integral part of the story. Within the film itself, music is presented as one of the driving forces in Baby’s narrative. It is his one constant accompaniment through each stage of his life. Perhaps it is this emphasis on the power of music running throughout the film that solidifies its soundtrack as one of the best. There are several tracks featured in the film that are now, in my mind, forever intrinsically bound to it – the most significant of which, is Easy by Commodores. Whilst not a particularly out-of-the-box pick, the emotional impact of this track used in tandem with one of the only carefree montage scenes in the entire film is unparalleled. Brighton Rock by Queen is another song I can no longer separate from the film. Accompanying one of the most iconic scenes, the final confrontation between Baby and Buddy, this 1974 track perfectly encapsulates the chaos of that fateful night. My final pick is the film’s namesake: Baby Driver by Simon and Garfunkel. As its name suggests, this track is integral to the film. An iconic hit by its own volition, the classic 70s song acts as the perfect conclusion to a pretty perfect film.
— Relationships Sub-editor
The moment when it plays is so perfectly encapsulated by the lyrics that it's almost shocking that the song wasn't written about Nora Ephron's 'Harry' and 'Sally'. The song crescendos as we follow Harry through the streets of New York to the New Year’s Eve party where he finally tells Sally – after a long 12 years of friendship- “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and the thing is, I love you”. What I believe is the best romantic comedy ending of all time would be far less perfect if it wasn’t against the backdrop of Jones and Kahn’s timeless creation. The years of yearning come to ahead in this scene as the lyrics “nobody else gave me a thrill, with all of your faults, I love you still” perfectly encapsulate the moment that Harry realises, it did indeed, have to be her.
Image: IMDB
--Head of Current Affairs
--TV Sub-editor
21
CRAWLER IDLES
Joe Millward Image: Wikimedia
N
ormally when writing an album review, I’d go back and listen to the discography. With IDLES, there is no need. Their lyrics are unforgettable - powerful, politically charged things, lobbed out of the speakers with Joe Talbot’s infamous drawled roar (It’s definitely unique). This is accompanied by thrashing punk guitars and drums, quaking the floor in time, or simply providing a wall of noise. The original 'Joy as an Act of Resistance' was unique with its forward-thinking messages concealed in the blunt object of Joe Talbot's delivery. This contrast isn’t for everyone, a slam poet mid knife fight. The sophomore Ultra Mono stripped it back further, filling the gaps with naked aggression. It’s always good to see a band grow, but any further in that direction would be too far for me. So we get to the latest album. My headphones had broken early in the week (I’d like to say from too much moshing, but maybe it drowned in Swiftie tears), so I was feeling sufficiently pissed off for an album I expected to have me screaming and stomping. I was surprised to find then, dirgelike chants that tumble over each other. 'MTT 420 RR' is the opener, named for the bike that almost claimed the life of the lead singer. It is an ominous warning, and is, potentially, the best song, mixing up instruments to create a sense of curiosity of this new direction. If a near-death RTA seems like a very personal experience, the rest of the album only cuts deeper. Lead singer Joe Talbot explains that the album is post-therapy, looking past rage and into himself. The lyrics now ponder along in silent reflection. Unfortunately, this leaves the band and listener twiddling their thumbs. There are moments of high energy, but the lyrics are extremely personal, with metaphors and memories that fail to grab the listener, especially when lost in odd mixing choices, making the delivery even more unintelligible, lost. I understand it is part of the experience, it is not a new technique, nor a particularly necessary one. The same is said for the lyric work, I see the deeper meaning, but chanting random metaphors and excerpts simply do not work - the album blends a ball of confused lyrics, muddled mixing, and lost instrumentalists. I feel bad to criticize this direction, which acts as a healthy release, but I think there was room for a balance, using the raging style as a means of management. I didn't value IDLES for the aggression, more the implacable stance against intolerance. Losing both, however, pushes IDLES into uncertain water with much bigger fishes. Listen to the singles and decide if you can manage the whole album.
Monday 29th November 2021
22
TV
THE
COURIER
Police Shows: is it time to cancel or should we be reinvent Carly Horne - TV sub-editor
With a growing public concern around police conduct, is it time for police shows to go?
I
n 2020, Paramount Network cancelled the 32-series-long Cops following the murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin. Protests raised important questions as to the prevalence of police brutality and the death of a young man at the hands of law enforcement, as well as the portrayal of law enforcement in the media.
Strong, ballsy idols in female police officers helped me to see tangible examples of women thriving in a man's world. Where Cops followed real-life police officers, criticisms arose even before concerns of police brutality led to the cancellation of the show. Such shows (including their UK-equivalents) are incredibly guilty of showing a particularly pro-police message. That is not to say that the police officers depicted do not do an incredibly difficult job - but what could be an opportunity to show the harrowing reality, is instead used to glorify this incredibly problematic sector. Arguably, however, fictional shows play a greater role in the conflicting public perception of what exactly police officers do and in take
away from some very real concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers. Whilst providing entertainment, it is important to consider whether our beloved characters are hindering reallife progress to a problematic policing culture.
Is cancellation really the answer, or is reinvention the way forward? As a young girl, finding strong, ballsy idols in female police officers and detectives on my TV screen helped me to see tangible examples of women thriving in a man's world. Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes) on CSI: NY, was one of the first TV detectives I idolised. She had climbed the career ladder of the NYPD with a less than ideal beginning in life and overcome horrific trauma to bring justice to the victims of incredibly heinous crimes. But she was also aggressive, constantly ignoring orders and putting her life in danger. Her conduct with suspects earned her four complaints and the result? A promotion to head up the New Orleans Crime Lab. What Stella Bonasera shows is that some officers behave in ways that should be severely punished by their superiors but escape with little or no consequences. Whilst the recent ACAB message began to circulate, people began to consider how this applied to their favourite TV law enforcement officers. One such character was Law and Order: SVU's protagonist, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and her on onscreen partner, Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni). Though Elliot’s stance on abortion made sense due to a strong catholic faith, it had no place whatsoever in his role among special victims. Perhaps we're supposed to applaud him for assaulting the
criminals suspected of committing the very worst of crimes. But what his character represents are the very characteristics we would hope to never see in a police officer, though unfortunately, see all too often. Olivia Benson is a little more complicated. Although she is great with the victims, she also acts in a way which would be unacceptable in real life. Olivia Benson was once kidnapped and held for four days by a man who had every intention of doing her serious harm. In spite of her own physical condition, she managed to subdue him. Her decision led to a dreadful chain of events starting with Olivia beating her handcuffed kidnapper within an in inch of his life, and later perjuring herself about it in court. Even before her kidnapping storyline, we see Olivia beat a confession out of a suspect, faced only with the
punishment of being sent home. I'll be the first person to confess just how much I love police procedurals and reality TV portraying life in the emergency services. I very much hope cancellation isn't the answer. But these shows are truly missing their potential to bring change to a real-life system much in need of an overhaul. It’s time to re-invent this wonderful genre and the frontrunners heading up this change. Image credit: PixFuel
Image credit: IMDb
Netflix's new show, Maid: sweeping critics off their feet Has the long awai George Bell
—Film Sub-Editor
Content Warning: Mentions of Domestic Abuse and Alcoholism
M
uch like with most things I do, I went into Maid completely blind with no idea what to expect. I assumed it would be some crime thriller similar to other one word Netflix titles like Safe, but what I found instead was an incredibly well made show that handled topics of domestic abuse and poverty with a great deal of maturity. Maid is a Netflix limited series that follows young mother Alex (Margaret Qualley, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood (2019)) after fleeing an abusive relationship and taking on a job as a cleaner in an attempt to build a better life f o r
her daughter. Met with hurdles at every step like the abusive ex, a complex family, and a broken government system, we get to see Alex struggle but eventually overcome them all to get what she wants.
The show respectuflly depicts the relationshio between an abuser and their victim. The main underpinning theme of this show is the domestic abuse Alex undergoes as a result of her alcoholic partner Sean (Nick Robinson). Unlike most media that depict abuse, Maid made the important choice to highlight mental and verbal abuse rather than physical abuse, something that is much underrepresented. It explores the psychology of both victim and abuser and f und ament a l ly destroys the stereotype of “it being easy to leave an abusive
Image credit: IMDb
relationship”. It is important to note that while the show explains in part and humanises Sean as a character, it never justifies his actions or even tries to. He is always the one at fault and that is never shifted to Alex. The show is much of an education tool as it is a drama, and through it I was able to learn a lot of things about domestic abuse, the systems in place to support victims of it and systems in place to support those in poverty. Maid depicts these systems with frustrating clarity and shows just how unfair they can really be, emphasising just how broken the US Government is at supporting its people, something I’m certain the UK shares in. At times the show is overwhelmingly bleak with how much gets thrown in Alex’s way which is why the inclusion of characters like her daughter, Maddy (Rylea Nevaeh Whittet), and Nate (Raymond Ablack) were sources of some muchneeded serotonin. There is a surprisingly large swath of characters for this 10 episode time but it does an excellent job of giving each a chance to be fleshed out and humanised. However, I think it is in part due to this shortness that a few of the characters like Nate and Danielle (Aimee Carreoro) seemed to abruptly disappear and are never given a satisfying conclusion. I’m not too upset about this however as at the end of the day this is Alex and Maddy’s story and the show never loses focus on that. She portrays Alex perfectly as this relatable, funny, and resilient woman who can do anything she puts her mind to, yet still realistically portray and show the weight of the many hardships she faces. Her performance is one of my favourite parts of the show and has definitely landed Qualley on my radar of actresses to look out for more. There is virtually nothing wrong with Maid. It addresses some serious topics in a wellintentioned and meaningful way while providing an entertaining experience that will keep you hooked for ten hours. But I fear that it is in danger of being lost amidst all of Netflix’s content so if you ever get the chance, be sure to check this out.
Ellie McVay
Tiger King is back for a second series... and it's weirder than ever
T
iger King Season 2 has rolled out its fur-lined red carpet and strolled onto the Netflix UK Top 10. I have had the morbid pleasure of watching the first episode. It is possible to attribute the success of the first series to our own limited, bizarre circumstances as viewers. In March 2020, Joe Exotic entered many of our lives, and Tiger King was, for a time, the only thing truly weirder than reality.
The engimatic figures served as wildly unapologetic counters to the figureheads of the emerging pandemic. The enigmatic figures of Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin and Jeff Lowe, all served as wildly unapologetic counters to the figureheads of the emerging pandemic. They operated within their very own political sphere which unravelled from start to finish in incredible and increasing drama. Series one was brilliant in its absurdity. Yet, in episode one of the second series, the viewers are a little more steady on their feet. And as the direction of the show becomes ‘where are they now?’, we the audience carry the awkward awareness that they are accused criminals, lawless manipulators, and animal abusers. So where are they now? At the very least gaining further fame by appearing in the second series. “Everybody from the zoo out there is making
THE
COURIER
Monday 29th November 2021
23 TV ting the canon? The Guilded Age - Julian Fellowes' brand new forray into period dramas Kayleigh Fraser
— Campus Comment sub-Editor
With the official teaser now released, what can we expect from the new period drama set for relase in January 20202?
D
ownton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes is back again for what is set to be another iconic period drama. We might have been given Bridgeton and Belgravia to satisfy our period drama cravings, but nothing can ever beat the classic Downton Abbey. This is why it's so exciting that Julian Fellowes' The Gilded Age will grace HBO Max on the 24th January next year. Set in New York, the series seems to follow the emerging conflict between the 'old' and 'new' New York. "Power belongs to old New York, my dear", says Christine Baranski's character Agnes Van Rhijn in the teaser trailer, released on the 18th of
release. Now, more than ever, viewers are craving the beauty of the past. The show's plotline has also been revealed, as described in the teaser trailer: 'In a new world, a new age is about to begin. The Gilded Age begins in 1882 with young Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) moving from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her thoroughly old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon). Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, will Marian follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path?' As a teaser, Fellowes doesn't give much away. Many of the characters are distant and fleeting - something I hope we see less of in the official trailer. In terms of plot, however, I'm very much looking forward to seeing an era prior to `Downton Abbey depicted on screen. Image credit: IMDb
Now, more than ever, viewers are craving the beauty of the past. November. Since the success of 2020's Bridgerton, the world has been hungry for period dramas. Recording 625 million hours of viewing in its first week of
ited Tiger King 2 earned its stripes? money”, it is stated. Indeed, the opening of this episode takes a sweeping look at our reaction to the first Tiger King, and the response of its stars. Notably, the reaction to Carole Baskin is observed critically, pointing out the “clear ridiculous misogynistic double standard there”. Carole herself has enjoyed success on the US series, Dancing with the Stars.
Joe’s poor reaction to the permanent, life-changing injury of (fan-favourite) colleague, Saff Saffery. Indeed, Jeff Lowe comments that “if people knew who Joe was, there would not be a single ‘Free Joe’ shirt in America”, and the series does just that: it looks towards the early life of Joe Exotic. Whilst Joe cannot be present, the series still has its Tiger King at its heart. Episode one of Tiger King 2 has a lot to give. While sustaining that universally-savoured drama o f American documentaries, the question our viewership raises, however, is the ethics of such a show. We are very aware of the sustained success of its morally-questionable characters. Looking to the rest of the series, I’d like to see a continuation of the subtle moments of criticism to be found in the first episode. But who knows? This is certainly a series that is as infinitely unpredictable as its subjects. it:
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Image credit: WikiMedia
Without spoiling too much, many of our favourite crooks and criminals are back for more – but, absent from all of this, is the true star, Joe Exotic. Those present, however, are those hellbent on liberating him. The effort to free Joe Exotic provides a particularly strange case study for TrumpEra American politics. The ‘Help Free Joe’ movement is yet another profound expression of privilege within the series. Beautiful irony ensues as supporters rap ‘the Tiger King Cadillac, believe it or not', with a sticker depicting the phrase ‘I am never going to financially recover from this’ under a shrine-like image of Joe. Fans of the first series will perhaps fondly remember the dark comedy of
IM Db
Many of our favourite crooks return, but absent from all of this is the true star, Joe Exotic.
Preview: The Book of Boba Fett Katie Hind
The official trailer for The Book of Boba Fett has landed and the anticipation has risen.
F
inally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the official trailer for The Book of Boba Fett has arrived! Debuting only a few weeks ago, and currently standing at almost 9 million views, it’s fair to say that The Book of Boba Fett is one of the most highly anticipated Star Wars spin-offs at the moment. Boba Fett has been infamous amongst Star Wars fans since starring in the original trilogy, despite his lack of screen time and almost nonexistent dialogue across The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983) . There’s something to be said about his Mandalorian armour, with enough gadgets to rival Batman.
The trailer does an amazing job of worldbuilding
feared crime syndicate of Jabba the Hutt. A job easier said than done! There are so many highlights from the official trailer that it would be impossible to name them all. My favourite momoent has to be the call-back to Luke Skywalker’s (Mark Hamill) transmission to Jabba the Hutt. Boba wants a ‘mutually beneficial’ agreement during his rule on Tatooine, and there’s some irony there. Hopefully, Boba rules without too many disintegrations! TAs he professes ‘I’m not a bounty hunter’ despite being the most famous of them all, we can expect quite the jump from Jabba’s rule, and a whole new world of crime to flourish on Tatooine. Fans seem pleased about the exploration of a much grittier world outside of the ‘high and mighty’ antics of the Jedi. I must say, I agree. It’s a breath of fresh air to see a world that looks lived in! The trailer shows us the lively (and, notably crime-ridden) culture of Tatooine. Not only can we look forward to The Book of Boba Fett, more spin-offs are on their way! Andor (2022-), Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022-), Lando and The Acolyte to name a few. Tune into Disney+ on December 29th, and see Boba Fett in action.
It’s a shame about the sarlacc pit, though. The Book of Boba Fett, initially teased in a surprise – and much appreciated! – endcredit scene at the end of Season 2 of The Mandalorian, finds Boba Fett and fellow bounty hunter Fennec Shand navigating the dangerous underworld of Tatooine. Fett intends to take control of this territory, once ruled by the Image credit: IMDb
Monday 29th November 2021
Film
Spider-man: No way they are in that too?!
Review: Ghostbusters Afterlife (12a)
Mitchell Hall
The highly anticipated trailer for the new Spiderman film has been released, but does it live up to expectations?
Emily Kelso
-Comment Sub-Editor
Is this a call you are going to pick up?
W
he next film in the timeline of Spider-Man saga, set for release in mid-December, has been given its full trailer this week. The clip reveals much about the cast and plot line but leaves many of the community’s biggest questions unanswered. The much anticipated third standalone Tom Holland Spider-Man entry has been the subject of speculation since leaks took hold of the public consciousness months ago. A teaser trailer gave hints at many details that the new trailer builds upon. Perhaps most significant in the trailer are the numerous previous villains from the series that are confirmed to be making appearances. Alfred Molina, Willem Dafoe and Jamie Foxx are seen to be reprising their roles as Doc Ock, Green Goblin and Electro respectively. Sandman and The Lizard are also shown in the trailer, though it cannot be determined for sure whether they will be reprised by
their previous actors. Whilst most villains have been given their original costumes, Electro is sporting a new look involving a suit with yellow rather than blue bolts of energy, unsurprising given the public reaction to Jamie Foxx’s original character.
We could see Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's Spider-men come into the world It seems from the trailer that Spider-Man ally Dr Strange will play a significant role in the film, with Peter Parker’s friends Ned and MJ also featuring heavily. Interestingly it featured a conversation between the three and Doc Ock, suggesting his fury subsides after discovering that this is an entirely different Peter or that he is captured by the heroes fairly early on. Both of these hint at a somewhat subversive series of events compared to the all-out brawl that some may have expected. There is, of course, the elephant in the room, a question that is yet to be addressed by the promotional material but one that is still at the forefront of discussion regarding t h e film.
What about the other Spider-Men? With Villains from alternate universes invading the world of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, fans ran away with the idea that we could see Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s interpretations of SpiderMan come into the world to aid in the fight. There have been no indications still that these characters will feature, but fans will not be put off, hoping that such a reveal would logically be saved until just before release to give the film a boost in attention when it matters.
Image: IMDb
I know the All Too Well film too well (12a)
This sequel certainly doesn't shy away from its past, dropping both small and large hints.
Hattie Metcalfe -Co-head of Culture
Image: Wikimedia
This sequel certainly doesn't shy away from its past, dropping both small and large hints, sometimes to the point of littering. However I especially appreciated the decision to reuse the initial soundtrack - not just the iconic Ray Parker Jr hit - but also Elmer Bernstein's own theme from the original 1984 film. This is to be expected considering the film’s director is Jason Reitman, the son of the original director of the Ghostbusters films. But does the film rely too heavily on nostalgia to draw fans in? To an extent I would agree, since so much of the plot is centred around previous characters and events, I fear that viewers new to the Ghostbusters films would not understand half of what is going on. For someone who has watched the originals however, I find Ghostbusters: Afterlife to be an enjoyable jaunt with a mix of the new and old. So what if it plays the nostalgia card? If anything, it empowers the viewer who understands all the references, whereas other franchises (cough Marvel cough) sometimes leave their viewers scratching their heads.
Image: IMDb
T Image: IMDb
ith the release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife , it marks a continuation in the Ghostbusters franchise, seemingly overwriting the 2016 reboot. Unlike the reboot, this film has all of the spooks, both the blatantly obvious and more subtle homages and the enjoyment factor. It does, however, raise questions regarding how much films can play the nostalgia card without becoming a pointless rehashing. I must state from the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Unlike the 2016 reboot, this Ghostbusters film felt like it introduced something new. The film had decent pacing and a decent enough storyline. I enjoyed meeting the characters; Paul Rudd was a particular delight, playing a loveable-if-slightly-bonkers character in which he excels but also could become typecast as. The ending was also particularly poignant, and the postcredit scenes (yes, the plural is deliberate) are a delightful nod to the past as well as setting the stage for the future. The film certainly has its drawbacks. I failed to understand why some people in this universe failed to believe in ghosts, especially considering this is set only 20-30 years after the events of Ghostbusters I and II. II. The plot and the antagonist also seemed too recycled from Ghostbusters lore, which raises questions as to what extent new films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife can rely on nostalgia.
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Image: IMDb
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The video that Swifties have been waiting 10 years for, did the love affair maim the All Too Well Short Film?
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hen Taylor Swift's directorial debut opened with a quote from Pablo Neruda, I knew that blondie was gonna make us sit through a heart wrenching fifteen minute journey. And every ounce of my body was ready for it. I'm fairly new to the Swift society (Folklore threw me down the rabbit hole last year) but after a bit too long on TikTok, I feel fairly caught up on the importance of Taylor's Version. So when Red TV came around, I had to listen, and it turns out, watch.
Taylor has found another skill at which she flourishes The release of a ten minute version of fan-favourite song 'All Too Well' needed something extra meaning Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien recreating (what many fans speculate to be) Taylor's relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal when she was 19 and he was 30... the same age difference as All Too Well's actors. As a writer and a director - Taylor has found another skill at which she flourishes.
Her dialogue between Sink and O'Brien portray gaslighting so realistically that it's scary - whilst Sink's character is trying to explain her feelings to him O'Brien's Him is swearing and disagreeing with everything she says, pinning the blame back onto Her: "I don't think I'm making you feel that way, I think you're making yourself feel that way", before rolling his eyes, hugging her and apologising repeatedly.
The camera never pans - we never see his face... the fact he's still wearing her scarf is enough
The whole thing, whether they're arguing or fighting, is incredibly intimate, as the camera floats through their relationship. But it all culminates when we see a ginger Taylor at an event for "All Too Well" the novel, where without any clear edits or cuts, we go from backstage of the reading to the outside of the store, where a supposed older version of O'Brien's Him is watching through the window. But the camera never pans - we never see his face, Image: IMDb
because the fact he's still wearing her scarf is enough. She has recognisably changed, whilst He remains just the same. And She knows it... all too well.
Image: IMDb
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Monday 29 November 2021
Film
25
Review: Petite Maman (U) a loving look at family relationships Katherine Shaw
An insight into female family relationships, Petite Maman reclaims the female gaze
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éline Sciamma is a director known for her work in LGBTQ+ cinema, the first female director to win the Queer Palm at Cannes for Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019). Her fifth feature film focuses on women and familial relationships, blurring the lines between family and friendship.
Petite Maman elevates the female gaze when considering family The film’s protagonist, Nelly, meets younger versions of her mother and grandmother, and in doing so, morphs the relationship she has with the two women. Petite Maman elevates the female gaze when considering the family structure. Nelly is able to greet her late grandmother and form a bond with her mother who has been suffering from depression, partially due to her recent loss.
The film stars Joséphine and Gabrielle Sanz, sisters and young child actors. Indeed, their casting really makes the film as their genuine affection for each other translates well onto the screen.
Petite Maman rejects the notion that relationships are static, or have to suit the patriarchal norm Petite Maman rejects the notion that relationships are static, or have to suit the patriarchal norm, as relationships are reimagined through friendship. Nelly's relationship with her younger grandmother mimics the kind of relationship she has with women in the care home at the start of the film. The two meet again, unaware of who the other is, and are able to replicate a sisterly bond.
The film empowers the viewer to consider their own relationships with their mother
In an interview, Sciamma said, when discussing the mother-daughter bond "...through fiction, through time-travel, we can do it from a place of equality." Indeed, the film empowers the viewer to consider their own relationships with their mother. That is not to say that there are no men in the movie. Nelly's father takes on the caring duties when her present-day mother leaves, and encourages her new friendship. The film itself is aglow with autumnal hues. The premise revolves around a fort in the woods that seems to connect the past and the present. The editing is beautiful, with scenes seamlessly transitioning into one another, with lively juxtaposition from quiet, thoughtful scenes to energetic, playful sequences. The film is accessible to nonFrench speakers as the dialogue is natural and to the point, whilst maintaining a charming degree of wit. The love language most present in Petite Maman is service, which requires no translation. Nelly feeds her mother snacks in the car, and in return her mother cradles her to sleep. The mourning process that catalysts the film is a universal experience that most cinema-goers can relate to. Image: IMDb
Noir-vember: Our favourite black and white films It's A Wonderful Life
Seven Samurai
Jess Bradbury
George Bell
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Content warning: mention of suicide
ow there are many excellent black and white films that I could talk about, but seeing as though it’s nearly Christmas I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk about the classic It’s a Wonderful Life. If you haven’t watched the film (although it was made in 1946 so if you haven’t
caught it at some point I’d be surprised) the plot goes like this: in Bedford Falls, a despairing man named George Bailey is prevented from committing suicide by the intervention of Clarence Oddbody, an angel who wants to earn his wings. He shows George what others’ lives and the town would be like if he got his wish of never being born. This gives George an
What makes the film so iconic is it's balance between the dark and the light epiphany and the film ends as the tinkling bell on the Bailey’s Christmas tree signals that Clarence has earned his wings. What makes the film so iconic it’s balance between the dark and the light - the helpless and the hopeful. George’s nightmarish journey, going through a community that should know him but doesn’t, is strikingly gloomy and has the quintessential style of noir cinema. Image: IMDb
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y dad has influenced a lot of the films I’ve watched over the years, introducing me to some of my favourites, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Matrix (1999) but one film he always tried to get me to watch was Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. The main reason I kept putting it off was because of how long it was, an impressive three and a half hours, but thankfully I eventually did. As a concept, Seven Samurai is as black and white as the visuals put on screen; the film depicts a group of samurai (I’ll let you guess the number) as they face an overwhelming number of bandits. A classic story of good vs bad except, in reality, the film is a lot more grey. While the majority o f the samurai are as noble a n d courageous as you’d expect, some were, to put it bluntly, kind of dicks. But that just made me like them more! With only two colours at his disposal, Kurosawa was able to create a
diverse range of excellent characters and make one of the most influential films of all time. Most black and white films are synonymous
You owe it to yourself to watch it at least once - if you have 207 minutes with being classics and that couldn’t be more true with Seven Samurai and you owe it to yourself to watch it at least once - if you have 207 minutes to spare that is. Image: IMDb
Monday 29nd November 2021
26
Gaming
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Can a More "Grown-Up" Pokemon Game Have a Future? John Heycock
What is the viability of a new type of Pokémon adventure?
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okemon started life in the midnineties as a turn-based RPG for children. The game sparked a craze of pokemania - with millions of children wanting to embark on their own quest to "catch 'em all". The Pokémon project has proven so effective that many of that original generation of fans, and those that followed, are still active fans of the series today - in addition to the next generation of youngster Joeys. As a result of the continuous influx of new fans, Pokémon has been able to consistently produce games based around the same tried and tested formula for 25 years with great success. Recent titles Pokémon Sword and Shield sold nearly 22 million copies, despite doing very little to change that. The newest releases, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, also look to be on track to sell millions of copies despite being an almost exact remake of the original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. However, there is also a huge opportunity to bring back ace trainers and veterans of the past. Pokémon Legends: Arceus appears to be a first step towards a more distinct line of Pokémon titles which could cater for the demands of players who
moved on from the series but would consider a return. Pokémon Legends: Arceus aims to entice trainers of the past back to the series. Many former fans have grown frustrated at the direction of modern Pokémon games - making frequent complaints that the games are too easy, hand-holding and lacking the ambition to change. Legends: Arceus will bring a more open world game with altered battle mechanics and new features. The Pokémon Company hopes this will
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he Grand Theft Auto games have long been beloved and respected by many - plenty of fans had been excited by the idea of a remake, and hopeful to see these wellloved characters and amazing storylines come back to life in a refreshed and modern way, but, The “Definitive Edition” ended up being exactly what fans feared it could be, a soulless cash grab riddled with issues, not even developed by the main team at Rockstar, but handed off to “Grove Street Games,” best known for porting mobile games. There have been some improvements from the original games - for example, the use of the “weapon wheel” system rather than cycling through every item individually, making combat flow easier, and the addition of the modern GPS map system makes travel and finding specific destinations a lot easier - as does being able to instantly retry missions from a simple menu (though, a more robust checkpoint system would be a better improvement.) Additionally, as expected, the game loads faster than the original, and some scenes are improved graphically, though this aspect isn’t too impressive considering the age of the material and the improvements in hardware in the last twenty years. Image: Rockstar
desire for maybe something, but we try to focus on making the core accessible to everyone". This suggests that split path direction may well be the way the company wants to take the franchise. It would allow for the company to maintain the two different fan groups, making games appealing to both without having to over-compromise due to the risk of leaving the other group of fans behind. The Pokémon Company has a decision to make - and it's not which starter Pokémon to choose!
Arceus appears to be a first step towards a more distinct line of Pokémon titles which could cater for the demands of players.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus, releasing on 28 January, will act as a litmus test for the direction the Pokémon Company wants to take the franchise - and if successful, we may see more games catering for older fans in the future, in addition to the classic formula we are all so used to. Image: Nintendo/ The Pokemon Company
Review: Grand Theft Auto Trilogy Definitive Edition Sophie McMillan
be enough to entice these trainers of the past back to the series. In these games lies a strategy for the company going forwards: continuing to aim mainline games at a younger audience and catering for a slightly older audience with the Legends series. Speaking to Axios Gaming, when asked about a demand for a Pokémon game aimed at older fans, director of consumer marketing at the Pokémon company J.C. Smith acknowledged, "We hear it. And I think the creators definitely understand that there’s a
Images: Wikimedia To most, it seems as though the negatives outweigh the positives - one of the most obvious (and most laughed at) negatives being the character models. Character’s faces feel very sloppily done, some completely unrecognisable from the original games, with many looking overly shiny and extremely unnatural. Another very visible issue is the movement and posing of characters - in some versions of the game, animation frames are completely missing, meaning models snap to positions with no movement in between. In San Andreas specifically, the models have a horrific bike riding issue, wherein their elbows bend the wrong way. A big disappointment noticed by fans of the original games is that most environmental humour is lost - billboards and shopfront’s cleverly constructed art and pun-based advertising has been removed or replaced by what could easily be “pizza.png” and phrases that don’t make sense anymore. Other textures have similar issues, the ambience of the environments are often disrupted by the greenest default grass texture or a very obviously stock image of blood on the ground. However, worse than stock images and lacklustre humour is the rain that can barely be seen through and tends to fall even while under bridges and indoors. Another huge disappointment is the removal of some of the iconic soundtracks. Smaller issues such as inconsistent frame rates and mismatched subtitles differ from platform to platform but are still causing issues for many players. Overall, the salt in the wound with this game is Rockstar and Take Two removing all traces of the original three games from online mark e t - places and launchers - as well as attempting to completely destroy and even sue modders who had already essentially remastered the game for free in the past, to make way for this version of the games - which ended up being a sloppy, upsetting and downright disservice to the original versions.
Sexualization in GTA Kefan Chen
The new Grand Theft Auto trilogy fails to remove content showcasing its over-sexualisation of women
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n the 2004 actionadventure video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, there exists a minigame unofficially referred to as "Hot Coffee". The game must be hacked to play the minigame; otherwise, it is unavailable to the general public. In order to have animated sexual intercourse with an in-game girlfriend, "Hot Coffee" must be activated. Sex sells. It's a fact. As long as the personalities are charming and marketable to the point of gratuitousness, there's no problem. However, it's difficult to draw a clear line between the two. Overwatch, Street Fighter, Metal Gear Solid, and other characters have sparked online disputes over whether or not they should be restricted. There are few female role models in video games, and those that do exist are generally sexualized. According to objectification theory, sexualized media characters are linked to an increase in selfobjectification and a reduction in body pleasure in
female consumers. Female characters in Grand Theft Auto can not exist in a nonsexual state in this reality. Unfortunately, the few female characters in Grand Theft Auto V are sexualized. Remember that in Los Santos, the only working women are prostitutes and strippers. This is a common occurrence in the video game business, which is sad. Only 5.8% of male characters were shown in a sexualized way on video game covers, compared to 42.3% of female characters. Furthermore, 49% of the female avatars seemed to have breasts that were abnormally enormous (Burgess). It is through the lens of a heterosexual man that these video games compel their players to see the world. Many instances are emerging, but this is not a new debate, and it isn't only a problem for gaming. All entertainment disciplines, notably comics, are debating this problem in some form or another. Because of the gender "balance" in our workforce, this is something the games industry should pay greater attention to. According to an IGDA poll conducted in 2015, 79% of software engineers are male. According to former head of IGDA, Kate Edwards, "this implies we're more likely to encounter representations that appeal to the masculine sight." Oversexualized character design is becoming outdated and superfluous for the purposes of most games, which is why more and more developers are realising this. " Image:Rockstar Dragon Age Wiki / Electronic Arts Image:
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Monday 29nd November 2021
Special Editions of Books Katie Hind
Not only do exclusive editions of books look beautiful, but they also give readers an irreplaceable feeling.
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e’ve all been there, looking through the shelves of Waterstones, on the verge of buying a really special edition of a book, not sure if it’s worth the toll on our bank account or not. There’s no doubt about it. Special editions of books are quite appealing, especially if you’re a loyal fan of a franchise or author. We hear of book collectors with thousands upon thousands of books in private collections, all highly rare and highly valuable. Most of these books, certainly, are special editions. So, there must be some value in the purchase. But, what exactly is it? Aren’t special editions just a fancy ‘dressed up’ version of an original book? Not quite. Special editions are worth buying because... they’re just that! Special. Special editions are valuable, whether in the sentimental or financial sense because they bring more than just words to the table. They are beautiful, stand-out-from-thecrowd kind of books, with details not found in the original print. Such details make special editions worth buying a thousand times over! Whether they have page edges gilded in gold or unique covers drawn by renowned artists, special editions are pleasures just to own. Of course, they also feel great to hold and read. With a special edition, you really feel like you have something precious – something just you own – in your library. This is an irreplaceable feeling. With a special edition, you really feel like you have something precious – something just you own – in your library.
Fear of the cost puts so many prospective collectors off buying a special edition of a book. But, these editions don’t always have to be expensive. Special editions can be found in the most unusual of places – hidden in the nooks of old bookshops or thrift stores. Although a special edition might decrease in resale value if previously owned, the worth of a special edition doesn’t come from its resale price in future (although that’s a bonus!). Value comes from the magic, and happiness, it makes a reader feel. Craftsmanship and enjoyment alone make special editions a must-have purchase. Image: Pixaby
Arts
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What can photojournalism offer to marginalised communities?
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Sarah Tunstall hotographer, David Prichard wins this year’s Taylor Wessing Prize for his series of portraits of indigenous stock women from Australia. His series captured those who spent most of their lives working at cattle stations in Northern Queensland, Australia. The Sydney based photographer said his ambition for the series was to highlight communities that are not documented in photography and art. The four women: Kurtijar women, Merna Beasley, Shirley Mary Ann McPherson and Gloria Campbell and Gkuthaarn woman Mildred Burns were interviewed alongside the portraits as a part of the project. Prichard’s work leads to question how far photojournalism benefits marginalised communities around the world. With communities being unrecorded in the media from the form of art, photography, and film, capturing the lifestyles and expression of marginalised voices, as shown in Prichard’s
series, the movement of photography is more accessible across social media thus encouraging a new conversation surrounding the marginalised from Western society. As an art, photography has taken a storm into becoming one of the creative spaces that encourages editing and coverage. Stripping down photographs to what they are, a documentation, and focusing on marginalised communities is a chance for them to be heard across the media that they cannot do themselves. The compositional output of photojournalism captures the communities in their raw form. Photography goes beyond a written documentation of these communities, if social media won’t listen to their voices, a photographic view holds more representation; encouraging a conversation that otherwise goes unheard. Whether focusing on portraiture or environmental, photography encourages people on social media platforms to react, it’s photojournalism that voices these communities when the media chooses not to listen. A photo is worth a thousand words, and they can give marginalised communities a voice.
Image: National Portrait Gallery
Is it time to return the Parthenon Marbles? Joe Millward
The case of the Greek prime minister trying to get back ancient treasures raises the question of art restitution.
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lginism: the taking of cultural treasures, often from one country to another (usually to a wealthier one). The term is derived from the title of Thomas Bruce, 7th earl of Elgin, who allegedly received permission from the Turkish government to remove artefacts from Greece, then under Turkish control (Encyclopedia Britannica). The Elgin Marbles are easily the most famous art restitution case in the world. The marbles were taken by Lord Elgin during the Greek war of independence supposedly for preservation. Every year hence, the Greek government has requested the artefacts back, and have always been refused. Deniers, Like our PM, believe that the marbles were “acquired legally at the time”,
and will remain safer at the British Museum. The word "elginism" exists to describe thousands of similar instances, as the unspoken truth is that should the marbles return, many countries will be forced to follow suit, reuniting Egypt with the Rosetta Stone and its countless ancient treasures, and many African nations with their history, like the Benin Bronzes of Nigeria. Art restitution is tricky, but in the case of the Elgin Marbles, I believe it to be cut and dry. Firstly the phrase, “Legally at the time” immediately denotes that the move is morally wrong, and the legality of the case was questionable at the time. Bruce was required to be exonerated, even before it was found the Turkish permission was a translation, of a copy, of a firmen (document) that has never been proved to exist, which only specified objects in the excavation site and not the friezes. It is important to remember that the marbles were taken for protection from the Greek war of independence. Britain backed Greek Independence, even while conversing with the Ottomans to take the marbles. It is yet another example of imperialism affecting countries thousands of miles from our tiny
isle. As for protection, there are four instances of damage, half of which the UK is directly responsible for. The marbles were heavily damaged during removal, and many of the efforts to clean the frieze with acid by the British Museum have only further damaged the artefacts. I led with a quote from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, to show even our most meticulous record recognizes our link to the marbles is murky. Upon reading the record, I found that the Ottoman-Turkish soldiers had used lead from the Parthenon to make bullets, and Greek soldiers had offered their own ammunition to their enemy to prevent the vandalism. I have seen the Elgin Marbles once, and despite their beauty, it is undeniable they mean far more to the Greek nation than me and mine. It is clear that countries will always clutch anything of value, even if the art is
valued far higher in another culture. Art restitution is tricky, with thousands of conflicts, and millions of pieces of art muddled among them, ownership obscured by the passage of time. Recently Poland has come under international scrutiny for not returning Nazilooted goods to Israel, even while reclaiming their own artefacts from Germany. It is clear that countries will always clutch anything of value, even if the art is valued far higher in another culture. Perhaps we will only see how people truly value stolen art when they must lay down their lives, voluntarily arming the enemy in its preservation. I know I wouldn’t make that sacrifice for the Elgin Marbles. Image: Flickr
Monday 29 November 2021
28 Across
Puzzles
1. Oldest tennis tournament in the world. (9) 2. Boundary between Earth’s crust and mantle. (4) 3. A tool for weaving. (4) 4. Extinct bird species. (4) 5. Indian-style flatbread. (4) 6. Accommodation. (4) 7. Root vegetable and starchy tuber. (6) 10. Computer programs designed to act humanlike. (1,1) 11. Catalyst for biological reactions. (6) 12. Bugsy ___, 1976 musical comedy film. (6) 13. Computer shortcut, CTRL + C. (4) 15. Prepare for exams. (6) 17. Spoon used to transfer liquids. (5) 19. UK’s largest supermarket chain. (5) 22. Pen with small metal ball. (4) 23. Three squared. (4) 24. Chess piece that moves in straight lines. (4) 25. Southern Bantu language with 12 million speakers. (4) 26. Buddy. (3)
Down
1. Setting of Black Panther. (7) 6. UK public service responsible for pensions and welfare. (1,1,1) 8. Frida ___, Mexican painter. (5) 9. Beer served from a barrel or tank. (7) 14. Fruit infamous for its terrible smell. (6) 16. Greek god of the sun. (6) 18. 1997 Backstreet Boys song. (9) 20. Character from Disney’s Frozen. (4) 21. Scrooge’s first name. (8) 27. Cristiano ___, Portuguese footballer. (7) 28. Shakespeare play set in Venice and Cyprus. (7)
Wordsearch - Aquatic
Alligator Crab Flounder Octopus Salmon Squid Turtle
Clam Crocodile Jellyfish Orca Seahorse Starfish Whale
Coelacanth Dolphin Knifejaw Plankton Shark Stingray
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Crossword
Last Week's Answers Word Wheel: Deceitful
WIN A PRIZE! Upload your puzzle solutions to Instagram and tag @thecourieronline to enter the prize draw!
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Monday 29 November 2021
Puzzles
-+-+
33
0
Nonogram
Instructions Colour in the cells in the grid according to the numbers on the sides of the grid to reveal a picture. The individual numbers in each row/column are separated by spaces of 1 or more squares.
Hard
Word Wheel
Difficulty:
Sudoku 22 November 2021
Notes
Create as many words as you can of 3 letters or more from the wheel. Each letter can only be used once and you must use the one in the middle of the wheel. Try to find the 9 letter word that uses all the letters. Goal: 40 words
30
Monday 29th November 2021
Sport
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The disappearance of tennis player Peng Shuai Jess Bradbury Film sub-editor
The concern for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai continues to mount after her report for sexual assault against Zhang Gaoli.
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warning:
sexual
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ormer world number one doubles tennis player and one of China’s biggest sporting stars Peng Shuai has disappeared after accusing the country’s former vice-president of sexually assaulting her. The two time Grand Slam winner alleged in a post on the Chinese social media platform, Weibo, that she and, former Chinese vice-president, Zhang Gaoli had an extramarital affair over several years, which she claims he had tried to keep secret. She stated that Zhang stopped contact with her after rising in the ranks of the Communist Party. Peng then continued that a few years ago, the Chinese official had forced himself upon her and assaulted her. The post went viral on the platform despite it being taken down by censors within minutes. Her allegation is the highestprofile incident in China’s #MeToo movement, with the post going out to more than half a million followers. Subsequent posts and reactions, even the word “tennis”, appeared to be blocked and references to Peng have been removed from China’s internet. Concern for Peng Shuai’s welfare has continued to grow, with major tennis players such as Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams speaking out on social media about her disappearance. Many have also been using the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai on Twitter alongside a photo of her, demanding
answers for her whereabouts and welfare. The UN has said it wants proof of Peng's location, urging the need for an investigation “with full transparency”. An email supposedly sent out by the tennis player through Chinese state media has had doubt cast on its authenticity, with Peng purportedly saying the allegations are “not true”. Human rights group Amnesty International has said the email “should not be taken at face value”, whilst the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it favoured “quiet diplomacy” and wouldn’t comment. The next Winter Olympic games are set to be held in Beijing in 2022. Pictures and a video of the tennis star have since emerged, but it has not been enough to alleviate concerns about her wellbeing. The footage was posted on Twitter by Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of
"Human rights group Amnesty International has said the email “should not be taken at face value”, whilst the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it favoured “quiet diplomacy” and wouldn’t comment."
state newspaper the Global Times. It appears to show Peng being introduced at a Beijing youth tennis match, with Hu saying it was taken on Sunday - a claim that cannot be verified.
The Chinese government hasn’t responded to the allegations. The ministry of foreign affairs spokesman, Zhao Lijian, told journalists that he was not aware of the issue and that it was “not a diplomatic question”. Steve Simon, the head of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), has said he is willing to lose business by pulling out of Chinese sporting events. He said if Peng Shuai's allegations are not properly investigated and she is not fully accounted for then he’d “deal with all the complications that come with it”. He also continued saying: "We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward... Our absolute and unwavering priority is the health and safety of our players. We are speaking out so justice can be done." Update since written: Peng Shuai has been announced as safe by the IOC, with President Thomas Bach having spoken to her in a video call with IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Emma Terho and Chinese IOC Member Li Lingwei on Sunday 21st Nov. The IOC's statement reports that the player is currently home in Beijing and asked for her privacy to be respected, and includes a picture of the quartet on call. The WTA remains concerned and is continuing to push for "a full, fair and transparent investigation, without censorship."
The alleged post that Peng Shuai posted on Weibo. Image credit: Twitter: @EmilyZFeng
Bejing 2022 Olympic logo. Image credit: Twitter: @Bejing2022
Translation of the alleged post. Translated by the reddit user who posted it. Image credit: @jade09060102 This is not the entire translation. You can go and find the rest via The Courier website.
Peng Shuai. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
England secure qualification for Qatar 2022 Paige Rutter Gareth Southgate: Image credit: Twitter: @England
England have made it through the qualifiers to reach the group stage of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Read about their journey so far.
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ith the sound of Sweet Caroline still circling from the summer, Gareth Southgate’s squad have provided another tournament for fans to look forward to. England have secured their place at the Qatar World Cup, after topping Group I's table in the 2022 qualifiers. They were placed into Group I, meaning they faced teams including Poland, Hungary, Albania, Andorra and San Marino. Qualifying matches kicked off in March 2021, with England taking a lead over their first three opponents before making history at the Euros. Goals from the likes of Harry Kane
and Raheem Sterling provided England with their place at top of the table. After the events of the summer, England were back and prepared to make sure they had their qualification sealed with an upcoming seven matches. The squad led with comfortable leads in matches against Hungary and Andorra before dropping points in the away match to Poland. The match ended after Poland struck back with a late equaliser from Szymański, resulting in a draw ending 1-1. After lifting the spirits with a 5-0 victory over Andorra, England faced another challenge in their second clash with Hungary. With a controversial high foot from left-back Luke shaw, Hungary was awarded a penalty. This opened the score sheet, resulting in striker Sallai putting his national team ahead. It took thirteen minutes for England to find their equaliser, coming from Manchester City defender John Stones. With the dropping of points, this meant that closest rivals Poland were slowly catching up. England needed to make sure that they picked up the required four points from the next two matches in order to automatically qualify. The next two matches weren’t in doubt with comfortable wins being secured,
10-0 victory over San Marino! including a 10-0 victory over San Marino! Two hat tricks from captain Harry Kane meant that the Tottenham striker is now level with Gary Lineker in the list of all-time England goal scorers - with 48 goals. Other teams who have automatically qualified include Belgium, Germany
These wins secured England’s place at the Qatar World Cup and top of the table, with 26 points.
and France, while the likes of the current European Champions Italy and Portugal have failed to secure their automatic qualification resulting in them needing to fight for their place in the
play-off matches.
What you need to know about the play-off matches: On November 26th 2021, the runnersup of each group (twelve in total) will be drawn into three play-off paths for one-off semi-finals on March 24th and finals on March 29th, 2022. The three path winners will qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Player of the Qualifiers:
Harry Kane. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
THE
COURIER
Monday 29th November 2021
Sport
NEUT League bounces back with BUCS the return of the Geordie Cup RESULTS Katie Partridge
Northern English Universities Trampolining: the Geordie Cup
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fter 18 months of no university trampoline competitions, the Northern English U n i v e r s i t i e s Trampolining (NEUT) League bounced back last weekend with the return of the Geordie Cup. As one of NEUT’s five annual competitions which take place at
participating universities across the North of England, the Geordie Cup was held in Newcastle University’s all new sports centre. Beginning at 9am on Saturday the 13th of November, clubs from; Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield, York, Durham, Loughborough, Leeds and Liverpool made the journey to the North East for a weekend of Trampoline, Double Mini Trampoline, Synchronised Trampoline and socialising. For many gymnasts, they had not seen their friends from other clubs for well over a year, so there was a buzz like no other in the Sports Hall as the warm up begun. Despite the very tight schedule organised by the Newcastle University Trampoline Club Committee, 5 minutes into warm up a serious injury on Panel 2 halted proceedings. An ambulance
attended the scene and shortly the gymnast was taken to the RVI. The competition resumed and an incredible array of talent was displayed on the Trampoline across a variety of skill levels: from gymnasts competing in the easiest NEUT 6 Level who’s routine consisted of twist jumps, shape Jumps and seat landings; to the NEUT Elite Level, which has a minimum tariff requirement of 5.5 and saw competitors complete moves including Half in half outs, 1 in 3 Rudi ball outs and Double Full Backs. The winner of NEUT Elite Men was Joshua Jones from Sheffield Hallam who scored a huge 64.950 and stunned the crowd with form which saw individual execution scores include a usually unheard of 8.9. Josh McSweeney from Nottingham came in second with Manchester’s Leon Davies in third.
Teams at the Geordie Cup - Photo: Katie Partridge
BADMINTON
M1 v Hull 1sts 4-4 W2 v Leeds Beck' 1sts 4-4 W1 v Derby 1sts 2-6
BASKETBALL
The Newcastle Trampolining team - Photo: Katie Partridge
In the Women’s Elite category, it was Kathleen Smartt from Leeds, Hollie Peach from Sheffield and Jenna Torrie from Loughborough who took gold, silver and bronze respectively. In the highest rank of the Double Mini Trampoline Event, which sees Men and Women compete against each other, Newcastle’s very own Matthew Dawson took Gold. Sunday saw a much slower turn of events. Kicking off at 10.30, teams were noticeably more tired after enjoying each others company the night before. The standard of Synchronised Trampoline was still top notch though with the whole crowd gathering around to witness the spectacle that was the NEUT 1 category. With 17 competitors, it was the Manchester duo Leon Davies and Elisha Yorke who came out on top. Despite not ranking top of the team leader board, for Newcastle, competing at their home competition was still rather successful. With Matthew Dawson’s Gold in NEUT 1 DMT, Anna Carr’s Bronze in NEUT 2 Women’s Trampoline and Miles Norris who claimed the silver in the NEUT 3 Men’s trampoline event. These scores will all count towards the seasons NEUT Leader board where performances from all competitions will contribute and the teams will next be reconvening in Liverpool for the notorious Liver Cup on the weekend of the 10th to the 12th of December. Ther full rundown of all the results from the Geordie Cup can be found on the Tramp Online Website.
Standing areas are back, but should they be? Katie Siddall Sports Sub-Editor
Football clubs are trialing standing areas, but here is why we should not be quick to embrace them.
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ith Chelsea and Liverpool amongst other clubs trialing safe standing areas starting January 1st, is it the best thing for football supporters? Everyone remembers, or knows, April 15th 1989 as The Hillsborough Disaster. At Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday’s ground, 94 people died whilst Liverpool played Nottingham Forest in the FA cup semi-final. There is still an ongoing inquest, which this year found that Mr Denton, Mr Foster and Mr Metcalf were all acquitted of perverting the course of justice. The Hillsborough Disaster is one example of why standing areas may not be the best idea to be brought back; however, it should be stated that
inquests surrounding the event believe that security was a factor – not the fact that the standing areas are, themselves, unsafe. For those families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, they may think this idea is the worst. They may not feel safe going to grounds where standing areas are going to be built. As well as the uncertainty of safety, there’s the uncertainty of vision. This is a trivial factor compared to my previous point but vision decides whether you enjoy the match or not (as well as the obvious results). If someone taller than you, or someone wearing a headpiece, is in front of you, you won't see the pitch. Then what? You'll stand, typically in the cold, being miserable for 90 minutes. Another feature of this is if you are with a child, they might not be able to see either. Having seats, though it can be unsafe, is helpful for said child to stand on in order for them to see. Without them, children may also get tired and you have to
hold them for a while whilst your arms go numb or they sit on a floor with spilt drinks and food… which is frankly quite rank. Seating makes the match more enjoyable for your vision. And your vision makes that £50 you spent on your own ticket, never mind the rest, worth the trip! I can name numerous other reasons that would probably make you call me a pessimist: being shoved, drinks spilt
on you, food spillages to name a few. Yes, standing spaces might bring back a sense of nostalgia but the safety from slipping on these spillages and just the thought of the Hillsborough Disaster might put people off going into the standing areas. One last thought to leave you with: Will stadiums make or lose money once standing areas are built? Photo: Pexels
M2 v Salford 1sts 79-58 M3 v Durham 3rds 69-51 W1 v North'ria 1sts 66-61 W2 v North'ria 2nds 38-65
FENCING
M1 v Leeds 1sts 129-112 W1 v Durham 1sts 135-102
FOOTBALL
M1 v Sterling 1sts 0-5 M3 v Teeside 3rds 3-1 W1 v Durham 2nds 4-0
FUTSAL
M2 v Durham 1sts 5-7
GOLF
1sts v York 1sts 3.5-2.5 2nds v Durham 2nds 3-3
HOCKEY
M1 v Lancaster 1sts 1-1 M2 v Manchester 1sts 1-4 M4 v Liv' J. Moore 2nds 1-1 W2 v Nott' Trent 2nds 3-1 W3 v Sheff' Hall' 1sts 2-1
LACROSSE
M1 v Birmingham 1sts 9-4
NETBALL
W1 v Liverpool 1sts 67-44 W5 v Sun'land 2nds 62-14
RUGBY LEAGUE
M1 v Nott'ham 1sts 48-4 M2 v Sheffield 1sts 0-54
RUGBY UNION
M1 v Leeds Beck' 2s 56-13 M2 v St Andrews 1s 24-19 M3 v Leeds Bec' 3rds 31-21 M4 v Sheff' 2nds 19-17 W1 v Birm'ham 1sts 31-12 W2 v Liv' J. Moore 1s 43-13 M5 v Keele 2nds 0-0
SQUASH
M1 v Sheffield 1sts 5-0 M2 v Hull 1sts 2-1 W2 v Keele 1sts 4-0
TABLE TENNIS
M1 v Sheffield 1sts 14-3
TENNIS
M3 v Leeds Beck' 5s 3-3 W2 v Sheffield 1sts 1-5 W2 v Durham 4s 0-6
VOLLEYBALL
M1 v Northumbria 1sts 3-0 W1 v Northumbria 1sts 3-1
WATERPOLO
W1 v St Andrews 1sts 21-7 M2 v Manchester 2nds 16-8
AMERICAN FOOTBALL
M1 vs Edinburgh 32-0
"Team Newcastle is passionate, inclusive, and a dominant for in the UK, one we should all be proud of." - Fergus Mainland, AU Officer
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THE
COURIER
Monday 29th November 2021
Sport
The first rule of Fight Night is: you do talk about Fight Night Mitchell Hall Castor Chan
— Sports sub-editor
The good, the bad and the bloody from the first Fight Night of 2021
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fter a year in Covid purgatory, Fight Night burst back onto the scene with its first show on Nov 18th. It featured a 14-fight card across a variety of weight classes and skill levels. The high-octane energy at the event was present from the first to the last strike, with focus now preparing to shift towards their next show on December 2nd. Anticipation was palpable in the air as the doors to the Lancastrian Suite opened at 6. Hundreds of people dressed to the nines to watch their friends battle it out in the ring, and soon enough, the room was filled to the brim with supporters. The night started off with a draw in Round 1 (between Gabe O’Neill and Gregor ‘K.O’ Kosta), then went through another two men’s fights and one women’s fight to the first interval of the night. By then the crowd was reasonably plied by the bar, and
Hundreds of people dressed to the nines to watch their friends battle it out in the ring.
Here is a rundown of the highlights of the evening, with comments given by Mitchell Hall.
Men’s Fight of the Night: Samuel Luntley VS Gabriel Lee Perhaps the most controversial choice of mine on this list, I loved watching this fight. The third bout of the event really kicked things into gear, with Gabriel “The Amber Leaf Annihilator” Lee drawing some of the best support of the night after a fantastic first-round performance. Samuel “The Professor” Luntley however was resurgent in the second, causing an injury that resulted in Lee’s nose spewing blood for the remainder of the fight. This of course only electrified the crowd further and the final round was a brawl that would certainly determine the result
cheers continued to build with each duo that stepped into the squared circle. The next ten fights were split by another interval, with particularly entertaining nicknames including Ferrari Omari ‘the One Man Army’, Zac ‘Post-Morton’ and Ryan ‘Sus’ Spence. But the true moniker matchup came in the fight between Bradley ‘Big Balls’ Belgrave and Sam
The true moniker matchup came in the fight between Bradley ‘Big Balls’ Belgrave and Sam ‘Tax the Rich’
— Athletic Union Officer
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Amy’The Babyfaced Assassin’(Blue) v Smasha (Red) Image credit: Castor Chan
of the fight. The stakes, the energy, the brutality, this fight had all the key ingredients of a great boxing match, with Luntley ultimately emerging victorious.
Boxer of the Night: Kevon Kelly
As much of a cop-out as this may seem, both fights brought a ferocity that was truly entertaining to watch. A tempo that was kept up throughout the 3 rounds of each fight, they mirrored each other in aggression and featured some nasty strikes from all 4 fighters. All that was missing was a knockout, but the relentless nature of the fights cemented them to me as highlights of the evening.
Back Team Newcastle Fergus Mainland
‘Tax the Rich’ Hoskyns. The frenzy of the night peaked at the second women’s fight of Amy ’The Babyface Assassin’ VS Smasha, and left everyones ears ringing as both fighters gave it their all under the lights. And barely minutes after the last bell sounded for the girls’ round, Kevon ‘Bruckshot’ Kelly sent George Armstrong crashing to the canvas to the absolute delight of his supporters. The show came to an end when the clock struck 11, and the audience filtered out buzzing and breathless after an exhilarating four hours of non-stop brawls. The event was broadcast by our student media teams, with a live stream hosted by NUTV and NSR. The coverage of the event is available to rewatch on NUTV’s YouTube channel.
Women’s Fight of the Night: Both
View from the AU
There is one singular performance, one moment, that resounded through the venue and pops into my head when I think of the evening. Touted to be the fight of the event even before the ring walks, George Armstrong VS Kevon “Bruckshot” Kelly lived up to the billing. An aggressive start from George Armstrong was deftly charged down by Kevon Kelly, who ended the fight in seconds with a massive punch that threw Armstrong’s mouthguard across the ring. Armstrong hit the deck immediately, completely out cold, to constitute the night's only pure KO. Mentions go out to Belgrave VS Hoskyns, Forrester VS Le Roux and Spence VS Morton who all put on fantastic showings on the night.
Blake ‘B Money’ Forrester (Blue) v Matt ‘The Belfast Bomber’ Le Roux (Red)
Remaining seats for the upcoming December fight Image credit: Instagram @fightnightnewcastle
ports clubs and their fan bases are bastions of passion and camaraderie. As I said last week, you’ll never find a closer group of mates than those who win together and lose together on a sports field. Loyalty to the club, team and your mates is vital for sporting success, trusting that you are all working towards the same outcome. However, what is loyalty at Newcastle University? When you pull on kit who is it you’re playing for? More often than not, you compete for your club, rather than the University or the Athletic Union. It’s the natural choice. When I rowed it was for the Boat Club and it was for the Blue Star, the logo the club is built around and the identity. The whole rowing world knows the Blue Star brand. They know that the club is built on hard work above all else. When this deep-rooted loyalty is mirrored across 62 different clubs you end up with thousands of people with very similar aims of success and determination but fragmented in terms of a university wide strategy. Over recent years, the Team Newcastle brand has fallen by the wayside. However, there are some clubs like Triathlon who keep it an essential part of their brand. We currently have a system of clubs who almost rival each other, trying to get one up on each other when we should be celebrating each other’s achievements and shouting on the side lines of our sports teams, coming together to support all our student athletes as opposed to judging and looking down on other clubs. Club loyalty is vital for fixture success; however, playing for Team Newcastle creates a powerful and respected brand up and down the country. Team Newcastle is passionate, inclusive and a dominant force in the UK, one we should all be proud of and ready to celebrate. It starts with looking beyond our respective clubs and contributing the bigger sporting landscape at our university.
INSIDE SPORT TODAY f
Tennis Jess Bradbury reports on the disappearance of Peng Shuai.
Page 30
BUCS Results
Find out how our athletes have done in the BUCS league. Page 31
Bouncing Back
Katie Partridge gives the lowdown on the Trampoline club’s Geordie Cup efforts. Pages 30 and 31
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