Issue 717 // 8 Mar 2021

exeposé

FR

Officially the UK’s Best Student Publication

E

E

ISSUE 717 8 MAR 2021 exepose.com @Exepose

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

Halls damaged after “nightmare” bomb evacuations

Investigating Exeter’s drug and alcohol culture

Pete Syme & Bryony Gooch Deputy Editor & Editor

F

Not a single student approached the Sabbatical team about signing

Guild Spokesperson

to next.”

For food, the student confirmed that the University had given them a reimbursable allowance of £5 for breakfast, £5 for lunch and £10 for dinner. “In the absence of a microwave or any cooking materials we haven’t got much choice but to order Deliveroo for dinner, which is pretty expensive” they added.

Another student relocated to a hotel spoke to us about feeling isolated: “the worst thing is that we’re not allowed anyone in our rooms even if they’re in our

• 89% of respondents never seen drug safety promoted • Traces of cocaine detected across campus

In conversation with Tim Burgess Image: Amanda Ratcliffe, Wikimedia Commons

PAGe 4&5

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

GUILD ELECTIONS PULLOUT

MUSIC PAGe 26

households. So I’m just very lonely and anxious to be honest.”

The bomb was discovered on Friday morning on Glenthorne Road, just north of Birks Grange Village. Exeposé understands the site is due to become private student accommodation, which was controversially approved by the council after the University objected to building plans for the first time. Next door to Dennyshill Care Home, local residents were concerned about the

Image: University of Exeter

OLLOWING the discovery and controlled detonation of a World War Two bomb last weekend, students have criticised the handling of evacuations after improper housing, miscommunication and damage to property.

The University has announced that residents of Birks Grange Village and Clydesdale Rise will not be allowed back to their accommodation for the rest of this term, despite campus security initially telling students “overnight was the worst case scenario”. Exeposé has obtained photographs of the now-closed halls showing shattered windscreens, smashed windows and broken roofing.

With most of the evacuees currently living in hotels - some as far as the 34 miles away Taunton Holiday Inn - we spoke to students about their experiences.

One student from Birks Block F has been living in the Mercure Southgate Hotel for over a week, where rooms usually cost £46 a night.

Given half-hour windows to pick up belongings left behind, the student describes it as “very stressful” because “we don’t know when our next opportunity will be”.

There is confusion as to what will happen after this, too: “We’re essentially bringing all our belongings back to the hotel just to remain in the dark again for a few days about where we’ll be moving

SCIENCE Lucid dreaming, the real life inception?

Image: cuncon, Pixabay

PAGE 34

EXEPOSÉ

Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ

News Editors Print: Emily Im & Chloe Pumares Online: Elen Johnston & Ella Shadwell news@exepose.com

Beyond Exeter Editor Print: Sumiah Elbortoukaly

Lifestyle Editors Print: Ceri Jackson & Georgia Shepherd Online: Millie Betts lifestyle@exepose.com

Music Editors Print: Bridie Adams & Ollie Leader de Saxe Online: Tom Bosher & Holly Lamb music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Olivia Garrett & Francesca Sylph Online: Olivia Gomez & Jim Norman screen@exepose.com Science Editors Print: Laura Haughey & Lauryn Mitchell Online: Isabel Murray & Vincent Plant sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Joel Edwards & Nick Powell Online: Elise Hamerseley & Harry Scott Munro sport@exepose.com Chief Photographer photography@exepose.com Copy Editors Danni Darrah, David Fallshaw, Emily Mason Proofers Kamila Bell, Bryony Gooch, Pee Syme, Richard Ainslie, George Clark, Blood, Sweat & Tears

@exepose @exepose facebook.com/exepose issuu.com/exeposeexeter Advertising SalesandBusinessDepartment@exeterguild.com

(01392) 722607

The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild.

While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed.

The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher. Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.

NEWS COVID-19 fines breakdown by age demographic PAGE 3

COMMENT An interview with the 93% Club PAGE 7

SPORT

COVID-19 and its effects on Rugby

SCREEN Stephen King's best and worst movie adaptations PAGE 31 Image: John Walton, flickr

Arts + Lit Editors Print: Will Evans & Amelia Gregory Online: Lucy Aylmer & Anna Wilmot artsandlit@exepose.com

2020 Best Publication 2021 Best Publication in the South West

Image: Stephanie Lawton, flickr

Features Editors Print: Bethany Collins & Joe Newell Online: Simon Eidesvik & Becca Wells Foreign Correspondents Co-ordinator:s: Ross Chatwell & Catherine Lloyd features@exepose.com

how missing data is exacerbating inequalities within the US during the COVID-19 pandemic (page 35).

Dreaming of brighter futures and better days? Well, so are Lifestyle writers this week as they discuss their post-pandemic plans (pages 16).

This week Arts + Lit have a great article discussing the monetization of street art (page 19). What are your thoughts on this topic?

Don't forget to check out Features this week where we look at the hot-topic of the moment across univerisities: free speech (page 12).

Last but certainly not least, Sport are going back to that age old debate of who is the greatest sportsperson of all time (page 36).

Don't forget to check out the Guild election adverts throughout this issue for the dates of the hustings and when voting is opening.

We hope this issue provides you with a nice break from your copious amounts of deadlines.

As always, Exeposé welcomes new writers, proofers and general members. We are a student group that requires you to have absolutely no prior experience, just a passion for all things journalism or a love of creativity. We welcome everyone. All you need is curiosity and a drive for giving things a go.

But for now, take it easy. Carry on reading.

Image: The 93% Club

Comment Editors Print: Isaac Bettridge & Cassia Grace Online: Gaia Neiman & Jennifer Medlicott comment@exepose.com

E

LECTION season is closing in on us. If you're on a committee you are probably underway with the planning for your society's AGM, or maybe you are even running for an election yourself.

Obviously, we can't talk about election season without talking about the Guild Officer Elections. And boy, do we talk about it in this issue.

Check out our election pullout (from page 18) for the full candidate breakdown in this year's election.

Exeposé has got summarised manifestos, key questions answered and our very own analysis of the candidates running for each position.

This won't be the last you see of us during Guild elections. We will be keeping you up-to-date throughout the hustings week. Make sure you are following us on our socials to get the latests updates as they happen.

Now, let's get on with the rest of this weeks issue.

This week in News read about the increase in student's deferring their assessments over the last five years (page 3).

Meanwhile, Comment is discussing the effects lockdown has had on drinking culture (page 9).

Pop over to Screen where one of our editors undertook a Q&A with Armando Iannucci (page 29). You won't want to miss this!

Remember Rebecca Black? Well Music does, and this week they are taking a look at her ten year anniversary remix of 'Friday' (page 23).

Science have delved into

SPA AWARDS

Image: Graham Richardson

Editors Print: Kamila Bell & Bryony Gooch Online: Madeleine Baker & Ria Kalsi Deputy: Richard Ainslie, George Clark & Pete Syme editors@exepose.com

Editorial

PAGE 39

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! Visit us at www.exepose.com

Kamila & Bryony

Worldwide university news Greek parliament approves Biden will not cancel Trinity College Dublin to Mauritius universities' campus police patrol $50,000 in student debt investigate its colonial past enrollment rate increases

B

Y a vote of 166 to 132, the Greek Parliament has approved an education bill that enables police to patrol university campuses. This is particularly contentious as police have been barred from Greek universities since 1982. The ban came after the police brutally murdered students at the Athens Polytechnic University in 1973 in response to their protesting of the contemporary right-wing military dictatorship.

Due to the bill's relaxation of the ban, country-wide protests have occurred.

In Athens, approximately 5000 protesters marched towards the Greek Parliament where they were met with tear gas thrown by riot police. The Greek government has argued that police presence is necessary to combat drug dealing and violence on university campuses, whilst opposition parties have labelled it a "monument to authoritarianism".

P

RESIDENT Biden has refused to forgive US$50,000 per person in student debt, despite his party members urging him to do so. Biden has insisted that he will support up to $10,000 of debt cancellation, arguing instead that the money would be better used to fund early childhood education.

Biden has argued that a one-size-fits-all approach will disproportionately benefit students who attend private universities. His plan to increase funding for early childhood education would remove public college tuition costs for students with a household income below $125,000. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley has spoken out, stating the cost of university and high levels of student debt—$32,731 on average—perpetuates racial and economic inequality as Black American graduates owe an average of $25,000 more in student loan debt than white college graduates.

T

M

RINITY College Dublin (TCD) has AURITIUS' enrolment rates at launched the Colonial Legacies Prouniversities has risen from 40.6 ject to examine the university's links to the per cent to 48 per cent. This is because British Empire and colonial slave trade. of "massive" investment and sweeping According to the university, Trinity College reforms which has led to the introduction will look into its role as “an exporter of coof free tertiary education for citizens lonial ideologies and servants”. The from 2019. Since gaining board will analyse the imperial independence in 1968, links college departments such Mauritius has prioritised as Anatomy, Zoology, Divineducating its citizens ity and Engineering have with as a means to boost its imperial activities in Africa, economy, which curEast Asia and India. This move rently lacks high-value follows the broader conversation natural resources. After around universities' imperial ties, introducing free primary such as the calls to remove the statue of and secondary education in Cecil Rhodes at Oxford University. Trin1976, they pushed girls enrolment, which ity's oldest library is named after George has now reached near parity. Respective Berkley, an eighteenth century philosopher governments have expanded tertiary eduwho bought and sold four slaves. Dr Cication since 2008 as a means to complete aran O’Neill, one of the project historitheir transformation into an “innovative ans, said exploring this connection is vital country with modern infrastructure, globin being a university here “debating ideas, al connectivity, high skills and technology". legacies, and identities is a key part of what

By Anna Shaw, Eirwen Abberley, Siobhan Bahl & Nick Powell Images (L to R): Jebulon (Wikimedia), we do".

Gigglekid (Pixabay)

3

8 MAR 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

23.2 per cent increase in deferrals

Kamila Bell Editor

T

HROUGH information received via the Freedom of Information Act, Exeposé found there to be a 23.2 per cent increase in student deferrals in the academic years 2016/2017 - 2019/2020.

Undergraduate deferrals saw the biggest increase during this period, from 405 in 2016/2017 to 522 in 2019/2020, a 28.9 per cent increase over the four year period.

In the same period, Postgraduate deferrals saw a minimal increase of 3.4 per cent, from 116 in 2016/2017 to 120 in 2019/2020. Although, Postgraduate deferrals peaked in 2018/2019 with 121.

The University states a deferred assessment as allowing “a student to postpone an exam or extend the submission date of coursework if a student believes his/her performance in an assessment has

been affected by personal circumstances”.

Students wanting to defer an assessment/coursework must submit an application for mitigation, which is then assessed and deferrals may be offered on approval.

As part of the University’s updated no-detriment policy for this year, students no longer have to provide supporting information to their deferral application as was required in previous years.

Applications will now be approved so long as a student is applying with a valid reason for mitigation. Applications are considered on the basis of the following reasons: single instances of illness, unfavourable personal circumstances or relapse/worsening of a long-term health condition/disability.

An MPhil Medical Studies student, who deferred their January exam in the academic year 2019/2020 when they were a final year BSc Medical Sciences student

MWEXE speak to Ben Bradshaw about LGBTQ+ rights Chloe Pumares News Editor

F

OR LGBTQ+ history month Model Westminster Exeter (MWEXE) sat down with Ben Bradshaw on 25 February and asked him about his career in politics as an openly gay man.

Ben Bradshaw has been MP for Exeter since he was first elected in 1997. Prior to joining the world of politics, Mr Bradshaw was a journalist for the BBC. The 1997 election was a momentous one, it was Blair’s first campaign, and in Exeter Ben Bradshaw ran as the first candidate in British political history who had been open at his selection and election about his sexual orientation. He spoke about his first campaign trail in 1997, against Dr Adrian Rogers, a conservative MP who was known to use homophobic slurs,

and how he received so much support from local people leading him to one of the highest labour victories in the South West.

The importance of the legal framework in terms of combating homophobia and transphobia was emphasised by the MP. The discussion moved on to Conversion therapy which is still legal in the UK. Conversion therapy aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and all major counselling and psychotherapy bodies as well as the NHS have concluded that it is dangerous, condemning it by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

A National survey that spoke to 108,000 members of the LGBTQ+ community suggested that 2 per cent have undergone conversion therapy in the UK while 5 per cent have been pressured to access services to change their sexual orientation.

explained their experience with deferring: “From my memory it was a pretty quick turnaround, within a couple of days.

The need to get a letter from the doctor in the matter of days before the exam was tricky and put a lot of pressure on me in case I didn’t have the evidence.

“It was quite a stressful process as I didn’t hear back about the deferral until after the exam should have been so I was nervous in case I was denied deferral despite being too ill to sit the exam.”

A Management, German and Japanese student described their positive experience with applying for deferral due to the loss of a close relative during their first year exams: “I called up the SID Desk, explained the situation and asked what to do. As it was such a short notice and my exam was in a few days they let me just have a call with Wellbeing instead of having to come in.

“I wouldn’t have proof in time for my application to go through before my exams, so they just told me that I can just send it in whenever I got it. Everyone was so nice and really helpful.”

The University’s mitigation information page advises students “not to defer too many items however, otherwise you might have too heavy a workload in your next assessment period. Typically exams are deferred until a single week in August therefore deferring several exams means taking them in a single week period.”

Data for the 2020/2021 period will not be available until the end of the academic year.

Guild to campaign for tuition fee compensation Bryony Gooch Editor The Students’ Guild will campaign for tuition fee compensation after the Guild Council voted in favour of the motion on 15 February.

The motion stated: “Guild Council believes that students have not received value for money this academic year so far and are therefore due compensation.

“Guild Council requests that the Guild establish a working group to determine a campaign which addresses different types of tuition fee arrangements.”

The Guild confirmed their support on the website, explaining that “While no two students’ experiences are the same, it is undeniable that the pandemic has - in many different ways

Image: Harry Caton

- prevented students from getting the education they deserve and were promised.

“Exeter is proudly a researchdriven institution – that is why many students chose to come here. But fieldwork has been cancelled; access to labs, studios, libraries, and resources that are essential to students’ academic work has also been restricted.

“While many students may be satisfied with the quality of blended teaching they receive, teaching is only one part of an education.”

The campaign will be led by VP Education Penny Dinh, who said of the decision: “As your representative, I support the call for financial compensation for students as it will relieve financial stress for students who lose out the most by paying tuition fees up front rather than taking out a loan. By that I mean International students – who pay much higher fees, mature students who retrain and migrants who are unable to access student loan, and postgraduate students. I look forward to collaborating with national campaigns, especially the Students United Against Fees campaign, in lobbying for money back in our students’ pocket.”

The Guild will set up a working group looking into how to run the campaign.

Young people make up majority of Exeter’s COVID-related offenders Emily Im News Editor

A

CCORDING to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), 18 to 24 year olds make up more than half of offenders and suspects who have committed COVID-related offences in Exeter.

Between April 2020 and 15 January 2021, Devon and Cornwall Police recorded a total of 364 offences under the Coronavirus Act and 361 offenders.

199 of those are aged between 18 and 24, although only 24 of them are known to be students. The FOI response does not state whether they attend the University of Exeter.

Another 61 offenders belong in the 25 to 30 age group while 15 per cent are within the 31 to 40 age category. Individuals over 51 make up just five per cent of all offenders in Exeter.

Recorded offences peaked in April 2020 at 108. In May, 54 were recorded

but none were reported between July 2020 and September 2020 as many COVID-related restrictions enforced in the first lockdown period were lifted.

During the second lockdown, there were 94 offences in November.

The police have outlined in their FOI response that they do not “issue fines, give tickets or issue penalty notices for these offences”. They report people for summons and it is up to the ACPO Criminal Records Office

(ACRO) to “decide on how the enforcement should be processed”.

This year, 43 offences were recorded in the first 15 days of January. On 12 January, Exeposé reported that three University of Exeter students had been fined £200 each for a party in Lafrowda.

On 28 February, Devon Live reported that dozens of people had broken lockdown rules and failed to socially distance while spending time at Exeter Quay.

Image: exeterdaily0, Pixabay

4

8 MAR 2021| EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

Drugs and alcohol during the pandemic EXCLUSIVE Pete Syme Deputy Editor

A

N Exeposé investigation into the student drug and alcohol culture has found that the University is failing to promote safety amidst testimonies of addiction associated with the pandemic.

Our survey of 50 students found that 89 per cent of respondents had never seen anything promoting drug awareness or safety from the Guild or University.

Of those who had, most had only seen it from the Guild, with just 2 per cent saying they had encountered University material.

Similar results were found on the question of alcohol safety, with just 13 per cent of students having encountered its promotion.

The findings come despite the University’s Student Alcohol and Drugs Policy stating “we will aim to reduce the risks associated with the misuse of drugs through awareness and information programmes.”

A Freedom of Information request (FOI) revealed that the University disciplines an average of 55 students a year for drug-related offences. The vast majority of those - 76 per cent - resulted in fines, with less than one percent over the last five years given behavioural contracts or workshops.

The University’s policy also claims they will “encourage supportive and caring harm minimisation strategies which reduce the risks associated with controlled substance use/misuse”.

By comparison, similar numbers of offences were seen at Loughborough, but a full breakdown of disciplinary actions was unavailable. Durham recorded zero offences in all but one year, while Plymouth rejected our request based on similarly low numbers. Bristol could not reply before going to print, past the 20 working day limit on FOI requests.

Aaron*, a 2nd year student who said they used drugs a lot more over the last

year told us how helpful a drug awareness campaign would be: “I’ve found no support for how to use drugs safely and I’m just told to stop when I bring it up but that’s not an option for me and I don’t want to stop, I just want to learn more about how it affects me and how to keep it under control.”

Using cocaine detection wipes, Exeposé found traces of the drug in numerous toilets across Streatham Campus.

Containing cobalt thiocyanate, the swabs turn blue on contact with the -cain family of drugs, which are mostly used as local anesthetics.

I just want to learn more about how it affects me and how to keep it under control Second-year student

We found positive swabs in both the men’s and women’s toilets next to the RAM, as well as in academic buildings. The Library presented the strongest evidence of cocaine, with evidence found on every floor and the disabled toilets on Level 0. The men’s toilets in Queen’s also returned positive.

Tests were also carried out at the Great Hall and the University Reception in Northcote House, which were negative for any traces. While female and disabled toilets in the Forum were also negative, the men’s by the SID desk and Alumni Auditorium were positive.

LUPOL, who manufacture the tests,

told us that the wipes have been used by wedding venues, police forces and America’s Food and Drug Administration. However, they also note that “falsepositive results may occur” and they can only give presumptive results.

While some buildings have been closed during the pandemic and could not be tested, the findings suggest cocaine use on campus is prevalent despite the reduced footfall, with three-quarters of the detection wipes presenting positive.

Our survey also suggests that cocaine is one of the most popular drugs for Exeter students, with 36 per cent of users reporting they had taken it in the last year.

We want to make the most of life after being inside for so long

First-year student

“I’ve found myself drinking less and using marijuana, cocaine and ketamine more during the pandemic” Aaron* explained. “I use marijuana daily now as a way to cope with the anxiety and to distinguish between when I’m working and when I’m relaxing.”

The lack of socialising has affected him most - unable to go out like most years, he says “Because I’m not having as much fun when I’m drinking now I’ve turned to drugs to make it more fun.”

An Exeposé FOI request to the Devon & Cornwall Police for drug-related offences over the last five years shows that while cocaine possession has fallen by 30 per cent, intent to supply has risen by 56 per cent. While cannabis offences have stayed the same at about 1000 a year, possession and intent to supply MDMA have fallen dramatically at 45 and 86 per cent respectively.

54 per cent of those surveyed said they agreed with the decriminalisation of drugs, with a further 26 per cent unsure.

Those who have less than five drinks a session are also less likely to use drugs, while the most common amount - five to six - are the likeliest users at 77 per cent.

With the NHS defining binge drinking as more than eight units in a single session for men, equivalent to five 330ml beers, the survey suggests that 78 per cent of students fall into this category.

On average, respondents said they had both drunk and used recreational drugs less than before the pandemic, but a significant 15 percent had done so more often.

Emma*, a fourth-year student who said she had drunk less but used more recreational drugs has also struggled over the last year of lockdowns. “Outside of the pandemic, I feel like I would get intoxicated with friends as a way of celebrating or being merry” she explained. “Now, it’s more of an escape from the monotony of

life, and I think it should be highlighted how dangerous a shift that can be.”

First-year student Ben* agrees: “It’s more appealing to want to take risks on a night out now because we want to make the most of life after being inside for so long.”

Statistics we requested from the NHS also reveal that more people are suffering from drug and alcohol misuse, with admissions at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital increasing from 5,600 in 2015 to over 8,000 in 2020 - a rise of 46 per cent.

The pandemic also appeared to affect these rates, with 459 more admissions in 2020 than 2019.

To learn more about these findings, we spoke to local charity EDP Drug & Alcohol Services. They offer a service called Together in Devon and work with thousands of people a year affected by these issues across Devon and Dorset.

The charity told us: “These have been very challenging times for people and families and the increase in referrals indicates that some people have been turning to drink and drugs more than is usual.

“We work in the community and in prisons and we are so privileged to see positive recovery in action every day. Recovery is very much an individual journey and our workers help people to see their

EXEPOSÉ |8 MAR 2021

5

c: “an escape from the monotony of life” Image: Google Maps

available.

“However, we understand that drug and alcohol use is an extremely important issue, and are continuing to work with the Guild and external partners to determine how we can continue to evolve and enhance our support to students. We would urge any student with concerns to contact Wellbeing Services to receive initial, confidential support and referrals to further specialist support if required by emailing wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk.”

It’s the only thing keeping me sane Third-year student

own strengths, manage their behaviours and connect with their family and with the community around them as a means of filling the void that is often left when people cut drugs or alcohol out of their lives.

“These, and many other usual tools to manage someone’s recovery have been impossible during lockdown, so our service has been very busy offering a blended approach of remote one to one and group work support to ensure that our service users remain safe, positive, engaged and on track with their recovery.”

They also added: “Our service is completely free and open access, so if you are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking or drug taking, please call on our freephone number 0800 233 5444.”

These have been very challenging times for people and families

EDP Drug & Alcohol Services

Harry*, who has been using drugs and alcohol a lot more during the pandemic, shared how difficult the last year has been. “In the first term, I basically drank a bottle of spirit a week entirely out of boredom” he told us. “By second

term, I almost got to 100 units in a week.

It’s all I really do at this point because I’m just bored out of my mind.”

Safety continues to be a concern for many students who recognise the effects of their habits.

One third-year who uses drugs two to three times a week told us: “I think drugs have been both a relief and solace to some people, but for me it has been borderline unhealthy at times.”

For Iszy*, whose usage of ketamine and nitrous oxide has gone up over the last year, “It’s the only thing keeping me sane”.

A University of Exeter spokesperson said: “The health and wellbeing of our students is our overriding priority in what has been an extremely challenging time. We have invested significantly in our Wellbeing Service to ensure they meet the very different experiences faced by students during the pandemic.

“These include a number of new services and partnerships being introduced, including establishing a link with a local Drug and Alcohol Service provider, Together, which provides additional support to students. We also regularly communicate with students through a range of emails, social media and direct contact to publicise the help and support that is

Looking to other universities in the South West, Exeter appears to be one of the worst for promoting safety and awareness. Bristol’s Student Union gave free drug testing kits to students in an effort to avoid fatalities at the start of the year, while one Plymouth student tells us their Union extensively promotes information.

A Students’ Guild spokesperson said: “Ruby, VP Welfare & Diversity, recently held events as part of Wellbeing Week, with one day focussing specifically on drug and alcohol use. This included an event with Together Drug and Alcohol Services, who offer support to those struggling with drug and alcohol use.

We are here for any student who needs support, and recommend they reach out to us, and get the support they need through our Advice Service or University Wellbeing.”

The Guild has also been working on a survey to gauge student drug habits with the aim of promoting safe use.

Guild President Sunday Blake said: “The reason I want to see changes made is so that students are safer. I’m clear in not condoning the use of drugs by students, however the reality is that there are students who do for any number of reasons including for recreational purposes or through addiction.

“A move towards harm reduction will make students safer, and is a more suitable policy in terms of reflecting the needs of students at Exeter.” *All names have been changed for anonymity

É If these issues affect you, you can get in touch with: EDP Drug & Alcohol Services 0800 233 5444 wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk www.talktofrank.com www.drinkaware.co.uk

NEWS

6

8 MAR 2021| EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

Changes in Guild Officer titles

“a diabolical display of apathy”

Chloe Pumares News Editor

T

HE campaigns for Guild positions are currently underway however this year there have been a few changes made to the names and roles. On 22 January the Guild announced the first phase of the changes they made to their democracy and governance.

Responding to student feedback that the way the Guild was run was confusing and unclear, they wanted to ensure that student voices are represented in a more efficient way, as well as being more transparent about their decisions. Students have been involved from the beginning of the process, consulting three cohorts of student leaders in 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21, as well as looking at 2000 student survey responses.

These full-time roles were streamlined and aim to make it easier for students to understand the democratic process and how decisions are made, as well as offering clearer understanding of the responsibilities of each officer.

The Guild President is to focus on development and working on external relationships, the VP Education, again no change, is to lead on academic issues and the learning experience. VP Activities and VP Welfare & Diversity have been changed to VP Opportunities and VP Liberation & Equality respectively. The VP Opportunities will take the lead on student activities and employability, while VP Liberation & Equality will focus on student rights, welfare and community.

Voting for the upcoming elections opens on 16 March.

Background image: Exeter City Council

CONTINUED FROM FRONT new construction before reports of the bomb made national news.

Some students were relocated to private accommodation which lacked essentials. An evacuee from Exeter One told us she was “absolutely fuming” after three of them had been relocated to one studio flat.

She explained: “one of them had to sleep on the sofa and basically had no sleep”.

The students had a request for reimbursement rejected after having to buy blankets to sleep: “obviously we thought there’d be bedding because we weren’t told to bring it or anything. And they were like no, we’re not reimbursing you. So yeah, we’re pretty pissed off basically.”

One of them had to sleep on the sofa and basically has had no sleep

First-year evacuee

She also questioned the University’s request that students stay with friends or family, saying: “The Uni’s been going on about fines if you socialise because of COVID-19, threatening to kick people off their courses, but the minute this happens we’re told: well go and find some friends and family to stay with”.

“So it’s a bit hypocritical like when it suits them they’ll just kick us out and say sort it out yourselves”.

Another student relocated to private accommodation experienced a similar situation: “When we arrived there was nothing here - no toilet roll, bedding or towels.”

“We were told to bring bedding but it Image: Harry Caton

would have been difficult to carry a double duvet, pillows and a sheet up Cardiac Hill” she explained.

Toilet roll was eventually brought to them at 2.30am, after being in the new flat for 14 hours.

Those in University halls were not the only students affected by the bomb. Students in privately-rented housing which were in the cordon have also been impacted by the bomb.

A third-year spoke about being relocated by their estate agent to a hotel: “One member of Uni staff told us around 7pm there was no way we were getting home tonight, and to find somewhere. So I then phoned the council who told me that it wasn’t true and we’d know by 9pm if we could go home.

“The Uni staff member came back to tell us the Rougemont had five rooms that we should book and claim it back on the University Hardship Fund. I told the estate agents, and they booked and paid for it all for us which was a massive relief.”

One student who lived opposite the bomb site only received an email from the University offering “help” five days after the bomb’s discovery, having been told by the incident helpline the University were not responsible for the student’s housing, but the landlord was.

“From speaking to both my letting agent and going throughthe legal obligations, it’s the council - not the landlord who is responsibile for re-housing us. So the Uni has misinformed us.

“If we do need rehousing, the council will refer us to the Uni and only help us if the Uni say they are unable.”

The student has been unable to re-

turn to their accommodation and has not received a reply from the University two days after asking them whether they were only able to offer welfare support.

“It feels like a fucking diabolical display of apathy towards their students from the Uni” the student observed.

“We all found friends who let us crash at theirs and Cardens offered to help us contact the council if needed but we were basically fine on our own.”

It feels like the University has no grasp on it whatsoever

First-year evacuee

Those who have been allowed to return to halls still faced further problems. A Moberly resident described being “rushed back into accommodation” only to find there was flooding on multiple floors and the fire alarm sounded twice - once at 1am.

“It’s been a really long week and it feels like the University has no grasp on it whatsoever” she told us. “We were waiting around all weekend with poor communication and a lack of instructions. It’s really messy and disorganised.”

“They’ve got maintenance staff in now, but it’s such a nightmare” she added.

Ian Blenkharn, Director of Education and Support at the University of Exeter said: “We know that this will have been a challenging time for many students, and we continue to provide full support to those affected. However, while the vast majority of students have now returned to their accommodation, there are still a number of students are still unable to return to university halls or private residences while

safety works continue to take place.

“Unfortunately, due to damage some accommodation blocks on campus remain inaccessible and we do not expect them to reopen in the final weeks of term. The University is in direct contact with all affected students and will make the necessary arrangements to offer alternative University accommodation and ongoing support.

“We are providing transport to and from campus for those that require it, and representatives from our Here to Help team are available in the hotel receptions throughout the day to support the students.”

The University has also provided those who continue to be affected with a support payment of £100, which will be extended by an additional £100 for those that remain in temporary accommodation over the weekend. This is in addition to food and WiFi allowances that have also been made to displaced students. The University is also arranging for students to book slots to collect essential belongings from their rooms, and making arrangements regarding insurance cover for any damage to personal belongings.

We will continue to support our students until they can safely return to their accommodation, but anyone with concerns is asked to contact the Incident Line on 0300 3034847 or email rapidresponsehub@exeter.ac.uk.”

É

If these issues affect you, you can get in touch with: www.exeter.ac.uk/wellbeing Incident Line: 0300 3034847 rapidresponsehub@exeter.ac.uk

8 MAR 2021| EXEPOSÉ

7

Comment

COMMENT EDITORS:

Cassia Grace Isaac Bettridge

An interview with The 93% Club

Chloe Pumares News Editor

F

OR this week’s issue, News Editor Chloe Pumares sat down with the newly Guildaffiliated 93% Club to ask them about their motivations behind setting the society up and how you can get involved.

Chloe managed to speak to five of the 30 committee members, Ani the club’s President, Meghan VP of corporate relations, Sophie VP of publicity, Cara one of the outreach officers and Luca the treasurer.

Exeposé: What motivated you to set up the society and become a part of it?

Ani: Setting it up was a complete coincidence, I heard about it from a friend who applied for the committee in York.

So, I went home, looked up the 93% club Exeter and went to join and it didn’t exist. I thought, wow this is so needed and important, I was kind of shocked it didn’t exist, but not surprised because of the culture of Exeter and the stigma attached to it. Absence of such an important society was something I couldn’t really ignore.

Despite the fact that it came about by coincidence, the representation of state school students at Exeter is something I personally have felt quite strongly about since starting my first year. It’s a problem all over the UK, but particularly in Exeter if you look at the statistics.

State school students are massively underrepresented. One stat that particularly stuck with me, not from Exeter, just generally, I think it was that a high-achieving child from a low income family is 35 per cent less likely to be a high-achieving earner, than a low-achieving child from a high income family. That just stuck with me and I think anyone reading that would agree. There’s a change that really needs to be made and its unfair that people’s backgrounds

can determine their opportunities. É: I noticed there were lots of these clubs at different universities, I was wondering if they were connected?

Ani: Yeah, there are different founders at each university. When I first set it up there were about ten and we are at 34 now. It was originally founded at Bristol in 2016. We brought it to Exeter in August of 2020. É: Were the rest of you involved in setting it up? Or were you brought onto committee after it was Guild-affiliated?

established elsewhere that that we could bring to our own University.

It was a big, exciting prospect when I first saw it and I was very keen to get involved.

I was not surprised because of the culture of Exeter and the stigma Luca: I had heard about it before I heard Ani post it on Overheard.

When I saw it here, I thought it made too much sense not to join. It is an issue that certainly needs to be spoken about and discussed. This society gives us the platform to do that.

Meg: Me and Soph helped Ani in the early stages and we were really impressed with the uptake. How so many people were wanting to get on board and help out, and how there was so much interest which we were really pleased about. É: How have you found student reception to the Club, especially with COVID-19 preventing an in person Freshers fair?

Image: The 93% Club

It’s a problem all over the UK but especially Exeter

Ani: At the beginning of the year, it was definitely difficult, because there was no Freshers fair and we were not affiliated by the Guild until January. We had to rely on Overheard and our own social medias to get the word out. I think since January and really since September we have had a steady flow of people coming. I guess state school students kind of know other state school students and they have told each other about it. I’d like to hope that we would only really carry on growing. Hopefully this September there is a Fresher fair.

Cara: I saw the 93% club as a new club at Exeter and saw it on our Overheard page. When I spoke to Ani, it was very cool to get involved in something that has already been

É: What would you say your main aims are for this club? What type of events do you do and what are you hoping people will get from this Society?

Ani: I guess I’ll start with our

Sophie: Meg and I knew [Ani] already from first year and she talked to us about this project she was looking into and we were like yes, sign us up. So, we were kind of involved in the early steps, and when we were looking for more committee that is when Cara and Luca got on board.

overarching aim, which is to improve the experiences of state school students at university and provide a platform for them which has been missing for a long time. I think it is important to say that we are not trying to exclude anyone or diminish anyone’s experiences, if anything we are trying to create this community for people who are hugely under-represented, and a space where everyone feels welcome regardless of background.

We want to reach out to state school students and help them with the transition Meg: I’ll just talk a little more about the sort of events we do.

We are focused on providing opportunities for students who may not have had the network, the contacts into professional routes after University. We are focused on professional development. We have done quite a few professional development events. Our most recent one was looking at careers available in a politics route and involved reaching out to industry experts who were actually alumni from the university and are working in the civil service. They offered up an hour of their time to speak about their current roles and what it is like in the civil service and they were all from state-educated backgrounds, so could talk about any challenges they faced, and the application process.

So many people were wanting to get on board and help out Ani: We also want to educate people about social mobility. We work closely with a Professor of social mobility at the University, and back in November he held an event to tell us about the COVID-19 generation and mobility.

Luca: Every Sunday afternoon we have an hour session where we put

the kettle on and have a cup of tea, and play some games or chat, and it’s a really nice space to get away from university. Which I think is especially important this year with the pandemic as it is so hard to distance yourself from university work sometimes.

Ani: Once a month our aim is to have a bigger evening social, which our social secs will organise.

A recent social was social mobingo which was a massive game of batty bingo and it’s really fun. I think we are one of those societies where you don’t really need to have much in common you can come along and meet people and have a nice time.

I guess our third aim is outreach, which Cara can speak a bit about.

Cara: It’s a difficult position this year because we want to reach out to state school students and help them with the transition. Obviously, the pandemic has made that difficult.

So, my fellow officer and I have been figuring out how we can use the internet as an accessible tool for students. It’s about bridging the gap. É: Is there anything you would like to say before we go?

Ani: People should keep their eye out for our committee applications as we are planning on having an AGM in April.

É If you like the sound of the society and want to join, you can get in touch through: Facebook: The 93% Club Exeter Instagram: @93clubexeter Or, head to the Guild Website: https://www.exeterguild.org/societies/49491/

8

8 MAR 2021| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

Leaving lockdown: easy does it?

Harry Scott-Munro Online Sport Editor

W

ITH the long and winding road to freedom finally announced by the Prime Minister, a social life is supposedly on the table, despite never looking further away.

For a Prime Minister who has stated that he will be guided by the data rather than the dates, his insistence on not speeding up the opening seems to go against his initial data driven stance.

The data seems to suggest better-thanexpected reduced numbers of infections and hospitalisations; so, why the delayed exit?

been highlighted time and time again, it’s better to expect nothing, rather than be drawn into this government’s constant carrot and stick game. This form of control makes the individual feel grateful to their Government for permitting them to see their families or loved ones.

When did we become so intrinsically reliant on the permission of the state?

More importantly, when did the notion that a government represents its people become lost?

This is no longer a crisis of public health. Moreover, it is a crisis of public trust and freedom of thought. People

should have the ability to do what they and those around them feel comfortable with. Those not comfortable with reintegrating into society as it reopens can make the choice to take a cautionary step out of the public setting themselves.

Freedom of decision-making works both ways.

The fact that the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced not even 24 hours after the Prime Minister’s statement that the dates set out may be moved backwards highlights the false promises of this Government to the highest degree. We only need to look

When did we become so intrinsically reliant on the permission of the state?

As part of the roadmap, university students may perhaps be so fortunate as to receive a week or two of teaching before the year ends. However, as has

Image: Pixabay.com

at the Christmas bubble fiasco or the closing down of all schools to see that in action.

An education, at primary, secondary or higher level, should always be freely available and not compromised or dismantled in any way. The younger generation will be the ones who foot the bill for the last 12 months and the ones who have lost the most, in terms of both education and social contact that is crucial in their development. An education online is not the same quality as in-person and it never can be.

Students and young people were the first to have their freedoms taken away and will be some of the last to have them restored, despite COVID-19 having the smallest impact on people our age.

Those who say, it’s just one more week indoors, just one more week without hugging your family and that it is selfish to want your freedoms back, should pause and consider for a second. Just one more week indoors may be what sends someone suffering from depression into a cycle they cannot escape from.

Just one more week may be all it takes for a business to collapse, the individuals who own it losing their livelihoods and

income in the process. Life, freedom and personal liberties are a gift, one that no government should ever be allowed to take away at the drop of a hat.

This year has presented challenges for everyone and it would be naive to believe that these problems will end come 21 June. However, it is important to be honest and upfront about the process.

Empty words and false promises do not help anyone and they certainly do not help Johnson’s popularity or chances of re-election. We need our Prime Minister to show that he understands the cost of a prolonged lockdown on ordinary lives.

The younger generation will be the one’s who foot the bill for the last 12 months Whilst the roadmap provides hope that normality may well soon return, we cannot take that for granted and must make sure that the dates do not slip even further, especially if the data continues to look this promising.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Religion in lockdown

I am quite content to call myself a Buddhism, even as capitalism is yet to fall.

Richard Ainslie Deputy Editor

T

HREE years ago I would not have called myself religious.

Six years ago, I would have called myself strongly anti-religious, as I binged on the pop-communists and new atheists studded across YouTube. I laughed recently as I was flicking through some old books on my shelf, as I came across in a Slavoj Žižek mini-treatise a passage where he criticises Buddhism as a deluded coping mechanism for people who are too afraid to deal with the crushing cruelty of contemporary capitalism.

I know I would have whole heartedly agreed with him. But six years later

Image: Pixabay.com

I only knew that meditation was helping me greatly I owe much of my journey to the Buddhist community at Exeter University. Except, it isn’t really a Buddhist community, but more of a meditation community. Most who come would not call themselves Buddhists. I began meditation back in first year, and only showed up to the meditation society at the beginning of second year. I had no intention of converting, listening to sermons, reading scripture or gaining faith.

I didn’t even know anything about Buddhism as a religion. I only knew that meditation as a practice was helping me greatly and I wanted to practice with others and hear their reasons for doing it. Every Thursday evening, the University Buddhist Chaplain, John Danvers, would come to the society, lead the meditation, and follow with a short discussion on some element of practice or Buddhist philosophy.

John is an incredible man. He is quiet,

thoughtful and unassuming, and has the rare manner of someone who is most comfortable when silent. He is a great speaker, an even better listener, and one of the few people I have met who I would call wise. The more I came to his sessions and learnt about the philosophies behind Buddhism, the more I committed to meditation practice, and started to see the world differently. John was far more generous with his time than he needed to be, and would meet regularly with me in the Business School café for a cup of tea, and to talk further about anything that I was stuck on. Importantly, he introduced me to a new understanding of religion.

Buddhism is nothing like Christianity. It has no God and no articles of faith. It does not demand you believe in anything. The Buddha himself was a human being who committed his life to finding freedom from suffering, and who taught the way that he discovered. The Buddha says only: “try my way and see for yourself ”. In some ways, the entirety of Buddhist teaching comes down to “sit, and know you are sitting”. It is rooted in mindful meditation, and the lessons on impermanence, interdependence and non-self found in doing so. As I

became more involved, I found more what I felt religion is about. For me, it is about dealing with the questions that neither science, politics nor culture has an answer to. How do we face suffering? Should we fear death?

Why should we care for others and not only ourselves? How do we find peace in this life? Or in the end, can we abandon all these questions and accept life as it is?

Buddhism is nothing like Christianity. It does not demand you believe in anything Suffering is having a renaissance of late. We all know many of the culprits: the virus, isolation, anger, boredom, injustice and inequality. Coinciding with the start of the pandemic, my Dad was taken to hospital with a heart problem. We could not visit him except on rare occasions, and six months later, he died of complications. And how did Buddhism help me? All throughout that period I practiced meditation daily.

Some days I would do so from morning until sunset with there being nothing else on my calendar. To call it a coping mechanism would do it a disservice,

Image: Flickr

because for me meditation is neither a tool, nor a hobby, nor a tonic to help my mental health. In practicing, I feel I have begun to understand the nature of suffering, and to make peace with it.

I have begun to sit with the bordeom, isolation and grief, and to focus upon the fullness of every present moment even when feeling them. lt has been a paradigm shift. Not that it is complete in any way. Every day presents new difficulty, and new chances to grow.

I am immensely grateful to all those who have helped me along this way, and who have taught me how to look suffering right in the eye. To neither love nor hate it, neither accept nor reject it, just to be present with it in its fullness.

COMMENT

8 MAR 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

9

Alcohol in lockdown Henry Hood Contributor

I

N a time when we’re stuck indoors with so much time and (supposedly) so few things to do, it’s unsurprising many have turned to alcohol to alleviate their boredom. As students, drinking is an unavoidable part of daily life, whether it be the big Friday blowout or a “harmless” pint, or glass of wine, in the evening “just for the buzz”. I have no doubt that problems have arisen amongst infamously alcohol-thirsty students during lockdown.

An article in The Guardian from late 2020 documents one woman’s realisation of alcoholism during lockdown, and interestingly she points out the mild joy she got from the novelty drinking at home.

Now, not to throw any shade at my parents, but they enjoy a bottle of wine every night for dinner, which is 35 units each per week (the NHS recommendation is only 14 units a week). An obvious (and perhaps sad) substitute for social drinking

with friends is to drink casually with your parents at dinner, and amidst the monotony of lockdown a harmless drink at dinner was one way to shake things up.

The problem is, and it’s something I’ve discussed with friends, students don’t tend to drink casually. For many of us, it’s a means to an end: something that is inexplicably linked with partying, socialising and good times. Alcohol is something supposedly reserved for partying or pubs, and now suddenly we can have it alongside dinner, and it gives us that same buzz that we’re used to. Being tipsy, or “buzzed” at home without any real occasion is now an incredibly easy thing to do, which we might not have done before.

Walks to campus, sitting in lecture theatres or stuffy seminar rooms were all things that impeded our

It’s so easy to pop to the kitchen and grab a drink

As students, drinking is an unavoidable part of daily life Another problem is for students, we usually couldn’t get away with day drinking, or drinking every night, or drinking since it’s a stressful day.

ability to drink anytime we wanted, hence the usual schedule of drinking on Wednesday and Friday nights etc.

But now, everything we do for our studies is indoors, in our rooms, often solely from our laptop. It’s so easy to pop to the kitchen and grab a drink, especially for those now living in student digs instead of with their parents.

Image: pixabay

And for those who suffer from anxiety or depression, drinking is an incredibly easy and familiar way to cope. Being indoors all day utterly exaggerates symptoms of anxiety and depression, and drinking is so familiar to us students that it becomes an easy ‘solution’.

I’m not protesting against the student drinking culture, nor is this an article bashing you with a stick to stop drinking so much and adhere to the 14-unit-a-week rules. What I am hoping to highlight though is just how easy it is to become addicted

to some vice during lockdown. Our lives are so incredibly repetitive and boring in lockdown that its inevitable we reach for something that can make us feel better and give that kick of dopamine.

With the return to normal life finally coming this summer, I hope that the variety of life outside of our room (that we all took for granted) helps ease any addictions or crutches we’ve leaned on in lockdown.

É If these issues affect you, you can get in touch with:

The Wellbeing Centre 01392 724381 wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk Exeter Nightline Student-run listening service Open 8pm-8am 01392 724000 The Advice Unit 01392 723520

Life, interrupted: what we missed in lockdown Olivia Garrett Screen Editor

W

HEN you’re an introvert at uni, everything happens slower, and trust me the all-girls school start doesn’t help. In first year, it’s about finding a base - obviously ‘Spoons, and getting comfortable in the new setting with a good group of people. In second year, there’s a bit more venturing out, having a new house and a strange roommate, finding ways not to freak out when the night goes horribly wrong, pushing boundaries and enjoying it.

Eirwen Abberly Watten 2nd Year English

I

DIDN’T have anything huge planned this year, but I still feel like there’s so much I’ve missed out on. At the end of my first year, I was determined to get more involved by joining extra societies. I wanted to try choir and canoeing and baking, as well as volunteering – all things I felt too overwhelmed to do as a fresher. These hobbies might even have filled the gaping hole that socialising has left behind, but I worry that

And then comes third year. I had very high hopes for this year. With a wardrobe full of bodysuits and perfected pres routine to carry me to TP, I knew this was going to be my year to shake off that girls-school anxiety (you know the one that comes with the feeling that everyone is judging you). Except it wasn’t, the clubs shut and now I wear my bodysuits and hoop earrings to the Sunday roasts and sing ‘Country Road’ only after an intense game of Picolo. Who knows, maybe next year will be my year.

T

HIS time a year ago, I was about to move to Wanaka. Regularly voted the most beautiful place on earth, it’s an adventurer’s paradise: lakes, mountains, snow sports, with some laid-back Kiwis and vineyards thrown in for good measure. As a nature loving, adrenaline junky, I thought I had hit the jackpot. My boyfriend had his dream job lined up and I was, well, going to just wing it.

But then…COVID-19. I remember those weeks in early March 2020. Each day felt as if it came with huge news and no news. And slowly but surely, I watched my

B

EING elected being a part of these Rugby League Club experiences virtually Captain was the bigwould not be as rewardgest honour I’ve ever received ing. I’ve loved joining (other than becoming Print Sport Image: Pixabay Editor at Exeposé of course). I exExeposé this year though! pected there to be challenges associated I also had exciting plans for with COVID-19, but remained optimistic that the summer. Having spent so many months our players would be back on the field and atin my own garden last summer, I’ve been tending socials by the beginning of Term Two. dreaming of travelling… beach holidays with Alas, our entire season, like most sports, has friends and teaching English in Peru. I’ve been cancelled. Obviously, worse things have now had to accept that, since young people happened to many other people, but I believe are unlikely to receive the vaccine before au- I represent many people for whom sport is not tumn, my hot summer is looking more and just a form of exercise that distracts from the stresses of student life, but where they are able more unlikely. Ugh!

Rose Booth 2nd Year English New Zealand dream slip away. What now?

Well, a year later, here I am at Exeter University. Aged 26, it’s the last place I thought Covid would take me, but having nearly fini shed second year, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve fallen in love with English Literature again; with a new city; and for a brief second, (thanks COVID-19), I played lacrosse again. Anyway, New Zealand’s not going anywhere.

Nick Powell Sport Editor to spend time with most of their friends, build a camaraderie and create memories that can last a lifetime.

We are hopeful we can make up for the time lost in socials over this summer, and the prospect of a tour – where we benefit from Rugby League being played as a summer sport outside of universities – is something very much to look forward to. But like every Club Captain for all sports at universities up and down the country, COVID-19 has obliterated what would have been a sporting year to cherish.

LIFESTYLE

|

ARTS+LIT

|

MUSIC

|

SCREEN

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE /EXEPOSEEXHIBIT

08 MAR 2021| EXEPOSÉ

12

Features

FEATURES EDITORS: Bethany Collins Joe Newell

The “war on woke”

George Clark, Deputy Editor, offers a personal reflection on the so-called cuture war at universities

Image: “Freedom of speech”, wiredforlego; Flickr

T

HE ongoing debates around “cancel culture” and freedom of speech are inevitably intertwined with one another. Both debates centre around whom is allowed to speak and about what. Recently, France has been caught in what is perceived as a culture war between a national identity predicated on unity and social science theories which are offering challenges to this idea, namely postcolonialism and gender studies. In the UK, the government is introducing new legislation designed to protect freedom of speech in response to “cancel culture”, which is frequently associated with leftwing students and universities. In light of these ongoing and frequently heated debates, it is important to consider the role of “woke” rhetoric in challenging established systems of thought.

Last June, president Emmanuel Macron (who rarely tends to address issues of race) accused French universities of causing division via the “ethnicization of the social question”. While France has a long-standing history of colonialism and slavery, it arguably possesses an even more deliberate ignorance with regards to race than the UK is frequently accused of. It is currently illegal under French law for racial statistics to be compiled, as it is perceived that this would have a negative impact on the country’s “commitment to universalism and treating all citizens equally under the law”. As such, the question of race, one frequently associated with “woke”

culture, is literally in legal opposition to national unity. While there are huge issues with these legal and ideological suppressions of discussing the racialised subject, the opposition of postcolonialism to national unity is not misplaced.

Paul Gilroy’s book After Empire offers a compelling argument for why this might be. Gilroy argues that in Britain in particular, there is a longing for the World War Two-era conception of a people united against the “out there”, wholly evil threat of the Nazis. There are echoes of this rhetoric of unity across Boris’ speeches throughout the COVID-19 era too, with calls to “band together” and “do our part for the people”. In the wake of postWWII immigration into Britain, there has been a denial of Britain’s history of racial oppression which manifests itself in this outdated image of a united national front, a longing for a time when the evil was “out

Postcolonialism in particular upsets the idea of a united nation there”.

Gilroy’s book is inevitably in touch with postcolonial methodologies, as it is intended to illuminate how and why the question of race has been brushed aside in Britain. While France is its own country with its own politics, its parallel history of colonialism and idea of a united nation

echo Gilroy’s sentiments. In light of all of this, postcolonialism in particular upsets the idea of a united nation precisely because it is an outright challenge to that

These theories revealed unconscious biases I had been taught and developed idea. United by who and for whom?

Universities across the Western world are incorporating postcolonialism, both in theory and in practice, across their syllabi. I myself have been afforded many opportunities throughout my time at Exeter to engage with “woke” social science theories, many of which have really challenged and altered the way that I perceive the world.

There was certainly a feeling of discomfort as a white, middle-class - albeit bisexual - male when I was first exposed to these theories, as they revealed unconscious biases that I had been taught and developed throughout my life. But going forward, I became aware that this discomfort was a productive one, one that could help me try to go about treating others better.

And as more and more students are being exposed to these theories, more and more people whose voices have historically been excluded and or wilfully ignored are finding themselves more able to voice their frustrations. This extends beyond postcolonialism and includes feminism,

Marxism, queer theory and animal studies, all of which are typically grouped under “woke” or “cancel” culture. Each of these methods pose challenges to the white, heterosexual man who typifies that human being whose voice has rarely been brushed aside.

Though some may argue otherwise, I would certainly say that the new legislation on freedom of speech has been figured in opposition to these ideas. A couple of weeks ago, the UK government published a guide titled: “Higher education: free speech and academic freedom”, which opens with a foreword from Gavin Williamson, the Secretary of State for Education. In his opening paragraph, Williamson says that “Throughout history, free speech has been a constant sword against tyranny, injustice and oppression”, evoking a feeling that free speech is aligned with liberal political movement. Later however, he says in a paragraph which opens on “cancel culture” that: “For every Ngole, Carl or Todd whose story is known, evidence suggests there are many more who have felt they had to keep silent, withhold research or believe they have faced active discrimination in appointment or promotion because of views they have expressed.”

The freedom of speech legislation simultaneously wants to suggest that it helps to achieve freedom for all, yet is opposed to particular theories and disciplines. It also seems fatally misguided for Williamson to

suggest that the targets of cancel culture are truly the ones who have “faced active discrimination” or “felt they had to keep silent”. The frustration generated by the lack of awareness in statements like these is the fuel to cancel culture’s fire. And while said culture is associated with what is loosely considered left-wing thought, those on the right are equally guilty of it.

Back in November, French Republican Julien Aubert tweeted a photo of a series of academics’ Twitter profiles he felt typified the “woke” politics invading France, opening with what translates as: “The culprits designate themselves”.

It reflects on a much wider and longer historical tradition of silencing Though this example is in direct conversation with “cancel culture”, it reflects on a much wider and longer historical tradition of silencing, the kind which “cancel culture” has tried to prevent from being authorised.

I am not going to offer an extended defence of the politics of cancel culture on either side because frankly that needs its own article. But it is important to consider what anxieties are the undercurrents of these debates, who and what is being protected under the guise of “universal” freedom of speech.

EXEPOSÉ | 08 MAR 2021

FEATURES

13

The Arab Spring: ten years on

Niamh Walsh examines the legacy of the Arab Spring one decade later cally, it was soon very clear that success was not going to be achieved. Only in Tunisia, where the protests began, did the uprisings result in a transition to constitutional democratic governance after the fall of Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.

Autocrats have continued to rule with an even tighter grip

Images: Top - WikiCommons; Bottom - “High Angle View of the Pickled Cucumber Pricked on the Steel Fork”; Flickr

A

DECADE after the seismic uprisings that rippled throughout the Middle East, the important question remains: has anything really changed? The once optimistic and sanguine hopes awakened by the protests have vanished as the toppled dictatorial regimes were replaced with war, violence and poverty.

The Arab Spring began in Tunisia in

the early 2010s, spreading quickly to other countries within the Middle East and North Africa. It was a series of anti-government protests, uprisings and armed rebellions in response to oppressive regimes and a seething frustration with decadesold socio-economic systems that favoured the “privileged elites who monopolized wealth”, whilst tyrannising the ordinary citizen. However, while it began optimisti-

The wave of initial revolutions and protests faded by mid-2012, as many Arab Spring demonstrations were met with violent responses from authorities, pro-government militias, counter-demonstrators, and militaries. Subsequently, many of these attacks were answered with violence from protesters which, in some cases, resulted in large-scale conflicts. The Syrian Civil War; the rise of ISIS, insurgency in Iraq and the following civil war. The Egyptian Crisis, coup, and subsequent unrest and insurgency. The Libyan Civil War; and the Yemeni Crisis and following civil war.

Autocrats have continued to rule with an even tighter grip as power struggles proceeded in response to the Arab Spring.

Whilst leaderships changed and regimes were held accountable, such as the arrest and execution of the dictator Colonel Gaddafi in Libya, this has consequently led to the opening of power vacuums across the Arab world. A contentious battle beginning between a consolidation of power by religious elites and the growing support for democracy in many Muslimmajority states.

Fears of terrorism have eclipsed concerns for humans rights as a Western priority The early hopes that these popular movements would end corruption, increase political participation, and bring about greater economic equity quickly collapsed in the wake of the counter-revolutionary moves by foreign state actors in Yemen, the regional and international mil-

itary interventions in Bahrain and Yemen, and the destructive civil wars in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. Millions of people have been driven from their homes to become refugees, many converging on the shores of Europe and beyond. The influx has fueled an anti-immigrant sentiment that has brought populist leaders to power in Europe and the United States, as fears of terrorism have eclipsed concerns for human rights as a Western priority.

The Syrian Civil War has caused massive political instability and economic hardship in Syria, with the Syrian currency plunging to new lows. In Libya, a major civil war is ongoing, with Western powers and Russia sending in proxy fighters. In Yemen, a civil war continues to affect the country with two in three people relying on aid to survive and in Lebanon, a major banking crisis is threatening that country’s economy as well as that of neighbouring Syria.

The Arab Spring was a quest for dignity, and it failed. Ten years later and multiple conflicts are still continuing that are seen as its direct political legacies.

“A recipe for pickles”

I

Millie Browning discusses Alexei Navalny’s career as a political agitator following his recent arrest

N August 2020, the leader of the Russian opposition Alexei Navalny was poisoned with Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent, and taken to Berlin hospital in a coma. Since then, his recovery, journey back to Russia and immediate arrest have been largely documented around the world. His arrest and sentencing in particular sparked protests with more than a thousand of his supporters taking to the streets.

Described by The Wall Street Journal as “the man Vladimir Putin fears the most”, Navalny is a fascinating figure who has dedicated his career to being an advocate for reforms against corruption, most notably founding the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). Having been involved with politics since 2000, Navalny’s career as a political agitator gained notoriety in 2011 after he was among the 300 people arrested during an electoral fraud protest in Moscow.

It was after this arrest that his blog, already popular with a Russian audience, became available in English, generating new levels of the support all over the world. He went on to run for mayor of Moscow in 2013, and upon losing this election to claims of ballot rigging, he joined, and was made leader of the party what is now known as “Russia of the Future”.

Navalny’s methods have proved effective at exposing the flaws in Putin’s regime, making him somewhat of a liberal celeb-

rity, particularly with younger generations.

He utilises technology, communicating mainly via his popular YouTube channel and Twitter account, to highlight his cause.

Via YouTube, he releases video investigations into various aspects of the lives of Russian leaders. The most recent of these was “Putin’s Palace”, a video which claimed that Putin spent illicit funds on an extravagant palace 39 times the size of Monaco. It is alleged that the property cost £1 billion and was paid for “with the largest bribe in history”.

The video report ends with an appeal for people to take to the streets in protest The video report ends with an appeal for people to take to the streets in protest, “if ten per cent of those who are disaffected take to the streets, the government will not dare falsify elections”. Within 24 hours of being released, it had been viewed more than 22 million times proving it to be a very effective way for Navalny to raise corruption awareness amongst the

general public.

It is perhaps not only these methods but also Putin’s reactions to them which aid Navalny in making his point. Arrest warrants are often conveniently issued after such “video reports” are released, with backdated claims of fraud and embezzlement on Navalny’s part. These reactions exhibit to the public the way in which Putin treats his opponents, and, as Navalny’s

fame grows, it has become increasingly hard for him to get away with such tactics without sparking global outrage.

He weaponizes satire in order to point out the deficiencies in Putin’s government Navalny has always been outspoken about the way prominent Russian politicians spend their money, labelling United Russia the “party of crooks and thieves”, a title which has been used by many government critics since. He effectively weaponises satire in order to point out the deficiencies in Putin’s government in a way that makes it seem bizarre and almost funny. He regularly labels the president and his followers as “Putin and his idiots” or the “few bearded men” who “drive around in Mercedes that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars” whilst the rest of the country is “impoverished”.

More recently, Navalny has managed to make light of his own assassination attempt and jail sentencing. Upon learning that the poison used in his attack was administered via his underpants, Navalny

labelled Putin “the underpants poisoner” and in his recent trial said the process was so ‘absurd’ that he had nothing left to say other than to ask if they have the ‘recipe for the cucumbers and salt they bring [him]’ but specified that the judge should bear in mind that they don’t ‘have access to bay leaves in jail’.

By making such entertaining and blatant declarations, Navalny makes headlines By making such entertaining and blatant declarations, Navalny makes headlines, enabling him to captivate a wide audience and generate more interest in his cause.

These statements undermine Putin’s authority and turn him into a laughingstock, lashing out in seemingly childish ways.

Such use of satire encourages the public to challenge the way in which their society is run, a crucial element of the democracy Navalny aims to turn Russia into. It remains to be seen how Navalny’s influence and current political momentum maintains itself from within the walls of his jail cell, but if the demonstrations after his sentence are anything to go by, it would seem that Putin’s problems are not over yet.

lifestyle

MUSIC

Plans for a postpandemic world

ARTS + LIT

STUDY BREAK

17

Image: Pixabay (pexels)

Image: Clay Banks (Unsplash)

screen

Image: solenfeyissa (pixabay)

The lost art of letter writing

23

does the length of an album matter?

25

Image: pixy.org

Image: Wokandapix, pixabay

30

Q&a with armando ianucci and kevin loader

study study break break

31

17 -19

21 -23

25 -26

29 -31

33

LIFESTYLE EDITORS Ceri Jackson Georgia Shepherd

ARTS + LIT EDITORS William Evans Amelia Gregory

MUSIC EDITORS Bridie Adams Ollie Leader de Saxe

SCREEN EDITORS Olivia Garrett Francesca Sylph

STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Matthew and Richard 22 FEB 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

lifestyle Wish I was here

Lifestyle Writers discuss their post-pandemic plans

A

M

T

M

S someone who wasn’t into clubbing and all the frivolities that go with it, Indie Night at Cavern was a saviour for me in first year. Without fail, I would be there every Saturday complaining to my friends about overpriced beers (which I would still eventually buy), aggressive mosh pits, dancing on the really small stage and promptly leaving when The 1975 came on. This was my weekend ritual allowing me to forget about the stresses of Uni deadlines. By 1am the place is packed with a mixture of lovely locals and uni students chanting Indie favourites such as 'Disco 2000' and 'Mr Brightside' (obviously). The smoking area, an encyclopaedia of music knowledge and discussion - and of course people asking their friends to roll them a cig - is a sight to behold.

Alternative student nights are a rarity in Exeter and Saturday Cavern is a lovely departure from the misery of the Drum n’ Bass or house that occupies the other night clubs. I miss stumbling out, with a Big Mac in tow and ready to do it all again the following weekend.

Special mention must go to the University’s Indie Music society, who made Cavern Saturday like a second home to me meaning I will always bump into a friendly face or two.

Senthur Shanmugarasa

HERE are many places I eagerly await visiting when all restrictions have been lifted, but the one I am most looking forward to in the near future is a trip to Exmouth. Above all else, I really have missed the "everyday" things throughout lockdown, like sitting on a park bench to have a read or enjoying a picnic. And something I’ve come to miss more and more is the freedom to spontaneously hop on a train and take a trip to the coast. We’re lucky in Exeter that we can reach the sea within 20 - 30 minutes, and arguably one of the most popular seaside resorts for us is Exmouth.

I want to breathe the sea air, feel the sand and go for a swim. I want to lose myself in a book and enjoy some chips and ice cream on the beach. Perhaps it sounds silly but what I have really missed is to be able to take in my environment guilt-free, to be able to sit and relax and soak up my surroundings. I want to watch the sun setting and jump back on the train, exhausted, watching the blurs of blue, pink and orange whiz past me.

Jessica Oldfield

Y absolute favourite place in the UK is Cornwall. I love the beaches, I love the landscapes and I love the food: pasties are just amazing, okay? My family holiday is always going to Cornwall, but obviously, we were unable to go last year and I instead spent the summer sitting in my back garden, wishing I was there. Going on holiday is something I’m sure everyone has missed over the past year and I am certainly no exception. I miss the feeling of waking up in a different place and spending the day exploring, and then sitting on the beach to watch the sunset.

The fact that I’ve been stuck at home for months will make the experience even more precious to me, because I’ve been looking forward to this for so long. Even though the temperature of the British sea is less than ideal, I can’t wait to swim in it again.

And I will never tire of watching seals beg for fish from the fishing boats that come into the harbour. The only thing I’m not looking forward to is having to guard my ice cream from thieving seagulls! I just hope I won’t have to wait another year to go back.

Katie Edgar

Y favourite place I cannot wait to be reunited with is a small cove in Cala Sant Vicenç, Mallorca. There are three major beaches but this cove is the most beautiful. Clear blue water, excellent views when snorkelling and a man with a wheelbarrow that brings around fresh fruit to buy. It can be busy, but even on its busiest days, it is peaceful and glorious. The pandemic has made the idea of plunging my feet into the boiling hot sand and fresh sea water even more attractive. Let alone the day of sunbathing, reading and as I mentioned before, AMAZING snorkelling that comes along with it. To be on holiday as soon as possible is everyone’s collective dream right now. But for me, to be reunited with the tranquillity of this cove, that I have been to without fail for years up until now, cannot be paralleled anywhere else. It may not look like much, but to be with my family, in our favourite place again is something that has truly got me through these tough times. Here is to going back to your favourite places, wherever they may be, and hopefully being able to get a tan in the process.

Jess Steward

Has COVID-19 changed how we feel about fresh air?

Maggie John talks about the new found importance of the great outdoors

I

HAVE never really considered the idea of fresh air or its importance to me. When I started thinking about it to write this article, I realised what a lifeline it has been to myself and so many others over the past year. As we edge closer to the one-year mark, the ability to enjoy some fresh air has been one of the only constants.

Everyone has those days where you wake up and the last thing you want to do is leave the house. Everything feels so bleak, the end feels so far away and getting out of bed can feel like the end of the world. But dragging yourself out of bed for a walk or a run can really make all the difference.

During the first lockdown, an hour of fresh air was one of the only things permitted by the Government. I certainly realised how lucky I was to live where I do and I re-

ally began to appreciate what was on my doorstep. It provided us with an opportunity to pause and to stop thinking that the grass is always greener somewhere else.

Everyone has spent so much time indoors for the past year and getting out for a breath of fresh air has been so beneficial for p e o p l e ’s mental health.

I truly realImage: fasytes, Unsplash

ised how crucial fresh air has been during the 14 days my house and I had to isolate. I didn’t realise how much I craved it.

As another week of the third (and hopefully final) lockdown passes, I am continuing with my daily walks.

Sometimes I go in the morning or sometimes I go in the evening, but I always feel better for going. I’ve also got really into running, which is the

perfect sport to soak up the fresh air.

Since I’ve been back in Exeter, I’ve really valued the opportunity to explore. Last year, I didn’t venture much further than campus or Timepiece but I’ve really got to know Exeter and that is something that will stay with me after the pandemic, as will my need for fresh air.

I find going for a walk or run to be the perfect way to calm my thoughts and get some perspective.

Who knows if this would have been the case without COVID-19? Our greater appreciation for fresh air is certainly something that we’ll take from this crazy 12 months.

Maggie John

exhibit

|

lifestyle

EDITORS: Ceri Jackson and Georgia Shepherd

8 MAR 2021 |

17

lifestyle

Spring-time fashion faves S

Josie Orr discusses her fashion favourites for the upcoming season

PRING is just ound the corner and that only means one thing: time to get the spring wardrobe out! With the news of lockdown being eased and a summer now on the cards, getting dressed to go out is finally becoming possible.

Constructing nice outfits with the thought of others actually seeing them will begin once againso why not start the inspiration now?

There are quite few brands which I am loving at the moment and are as follows.

First up is the Barcelona-based brand Paloma Wool. This brand is instantly recognisable with clothing that follows 70s and 90s trends. It is perfect for spring, with bold colours and unique designs.

Every year, Faithful always releases clothes that resonate with spring and summer so they are great inspiration. Pictured is one of their latest linen dresses which is a midi dress - great for spring since the linen material is so light.

Next up is a new brand I have discovered called Bila London. All garments are made to order and they use this incredible material called Velour which makes it great quality. They have skorts (pictured), joggers, tops and hoodies all at reasonable prices.

They are the perfect transitional piece from loungewear - that we are all use to - to something more put together.

W

Bridie Adams, Music Editor, discusses the possibility of seeing our loved ones

S

ing allowed over what would normally be the party season and the beginning of a fresh new year, many of us have been feeling like there’s no light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. However, now the possibility of being able to sit outside in a beer garden or have a picnic with friends in the park is sure to lift spirits.

While we may be able to meet up with friends outside to enjoy food or coffee from

March, pubs could reopen with outdoor eating in April at the earliest, just in time for people to eat out for Easter. One of my favourite activities is actually grabbing a coffee with someone and going for a nice walk, so this would actually make the world of difference for me.

Just like everyone else, there are people that I’ve been dying to catch up with, some of whom I haven’t seen at all since 2019, and this would make for the perfect opportunity to do that. Especially in spring, when the weather tends to be mild (but watch out for those April showers!) and not freezing cold or unbearably hot, it can be really nice to stroll through a park or outdoor space. In contrast to the difficult winter

Jessica Holifield shares her favourite spring-time recipe

Last up is Pepe jeans. But the question is: are low waisted jeans coming back in? I’m still yet to be convinced but I think this brand is the best starting point as they have flattering low-waisted jeans if you’re brave enough to give it a go.

And finally - what’s an outfit without jewellery? I recommend taking a look at Blóma for some really beautiful pieces, like the ones below.

Parks and picnics

INCE the Government’s announcement of their coronavirus roadmap to a "Cautious but irreversible" move away from lockdown, it’s safe to say many people have been filled with hope. Over the winter, with lockdown after lockdown and absolutely no socialis-

Spring recipe

months we’ve just had, flowers will be blooming and trees will be green.

It can be therapeutic to surround yourself with nature, especially if you’re allowed to have a friend with you as well.

I think the possibility of pubs reopening and the allowance of friends and families to meet up for picnics or coffee in the park will be such a welcome change to so many people.

The lockdowns have been isolating and mentally straining for everyone and when it’s safe, we definitely deserve a break in the form of a nice outdoor chat with someone we love.

HEN cooking, I like to take advantage of fresh ingredients that are in season. As students, I imagine that many of us want to make quick and easy meals while not compensating on flavour, and the perfect solution to this is the holy grail of one-pot pasta. I used asparagus for this recipe which worked very nicely, but make use of whatever you have available. The beauty of one-pot pasta dishes is that you can throw almost anything into them and you can’t go far wrong. I like to add some acidity to my pasta dishes in the form of lemon, and in the case of this one, capers. It’s all about balancing flavours and working with what you have available.

Put approximately 360g of a pasta of your choice into a frying pan – I like to use spaghetti.

Add chopped asparagus, capers, a finely diced shallot, the juice of half a lemon, two teaspoons of oregano, three crushed cloves of garlic, a litre of vegetable stock, salt, pepper and drizzle with an oil of your choice. I find olive is best.

Mix the ingredients through, cover with a lid (or another frying pan if you don’t have one), and turn the hob onto a high heat for five minutes.

Turn down to a simmer and stir occasionally to ensure the pasta does not stick together, but allow it to remain covered as much as possible, and add some fresh basil towards the end of the cooking time.

Within a quarter of an hour, the pasta should be done. Serve, and top with basil leaves.

I recommend serving this alongside an Italian salad, dressed with some olive oil, lemon and/or some garlic bread, and I’m sure a glass of white wine wouldn’t go amiss either!

Image Credits Top Left to Right: Paloma Wool, Faithful; Billa, Bloma Bottom Left to Right: Wil Stewart, Unsplash; Denissa Devy, Unsplash; Kimson Doan, Unsplash

TIMETABLE:

question the candidates live on facebook @exeterguild

monday 15 Mar College officers - from 1:3-pm vp education - from 6:30pm

tuesday 15 mar vp opportunities - from 1:30pm au president - from 6:30pm

wednesday 16 mar vp liberation & equality - from 1:30pm guild president - from 6:30pm

voting open 16 mar 9am - 18 mar 4pm

exeposé

é

SABBATICAL ELECTIONS GUIDE 2021

Guild President Full manifestos available online

Lily Margaroli Subject: Politics, Philosophy and Economics Societies: Currently Exeter Students Nightline, Model Westminster

GEORGE MCCARTNEY Subject: Physics Societies: Physoc, Shotgun Theatre, Footlights, Foreign Arts Society, Swift Soc, Theatre with Teeth, Harmonics A Cappella.

CHARLIE HALL Subject: ?

Societies: ?

SABB ELECTIONS 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

Current President:

Sunday Blake

what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?

How will you challenge the University management?

Student Wellbeing Improve the Guild’s website so students can easily and quickly access help (wellbeing, financial, academic, etc.). Improve communication between various support groups to allow sharing of information, resources and expertise. Lobby to provide group counselling sessions, and other forms of successful psychological support. Accessible Relaxation Space on campus separate from study spaces.

Students’ Physical Safety Improve clarity on the services provided by Estate Patrol and restore it to its core purpose of wellbeing.

Reform the Student Alcohol and Drug policy; explicitly focusing on harm-reduction, providing education on drug use and access to drug safety testing kits.

St Luke’s Increase the Guild’s presence on St Luke’s by utilising the G47 space and introducing an Advice Unit.

Host more events on St Luke’s Campus.

Cultural Competency Compulsory cultural competency, disability awareness and trauma disclosure training for Guild Staff, allowing them to completely support all students. Support Liberation Projects and ensure diverse, inclusive Cultural Celebrations.

Complaints Reform Create separate channels for different types of complaints. Reform the sexual harassment and academic complaints procedures that currently follow the same process.

Beyond COVID-19 Prioritise the use of all available space on campus for safe socialising and studying Ensure Freshers’ Week 2021 also caters to current first years via additional Guild events specific to this year group.

The lack of collaboration between different services, groups and expertise within the University leads to collective blindness in the decision-making progress.

This runs true throughout the University management, subject colleges, wellbeing services and Guild. Poor communication leads to a lack of expertise and insight, which in turn leads to ineffective policies and practises. Improving this would improve wellbeing at the University and the academic mitigation process, to name just two things.

Due to my committee positions (CoPresident of Nightline and Co-President of Model Westminster) I have accrued an in-depth understanding of the existing relationship between the Guild and the University. This has involved developing close correspondence with various University contacts, including the University Wellbeing Team. If elected President I will continue to liaise with these contacts, ensuring that I am communicating the students’ voice and initiating change. My immersion in this environment has given me knowledge of the sector and an understanding of policy which allows me to form realistic arguments and policy proposals which are strong and founded in research.

Student Experience Update Guild website. Rebuild student relationship with Estate Patrol and local community. Keep the Lemon Grove as a student-centric facility. Improve Guild support at St. Luke’s.Improve postgraduate support.

Wellbeing and Diversity Improve training and support for society welfare officers. Introduce ISVAs.Ensure Guild staff have trauma informed training. Work with BAME network on anti-racism. Introduce workshops on consent and sexual health.

Accessibility Increase understanding of ILPs. Increase awareness of visible and invisible disabilities. Improve support for students with families and religious groups.

International Students Support EU students during Brexit transition. Push for VISA-sponsored careers fairs. Ensure students remain the priority in the University project to increase the international student population.

Continuation of Open and Collaborative leadership Increase transparency within the Guild. Hold another NUS referendum.Continue ongoing Guild projects.

Sustainability Incentivise society sustainability grants. Introduce more water bottle refilling stations and microwaves.

Housing Ensure students are aware of their tenancy rights. Introduce a beginners guide for how tenancies work for freshers.

Guild Funding Address funding disparity between AU compared to the Guild. Improve advertising of Guild positions.

COVID-19 Improve accessibility of lectures for blended learning. Provide the best possible student experience for 2021/22, especially freshers week.

The main issue is the lack of effective communication and support from the University. Students feel sidelined as hundreds of emails fill their inboxes that don’t say anything useful. The University fails to consider the deeper impacts that external factors have on students and therefore lacks the awareness to support them. Even in cases where the University does offer support, it often feels half-hearted, elusive or performative.

I want to challenge the way that the University views and responds to its own students. From the increasing challenges faced by students with ILPs, the unwillingness to invest in our St Luke’s campus and their inactive attitude surrounding student wellbeing, we can all see we deserve better. By implementing focus groups for all demographics, I aim to amplify every student voice so it can impact decision making across the board.

MANIFESTO

Bing bong. There goes the gong. The gong of change. Bang it again. Vote for me.

I hereby vouch to listen to and voice all concerns of the student body to the decision makers above us. People are angry, and I want to tell them how angry they are. Which is lots!

I’ll always be around, I’ll always be there and I’ll always be listening.

More policies in the coming days.

unfortunately, this candidate was unable to provide answers to our questions

what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?

Frustrated, disillusioned and let down. Let’s Strengthen mental health support, Ensure a positive student experience and empower our communities.

This was never something I considered doing before. After the never-ending distress we have faced and the long list of failures from the University, enough is enough.

Professionally experienced, passionate and pragmatic, I am here to make the change.

The University made a surplus of £1 million for reinvestment, it’s time they spend it on mental health.

Vote Lewis 4 Exeter Guild President to SEE An Agenda for Mental Health and Student Safety.

Mental health. Too often we see fearful students asking for help with signs on their flat windows while the University is ready to label us “damp squibs” and “cyberterrorists”. Mental health affects us all, and the importance of wellbeing can’t be understated.

By demanding them to spend an extra £1 million on mental health. In the 2019/20 year, Exeter University made a £1 million surplus for reinvestment (University of Exeter’s Financial Figures published July 2020). We demand an extra £1 million is spent on mental health support by the University.

Right now we all feel so disillusioned with university life, with lockdowns and false promises that I don’t think any of us feel like a unified student community anymore. Everything can seem so much harder when you’re isolated so bringing in schemes which actively bring us all together again for me is key.

I massively benefit from my experience with the University itself as Subject chair, with the Guild as VP and Welfare sec and with the AU also as Co-Club Captain of EUCGC here. I’ve spent my entire university experience advocating to improve the experience for my cohort, and been effective in doing so by introducing focus groups, study sessions and family schemes which accomplished this on a smaller scale. So challenging the University’s upper management is just a progression of what I already do

MANIFESTO LEWIS MARTIN Subject: Politics Student Societies: Darts Soc

sian ostler Subject: Archaeology and Forensic Science Societies: EUCGC Archaeology and Forensics Society

How will you challenge the University management?

MANIFESTO

The thematic pledges of my manifesto will tackle the issues that cause students to rely upon an underfunded and oversubscribed Wellbeing Service, and create a unified student-body that pushes the Guild to act effectively on the mandate it has been given.

- Collaborative Leadership Utilising student focus groups to lead discussions and taking every opportunity to hold the university accountable to the promises they have made.

- Student Safety and Wellbeing Working with VP Liberation and Equality to reform mitigation systems, taking a compassionate stance instead of meeting tick-box criteria. Organising neighbourhood-watch groups and updating bystander-intervention training so that no-one feels afraid to walk the streets of Exeter. Updated EDI and digital events training meaning every member is prepared for whatever student life looks like from September.

- Student Engagement: Working with VP Education to give greater mandate to students with protected characteristics, creating positions on SSLCs for Equality reps that are equal to existing roles and allowing BAME students to have their say in the wider readings supplied for degree programs.Creating an environment where International students are supported via peer schemes, as well as jump-starting a Careers Zone which is transparent and successfully equips VISA-holding students with the skills they need to enter the graduate job market. I will also cultivate a greater sense of community at university, providing events that will allow local and mature students the same chances to network as the traditional student moving into halls.

vibhuti bajaj Subject: ?

No manifesto provided

Societies: ?

EXEPOSÉ VERDICT AU PRESIDENT debate: 5:30pm, 17 feb

T

HIS year’s Guild President candidates all seem to be in consensus that COVID-19 will be an issue for higher education beyond the end of this academic year, although they approach the so-called “Post-COVID” experience in different ways. George McCartney’s manifesto suggests the primary impact will be on education, predicting blended learning and online exams as inevitable. Lewis Martin’s manifesto looks to improve mental health support post-COVID, although makes no suggestions as to how he might do this. Lily Margaroli suggests steps to re-integrate students into campus life after a year in which most people have been stuck behind a computer screen.

unfortunately, this candidate was unable to provide answers to our questions

Another key theme in every manifesto is student safety, with all candidates making at least some sort of point on lighting and safety, as well as estate patrol.

Both Margaroli and McCartney acknowledge the role of Exeter City Council in ensuring this, although McCartney suggests our current lighting situation might be more to do with our relationship with the local community than with council funding. Whether that is the reality or not we could not comment. Sian Ostler suggests collaboration between Estate Patrol, the police and the student community towards a neighbourhood watch, although a potential barrier there is current tensions between the student community and both Estate Patrol and the police.

Another key theme is, as always St Luke’s.

Margaroli arguably has the most dedicated plan of action to dealing with the campus’ neglect, although McCartney acknowledges the need for Guild support on the campus. Notably, neither Martin or Ostler mention St Luke’s.

Considering the strength of manifestos this year - Ostler and Margaroli offer solution-based approaches, McCartney offers wide-ranging policies and Martin identifying key issues in camps life, it will be interesting to see who wins this category.

AU President MANIFESTO

Katy dalglish Subject: Exercise & Sport Science Clubs: Lacrosse, Intramural Hockey

AILIS TRUSCOTT Subject: Medical Sciences Clubs: Exeter University Women’s Basketball Club, Windriders

ROSHAN KG Subject: Business Analytics Clubs: Badminton

Are gender/ diversity imbalances an area for improvement?

Current AU President:

what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?

Ben Hart

biggEST WEAKNESS?

For many students, COVID-19 is challenging their wellbeing now more than ever, and sport plays a key role in combating this. It is vital that our students have the equal opportunity to participate in sport, and I hope you will join me in my campaign to make this possible.

Inclusion I’ll work closely with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team to help break down the barriers to sport that students face. I want to make the UK Disability History Month an annual focal point, particularly since Movember has highlighted how successfully our student body can work together. I’d help clubs host more accommodating taster sessions and make the implementation of inclusive sessions a normality throughout the year.

Support As well as offering wellbeing workshops, I’d like to develop a wider range of training opportunities for committee members. In better preparing students for their roles, their clubs would benefit, as would their individual skills and future prospects.

Provide I’d work with the AU to secure membership support each year, so students who regard fees as a barrier to participation could apply for additional support. I’d also like to implement a new league that bridges the gap between BUCS and Intramural teams.

I believe that both areas require improvement, which is why a key point in my manifesto is inclusion. If successful, next year I’d work with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team at Exeter to help reduce these imbalances within our sports clubs. As for gender, I’m currently working with the university to offer wellbeing workshops for woman to provide them with more support, similar to that provided by the Good Lad Initiative for men.

In terms of sport, I think that students need more opportunities to participate. Whilst the standards of sport at Exeter are exceptional, I believe that the beginners and intermediate levels require further attention.

I want to develop intramural sports even further, and I’d like to help the AU implement a new league of a competitive standard, that’s between BUCS and intramural teams.

Sometimes I can be too timid in situations when I’m confronting someone with what I feel strongly about. Whilst I believe that, in a leadership role, empathy is an important quality to have, standing up for what’s right is paramount. As lacrosse club captain, I have worked to achieve this balance, and I am excited about the chance to continue to do so in a larger leadership role.

Hello, I’m Ailis! I’m a 3rd year Medical Sciences student and in my time at Exe I have been part of EUWBC (currently club captain) and Windriders. Simply put, I’ve had an amazing experience with Sport at Exeter and I want to make that available for everyone.

My manifesto is based on 3 key points – Community, Connection and Transparency.

Community I want to ensure a sense of community within sport next year, regardless of the online or face-to-face situation. I will modernise the current AU website and make a interactive student friendly platform where clubs can promote all the great work they do. I will also work with clubs over summer to ensure they have a Kick-Start Strategy, accounting for whatever next year looks like.

Connection By building connections with the Guild and other groups across campus I will provide a year-round training program to AU members to develop their equality, diversity and inclusion. This will run alongside a Badge Scheme where clubs are rewarded for their attendance to these workshops. I will also oversee current plans to introduce disability sport at Exeter.

Transparency I aim to create a more open communication between the AU and its members, to alleviate the pressure felt by club captains to keep their clubs updated with the work of the AU.

The statistics themselves show how limited diversity is across Exeter, and I think the best way to change this is through education. Therefore, as part of my plan to increase, equality, diversity and inclusion, I will work to provide AU members with a yearround training programme, raising awareness within sport so that their clubs can become more inclusive. Clubs will be awarded for their attendance at these sessions, and their work recognised at AU dinner.

Again I think this links to the lack of diversity, it’s important that sport is accessible to all students, from all backgrounds.

For example disability sport is almost non-existent at the Uni and this needs to change. I know there are currently plans to introduce disability sport, and this is a big priority to me and something I hope to work really closely with.

I would say I’ve got a tendency to get ahead of myself. After I made the decision to run for AU President I had to take a few steps back and have loads to meetings with various AU staff/committee members to make sure it was even possible to achieve all the things I’ve written about in my manifesto...glad to say, think it’s working out alright!

Fight for one sports day a month: Within the sporting community I know of several students missing out on away games due to assignments and coursework. I would like to keep the importance of sport in mind as well as concentrating on academic studies. I will try to get the AU working closely with the university to avoid conflicts like this. It should be policy that students have the opportunity to represent their university alongside their studies.

Increase funding overall: It is crucial that the AU shows support to the sports teams as well as the right backing to continue the progress. Such funding could be spent on equipment and coaches so that students can develop their skill sets and understanding of their sports and society. We need an athletics union that is able to put in as much as its members do.

unfortunately, this candidate was unable to provide answers to our questions

Are gender/ diversity imbalances an area for improvement?

MANIFESTO abhishek yadav Subject: ?

Clubs: ?

Hello everyone, I am Abhishek Yadav, Master’s student at the University of Exeter. I am standing for AU President post and I would like to give you some highlights why I am the best candidate for this post.

An athlete is a person who competes in one or more sports that involve physical strength, speed or endurance and discipline. And I have all this skill in me.

Things that I want to achieve from this role is to give each student the importance of fitness and sports in a student’s life. To develop skills, improve physical condition, prepare for competitions and prepare every student to face difficult challenges in life from the medium of different sports.

Because if the covid all the sports activities are closed in the university and as we know the restrictions are getting lifted, I will try my best to get back all the sports activities in the campus as soon as possible.

I will work closely alongside the Guild President and keep them informed on student feedback and needs across the AU demographic.

In last I want to say that my work / actions speak louder than words.

Do vote for me as your next AU President.

Thank You!!

Yes! Gender imbalances is an area for improvement, Nowadays, you can still observe the old traditions following stepby-step in modern society.

In the past, the primary role of a woman was defined as being a wife, and a mother.

Moreover, we can still observe the employers who give their preference to male employees rather than to female workers.

It should improve and women should have a platform to be in power and achieve economic success.

what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?

In this current situation there are couple of problems in which many students and people living in Exeter are facing difficulties. Many local and international students are facing financial problems. Social Inequalities defined by gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity is some the biggest problem too. Congestion has been a major issue in Exeter for years now. And many businesses are facing problems and this situation. I would like to solve some of the problems by working with the university.

biggEST WEAKNESS? My greatest weakness is that I sometimes have trouble saying no to requests. In past when I was sports and cultural co-head in my undergrad, I use to ask students what type of games and event they want to play and sometimes they ask us for something that is not acceptable by the university so in that situation I do not understand how I should say no to them. But after getting in such situation, I am trying to get off with my weakness slowly.

AU PRESIDENT debate: 6:30pm, 15 MAR

L EXEPOSÉ VERDICT

ast year’s closest election results with Ben Hart winning by just 46 votes, AU President could again be too close to call as Katy Dalglish and Ailis Truscott both put forward some strong manifestos. Katy puts more of a focus on sport as a pathway to wellbeing - emphasised by the struggles coming out of the pandemic. Her idea to make intramural sport more prominent is something new and would definitely help to get more people involved. Introducing a female equivalent for the Good Lad Initiative is also a top idea, but sometimes her talk of working with EDI comes across too imprecise and vague.

Nonetheless, her strong value of empathy as a leadership skill will certainly aid in furthering her

objectives.

Truscott’s plan is more detailed, as she lays out a Kick-Start Strategy to help sport recover after such a turbulent year. She says she has “a tendency to get ahead of herself”, which may make some question how achievable all her ideas are. Despite this, Truscott has done her research and has cohesive plans to promote inclusivity and a greater community connection for sport at Exeter. She appears to have the most confidence and the most thought-out ideas of the candidates.

Of course, Roshan KG has an appealing manifesto with promises of more funding and tournaments. Whether this can be implemented fully would be interesting to see. Additionally,

it would be remiss to discount Abhishek Yadav who could be a dark horse in the AU race. His manifesto doesn’t hold the same detail as the others’ but he exudes passion and energy. A man who “has trouble saying no”, Abhishek seems a man of many interests - perhaps too many for the role of AU President. Beyond gender inequality in sport, he overarchingly talks about society as a whole which may hide a lack of firm plans for Exeter sport. They talk of the city’s congestion and local businesses would likely be beyond his reach in the AU, but Yadav seems confident and willing to give 100 per cent. If lacking knowledge of how the AU works, he still seems a sound bloke who would get the job done.

VP Opportunities Full manifestos available online

Izzy Harrison Subject: Drama Societies: Drama Society, EUTCo, ShakeCo, Theatre with Teeth, EUABC, ExeTunes, ExeTech

Megan Blackwell Subject: ?

Societies: ?

oliver kirwIn Subject: Economics and Politics Societies: ExeQuiz University Challenge Politics Society Snowsports

MANIFESTO Diversity & Inclusivity The voices of ALL students will be heard. Meeting the Accessibility Pledge. A Memberled initiative encouraging committees to work with members from marginalised groups to create events which celebrate diversity and inclusion. Extra accessibility funding. Monthly campaigns set up in collaboration with societies to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Safe Opportunities Improving safety for students and refocusing publicity of current safety services.

Shuttle buses at night. Collaborating with Nightline on a ‘Night Walking Call Service’, enabling students to talk to someone whilst walking home. A reformed complaints procedure that minimises emotional impact on students. Extended harassment training for Guild staff. Free, recyclable Spikeys available to societies to help prevent the use of date rape drugs.

Clarity & Support A less bureaucratic Guild to support students effectively in the transition back to in-person activity. Increased clarity which reaches societies at an individual level. Improved diversity, accessibility and welfare training from an external company with an online recognition system for committees to log their training, A monthly ‘Society Rep Feedback Group’ with Guild staff and volunteer reps from committees. Guaranteed meetings for largescale events A ‘Committee Resource Bank’ which includes sustainability tips, event ideas, wellbeing resources, and improved templates for risk assessments, budgets, and emails.

THE biggest proble facing student groups and societies?

Right now, the biggest problem facing student groups is a lack of clarity and support. Rather than categorising societies in strict systems, the Guild must allow for difference and alter their support strategies accordingly. Doing this will ensure that improved welfare support and training cater to everyone.

How will you ensure DEMOCRACY IS EFFECTIVE?

I will ensure that democracy is effective by listening to the voices of all students. Marginalised groups must not go unheard, their voices must be amplified and celebrated.

By stripping back bureaucracy, introducing a ‘Society- Rep Focus Group’, and developing a ‘Member- Led’ initiative (see my manifesto), I will listen to what students really want and implement the changes that they want to see.

Current VP Activities: Liv Harvey

your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is putting pressure on myself to stay happy constantly. I’m a very positive person, so I naturally try to maintain that.

Over the last year, I’ve learned that an important part of any healing process, and an important part of being human, is to express all of your emotions.

I’m learning that it is okay to be sad and feel stressed, it is human nature and it will pass.

More VISIBLE SUPPORT from the Guild at events held by societies, on both campuses. From the outreach I did to I think we have been let down I don’t have one. I’m built One to one, optional DROP-IN SESSIONS to support committees directly. different committees, gen- in previous years by the Guild different. No, I’m joking, Work towards a ‘SUSTAINABILITY GOLD STANDARD’ for all societies to engage eral members and my own with lack of transparency about I would probably say that with. Create an ‘ACCESSIBILITY GOLD STANDARD’ for all societies to engage with experience, it seems the big- the agreements with the Uni- I hyper-focus on things. and guidance to what a fully accessible society looks like. Work with all society committees gest problem is the lack of versity. People have clearly been If we were implementing to ensure they are adhering to accessibility guidelines for VISIBLE and INVISIBLE space and the lack of sup- unhappy with the way things a new system or process, DISABILITIES. Work with Liberation and Equality to encourage more ‘IMPLICIT- port from the Guild. Socie- were handled. So to ensure ef- I wouldn’t be able to relax BIAS’ TRAINING to all societies over summer. Focus on more career opportunities, for ties can only make events fective democracy, students until I know it is done to all students. Urge for more VISA supported career fairs from the University. Call for a with the support from the should always be consulted on the best of my ability. It much WIDER RANGE of employers at careers fairs, for all disciplines. Have a SUNDAY Guild, and unfortunately changes. Whether that be soci- comes with being a “peoSOCIETY SPOTLIGHT which will allow for more publicity from the Guild to new this year there has been ety based, or to do with our out- ple pleaser”, if I know students to boost memberships next term. Make the Lemon Grove a more EFFICIENT such a lack of communica- lets. If its affecting student life, you’re unhappy with student space. Allow all students transparency on conversations between University and tions that it has affected so- then students should have a say something and I can help Guild with decisions affecting societies. INCLUDE SOCIETIES which specialise in a cieties and society engage- in it before it happens. you. I’d find it hard to let particular topic in conversations with the University about that topic. ment immeasurably. it go until I helped you.

Save Our Societies With such a diverse range of Effective democracy Now that’s a question!

Increase funding and support for societies by introducing a ‘recovering from covid’ societies, each has its own issues to requires engagement I would say that I’m a grant so they can recover from reduced revenues. contend with. For many societies and transparency. It’s very principled person.

Increase Transparency adjusting to an online experience important that societies While it’s not necessarily Place a ‘membership fee snapshot’ on societies’ Guild pages so that members can has been difficult, but for those that are able to see and always something that track their financial management. Establish mechanisms that increase transparency [are practical based] the challenges interact with the guild’s would be considered a of the Guild’s meetings to allow people to understand how decisions are made, and of building engagement have been decision making process. weakness, it is something own more of a democratic stake in the workings of the Guild. most acutely felt. Many societies It must be more than that it is important not Protect Our Outlets have had lower than usual levels of an abstract monolithic to do at the expense Ensure we get value for money by introducing a robust framework that protects membership this year, and all have entity. To effectively of others. I have found affordability. Open an independent investigation into student job losses from had to reduce their membership represent students it to be important to former Guild outlets to protect student job opportunities. Raise awareness of fees, meaning for some the involves allowing always examin both the functions and meetings of the Commercial Operations Oversight Board and prospect of reopening throws up people to take an sides of an argument increase transparency to how members are appointed, to guarantee outlets are uncertainty over finances, which active stake in deciding carefully. When making accessible, affordable and run in our interests.

I hope my “recovering from their future. This is a decision, I try to make Prioritise Student Wellbeing covid grants” will help to address. why I am proposing sure that I’m acting the Protect mental health by encouraging every society to have a committee member in Bureaucracy is another burden that reforms to increase interests of the group charge of welfare, and ensure that there are adequate resources and training societies must overcome, and I the transparency of as well as under my available. Resume in-person meetings as soon as safely possible in line with would like to look for opportunities meetings, and directly principles. government to streamline the paperwork elect members to the guidelines. while maintaining the processes Commercial Operations Share Careers knowledge effectiveness.

Oversight Board.

Work collaboratively between each college’s careers service to find their strongest aspects and improve the existing system for all students.

Allow for fairer employability opportunities by making all events accessible for students across all disciplines in our community.

Full manifestos available online

Sam mckenzie Subject: History Societies: Model United Nations History Scouts, Guides and DofE Hide and Seek

Shudan (Jill) Wang Subject: ?

Societies: ?

EXEPOSÉ VERDICT VP Opportunities Debate: 15 MAR 1:30pm

THE biggest proble facing student groups and societies?

MANIFESTO Having served as a society President for the last year, I have seen how the Guild operates, and can see how it can better work to improve the student experience, promising the following to do so: Transparency Active transparency around decisions affecting students, to better involve them in the decision making process, by clearly informing people of how they can get involved. Greater engagement with first year and international students prior to their arrival to help them better settle in, and see the support and opportunities available.

Furthermore, better include the voices of postgrad, year-abroad and placement year students.

Co-Operation Greater co-operation between the Guild and the Athletics Union in general and in charity projects. College based careers fairs, working with academic societies to deliver what students want from employability fairs. Expand committee training to include; media ethics, welfare, and free speech law, to better equip committee members.

Support Introduce a welfare co-ordinator and welfare officers as seen to have been successfully implemented within the AU. Better use of Guild channels to promote societies, and allow societies to take part in Open Days (Covid allowing) Society priority on all room bookings and new builds to consider student space.

Hello everyone, I’m Jill. It’s my pleasure to have a chance to join the organization, because as an international student, I want to learn more about Exeter and even the British culture and work style through more social and practical opportunities.

With the acceleration of the process of world integration, I believe that the participation of international students will bring more perspectives for organizations to think about and solve problems.

Furthermore, I have rich club management experience and work experience. For example, I set up a Reading Club when I was in University and worked in the club for three years. I am familiar with the general methods of club management and how to effectively provide opportunities for club members to grow up. Therefore, I think I can use my club experience to help my future club members.

In addition, after graduation, I became an institutional engineer of Pegatron company.

During this period, I participated in NPI of X-BOX product and daily production management and supervision.

Therefore, I have more practical experience in operation and management than most students, which I think will be helpful to the club.

To sum up, I think I am very suitable for this club with rich club experience and work experience. I guarantee that my joining will bring more possibilities and new perspectives to the club.

T

HE position VP Opportunities might seem unfamiliar to you but by glancing at their manifestos I am hoping you will be able tell that it is just VP Activities remodeled. VP Opportunities won’t just be dealing with society issues, they will also be organising career fairs but by the looks of some of the candidate manifestos that might be hard to tell. Policies for this year seem innovative and touch on some of the hardhitting issues facing students this year, but we found ourselves asking “How?” to many of the manifestos policy suggestions.

All candidates have taken a different approach to the VP Opportunities role.

Izzy Harrison has some prescient policies suggested to improve the social aspect of society life. The idea of a “Night Walking Call Service’’ is something that would have come in handy during our time at University.

Meanwhile Megan Blackwell focuses on society accessibility to make sure students have the best experience whether on committee or as an average member. Oli

I view the lack of co-operation between the Guild and student groups being the biggest problem, given that too many decisions have been made on behalf of societies rather than with societies. Putting more pressures on societies in doing this has made a difficult year even harder, as they have been left out of the consulting process and forced to adjust as instructions change quickly - exemplified with multiple changes to membership fees policy.

How will you ensure DEMOCRACY IS EFFECTIVE?

your biggest weakness?

I will ensure student democracy is effective by making it more accessible to students, as for it to be democratic it needs to represent the views of students in a diverse and inclusive way. I will focus on greater transparency and visibility, clearly showing students how they can engage with the Guild and student democracy such as better promoting how Guild Council meetings are open to all students across Guild media channels.

I view my biggest weakness as how I have often prioritised society and committee work ahead of my degree. I recognise this is something I have struggled with across the last two years, and as such have made conscious attempts this year to improve on this. I have seen this as a common occurrence for many committee members, which is why I am pushing for greater welfare support for committees.

unfortunately, this candidate was unable to provide answers to our questions

Kirwin, the youngest candidate running, also has a big focus on helping societies recover from the impact of COVID-19. Additionally, Sam McKenzie discusses involving more postrgraduate and prospective students, as well as those on study abroad, into society life.

Employability appears to be an important sub-section for this year’s candidate manifestos, but some seem to have more developed ideas than others. Whilst this isn’t usually considered the most important aspect of VP Opportunities’ role, it would have been nice to see candidates developing their points further on what they are going to do to help student employability. Let’s be honest, we definitely need it looking at the state of the jobs market.

Blackwell, Kirwin and McKenzie all refer to employability in their manifestos. Blackwell vaguely pledges a wider range of employers at employability fairs, although it would be nice to know which sectors as the creative industry often gets ignored at careers fairs.

Similarly, Sam McKenzie wants students to have a say in what companies get a spotlight in the employability fairs. Interestingly, Kirwin would like to investigate former job loss from the closing of Guild Outlets, looking at student employability while at University arguably a unique take on the Opportunities employment remit.

Buzzword bingo for this year’s candidates seems to be transparency, or to use Izzy’s synonym, clarity. It appears there is a shared feeling amongst this year’s VP Opportunities running that the Guild is too secretive for its own good and this is at the detriment to us students. We for one would love to see an increase in communication of what goes on behind the Guild’s closed doors.

Liv Harvey has reigned supreme over the role for two years and so whichever of this year’s candidates gets elected they certainly have some big boots to fill.

VP Education Subject: Advanced MSc Maths Societies: MENA, PGT Maths Rep

Bella enoizi Subject: English Literature with Italian Societies: Snowsports

Taylor watson Subject: Law Societies: Equality Panellist

Im-

VP Education debate: 15 MAR 6:30pm

Penny Dinh

MANIFESTO

what’s THE biggest What does decolonising your biggest problem the curriculum weakness? facing exeter? mean to you?

Compassionate Academia: Move towards a more compassionate, culturally aware academia. I believe that the biggest This can be understood in a cou- I would say my biggest weakAddress the barriers and systemic inequalities within education by implementing culturally aware problem in Exeter, is the ple of ways. Firstly, it involves the ness is my stubborn streak. In and compassionate mitigation policies which acknowledge intersectionality in order to best focus on bringing in diver- decentralisation of white heter- fact, I was asked the same quesaccommodate all students. Allow students without ILPs to apply for extensions and deferrals whilst sity, through international onormative voices within aca- tion last year when running for offering support t those who frequently mitigate assignments. students, students of col- demia. This means acknowledging elections and in light of my Decolonising the Curriculum & Removing Barriers: Work in conjunction with Exeter our, working class students the impact of colonialism on race, stubborn streak I think I’ll stick Decolonising Network, national and international organisations to make decolonisation an integral etc. and then doing nothing sexuality, sustainability, history etc. to my answer. Stubbornness, and imperative part of the curriculum, decentralising of white heteronormative voices within to help those students tran- and recognising the harm that is however, is an essential criteacademia. Continue working with other Student Representatives to make academia accessible sition into University and done by this within the academic rion for anyone representing to everyone. Currently I am working on a project to provide Dyslexia-friendly lecture notes truly thrive here. We need narrative. It means allowing People the diverse student population throughout the University. Provide support and ILPs for students while they seek a Neuro- to focus on shaping Exeter of Colour to define their own his- at Exeter. I picked myself up, divergences diagnosis, reducing the burden on proving disability. Make accessibility resources widely into an environment where tory beyond the Western Canon. got more experience and went available on campuses with free access to assistive software, yellow overlays to rent from the library, every student is given the Secondly, as an Arab woman, de- back into the ring. My capacity and improved accessibility tools on ELE. Help to advertise and secure bursaries to ensure access to best chance to thrive, by ad- colonising the curriculum for me, to always fight for the student academic texts through working in conjunction with Library Champions, addressing the barrier that dressing the systemic issues involves reclaiming the narrative voice, no matter what obstacles is the cost of textbooks, unpaid internships and adequate laptops. Ease the transition to University facing it at their root, while surrounding my history and lan- present themselves, makes me for first generation, international and other disadvantaged students with an induction course on also managing the symptoms guage, shedding light on those ele- perfectly suited to being your ELE pertaining to the workings of the University and Guild, as well as safeguarding issues such ments which have been stifled. next VP Education. as sexual health, consent, drug and alcohol use, and mental health.

Full manifestos available online

SIRA CHARBEL

Current VP Education:

My main focus is to ensure that the students see their needs are heard and acted upon.

My manifesto has been shaped by my hundreds of conversations with students over the course of this year through my campaigning. Of course, Covid-19 mitigation features, as well as streamlining policies and systems which have long been in place. I have also included plans for ILPs and have developed plans for the (safe) return of face-to-face teaching.

Some policies I would like to highlight are: - Improve policies for those with caring responsibilities via an adjustment to student profile similar to ILPs; a one-time check giving them access to extensions/deferrals or alternative assessments when needed. Ensure students understand – and use – the feedback options available; add a ‘Feedback’ tile to iExeter, including Subject Rep & College Officer information for specific, easier & faster feedback. Build on the success of colleges such as SSIS in production of BAME scholars reading lists and lectures. Create ‘academic communities’ using academic societies: eg. group chats for mature students, introducing second years who have never met course-mates, support for students who have not had practice at practical skills such as live nottaking this year. Medical leave policies for university-funded PGR students more in line with those offered to UKRI-funded students.

Probably a lack of joined up thinking and transparency. We have so many great services and groups within the university but we haven’t perfected getting them to work together. That is why I want to develop ‘academic wellbeing’ for example, merging the university’s pastoral and academic duties to its students. Furthermore, many students don’t understand the structure of the university or what services are actually available to them – this needs to change, students need to understand where to get support from and how to get the most out of their experience.

Decolonising the curriculum is not simply about completely eliminating white perspectives but about balancing views and giving agency to those who have been institutionally overlooked. I pledge to take direction from BAME reps to continue to decolonise the curriculum at Exeter, learning from the SSIS college’s success in the introduction of alternative reading lists on BAME scholars which many lecturers have provided additional lectures on.

We must go further to challenge the dominant white, western, heteronormative viewpoint of academic discourse. This is not only a disservice to our students but to the workplaces and world we will go into after Exeter.

My biggest weakness is probably struggling with delegating. I worry about other people’s opinions and so I like to have control over my projects to reassure myself that things are done to the best standard possible. This can also lead to becoming too fixated with smaller aspects of projects and losing sight of the bigger picture. I’ve definitely had to hand over some projects during this campaign though because it’s been very time consuming alongside my studies, so I could not thank my friends more for all their help behind the scenes and reminding me of the end goal.

We’ve all faced adversity this year, but we’ve faced more than a virus. Teaching hasn’t just There are so many problems at For me, decolonising the curricu- To quote a friend – “Ideal if he’s been moved online, it’s been cut. We’ve seen the biggest reduction in value for money Exeter – and I never want to lum is about more than just chal- on your side. Painful if he isn’t”. since tuition fees were tripled in 2012. It’s time we were finally heard. A vote for me is a invalidate the struggle of any lenging and removing the normali- When I get into something, I get vote for an unrelenting voice, unafraid to challenge the University when your interests are individual student. One of the sation of Western and Eurocentric emotionally invested in it. I fight ignored. Together with Taylor, we can: problems which unites us all influences from the content and tooth and nail for a fair and just Protect the quality and value of our education though is the erosion of value structure of how we teach – it’s outcome. In fact, I’ve still got a Undo cuts to modules and contact time. Obtain a proper no-detriment guarantee to for money. The university had a way of addressing (in part) the complaint against the Univerprotect our degrees and futures. End the deferral lottery, by allowing students to resit a chance to make online learn- systemic racism found within our sity for discriminating against crisis-affected work after the assessment. Allow students to self-certify as unwell for 7 ing great, but instead many institution. People of colour face students with disabilities from days to get a limited number of extensions. students ended up with cuts erasure of their history, invalida- 2018. It’s currently being deEnsure students from liberation backgrounds are not an afterthought to contact time, increased un- tion of their feelings, and (micro) cided on by the OIA. Now that’s Major decisions require students with lived experience be in the room where it happens. guided work, and now we’ve aggressions on a day-to-day basis. great for students, but it can be Reform ILPs and best practice so no student is disadvantaged. Close the BAME been given what is frankly a Decolonising the curriculum is really tiring for me. attainment gap. pathetic no-disadvantage guar- just one step along the path to raIncrease transparency within Academic Representation antee. We need change now. cial equity.

Honest reporting to you, so you know when the University is stonewalling. Open meetings, to ensure issues that matter to us – like the climate crisis – are being raised by our representatives.

HREE candidates are running for VP Education as she has fought hard for acadmic mitigation, and by love to see it, please. However, Taylor was the only and we have to say, the standard is exceptionally the looks of her manifesto this fight won’t be subsiding candidate that didn’t mention decolonisation in his main high this year. Overall, the candidates have if she gets elected. It is great to see her spirts still high, manifesto, so we were sure to ask him directly about it. unanimously recognised in areas of their manifestos that even after fighting with the brick wall that University Sira Charbel has got us hot at the mention of the effects of the pandemic are likely to impact the next managment can be. Suggesting a policy for students to resolving the hiden financial cost of being a student. I am academic year for students. While this hurts to hear, we use the ”Feedback” forms seems like a waste of time in sure we can all relate to crying over that £50 text book. are happy to see that the fight for effective mitigation the grand scheme of her manifesto though.

Overall, some interesting policy suggestions from Sira, isn’t dwindling.

Taylor Watson is pulling on our heart strings with but it would have been great to see some more in-depth Bella Enoizi’s name has been all the rave this year that policy about ending the deferral lottery, we would development, especially around safegaurding issues.

T

VP Liberation & Equality Full manifestos available online

Raitieli cabebula Subject: Politics and International Relations Societies: EXMUN, ESV, Politics, Enactus, Rugby

anita eke Subject: Societies:

Marion ojua Subject: Law Societies: NOOMA Society, BIPOC Society, African-Carribean Society

MANIFESTO Transform Yourself & We Transform the World Aims & Objectives: • To ensure that the things that distinguish us from the rest of the world, does not impact or affect our exposure to opportunities and access that will benefit us in each of our independent endeavors.

• Amplify student’s voices.

• To support and maintain student’s well-being on and off campus through social media platforms.

• To modify the best experience for students by allowing them to freely express themselves without judgement or scrutiny from anyone.

• Events would be held online to celebrate diversity and inform other students of the cultural backgrounds of their Exeter peers, a “Culture Day” for example.

• To host events for students who do not know how to interact appropriately. By hosting an event or safe space, where students can ask questions and learn how to improve their language and behavior when approaching different people.

I believe that change starts within. Equality is to have rights and access to the ideal services that would place us in a better position and allow equal opportunity to ALL: this is what I intend toachieve as VP.

No manifesto provided Students’ safety: Refine the process to report discrimination and sexual assault .

Move the University to provide an ISVA to offer practical and emotional support and advice to students that have experienced sexual violence.

Create a training system and hub for committee members to help them support members who approach them with discrimination/ sexual assault claims.

Mental Health/Wellbeing: Work with VP Education to fight to continue the no evidence required for extensions next year.

Personal tutors to receive wellbeing and sensitivity/trauma training.

The University provides student parents/carers better adjustments for coursework/exams.

Champion for the University to provide the option for disabled students to continue learning remotely.

The University supports its Black students and students of colour: Funding and support for student diversity and inclusion projects is continuous.

BIPOC students have equal access to therapy and well-being services for them; ensuring services like Nilaari are in good communication with the University.

International students: Create a system which provides students without bank accounts, a card that acts as a payment method which they can pay cash into.

Work with VP Education/Opportunities to create a system where international students can be mentored in each year of study, on securing a job in the UK.

Current VP Welfare & Diversity: Ruby Jones

what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?

What does liberation & equality mean to you?

Biggest weakness?

Representation seems to lack in Exeter. There should be more inclusivity within student body and do this not just for brand marketing or elevating the reputation of the university, but to just allow a lot of different voices from different courses and allow them to speak and give their intake on how their university experience has been for them through polls or online surveys. Also, the duration of online seminars. Considering the circumstances, I am understanding and aware that this pandemic is affecting everyone, students, tutors, professors and lectures included, which is more than enough reason to do more.

I know what it is like to not be considered an equal, and thus feel engulfed and caged in this view of what others saw me as. Societal scrutiny can really harm an individual, physically, psychologically and mentally.

Yes, we are not able to protect everyone, but we are able to prepare them if worse comes to worse. Liberation is to be free.

And to be free, some consider it to be of choice and something significant that happens and occurs from within. I want to be part and parcel of helping people find their way to mental freedom. Equality is to be blind of what people look like, talk like, where they are from, but not to fully ignore their culture and background.

I am too critical of myself. I put too much stress and pressure on myself- which comes from being very independent. My parents stopped helping me with academic work since primary, so I am very used to working independently and taking the initiative. I also sometimes take on too much work than I should, which again links to being stressed; for example, I am apart of five different societies, and I sometimes don’t attend meetings because it is all too much alongside with doing my first year in my degree.

I am good at multi-tasking and have always tried to push myself to my limit and past that. It is hard, and I fail, but I never give up. Tenacity can be a weakness at times, because it really annoys a lot of people, even myself.

unfortunately, this candidate was unable to provide answers to our questions I can’t name just one, but I would say firstly, the lack of education on racism and racial microaggressions, secondly the lack of support for students’ mental health, and thirdly disabled students being perceived as afterthoughts.

Taking them separately, ‘liberation’ to me means freedom and autonomy. The capacity to feel free to be oneself, and help others feel liberated in this sense.

Equality to me means the right and ability to exist and have equal opportunities as anyone else, and that no one individual is treated or made to feel like they are less than, because of who they are. Liberation and Equality together to me, means all voices being heard, respected, and valued.

Overthinking. I overthink absolutely everything and sometimes that can affect decisions, and I can overthink small things making them bigger in my head.

VP liberation & equality debate: 16 Mar

Full manifestos available online

victoria adebayo Subject: Societies:

tina hulls Subject: Societies:

ellie shaw Subject: Philosophy Societies: EUMT, EUABC, BSL, SAFE, LGBTQ+

MANIFESTO Everyone must have the tools, support, and resources to be heard. I will ensure that students from all communities have the tools and network to navigate the education system. I will actively represent our liberation groups from BAME to LGBTQ communities. Barriers exist to be broken, some of which I have faced.

COVID-19 has only exposed tradition as deeply dysfunctional.

Representation is not liberation; it merely functions as a mask for complacency and dilution. A seat at the table and one’s identity is not enough. We must create a strategy for liberation and equality, where underrepresented students are placed front and centre. Win back autonomous liberation campaigns.

All groups must be uplifted, whether I identify with them or not. I will maintain communication with every liberation group with no effort short of maximal. Building trust with marginalised communities and groups is the base of our mission for equality and opportunity.

I will take this fight for liberation and equality to every classroom and meetings, building tools and resources for liberation groups on every single campus. I have the commitment and vision to deliver.

No manifesto provided Increasing accessible facilities for pregnant and breastfeeding persons, family-friendly study spaces, sensory-friendly spaces as well as accessible gender-neutral bathrooms & changing rooms. Introduce sensory-friendly spaces which don’t require a formal diagnosis to be used.

Work with societies to provide free sustainable tampons, pads, mooncups and sanitary wipes etc. and information relating to sexual health.

Free STI kits, condoms, and dental dams. Clinics with wellbeing to support students who have tested positive. Work with external organisations to support survivors of sexual violence.

Continuing work on harm-reduction policy with free, confidential drug testing, including reagent drug testing kits.

Accessible Wellbeing through continuing the endeavour to implement an online chat. Introducing a text-in service, employing BSL interpreters & implementing sensory-friendly counselling spaces with alternative communication methods available. Providing support to students waitlisted for neurodivergence diagnoses.

Diversify Wellbeing by providing appropriate training reflecting the student population with respect to faith, culture and background. Equip Wellbeing to deal with the trauma of refugees. Employing BAME Wellbeing practitioners & continuing work with BME Network on antiracism.

Anonymous reporting procedure concerning discrimination, racism, hate crimes, assault & sexual violence, which allows the Guild and University to act and support individuals.

Dedicated sexual assault hotline run by trained individuals and specialist area within wellbeing supporting survivors. Employ Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. Compulsory consent training as part of student induction and for committees on sexual assault and violence, with exclusions for survivors. Date rape drug detection kits, Spikeys® and rape alarms to be made free and widely available.

Continue to implement bystander training, including recognising intersectionality and increased awareness around what constitutes abuse.

what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?

What does liberation & equality mean to you?

Biggest weakness?

unfortunately, this candidate was unable to provide answers to our questions

unfortunately, this candidate was unable to provide answers to our questions The biggest problem currently facing Exeter is the student mental health crisis. Multiple factors have contributed to this, from the systemic racism which has excluded BAME and International students from accessing wellbeing support, to the inaccessibility of wellbeing resources which prevents disabled students from utilising support.

The pandemic has worsened this crisis and highlighted the inequalities within the system, as certain student demographics such as sex workers, working class students, estranged students and care-leavers have been hit significantly harder through the lack suitable resources.

To me it means acknowledging the harm done by systemic structures which have often ignored minorities and putting in place changes that achieve equity and provide everyone with equal opportunities to succeed. As someone who has had experience seeking diagnosis for hidden disabilities, I have seen first-hand many of the hoops students have to jump through in order to access adequate support. As such, I hope to help bring barriers to support down as VP Liberation and Equality.

I would say that my biggest weakness is my lack of experience, however this is also my biggest strength. As a student with Depression and other mental health issues, I have often found it near impossible to fully engage with the inaccessible resources and support present at Exeter. From the requirement to come onto campus for a wellbeing meeting, when the simplest task such getting out of bed seemed monumental, to the challenge of attending society events and engaging with my course whilst battling mental illness, ‘student life’ at Exeter was not designed with disability and/or mental health conditions in mind.

rohan r. rao Subject: Law Societies: Skateboarding Society, Rethinking Society,

Hi, I’m Rohan, an international student from the US. I have been working with the Guild officers, staff and senior administrators to improve equality, diversity, and inclusion policy for 2.5 years now.

Everyone, regardless of background or identity, should be made to feel valued and a part of something greater on campus. The three main themes of my manifesto are: foster a culture of belonging, improve wellbeing services, and bolster anti-racism efforts. Let’s be brave and bold!

We can ensure each society signs the University of Exeter Accessibility Pledge and that a committee member undergo the Disability Campaign training. Create a points system that evaluates implementation and compliance.

We can lobby for every building and every new building being built to have at least one gender neutral bathroom. While we are at, mandate gender neutral menstrual products in each bathroom.

As a member of the Unlearn Collective, I successfully lobbied to bring wellbeing services that is culturally appropriate for BIPOC students. Likewise I intend on working to expand wellbeing services to do the same for the LGBTQ+ community.

Create a White Allyship Committee dedicated to bystander training and educating white peers on how to be authentic allies to marginalized communities.

T

EXEPOSÉ VERDICT

HE newly renamed VP Liberation & Equality position has the most candidates this year - so expect a lively debate.

Raitieli expects that next year will continue to be hampered by online learning, looking to use social media more and hosting online events to celebrate different cultures. Hosting events or safe spaces for students who interact inappropriately sounds questionable - would it actually guarantee change, or is more action needed?

Perhaps the strongest candidate is Marion Ojua, who explains her points with the most depth. She helped to introduce Nilaari the BAME-led counselling service - to the

What does liberation & equality mean to you?

what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?

MANIFESTO

Full manifestos available online

After such a challenging and distressing year, we as students have become cynics of the institution, our career prospects, and even the value of our education. I would argue it has been brought on by the lack of impactful leadership from the University and lack of adequate mental health support for students. Their response to the pandemic has only widened the already disconnected social contract between the university and the student community

Liberation is the process of uplifting and facilitating people who have been marginalized because of their identity. I believe Equality is an inspiring goal, but isn’t a linear or perfect concept. Equality assumes that by giving equal treatment and resources, the outcome will be as well. It doesn’t take into consideration the nuisances of how the identities of the people operate in society and their historical disenfranchisement.

There is no one size fits all approach in the pursuit of Equality.

University which has brought a much needed culturally-appropriate system. With a strong social media campaign and targeted policies, Marion can be counted as a front runner.

Rohan Rao also has clear experience lobbying the University with the Unlearn Collective. Indeed, a policy to ensure disability campaign training could be helpful in bringing a much needed awareness to disabilities in the Exeter community.

Victoria Adebayo may not have a strong policy outline, but she shows great awareness of what the position entails. “Representation is not liberation”, she writes, and if she is able to create a strategy to give underrepresented

Biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is that I don’t know everything.

However, I am willing to learn and be open minded to new ideas. I want to listen to those who know more than me and broaden my perspective. It’s in my nature to be inquisitive and approachable. Although I may not be able to fully comprehend and relate to someone’s struggle, I deeply care about peoples’ experiences and I can be a damn good ally too.

students, she could be a promising candidate.

Meanwhile, Ellie Shaw shows a big focus on student safety - from sexual health to drugs testing, her lengthy manifesto encompasses a range of points that would greatly benefit our campus. You might question whether she can achieve them all, but with firsthand experience of mental health issues her passion is evident.

But overall, the candidates for VP Liberation and Equality are arguably strong across the board this year.

arts + lit Selling Banksy

A

Maggie John explores the commodification of street art in light of the recent sale of a Banksy in Nottingham

BANKSY mural of a little girl hulahooping with a bicycle tyre has been removed from a wall in Nottingham and has been sold to a gallery in Essex. According to The Guardian, Brandler Galleries in Brentwood paid the building owner a sixfigure sum.

It’s no surprise that many residents are disappointed by the news. One person tweeted that they were “sad that the Banksy in Nottingham is not going to stay in Nottingham”.

Another man explained how the mural has brought “enjoyment and delight” in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is not the first time residents have experienced the sale of Banksy’s work. A Banksy appeared on the side of a garage in Port Talbot, South Wales and was also sold to Brandler Galleries. However, it was agreed

that the Banksy would stay in Port Talbot for at least two years. The owner of the garage described the sale as “a weight off my shoulders”.

BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR A BANKSY MUST BE INCREDIBLY OVERWHEMING It’s understandable why people want to buy and sell Banksy’s work. He’s no ordinary street artist and his work is worth a tremendous amount of money. Furthermore, being responsible for a Banksy must be incredibly overwhelming and if you’re offered a large sum of money, that can be very difficult to turn down.

Yet at the same time, it poses certain

questions. There will have been a reason why Banksy decided to paint where he did. By removing it from that location, does it lose part of its meaning? I think it’s important to preserve Banksy’s work but at the same time I think it should remain in its original town.

BANKSY IS STREET ART AND IN AN IDEAL WORLD THAT’S WHERE IT WOULD BE KEPT There are arguments that it’s an important act of preservation, yet other people may argue that it’s in fact an act of commodification. Banksy’s work makes a lot of money and also encourages a lot of interest. If it’s in a gallery for example, people will travel there

to see it. If it’s removed and taken to another town or city, that town isn’t benefiting from it at all.

Banksy is street art and in an ideal world that’s where it would be kept and enjoyed but that is not always possible. His work is very important, and it does need to be preserved. When it is left in its original location, it is at risk.

Unfortunately, the removal of Banksy’s work from where they appear and moving them into galleries is probably as much an act of preservation as it is a commodification of street art. The best situation would be to keep it in its town, so residents can enjoy it, whilst also encouraging tourism and an interest in the area. It is equally important to respect the town and its residents as it is to preserve his important work.

Image: Eric Ward, Unsplash

The bicentenary of John Keats J

Caitlin Barr discusses the legacy of John Keats to honour the bicentenary of his death

OHN Keats, who died 200 years ago in late-February, was a poet whose Romantic-era works still pervade our literary culture today. He died tragically young, aged just 25, from tuberculosis, but published 54 poems spanning a variety of genres, from sonnets to Miltonian epics. He had no formal literary education, and yet his work has inspired many other writers and poets.

Born to a stable-manager and his wife, Keats went on to study at a liberal school in Enfield, where he learned how to translate French and Latin. Literature was a refuge for him after his father died in a carriage accident and his mother died just years later from TB, which would later kill Keats himself.

Keats’ bicentenary brings into sharp focus just how much of an impact the young poet had on his contemporaries and modern-day poets alike. Percy Shelley was greatly inspired

by Keats and wrote an elegy for him after his death, referring to him as “the loveliest and the last”. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who would later become Poet Laureate, regarded him as the greatest poet of the century. T.S. Eliot and war poet Wilfred Owen also cited Keats as inspirational to their works. More recently, his influence can be seen in the work of many writers including 20th century poet Wallace Stevens and modern-day author Neil Gaiman.

Less specifically, his themes of morality, desire, beauty, and the natural world are themes which run through much of literature today.

My favourite piece by Keats is ‘Modern Love’, a playful poem about the all-encompassing, life-changing journey of falling in love. In particular, the lines “common Wellingtons turn Romeo boots;/Then Cleopatra lives at number seven,/And Antony resides in Brunswick Square” bring a smile to my face as

I picture these typical romantic figures wearing wellies and taking the bins out at number seven.

200 YEARS ON, WE CAN DEFINITELY SAY HE DID MAKE HIMSELF “REMEMBER’D” Keats once wrote “I have left no immortal work behind me – nothing to make my friends proud of my memory – but I have lov’d the principle of beauty in all things, and if I had had time I would have made myself remember’d” in a letter to his sister, Fanny.

200 years on from his death, we can definitively say that he did, in fact, make himself “remember’d”. Immortalised in his work, he is now thought to be one of the greatest of our

nation’s poets. I love his work for its freeness, its humanity, and its relevance to our own modern world. I can only imagine what he’d have gone on to create given more time.

Image: Pexels

exhibit

|

arts + lit

EDITORS: Amelia Gregory and William Evans

8 march 2021 |

20

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Clémence Smith discusses Kazuo Ishiguro’s new release

N

OBEL prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro has written a new novel, Klara and the Sun, which was released on 2 March 2021. This is his eighth novel, and his first since he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2017. Such a title is bound to spike reader’s interest and heighten their expectations, and many are eager to see if Ishiguro lives up to his reputation.

HIS SCRUPULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL TURNS THE MUNDANE INTO THE SUBLIME Upon reading his two most popular novels, Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day during lockdown, I was immediately enthralled by Ishiguro’s style. His writing is stripped back and elegant, weaving haunting images peppered with vivid and unforgettable characters. His nar-

ration sweeps the reader off their feet, transporting them to alternative realities while perpetually challenging their expectations. Although his novels seem simplistic, Ishiguro’s words are charged with meaning, as his scrupulous attention to detail turns the mundane into the sublime.

Klara and the Sun follows the life of a robot called Klara who from her place in a shop, describes the comings and goings of customers and passers-by. The Guardian released a worldexclusive extract of the book, providing readers with a taste of the novel’s intriguing premise.

The extract is captivating and, despite its shortness, provides the reader with a clear sense of Klara’s voice. Confined to the walls of her store, Klara learns about the outside world at the same pace as the reader. This proximity between narrator and reader is what makes the extract so unsettling.

The scene’s uncanny undertone grows as the narration progresses, as it is easy to forget that Klara is a robot. Her thoughts are disturb-

March releases

Prepare for March’s big releases with Amelia Gregory, Arts + Lit Editor Transcendent Kingdom – Yaa Gyasi By the author of the bestselling debut novel Homegoing, Transcendent Kingdom is to be released on 4 March and follows Gifty and her Ghanian family living in Alabama. Gifty is in her fifth year of neuroscience at Stanford as an attempt to understand her brother’s heroin overdose and the suffering that her suicidal mother lives through day to day. This novel sounds like an emotive exploration of the lives of immigrants living in the US and following on from the success of Homegoing I am extremely excited for this release.

What’s Mine and Yours – Naima Coster Released on 2 March this novel follows Gee and Noelle who are caught in the middle of a debate surrounding school integration in North Carolina. Despite their mothers having differing opinions on the topic, the two are bound together to work on their school play.

The novel continues to examine the issues of race and family over the 20 years covered in the book.

The Committed – Viet Thanh Nguyen In 2016 Viet Thanh Nguyen won the Pulitzer Prize for his debut novel The Sympathizer which followed a captain during the Vietnam War but it is not simply a war novel. The Sympathizer investigates issues such as dual identity and the legacy of the Vietnam War in our literature and film culture. This novel received

endless critical acclaim and I have no doubts that the sequel The Committed, released on 2 March, will be just as successful.

Common Ground – Naomi Ishiguro Not only does Kazuo Ishiguro have a new book coming out this March (Klara and the Sun was released on 2 March) but so does his daughter Naomi Ishiguro. Following the critical acclaim that surrounded Naomi’s collection of short stories Escape Routes she is clearly making a name for herself in the industry outside of the shadow of her Nobel Prize winning father. However, my interest in Kazuo Ishiguro made me even more excited to find out that his daughter is also a writer and to see what her writing is all about. Common Ground follows Stan who is mourning the recent death of his father and struggling at his new school, when he meets Charlie who helps him navigate these moments in his life. However, the two children part ways and meet again as adults when Charlie is struggling and in need of Stan’s help. Common Grounds will be released on 25 March, so it is well spaced out from her father’s release if you want to read two novels from the Ishiguro family this month.

ingly anthropomorphic, and it is only when she is confronted with potential customers that the reader is jolted back to reality. Just as the window separates Klara from the outside world, the written text separates the reader from the narrator. By the end of the extract, one is left with a plethora of questions. What purpose do these so-called “artificial friends” serve? What does their presence tell us about society’s evolution?

Image: Faber and Faber

HER THOUGHTS ARE DISTURBINGLY ANTHROPOMORPHIC As our reliance on technology grows exponentially, a future shared with robots does not seem too far off. Ishiguro masterfully transposes contemporary worries into disturbing settings, seeming simultaneously strange and familiar.

Discovering Ishiguro’s newest dystopian world, then, is bound to shed light on the reader’s own surroundings.

Writer’s block?

Danielle Darrah, Copy Editor and Amelia Gregory, Arts + Lit Editor share how the past year has impacted their creativity

I

FEEL indebted to how the uncertainty of the constrained lockdown lifestyle has inspired my writing. Lockdown 1.0 saw the notes on my phone explode with poetry which had almost streamed from my subconscious. Prior to the lockdown, I’d never had the time nor courage to fully explore this medium. The first lockdown seemed to be a time for trying new things, however. Everyone had so much extra time and many of us had spent years neglecting hobbies and artistic interests. Given the opportunity to spend time on things that you had always wanted to try seemed to be a theme for everyone. Being alone with my thoughts, albeit daunting at times, allowed me to search inside myself and lace my words with a rawness I hadn’t used, let alone mastered, before. My writing may still feel messy and untamed, but being given the time and space to refine it has been a godsend.

Danielle Darrah

T

HE past year has not been the best for me in terms of writer’s block. I am not much of a creative writer but I love writing articles and even enjoy the odd summative essay, but during lockdown I have struggled with finding the motivation to write. I have experienced the feeling of staring at a blank page unsure where to begin more in this past year than at any point of my life. The issue has been that in this past year reading and writing has consumed my whole life, unable to go out and do the things that I would normally do, there was no break from what is both work and a hobby for me. As a result, these worlds blurred together and it felt like all work and no play.

A way I have found to combat this burn out is to step away from these activities and go for a walk or watch a film and after a little break I feel ready to write again.

Amelia Gregory

The Lamplighters - Emma Stonex This upcoming mystery set in 1970s Cornwall is Emma Stonex’s first novel published under her own name. A dark tale unravels following the disappearance of three lighthouse keepers. This is a must read for mystery fans.

Image: pexels.com

exhibit

A

|

arts + lit

Destitution in art

8 MAR 2021 |

21

Jessica Holifield examines the absence of poverty in contemporary art

QUESTION that Oscar Wilde has probed in his work is does life imitate art, or does art imitate life? At first it seemed obvious to me that, generally, art imitates life, or at least tries to, especially when we score through the numerous realist novels of the Victorian era. However, the question I would posit is how closely does art imitate life?

Writers have attempted to portray the harsh realities of living in poverty: one of the most well-known examples is Charles Dickens writing about the London poor. Thomas Hardy revealed the dire circumstances of agricultural labourers to his readership of middle-classcity-dwellers. Likewise, Charlotte and Anne Brontë exposed the corporeality of women without financial support, working as governesses to remain fed and clothed.

MODERN ART LACKS OLIVER TWISTS AND TESS DURBEYFIELDS If we turn our attention to modern day writers, this desire to present things how they really are appears to be somewhat lacking.

I wonder whether this is simply a sign of our times. People often consume art as a means of escapism, a solace away from the demands of contemporary living. Whether it be a fantasy novel or a television drama, people seek to remove themselves from the chaos of their own lives. But do we not also consume art

C

EDITORS: Amelia Gregory and William Evans

to take reassurance from the fact that somebody has experienced the same troubles – to understand each other? Modern arts lacks Oliver Twists and Tess Durbeyfields, and I attribute this to the fact that we can only write about what we know and see: Dickens saw workhouses; Hardy engaged with agricultural labourers and the Brontë sisters were governesses.

IF WRITING REMAINS A PRIVELEGE WE ARE GOING TO LOSE UNDERPRIVELEGED VOICES

for working-class teenagers to read novels that depict their struggles, as it demonstrates that they too can be successful and set high goals for themselves.

Literature and art can allow a space for representation of the poor and destitute, providing it is utilised in the right way and we do not shy away from reality in favour of viewing Britain through rose-tinted lenses. If we weren’t already acutely aware, the pandemic might have been a wake-up call that revealed the extent to which Britain is still largely governed by a rigorous class-system. We need only cast our minds back to the A-level fiasco

In her feminist treatise A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf (though comfortably middle-class), claimed that in order to write one needs money and space. How can anybody write if they are worrying where their next meal will come from? Or how to afford their next rent payment? As long as writing remains a privilege we are going to lose underprivileged voices. Thus, it falls to those who have the luxury of taking up their pen to represent the hardships of those who can’t. I am sure some are trying, and I am sure some have succeeded. In Normal People, Sally Rooney cleverly tells the story of Connell, who desperately wants to write but feels an inner conflict between his working-class roots and his ambition to study at a top university. It’s important

A life in letters

last summer, when students nearly missed out on their predicted grades as a result of a postcode lottery. The National Institute of Social and Economic Research revealed that there was an increase of more than 220, 000 households plunged into destitution in 2020.

In the coming years, I hope to see more depictions of poverty in the arts to create awareness and understanding. Art must form a bridge between the divides of the classes, but more importantly, we need social and economic change that ensures nobody suffers destitution in the 21st Century.

Image: Art Gallery of New South Wales,,Wikimedia Commons

With letters long dead, Rhian Hutchings considers if our correspondence has the longevity it once did

OMMUNICATION is more instantaneous and present than it has ever been.

For the majority, gone are those moments of reflection before sending a message.

The days of waiting to write in a letter the events of the day and our innermost thoughts and feelings have vanished. Instead of diligently waiting for the postman at the door, we wait with impatience for those two ticks on WhatsApp. Love letters are now replaced

by Instagram DMs and a catch-up no longer needs sheets of paper but the Zoom app and some good Wi-Fi. Letters have historically recorded everything from the most mundane events in history to the most heroic. They kept people connected long before people needed internet connection. They recount the stories of affairs between some of our favourite authors and artists and portray the person behind their works. Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath enthusiasts pore over their literary letters, wishing to get to know as much as possible about the great minds of these literary idols. Will literature students of the future be poring over tweets and Facebook statuses in the same

way or have we become a generation too obsessed with instantaneous communication to worry about the longevity of our correspondence?

The newly published book The Shadowy Third by Julia Parry explores the revelatory nature of epistolary (letter-based) relationships as she writes about the letters discovered within her family. Her grandfather, the academic Humphrey House, shared an adulterous and rather scandalous relationship with the celebrated Irish novelist Elizabeth Bowen, leaving letters detailing their correspondence. In her book published on 25 February, Julia Parry delves into these letters revealing opinions about the historic events happening around them but more importantly the feelings Elizabeth Bowen and Humprhy House had towards each other. Writing a letter has a diary-like quality both in sentiment and in ex-

pression therefore it is one of the best ways of gaining a subjective account of events. For Julia Parry it was also a way of connecting with her Grandfather and filling in the jigsaw pieces of the past with these epistolary snippets detailing memory and place. Letters seem to be a lost means of communication, as the immediacy of being able to call or text someone overtakes the sentimentality of sitting down to write a letter.

The epistolary novel itself generally began as a female form of writing as the novel was considered more suitable for men. However, for many female authors telling their stories through letters was a mere steppingstone before they too began to write novels in their more conventional form. Novels told by letters have made distinct feminist stances in the past with the novel Letters of Mistress Henley being written in 18th century France by Isabelle de Charrière as

response to the misogynistic The Sentimental Husband. This novel takes the intimate form of the letter and uses it to its advantage in telling the story of a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. The letter was a confidante, a means of connecting with the outer world and a way of processing feelings. The act of writing a letter to someone was in itself an effort that involved time and patience. Letters are of course sent these days detailing bills and legal documents but gone is the letter of intimate correspondence between friends and lovers. It is an art steeped in history but unfortunately it has not been able to keep up with the demands of modern communication and it seems that as a piece of history it will remain.

Letters along with many other trends were deemed archaic as they moved out of fashion but like many other things of the past, could the letter make a heroic reappearance?

Unfortunately, their popularity for many relied on habit and as our habits have changed it is quite difficult to assure that letters will make a comeback. Despite this, the letters of the past must be preserved as both the literary and historic treasure troves that they are.

Image: National Gallry of Ireland, Wikimedia Commons

LIFESTYLE

|

ARTS+LIT

|

MUSIC

|

SCREEN

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE /EXEPOSEEXHIBIT

music

Portraying social issues through perfomance Bridie Adams, Music Editor, examines the successes and pitfalls of artists using their platforms to speak up

L

IKE any art form, music can be a powerful tool for expressing opinion about social issues. Through both the music itself, as well as the narratives of music videos and the visual aspects of live performances, artists can express political opinions, show solidarity with marginalised groups of people or make a statement.

MUSIC CAN BE POWERFUL AND POSITIVE IN RAISING AWARENESS AND BRINGING ABOUT CHANGE For example, ‘Surefire’ by John Legend touches on issues relating to immigration in the US and is an example of a prevalent pop star using his voice to express an important view (in this case, that love has no borders).

MILCK’s song ‘Quiet’ addresses the heavy topics of eating disorders and abuse and resonated with a lot of women after MILCK performed her track as a form of protest at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington

D.C. Another artist that tackles issues faced by women is Mary J. Blige in her track ‘PMS’.

All of these artists have spread positive messages by portraying social issues in their music and performances, showing that the influence of celebrities can be inspiring for people.

In terms of music videos, a controversial one that comes to mind is Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball’, the reaction to which was incredibly mixed. While some applauded Miley’s confidence and seemed to feel empowered by her bold choice to swing nude on a wrecking ball, others slut shamed her and mourned the death of the teenage Hannah Montana actor they knew and loved.

Though Miley may not have intended to unleash such controversy, her music video ended up raising questions of female sexuality in the music industry which has been followed up more recently by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘WAP’, which again has been criticised for such overtly sexual lyrics coming from women.

In pop music, love songs are the norm and sometimes anything outside of this can

seem like a risk. Women writing and performing about sex get unfairly bad press, and songs that come off as "too political" can seem staged or like too much of a desperate attempt to gain popularity rather than to spread a genuine message. An example of a risk made by a musician that I believe definitely didn’t pay off is Sia’s recent film Music.

The film depicts a nonverbal girl on the autistic spectrum and her love of music and dance. Sia received huge amounts of backlash for both not casting an autistic actress to play the role of Music, instead casting Maddie Ziegler. They were also criticised for filling the film with bright visuals and strobe lighting, many of which could trigger photosensitive epilepsy, which is more common among people with autism.

A film that was apparently

intended to appeal to young people on the spectrum as something they could relate to has turned out to be something very different. An able-bodied actress acting as a caricature of disability and dancing around in settings that could easily lead to sensory overload for a viewer with autism is not good representation for autistic communities.

Sia has effectively missed an opportunity to create something that could truly resonate with her fans, and instead has alienated and offended a large group of society.

Though this is truly a horror story of what can go wrong when artists send the wrong signal through their work, it is not true of all representation of social issues in music. As mentioned, music can be powerful and positive in raising awareness and bringing about change, and there is hope that topics like disability, female sexuality, mental health and racism will be represented in effective ways going forward.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Friday VS Friday

To celebrate ten years of infamy, Kamila Bell, Print Editor, re-examines Rebecca Black's debut and subsequent remix

F

Original

OR most of us, our cringy memories of being 13 remain in the depths of our Mum’s Facebook photos, but for Rebecca Black her time of being a young teen exists in a three minute 47 second music video, with over 150 million views on YouTube. Black’s debut single ‘Friday’ and accompanying music video was everything teen pop should be – fun, carefree, nonsensical and ultimately, extremely catchy. However, becoming an overnight hit did come with its downsides, as the singer reflected on her experience on Twitter last year: “I just wish I could go back and talk to my 13-year-old self who was terribly ashamed of herself and afraid of the world. To my 15-year-old self who would get to school only to get food thrown at her and her friends. To my 19-year-old self who had almost every producer/songwriter tell me they’d never work with me.” Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily call this song “good music” – the lyrics rhyme “seat” with “seat” and autotune should be a featured artist on the track – it certainly launched Black into the music industry and became a featured staple of my walk to school every Friday when I was 13.

A

Remix

LMOST ten years after her original debut single ‘Friday’ went viral, Rebecca Black is back with ‘Friday (Remix)’. This time, Black has teamed up with 3OH!3, Big Freedia and Dorian Electra to bring us a hyper-pop remix which has also been produced by 100 Gecs’ Dylan Brady. The music video is just as crazy as the remix itself and I love it. A special mention to the shot of Rebecca in a car with her officially certified Gold award for the original ‘Friday’ strapped safely in the passenger seat. Teaming up with her favourite artists, reclaiming the ‘Friday’ narrative and shaping her music career in the way she wants is arguably the most admirable thing about this Rebecca Black project. If you’re a fan of Black, like I am, you will know that describing her as a “one-hit-wonder” is false and in fact, Rebecca has still been making music over the last few years. Reclaiming ‘Friday’ in this new remix has certainly brought up old memories for many and I hope that instead of people reverting to their 13-year-old selves to make fun of Rebecca Black, they take this moment as an opportunity to recognise the talent she has for making absolute pop bops.

Images top to bottom: Scott Murry, Rebecca Black (youtube)

exhibit

|

EDITORS: Bridie Adams and Oliver Leader de Saxe

music

In conversation with Tim Burgess Katie Fox interviews Tim Burgess of The Charlatans about making music during the pandemic.

I

N a roundtable discussion, The Student Music Network spoke to The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess about his solo releases, Tim’s Twitter Listening Parties, and lockdown.

Tim explained the reasoning behind the now infamous Twitter Listening Parties: “I felt that lots of the people who knew about the Listening Parties were Charlatans’ fans and there was a lot of enjoyment… I thought I should do it again.” After hosting one for The Charlatans' debut album, “Alex from Franz Ferdinand mentioned that he’d bought that album (The Charlatans - Some Friendly) when he was 16-years-old and at that moment, I just asked him if he’d like to do one. And then Bonehead was watching from Oasis and said he’d like to do one as well. This was 23 March, at the very beginning of Lockdown…. Within two weeks, I was doing three every night and five at the weekends. It just made people feel connected during a time where everyone felt so alone.”

Hosting a range of artists, from Blur and Oasis to modern creators like Lapsley and Foals, Tim explained how he wanted the parties to explore music that goes further than just his personal taste. Although his personal favourite was Spandau Ballet (who had somehow passed him by back in the 80s, despite their constant appearances on Top of the Pops) Tim explains that he is forever indebted to everyone who has taken part.

Despite having a sense of nostalgia for his musical youth, growing up watching Iggy Pop and New Order, Tim is incredibly opti-

mistic about the future: “From tough situations, comes great music”. Like many, he acknowledged the importance of livestreams throughout the pandemic, and music as a method of bringing people together.

IT JUST MADE EVERYONE FEEL CONNECTED The different style of his latest solo album I Love the New Sky (2020) finds its roots in the wilderness of Norfolk. “I was wanting to document my life really. It’s just me, now, I suppose” – this is quite a contrast from I Believe, which came out as Tim was still chasing the LA life after finishing recording with The Charlatans.

“I always thought that the album would grow through playing it live... We only got to play five shows, one of them fortunately was a filmed livestream for Paste Magazine in New York. That’s really done the rounds now and shown people what they would have been missing”. Although missing out on the touring experience, Tim’s Twitter Listening parties have been a massive help in promoting the album, despite the limitations of the pandemic – and despite Tim’s best efforts to put the focus on other artists.

Tim explained how the Listening Parties have encouraged people to value albums as a whole – something that is particularly difficult in this age of streaming where singles and mixed playlists often reign supreme.

Finally, I asked how lockdown has affected his creativity: “At the beginning, in March, I had just come back from New York. It was supposedly the beginning of my album live cycle, which was cut short, so I was kind of down about that. When the Listening Parties took off, that took up all my time. It was difficult because I’ve got a seven-year-old son, and I had to home-school him and I’m not a teacher! As time went on, I started writing, and the world seemed to stop; I just couldn’t find any inspiration for a while.

But then I think, you just get into that kind of groove. Nature is brilliant, I just enjoy other things, so it has been quite inspiring now.”

WHEN THE LISTENING PARTIES TOOK OFF THAT TOOK UP ALL MY TIME While we hope we can return to live gigs soon, it is clear that Tim’s Twitter Listening Parties are a refreshing insight into albums both new and old, and are here to stay for the long run.

Image: © pitpony.photography / CC-BY-SA-3.0 Image: Tore Sætre

| 26

Upcoming releases

Fearless (Taylor's Version)

by Taylor Swift

Bitter Pill by Evanescence

Justice by Justin Bieber

Images: Big Machine Records, BMG Rights Management, Def Jam

Where to find us on social media: Instagram: @exeposemusic Twitter: @exeposemusic

Editors' Picks Tyron by Slowthai Images: Interscope & Method, Last Gang Records, dodie

8 MAR 2021

O My Heart by Mother Mother

Human by dodie

Facebook: @Exhibit

exhibit

|

EDITORS: Oliver Leader de Saxe and Bride Adams

music

8 MAR 2021 | 25

Does size matter?

Ollie Leader de Saxe, Music Editor, discusses album length and whether or not it matters

A

H, the age old question. The talk of depressing internet forums the world over. A debate bulging at the seams with takes so spicy that even Anthony Fantano would be spitting out his almond milk. That’s right, it’s time to talk size. Album size that is.

THE ALBUM HAS NEVER BEEN MORE VIABLE. THANKS TO STREAMING Take even the shallowest of dive into mass media music machine, and you’ll be able to take measure of the maddening discourse around how long or short an album should be. Trying to digest everyone’s thoughts on the magnificent debut from Black Country, New Road? You’ll find critics just as likely to pass judgement on the fact that it only contains six tracks as you’ll find them praising the audacity and creativity on display. Going on Spotify to catch up on the latest records?

You’ll see artists dropping albums and rereleases with more filler than a Subway. Even albums I adore suffer from a severe cases of bloat nowadays. Taylor Swift's Folklore is a

gorgeous folk record by any account, yet it’s hard to muster up the energy to make it to the finish line when it’s over an hour long.

This all begs the question: do good things always come in small packages?

The answer is, predictably, of course not.

Album size is not indicative of quality. You could make a three-hour nightmare-fuelled post-rock opera in vein of Swans, or a slick, R&B mixtape with a run time that even a mayfly could outlive, and both have the potential to be excellent. The truth is, album size doesn’t matter as long as an artist can justify it. It’s just that most of these projects are artistically barren by the midpoint. The reason why Kayne West’s 2018 run of albums was so impressive was because he realised he didn’t have to pad out his ideas. Neither KIDS SEE GHOSTS nor Ye clock in much past the twenty

minute mark, and they’re some of his most creative work. So why do artists produce so much filler?

MOST PROJECTS ARE ARTISTCALLY BARREN BY THE MIDPOINT The reason, like so many of society’s ills, is to do with the economic systems we live in. In this case, the increasingly monopolistic world of streaming. The more tracks you have, the more chance of appearing in one of those lucrative Spotify playlists, and the more of sweet, sweet streaming revenue you can make. In turn, this encourages listeners and critics to treat albums and songs less like artistic statements and collective wholes, but more as content to be consumed or picked

apart.

The truth is that the album format has never been more viable thanks to streaming. Yet many of the albums being released are often husks of what an album should be. I miss the days where a record outside of the indie sphere could afford to be half an hour of pure quality that sticks with you, rather these forever deluxe versions that do nothing but appease the capitalistic algorithms that dictate our lives.

For me, if artists aren’t going to leverage the additional size of their albums for creative reasons, then what’s the point? It may be a hard lesson for such a hyper-masculine industry to learn, but bigger doesn’t always mean better.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Smashing the patriarchy

Senthur Shanmugarasa unpacks the response to the outrage surrounding Phoebe Bridgers' guitar smashing

I

NDIE it girl Phoebe Bridgers caused quite a stir on her appearance on Saturday Night Live when, at the end of the her performance of the apocalyptic song 'I know the end' she (fittingly I must add), smashed her guitar multiple times. For many this was a big mood. Unsurprisingly this act was seen as blasphemous by much of the snobbish music community who denounced it straight away.

Guitar smashing and to an extent the breaking of music equipment has been part of Rock ’n Roll since the dawn of time. One needs to just simply looks at performance by rock icons such as Jimi Hendrix or Pete Townshend to see that Bridger’s antics was just part of a long tradition. But why did Phoebe’s performance cause such an outrage, especially from an older (boomer) generation who grew up worshipping their icons decimating their musical apparatus. Many of the complaints about the act cited the unnecessary

smashing of an expensive guitar and how it "added no real value to the performance".

While naturally people are entitled to their opinions, it is interesting to note how this outrage is gendered. The guitar smashing of her male counterparts is actively encouraged and often worshipped. The misogyny of Phoebe’s critics is rather stark and highlights the barriers female artists face in music industry. Luckily not all rock stalwarts have shown their overt sexism. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl was quick to defend Bridgers, stating that jamming out has no gender.

Of course Phoebe being Phoebe was unfazed by the criticism of the Karens and the boomer rock dads. She took it in her naturally jovial stride stating that the feedback was ‘"great" and next time she’ll "just burn it and it will be more expensive". It’s a Phoebe Bridgers world and we’re just lucky to be living in

Images Top to Bottom: Chrom72, Pixabay; David Lee, Wikimedia Commons

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

screen

Q&A with Armando Iannucci and Kevin Loader Olivia Garrett, Screen Editor, sits down for a talk about politics in film with award-winning writer and producer

O

N Wednesday afternoon, Olivia Garrett was lucky enough to attend a screenwriting talk given by Armando Ianucci, writer of The Thick of It and The Personal History of David Copperfield, and his long-term producer Kevin Loader. After listening to their anecdotes and advice, she was able to briefly gain their insighs into the current state of the TV and film industry.

So Armando, having made The Thick of It, Veep, and Death of Stalin, you have clearly made a base in political satire over the years. But what about today? Do you think that same kind of political satire still has a place in current politics?

acting weirdly because we know he’s acting weirdly, and he tells us he’s acting weirdly.

How do you think satire itself has changed?

AI: Well satirists like John Oliver have changed the rules and become sort of journalists in that they have an investigative gene; they have researchers. And they use their resources to become more factually based because politicians have become more fictional. And whether that resets itself in this new age of Biden I don’t know, but it will definitely take a few years.

Once there’s a whiff of liberal piety about what you’re doing you’re dead. You should be going for easy targets and all targets.

What about COVID-19, do you think there’s an opportunity for satire there seeing as it’s been so impactful?

KL: Who knows. I think aspects of it have been reflected in Avenue 5 just because we were working through it, but also because it’s got a lot of people effectively in lockdown on a spaceship. So in a way you don’t want to be too explicit about it, but you do know that you’re tapping into something people recognise.

What about you Kevin?

Armando Ianucci: In terms of political satire, I think it’s taking stock at the moment.

Specifically because of the last four years with someone like Trump. Satire works only by you outlining a series of established rules by which politics functions, and then you highlight people who might bend or break these rules. But then Trump came along and basically said that there are no rules. And you can’t write and make fun of the fact that he’s

Kevin Loader: I think the satire thing is tricky as Arm says. There were definitely moments and times in the last few years where I think we were very glad not to be in the political arena. I think that some of the recent successful satires are ones like W1A. And I guess the only rules there are for satirising are that you have to come at it pretty irreverently and from the angle that everything is fair game.

And after being renewed for a second season how is Avenue 5 progressing?

AI: Unfortunately with season two we got as far as filming two weeks of it before Christmas and then we shut down because we hit that Kent variant. We were doing lots of testing, distancing, and safety precautions but unless you’re in a complete bubble you can’t escape. So after two weeks of it we noticed

Goodbye Nine-Nine

that we had quite a few cases and shut down. We’re not resuming again until September of next year.

With this halt in production in mind, how do you think film and TV will be affected

by COVID-19 in the years to come?

AI: I think film and television will come roaring back, but cinemagoing will be interesting. I made films because I love going to the cinema, the communal experience of it. But all the big studios now have seized on the idea of putting stuff straight onto streaming platforms, and whether they can be persuaded to go back to the cinema mode I don’t know.

Image: IMDB

Exeposé Screen Writers say goodbye to beloved comedy by writing about their favourite characters

W

HEN commemorating Brooklyn-99, it would be sacrilegious not to mention the great Captain Raymond Holt. Does anyone else have as many unforgettable one-liners? From “You’re not Cheddar. You’re just some common bitch” to “VINDICATION!”, no-one comes close. His storylines are also standout, from his epic rivalry with Madeleine Wuntch and his father-son bond with Jake, he’s got it all. Andre Braugher makes every line hilarious with his deadpan delivery. Who could forget “I’m in a total state of euphoria” and “yas queen”?

To present an openly gay character with such a serious personality is a direct satire of gay stereotypes presented in many comedy TV shows as it subverts the clichés to the extreme. Brooklyn-99 presents Holt as a fully developed, nuanced character that isn’t defined by his sexuality or race, and yet it remains very much a part of him. The show acknowledges and presents it with both humour and sincerity.

hOLT

Alice Knightbridge

I

F you’re someone who sees themselves as the “Paris of people”, if you’ve ever imagined yourself in a movie while stalking the aisles of Morrison’s blasting Bey in your headphones, or if you’ve ever uttered the phrase “mic drop”, Gina Linetti is your gal. The 99’s spirited assistant (and so much more) is so full of life while also being dramatically lazy and sardonic. This, I find very relatable. Her story arc is also one of the most emotional parts of the show, as she grapples with motherhood and leaving the 99. I was so gutted to see her go at the end of season five, and thrilled when she returned (albeit temporarily) in ‘The Return of the King’.

To be brief, I think she’s one of the best characters in TV history. Gina Linetti for life.

GINA

All images: John P. Fleenor, IMDB

Caitlin Barr

A

S we prepare ourselves to say goodbye to Brooklyn-99, the hardest farewell will be to the biggest Peraltiago shipper in history, Charles Boyle.

His awkward mannerisms and unique wisdom on the important matters in life remain unrivalled on TV, such as his advice on waiting for the universe to make decisions.

Above all else though, and despite his horrifying taste in food, (‘Le Petit Colon’ anyone?) Boyle has always been a great friend to Jake. Amongst his more wacky words of wisdom, when the show has needed a serious point to be made to it’s main character, Boyle has been one to provide it. In Tactical Village when Jake wonders why Amy would go on a date with Teddy, Boyle calmly reminds him that “he actually asked her out,” teaching Jake and the audience a valuable lesson in following your heart.

With the show now coming to an end, in the immortal words of Boyle himself, “the sexy train is leaving the station.”

boyle

Harry Scott Munro, Online Sports Editor

A

PERFECT example of a woman who isn’t afraid to be herself and finds success doing so, Amy is the role model we all need. Her love of binders and crosswords gives her a Hermione-like charm, and I know I’m not the only one that will miss her lovable nerdiness once the show finishes.

After becoming the love interest of the main character, it would have been unsurprising if she had morphed into the same tired stereotype of a woman whose storylines are only used to enhance those of her male counterpart. However, this is not the case as she continues to get the personal development that she deserves. Yet that isn’t to say sufficient attention isn’t given to her relationship with Jake. Watching both characters gradually improve each other over time leads to some of the best parts of the show. Who could forget moments like her chasing down a perp while trying on a wedding dress.

amy

Louisa Williams

exhibit

|

screen

EDITORS: Olivia Garrett and Francesca Sylph

8 MARCH 2021 28

A brief history of Oscar bait and snubs I

In preperation for the 2021 nominations, Archie Lockyer reflects on the Academy’s predictable tastes

think it’s fair to say that the Oscars in 2021 are on a bit of a precipice. With all the challenges of COVID-19 and the change towards digital viewing from the comfort of your own home, the Academy Awards have been dragged, kicking and screaming, into modernity. We were seeing gradual changes through more inclusive selections, exemplified best by Bong Joon-Ho’s astonishing win for Parasite in multiple categories including Best Picture last year. Now, the Oscars have been forced to adapt quickly and abruptly.

With the shift of cinema in 2021, indie hits such as Nomadland and Minari are frontrunners for award acclaim. This gives the Academy two choices: either start to award lesserknown work, or bury their head in the sand and continue their trend of awarding films that don’t surprise or challenge, with a couple of actors they like in tow - I’m looking at you Meryl Streep! The second choice is not without precedent, so let’s look into a couple of the most atrocious examples of rewarding “Oscar Bait” in the last decade.

The 2019 Oscars were a complete sideshow in my opinion. Personally, I think only two films were particularly worthy of Best Picture: Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite or Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma. But I think it’s fair to say that no one was particularly rooting for Green

Bottom article image: I Care A Lot, Black Bear Pictures, IMDb

Book. It was the safe pick, with it’s safe buddycomedy format, and it’s safe messages on race, and it’s tepid analysis of an LGBTQ+ character.

It’s a film my Mum loved; it exudes positivity, but not much substance. It was the ultimate example of mediocrity.

So, when at the end of a frankly mixed bag of a night, Julia Roberts came on stage and declared Green Book as Best Picture, it was met with a massive backlash. It was scathed by a great deal of critics and artists alike for it’s white-saviour narrative.

Spike Lee famously tried to leave as it was declared victor over his much more nuanced take on race in BlacKkKlansman, which certainly deserved more praise and adoration than Green Book.

GREEN BOOK IS THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF MEDIOCRITY 2016’s Spotlight is not a bad film. Director Tom McCarthy presents the uncovering of child abuse scandals in the Catholic Church in a very grounded and realistic way, making for some excellent, if not particularly exciting, drama. However, it was once again an exam-

ple of the Academy refusing to step outside of it’s known bounds.

The Academy had several different genre films to reward in 2016: science fiction in The Martian, action in Mad Max: Fury Road and The Big Short, which captured excellently the difficult topic of the 2008 Housing Crash. Yet, instead of rewarding any of these, the Academy instead opted to go with what it knows in the form of Spotlight which presents itself in a very predictably dramatic fashion, a far cry from the fourth-wall-breaking presentation of The Big Short or the stunning visuals of either Mad Max or the Martian.

I’ve just described specific films being over-rewarded so far. However, I want to quickly touch on the complete denial of animated films as possible awards contenders, outside of Best Animated Picture, which is essentially ‘The Disney Category’ with very few exceptions. Why should animated films be reduced to one single category, dominated by one

studio? Makoto Shinkai’s beautiful Weathering with You was completely denied any acclaim despite widespread success in Japan. Charlie Kaufman’s Anomalisa was also denied any recognition. This arguably shows the effects of “Oscar Bait” on what the Academy considers “serious films”.

ORIGINALITY AND INNOVATION ARE COMPLETELY SNUBBED Overall, we can see the Academy’s longstanding love for the traditional and the known, instead of acknowledging the different and new. “Oscar Bait” may be leading us down a path where originality and innovation are completely snubbed by the Academy. This may be best exemplified by the traditional frontrunner in Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial Of The Chicago Seven which, whilst being a good drama, does not push the boundaries of what it means to be crowned Best Picture.

Top article images (L-R): Viggo Mortensen at an event for Green Book, Lars Niki/Getty Images, IMDb; Oscar trophies, wikimediacommons

Review: I Care A Lot

Francesca Sylph, Screen Editor, reviews the newest member of the unhinged Rosamund Pike cinematic universe

R

OSAMUND Pike gives her most deliciously wicked performance since Amy Dunne in Gone Girl as the ruthless Marla Grayson – a court-appointed legal guardian who traps elderly wards in her extensive web of superficial empathy. With the help of her business partner and lover, Fran (Eiza González), Marla bribes ethically suspect doctors into passing over their wealthiest and most troublesome patients.

While her dependents are imprisoned in a luxurious retirement home, isolated from the outside world and high on schizophrenia medication, Marla sells their assets and pockets the profit, all under the guise of caring. It’s a well-oiled machine and, as the slick and slimy lawyer (Chris Messina) points out: “If your whole enterprise isn’t the perfect embodiment of the American dream, I don’t know what is”.

HER MOST DELICIOUSLY WICKED PERFORMANCE SINCE AMY DUNNE Dianne Wiest shines as Jennifer Peterson: Marla and Fran’s latest victim and so-called “cherry” (a wealthy retiree with no living heirs or family). Unfortunately for the duo, Jennifer Peterson is not quite what she appears.

Initially seeming vulnerable and helpless, this “innocent grannie” turns out to be “the worst mistake you’ll ever make” – a woman with a stolen identity, hidden diamonds and ties to the pastry-loving Russian mafioso, Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones).

Director J Blakeson’s (The Disappearance of Alice Creed) world is plastic and superficial in all the best ways. Painted in bubblegum hues with an advertising, Warhol-esque aesthetic and accompanied by a sick synth-pop soundtrack, everything (and everyone) in I Care A Lot exudes careless artifice. Marla, in particular, with her dead-eyes, iceblonde bob (so sharp that it could cut a man), rouge lips and yellow power pantsuit is the perfect picture of cruel apathy and materialistic drive.

“SHE DID THAT!” ENERGY CAN’T SUSTAIN A FILM ALONE Ultimately a scathing critique of heartless late-stage capitalism and neoliberal “girlboss” feminism, I Care A Lot unfortunately loses itself in the third act. The comedy is rather uneven and the sucker-punch twist ending leaves you feeling somewhat empty.

While Rosamund Pike and Peter Dinklage

each give delectable villainous performances, it is difficult to root for either of them since they are two sides of the same morally bankrupt coin. Perhaps because Dianne Wiest doesn’t incite the same rage in me as Ben Affleck does, I found it much easier to cheer on Amy Dunne. As much as I hate to admit it, I

Care A Lot proves that “She Did That!” energy can’t sustain a film alone – maybe go watch Gone Girl instead? I Care A Lot is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video… as is Gone Girl.

Star image: Pixabay

She did that!

Francesca Sylph, Screen Editor, recommends her favourite “good for her” films “She Did That!” (definition): a genre of films in which female characters do something shocking and/or criminal

Stoker (2013) Directed by Park Chan-wook in his Englishlanguage debut, Mia Wasikowska stars as India: an unstable teenage girl who becomes increasingly infatuated with her mysterious, but ultimately untrustworthy, uncle.

Death Proof (2007) Three women taking revenge on Kurt Russell - need I say more? This underrated Tarantino blesses us with arguably the most viscerally satisfying ending in cinema history, along with the only car chase I have ever enjoyed.

Raw (2016) Coming of age and cannibalism! Julia Ducournau’s directorial debut is not for the fainthearted. When 16-year-old vet student and vegetarian Justine is forced to eat raw meat, a gruesome transformation takes place.

The Love Witch (2016) “She loved men… to death”. Elaine, a beautiful young witch, spends her days creating potions and spells in order to seduce men.

Her determination to find the man of her dreams pushes her to the brink of insanity and murder.

Midsommar (2019) Florence Pugh shines as Dani – a grief-stricken woman trapped in a toxic relationship – in this dreamy daydream turned nightmare.

Described by director Ari Aster as a “breakup film”, Midsommar is a disturbingly cathartic experience.

Lady Vengeance (2005) The third instalment of Park Chan-wook’s “Vengeance Trilogy” (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Oldboy) follows a single mother who is hell-bent on revenge after being wrongfully imprisoned for thirteen years.

Top images (L-R): Stoker, Fox Searchlight, IMDb; Death Proof, Troublemaker Studios, IMDb; Raw, Focus World, IMDb. Bottom images (L-R): The Love Witch, Anna Biller Productions, IMDb; Midsommar, B-Reel Films, IMDb; Lady Vengeance, CJ Entertainment, IMDb.

exhibit

| screen

EDITORS: Olivia Garrett and Francesca Sylph

8 MARCH 2021

|

29

It’s Stephen King’s world and we’re just living in it

S

Will Evans, Arts + Lit Editor, ranks his favourite and least favourite Stephen King adaptations

TEPHEN King’s books have been turned into over 40 film adaptations over the years and recently Netflix have taken it upon themselves to continue turning them out, so it can be hard to figure out what is worth watching and what is not. Here are three of the best and three of the worst Stephen King adaptations…

BEST

Carrie (1976) - The original Carrie is the first Stephen King adaptation I watched, before I even really knew who Stephen King was. The film opens on the horrifying experience of adolescence in a high school locker room and begins to build towards its instantly recognizable ending.

The film is a thrilling ride through the dizzying horrors of high school to a high-octane ending so over-the-top that it’s almost camp. This film is iconic and its legacy in horror and pop culture attests to that. Don’t bother with the remake; the original stands the test of time.

Bottom article images (L-R): Riverdale (Chapter 36: Labour Day), Katie Yu, The CW Network, IMDb; Jane the Virgin (Chapter 55), The CW Network, IMDb

H

The Shining (1980) - The thing that I love most about The Shining is its setting. In the Colorado mountains, The Overlook Hotel is surrounded on all sides by nothing but rock and snow.

The hedge maze waits ominously outside, preparing to come into play in the film’s finale. The inside of the hotel is light and modern. This is not the typical haunted house with blocked up windows and tiny rooms. Instead, the hotel threatens to close in on the Torrances with its bright and overbearing designs: the red bathroom, the infamous carpet, the model hedge maze. The hotel is the true star of The Shining.

A THRILLING RIDE THROUGH THE DIZZYING HORRORS OF HIGH SCHOOL Stand By Me (1986) - This film makes me think of summer. Searching for dead bodies (probably) isn’t anyone’s idea of a perfect sum-

mer activity, but there is still something quite comforting about this film. The vastness of the landscape around the boys, the heat visible in the air as they cross the train bridge, and the clear blue sky overhead always make me feel deeply nostalgic. Running against all of this is the sense that something is deeply wrong throughout the whole film.

There are no prom blood baths or haunted hotels in Stand By Me, but the mark of Stephen King’s unease still comes through.

WORST

It Chapter Two (2019) - This film does not need to be as long as it is. By trying to raise the stakes, this sequel is much less scary than the original. Bigger is definitely not better as the sequel’s over-the-top scales often failed to make much of an impact. The adult characters are less interesting than their childhood counterparts and their individual storylines fail to grab attention. It Chapter Two is definitely not the worst film on this list but it is a shame that it failed to continue the success of Chapter One. Carrie (2013) - The Carrie remake really had nothing new to offer to the story. If anything,

it feels like something was lost between 1976 and 2013. Maybe it’s the seriousness of the remake that detracts from its success. Giving Carrie a few more shocking powers deadens the blow of the ending and the film ultimately fails to get under your skin quite like the original does.

BIGGER IS DEFINITELY NOT BETTER AS THE SEQUEL’S OVER-THE-TOP SCALES OFTEN FAILED In the Tall Grass (2019) - One of the more recent King adaptations on Netflix, this film is, frankly, boring. The first half of the film is spent establishing that there is no way out of the grass by showing the characters run through the grass for far too much time. The second half of the film introduces an uninteresting time loop and speeds towards a lacklustre conclusion. There simply wasn’t enough book to adapt into a film here and it shows.

Let’s do the time jump again!

Top article images (L-R): Carrie, Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images, IMDb; The Shining, Archive Photos/Getty Images, IMDb

Olivia Garrett, Screen Editor, discussess television time skips, from Riverdale to How I Met Your Mother

OW can anyone watching Riverdale possibly avoid screaming themselves hoarse every week by constantly asking the question “why does anyone still live there?” In this bizarre town of murder, organised crime, and off-putting musical numbers, it seems that the writers will go to any lengths to keep up their famed tone of Footloose meets Scooby Doo meets LSD. Their latest trick: a seven-year time jump. That’s right, it’s the year 2021 and Riverdale is in ruins (before you ask, not due to COVID). It has become a complete ghost town and only Archie and his gang of narcissists can save it. By creating this enormous leap the

show has managed to write itself out of that terrible cliché of high school friends all going off to the same college, and as a bonus the cast can now flaunt their almost-30-year old faces with pride. However, it also opens up plenty of questions and firmly puts the audience on the backfoot, as casual viewers, and those who fall asleep in front of the TV, are now having to make the mental effort of catching up.

FOOTLOOSE MEETS SCOOBY DOO MEETS LSD When it comes to this kind of mid-season time skip, the reaction can either be one of pleasant surprise or seething frustration, but this all depends on the execution. Take The Politician, a series that (spoiler alert!) time

jumps in the very last episode so that just when the audience are waiting, hands out, for their gift of a satisfying resolution, they are instead left scrambling on the floor trying to pick up the shattered pieces of story. In short, it’s jarring and messy.

However, for every Politician you get a Jane the Virgin: a show where the combination of time jumps and a bubbly narrator to fill in the gaps meant that season three was lifted from possible stagnation and the weight of character grief (again, spoilers).

At a point when peace is achievable and the very ethos of the show seems to have been fulfilled, all hope and happiness is torn away in a

brilliant flash of tragedy. The audience is left stunned, yet excited for more.

AND IF IT’S HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, THEN IT’S A DOWNRIGHT ABOMINATION Then of course we have the dilemma of the final episode, where the decision to time skip can go either way. If it’s Glee, then it’s a lazy fulfilment a vacuous character’s untenable dream. If it’s Parks and Recreation, then it’s a sunny reflection on the beloved characters and how far they’ve come. And if it’s How I Met Your Mother, then it’s a downright abomination and an affront to decent storytelling. All in all, when it comes to time skips I would say be wary… and Robin should have ended up with Barney.

Screen EDITORS’ PICKS: CLASSIC BOOK ADAPTATIONS Francesca Sylph Screen Editor

Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s reimagination of the beloved classic novel by Louisa May Alcott is overflowing with love and warmth. Rather than simply retelling a familiar tale, Gerwig creates two distinct timelines, contrasting the hope and optimism of the March sisters’ younger years with the oppressive expectations which undermine their desire for creative freedom and ambition as young women.

Olivia Garrett Screen Editor

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

This adaptation, albeit with its bizarre blend of French, English and American accents, has enough charm and thrills to satiate the needs of any Alexandre Dumas fan. One of Dicaprio’s lesser known roles as King Louis, and victim Philippe, completely sells the movie, and Gabriel Byrne’s aging D’artagnan gives a beautifully regretful and understated take on the character.

jim norman

olivia gomez

Online Screen Editor

Online Screen Editor

The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)

Sherlock (2010-2017)

Why simply retell a story when you can completely reshape it? Armando Iannucci’s fantastic script is in equal parts heart-warming and heart-breaking, flawlessly showing off his diverse cast of actors at the top of their game and shot with a vibrancy that will make even the greyest of days seem to be perfect kite-flying weather.

Images (L-R): Little Women, Wilson Webb, CTMG, IMDb; The Man in the Iron Mask, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, IMDb; The Personal History of David Copperfield, Film4, IMDb; Sherlock, Collin Hutton, Hartswood Films, IMDb

The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes has been adapted more times than I can count.

However, the best adaptation by far is BBC’s TV series Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

This show does a great job of setting Sherlock in the modern world whilst keeping his characteristic eccentricity.

exhibit

|

31

study break

| 8 MAR 2021

STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Down

Across

1 Sagacious - educated (4)

1 Greeting - reception (7)

2 Cold sweet snack (informal) (5)

5 Rear - support (4) 3/12 Athletic contests next due to be held in

9/18 Time of press inactivity (in late summer)

Japan in 2020 (7,5) (5,6)

4 Make loved (6)

10 Diminish - lewd din (anagram) (7)

6 Stomach - MBA done? (anagram) (7)

11 Short-sightedness (6)

7 Memento - souvenir (8)

12 See 3 Down

8 Utter melodiously - vocalise (4)

14 Mind - thing (6)

13 Global competition (football’s was this

16 Polish city - and kgs (anagram) (6)

summer and cricket will have one in

19 Midday meal (5) 2019) (5,3)

21 Self-centred person - it goes (anagram) (6)

15 Caretaker (7)

24 Former naval sword (7)

17 Shortage of rain (7)

25 Mild Dutch cheese (5)

18 See 9 Across

26 Fringe benefit of employment? (4)

20/23 A prolonged period of hot weather (4,4)

27 Well-known (7)

22 Damp ___, a disappointing thing (5)

23 See 20

ANSWERS

Spring trivia!

1. What Happens during a vernal equinox?

2. Which Greek goddess is associated with spring?

3. which two star signs are associated with march?

4. the blooming of which flower signals the beginning of spring in japan?

5. in which century were eggs first decorated for easter?

3. Pisces and Aries; 4. Cherry Blossom; 5. 13th Century Trivia: 1. The day and night are the same length; 2. Persephone; Heatwave, 22 Squib.

7 Keepsake, 8 Sing, 13 World Cup, 15 Janitor, 17 Drought, 20/23 Down: 1 Wise, 2 Lolly, 3/12 Olympic games, 4 Endear, 6 Abdomen, Gouda, 26 Perk, 27 Notable.

Myopia, 14 Object, 16 Gdansk, 19 Lunch, 21 Egoist, 24 Cutlass, 25 Across: 1 Welcome, 5 Back, 9/18 Silly season, 10 Dwindle, 11

LIFESTYLE

|

ARTS+LIT

|

MUSIC

|

SCREEN

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE /EXEPOSEEXHIBIT

Science

33

8 MARCH 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

SCIENCE EDITORS:

Lauren Haughey Lauryn Mitchell

Decolonising data

I

Eirwen Abberley Watton highlights the role of missing data in exacerbating US inequality

N the US, one in every 475 Native Americans have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, compared to one in every 825 white Americans. Native Americans are dying at a faster rate than any other community nationwide, and the rate is increasing. What’s more is that these disproportionate figures do not account for total Native American deaths. Multiple American states only have patchy data on Native American populations, and ten per cent of America’s COVID-19 deaths are ethnically unaccounted for. Researchers predict that 700 or more Native Americans could be missing from this data.

One cause of this data failure is

Native Americans are dying at a faster rate than any other community nationwide

racial misclassification. Documents such as intake forms handed out in hospitals often do not include an option for Native Americans. They are left to select the “Other” category.

Studies have predicted that Native Americans have a 50 per cent chance of being listed as the incorrect race on medical records. This erasure has a poignant history in America, traceable to colonialism and the displacement of Native American communities.

Until 1860, the majority of Native Americans were not included in the US Census. This history of racial discrimination against Native Americans through incorrect or missing data has facilitated severe inequality and neglect. This especially considers limited access to health care with hospitals often too understaffed to support the community. Chronic underfunding of US health services also means that Native Americans are more likely to develop COVID-19 complications and may have limited access to the

national vaccine roll-out. Thus, continued gaps in the data will inevitably lead to further COVID-19 deaths.

The loss of approximately one

Photo by Andrew James on Unsplash

I

Two-year effort, seven-month journey and $2.7 billion spent The spacecraft’s self-guided descent marked “seven minutes of terror” for the watching NASA crew and became one of the most elaborate achievements in robotic spaceflight to date. After its initial entry, the heatshield of Mars’ atmosphere slowed the rover’s trajectory down to a tenth of its original speed before a supersonic parachute and eventually rocket thrusters lowered it to 20 metres above the planet’s surface. Then

Scientists expect to find traces of ancient microbials Perseverance’s location was chosen as the home of a past lake in which scientists expect (perhaps too optimistically) to find traces of ancient microbials buried in the rocks.

The rover has been designed to extract these biosignatures from sediment for future analysis in the hopes that it will provide signs of previous chemical life. It has also been equipped with a smaller helicopter, the Ingenuity, serving as a pathfinder and scout for future missions, of which there will be two more in the next decade.

Missing data not only endangers individual lives, but future identity

Bee-ware

Olivia Garrett, Screen Editor celebrates NASA’s latest project all was needed was a specialised platform called a “sky crane” to lower the rover down via cables.

native languages is something that has been fought against by Native American activists for many decades. The Cherokee nation, despite having a relatively low COVID-19 death rate, has been forced to prioritise Cherokee speakers for the vaccine, as at least 35 of the 2,000 fluent in Cherokee have sadly passed away. Crucially, missing data and substandard treatment of Natives therefore not only endangers individual lives, but future identity.

Perseverance

T was a good Thursday on Mars when NASA’s latest project, the Rover Perseverance, successfully landed on the surface of the Red Planet. After a two-year effort, seven-month journey and $2.7 billion spent, the six-wheeled rover entered the Martian atmosphere at 12,000 miles per hour before coming down safely in the Jezero Crater.

per cent of Native Americans (equivalent to three million Americans dying of COVID-19) threatens another crisis: a crisis of culture. The loss of

Louisa Williams fears for our beloved bees Photo by Caroline on Unsplash

W

ITH “pandemic” being our new favourite word, Brexit has lost the top spot in the headlines over the past year, and yet it continues to have an impact. Back in 2018 pesticides known as neonicotinoids were banned by the EU due to growing evidence that they detrimentally impact pollinators - especially bees - a decision then supported by the UK government. But with Brexit made official in 2020, there has been a U-turn with the UK government allowing the use of neonicotinoids on sugar beet crops. Given that these chemicals already contaminate UK rivers at “chronic levels”, the controversial law change has seen public outrage and thousands of petition signatures.

High concentrations of the insecticide are unlikely to kill bees outright, but non-lethal effects are the key concern. A study published in Science has evidenced that neonicotinoids affect the navigation abilities

of bees, meaning that they are more likely to get lost and potentially never make it back to the hive. In turn, Dave Goulson, University of Sussex professor, has warned that just one teaspoon of neonic could be enough to indirectly kill 1.25 billion honeybees – four lorry loads.

One teaspoon of neonic could kill 1.26 billion honeybees However, it is important to consider that while neonics are linked to bee declines, other contributing environmental factors make it almost impossible to define a single cause.

But does that mean we should not be precautionary? Bees are central to our biosphere and so protection of our pollinators must be prioritised.

SCIENCE

EXEPOSÉ | 08 MARCH 2021

Real life Inception

Harry Scott-Munro, Online Sports Editor explores the research done by scientists about interacting with participants who are lucid dreaming

T

HOSE who watched Inception and wondered if they would ever see the idea of interacting with other people within their dreams come to fruition may have expected it to remain just that, an idea.

However, recent studies have found that scientists have been able to interact with individuals who are experiencing lucid dreams (meaning that the individual is aware that they are dreaming,) in a landmark scientific study. Researchers have found, following findings taken from 36 individuals across four different labs, that conversations of sorts with those experiencing lucid dreams are

Image: Pixabay

W

sleepers were then told to signal they had entered a lucid dream by moving their eyes or face in certain ways, with each lab using a different form of communication.

The researchers asked 158 questions, of which 18.6 per cent were

18.6 per cent of the researchers' questions were correctly answered correctly answered and only 3.2 per cent answered incorrectly, with 60.8 per cent garnering no response and 17.7 per cent of responses remaining unclear.

It is though, “proof of concept” according to Baird, with the dreamers remembering parts of the questions in their dreams, such as maths questions that were asked by the researchers coming out of a car radio.

Much more work in the field needs to be done, however, this is an important tentative first step for those in the field in understanding dream communication.

Good bacteria, gone bad

Jacob Sturgess looks at how harmless bacteria can turn into disease causing microorganisms

T

HEY are no longer safe.

Chickens. 26 billion of them.

It is becoming evident that a significant cause of chicken death is not just KFC, but avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Once just a harmless symbiote living as part of the chicken microbiome, researchers at the University of Bath have shown E. coli is able to pick up genes from its environment and transform into something deadly. Given the ability to invade the bloodstream, the bacterial infection can become lethal.

E. coli can transform into something deadly With 70 per cent of global bird biomass represented by these birds, there are plenty of opportunities for virulence genes to be gathered by chance interactions. Using genomewide association studies the researchers compared the genetic composition of commensal E. coli to the more dangerous strains of this bacterium.

Horizontal gene transfer or "bacterial

sex" was shown to help mutants cause infection by sharing and combining dangerous genes.

The researchers warn that this

Comparison of genetic composition of commensal E. coli to the dangerous strains phenomenon also presents a possible avenue for a crossover to human infection. In order to keep these pesky bacteria under a close eye, machine learning has been used to help identify genotypes that pose a disease risk. In this case a random forest algorithm considers the presence or absence of disease-associated genetic variants to flag hazards. This strategy promises to keep nuggets and drumsticks on our shelves.

This phenomenon presents a possible avenue for a crossover to human infection.

STEMinists: why are men dominating science?

HEN you think of maths and science your mind goes to the "greats" with the likes of Pythagoras, Hippocrates and Aristotle, but what of the women? Pioneers in their fields such as Katherine Johnson, Rosalind Franklin and Radia Perlman all seem to take a backseat in the history books.

Thus, it is no surprise that society associates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with men. It may seem as though times have changed, w i t h women

Image: Unsplash

possible, with individuals receiving and processing complex external information whilst in a state of sleep.

Cognitive neuroscientist Benjamin Baird of the University of Wisconsin, who was not a part of the study, believes that the work in this field conducted by the study “challenges the foundational definitions of sleep”, having previously been understood as being a state where the brain is disconnected from and unaware of the outside world.

As part of the study, independent teams in Germany, the US, France and the Netherlands attempted to establish two-way communication during dreams by asking questions those involved in the trial had never heard before during training.

Par ticipants were trained to recognise that they were dreaming, demonstrating cues such as finger tapping and basic sounds.

These would then help the participants recognise that they were dreaming. The

34

Emma Watson looks at why women are being underepresented in STEM

accounting for 56.6 per cent of higher education students and studying a STEM subject myself I would be inclined to agree. However, there is a stark underrepresentation of women within STEM careers, but the question is why?

The Draw-a-Scientist-Test (DAST) is frequently used to determine whether stereotypes exist in relation to STEM and when they develop. These tests produce similar results across studies, with the most commonly cited stereotype being that scientists are predominately male.

Studies show that whilst 44.7 per cent of kindergarteners drew female scientists, by fifth grade this percentage had reduced to 17.9 per cent. The proportion was reduced further in college with only 12.3 per cent of these students drawing female scientists, suggesting that these stereotypes strengthen with age. This prevalence

of gender stereotypes in the educational system could highlight the beginning of this gender disparity.

Interestingly, differences have been found in STEM subjects between male and female participants.

In many cases chemistry has been awarded the lowest degree of masculinity when compared with maths and other sciences. The general consensus appears to be that the opinion that STEM subjects (particularly maths and science) are more associated with males is stronger in female students. Further research confirms that this strong masculine image of maths science can decrease the likelihood of women choosing a STEM degree at university.

12.3 per cent of college students drawing female scientists, However, gender stereotypes also form part of a broader belief system including attitudes towards family roles and occupations. The gendered division of labour leads people to

expecting certain roles for men and women. If women’s future goals include spending time with and caring for their future families, they may opt out of the STEM fields. Extensive research has noted that women in STEM are likely to pay a "baby penalty", meaning they are less likely to complete higher education programs or attain positions of authority. This is not a new issue, but one that can be seen time and time again. Current policies and practices still present challenges for women who wish to combine STEM jobs with family life.

Society tells women from an early age to asso- Image: Wellcome Images ciate STEM with masculinity and seemingly avoid them. The dominance of these gender stereo-

types drives females away from even selecting STEM subjects in the first place. This disparity only strengths into the workplace, with women selecting careers that better fit their personality traits and family goals.

Changes need to be made within our societies and education systems to ensure that the next Marie Curie or Adriana Ocampo chooses a future in

08 MAR 2021| EXEPOSÉ

I

Who is the greatest?

SPORT

38

With the debate coming into recent focus, Oscar Young attempts to pick the greatest sportsperson of all time

N the wake of Tom Brady's talismanic performance in the Super Bowl, and Serena Williams narrowly missing out on a 24th Major at the Australian open, the debate of who is the greatest sportspeson of all time has reemerged.

In every sport, no matter how popular, there is a conversation over who is the greatest of all time. While in some cases the answer may be obvious, when that debate changes to who is the best sportsperson of all time, the answer is not so clear. Only one woman is on this list, which is an indictment of the history of sports media coverage. When I write this list again in ten years’ time, then there will surely be a more balanced representation.

Tom Brady

200m and 4x100m relay in three consecutive Olympic Games. What’s more, his records stand untainted by doping scandals, which cannot be said for much of his competition. Still, his 100m world record of 9.58 seconds, set in 2009, remains one of the greatest feats of human athleticism ever.

Michael Phelps

Bradman still

Usain Bolt

Perhaps the most famous name on this list, Bolt has reached l e ve l s of success never seen before in his field. He achieved an unprecedented "triple-triple" after winning Gold in the 100m,

Alexandre Moreau Flickr

Tiger Woods

somebody “the Michael Jordan of _” when they are the best at what they do."

Muhammad Ali

In swimming, there is one name that comes before all the rest – and that’s Phelps’. Over a 16-year career, Phelps won 28 medals at the Olympics, 23 of which were Gold, making him the most decorated Olympian of all time. He also broke 39 world records. Phelps stands so far above his peers that he demands a place in this conversation.

The model of conrests at the top of sistency, Brady has mothe pedastal of the nopolised American greatest cricketers Football over the last 20 years. Going from relative unknown Don Bradman at the beginDespite playing alning of his most a century ago, Bradcareer, he has man still rests at the top reached levels of the pedestal of the of individual greatest cricketers of all success never time. An Australian hero, seen before, Bradman is widely seen whilst also conas the best batsman ever, tinuously leaddue to his 99.94 career bating his team ting average. This average to victory. His is seen with a near-mythical newest achievestatus amongst cricket fans, ment of joining with some calling it the greatest the Tampa Bay All-Pro Reels, Wikimedia Commons statistical achievement by any Buccaneers and sportsman in a major sport. He finding instant success at the age of would also have been able to extend 43, means his inclusion here is justi- his personal statistics had cricket not fied. been suspended during the Second World War.

Brady has monopolised American Football over the last 20 years

Cliff, Flickr

Serena Williams

While in men’s tennis you can make an argument for each of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, the women’s game is much simpler. Serena Williams has dominated since the late 1990s and achieved all that can be done on a tennis court. She has won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 14 doubles titles with her sister Venus, and is still near the top of the sport at the age of 39.

An inspiration to female athletes everywhere, Serena Williams has reached levels of fame and success never before achieved by a woman in sport, especially in tennis.

Lionel Messi /Pelé

Michael Jordan

Anyone who has watched Netflix’s The Last Dance will know that Jordan did more than just win. His impact transcended basketball, he put the sport on the map and extended its impact worldwide, to the point where he was one of the most globally recognisable faces of the 1990s.

His influence spilled over into popular culture through movies and shoes. More than that, he reigned supreme on the basketball court, winning six NBA titles and garnering numerous personal accolades. In the words of Barack Obama, "there is a reason you call

The debate is a lot harder in football, given it is such a team-oriented sport. Therefore, it is hard to say that either of these two, or Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo (above left), are the greatFanny Schertzer Wikimedia Commons est athletes of all time.

However, Pelé has won a record three World Cups, and scored over 757 career goals, but played against competition that does not live up to today’s standard. Lionel Messi has proven his greatness against the best the modern game can offer and has won a record six Ballon D’Ors. H owe ve r, m a n y hold h i s lack of a major international trophy against him.

In golf, Woods and Jack Nicklaus have very similar numbers of wins in every aspect. Yet, the majority of golf fans will tell you that Tiger is clearly the greatest. He has won 15 majors and 82 PGA tour events over a 29year career. At his best, Tiger played the game better than anyone else ever has. He has been more dominant in his victories than Nicklaus, winning four times by 11 or more shots.

His record 15-stroke margin of victory at the 2000 US Open is still the greatest single performance ever.

Andrew Henkelman

Wikimedia Commons

If Jordan transcended basketball, then Ali transcended sport as a whole. There are some fighters from other eras who might have given Ali trouble in the ring, from Mike Tyson to Lennox Lewis, but none came close to matching the cultural impact of Ali. Still the most famous boxer ever, 40 years since his retirement, Ali was a prominent civil rights activist, and was known just as well for what he said before a fight as for what he did during it. Even so, he was a dominant force in the 60s and 70s, becoming a multiple-time Heavyweight Champion. The image of him standing over Sonny Liston is one of the most recognisable photos there is, and he fought in the most famous bout of all time against Joe Frazier in the "Thrilla in Manila."

What's more, his record would have been even better had he not been suspended for four years after refusing to fight in the Vietnam War.

You have to do more than just be the best at your sport To be called the greatest ever, you have to do more than just be the best at your sport. Fittingly, the man simply known as ‘The Greatest’ fits that requirement more than anyone. Not only did Muhammad Ali dominate his sport, but he also had a profound impact socially and culturally. This is why he is the best sportsperson of all time.

Kip-Koech, Flickr

EXEPOSÉ 8 MAR 2021 |

SPORT

The C Word

39

Harry Scott-Munro, Online Sport Editor, looks at the COVID-19 ravaged Rugby

C

ANCELLATION. That distressing word for sports people everywhere that once led you to question whether the pitch was waterlogged or frozen. Now though, it most likely means that a positive PCR test or two has led to that cancellation, leading to calendar reshuffles occurring like never before.

The Gallagher Premiership has seen no less than seven matches cancelled as a result of COVID-19 outbreaks, with the match being recorded as a 0-0 draw; the team with the positive cases that have meant they are unable to field a team being awarded 2 points and their opposition awarded 4.

Worcester Warriors have been awarded a COVID-19 cancellation victory for two of their three wins this season.

Recent results have meant that without those cancellation victories, they would sit below Gloucester at the bottom of the table, with the Kingsholm side playing all eleven of their fixtures and only winning two.

In the Allianz Premier 15s, matches have been rearranged throughout the season. The exception of the positive PCR test rule is the already rearranged

Harlequins vs Saracens fixture in January, with the RFU deeming Harlequins to have broken COVID-19 safety guidelines in failing to record all sessions and therefore awarding the victory to Saracens. Harlequins have announced that they will appeal this decision, especially when all other COVID-19 postponed games have been rearranged for later dates.

No fewer than 11 French players tested positive France’s Six Nations fixture against Scotland was postponed due to no fewer than 11 French players, along with Head

Coach Fabien Galthie and Assistant Coach William Servat testing positive. It later transpired that Galthie had left the French team bubble to watch his son play rugby, although he retains the support of the union. Whilst the Six Nations will look to reorganise the fixture, many pundits have commented that Scotland should be awarded a 28-0 victory over the French. Why? There are rest weekend’s in the Six Nations that the match can be moved to, once the logistics of English teams releasing their Scottish players is sorted and, failing that, the international window in June and July remains a possibility. With it looking increasingly likely that the Lions tour may take place in the British Isles rather than South Africa,

Image: Exeter Chiefs

availability of Scottish players to the national side shouldn’t be an issue. More to the point, why would anybody want to try and devalue the Six Nations by ending the chances of a French Grand Slam, especially when a potential final round clash between Wales and France for the title remains a tantalising prospect? It would devalue the competition and the victory for the country that secures it.

Closer to home, the Gallagher Premiership has scrapped relegation for this season, although one suspects that the current circumstances have given them the opportunity to do what they have long since wanted to do for a good number of years, in closing up the drawbridge.

There is surely time to reschedule fixtures With the European Competitions scrapped after two cancellation disrupted rounds and shoehorned into a last-16 knockout format, there is plenty of time for COVID-19 disrupted fixtures to be rearranged. Last season, matches were

completed during the week to ensure the season came to a conclusion and, with no Premiership Cup matches either, there surely remains time in the season to schedule the Covid-cancelled matches.

The RFU pulled up the drawbridge over fears of the financial implications both for the governing body and the clubs, should COVID-19 cancelled games cause a side to be relegated. However, the same could potentially apply to teams missing out on the play-offs due to COVID-19 cancellations causing them to miss out on winnable games. A scenario where a team misses out on the play-offs or Heineken Cup qualification due to another team picking up points off the back these cancellations, could have equally damaging effects on the integrity of the competition.

Last season proved that teams could use their full squads to juggle midweek fixtures if necessity dictated and, with more rest weekends with the shortening of the European season and the lack of Premiership Cup competitions, the Premiership should move heaven and earth to make sure that all games are fairly completed.

Draft or daft?

W

Joel Edwards, Sport Editor, takes a look at whether having a draft would improve UK sport

HEN I asked my fellow Sport Editor, Nick Powell, for ideas about what to write this article on, he told me two things. One, make it jovial, and two, don’t write about American football.

He made number two very clear. He said the season was over so there was simply nothing to write about. Oh Nicholas, how wrong you were. So, I told him: "Nick, the Superbowl may have been and gone but the draft is coming up". And that’s when it hit me: would a draft system improve sport in the UK? The NFL, along with the other major American sporting leagues, employ a draft to allow teams to select up and coming talent, predominantly from American colleges, before the start of each season. Perfect. An interesting question with the potential to fit the brief; it relates to American football but isn’t strictly about it and could even be jovial.

Would a draft system improve American Football’s cousin from across the pond, the already beautiful game? With a current title race that features Manchester City as that kid at sports day who was obviously going to win, a draft system would help reinvigorate teams lower down the league and help break the dominance

of the "Big 6". After last season, teams like Brighton and Crystal Palace would have had early draft picks, with the potential to secure the best young talent to boost their prospects this season.

This would result in a far more open title race in years to come and the possibility of an ever-fluctuating league table.

A draft would open up the title race Image: Owain Evans

However, a draft system would require getting rid of academies which would be a great shame in the British game as these have witnessed the growth of some of the league’s best players. Moreover, and perhaps most crucially, there are multiple leagues based upon promotion and relegation and this frankly would provide a logistical nightmare for implementing a draft. Although a draft could be achieved by including the entire football league, football in the UK is simply not set up with the infrastructure to handle an overhaul on this scale. A draft system for the beautiful game is a beautiful dream in theory but in real-

ity, would be a nightmare.

Then there’s American football’s older sibling, bearing a greater resemblance to football in America than football in the UK, rugby. One could easily argue, especially in Exeter, that rugby is the biggest sport played at university. Ignoring academies for the moment, the level of rugby played at university would lend itself to a college style draft system that is used in the States. This would once again allow for a greater title race in years to come (although personally I see no problem with the Chiefs domination of the last few years).

However, relegation and promotion would provide a problem as with football and getting rid of academies would also seem a great waste for UK rugby. A draft would certainly be more feasible in rugby than football but ul-

timately would be impractical and as a result would not improve the game.

Cycling and tennis, two sports definitely not related to American football but maybe friends. Would a draft system work in either of these sports? While only one rider can win a Grand Tour, these events are entered by teams and could potentially benefit from a draft system. Cycling could be adopted to a greater extent by universities, with riders then making themselves eligible for drafts every year. This would have the same benefits of creating a less predictable finish and would damage little in the way of existing infrastructure. Tennis too could adopt a similar system if they were to implement a greater emphasis on team-based competition. Perhaps a Premier level team-based tennis league that would operate as clubs do at local

level but with elite level players. This could be an exciting new addition to the sport.

With both cycling and tennis, these are ideas that could potentially work and benefit the sport. However, as most events are international, the impracticalities would once again be extreme. Would it be possible to create whole new British leagues when all other competitions are held worldwide? No, not really. Would this ultimately detract rather than add to the sport? Yes, I think so.

Cricket, the original beautiful game, not related or even really a family friend of American football and many of you might consider this to be for the best. Unlike every other sport mentioned, English cricket already has a draft system in place, in the form of The Hundred, but is yet to really witness whether this particular one works due to COVID-19 delays. This differs from the US system as the players will not be selected from colleges but rather test players, county players and overseas players. Will it improve English cricket? Possibly. Will it be disliked and removed in a few years? Also possibly. Only time will tell.

Image: Swimfinfan, Wikimedia Commons

Sport

8 MAR 2021 | EXEPOSÉ

40

SPORT EDITORS:

Is it still on?

Joel Edwards Nick Powell

Exeter City still on the hunt for promotion

Image: Owain Evans

Jack Walton Contributor

A

S referee David Rock completed his pre-match pitch inspection on the morning of the 20 February, just hours prior to Exeter City’s scheduled home match against Grimsby, a familiar story began to take hold. Waterlogged. For the third time in four matches weather conditions had intervened to frustrate the progress of the Grecians, who were keen to build upon a recent upturn in form.

“Not the decision anyone wanted”, was the blunt assessment of manager Matt Taylor, whose side had picked up a plucky point on the road against

Newport just a few days before, despite going down to nine men. The combination of this result and the two impressive victories that preceded it, against Bradford City and Stevenage, had put the team within a hair’s width of the promotion places - two points behind seventh place Salford with a match in hand.

Eager to maintain their steady ascent up the table, the succession of cancellations was developing into a tiresome theme. Any fears however, that meteorological factors could stifle the side’s form were put to bed in last Tuesday’s 2-1 away victory against Colchester. With first Exeter goals for both veteran loanee Robbie Wilmot and youthful prospect Ben Seymour,

a delicate balance of old and new pushed the side up above Salford and into the lowermost of those coveted playoff places.

A delicate balance of old and new Taylor had commented after the Grimsby cancellation that the loss of a fixture wouldn’t mean a day-off for his squad. “We’ll shoot across straight to the training ground”, he quipped in a club interview, but barely concealed beneath his tongue-in-cheek delivery was a self-evident ethos of hard work and perseverance. It is this ethos that is now bearing fruit.

The haunting spectre of last sea-

son’s campaign should provide impetus enough for the Grecians not to be complacent, and instead push on in hope of securing automatic promotion. They will know all too well that the playoffs provide no guarantees.

Having started the 19/20 season in impressive form, and finding themselves in second as late as February, a late season drop-off meant a 4th place finish. Despite beating Colchester in the semi-final, a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Wembley to Northampton crushed all hopes of making it to League One. It is to the credit of Matt Taylor and the squad that they have gone again in similar fashion this season.

With over half of matches now played, they are one of only four professional

teams in England to have scored 50 or more goals - and two of the other three are Manchester United and Manchester City. Ryan Bowman and Matty Jay lead the way for the Grecians on this front, with 12 and 11 scored respectively.

With a run-in that includes matches against all of the current top three - Cambridge, Forest Green and Cheltenham - the Grecians will know there is still a long way to go. But to have done as well as they have in this, the strangest of seasons, clearly evidences just how desperate they are to avenge last season’s bitter disappointment.

Article written and current up to 26 February.

For live scores and in-depth reports, follow us on Twitter @exeposesport CONTINUED ON PAGE 31