exeposé
FR
E
E
ISSUE 696 25 FEB 2019 exepose.com @Exepose
THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987
‘What do The Student Room get out of this data?’ The Student Room’s ‘Enlitened’ wellbeing app piloted ‘in collaboration’ with University Concerns raised regarding the app’s promotion in first-year lectures Data gathered is ‘analysed’ and shared with the University Image: Megan Davies
Edd Church Online News Editor
R
EPRESENTATIVES for The Student Room’s wellbeing app, ‘Enlitened’, entered several firstyear English lectures despite assurance that they would not. Promotional materials handed out, and obtained by Exeposé, do not specify that the app is run and developed by a third-party company. The app launched as of 18 February 2019 in ‘collaboration’ with the University of Exeter. Representatives for the app’s pilot gave a presentation before several first
year English groups, taking up lecture time, despite assurance to the English subject chair that this would not happen. According to first-year sources, at least one of these presentations took up lecture time. English Student-Staff Liason Council first-year representatives were also contacted directly from the University to help promote this, without instruction from the Students’ Guild. Enlitened is developed and run by The Student Room Group Ltd.. a thirdparty company, and has entered a partnership with the University for the pilot scheme rolled out to English and History
cohorts. Students from the current firstyear English cohort were given a presentation on the app, despite assurance from representatives to Neha Shaji, the English Subject Chair, that this would not be the case. She said: “I was told specifically that the representatives for the app will not enter lecture theatres or disrupt learning in any way. I think that a third-party app should be advertised as such, and that the SSLC structures not be used by the university in such a manner. Our job is to listen to students and liaise with the department – not to promote the University’s part-
Your comprehensive guide to campaign week PULLOUT
Image: Európa Pont
SABB ELECTIONS
nership with third party companies. I am also very concerned about representatives entering lecture theatres, when I was explicitly told that this would not happen for English. For a subject with such few contact hours, breaching lecture times to talk about something non-essential is unnecessary, especially if I was told otherwise.” A first-year English student said: “When they delivered the presentation, I was sceptical as to why The Student Room would care for student wellbeing and mental health considering they hardly have the historic interest and activism of the NHS or a mental health charity. The presenta-
tion stated how we could receive free food and other ‘rewards’ from across campus for answering the questions. It felt patronising and suspect. Especially when they said that this information would be available to our student representatives and department. But once again I’m unsure how they could have any impact on the mental health of students which is a personal and individual issue. They didn’t mention that The Student Room are a third-party able to access this data. My question is: what do The Student Room get out of this data?
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
FEATURES
An interview with award-winning war correspondent Christina Lamb
PAGE 11
Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ
News Editors Print: Maddie Baker & Gwyn Wright Online: Edd Church & Hannah Stevenson news@exepose.com
Features Editors Print: Niamh Elstone & Neha Shaji Online: Chloë Edwards & Bryan Knight Foreign Correspondents Co-ordinator: Ellie Cook features@exepose.com
Arts + Lit Editors Print: Lauren Newman & Tabi Scott Online: Emily Pirie & Kristina Werner artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Aaron Loose & Alex Wingrave Online: Bryony Gooch & Jaysim Hanspal music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Ben Faulkner & Chloe Kennedy Online: Harry Caton & David Conway screen@exepose.com Science Editors Print: Scarlett Parr-Reid Online: Lara Andreski & Finn Candy sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: René Bahar & Josh Brown Online: Luke Clarkson & Ben Hart sport@exepose.com Chief Photographer Chelsea Lee photography@exepose.com Copy Editors Peter Firth, Charlotte Forrester & William Harrop Proofers Gwyn Wright, Greta Sannce, René Bahar, Bryony Gooch, Zach Mayford, Sira Chosbel, Sarosha Byrne, Aaron 'Let' Loose, Chloe Kennedy, William Harrop, Abi Taphouse, Jason Alexander, Dorothea Christmann, Haroon Khan, Mubanga Mweemba, Richard Ainslie, Tabi Scott, Josh Brown.
@exepose facebook.com/exepose issuu.com/exepose Advertising Kate Watkins kate.watkins@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.
GoGreen Week to boost campus sustainability PAGE 4
COMMENT
Di-verse-ity: in defence of Women of Colour Poetry Night PAGE 7
FEATURES An interview with the BAME Law Network's founders PAGE 10 Image: Movidagrafica Barcelona
Lifestyle Editors Print: Bethan Gilson & Rhiannon Moore Online: Katie Baker & Rowan Keith lifestyle@exepose.com
that would be Hopkins, presumably waiting in anticipation for her to say something inflammatory. Hopkins has a history of allegations of harassment - against students at this University, no less - and this led to considerable call for the Guild and University to question the viability of the event, on wellbeing grounds. Hopkins responded in true style by... well, by tweeting that the University may "remain disappointed" if they anticipated her to remain within freedom of speech laws, by leaking a Guild staff member's email address online, and by referring to student protesters as "cockwombles". "Refugees," she tweeted, "are welcome... to attend." The student and staff community's response to the news that Hopkins would be speaking - released only a few days before the event, presumably in a short-sighted attempt to garner social media interest - was generally admirable. Numerous protesters gathered around Amory, reportedly chanting "fascists are not welcome here". Official responses from the Guild and University, meanwhile, indicate an air of damage control. They hastily drafted papers "asking speakers to demonstrate their understanding of the law"; the Guild also promised to "investigate" the manner in which DebSoc submitted the event's paperwork, amidst claims that they intentionally disguised the identity of their speakers in risk assessment. We would welcome such an ivestigation, and subsequently question the nature of an event assessment process which allows an apparent risk of platforming of potential hate speech on campus. Clearly, something has gone wrong here. Due to timing, we won't be able to cover it extensively in print - do check our website.
Image: howtostartablog.net
Comment Editors Print: Isabelle Gray & Deepa Lalwani Online: Bea Fones & Josh Gammage comment@exepose.com
I
T'S great having notable alumni, isn't it? Rhod Gilbert, Thom Yorke, and Caroline Lucas - all interesting people out in the world, doing interesting things. And yet of all the alumni who might be invited back to speak, we ended up with... Katie Hopkins. On Friday 22 February, the University of Exeter Debating Society (DebSoc) ran an event entitled 'This House Would Prioritise Its Own Citizens'. We say event because this cannot be called a debate. The intended programme featured Hopkins - an excolumnist, ex- UKIP events speaker, and experson of any consequence whatsoever - as one of four panellists, the other three being Exeter students. Hopkins is not an expert in this area (unless tweeting "racial profiling is a good thing" makes one an expert), nor does the programme show any attempt to put her up against a professional, given that the other three debaters are all students. We would suggest that this was, essentially, an exercise in sensationalist platforming. We have to question the integrity of DebSoc's intentions here. All branding for the event focused solely on Hopkins' presence; a 15-second 'trailer' released simply stated "Katie Hopkins is Coming", failing even to mention the debate proposition. The Facebook event is branded as "THW Prioritize [sic] Its Own Citizens w/ Katie Hopkins", with nary an equal mention of other panellists. In a statement, the Guild noted a responsibility "to ensure that the event remains a balanced debate and not a solo platform for her own views". We would suggest a singular lack of evidence that DebSoc ever intended to present this event as a "balanced debate". This was, instead, the debating equivalent of a menagerie students were invited to gawk at the spectacle
NEWS
Image: Counselling/Pixabay
Editors Print: Megan Davies & Graham Moore Deputy: Fenton Christmas & Katie Jenkins Online: Harry Bunting & Natalie Keffler editors@exepose.com
Editorial
t gtth
Image: Pierre Terre
EXEPOSÉ
SCIENCE Looking to the future: Exeter Medical School's conference PAGEs 30-31
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! There are even more great articl es on the Exeposé website. From the latest university news to current affairs, music and theatr e reviews and more, visit us at www.exepose.com
Worldwide university news
Japan sees rise in foreign students
N
EARLY 270,000 international students are studying in Japan, meaning the government is set to reach its target of 300,000 foreign students by 2020; however, many are working part-time. The majority of foreign students attend Japanese language or vocational schools, not university. These schools reflect the government’s easing of employment regulations, allowing students to work as long as twenty-eight hours per week if they are proficient in Japanese. Most students working part-time are of Asian descent - primarily from China, Vietnam and Nepal – and they now make up over a fifth of foreign workers in Japan. Kenji Ito, a Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University representative, raised concern that students often exceed the weekly working limit, compromising their studies and Japan’s international reputation.
Kent and Cardiff unis cutting staff
N
EW fears have been raised over funding of British universities, with several universities having recently announced plans to cut staff numbers due to high budget defcits. The University of Kent have announced that they are bracing for a budget deficit this year, while Cardiff University have announced their intention to cut 350 full time staff in the next five years, following its' announcement of a deficit of £22.8m deficit for the last financial year, with a predicted £10.6m loss this year. Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) think tank said; ''There are some universities that are thriving, but the system is facing a perfect storm due to the competitive market, Brexit, dip in the number of 18 year olds and huge policy changes that have knocked them for six.''
Uni building collapses in Russia
O
N Saturday 16th February a university building in St Petersburg experienced multiple walls, floors and parts of the roof collapsing in, trapping over 20 within the rubble. Russia’s emergency service was called, aiding in the evacuation of 80 people from the scene, with no direct injuries or fatalities evident. The building is the city’s National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO) and the cause of the collapse is still not clear, however it is thought to have occurred during renovations. A representative from the university has since put out a statement on Twitter to address the incident: “A partial roof collapse has occurred at one of the buildings; according to prelim. data, there have been no casualties”.
Ivy League colleges cut ties to company
T
HE Universities of California, Berkeley and Stanford University have publicised their own bans on any future collaboration with the company. Huawei .This immediately follows a statement from the United States Justice Department which has revealed its criminal prosecution of the Chinese company. Accused of stealing trade secrets and violating US sanctions on businesses with Iran, the company have been frozen on future research ties with top US universities. While the University of California, Berkeley has put a stop to any new funding or ‘gifts’ from the company, Stanford established a temporary ban as they are ‘sensitive to the federal government’ concerns’ according to a spokesperson. Images: Danny P. Robinson and Reperucho Stories by Maddie Baker And Gwyn Wright (News Editors) , Kamilla Bell and Megan Cammidge (News Team)
News Students protest Katie Hopkins
Edd Church Online News Editor
S
TUDENTS and lecturers from the University of Exeter gathered to protest the appearance of former LBC radio host Katie Hopkins at a Debating Society (DebSoc) event on the evening of Friday 22 February.
Platforming her is a way of saying her views are valid [...] which they absolutely are not
Amber Mott, Protest Organiser
DebSoc invited Hopkins to take part in a debate entitled ‘This House Would Prioritize [sic] Our Own Citizens’. The event was announced earlier in the week on the society’s Facebook with a video on Wednesday 20 February. After controversy surrounding Hopkins’ previous comments about migrants, refugees, and various others, with queries raised around the filing of risk assessments—the event had to be ticketed and sold out. However,
many students and lecturers were in attendance to oppose her being there via a picket outside of the venue, Amory Moot. Protesters were heard chanting slogans such as “No hate, no fear, Hopkins is not welcome here” outside the entrance to the debate. Amber Mott, President of Socialist Students Society and protest organiser, said: “Katie Hopkins has been notorious for her hateful views for a long time; she’s openly transphobic, racist, Islamophobic, etc. and we believed that her being invited to this university was absolutely disgraceful, and a slap in the face to all BAME and international students. We therefore decided to protest, to tell people why they should not be supporting her. “Platforming her is a way of saying “her views are valid and worth debating”, which they absolutely are not, and we wanted to tell people that. “The protest was amazing [...] So many people agreed that her views were hateful and disgusting and had no place at a university event, and people were so vocal about it as well!
3
NEWS EDITORS: Maddie Baker Gwyn Wright
Bicycle thefts correlate with student presence Graham Moore Editor
I
NCREASED reports of bicycle theft correlate with student term dates, according to information gained by Exeposé. The figures, obtained from Devon and Cornwall Police and including years between 2014 and 2018, indicate a rise in reported bicycle thefts coinciding with the earlier part of Term 1. In 2017, for example, the total figure across the city spiked from 18 incidents in August to 31 in September; in 2018, the figure jumped from 15 to 42. This is despite the fact that the total number of thefts per year has been dropping steadily since 2014. Historically, the City Centre has seen the largest total number of bicycle thefts out of all Exeter’s wards – 272 over the 2014-18 period. This is drastically more than St David’s Ward, with the second most thefts at 155 Duryard and St James Wards, which include the University, saw the third and fourth most thefts (127 and 123). Figures for
both wards specifically display increases in September over the past two years, indicating yet again a correlation between bicycle thefts and student presence. Responding to student concerns, a University of Exeter spokesman said: “We were recently informed by Devon and Cornwall Police that there had been a small number of opportunist burglaries in Exeter. We were asked to remind students of some helpful advice which
could prevent them becoming victims. This includes keeping doors locked, closing windows when you are not in the room, and never leaving anything valuable on view. Student wardens can provide free security marking, and valuables can be registered on the immobilise website. “There is no need for students to be alarmed about their safety, but if anyone is concerned or would like advice they should contact Estate Patrol.”
Image: Ralf Gervink
In Pictures: Exeter students strike for the climate
Images: Megan Davies
T
4
25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
NEWS
Uni hosts Brain Awareness Week Gwyn Wright News Editor
T
HE University is set to hold a week of events to raise awareness of brain research from 11th March until the 17th March. A series of seminars, to be held in the middle of the week, will provide students and the wider community with the ability to increase their understanding of the University’s involvement with brain research. The Ram pub quiz on the Monday night will feature questions themed
around Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, while students will also be invited to meet a neuroscientist for an Ask me Anything (AMA) session on the Friday to conclude the week. The upcoming events form part of an annual campaign across the globe which seeks to increase the public’s awareness of the advances and benefits being bought by neuroscientific research. The week at Exeter is being funded by the British Neuroscience Association, while nationally the week is being supported by philanthropic organisation the Dana Foundation.
Go Green Week set to boost sustainability on campus Gwyn Wright News Editor
G
O Green Week is to take place again this year with a series of sustainability events involving being held in the week beginning 18th March. The week is set to see student societies including Be the Change, Exeter Student Volunteers and Engineers Without Borders collaborate with community groups and the University to bring a range of environment-focused events to Streatham and St Lukes’ campuses. These will include community garden work, a litter pick, solar panel
workshops, and a question and answer session featuring a panel consisting of people from various sustainability positions within the University.
Through action and education, we can all help the environment locally and globally
James Wijensinghe, DVP Sustainabilty
During the week, students are set to share their ideas, questions and recommendations on sustainability to the University by adding them to an ideas tree in the forum. Students will also be pledging to make at least one environ-
Image: Lotusbluete
Image: Elliott Brown
Uni apprenticeships programme receives awards Henry Jones Senior Reporter
T
HE University of Exeter’s apprenticeship scheme has been recognized at the Exeter College Apprentice and Employer Awards. Four apprentices from the University received prizes at the ceremony, held at Sandy Park. The University has employed 98 apprentices in total, including 76 since April last year. They spend 20% of their time conducting off-the-job learning hours, with the rest of the time spent in a university department. Apprentices can earn up to £29k a year, depending on their apprenticeship level.
His citation described him as showing “true commitment” to becoming “a very skilled and professional manager”. Business Administrator apprentice Amber Bassett was praised for the “positive impact” she has had. She was described as “conscientious, professional and polite”. Alongside her role, she’s also a Young Apprentice Ambassador. Apprenticeships Manager at the University Jonathan Cresswell said that the awards “recognises the quality of
We are humbled to have received these awards from Exeter College for our apprentices Jonathan Cresswell, Apprencticeships Manager
Team Leader apprentice Kevin Wigmore was praised for his professionalism, and for taking on increased levels of responsibility at the university.
Image: GoodFreePhotos
mentally-friendly change to their lives. A new discussion group seeking to increase student engagement with environmental issues called ‘Eco Echo’ has been set up by the current DVP Sustainability has been running since 6 February. James Wijensinghe, DVP Sustainability, told Exeposé; “Go Green Week will be a great time for anyone in our University community to learn how to make their daily lives more sustainable. Through action and education, we can all help the environment locally and globally. My hope is that more societies get involved, even if it’s just giving more [events] they have already planned for this week a bit of a green twist.’’
our apprentices, the positive impact our apprentices have in the workplace, and the quality of training they receive from the college”. “We are humbled to have received these awards from Exeter College for our apprentices and for our apprenticeship scheme at the University. The University was also named “Large Employer of the Year 2019” recognizing its contribution to supporting apprenticeship opportunities in order to “kick start” careers.
Campaign reaches £50m in donations Amy Lacy Kerr News Team
T
HE University’s campaign, ‘Making the Exceptional Happen’, has raised £50m in donations from philanthropists. The university has claimed that the donations support disadvantaged students attend Exeter and fund important research developments. The campaign aims to raise £60 million by 2020. The ever-rising total has been aided by a larger number of alumni donating than before. Nearly 3,300 alumni made philanthropic donations which represents a rise from five years ago when 1,775 donated. It also is supported through volunteers who have contributed 71,011 hours of their time to drive the campaign. So far, the university has used the majority of the money to fund new research. These include £1 million donated to the Camborne School of Mines and £1 million towards agricultural research. The largest donation, of £10 million donated by the Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation, will be put towards medical research. This will include a state-of-the-art neuro-
imaging centre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. A large amount of the money has been donated through small but regular contributions via direct debit.
Thanks to the generosity of alumni and supporters, we have been able to fund critical projects Professor Clive Ballard, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Medical School
Professor Clive Ballard, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Medical School said; “Philanthropic support is crucial for us to continue our research into life-altering conditions such as cancer, diabetes and dementia. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and supporters, we have been able to fund critical projects that develop better treatments and increase understanding of how we can prevent the onset of some of these diseases. Philanthropy has been of enormous benefit in developing opportunities within our educational programme, in particular giving new opportunites to students from less advantaged backgrounds.’’
NEWS
EXEPOSÉ | 25 FEB 2019
Wellbeing app pilot raises concerns CONTINUED FROM FRONT "Why do they care? It only adds to a poor, corporate approach to mental health and wellbeing in the education system. "While the presentation occurred at the beginning of the lecture, the lecturer wasn’t in the room when it started, and the lecture overran by 2 or 3 minutes to compensate for time lost to The Student Room’s presentation.” In exchange for answering the app’s questions, students are rewarded digital currency redeemable on the app’s online store. Data gathered from the app is collected, “analysed”, and shared with the university. Enlitened offers rewards both from international companies and University outlets including free breakfasts and swims at the University gym. The app will let students rate how their university experience has been in response to several questions including: “I feel connected to others”, “I feel I’m getting value for money from my course”, “I know which wellbeing needs my uni can help with”, and “Teaching staff show an interest in me as an individual”. These are rated on a five-point scale with graphics
such as stars, thumbs up, or the happiness of a figure named ‘Hercule the owl’. Warren Bingham-Roberts, VP Education for Exeter Students’ Guild, stated that “The role of an Academic Rep is to listen to and represent students’ academic interests to the University; they should not be expected to carry out additional work beyond this agenda unless they are happy and willing to give up the extra time. The University should look to open up opportunities for all students to promote the app through paid promotion roles.” Furthermore, Rose Ahier, VP Welfare & Diversity, aired worries over the promotion of the app: “I am concerned about the ways in which the Enlitened app has been communicated to FirstYear students. It is important for students to understand this is a third-party app and participation is entirely optional. I am also concerned that the app is being promoted invaluable lecture time and could interfere with students’ education. I shall be raising this issue urgently with the project team as part of the review of the trial.” A University of Exeter spokesperson said: “We have been working with the
Student Room to pilot the Enlitened app this week, to introduce it to first-year students in History and English and to get their feedback during the testing period. We want to see if the app could be an additional tool to support student wellbeing. University staff, accompanied by representatives from the Student Room, ran presentations lasting four minutes about the app at six lectures. Leaflets were given out at one further lecture. Information was only given at the very start of the lectures as students were arriving and getting settled. The presentations did not interrupt teaching time and the relevant staff had given permission for them to take place. Slides shown in the lectures – and the app itself – clearly state that Enlitened is part of the Student Room Group. Information about the pilot was given to SSLC members for both subjects prior to it starting. We have had positive feedback about the app – for which we are receiving and making no payment to The Student Room – and we will review all feedback before deciding if this is a service we will use to extend and enhance our support for student wellbeing in the future.” Image: Megan Davies
Maddie Baker News Editor
O
N 11 and 12 February three men were found dead at both Bonhay Road, near to St. David’s, and Cowick Lane. The University has offered support to students living at St. David's. Police remain on patrol at both crime scenes. Following a hearing at Exeter Crown Court on 16 February, that charged Alexander Lewis-Ranwell with three counts of murder and separate instances of Grevious Bodily Harm (GBH) with intent, Lewis-Ranwell is now being held in custody. In response to the incident and the on-going police presence in Bonhay Road, Wellbeing services sent a letter to students living in St. David's accomo-
in Cowick Lane. The linked cases have received a large amount of public attention, with the police receving a number of witness statements following their appeal, and national and local media covering the incident. Detective Chief Inspector and Deputy Head of Major Crime, Roy Linden wanted to thank "everyone who has supported this investigation." Superintendent Matt Lawler, Local Policing Commander for Exeter, went on to emphasise that they "are grateful for the messages of support that communities in and around Exeter have been expressing in recent days." Lawler also stressed that "all [their] thoughts remain with the family and friends of the victims." The three murder victims were all elderly men in their eighties, two of whom were twin brothers, and have been rec-
Project 'recreates' Renaissance Florence
B
University offers support to students after murders on Bonhay Road dation. Mark Sawyer, Head of Student Wellbeing, started with "I want to reassure you that we are not aware of any connection between this incident and the student community." It was recognised that some students may have been affected by the potentially 'upsetting' incident. They are advised to contact Wellbeing services, the Residence Life Team leaders or Nightline - a listening service running every night. Alternatively, the Estate Patrol could provide security, safety and welfare assistance to students and are willing to provide assistance to at any time. The Devon and Cornwall Police have been at the scene since 3pm on 11 February, when they were called to a terraced house on Bonhay Road by a friend of the victim. The next day, on 12 February at 1pm, two men were found dead
5
ognised by the local Devon and Exetercommunity through personal and floral tributes.
I want to reassure you that we are not aware of any connections between this incident and the student community
Mark Sawyer, Head of Student Wellbeing
Police will remain on foot patrol in Exeter, speaking to residents and investigating the case at both addresses. The university has stated that students do not need to take any additional safety precautions. With formal court proceedings set to continue in the coming months, students are advised to contact the police with any additional information.
Image: Lewis Clarke
UILDINGS and artworks from Renaissance Florence that have become scattered in museums across the globe will be brought together in a digital project spearheaded by University of Exeter research. Immersive Renaissance is one of four ventures funded by the Getty Foundation’s Digital Art History initiative, which aims to promote the use of technology such as digital mapping tools in analysing sites of cultural significance. The venture brings together academics from Exeter, Cambridge, and Toronto, as well as including heritage partnerships with the National Gallery and the Fitzwilliam Museum. The project will be a Geospatial Information System (GIS) in the form of an app creating 3D models of Florence’s Renaissance buildings, allowing users to walk through the town and see its art and architecture in situ, as they were originally designed. Professor Fabrizio Nevola, project leader and Chair of the Art History and Visual Culture department at the University said: “It will really feel like you are there, witnessing these incredible pieces of art displayed in the way they were originally intended. This work will help us deliver a step change in how art and architectural history is presented. We hope to develop a system where people can use GPS, GIS and 3D/AR, to move seamlessly between investigating urban areas now and in the past to interpret art and architecture.” Emma Hussain, News Team
Research could boost treatment for blood conditions
S
CIENTISTS from the University of Exeter, funded by the British Heart Foundation, have recently discovered new ways in which the body regulates blood clots. It is hoped that this discovery could eventually lead to developments of better treatments to prevent conditions such as heart diseases, strokes and vascular dementia. The new research has enabled the team to simultaneously measure blood clotting and the formation of free radicals – unstable molecules which are considered a key contributor to the development of numerous vascular conditions. The technique, outlined in Haemotologica, has been successfully trialled in mice and human cells, in the hope to better understand blood cell functions. This will in turn help to develop treatments against blood clotting diseases and detect the risk of clotting in patients. Dr Giordano Pula, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “We’re really excited to discover this new technique and its potential to understand how blood vessel diseases develop.” Abi Taphouse, News Team
SIGN UP FOR THE
BUILD A
OVERDRAFT-SLAYING TEAM PRIZE
£2000
£1 £40 000 FA G
CH A L L ENGE WOR
T
SH OF H TO B Ca ION E W rds ON T OO
if t
19TH MARCH, 5-11PM LEMON GROVE GET A TEAM. SIGN UP AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PROPLUSUK
BUILD LIKE A PRO
18+. Build a contraption machine in teams of 2-5 people for the chance to win £2,000 for your team. 25 x £40 fashion gift cards also to be won. 1 free pizza per entrant. Max 8 teams. Entrants must agree to be fi lmed/photographed by Pro Plus and sign model release forms. Visit www.facebook.com/events/233252244285520/ to sign up and for full T&Cs. Pro Plus can help relieve temporary tiredness and make you feel more awake. Contains caffeine, always read the label.
under
25?
Exeter to Bristol
and Plymouth
24/7
@flyswfalcon
* Terms and conditions apply. All information correct as of September 2018, liable to change without further notice.
get at least
1/3 off
singles & returns, available any time
EXEPOSÉ | 25 FEB 2019
7
Comment
COMMENT EDITORS:
Isabelle Gray Deepa Lalwani
Why ‘anon’ is a woman of colour
Amy Butterworth Contributor
V
IRGINIA Woolf famously said that “anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman”. In contrast, the “anon” of today would rather, ironically, demonise a poetry night whose performers are exclusively women and nonbinary people of colour. As marginalised groups are finally being given an exclusive platform to express their views, outrage ensued due to white men’s entitlement to a space in which oppression has never affected them. The poetry event in question is the annual Women of Colour Poetry Night held by Exeter’s Feminist Society, in collaboration with the Creative Writing Society and the African-Caribbean Society, to be held on 6 March. It will be a night to celebrate the poetry of women and non-binary people of colour, giving a platform to under-represented voices in order to create a dialogue of progression. Unsurprisingly, with the rise of the Facebook page ‘ExeHonestly’, in which Exeter students can anonymously post their opinions without fear of public
Anna Romanovska Contributor
O
N 13 February, an email titled ‘Preparing for Brexit’ was sent out from the Provost to the University’s EU students, aiming to outline the steps the University and said students would have to undertake in preparation for Britain leaving the European Union. But just how useful is an email in calming a sea of stressed EU students? Could the University do more to cushion the blow of the Brexit beast?
The University has almost no say in the fate of EU students
The email’s most prevailing message was one of support, attempting to reassure students that within the anxious hell that is Brexit, the academic flourishing and security of both students and staff were considered a top
condemnation, people began their vitriolic onslaught against the event. Anonymous posters, whether trolling or in seriousness, criticised the event for being racist and sexist due to white men being excluded, despite everyone being welcome to attend. There is something incredibly satisfying, perhaps serendipitous, about non-marginalised voices being forced into anonymity when wanting to express their outdated views. Nevertheless, their comments still expose the dark underbelly corrupting literature to this day; that the literary canon is still mostly white, cis-centric, and male.
The literary canon is still mostly white, cis-centric, and male
I spoke to a coursemate who takes a creative writing module, to gain an understanding of being a woman of colour in a creative space. She felt as if she “was the only one concerned with political writing”, and when she asked her seminar leader, they agreed, saying that she was “a brave writer”, who “tackled things that affected [her] but not white people in the seminar”. This is the crux as to why a poetry night exclusive to
underrepresented groups is essential: in order to address prevalent issues facing our society, the mic must be given to those who actually experience them.
We must fight against the anonymous voices vilifying minority groups The University may have acknowledged Woolf ’s stance, that “anon” was a woman, as we do celebrate a host of female poets in the compulsory poetry module for first-year English students, such as the influential figures of Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, and Elizabeth Bishop. The problem lies in the fact that only one of the required reading poets is a woman of colour: Gwendolyn Brooks, with her poem ‘We Real Cool’. Thus, it is imperative that we take Woolf ’s quotation even further into a broader, intersectional light, and discuss the potentiality that “anon” was a woman of colour. I am not here to dispute whether this quotation is factually accurate. However, I am here to highlight the persistent issue of women of colour being side-lined and silenced in the world of the arts, and how this manifests here at university. At the heart of the University’s
English course is a white, male, Western perspective, which we are sometimes given the opportunity to criticise from a feminist or postcolonial standpoint, but rarely is it the foreground of discussion. As a mixed-race Asian, within my course I had to endure the racist depiction of Mickey Rooney’s character in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (the same module which now features no female directors), albeit given the chance to criticise it. I am upset that my discomfort of both lack of representation and overt racist narratives being shown at our University can so easily be overshadowed by the ‘crisis’ of under-represented voices being given an exclusive platform to perform at a poetry night. As quoted from an ExeHonestly respondent to the backlash: “White male poetry doesn’t have a history of oppression, as the white male voice has never been sidelined, marginalised, deemed insignificant”. “University should be a place to broaden your scope of thought, where ideas can be turned on their head and contradictory viewpoints studied in equal measure. Reading texts that mostly advocate western-styles of critical thinking fail to ensure this”, says Nureen Kirefu, second-year English student.
She fittingly and wittingly expressed her views towards the controversy of the poetry night in poem form, of which an excerpt is featured below. Clearly, we can agree that strides must be taken to decolonise the curriculum. But before that, we must fight against the anonymous voices vilifying minority groups who just want an equitable platform. To quote Kirefu again, “literature is universal, and should be presented as so”.
incredibly lost regarding the post-Brexit study situation, finding myself freaking out about affording postgraduate tuition fees and residence permits after 29 March. Under what conditions will I be allowed to stay? Will my pre-settled status application fee be returned to me? Is the possibility of a Master’s in the UK a dead dream? And please, for the love of God, can someone finally tell me if my fees will be doubled or not? Unfortunately, for both EU students and UK universities, staying in the UK without financial sponsorship may no longer be an option after 31 December 2020. These are all questions haunting the minds of EU nationals. Some are clearly answered through the University’s EU Referendum FAQ page, providing general answers to generic questions on travel, visas and Erasmus+ grants. However, they do little to calm the aforementioned worries about the impact of Brexit on a person’s direction in their life.
Career timelines may be prolonged, with many students looking towards study alternatives at other universities within the European Union. Honestly speaking, the €1500-a-year fees in the Netherlands are starting to pull me away from considering applying to universities like Edinburgh or Bristol. Not only will it help me to get to my career at a quicker rate, but I will also avoid working fulltime in a job that may drain my soul just to make enough to get me through one year of study. Although I appreciate the University’s attempt to reach out to EU nationals like myself, I still find the support to be much too simplistic. However, I am not going to put the full blame for the email’s vague approach to ‘support’ solely on the University. Due to the volatile nature of the Brexit negotiation process, everyone, whether they’re an educational body, an EU worker, or student, have found themselves in a limbo of unanswered questions and unsolved issues.
“... it is hard to believe In the 21st century An event aimed at uplifting minorities Where everyone is welcome To be in attendance And witness underrepresented voices Previously thwarted In poetry and speech How can it be Met with such hostility As I scroll through the pages of Exe Honestly still annoyed and astounded By what I see.” - Nureen Kirefu
A post-Brexit university
priority. Students were then informed of the creation of an ‘Operational Group’ as the main body for sourcing and supplying information on all things relating to Brexit. In addition to this, an email address, brexit@exeter.ac.uk, was supplied, along with an encouragement for students to use said address for any specific queries they may have. Although the attempt itself was well-intentioned, the University may not have much power in increasing a student’s probability of staying in the UK post-Brexit. One of the biggest advantages of a free EU Britain was the feeling of inclusivity one could feel through the lack of visa hassles and reduced tuition fees. Now that these advantages may go away, I have a feeling that the incoming three-year visa applications, tuition fee increase, and funding cuts may cause a greater drop in the number of EU nationals within the UK’s academic sphere. Unfortunately, these are all things the University has almost
no say in, thus finding themselves at a dead end, where all they can do to help is extend a helping hand to those currently drowning in the process. Image: Mediamodifier / Pixabay
As an EU student with a very blurred vision of my post-university future, Brexit is the perfect accelerator of an existential crisis nightmare. I still feel
COMMENT
Rowan Keith Online Lifestyle Editor
B
EFORE I start being all mushy and self-indulgent about moving home, I have to say that the assumption that moving back home after graduation is a choice or decision is extremely grating. Of course, there is a huge amount of privilege involved in having a home that you are able to move back to, even more so in having one that you can stay in indefinitely, and even more so in being able to pay low levels of rent to stay there.
In this generation, financial independence is becoming a rarity
However, there is also a huge amount of privilege involved in being able to move straight from a student house at university and into rented accommodation. Sadly, in this
Homebound graduates
generation, having a stable job that is well-paid enough to be able to be fully financially independent is becoming a rarity. But anyways, such is the life of us living in the wake of the baby boomers. I personally didn’t really make an active choice to move home. It came from of a culmination of things. Firstly, I was too busy/stressed/lazy to apply for jobs way back in October, thus missing all the grad scheme application deadlines, meaning the likelihood of me now finding a job straight out of uni (which would have been low even if I had done those applications) is now next to zero. Secondly, I didn’t want to apply to any of those schemes - after four years at uni I’m very much done with being put on courses and want a bit more freedom to figure out what I want to do; I don’t want to have this journey prescribed to me by some big corporation. Thirdly, I’m lucky enough to live within a commutable distance of both Bristol and Bath, so moving home
for me does not necessitate sacrificing work experience opportunities like it does for many graduates. And finally, I just really like being at home.
Living in my family home comes with greater responsibility and comfort
I’m privileged in that my home situation provides a space in which, within reason, I will be able to afford a more flexible attitude to work and therefore take advantage of sporadic, often unpaid experience, alongside a part-time paying job. As someone who doesn’t really know what they want to do, the opportunity to try stuff out for a while without stressing about being kicked out for not paying the rent is very appealing. And as someone who thinks they might want to go into the media, this is extremely luxurious. I also like not having to worry about what my new housemates will be like - I like to think that I know them
pretty well after 22 years of cohabitation. Although living in my family home comes with greater responsibility than being a lodger in someone else’s house, it also comes with greater comfort. I know I can leave my stuff in the living room without worrying about putting people out. There is also a sense of lived-in-ness and cosiness in family homes that no amount of fairy lights can recreate at university. Also, if we’re being honest, most of us will grow up to be poorer than our parents,
25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
so this is probably the nicest house I will ever live in in my life, and I plan on taking full advantage of it. A lot of people ask if I’m worried that I will get stuck at home, but that’s not really something that I can control. My intense FOMO is enough to make me apply to jobs so I can join my friends, but if I have to be stuck anywhere, I’m all for it being on the sofa watching Death in Paradise with my parents in a house with functional central heating.
Image: Nicolas Huk / Flickr
The committee life
N
Comment writers reveal their experiences running for and being on a society committee
OTORIOUS for over-commitment as I apparently am, I have taken roles on two different committees in my final year. Recklessly optimistic decision? Absolutely. Way overstretching both my time and energy? Definitely. And yet, if I had the chance, I’d almost definitely choose to do it all over again. Running itself is not for the faint-hearted - it can be a genuinely nerve-wracking experience. Being on my year abroad last year, however, meant I got off (sort of) lightly. For one society, I won the role uncontested, and for the other, I had to send a video manifesto (although the idea of a dodgily-shot close-up of my face projected at the front of a lecture theatre remains mildly horrifying). Balancing my time has also been a struggle, as the demands of the roles fluctuate. Different responsibilities coinciding with deadlines can be a bit of a catch-22 as you are faced with the possibility of letting down your peers, but I would hope that it’s improved my time management (or at least that is the line I’ll be spinning in every job interview for the foreseeable future). Saying that, it was never about CV gains for me. Most importantly, being on committee has brought me into contact with some incredible people who I would most probably never have met otherwise. This is something that’s really defined my university experience, and has reminded me why I ran in the first place when things got stressful. Well, that, and some lovely stash. Hannah Stevenson, Online News Editor
E
XEPOSÉ was where I found my university family. When I first started thinking about running for Print Music Editor, I had friends without a community. That didn’t change when I was elected, but I gradually found the people who would guide me towards being a better person. When you are obligated to edit three pages of popular music coverage each fortnight, you start listening more intently and widely than ever. I now count Julien Baker, Slowdive, and Linton Kwesi Johnson as artists whose songs I’ll carry with me to every funeral and dental appointment. It’s the events that I look back on most fondly. We celebrated BBC Music Day by organising a two-stage festival at Kay House, and gave back to the scene by hosting some Cavern gigs. I still doubt myself. Some behaviours are so internalised that it takes a lifetime to uproot their patterns. But 14 editions later, I feel vindicated. Issue for issue, we have curated politically aware, accessible journalism. I am proud of our work, but the articles feel incidental. The friends I’ve made will always matter the most. Print crumples and fades; relationships last a little longer. If you are planning to run this year, my advice is to feel comfortable. Nobody will try to trip you up. Be prepared to answer difficult questions, be friendly to outgoing committee, and make sure to read at least one copy before the hustings! Aaron Loose, Music Editor
I
‘
T will look amazing on your CV’ is just one of the reasons I became General Secretary of Exeter University Chamber Orchestra and, as I sit writing today, I am so glad that I listened to the previous committee members all those months ago. EUCO is an amazing society in which a range of people come together to play and appreciate string music. Whilst on tour in Berlin, I was amazed at what we were able to do. Playing in a brewery will not be forgotten, and zip-wiring with people whom I had only ever seen playing the cello was a sight to behold. It was these experiences, and others like them, that made me see the joys in carrying out tasks and planning events for a group of like-minded people. So, I applied to be General Sec. My role has involved carrying out many a dull risk assessment, buying hundreds of candles for a candlelit concert, and, most recently, planning our tour to Seville! Though not without its stresses, (nervous laughter) planning the tour has been so exciting; more importantly, it is an experience I wouldn’t have endured had I not applied for the committee. I have a new-found appreciation for the events we normally take for granted, and my second year of EUCO has been so different to my first due to the understanding I now have of what happens behind the scenes. Whilst ‘General Secretary’ does look good on my CV, there is far more to the committee life than that. Agnes Chapman-Wills
Images left to right: stocksnap / Pixabay, Amelia Chisholm, Agnes Chapman-Wills
8
COMMENT
EXEPOSÉ | 25 FEB 2019
THE EXETER GRADUATE BUCKET LIST The countdown to graduation for final year students starts now... Cross them off as you go!
Take a picture on the rock (with or without your dissertation)
Have a picnic on campus
Eat food from every Guild outlet
Deep-clean your student house
Walk to the top of the Physics Building
Go to Dawlish beach (or any other South West beach)
Eat your last basket of Ram curly fries
Explore the parts of campus you’ve never been to
Experience every classic Exeter club night
Sing your heart out at Rameoke
Visit the RAMM museum
Tour around every Wetherspoons in Exeter
Buy some Exeter stash
Say thanks to a tutor that’s helped you out
Sled down Cardiac Hill (wearing a helmet)
Visit your first year flat (without being a creep)
Have a dinner party with your housemates
Go to Exeter Pride
Go to the Lemmy
Get drunk in Forum Library
Win a pub quiz
Images: Piotr Siedlecki / Public Domain Pictures, OpenClipart-Vectors / Pixabay, DigitalLove / Pixabay, Clker-Free-Vector-Images / Pixabay, Kaitlyn / SketchPort, janeb13 / Pixabay, OpenClipart-Vectors / Pixabay
9
25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
10
Features
FEATURES EDITORS: Niamh Elstone Neha Shaji
An empire of secrets
I
William Harrop, Copy Editor, discusses how Britain concealed its colonial past
N 2019, few are surprised at the idea that Britain’s historical closet is bursting at the hinges with skeletons. However, until very recently, the atrocities Britain committed during its bloody disengagement from empire have been cloaked in secrecy. In this age of information, it is not unreasonable to think that Britain can and should be held to account for its overseas injustices, many of which are within living memory. On the surface, recent news stories would appear to confirm this idea. In January of this year, for example, 33 Cypriot victims of torture and rape by British forces during the Cypriot Emergency in the 1950s, were awarded a shared settlement of £1 million in damages after a protracted legal battle. Similarly, in 2013, over 5,000 Kenyans received £20 million following a case against the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for their detention, abuse and torture during the savage British
suppression of the Mau Mau revolt, also in the 1950s. In August 2018, however, a test case for 40,000 Kenyans claiming similar damages against the FCO was rejected, due to it being heard 50 years after the primary deadline expired. For scale, the Mau Mau rebellion is only as far from the present as the formation of the Beatles.
Narratives of colonial history are shaped by the former coloniser This is only the most recent case of the British government’s attempt to sweep its colonial past under the carpet. When withdrawing from its colonies, the British government had a policy of preventing any incriminating files from being handed over to the former colony. They did this by incinerating them, or
illegally moving thousands of volumes of documents to the UK, obscured from public view. In 2011, the FCO admitted that it had been concealing colonial-era documents at Hanslope Park, an inaccessible facility hemmed in by 16 ft fences and barbed wire. Dubbed the ‘migrated archive’, the facility was packed with sensitive files on Kenya and 36 other former colonies. Among other horrifying
Image: Cyril Davenport
artefacts, this included a letter from an attorney general for the British administration in Kenya advising the governor on how much physical abuse it was legal to inflict on Mau Mau detainees under Emergency regulations. Almost as shocking as its contents was the fact that the FCO claimed to be completely unaware of it. Despite the fact that the documents, if stacked upright, would create a tower 200 meters tall. The Foreign Office even initially denied the existence of these files to the faces of ageing Mau Mau veterans of abuse and torture in 2012, obstructing them from justice. What’s more, in 2013 1 million further FCO documents were also ‘discovered’. These brimmed with sensitive information on Northern Ireland and the Britain’s colonial past, that were all well beyond the 20-year rule stipulated by the Public Records Acts, after which the government is obligated to release documents to the public.
Historian and expert witness during the 2013 Mau Mau case, David Anderson, speaking at Exeter University on 13 February, cautioned that even the archives that have been acknowledged are beyond the reach of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. He continued that government legislation allowing public access, is not fit for purpose, citing his own experiences of submitting hundreds of FOI requests, and only receiving documents on a handful of occasions. Beyond the obvious obstruction of justice, the implications of this secrecy on history itself is profound. By controlling and restricting access to vital source material, narratives of colonial history are shaped by the former coloniser, allowing old colonial power dynamics to survive. What makes matters worse, is that evidence detailing the worst British atrocities have almost certainly been destroyed already.
“What brings us together?” T
Neha Shaji, Features Editor, talks to the founders of the BAME Law Network
HE BAME Law network is a relatively new initiative set up by Ikenna Onyebuchi and Lombe Chibesakunda, two third year Law students. I sat down with them to discuss the launch of this network, which was set up around a month before the University decided to close down Bracton Law Society in lieu of a rebrand and further introspection. Ikenna emphasized that the network was an “initiative, rather than a society”, which is registered under the Students as Change Agents scheme. The two and their committee had entered preliminary negotiations with the Law School in October, before the initiative was set down in paper around early November. When asked about the ethos and purpose of the society, Lombe and Ikenna outlined a two point manifesto. Here, they again emphasised how this was not merely a society for BAME students, stating that “it’s one thing to create a society for BAME and
International students, but it’s another thing to make sure they feel welcome. We want to emphasize how these students do not have to change who they are in order to fit into a certain demographic. At the same time trying to ensure equal access to equal career opportunities for BAME students in the job market.” They continued about how they set up the organization, outlining their reasoning for why it was an initiative rather than a society; as the Guild and University work as separate bodies, they felt a wider approach was necessary. Lombe, in response to a question about the founding of the society and the reasons for it, described how the “environment that BAME students live under and have lived under in the past in Exeter was something that was always on our minds.” Ikenna provided some background, citing the events of last year when Bracton Law Society came under fire for a group chat teeming with racism, in “of course, the Image: University of Exeter
events on campus last year, as in the BLS scandal, brought these issues to the surface and it was an opportunity to really get more people to start talking about it.” They mentioned how they’d been in contact with the BAME staff network as well – who had wanted to start an initiative like this since 2012. They also made a presentation to the Provost Commission, who are involved in events and talks the initiative are organising.
We’re focusing on what brings us together rather than what sets us apart I asked them about the ‘Decolonisation of the Curriculum’, a subject that has been generating an increased buzz both on campus and nationally in recent times, and for good reason. As Ikenna outlined to the Equality and Diversity Committee and
Provost, the initial aim of the network was to foster student relationships to the university, and provide an increased focus on the welfare of BAME students. The students expressed interest, however, in “moving on to the actual curriculum, because we do realize that even in the classroom, BAME and international students tend to feel left out too. We have suggested training programmes for staff members and students, when they come into fresher’s week or whichever induction they participate in – so that they understand the role subconscious bias plays in academics.” Both Ikenna and Lombe did not believe in diversity for the sake of diversity. Pointing out that often students are brought in for ‘goodlooking’ numbers of BAME and International staff and students, Ikenna explained how “it’s one thing to bring in international and BAME students, it’s entirely another thing to make the environment more inclusive for them.”
Lombe agreed, stating “it’s all right for them to say, all right, we’ve got this many black people, or this many international students. But we want to focus on how these people are feeling.”
Students should not have to change who they are to fit into a demographic In closing, both the Law students emphasized the community they hoped to foster, one that “focuses on what brings us together than what sets us apart.” They wanted to provide an optimism for BAME students across campus that stretched all the way to career mentorships and speaker events, as well as to act as a body holding diversity initiatives to account. As Lombe put it – “if they say they’re going to make things better for BAME students, we want to know how they will be doing that.”
25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
Reporting as activism
I
FEATURES
11
Abigail Hartshorn meets the award-winning foreign correspondent Christina Lamb
MEET Christina Lamb, just before she gives a talk at the RAMM entitled ‘Years of Living Dangerously’. The words are without exaggeration: she has been trapped in trenches with the mujaheedin, been ambushed by the Taliban in Helmand and been present on the bus where the 2007 Karsaz suicide bomb attack on former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benzair Bhutto, took place. Alongside her reporting as the Chief Foreign Correspondent for The Sunday Times, Lamb is an author whose work includes co-writing activist Malala Yousafzai’s autobiography I Am Malala, and coauthoring The Girl From Aleppo: the story of the young Syrian refugee turned advocate, Nujeen Mustafa. Her career, she admits, began “by accident”. After graduating from Oxford with a degree in PPE, she worked as an intern for The Financial Times. Upon attending a lunch with the Pakistan’s People’s Party, she had the opportunity to interview Benazir Bhutto at the time of her exile in 1987. An unlikely friendship blossomed between herself and the politician, whose country she explored upon receiving an invitation to attend Bhutto’s wedding. Unsurprisingly, following a brief stint working in TV, she resumed writing about the Middle East for The Financial Times. She was assigned with the 1989 Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, at just the age of 22. “I think that The Financial Times were very trusting because I wasn’t very experienced,” Lamb reflects. “I think in some ways there was an advantage of being young when I got there. I had no preconceptions whatsoever – I was rather shocked by things that I was seeing. I realised that the situation was far more complicated than how it was being portrayed in the things that I was reading about. I basically just wrote what I saw, that’s what I have done ever since.” Over the last three decades, Lamb has been posted in South Africa, Brazil, Pakistan and the United States. During this time, her work has closely followed the injustices faced by those whose lives are affected by conflict, which has seen her become a five-time recipient of the Foreign Press Association. Most recently she has been recognised by the UNCHR for her writing on refugees. I ask her how she feels her position as a female foreign correspondent provides a different perspective: “I do think that we look at things quite differently to male
correspondents and sometimes my male editors want very much the ‘bang bang’. The Sunday Times loves its graphics and who’s shooting and what and where. I’m not very interested in that at all.”
There are times when I wish that I could have done more
I ask her if she faces any obstacles when pitching pieces. Surprisingly, she explains there is far too often an impulsive demand for a pre-written narrative. “I think the worst thing in journalism is preconception – far too many people have decided what the story is before they have gone there and then they try and make things fit to what they want to say.” She talks of an upcoming trip to Somalia, and being asked by her editors “what’s the story you’ll write?” Lamb emphasises the importance of being present and open to what you discover. “I’ve never gone somewhere and not got a story. Sometimes there are places that you know are very interesting because there is lots going on. Unless someone has told you something specific, sometimes you are just going there because there is a lot going on and it hasn’t been reported and you know that you will find
Image: Christina Lamb
interesting things there.” Although Lamb is now in a position of authority, at The Sunday Times, she has previously spoken out about journalism being a male-dominated industry. She tells me that the misogyny she has encountered in the industry has sometimes made it difficult to publish feminist pieces, the stories “male editors don’t always want”. She explains: “There have been many times, if I am pitching a story about a woman, when I have been asked by my male editors what she looks like. In other words, we could run a picture of a glamourous Afghan woman. They would be more
interested in that.” As a witness to the atrocities of war, Lamb realises the limitations of reporting as activism. “You know you say to yourself that by writing about it you’re going to make a difference but most of the things I cover – however passionately I write about it – at the end of the day, don’t change anything. Look at Syria for example. My colleague, Marie Colvin, lost her life in Syria and Assad’s still there and he’s going to continue. So, then you think, was it worth it to go there? And actually, I don’t ever think it is worth losing a life for a story.” However, once on the ground it is clear that for a foreign correspondent there is a conflict of responsibility between reporting the story and helping the people who the story belongs to. “This is the hardest, single most difficult issue of my job which is that I meet people that terrible things have happened to and then I just go away. If we are in a situation where we can actually help somebody we should do that. And I suppose that I’m lucky because I work for a weekly paper – so I don’t tend to get into in situations that my colleagues have been in where they have to file, and they’re choosing between having to stay, wanting to stay and help, or meeting their deadline. I only have one deadline a week so it’s a bit easier. Probably my biggest regret is that I don’t have more medical training, I just have basic first aid. There are times when I wish that I could have done more.” Lamb is currently writing a book entitled Our Bodies, Their Battlefield on the subject of war rape. “It seems to me that over the
last few years I have seen more violence against women than any other time in my career.” She poses that we reframe the #MeToo movement to be more inclusive, articulately calling for a ‘We Too Movement’ instead in order to give voice to those across the world who are facing sexual violence.
I think the worst thing in journalism is preconception I’m curious as to how she discovers these stories. How does she talk to girls who have suffered abuse at the hands of Boko Haram, without it being distressing? “Sometimes the people we meet, we’re the first people they’ve spoken to. So, I’m very conscious of the ‘real’ conflict – we want this story for the paper or the TV or whatever but they’ve been through something terrible and then asking them to repeat it isn’t necessarily good for them. It can take hours for people to tell you what really happened. Actually, I have been in discussion with different people about trying to come up with some kind of guidelines on how to do interviews, because there isn’t anything. I think that we journalists would like some help, because for the most part we’re not deliberately trying to traumatise these people.” In the process of writing her upcoming book, Lamb tells me how a female psychotherapist sat in on the interviews that she conducted with Yazidi women. “Often they say that it is important for women to tell their stories and that’s the start towards healing. How will you ask them? What kind of questions? And I think that’s where having some kind of guidelines is helpful for us too.” What happens after they share their story? Lamb tells me that the Yazidi women “feel angry that they have told their stories and nothing has happened, and that they trusted us”. “I was back a few months ago at one of the camps and the people there were really very angry. There had just been a programme with Stacey Dooley where she took a former slave to where she had been kept and went face to face with an ISIS perpetrator who wasn’t anything to do with her anyway. That was all very disturbing. People are angry about that. “I think that the important thing is, always, when you are talking to these people, that you are always trying to do it for a reason. To try and get justice, or to look on to the future and see what can be done rather than just getting them to tell the horror.”
12
FEATURES
EXEPOSÉ | 25 FEB 2019
Buzz off Buzzwords
ABB elections are looming around the corner, and as voters are doing their research on candidates and manifestos are being thoroughly studied and read, one may notice certain speech patterns. Words like “diversity”, “inclusivity”, “wellbeing” and others, keep popping up everywhere. They’re practically unavoidable. However, as you sift through the reading material for this election, you must ask…what exactly do those words mean? As a campaign tool,
Wellbeing buzzwords are extremely useful: broad, attractive, open to interpretation, and very easy to drop into political discourse. They are not new and have been
used in the global political scene as well. Who has not heard a politician use such words as “Let me be very clear”? Merriam-Webster has even published a “Top 8” of Political Buzzwords in 2016.
As a campaign tool, buzzwords are extremely useful Since buzzwords seem to be so very prominent, we must ask ourselves what is their aim? While they seem quite attractive, positive, and are good things to aim for, we must ask whether they are just being used to seduce the masses. What exactly does it mean to improve “wellbeing” at university, while Wellbeing services are under high demand? What does it mean to want to “diversify” our spaces while we have such scandals as last year’s Bracton Law Society? One may argue that there is no such thing as bad publicity and if we talk about diversity
and wellbeing and other buzzwords, we’re drawing attention to these issues, attention which is needed. However, it’s easy to claim to want “diversity”, it’s a completely different thing to implement solid policies to achieve it. I once heard that if you repeat a word enough times, it loses its meaning. It seems that those so called ‘buzzwords’ are no exception. When used for political gain, they seem to just over-simplify these issues, offering an easy cop-out for slogans
Diversity and manifestos, in lieu of answering important questions. However, there is a case to be made for those buzzwords in certain scenarios.
Take the latest discourse about climate change: in the US, talks arise concerning a “Green New Deal” the term inspired by Roosevelt’s “New Deal”, which is quickly becoming a political buzzword as people push for its instauration. The catchy, simple words which refers to policies for a sustainable, ecological, economic growth have recently gained popularity. Despite first having been used in 2007 by Thomas L. Friedman, the “GND” has gained momentum lately, thanks to the latest Electoral College Freshmen in the United States, especially Alexandria Ocazio-Cortez. This could trigger some much needed sustainability reforms around the world, and not just in the United States, as more and more people start to talk about
climate change and sustainability. It seems that in this situation, buzzwords get people to talk about subjects that matter, popularize them, and spread awareness about them. W h i l e buzzwords should not be used as a
Inclusivity
catch-all political statement, on the global political scene, they can and have been used for good, to push forward new policies and raise awareness for causes that needed them. While one should not be lulled into a false sense of security by buzzwords, and should keep sight of the policies surrounding them, it is still useful to employ them to push forward changes and raise awareness to causes that need them.
A (Church)hill to die on S
HADOW Chancellor John McDonnell recently came out with the claim that former Prime Minister Winston Churchill was a “villain”. This was prompted in particular by the treatment of miners in Tonypandy, South Wales, who demonstrated against poor pay and living conditions. Churchill’s administration sent in the Lancashire Fusiliers to quell the unrest, resulting in the death of one miner and the injury of 580 other people.
Britain’s India Policy was not conducted with pro-Indian sentiment MSP Ross Greer earlier this year also criticised Churchill in a tweet, referring to him as a “White supremacist mass murderer”. Greer’s attack, unlike McDonnell’s, was not regarding his domestic policy. Rather, it was a reference to the Bengal famine which killed around 2-3 million people and was in large part due to Churchill’s diversion of food shipments away, and even out of, India. Jumping to Churchill’s defence was prolific polemicist Piers Morgan, who attempted to rebuke Greer. McDonnell and Greer’s recent
Images from left to right: OpenClipart-Vectors, inky2010, inky2010
Edd Church, Online News Editor, debates Churchill’s legacy comments have sparked a debate on Churchill, and other historical figures, more broadly. Some people have called for ‘nuance’ in the discourse surrounding them to balance the discussions. Frequent defences of Churchill vary from acknowledgements of his work in the Second World War, to outright denial of his hand in colonial atrocities. For example, the Churchill Project which has often posted articles claiming he did not cause the famine in any way. Also, Sir Nicholas Soames, Churchill’s own grandson, said: ‘I think my grandfather’s reputation can withstand a publicity-seeking assault from a third-rate, Poundland Lenin. I don’t think it will shake the world.’ Putting aside Soames’ classist use of “Poundland” as a pejorative, his implication that McDonnell’s claim was purely opportunistic and devoid of fact is simply ahistorical. Calls for ‘nuance’ around Churchill, especially those which do still acknowledge his fault in the Bengal famine and other atrocities, are no less ideological than outright defences. In these cases, the implication is that the millions dead in India are just factored into an overall death toll; they are part of a ‘greater good’ narrative where a
troubled Churchill made the impossible decision to starve his loving subjects. Not only does it transfer the issue into a statistical one, but it also erases Churchill’s intent and ideology, alongside being cripplingly anachronistic. No good historical analysis guesses about the intention or emotion on someone at the time without solid evidence, of course. However, in this case there is myriad evidence that the Imperial government of Britain’s India policy was not conducted with pro-Indian sentiment or good faith in mind. Churchill’s references to the Indian people as a “beastly race” and the Empire’s track record in India (of colonisation, war, and exploitation) suggests Churchill was hardly a reluctant agent of the famine. Rather, his actions during the Second World War asserted a notion of his domestic, mostly white, population being more important than the deaths of around three million Bengalis. There is a frequent mainstream obsession with ‘balance’ and a hatred for opinion and qualification. This is summed up in no better way than the treatment of controversial figures from both past and present, and often comes out of the woodwork most prominently after their death. Recent calls to “not
speak ill of the dead”, referring to President George Bush Sr., sparked outrage from critics of the ex-US President. T h e y claimed to reserve the right to attack his administration of intervention, recession and Christian fundamentalism. Similarly, Michael White, former Guardian Political Editor, wrote an almost wistful retrospective on Margaret Thatcher shortly after her death in 2013. White acknowledges her closure of the mines and wildly unpopular policies but still emphasises her “strength” as the “Iron Lady”. Civility shouldn’t be put above justice and an acknowledgement of damage done, especially when politicians are concerned. It is possible to acknowledge Churchill’s role in Second World War, while still concluding that his legacy should not be ‘mixed’—his crimes should be remembered over his duty.
Image: Capri23auto
S
Sira Charbel discusses the manipulative use of buzzwords in political discourse
MUSIC
Image: annca
lifestyle
ARTS + LIT
STUDY BREAK
screen
CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH
14 + 15
Image: ChiralJon
Image: William Muprhy/Flickr
The Brexit impact on art
19 Image: Nullcron
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE film EDITOR
21
Image: Emma/Flickr
THANK U, NEXT review
26 study break
Image: Focus Me
28
14 -16
18 - 20
21 - 23
25 - 27
28
LIFESTYLE EDITORS Bethan Gilson Rhiannon Moore
ARTS + LIT EDITORS Lauren Newman Tabi Scott
MUSIC EDITORS Aaron Loose Alex Wingrave
SCREEN EDITORS Ben Faulkner Chloe Kennedy
STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Alfred and Katie 25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
lifestyle LGBTQ+ HISTORY I
Lifestyle writers share their thoughts and experiences about being part of the LGBTQ+
T gets to that time in a car journey with my beloved mother that you can just sniff it. The ‘gay conversation’ is on its way again. I’m rather used to it at the ripe old age of 21, with the same themes popping up again and again; sexual health, AIDS, and the phrase "we just want to make sure you’re not making yourself vulnerable." If I’d correctly placed a bet each time the conversation turned towards family friends with kids who are exploring their gender identity, I might not be in my overdraft right now. I know I should probably challenge many of her assertions more forcefully - but because I know people whose experiences coming out to family have been much, much worse, and because I genuinely believe that she has never believed that being LGBTQ+ is wrong in itself even when that was the view of the majority of the public, I let it slide. She’s genuinely an open-minded person - so I dismiss a lot of what she says as ‘a generational thing’, only half-believing myself, while holding out hope that the ‘gay conversation’ will become a thing of the past for even the most seemingly tolerant families across the world. Gwyn Wright, News Editor
Image: Sara Rampazzo
I
CAME out as bi in sixth form, and my brother came out as gay in Year 10 - it would have seemed a common age to do so - had we not lived in a deeply homophobic country, where the punishment for 'sodomy' was prison time and caning. I will not leave out our privilege in this situation, however, we were both sporty, privately educated, and popular, not to mention our parents didn’t really have an issue with it. The privilege this affords would have made our experience less isolating than several others who came out in the country. I had no issues with the initial coming out process, it was after word got around that boys began fetishizing me as bi and constantly bringing it up in conversation. I recall, specifically, in sixth form that a boy I had a crush on asked if I would ‘"frenchkiss" another girl in front of him, or else he would report me to the police. Disclaimer: I hit him, so he didn’t– I got in trouble for hitting him instead. My brother faced another kind of discrimination; he’d never been afraid to be extremely camp, and boys unsure about their own masculinity gave him hell for it. Boys would jokingly turn away from him in locker rooms, he was made fun of all his life for being ‘girly’ (even though he’d played national level football), and it was only after he met an openly gay teacher that he felt confident enough to come out. The constant, jokey threat of ‘ha ha we’ll report you’ was not a joke to us: the president of our ruling party was jailed for over ten years for ‘sodomy.’ There are cases every year where people get jailed or caned for expressing affection in public. Pride is a closeted affair in a tiny nightclub. England may have a plethora of problems including internalised and external homophobia and transphobia, but it truly was a far cry from living in a country where it is actually illegal to kiss your lover in the privacy of your own car. Neha Shaji, Features Editor
W
HY is 2019 going to be my year? Because after ending a relationship over the Christmas holidays, I came out as bisexual to both my parents. And my mum’s boyfriend. It seemed like the scariest, most impossible thing in the world, until I had a glass of wine that is. I am so lucky that my parents were supportive and reacted positively. My mum even said it “makes me more interesting”. It took me a few years to work up the courage, I had a first attempt at 17 that totally failed, but it’s done and I’m out. I’m glad I waited because the timing was perfect, and now I am truly free to be myself. If you’re still in the closet, I hope one day you’ll have your moment too. Yes, there is still a lot of prejudice and harmful stereotyping out there, but most people have their heads screwed on and accept that queer love is love. Good luck and stay proud! Jasmin Priya
F
OR me, LGBTQ+ History Month is about celebrating the activists who have paved the way – and sacrificed so much – for LGBTQ+ rights today, as well as the current lives of those not only in the UK, but around the world. Recognising our similarities and differences in experience is particularly important to me as a bisexual woman of colour. I hope that LGBTQ+ History Month can come to stand for the celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and solidarity with other queer individuals, whilst highlighting the uniqueness of every person’s experience, taking an intersectional approach that accounts for the specificity of queer people of colour’s lives in particular. Deepa Lalwani, Comment Editor
exhibit
|
lifestyle
EDITORS: Rhiannon Moore and Bethan Gilson
25 FEB 2019 |
15 Image: Oren neu dag
MONTH community in honour of LGBTQ+ History Month
The importance of the past Bethan Gilson, Lifestyle Editor, discusses the importance of studying LGBTQ+ history
A
S a History student, I firmly believe that studying the past is an important part of making sense of our present and our identity. That is why it’s so essential that marginalised voices are able to partake in the construction of historical narratives. For too long history has been exactly that, his story. LGBTQ+ History Month is one of the great contributions to providing a fuller understanding of our history, and offering an alternative to the dominant narrative. Not only is this important to society as a whole, because it encourages greater understanding and tolerance, it’s especially important to those who identify as LGBTQ+. Representing LGBTQ+ people in history works to normalise them, in a society which has presented them as deviant. Young children must be taught that strength, power and resilience can come in all shapes and sizes, all colours and all genders and sexualities. Telling the stories of LGBTQ+ individuals emphasises the fact that they have always existed, taken up space and made worthy contributions to our national story. Perhaps the most important message that acknowledging LGBTQ+ history month sends, is that they need to continue to do so. Image: naeimasgary/Pixabay
Image: Elyssa Fahndrich
I
HAVE a lot of straight-passing privilege. I’m a feminine woman in a relationship with a man - but this, of course, doesn’t change the fact that I am bisexual. This privilege benefits me in a great number of ways and in a variety of environments, but no more so than at home amongst my homophobic family. I came out to myself and my friends aged 15 and at the time it was terrifying because I thought the natural process would be telling my family - that’s how ‘coming out’ is always portrayed in media. But I never did. Slowly this became less of an issue for me, I moved away to university and embraced my sexuality with no shame or need to hide. I’m unsure how safe or unsafe it would be for me to ‘come out’ to my family now. But since coming to uni I realised I don’t need to. My past, present, and future sex life is none of their business. If you want to come out, go ahead (if you’re in a safe situation to do so), but this isn’t the business of anyone but you and your sexual partners if you don’t want it to. Rhiannon Moore, Lifestyle Editor
I
'M lucky enough to have a friendship group that’s mostly bisexual. Mainly because when any of us listen to the biophobia of the straight and queer communities, and a tiny little voice tells us we’re ‘faking for attention’, we can set one another straight. Or rather, unstraight. This little voice can get a lot louder when you’re dating one person, telling you you’ve picked a side. It grows in volume when you’re dating the opposite gender, because you can pass as straight. And when you pass as straight, straight people say things around you they wouldn’t , if they knew you were queer. Here’s the thing. We can’t pick a side. That’s the whole definition of being bisexual – I like boys, girls, and everyone outside and in between. I just happen to like a very specific boy a lot more than everyone else. Amelia Chisholm
exhibit
|
lifestyle
EDITORS: Bethan Gilson and Rhiannon Moore
Am I worthy?
25 FEB 2019 |
16
Izzy Phillips explores the sensitive issue of self-harm and feeling like you're enough CONTENT WARNING: Self harm
I
THINK to myself, "am I worthy of my family, friends, my place at university, my place in the world as a whole?" I don’t feel like I am. I regularly feel unworthy of my friends, my family and sometimes my life. From that last part, you may think I’ve been close to harming myself; well yes, I have, and I still struggle with it. But I do realise, and I do wish to share this with everyone: self-harm is not the answer. It may feel like a good option in the heat of the moment, when the red mist descends on the rational side of your brain and you think, “hey you know what will make myself feel better...if I feel pain”. You convince yourself it will help make the emotional pain, the loneliness go away…but it doesn’t, that’s the simple answer.
THE BATTLES OF SELF-WORTH AND IDENTITY ARE SOME OF THE HARDEST WE FACE Sometimes you may convince yourself it’s a form of punishment: I acted out while in an anxious state, I’ve made someone angry, upset or hurt… so I should hurt myself. The latter version is something I myself do. I convince myself that my actions deserve retribution which is then taken out on myself. But the truth of the matter is, it hurts more than not doing it. Why? Well it affects those around you as well as yourself. I
will never forget the sound of my mother crying down the phone when she heard what I’d done to myself. The memory of her weeping keeps me from ever taking that step further and removing myself from the picture. That doesn’t mean it’s all easy sailing for me - it’s not. I still relapse, probably more often that I should. But that’s because I still struggle, with the idea of my worth and my place in the world. I lost something I thought was a set part of my life, a big part, and when I lost it I felt like I’d lost myself. That was over a year and a half ago and I still feel lost. But I am improving, as slow as progress may be, I am building myself back up. It is hard, no one ever said it was easy since when is anything easy in life? As much as we may wish, it never is, and the battles of self-worth and identity are some of the hardest we will ever face. Everyone has moments of doubt in their life, when they leave school or university you often get hit with a thought of “wait who am I now?” When you lose a close friend or family member it hits again, and when you lose a relationship it often comes around. Some people can dismiss the thought, some will Image: @xandtor just go with the flow
and find out as they travel the journey of life, and others, like myself, breakdown and lose all sense of purpose and worthiness. It’s never nice, and can be detrimental. But only if you let it. You may be asking why I have written this. Well, I am currently in my final year of university and having a crisis of self-worth. I battle it every day, whether I am worth anything to anyone is often a question I ask myself, and even though I know the answer is yes. I ignore it and focus on the darkness and loneliness. If you feel similar to me, in any way, then listen to what I’m about to say, and hold it close in dark times, because coming from someone who suffers I know the pain, the sorrow, and sadness that can consume you. If you ever feel down, alone or lost you are not alone. There are millions of people in the world walking through life suffering in different ways, fighting personal battles no-one sees. When you feel alone remember you are loved, the people you come into contact with daily, your family, friends, housemates and course mates love you
and care for you, even if you cannot see it or feel it.
WHEN YOU FEEL ALONE, REMEMBER YOU ARE LOVED BY SO MANY PEOPLE How do I know this? Well, I can only speak from personal experience, but I know that those around me love me even when I don’t think they do, or when I don’t feel worthy of their love or my own. To whoever is reading this, you are worth so much. No one can comprehend the amount they are loved, but you can still know you are. Don’t question it, I know I have done and still do, but I’ve learned that questioning the love only brings about the sadness I regularly feel. Accept the love and love yourself, because if others love you - which I can assure you they do - then why not love yourself, because you are worthy!
É If these issues affect you, you can get in touch with: Reed Mews Student Health Centre: 01392 676606 Exeter Nightline: 01392 724000 Samaritans UK: 116 123 The Mix: 0808 808 4994 YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258
No more skirting around harrassment
U
Natalie Keffler, Online Editor, discusses the significance of the recent upskirting ban
PSKIRTING has now officially been made a punishable crime, with up to two years in prison for those committing the offending act. However, this success raises the question regarding why upskirting wasn’t previously a crime, with the issue arguably stemming primarily from the systemic sexism existing within society and the government.
THIS IS A NONCONSENSUAL ACTIVITY THAT HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN UNPUNISHABLE Upskirting is a term used to describe the act of taking a sexually intrusive photo up someone’s skirt without their consent, usually within a public venue and without the victim realising. ‘Consent’ is a key term to hone in on, with the concern that this non-consensual activity has previously been unpunishable, despite upskirting causing a violation to the privacy of the individual. The issue of upskirting was most
backed by the government. The final stage of prominently brought to the attention the bill was passed in the House of the media by Gina Martin, a Image: Vlad Tchompalov of Lords on 15th January, ofvictim of upskirting at a ficially making upskirting festival 18 months ago. illegal. It was after she reBut why is upported this crime skirting only just to the police becoming a that she was crime? One informed it suggestion was not an leads to facillegal act, ing the cold, and this hard fact realisathat laws are tion concreated and sequently passed priled to her marily by men, taking acwho face little to tion with no consequence determination of upskirting. A surand bravery. Marvey from October 2018 tin started a petition, even showed that one in which received 50,000 ten men do not think upskirtsignatures, whilst she also ing is sexual harassment. Therefore, worked closely with MPs and Cethis oblivion, or merely lack of interest, is argualebrities, finally leading to her campaign being
bly part of the problem, and it was Christopher Chope MP who first delayed the upskirting bill being passed, with him claiming that it had not been subject to a proper debate. However, he has also previously objected to the FGM prevention bill, suggesting he had other motives.
AN ACT OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT BEING MADE ILLEGAL IS AN IMPORTANT STEP This act of sexual harassment being made illegal is definitely a step in the right direction, with this law setting a precedent of what is right and wrong. However, there is still considerable work to be done, with a law alone unfortunately not immediately changing people’s mindsets. Therefore, it is crucial that there is continued education put in place for sexual harassment, in order to change previous narratives that have not necessarily taken all types of sexual assault as seriously.
arts + lit
A question of class
Zach Mayford examines the role of class-based discrimination in the art industry
C
LASS. Britain is obsessed with it. That divisive taboo, the weird networks of have-mores and have-lesses. Art in Britain often explores this obsession, frequently focusing on the plight of the working-class family, or the perils of class mobility. Journalist, Javaad Alipoor, summarised this attitude, writing that the arts world sees working-class people as a problem to be solved.
BUT SHOULD WE BE PANICKING ABOUT EQUALITY IN THE ARTS? Alipoor’s language nails an issue here, in that the arts world ‘sees’ working-class people. If artists and the working-class are two distinct groups, then one will always be ‘see’ the other; more of a lecture than a conversation. This rift can lead to stereotyping and condescension rather than expression and reflection. But should we be panicking about inequality in the arts? Well according to a recent study called ‘Panic! It’s an Arts Emergency’, yes we should. According to ‘Panic!’, the cultural and creative sector is marked by significant exclusion of those from working class social origins. By these terms, ‘class exclusion in creative industries’ means ‘richer,
better connected people dominating the classes, starting with working-class tabart world. The people producing this counleaux. The first in the series, The Adoration try’s culture, be it films or music or paintings, of the Cage Fighters, is a scene from a coundon’t represent the people in the country. In cil house. Centre-ground, two cage fightfact, ‘Panic!’ states that ‘the prevailing belief ers tattoo each other with what Perry calls in meritocracy is not matched by ‘present icons of tribal identity: a Image: Tony Hisgett the reality of the sector.’ Of football shirt and a miner’s course, success in the lamp’. Garishly dressed arts is as much about women prepped for who you know as the ‘pre-lash’ adorn it is about the tapestry, along what you with the worcan do. rying lament Grayson ‘I could have Perry is at gone to unionce the versity’. There’s Best and Worst something toewalking examcurlingly awful ple of involveabout a bunch ment of class in of posing art the production of snobs snickering art. In some respects. at working-class desHe’s the worst because peration, camped-up on working-class stereotypes a 50ft tapestry in a London in his art have won him prestige gallery. in the fine art world. He even won the TurnHowever, Perry is also the best on this er Prize, the Olympic gold of British art. topic, because he himself has made the Perry’s work finds a focus in the vibrancy journey between the classes. Coming from of tastes and social classes, particularly his a working-class background and gracing series of tapestries from 2013, The Vanity of the upper echelons of the art world, Perry’s Small Differences. The threads form a tale references are from a place of knowledge of a man’s journey through British social and reflection. He started his career as a
potter, a craft which ‘Panic!’ suggests is the most representative of class in the creative industries. He lived in a squat, learning his craft through evening classes. Anthony Horowitz writes that ‘there was a time when you could buy his pots or a weeks dole- now they’ll set you back around £50,000.’ And while punching down to the working-classes is cynical, Perry’s work also satirises the middle-class and upper-class lifestyles. The middle-class tapestry is laden with ciabatta and The Guardian, overseen by the holy ‘God of social mobility’ Jamie Oliver. The tapestries satirise all classes, and the individualistic materialism that come with the territory.
HE LIVED IN A SQUAT, LEARNING HIS CRAFT THROUGH EVENING CLASSES It’s an insightful series, in which people from every class can see themselves. A rare moment of universal authenticity, it’s art at its most accessible. As Perry says, ‘taste is that which does not offend our peers’. Good taste depends on who’s judging. When creators have a more diverse and engaging background, they’ll have a more diverse and engaged audience.
Is it a man’s world?
George Eliot
Mary Shelley
Charlotte Bronte
J.K. Rowling
Louisa May-Alcott
Violet Paget
Arts + Lit writers discuss prolific female writers whose use of male pseudonyms has impacted their legacies must have at least co-authored the, book. However, the original manuscript shows that only approximately 5,000 words out of 72,000 belong to Percy Shelley. Proportionally, Percy Shelley’s notes and additions make up very little of the final novel. Yet, doubts surrounding the novel’s authorship still persist in some critical circles, by people such as Harvard professor John Lauritsen, who think that believing in her authorship is part of a feminist conspiracy. Mary Shelley has never been given the respect she deserves and her authorship is still being questioned today. Alexia Oerter
Author of many highly regarded novels including Silas Marner, Daniel Deronda and mostly famously Middlemarch, George Eliot might not be as revered as she is today without her nom de plume. Born in Warwickshire in 1819 the daughter of an estate manager, Mary Anne Evans’ first major literary endeavour was in 1850 when she began contributing to the Westminster Review, a radical journal of which she later became the editor. Her first novel was published in 1859. At a time when women generally wrote hyperbolic Gothic Fiction or frivolous romances, Eliot desired that her own writing be taken seriously and read by both sexes. Eliot was
aware of the indifference toward intellectual female writers, remarking: “by a peculiar thermometric adjustment, when a woman’s talent is at zero, journalistic approbation is at the boiling pitch; [...] and if she ever reaches excellence, critical enthusiasm drops to the freezing point.” It is likely the pseudonym was also used to protect her identity and avoid scandal from her romantic situation with the married George Henry Lewes. Using a pseudonym allowed Eliot to write free from the constraints of being a woman in 19th century England. Sophie Stokes
Images: François d’Albert-Durade, Richard Rothwell, Geroge Richmond, John Singer-Sargent.
Mary Shelley was just 19 when she finished writing Frankenstein. First published anonymously in 1818, the ideas assembled in the narrative reminded readers of the political philosopher William Godwin, Mary Shelley’s father. It was believed that someone close to Godwin must have written Frankenstein and credit was automatically given to his sonin-law, Percy Shelley. The book is filled with tragedies, violence and deaths, and their contemporaries were not convinced that such themes could have emerged from a woman’s mind, less so a teenage girl’s. After claiming the novel as her own, her audience was still suspicious and thought that her husband
TIMETABLE:
SABBATICAL ELECTIONS GUIDE 2019
monday 25 FEB, 7pm debate: VP Postgruadate debate: Pro-VP Postgrad Research
tuesday 26 Feb, 7pm debate: VP Activites debate: AU President
wednesday 27 feb, 7pm debate: VP welfare & diversity debate: vp education
thursday 28 feb, 7pm debate: guild president
Friday 1 mar results
Guild President MANIFESTO Alex Honey Age:
19
Subject: Politics Societies: Politics Society, EUCA, Freedom
Patrick Hoyle Age:
20
Subject: Ancient History & Italian Societies: Classics, TravelExe, LGBTQ+, First Aid Society, Italian
what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?
MANIFESTO
Current President:
Grace Frain
HOW ARE biggest STUDENTS BEST weakness? REPRESENTED TO UNI MANAGEMENT?
favourite spot on campus?
I pledge to 1. Cut bureaucracy out of the Guild which suffocates student involvement 2. Stage a referendum on the Guild’s membership of the failing NUS 3. Provide students better value for money from i) Guild facilities ii) university facilities (such as laundry) iii) the tuition loan itself, especially in the humanities and social sciences 4. Increase democratic engagement with the Guild - they should no longer operate in the shadows If you doubt my ability to deliver these pledges, I say to you in the words of Jay from the Inbetweeners, “I am like a postman, I always deliver” - a maxim I hope to bring to the role of President. Many thanks for your support. let’s fight the good fight once more.
The main issue is that, for too long, Exeter has been on a downward slope to mediocracy. Our once proud top 10 university is now a dishevelled husk of what it once was, this year lagging a dire 5 places below Loughborough and several places below the hot pot society (Lancaster). I strongly follow the Reagan saying, that “as government expands, liberty contracts”. In my experience with the Guild, especially since my 4 months on the Shadow Council, I have encountered the level of bureaucracy which does not just impeded individual freedom but also that of our phenomenal societies. Both of these have to change to allow Exeter the bright future its students deserve.
I believe that students should have a representative who pulls no punches with senior university management. From reflecting the student’s views on Digital Check In to the massive pay off given to our vice chancellor, there is a clear chasm between the students and the executive of the university and this needs to be addressed. In the words of Bayard Ruskin, it is time to “speak truth to power”.
I, like everyone, have a number of personal flaws. However, I live by the Churchill motto “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”.
Lopes Hall. It is a fabulous example of Victorian Gothic architecture and my 1st year hall. Not to mention it is the main part of Exeter which allows me to feel like I actually made it into Oxbridge.
My manifesto really focuses on bringing together three important areas of our university experience: our students, our campus and our Guild. For our students I will pledge the Guild to being more proactive in tackling on-campus discrimination and enshrining tolerance and diversity as its core principles. For our campus, I want a campus that really works for us: introduce a new on-campus ‘Boots style’ drugstore, update Cornwall House (especially the Grove Diner) and a crossing at the base of Forum Hill. And finally for our Guild, I want to turn it away from the source of apathy and anguish that it currently is by reorganising society finances and creating an online platform for grads to sell off books and bikes.
I don’t think many people would argue with me when I point to Exeter’s ever-apparent lack of education, accessibility and tolerance amongst parts of the student community, and the institution itself as the biggest problem facing our university. Events in recent years have brutally exposed many of these underlying issues at Exeter, and the Guild has arguably often failed on many counts to both first of all prevent and then deal effectively with such issues.
I absolutely believe in the representative authority of elected officers as the best way to represent us as students to senior-level figures in the University. Not only do we function as accessible points of contact between both the Exeter student community and these senior-level figures, but we also constitute an opportunity for both ends to question and hold each other to account knowing that such questioning and scrutiny will reach the other in an effective capacity.
Probably my ability to constantly motivate myself, which I only discovered when I first started university. Coming straight out of A Levels made me realise how I’d been relying on the set structure of the school-day to get work done. Whilst since first year its become less of an issue, I still find finishing the odd seminar reading a struggle!
Definitely the silent study room on the Library top floor, where you can sit looking out onto the Forum Hill roundabout and beyond. Working there with music in my headphones looking out as the sun sets is almost surreal.
GUILD PRESIDENT debate: 7pm, 28 feb
H EXEPOSÉ VERDICT
AVING just two candidates for Guild President has a tendency to set off alarm bells. As arguably the most high profile sabbatical position, it would be good to see intensive debate between candidates (and the student body) on the issues covered by the presidential remit - but with only two options, we will have to hope that both candidates are able to bring their A-game to campaign week. On paper, there is enough difference between Honey and Hoyle to cater to a wide range of student demographics. As a first-year, Honey endeavours to make up for what he lacks in experience with enthusiasm - although it is a shame that he seems reluctant to construct a platform in his own terms,
instead relying on quotes from Winston Churchill. Honey maintains a clarity of stance on NUS membership (yet another referendum), and echoes concerns regarding a disconnect between University management and the student voice. Voters will have to decide whether this ideological approach compensates for a lack of obvious proceedable plans on key issues - is it enough to simply state an intention to ‘cut bureaucracy’, or to recite university league tables (with a token nod to Loughborough rivalry), without providing substantial answers? Hoyle, meanwhile, speaks from considerably more experience in societies, and reorganising finances is a start, although may prove difficult for
those student groups which don’t currently utilise the standard Exepense365 system; plans to introduce a drugstore and update Cornwall House may also prove difficult to implement. Honey and Hoyle clearly differ in focus and approach. They differ in views on student democracy, with Hoyle standing by the usefulness of an intended office that Honey seems to have had less faith in. For Honey, bureaucracy is Exeter’s biggest threat, whilst Hoyle cites Exeter’s record of oncampus discrimination as the most pressing issue. Honey’s failure to acknowledge diversity issues is interesting in light of repeated, high-profile incidents. Meanwhile, Hoyle plays it safe elsewhere.
AU President what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?
MANIFESTO
Cameron TaYLOR Age:
23
Subject: History Clubs: Exeter University Rugby Club, Exeter University Women’s Rugby Club
Will Wallis Age: 20 Subject: Human Biosciences Clubs: EUABC
SABB ELECTIONS 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
Current AU President: Amy Clegg
Are gender/ diversity imbalances an area for improvement?
biggEST WEAKNESS?
Exeter Highlight?
My manifesto is based around 3 core values: Inclusion, Wellbeing and Opportunity. Inclusion: - Work with the Good Lad Initiative to build positive & inclusive team cultures. - Establish club constitutions, improving accountability in clubs. - Improve the AU Code of Conduct. - Participate in BUCS inclusion week & ThisGirlCan. Wellbeing: - Provide greater support for Welfare Officers. - Engage with influential mental health organisations. - Create a social media campaign around mental health and wellbeing. Opportunity: - Work with the AU to create a ‘hardship fund’ for lower-income students. - Establish a ‘Growth & Development fund’ to support smaller clubs. - Renovate the Exeter Volunteer Scheme. - Host a career in sports workshop.
I think the biggest problem facing Exeter is anti-social behaviour and ‘lad culture’. And by anti-social behaviour I’m referring to the treatment of others at socials and on nights out, accountability, and the lack of respect for the community. These are issues that could potentially tarnish the local and national reputation of the university, and further discourage students from participating in sports.
100%. The challenge with gender/diversity equality is that ‘diversity’ encompasses a whole range of differences that are not just limited to gender. You also have to take into consideration cultural differences, socio-economic background, religion, ethnicity, disability etc. Inclusion is a particularly big one for me. I’ve spoken to a lot of clubs, and many have experienced difficulties integrating international students into the social side of their club. I think BUCS inclusion week and promoting more inclusive socials are key.
I think my biggest personal weakness is the fact that I am a perfectionist. I always set high expectations of myself, and when things don’t go so well or go to plan, it can affect me quite negatively. However, I think my experience at university alongside my coaching and volunteering has really helped me in this regard.
This is difficult because I consider my whole time at Exeter as a highlight. If I were to choose one moment though, it would be my first time stepping out onto the pitch representing green and white. Incredible feeling.
1. Introduce Livestreaming - To give all 50 AU clubs the opportunity to livestream their sporting fixtures once a week. - This will be part of a wider pledge to increase the visibility of AU clubs. 2. Increase Move your Mood sessions - To offer more free and inclusive sessions in order to encourage participation and boost positivity around campus. 3. Integrate Charity - To introduce a “What’s a pound?” pledge across all AU clubs by donating a pound from every membership. - I want to get clubs of all sizes to participate in fundraisers. 4. Your voice MATTERS - To run a weekly drop in session for feedback and to help you with problems you face within the AU. Will you vote Wallis?
There is a lot of pressure put on students nowadays, from the stress of making impactful decisions very early on in our time at university and the highly competitive job market. This is causing a mental health epidemic amongst the student population. I know from personal experience, as well as from research, that sport and exercise can offer a release and boost positivity. This is why I hope to make the AU more accessible to everyone at Exeter.
Yes! As a white male I have been fortunate not to have faced discrimination, yet I am acutely aware that this is a huge problem throughout society. Encouraging more mixed sports teams, like American Football and Korfball are now doing, is one way to make clubs more welcoming to all genders. Respect and fair-play are core values within sport and ensuring this within the AU is one way to develop a zero tolerance within the wider community.
My pancreas doesn’t work… (I am a type 1 diabetic) In all seriousness, I am quite a headstrong person. This can be helpful as it means that I am very determined however sometimes I can make rash decisions. Hopefully this position will be the learning opportunity I need to consider my decisions more thoroughly.
Being part of the Boxing club and committee over the last three years, as it has doubled in size to now over 400 members. I have seen the quality of boxers boom and there’s a real positivity around the club.
Image: Exeter Student Sport
B EXEPOSÉ VERDICT
OTH candidates for AU President have put forward promising campaigns this year, highlighting key issues within Exeter and within the AU community in particular. For Taylor, the biggest problem facing Exeter is “lad culture” and its resulting anti-social behaviours - although it is interesting that he chooses to frame this primarily as a threat to “reputation”. Wallis, meanwhile, focuses on accessibility to sport as a means of alleviating risk to mental health, perhaps skimming over the endemic issues raised by his opponent. Wallis’ headline manifesto pledge is to facilitate weekly livestreams for all AU clubs. Although a lovely idea, this has been attempted previously (with 2017/18’s AU President securing funding to buy equipment for streaming BUCS events), and failed to come to fruition. Weekly livestreams for
50 societies would be a mammoth task, and Wallis will have to justify where the resources - including, presumably, staff trained to operate the equipment - will be coming from. Interestingly, Taylor also repeats an initiative from 2017/18, proposing a social media campaign in favour of mental health. His wellbeing policies will also require clarification, and it will be interesting to see how both candidates’ overlapping ideas match up. Arguably, with the exception of the livestreaming (unique to Wallis), both candidates are running manifestos based on similar topics, cogently broken down by Taylor into “inclusion”, “wellbeing”, and “opportunity”. On these, Taylor is markedly more ambitious than Wallis - compare, for example, Taylor’s hardship fund and Wallis’ society fundraisers. It is gratifying to see Wallis’ intent to continue with
Image: however, University of Exeter Sport such initiatives as What’s A Pound?; Taylor seems more keen to cut to the root of inclusivity issues. That said, both maintain an impressive focus on respect, as a core value of sport and as an area of improvement for the AU; this is a welcome direction for any future AU President to commit to.
AU PRESIDENT debate: 7pm, 26 feb
VP Activities MANIFESTO Lizzie Frisby
biggest problem facing societies and groups?
How to ensure that student democracy is effective?
Does the Guild adequately support societies?
Current VP Activities: Rosie McDonagh
Bigget weakness?
Exeter highlight?
Exeter Students’ Guild has undoubtedly played a huge, positive role in my university experience. Having been involved in numerous societies, working at the Guild Front Desk and volunteering with Welcome Team I have met many amazing people and had opportunities I never would have imagined to have. I therefore want to make sure all students have the best possible university experience and are able to take full advantage of the same opportunities. I believe this can be done through the following improvements, as your next VP Activities: increasing fundraising opportunities and recognition of student group members, enhancing inclusivity within societies, improving committee training and administration to ensure a more effective running of student groups and increasing employability preparation.
I would like to enhance student engagement with the Guild. Many students are not aware of all the fantastic groups they could get involved with during their time at university. Committee members also remain largely uncertain as to the roles of their Society Officers and DVP Societies, a better understanding of these positions could allow for a smoother running of societies and student groups.
I would always listen to what the students have to say about how well they feel they are being represented. Focus groups or other opportunities to give feedback, such as polls, would promote effective student democracy.
I always feel there is room for improvement. The Guild provides a range of support and opportunities for student groups which can be improved with some changes. For example, holding an Exeter Fringe will allow for a showcase of some of the great student talent and increase student engagement with the Guild. Further, rewarding exceptional volunteers and members of student groups will motivate students to make the most out of extracurricular activities.
I often end up crying when I laugh and it really just confuses everyone around me.
Getting stuck to the floor of Exeter’s greatest and most exclusive night club – the Lemmy.
My main focus is on unlocking the potential inherent in societies. I want to make it simpler for students to engage and to provide enriching activities for their fellow students. At the same Age: 21 time, I want to highlight how participation in Subject: History & Ancient societies, and especially committees, can be a great History way to augment your employability allowing you Societies: to develop skills you might not typically develop ExTalks, during your course. Humanist As regards student democracy, I think the main Students, matter to address is clearer and more effective Board communication about how to get involved. Games Engaging students face to face and sitting down for regular public discussions in a casual settings I think will serve to drastically improve engagement with student democracy.
I think the main issue facing societies and groups is the Guild bureaucracy. It often prevents them from running events that would greatly enrich the student experience, either because the system is too inflexible or because committee members simply aren’t familiar with the necessary systems. By simplifiying the systems used to run societies, and by providing proper training I think we’ll be able to address these issues effectively.
I think it’s essential that students are able to engage with the Guild and the broader university with as little hassle as possible. One of my manifesto points is to introduce regular meetings where any and all students can meet directly with Guild Officers. Obviously, most are just an email away, but having them meet consistently in a public place to take student questions I think will really encourage students to engage even at a casual level.
I think whilst the Guild does a lot to support the societies on campus there is always more to be done. I’d like to try and streamline the event booking system, simplify the expenses system, and provide more training for committee members. I’d also try and offer more support to those smaller societies on campus, to ensure they’re able to operate as well as the larger ones.
I can be quite harsh on myself at times, and this can lead me to being a bit pessimistic on occasion. But when that happens I’m always glad to have a great team, and excellent friends around me that I can reach out to for help.
I think one of the biggest highlights was running a debate between the ECU and Exeter Humanists. It was great to see so many people attending a studentled event, and it proved to be very thought-provoking.
Informed by my communications with various societies, as well as through my own experiences, I have identified the provision of training as the biggest area in need of reform. Societies feels unsupported by the current training provided, and therefore unequipped in their efforts to successfully operate. I also believe that training around mental health and welfare is severely lacking, especially when the Guild has the knowledge and the training to convey it. My manifesto provides solutions to combat this.
The use of a ‘Progress Tracker’ would maintain transparency and keep me accountable, informing students of my efforts to propagate their interests. I would continue to be responsive to student needs, aided by the introduction of the Sabb ‘Question Time’. As another pillar of student democracy, I would ensure that the Societies Council officers continue to effectively represent their societies, achieved by expanding their responsibilities and increasing their presence at St. Luke’s and INTO sites.
The Guild strives to support a diverse range of 250+ societies and groups. However, the volume of students involved with Activities limits the speed and quality of support given. To increase Guild efficiency, and reduce menial enquires, a library of “How-To” videos will teach committees and their members how to correctly complete core tasks of society administration. Additionally, a staff-profile flow-chart will direct other student enquiries to the correct teams within the Guild, benefiting both parties.
I have a tendency to take on too many responsibilities. This year I have found myself balancing my degree, society interests, my roles advocating student democracy within the Guild, and my work representing students on the Exeter Northcott’s Board of Trustees. By sticking to an expansive timetable, and encouraging prudent delegation amongst my peers, I have endeavoured to manage.
Producing Footlights’ Oklahoma! at the Exeter Northcott allowed me to coordinate 100 student volunteers of various backgrounds and interests. This was a challenging yet rewarding opportunity, opening my eyes to the diversity and shared goals students can come together to celebrate.
Age:
21
Subject: BSc Geography Societies: Dance Soc, Exeposé, XTV, Bodysoc, Xpression FM, ESV, Geogsoc
Jay Haller
Liv Harvey Age:
21
Subject: English & Drama Societies: ShakeSoc, EUTCO, Theatre with Teeth, Footlights, BodySoc, Societies Council
By publishing a library of “How-To” videos, and by reviewing Guild response times and resources, I aim to make the society experience simpler and more enjoyable. Improvements will be made to the booking of society spaces, and the response of the Guild to last-minute cancellations. Student recognition is vital, so establishing a framework to record and reward the work individuals put in is very important to me. Additionally, training would be revamped for committee members to inform them about Guild layout, general duties, specialised concerns, and mental health and welfare. Sabb ‘Question Time’ and a ‘Progress Tracker’ will help increase transparency, whilst inclusivity can be addressed by publishing standardised society information and increasing presence on St. Luke’s and within INTO.
Image: Graham Moore
SABB ELECTIONS 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
MANIFESTO Kate Loosmore Age:
21
Subject: Maths & Philosophy Societies: Philosophy Society, Exeter University Theatre Company, Exeter Beats Eating Disorders, Bench Ball Society, Pole Fitness, BodySoc, Dance, DanceSport, RAG, Maths
Jack Morewood Age:
20
Subject: Maths Societies: Exeter Entrepreneurs Society
biggest problem facing societies and groups?
Does the Guild Bigget adequately support weakness? societies?
Exeter highlight?
Firstly, I want to help societies become more sustainable. For example, by making stash more eco-friendly, adjusting the grant system to support eco-friendly initiatives within societies, and organising a big society clean up. Secondly, I want to improve resources for committees. Committee members are volunteering their time so it’s important that we support their roles better. I will do this by changing training, allowing it to be influenced by the feedback of past committees, and by restructuring interaction between committees and the Guild. Finally, I want to improve the links between societies and employability, through both employability workshops within societies, and an additional framework which allows committee members to better reference their experience on their CVs.
I think that the biggest issue that societies face is a lack of support for committee members. On my committee, no one was told by anyone other than myself how to complete a risk assessment or book a room. While this information is out there somewhere on the Guild website it is hard to access and if there aren’t experienced committee members available to give new ones advice, committees can be left struggling.
I would make elected officers more accountable and transparent by holding weekly surgeries, similar to those of MPs or the office hours held by lecturers, where for a few hours people could come with questions and concerns and address them to the VPs or any other elected representatives.
The Guild provides enough support for societies to run, everyone who loves and enjoys membership of a society is proof of this. However, this support could definitely be improved and societies would thrive. Welfare training, a committee handbook, and a mediation process are all examples of how support could be furthered. If these were coupled with a redesign of the resources webpage, better email responses from the Guild, and an easier activities submission system, societies could be even better.
I like to be in control. Throughout my past year as President of the Philosophy Society I have come to notice this weakness and am overcoming it through recognising the many talents and skills of my fellow committee members and trusting them with jobs that in the past I would have insisted upon doing myself.
It has to be my first boozy bowling event. I was surrounded by friends, as part of a society that we loved, and worked hard to keep thriving, and we’d just discovered vodka slushies, so we had a great time.
Hey committee member! Why does your event take a decade to be approved? Where did all this red tape come from? Why don’t you get enough support? Answer: because the Guild’s stopped caring. It’s too busy sending spam emails, funding the failing NUS and burning money in its comms department. It’s a joke and something needs to change. With me as your VP Activities, we’ll take back control. NUS funding? Stopped. Comms department? Rationed. Bureaucracy? Burnt… and the saving? Invested in full time support staff for societies, committee advice and student facing activity. I’m not going to boast about how many microwaves I’m promising you yada yada yada… it’s simple, we’re going back to basics and putting students first again.
The biggest issue is the Guild itself. Failure after failure has meant students have a hard time engaging with societies, from the catastrophic freshers’ fair to staffing issues to expenses claim backlogs. There has never been a worse time to be a committee member, and this has an impact: fewer and fewer students join societies, yet this is THE SINGLE BEST THING A STUDENT CAN DO to make friends, experience new things and discover themselves after coming to Exeter.
The Guild needs to learn that less is more. Ten barely-heard-of, barelyelected “councils” take up hundreds of hours of staff time and achieve next to nothing. Did you know there’s an “equality council”? Probably not. Most of the Guild’s “councils” achieve next to nothing and it’s time for them to justify their existence or disappear. There’s too much bureaucracy and no reason to engage with it: student democracy needs to be slicker, simpler and fit for purpose.
Absolutely not There are good people in the Guild who care deeply for societies, but this just isn’t reflected institutionally. There are too many barriers to simple society activity. When you jump over these hurdles the resources aren’t there to process events and expenses in good time. It’s very easy for me to look on and say the Guild is inadequate, but I hear these same concerns from committee members constantly. The Guild needs to hear this too and act.
My biggest personal weakness has to be perfectionism, but the desire to do better and achieve perfect is both a blessing and a weakness. I’d certainly like to think the Guild could do with a few more perfectionists.
All of it. Seriously. People make Exeter such a fantastic, caring, kind place to be. University is rightly an aspiration and an opportunity I’m glad to have taken, but an experience like Exeter’s should be out of no-one’s reach.
S
TANDING in the biggest race this year ( with five candidates), this bunch raise issues that will resonate with many students. From the bureaucracy and red tape involved to a lack of training of support, Exeposé is happy to see these questions asked. The difference between candidates comes from their choice of VP tone and from the answers proposed. Will, for example, Olivia Harvey’s Activities how-to videos answer all of our debate: questions? The Progress Tracker and 7pm, 26 feb Sabb Question Time, too, sound very familiar to measures that have existed in the past.
EXEPOSÉ VERDICT
How to ensure that student democracy is effective?
Lizzie Frisby’s star manifesto point, Exeter Fringe, rings familiar too: is it really that different from ExeFest? We’re looking forward to seeing concrete measures in her full manifesto. Jay Haller, too, relies heavily on a focus on employability and criticising bureaucracy. But is this reflective of the experience of being in societies and on committees? How will meetings with students and officers differ from existing structures? Kate Loosmore offers an original point sustainability for societies - but she, too, relies on not much more than an open-door policy to enable democracy (which stands firmly within VP Activities’ remit).
Finally, Jack Morewood spots similar issues as his fellow candidates, which affect societies. But, one is compelled to ask: should the NUS and the Communications department be VP Activities’ list? It is interesting, too, that Exeter hasn’t seen an openly anti-NUS sabb candidate since 2016. Given the history of the NUS debate in Exeter, we hope he will handle ths issue with care. It will be interesting to see how the candidates’ different approaches come across in debates and how they resonate with voters. Exeposé is glad to see the attempt to tackle serious issues faced by committees; we can only hope that their solutions are as good as their analyses.
VP Education ENES BAYLAR Age:
23
Subject: BA Management & Marketing Societies: Azerbaijani Society, Cool Runnings, International Society, Riding Club, Turkish Society.
PENNY DINH Age:
21
Subject: BSc Psychology Societies: Vegetarian Society , LGBTQ+ Society, Psychology Society, Exeposé, Body Society, Undergraduate Science Journal
Image: Dietmar Rabich
Current VP Education:
Warren Bingham-Roberts
Do students get value for money from the university?
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
IS THE UNIVERSITY’S TEACHING GOLD STANDARD? As someone with friends studying across the UK, and the globe, I can safely say yes, it is. This is because the lecturers are passionate about teaching, and their research, but also because they have had a lot of industry experience. The main reason why teaching is gold-standard though, is because student comments on modules are taken very seriously. In my experience as a Subject Chair, feedback is always acted upon.
MANIFESTO
what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?
I’m a final year Management with Marketing student and the Management SSLC Chair. Studying in a Turkish primary school, in a French High School, and now in Exeter, has exposed me to various education systems, making me an excellent choice for VP Education. Subject Chair role has allowed me to see the different practices within university and how they can be improved. My education, global, and university, experiences have provided me with the necessary skills, capability, and most importantly, the commitment to make your education quality better. I aim to increase the quality of feedback, encourage lecturers to record, increase and raise awareness of the student voice, expand college specific development workshops and put more employability support.
Everyone has such different battles, it is hard to pinpoint one single issue. However, I think the one commonality all students share is not vocalising their problems as much as they can. My experience with the SSLC has taught me that this is because many students aren’t aware of the channels they can use to communicate their issues. Hence, one of my promises is to further promote and expand academic student voice, via bodies such as the SSLC.
Yes, absolutely, even when considering the tuition fees. University definitely strengthens your academic knowledge, but your modules also aid in the development of strong transferable skills that can be applied across several careers. Moreover, the experiences I’ve gained, the friendships I’ve formed are invaluable. Personally, the people I have met, and the connections I have made have moulded me into the person I am today, and will be of tremendous help in the workplace.
I am a big overthinker. I tend to overly scrutinise all my decisions, and second guess myself. I’ve definitely worked on not being so harsh on myself, and turned this quality into an asset by double checking my work, and reaffirming that I’m making the best choices in the situation.
Having represented students as subject rep and college officer, and having engaged with different student-led academic projects, I have developed a thorough understanding of issues faced by students in our academic experience. This, complemented by my perseverance, makes me a qualified VP Education candidate. My priorities as VP Education will include improving and supporting academic representation system, ensuring students can easily voice feedback and reps are empowered to create changes. Additionally, I will bring back Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) rep role to academic representation, who will argue for compromises of EDI in education experience; and advocate for an inclusive and diverse curriculum. Finally, I will support student-led projects and academic societies in delivering opportunities such as journals and conferences.
Students are not listened to. Our feedback isn’t taken seriously or dealt with professionally. Whilst I’ve had a fantastic experience with the Psychology department, this is unfortunately not the case across the University. And even when feedback creates positive changes, students aren’t made aware of that. For example, students expressed dissatisfaction with the digital check-in system via two Students’ Ideas and yet, to date, neither the Guild nor the University have communicated their responses to the situation widely.
International students especially do not get value for money from the University. International students pay more tuition fee than home and EU students and, yet don’t receive any more value from the degree or professional services. Career support, for example, does not seem to cater for international students, as jobs advertised to students and employers invited to career fair often cannot offer Tier-2 visa for international graduates.
Imposter Syn- Teaching quality varies drome. Often the across different modules, minority in the and different subjects. room, I would question my ability and my qualifications every now and then.
MANIFESTO jACK Hindson Age:
??
Subject: Natural Sciences Societies: Natural Sciences Society, Conservative Association.
In my view the most effective and best liked part of the Guild are those which are both led and run by students. I pledge to: Cut Guild Bureaucracy – It’s stifling, unnecessary, and annoys everyone. Provide strategic leadership of Academic Representation – so sorely needed to cut though Guild Bureaucracy and establish best practice. Better integrate SSLCs with Subject specific Societies. Lobby the University for more teaching and study space on campus Build a wall around that Sabb Office to reduce distracting noise. Scrap the Comms Department (who really reads their emails?) and create opportunities for student to learn to communicate and advertise.
what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter? The greatest problem facing Exeter is that University must now improve the teaching facilities to accommodate the number of students that it already has. Exeter has risen in the rankings over the past decade by focussing on research, whilst increasing student numbers to pay for it. This strategy has run its course, and endangers the quality of teaching and the reputation of the university.
Do students get value for money from the university?
SABB ELECTIONS 2019 | EXEPOSÉ IS THE UNIVERSITY’S BIGGEST TEACHING WEAKNESS GOLD STANDARD?
The short answer is that value for money provided by differing Colleges is not uniform. The “hard” sciences in EMPS College do give their students value for money, whereas the subjects like Law may not. It is unquestionable that the Sciences are subsidised by the Humanities. Value for money, though, should reflect output rather than input. With a number of highly regarded humanities departments, and strong overall graduate outcomes, we’re unlikely to be wasting our time here, whatever our degree.
I have an intense dislike of bureaucracy and process for the sake of process. Whilst this is, in many regards helpful, we all operate in a bureaucracy-ridden world, and must adapt to live within it. I have sometimes found that I could have done better by driving change from within a structure than by opposing the process itself.
There are undoubtedly areas in which the University’s teaching is of the highest standard, but this varies dramatically, both between courses, and as I’m sure we’ve all experienced, between modules within a course. It is imperative that the University ensures best practices are disseminated and adopted, and so that the highest quality of teaching is delivered. The Guild and the AcRep system have a key role in identifying where teaching is indeed gold standard, so that this might occur.
VP EDUCATION debate: 7pm, 27 feb
A
EXEPOSÉ VERDICT
LL three candidates identified the Academic Representation scheme as both a key tool and a key area for change. Baylar has extesnive experience as Subject Chair, but remains unspecific here (as elsewhere - we can only hope for clarification in his full manifesto). Meanwhile, Dinh proposes a reinstatement of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Rep role, highlighting the focus on diversity that seems to form the ideological backbone of her campaign. Hindson wants to further integrate SSLC roles into subject-specific societies. This is already something of a murky area, with some societies having found the Department Liaison Officer (DLO) office redundant in that field; it also begs the question, what about subjects not represented by their own specific society? Both Baylar and Dinh cite systemic communications issues between the University and student body as the biggest problem - this is something implicit within Hindson’s campaign, but he has chosen instead to emphasise an inadequate ratio of students to accessible University resources, in light of rising intake. This is not an issue the other candidates have tackled. Baylar is unique amongst the candidates for feeling that the University unilaterally provides
Image: Graham Moore
value for money; one could suggest that he refrains from properly engaging with the question at hand, focusing more on his own personal experience. Dinh and Hindson point out two different factors affecting value, with the latter noting that humanities students’ tuition fees seem all too often to be spent elsewhere. Dinh is more interested in the plight of international students, and makes a strong point however, when it comes to discussing‘Gold Standard’ teaching, it is her turn to be evasive. The question at hand refers to Exeter’s teaching standards as assessed by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF); since being awarded Gold Standard in 2017, the University has integrated this fact into much of its advertising and branding. Dinh’s reluctance to engage on this is curious, particularly given that she considers cross-departmental teaching standards elsewhere. Our other two candidates offer conflicting answers here: Hindson is adamant that teaching is not ‘Gold Standard’ across the board, whilst Baylar puts his faith in the accreditation. This seems to boil down to the two candidates’ differing ideas concerning the effectiveness of the current SSLC and feedback systems, where Hindson wishes to make changes.
It is disappointing that, whilst all candidates engage with the idea of feedback systems, none have discussed the proposed changes to module review systems. The Accelerate survey is being phased out, for example, with our incumbent VP Education having failed to clarify what will be succeeding the scheme; perhaps our candidates are either reluctant to pose their own ideas, or unaware of the issue. It is interesting that Hindson has added ‘scrap the Comms Department’ to his manifesto for this role. We can only presume he means Guild Comms, and is therefore unaware of the extent of their role, which is not limited to emails but also includes all press and social media interactions, alongside news and site updates. Perhaps Baylar is letting his apparent fear of bureaucracy cloud his judgement. It is also notable that Baylar wants to promote recorded lectures, given the considerable discussion which has already revolved around this topic, with some teaching staff are very averse to the idea. This is a nuanced point and requires more than a simple manifesto nod. Dinh, meanwhile, presents a manifesto that is narrow in scope - while this is advantageous at times, it also means that she will have some catching up to do on the Hill and in debate.
VP Welfare & Diversity what’s THE biggest problem facing exeter?
MANIFESTO Andrea De Jong Age:
20
Subject: Liberal Arts
Inclusivity and awareness of different cultures is something that I really believe in. Being someone thats grown up in Singapore, surrounded by multiple cultures and moving to the UK 5 years ago has allowed me to learn how to assimilate into these different cultures. I would like to provide a safe space for everyone at the university to do so as well, especially now that our numbers are increasing. I would also like to promote accessibility because I feel that its something we have to work on. People physical and mental disabilities have a harder time feeling comfortable and I would like to work on getting spaces that have easier access as well as calmer environments where students can destress.
Katie Heard Age:
21
Subject: Drama
Amelie Sievers Age:
21
Subject: Psychology
My policy throughout this process has been to listen to the student voice. These are selection of the changes, inspired by conversations with students, I intend to make if elected. I’ve Heard your wellbeing needs: - Expand the wellbeing centre to one on St Luke’s. - app accessible on iExeter including signposts to a wide network of support services. I’ve Heard your Housing needs: - Create clear and concise information packs about housing. - Delay the student accommodation release by a month. I’ve Heard your Inclusivity needs: - Ensure equal amounts of funding/promotion go into events that celebrate diversity as does for sporting events. - While still promoting campaigns such as #WeAreAllExeter, organise/back events that individually celebrate the many diverse groups we have in Exeter. My manifesto is split into three: Wellbeing, Support and Inclusivity. Wellbeing is about ensuring students with mental health problems are supported, creating a suicide prevention campaign as well as improving the Wellbeing Service provision generally. It also focuses on health campaigns around sexual health and early cancer detection. Support is about improving the safety of nights out, giving you support when moving into private accommodation, and supporting our environment by reducing waste and working towards a more sustainable Guild. Inclusivity focuses on listening to students of all backgrounds, improving Equality Council to make sure everyone has a space they feel represented in and lobbying for greater accessibility for students with disabilities.
T EXEPOSÉ VERDICT
HE VP Welfare & Diversity race is generally the most predictable: candidates have some experience of mental health issues while at university, and run on a welfare-focused platform, ignoring their ‘Diversity’ remit. After a year that has, more than ever, highlighted hate speech on campus, we at Exeposé consider it essential to consider both halves of the role’s remit. And, again, two out of three candidates’ top manifesto point is wellbeing or welfare-related. That said, between the three candidates, some
The biggest problem facing Exeter at the moment is the divide between cultural groups. I have heard and been the subject of discrimination based on how I look at the university and although this isn’t anything new for me, I think this issue is a problem that is becoming more apparent with more international students arriving, which I think has made local students more agitated.
Exeter is an extremely diverse University, and city. The university tends to accumulate diversity into one category, without celebrating each individual group with the correct recognition they deserve. Moreover, the wellbeing centre is incredibly underfunded. Students seeking help through the wellbeing service has trebled since it was established in 2012, yet the funding for the services has not. Both are what I consider to be Exeter’s biggest problems which I would like to address. Students experiencing pressures and expectations from too many different angles. Having to get the best degree, increasing your employability and having an active social life all at the same time can get overwhelming very quickly. Add to that financial pressures and it can sometimes become unmanageable.
Current VP Welfare & Diversity:
Rose Ahier
do you feel that the university is an inclusive environment? I feel that the University is as inclusive as it can be. Celebrating events such as the Lunar New Year and Diwali have been good steps to allowing students and locals learn more about our international students but I don’t think many of the smaller racial groups have been represented. I also feel that a lot more work can be done to make students with physical or mental disabilities feel more comfortable. The university is an extremely diverse place, yet it tends to recognise diversity as one large entity, when each group should be recognised and celebrated. Although, there has been steps taken to make a more inclusive environment, more can be done. Events celebrating diversity should be made equivalent to sporting events. Campuses should be filled with artwork from different cultures to celebrate everyone’s identity. I believe that the inclusivity of the University has a long way to go. Exeter is diverse but all too often students don’t feel they are represented. I have made inclusivity a main manifesto point, more space is needed for people to be heard and changes to be made. The University needs to celebrate the diversity of students and recognize how much we gain from being inclusive of students from all backgrounds.
real innovations shine through: Amelie Sievers’ health campaigns, focusing on sexual health and early cancer detection, impress - as do Andrea de Jong’s attention to international and disabled students, and Katie Heard’s recognition that diversity policies need to address minorities in all their complexity. However, whether some of these promises are well-thought through is questionable. Perhaps sporting events aren’t the best measure for how we should fund events focused on inclusivity, and perhaps Heard could have considered the
Biggest weakness?
#1 piece of advice for students
My biggest personal weakness is taking too many risks. I tend to use my heart instead of my head and luckily, although it hasn’t led to anywhere too bad, I should probably learn to rein in my personal feelings better before making judgements.
My no.1 piece of advice is to get involved as much as possible. This is the time for us to grown and learn how to be independent and we should use it to our advantage. Regrets and mistakes are things we should be making now, not later. Nothing is that deep, just do it.
Sometimes, I can be too critical of myself. I’ve noticed that throughout my life, I often feel I could have done more, even if, I’ve done well. Although, recently, I’ve started recognising my achievements more, making me a happier person.
Throughout my time as a student there are many different pieces of advice I have heard, processed and adopted. However, the one that has stuck with me the most, and I don’t think this applies to students alone: “live a life true to yourself, not what others expect of you”.
Tortellas. Ever put Nutella on a tortilla wrap and put it in the microwave? You’re missing out if you haven’t!
There’s not one ‘right’ or ‘normal’ student experience. Don’t compare your experience to others and embrace what works for you.
VP Welfare & diversity debate: 27 feb
WEllbeing Centre’s recent expansion. Similarly, de Jong brings up interesting themes but does not offer us solutions or practical action points. This is where Sievers’ experience as DVP Wellbeing shows: she offers focused manifesto points. We hope to see all of these questions come up in the debate. Overall, Exeposé would have liked to see some radical, ambitious promises that at least try to make a real change in the difficult diversity and inclusivity landscape in Exeter.
VP Postgraduate
SABB ELECTIONS 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
MANIFESTO KATE ELIZABETH BYARD Age:
27
Subject/Research: Political and critical theory, focusing on sex work, social reproduction, and citizenship
TOM ALLARS Age:
22
Subject/Research: MA International Relations
B EXEPOSÉ VERDICT
Current VP Postgrad:
Josip Martinčić
MANIFESTO
what’s THE biggest problem facing Postgrads?
HOW would you integrate postgrads into the community?
Increase desk spaces for postgraduates; provide book lockers for those waiting for a desk. Bursaries for unfunded students, those with childcare costs or disabilities, to attend conferences Oppose casualisation; challenge the 180-hour cap; negotiate second year essay marking prohibitions. Restart postgraduate yoga; initiate postgraduate-only wellbeing sessions. Establish a network of working-class academics with the potential for discussion meetings and pressure campaigns; Liaise with BME representatives and Decolonise The Curriculum to determine how best I can support BME postgraduates, especially considering recent racism scandals (I am white British and so will ensure this point is BME-led). Designate an on-campus fridge for breast milk; initiate a pilot childcare holiday club so those with childcare commitments can attend on-campus events.
During study it’s barriers to accessibility, and inclusion. Working class students can work two jobs alongside a degree, but what happens when you’re chronically ill? Or a single parent? My manifesto will ensure all postgraduates reach their potential. Post-research, it’s the unstable academy. We study a PhD for years only to find that awaiting us are zero-hour contracts and unfair pensions. We need to act now to ensure academia remains a bastion of intellect, free-thought, and inclusivity.
“Integrated” is an uncomfortable word for me because the responsibility is placed upon the student altering themselves to fit campus life. That is the opposite of how we should approach postgraduates feeling ostracised. My manifesto is inclusion-led. Whether that is providing childcare, fighting for study space, mental health support, reliable income, or liaising with communities who need me to listen to their specific requirements, there is absolutely no reason any student (permitting endangering others) should be ostracised from the community.
I’ve been in therapy for years (mental health =important!) working on “weaknesses”! I’m still anxious occasionally but I’ve fully recovered! Actually, one reason I’m running for Sabb is because I know getting the right help means you reach your potential!
I grew up in London, studied in Oxford. Exeter was a huge culture shock to me! But I love being close to the sea. I’ve spent many Sundays walking the coast (and the gull peril creates student camaraderie... I think!)
Having become a Postgraduate, I have realised just how often we are forgotten here in Exeter. My manifesto attempts to represent everyone, and my personal pledge is that I will fight for each and every Postgraduate student here in Exeter. My manifesto centres around three themes; (1) improving your academic representation and welfare support, (2) bringing far greater support and representation to St Luke’s, and (3) making your everyday life at University easier. I am always willing to learn and will make sure the door to speak to me is always open to all Postgraduate students, so no matter who you are there is something for you in voting for me.
Being denied a voice by being forgotten in the Guild and the University. This year I have fought for the rights of Mature students, and there has been a near universal response from both of not knowing the issues existed. The lack of acknowledgement that different types of Postgraduate students exist is widespread, but I have been, and will continue to, challenge this stance.
I have multiple plans for this contained within my manifesto. My plans for a Mature Student Forum crosses the Undergraduate-Postgraduate boundary as all Mature students can be involved. Bringing greater council presence on St Luke’s will help bring Postgraduate students closer to decision making processes. My vision of a centralised Event Calendar is available to all students, meaning Postgraduate students can more easily attend Undergraduate events of interest, and Undergraduates can better engage with Postgraduate events.
Sparkling water - there are better ways to hydrate, I just love the bubbles and I can’t explain why.
In the city, I do love the big Morrisons, and for the Guild it has to be Welcome Team. I have made so many great memories and met so many amazing people through my three years volunteering with the team.
OTH candidates make excellent points about the challenges facing postgraduate students at the University, be it accessibility and inclusivity (Byard) or the fact that all too often their needs and problems are overlooked (Allars). Byard’s manifesto is incredibly focused, with multiple fully-realised ideas; it will particularly appeal to those who are juggling multiple responsibilities (childcare, in particular, is emphasised) alongside their studies. Her promise to ensure that diversity initiatives remain “BME-led” is admirable. Allars portrays his manifesto here as more thematic (although we should remind voters that full manifestos for all candidates are available via the Guild website, at www.exeterguild.org/ stand/). It is gratifying to see St Luke’s get some love - Allars seems to be running largely on a platform of restoring a voice to those who might go
unseen by student democracy here in Exeter, and both postgraduates and St Luke’s students have a tendency to go underappreciated, let alone those who fit into both categories. Allars references issues facing mature students whilst discussing the biggest problems, perhaps a less explicit nod to the accessibility issues which Byard prioritises. The student voice remains at the forefront for Allars, as does experience whilst studying at the University; Byard wants to look a little further into the future, considering the academic community at large. It will be interesting to see whether the candidates challenge each other on these overlapping issues in debate. Byard presents a persuasive, nuanced angle on postgraduate integration, emphasising that the issue should not be put upon the postgraduates but the University community itself. Allars similarly notes that there is a need for Guild and community
biggest weakness?
favourite thing about exeter?
outreach towards postgraduates, again citing St Luke’s as an example. These candidates appear to have initialised their campaigns from very similar ideological outlooks, yet developed from there two differing sets of specific action points. It will be interesting to see how they match up throughout the week - will Allars’ more general approach pay off, or will Byard’s tightly-written manifesto prove more appealing?
VP POSTGRADUATE debate: 7pm, 25 feb
Pro-VP Postgraduate Research MANIFESTO TAYIBA HUSSAIN Age:
27
Subject/Research: MPhil
virginia thomas Age:
40
Subject/Research: PhD in Politics
EXEPOSÉ VERDICT
what’s THE biggest problem facing Postgrad researchers?
HOW would you cater for researcher’s needs?
I feel compelled to apply for this post as a postgraduate degree is very demanding and I often feel this community is overlooked. I have over 6 years of experience being a representative and working with the Guild. If elected I propose two things: • Firstly, to build a stronger postgraduate community as it can sometimes be an isolated experience. I want to ensure events are held for us as well as introduce more elements of wellbeing support, which caters specifically for the postgraduate experience. • Secondly, I would like to ensure that individual departmental budget are being effectively used by colleagues. I also want to introduce career development training programmes for postgraduate students, which enhance their career prospects.
From my two years of being a representative for Law postgraduate research students there is a lack of postgraduate representation in terms of actually understanding the different departmental issues and getting specific support regarding them. Not just this I felt no clear channel existed where colleagues could get support or guidance for their issues or concerns. I feel that this role would allow me to resolve this disconnect and get the voice and ideas of all my colleagues heard.
I would ensure that a clear and direct line of communication exists between my colleagues and me. I would also like to get together the postgraduate representatives of the different departments and engage with them to get an understanding of the needs of our community. Doing this should allow me to better cater for the needs of all postgraduate colleagues.
Most definitely CHOCOLATES!! My flatmates once had decided I needed an intervention and threw away my chocolates. So I walked for 30 minutes to my friends place on a Sunday evening to raid her cupboard because I wanted chocolates.
The scenery. I sometimes gaze out of my office window and admire the lovely surroundings. I also love seeing squirrels on campus I find it so fascinating seeing them living so close to us and just going about their day.
I’m passionate about research culture, equality and diversity, and PGRs having the opportunity to be PTAs and being well recognised in that role. If elected promise to: 1. Nurture the research community at the UoE so that PGRs feel that they are included in, and a vital part of, the wider academic community. 2. Support equal opportunities within our diverse PGR community, recognising that equality is the result of not equal but different treatment for those with different needs. 3. Strive to improve pay and conditions for PTAs so that they are valued commensurately to their role of being essential and high quality teachers.
I think the hardest thing for PGRs is that we have to be jugglers and acrobats. We have to keep all the plates spinning from the different parts of our lives; research, teaching, family and friends, and still find time for ourselves. And we have to negotiate all the obstacles that PGR life can throw at us; unexpected challenges, discrimination and isolation, and somehow stay strong. We can help counter this by building a strong PGR community.
I’m an academic representative for my department (politics) so I understand how the PGR executive works and how important it is. I’d work with academic representatives to gather feedback from PGRs about their needs and experiences and make sure that the PGR executive continues to be a forum where their voices are not only heard but listened to.
I’m terrible at delegating which is probably less of a weakness when you’re an independent researcher. Often during supervisor meetings, discussing something new, I think ‘oh I’ll do that then shall I?’ And of course the answer is always yes!
I love the way Exeter has given me a chance to reinvent myself – all part of my ‘midlife solution’. I’m a student again, in a new city, getting a qualification that will open up a brand new career for me.
MANIFESTO
It is interesting to see echoed in this race the same two issues - postgraduate visibility and postgraduate accessibility/inclusivity - as raised by the VP Postgraduate candidates. This is promising, in a way - clearly there is a uniform acknowledgement across the postgraduate candidacy that these are the most pressing areas of concern. This time we have Hussain prioritising “a lack of postgraduate representation” as the biggest imminent problem, and Thomas beginning to tackle the issue of PGRs as “jugglers” - corresponding to a manifesto that promises to account for “different treatment for those with different needs”. That said, each candidate also shows awareness of the other issue - Thomas, for example, pledges to ensure “PGRs feel that they are included in [...] the wider academic community.”
Both candidates show clear understanding of the current academic representation procedure; both seem to harbour an intent to meet with academic reps from all departments, although Hussain appears to go one step further in suggesting what appears to be a formalised cross-department meeting. Thomas does touch on one area that Hussain neglects to mention - specifically, issues concerning Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PTAs). In light of recent events (which include contracting issues faced by PTAs coming into this academic year), and the immeasurable value of PTAs in general, one would hope that Hussain also has formulated plans on this subject. Hopefully this is something that will be clarified in the debate, or otherwise during the week.
biggest weakness?
favourite thing about exeter?
The way in which elected postgraduate representatives work has been changed over the past year, and it should be exciting to see what next year’s Pro-VP Postgraduate Research does with the role - whichever of these two candidates it proves to be.
pVP research debate: 7pm, 25 feb
Images: Owain Evans
A Closer Look Candidates through the years 2017 28
2014 29
2015 23
2019
18 candidates
2016 18
2018 15
Turnout through the years 2015 42.14%
2019?
2017 43.25%
I
T’S that time of year again. The week of the banner-bearing, T shirt-toting, slogan-wielding masses to descend upon Forum Hill. Elections Week is upon us once again, and, armed with wince-inducing campaign videos and Apprenticeworthy PR strategies, this year promises to be no different. Or does it? Last year’s elections – for all the enthusiasm of its candidates – were marred with difficulty. From heavy snow to strike action, the overarching sentiment seemed one of general student apathy. As Exeposé reported at the time, the voter turnout was less than 25% - the lowest turnout in over ten years. “I don’t really have much interest in voting,” said one student I spoke with. “I don’t think the Sabbs make changes, or if they do, they don’t affect me directly. If I thought that they made more of an impact I would vote.” Impact is clearly the buzzword here. The question is, how to achieve it? This year, for many candidates, the principal area of improvement is diversity. Nearly a year on since the Bracton Law Society scandal, candidates across all positions have highlighted racism and xenophobia as one of the most pressing concerns. Initiatives offering greater education, awareness and integration provide the backbone of numerous manifestos, which, in light of recent controversies, will no doubt be sought by many as a promising step forward. Similar measures have been promoted to tackle other forms of discrimination. Campaigns to reduce sexual harassment and violence, improve facilities for disabled students, and offer more support to those from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds have been put forward by a range of candidates. Quite how effective such ideas are in practice however remains to be seen. This will be up to the debates this week to establish.
For many candidates, the principal area of improvement is diversity 2014 36.14%
2016 35.69% 2018 22.04%
For others, the concerns are more administrative. Student democracy, and the bureaucratic processes that hinder its accessibility, are sure to pepper the rhetoric of many campaigns. Be that by creating more opportunities for student feedback, enhancing Sabb visibility, or offering extra support to
societies, numerous candidates hope to reduce the red tape and offer more opportunities for face-to-face contact.
The agenda is sure to be diverse and even divisive
Enhanced communication seems the go-to solution for a variety of issues. Especially pertinent is that of mental health, with many candidates flagging the need for greater unification between wellbeing services, volunteer teams and specific student societies. For others, the reference to student welfare is somewhat more implicit; when asked about the biggest problem facing Exeter, some candidates described the day-to-day stresses of university life, and the lack of longterm guidance felt by many students. Undoubtedly, these concerns can be shared on a personal level by many voters, however on the back of recent reforms to student wellbeing services, candidates must be careful to take these into account when elaborating upon their pledges. Sexual health is also set to be under the spotlight this year. Free contraception and educational initiatives are among some of candidates’ suggestions, seeking to inform and destigmatise. The list of policies under discussion is sure to be a long one, and (as always) threatens to be contentious. From Digital Check In to dogs on campus, via town criers and campus festivals, the agenda is sure to be diverse and even divisive. Many students no doubt will be loading up their Maps as we speak, walking via Topsham if they must to avoid the campaigning hordes on campus. The slightly more engaged may be sniggering at the campaign videos, scribbling the manifesto points into a lukewarm game of cliché bingo. Both, no doubt, are noble pursuits. However, behind every candidate, there is most likely a week’s worth of sleepless nights, a team of bored banner-clad housemates, and, perhaps, the most furtive of aspirations to make some sort of difference. Who knows? Maybe, just maybe, one of those eighteen is willing to listen to your concerns, to reflect your views, and to amplify those into reality. Whether they win or whether they face the dreaded RON, it’s your Guild too. What’s the harm in letting your voice be heard? Katie Jenkins, Deputy Editor
POSTGRADUATE OPEN DAYS ¨ STREATHAM CAMPUS: Wednesday 6 March 2019 ¨ PENRYN CAMPUS: Saturday 16 March 2019 n Speak to staff about Masters and PhD study n Hear from current students about postgraduate study n Find out more about loans, funding and scholarships
www.exeter.ac.uk/ postgraduate/opendays
exeteruni uniofexeter uniofexeter
Book your place today at
www.exeter.ac.uk/ postgraduate/opendays
2019CAMS012
2019CAMS012 Exepose Ad 268x340 AW.indd 1
28/01/2019 12:21
exhibit
|
arts + lit
EDITORS: Lauren Newman and Tabi Scott
19
25 FEB 2019 | Image: Duncan Hull
Brex-art Greta Sanna tracks the influence leaving the EU has had on European artwork
B
REXIT has drowned us in a range of diverse feelings, most of all a fear of the unknown, and artists have started using this political chaos to inspire their work and express the public’s sentiment about the situation. Unsurprisingly, the king of street art had his say in the matter composing an impressive mural in Dover, Kent. Banksy’s graffiti portrays a metalworker chipping away at a star on the EU flag. The stars of the flag known to symbolise “the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe”.
ARTISTS HAVE STARTED USING POLITICAL CHAOS TO INSPIRE THEIR WORK In addition to street art, other artists have attempted to represent their view about Brexit like Laura Pannack’s ‘Separation’. This portrait series features couples, such as a Briton and an E.U. national. Using semi-transparent
but impenetrable latex, Pannack separated the couples and photographed them. The exhibition is emotional, allowing viewers to feel the potential heartbreaks caused by the return of Britain to its “island state”. “I wanted to open up the conversation to something more human, something everyone could relate to,” Pannack said. “Everybody can relate to love.” Brexit art has also surfaced in other countries in the EU such as the Gracias por su visita (Thank you for your visit) which surfaced in Spain set up by the street artist known as Ampparito. The artwork shows these words on a plain napkin, an object regularly found in Spanish bars. While his piece offers a symbolic goodbye, Ampparito still believes Brexit will not be the end of the Europe as we know it, showing not all sentiment about the ‘leave’ brings with it tragedy of broken hearts and loss of harmony. A final piece inspired by the turmoil of Brexit and stunning in its visuals is Mary Branson’s Ladders of Light, offering a new playful
perspective on the matter. Her piece, fierce in the deep red light of the illuminated ladder steps mounting the gallery of the Cathedral and across the Nave, is inspired by ideas of social mobility, equality and generosity. The artwork perfectly matches the grandiosity and splendour of the cathedral’s Gothic architecture, invoking, graceful and elegant, the fragility of human society.
NOT ALL THE SENTIMENT ABOUT THE LEAVE BRINGS WITH IT TRAGEDY AND LOSS From street art to church decors, artists have started expressing passionate opinions ranging from dramatic separations to more optimistic “au revoirs” leaving us wondering what will be the art inspired after the 29 March.
Image: Free-Photos
WRITERS’ CORNER Fleeting James Sutton One flake falls, Caught in a storm of its own, Lost in a myriad of chaos. Unrecognisable, indistinguishable. The ground below is a soft white shroud. Humbly seeking to do its part, It scurries downwards. But before it can make it, It is stopped. Flat against the warm glass of a window, Looking in at the glow and the laughter, An eye finds it And sees it for its beauty, A crystalline web of perfect proportions. It brings a smile, Then fades into a drip.
Wanted: dead or alive
Tori Sharp discusses the ethics of using deceased celebs in adverts
O
VER my dead body! A phrase generally used when you are speaking about something you would never want to do and that usually means that you won’t have to do it. However, in the world of celebrity, this phrase has become obsolete. Rather grimly, once you have died, you and your image become public property and most recently, the excuse for this has been to allow “everyone to experience art.” The UK have no laws prohibiting using celebrities, post-mortem, in advertising, and therefore this phenomenon has become quite popular. Many companies have taken to using the image of a dead celebrity in their adverts in order to sell a certain product, for example Audrey Hepburn in the Galaxy chocolate advert, and most recently Andy Warhol promoting Burger King. These ads always get one of two reactions, delight or dismay and always begs the question, who owns the rights to the dead celebs? Quite morbidly, Forbes publish a yearly ‘Rich List’ showcasing the highest incomes of deceased superstars, with the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, having topped this list for the last five years. Of course,
when it comes to singers and actors, their iconic performances will live on forever, and an artist’s art will continue to be appreciated. However, when it comes to new productions, is it fair to appropriate the image of the dead just to sell products? Rather ironically, it is a little-known fact that Andy Warhol in fact preferred a McDonald’s Big Mac to a Burger King Whopper. Further petitioning the question, do dead
Image: Dr Macro
artists not have a say over the brands that they support, or least not their families? Ava Astaire, daughter of Fred, was outraged when the Dirt Devil vacuum advert came out in 1997. Ava said that she was “saddened that after his wonderful career, he was sold to the devil.” The ad had used a classic scene of her father dancing and digitally added a hoover to his hand.
ONCE YOU HAVE DIED YOU AND YOUR IMAGE BECOME PUBLIC PROPERTY In a world of influencers and instagrammers, we are warned that our images will live forever, but is our face, our brand, really ever ours anymore? Are our illustrious celebrities merely artistic symbols that we can appropriate time and time again, without anyone’s permission? Personally, I think that there must be a line that we shouldn’t cross, but does becoming a celebrity mean giving up your afterlife as well as your private life? I think that might just be the case!
Image: Miwok
Alive Rose Poulton Suddenly it shifted The floor swirled around my foot like mist Around a mountain The walls shook My eyes flicked like a wasp in glass The lids began to shut and open. My mouth went dry I pulled at my tongue Yellow and green Stickers were stuck on me A little box pinned to my finger And I was alive.
SAVE THE DATE
PRE-ELECTION SOCIAL - 3RD MARCH COMMITTEE ELECTIONS - 9TH+10TH MARCH TWITTER: @ExeposeArts INSTAGRAM: @exepose_arts_lit FACEBOOK: Exepose Arts & Lit Writers group
exhibit
|
arts + lit
EDITORS: Lauren Newman and Tabi Scott
Guerilla tactics
25 FEB 2019 |
20
Hugo Beazley examines the impact of famous feminist activist group Guerilla Girls
I
F you can get people who disagree with you to laugh at an issue, you have a hook right into their brain. Once inside, there’s a much better chance to convert them.” Humour is at the heart of everything that the Guerrilla Girls produce. Whether it is tongue-in-cheek or dark sarcasm, the work of this underground feminist activist group is designed to make you laugh, and in your laughter, catch yourself acutely aware of the distressing truth behind their work.
THEY SOUGHT TO EXPOSE THE INHERENT PREJUDICE AND HYPOCRISY OF THE WESTERN ART WORLD The Guerrilla Girls have practised this technique ever since their conception in New York City in 1985. Fuelled by outrage at the distinct lack of representation for female artists, they sought to expose the inherent prejudice and hypocrisy of the Western Art World by using guerrilla tactics such as protest action, billboards and posters. In 1985, they the surveyed world’s most influential art museums to reveal
terrifyingly corrupt statistics. The Museum of Modern Art was one stark example: of the 169 artists on display, only 13 were female. What’s more, of the modern art section at the Metropolitan Museum, 97% of the collection was by men, whilst 83% of the nudes pictured were of women. This inexcusable data, published humorously alongside outrageous visuals, saw the rise of a movement that continues today, challenging canonical notions of greatness in the worlds of art, film, politics et al. A simple spelling mistake resulted in the most iconic aspect of the group’s identity: the gorilla mask. This gorilla persona has allowed the members to harness their influence and speak out honestly, without the fear of direct, personal backlash. The GG website proudly states, “Our anonymity keeps the focus on the issues, and away from who we might be.” As a result, the group’s image exists outside of time, as an un-aging entity that continues to remain relevant and to confront issues of inequality. Besides humour, the Guerrilla Girls’ success stems from their unashamed gumption in calling out specific people and institutions that perpetuate passive or active sexism. From the outset, posters have targeted major museums and organisations such as the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the Academy Awards and the Republican political party. In the first year of their existence, the Guerrilla Girls created works that named critics that “don’t write enough about women artists”, as well upcoming exhibitions that were “under surveillance” so the public’s attention as to draw to the prejudice at the core of the industry. In doing so, the art world
Image: Ryohei Noda
Image: SuJu
Snow - An Open Letter Agnes Chapman Wills Dear Snow, When will you get the idea? You are no longer wanted. As beautiful, delicate and
enchanting as you may be, we’ve grown up and the awe that you once sparked, no longer exists. Where there was once joy in your falling flakes, there is now bitterness, anger and frustration; you stop trains getting people from place to place, you even cause congestion on quiet country roads and most of all, you’re inconsiderably cold. There is beauty in your existence, Snow, but there is more to life than vanity. I once enjoyed watching you fall and cover the roof tops and the green fields. Alas, now I can’t help but think of the piercing cold that will hit me when I step outside or, even worse, the image of me
was immediately thrust into the spotlight, meticulously examined, with no opportunity for sexism and racism to go unnoticed. One particularly famous poster read: “When racism and sexism are no longer fashionable, what will your art collection be worth?” This question strikes at the heart of a different, but closely related, issue: not only are female artists under represented in museums, but they are also valued considerably less, economically speaking. After all, the art world is a business, with turnover and profit integral to its success. In order to encourage museums to represent all voices, society needs to value women equally to men, in both cultural and financial terms. This group of angry feminist activists were not just taking on the upper echelons of the art world; they were challenging the patriarchal traditions at the epicentre of western society. In an interview with one representative member of the group, she proudly commented, “Who knew it would cause a crisis of conscience about diversity in the art world, something museums, collectors and critics had denied for a long time. Now, it’s a no brainer... you can’t tell the story of a culture without all the voices in it.” But is it really a ‘no brainer’? Has the landscape been so dramatically affected by this movement, that gender and/or racial discrimination is a distant memory of a bygone era? Looking at the permanent collections and recent exhibitions at major museums over the last thirty years, there has been a conscious effort to right the wrongs of history. But, unsurprisingly, some of these efforts are lacklustre at most; female artists are still rarely afforded the same praise, attention and respect that male artists freely receive. However, looking forward, there are a number of upcoming exhibitions that work beyond mere tokenism, and make genuine
slipping on an icy, sludgy surface and embarrassing myself in front of the whole of Exetah. Things have changed Snow. I just don’t have time for you anymore and I’m sorry – it’s not personal. Once I used to make snow angels and snowmen; I could frolic in the crisp air and ignore my frostbite ridden fingertips, but I can’t do that anymore. I have essays to write, books to read and places to be. You were once liberating but now you are limiting. I know it’s hard to hear but it’s the truth. Growing up means developing responsibility and, unfortunately for you Snow, you now symbolise chaos and upset. The supermarket shelves were bare,
attempts at a more inclusive - and accurate representation of people. If you find yourself in Brooklyn, New York, the trailblazing Half the Picture: A Feminist Look at the Collection runs until the end of March 2019. It is a “radical and inspiring exhibition” that focuses on work by more than fifty artists who “combine message and medium to engage with political and social issues”.
Paper B Image:
outique
& Gallery
Closer to home, the Tate Britain in London is to re-hang its free galleries that tell the story of British art from the 1960s until present-day, consisting of works by female artists. It comes as part of a larger movement by the Tate to work towards gender equality in the history of this country’s art. The Guerrilla Girls are still active, and I have no doubt that they will continue to be for years to come. They’re in it for the long haul, and work tirelessly to draw attention to the underrepresented sections of society. With statistics that sounds as if they’ve been plucked from the 19th century, and wittier visuals than ever, they continue to champion voices that struggle to be heard, all while remaining entirely anonymous. With powerful political agency, a universally respected reputation, and acting behind a mask – they really are modern day superheroes; and the world should be watching.
a seminar was cancelled and all because you decided to grace us with your presence. Please don’t get upset Snow. I may seem harsh, but I just can’t enjoy you anymore. You are still loved by many: some young, some old. They can find time for you which I cannot. They gaze at your grace and slide down the white canvas hills that you create and, maybe, one day, I will join them once more. However, for now it is goodbye Snow. Try and take it easy and please don’t cause too much havoc this year. Your once faithful admirer, Agnes
music
the exeposé music editors give their verdict on the biggest pop album of 2019
thank u, next Images: Republic; Karen Arnold
A
RIANA Grande first popped up on my radar during her stint as Cat on the Nickelodeon Fame-style teen drama Victorious. She was the epitome of a Disney Channel stereotype, with bright red hair, a clueless and vapid personality, and surprisingly, an amazing voice. Undoubtedly, Grande has come far from this childish caricature which hid her talent from an audience that was clearly waiting for her. This past year might not seem to many like much character development from her days at Nickelodeon, but Grande doesn't care what most people think, and this is very evident in her new album. Written in only two weeks, I think this album is far from the genius of spontaneity that came from artists like Prince, but it certainly shows us that Grande isn't your regular doeeyed pop star. thank u, next's cult cameos and references weren't just a happy coincidence, and Grande crafts her music with the commercial savviness of Kris K. That being said, her album didn't surprise me in the way it should have. 'needy' stands out as a real winner, her voice is at the forefront and she manages to be vulnerable in the strongest sense. '7 rings', despite being disgustingly catchy, is undoubtedly lazy, and the sample ruins what was meant to be a pure Julie Andrews musical banger. Despite this clear inconsistency in a work that I won't be raving about soon, Ariana Grande represents a new generation of the ideal woman: both careless and strong, independent and dependable, I am sure this isn't the last surprise that Grande has in store for us. Jaysim Hanspal, Online Music Editor
ARIANA GRANDE
M
IDWAY through thank u, next there’s a song called 'fake smile'. Over a bed of freeze-dried reggae, the most indispensable pop voice of 2019 confides "If I'm being honest, I done been through way too much" Listening to thank u, next is to hear a woman come to terms with tragedy while refusing to let sorrow determine her future. In the process, she has delivered her most riveting album. While My Everything and Dangerous Woman erratically swung between sugary electro and lachrymose R&B balladry, her musical palette here is laser-focused, drawing on the vampish wit of Madonna and Max Martin. Its finest songs refuse to aestheticise loss, but look to grow beyond it. Take 'ghostin', a midnight reverie that swaddles Grande’s tender soprano in shimmering blankets of dreamy synth. It might be about Mac Miller's premature passing; the details are left hazy, like sketches from a dream diary. The influence of inward shoegaze iconoclasts My Bloody Valentine is clear, yet the lyrics are hopeful: ‘And after all that we been through/ There's so much to look forward to’. These lines touch the heart of Grande’s phoenix-like legend. Sometimes, thank u, next betrays its fleet production period with an underbaked chorus, and there is a vertiginous quality drop after the opening eight-song gambit. But here is a record that imagines something altogether lovelier than anything found in Drake’s tropical harrumphing. Grande refuses to pretend everything is ok. But she won’t permit trauma to become her everything, either. When our best-made plans fall apart, there are still reasons to love. Aaron Loose, Music Editor
T
HOUGH it doesn't quite hit the highs of sweetener, Ariana's latest album never hits its lows either. What we've been treated to with thank u, next is a well-crafted, consistent album that cohesively portrays the emotions and situations which the singer has experienced over the last six months. What's perhaps most surprising is the sheer quality of the album cuts, especially compared to the singles, which are inexplicably packed at the album's close. 'thank u, next' was lyrically sharp but let's be honest, the hype kept it afloat. '7 rings' sounds better in context but still feels clunky and forced, whilst 'break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored' is a decent tune but offers one of the limpest beats present on the album. I feel as if only 'imagine' properly teased some of the lively and daring soundscapes which thank u, next presents, with its gorgeous whistle notes and relatively sparse instrumentation. From the triumphant reggaeinfluenced horns in 'bloodline' to the dark and brooding trap beat of 'bad idea', the record experiments confidently with different areas of Ariana's sound whilst still maintaining a consistent sense of identity. Naturally, the lyrics are a key focus, considering everything that's happened to the singer recently. The songs expertly navigates different emotional states, jumping from the catchy hook and assured desire for space on 'NASA' to 'ghostin', a truly heartbreaking narrative about bad decisions set against a shoegaze backdrop. I can only hope one of these bangers is promoted as a single soon, to properly highlight the gems produced on this album. Alex Wingrave, Music Editor
I
N 2018 we saw Ariana Grande transition from being a mere pop princess into the world’s favourite heroine. Her personal life was constantly in the spotlight more than other stars', as we witnessed her almost-marriage to Pete Davidson, the release of sweetener – an album that would detail her recovery from the Manchester Arena bombing – and the death of her ex long-term boyfriend, famous rapper Mac Miller. It goes without saying that the release of thank u, next was a symbolic and necessary step for Grande, hyped to be her magnum opus. Arguably, it is her best album yet. thank u, next coherently details a journey that we, as a society, have been waiting to hear about. The album starts with ‘imagine’, a song that details the unattainability of a perfect relationship before moving into ‘needy’ followed by ‘NASA’ – a glorious contradiction highlighting the difference between wanting endless reassurance and needing space; it's a moment of pure honesty and vulnerability on the album. ‘bloodline’ discusses how necessary a marriage is in comparison to a more casual relationship. The core of the album is filled with hedonistic disillusionment; ‘bad idea’ focuses on escapism to numb the pain. In ‘7 rings’, Grande vaingloriously details how she spends copious amounts of money on herself and her friends in hopes of self-fulfillment. Arguably this is the point in the album where the hedonism grows vapid. It is the final act of ‘thank u, next’ and ‘break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored’ that highlight an epiphanical sense of completion. It becomes clear that the end of thank u, next signifies a new beginning for Grande. Bryony Gooch, Online Music Editor
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
exhibit
|
EDITORS: Aaron Loose and Alex Wingrave
music
25 FEB 2019
Slamming the Grammys
| 22
Music's biggest annual night is conservative and tired, says Will Byford
A
S has increasingly been the case in the past couple of years, the 61st Annual Grammy Awards have come and gone with little fanfare and almost no discussion. None of the nominations were particularly shocking, and the winners even less so - it was no surprise to see Childish Gambino’s 'This Is America' gather four wins, whilst Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper predictably cleaned up with the A Star Is Born soundtrack. There were a few questionable choices - in particular, despite the cultural significance of her being the first ever female rapper to win Best Rap Album, you would be hard pressed to rank Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy over Pusha T’s Daytona or Travis Scott's Astroworld The late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, was also venerated in a touching tribute. However, all was not well. 21 Savage, scheduled to perform before his detainment at the hands of ICE , received virtually no recognition or support. Drake, notably vocal about the lack of diversity amongst Grammy candidates, was midway through a scathing rebuke of the
Recording Academy when his microphone was cut and the show went to commercials. The brightest star in contemporary pop, Ariana Grande, refused to perform after conflict with producer Aaron Ehrlich.
Image: Justin Higuchi
THERE IS A DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE CONSERVATIVE VOTERS AND THE ARTISTS So what is wrong with the Grammys? Every year, the nominees are subject to a barrage of speculation by the media and music-loving public, but Frank Ocean came closest in a 2016 interview explaining why he withheld Blonde from award consideration - he simply branded the ceremony ‘dated’. On the face of recent events, that is hard to deny that there’s a fundamental disconnect between the socially conservative organisers, and the more enterprising sectors of the music industry. This isn’t a new phenomenon - 30 years ago, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh
Prince were absent from the 31st Grammys as a protest towards the rap awards being omitted from the televised broadcast. In an age of music where artists such as Chance the Rapper can flourish without fat-cat record deals, there appears to be a growing divide between the traditional music industry and those previously excluded from it. And try as they might, the Recording Academy is out of touch. The conservatism of the Grammy process, combined with comically inept mishaps keeping superstars like Grande away, erodes their reputation far quicker than risky nominations ever could. This article isn’t intended to minimise the achievements of the artists- Album of the Year winner Kacey Musgraves deserves plaudits for superbly using her platform to support the LGBTQ+ community. This is an indictment for a tired and worn-out ceremony. Previously a highlight on the music calendar, the influence of the Golden Gramophones fades, year by uninspiring year. Maybe give it a miss next time around.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Thank EU for the Music
Hannah Stevenson, Online News Editor, explores the potential impact of Brexit on the UK music industry
W
HETHER it's because the ramifications of Brexit are not fully known, or because of the fear that bringing music back into the debate might give Theresa May an excuse to start dancing again, Brexit's potential impact on British music is rarely discussed. Yet as we hurtle towards a no-deal outcome, it looks like leaving the EU could throw the UK music industry into bleak uncertainty. Undeniably, the £4.7bn UK industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. British acts, including The Rolling Stones and Coldplay, represent five of the top ten most successful 2017 tours, whilst Ed Sheeran became the biggest-selling international artist in the same year. Exports of British music grew by 7% in 2017, and a whopping 13% in 2016. Clearly, Brexit has neither lessened global appetite for British artists, nor the desire to reach an international fan base. Nonetheless, the future remains uncertain. If nothing else is clear from current
negotiations, Brexit is a bureaucratic headache, and the music industry will not be exempt. One area that has concerned the Musicians' Union is copyright. Much of present copyright law is enshrined in European law, including the 2011 amendment extending copyright to 70 years, and the soon-to-be implemented EU Copyright Directive, which will strengthen an artist's rights on digital platforms such as YouTube.
At present, no guarantee has been made that either of these laws will be incorporated into UK legislation. The Musicians' Union's fear is that “any government easily swayed by tech giants and their corporate lobbying powers will sell out the UK’s musicians”.
BRITISH ARTISTS WISHING TO TOUR EUROPE WILL NEED COSTLY VISAS
Image: Kathu Rudminat
However, a greater issue is what happens with freedom of movement. British artists wishing to tour Europe will now face the costly matter of obtaining visas and transporting equipment overseas. Mounting bureaucratic costs could push hopes of playing in Europe out of reach, as small the margins of touring often are. Meanwhile, there is increasing worry that international artists may be deterred from performing in Britain. Currently, non-EU artists
can gain “permitted paid engagement” visas to perform in the UK, but this is only available if evidence of an artist’s international reputation can be provided. Meanwhile, a white paper submitted to the government in December suggested that immigrant workers meet a £30,000 annual income threshold to be able to apply for a five-year visa- a figure that supersedes the average musician’s income by nearly £10,000. Boomtown Rats front-man and activist Bob Geldof has described a no-deal Brexit in an open letter to the Prime Minister as a “cultural jail”. As aspiring international talent is locked out and rising British stars are locked in, political uncertainty would further threaten to suffocate the UK's lucrative music industry. So, on second thoughts, maybe we should actively encourage Theresa May to throw some more questionable shapes, if only to lead her to safeguard the UK music industry and protecting British musicians’ fair chance at enterprise.
Editors' Picks
Images: Polydor, Arista, Universal, Thierry Curo
Reach Out (1967) by Burt Bacharach
New Atlantis (2019) by Efdenim
Hold Your Colour (2005) by Pendulum
Souvlaki (1994) by Slowdive
exhibit
G
|
EDITORS: Aaron Loose and Alex Wingrave
music
25 FEB 2019 | 23
Genre Introduction: Country Richard Ainslie rides for popular music's unsung country bumpkins
ATHER round and ready yourself, don your blue jeans and dust off your banjo, because I am going to take you on a whistle-stop tour of one of the richest genres in pop's store cupboard – country. A genre that has long been maligned, often only remembered as an omission: "you can put on anything, just not country!". It is one of the oldest, most complex and most sinuous genres around, it is a sun-baked, weather-beaten, twinkly-eyed grandfather sitting on the front porch of the music industry with stories to tell and an eye for the sunset. Before we sit and listen though, I must make a disclaimer about a vile recent mutation. It is called 'bro-country', its prophets are Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line, its disciples are many and it is a pickup-trucking, women-disrespecting, beersoaking trash-heap. Try imagining something on par with Lil Pump in a cornfield, wearing a cowboy hat. With bro-country thrown out the saloon window, let’s see what this genre really has to offer. We do not need to look far for the origins of country music, as the US Congress has given it a birthday. The Bristol, Tennessee, recording sessions of 1927 are officially the first country
music sessions. From birth in Bristol to the coma of bro-country, six distinct generations have passed. The first, the dawn of country, is probably too dated for modern listeners, but if you are so inclined, Essential Jimmie Rodgers is a perfect slice of those early recordings. The second was led by radio bands and Honky-tonk singers such as Hank Williams, who died sadly aged 29 of drug abuse, after only five years of recording, yet he is cited as an influence by Bob Dylan, Elvis and Chuck Berry – not a bad list. Essential listening is Williams’ 40 Greatest Hits and a YouTube clip of Ramblin’ Tommy Scott and his radio band singing ‘She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain’. The '50s arrived, and country began to dance
with rock'n'roll as Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn picked up guitars. It is worth detouring here, for a look at country’s most famous and most productive legend. Cash’s career spans nearly 50 years and 71 albums. To get a full cross section, listen to American Recordings, At Folsom Prison and Hymns by Johnny Cash. The '60s, Vietnam and the counterculture hit every genre hard, and it knocked country into generation four: Outlaw Country. Willie Nelson, the man who out-smoked Snoop Dogg, is the greatest Outlaw artist and Red Headed Stranger is your correspondent’s favourite of his albums. At this point country fused also with pop, giving us Dolly Parton, John Denver and a whole lot of taking home down counImage: Ralph Avresen try roads to West Virginia.
Gen five came with the '90s, and Garth Brooks happened. The best-selling artist you’ve never heard of, Brooks has outsold ABBA, Justin Bieber, and Kanye.
COUNTRY IS ONE OF THE RICHEST GENRES IN POP'S STORE CUPBOARD More happily, however, than another white man in a cowboy hat, the '90s gave women their break. Shania Twain’s Come On Over is essential listening. The sixth generation which we suffer from today, in my opinion, sounds best when not listened to. It is defined by Nashville preened wax models such as Taylor Swift and Luke Bryan. If you must though, best stay away from the US Tussaud's and try elsewhere, The Foundation by the Zac Brown Band and Need You Now by Lady Antebellum are strong pieces of work. These six generations are the sum of country music, but the recommendations given are only the strings on the guitar. There is plenty to discover out there, so go and explore the cornfield.
The Instrumentals
E
VER since I can remember, I have been surrounded by brass bands. My parents have played in them for the entirety of my life and I was always involved in various capacities— be it playing or being dragged along to watch. When I was around four years Image: Helen Church
old, I was thrust down the road to the place our local brass band practised, the Lawrence Hall. This fairly dingy, cold and bland room was where I learned how to play cornet under the teaching of my dad, now the conductor of Cholsey Silver Band. This instrument, a gungy and brass-gold rental, was the first instrument I played in any meaningful way and was a permanent addition to my bedroom for a very long time. For the better part of 11 years, I lugged this thing the roughly eight-minute walk to the band hall every Tuesday.
I FOUND IT CRIPPILINGLY HILARIOUS TO ATTEMPT TO DEAFEN MY PARENTS WITH A C SCALE As part of the junior band, I was taught how to blast out a note. I say blast because I found it cripplingly hilarious to just throw caution to the wind and attempt to deafen my parents with what I thought was probably a C major scale. Dad taught me to sit up straight, keep my cheeks in, and pitch something approaching a listenable note out of the cornet. One session involved pointing pencils at each cheek to make sure I didn’t cheat and blow them out. Playing in the brass band itself, and playing cornet in general, was something my child self always complained about. It was tiring and often frustrating. The option to stop
was always there, but I never did because being in that band environment was exciting and fun and communal. We’d play hymns, marches, instrumental suits—all sorts. Once I’d moved up to the adult band with some of the other juniors, it was a chance for me to see my parents in another element that wasn’t just them pandering to my childhood complaints. Truth be told, dealing with a 13 year-old who would moan, just because he felt it would be wrong not to, was probably exhausting for them. I played concerts in local bandstands in high summer and churches and schools in winter, where I'd blow out something resembling a tune out of the cornet three part. I learned to love the marches, hymns, and film soundtracks, no matter what I would have admitted to at the time. There’s something really heart-warming about a 30-strong group, ages ranging at times from 8 to 80, practising every week and then hitting up the pub. There’s also something beautiful about brass bands, and something deeply community-focused. Not ‘community focused’ as the term is often thrown around, usually accompanied by a lament of ‘kids these days’ or the ‘current state of things’ compared to a ‘good ol past’. The workingclass historical roots of brass bands, in isolated towns and villages full of workers who used music as a means of community, allow them to be a check to the arguable snobbery surrounding much childhood music.
KATE NASH
Image: Interscope
Brass bands make communities stronger, argues Edd Church, Online News Editor
Remember This? MADE OF BRICKS AUG 2007
Image: Hassle
S
HOT into a musical climate where Lily Allen and Jamie T were making cheeky London accents a distinct and popular marker, Kate Nash’s perky assortment of bubble-gum pop and indie-rock gained some fans in its time, but has been left largely forgotten. With adolescent introspection and self-indulgence, Nash rattles through heart-torn confessions that deprecate herself as much as her past partners. Each track sits as an entry into an uncanny diary, finding buckets of emotion in the ordinary, as we’re left to rustle through a sizzling coyness to grasp onto the aching reflections on youthful love that sit at the bottom. When she’s at her strongest, she marries both at once: ‘Foundations’ is a piano-driven pop juggernaut, where Nash manages to turn slang-laden phrases that are equal parts flippant and poignant at every single corner. Amidst a seemingly haphazard arrangement of contrasting tempos and peculiar sampling, Kate Nash still manages to string together an almost indefinable coherence. One that sings to a distinctly adolescent emotional conflict: navigating the intense whirlwind of maturing with a determination to not take anything too seriously. Ben Faulkner, Screen Editor
personalised.clothing/exeterguild Looking to order great quality, personalised stash for your group, campaign or society? Yazzoo is the Students' Guild partner for all your student stash needs, at incredible prices. Fast Delivery - No Minimum Quantity - Bulk Discounts - Printed and Embroidered with your Custom Design.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
screen
Bright young things Screen writers illuminate some of the industry’s most promising talents Images (from left): Mavern Pictures; Met Film Productions; Fremulon; Filmpost.it
K
J
NOWN for her role as Star in Andrea Arnold’s American Honey – a film about traveling magazine sales crews which won the Jury Prize at Cannes – Sasha Lane is a pure talent. Funnily enough, Lane got in to the acting game by accident, being spotted, and asked to audition, by Arnold whilst sunbathing on a beach on spring break. Working also with another great female director, Desiree Akhavan, alongside Chloe Grace Moretz, Lane shines as a gay teen suffering conversion therapy whilst continuing to maintain her positive spirit in The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Lane acts with ease and simply portrays complex characters with memorable flair and uniqueness. In 2018, Lane starred alongside Nick Offerman and Kiersay Clemons in Heart Beats Loud, a comedy-drama music film. Lane uses cinema and her fame to bring about change; being openly bisexual Lane has often spoken out about lack of representation and rightly so. Cinema can bring a deeper understanding of things that aren’t usually represented and raise issues. Being part of many succeeding Sundance films, Lane is a talent with a bright future ahead of her. She started as a star, and continues to be, in every role she takes on.
OSH O’Connor in God’s Own Country is the definition of a transformative actor. O’Connor provides stark characteristics to the role of the protagonist, Johnny: his posture, his need to always be looking down (only emphasising the beauty in how Gheorghe showed him to look up), as well as a seemingly constant shallow breath, as if to say he is always longing for relief, a struggle for some ‘fresh air’ even in the open fields of God’s Own Country. Director Francis Lee was so impressed by his accent in his video audition that he was certain they’d found a local actor for the role. O’Connor has also discussed in interview his process, how he worked on a farm for a month before shooting and collated a scrapbook of images and feelings around the character in order to truly understand Johnny inside out. If this is the quality of his performance in his debut major role, we only have a whole career of impeccable performances to look forward to. Maybe this just happened to be the perfect role for him, but I think O’Connor has the potential, dedication and understanding of what it is to act to make any role, his perfect role.
Chloe Kennedy, Screen Editor
Isabelle Gray, Comment Editor
U
NLESS you classify yourself as a Brooklyn Nine Nine fan, you probably don’t know the name Stephanie Beatriz. That being said, it’s likely that you’ll recognise her face and/or voice – Beatriz is gaining notoriety in Hollywood, stepping into the spotlight with the role of Rosa Diaz in NBC’s Brooklyn Nine Nine, but also undertaking just as many roles in the voice acting world. She’s starred in Bob’s Burgers, Bojack Horseman, Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, and even the latest instalment of the Ice Age franchise. Beatriz’ rise in notoriety can’t solely be attributed to her roles – at least part of her recognition is due to her status as an outspoken member of the LGBTQ+ community. Not only coming out publicly as a bisexual woman, Beatriz portrays a bisexual character in Brooklyn Nine Nine, and directly calls for representation in modern media. This media attention from such a significant narrative decision has only brought more attention to Beatriz, and in turn, her talent and dedication in acting. As she begins to gain part after part in a myriad of franchises, as well as indie films, such as The Light of the Moon and Closure, I’m certain she’ll be appearing on all our screens, in a variety of narrative contexts, more and more often.
Amelia Chisholm
S
INCE his breakout role as the young Alan Turing in Morten Tyldum’s The Imitation Game, Lawther’s upward trajectory in the film and TV realm is undeniable. In 2017, Lawther starred in the commended dark-comedy series The End of the Fu**ing World. Based upon a graphic novel, his performance as a budding psychopath was upheld as a seasoned characterisation from a performer so new to the screen. Lawther’s fixed stare, awkward demeanour and sardonic voiceover captured a deadpan authenticity that many would fail to achieve. You can’t help but become endeared by Lawther’s wayward James, as we follow the trials of James’ plans to kill his companion Alyssa in cold blood. Failing at every turn, we empathise with James’ failed identity, not the callous psychopath he labelled himself as. Suited to playing a disturbed psyche, Lawther’s performance as blackmailed teen Kenny in the Black Mirror episode ‘Shut Up and Dance’ anchors the episode. As a boy driven by desperation to conceal the truth by any means, Lawther paints a frenzied image of teenage angst. Undoubtedly, Lawther is on the path to becoming a British acting great.
Catherine Lloyd
Editors’ Picks Images: Woodfall Film Productions; Amazon Studios; Channel 4; Paramount Pictures
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960)
I Love Dick (2016-2017)
Pure (2019-)
It (1927)
exhibit
|
EDITORS: Ben Faulkner and Chloe Kennedy
screen
25 FEB 2019
Cinematographer Spotlight
|
26
Images: popculturenerd; themov-
Fenton Christmas, Deputy Editor, discusses Robert Richardson’s mastery
Robert Richardson Winner of 3 Academy Awards 9 Academy Nominations
C
ONTEMPORARY understandings of cinematography remain indebted to a select few all-time greats of the art that set the benchmark of distinguished cinematic photography. In this vein, Robert Richardson has spent the last thirty years or so establishing himself as one of the greatest cinematographers of all time. His work across the last four decades has seen him earn three Academy Awards from a stunning nine nominations through consistent collaborations with some of film’s most revered and influential directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese and Oliver Stone. Yet somehow Richardson retains some sense of inconspicuousness, per-
haps indicative of the role of the cinematographer itself, but mainly through his understated and flexible style with specific charges that become attributed – incorrectly – to those illustrious directors. Within Richardson’s style, there remains certain lighting elements (that my cinematic formalist brain refuses to ignore) that have culminated in innovative utilisations of “constructed” natural light. Watch any Tarantino film in the last fifteen years and you’ll notice a consistency in lighting despite the radically different narrative contexts. Richardson chooses not to light his subjects with an idea of “realistic” light sources, more driven by the character’s context within the narrative at any given moment. He predominately utilises hard top and back lights, rarely using light sources from camera-side of the subject. This gives rise to heavy rim lighting around the characters in frame that are traditionally reserved for silhouettes. But Richardson combats this through his unique use of low bounce-back from either physical, diegetic objects such as tables or bars, or low bounce guards through lens nets to reduce any potential overexposure. This style of lighting requires such precision of both lighting and camera placement.
The combination of his specific lighting technique and his use of shallow depth of fields and prime lenses puts a heavy emphasis on characters. Even through his use of wider lenses later in his career, Richardson retains a heavy focus on character within his framing. This is the reason he’s so sought after by the likes of Tarantino and Scorsese, both character driven directors with a flair for the purely cinematic. Richardson often shoots on cranes and tripods rather than handheld or shoulder mounts that give his shots a stationary aesthetic. The use of boom pans and whip zooms become accentuated in contrast to the static nature of the majority of shots, whilst simultaneously calling back to more “classical” techniques of the 1950s and ‘60s. Richardson seemingly treasures the pure art of filmmaking as evident through his preference for shooting on film – even within this digital age. Whilst filming The Hateful Eight, Richardson and Tarantino agreed to film using Ultra Panavision on 70mm film to reach a classical extreme anamorphic ratio reminiscent of 60s westerns. For Kill Bill, Richardson and his team produced multiple copies from the physical film to wear it out and achieve an increased grain upon the final print, comparable to the old exploitation
films that famously inspired Tarantino. Away from the technicalities of the role, Richardson has notoriously excelled in to control of depth and tone on his final prints. Even on wide, anamorphic lenses, he utilises a certain level of atmospheric, tonal perspective to imply a sense of depth that might not otherwise be there. The use of vertical objects such as trees or pillars contrast backgrounds tones and intimate an allusion of depth. It stems from Richardson’s shift of tone from masters to final prints that see the introduction of dulcet blues, oranges or yellows. Most notably used in Hugo to give a rather ethereal look to the environment the protagonist finds himself enclosed within. Regardless of what you may feel about the film’s he’s worked on, Richardson’s cinematography remains one of the most influential work in contemporary filmmaking. Although the Oscars fade in relevance every year, those three wins still certainly highlight his pedigree. Whilst the emergent talent within the last decade such as Linus Sandgren, Rachel Morrison, Hoyte van Hoytema et al remain at the forefront of what makes film exciting as a visual medium, I think it’s still important to celebrate the old-guard in-depth once in a while.
Cutting room floor
F
Imogen Faulkner establishes the importance of the editor after its sidelining by the Academy
ILM editing is a construction, an invisible art that’s behind some of the greatest motion pictures of all time. From the introduction of cutting with slicing together pieces of nitrate of celluloid in the early 20th century to the advanced level we have today, the editor’s role is increasingly vital. The editor often redirects and rewrites the film through controlling the story, music, rhythm, pace and actor’s performance to piece together a creative and cohesive whole. This process is laborious to say the least. Firstly, there’s the first assembly created from the jumbled up sequences of film still with notes form the director and cinematographer. From this to the first cut and then fine cut where finally the editor no longer focuses on the entire
Image: Shamley Productions
film but gets down to the nitty-gritty aspects. Only then does the director, producer, sound designer, music composer and title designer get involved to create the final cut. One of my personal favourite editors out there is George Tomasini, famous for his work with Hitchcock. A cliché, yet deserving favourite is the Psycho seven-minute shower sequence. Taking over a week to complete, it utilised the fast-cut editing of 78 pieces of film from 70 camera setups in a 45-second impressionistic montage sequence, which involved the inter-cutting of slow-motion and regular speed footage. This frenzy allowed the viewer to fill in the illusion. The piercing, shrieking and creaming violin strings from Herrmann magnified the horror. The savage killing was kinetically viewed from many angles; earning a Best Film Editing nomination. Another favourite: Ray Lovejoy in Kubrick’s 2001. Lovejoy’s editing in the opening sequence shows, in slow motion, the primate leader flinging his weapon - a fragmented piece of the bone - into the air. The match cut here jumps four million years into the future as the tossed bone in flight instantly rotated and dissolved into a white, orbiting space satellite from Earth. The toss of the ape-man’s bone was metaphoric for a lift-off from Earth toward the Moon, and for the tremendous technological advances that had occurred in the interim. Great editing is perfectly showcased in
Walter Murch’s exquisite, Jarhead. After 175 days of boredom Swofford faces his first moment in combat just as his group is hit with a barrage of artillery fire, everyone ducks – except Swofford. Caught in the moment, Swofford stands up and the camera closes in. A distant explosion is followed by silence. Now this is where Sam Mendes would have ended the scene, but Murch disagreed. Particles of sand and dust from the explosion hit Gyllenhaal’s face, and, instead of silence, the audi-
ence hears the soft sound that these tiny particles make against his face. Murch perfectly brought the viewers deeper into the scene, as if they two were soldiers on the battlefield. And in fact, the tiniest sounds, like grains of sand hitting, can convey a greater sense of silence than silence itself. Perfection. With just these few examples it’s clear to see that editors are not creatives to carelessly forget. Remember editors never die, they just fade to black.
gurinder chadha Image: Martin Kraft //////////////////////////
T
HE director of household names such as Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging, and Bend It Like Beckham, and the striking depiction of prejudice and Asian feminism Bhaji on the Beach, Gurinder Chadha remains one of the most respected contemporary British film directors to date. Of Kenyan-Asian origin, she’d initially started with a career in radio after branching into documentaries, and then film. Her recent film Viceroy’s House, however, takes us away from Southall and into Delhi during Partition, where she again depicts her talent at subtly drawing the nuance out of the tragedy instead of splashing gore to hammer it home. Chadha’s adept mixing of drama and comedy is present throughout most of her hits, weaving comedy into tragedy and slapstick with romance. Her films traverse the often harshly drawn line between British and Asian, depicting the diaspora experience as a transcendent, universal one – a point quietly made rather than hammered home. Chadha herself stated that a film had “Indianness on one side, Englishness on the other… but in fact there is a scale between each of these polarities.” Perhaps what’s most striking about Chadha is how she is perceived as a hallmark British filmmaker, rather than exoticising and glorifying the Asian connection, in a parallel to the point her films make. Neha Shaji, Features Editor
exhibit
|
screen
EDITORS: Ben Faulkner and Chloe Kennedy
25 FEB 2019
|
27
Bill Douglas Cinema Museum David Conway, Online Screen Editor, puts a spotlight on a cherished part of Exeter’s film culture
W
ITH only a few months left at Exeter, I’ve been thinking about the things I’ll miss the most. And alongside the friends and societies, there’s something in the Old Library that’s very personal to me. It’s the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum (BDCM), one of the most valuable resources not just for the University, but for the cultural heritage of Exeter. Named after Scottish filmmaker Bill Douglas, director of seminal British films The Bill Douglas Trilogy and Comrades, the museum stems from the collection he and long-time friend Peter Jewell amassed over their lives. “[Douglas and Jewell] put together this amazing collection of about 50,000 items across moving image history,” explains museum curator Dr Phil Wickham. “They always had the idea that this collection could form a museum eventually.” Following Douglas’ death in 1991, Jewell set about finding the collection a home, eventually settling on Devon, where he still lives to this day. Wickham explains: “We started acquiring the collection in about 1994, and then we opened our doors to the public in 1997, [adding to] the collection ever since. Peter’s still bringing us material, but we’ve also acquired material from all sorts of other people, whether that’s filmmakers, collectors, or a member of the public who’s found something in the attic.” One of these recent acquisitions has been
the stills collection of continuity advisor Pamela Davies, featuring on set photography of huge stars like Judy Garland, as well as legendary filmmakers like Michael Powell. Another significant addition has been the Townley Cooke collection, featuring predominantly rare stills from the cinema of the 1910s-30s. It’s still expanding too, with now 80,000 items - Wickham notes that they’re “still taking material, still growing fast.” This variety of items across cinema history is what makes the museum so special. Walking in, you are presented with a range of different ideas about cinema across time. On the top floor, stars like Audrey Hepburn and memorabilia from old cinemas grace the walls. Wickham speaks of how Jewell often describes the collection as “r a n g [ i n g ] from the sublime to the ridiculous”, and that’s absolutely why it’s so special. One can see innovations of visual culture, with panoramas, stereoscopes,
a stunning original praxinoscope (a spinning animation device). Then you can turn to find a jigsaw with “a staggeringly bad picture of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, a jukebox and a knickerbocker glory all in one image”, one of Wickham’s favourite items because of what it says about how we perceive the ‘50s. It’s not just its role as a museum that makes it such a singular place though. It’s also an important research facility, and a remarkable opportunity for students in Exeter. The module ‘British Screens’ uses the archive extensively - studying it totally altered not just how I saw cinema, but history. Wickham speaks of how over 100 classes are taught a year using the collection, across “English, History, Drama, Art History, Sociology, Languages, a number of different disciplines. T h e collection can really add to people’s underay w n o C standing of id es: Dav
the subjects that they’re studying, [giving] a sense of how people might have been thinking at the time.” The same applies for the student volunteers working there; new volunteer Ellen Mitchell tells me that she “was always a fan of the cinema”, but “just looking at all the artefacts and having tangible products has been really enlightening” – currently, she is helping organise a symposium on scriptwriting. Long term volunteer Laura Dennis also has had similar opportunities, cataloguing items and translating German and Spanish artefacts, which has consequently helped her in writing a dissertation on East German cinema. A beautiful blend of academic facilities and entertaining public exhibitions, the BDCM is a place that focuses on the audiences just as much as the stars - “a people’s history of the moving image” as Dr Wickham puts it. It’s a unique perspective of cinematic history, and truly something I’ll miss having twenty minutes from my doorstep. Volunteer Holly Johnson sums up how significant the collection can be: “if I hadn’t had this resource, if I hadn’t had come here, my trajectory going forward, I suspect, would be completely different.” So even if you have a passing interest in cinema, go down, explore the catalogue – it might change your perspective too.
The bad and the ugly
D
Imag
The industry continues to mishandle marginalised characters, argues Samuel Thompson
IVERSITY is perhaps the most talkedabout issue in the movie industry. The #MeToo movement shed light on the mistreatment of women in Hollywood and men’s dominance in front of and behind the camera, but significant progress in remedying these issues has yet to be made. Minority groups are subject to poor treatment across the board, with their storylines often pushed to the back of the queue. Far too often we see low-effort, lazy writing when screenwriters try to create LGBTQ+ characters. We don’t need every film involving LGBTQ+ characters to be a romance, or a comingof-age story about finding your own identity. These stories are still important - young members of the LGBTQ+ community need to see themselves represented. But why can’t we see LGBTQ+ individuals robbing banks, discovering superpowers, or trying to cure a zombie virus. Executives will pat themselves on the back simply for including one LGBTQ+ character, slotted into an empty corner of their movie. Even the lesbian couple in Finding Dory, supposedly Disney’s first gay characters, was a topic avoided by the filmmakers. Director Andrew Stanton said that the two women were “whatever you
want them to be”, a rather safe answer that attempts to maintain deniability in the face of any direct challenges from more conservative viewers. The twitter hashtag #GiveElsaAGirlfriend gives an indication of how starved of solid representation the LGBTQ+ community are, as Twitter users were driven to a frame-by-frame analysis of the new Frozen 2 trailer. Moonlight made history in 2017, when it won Best Picture in the most diverse Oscars to date. However, Hollywood loves taking large step forwards and then a thousand steps back. The same year, a petition to boycott Zoolander 2 was started after a trailer revealed Benedict Cumberbatch’s cartoonish portrayal of a nonbinary person. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson obsess over what kind of genitals the character has, asking if they “have a hot dog or a bun”. Tasteless jokes like these that use an already marginalised group as a punchline only serve to further reinforce ignorance and prejudice. Of course members of the LGBTQ+ community are not the only ones suffering from the Hollywood status quo. The ‘Oscars so white’ scandal still rings in the ears of executives and, while we have seen a few movies breaking new ground, for the large part nothing has changed.
A USC study last year found that white actors made up 70.7% of all speaking roles. While like movies Black Panther have made progress in the world of black cinema, there is still a long way to go before ethnically diverse casts become an expected feature of any blockbuster. The problem lies in the fact that filmmakers believe that tokenism is an acceptable level of diversity for their movies. All too often, it seems like a non-white character is written in simply to prove that the white protagonist is not racist, and with the sidekick acting as a representative of their entire race. See Katana in Suicide Squad or Nagini in the new Fantastic Beasts - both examples of Asian characters who do a great job of standing in the background of scenes and not doing very much. There are, however, numerous examples of the opposite. Brooklyn Nine-Nine handles Captain Holt astutely - his career in the NYPD as an openly gay black man is a major plotline, allowing the show to shed light on genuine issues of prejudice in the New York police force. But more than that, he is also a stern leader, determined, and good at his job. His race and sexual orientation are just a couple of the points that make up a strong, well-written character.
Image: Warner Bros
exhibit
|
28
study break
| 25 FEB 2019
STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD
SUDOKU
Down
Across 1 3 8 9 10 11 13 15 18 21 23 24 25 26
1 American bird - blink, boo! (anagram) (8) Financial institution (4) 2 Declare invalid (7) Narrative - story (7) 3 Getting older (6) Stability of body or mind (7) 4 Expenses (7) Representative (5) 5 Turn over (5) Garland (of flowers) - lie (anagram) (3) 6 Ballet skirt (4) Rebel - traitor (8) 7 Unique person - Nero? (anagram) (4) Deny - refuse - refusal (6) 12 Weakened (8) (Place of) refuge or protection (6) 14 I’d one DA (anagram) - glandular (7) Advantage - benefit (8) 16 Pasta dish (7) Singer whose hits include Cheap Thrills 17 Becoming - suitable - my eels (anagram) (2016) (3) (6) Asunder (2,3) 19 Of birth (5) Business administrator (7) 20 Melody - song (4) Day of rest and recreation (7) 22 Advanced in a scale (4) Jack or queen, for example? (4)
ANSWERS
trivia corner 1. who won best BRITISH female artist at the brit awards this year? 2. which football club is currently facing a transfer ban? 3. richard e. grant’s role in ‘can you ever forgive me?’ was originally intended for which irish actor? 4. which university has recently come under scrutiny for heavy academic workload?
Jussie Smollett,
5. which actor allegedly staged an attack to promote his career?
Trivia: 1. Jorja Smith, 2. Chelsea, 3. Chris O’ Dowd, 4. Cardiff, 5. 20 Tune, 22 High. 7 Oner, 12 Impaired, 14 Adenoid, 16 Lasagna, 17 Seemly, 19 Natal, Down: 1 Bobolink, 2 Nullify, 3 Ageing, 4 Charges, 5 Upend, 6 Tutu, 25 Holiday, 26 Card. 13 Naysay, 15 Asylum, 18 Interest, 21 Sia, 23 In two, 24 Manager, Across: 1 Bank, 3 Account, 8 Balance, 9 Agent, 10 Lei, 11 Renegade,
30
SCIENCE
25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
Discussing the doctors of the future Scarlett Parr-Reid, Science Editor, reports on the 2019 Exeter Medical School student conference Image: Harry Garvey
O
N Saturday 2 February this year, the University of Exeter Medical School (UEMS) undergraduate student conference took place in The Forum, Streatham campus. Orchestrated by students for students, the day was a thrilling mixture of TED-style talks, workshops, poster presentations, debates and a University Challenge-style quiz. Many students from outside of the University also attended, forming a key part of the day. The purpose of the conference was to “demonstrate the hard work and achievements at the medical school”, commented one of the organisers - Kristin Allan, third year Medical Scientist (Neuroscience) with their Professional Training Year (PTY). The compère and organiser of the conference, Ferdinand Boucher – third year Medical Scientist (Human Genomics) commended “the diversity of St. Luke’s medical school, its variety of courses and breadth of research. [It now runs] Medical Sciences, Medical Imaging, Medicine, Neuroscience and Sports and Exercise Science courses”. The day kicked off with a welcome talk from Professor Clive Ballard, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Medicine and Health here at Exeter addressing some 160 attendees. We were introduced to a talk on neonatal diabetes by speaker Professor Andrew Hattersley, Chair of Precision Medicine, Professor of Molecular medicine and Consultant Physician. The work of Professor Hattersley and his diabetes research team has unravelled the science behind the heterozygous dominant genetic condition of non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. The condition involves
either a problem in production or function of pancreatic beta cells. The research team transformed what was a “clinical description into a genetic description” by collecting data from consenting families in which the condition was present. Critically, the research found that babies diagnosed before six months must not have type 1 diabetes, as it’s too early for the development of an autoimmune attack. Hattersley described much of the work as serendipity, though realised it was “a big step to take people off insulin and onto a tablet”. Beginning with 50 consecutive patients, of which 90% stopped their insulin and showed an improved blood sugar concentration with lower risk of hypoglycaemia, ten years later “they’re still off insulin [with] blood sugars still excellent”. With the help of the Wellcome Trust, the patented sulfonylurea drug soon had its patent removed and was made freely available across the globe to those diagnosed under six months.
When researching, always ask, “why?” Aysha Saeed
When asked by an audience member how he maintained “professional resilience and the confidence to turn what would have been a failure into such a success”, in taking those patients off life-saving insulin onto Sulfonylurea, he modestly armed the audience with a lesson science had taught him. Hattersley outlined that “quite a lot of science is found…the found being more powerful than the
made”. He touched on the idea that it’s far better to become an expert in one particular field of medicine, rather than having a broad knowledge of all the different topics. You don’t have to be skilled at everything. With a mid-morning interlude and a lunch break with tea, coffee and refreshments, there was plenty of time to mingle and network with fellow students, academics and attendees. Whilst perusing the selection of students’ posters from their placements and internal assessments, I got chatting to Aysha Saeed, second year Medical Sciences student, who was presenting her poster. Aysha remarked upon the greatest lesson that she had learned during laboratory research and writing for the poster: “no matter what data analysis you use, always ask why. For example, why did I choose ANOVA (analysis of variance) of IL-6 cytokine concentration released by neutrophillike cells? What does this type of statistical analysis mean?”. In asking why, we are able not only to understand the theory behind our research and hypotheses, but also to apply this knowledge to real-world examples, a key to our degrees. From Alzheimer’s disease to Autism Spectrum Disorder to Asthma to obesity and immunology, the exploration of some of the greatest medical issues of the 21st century were showcased. Later in the day, after a warm welcome from the conference’s host, Dr. Vrinda Nayak, and the conference organisers, each of us proceeded to attend one of three lively debates. These focussed on the questions: “Artificial intelligence (AI) in Medical Imaging - friend or foe?”, “Too much importance is placed on autonomy today” and “Is the use of stem cells and chimeras the way forward in research?”. Kristin Allan and Ferdinand Boucher advocated strongly for the debates, having “started up the Medical Ethics debating society [partly] due to the lack of medical ethics incorporated in our curricula”, something that was confirmed by student feedback. Among those in the audience of the autonomy debate, I appreciated the importance of the skills of openmindedness, structuring coherent arguments and listening effectively. Many students challenged the premise of the question. They asked what autonomy means to us as humanity –
looking through the lens of free will and democracy - thus seeing the bigger picture and applying it to the specifics of clinical scenarios. Others considered this to means of equality in autonomy between doctor and patient. There was support for the idea that just as a patient may exercise their autonomy in making an informed decision of to accept a medication or intervention or not, so too may the GP in choosing whether to personally administer said medication or not. Students concluded, quoting specific case-studies and the four pillars of medical ethics (justice, autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence) in combination; although all humans are autonomous, the GP as an expert has greater power to influence. The debate was recapitulated by Professor Vikram Devaraj, Consultant Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon and Senior Clinical Lecturer: “the GP is a communicator” of the known information in a clinical scenario and arms the patient with the facts to make a balanced decision.
Better to become an expert in a particular field than have a broad range of knowledge At lunchtime, I caught up with two members of the Exeter and East Devon branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity, who I had been running an awareness stall with on the day. Allan Smith, committee Image: Harry Garvey
member for the branch noted that “the students were very keen to help”, with “six showing interest” in volunteering with the association, particularly in the areas of social media and the local newsletter. I was, though, shocked to hear just how little people knew about Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
There were lots of healthy challenges and constructive decisions Association visitor for the Exeter and East Devon branch, Cynthia Hopkins, suggested that this may be because it is used colloquially as “MND, which could be confused with the charity MIND – and therefore focussing on mental health”. Many suggested its being akin to Alzheimer’s disease, and while research is ongoing into Dementia coupled with motor neurone disease, this is only in its infancy. Motor Neurone Disease itself is a rare progressive deterioration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in loss of control to muscles and consequent muscle wasting. Much is to be explored about this multi-factorial disease, occurring in two forms (familial and sporadic). The impacts of its complications for mobility and ventilation on the quality of life of those living with the disease can, and is, being improved by the dedication of association visitors, campaigners, volunteers and carers. In getting involved with the charity,
EXEPOSÉ | 25 FEB 2019 or others like it, there’s scope for a wealth of research into the complexity of the disease and its genetic and environmental influences, and an investment of your time for the greater good. Next on the itinerary for the day was a University Challenge-style quiz hosted by Dr. Clare Gallon, senior lecture in Biomedical Sciences, and Crawford Winlove, lecturer in Neuroscience at the Medical School. It was full of improvisation, satirical humour and a fondness for Star Wars. Or in the case of Dr. Shelly Dogra, lecturer in Medical Cell Biology, a fondness for outdoing Paxman himself, with a full question set unanswerable to the entire audience. The zealous teams assembled themselves and competitively expelled their knowledge, from the corpus callosum to the author of ‘A Clockwork Orange’. You could feel the oscillating tension between hushed contemplation and raucous conferring. There was twisting and bending of the rules in real-time, inviting phonea-friend style audience participation. I phoned a friend and caught with second year Medical Scientist (Neuroscience) with PTY, Lily Sayani, who described the quiz as “funny, though disorganised, and entertaining”. Lily appreciated the more balanced nature of the conference, with less emphasis on medicine than the previous year, “catering to everyone with the medical imaging debate and neuroscience quiz questions”. The quiz was even more memorable for bringing the curriculum alive and galvanising a think-on-your feet approach to learning.
The college aims to make flexible Master’s courses, open to non-medical students Prof. Karen Matticle
An arm-sling, elevation sling, defibrillator and CPR mannequin later, I had the pleasure of talking to Jonathan Lane, First Aider and second year Medical Scientist (Neuroscience). Jonathan was pleased to see that not only were there lots of Medical School students in attendance as representatives and eager learners, but also “college students interested in the medical field”. The conference now has a greater reception and can give a taster to prospective students, too. He also took away a valuable message from the day: “to never expect anything or treat someone as straight forward. Everyone always has their own circumstances and things can (and often will) change very quickly, so you can’t get complacent.” This message is not only resonant in the progressive field of scientific
SCIENCE research, but also as an ethos for living a compassionate and adaptive life. On the theme of scientific research, the afternoon’s workshops conveyed the options available to students seeking to pursue Master’s and/or other postgraduate qualifications. This included a presentation from Clinical Scientist, Jessica Adams, talking about the Master’s training course that she undertook at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital. Next was a talk from Professor Karen Mattick, Director of postgraduate taught programmes at the college of medicine and health in Exeter. She gave a taster of the broad range of Master’s opportunities available, from health and the environment to genomics, health research development and extreme medicine.
More of us ought to know how to perform first aid properly and safely Recognising the importance of increasing accessibility to the programmes, she spoke of the college’s goal of “trying to make it more flexible for people from a range of courses to get involved, not just medicine”. The multidisciplinary programmes foster learning “with, from and about each other”. Emily Martin, second year Medical Scientist (Neuroscience) with PTY, informed me that attending these talks helped her to consolidate her interest in pursuing postgraduate study. Further, she “hadn’t realised the number of different ways that postgraduate study could be funded (with loans, scholarships and studentships, etc). The talks helped to “ease [her] mind about the financial aspect of further study”. So, whether you’re planning to venture into mountain, trauma or ocean medicine or acquire hands-on clinical experience, it might reassure you to know that the pathways are not one-size fits all. Later in the afternoon, I attended a talk by Ferdinand Boucher, discussing his work on the genetic basis of the condition gender dysphoria (identifying as an opposing gender to one’s biological sex). Taking the audience’s questions with “sensitivity” and thoughtfulness, Ferdinand considered the way in which we construe conditions to be diseases. “How do you define disease? A mutation or change in a gene? Genes are changing all the time. Does that make us all diseased? No.” Dissecting the terminology, we move closer to a fuller understanding of how to talk about and support conditions like this helpfully. This idea can be applied when
thinking about studying the behaviour in animals, who we believe to be inherently different from us. “How can behaviour be studied in other animals? Is it just interactions with mates, or the same sex? Humans express themselves through speech and action, whereas other animals don’t.” Ferdinand elucidated the point that as researchers and thinkers, we must consider how valid models are for studying human behaviour. As the old aphorism goes, all models are wrong, but some are useful. These ideas translate into your own research; reading widely and internationally diversifies your knowledge, which is especially important for literature reviews in the final year of university. Ultimately, “different areas have a different demographic of people, e.g. the Netherlands has a higher prevalence of gender dysphoria, whilst big cities like Tokyo, Beijing and the states are very different from say downtown Truro”. As the day ended, a chorus of applause reverberated through the Forum auditorium, as the organisers, guests and attendees were all united. Awards were presented to the final year students Madie Eve, Owen Rhys Jones and Josan Gandawijaya, for the top three posters presented. I had, by this point, realised just how much could be achieved within a 9-5pm day. Summarised by Dr. Shelly Dogra, lecturer at the Medical School, the day was a reminder that the medical school is a cohesive place to study and no matter what course you are doing, we can all learn from each other”. She hopes to see even “more student attendance” in the years to come. In a word, a book and a song, the conference to Dr. Dogra was “informative, a good text book and ‘College Boy’ performed by the Balanescu Quartet”.
The medical school is a cohesive place to study. We can all learn from each other Dr. Shelly Dogra
As I reflect on the events, I am both humbled and motivated by the hard work of everyone who made the conference happen. It was an immersive and stimulating day, cultivating inclusivity through a range of learning styles. There were lots of healthy challenges and constructive discussions. A testament to the power of collaboration, the day reminded me of just how worthwhile being at university is. In the words of Charles Darwin, “in the long history of humankind, those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed”.
31
Image: Rama
THE STEPS THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE Mid-afternoon, the University of Exeter First Aid Society conducted a workshop on the basics of bandages, slings and CPR. Most of us, including students in the medical field, can recognise that defibrillators and resuscitation are vital when someone is in cardiac arrest and is not breathing and that bandages and slings need to be tied carefully to minimise blood loss. But more of us ought to know how to perform first aid properly and safely. Some of the key pointers from the first aiders, who’ve spent time working closely with St. John’s ambulance during freshers’ week, football matches, fundraising events on and off campus and more, include the following: - Hold and apply pressure to the injured area and keep it upright to minimise blood loss when applying a bandage or sling. You can even ask the injured individual to do this to keep them engaged. - Before applying CPR, remember the acronym DRS. AB: look out for Danger, check their Response, Shout for help, open the Airways by lifting their head up, then check for Breathing by crouching to listen. - When giving CPR mouth-to-mouth, remember to hold their nostrils closed to prevent air flowing back out. - Interlock your fingers, to keep them away from the ribs and apply 30 compressions to a third of the body’s depth for every two breaths given. You can do this to the beat of songs like ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the BeeGees, and Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’. - Babies are much smaller, so only require two fingers during resuscitation. - A defibrillator to restart the heart is applied via two patches, one on the back and one on the front of the torso, but no hands or jewellery should be placed on the person during the procedure to prevent distortion of electrical rhythms.
Image: Fshoq.com
32
SCIENCE
25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
Ar(gum)ents on Alzheimer’s Elinor Jones documents the latest research on the gum bacteria behind Alzheimer’s disease
B
RUSH your teeth morning and night, two minutes at least, front and back” – these words are on the tip of dentists’ tongues with every breath they take. From when your first baby teeth appear through losing your ‘milk teeth’ and the teenage agony (both physical and mental) of braces. Then follows old age where we begin to lose them again and keep our ‘teeth’ in a jar. We are told to follow this technique, brushing up and down, side-to-side, front and back, day in, day out, to stave off dreaded plaque growth, gum disease, and even mouth cancer. “
Image: National Cancer Institute
A bacterium which builds up in gum disease could be at the root of Alzheimer’s Whilst these may seem scary if we see reports in the news, we very rarely take a second thought if we miss the odd brush here or there – perhaps we’re late for class or flopping into bed after a late night. However, recent findings published in Science Advances reveals something more sinister lurking in our mouths. A bacterium which builds up due to gum disease could be at the root (pardon the pun) of Alz-
heimer’s disease, the neurodegenerative disorder which can cause 70% of dementia cases. Chronic periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease, is a common disease resulting from the long-term inflammation of the periodontal tissues. It’s usually characterised by damage to the soft tissue around the base of the tooth and loss of bone supporting the tooth, caused by the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis. In Alzheimer’s patients, proteins called tau and amyloid accumulate in the hippocampus, causing changes in memory function, as these proteins are defective and form large, sticky plaques. Researchers from Cortexyme, and several universities, found when sampling hippocampal brain tissue taken from Alzheimer’s patients, that there were two toxic enzymes used by P. gingivalis to feed on human tissue in the hippocampus - the brain’s most important area for memory. These toxic enzymes are known as gingipains, found in brains with higher amounts of tau protein, correlating with greater cognitive decline. Scientists also studied the effects of gingipains in mice, showing that infection with P. gingivalis can induce Alzheimer’s disease in rodent models. The study’s co-author, Steve Dominy,
remarked that the results suggest that gingipains are the “main cause of Alzheimer’s disease”.
Two toxic enzymes used by P.gingivalis feed on human hippocampal tissue However, other researchers, such as neurobiologist Robert Noir, dispute these findings, saying that there could be a microbial involvement but not necessarily a direct cause-effect explanation for the action of gingipains from P. gingivalis. Despite this, the study also investigated the inhibition of gingipains by a drug, clearing the infection and reducing the amyloid-beta production in the brain, thus halting neurodegeneration. Whether you brush your teeth twice a day, or you occasionally forget to brush, there are many factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia later in life. For now, though, there is foodfor-thought which could help one day providing a resounding answer to one of the major health challenges of the 21st century, and may one-day hopefully result in a cure.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
One, two, bee, four, hive
A
Katie Jenkins, Deputy Editor, praises the humble honeybee
H. The humble honeybee. Apis mellifera. We know these little flying critters for their nests of wax, extensive colonies and mass-production and storage of honey. Of the seven known honeybee species, the Western honey bee is best known, domesticated for production of honey and pollination of crops.
Navigators, communicators, and teachers: the list perhaps is endless After periodic declines in their populations since the late 19th century and 30-70% of hives in North America dying off since the first decade of the 21st century, honey bees have faced ‘colony collapse disorder’. This
– believed to be a result of pesticide use and viruses – coupled with their usual competition with bumble bees means they’ve had plenty to contend with. But, from larvae to pupae in the wax of the honeycomb do we really know these little creatures, and do we praise them enough? Amongst many experts, the likely answer would be a resounding no. Yet a host of recent studies are making headway to rectify this. Only this year, an Australian study found that honeybees are capable of learning how to add and subtract. This builds on previous research demonstrating honeybees understand the concept of
zero: the first insect species to have been observed to do so. Image: kathy2408
“Honeybees have been around a long time and they are very good at surviving in different environments and coming up with novel solutions,” said Dr Adrian Dyer, co-author of both studies. “Maybe this has just led to a brain that can learn this task if they need to.” This is not the first time that honeybees have hit news pages. In fact, they practically waggled into them in 1973 when Karl von Frisch was awarded the Nobel Prize for decoding their ‘waggle dance’. The term is used to describe the figure-of-eight movement they perform to direct hive-mates to their location. When they move, honeybees accumulate an electric charge that is
constantly emitted during the waggle dance. In doing so, they are able to communicate with other bees, directing them to pollen resources or even to new homes. Their communication skills go even further according to a 2017 study at Queen Mary University of London, suggesting that honeybees can not only learn to gain a reward but can teach others to do the same. Honeybees were taught by a decoy bee to move a ball to a specific location. Some bees even managed to improve upon this by shortening the distance. Navigators, communicators, and teachers: the list, perhaps, is endless. Far from the snarling fiends of cartoon nightmares, honeybees are among the most intelligent of the insect kingdom. Their survival skills, it seems, are worth learning from.
SPORT
EXEPOSÉ | 25 FEB 2019
33
NETBALL VARSITY PREVIEW
GD/GK
ORIANA SIMMONDS 1st Year IR & Spanish
WD/GD
EMILY PORTER 2nd Year Sport Science
IZZY STIBBS 2nd Year Geography
Background image: Wil Jones
With Varsity being the biggest event in the club calendar, Emma explained the numerous preparations which have been happening. The current committee have enlisted a sub-committee to help which has been "a great opportunity for girls who are not on the wider club committee to get involved with some of the planning which goes into such a big club event". Through the extra support, they have been able to make Varsity bigger and better than ever and all the help that they have provided has been "amazing". The profile of netball is currently on the rise following the England squad taking the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and it is really important to the club "to be a part of promoting the sport at a university level". Varsity brings exciting opportunities not just for the players but also the supporters through giving them "a chance to watch a thrilling, high-level sporting event which showcases female sport". However,
Premier League ambitions have surrounded the team's thoughts Despite this, they are looking very positively towards this year’s game and preparations and training have been in full swing: "on and off the court this season we have been united as a team and have also been adhering to a well-structured High Performance Netball Programme led by the University Director of netball – Denise Ellis". Christina attributes Denise in allowing them to work on
We have been united as a team on and off the court this season As expected, Premier League ambitions have surrounded the 1s thoughts when considering their varsity prospects. However, Christina is positive about promotion. Despite it being a tough journey as "we’ve just missed out on winning the league previously", she believes that this squad has the potential to win the play off matches and to "maintain our position if we are promoted". Looking past Varsity, the squad remain unbeaten in the BUCS Trophy and are progressing through the league with ease, topping the table with a +324 goal difference. Christina explained that "in addition to reaching the Premier League we have also set a target to reach the final of the Trophy and compete at Big BUCS Wednesday in Nottingham on the 27 March". With so many exciting events for the team, to win the Trophy and the League would be "the icing on the cake after such a successful season for all involved in EUNC!" The women in green take on Southampton 1s in their Varsity game on Wednesday 27 February in the Exeter Sports Hall. It is set to be a brilliant event and support for the girls could make all the difference.
27 FEB 17:15 SPORTS PARK
C/wd (vc) MADDIE HEYWOOD 3rd Year Medical Sciences
WA/C
"set principles that we stick to in both training and matches" which have given them the scope to "advance our own unique style of play". In addition to such a tight training program, this year seven players have remained in the 1st team from the previous year allowing existing connections to be built upon over the space of two years. The team is comprised of representatives from all year groups whereby selection is based on ability, potential and commitment to the team. There are currently three first years in the 1st team this year, Jade Richards, Katy Shipway and Oriana Simmonds, who "are all key players" who have "shown great potential on and off the court". Twelve girls have been selected in the Varsity squad creating "a competitive atmosphere as all the players are challenging themselves to be named in the starting seven on match day".
ALICE EVANS 2nd Year Civil Engineering
WA/C
If the women are victorious in their varsity match, and they progress to the play-offs and potentially the Premier League it "would be huge for the club and women’s sport in general". Having a Premier League team within the University will hopefully attract more people to come to Exeter to play netball, "allowing all of our teams to push to play in higher leagues". The overall success of the 1s this season has been great for club morale; "we have already sold over 110 tickets for the Varsity match showing the investment from the girls into the club". Alongside this, all the BUCS teams have had "excellent" results with many pushing for promotion at the end of the season. Borch says that one of the most positive aspects of the club is how "we congratulate each other’s successes and support one another on and off the court" and hopes that "our varsity will showcase this atmosphere of mutual support and respect which flows through the club". Notably, as club captain, Emma wanted to create "a culture where anyone who joined felt immediately included and valued" as "it has been such a huge part of my time at university". Once all the preparations for the day have been completed, it will hopefully be a great day for EUNC and to spotlight the club. I also chatted to 1s Captain,
Image: Exeter University Netball Club
WD/C
EMMA BULLOUGH 2nd year Business & Economics
The profile of netball is currently on the rise
We are 100% focussed on remaining unbeaten for the season
Christina Shaw to get an on-court perspective of the preparations for the day. The 1s have started their BUCS campaign extremely strongly with a consistent string of wins under their belt and an unbeaten season to date. Notably, they achieved a significant win over Southampton earlier on in the domestic season setting them up well for the coming match. As you'd expect, "having such a successful season so far has been a real positive for the squad and has boosted our confidence massively" by not only "allowing us to maintain momentum in what we want to achieve but it also increases the team morale". Christina has her hopes set high for their forthcoming games as "we are 100% focused on remaining unbeaten the whole season" with the hope of showcasing our "hard work" on the court against Southampton in the varsity game. Last year saw an agonising loss for the team on varsity day when coming up against a very strong Gloucestershire side. Christina put the loss down to "basic mistakes which crept in under pressure on the day" however they are very much using it as a "huge learning curve" for the team.
JADE RICHARDS 1st Year Biological Sciences
GA/GS
GK/GD
AMY OMAKOBIA 2nd Year Medical Sciences
above anything else, all proceeds from the event go to the charity Jay’s Aim and the University’s current campaign to promote women’s sport – a brilliant way to watch a game and also raise some money!
IMOGEN WILLIAMS 2nd Year French & Italian
GA/WA
GK/GD
CHRISTINA SHAW 3rd Year Biological Sciences
W
ITH Netball Varsity on the horizon, the club are pulling out all the stops in preparing for their biggest event of the year. Wednesday 27 February will see Exeter 1s face Southampton 1s in the Exeter Sports Hall. This is guaranteed to be a hotly contested match with a play off position at stake and a potential place in the Premier League for the home side. In catching up with Club Captain, Emma Borch, she gave an insight into the club as well as the preparations which have been ongoing for the coveted varsity game. The club as a whole currently stands in a very good position; they have 460 members which is "the largest number we have ever had". Emma explained that "one of the best aspects of the club is that we have both BUCS and Uni League teams which means everyone who signs up gets to play in matches and training every week". The variety of talent throughout the club is astounding - "we have members that have played on the international stage and students who have only just started the sport this year", thus fulfilling their aim of being as inclusive as possible.
KATY SHIPWAY 1st Year History
GS/GA
GK/GD (C)
René Bahar, Sport Editor, speaks to EUNC ahead of their spotlight fixture
HANNAH BLACKMAN 3rd Year Criminology
Images: Megan Davies
34
25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
SPORT
EXETER VS
Varsity
Player Ratings 15. Sal M'boge
7
One of the best players on the pitch. Made a stunning break early on in 1st half, and made a vital tackle at the end of the 2nd half to prevent a break from Durham
14. Charlie Davies
E
XETER'S annual February varsity was spoiled as Durham staged a remarkable comeback to complete the double over the green and white in a thrilling game at Sandy Park. Few gave Durham a chance at half-time as they headed in 21-5 down, with Exeter having won nine of their last ten, and never losing a February varsity at Sandy Park. However, what appeared to be a formality at half-time proved anything but. Having never played northern opposition in a varsity, this was the second time in four months they would play against opponents closer to Scotland than Exeter. Despite the long away trip, Durham’s spirit didn’t dampen and Jack Hedley capped a remarkable comeback after a superb kick from substitute Keepa Fawcett to the euphoric celebrations of their players. The game lacked the intensity of Exeter’s previous game at Sandy Park this season. Where they overcame Northumbria in a dominant victory, and although Exeter led healthily at the break, they seemed a long way from their best.
7.5
A strong start from Davies resulting in a consistent performance throughout the game.
13. Joe elderkin
6.5
Set up the most thrilling try of the match, just on the stroke of halftime, with a rapid break through t h e middle of the pitch, passing it 12. will hollis
6.5
Made a vital double tackle with Hollis in first half to counter an attack by Durham. Replaced by Bazalgette late in the game due to requiring medical treatment
11. matt blee
What had appeared to be a formality...proved to be anything but
5
Started brightly and looked to get involved but ultimately couldn't find a way to significantly impact the game
10. sam morley
A scoreless first 20 minutes saw Exeter on top, but basic errors and a lack of accuracy saw their typically clinical attack lack the edge that made them so irresistible in the previous ten fixtures. Durham, who were chasing a much-needed win to get themselves as high as possible in the tightly locked mid-table ahead of the Championship knockout stages, were showing plenty of resilience.
7
Impressive and reliable performance from EURFC’s captain, who scored conversions throughout the match
9. pierre thompson
A scoreless first 20 minutes saw Exeter on top, but they lacked a clinical edge Their dominance in possession eventually led to Durham’s discipline faltering and Sam Morley’s precision kicking into the corner allowing Exeter to set up attacking positions. Whilst their mauls didn’t rumble over as they typically do, they kept their composure to finish from close range twice, first through hooker Andy Hamilton and second through tighthead prop Joe Salkeld. It wasn’t just ruthless efficiency from close range that was evidence of Exeter’s quality, however. Sal M’Boge, Rory McMeikan and Pierre Thompson had all made impressive long range breaks up-field, but the finishing touch hadn’t quite been there through a combination of limited support and good Durham disruption. Nevertheless Exeter seemed set for a 14-5 lead at the break as the clock ran into the final minute of the half, and whilst they’d been a fair way off their best
for large parts of the half, they would head in happy and confident of victory. Perhaps that confidence tipped too far, but it would be hard not to when they gave themselves a 16 point lead at the break, courtesy of M’Boge’s superb long-range finish after yet another sharp line break, this time by Joe Elderkin. As the game reached half-time it seemed Durham were finished. For all of Exeter’s new found accuracy and clinical finishing, Durham’s intensity had dropped, left gaps in defence and been suitably punished. Any thoughts that this was going to be an easy ride for the men in green in the second half were quickly vanquished however, and they seemed to come out underestimating their northern opponents. First Exeter slipped off several tackles, allowing Durham to break through the line and a smart offload from Myles Rawstron-Rudd saw scrum half Jacob Collin, in the right place at the right time, dive in under the posts. Almost in the blink of an eye, Durham were on the charge again, and after Exeter conceded a penalty on their own ball at scrum time, sustained build-up play led to Henry Paremain going over, thanks once again to an impressive offload. The
6
Charged down in 68th minute which led to Durham claiming the ball on the Exeter 10m, but made a vital clearance after a Durham penalty.
8. rory mcmeikan
Nick Powell reports on EURFC's A good kicking game led by scrum half Jacob Collin kept Exeter back in their half, after turnovers and big hits from their second and back row had won them the ball back in crucial areas. And although it was somewhat against the run of play, Durham’s surprise opener, scored after a driving maul finished by hooker Freddie Davies, seemed to be the wake-up call that their opponents needed, and that was dramatically confirmed as Exeter responded in superb fashion. The 15 minute, three try salvo that followed saw Exeter at their efficient best.
4500
6.5
Made a vital double tackle with Hollis and scored EURFC’s first try of the game
The estimated attendance
Images: Chelsea Lee, Rory Selvey & Lap Yin Brooks
2 Despite the loss, the
THE PERM
12
Results elsewhere mean that
at a sold-out Sandy Park
men in green se-
Exeter increase their lead to
cheering on the home side
cured two bonus
12 points at the summit of
points
the BUCS Super League table
RUGBY VARS
SPORT
S DURHAM
heartbreak
Player Ratings 7. Jack Capon
Fatigue and nerves gripped both sides heading into a tantalising final stage With their set-piece dominance under huge threat, and Durham increasing in confidence, Exeter needed a response, and they got it. The men in green brought the game back under control, going through the phases and exploiting Durham’s disciplinary weaknesses to give themselves the field position. Eventually Ralph Marchant shrugged off a Durham tackle and finished brilliantly to give Exeter a decent buffer. But within a minute of Sam Morley restoring Exeter to a nine point cushion, Durham had responded. After winning the ball from the restart, the ball went out wide to the right hand side, where they had plenty of success, and flanker Adamson provided the finishing touch, after more sloppy defending and missed tackles from Exeter. Substitute Kippa Fawcett landed a third conversion of the half, once again thanks in large part to a typical
Sandy Park breeze, which dragged both his previous two kicks over the sticks after they were set to miss by a long way. It set up a tantalising final quarter, just two points separated the two sides and 54 points had already been scored. But with fatigue and tension now gripping both teams, the game settled into a classic dogfight. Although errors were stifling Durham’s momentum, scrum dominance and a vastly improved defence were keeping them in the game. After a charge down on the 10m line, the source of their game-changing try at the start of the second half, they earned a penalty that realistically could have given them the three points they needed to lead. It also would’ve repeated their 29-28 score line earlier in the season, where they produced an equally stunning win when Exeter were the visitors. The decision to turn the points down and quick tap that led to them losing the ball could be one they lived to regret, but they were brimming with confidence and a game which seemed finished at half-time was now very much alive. Exeter cleared though, and critically won a penalty at scrum time as the game entered the final ten minutes to renew confidence in their set piece and ease the pressure. That would be in stark contrast to the next scrum five minutes later. Durham were on the edge of the Exeter 22 after the hosts spilled at a key moment. Exeter hadn’t made the most of their attacking position and a resilient Durham had once again found a way to clear their lines. To the dismay of Exeter’s support, normal service resumed
at the scrum and Durham earned the advantage. With a penalty already assured, Durham’s substitute fly-half Fawcett poked through a perfectly weighted kick for Jack Hedley to dot down what looked to be the winner. Exeter’s home support were reduced to stunned silence. As Durham retained possession, closing out victory, it seemed this varsity party was well and truly spoiled.
Durham's reaction at full-time showed just how much the win meant Durham made the error though, and with the game now in its dying embers, Exeter would have a scrum on halfway, with a chance to get things going again. The crowd roared into life as they won the penalty and kicked for the corner. The drive that came was good, Exeter were five yards out and in a position they always, always seem to score from. The noise and atmosphere were incredible, and as Exeter drove over it seemed that the wish would be granted to the fans. But the ball was agonisingly held up, and the Durham’s reaction at full-time showed just how much this win meant. The defeat was gut-wrenching, and so hard to swallow, but of all the times to lose, perhaps this was best. Exeter need only win one of their last two game (both at home) to claim the Super Rugby title. When the dust has settled they will hope they can learn the lessons from a crazy second half and avoid a repeat when the season kicks on to the Championship stage.
6. olly white
5
White had little impact on the game as a whole, however, he showed individual prowess on a few occassions
5. PAUL SCHROTER
5
Subbed off in 53rd minute for Jack Rouse. Consistent performance despite no individual advances resulting in a score conversion
4. CHARLIE MORGAN
7.5
Replaced by Jamie Yates in the 79th minute. Good overall impact on the game but struggled to convert his efforts
3 Joe Salkeld
7.5
Following a pick and go game, Salked scored a great try towards the end of the first half which was converted by Morley. Resulted in Salkeld being awarded Man of the match
2. Andy Hamilton
5
Subbed of beginning of second half. Solid show from Exeter's number 2
1. Josh pieterse
5
Subbed off in 53rd minute for Harrison Fowke. Solid performance from the font row player
MUTATIONS
1st
The first XV need just one
5.5
Subbed off in 64th minute. Relatively consistent performance, provided good support for Salkeld at number 3.
narrow 31-28 loss to Durham at Sandy Park game had transformed. Exeter’s defence, a vital pillar in recent thrashings of Hartpury and Loughborough, wasn’t knocking players back with the typical aggression it normally does and the crowd had noticeably quietened.
35
5 Exeter's unbeaten run
2 EURFC have lost just twice in
win in their next two
of five BUCS games
their last seven games at
games to secure top spot
was brought to an
Sandy Park in a run stretch-
in the regular BUCS season
end on Wednesday
ing back two years
SITY REVIEW
REPLACEMENTS 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
GEORGE GOSLING HARRISON FOWKE LUKE BLISS JAMIE YATES JACK ROUSE AARON BAGWELL HARRY BAZALGETTE RALPH MARCHANT
5 5 5 5 5 5 5.5 6
Sport
25 FEB 2019 | EXEPOSÉ
36
SPORT EDITORS: René Bahar Josh Brown
There’s something in the water EUWPC Men’s 1s secure a place in the BUCS Trophy
Image: Exeter University Water Polo
Men’s Water Polo Exeter 1s .................................... 20 UCL 1s ...................................... 16 Char Merryn Finn Exeter University Water Polo Club
O
N Saturday 16 February, the Men’s Water Polo 1s took on UCL’s 1s in a key game in the BUCS Trophy – the winner would go through to the quarter-final stage. Both teams topped their respective leagues, so the men in green knew a tight match was in store at Pyramids’ Pool. The match was well attended by an expectant crowd who had seen Exeter win every home game this season. Exeter started brightly, and Harry Wheeler opened the scoring within the first minute to give Exeter a dream start. It
was soon cut short, however, as UCL levelled just 15 seconds afterwards. The opening exchange was representative of a tight opening quarter, with both teams digging deep both offensively and defensively. Exeter would go into the first interval with a narrow 6-5 lead.
Both teams had to dig deep in the opening quarter Early into the second quarter, Exeter scored early again. Edoardo Pessina finding the net this time to restore a two-goal lead. However, UCL’s #4 single-handedly pulled his side back into the game, scoring twice to level the scores at seven apiece. Ultimately, Exeter’s attacking prowess showed.
James Spencer-Boyce’s brace – combined with fine finishes from Balint Benke and a superb solo effort from George Hough – extended Exeter’s lead to four goals, and Exeter went into half-time with a 13-9 lead. Pessina would score again early in the penultimate quarter to add to a commanding lead, and when Spencer-Boyce scored another two goals it seemed like the result was out of UCL’s reach.
A major foul from Exeter gave the momentum back to UCL There was a twist in the tale of the third quarter. A major foul from Exeter gave UCL the opportunity to score two quick goals to shift the momen-
tum towards the London-based outfit. However, Spencer-Boyce responded with another goal to give Exeter a 1711 lead with only the final period of play remaining. But a shaky start to the final period made it a nervy one for Exeter. The home side’s #11 gave away a major foul and was sent out of the pool. UCL immediately capitalised on their numerical advantage with a goal, and scored two more soon after to bring them within three. Yet Exeter remained steadfast, and Spencer-Boyce – who was Exeter’s man for the big moments in the game – scored again, before Kristoff and debutant Max Ryan added goals too to re-establish a more comfortable 20-14 lead. UCL responded in the dying embers of the game with two late
goals, but it was too little, too late, and Exeter won the game with a final score of 20-16.
UCL responded in the dying embers but it was too little, too late Spencer-Boyce’s eight goal contribution was bettered only by UCL’s #4, who beat Exeter goalkeeper Toby Reid on ten occasions. Spencer-Boyce’s contribution wasn’t enough for man of the match – Balint Benke the recipient of that individual award – but the team is greater than the sum of its parts. This fantastic result sees Exeter through to the quarter-finals, where they will meet Cambridge University’s 1s.
For live scores and in-depth reports, follow us on Twitter @exeposesport CONTINUED ON PAGE 31