Issue 749- 18 October 2023

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The UK’s Best Student Publication

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ISSUE 749 18 OCT 2023 exepose.com @Exepose

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

“This is not a normal situation. I am not doing this for fun” Just Stop Oil protest lasts three hours on campus

In conversation with Will Aczel Page 9

“We live in stories in order to not be crazy” Page 18

Image: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

Anabel Costa-Ferreira and Livvy Mason-Myhill Editors-in-Chief

O Celebrating black sporting heroes Page 32

Images (top to bottom): Pixabay OpenClipart-Vectors (pumpkin), Will Aczel ,Anabel Costa-Ferreira and Exeter Students’ Guild

N Tuesday 10th October at 12:30pm, several students witnessed the start of the Just Stop Oil (JSO) protest at the University of Exeter’s Streatham campus. After being helped up the building, 23-year-old George Simonson (a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Edinburgh) climbed to the top of the forum entrance. Here, he proceeded to throw red and orange paint, imprinting handprints and finally spraying the name Just Stop Oil onto the glass façade. A crowd quickly gathered around the Forum, quickly followed by campus security and several police officers.

Within this protest, Simonson held a JSO banner and spoke to the gathered crowds, reminding students that “This is not a normal situation. I am not doing this for fun. I am not having fun right now. I am going to be arrested. I am going to spend time in the cell. I might go to prison. I do not f***ing know — but this is the situation we are in.” Following

recently revealed statistics surrounding the University of Exeter’s acceptance of funding from companies such as Shell, Simonson informed the crowd that he would get “down when we get a meaningful statement from the government to end new oil and gas.” In response, some general laughter could be heard alongside an applause from the crowd.

After a total of three hours outside, Simonson climbed down from the entrance and was promptly arrested and taken through the Forum, limp — making the arrest a slower process. Simonson was aressted on suspicion of criminal damage of over £5k, breaching Section 5 of the Public Order Act (for saying “f***ing”), public nuisance and aggravated trespass. After his arrest, Simonson commented that, “I was interviewed and then released on police bail and I’m due to return to Exeter police station in December. I’m also banned from Devon and from carrying paint in public, but this will not prevent me from continuing to call out the government or our universities for their complicity in genocide.” Simonson further suggested that he does not regret his action, and that he holds an understanding that there is not

much time left to make a difference. His action at the University was a testimonial to his belief that “standing up to power is not just necessary, it’s liberating.”

Prior to his actions, Simonson also questioned why “our universities haven’t told us a thing about what’s coming down the road for us” and went on to suggest that “if you feel powerless and terrified by what’s happening... take action and realise that you’re powerful.”

A Just Stop Oil spokesperson gave a comment to Exeposé about the protest and others like it that have been happening across the country at different university campuses. They indicated that, “We’ve been targeting universities this week because politics and our institutions have failed us, and we have no other choice. By pocketing money from the fossil fuel industry and inviting them to careers fairs, they are complicit in the destruction of our futures.” The spokesperson further commented on the University’s partnership with Shell Oil, claiming that “It’s insane that Exeter University — with so many acclaimed climate scientists — is cosying up to the likes of Shell who announced a rowback on renewables investments this year, while taking

billions in record profits.” Just Stop Oil’s main message is that action is our only hope to prevent a “future of droughts, crop failure [and] mass starvation.”

During the protest, Exeposé talked to a Just Stop Oil protester who was handing out leaflets, discussing the reasons behind this protest on the Forum building. When asked why Simonson was protesting on top of the Forum building, the protester explained that “George is up there today for a number of reasons but principally because the government is licensing over a hundred new oil and gas licenses. As George has been saying, the climate crisis has caused unimaginable horror and death already.” The protester went on to comment that “as we increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, that amount of horror and death is going to get worse and worse as we increase the number of floods and wildfires that are happening globally.” The protester insisted that they are “young people, we are students, and we have to do something about this” and that “our government is taking a path of no return.”

Continued on page 4

EXEPOSÉ

Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ Editors Print: Anabel Costa-Ferreira & Livvy Mason-Myhill Online: Jamie Speka & Amelie Thompson Print Deputies: Harry Craig, Charlie Gershinson & Joshua Smith Online Deputies: Ewan Edwards & Megan Haynes editors@exepose.com Executives Finance: Willow Cracknell Social Media: Charlotte Randall News Editors Print: Rosie Batsford & Oliver Lamb Online: Shagnick Bhattacharya & Anna Kane news@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Henry Parker & Benedict Thompson Online: Callum Martin features@exepose.com International Editors Print: Josie Sharp Online: Agata Koralewska Comment Editors Print: Lisette Reed & Charlotte Zeyssolff Online: Charlie Oldroyd & Amy Rushton comment@exepose.com Satire Editor Print: Livvy Mason-Myhill Lifestyle Editors Print: Lucy Rawlings & Amberly Wright Online: Emily Roughton & Zoe Sperry lifestyle@exepose.com Arts + Lit Editors

Editorial

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FTER a busy few weeks back we hope you're all settling in well and finding the time to balance both your degree and moments to simply enjoy uni life! As we start to get into a routine here in the Exeposé office we can't wait to continue to read your articles, and want to remind readers if you have an idea feel free to pitch it to the relevant section editors. With so much news on both a national and local scale we have several stories to share this week and hope you enjoy reading them!

In News this week, we focus on the recent Just Stop Oil protest on campus, as well as recent talks and slow marches. We also look at how the University is getting involved with Black History Month.

In Features, writers discuss Exeter's housing problem delays (page 8), alongside an interview with the new local Liberal Democrat candidate (page 9).

In Comment, there’s an assessment of the struggles of the maintenance loan versus rising rents (page 12) as well as a debate on the pressure to drink at socials. (page 13) whilst Satire shares the tail of two Napoleons (page 14).

In Exhibit, Lifestyle looks at how nature can improve wellbeing (page 16) and discusses how to find

SPA AWARDS your feet at university (page 17). Arts + Lit report on the recent Kamila Shamsie event (page 18), and provide a spotlight to black female creators (page 19). Music anticipates the upcoming return of Take That (page 20) and Screen discusses their favourite local cinemas and indie studios (page 22).

Tech looks at disinformation on X (page 25) and Exetera Exetera shares a recipe on gooey chocolate cookies (page 26). Science explores the chances of alien life (page 28) and explains the impact of Covid-19 on babies' microbiomes (page 29).

Sport covers the Rugby World Cup (page 30) as well as a preview of the Cricket World Cup (page 31).

As the final issue before reading week, we want to say a huge thanks to all our contributors and proofers.

We hope you all have a relaxing week off — well, as much as possible.

Looking forward to the next issue, it will be the 750th anniversary of Exeposé and we can't wait to share this edition with you all!

2023 Best Publication 2023 Best Publication in the South West Images (top to bottom): pxhere, Steve Knight Flickr, Livvy Mason-Myhill and ESA Hubble flickr

COMMENT "To drink or no to drink" PAGE 13

LIFESTYLE Exeter's best beaches PAGE 17

MUSIC Live review: Gracie Abrams PAGE 20

SCIENCE

Livvy and Anabel

Alien life — a question soon to be answered?

PAGE 28 Proofers: Livvy Mason-Myhill, Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Harry Craig, Charlie Gershinson, Joshua Smith, Eloise Grainger, Oliver Lamb, Scarlett Cracknell, Willow Cracknell, Lauren Walsh and Maddie Conlan.

Print: Maddie Conlan & Lauren Walsh Online: Gracie Moore & Violet Berney artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Jake Avery & Scarlett Cracknell music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Annabelle Law & Madison Sohngen Online: Jess Cadogan screen@exepose.com Tech Editor Print: Ewan Gregory & Anabel Costa-Ferreira Science Editors Print: Eloise Shewring & Livvy Mason-Myhill Online: Orla Watson sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Oliver Rickwood & Harry Craig Online: Mikhail Shklover & Ceri Vaughan-Jones sport@exepose.com

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University news home and abroad Students call for ban on meat and dairy at Bristol University

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Exeter University opens Centre for Degree Partnerships

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Uyghur academic gets life sentence for "endangering state security"

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Irish university to offer country's first degree in influencing

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TUDENT campaigners at the UniHE University of Exeter AHILE Dawut, acclaimed HE Southeast Technical University of Bristol have begun camhas opened its new CenUyghur ethnography profesversity in Carlow, Ireland is paigning for meat and dairy to be tre for Degree Partnerships sor, reportedly has been imthe first in the country to ofremoved from all food outlets within the in an opening ceremony featuring prisoned for life by China, on grounds fer a degree in becoming an influencer, University. Protesters hung a sign outside Education Secretary Gillian Keegan. of “endangering state security.” due to growing interest in the industry of a University building, reading: “PlantThe centre will host apprentices who The life sentence was confirmed fol- in recent years. The four-year course is based university: end the climate crisis.” spend around 20 per cent of their time lowing a lost appeal against a 2018 convic- called the Bachelor of Arts in Content It is the environmental im- studying and the other 80 per cent work- tion in a Xinjiang court. Dawut first disap- Creation and Social Media, and includes pact of meat consumption that ing, and their degrees will be funded peared six years ago, and was charged for modules on business skills, video and these protestors are concerned with. by their employers. The University cur- ‘splittism’ a year later, seen as a security audio editing, critical cultural studies It is believed that this campaign is led rently hosts 2900 students but hopes threat akin to treason, as it centres around and creative writing.

by Animal Rising, the leading voice for a to increase their capacity to 5000 by the promotion of autonomous regions.

“It draws plant-based food system in the UK. Their 2030. Rachael Johnston, director of the Prior to her arrest, Dawut was a on existing two demands are that the government "sup- centre, told the BBC, “degree appren- member of the Chinese Comm e d i a ports farmers and fishing communities to ticeships are totally transformational munist Party, and her work and PR move away from animal farming and fish- for anybody’s career but they’re also was recognised and supported a n d ing” and "commits to rewild the land and openly accessible for people to join.” by the Chinese government. marocean as part of a broader programme of The University first began pro- However, since 2016, there keting wildlife restoration and carbon drawdown.” grammes for degree apprenticeships has been a significant rise skills Animal Rising have been linked to block- in 2016 and is now the largest pro- in the imprisonment of Uybut it’s ades of abattoirs, meat, and dairy factories. vider in the entire Russell Group in ghur intellectuals. This is part a new The Plant Based University Campaign many sectors such as education, civ- of the Chinese detention of an area in has sent an open letter to Bristol’s vice il engineering, healthcare and more. estimated one million Uyghurs, and of itchancellors. They claim it "has been signed Speaking at the opening, the Educa- as part of “re-education” by the state. self as well," by nearly 1,000 academics and notables." tion Secretary said, “I left school at 16 There has been condemnation from acasaid Dr Eleanor In response, the National Farm- in Liverpool and started as an apprentice demics and the Human Rights Watch, O'Leary, lecturer in media and comers’ Union (NFU) has said the cam- in a car factory, then they sponsored me and her daughter, Alkeda Pulati, a Seat- munications. Applications open in paign’s approach is “simplistic”. The for a degree. I am pretty sure I would not tle resident, pleaded against this con- November and the course will begin NFU believe land management and pro- be Education Secretary for England if I firmation, saying: “China, show your next academic year (September 2024). duction efficiency is most important. had not done my degree apprenticeship.” mercy and release my innocent mother.”

Image: Today Testing, Wikimedia Commons

By Ewan Edwards, Charlie Gershinson, Amelie Thompson and Lauren Walsh

18 OCT 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

3 NEWS

Agatha Christie statue in Torquay named after And Then There Were None Anabel Costa-Ferreira Editor-in-Chief

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FTER being commissioned to create a bronze sculpture, Brixham-based artist Elisabeth Hadley had to inscribe one of Christie’s novel titles onto the statue. In order to choose, fans voted globally, specifically

during the International Agatha Christie Festival (which is held annually in Torquay).

After deliberation, the most popular response, noted by Hadley as the “ideal novel”, was And Then There Were None.

This work was commissioned as part of Torbay Council’s harbour public realm regeneration works. As one of the best-selling novelists of all time, Christie is best known for her detective

fiction works, particularly featuring protagonists Hercule Poirot and Ms. Marple. Born in 1890 in Torquay, Devon , many of her novels were inspired by local areas and events. Christie lived on the English Riviera most of her life and her home now remains a National Trust site called Greenway House, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Interestingly, this chosen novel was

situated locally on Burgh Island. In response to the tribute, Jacob Brandon, Chair of Torbay Culture, responded that “Torbay’s tribute to Agatha continues to celebrate the impact she has had on our local culture and heritage.” He concluded that “this vote, which was held during our annual celebration of the beloved author, is a reminder of our town’s connection to a global community of Christie fans.”

‘Magic and Occult Science’ master’s to be taught from next year Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

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HE University of Exeter has announced the creation of a postgraduate degree in ‘Magic and Occult Science’ commencing in the 202425 academic year in what is being described by the University as the first of its kind.

The master’s degree — which has an entry requirement of a 2:2 undergraduate degree — is described by the University as “a unique programme” where students can learn about topics including “magic in Greece and Rome, occult texts in Judaism, Christianity and Islam” and “magic in witchcraft and folklore” among other themes. The University has also said that its choice of location within the Arab and Islamic Studies will “place

the Arabo-Islamic cultural heritage back where it belongs in the centre of these studies.” The course will be taught in the Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies.

The key core module for the programme is entitled ‘Esotericism and the Magical Tradition’ where students will be expected to learn from an interdisciplinary approach including History, English, Film studies and Islamic studies among many others. It is described as being suited for “graduates who have no prior knowledge of the subject area.”

Other optional modules include ‘The Legend of King Arthur’ and ‘The Western Dragon in Lore, Literature and Art’ while others include ‘Theorising the Middle East’ and ‘The Sovereign, the Good and Society in Islamic Thought,’ linking back to the placement of Arabo-Islamic cultural heritage within the curriculum.

Professor Emily Selove, the course leader, has said that “This MA will allow people to re-examine the assumption that the West is the place of rationalism and science, while the rest of the world is a place of magic and superstition.”

The programme has made national headlines over recent weeks in publications such as the BBC, The Guardian, The Times and The Telegraph. It has also been criticised by some such as Katherine Birbalsingh, headmistress of Michaela School and a former government advisor, who posted on X — formerly Twitter — regarding the course saying “we have moved beyond the realms of lunacy.”

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TUDENTS have been left confused and uncertain following a chaotic start to the academic personal tutoring programme at the beginning of the new academic year. Many were provided with conflicting information and faced last-minute changes to their tutor, with multiple students telling Exeposé that they had received numerous emails from the University, each naming different tutors, at the start of term. In one case, one thirdyear student was told just hours before their first timetabled tutor meeting that their tutor had been changed.

Confusion appeared to have settled down by week three of term, when 96 per cent of students told Exeposé that they now knew who their academic personal tutor for this academic year was. However, these issues have aroused significant discontent among students with the academic personal tutoring system at Exeter.

Although the University claims that “whilst on very rare occasions… a student may be reallocated to a new tutor”, this appears to be a common

occurrence. In a survey conducted by Exeposé, 62.5 per cent of respondents reported that their academic personal tutor had not remained the same during their time studying at Exeter.

Many reported that this had severely affected their ability to build a close working relationship with their tutor.

Indeed, one fourth-year student told Exeposé that their tutor had changed every single year (a trend which appeared to be repeated among most students), and bemoaned that “you can never really create a relationship with them when [they are] constantly changing.” A thirdyear student also stated that they were saddened by the changes to their tutor, as after receiving pastoral support in previous years from their academic personal tutor, they now felt “nervous” to speak with a new tutor. This echoed the general sentiments of other students, who said that they “feel disconnected”, believe that they will “not… get adequate support” and that just as they “begin to feel comfortable talking to them… they change again.”

The high prevalence of changes to personal tutors has fuelled discontent with academic personal tutoring, with nearly half (46 per

Just Stop Oil slow march in Exeter Oliver Lamb News Editor

O Image: Iryna Pustynnikova, Wikimedia Commons

46 per cent of students believe academic personal tutors are not useful Harry Craig Deputy Editor

Image: Violetriga, Wikimedia Commons

cent) of respondents stating that they believed academic personal tutors were not useful and the same percentage never having met their tutor outside of timetabled sessions.

Exeposé also uncovered massive variances in the quality of academic personal tutoring, further explaining students’ frustration. One respondent claimed that their tutor “didn’t turn up to any [timetabled] appointments for a whole year”, and another that their second-year tutor “did not even respond to emails.” Further concerns were raised for combined honours students, with one stating that “I only have an academic tutor for one of the subjects I'm studying, meaning I do not even have an opportunity for support in half of my course.”

This has been exacerbated by the lack of communication from the University regarding the change to the name of academic personal tutoring, formerly referred to solely as personal tutoring, at the start of this academic year. This was done with the intention of making it clearer that this tutoring system is intended primarily for academic advice and enquiries, as stated by the University, to signpost that tutors are to “provide advice and support to

students on academic matters, and often in relation to employability and career plans.” The University was also keen to note that “the responsibilities of tutors may differ from course-to-course and the role may even be given a different name”.

This has been an important distinction to make, with many students believing that academic personal tutors were primarily intended for pastoral and emotional support, rather than academic support.

Although Exeposé’s survey found that 83 per cent of respondents correctly identified academic support as part of the role of tutors, 46 per cent believed that their remit also primarily included pastoral and emotional support.

Nonetheless, the University is keen to emphasise that students “can talk to their tutor if they are worried about an assessment deadline, are having problems with attendance, or have personal matters they think are affecting your studies.” They also note that, in circumstances where a tutor is unable to help a student themselves, they can “refer students to sources of specialist support, including study skills and well-being services both on and off campus.”

N Saturday 7th October, Just Stop Oil protesters slowmarched through Exeter city centre. One participant sustained a minor injury after being hit by an overtaking car.

With the intention of holding up traffic, a small group marched from outside the Hotel du Vin on Magdalen Street — where the collision occurred — to the Heavitree Road roundabout on Western Way. The route took about 40 minutes.

Passing drivers responded with a mix of anger and support, according to the group.

In a video released on Just Stop Oil’s Instagram page, the injured protester said, “as soon as we went onto the road, a chap in his bright red sports car just drove straight into the back of my legs. It just goes to show the challenges we face when we take this action. We do not do it lightly because we recognise this is for our future.”

Just Stop Oil opposes new licences for oil and gas extraction. In September, Rosebank — the UK’s largest untapped oilfield — was approved for development. The decision could produce 300 million barrels of oil, but opponents decry the potential 200 million tonnes of accompanying CO2 emissions.

Mia Fidge, a University of Exeter student, said, “I cannot live with the guilt, anger and grief that I feel in the face of such selfishness and greed from those in power both in the UK and worldwide. The government has, and continues to, declare war on the young. My generation has no choice but to fight against the genocidal decisions that the UK government is making, in an attempt to protect our loved ones and the future for all… stopping all new fossil fuel licences is not a radical ask.”

Image: Alisdare Hickson, Wikimedia Commons

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18 OCT 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

“This isn’t a story in a newspaper... this is whether you and your family get to live or die”

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HEN Exeposé asked the protester what more they believed the University of Exeter could do to support the causes of Just Stop Oil, the protester replied that “the University is currently being funded to the tune of about £14.7m from Shell, which is an oil company that is well reportedly continuing its expansion of fossil fuels. It doesn’t give a s*** about us.

They assume profit over our futures."

They continued by commenting on the University’s funding towards Shell Oil, suggesting that “the University continue to accept funding from a company that is burning our future.”

In light of the University recently announcing their plans towards Strategy 2030, the protester indicated that this in relation to the Just Stop Oil protest “is a horrible cognitive dissonance that we have, whereby the University changes its branding to ‘green’ but then does a deal with the fossil fuel devil, so to speak, in the form of a company that has a well-recorded [history of] human rights violations. It's sickening to be a student at this time and to watch our futures being burned.”

The protester explained the reasoning behind the paint that was splattered on the Forum building: “the orange paint represents Just Stop Oil, and the red paint represents the blood on the hands of Rishi Sunak for investing in over 100

new oil and gas licenses and frankly on the hands of the University for being complicit in that.”

On Just Stop Oil’s Instagram page, James Dyke, a Professor of Earth System Science at the University of Exeter, spoke about the protest by Simonson on the Forum building.

Dyke believed that Simonson’s action was a smart protest. He made it clear that the protest was “calling out the recent actions of the UK government in giving new licenses for oil and gas in the Rosebank area. That’s in direct contradiction to the latest advice we’ve got from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Energy Agency and also the Climate Change Committee, which is the dependent body that advises the UK government.”

Dyke underlined the urgency and the stark choices facing us in the battle against climate change. "To limit global warming to the crucial 1.5-degree threshold, it is essential to not only reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but also to make a decisive commitment to leave existing oil and gas reserves untapped." Dyke potently stated: “no new oil and gas — no new development of gas facilities and infrastructure.” This signifies a fundamental shift in our approach to energy and environmental sustainability. The call for no new oil and gas development, including gas facilities and infrastructure, reflects

a recognition that "our future wellbeing and the health of our planet hinge on breaking free from fossil fuel dependency and embracing cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. It's a potent message that emphasizes the need for immediate, resolute action in the fight against climate change."

The University of Exeter commented on the Just Stop Oil protest stating how the protest "concluded peacefully".

The University added that it respects the right to protest, providing it is carried out safely, respectfully and within the law. We understand the individual involved has been arrested, and will not comment further during the police investigation.”

Exeposé also obtained remarks from Edred Whittingham, a Just Stop Oil protester who gained notoriety for his actions at the World Snooker Championships in April by dousing the snooker table with orange paint powder and also disrupting a graduation ceremony in July on the University of Exeter campus.

Before providing Exeposé with a comment, Whittingham stated that "this isn't a story in a newspaper... this is whether you and your family get to live or die". When asked about the importance of Simonson’s protest, Whittingham explained that “billions of people are going to starve to death or be slaughtered in war as a result of the climate crisis, if we stay

on the current trajectory. If throwing paint on a university building gets attention for this and encourages even a small number of people to step into civil resistance, it’s entirely justified.” In response to what Just Stop Oil believes the University could do to stop the climate crisis, Whittingham suggested that the University should “enter into noncooperation with the government until it commits to ending all new fossil fuel licenses and consents, and actively encourages and supports its students to be in civil resistance.”

Whittingham then also highlighted his disapproval of the University being in partnership with Shell Oil. Whittingham expressed a deepseated concern regarding the role of universities and their responses to the pressing climate crisis, emphasising that, “universities in their current form are part of the problem, not the solution.” He suggested that many educational institutions are failing to fully recognise the gravity of the climate emergency and are not treating it as the existential threat that it is. Whittingham’s main message surrounding this protest was that it is a call for universities and their communities to confront the true magnitude of the climate crisis and to act decisively in pursuit of solutions, emphasising that only by fully embracing the severity of the issue can we hope to take the necessary

steps to address it effectively.

Following the day’s action, a talk on the climate crisis and direct action was held in Exeter’s community centre. Noting the multiple national actions taken that day, the talk began with a section from Whittingham outlining JSO’s reasoning.

Whittingham first discussed his involvement with the World Snooker Championships demonstration back in April, reflecting how “that one action got on the front page of The Sun, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph and The Times” and that “this is why we do civil disobedience.”

Whittingham continued by discussing a range of points from die-in protests to multibreadbasket failure — all of which to demonstrate their focal point that there is “only a matter of time before this becomes permanent.”

Above all, Whittingham was most keen for the audience to remember the term breadbasket failure, to describe simultaneous crop failures.

Afterwards, a Physics professor from the University went on to explain how to get involved with Just Stop Oil. She noted that individuals can still participate in ways that avoid a risk of arrest, from postering to supporting those who are arrested.

In particular, she referenced the upcoming week of protests taking place in London this November.

Image: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

5 NEWS

18 OCT 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

Demand for on-campus accommodation has increased by 33 per cent since 2019 Livvy Mason-Myhill and Charlie Gershinson Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor

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CCOM MODAT ION data from the University of Exeter has revealed a series of trends indicating the struggles which students face over the cost-of-living crisis and showing the rapid increase in accommodation places available to first-year students since 2019.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has allowed Exeposé to view accommodation data showing the total number of places available for students in University-owned accommodation and the number of first-choice applications for each of these housing sites since 2019. For incoming students wanting a place in such accommodations, they are expected to rank their top four or five preferences (depending on which year students began studying at the University).

The University says they “do not guarantee you’ll be offered one of your four preferences from your application” but will use the information you provide “as a guide to give you the most appropriate room.”

The University reaffirmed this to Exeposé, saying, “if we cannot allocate students to one of their four preferences we will use all the information in their application as a guide to give the most appropriate room. In some cases we will source additional accommodation in the city.” The University went on to say, “We use four priorities when processing applications – preferences for a single gender f lat, a quiet f lat, the ages of f latmates people have specified and whether the applicant wants to live with those who do or do not drink alcohol.”

Despite a clear increase in demand for University-owned student housing since 2019, there has been a marked decrease in demand for catered accommodation beginning in the 2022-23 year, when the cost-of-living crisis has begun to seriously affect students.

Catered accommodation allows for breakfast and dinner to be provided during the weekdays and brunch on the

weekends — making 16 meals provided per week. This is also a more expensive option compared to self-catered accommodation.

A self-catered ensuite room in Birks Grange Village costs £7125.66 for a 40-week contract while an identical ensuite room under the catered category costs £8,873.15 for a 32-week contract, making the catered option 36 per cent more expensive.

In the 2021-22 academic year, there were 1220 applications for catered accommodation but this fell dramatically the following year to 795, a decrease of 35 per cent. The number of applications to catered accommodation has marginally increased to 878 in the 2023-24 year. This has left catered accommodation such as Birks Grange Village significantly under capacity.

In 2023, 352 places were made available in Birks Grange Village but only 84 would be filled, meaning that 76 per cent of catered places in Birks Grange Village are left unfilled this year, according to the University’s data.

Many first-year students since 2019 have also been allocated places in “nominated” offcampus housing such as The Depot, Trust House and The Northfield, among others. This has been a widespread practice for students who did not receive a place at any of their preferred accommodation sites, referred to by the University as an option “in some circumstances.” However, many if not all these students would not have requested to be living off-campus. These complexes belong to private owners and not the University and often charge higher prices. For the 202324 academic year, The Northfield

charged £205 per week for a classic ensuite room. An ensuite room in East Park, by comparison, charged just under £200 per week. After an identical 40-week term, a student staying at The Northfield would expect to pay £200 more over the year than a student living in East Park.

One student in this situation found themselves paying £170 per week when their first preference accommodation was £164 per week. When they phoned the University to speak to them about the situation, they were told to "get a job".”

The surge in the first-year student population from 4,434 in 2019 to 5,920 in 2023 (not including those who did not choose the University of Exeter as their first choice) marks a notable trend in student demographics, an increase of over 33 per cent. This substantial increase indicates a growing demand for higher education, potentially driven by various factors such as improved access to education or the appeal of the institution. However, while it ref lects the institution's popularity and success in attracting new students, this rise in first-year enrolment also presents challenges in the realm of student housing. The need to accommodate a larger number of first-year students can strain the availability of on-campus or nearby housing options. As a result, students and universities alike may need to adapt to this growing demand and address the evolving requirements for

student housing, ensuring that newcomers have accessible and suitable living arrangements.

The dynamics of student housing applications have consistently displayed a challenging trend over the years. In each annual cycle, the number of housing applications has consistently exceeded the available housing places. Despite efforts to increase the number of available places, the rate of applications has risen in parallel, effectively maintaining the equilibrium between supply and demand. This scenario signifies a persistently high demand for student housing, often driven by a variety of factors like enrolment growth or the appeal of the institution. To address this ongoing challenge, universities and housing providers may need to implement innovative solutions, such as expanding housing infrastructure, enhancing housing allocation systems, or encouraging alternative housing arrangements, to ensure that students have adequate and suitable housing options.

Other results from the FOI include: — The University offers around 6500-7000 beds to international students each year but only a small number are taken up. In 2023, 6469 beds are offered but only 2007 were taken up, an uptake rate of only 31 per cent.

— Some accommodation sites have had no first preferences in recent years.

In 2023-24, no applications were made to St Germans or Garden Hill & Lafrowda Cottage. In 2022-23, Clydesdale Rise and Nash Grove also received no first preferences.

— Lafrowda has declined in popularity in recent years, despite its

Images: Rachel Cunningham

reputation as a popular housing site on Streatham Campus.

In 2021, first preferences for Lafrowda made up 132 per cent of places but this has decreased since to 85 per cent in 2022 and 101 per cent in 2023.

In a survey conducted by Exeposé, only 50 per cent of students stated that they were allocated a place in their firstchoice accommodation. Of that number, only a further 29 per cent received a place in any of their other choices. Students, who chose to remain anonymous, raised other issues they found with how the University allocated accommodation. One student was placed into Moberly in 2020, which was not one of their preferences, which did not meet their disability needs. They then had to wait for the University to allocate them a new wheelchairaccessible room. Another student reported that they were placed into catered accommodation against their wishes which had caused them a great deal of distress and “did not help [them] settle easily into university life.”

However, some students also reported that the University’s system of allocating accommodation benefitted them.

One student found themselves allocated to St David’s Kingdom Mews when their first preference was East Park, but their new accommodation was significantly cheaper, only costing £110 per week.

50 per cent of students stated that they were allocated a place in their first-choice accommodation Pip Shaw, Student Living Officer, said “as Student Living Officer, I am getting involved in local and national discussions around how we can provide safe, affordable and well-regulated student housing … As always, feel free to get in touch about some of the work that I am doing (or that you would like me to do!)

“If a student is unhappy with their accommodation offer, our Advice team would signpost them to speak to the University Accommodation team. Our Advice team are able to assist students if they were making a complaint about the condition or safety of their accommodation.”

6 NEWS

18 OCT 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

Primary school near Exeter moves into another after flooding Ewan Edwards Online Deputy Editor

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UPILS at Kenton Primary School in Dawlish have had to move into a neighbouring school after the floods on the 17th September destroyed classrooms, furniture, and books, leaving the school unusable.

They have been forced to move into the Hope Church building in Kenn Primary School. Both schools are part of the Ivy Education Trust.

After two days off school, a week later the 58 children of Kenton Primary moved into Hope Church with makeshift classrooms and an area fenced for a playground.

The disruption has received national news attention which is bound to raise awareness and hopefully extra support for the school.

Speaking to ITV News, headteacher Gemma Pattinson was overjoyed with the level of support in response to the flooding. She added that "Kenton

Primary is a really, really special place, and that's never been more true actually than during a crisis.”

It is not known when the school will be able to move back into its buildings or buy new equipment.

In the meantime, books have been provided by parents and the University of Exeter, so that the pupils can continue their learning without too much interruption.

It may be some time until insurers can properly assess the damage and reconstruction can start.

Image: DALIBRI, Wikimedia Commons

“The university aren’t following the spirit of the £2 meal” Harry Craig and Joshua Smith Deputy Editors

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YEAR on from its introduction at Streatham Campus, the activists behind the £2 meal campaign have expressed concern over both the commercialisation of the scheme and more generally the lack of affordable food available on campus. Esmé, one of the activists, told Exeposé that she felt “the university aren’t following the spirit of the £2 meal”, which was “intended to let lower income students access affordable food and meals on campus”.

She also believes that the University have “fallen short by providing it for such a short window, and not looking further into the solutions they can put in place to meet the high demand for these affordable options”. Esmé also stated that “commercialising [the £2 meal] to a degree… completely goes against the point”, and means that students were “paying £5 [for lunch] anyway” as a result of the many extras now offered at an additional cost. This fits the experiences of students, with 45.5 per cent telling Exeposé that they regularly purchased garlic bread as an additional extra with their meal, and 79 per cent purchasing at least one extra.

However, this is not unanimous.

Jakob, another of the activists involved in the scheme last year, conceded that, in his view, “the University… haven’t commercialised it as much as it

might first seem” and that “they’re actually subsidising the 2-pound meals, i.e. making a loss.” Instead, he agreed with Esmé’s focus on the wider lack of affordable food options beyond the £2 meal on campus. This was an issue raised by many students, with one saying that too many people still “wasted their money in the overpriced Forum Market Place”, and another pointing out that the scheme still hadn’t been rolled out at St Luke’s Campus, where “a meal deal is around £4.50-5.”

the University... haven’t commercialised it as much as it might first seem” This corroborates Jakob’s view, in stating that “people… are still depending on Starbucks or Pret”. He believes that the short-term issue is that “one location is not enough to accommodate the demand” and that “you shouldn’t have to choose between queuing 40 minutes and paying six pounds for a Pret sandwich.” This was similarly expressed by Pip Shaw, Student Living Officer, who said that “it’s clear the current location in Devonshire House does not have sufficient capacity for the number of students buying these meals”. Jakob was also eager to look longer term and beyond the £2 meal itself, advocating “reclaiming campus for the students, getting expensive private companies off and using those spaces to offer affordable food or

put student-run businesses in there.”

the current location... does not have sufficient capacity for the number of students buying these meals

ning to buy the £2 meals. Another significant takeaway is that most students reflect positively on the fact that the £2 meal is always vegan and/or vegetarian.

The Guild, which led the campaign for the £2 meals spearheaded by Guild President Emma de Saram, said it was “delighted to see the continued success of the £2 meal campaign, with the Super Savour Kitchen meals being used a lot by students on both our campuses.” This was joined by the University, which runs the £2 meal through the Super Savour Kitchen, who stated

One of the main student complaints, aside from the lack of other affordable food options beyond the £2 meal, were portion sizes. In response to student demand for an increased portion size shortly after the scheme was rolled out last year, the University added a larger portion size — but for an extra £1. This has been popular, with 30 per cent of students telling Exeposé that they regularly purchase a larger portion size, but has further fuelled criticism that the University is commercialising the scheme, and as Esmé stated earlier, does not “follow the spirit of the £2 meal”.

Nonetheless, students have remained broadly positive in their assessment of the £2 meals, with over 70 per cent of students rating the quality of the food a 4 or 5 out of 5.

One student commented that it has been beneficial to their university experience to “sit down with a rotating group of people for lunch every day” and how they had “much more energy” and felt “more productive and social than ever” upon begin- Image: Charlie Gershinson

that they “host a number of initiatives across its campuses in order to support students, including the opening and subsidising of a central location on the Streatham Campus to provide the nutritious, sustainable meal for £2.”

In response to concerns from both students and activists about the lack of adequate capacity for the £2 meal, Student Living Officer Pip Shaw also remarked that the Guild “would like to explore with the University how we can extend the availability of these meals, both in location and timing.”

Exeter Carnival cancelled due to financial issues Image: Steph Maciuk

Harry Craig Deputy Editor

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XETER Carnival, a staple of the city’s festive calendar, has been cancelled for 2023 due to the “tough financial climate.”

The event, which made a much-lauded return last year after a 24-year hiatus, was originally scheduled for Saturday 25th November. However, InExeter, the group responsible for the event, stated on 12th October that “the rise in operation costs has compelled us to make the difficult choice to cancel the carnival.”

Traditionally, the festival

includes a vibrant array of illuminated floats, and runs along the city’s High Street. In spite of heavy rain, it attracted large crowds to the city centre last year, and has historically been a key part of Exeter’s Christmas celebrations.

In a statement announcing the cancellation, Mat Jarratt, Chair of Directors at InExeter, explained the reasons for the cancellation, stating that, “to deliver a carnival style event in a city like Exeter is not without substantial difficulties”, noting that “the scale of road closures, amount of people needed to run an event of this scale, and the costs associated with this” had forced the cancellation.

Nonetheless, InExeter stated that an alternative festive celebration would take place on 25th November, with a daytime and early evening event that will include “festive celebrations with pop up performances and beloved characters.”

This cancellation follows the similarly financial-related cancellation of Exeter Pride earlier this year, as well as the announcement in August that Winter Wonderland, normally sited in Northernhay Gardens, would be “taking a break” from Exeter this year. Exeter Cathedral's Christmas Market will nonetheless return, opening on Friday 17th November.

7 NEWS

18 OCT 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

73.3 per cent of students believe that the University of Exeter is not diverse and inclusive enough Livvy Mason-Myhill Editor-in-Chief

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N light of Black History Month and in response to a journo request conducted by Exeposé, 73.3 per cent of students at the University of Exeter feel that the University does not go far enough in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

A study from The Tab in 2022 found that the University of Exeter is the second least diverse Russell Group university in the UK, with only 10.6 per cent of students coming from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Furthermore, a recent FOI by Exeposé found that the median hourly pay for professors at the University from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicity (BAME) is £7.31 less than their white counterparts. Also, the percentage of Black PhD students at the University of Exeter is only 3.7 per cent.

Many students explained that they think the University is “not inclusive of BAME people, despite all the efforts and campaigns, it does not encourage these students to join the University.” Other students suggested that the University discourages students of BAME backgrounds from applying, indicating that there “seems to be more of a push from the University to encourage international students (as they pay more) rather than BAME students from the UK.” One student commented that they believe the University’s efforts to make their Streatham campus more diverse and inclusive “always reek of tokenism, and never actually acting on the empty gestures and words they express.”

In response to what the University could do to make its Streatham campus more diverse and inclusive, multiple students suggested that they have “more multicultural events/ Image: Exeter Students’ Guild

speakers and more accountability for racist attacks.” Students are also keen for the University to address diversity and inclusivity issues more directly, encouraging the University to “fight the stereotypes of being an uppermiddle class southern university, respond to complaints, address issues directly” as well as asking the University to “make it easier for people to report discrimination.”

One student explained that the University should explore the culture that the student body “breed in terms of elitism and racism” highlighting how “the University has a duty to manage this. The classism within the student body excludes racially and ethnically diverse students.” Another student praised the Students’ Guild on their celebrations and events for Black History Month, expressing that they feel the Guild’s events and attitudes “feel more genuine than the University” and that “the University needs to demonstrate trust, respect and active listening – this will encourage more underrepresented voices to come forward and get involved.”

Multiple students also indicated that if they witnessed racism or had experienced it, they would not know where to look for support.

Additionally, some students said how they have witnessed racism through online pages such as Overheard at the University of Exeter and additional meme pages. A student expressed that they “see people being directed to report hate crimes, but more work needs to be done (especially with AU clubs) about how to make clubs and societies a genuinely safe space and how to guarentee communities ensure there is no tolerance in their club/society.”

Despite multiple students expressing their negative attitudes towards the inclusivity and diversity

on the Streatham campus, the University have expressed that they are celebrating Black History Month and that it is “a key campaign within the University’s annual calendar of events.” The University has listed that they are hosting multiple events and talks throughout Black History Month, as well as film screenings and live music events. They have also created a Black History Month bulletin to “see a schedule of events and activity going on across our campuses, which will be updated throughout the month as new events are confirmed.” The University has also introduced new webpages for their work as part of the “Race Equality Charter” in which students can “see the breakdown of the five priorities that have been identified to drive forward the University’s race equality work, and how we are going to achieve them.”

A spokesperson from the University iterated that “Last year, the University achieved a Race Equality Charter (REC) Bronze award that recognises our work on race equality in higher education, showing that we have built good foundations on which to create a more diverse and supportive community. Over the last 12 months, we have made great progress on our action plan, as well as building the membership of, and maximising the impact of our Race Equality Group across our University community." The University further indicated that they have been working with the Students' Guild to "set up an EDI student advisory board, improve understanding of our colleagues and students’ experiences and we have also transitioned ethnicity data to enable us to highlight the different experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups within our University community." The University have also commented on their determination to improve their staff recruitment process, particularly through the use of diversity job boards, updating their language and terminology on applications form, and investing in an EDI Recruitment role within their EDI team. The University additionally discussed the initiatives that are ongoing on campus to support and develop diversity and inclusivity, including "an important element of the “People” part of our University’s Strategy 2030, including our partnership with WHEN on the 100 Black Women Professors Now Programme and the Elevate leadership programme, which we are pleased to confirm will again be offered for the 2023-24 academic year from Academic staff (grades D-G) and Professional Services staff (grades

C-G) from Black, Asian or Minority ethnic backgrounds and who identify as female." It was reiterated by the University that they have an ongoing commitment "to become an actively anti-racist institution and antiRacism training for staff is currently in development and will be launched this academic year, however, we also know that we are a long way from creating the fair, socially just and inclusive community which is a core priority in our Strategy 2030.”

The Students' Guild commented that they are "excited to be working with our Black community leaders to create a diverse programme of events and activities that are centred around our theme for this year: empowering Black students to exist loudly all year round." The Guild also signposted their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Board, emphasising that "during these paid sessions, students help to influence the University and Guild’s EDI approaches and services by providing vital feedback on the lived experience of students at Exeter."

Professors from the Acts of Writing English module Professor Jane Poyner, Professor Amina Yaqin, Dr Nazneen Pathak and Dr Nadeen Dakkak also offered to give comments regarding Black History Month. The professors explained the events that are being organised by the University, departments and the Guild for Black History Month “all show the hard work and passion of everyone involved in making them happen. They are an opportunity for us to celebrate Black heritage in Britain and elsewhere and understand the histories and struggles that have led to this contemporary moment.”

The University have also announced that this year, the theme for Black History Month is Saluting our Sisters, “paying homage to Black women who had contributions ignored, ideas appropriated and voices silenced, giving extra focus to celebrating and uplifting Black women, and Black feminism.” The professors reflected on this by explaining that the theme “helps us reflect on Black women’s contributions and achievements throughout history and how much work remains to be done in the struggle for racial equality. It is a time to reflect on how we can be more inclusive in our practices and structures as individuals and as a university."

The Acts of Writing professors also discussed the inclusivity and diversity of the campus, suggesting that “while we believe the University is moving in the right direction, we all know that racism and prejudice still exist on campus. The University

must continuously strive to offer a more politically and socially just and inclusive environment across our communities in education, research, professional services and in our daily interactions.” They also commented on the way the University have aimed to combat prejudice and racism on campus: "there are already lots of efforts across the University towards achieving this goal. For instance, we have departmental EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Officers, reporting mechanisms and “Speak Out reports” in all our departments, and funding for students to carry out anti-racism projects through the Exeter Education incubator." To further strengthen the University's anti-racism agenda, the professors have encouraged a robust and open staff-student dialogue. This includes ensuring representation of students and staff from the Global Majority on Student-Staff Liaison Committees (SSLCs) and introducing Global Majority academic mentors. The professors have also highlighted the University's departments have also designated Academic Leads for Student Support (Racial Equality and Inclusion) to address issues related to racism, racial discrimination, microaggressions, harassment, and bullying. Thereby creating a safe environment for students to seek support and report incidents.

Poyner, Yaqin, Pathak and Dakkak then addressed that “the ALSS (REI) are very keen to hear from students regarding their experiences, and also to help support ideas students might have to create further avenues of support and inclusion". They also indicated that students can get in touch with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team at edi@ exeter.ac.uk, Dr. Vrinda Nayak at V.Nayak@exeter.ac.uk, or their department administration to get in touch with the ALSS (REI).

Addressing the presence of colonialism within modern Britain, the Acts of Writing professors, commented that “The legacies of colonialism are still very much present in Britain today: the rise of far-right movements and the ongoing Windrush scandal are just two examples of how colonialism has continued to shape our history.”

They further indicated that the events of Black History Month are utilised to change this. Finally, the professors advised that the University “library holds significant collections relating to Colonial Studies and Black History resources, both of which present opportunities to engage with archives and the effects of colonialism.”

18 OCT 2023| EXEPOSÉ

8

Features

FEATURES EDITORS:

Benedict Thompson and Henry Parker

University dropout rates reach new high — but why?

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Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Editor-in-Chief, on why university dropout rates have risen

HILE enrolment appears at an all-time high, recent admissions data indicates this is also true for dropout rates. As higher education has increasingly become the norm for student’s post-18 plans, it is unsurprising to learn that in the 2021/22 academic year there was a 4 per cent increase in student numbers.

Not only has there been a push in colleges and sixth forms surrounding the value of higher education, but the variety of available courses continues to expand and accommodate even more interests. Take for instance the new master’s degree in ‘Magic and Occult Science’ which Exeter is set to teach from 2024. Despite these growing opportunities, dropout figures appear to be increasing at a disproportionately high rate.

While a university degree can be heavily valued in a workplace it is also not necessarily a requirement. In fact, there remain several industries and careers that are likely to value experience above what may be classed a ‘partially relevant degree.’

Dropout figures appear to be increasing In the current cost-of-living crisis it also becomes increasingly harder to financially justify taking a university degree. Almost all students

(95 per cent) take up their eligible loans to cover both tuition and maintenance fees. To clarify, the tuition loans in this country are covered in full and are paid directly to your university, whereas the maintenance loan (calculated from parental income) is there to support your living expenses.

Data provided by the higher education statistics industry further indicates that dropping out as a result of financial distress has rapidly risen. In 2022, this reason accounted for 3.5 per cent of dropouts, whereas this year the figure has more than doubled to 8 per cent. During a tough economic period, the future of these figures seems bleak, and this is where we begin to question what more universities could be doing to support their students during this time of need. In the past academic year, some universities even gave one-off ‘cost of living’ payments. For example, Manchester Evening News reported back in March, that ‘full-time students at the University of Manchester will receive a payment of £230 while part-time students will get £115.’

Though financial difficulties remain pertinent, the primary reason for dropout rates are linked to mental health concerns. Statistics indicate that students are still 25 per cent more likely to cite this reason when asked why they chose to leave a given course. At the age at students start university (often before 25) our

brains are still developing, and we are not only more susceptible to stress but our response will differ. Recent research shows that ‘student mental health problems are up by nearly a third.’

Primary reason for droput rates are linked to mental health concerns

higher education.” Once they are able to identify these areas, they plan to ask the “Office for Students to impose recruitment limits on courses that are delivering poor outcomes for students, including low earning and poor job prospects, to help prevent the growth of lowquality courses.” Though in response to this and the push for STEM subjects, many worry the value of humanities is being dismissed.

With the most recent recorded statistic shows that in the 2021/22 academic year 39,405 students chose to withdraw from their university courses, and without further government and universitybased action this is likely to raise exponentially.

At any UK university, there are likely to be spaces and contacts for wellbeing and support services, but whether students know how to access the support raises a different question. In light of the recent World Mental Health Day (10th October) many universities have continued to highlight the support available. For students struggling with any mental health issues, managing their health and a degree quickly becomes overwhelming, and a lack of support may factor into why this remains the primary cause.

Looking forward, a spokesperson for the Department of Education believes the next step is “firm action to crackdown where there are disproportionately high dropout rates across Image: rawdonfox. Flickr

Clifton Mews — Exeter housing project faces delays

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N March 2018, the Clifton Hill sports centre in Newtown was forced to shut down due to severe weather damage.

A significant development followed in January 2019 when Exeter City Council made the decision to demolish the sports centre and replace it with housing.

This decision occurred in the context of Exeter City Council’s housing strategy, known as ‘Better Homes for Local People,’ introduced in April 2018.

This strategy recognised the core issue at the heart of Exeter’s housing crisis: a severe shortage of affordable homes.

It emphasised the critical role of neighbourhood building plans in increasing the supply of affordable housing, with a specific focus on homes available at social rent levels. The plan underscored “the shortage of affordable homes is at the root of Exeter’s housing crisis. It is vital that neighbourhood building plans are used to increase the amount of affordable housing, particularly homes based on social rent levels, wherever possible.”

The shortage of affordable homes is at the root of Exeter’s housing crisis

Arpi Saruhanyan on developments of the housing crisis within Exeter Nonetheless, just a few months after ment expenses, potentially jeopardising this in August of the same year, the South the project’s profitability. This situation Street Urban Design Proposal surfaced. raises concerns about the council’s abilFeedback from various stakeholders high- ity to fulfil its commitments once more. lighted a significant concern: the area, priAnother aspect of the broader housmarily comprised of social or affordable ing crisis is the issue of empty homes and housing, did not align adequately with the second/holiday homes. Exeter currently typical blend of uses expected in a city has 433 empty homes and 505 second centre urban setting. Many individuals or holiday homes. These properties repfelt that the area lacked private residential resent a potential resource for addressspaces and contemporary workspaces. ing the shortage of affordable housing.

In response to these concerns, the To tackle this issue, proposed reviproposal outlined various actions that sions in the Levelling-Up and Regeneracould be taken. However, it failed to pro- tion Bill would allow local authorities to vide any concrete measures to ensure double the regular council tax rate for the preservation of the existing social homes that are vacant and substantially and affordable housing within the area. unfurnished after just one year, rather In January 2020, the city council ap- than the current requirement of two proved a loan of £15.6 milImage: Derek Harper, Geograph lion to assist Exeter City Living in acquiring and developing the Clifton Hill site.

Notably, this loan was granted under the condition that the development would yield a 20 per cent profit. However, Exeter City Living now claims that factors such as rising land values and Brexitrelated cost increases have substantially raised develop-

years. This adjustment could potentially yield an extra annual council tax revenue of approximately £1.5 million, with an estimated £123,000 influx per year. The bill had its initial reading in May 2022 and is still awaiting finalisation.

In Exeter, the council’s housing policy stipulates that 35 per cent of the total housing supply should be affordable. However, the current percentage is significantly lower, hovering around 13 per cent. Unfortunately, there appears to be no real immediate commitment to address this shortfall in the near future.

The Clifton Mews Development Project may seem like a local issue, but it embodies the larger housing crisis faced by Exeter and the UK. It underscores the urgent need for policies and initiatives that prioritise affordable housing over commercial interests. Affordable housing is a fundamental right, ensuring that every individual has access to a decent and secure place to live. According to the National Housing Federation, there is a shortfall of 3.91 million homes across England, and this shortage continues to grow.

The UK government has

set ambitious goals, aiming to construct 300,000 new homes annually, with a significant portion designated for affordable housing. Local authorities, including Exeter City Council, bear a significant responsibility in fulfilling these objectives. However, the Clifton Mews case serves as a stark reminder that without clear strategies to realise these targets and a heightened commitment to addressing affordability issues, meaningful change remains elusive. Consequently, the persisting challenges in the housing sector may persist, leaving individuals to contend with inadequate living conditions.

Challenges in the housing sector may persist Almost six years after the tragic Grenfell Tower incident, two individuals, 41-year-old Mizanur Rahman and twoyear-old Awaab Ishak, tragically lost their lives in London council flats, falling victim to poor living standards despite the repeatedly voiced concerns regarding the lacking conditions. These are the heartbreaking consequences that result from inadequate action on affordability crises and the absence of protective policies.

18 OCT 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

9 FEATURES

In conversation: Will Aczel

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Harry Craig and Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editors, speak to Exeter’s newly-selected Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate

T the end of August, the Exeter Liberal Democrats selected their parliamentary candidate for Exeter ahead of next year’s general election, naming 24-year-old Will Aczel. This came after the party did not stand in Exeter in the last general election in 2019, but after winning two seats in the local elections in the city in May, are hoping to rebuild the Lib Dem presence in Exeter, having previously held a plurality on the City Council between 2008 and 2010.

Exeposé sat down to speak with Aczel following his selection, and in the wake of his first ever Lib Dem party conference at the end of September.

One of the biggest stories from that conference was the defeat for the party leadership on scrapping housing targets, as the Young Liberals won an amendment to keep the party’s housing targets as national policy. Aczel spoke highly of this decision, stating that it showed the Lib Dems are “a democratic institution” that allowed “debate… on both sides, and by the end of it, it’s one member, one vote”, with “the party [members] having just as much weighting as the leader, Ed Davey.”

Image: Will Aczel

ing trust… trade and cooperation with the European Union” in order to get “the EU on side”.

Aczel was also asked how he would revitalise the Exeter Liberal Democrats from its relatively lacklustre performance in recent years. As The Lib Dems are a democrat- aforementioned, the party did not stand a canic institution that allow debate... didate at the 2019 general election, and Aczel on both sides, and... it’s was uncontested in his selection process. While one member, one vote” the Liberal Democrat representation on the Exeter City Council has increased in recent years Aczel contrasted this with the stance of the to three, making them the third-largest group, Labour Party, who “banned debates at their con- this a far cry from when they were the largest ference on Brexit, on housing, on electoral reform party and controlled the Council. Aczel attriband proportional representation.” He questioned uted the party’s local weakness to the popularity how Labour “can expect to run the country suc- of Sir Ben Bradshaw, Exeter’s Labour MP since cessfully if you’re not even trusting your own 1997, who has been very popular among liberals party to hold you to account”, and explained in Exeter. Locally, Aczel sees the Lib Dems as a this ideal of party democracy as a reason why, as resurgent force on the Council, making gains in someone on the progressive side of British poli- the 2019 and 2023 council elections, though this tics, he is a Liberal Democrat, rather than Labour. total would be higher if council elections were For Aczel, however, the “core reason” he held according to a proportional vote system. could never vote or support Labour is down to the In the next general election, Aczel is seeking fact that “the party does not support proportion- to position the Lib Dems as an alternative to the al representation [or] electoral reform”, which he Labour Party, particularly as Bradshaw is standing sees as “fundamental for getting our country work- down “in favour of someone who is not local to ing again” and something that the Lib Dems have Exeter” (referring to Labour’s parliamentary canbeen “the largest party consistently calling for”. didate Steve Race). Aczel believes that, as a result This focus on proportional representation of this, Labour’s fortunes in Exeter are “up in will likely speak to many Lib Dem voters, as the air”, while the Conservatives are not seen as this is something the party has focused heavily serious competitors due to their recent weakness on during previous election campaigns. in Exeter, and being seen as out-of-touch The last election in 2019, however, with a “liberal city like Exeter”. was dominated by one thing: Aczel reiterated this idea of Brexit. The Lib Dems were Exeter being a liberal city in celone of the strongest voices ebrating the diversity and coson this, with a strong commopolitan nature of the area, mitment to remaining in the as well as noting celebration European Union, yet in recent of the LGBTQ+ community years it has somewhat dropped as one of the Lib Dems’ “core off the party’s — and country’s values”.

He also lauded events Image: Will Aczel — radar. Aczel explained this by surrounding the LGBTQ+ comstating that “people come up to you munity, such as one taking place in the on the doorstep… primarily [with issues like] Exeter Phoenix in early November, but was discost-of-living, healthcare, sewage”, not Brexit. appointed by the cancellation of the Exeter Pride This does not mean, however, that the Lib parade in 2023. He noted this as a reminder that Dems have completely given up on Europe — the rights of the LGBTQ+ people are not “guarindeed, the reverse is true, according to Will, who anteed” and should not be taken for granted. states that the Lib Dems remain “the largest, most Aczel is remarkably young for a parliamentapro-EU, UK-wide party”. He points out that “you ry candidate, at 24 years of age. Therefore, he is can’t just snap your fingers and we’re back in”, a strong advocate for youth engagement in poliand that the focus for now has to be on “build- tics, and expressed his hope that “seeing another

young person standing for Parliament and standing up for the issues we’re facing will boost our turnout.” Unsurprisingly, therefore, Aczel was eager to discuss increasing engagement in the political process among young people, and tied this with his support for changing the voting system, in order to show that all votes can lead to change by eliminating safe seats like Exeter and encouraging higher turnout — as seen in Scottish elections, which use a proportional system of voting.

Aczel also spoke of making Image: Will Aczel policy changes to see better outcomes for young people, as many policies benefit older people who are more likely to vote and engage in the political process. Therefore, Aczel argued, if more young people vote they can be “empowered” both through their vote and through policy changes put forward by the representatives they chose.

One of the most significant policy areas with which young people are concerned is climate policy, and Aczel noted the climate crisis and global heating as “the biggest issue of our time” and “the primary reason I joined the Lib Dems.” He was keen to focus on the party’s green track record, including when it served in the coalition government, during which time the party introduced the Green Investment Bank and helped Britain to become a world leader in renewable energy.

Will noted the climate crisis... as “the biggest issue of our time” and “the primary reason I joined the Lib Dems” Of course, it was that coalition government that tarnished the legacy of the Lib Dems, particularly among young people and students, post2015. However, there are signs of a resurgence, and Aczel is keen to emphasise the central voice young people have within the party. The Young Liberals, the party’s youth wing, passed three motions and amendments at the party conference last month, on ending period poverty, on ensur-

ing the Young Liberals are represented on the Lib Dems’ national board, and on the aforementioned continuation of housing targets. He used this to emphasise that the impact young people can have on politics is “not necessarily just voting, but [also] joining parties and campaigning.”

Aczel was also vocal on practical policies for young people, particularly students. The Lib Dems promise to reinstate maintenance grants, scrapping the loan system, to help students to deal with the cost-of-living crisis. On top of this, Aczel notes the party as “very strong on public transport” and was focused on introducing “good, sustainable options” for students and the general public, by empowering local authorities to “take control” of their own public transport systems.

The parliamentary arithmetic in Exeter puts Aczel in a slightly different campaigning position to many of his Lib Dem counterparts — nationally, the party’s campaign is focused on the Conservatives, with most Lib Dem target seats being Conservative-Lib Dem marginals. However, Exeter is very much a Labour stronghold and thus the nature of our conversation focused on Aczel’s campaigning against Labour. Nonetheless, he does not hold back on the Conservatives either, telling us how the Conservatives have thrown the environment under the bus, along with asylum seekers and transgender people, in a desperate

and deplorable attempt to win votes.” He positions the Lib Dems as the best way to “hold power to account” and to get “responsible leadership”.

the Lib Dems as the best way to “hold power to account” and to get “responsible leadership As a local resident and someone who has lived in Exeter from a very young age, we ended by asking Aczel if there were any places in Exeter he would recommend for students to visit during their few years living in Exeter. As a dog-owner, he spoke highly of walks with his labradoodle in Hoopern Valley, just adjacent to campus!

Aczel provided a compelling account of his story as a Lib Dem in Exeter, and provided insight into the party’s policies heading into the next general election, particularly the ways in which they will affect students and young people.

Although Exeter remains a Labour stronghold, speaking with Aczel is an important reminder that Exeter is not a one-party state, and there is vital political debate happening in our city every day.

18 OCT 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

10 FEATURES

War in Gaza after horrific Hamas attack in Israel

Henry Parker and Benedict Thompson, Features Editors, discuss the breakout of conflict in the region THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

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SRAEL has had a summer of political difficulties. There have been mass protests over measures introduced by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, to limit the power of the judiciary, as well as increasing concerns about the growing right-wing populism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

For the entire history of Israel, there have been conflicts going back and forth with Palestine, and other Arab states, but on Saturday morning violence broke out once again after Hamas launched a surprise and apparently highly coordinated terrorist attack, in what is already the deadliest day in the country’s history, making it the most Jews killed at once since the end of the Second World War. This weekend also marked the 50th anniversary of the advent of the Yom Kippur War, which also began with a surprise attack on Israel during the holiest of Jewish holidays and would go on to last for the rest of October.

The deadliest day in the country’s history The beginning of the attack was signalled with the launching of over 3000 rockets from inside Gaza across the border into Israel, but the majority of the human destruction has come from thousands of Hamas insurgents breaking through wired barriers to murder civilians indiscriminately in the streets and in their homes. The current death toll from the attack is reported to be over 1200, which includes Israeli military, but is mostly comprised of civilians, women, children, and the elderly. The BBC has confirmed that many foreign nationals have also been killed, including 17 British that are either missing or dead, of which some are also children.

The massacre at the Supernova music festival in eastern Israel, near the Gaza border, has become a particular focal point, as at least 260 civilians, mostly young people, are reported to have been killed at this site alone. Videos from the desert where the festival was taking place have circulated online from Telegram channels to broader social media, such is the online nature of war now, and they appear to show evidence of war crimes committed by the Hamas forces. Based on these circulating videos and suggested from national newspapers, such The Guardian and The Telegraph, witness reports from rescued Israeli citizens, executions, kidnappings, sexual assaults, mutilations and more all appear to have been widespread, prompting great distress in the rest of Israel, and the wider Jewish community. Agents of Hamas have also taken upwards of 100 to 150 people as hostages back into Gaza, drawing the ire of the international community.

Since the Sunni Islamist militant terrorist group Image: Global Panorama, Flickr

rose to power in 2007, giving them de facto control over Gaza ever since, Israel and Egypt have had a land, sea and air blockade imposed on the densely populated territory. Food insecurity and unemployment is widespread, and two million plus Palestinians’ access to electricity and internet is entirely dependent on Israeli infrastructure, hence why Human Rights Watch has called it an “open-air prison.”

The blockade is justified by the Israeli government based on security concerns, as the founding document of Hamas effectively calls for the eradication of Jews and is otherwise highly antisemitic (including in Article Seven of the Hamas Covenant of 1988).

Predicting a strong Israeli response, Hamas has threatened to execute the taken hostages if Gaza is invaded on the ground, and last week, Ismail Haniyeh, one of Hamas’ leaders, has stated that Hamas will not negotiate on returning hostages until the conflict ends. There are also claims that Israeli hostages have already been killed accidentally by Israeli airstrikes, demonstrating how the threat of even more death is likely to occur on both sides of the conflict. During the summer, large swathes of the Israeli military lay down their arms in protest of Netanyahu, but in a surprising turn, 300,000 reservists have returned to active duty amid fears of high casualties, which suggests that the Israeli forces are uniting over the conflict, not crumbling.

Although united now, it is not certain if this will continue, as questions are going to have to be raised about what appears to be a colossal failure of Israeli intelligence, which could be hugely undermining for Netanyahu’s premiership, as his platform is based on his image as “Mr. Security.”

This security and stability is crucial for Israel. The balance of support over the conflict in the Middle East is heavily weighing towards the Palestinians. The Palestinian National Authority has recently proposed negotiations with the Arab League to request an emergency ministerial-level meeting, which suggests Israel may be encircled with opposition and the threat of neighbouring involvement for the Palestinian cause. Although Israel exerts a high level of control over Palestine, with the backing of the US, they still remain the smaller fish in the wider pond of the Middle East, with a population of only nine million.

There are now reports that Netanyahu is planning on mobilising Israeli forces into Gaza.

Last week, the Israeli PM stated: “I’m telling the people of Gaza, get out of there now, because we’re about to act everywhere with all our force.” Air strikes into Gaza have already begun and according to the Palestinian health ministry, there have already been deaths in excess of 1000, the majority women and children.

Across the world, the international response has been divided, revealing how complicated the conflict is. In Western capitals, Hamas has been regarded as the primary cause of blame, being labelled as a “terrorist” organisation. Rishi Sunak stated in a speech that there are “no two sides” and that “Hamas are terrorists”, a label that Keir Starmer has also reiterated. In an address, President Joe Biden affirmed the US government’s unequivocal support for Israel and their right to defend themselves from the attack.

As a signal to other enemies of Israel, the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier with highly destructive capabilities, has been

Response from the University of Exeter

Image: Geraki, Wikimedia Commons

moved to the eastern Mediterranean, so that no other nation will take advantage of the situation.

The international response across the world has been divided

We have watched with deep concern the distressing news of the escalation of violence in Palestine and Israel. Our hearts go out to those who have been and continue to be affected by the terrible loss of life.

This will be a stressful and worrying time for many in our community. If you need support, please get in touch with our wellbeing service Please also remember that if your studies, including examinations and assessments, are affected by your personal circumstances, then our Mitigation process is here to help support you.

The Students’ Guild are also here to support students who are affected. They are reaching out to see how they can best support them at this time, and encourage students to contact them if they are in need, or have suggestions.

A number of people have asked about fundraising for the victims of the conflict. Our advice is to donate to one of the established charities affiliated with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

Response from Exeter Israeli Society

The EU has also rallied around Israel, echoing the position that it has every right to defend itself, so long as that reaction is in accordance with international law. Despite a claim by an EU All of us at IzSoc want to condemn and excommissioner that aid to Palestine was being suspress how devastated we are at the atrocities pended, the European Commission has issued committed in Israel. We are sending our prayers a statement outlining that payments to Palestine and deepest condolences to those affected. We will be reviewed, but any humanitarian aid directstand in complete solidarity with Israel and ed towards the Palestinian people will continue. support anyone who may be affected. We know that this may trigger Outside of the West, a rather different pic- antisemitism and bigotry towards any students who may be in solidarture of the conflict is painted. For example, ity with Israel. We are here if you want any support. Am Yisrael Chai.

Qatar has blamed Israel for the attack. Saudi Our belief in peace went out the window when they Arabia has echoed this stance, highlighting that beheaded babies at an Israeli nursery. Debating past milithe “continued occupation, and deprivation of tary occupation is redundant as it is now wholly justified. the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights” [At time of writing], no one [from the University] has reached out, has underlyingly caused the conflict to burst but we have had meetings with security teams about staying safe. Due at tipping point, which is a major step back to the nature of these meetings we aren’t going to comment any more, from the previous possibility that they might but are working to keep everyone safe on campus. If anyone wants normalise relations with Israel. Iran openly support please reach out and make it clear. Antisemitism and the death lauded the actions by Hamas, being the primary cult of Hamas is not welcome on campus and we will fight for this.. funders of the group, but Supreme Leader Ali Image: Provisional Council of State Proclamation of the Flag of the State of Israel, Wikimedia Commons Khamenei denied any involvement in the attack.

What seems to be angering these nations, they argue, is the lack of attention paid to repeated airstrikes and human rights abuses against Palestinians in Gaza over time, and that the actions The Friends of Palestine Society affirms of Hamas are a part of an effort to liberate the its unwavering solidarity with the PalesPalestinians. Although it is unclear how the murtinian people and their right to resist the der of Israeli civilians greatly improves the welcentury-long colonisation of their lands. fare of Palestinians, as the retaliatory attack from This includes the ongoing process of ethIsrael suggests that quite the opposite is going nic cleansing and dispossession that they have been subjected to and to happen, especially now that power and sup- modalities of brutilisation, dehumanisation, and attempts at erasure. plies to Gaza have been entirely cut off by Israel.

Gaza has been under a blockade for the past 17 years, enabled As more of the territory attacked by Hamas is by the international community, where war crimes have been comreclaimed, more details of the atrocities commit- mitted against its dense population. From the indiscriminate carted will come to light. More reports of civilians, pet bombing to enforcing severe restrictions on the entry of food, children and babies killed and beheaded in places water, electricity, refuge, amd humanitarian aid into the territory. like Kibbutz Kfar Aza is likely to prompt a greater Beyond Gaza, the Palestinian people have been subjected to response from the Israeli forces, and has sparked illegal settlement activities in the West Bank including East Jerusachilling fears of a further escalation of conflict, lem, racist pogroms against Palestinian communities and the conand a deepening of the humanitarian crisis that tinuing process of ethnic cleansing within all of historic Palestine. many of the Palestinian people in Gaza already We reject the false equivalence drawn between Israeli colonisaface, but it is something that Israel will now view tion and Palestinian resistance. We do not view what is happening in as entirely necessary to ensure their own future. Palestine as a conflict between two equal sides, but rather as a strugThe dwindling hope of peace and the pos- gle between an indigenous colonised people against their colonisers. sibility of resolution now seems all the more Moreover, we reject the University’s complicity in furunlikely, now that diplomatic efforts have ther enabling the oppression of the Palestinian people, includbeen largely discarded in favour of military ac- ing its own Palestinian students and staff, through adopting tion. For many, this attack marks the end of the IHRA definition of antisemitism which strongly equates a chance for any kind of peaceful one- or two- criticism of the Israeli apartheid regime to antisemitism. state solution, and this instead just signals the Lastly, we affirm our right to express solidarity with the Palesbeginning of an even darker chapter in the al- tinian people and their cause. We will not be silent. Free Palestine.

Image: Wikipedia Commons ready long and bloody history of this conflict.

Response from Exeter Friends of Palestine

18 OCT 2023| EXEPOSÉ

11

International

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Josie Sharp

Being gay to “beat the system”?

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Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, discusses the blatant homophobia from the British Home Secretary

T the end of September, Home Secretary Suella Braverman made a series of statements that would have sounded more fitting coming from the leader of UKIP or the BNP than the British Home Secretary. This began with a speech to a right-wing thinktank in Washington D.C. on 28 September, in which she criticised the 1951 Refugee Convention as outdated, claimed that facing discrimination for being gay or a woman is not grounds for asylum, and stated that “multiculturalism has failed.” She later doubled down on these comments, telling ITV that people “purport to be homosexual in the effort to game our system, in the ef-

fort to get special treatment” — in effect, claiming that people are pretending to be gay in order to claim asylum.

Of course, none of this is true.

Arguably, these remarks were anything more than blatant homophobia, stirring up culture wars with a potent combination of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-refugee rhetoric. In 2021, just 1 per cent of asylum claims in the UK were made on the grounds of sexual orientation, and the UK has a proud history of providing refuge to those facing discrimination on the basis of sexuality and gender identity.

These comments come at a time when LGBTQ+ people around the world are facing increased rates

of discrimination. In May, Uganda passed one of the most repressive anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, making it one of 12 countries that uses the death penalty against homosexuals. Across the world, there are 66 countries in which it is still illegal to be LGBTQ+which endangers the lives of thousands.

A fair and just asylum system must ensure that everyone has the freedom to live in a safe, open, tolerant environment — which includes those living in countries where simply being gay can lead to imprisonment and death. In the wake of Braverman’s comments, we must question whether this is still the case for the UK’s asylum system.

Countries to court!

Lauren Walsh, Arts + Lit Editor, shares how six people are finally holding governments accountable

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Image: Roger Harris Photography, Wikimedia Commons

Australia’s ‘Yes’ campaign

Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, recounts how this referendum has been tainted by racism

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N 27th September a hearing took place in many people and have suffered from various health the Grand Chamber of the Euroissues such as asthma and eco-anxiety as a repean Court of Human Rights sult. Also, the plaintiffs are not asking for that has the potential to change how financial compensation, which shows governments tackle the climate crisis. that this case is about holding govSix young people from Portugal, the ernments accountable to assure youngest of whom is only 11 years that we have a live-able planet for old, are challenging the governments ourselves and future generations. of 32 countries (all of which are EU The claim was initially launched member states, in addition to those of on 3rd September 2020, so the proImage: DPP, Flickr the UK, Russia, Norway, Switzerland cess has already taken three long years, and Turkey), for insufficient action against and a verdict isn’t expected for at least the climate crisis, and a failure to achieve the another nine months. The director of the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement of 2015, name- Global Legal Action Network Gearóid Ó Cuinn ly to reduce carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030. is supporting the applicants, saying, “we know They say that many of their human rights (e.g. that the governments have it within their power to life, privacy, and family life) are not being met due to do much more to stop this, but they are choosto the governments’ lack of action. They have also ing not to act … so this is a real David vs Goliath already dealt with many impacts of global warm- case that is seeking a structural change to put us ing, such as the 2017 wildfires in Portugal that killed on a much better track in terms of our future.”

HE 14th October saw Australia head government officials, such as Dr Christian Hirst to the ballot boxes for the Indigenous when he delivered a talk to Exeter students in sumVoice referendum. Whilst the elec- mer 2023. The campaign has divided Australians tion has yet to happen at the time of writ- despite being portrayed as a spiritual successor to ing, the campaign has been smeared by rac- the 1967 referendum in which over 90 per cent of ism against proponents for the ‘Yes’ campaign. Australians voted to allow the indigenous populaThe referendum will ask the question of whethtion to be included in the government census. er Australia’s First People (the term given The campaign has seen numerfor Australia’s indigenous population) ous racist threats against those such should receive representation through a prominent ‘Yes’ campaigner, The Aboriginal and Torres Strait IsThomas Mayo who has faced what lander Voice, and have the right to he calls the “sheer volume of hamake representations to parliament tred, lies and disinformation,” such regarding matters for the indigenous as being the subject of a racist population. The ‘Yes’ Campaign has cartoon by Fair Australia, the leadImage: OECD / ITF 2012 / Marco Urban, been led by the ruling Labor Party and ing group for the ‘No’ campaign.

Flickr Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who Federal Senator Lidia Thorpe — a ‘No’ has put the rights of First Nation citizens campaigner and member of the Djab as a key policy plank for his government.

Wurrung, Gunnai and Gunditjmara naThis has been confirmed as such by Australian tions — has also been the victim of death threats.

Brazil’s Supreme Court

In memory of Mahsa Amini

Orla Watson, Online Science Editor, clarifies the debate surrounding the controversial abortion ban

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N 22nd September, Brazil’s Supreme Court began their vote to decriminalise abortion in cases up to 12 weeks. The country currently only allows abortion in the cases of rape, risk to the women’s life, and fatal developmental defects.

However, the vote has since been postponed by a minister after calls for the vote to be in person, with no date yet set to finish the vote. Brazil is a majority Christian country, with a 2019 poll showing the country to be 50 per cent Catholic and 31 per cent Evangelical. However, support for the continued prohibition of abortion has fallen for several years, reaching a low of 32 per cent last year.

The vote follows the decriminalisation of abortion in Mexico in early September, and a similar decision in Argentina in 2020. Forcing desperate women to turn to illegal abortions has dangerous consequences; according to a 2019 study published in the Lancet public

health journal, 500,000 illegal abortions are estimated to take place every year in Brazil with half of these requiring emergency room visits due to complications.

200 of these women per year will die due to the common complications from having unsafe abortions.

The high frequency of abortion in Brazil, despite its illegal status, may be a result of conservative views towards contraception and a lack of sex education. Reproductive rights activists in Brazil, who have campaigned for years, are seeing the start of the vote as a success, however it is unclear how long the vote will be postponed for.

Image: Donatas Dabravolskas, Wikimedia Commons

Catherine Gill shares the tragedy Iranian women faced last year

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THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO RAPE WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

T has been over a year since the world watched in horror as protests erupted on the streets of Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini whilst in police custody.

Mahsa, or Jina as she was known to her family, was brutally beaten by Iran’s morality police which resulted in a suspected cerebral haemorrhage. She died days later in a coma. The morality police said that Mahsa had been arrested for not wearing her hijab correctly, in violation of Iran’s strict dress law. Mass protests followed.

Women burnt their headscarves in the streets, including 16-year-old Nika Shakarami. Nika was arrested later that day and beaten to death. An estimated 551 people were killed by the Iranian regime during the protests.

It took unbelievable courage for Iran’s new generation to go out and fight for a future they believe in, knowing the threat of facing live rounds, arrest, torture, rape, or execution were all too real. Today, although the street protests have died down, people continue to fight on.

The state is introducing a dangerous new Hijab and Chastity Bill which means that women who do not wear the hijab will face heavy fines and a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. More and more women are rebelling against the mandatory use of the hijab in public - the scale of the disobedience has forced the morality police to turn a blind eye more than they ever would have done before the protests.

Graffiti with slogans like “Woman, Life, Freedom” continues to appear despite the authorities’ best efforts to scrub it away. Faced with an insurmountable challenge, the Iranian people are refusing to back down.

Comment

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12

COMMENT EDITORS Lisette Reed and Charlotte Zeyssolff

Gender pay gap

Livvy Mason-Myhill, Editor-in-Chief, examines the Sky News interview following the Laurence Fox debacle and its exposure of misogyny within the media industry

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T’S high time we face some painful truths after watching a clear case of misogyny play out in the media extremely recently.

The incident in question, where actor-turned-pundit Laurence Fox insulted a female journalist on GB News, has triggered a critical conversation about the gender pay gap and deep-rooted misogyny that still plague the journalism industry.

This incident exposed a structural problem that lurks behind the gleaming surface of newsrooms, not just a one-time act of haughtiness and contempt. The stark reality of gender bias in the media was brought to light when Moya Lothian McLean and Connor Tomlinson were called to Sky News, on 27th September, to discuss the more general problem of misogyny in society.

This interview revealed the pervasive gender wage disparity, while also serving as a sobering reminder of the difficulties encountered by female journalists. McLean learned that while she wasn’t paid for her appearance, her male counterpart Tomlinson was. Only after the

interview, in response to the outcry and fury of the public, was McLean awarded compensation — at first a pitiful £75, then increased to £200.

The fact that Tomlinson was paid right away highlights a troubling pattern of discrimination against women.

On Novara Live, on the 29th September, Mclean explained how the debate in the media itself highlighted structural misogyny.

Mclean indicated that “man gets paid £200 to deny that structural misogyny exists. Woman gets paid nothing.”

Meanwhile, the Laurence Fox GB News clip that sparked this all, was Fox denying the gender pay gap exists. This really does write itself.”

Man gets paid £200 to deny that structural misogyny exists. Woman gets nothing The situation brings to light a perplexing paradox: the media, which frequently initiates discussions on social justice and gender equality, is also responsible for maintaining these inequalities. According to a study by

Press Gazette, in all but two of the 33 media companies that have provided their gender pay gap data for 2022, men were paid more on average than women. Additionally, at UK media companies, the gender pay gap has shrunk to 12 per cent and in the highest paying quartile at 91 per cent of the big UK media organisations, there are more men than women.

The gender pay gap within journalism is a symptom of a larger problem. Along with many other industries, journalism is a field where women continue to fight for pay parity.

Women, especially those of colour, still have difficulty breaking through the glass ceiling despite tremendous advancements in recent years.

In addition, the Fox event highlights the larger problem of misogyny in the media. Online abuse, trolls, and sexist remarks frequently face resistance from female journalists. It only helps to maintain a culture where poisonous behaviour is accepted to expect people to have a thick skin.

These problems demand a diverse strategy to solve. In

Image: CMDavid, Wikimedia Commons

order to quickly close the gender pay gap, media organisations must first perform transparent wage audits. They must also encourage a diverse, equitable, and respectful workplace environment.

The media should also use its influential position to reflect on society and challenge the predominate biases. It ought to be an agent of change rather than a supporter of injustice. The media business should use this incident as a springboard for

introspection and transformation.

We must take concrete action rather than simply engage in conversations and debates. Equal remuneration for equivalent effort ought to be the rule rather than the exception. Additionally, misogyny has no place in our media environment.

It’s time that as a society, we face these problems squarely, reworking the gender inequalities and seek to build a more fair and inclusive media environment for everyone.

Renters’ crunch time Charlotte Zeyssolff, Comment Editor, explores the failings of maintenance loans in keeping up with rising rent

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N between scrambling up Forum Hill to 8:30 lectures and charging straight to the growing queue of coffeestarved bedheads outside Starbucks, students will have to

face the daunting undertaking of finding a suitable house to rent for the following year. As if adjusting to university life wasn’t enough to overwhelm even the most adventurous of freshers,

Image: Christine Johnstone, Wikimedia Commons

first year students must now begin the strenuous process of psychoanalysing each and every one of their course-mates and flatmates, to determine which of them might make suitable candidates for next year’s house share.

This highly rigorous process of establishing common priorities (be it financial or behavioural) and filtering out those likely to blow the deposit as soon as they set foot through the door is further complicated by an even more Herculean endeavour — finding the house itself.

In true Exeter fashion, rents in town are soaring to match the stereotypically rah student body.

Reaching an average of £170 per person per week, rent in Exeter is upsetting even the most affluent of students and has rendered

student loans simply insufficient.

Considering that monthly electricity, water, and Wi-Fi bills amount to an average of £70 per month, students will end up regretting the days of bills-included campus accomodation. This pattern can be seen across the UK, with average housing prices rising by

Rents in town are soaring to match the stereotypically rah student body over eight per cent and outstripping the maximum maintenance loan.

Unsurprisingly, it’s becoming the norm for students to resort to parttime work to make up for the shortfalls of government-funded loans.

The National Union for Students has estimated that around 69 per

69 per cent of students have to juggle a part-time job alongside their studies cent of students have to juggle a part-time job alongside their studies.

Students shoulder enough pressure without having to worry about how they’ll find the money to keep a roof over their heads.

The NUS Vice President for Higher Education, Chloe Field, has called for the balance between maintenance loans and inflation to be redressed and for rent freezes to be installed. But while we anxiously wait for student finance to step up, let’s not delay the house-hunt any longer and just hope the contract extends over the next two years, to avoid a repetition of the ordeal.

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18 OCT 2023| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

“To drink or not to drink?”

Comment writers discuss the involvement of alcohol in society settings and debate the pressures around it

Drinking pressures — an absent anxiety in university life?

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E always worry before commencing our studies at university: whether we’ll be pressured to drink or do drugs, like we are always warned will happen.

There will, of course, be very few exceptions to this, but I have to say, the pressure to drink is generally something that is fabricated for comingof-age movies and is actually pretty uncommon in educational settings.

Is fabricated for coming-of-age movies and is actually pretty uncommon in educational settings Society socials, which commonly take place in bars in Exeter, often encourage drinking games. You would think that this actively excludes the demographic of people, who choose not to drink alcohol, but actually, societies are generally very good at reminding their members that lemonade or squash functions just as well in these games. Outside of the typical drinking culture of certain sports clubs, students at Exeter are very inclusive and simply want to have a good time with friends. This therefore means that socials in bars are much less daunting than people think because, for the majority of the time, there is no shame in choosing not to drink. Socials in bars aren’t the problem that perpetuates

Drinking pressures — a present and necessary concern?

drinking peer pressure — this rests on the shoulders of the culture of the society. For example, AU clubs are well known for their drinking socials and the games that students are encouraged to partake in have been known in the past to make some students feel uncomfortable. However, this is on the decrease and even these clubs are working to become as inclusive as possible. Generally, societies are good at not letting the drinking go out of hand: those who pressure others to drink are challenged and presidents, social secretaries and other committee members are good at making sure that students come to socials sober so the chances of inebriation are low. Like most things, nights out are always better with people you trust rather than those that don’t have your best interests at heart.

Socials in bars that include drinking are perfectly relaxed and enjoyable when you are around the right people and know your own boundaries.

Image: pxhere

Image: pxhere

Gracie Moore, Online Arts & Lit Editor

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OCIAL drinking has become the new social smoking. I know that sounds slightly over the top, but hear me out. If you look at society homepages, they’re filled with pub crawls, drinking nights, and club events, all tailored to nervous freshers, who are already anxious to fit in and make new friends. Whilst I concede that alcohol does relax you enough to go up and chat to new people, it can also create a mindset where you feel you can’t do these things without a bit of ‘Dutch courage’ to settle the nerves.

You feel you can’t do these things without a bit of ‘Dutch courage’ to settle the nerves We must get used to talking to each other without a drink or a cigarette or a vape giving our awkward hands something to do because, in the real world, not every social interaction will allow for this.

Furthermore, the negative effects of alcohol on our health, both mental and physical, are only just being exposed. Liver disease, high blood pressure, and increased risk of a stroke are just the long-term effects of al-

cohol abuse. Even in the short term, hangovers can affect sleep and concentration, having a knock-on effect on grades and academic attainment.

These aren’t far in the future issues that we don’t need to think about. This is happening now. As a society and a university, we need to do more to tackle peer pressure and practise temperance to change this spiraling culture that we’ve inherited.

That is not to say, however, that we

To change this spiraling culture that we’ve inherited should banish alcohol to the history books. Alcohol can be a great addition to society, transforming the shyest introverts into social butterflies, but it should be consumed in moderation.

Therefore, as Freshers’ Week is filled with exciting new things, like moving to a new city and making new friends, you don’t want to be asked about it in ten years only to be able to say, “to be honest I was too plastered to remember!”

Isabella Richardson

Students and The Big C

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Charlotte Zeyssolff, Comment Editor, discusses the importance of students checking themselves regularly

CTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. University can be a whirlwind of a time for many students as they grow up and immerse themselves in new experiences. As young people we rarely consider that cancer could affect us, and yet since 2000, the percentage of women under 40 fighting breast cancer has increased by 3 per cent each year.

Until not long ago, the thought of someone my age being affected by breast cancer, or the dreaded Big C in general, had rarely crossed my mind. Living in blissful oblivion, cancer seemed like a distant misfortune I’d have to come to terms with as I got older. Yet although cancer diagnoses among 20-30 year olds remain

few, young people are inrather than their boobs. creasingly finding lumps This minute linguistic modin their chest area, triggerification helps draw attening the unbearable waittion to the fact that breast ing-game of figuring out cancer is not a genderwhether it is benign or not. specific condition, and that Marking Breast Cancer unbeknownst to many, four Awareness Month, October hundred men are diagnosed is a time for us, as students, with breast cancer each year.

Image: NicolasFilippi, to remind ourselves to take It can be easy for stuWikimedia Commons care of each other and to dents to get carried away keep our health in check. Exeter’s very in the exciting buzz of drinking and own Uni Boob Team is among the partying culture, tempting the thought nationwide student-led initiatives that that youth conquers all. Yet growing strive to get rid of the taboo around up isn’t only about figuring out the setbreast cancer. Among their primary tings on the washing machine and that aims is promoting inclusivity by using 180°C is the only temperature you’ll gender neutral language, such as by en- ever turn the oven to. With all that incouraging students to check their chest dependence comes the responsibility

of looking after our health and remembering to regularly check for lumps or abnormalities. The quicker it’s found, the sooner a diagnosis can be made.

However, any young person who has felt anxious about the lump they’ve just discovered in their left boob and has rocked up to the GP between lectures to get it sorted, will undoubtedly have had to face the uncomfortable skepticism of NHS doctors. Deemed as less likely to be affected by severe conditions like cancer, the abnormality is often waved off by NHS GPs who understandably must prioritise the limited funding they receive in favour of patients who are more at risk. But once the worry of a potential death sentence has wedged itself into the

depths of our brains, it is hard to just settle and tell ourselves to “get a grip.”

A friend of mine, who was in this exact position, was bold enough to unleash her inner “Karen” and sought the opinion of another GP, who, following a CT scan, detected a tumour, just as she had suspected. Now this is not to encourage suspicion of highly competent healthcare professionals, but as young people we need to trust our instincts and prioritise our health, even if the likelihood of being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer is extremely low. So this month of October, take a minute to have a feel of your chest, or if you need a gentle nudge, text UBT at 82228 for a free reminder to do so, because as it goes, “it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

18 OCT 2023| EXEPOSÉ

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Satire October heatwave leaves students feeling more tricked than treated

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N scenes not seen since late May, thousands of students were seen rushing to Exmouth Beach at the start of the month amidst a rare October heatwave. This, however, has misled students into thinking that it is now the summer holidays and that exams are over, when in reality Christmas is just 68 days away, and it is currently Week 4 of Term 1.

Given Exeter’s coastal location, it is traditional for students to celebrate the end of May exams — and with it the academic year — with a trip to the beach. These scenes were recreated at the start of October, but with one vital difference: they were actually meant to be studying.

One third-year student told Exeposé prior to boarding the train to Exmouth that they would “write their dissertation proposal whilst at the beach,” but were later seen spending the entire day digging an enormous hole in the sand.

Meanwhile, a fight was seen breaking out at the Sports Park between the University’s cricket and rugby teams, as they argued over which sport should be predominant during this unexpectedly warm autumn — traditionally the start of the rugby season, but the end of the cricket season. The cricketers argued that the warm weather constituted an “extension of summer, and therefore an extension of cricket season,” but soon fled the scene after being threatened by the men’s rugby first team. The rain forecast for the rest of October is expected to force the cricketers back into hibernation, and allow the rugby team to thrive in their natural environment.

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor

BREAKING NEWS: Exeter students seen actually doing work

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AYHEM and chaos have reached Streatham Campus since the start of the academic year. Not (just) because of Just Stop Oil protests or the essays being written requesting industrial action compensation. Not even because of the mad rush for each new edition of Exeposé (too hopeful?) Instead, staff members are dazzled by the fact that students have actually started attending their scheduled contact time.

Older students have been amazed, bemused and disrupted in equal measure by the enthusiasm and tenacity of first year students to get something out of their £9250 tuition fees, perhaps trying to get as much use as possible before the next round of UCU strikes.

There have been reports of students running towards the newly renovated Devonshire House from 7am to try and claim a seat for the day, leading to several brutal fights over who gets the last stool, with a series of signet ring related injuries reported at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

Due to snaking queues for The Ram and Market Place, students have been seen shaking and crying in the corner as they realise there is little to no hope of getting their favourite lunch. One was heard muttering, “I just wanted an £8 baguette from Pret but they had run out by 11:30. Daddy doesn’t pay my tuition fees for this!”

Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor

SATIRE EDITOR:

Livvy Mason-Myhill

“Literally 1984”: Devon and Cornwall Police send out entire force to University JSO protest

Image: Livvy Mason-Myhill

Joshua Smith Deputy Editor

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N light of the threat posed by a JSO climate protester sat on top of a portico veranda with some orange paint yesterday, Devon and Cornwall police deployed their entire police force with such confused alarm some PPE students, who know nothing about history and see any sort of left-wing protest as bordering on absolute communism, com-

pared it to the October Revolution.

Inside sources report that the operation was in fact labelled by the force as “Dead Oceans 11 — the long awaited sequel,” however many commented that they would have preferred the hot campus security guy (who some claim is the long lost son of Arnold Schwarzenegger) to be the protagonist of this tale. Nevertheless, the real heist here was the blatant robbery of the planet’s future in exchange for dirty oil money by the University with the UK’s five leading climate scien-

tists in the country working for it.

Upon noticing the protest, Exetah English students coming out for some lunch break baccy were heard describing the event as “literally 1984” and, “ohmmygoddd this is so Kafkaesque,” while the Rugby Society couldn’t resist the masculine urge to assert themselves by leading the boos when the protester started speaking.

Also noticed in the crowd gathered in Forum Square, and closely following behind the police force, were the Freedom’s Society’s ‘emer-

gency make-fools-of-ourselves brigade’ — brought in in situations in which they make a fuss about someone they disagree with exercising their free speech. Such a crowd of weasly little men urged one history professor to name the day as one that will go down in history as the “battle of the fragile egos.”

Okay, I think I’m done, however, when I showed this article to my editor, they said “well, isn’t that what actually happened?”

I guess they’re right, sometimes this stuff just writes itself.

A tail of two Napoleons Jake Avery Music Editor

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HISPERS of a feline interloper on campus have been circulating over the past few weeks. Napoleon, the cuddly campus cat famous for his cheery grins and warm presence, made a complaint to the Guild regarding a rogue cat lurking around and imitating him.

This

Images: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

followed reports from students around Streatham that Napoleon was demanding £10 per stroke from people walking up Forum Hill, and that he was also scalping Timepiece Wednesday tickets, attempting to sell them at over triple their initial price. In a post to his MeowSpace profile, the loveable moggy declared his innocence, claiming that a shadowy figure from his past had decided to profit from his star status in Exeter.

The statement brought to light that Napoleon, before he earned his degree in Catenomics from the University of Exeter, ran into trouble with a Catnip gang in his days as Unit 1’s head of security.

Denying a member of the group, a

scruffy cat named Julius, entry to the club, sparked a deadly feud between the two — resulting in these recent impersonations. “Imitation is the highest form of flattery,” Napoleon continued to state in his online post, “but there’s only room for one feline in this fine city.”

Students have been requested by campus security to report any further findings of the imposter, and to look out particularly for his coarse, matted hair in comparison to Napoleon’s silky fur. “If he doesn’t have the locks, then leave him on the rocks,” repeated Napoleon, a catchphrase he devised for his campaign to bring awareness towards the tragic consequences of cat identity theft. “Really consider next time when you take an unverified cat into your house to feed and shower

with love — h o w w o u l d you feel if you were replaced?” the moggy questioned, ending his post. A reward of 500 pieces of salmon has been posted to incentivise the hunt for the criminal.

LIFESTYLE

TECH

ARTS + LIT

MUSIC

STUDY BREAK

SCREEN

Image: Lucy Rawlings Image: KRalph, Pixexid

THE BENEFITS OF NATURE

GENRE — HALLOWEEN HORROR

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Image: Campus Cinema, Exeter Student Guild

SUPPORTING THE INDIES

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JUSTICE FOR TUPAC SHAKUR

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Image: Polski, WikiMedia Commons

SPOTIFY NOT TO BAN AIGENERATED MUSIC

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STUDY BREAK

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Image: The Blue Diamond Gallery

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LIFESTYLE EDITORS Lucy Rawlings Amberly Wright

ARTS + LIT EDITORS Maddie Conlan Lauren Walsh

MUSIC EDITORS Jake Avery Scarlett Cracknell

SCREEN EDITORS Annabelle Law Madison Sohngen

TECH EDITORS Anabel Costa-Ferreira Ewan Gregory

STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Matthew and Livvy

lifestyle How nature can improve wellbeing Lucy Rawlings, Lifestyle Editor, reflects on how nature can enhance our everyday lives

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HAVE always found escapism in the company of nature. As a young girl, I discovered so much joy in experiencing woodland picnics, searching for treasure in rivers, and going on wild adventures to national parks such as canoeing across Pembrokeshire’s coastline and hiking the peaks of the Lake District. I feel very fortunate to have learnt from a young age just how important it is to seek simplistic happiness in the natural world, and as I have grown up, the outdoors has been my remedy to remaining grounded in the high-energy culture we live in.

THE OUTDOORS HAS BEEN MY REMEDY TO REMAINING GROUNDED IN THE HIGHENERGY CULTURE WE LIVE IN Some may find an outdoor walk a mundane activity, but for me it changed my life. I am lucky that I live in the depth of the countryside and during the Covid pandemic, I used to walk up to a local hill with my dog and watch the sunset every evening. It was

a time when the outside world was so dan- during the pandemic. I became so aware of the beauty around me and felt gerous but equally so tranquil. I grounded in my life, despite remember looking out at the the uncertainty engulforange sun falling being our world. What neath the hills, and I’m trying to say this view made is, do not unme feel such a derestimate strong sense the power of euphoria of the outduring what d o o r s . was a very If you entrapare havping period ing a day of time. w h e r e Doing your head this walk feels cloudeveryday ed in stress, made me in sadness, understand or even confuthat immersing sion, step outside. myself in nature It could be a river gave me a source Image: Lucy Rawlings stroll along the quayof inspiration that side, or a quiet walk in the better days were coming. woods of Dartmoor. It could be Something as trivial as a walk up a hill helped change my entire perspective something as simple as sitting on a bench

Favourite autumn recipes

in Reed Hall and consciously observing the sounds of the pond, the birds, the wind, and admiring the wild flowers which grow despite it all. The fresh air may help clear the mind, and perhaps aid you in gaining clarity on a situation. The walk will probably not solve everything, but the experience will give you that opportunity to come back into the present, and for one moment, you may feel calm.

THE FRESH AIR MAY HELP CLEAR THE MIND, AND PERHAPS AID YOU IN GAINING CLARITY ON A SITUATION As a society, we often need to remind ourselves that the natural environment is a reflection of humanity, because we too are interconnected with nature. We may even find peace in observing the shift of the seasons from winter to summer, or the sky’s movement from the moon to the sun, as these cycles mirror that even after a period of darkness, humans can also reach the brighter side and flourish.

The perfect podcast

Amy Brown reveals her autumnal crumble recipe for the Kayleigh Swart shares some diverse podcast recommendations to expand your mind colder days ahead

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RUMBLE is perfect for the autumnal months and a great way to use seasonal ingredients as a cheaper, sustainable way to bake! By using seasonal fruit, any dish can be elevated by tasting ingredients at their peak. Here is my fool proof crumble to show that although it may be the humblest of desserts, it can be a bowl full of delicious comfort. This recipe is based on the Delia Smith classic crumble recipe, with additions for the perfect autumnal dessert. The base fruits can be different depending on what is in season, for example, peaches are a great addition for the summer. The butter can be substituted for a vegan butter alternative to make this suitable for vegans.

BY USING SEASONAL FRUIT, ANY DISH CAN BE ELEVATED BY TASTING INGREDIENTS AT THEIR PEAK For the crumble base, I recommend using, between four to six apples, 200g of blackberries (I highly encourage picking these around Exeter!), cinnamon, and six to eight tablespoons of brown sugar.

For the topping, I use 225g of plain flour, 75g of butter at room temperature, and between 75g and 110g of brown sug-

ar, according to your taste preferences.

To make the ‘Humble Crumble’, preheat oven to 180C before adding the flour to a large mixing bowl, then add the butter and mix.

Once the consistency is like breadcrumbs and the butter has been dispersed equally, add the sugar and mix through. Now it’s time for the star of the show, the apple. Peel the apples and cut into chunks and add them with blackberries to a pie dish. Sprinkle with a generous amount of sugar before spreading the crumble topping evenly across the fruit and adding more sugar on top if you wish.

Finally, place in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Serve with cream or custard to perfect this autumnal delight!

Image: Marco Verch, Flickr

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ODCASTS have been on the rise for the past decade, so the question is are they really worth the listen? Well, I think so. Many might say that music is better to listen to than podcasts, but I think that podcasts are just as important and entertaining. One amazing thing about podcasts is nowadays there is a podcast for absolutely everything. Whether you want to listen to something about your favourite show or learn about social issues, chances are it exists.

THERE IS A PODCAST FOR ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING Now what are some of my favourite podcasts? I have a few so here are my top three recommendations. The BBC podcast You’re Dead To Me is a history based podcast and explores a range of topics in depth. It makes learning fun and easy to understand. The next is a two-inone for all the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson fans. The podcasts Potterless and The Newest Olympian follow the host Mike Schubert as he reads these two childhood classics for the first time as an adult. The episodes are funny and a fun throwback to books that defined many childhoods. It’s also entertaining to watch his

incredibly incorrect theories. My last recommendation is a lot more niche than the others. It’s Gilmore To Say which is a Gilmore Girls podcast where they talk all about the show.

Not everyone’s cup of tea, but certainly mine.

But when do I choose podcasts over music?

Most of the time I listen to podcasts when I need to do chores like cleaning and washing.

It’s an easy way to keep you entertained during otherwise mundane tasks. I find that podcasts are much more engaging than music, and it gives the added bonus that I always feel like I’m learning something. Even if I’m not. I think that podcasts are a great way to learn new information, keep yourself entertained and are just a great form of media to consume, and should be integrated into people’s everyday lives.

Image: Marco Verch, Flickr

exhibit

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lifestyle

EDITORS: Lucy Rawlings and Amberly Wright

18 OCT 2023 | 17

Exeter's best beaches Amy Cases enlightens us on her favourite beaches around Exeter

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ANY of us love to run to the beach on a 20-minute train ride to Exmouth, Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, and even Sidmouth. We are typically more likely to visit these places as summer steps in and we are able to soak up the sun, lie down on the sand and go swimming with friends. But what about in autumn or winter?

Do we abandon this scenery and hibernate inside waiting for the cold weather to pass?

Even in cold seasons, these beautiful places can still be used to our advantage and add fresh air and revitalisation to our lives. Much research has been conducted for the benefits of swimming in cold water, such as the southern British coast in winter.

Participating in cold water swimming helps to awaken the 'diving reflex' which helps to boost calmness. It can also increase dopamine and endorphin levels, which naturally enhances motivation and stress relief. If cold water swimming is not for you, then beach hikes are still very popular, even if it isn’t in the sunshine. Walking along the coast can be a perfect way to appreciate the turbulent current and power of the winter waves. Surrounding the beaches there are usually cliffs to walk up and admire the viewpoints of the

coastal scenery. This can be partnered with a wintery picnic or a hot beverage to soak up the sea air and take in the atmosphere.

adventures we can take ourselves on alone or with others, without breaking the bank whenever we feel like getting away and breathing

in new air. These beaches are a gift that, being close to Devon’s southern coast, we should never let cold weather take away from us.

IT NATURALLY ENHANCES MOTIVATION AND RELIEVES STRESS Having asked students their thoughts on the subject, there was a consensus that, especially in winter, it is easy and tempting to stay inside, sheltered in a bedroom.

But, if they motivate themselves to go on a day trip to the coast, they will enjoy a day out with their friends in coffee shops and find ways to start fires, grills, or small ways to heat up as they venture out into the season. Even with some obstacles, it is always seen as a great bonding experience with friends and a highly enjoyable study break.

A GREAT BONDING EXPERIENCE WITH FRIENDS Exeter beaches are truly beloved by Exeter students. Having asked freshers, they even present them as a huge selling point for their choice to attend the University. They are small

Image: Steve Knight. Flickr

Finding your feet at uni

I deleted social media...

Eloise Grainger provides advice for freshers struggling to settle into university life

Henry Parker, Features Editor, avoids social media addiction by challenging himself to delete Twitter

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tastic way to express your feelings to people NIVERSITY culture can be a hard who are most likely enduring the same big lifestyle to adapt to: new people, changes as you are. Connecting with friends places, and plenty of changes can all and family from home can also help bridge seem very overwhelming. However, in these that gap into your new university lifestyle. scary times, we are met with many opporKeeping yourself busy will not only entunities, friendships, and much excitement. hance your university experience but it will Exeter offers around 300 societies withalso allow you to get the most out of your in our Students' Guild and 52 sports clubs. time here at Exeter. The workload at univerWhether you are a pro athlete looking to sity can be significantly different to what develop or would love to explore the social you might have experienced in the past. aspect, sports can be a great way to stay fit How about visiting one of the many amazand active whilst meeting new people. Soing cafés on campus to study, or maybe cieties can be a gateway to connecting with even the newly refurbished Students' Guild like-minded students who share similar pasin Devonshire House. It’s not one to miss! sions. They can alleviate the daunting feeling of being in a new place, as everyone shares similar experiences and situations.

It is important to talk to people about this substantial change in your life. MovImage: Ecole Polytechnique. Flickr ing to university is nothing short of significant. It can be intimidating at times, especially as it may be very different to the comfort of home life, but even just expressing this to someone can help to ease anxieties.

Reaching out to your flatmates or any friends from societies could be a fan- Image: Levi Guzman, Wikimedia Commons

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T never was an especially sunny place, even promise of social media. It isn’t all. It is a fantasat the best of times. “I just saw this fantastic tically narrow section of the population, and news on Twitter!” is a string of words in the yet, I realised, my entire view of people was English language that even an infinite group nevertheless degrading in front of my eyes. of typewriting monkeys might never stumble “The horror. The world is filled with such upon. So why not delete it earhateful, angry, and horrible people,” lier? Well, as data increasingly I used to say. Well, I was now shows, however toxic and one of them. I was truly terrible Twitter (or X), beginning to hate peoInstagram, or TikTok, ple, as though they get, they are still were a single hono less addictmogeneous blob. ing, sometimes Being on X was even more. doing nothing We want to but making me a keep informed worse person to on a seembe around, and ingly unravso something I elling world, had to change. so we keep I found the participating best solutions as though there were to make even is no other opthe simplest of barrition, and although ers. Hiding the app on a I Image: wasrawpixels.com never somedifferent page, uninstallImage: Jason Howie. Flickr one that particularly ening and only using the webgaged on social media, I was site version, deleting shortcuts, still an obsessive observer of it all. until eventually the hassle outweighed the desire. Of course, there are still plenty of WE WANT TO KEEP things I dislike about what others do and say, INFORMED ON A SEEMINGLY but I didn’t want or need it in my life anymore.

UNRAVELLING WORLD So, give it a go yourself, I promise it won’t hurt.

But this is fallacious thinking and gets to the heart of the whole issue with the false

arts + lit

“We live in stories in order to not be crazy” Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Editor-In-Chief, reports on the recent ‘Afternoon with Kamila Shamsie’ event on campus

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N Monday 9th October, Reed Hall hosted ‘An Afternoon with Kamila Shamsie’, an award-winning author and honorary graduate of the University. The afternoon was split into three elements: the symposium, discussion with Kamila and finally a book signing and drinks reception.

To begin with, the symposium consisted of four ‘mini lectures’ by an esteemed panel of professors from the universities of Oxford, Queen Mary, Birmingham, and Bristol, with their academics covering a vast range of topics. For instance, one by Dr Rehana Ahmed drew on building solidarities through

reading and guided the audience to look at the binaries of self and other, as well as considering ethical and anthropological readings of Shamsie’s work. Another by Professor Peter Morey (University of Birmingham) looked at the transnational aspect of the text analysing multigenerational and national histories alongside laws of citizenship.

After the symposium ended, Professor Amina Yaqin (of World and Post Colonial Literatures) led an interview with Kamila herself. A multitude of topics were discussed from the writing process to the publishing industry and the transnational nature of her work. Though what seemed to be a constant throughout this talk was the complexity of the

relationship between an author and their work.

As the interview began, Yaqin questioned Kamila’s inspiration when writing her characters, or more specifically strong independent women. To which (without hesitation) she replied “as far as I’m concerned, I’m just writing on women” as she noted she grew up surrounded by strong female figures. After explaining to her audience, she writes often for the informed reader, she also shared that a character must be “weak in certain ways or they wouldn’t be interesting to write about.”

Following on from this were discussions about her relationship and experience writing poetry as well as the connection she felt to texts growing up. Shamsie stated that “I was never the reader authors thought about... C.S Lewis was not thinking of me.” This is why she tries to write for a more general audience, despite sometimes relying on background knowledge.

I WAS NEVER THE READER AUTHORS THOUGHT ABOUT...C.S LEWIS WAS NOT THINKING OF ME” Nearing the end of the talk, Shamsie reflected on the purpose of the story and how ultimately narratives are a way for us to exert control and become “a matter of survival.” The sold-out event concluded with a Blackwells sale of her recent works, a chance to have your book signed as well

Images: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

as

a formal drinks reception.

Perhaps most known for her award-winning 2017 novel Home Fire, students currently studying the Acts of Writing module were able to hear directly from the author they were studying last week. This text was added to the module list this academic year, and when speaking with the module convenor Dr Nadeen Dakkak and Professor Amina Yaqin, they shared that why this text is important to study in relation to postcolonialism. They stated that “Kamila Shamsie’s Home Fire (2017) interrogates Islamophobia and structural racism in Britain through reimagining Sophocles’ tragedy Antigone. Its representation of British Muslim characters of Pakistani origin allows it to raise challenging questions about inequalities in British society.

It also asks us to consider issues of Muslim writing and the English novel. For both these reasons, Home Fire is an ideal text for discussion in our final year module Acts of Writing dedicated to writers who have engaged with decolonisation

and British colonial legacies from the mid-20th century until the contemporary period.” Furthermore, Exeposé asked what they hope students gain from studying this text, to which they responded “We hope that Home Fire allows students to discuss the implications of recent events that have led to revoking British citizenship, a reality that the novel depicts. Through this novel, students can critically engage with the tendency to anthropologically frame writing by/about Muslims and explore how Shamsie positions her work in relation to this and other Orientalising and reductive tendencies. Its adaptation of a classical text also raises important questions of form.”

An incredibly fascinating dialogue ran throughout the afternoon, and I am sure continued to run into the relevant seminars last week. The conversations that generate from fiction are endless, and to quote Shamsie’s response, “we live in stories in order to not be crazy.”

Creative writing — spooky stories

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Lucy Rawlings, Lifestyle Editor, tells a scary tale in time for halloween

ANY of us look back on our childhood memories as times of magic. I once believed in fairy kingdoms, but that fairy kingdom is now a desolate cottage concealing a skeleton of memories. It is a place mourning two young girls who thought broken glass sparkled like diamonds, that wildflowers could create healing potions, and that their imaginative world would be enough to protect them from the real one.

Those two girls were myself and my sister Matilda. We found a deserted cottage in the woodland near our village, and this discovery created a new game to spark any innocent creativity, our fairy kingdom. The cottage rests on a sloped mossy bank with veins of ivy weaving gracefully along the stoned

walls. Glass windows reflect grey necklaces like the shadow behind a crescent moon. of the local river, and as we built She died in the river three years our world of enchantment, we ago. I remember walking into entwined fairy lights around Matilda’s empty bedroom the front door for when we and running towards played during the twilight. the cottage, the woods Matilda believed in glowing in the late our world more than I did, October sun. I found and she quickly defined her white linen dress herself as the river fairy. lingering along the She often swam alone water’s edge as her through the wild rushes of head leaked with blood.

Image: Johan Hansson, Wikithe river and made crowns out I can imagine her scream media Commons of fallen pinecones whilst singing becoming trapped under the to the trees. I always warned her not to icy water as her golden body sunk venture into the fairy kingdom alone, but into lifelessness. I often visit the cottage she refused, and a darkness fell over her and hear the wind carrying her voice like a

distant memory, the trees swaying to her whispers that lurk in the depths of the wood.

I sit alone in the derelict cottage now and turn to see the shadow of a girl, her head dripping blood over her white linen dress.

She glides towards me through the fading light like a haunted swan, the trickles of blood echoing through the broken floorboards. Our treasured fairy lights wrap tightly around her neck, pressing deeply into her blue skin.

She grips a frozen hand upon my shoulder as she locks eyes with mine, crimson blood staining my arm. Her once green lagoon eyes had sunk into pools of menacing blackness, as if an ink pot had spilt over her humanity.

There is no magic to protect me now.

“Come swim with me, sister.”

exhibit | arts + lit

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EDITORS: Lauren Walsh & Maddie Conlan

18 OCT 2023 | 19

Spotlight: black female creators

Amy Cases recommends Americanah as part of our Black History Month celebrations

DENTITY, for many, can be not who one chooses to be, but rather who society forces them to be over unalterable factors.

Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie, known for her bestselling novels, is a modern Nigerian writer.

Her writing often portrays her confrontation with her own reality of being a woman of colour as she moved to the United States, which she had not faced growing up in Nigeria.

Her novel, Americanah, published in 2013, considered a modern classic, sets up a story centered around Ifemelu, a young adult, who

immigrates to the US for university in search of new opportunities, leaving everything she knows for an unwelcoming environment. It compares her lives in both countries, to give the reader an idea of the message of the novel; how Ifemelu’s race defines her identity in the eyes of those around her.

During an appearance on Fresh Air Radio in 2013, Chimamanda explained that like Ifemelu, it was the first time that she felt as though she was identified by the colour of her skin as she herself moved to the US. In the same interview, she also explained the significance of the title;

how it is a Nigerian word for citizens who have lived or spent time in the US and returned to the country with a sense of esteem and gratitude for American society. She added that it is often used as a “gentle mockery” especially in her title.

The novel thinks critically about how one perceives oneself in their own country rather than another. In Nigeria, Ifemelu does not see herself as black but rather simply as a citizen. However, in the US, she felt that the colour of her skin alienated her from society.

Her work gives a voice to those who feel judged and isolated from society for their background and ethnicity, which is a component of anyone’s biological making and should always be seen as enriching and prideful.

THE NOVEL THINKS CRITICALLY ABOUT HOW ONE PERCEIVES ONESELF

Horror fiction for Halloween

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Arts + Lit writers recommend their favourite horror fiction

T’S officially Halloween season. The stores are filled with sweets and costumes; horror movies have started trending, and the weather seems to finally have realised it’s autumn. Which means it’s time to change your reading list to one that fits the season better.

For me, there is no better book to start the Halloween countdown with than Mexican Gothic

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The novel starts with the main character Noemi receiving a letter from her newlywed cousin begging for help.

Her father sends her to visit, thinking the new husband is after her cousin’s money, but once Noemi gets there and starts feeling the weird effects of the house herself, she realises that things are worse than she expected. Especially when unexplainable things start to happen.

Containing the supernatural and suspenseful scenes, this novel read like a classic gothic story, containing all the conventions of our favourite

gothic books (Jane (Jane Eyre, Dracula, Frankenstein etc) while still being able to feel new and fresh.

It also touches on political topics that are still important today, despite the book being set in the 1950s. Mexican Gothic is filled with suspense, mystery and is a perfect contender for your next horror read.

MEXICAN GOTHIC IS FILLED WITH SUSPENSE , MYSTERY AND IS A PERFECT CONTENDER FOR YOUR NEXT HORROR READ The critics also agree, as the book has won three awards and been nominated for eight and made it onto several bestseller lists. the real question is, will this horror novel be making it onto your Halloween reading list?

Kayleigh Swart

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O big bad monster or murderer with an axe, think instead of a town that gets invaded, or rather infected, by an obsession with a shape. The shell of a snail, the prints of your fingers, the human ear. Swirls, whirls, and spirals are the source of the terror in legendary mangaka Junji Ito’s Uzumaki Uzumaki..

Cards on the table, I think this is one of the true masterpieces of bodyhorror, up there with The Fly or Metamorphosis..

Metamorphosis The inherent wackiness of the premise, combined with a dash of extra insanity, produces 18 chapters of the most horribly revolting things I have ever seen, which as a child of the internet, is not something I say lightly.

No loud bangs, no quick jumpscares, this kind of literature works its magic in the mind

that cannot quite shake what it has just witnessed.

The dialogue is clean and simple, which allows for the beauty and the gore of the images to shine.

But I think the reason the story stayed with me so much is because of the almost Lovecraftian fever pitch that it reaches, as more and more characters contort their minds and bodies in worship of the spirals, wrapping it up in deeper themes about compulsion, desire, and obsession, beyond just the thrills of the more explicit horror scenes.

I do recommend it for most people, unless you have an extremely low tolerance for anything cosmic or body horror related, but afterwards you certainly won’t be able to look at a Twirl the same way again.

Henry Parker, Features Editor

Review: Uncle Vanya

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NDREW Scott stars in ambitious new adaptation of Uncle Vanya where he gives a masterfulperformanceinalleightroles.

One-person shows have been all the rage recently, from Jodie Comer’s Prima Facie to Eddie Izzard’s Great Expectations and Sarah Snook’s upcoming run in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Now Andrew Scott has returned to the West End to prove himself the perfect man for the job in a new, stripped-down, modernised version of Chekov’s Uncle Vanya.

Under Sam Yates’ direction, Scott takes on all eight of Chekhov’s characters, all with newly anglicised names, as they feud, mourn, regret, and love unrequitedly under the oppressive summer heat.

Scott’s performance is a triumph.

As he wanders on stage it certainly takes a few moments to settle into what it is that the play is doing and understand how it will function, how Scott is going to get from character to character. However, once absorbed in the story it is easy to forget that there is only one performer on stage. Each

Olivia Casci reviews Andrew Scott’s performance in his new West End show character is so distinct yet subtle, the shifts between each one are effortless and at no point do you question who is talking. Scott does not use a change of costume or strange voices, nor does he really need the few props that he does use to differentiate between his characters. Each character is so thoroughly developed and their emotional world so complete that they live of their own accord.

IT IS EASY TO FORGET THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE PEFOMRER ON STAGE By the time Sonia closes the play with a touching monologue about the need to keep on living, it is almost impossible to believe that Ivan is not sitting there next to her, and that it is in fact simply Scott, alone, clinging desperately to the arm of a plastic chair. Nevertheless, the characters remain just unified enough under Scott’s subtle but distinctive mannerisms to make one central point clear: these characters, while seemingly so at odds, are in reality

not as different as they might imagine themselves to be. Thus, Chekhov’s much-admired understanding of human nature is preserved in this stream-lined retelling.

The production reunites Scott with playwright Simon Stephens, and while a one-man rendition of one of Chekhov’s greats might sound intimidating, or even absurd, with Scott and Stephens at the helm it is difficult to expect anything but excellent theatre. The pair have previously worked together on Birdland and later Sea Wall, a thirty minute monologue about family, spirituality and the fragility of life, which balances heart-rending themes and existential questions with moments of great levity and humour. This is a combination that Scott executes beautifully and now triumphantly brings to his performance(s) in Vanya.

Indeed, one of the show’s great successes is how aware it is of both the tragic and comedic potential of Chekhov’s work, and I was struck by how remarkably funny Scott’s performance is at times. Despite the

lack of other actors to bounce off, Scott’s pacing is exquisite throughout, and humour (with some excellent oneliners from Stephens) is intertwined masterfully with the oppressive misery and claustrophobic quality of the piece. Scott’s performance really uses the balance between light and dark to full effect, as by making space for comedy it ultimately makes Chekhov’s tragedy more tragic. Disarming us with laughter mere moments before Ivan’s speech about the regret of wasting his life and talent only makes it more painful, or his sudden resort to violence more shocking.

Another particular talent that makes Scott’s performance so mesmerising is his incredible capacity to connect with an audience. This is a skill that Scott has proved previously in both Sea Wall and his award-winning run as Hamlet, and now shines through in Vanya. From the minute Scott potters on stage he invites the audience to become an active part of the show, playfully turning off the house lights with a switch in the set’s kitchenette, and offering the audience

a knowing grin as he switches the lights off, on and off again. He swiftly forges such an intimate connection with his audience that, when the endearing character of Liam finds himself struggling to remember Pickpik where itImage: is that craters can be found, one audience member was compelled to call out, almost involuntarily, “the moon,” and was met with a grateful gesture from Scott who never misses a beat. Thus, under the actor’s command the audience becomes a sort of character in its own right, and is acutely invested in Scott’s every move.

There is of course a whole creative team behind Vanya, with Yates, Stephens and Rosanna Vize all equally billed as co-creators alongside Scott. Yet it is ultimately Scott’s performance that really leaves an impression and makes the show the spectacle that it is, leaving one to wonder whether it would be quite the same event in the hands of another actor. Andrew Scott, it seems, really is the perfect man for the job.

Vanya plays at the Duke of York’s theatreinLondonuntilthe21stOctober.

MUSIC Take That: are they back for good?

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Scarlett Cracknell, Music Editor, anticipates with the rest of us Take That's upcoming live tour and album

E have all had a little "Patience" and its finally paid off; Take That have announced their 2024 UK tour for their yet to be released album This Life. Whilst most fans will have bought tickets to hear their old favourites, the new album, which shares a name with the tour, will have to make an appearance. An album that the band has claimed in Instagram promotional videos will be unrecognisable if heard on the radio is likely to shock the consumers that have paid to witness classics like "Shine", "Patience" and "Rule The World."

But, there is a sense of promise in this familiarity of the band and different sound that encapsulates their musical progress.

This Life promises acoustic escapism from our digitalised world; a soothing and immersive experience that transports listeners away from the screens completely encompassing us. Whilst we do not have the album as a whole yet, we do have their first single "Windows"; a single that completely fulfills this promise of acoustic guitars and the three members'

voices as one lead vocal. The layering of the contrasting voices and tones together creates an immersive and soothing experience that is able to encapsulate a completely different sound for the band; they have had softer songs before, but nothing like this.

A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SOUND FOR THE BAND In their risky switch of style and sound, the infamous boy band's choice to issue tour dates before releasing the new album is clever in their reliance on their stable fanbase.

They are using their preexisting fans to market their new music in sure stead that it will be a success, and

they have succeeded. Many of their initial dates sold out leading to extra nights being added in Birmingham and Manchester.

Unsurprisingly, cities where their fanbases seem to be concentrated considering the three remaining members are originally from towns that border the latter-mentioned city.

Having acknowledged their intelligence in using their stable fanbase does not however mean that I insinuate the band is manipulating or abusing its admirers. They are, however, relying on the love they receive to explore different sounds as they naturally grow; a theme we have seen in their music since their 2010 album Progress.

We can't as consumers expect the Image: Wikimedia Commons

Live review: Gracie Abrams

Livvy Mason - Myhill, Editor in Chief, revists her experience watching the artist with "ribbons in her hair"

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N the 1st October, the vibrant city of Bristol had the privilege of hosting the immensely talented singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams at the o2 Academy. The evening was nothing short of magical as she took the stage at a packed concert hall, treating fans to a night of soul-stirring music and unforgettable moments. This concert was just as vulnerable and full of raw emotion as Gracie Abrams's music is known for. The audience was enthralled with her presence as soon as she entered the spotlight, screaming her songs at the top of their lungs, myself included.

SOUL-STIRRING MUSIC AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS Abrams opening song ‘Where do we go now?’ from her debut album Good Riddance had the crowd ecstatically cheering and singing along to every single lyric. The bridge of the song was the moment that the crowd became louder, singing the lyrics back to Abrams, solidifying just how relatable and heart-breaking her lyrics are to her fans.

Her performance of ‘21,’ a song that speaks to a lot of young folks negotiating the intricacies of life and love, was one of the night's most memorable moments. Some audience members' eyes were streaming with tears as she sang on the bittersweet memories of youth.

It served as a moving reminder of how music can bring people together via their com-

mon experiences. The song was also one of Abrams’ earliest singles, and it still serves as one of her most popular and recognisable songs.

One of Abrams’ most heart wrenching songs of course has to be the hauntingly beautiful‘I miss you, I’m sorry’ which has recently gained popularity on social media after Abrams’ performed it as a duet with Taylor Swift at The Eras Tour. Her ethereal voice filled the room, and you could feel the collective shiver of emotion in the crowd.

Another standout track was ‘Friend,’ a song that examines the subtleties of a friendship and how it will inevitably change. The assembly enthusiastically joined in, as though reinforcing their own friendships. It is quite amazing how well Abrams is able to convey the core of human interactions in her lyrics.

Abrams’ interactions with the crowd were every bit as charming as her songs. She made everyone feel as though they were a part of an intimate conversation by sharing personal insights and experiences in between songs. This interaction with the audience elevated the whole event and added to the evening's specialness. Also, it was incredible to be able to hear many of the songs that are on her album Good Riddance as well as being able to delve into her older songs from her EPs Minor and This Is What It Feels Like.

As the concert came to an end with the eerie ‘Right Now,’ there was an overwhelming sense of thankfulness in the air. Everyone in the room was moved by Gracie Abrams' performance, which was both entertaining and heartfelt.

The performance served as an ode to the influence of live music. It was an evening of vulnerability, connection, and shared emotions. Being a member of an incredible fanbase and witnessing so many girls sporting the iconic Gracie Abrams hairstyle — ribbons in their hair — was an exquisite experience.

For those who were fortunate enough to witness it live, Abrams’ ability to encapsulate the essence of the human experience through her music is nothing short of miraculous.

artists to have a similar sound when the industry and culture that informs their music vastly differs from the band's inception in 1990; they are bringing newer ideas to the table. In This Life, there is a level of maturity and life experience running parallel to their musical experience that allows for preexisting fans to enjoy and revel in Take That's career trajectory. Its unfamiliar sound not only engages with fans, but also allows for the band's many critiques and music snobs to give them another go.

FANS [CAN] ENJOY AND REVEL IN TAKE THAT'S CAREER TRAJECTORY Regardless of their infamy and previous popularity, the band seem to be trying to indulge their own passions whilst pleasing their fans with a UK tour; they seem to be attempting to make a more authentic sound for their new lives and for the new lives of their fans. And with this newfound zeal for their music, it seems like the band is "Back for Good", or at least for now.

Listen live

Scarlett Cracknell, Music Editor, shares some upcoming live music events to look out for.

CAVERN 21/10 YOUTH SECTOR First emerging in 2020, the band are influenced by Talking Heads. Their music is joyously deviant and will serve as an amazing watch prior to Indie Night. 25/10 Deco + Guests Indie-pop band Deco are going to be a hit for fans of Years&Years. This event is perfect for anyone wanting something to do on a Wednesday that isn't Timepiece. 26/10 Holiday Ghosts A band with fiery lyrics and hard picked guitars, their inspirations from New York Punk and the New Wave era will be good for any fans of these genres.

EXETER PHOENIX

Image: Livvy Mason - Myhill

21/10 DAVE'S WOODSTOCK 3.0  This day festival filled with exciting alternative and rock music is back for its third year.

The money collected from ticket sales are supporitng the British Heart Foundation.

And so, you can attend with the knowledge that you are donating to a good cause.

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EDITORS: Jake Avery and Scarlett Cracknell

music

18 OCT 2023 | 21

Celebrating Black History Month

Release Radar

Michelle Chung explores Janelle Monáe's new album

Exeposé writers honour the artistic innovation of Black musicians

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Juice Wrld

UICE Wrld, born Jarad Anthony Higgins, was an American rapper whose music touched the hearts of millions of young fans, and whose legacy continues even today, almost Described as the ‘soundtrack to our four years after his tragic death in 2019. lifestyle’ by Monáe herself, The Age of He was only 21 years old. In his short caPleasure lives up to its hype. In just 32 reer, Juice Wrld achieved huge success, minutes, the soulful, reggae-inspired becoming known for his incredible tracklist can transport any listener, ability to speak his mind in introregardless of whether they are new to spective lyrics and combining Monáe, to a hazy, breezy, sensual late this with dreamy melodies. afternoon beach party in summer.

'Lucid Dreams' from his debut album, Goodbye Straight from the opening track, ‘Float’, and Good Riddance, Monáe proclaims ‘I’m not the same… I has reached 2.3 billion used to walk into the room head down, streams on Spotify.

I don’t walk, now I float.’ This confidence This honest, emoand fierce self-love radiates throughout rap song gained recogthe album, especially in ‘Champagne nition in the mainstream S***’ and ‘Phenomenal’. music industry, peaking at number two on the US Billboard With a nude Monáe swimming in a pool Hot 200. His artistic inspiration came under the legs of different people, the from a range of styles, with heavy inalbum cover captures the sex-positive es- fluence from his favourite rappers sence of her project. It is no coincidence including Lil Wayne, Kanye West, that when listened in order, the album Travis Scott, and Future. He blended flows seamlessly. With sultry lines like ‘I various genres together, becoming like lipstick on my neck/ Leave a sticky known for meshing classic rock, trap, hickey in a place I won’t forget’ from emo-rap, and punk styles into his di‘Lipstick Lover’, Monáe reveals that the verse music. These different styles current version of themself is unafraid, mixed beautifully with his lyrical talsexy, and unapologetically queer. ent, where he often talked about substance abuse, heartbreak, and the Yet the album is bigger than the story seriousness of mental health issues. of Janelle Monáe’s self-acceptance, the Whilst many rappers pick these musician declaring that it is ‘a love letter topics to exploit in their creative outto Pan-Africanism’, stating ‘this is for all lets, what sets Juice Wrld apart is his of us.’

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Labrinth

openness to his own experiences with HETHER you were first acthese issues, and his unapologetic quainted with the electronvulnerability that he offers to his lisic sounds of Tinie Tempah’s teners. He connected with people on 2010 single 'Pass Out', or more recently a deeper level, particularly teenagers. the Emmy award-winning soundtrack He became a therapist for the young to Euphoria, you will no doubt be generation, a voice to raise awareness familiar with the work of Timothee of the troubles young people face. McKenzie, known by his stage name He could articulate his feelings into Labrinth. It is no wonder that the artist emotional and powerful music. became the acclaimed singer-songDespite Higgins having writer that he is now recognised to his own battles with drug be; McKenzie grew up in a home of abuse and anxiety, he musicians and often speaks of an uphelped teenagers make bringing influenced by his parents’ adsense of their own oration of gospel and hip-hop music. problems and high- Whilst he is not against an association lighted the importance with these genres in his own discogof mental health. The raphy, the artist attributes part of this 999 movement he cre- characterisation to a racial discourse. ated was to help acknowlAlthough this is no new concept edge that any negative expe- to the music industry, with notable rience you have been through or examples including the likes of are feeling can be flipped into some- Tyler, The Creator and Lil thing positive. Even posthumously, Nas X, the racialisation Higgins has had a significant impact on of the genre is a confans, and is still widely listened to, with cept which Labrinth his label releasing new albums such as has challenged Legends Never Die (2020) and Fighting throughout his deDemons (2022). The label claims Higgins cade-long career. recorded over 3000 unreleased songs.

In an interview This dramatic figure demonstrates with Esquire, the artthe immense talent Higgins displayed ist described the presand his confidence in expressing his sures of being a black thoughts and pains into melodic and artist inhabiting a space in emo-inspired compositions. The legacy the industry which he is not ‘deshe has built will continue to have a pro- tined’ to occupy, voicing that "in order found effect for many years to come. to become a pop star as a black artist Eloise Grainger you must reach legendary status.”With

the rise of grime artists like Dave and Stormzy, there has been a resurgence in the life of the UK rap industry, yet in the previous decade, musicians like Labrinth have been forced into a genre to which they do not identify. For instance, when releasing the piano ballad 'Jealous' in 2014, it is no surprise that the artist was frustrated with his continued labelling as the ‘rapper Labrinth’ in the British press.

THE RACIALISATION OF GENRE... LABYRINTH HAS CHALLENGED In recent years however, McKenzie’s career has undergone a significant rebrand, firstly in his 2019 collaboration, 'Labrinth, Sia & Diplo Present... LSD', and most seminally in his soundtrack for the HBO series Euphoria.

The score can be described as a blend of the electronic sounds of his early career and a gospel influence. It is the perfect statement of an artist who refuses to be boxed into a singular entity, and thus has reinvented Labrinth as a legendary creative in his own right.

Maya Fernandes

Justice for Tupac Shakur

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Jake Avery, Music Editor, reflects on Duane Davis's arrest, and the captivating legacy Shakur left behind

UPAC Shakur paved the way for hiphop and rap throughout his brief but distinguished career throughout the 1990s, leaving behind a legacy that only grew in the years following his death. The infamous drive-by shooting on 7th September 1996 that murdered the 25-year-old has been engrained into history as an uncrackable case, despite potential suspects for the case being narrowed down to a small group of individuals. On 29th September, the Grand Jury of Nevada indicted Duane Keith (‘Keefe D’) Davis on one count of murder with a deadly weapon. Davis is the last living suspect in the case, and his arrest occurred two months after police raided his Las Vegas property for evidence related to Shakur’s murder, seizing electronic devices such as hard drives and laptops owned by Davis, in addition to a book that he co-authored.

In the text, Davis recounts being in the passenger seat of the white Cadillac that pulled up alongside Shakur and manager Marion Hugh ‘Suge’ Knight Jr’s BMW. Police have reason to believe that Davis was the ringleader orchestrating the murder as retaliation due to a gang fight in a casino between his late nephew, Orlando Anderson, and Shakur. Whilst there is not yet conclusive evidence that Davis was the attacker

who pulled the trigger, Nevada law allows for individuals who helped facilitate a crime to be charged for the same felony.

Davis previously admitted

providing the gun used to kill Shakur in his book, resulting in his murder charge. Prior suspects who had rivalries with Shakur, such as the Notorious B.I.G., were discounted as suspects, with unreliable testimonies and a failure to cooperate from individuals persisting as two of the largest challenges in the case.

Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight who was witness to the shooting, declared from prison that he will not testify against

Duane Davis; his lack of cooperation with the case has been a contentious point ever since Shakur’s murder, stating in a prison interview previously that he would not share the identity of the assailant, even if he conclusively knew.

Davis's arrest marks the beginning of closure for the murder investigation — it also serves as a reminder of the volatility and danger of 1990s gang rivalries, the consequences of which are still felt today. Shakur was involuntarily made a martyr due to his demise; but his reach as a pop-culture icon orbited more around how prolific, insightful, and intelligent he was. His impact on the hip-hop scene throughout his career didn’t just stem from his musi-

cal flare and style alone, hailing also from his lyrics discussing issues regarding black rights, social inequality, and the struggle for upwards social mobility, with tracks such as ‘Changes’, ‘Keep Ya Head Up’ and ‘Dear Mama’ epitomising the socially progressive sensibility imprinted into his songwriting.

A collection of his poetry was posthumously published, titled ‘The Rose That Grew from Concrete’, and contained an assortment of lyrics devised by the artist that commented on the difficulties of growing up in poverty, and the hard work he endured to achieve stardom. Despite controversy, throughout his tenure as one of the West coast’s most pivotal hip-hop influencers, such as his 1993 arrest, Tupac Shakur constructed an iconic discography and serves as an inspiration for black artists around the world. His work within the film industry, including his roles in ‘Juice’ (1992) and ‘Above the Rim’ (1994), established Shakur as a personality capable of leaving an enduring effect on audiences through a variety of mediums, solidifying his presence as one of the most esteemed artists of the 1990s. It is hoped that justice will finally be served following the murder charges assigned to Duane Davis, bringing closure to 27 years of uncertainty and grief for Shakur’s family and friends.

Images: Bill Ebbesen, Wikimedia Commons. The Come Up Show, Flickr. Oddbjørn Steffensen, Musikknyheter.no. jlmaral, Flickr.

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Past Lives: a journey of the self

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Belle Law, Screen Editor, reviews Celine Song’s directorial debut, ‘Past Lives’

DIRECTORIAL debut from playwright Celine Song, ‘Past Lives’ is a mesmersing and thought-provoking film that takes its audience on a deeply introspective journey through the complexities of fragmented identity. This beautifully crafted film invites viewers to question the nature of self, diaspora and the ever-elusive past.

and invites the viewer to imagine an alternate reality where Nora never moved away from Korea, and ended up with Hae Sung. This is symbolised towards the end of the film, when Nora cries into her husband’s arms, not just for Hae Sung, but for a different version of her identity and self.

All the characters struggle with their identity to some extent. Arthur clearly feels like an outsider in the presence of Hae Sung due to his and Nora’s shared culture, and tries to connect further with his wife’s identity by learning Korean. In one of the most beautiful lines of the film, Arthur says to Nora, “you dream in a language I can’t understand. It’s like there’s this whole place inside you I can’t go.” Arthur in part wants to merge his own identity with Nora’s by learning Korean, and access the pieces of Nora’s self he feels locked out of that Hae Sung can freely access.

What sets ‘Past Lives’ apart is its visual and auditory storytelling. Song’s use of long pauses of silence leave the viewer in deep reflection, only to be interrupted by the characters themselves. This auditory storytelling transforms Song beyond the status of director and into a poet of sorts, who uses tools of ellipses and interjection within the dialogue of her characters.

INVITES VIEWERS TO QUESTION THE NATURE OF SELF, DIASPORA AND THE EVER ELUSIVE PAST ‘Past Lives’ weaves together the narratives of Nora (Greta Lee) and her childhood best friend, Hae Sung (Teo Yoo). The film’s narrative structure traces the pair as children when Nora is about to move from Seoul, Korea to Canada, then a decade later as young adults where they reconnect online, and then even later in life when Nora is married and Hae Sung comes to New York City to visit her, causing conflict in the film.

The film focuses on what it’s like to be a Korean American and to have a fragmented identity between two places, as seen when Nora comments to Arthur (John Magaro), her husband, how Hae Sung makes her paradoxically feel less Korean and more Korean at the same time. Song also plays with the idea of right person, wrong time,

SONG’S USE OF LONG PAUSES OF SILENCE LEAVE THE VIEWER IN DEEP REFLECTION In conclusion, ‘Past Lives’ is a wonderful viewing experience that invites the audience to explore the intricacies of diaspora, identity and the human condition.

With outstanding performances from its talented cast, breathtaking visuals and impactful story, the film is innately a journey of the self that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. ‘Past Lives’ is a testament to the power of cinema as an art form, an outstanding feature film and an even more incredible directorial debut.

Image: Ben and Rosett, Wikimedia Commons Image: Seoul, Andrew Annemarie, Wikimedia Commons

Image: Martin Kraft, Wikimedia Commons

Supporting the indies Screen writers discuss their favourite local independent cinemas and indie studios

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N a world where “film night” means snuggling up on the sofa with Netflix, or eating popcorn in one of a thousand screens at your local Odeon, what role is left for independent cinemas and privately owned film venues?

Exeter itself boasts a few indie cinemas which are often overlooked or simply not on people’s radars: the Picturehouse, the Phoenix and the Campus Cinema all deserve way more attention than they currently get. Like many other smaller entertainment venues, these cinemas are places where the owners and workers share cinephiles’ passion for the silver screen, making the whole experience more personal and fun. The Phoenix in particular makes its intense adoration of the arts very obvious. Though it does also have spaces dedicated to art exhibitions, craft workshops, music gigs, and other live performances, the Phoenix’s Studio 74 may be more interesting to the film fanatics among us; it shows a variety of films ranging from the latest blockbusters, to indie productions, to family-friendly classics. And what’s even better is that student tickets

...STUDIO 74 MAY BE MORE INTERESTING TO THE FILM FANATICS AMONG US...

Image: Pymouss, Wikimedia Commons

are discounted to half the price of those sold at chain cinemas like Vue and Odeon.

To seal the deal, once your film has ended, you can wander out of the screen and straight into the little outside café bar area and settle down for a beer with your mates or a meal with your family. And if that doesn’t sell the experience to you once and for all, then you’ll just have to get down to an indie cinema and feel the magic for yourself, because once you step into this tight-knit world of filmaholics, you won’t ever want to go back.

N independent or ‘indie’ film can be defined as any film produced outside of the main film studios, the main studios being those of Hollywood, including the so-called ‘Big Five’: Universal, Paramount, Warner Brothers, Disney, and Sony — all of which can trace their origins to studios of Hollywood’s golden age.

Because they are made outside of the major studios, independent films often don’t have to follow the same codes and conventions of cinema as many major motion pictures (many of which have similar stock stories and character types). This means that they can have more quirky and interesting stories and cinematography, and they tend to have a more unique and specific style. Some famous indie films include ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and, more recently, the critically acclaimed ‘Aftersun’.

Emily Sara Rizzo

IN RECENT YEARS, INDIE CINEMA SEEMS TO BE GROWING IN POPULARITY Indie films generally have a more limited release than major movies, and sometimes are only shown in independent cinemas (but this can depend on the funding of the marketing campaign). While many independent films have smaller budgets etc than major ones, this isn’t always the case. Especially in recent years, indie cinema seems to be growing in popularity with the rise of ‘mini-major’ studios — the larger independent studios that are still smaller than the major ones, and attempt to rival them — such as A24, which made ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ and ‘Moonlight’, among many more.

Choosing to see indie films means you can experience something different to what you would normally see, and choosing to go to an independent cinema also has its benefits, as often you are supporting small businesses and therefore, supporting people who feel passionate about film, instead of seemingly faceless corporations. If you fancy supporting your local independent cinemas in Exeter, why not visit Studio 74 at the Exeter Phoenix, or even our very own cinema on campus?

Lauren Walsh, Arts + Lit Editor

Image: Campus Cinema, Exeter Student Guild

EDITORS: Annabelle Law and Madison Sohngen

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18 OCT 2023 | 23

Horror hall of fame

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Maddie Conlan, Arts + Lit Editor, analyses adaptations of Stephen King’s horror classic

here is no better season for spooky films than October. When the night creeps closer and the wind howls through your windows there is only one thing to do… cuddle up in bed with a bowl of popcorn and watch a film that will scare the living daylights out of you.

You could start with the classics, watching Michael Myers cause havoc in one of the many, many, ‘Halloween’ films, or even watch Jason chase teenagers around a campsite in ‘Friday the 13th’. Or, if you like your scares to come from the terrifying things that real people do, you can watch a psychological horror like ‘Hereditary’ or ‘The Visit’. The joys of watching horror films are endless.

There is one iconic genre of horror film that rises above all others. In terms of horror in the realm of writing fiction, there is one man who reigns supreme: Stephen King.

His books have produced some legendary adaptations,;nearly everyone can quote ‘Here’s Johnny!’ from ‘The Shining’ or fallen victim to watching Carrie get covered in pig’s blood in ‘Carrie’. There is no other author whose horror adaptations are as well-known, and well-loved, as King’s. Some of the most iconic films that Stephen King adaptations have produced in the past decade were the new IT duology. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the recent IT adaptations, titled ‘IT’, and ‘IT: Chapter Two’, were a pop culture phe-

nomenon. The general public thirsted over in 2013, we as audiences knew he could do Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise to a concerning creepy horror well. The chilling opening to extent and midnight double bills were set the film, while reminiscent of Curry’s adaptaup and fully booked when ‘IT: Chaption of Pennywise, still brought terter Two’ was released in 2019. ror to the audience. WatchThese films became a sening poor, young Georgie sation, primarily due (Jackson Robert Scott) to the star-studded willingly talk to cast, but also Skarsgard’s petribecause they fying Pennywise called back to in the sewers some classic was just as horror films creepy as such as ‘The in the 90s G o o n i e s ’, version. that apSkarsgard is pealed to a complete the older standout g e n e rat i o n . across this The previfilm series; ous IT adaptahe perfecttion, released ly embodin 1990 and staries the childring Tim Curry, left like wonder and a rather large legacy insatiable need for Muschietti to fill. The to create fear that Image:TrustedReviews 90s version was the verthe Pennywise from sion our parents watched and the book evokes, which alwere terrified of when they warned us lows the audience to find him about ‘stranger danger.’ Muschietti had a lot both horrifying and strangely charismatic. to live up to when creating the two new IT One of the standouts in Muschietti’s IT films and after the success of ‘Mama’, released films is the dynamic of the losers club. We, as

the audience, feel deeply connected to this band of misfits and the relationships they make with each other. By following the characters from childhood to adulthood, we get time to learn to love them and their friendship, something that is rare in the horror genre as most of the cast end up being killed off… There are some truly terrifying moments throughout both films; by playing on the irrational fears of children and using jumpscares, the audience is left on the edge of their seats.

THE AUDIENCE IS LEFT ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS While critically Muschietti’s adaptations of IT aren’t the scariest horror films ever produced and do play into the watereddown versions of horror that mainstream Hollywood make a commercial success, the IT duology has enough throwbacks to cult classics, as well as spooky moments, to hold a place in the Horror Hall of Fame.

Spooky screenings Screen writers discuss their picks for the perfect Halloween night in

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Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Final Destination

AM in no way suggesting that ‘Final Destination’ is a cinematic masterpiece. Not even close. I am, however, arguing that everyone should certainly see it before they die, which, in this film, is largely inevitable. The premise centres on main character Alex Browning, who saves his fellow students with a premonition that their plane will crash, but then must halt death’s design when the survivors begin to die in disturbing ways. Released in 2000 and sparking a franchise of four sequels, ‘Final Destination’ will have you on the edge of your seat, screeching swear words at the TV (as my flatmate did), and questioning whether death is indeed random or, perhaps more terrifyingly, predetermined and impossible to cheat.

Cinematically, the film is far from perfect, with some dodgy acting, clunky dialogue, and an underdeveloped and, at times, cringy romantic storyline. However, the special effects seem incredible for a film made 23 years ago,

Image: Openclipart

Vegetables and of course rabbits take centre stage in this Wallace and Gromit universe, and they are crucial to the plot of ‘The Curse of the WereS Halloween approaches, the search for Rabbit’. The turmoil that ensues as Wallace and the ideal film to set the spooky mood is Gromit struggle to defend a town’s huge vegetaon. While horror classics and supernatu- ble competition from a mysterious monster is both ral thrillers often take center stage, there’s one entertaining and oddly appropriate for Halloween.

Even though it might be a spooky holiday, animated gem that deserves a spot in your Halloween line-up: ‘Wallace and Gromit: The Curse Halloween is also one that families can celebrate of the Were-Rabbit’. As a huge Wallace and Gro- together. ‘The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ is a great mit fan, I cannot recommend this film enough option for a family movie night during the Halloween season since it finds the ideal balance for your Halloween watching. The between humour and light scares. wonderful group at Aardman The film also conveys a lovely Animations produced this message about friendship, acamazing stop-motion ceptance, and the imporwork that is a delighttance of community, in ful fusion of heart, addition to the chuckles humour, and just and shivers. These ideas the right amount give the movie depth and of spookiness. make for an engaging watch.

Wallace, an eccenAn original and enjoyable Image: Wikimedia Commons tric inventor, and Gromit, Halloween experience, ‘Wallace and his witty canine sidekick, are Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ introduced to us in the film. They combines humour, imagination, and a dash of are entertaining to watch regardless of whether they are fending off a yard full of were-rabbits eerie delight. This animated classic will definitely or are just sipping tea because of their appeal- make your Halloween celebration fun and funny ing personalities and distinctive idiosyncrasies. whether you watch it with loved ones or friends. It ‘The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ pays trib- will also make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. It’s ute to classic horror films, notably the werewolf a movie that demonstrates that you don’t always subgenre. It accomplishes it, nevertheless, in a need jumpscares to convey the Halloween spirit; charming and humorous way that appeals to sometimes all you need is a couple of lovable clay viewers of all ages. The movie deftly mocks the figures and a mishap involving overgrown veggies.

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Image: Vectorportal

and the obvious plot giveaways and foreshadowing don’t take away from the fact that the film is genuinely dramatic and horrifying. The tense atmosphere created by the eerie music, is further heightened by the graphic and gory death scenes. Devon Sawa, playing Alex Browning, gives a compelling performance, firmly placing the audience directly in support of his endeavours and, although comedy is not the aim, there are moments of genuine humour, tied together seamlessly with shock value and jumpscares. Therefore, if a loud and vulgar Halloween party isn’t your thing this year, and instead you’d prefer to stay home and watch something spooky, then ‘Final Destination’ should be your pick. Though it is scary, the ridiculousness and borderline-comedic death scenes mean it won’t trouble you for long. So it won’t keep you up at night. Much.

Isabella Richardson

suspense and mystery of a classic horror story while fusing it with Aardman’s trademark humour.

Livvy Mason-Myhill, Editor-in-Chief

TECH ChatGPT updated to search the internet

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Wilfred Smith explores the potential benefits and risks of the latest update to the popular AI-powered chatbot

RTIFICIAL intelligence continues giving ChatGPT access to the internet was to make headlines, and the lat- because of the safety that having outdated est development to OpenAI's information provides, as the data used by the ChatGPT is no exception to this trend. model was able to be limited and moderated On 27th September, it was announced beforehand. Now that this safety net has been that the chatbot has a new feature that gives loosened, the potential for misuse increases. it access to the internet: the ability to proWith access to relevant up-to-date inforvide users with "current and authoratative mation, the extent to which ChatGPT will be information, complete with direct links to influenced by misinformation or harmful consources." This update so far has been made tent is yet to be seen. Considering the amount available to certain premium 'Plus' sub- of fake news that is pumped out onto the interscribers, with OpenAI confirming that the net every day, this seriously calls the effectivefeature will soon be available to all users. ness of ChatGPT's new feature into question.

Up until this point, the model has only Most students are probably wonderbeen trained on data before September 2021 ing: does this change now make ChatGPT — therefore, it often generated outdated more reliable to use for my assignments?

Image: Ivan Radic, Flickr answers. This was one of its biggest limita- Unfortunately, the answer is still predomitions, and a turn off for users that wanted a nantly no. The crucial issue of sourcing and more practical tool. However, this update accuracy still exists, potentially even more completely changes the role of ChatGPT, as so than before this change. Just because users will be able to get the latest news and the information is now up-to-date does not current events from browsing the internet. guarantee any sort of reliability whatsoever.

As mentioned earlier, there is a large opTHIS UPDATE COMPLETELY portunity for increased disinformation due to CHANGES THE ROLE OF the lack of screening and content moderaCHATGPT tion. Having said this, the feature will certainly improve a key weakness of the model and increase ChatGPT's effectiveness at generatOf course, it wouldn't be artificial intelli- ing more relevant and topical responses. As gence if there weren't already concerns. One always, please make sure if you want to use of the biggest reasons why OpenAI delayed ChatGPT to aid in your work that you first

fully understand Exeter's policy on generative artificial intelligence in academic work.

development rate of ChatGPT is certainly showing no signs of slowing down.

THERE IS A LARGE OPPORTUNITY FOR INCREASED DISINFORMATION ChatGPT has confirmed that they are using Bing as their internet browser service, no doubt due to Microsoft owning 49 per cent of the company. This potentially explains why we have seen the race for AI development take a unique turn into these chatbots, which are perhaps seen as part of a race for a new universal search engine.

Forbes reported that the OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that he doesn't think that ChatGPT will replace traditional search engines like Google, but that an AI system could have the potential to do so one day.

As ChatGPT and Bing become more integrated, it is no doubt that the idea of replacing Google is an end goal that will be continually driving the developments of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence going forward — something that is a particularly enticing concept for rivals like Microsoft. Whether something like this will ever be achieved is yet to be seen — however, as OpenAI continues to pump out new release notes every few weeks, the

Image: Sanket Mishra, Pexel Image: Sanket Mishra.

Pexel

Spotify has no plans to ban AI-generated music

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Lucy Facer discusses Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's comments on artificial intelligence

POTIFY founder Daniel Ek has clarified the streaming service's stance on music generated by artificial intelligence, as he reveals that there are no plans for an outright ban. AI has been a frequently debated issue in the music industry, particularly since the platform removed AI-generated tracks that cloned the voices of Drake and The Weeknd in April this year.

Ek told the BBC in a rare media interview that he considers certain uses of AI, such as autotune, to be acceptable if it is not used to impersonate human artists directly. He considers the use of AI to be divided into three "buckets" — the third "bucket" being AI music which is inspired by an artist but does not mimic them, making it more difficult to categorise. Therefore, the question of a ban is not clear cut.

forms but does not allow its content to be used to train software to produce music.

In a linked issue, it was previously reported that thousands of songs had to be removed due to bots inflating streaming numbers.

Artists seem to be increasingly concerned with the impact of AI on their music, with Hozier saying that he would consider striking over the issue. Despite this, Spotify has used AI to its advantage — for example, their AI DJ feature was introduced earlier this year to maximise the personalisation of users' listening experience (something that the platform is already known for thanks to their yearly Wrapped campaign). This raises the question of whether banning AI entirely would be detrimental to the platform's success and suggests why Ek's position is tentative.

THE QUESTION OF A BAN IS NOT CLEAR CUT

ARTISTS SEEM TO BE INCREASINGLY CONCERNED WITH THE IMPACT OF AI

He also predicted that the "tricky" issue would be controversial for years to come, but assured that Spotify has a large team of people who are dedicated to dealing with AI content. Spotify allows AI in some

The platform's increasing investments in podcasts were also discussed in the interview.

The company proposed testing AI to translate popular English podcasts into other languages such as Spanish, French and German.

The technology used for this was reportedly trained on 680,000 hours of content according to OpenAI. This solution is cheaper and less time consuming than hiring voice actors to re-record these podcasts in other languages.

Image: Polski, WikiMedia Commons

Spotify's decision forms part of a larger discussion around the threat that AI poses to jobs in many sectors. The UK is due to host a safety summit in November about the risks and benefits of AI.

exhibit | TECH

EDITORS: Ewan Gregory and Anabel Costa-Ferreira

18 OCT 2023 | 25

Disinformation on X

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Florence New discusses recent discoveries about X and the struggle to control fake news

ESPITE only being the 14th most popular social media network in terms of monthly users, X, formerly known as Twitter, receives much attention from traditional media, politicians, and the public alike.

The company has been in the news consistently over the past year since billionaire Elon Musk acquired the brand and started making significant changes, causing a chain of negative consequences. Research conducted on behalf of the European Commission found that out of six large social media networks including YouTube and TikTok, it is X that has the largest proportion of disinformation. Fur-

thermore, a tool that allowed users to report electoral fake news has been removed everywhere apart from the EU, Reset.Tech Australia alleges. The combination of these two factors is worrying when there are reports of widespread Russian-backed disinformation campaigns that supposedly seek to disrupt the political order.

A reduction in the number of staff, changes to policy and values, and the use of alternative mechanisms for dealing with disinformation can explain why the problem is so rife.

OUT OF SIX LARGE SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS...IT IS X THAT HAS THE LARGEST PROPORTION OF DISINFORMATION When Musk took over, he planned to increase the profitability of the company. Part of his solution was to drastically decrease the number of employees, with between 50-75 per cent of staff losing their jobs. Just two days after the EU raised its concerns about disinformation, Musk posted that the election integrity team had been removed. These layoffs have also been combined with changes to investigative methods. As a result, it is believed that some disinformation reported by users is not being dealt with. The mechanisms in place to stop the spread of disinformation appear to be failing, magnifying the issue to a greater scale.

Changes to the structure of X were coupled with a change in values from the top down.

When Musk acquired X, he intended to make it a bastion of free speech. To many, his version of free speech permits disinformation under the guise of personal opinion. X has multiple policies on disinformation which are narrowly

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Flickr, Mike MacKenzie

defined and filled with grey areas. For example, statements that are deemed merely ‘inaccurate’ under the banner of civic integrity are not interpreted as disinformation. This makes it possible to post information that does not explicitly interfere with the electoral process but is still objectively false and misleading.

Musk has brought a critical attitude to the company that sees any attempt to limit posting, even if such posts are inaccurate, as morally wrong. Free speech is taken to the extreme and anything that may disrupt this version of free speech is perceived to be interference.

One solution that X allows for misleading information is ‘community notes’, a tool that allows users to add context to posts created by others. This corrective tool is separate from the teams at X, which is beneficial as notes can be added without having to report disinformation to overwhelmed employ ees. However, this tool is far from perfect. Research from MIT and other in-

stitutions shows that corrective information offered on existing posts can have negative consequences. It is liable to backfire, making users double down on their beliefs, rather than encouraging them to think critically.

STATEMENTS THAT ARE DEEMED 'MERELY INACCURATE'...

ARE NOT INTERPRETED AS DISINFORMATION It may be an exaggeration to argue we exist in a ‘post-truth’ age but there is a kernel of truth to it. The line between fact and fiction is increasingly blurred and this will continue to worsen if social networks like X fail to tackle the spread of disinformation.

It is often said that knowledge is power but if knowledge is not checked and held to account, there may be disastrous consequences.

UK watchdog warns Snapchat over 'My AI' feature Ewan Gregory, Tech Editor, explores the risks associated with this popular AI tool

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OCIAL media giant Snapchat has been issued with a warning by the UK data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), that it could be forced to shut down its ‘My AI’ feature. Following initial investigations, the ICO alleges that Snapchat failed to fully assess the privacy risks posed by ‘My AI’ to its users — around 50 per cent of whom are under the age of 24 according to market researcher Insider Intelligence.

after its initial release to paid subscribers.

The feature has already been controversial in the six months since its release — indeed, the company deemed it necessary to address potential concerns over the handling of data

by ‘My AI’ in a statement on their website in early April. ‘New safety enhancements’ to the tool have also been added since release after concerns over the misuse of the feature were raised.

Evan Speigel, CEO of Snap, the parent

NEW SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS TO THE TOOL HAVE ALSO BEEN ADDED SINCE RELEASE

THE ICO ALLEGES THAT SNAPCHAT FAILED TO FULLY ASSESS THE PRIVACY RISKS POSED BY 'MY AI' Whilst the ICO has noted that its initial findings do not mean that the ‘My AI’ feature has breached UK data protection laws, it has stated that the discovery of further failings would require the social media company to suspend the feature until the completion of ‘an adequate risk assessment’ by the company.

‘My AI’ — which enables users to communicate with an AI chatbot powered by ChatGPT creator OpenAI — released to all of the platform’s users in April of this year, two months

company of Snapchat, has further attempted to allay fears over the platform’s integration of AI into its services. He noted in a May interview with Intelligencer’s Kara Swisher that ’99.5 per cent of ‘MyAI’ responses comply with [Snapchat’s] community guidelines’, and that the chatbot tailors its responses based on the age of the user. The platform requires its users to be over the age of 13.

If Snapchat is found to have made serious failings in its assessment of ‘My AI’’s privacy risks the ICO could fine the company up to 4 per cent of its annual turnover, which was £3.8 billion in 2022.

Despite the fact that the ICO is yet to complete its final investigation into the ‘My AI’ feature, perhaps this story should serve as yet another reminder that we should be careful about the information we offer up to social media companies.

Image: Image: Marco rawpixel.com Verch, ccnull.de

18 OCT 2023| EXEPOSÉ

26

EDITORS:

Exetera Exetera...

ASK NAPOLEON: advice column

Question 1: How do I deal with a break-up?

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HE first thing that you need to do is block them on social media, and make sure you don’t contact them as much as you might want to. At least for a month, do not break no contact! Then, take time to do things that you love and remember the amazingly full life you have without them. Whether going out or staying in is what will get you through, do what you need to do in the first couple of weeks. But at some point, you will have to face the reality of life without this person and will need to emotionally nurture yourself. Grab a box of tissues, a big bowl of ice cream, watch sad films and listen to sad music. Then, pick yourself up again. It will be difficult to, but you will be able to push through it. It will get much easier with time and space. Wishing you all the best of luck.

Question 2: Shoud I stay at university during reading week or should I go home?

FTER the excitement of Welcome Week and starting the new academic year, reading week is probably your first chance to reflect and have a short breather. It is unsurprising, therefore, that so many students take this as an opportunity to visit home. This is often welladvised, since the desire for some home comfort is completely natural. However, it is an entirely subjective decision for students to make. Personally, I found going home in my first two years during reading week a necessity, as the stresses of university life, particularly socially, caught up with me, and I wanted a few days to get away from it all. Of course, there are many reasons why going home may not be practical, and I would advise taking this decision after speaking with family and friends (both those at uni and at home). Going home for reading week can sometimes be the best way to settle those term one butterflies and realise how much you love the uni lifestyle — within a few days of returning home, you will be craving Exeter and university again!

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Images: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

Anabel Costa-Ferreira Livvy Mason-Myhill Harry Craig Joshua Smith Scarlett Cracknell

Student stars CAPRICORN (22 ARIES (21 MAR — CANCER (21 JUN DEC — 19 JAN) 19 APR) — 22 JUL) Satisfaction and fulfillThis can be a time This is a period of ment during this time of much learning recharge, of getting in come from doing your professional through the mirror of close relation- touch with your innermost feelings. best, and contributing in practical ways. ships.

LIBRA (23 SEP — 22 OCT) You experience a renewal of energy and vitality now, and it’s a strong time for increased personal confidence.

AQUARIUS (20 JAN TAURUS (20 APR — LEO (23 JUL — 22 — 18 FEB) 20 MAY) AUG) Expand your experi. This is a time when This could be a period ences and awareness, pleasure-seeking and in which you come whether through philosophical creative activities come into focus and up with solutions to a number of thinking, higher education or travel. grab much of your attention. problems.

SCORPIO (23 OCT — 21 NOV) This is the time to listen to your intuition and to take a break from the hectic pace of your life.

PISCES (19 FEB — 20 MAR) Your attention turns inward, as well as to close personal relationships on a deeper level.

SAGITTARIUS (22 NOV — 21 DEC) You are more aware of the benefits of networking and increasing social circles.

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VIRGO (23 AUG — 22 SEP) ‘Comfort zones’ are more important to you than usual — you value the familiar.

Image: OpenClipart, SVG

Recipe: gooey chocolate cookies

S the autumnal breezes start to whistle around the ten-thousand trees of Streatham campus, and the winter coats again make an appearance from our wardrobes, it seems just about the right time to get those oven gloves out and start baking! This week I have a recipe to make your heart stop (hopefully not literally, however these are pretty hefty): some lovely chocolate cookies!

Step 1: Heat the oven to 180 degrees.

Step 2: Combine 225g of 70 per cent dark chocolate with 50g of butter in a bowl that fits on top of a

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GEMINI (21 MAY — 20 JUNE) It’s an important time for boosting your feelings of security and freedom or enjoyment on the home front.

saucepan without falling in. Bring a small amount of water to boil in the saucepan, reduce to a simmer, then put the bowl on top. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted.

Step 3: Combine two eggs, 100g caster sugar, and 50g light brown sugar, and beat together with a spatula until pale and fluffy, and one tsp of vanilla extract and beat into the mix.

Step 4: Add the melted chocolate mix and fold in to combine. Add 50g all-purpose flour, 30g cocoa powder, and ¾ tsp baking powder, and (if you’re feeling fancy) 100g chocolate chips, and mix everything together!

Image: Food Thinkers, Flickr

Step 5: Transfer the mix to a parchment paper lined baking tray (it’ll be quite runny so be careful), in small balls about 3-inches apart.

Step 6: Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!

Exeposé archives: Save the planet!

N light of recent national and local action with Just Stop Oil, it felt pertinent to reflect on previous climate related action at the University of Exeter. In a 1997 copy of the paper, writers reported a visit from Greenpeace to the campus “as part of a drive to increase student awareness of environmental issues and promote their current campaign against excessive oil exploitation in the ‘Atlantic Frontier”. They took over the steps of Devonshire House, with a yellow 12-foot Solar Survival Capsule, inhabited by a university graduate for six days. As part of a protest on the Stena Dee oil rig, activist Alexandra Hartridge was shortly interviewed by Exeposé. After explaining how her involvement with this campaign has lasted around 11 years, she shared that she was “cur-

rently campaigning against new oil exploration titudes of the officers and workers around her, by transnational corporations such as BP as they “showed a genuine interest and Shell in an area known as the Atin what she and Greenpeace lantic Frontier”. The pod itself was were campaigning about.” explained to have been “transDuring their protest, it ferred to a ship and lowered was noted that activists into positions by climbers” bemanaged to collate a fore being “taken by a speedtotal of 1,500 signaboat to the bottom of the rig.” tures, allowing them She continued that from the to demonstrate public side of the pod she realised the support for their camImages: pixabay.com, ClkerFree-Vector-Images danger of the conditions and that paign. While the different a nearby speedboat “had nearly run actions taken continue to deover steel spikes that were jutting out velop over the years, it remains from the bottom of the rig. I had been lucky.” bittersweet to think that while student Taking the time to reflect on her action, Har- support has not wavered, the issues themtridge seemed pleasantly surprised by the at- selves remain incredibly relevant even today.

study break

| 18 OCT 2023

exhibit | 27

STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Across 1 Applaud (4) 4 Decimal (anagram) — relating to treatment using drugs (7) 9 Treasury accounting department (9) 10 [Computer] fault (informal) (3) 11 Express in words (4) 12 Bodily — material (8) 14 Of the people (6) 16 Instant (6) 19 Way in (8) 20 Tease (4) 23 Organ of sight (3) 24 Seriously (2,7) 25 Trigonometric function (7) 26 Abominable snowman (4)

Down 2 Provincial — community (5) 3 Bard (4) 4 Cheeky (informal) (6) 5 Scorn — ironised (anagram) (8) 6 (Office) booth (7) 7 Lawful (5) 8 Warm (4,2) 13 Confirm (8) 15 Amid (7) 17 Become friendly with (a person, say) (4,2) 18 Receive (6) 19 Occasion (5) 21 Plain (5) 22 X (NATO phonetic) (1-3)

ANSWERS

TRIVIA CORNER

1. Which country is believed to be the birthplace of halloween?

2. What is the full name of the vampire slayer in Buffy the vampire slayer?

3. In bowling, what is three strikes in a row called?

4. How many bones do sharks have?

5. What scale is used to measure the spicy heat of peppers?

6. Vodka is made from which vegetable?

Trivia: 1. Ireland 2. Buffy Summers 3. A turkey 4. Zero 5. The scoville scale 6. Potato Across: 1 Clap, 4 Medical, 9 Exchequer, 10 Bug, 11 Talk, 12 Physical, 14 Public, 16 Moment, 19 Entrance, 20 Mock, 23 Eye, 24 In earnest, 25 Tangent, 26 Yeti.

Down: 2 Local, 3 Poet, 4 Mouthy, 5 Derision, 6 Cubicle, 7 Legal, 8 Heat up, 13 Finalise, 15 Between, 17 Take to, 18 Accept, 19 Event, 21 Overt, 22 X-ray.

Science 28

18 OCT 2023

SCIENCE EDITORS:

Eloise Shewring Livvy Mason-Myhill

The very first beat: how a heart starts to pulse

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Jake Avery, Music Editor, discusses zebrafish embryo footage, allowing researchers to determine development

UR hearts beat every couple of seconds throughout the entirety of our lives, a process that we often fail to appreciate truly given how autonomous it is. This action is crucial, underpinning all bodily functions, and throughout our lives our heart will convulse on average more than 2.5 billion times.

New scientific research is examining the cause of the very first movement experienced in the heart by studying the development of zebrafish embryos.

Fascinatingly, these embryos develop beating hearts only 20 hours after fertilisation, a period of time in which the body doesn’t need to rely on it yet, as it is still at the dawn of its inception. Each embryo developed an irregular, infrequent, wavelike pulse activated by different clusters of cells when compared to other embryos. The exact inception of this very first ‘beat’ is

still ambiguous in nature, with scientists discerning that the tissue becomes more sensitive to electrical impulses as it develops, reaching a point in its early stages by which the embryos pulse is triggered by a cell sending a wave of signals across others. To observe the start of each embryo’s first heartbeat, scientists implemented coloured fluorescent proteins to illuminate each heartbeat as it occurred.

Witnessed was a chain reaction; pink fluorescence representing an initial voltage spike within the heart became visible, followed by a green cloud signifying a sudden increase in calcium ions, the latter of which prompts a contraction of cells. These findings establish a key difference between adult fish and the embryos in terms of their cell physiology within the heart; adults rely on pacemaker regions to determine the frequency of the heartbeat, whereas the embryos

don’t possess such specific pacemaker cells. The experiment confirms that the heart requires electrical excitability and coupling in order for it start beating, a tissue-wide cellular response being the first step in developing the consistent and steady beat needed as the circulatory system grows.

Hypersensitivity to electrical signals is the singular root of this process, but aside from this, the most noticeable outcome was how spontaneously each embryo’s cells react. Other than residual electrical oscillations, there is no definitive instigating factor, an observation of the experiment that further solidifies the fantastically mysterious nature of processes that occur during gestation. These findings will inform the advancement of stem cell research, and also the progression of techniques utilised to understand faulty heart tissue in developing human embryos.

Image: Wikipedia

Alien life — a question soon to be answered?

Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, explores recent discoveries and innovations surrounding extraterrestrial life

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HE age-old question of “are we alone in the universe?” may be answered sooner than many think after scientists have stated that what we should be asking ourselves is not if there is alien life but when we will find it.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has recently found possible signs of alien life outside of our solar system. The planet — classified as K2-18b — is 120 light years away from Earth and belongs

Image: ESA/Hubble. Flickr

in what is referred to as the 'Goldilocks Zone' where the planet is able to support life due to its position relative to its star with life-supporting materials like liquid water. It is hoped that telescopes will soon be able to detect the chemicals necessary for organisms to survive with the possibility that life could be much more common within the universe than first thought. Even if K2-18b is not found to support life, scientists have discovered at least 10 other planets

which lie within the Goldilocks Zone.

Scientists have discovered at least 10 other planets in the Goldilocks Zone NASA hope that the development of the new Habitable World’s Observatory (HWO) by the 2030s will help to advance this branch of discovery further by using a sunshield to limit light from a planet’s nearby star which

then allows the HWO to observe and sample atmospheres similar to Earth’s.

Another front in the race to discover alien life is the increasingly tangible evidence for Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) or the newer, jargon of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). Once the subject of science fiction pop culture like X-Files and the deranged ramblings of conspiracy theorists, experts have begun openly discussing the authenticity of recordings in the US, including hearings held on the matter by the US Congress, through the lens of protecting national security from possible UAPs which belong to the US’ enemies, after a series of credibly sightings by American servicepeople.

In July, whistleblower retired Major David Grusch testified to a House Oversight subcommittee that the US government had a long-running secret programme investigating UAPs, including the retrieval and reverse engineering of UAP crash sites, with the US government being aware of “non-human” activity since the 1930s. The Pentagon denied Grusch’s claims, saying that there is no “verifiable information to substantiate

claims that any programs regarding the possession or reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial materials have existed in the past or exist currently.”

With the US government being awar of "non-human" activity since the 1930s Similarly, the Mexican congress has also heard evidence about the purported existence of alien life in the form of evidence of two artefacts which some, including Mexican journalist and UFO enthusiast Jaime Maussen, claim to be the corpses of extraterrestrials. Many similar artefacts have been discovered in the past and been found to instead be the corpses of mummified children rather than anything beyond this world. The appetite for discovering the existence of alien life remains as large as ever but with the innovation of technology and the expansion of interest by international governments, it may be sooner rather than later that we are met with a visitor from beyond the stars.

EXEPOSÉ | 18 OCT 2023

SCIENCE

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Government to delay new environmental building rules

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Oliver Lamb, News Editors, discussses further delays in the preprosoped planning process

OT content with the disapproval of only 80 per cent of Britons as of last month, the government has made a decision that annoys absolutely everyone.

Biodiversity Net Gain rules had been scheduled to come into force within the planning system in November. That will now happen in the new year. The rules, which form part of the 2021 Environment Act, require developers to improve biodiversity.

The government has announced a new implementation date of January for large sites, April for small ones.

However, environmental groups and property developers alike have criticised the delay. Sue Young, head of land use planning for the Wildlife Trusts, called it “another hammer blow for nature.” Gillian Charlesworth, chief executive of the Building Research Establishment, said the development industry has been “working hard to prepare” for BNG and lamented the possibility of “prolonged uncertainty for some major projects.”

Under the BNG rules, a govern-

ment metric is used to assign a biodiversity value to land impacted by development. Hedgerows and hay meadows, which dozens of species call home, gain a high rating; at the other end of the scale, derelict land receives a low rating. Developers must improve biodiversity — on or off the site under development — by at least 10 per cent. If necessary, they can buy credits from the government, who will invest in natural habitats on their behalf. One study expects the rules to create the equivalent of 8400 football fields of natural habitat per year and prevent the loss of 15,000.

Georgia Stokes, CEO of Somerset Wildlife Trust, said, “It feels unnecessary for there to be a delay and we’re quite shocked that that’s where we’ve ended up. We need the government to take action.”

Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife & Countryside Link, said that BNG requirements had “already been pared back to the bare minimum to offset the habitat harm caused by new development.”

Neil Jefferson, managing director of the Home Builders Federation, said the delay would “not only prohibit local authorities’ abilities to effectively manage this new requirement but inevitably lead to further delays in the planning process.”

The HBF also highlighted “significant gaps” in government guidance.

Philip Box, public affairs and policy advisor for the UK Green Building Council, said a delay “would be exceptionally damaging for them [developers] in terms of projected work pipelines, investment, supply chains, and related job roles.”

A survey by the Royal Town Planning Institute in September found that more than 60 per cent of public sector planning departments were not certain of having the resources and expertise needed to implement BNG. Darren Rodwell, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, called on the government to provide councils with “confirmation of go-live dates, essential guidance and definitions and

a clear timetable of funding in order to employ additional staff and invest in the expertise and capacity.” The government says it has already committed more than £15 million to help councils prepare and recruit specialists, and has promised to publish guidance by the end of November.

The delay in introducing BNG rules comes as the government backtracks on environmental commitments, such as by pushing back the phase-out of new gas boilers and petrol and diesel cars.

Image: Ichbinameya, Wikimedia Commons

Post-COVID-19 Lockdown Microbiomes

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Isabella Richardson explores the effect of the pandemic on babies’ microbiomes

E all knew that lockdown babies were built differently, but now the science has just proved it. A handful of studies have recently offered a hypothesis that babies born during the early stages of the pandemic, and thus straight into strict lockdowns, have a lower diversity and number of microbiota found in the gut.

This colony of microbiomes, which live in the digestive tract, are particularly important to the development of babies and children, especially because imbalances have been linked to a variety of disorders, such as skin ailments, gastrointestinal problems, and psychiatric Image: NIH Image Gallery

conditions. Therefore, this new research makes for particularly concerning news.

Lower diversity and number of microbiota found in the gut The reason for this change can be directly linked to the lockdowns, as babies often pick up these important microbiomes from their environment early on in their lives, but, because there were limitations in travel and movement during the pandemic, many babies missed out on this im-

portant exposure. Recent studies have found a difference in the gut microbiomes between babies who were born during the pandemic with those who were born before, as Natalie Brito discovered, there was a lower diversity of microbiomes in the children born into lockdown. Although the study was limited in the sense that only 20 newborns could be sampled, it did give an indication of the scale of the problem.

This is hardly surprising, especially considering that babies and young children could not visit playgrounds and parks or see other people outside of their immediate family. Tied together with a greater focus on hygiene and handwashing, babies living through this period built up less resistance to other infections. Changes in parental habits may also have contributed to the different levels of bacterial compositions, as a study by immunologist Liam O’Mahony found, babies born during lockdown had higher than expected levels of healthy Bifidobacterium, possibly because they were more likely to have been breastfed. Sadly, after an an in-depth discussion, it was found that babies were breastfed more during lockdown because the social stigma of breastfeeding in public was eliminated, is an issue for another day. O’Mahony’s study further found that babies born during this period had a lower population of the bacteria Clostridia, which is usually acquired from the environment.

Separate studies carried out in 2022 found that babies born between March and May 2020 were meeting fewer de-

Image: Candice McDaniel, Negative Space

velopmental milestones aged twelve months than babies born outside this period. These include walking, talking, and other methods of communication, such as waving and pointing. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, found that whilst 93 per cent of pre-pandemic babies studied could point at people or objects at age one, 84 per cent of pandemic babies could do this at the same age. Interestingly however, it was found that more pandemic babies were able to crawl at this age than their pre-pandemic counterparts, as it is likely they spent less time outside in pushchairs or car seats, and instead more time on the floor at home.Nevertheless, babies who had slight developmental delays in walking and talking will likely be able to catch up now that the lockdowns have been lifted

and so-called normal life has returned.

More pandemic babies were able to crawl at this age than pre-pandemic Yet concerns remain with the possible enduring impact of changes in the microbiome. These findings are still new, but a Dublin study has found that babies born during the pandemic have a greater risk of developing allergies and eczema. As it stands, it is unknown whether developmental delays are linked to the changes in the microbiome, and more research needs to be completed, but whether lockdown babies will suffer greatly because of the pandemic, only time will tell.

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Rugby round-up: World Cup pool stages

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As the group stages come to a close, Tom Morris previews the fight for the Webb Ellis Cup

FTER 40 matches over will be determined to show they are the last five weeks, the still the top force in men’s rugby union. quarterfinals are finally set in the Rugby World Cup. Dupont's return There is much to talk through afwill be crucial if France ter the excitement and controversies hope to win the of the pool stages, with just eight tournament games left until the winning nation is crowned on Saturday 28th October.

Host nation France opened the Pool B saw the first of the Home tournament with a 27-13 victory over Nations in Ireland and Scotland, but three-time winners New Zealand. The it was the former who took the headhosts were in fine form, cruising to vic- lines. Ireland were grand slam winners tory in their other three pool matches, in the Six Nations earlier this year and, including a 96-0 thrashing of Namibia as the current top-ranked nation in on the 21st September. But that vic- rugby union, they looked imperious in tory saw the loss of France’s their topping of Pool B. They Image: Picasa, talismanic captain Animpressively beat South Wikimedia Commons toine Dupont to inAfrica, World Cup jury with a broken winners in 2019, cheekbone, who before brushing has yet to feaaside Scotland ture since. Du36-14.

South pont’s return Africa also prowill be crucial gressed to the if France hope quarterfinals, as to win the tourtheir quest connament in front tinues to retain of the passionate the Webb Ellis Cup. home crowd. New ZeaWales topped Pool C land looked similarly strong with a perfect four wins from in their remaining Pool A matches and four. Having had a below-par last cou-

ple of years, they looked keen to prove their quality on the sport’s biggest stage. The rest of the group provided many surprises, with Fiji progressing to the quarterfinals instead of Australia.

The Fijians beat the Wallabies 22-15, who exit before the knockout stage for the first time ever. Fiji qualified despite a shock 24-23 defeat in their final pool match to Portugal, who claimed their first ever victory in the World Cup. Finally, Pool D saw England progress in first place, with Argentina also qualifying thanks to an entertaining 3927 victory over Japan. There were many unknowns going into the World Cup for England, with head coach Steve Borthwick having only been appointed a few months earlier. George Ford impressed in their opening 27-10 win over Argentina but was taken off early in the final game of the pool stage, which saw England narrowly defeat an impressive Samoa. However, lessons will have been learnt and there will be some hope looking ahead to the knockout stages.

There will be some hope [for England] looking ahead to the knockout stages

Cricket among five sports added to Olympic programme

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, discusses the five sporting additions to the 2028 Summer Olympics

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IVE sports — cricket, baseball/softball, lacrosse, flag football and squash — have been added to the Olympic programme for the 2028 Summer Olympics, to be hosted in Los Angeles.

The inclusion of cricket is likely to attract the most headlines, as the sport returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1900. The International Cricket Council and Board of Control for Cricket in India had long been opposed to cricket’s inclusion in the Games, but dropped this in 2020 to campaign to have the sport added in 2028. It had been expected that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would wait until 2032, when the Olympics are to be held in Brisbane in the cricketing superpower of Australia, but opted to introduce cricket, using its T20 format, from 2028.

The inclusion of cricket is likely to attract the most headlines

This is widely seen as a means of (a non-contact version of American expanding the Olympic audience in the football) is a completely new addiIndian subcontinent, which has tra- tion. The inclusion of four team sports ditionally fared poorly at the Games is likely to mean the IOC breachbut where cricket is by far the leading es its own limit of 10,500 athletes. sport. The decision comes after IOC The final sport added — squash President Thomas Bach stat— was perhaps the biggest ed there was a “strong surprise, but a worthy case” for India to host addition for a sport the 2036 Olympics. often described Cricket is as the most injoined on the tense. It has programme by been a poputhree more team lar fixture at sports, baseball/ the Commonsoftball, lacrosse wealth Games and flag football, for decades, and which are seen as an will arguably be Image: Oast House Archive, Wikimedia effort to appease the one of the highlights Commons American organisers in reof the 2028 Olympics. turn for adding cricket, which is Previous recent additions a very minor sport in the States. Base- to the Olympic programme, skateball/softball had been a permanent boarding, sport climbing and surfing, fixture on the Olympic programme have been made permanent. Whilst until 2008 and made a return in 2020, there was no space for breaking (a whilst lacrosse made two appearances derivative of dancesport), which will in the early 1900s, but flag football make its Olympic debut in Paris in 2024.

Image: Jean Francois Fournier Photographe, Flickr

So, the quarterfinals are set, and will have concluded by the time this article goes to print, kicking off on Saturday 14th October with Wales vs Argentina, and the evening heavyweight clash of Ireland vs New Zealand. Following these, on Sunday 15th October is England vs Fiji, and the second tantalising evening fixture and surely the pick of the bunch, France vs South Africa.

The winner it feels will come from one of these two evening matches. Ireland looks the strongest of the Home Nations and are the bookies favour-

ites to win the World Cup, with South Africa second favourites. France will be buoyed by the return of Dupont, and the support of the home crowd will be a strong extra man in their knockout matches. The All Blacks are looking for revenge against Ireland after a home series loss in 2022, and have scored the most tries in the competition so far by some margin.

The next three weeks of rugby promise to be full of excitement, as the latest winner of the Webb Ellis Cup is decided.

UK to host Euro 2028 Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, reports on football coming home in 2028

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OOTBALL is finally coming home as the UK and the Republic of Ireland were the only candidates left standing to host the 2028 Euros while FIFA has selected the hosts for the 2030 World Cup, spreading over six countries and three continents. 2028 will mark the first time England will be a significant host of a major men’s international football tournament since the 1996 Euros and the first time that Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will have hosted any major football tournament.

The news came after the UK and Ireland joint bid’s only competitor – Turkey – dropped out in favour of focusing on a joint bid with Italy for the 2032 Euros after bidding for both the 2028 and the 2032 competitions. The tournament will now be hosted in 10 stadiums around the British Isles including Wembley Arena, Hampden Park, Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Belfast’s Casement Park and Dublin’s Aviva Park.

If there is more than one nation hosting the tournament, UEFA guidelines state that there is a cap of two automatic qualifications while any

other host nations must go through the standard qualification process to succeed. The English Football Association (FA) have suggested that England will opt to go through the regular process rather than vie for one of the two automatic qualifications. Gareth Bale, the former Wales captain, has also stated his belief that “every team will want to qualify on merit, want to go in playing well.” The FA have said that up to 3 million tickets will be available for the tournament.

In similar news, FIFA have announced the hosts for the 2030 World Cup, featuring six countries over three continents. The main tournament will take place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco with the opening matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup. The first tournament in 1930 took place in Montevideo, Uruguay. FIFA have also announced that the 2034 World Cup will be open only to members of the Asian Football Confederation. Saudi Arabia have already announced a bid for the competition. The deadline for confirmations of interest is the 31st October.

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Three's a crown: Verstappen crowned champion — again Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, looks back on a subpar F1 season, and whether anyone can challenge Super Max in 2024

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VEN for the most hardened Formula 1 fans, it’s fair to say this season has been a bit of a slog. From the first race in Bahrain in March, no one would have realistically tipped anyone other than Max Verstappen to take home the world title, and after 14 wins in 17 races, the Red Bull driver has done so, for the third consecutive season. Bar a crazy rainaffected race in the Netherlands and a Singapore race in which Ferrari left Red Bull looking like a midfield team, there has been little classic F1 action to talk of.

We cannot, however, take anything away from Verstappen and Red Bull. It is the perfect combination of the best driver, in the best car, with the best team.

There’s an argument to say this could be the best driverteam combo in Formula 1 history, and

with a third world title putting him level with Senna and Lauda, Verstappen is starting to stake a claim as one of the greatest drivers of all time. He could even end this season third on the all-time list of Grand Prix wins.

Verstappen is starting to stake a claim as one of the greatest drivers of all time Verstappen secured the world title in the sprint race in Qatar, after teammate Sergio Pérez crashed out midrace. The enormity of his triumph was, however, somewhat overshadowed by the farcical nature of the entire weekend.

C o n cerns over tyre safety led the FIA to impose a maximum stint limit of 18 laps, effectively forcing a three-stop race for everyone.

Meanwhile, driver wellbeing was brought into question after multiple drivers were unwell in the hot conditions, with Logan Sargeant retiring due to illness, Esteban

Ocon throwing up in his helmet and multiple drivers fainting post-race.

Although both championships have been settled, there are still five races left in 2023, with potential highlights including Brazil (always a classic race) and the brand-new Las Vegas street circuit. Nonetheless, attention will inevitably turn to next season, and whether anyone can challenge Red Bull’s domination in 2024.

On the face of it, it doesn’t look likely. There are no major regulation changes until 2026, and Red Bull’s advantage is so substantial that any team would need a huge jump to overhaul it. However, if any teams are to challenge Red Bull, there look to be three contenders: Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren.

Red Bull's advantage is so substantial that any team would need a huge jump to overhaul it Mercedes’ drop-off in 2021 has become endemic, but they are promising an imminent return to their former glory, and the Hamilton-Russell crash at Turn one in Qatar provided a fore-

Image: George Hitchens, SOPA Images

shadowing of what could become a feisty intra-team battle. Over at Ferrari, the most iconic team in F1 are now into their 15th season without a world title, despite starting 2022 as the fastest car, and with new Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur promising sweeping changes, it may take a few more years until they can be a contender again.

Therefore, perhaps it is down to McLaren to challenge Red Bull. Despite starting 2023 as the slowest team, mid-season upgrades saw them vault up the order to become second-fastest,

with their rookie driver Oscar Piastri even winning the sprint race in Qatar.

Their ability to take such big jumps in car development would suggest they are favourites to close down the gap to Red Bull — having outscored them by 30 points in the last three races.

With no disrespect to Max and Red Bull’s achievements, everyone in the F1 paddock is hoping 2024 may bring a closer battle than that which we’ve endured, rather than enjoyed, this season. Ultimately, however, it is up to the other nine teams to deliver.

Image: Automotive Rhythms, Flickr

Big hitters: Cricket World Cup preview

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Oliver Lamb, News Editor, provides a late look-ahead to cricket's biggest tournament

T'S fitting that this tournament preview should appear 13 days into the tournament in question, because this men’s ODI World Cup has snuck up on us. The schedule came out only in June and has since changed; tickets weren’t released until late August, and the Pakistan team reportedly did not obtain a visa to enter India, the host country, until two days before they departed. More widely, the ODI format is suffering in silence, possessing neither the epic scale of Test cricket (which has troubles of its own, of course), nor the money-spinning might of T20.

England exemplify this trend. Between the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, they played 88 ODIs; since becoming world champions, just 42. This is partly why they are no longer the steamrolling force of four years ago. In fact, they are ranked fifth, and looked it in the opening game of the tournament, when they lost to New Zealand by nine wickets. Their batting was indecisive, their bowling wayward. A comfortable win over Bangladesh reflected a muchneeded return to normal standards.

It is easy to say the side is too old — and it does look distinctly similar to the World Cup-winning team of four years ago — but in fact the young-

est player, Harry Brook, has arguably the weakest case for being at the tournament. The reality is that England’s new generation has not quite broken through, largely because overstuffed international and domestic schedules have denied them the chance to play much 50-over cricket.

Still, England are among the teams with realistic hopes of glory. What they lack in rhythm they compensate for in experience. Only a month ago they lost heavily to New Zealand in the first match of a series, and went on to win 3-1.

They know how to turn things around, and once they do they are hard to stop.

England's new generation has not quite broken through The favourites, though, are India.

If a six-wicket defeat of Australia

one of undera- Sri Lanka discovered when Markram chievement — eviscerated their attack. Even so, Sri but nobody told Lanka were Asia Cup finalists; BangAiden Markram, ladesh have quietly assembled a dewho subjected cent pace attack; and Afghanistan Sri Lanka to the possess a superstar in leg-spinner t o u r n a m e n t ’ s Rashid Khan. All three are capable fastest ever cen- of spoiling stronger sides’ parties. tury. Australia, conversely, have Conditions are at least the psychologilikely to favour batsmen as cal armour of favour spinners five World Cups, three more than anyone else. The One historically strong side isn’t Kiwis’ spin cup- even at the party. West Indies won board is not as the first two World Cups, in 1975 and well stocked as 1979, but defeat to Scotland in July, they might like confirming their non-qualification for a visit to Asia, where pitches for this tournament, are stereotypically spin-friendmarked a new ly. With competition so innadir in their tense, teams will be wary long-term deof their net run rate, which cline. In their may determine progresplace are the sion to the semi-finals.

Netherlands.

The weaker sides — Sri The minLanka, Bangladesh and Afnows might ghanistan — may hope that have an upImage: Marc, Flickr Asian pitches help them out set in them but against non-Asian opponents. But — spoiler alert — conditions are at least as likely to fa- there will be no fairytale. Being here vour batsmen as favour spinners, as is achievement enough for now.

Image: Rajiv Bhuttan, Wikimedia Commons

confirmed their quality, a recovery from three early wickets along the way showed their mental fortitude. They will need that fortitude to withstand the pressure from hundreds of millions of fans expecting a first global tournament win since 2013. Last month’s triumph in the Asia Cup bodes well.

Pakistan, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand join England as contenders. None are in brilliant form, but all have quality. Pakistan are famously inconsistent, but at least that means they’re sometimes good.

South Africa’s World Cup history is

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Sport

SPORT EDITOR: Harry Craig

Celebrating black sporting heroes

Images: Carine06, Flickr; pingnews.com, Flickr; Omar Rawlings, Flickr; Ministério do Esporte, Flickr; Alexandra Walt, Flickr; Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Flickr; GovernmentZA, Flickr; Bob Ramsak, Wikimedia Commons; Fernando Frazao, Wikimedia Commons; Charlie Cowins, Flickr; Picryl, Wikimedia Commons; Exeter Students’ Guild; Jen_ross83, Wikimedia Commons; Rayonick, Flickr; Marcello Casal Jr, Wikimedia Commons; Dan Wildhirt, Wikimedia Commons; Yann Caradec, Wikipedia

he

Emily Irving

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ESSE Owens made history in 1936 by winning four gold medals in athletics at the Berlin Olympics, but it wasn’t just because of his sprinting ability that his story became so well-known.

His success was particularly significant because the Games took place under Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime, and Hitler had hoped to use the Games to showcase the dominance of the German athletes, who were all ‘Aryans’. As an AfricanAmerican, Owens’ success perfectly disproved Hitler’s ideas of racial superiority and gained him a place in history forever.

Owens was born in Alabama in 1913, the tenth child of a big family. Over the course of his school years in Cleveland, Ohio, he began to compete in athletics and set both Junior High School and High School records in several disciplines over the years. His success at State Championships led to various scholarship offers from colleges, where

continued to compete.

In 1935, he attended the Big Ten Championships and achieved a legendary sporting achievement of setting three world records and tying a fourth in less than an hour, sometimes described as the greatest athletic feat in history. This success set Owens up very well for Olympic selection for the next year, where his four gold medals at a politically fraught Olympics made history by defying the Nazi regime and exposing issues with theories of race worldwide. Owens won the 100m, 200m, long jump and 4x100m relay, and set another new record in the relay with his team.

Despite his success at the Olympics, Owens returned home to a segregated America and struggled to find jobs.

The Second World War also meant he didn’t get a chance to defend his titles in another Olympics, but despite having to work many different jobs he spent much of his life working with disadvantaged youth. He died of lung cancer in 1980.

Twitter: @Exepose

Coco Gauff

Tiger Woods

Jesse Owens

Ceri Vaughan-Jones Online Sport Editor

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OST sports have one or two standout players that become household names even among those without the faintest interest. Tiger Woods is the one golfer that everyone knows.

Golf is a sport often considered an elitist hobby for wealthy old white men. Tiger Woods is black.

At the age of 21, Woods announced himself to the world by winning the 1997 Masters by an astounding 12 strokes. His winning score of 270 (-18) remained a record until 2020, as he became both the youngest and first nonwhite golfer to win at Augusta National, a course that prohibited black members until 1990.

Very few individuals have been able to dominate a sport the way Woods dominated golf.

Between 1997 and 2013, he spent 683 weeks at the top spot of the World Rankings including 264 consecutive weeks from August 1999 to September 2004 and then another period of 281

consecutive weeks from June 2005 to October 2010. He has 110 professional wins, including the joint most on the PGA Tour (82) and 15 major wins, second only to Jack Nicklaus’s 18.

Woods’ list of accomplishments is never ending. But perhaps his most impressive was his triumph at the 2019 Masters.

Years of struggles included multiple back surgeries, extramarital affairs and a driving under the influence charge. Many thought that we would never see Woods back on the golf course. 11 years after his previous major win, his incredible return from the depths of despair is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

While he has never utilised his platform to promote social issues, Tiger Woods remains an extremely influential figure in the black community. He opened the door to golf for so many children who would never have thought golf was for them. Many current professional golfers credit him as the spark that set their love for golf alight. The ‘Tiger Effect.’

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Joshua Smith Deputy Editor

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HIS year saw a new way of playing for young tennis star Coco Gauff. Known for her usual defensive virtuosity, recently her game has taken on a new passion, hungry to win. This new passion burned so bright in her come-frombehind win against Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the US Open, you got the impression that this is a player who never gives up, nay, doesn’t know what giving up is.

The parting shot had the 28,000 in attendance at the Arthur Ashe Stadium erupt in cheers which could be heard by penguins in the Antarctic. Just like the penguins, Gauff ’s response post-match to all those who had ever doubted her, was ice-cold. She took the mic, and with a few quickening breaths, told the crowd, “honestly, to those who thought you were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it — and now I’m really burning so

bright.” Being a hater is cool now, or as the American rock group Infinity Song put it: “[there’s] something so sweet about thinking that I’m better.”

Here we have a 19-year-old sports star, who grew up online, pushing back against the negative stream of the internet by using it to fuel her indefatigable and trailblazing spirit.

Her win at the US Open this year will have a lasting inspiration on generations of tennis players to come, but especially those who can resonate with her anger at the online culture she was brought up in and around. This doesn’t mean she’s immune to the harm criticism can inflict, having previously fallen into a yearlong depression when her tennis career wasn’t quite going in the right direction.

She’s a tennis player for Gen-Z, and by redefining how to deal with criticism and defeatism, a whole generation of sports players will ready themselves for victory with more power, passion and drive in the face of those who doubt them.

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